The conflict between the Romans and Huns at the end
of
the fourth century of our era centres round the stocky and sinister figure of Attila, of whom M. Brion gives us some account in his book of that name (Cassell, 12s. 6d.). We see Rome at the end of her great years " a confusion of meddling bureaucrats, intriguing eunuchs, spineless generals, heretical bishops," and we see the Byzantine ambassadors to the chariot-circled camp of the nomads, commanded to appear on horseback before King Attila ; who sits grimly on his charger, with a black cap pulled over his brow, entirely unimpressed by the long speeches and eloquent gestures of the diplomats. Later, the Huns are to reach the gates of Paris—half a million of them—and be driven back again and again. Their final repulse, however, was not by force of arms, but by the prestige of brave old Pope Leo, who faced Attila unarmed, and induced him to leave Italy—one of the most remarkable instances of the triumph of the spirit over the flesh. This book is a translation from the French, and is disappointing both as history and as entertainment.
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