Attila, king of the Huns, entered Gaul in 451, with fire and sword,
followed by a countless host of barbarians. After spreading everywhere
terror, death, and carnage, he appeared before Orleans. The only
defence of this city consisted in the valour of its people and the
active zeal of Saint-Agnan, its bishop. Before the Huns had crossed the
Seine, he hastened to raise the walls on that side, he collected as
much provision as possible, flew to Arles to press the Roman general
Ætius to succour Orleans, and then shut himself up within its walls,
determined to perish with his flock if the Romans did not second their
courage. The Huns arrived and attacked the part of the city situated
on the right bank of the Loire, with fury. They reiterated their
assaults, they multiplied their efforts, whilst Agnan, having employed
all human means, was prostrate at the foot of the altar, imploring the
All-Powerful. Heaven appeared to listen to his prayers; a tempestuous
rain, which lasted three days, interrupted the attacks. When it had
ceased, the barbarians recommenced their assaults, broke down the
gates, and were already rushing into the city, when the Roman trumpets
were heard. Ætius and Theodoric entered Orleans from the other side
of the Loire at the same instant that Attila entered by the opposite
gate. The Huns, imagining they were conquerors, dispersed themselves
in the wild disorder of pillage, through the streets and houses.
The barbarians were stopped, surrounded, pursued, and massacred in
all directions. In vain Agnan endeavoured to excite pity for these
ferocious men; their character was too well known: they gave none;
they met with none. Attila, conquered at the moment he thought himself
victorious, retired, darting upon the prey which had escaped him,
furious but powerless glances of disappointment and rage.