Sarmatiana: A List of References, Old & New

[Alanus]

Robert & Evan,

Here it is. Sidonius, Book III, Letter III, 5, to Ecdicius (his brother in law, as noted by Robert.) After Ecdicius returns from his foray against the Goths without the loss of a cavalryman, he is greeted by a throng. Sidonius writes:

"Some kissed away the dust which covered you, others caught the bridle that was thick with blood and foam; some turned back the pommels of the horses' saddles, which were bathed in sweat, others, when you wished to free your head from the skull-piece of the helmet, unclasped the bands of pliant steel; some entangled themselves in disentangling the fastenings of your greaves; some counted the dents on the edges of swords blunted with slaughter; others by forcing in the envious fingers measured the holes made by blade and point amid the rings of cuirasses...."

This is the passage I was thinking of. It's a glimpse of the future and the Holy Knight of the middle ages. But it was a direct blend of Sarmatian, Roman, and Gallic, equestrian bravado and military skill, equipment, and saddles. :-)