Thus the above-mentioned Writer[993] _Ruffinus_ writes in general Terms, that the illegal Election of _Ursinus_, in Opposition to _Damasus_, occasioned such a Tumult, or rather Civil War among the People, some siding with the one, and some with the other, that the Places destined for Prayer streamed with Human Blood[994]. The Heathen _Ammianus Marcellinus_ assures us, that the Partisans of _Damasus_ and _Ursinus_ were so implacably incensed against each other, that several Persons were wounded in the Quarrel, and some killed: nay, it is certain, adds he, that in the Basilic of _Sicinus_ One hundred and Thirty-seven Persons were found dead, all killed the same Day: but _Damasus_ in the End, by the Efforts of his Party, got the better of his Antagonist[995]. _Jerom_, however partial, owns, that _Ursinus_ having got Possession of the Basilic of _Sicinus_, the Partisans of _Damasus_ repaired thither in Crouds, and that several Persons were thereupon inhumanly massacred[996]. The Sedition became general, and the Seditious on either Side so numerous and powerful, that _Juventius_, not thinking it adviseable to punish, nor being able to appease, the enraged Populace, abandoned the City, and retired to the Country[997]. He was perhaps for _Ursinus_, whose Party being over-matched by that of _Damasus_, he might not think it safe to continue in _Rome_. Three Days after the Massacre in the Basilic of _Liberius_, that is, on the 28th of _October_, the Partisans of _Ursinus_, say _Marcellinus_ and _Faustinus_, assembling, cried out aloud against _Damasus_, complaining of his Conduct, and begging that a sufficient Number of Bishops might be convened, and the Controversy referred to their Judgment and Decision[998]. _Damasus_ was greatly favoured, and chiefly supported, by the _Roman_ Ladies, which probably gave Occasion to the Charge of Adultery that was brought against him. But _Jerom_, either to clear him of this Charge, or to obviate the like Suspicions, naturally arising from his familiar Conversation with the Female Sex, styles him a _Virgin Doctor of the Virgin Church_[999]. [Sidenote: Damasus _not easily cleared from all Guilt_.]