26 This becoming known to the
enemy, they suddenly changed their plan, and with their whole force attacked by
night the ninth Legion, as being the weakest, and cutting down the sentries,
who were asleep or panic-stricken, they broke into the camp. And now the battle
was raging within the camp itself, when Agricola, who had learnt from his
scouts the enemy’s line of march and had kept close on his track, ordered the
most active soldiers of his cavalry and infantry to attack the rear of the
assailants, while the entire army were shortly to raise a shout. Soon his
standards glittered in the light of daybreak. A double peril thus alarmed the
Britons, while the courage of the Romans revived; and feeling sure of their
safety, they now fought for glory. In their turn they rushed to the attack, and
there was a furious conflict within the narrow passages of the gates till the
enemy were routed. Both armies did their utmost; the one for the honour of
having given aid, the other for that of not having needed support. Had not the
flying enemy been sheltered by morasses and forests, this victory would have
ended the war.
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