35 While Agricola was yet
speaking, the ardour of the soldiers was rising to its height, and the close of
his speech was followed by a great outburst of enthusiasm. In a moment they
flew to arms. He arrayed his eager and impetuous troops in such a manner that
the auxiliary infantry, 8,000
in number, strengthened his centre, while 3,000 cavalry
were posted on his wings. The legions were drawn up in front of the intrenched
camp; his victory would be vastly more glorious if won without the loss of
Roman blood, and he would have a reserve in case of repulse. The enemy, to make
a more formidable display, had posted himself on high ground; his van was on
the plain, while the rest of his army rose in an arch-like form up the slope of
a hill. The plain between resounded with the noise and with the rapid movements
of chariots and cavalry. Agricola, fearing that from the enemy’s superiority of
force he would be simultaneously attacked in front and on the flanks, widened
his ranks, and though his line was likely to be too extended, and several
officers advised him to bring up the legions, yet, so sanguine was he, so
resolute in meeting danger, he sent away his horse and took his stand on foot
before the colours.
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