24.
Having drawn out all his forces at the break of day, and marshaled them in a
double line, he posted the auxiliaries in the center, and waited to see what
measures the enemy would take. They, although on account of their great number
and their ancient renown in war, and the small number of our men, they supposed
they might safely fight, nevertheless considered it safer to gain the victory
without any wound, by besetting the passes [and] cutting off the provisions: and
if the Romans, on account of the want of corn, should
begin to retreat, they intended to attack them while encumbered in their march
and depressed in spirit [as being assailed while] under baggage. This measure
being approved of by the leaders and the forces of the Romans drawn out, the enemy [still] kept themselves in their camp.
Crassus having remarked this circumstance, since
the enemy, intimidated by their own delay, and by the reputation [i.e. for
cowardice arising thence] had rendered our soldiers more eager for fighting, and
the remarks of all were heard [declaring] that no longer ought delay to be made
in going to the camp, after encouraging his men, he marches to the camp of the
enemy, to the great gratification of his own troops.)
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