Ab urbe condita

Following up their commander's words, the whole army marched out of camp with extraordinary alacrity.

In no battle that was ever fought did men engage with strength more equally matched, or more assured hopes of victory on both sides, or a stronger spirit of self-confidence unaccompanied, however, by any feeling of contempt for their opponents.

The fighting temper of the Samnites was roused by their recent achievements and the double victory won a few days previously; the Romans on the other hand were inspired by their glorious record of four centuries of victory reaching back to the foundation of the City.

But each side felt some anxiety at meeting a new and untried foe.

The battle was an index to their feelings; for some time they fought so resolutely that neither line showed any signs of giving way.

At length the consul, seeing that the Samnites could not be repulsed by steady fighting, determined to try the effect of a sudden shock and launched his cavalry at them. This made no impression, and as he watched them wheeling round in the narrow space between the opposing armies after their ineffective charge, having utterly failed to penetrate the enemy's line, he rode back to the front ranks of the legions, and after dismounting said: “Soldiers, this task belongs to us infantry.

Come on! Wherever you see me making my way through the enemy's lines with my sword follow, and each of you do his best to cut down those in front.

All that ground which is now glittering with uplifted spears you shall see cleared by a vast carnage.” During those words the cavalry, at the consul's order, retired an both flanks, leaving the centre clear for the legions. The consul led the charge, and slew the first man he engaged with.

Fired at the sight, every man, right and left, charged straight forward and began a fight to be remembered. The Samnites did not flinch, though they were receiving more wounds than they inflicted.