Page:The Pharsalia of Lucan; (IA cu31924026485809).pdf/116

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PHARSALIA
Book IV
Shall overwhelm. Upon a rock hard byWas Magnus' camp; but Cæsar's on a hill,Rivalling the first; and in the midst a stream. 20Here boundless plains are spread beyond the rangeOf human vision; Cinga girds them inWith greedy waves; forbidden to contendWith tides of ocean; for that larger floodWho names the land, Iberus, sweeps alongThe lesser stream commingled with his own.Guiltless of war, the first day saw the hostsIn long array confronted; standard roseOpposing standard, numberless; yet noneEssayed attack, in shame of impious strife. 30One day they gave their country and her laws.But Cæsar, when from heaven fell the night,Drew round a hasty trench; his foremost rankWith close array concealing those who wrought.Then with the morn he bids them seize the hillWhich parted from the camp Ilerda's walls,And gave them safety. But in fear and shameOn rushed the foe and seized the vantage ground,First in the onset. From the height they heldTheir hopes of conquest; but to Cæsar's men 40Their hearts by courage stirred, and their good swordsPromised the victory. Burdened up the ridgeThe soldier climbed, and from the opposing steepBut for his comrade's shield had fallen back;None had the space to hurl the quivering lanceUpon the foeman: spear and pike made sureThe failing foothold, and the falchion's edgeHewed out their upward path. But Cæsar sawRuin impending, and he bade his horseBy circuit to the left, with shielded flank, 50Hold back the foe. Thus gained his troops retreat,
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