Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 2.pdf/265
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
AGRICOLA
long since fallen. The remaining number consists solely of the cowardly and spiritless, whom you see at length within your reach, not because they have stood their ground, but because they are overtaken. Torpid with fear, their bodies are fixed and chained down in yonder field, which to you will speedily be the scene of a glorious and memorable victory. Here bring your toils and services to a conclusion; close a struggle of fifty years[1] with one great day; and convince your countrymen, that to the army ought not to be imputed either the protraction of the war or the causes of rebellion.[2]
END OF VOL. II
- ↑ The expedition of Claudius into Britain occurred in the year of Rome 796, from which, to the period of this engagement of the Grampian Hills, forty-two years had elapsed.
- ↑ Tacitus remarks that, "While Agricola was yet speaking, the ardor of the soldiers declared itself; and as soon as he had finished, they burst forth into cheerful acclamations, and instantly flew to arms. Thus eager and impetuous, he formed them so that the center was occupied by the auxiliary infantry, in number 8,000 and 3,000 horse were spread in the wings."
255