t, which was formed in a
hollow square with the light-armed in the middle, and with supporters
of horse along the whole line, as well as upon the flanks. But, if this
intention was ever entertained, it was altered almost as soon as formed,
and the better plan was adopted of halting at a convenient distance and
assailing the legionaries with flight after flight of arrows, delivered
without a pause and with extraordinary force. The Roman endeavored to
meet this attack by throwing forward his own skirmishers; but they were
quite unable to cope with the numbers and the superior weapons of the
enemy, who forced them almost immediately to retreat, and take refuge
behind the line of the heavy-armed. These were then once more exposed to
the deadly missiles, which pierced alike through shield and breast-plate
and greaves, and inflicted the most fearful wounds. More than once the
legionaries dashed forward, and sought to close with their assailants,
but in vain. The Parthian squadrons retired as the Roman infantry
advanced, maintaining the distance which they thought best between
themselves and their foe, whom they plied with their shafts as
incessantly while they fell back as when they rode forward. For a while
the Romans entertained the hope that the missiles would at last be all
spent; but when they found that each archer constantly obtained a fresh
supply from the rear, this expectation deserted them. It became evident
to Crassus that some new movement must be attempted; and, as a last
resource, he commanded his son, Publius, whom the Parthians were
threatening to outflank, to take such troops as he thought proper,
and charge. The gallant youth was only too glad to receive the order.
Selecting his Gallic cavalry, who numbered 1000, and adding to them 500
other horsemen, 500 archers, and about 4000 legionaries, he advanced
at speed against the nearest squadrons of the enemy. The Parthians
pretended to be afraid, and beat a hasty retreat. Publius followed
with all the impetuosity of youth, and was soon out of the sight of his
friends, pressing the flying foe, whom he believed to be panic-stricken.
But when they had drawn him on sufficiently, they suddenly made a
stand, brought their heavy cavalry up against his line, and completely
enveloped him and his detachment with their light-armed. Publius made
a desperate resistance. His Gauls seized the Parthian pikes with their
hands and dragged the encumbered horsemen to the ground; or