e for their own defence. Places of amusement
were closed; the people were forced to perform military duty; disturbers
of the public safety were put to death; and other reforms were made
which the dangers of the situation seemed to demand. Meanwhile the
Romans acted with promptness, and boldly challenged him to battle. The
armies met in 280 on the plain of HERACLEA, on the banks of the Liris,
where the level nature of the country was in favor of the Greek method
of fighting. The Macedonian phalanx was the most perfect instrument of
warfare the world had yet seen, and the Roman legions had never yet been
brought into collision with it.

The Romans, under LAEVINUS, were defeated, more by the surprise of a
charge of elephants than by the tactics of the phalanx. However, they
retired in good order. Pyrrhus is said to have been much impressed by
the heroic conduct of the foe, and to have said, "Another such victory
will send me back without a man to Epirus." He recognized the inferior
qualities of his Greek allies, and determined to make a peace. A trusted
messenger, CINEAS, was sent to Rome. He was noted for his eloquence,
which was said to have gained more for his master than the sword.
Through him Pyrrhus promised to retire to Epirus if safety was
guaranteed to his allies in Italy.

The eloquence of Cineas was fortified with presents for the Senators;
and though these were refused, many seemed disposed to treat with him,
when the aged APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS (Blind) was led into the Senate,
and declared that Rome should never treat with an enemy in arms.

Cineas was deeply impressed by the dignity of the Romans, and declared
that the Senators were an assembly of kings and Rome itself a temple.

Pyrrhus then tried force, and, hastily advancing northward, appeared
within eighteen miles of the city. Here his danger became great. The
defection he had hoped for among the Latins did not take place, and
the armies which had been operating elsewhere were now ready to unite
against him. He therefore retired into winter quarters at Tarentum,
where he received the famous embassy of GAIUS FABRICIUS, sent to propose
an interchange of prisoners. It was in vain that bribes and threats were
employed to shake the courage of the men sent by the Senate; and, on his
part, Pyrrhus refused to grant the desired exchange.

Many Italian nations now joined Pyrrhus, and hostilities were renewed.
The armies again met in 279 on the plain of ASCULUM