ead of the Triarii, veteran soldiers of tried bravery; the second,
at the head of the Rorarii, men whose ability was less by reason of
their age and course of service; the third, at the head of the Accensi,
a body in whom very little confidence was reposed. For this reason also
they were thrown back to the rear. When the army was marshalled
according to this arrangement, the spearmen first commenced the fight.
If the spearmen were unable to repulse the enemy, they retreated
leisurely, and were received by the principes into the intervals of the
ranks. The fight then devolved on the principes; the spearmen followed.
The Triarii continued kneeling behind the ensigns, their left leg
extended forward, holding their shields resting on their shoulders, and
their spears fixed in the ground, with the points erect, so that their
line bristled as if enclosed by a rampart. If the principes also did not
make sufficient impression in the fight, they retreated slowly from the
front to the Triarii. Hence, when a difficulty is felt, "Matters have
come to the Triarii," became a usual proverb. The Triarii rising up,
after receiving the principes and spearmen into the intervals between
their ranks, immediately closing their files, shut up as it were the
openings; and in one compact body fell upon the enemy, no other hope
being now left: that was the most formidable circumstance to the enemy,
when having pursued them as vanquished, they beheld a new line suddenly
starting up, increased also in strength. In general about four legions
were raised, each consisting of five thousand infantry and three hundred
horse. As many more were added from the Latin levy, who were at that
time enemies to the Romans, and drew up their line after the same
manner; and they knew that unless the ranks were disturbed they would
have to engage not only standard with standard, spearmen with spearmen,
principes with principes, but centurion also with centurion. There were
among the veterans two first centurions in either army, the Roman by no
means possessing bodily strength, but a brave man, and experienced in
the service; the Latin powerful in bodily strength, and a first-rate
warrior; they were very well known to each other, because they had
always held equal rank. The Roman, somewhat diffident of his strength,
had at Rome obtained permission from the consuls, to select any one whom
he wished, his own subcenturion, to protect him from the one destined to
be his ad