Page:Frontinus - The stratagems, and, the aqueducts of Rome (Bennet et al 1925).djvu/367

 STRATAGEMS, IV. vii. 28-31

When Pelopidas, the Theban^ had been put to Hi<rlit by the Thessalians and had crossed the river over which he had constructed an enierirency bridge, he ordered his rearguard to burn the bridge, in order that it might not serve also as a means of passage to the enemy who were following him.^

When the Romans in certain operations were no match for the Campanian cavalry, Quintus Xaevius, a centurion in the army of Fulvius Flaccus, the pro- consul, conceived the plan of picking from the whole army the men who seemed swiftest of foot and of medium stature, arming them with small shields, helmets, and swords, and giving to each man seven spears, about four feet in length. These men he attached to the cavalry, and commanded them to advance to the very walls, and then, taking their position at that point, to fight amid the cavalry of the enemy, when our cavalry retreated. By this means the Campanians suffered severely, and esjieci- ally their horses. When these were thrown into confusion, victory became easy for our troops.^

When Publius Scipio was in Lydia, and observed that the army of Antiochus was demoralized by the rain, which fell day and night Avithout cessation, and when he further noted that not only were men and horses exhausted, but that even the bows were rendered useless from the effect of the dampness on their strings, he urged his brother to engage in battle on the following da}', although it was conse- crated to religious observance. The adoption of this plan was followed by victory.^

When Cato was ravaging Spain, the envoys of the Ilergetes, a tribe allied with the Romans, came to him and begged for assistance. Cato, unwilling either

321 von. I. V