Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/118

 lxvi was a sort of Fortification to the Barbarians ; the Enemy's Slingers on the other side the Water, discharg'd such a Volee of Stones upon him, that he had certainly been loft, if his Men had not immediately come up and cover'd him with their Shields. This surprize serv'd only to make the Army advance with greater Resolution ; so that passing the River in a Heat, they power'd in upon the Barbarians, and made a great Slaughter of them. After the Rout, the Emperour went to view the Field of Battel, not to boast of his Victory, nor entertain himself with a bloody Spectacle ; but to weep over the Wounds and Misfortune of the Dead ; and to preserve those who were not past help; and before he marched any farther he offer'd Sacrifices upon the Place.

The Quadi concluding, and that reasonably enough, they should be pursued, lest some Companies of Archers, supported by a Body of Horse, to skirmish with the Enemy, and pretend to dispute the Ground : And here the Romans press'd on with more Courage than Caution, a fault not uncommon in those who have the better of the Day. They attack'd the Archers with great Vigour, who according to Orders gave way ; and counterfeiting a hasty Retreat, drew the Romans