ross it,
when the three armies of the enemy came up with him. In this extremity, he
saw it would be impossible for him to avoid coming to an engagement; and
therefore did every thing which could be expected from the presence of
mind and valour of a great captain. He seized an advantageous post, and
drew up his forces on a narrow spot, which gave him an opportunity of
posting his left wing (the weakest part of his army) in such a manner,
that it could neither be attacked in front, nor charged in flank; and of
giving to his main battle and right wing a greater depth than front. After
this hasty disposition of his forces, he posted himself in the centre, and
was the first to march to attack the enemy's left wing; well knowing that
all was at stake, and that he must either conquer or die. The battle
lasted a long time, and was obstinately disputed by both parties.
Asdrubal, especially, signalized himself in this engagement, and added new
glory to that he had already acquired by a series of shining actions. He
led on his soldiers, trembling and quite dispirited, against an enemy
superior to them both in numbers and resolution. He animated them by his
words, supported them by his example, and, with entreaties and menaces,
endeavoured to bring back those who fled; till, at last, seeing that
victory declared for the Romans, and being unable to survive the loss of
so many thousand men, who had quitted their country to follow his fortune,
he rushed at once into the midst of a Roman cohort, and there died in a
manner worthy the son of Hamilcar, and the brother of Hannibal.

This was the most bloody battle the Carthaginians had fought during this
war: and, whether we consider the death of the general, or the slaughter
made of the Carthaginian forces, it may be looked upon as a reprisal for
the battle of Cannae. The Carthaginians lost fifty-five thousand men,(798)
and six thousand were taken prisoners. The Romans lost eight thousand.
These were so weary of killing, that some person telling Livius, that he
might very easily cut to pieces a body of the enemy who were flying: "It
is fit," says he, "that some should survive, in order that they may carry
the news of this defeat to the Carthaginians."

Nero set out upon his march, on the very night which followed the
engagement. Through every place where he passed, in his return, shouts of
joy and loud acclamations welcomed him, instead of those fears and
uneasiness which his coming had o