ute from what they
expected, led Hortensius over Parnassus, close by Tithora, which was
not at that time so large a city as it is now, but only a fort on a
steep rock scarped all round, to which place in time of old the
Phokians who fled from Xerxes escaped with their property and were
there in safety. Hortensius having encamped there during the day
repelled the attacks of the enemy, and at night descending to
Patronis, through a difficult path joined Sulla, who met him with his
forces.

XVI. Having united their forces, Sulla and Hortensius occupied an
elevation rising out of the midst of the plains of Elateia,[227] which
was fertile and extensive, and had water at its base: it is called
Philoboeotus, and its natural qualities and position are most highly
commended by Sulla. When they were encamped, the weakness of the Roman
force was apparent to the enemy; for the cavalry did not exceed
fifteen hundred, and the infantry was below fifteen thousand.
Accordingly the rest of the generals, against the wish of Archelaus,
drew out their forces in order of battle, and filled the plain with
horses, chariots, shields, and bucklers; and the heavens could not
contain the shouts and cries of so many nations putting themselves in
battle array. At the same time the pomp and costly splendour of the
troops were not without effect nor their use in causing alarm; but the
glittering of the arms, which were curiously ornamented with gold and
silver, and the colour of the Median and Scythian dresses mingled with
the brightness of the brass and steel, produced a firelike and
formidable appearance as the masses moved like waves and changed their
places, so that the Romans hid themselves behind their ramparts, and
Sulla, being unable by any words to remove their fear, and not
choosing to urge men to a battle who were disposed to run away, kept
quiet and had to endure the insulting boasts and ridicule of the
barbarians. But this turned out most favourable to the Romans; for the
enemy despising them, neglected to preserve discipline, and indeed,
owing to the number of commanders, the army was not generally inclined
to obey orders; a few kept to their post within their ramparts, but
the greater part, tempted by the hope of booty and plunder, were
dispersed many days' journey from the camp. It is said that they
destroyed the city of Panopeus, and plundered Lebadeia, and robbed the
oracular shrine without any order from a general. Sulla, who could