when wild
asses are hunted, they throw the stones behind them by their kicks so as
to pierce the chests of those who pursue them, or to fracture their
skulls.

8. Now let us come to the battering ram. A lofty pine or ash is chosen,
the top of which is armed with a long and hard head of iron, resembling
a ram, which form has given the name to the engine. It is suspended from
iron beams running across on each side, like the top of a pair of
scales, and is kept in its place by ropes hanging from a third beam. A
number of men draw it back as far as there is room, and then again drive
it forward to break down whatever opposes it by mighty blows, like a ram
which rises up and butts.

9. By the frequent blows of this rebounding thunderbolt, buildings are
torn asunder and walls are loosened and thrown down. By this kind of
engine, if worked with proper vigour, garrisons are deprived of their
defences, and the strongest cities are laid open and sieges rapidly
brought to a conclusion.

10. Instead of these rams, which from their common use came to be
despised, a machine was framed called in Greek the helepolis, by the
frequent use of which Demetrius, the son of king Antigonus, took Rhodes
and other cities, and earned the surname of Poliorcetes.

11. It is constructed in this manner. A vast testudo is put together,
strengthened with long beams and fastened with iron nails; it is covered
with bullocks' hides and wicker-work made of freshly cut twigs, and its
top is smeared over with clay to keep off missiles and fiery darts.

12. Along its front very sharp spears with three points are fastened,
heavy with iron, like the thunderbolts represented by painters or
sculptors, and strong enough with the projecting points to tear to
pieces whatever it strikes.

13. A number of soldiers within guide this vast mast with wheels and
ropes, urging with vehement impulse against the weaker parts of the
wall, so that, unless repelled by the strength of the garrison above, it
breaks down the wall and lays open a great breach.

14. The firebolts, which are a kind of missile, are made thus. They take
an arrow of cane, joined together between the point and the reed with
jagged iron, and made in the shape of a woman's spindle, with which
linen threads are spun; this is cunningly hollowed out in the belly and
made with several openings, and in the cavity fire and fuel of some kind
is placed.

15. Then if it be shot slowly from a slack bow (for