Titus Maccius Plautus — Amphitryo (1519)

He leads out the whole army, against the Teleboans from the town,
They lead out their legions, endowed with excessively beautiful arms.
After they came from both sides with forces, it was an exit with a maximum gathering,
The men were divided, the ranks were distributed,
We drew up our legions in our custom and manner, likewise the enemies draw up their own against us.
Then the commanders from both sides go out into the middle of the multitude,
Outside the crowd of ranks, they speak together.
It is agreed, which of the two might be the conquered in that battle,
That they should surrender the city, the land, the altars, the hearths, and themselves to the victors.
After that was done, the trumpets sound from both sides, against
The earth resounds, the soldier emits a shout from both sides.
The commander from both sides, hither and thither, makes vows to Jupiter,
And [they were] encouraging the army
Each one for himself, that which each one can and is able to do,
He emits, he strikes, they break the weapons, the heaven bellows
With the din of men, and with the spirit, and with the breath.
A nebula consists of the force of the wound and of the powers,
The frequent enemies fall, our men stand, on the other hand they invade,
Finally (as we wish) our hand prevails.
We conquered, ferocious in strength, but no one turns himself into flight, however,
Nor does he withdraw from his place, but that he immediately manages the matter.
They omit their soul before they yield or depart from the place.
Each one lies as he had stood, and maintains the rank.
When Amphitryo, the commander and master, sees this,
Immediately he orders the cavalry to lead in from the right.