But when the hosts of the barbarians charged them, they must reel
before the charge, and at length fly headlong down the pass as though in
fear. And he himself would lead the flight in his chariot, and where he
led there they should follow.
So the horsemen rode through the pass and formed their squadrons on the
plain beyond. Now the foe drew nigh, and a glorious sight it was to see
the midday sun sparkling on their countless spears. Of horsemen they
had no great number, but there were many chariots and swordsmen, and
spearmen, and slingers beyond count. They came on by nations, and in
the centre of the host of each nation sat the king of the nation in a
glorious chariot, with girls and eunuchs, holding fans to fan him with
and awnings of silk to hide him from the sun.
Now the Wanderer hung back behind the squadrons of horsemen as though
in fear. But presently he sent messengers bidding the Captains of the
squadrons to charge the first nation, and fight for a while but feebly,
and then when they saw him turn his horses and gallop through the pass,
to follow after him as though in doubt, but in such fashion as to draw
the foe upon their heels.
This the Captains of the mercenaries did. Once they charged and were
beaten back, then they charged again, but the men made as though they
feared the onset. Now the foe came hard after them, and the Wanderer
turned his chariot and fled through the pass, followed slowly by the
horsemen.
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