at a ford, the cavalry at many points at once, so that the Greeks feared they might be surrounded, and drew back.  Pyrrhus, perceiving this, ordered his officers instantly to form the troops in order of battle and wait under arms while he himself charged with the cavalry, three thousand strong, hoping to catch the Romans in the act of crossing the river and consequently in disorder.  When he saw many shields of the Roman infantry appearing over the river bank, and their horsemen all ranged in order, he closed up his own ranks and charged them first himself, a conspicuous figure in his beautiful glittering armour, and proving by his exploits that he deserved his high reputation; especially as, although he fought personally, and engaged in combat with the enemy, yet he continually watched the whole battle, and handled his troops with as much facility as though he were not in the thick of the fight, appearing always wherever his presence was required, and reinforcing those who seemed likely to give way.  In this battle Leonnatus the Macedonian observing one of the Italians watching Pyrrhus and constantly following him about the field, said to him, “My king, do you see that barbarian on the black horse with white feet?  He seems to be meditating some desperate deed.  He is a man of spirit and courage, and he never takes his eyes off you, and takes no notice of any one else.  Beware of that man.”  Pyrrhus answered, “Leonnatus, no man can avoid his fate; but neither that Italian nor any one else who attacks me will do so with impunity.”  While they were yet talking the Italian levelled his lance, and urged his horse in full career against Pyrrhus.  He struck the king’s horse with his spear, and at the same instant his own horse was struck a sidelong blow by Leonnatus.  Both horses fell; Pyrrhus was saved by his friends, and the Italian perished fighting.  He was of the nation of the Frentani, Hoplacus by name, and was the captain of a troop of horse.

XVII.  This incident taught Pyrrhus to be more cautious.  He observed that his cavalry were inclined to give way, and therefore sent for his phalanx, and arrayed it against the enemy.  Then he gave his cloak and armour to one of his companions, Megakles, and after partially disguising himself in those of his friend, led his main body to attack the Roman army.  The Romans stoutly resisted him, and an obstinate battle took place, for it is said that the combatants alternately yielded and again pressed forward no less than seven distinct times.  The king’s exchange of armour too, though it saved his life, yet very nearly lost him the victory:  for many attacked Megakles, and the man who first struck him down, who was named Decius, snatched up his cloak and helmet, and rode with them to Laevinus, displaying them and shouting aloud that he had slain Pyrrhus.  The Romans, when they saw these spoils carried in triumph along their ranks, raised a joyful cry, while the Greeks were correspondingly disheartened until Pyrrhus,