19.  In consequence of this, both armies approaching, pitched their tents in sight of each other, upon the opposite banks of the river Ly’ris.  Pyr’rhus was always extremely careful in directing the situation of his own camp, and in observing that of the enemy. 20.  Walking along the banks of the river, and surveying the Roman method of encamping, he was heard to observe, that these barbarians seemed to be no way barbarous, and that he should too soon find their actions equal to their resolution. 21.  In the mean time he placed a body of men in readiness to oppose the Romans, in case they should attempt to ford the stream before his whole army was brought together. 22.  Things turned out according to his expectations; the consul, with an impetuosity that marked his inexperience, gave orders for passing the river where it was fordable; and the advanced guard, having attempted to oppose him in vain, was obliged to retire to the whole body of the army. 23.  Pyr’rhus being apprised of the enemy’s attempt, at first hoped to cut off their cavalry, before they could be reinforced by the foot, which were not as yet got over; and led on in person a chosen body of horse against them. 24.  The Roman legions having, with much difficulty, advanced across the river, the engagement became general; the Greeks fought with a consciousness of their former fame, and the Romans with a desire of gaining fresh glory:  mankind had seldom seen two such differently disciplined armies opposed to each other; nor is it to this day determined whether the Greek phalanx, or the Roman legion were preferable. 25.  The combat was long in suspense; the Romans had seven times repulsed the enemy, and were as often driven back themselves; but at length, while the success seemed doubtful, Pyr’rhus sent his elephants into the midst of the engagement, and these turned the scale of victory in his favour. 26.  The Romans, who had never before encountered creatures of such magnitude, were terrified not only at their intrepid fierceness, but at the castles that were fastened on their backs, filled with armed men. 27.  It was then that Pyr’rhus saw the day was his own; and, sending his Thessalian cavalry to charge the enemy in disorder, the route became general.  A dreadful slaughter of the Romans ensued, fifteen thousand men being killed on the spot, and eighteen hundred taken prisoners. 28.  Nor were the conquerors in a much better state than the vanquished, Pyr’rhus himself being wounded, and thirteen thousand of his forces slain.  Night coming on, put an end to the slaughter on both sides, and Pyr’rhus was heard to exclaim, that one such victory more would ruin his whole army. 29.  The next day, as he walked to view the field of battle, he could not help regarding with admiration the bodies of the Romans who were slain.  Upon seeing them all with their wounds in front, their countenances, even in death, marked with noble resolution, and a sternness that awed him into respect, he was heard to cry out, in the true spirit of a military adventurer, “Oh! with what ease could I conquer the world, had I the Romans for soldiers, or had they me for their king!”