Haec ubi Telobois ordine iterarunt quos praefecerat Amphitruo, magnanimi viri freti virtute et viribus superbe nimis ferociter legates nostros increpant, respondent bello se et suos tutari posse, proinde uti propere irent, de suis finibus exercitus deducerent. haec ubi legati pertulere, Amphitruo castris ilico producit omnem exercitum.  Teloboae contra ex oppido legiones educunt suas nimis pulcris armis praeditas.

When Amphitryon’s ambassadors had duly made this proclamation to the Teloboians, they, doughty warriors, confiding in their courage and glorying in their strength, made right rough and haughty answer to our embassy, saying that they could defend themselves and theirs by force of arms, and that accordingly they should depart at once and lead their troops out from the Teloboian borders.  On receiving this report from his legates, Amphitryon at once led forth his whole army from camp.  And from the city, too, the Teloboians led out their legions in goodly panoply.

postquam utrimque exitum est maxima copia, dispertiti viri, dispertiti ordines, 220 nos nostras more nostro et modo instruximus legiones, item hostes contra legiones suas instruont.

After both sides had marched out in full force, troops arrayed, and ranks arrayed, we drew up our legions according to our usual method and manner:  our foemen likewise draw up their legions facing ours.

deinde utrique imperatores in medium exeunt, extra turbam ordinum colloquontur simul. convenit, victi utri sint eo proelio, urbem agrum aras focos seque uti dederent.

Then forward into the centre of the field stride the leaders of both hosts, and there out beyond the serried lines they hold colloquy.  This pact was made, that they who were conquered in this battle should surrender city and land, shrines, homes, and persons.

postquam id actum est, tubae contra utrimque occanunt, consonat terra, clamorem utrimque efferunt. imperator utrimque, hinc et illinc, Iovi vota suscipere, utrimque hortari exercitum. 230

This done, the trumpets blared on either side; earth echoes; on either side the battle cry is raised.  The generals on either side, both here and there, offer their vows to Jove, and on either side cheer their warriors.

tum pro se quisque id quod quisque potest et valet edit, ferro ferit, tela frangunt, boat caelum fremitu virum, ex spiritu atque anhelitu nebula constat, cadunt volnerum vi viri.

Then each man lays about him with his every ounce of strength and strikes home with his blade:  lances shiver:  the welkin rings with the roar of heroes:  up from their gasping, panting breath a cloud arises:  men drop beneath the weight of wounds.

Denique, ut voluimus, nostra superat manus: