1 from that position I'll give the word to all. Takes his place behind the second rank. GNATHO
aside. That's showing prudence; as soon as he has drawn them up, he secures a retreat for himself. THRASO
pointing to the arrangements. This is just the way Pyrrhus used to proceed.
1 Be behind the second rank: "Post principia." The Captain, with that discretion which is the better part of valor, chooses the safest place in his army. The "principes" originally fought in the van, fronting the enemy, and behind them were the "hastati" and the "triarii." In later times the "hastati" faced the enemy, and the "principes" were placed in the middle, between them and the "triarii;" but though no longer occupying the front place, they still retained the name. Thraso, then, places himself behind the middle line.
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