§4.33.1Genus hoc est ex essedis pugnae.
This is the manner of fighting from chariots.
Primo per omnes partes perequitant et tela coiciunt atque ipso terrore equorum et strepitu rotarum ordines plerumque perturbant, et cum se inter equitum turmas insinuaverunt, ex essedis desiliunt et pedibus proeliantur.
First they ride through all parts and hurl their weapons, and generally throw the ranks into confusion by the very terror of the horses and the noise of the wheels; and when they have worked themselves in between the troops of cavalry, they leap down from their chariots and fight on foot.
§4.33.2Aurigae interim paulatim ex proelio excedunt atque ita currus conlocant ut, si illi a multitudine hostium premantur, expeditum ad suos receptum habeant.
The charioteers meanwhile withdraw gradually from the battle, and position the chariots in such a way that, if those warriors are hard pressed by a multitude of the enemy, they may have an unimpeded retreat to their own men.
§4.33.3Ita mobilitatem equitum, stabilitatem peditum in proeliis praestant, ac tantum usu cotidiano et exercitatione efficiunt uti in declivi ac praecipiti loco incitatos equos sustinere et brevi moderari ac flectere et per temonem percurrere et in iugo insistere et se inde in currus citissime recipere consuerint.
Thus they display in battles the mobility of cavalry and the stability of infantry, and they achieve so much by daily practice and training that they are accustomed, even on sloping and steep ground, to check their horses at full gallop, to manage and turn them in a moment, to run along the pole, to stand on the yoke, and from there to retreat very quickly into their chariots.