§26.4.1inter haec vis omnis belli versa in Capuam erat; obsidebatur tamen acrius quam oppugnabatur; nec aut famem tolerare servitia ac plebs poterant aut mittere nuntios ad Hannibalem per custodias tam artas.
Meanwhile, the entire force of the war was turned towards Capua; however, it was besieged more vigorously than it was assaulted; and neither could the slaves and the common people endure the famine, nor could they send messengers to Hannibal through guards so strict.
§26.4.2inventus est Numida, qui acceptis litteris evasurum se professus praestaret promissum.
A Numidian was found who, having received a letter, promised that he would escape and fulfilled his promise.
per media Romana castra nocte egressus spem accendit Campanis, dum aliquid virium superesset, ab omni parte eruptionem temptandi.
Having gone out by night through the middle of the Roman camp, he kindled a hope in the Campanians to attempt a breakout from every side while some strength remained.
§26.4.3ceterum in multis certaminibus equestria proelia ferme prospera faciebant, pedite superabantur.
Furthermore, in many contests they were generally successful in cavalry battles, but were surpassed in infantry.
sed nequaquam tam laetum vincere quam triste vinci ulla parte erat ab obsesso et prope expugnato hoste.
But it was by no means as joyful to conquer as it was sorrowful to be conquered in any part by an enemy who was besieged and almost captured.
§26.4.4inita tandem ratio est, ut quod viribus deerat arte aequaretur.
Finally, a plan was adopted so that what was lacking in strength might be equalized by skill.
ex omnibus legionibus electi sunt iuvenes maxime vigore ac levitate corporum veloces; eis parmae breviores quam equestres et septena iacula quaternos longa pedes data praefixa ferro, quale hastis velitaribus inest.
From all the legions, young men were chosen who were especially swift due to their vigor and agility of body; they were given smaller shields than those of the cavalry, and seven javelins each, four feet long, tipped with iron such as is on the spears of the light-armed troops.
§26.4.5eos singulos in equos suos accipientes equites adsuefecerunt et vehi post sese et desilire perniciter, ubi datum signum esset.
The cavalry, taking them up individually onto their own horses, accustomed them both to ride behind them and to leap down nimbly when the signal was given.
§26.4.6id postquam adsuetudine cotidiana satis intrepide fieri visum est, in campum, qui medius inter castra murumque erat, adversus instructos Campanorum equites processerunt,
When, after daily practice, it seemed that this was done fearlessly enough, they advanced into the plain which was halfway between the camp and the wall, against the drawn-up cavalry of the Campanians.
§26.4.7et, ubi ad coniectum teli ventum est, signo dato velites desiliunt.
And, when they had come within weapon's throw, at the given signal the light-armed troops leaped down.
pedestris inde acies ex equitatu repente in hostium equites incurrit, iaculaque cum impetu alia super alia emittunt.
Then, an infantry line suddenly rushed from the cavalry upon the enemy's cavalry, and with force they discharged javelins one after another.
§26.4.8quibus plurimis in equos virosque passim coniectis permultos volneraverunt, pavoris tamen plus ex re nova atque inopinata iniectum est, et in perculsum hostem equites invecti fugam stragemque eorum usque ad portas fecerunt.
By casting very many of these here and there upon horses and men, they wounded a great many; however, more terror was struck by this novel and unexpected tactic, and the cavalry, charging into the dismayed enemy, routed and slaughtered them all the way to the gates.
§26.4.9inde equitatu quoque superior Romana res fuit.
From then on, the Roman cause was superior in cavalry as well.
institutum, ut velites in legionibus essent.
It was established that light-armed troops should be in the legions.
§26.4.10auctorem peditum equiti inmiscendorum centurionem Q. Navium ferunt, honorique id ei apud imperatorem fuisse.
They say that the author of mixing infantry with cavalry was the centurion Quintus Navius, and that this was a source of honor for him with the general.