Polybius - "The Histories (Book I)" (Chap. 57) lyrics

1 For as in a boxing-match when two champions, both distinguished for pluck and both in perfect training, meet in the decisive contest for the prize, continually delivering blow for blow, neither the combatants themselves nor the spectators can note or anticipate every attack or every blow. 2 but it is possible, from the general action of each, and the determination that each displays, to get a fair idea of their respective sk**, strength, and courage, so it was with these two generals. 3 The causes or the modes of their daily ambuscades, counter-ambuscades, attempts, and a**aults were so numerous that no writer could properly describe them, while at the same time the narrative would be most tedious as well as unprofitable to the reader. 4 It is rather by a general pronouncement about the two men and the result of their rival efforts that a notion of the facts can be conveyed. 5 Nothing was neglected; neither traditional tactics nor plans suggested by the occasion and by actual pressure of circumstances, nor those strokes which depend on a bold and strong initiative. 6 Yet there were several reasons why no decisive success could be obtained. For the forces on each side were evenly matched; their trenches were so strong as to be equally unapproachable, and the camps were at a quite small distance from each other. 7 this being the chief reason why there were daily conflicts at certain points, but no decisive engagement. 8 The losses in these combats consisted only of those who fell in the hand-to‑hand fighting, while the side which once gave way used to get out of danger at once behind their defences, from whence they would issue again and resume the fight.