Tacitus section 2

• ne Suetonius quidem in tanto discrimine silebat. quamquam confideret virtuti,

  Nor indded was Suetonius silent in so great a crisis. Although he trusted their bravery,
• tamen exhortationes et preces miscebat ut spernerent sonores barbarorum et inanes minas:

  Nevertheless he mixed encouragements and prayers to reject the sounds of the barbarians and their empty threats:
• plus illic feminarum quam iuventutis aspici.

  More women could be seen there than young men.
• imbelles inermes cessuros statim ubi ferrum virtutemque vincentium toties fusi adgnovissent.

  Unwarlike, unarmed, they would give way immediately when they, were routed, had recognised the weapons and courage of those who had won so many times.
• etiam in multis legionibus paucos qui proelia profligarent;

  Even among many legions there were few who decide battles.
• gloriaeque eorum accessurum quod modica manus universi exercitus famam adipiscerentur.

  And it will be more to their glory that a small band of men should earn the renown of an entire army.
• conferti tantum et pilis emissis post umbonibus et gladiis stragem caedemque continuarent,

  They should only, densely packed and with their javelins thrown, then continue the destruction and slaughter with their shields and swords,
• praedae immemores: parta victoria cuncta ipsis cessura.

  Without thinking of booty; when victory had been won, the rest would be given up to them.
• is ardor verba ducis sequebatur, ita se ad intorquenda pila expedierat vetus miles et multa proeliorum experientia,

  Such enthusiasm followed the leader's words, in such a way did the soldiers, veterans and with much experience of battles, prepare to hurl their javelins,
• ut certus eventus Suetonius daret pugnae signum.

  that Suetonius, certain of the outcome, gave the signal for battle.