in war. So taking cover behind the rocks we rained arrows on them,
shooting the horses in the chariots, and when these were down, pouring
our shafts upon the footmen behind. Myself I took my great black bow
and drew it thrice, and each time I saw a noble fall, for no mail
could withstand the arrows which it sent, and of that art I was a
master. None in Egypt could shoot so far or so straight as I did, save
perhaps Peroa himself. I had no time to do more since always I must be
moving up and down the line encouraging my men.

Three times we drove them back, after which they grew cunning. Ceasing
from a direct onslaught and keeping what remained of their chariots in
reserve, they sent one body of men to climb along the slope of the
hill where the rocks gave them cover from our arrows, and another to
creep through the reeds and growing crops upon the bank of the river
where we could not see to shoot them well, although the slingers in
the ships did them some damage.

Thus they attacked us on either flank, and while we were thus engaged
their centre made a charge. Then came the bitterest of the fighting
for now the bows were useless, and it was sword against sword and
spear against spear. Once we broke and I thought that they were
through. But I led a charge against them and drove them back a little
way. Still the issue was doubtful till I saw Bes rush past me grinning
and leaping, and with him a small body of Greeks whom we held in
reserve, and I think that the sight of the terrible dwarf whom they
thought a devil, frightened the Easterns more than did the Greeks.

At any rate, shouting out something about an evil spirit whom the
Egyptians worshipped, by which I suppose they meant that god after
whom Bes was named, they retreated, leaving many dead but taking their