with his former character; he communicated it to his colleague, and instantly gave it as his opinion, that Pyr’rhus should be informed of the treachery that was plotted against him. 15.  Accordingly, letters were despatched for that purpose, informing Pyr’rhus of the affair, and alleging his unfortunate choice of friends and enemies; that he had trusted and promoted murderers, while he directed his resentment against the generous and brave. 16.  Pyr’rhus now began to find that these bold barbarians were, by degrees, schooled into refinement, and would not suffer him to be their superior, even in generosity.  He received the message with as much amazement at their candour, as indignation at his physician’s treachery.  “Admirable Fabri’cius!” cried he, “it would be as easy to turn the sun from its course, as thee from the path of honour.” 17.  Then, making the proper inquiry among his servants, and having discovered the treason, he ordered his physician to be executed. 18.  Not to be outdone in magnanimity, he immediately sent to Rome all his prisoners without ransom, and again desired to negociate a peace:  but the Romans still refused, upon any other conditions than had been offered before.

19.  After an interval of two years, Pyr’rhus, having increased his army by new levies, sent one part of it to oppose the march of Len’tulus, while he, with the other, went to attack Cu’rius Denta’tus, before his colleague could come up. 20.  His principal aim was to surprise the enemy by night; but unfortunately, passing through woods, and the light failing him, his men lost their way; so that at the approach of morning, he saw himself in sight of the Roman camp, with the enemy drawn out ready to receive him.  The vanguard of both armies soon met, in which the Romans had the advantage. 21.  Soon after, a general engagement ensuing, Pyr’rhus, finding the balance of the victory turning still against him, had once more recourse to his elephants. 22.  These, however, the Romans were now too well acquainted with, to feel any vain terrors from; and having found that fire was the most effectual means to repel them, they caused a number of balls to be made, composed of flax and rosin, which were lighted and thrown against them as they approached the ranks. 23.  The elephants, rendered furious by the flame, and boldly opposed by the soldiers, could no longer be brought on; but ran back on their own army, bearing down their ranks, and filling all places with terror and confusion:  thus victory, at length, declared in favour of Rome. 24.  Pyr’rhus, in vain, attempted to stop the flight and slaughter of his troops; he lost not only twenty-three thousand of his best soldiers, but his camp was also taken. 25.  This served as a new lesson to the Romans, who were ever open to improvement.  They had formerly pitched their tents without order; but, by this new capture, they were taught to measure out their ground, and fortify the whole with a trench; so that many of their succeeding victories are to be ascribed to their improved method of encamping.