After this harangue he dismissed them, with orders to get themselves in readiness in every respect for marching the next day; when, setting out, he arrived at the river Iberus in ten days.

Then crossing the river, he, on the fourth day, pitched his camp within sight of the enemy.

Before him was a plain enclosed on all sides by mountains.

Into the valley thus formed Scipio ordered some cattle, taken chiefly from the lands of the enemy, to be driven, in order to excite the rapacity of the barbarians, and then sent some light-armed troops as a protection for them, directing Laelius to charge the enemy from a place of concealment when they were engaged in skirmishing.

A mountain which projected conveniently concealed the ambuscade of the cavalry, and the battle began without delay.