The gipsies followed them to and from their pastures, cut off stragglers, destroyed or stole their sheep and cattle, and now and then overwhelmed a while tribe.

Of late the contest had become more sanguinary and almost ceaseless.
Mounted on swift, though small, horses, the gipsies had the advantage of the shepherds.

On the other hand, the shepherds, being men of great stature and strength, could not be carried away by a rush if they had time to form a circle, as was their custom of battle.

They lost many men by the javelins thrown by the gipsies, who rode up to the edge of the circle, cast their darts, and retreated.

If the shepherds left their circle they were easily ridden over; while they maintained formation they lost individuals, but saved the mass.