They had no chance of conquering, or even of surviving; but they were the best, the most intrepid, and the strongest.
The people from Carthage began to throw spits, larding-pins and hammers, over the heads of the Numidians; those whom consuls had feared died beneath sticks hurled by women; the Punic populace was exterminating the Mercenaries.
The latter had taken refuge on the top of the hill.

Their circle closed up after every fresh breach; twice it descended to be immediately repulsed with a shock; and the Carthaginians stretched forth their arms pell-mell, thrusting their pikes between the legs of their companions, and raking at random before them.

They slipped in the blood; the steep slope of the ground made the corpses roll to the bottom.

The elephant, which was trying to climb the hillock, was up to its belly; it seemed to be crawling over them with delight; and its shortened trunk, which was broad at the extremity, rose from time to time like an enormous leech.
Then all paused.

The Carthaginians ground their teeth as they gazed at the hill, where the Barbarians were standing.
At last they dashed at them abruptly, and the fight began again.