1But when the time seemed right according to the instructions, with everything prepared and arranged, he makes for the place. 1Those, moreover, who were to climb up had, as instructed beforehand by their guide, changed their arms and dress: their heads and feet were bare, so that they might see better and climb the rocks more easily; 1on their backs were their swords and shields, but Numidian shields of hide, both for the sake of weight and so that they might make less noise when they knocked against anything. 2So the Ligurian, going ahead, tied loops of rope round rocks and any old roots that stuck out, so that the soldiers, helped up by these, might climb more easily, and now and then lifted up with his hand those frightened by the strangeness of the route; 2where the ascent was a little steeper, he sent them on ahead of him one by one unarmed, and then followed himself with their arms; 2places that seemed doubtful for climbing he was the first to test, and by often climbing up and down the same way, and then at once stepping aside, he gave the others courage.
3So after long and great exertion they at last reach the fort, deserted on that side, because all, as on other days, were facing the enemy. 3When Marius learned from messengers what the Ligurian had done, although he had kept the Numidians intent on battle the whole day, then indeed, encouraging his soldiers and going out himself beyond the mantlets, he formed a tortoise and advanced, and at the same time terrified the enemy from a distance with artillery, archers and slingers. 4But the Numidians, having often before overturned and also burned the Romans' mantlets, did not protect themselves behind the walls of the fort, but stayed day and night in front of the wall, abusing the Romans and taunting Marius with madness, threatening our soldiers with slavery under Jugurtha, and being bold in their success.
5Meanwhile, while everyone, Romans and enemy, was intent on battle, both sides fighting with great force, the one for glory and dominion, the other for survival, suddenly trumpets sounded from the rear; 5and first the women and children, who had come out to watch, fled, then those who were nearest the wall, and finally all, armed and unarmed. 6When this happened, the Romans pressed on all the more fiercely, routing the enemy and in most cases only wounding them, then advancing over the bodies of the slain, eager for glory and vying to reach the wall, and not one of them was delayed by plunder. 7Thus Marius' rashness, corrected by luck, found glory out of a fault.