1But Jugurtha, after he had lost the town of Capsa and other fortified places useful to him, and with them a great sum of money, sends messengers to Bocchus: he should lead his forces into Numidia as soon as possible; 1the time had come to fight a battle. 2When he learned that Bocchus was hesitating and weighing doubtfully the considerations of war and peace, he again, as before, bribed those closest to him with gifts, and promises the Moor himself a third part of Numidia, if either the Romans were driven out of Africa or the war were settled with his own territory intact. 3Lured by this reward, Bocchus joins Jugurtha with a great host.
3So, with the armies of both united, they attack Marius, who was already setting out for winter quarters, when barely a tenth part of the day remained, thinking that the night, which was now at hand, would be a protection to them if beaten and, if they won, no hindrance, since they knew the country, whereas for the Romans either outcome would be harder in the dark. 4So at the same moment as the consul learned from many sources of the enemy's approach, the enemy themselves were upon him, and before the army could either form up or gather its baggage, before indeed it could receive any signal or order, the Moorish and Gaetulian horsemen charge upon our men, not in line or in any fashion of battle, but in swarms, just as chance had massed each group together.
5All our men, alarmed by the unexpected fear, yet mindful of their courage, either took up arms or defended from the enemy others who were taking them up; 5some mounted their horses and went to meet the enemy; 5the fight became more like a brigands' raid than a battle. 5Without standards, without ranks, cavalry and infantry mixed together, some gave ground, others were cut down, many, while fighting most fiercely against those in front, were surrounded from behind; 5neither courage nor arms protected them enough, because the enemy were more numerous and had poured round them on every side. 5At last the Roman veterans, and therefore men skilled in war, wherever place or chance had brought any together, formed circles, and so, protected and drawn up on all sides at once, held off the enemy's attack.