1Even while Agricola was still speaking the soldiers' ardour was plain to see, and the end of his speech was followed by tremendous enthusiasm, and at once they ran to arms. 2As they were roused and rushing forward, he deployed them so that the auxiliary infantry, eight thousand strong, strengthened the centre, and three thousand cavalry were spread out on the wings. 2The legions stood in front of the rampart, a great glory to the victory if the war were fought without shedding Roman blood, and a support if the others were driven back. 3The Britons' line had taken its stand on higher ground, both for show and to inspire terror, in such a way that the first rank was on the level, while the rest rose up as if in tiers along the sloping ridge; 3the chariot-fighters filled the middle of the plain with their din and their charging about.
4Then Agricola, fearing, because of the enemy's superior numbers, that his men would be attacked on the front and the flanks at once, opened out his ranks, although the line was going to be overstretched and many were urging him to bring up the legions; more ready to hope and steadfast in adversity, he sent away his horse and took his stand on foot in front of the standards.