Page:The Pharsalia of Lucan; (IA cu31924026485809).pdf/115

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BOOK IV

CÆSAR IN SPAIN—WAR IN THE ADRIATIC SEA—DEATH OF CURIO

But in the distant regions of the earth
Fierce Cæsar warring, though in fight he dealt
No baneful slaughter, hastened on the doom
To swift fulfilment. There on Magnus' side
Afranius and Petreius[1] held command,
Who ruled alternate, and the rampart guard
Obeyed the standard of each chief in turn.
There with the Romans in the camp were joined
Asturians[2] swift, and Vettons lightly armed,
And Celts who, exiled from their ancient home, 10
Had joined 'Iberus' to their former name.
Where the rich soil in gentle slope ascends
And forms a modest hill, Ilerda[3] stands,
Founded in ancient days; beside her glides
Not least of western rivers, Sicoris
Of placid current, by a mighty arch
Of stone o'erspanned, which not the winter floods

  1. ↑ Both of these generals were able and distinguished officers. Afranius was slain by Cæsar's soldiers after the battle of Thapsus. Petreius, after the same battle, escaped along with Juba; and failing to find a refuge, they challenged each other to fight. Petrains was killed, and Juba, the survivor, put an end to himself.
  2. ↑ These are the names of Spanish tribes. The Celtiberi dwelt on the Ebro.
  3. ↑ Lerida, on the river Segre, above its junction with the Ebro. Cinga is the modern Cinca, which falls into the Segre (Sicoris).
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