37
The field presented a dreadful spectacle of carnage and destruction. The Britons fled; the Romans pursued; they wounded, gashed, and mangled the runaways; they seized their prisoners, and to be ready for others, butchered them on the spot. Swords and bucklers, mangled limbs and dead bodies, covered the plain. The field was red with blood. The vanquished Britons had their moments of returning courage, and gave proofs of virtue and of brave despair. They fled to the woods, and rallying their scattered numbers, surrounded such of the Romans as pursued with too much eagerness.
37
Agricola was everywhere present. He saw the danger, and if he had not in the instant taken due precaution, the victorious army would have had reason to repent of too much confidence in success. Night coming on, the Romans weary of slaughter, desisted from the pursuit. Ten thousand of the Caledonians fell in this engagement; on the part of the Romans, the number of slain did not exceed three hundred and forty.
38
The Roman army, elated with success, and enriched with plunder, passed the night in exultation. The Britons, on the other hand, wandered about, uncertain which way to turn, helpless and disconsolate. The mingled cries of men and women filled the air with lamentations. It is a fact well authenticated, that some laid violent hands upon their wives and children, determined with savage compassion to end their misery.
