de bello gallico, 5.44

In that legion there were very brave men, centurions, who were approaching the first ranks, T. Pullo, and L. Vorenus. These used to have everlasting disputes between them (over) who should be preferred, and in every year they used to contend for promotion with the greatest rivalries. From these, when it was being fought most bitterly at the fortifications, Pullo says, "Why do you hesitate, Vorenus? or for what spot for praise of your virtue do you look? This day will decide our disputes." When he had uttered these words, he proceeded beyond the fortifications, and rushed on what part of the enemy appeared the most crowded. Vorenus did not even contain himself to the rampart, but, having respected the opinion of all, followed close after. Then, with an inconsiderable space left, Pullo throws his javelin among the enemy, and pierces one of the multitude running up; with which man having been wounded and slain, the enemy cover him with their shields, and everybody throws their weapons at the enemy and give no opportunity of retreating. The shield of Pullo is pierced and a javelin is fastened in his belt. This circumstance turns aside his scabbard and obstructs the right hand of the one attempting to draw his sword, and the enemy surround him (now) hindered. His rival, Vorenus, runs up to that man and succors him struggling. Immediately the whole crowd turns itself from Pullo to this man; they judge that man killed by the javelin. Vorenus with his sword manages the combat hand to hand, and, with one man having been slain, drove back the rest a little: while he urges on eagerly, having slipped into a lower spot, he fell. To this man surrounded in turn, Pullo brings aid, and, with very many having been slain, both safely take themselves back within the fortifications with the highest praise. Fortune thus turned each in contention and strife so that the one rival was an aid and a salvation to the other, nor could it be determined which of the two seemed to be carried by his virtue before the other.