de bello gallico, 5.35

With which command having been observed most diligently by them, when any cohort had left from the circle and had made an attack, the enemies were retreating most swiftly. Meanwhile it was necessary that this part be uncovered and javelins be received on their open side. When they began to return again into this spot whence they had left, they were being surrounded both by these men who had yielded and by these men who had stood nearby. If however they wanted to hold this spot, neither was a place left for virtue, nor were the packed men able to avoid weapons thrown by such a multitude. However, afflicted by so many setbacks, with many wounds having been received, they kept resisting and, with the greater part of the day having been consumed, when it was fought from first light until the eighth hour, they were committing nothing which was unworthy to themselves. Then, each femur of Titus Balventius, who in the year before had led the first maniple, a brave man of great authority, was pierced by a spear; Quintus Lucanius of the same order, fighting most bravely, while he was defending his surrounded son, was killed; Lucius Cotta the lieutenant, encouraging all the cohorts and orders, was wounded directly in the face by a slingshot.