古德明《征服英语》之英语军事故事,古德明,香港英语教育作家,他开了一个《征服英语专栏》,在专栏中专门用英语写了世界近代史上的军事小故事,用英语讲述历史中那些惊心动魄的战争。
赫拉克利亚之役
at the battle of heraclea; king pyrrhus killed several of the best roman warriors in single combat. realising that if he were recognised he would be in danger from other roman soldiers, he changed armour with one of his men. this change of armour probably saved pyrrhus' life, but it nearly lost him the battle. the man wearing the armour was killed, and the romans showed pyrrhus' distinctive helmet all around the battlefield. on seeing it, the romans shouted for joy, and pyrrhus' men groaned with terror and discouragement. finally, pyrrhus had to bare his head and ride among them, shouting that he was still alive.
pyrrhus' elephants were so frightening to the roman horses that their cavalry retreated in disorder. when pyrrhus saw this, he commanded his cavalry to charge, and that won him the battle.