The Moslems, whose numbers were reenforced from twelve to thirty thousand, had pitched their camp in the plains of Cadesia: [20] and their line, though it consisted of fewer men, could produce more soldiers, than the unwieldy host of the infidels.

I shall here observe, what I must often repeat, that the charge of the Arabs was not, like that of the Greeks and Romans, the effort of a firm and compact infantry: their military force was chiefly formed of cavalry and archers; and the engagement, which was often interrupted and often renewed by single combats and flying skirmishes, might be protracted without any decisive event to the continuance of several days.

The periods of the battle of Cadesia were distinguished by their peculiar appellations.

The first, from the well-timed appearance of six thousand of the Syrian brethren, was denominated the day of succor.

The day of concussion might express the disorder of one, or perhaps of both, of the contending armies.