They are thrown down, receive blows, have bad falls, and are bruised, and the labor itself produces a sort of callousness to pain.
XVI.

As to military service (I speak of our own, not of that of the Spartans, for they used to march slowly to the sound of the flute, and scarce a word of command was given without an anapaest), you may see, in the first place, whence the very name of an army (_exercitus_[33]) is derived; and, secondly, how great the labor is of an army on its march: then consider that they carry more than a fortnight's provision, and whatever else they may want; that they carry the burden of the stakes,[34] for as to shield, sword, or helmet, they look on them as no more encumbrance than their own limbs, for they say that arms are the limbs of a soldier, and those, indeed, they carry so commodiously that, when there is occasion, they throw down their burdens, and use their arms as readily as their limbs.

Why need I mention the exercises of the legions?
And how great the labor is which is undergone in the running, encounters, shouts! Hence it is that their minds are worked up to make so light of wounds in action.

Take a soldier of equal bravery, but undisciplined, and he will seem a woman.

Why is it that there is this sensible difference between a raw recruit and a veteran soldier?
The age of the young soldiers is for the most part in their favor; but it is practice only that enables men to bear labor and despise wounds.
Moreover, we often see, when the wounded are carried off the field, the raw, untried soldier, though but slightly wounded, cries out most shamefully; but the more brave, experienced veteran only inquires for some one to dress his wounds, and says, Patroclus, to thy aid I must appeal Ere worse ensue, my bleeding wounds to heal; The sons of AEsculapius are employ'd, No room for me, so many are annoy'd.
XVII.