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diff --git a/10907-h/10907-h.htm b/10907-h/10907-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8e03c4b --- /dev/null +++ b/10907-h/10907-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,35027 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The History of Rome; Books Nine to Twenty-Six, by Titus Livius</title> +<style type="text/css"> + + /*<![CDATA[*/ + + <!-- + +body {font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + + .bookdes {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; font-size: 0.8em;} + + .menu {font-size: 0.7em;} + + .chapmen {margin-left:20%; margin-right:20%; text-align: center; font-size: 0.7em;} + + .lsidenote {position: absolute; left: 6%; right: 8%; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.8em;} + + .book {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.3em;} + + .date {text-align: center; font-weight: bold;} + + .foots {font-size: .8em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%} + + hr.full { width: 100%; + margin-top: 3em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + height: 4px; + border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ + border-style: solid; + border-color: #000000; + clear: both; } + pre {font-size: 85%;} + +--> + + /*]]>*/ + + </style> + +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10907 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The History of Rome; Books Nine to +Twenty-Six, by Titus Livius, Translated and Illustrated by D. Spillan +and Cyrus Edmonds</h1> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1>THE HISTORY<br /> + + OF ROME.</h1> + +<h2>BY<br /> + + TITUS LIVIUS.</h2> + +<h3>BOOKS NINE TO TWENTY-SIX.</h3> + +<h4>LITERALLY TRANSLATED,<br /> + + WITH NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS,<br /> + + BY<br /> + + D. SPILLAN AND CYRUS EDMONDS.</h4> + +<h3>1868.</h3> + +<div class="menu" align="center"> + + <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> + + <tr> + + <td width="33%"> <a href="#book9"><b>BOOK IX</b></a> <br /> + + <a href="#a1">1</a> <a href="#a2">2</a> <a href="#a3">3</a> <a href="#a4">4</a> + + <a href="#a5">5</a> <a href="#a6">6</a> <a href="#a7">7</a> <a href="#a8">8</a> + + <a href="#a9">9</a> <a href="#a10">10</a><br /> + + <a href="#a11">11</a> <a href="#a12">12</a> <a href="#a13">13</a> <a href="#a14">14</a> + + <a href="#a15">15</a> <a href="#a16">16</a> <a href="#a17">17</a> <a href="#a18">18</a> + + <a href="#a19">19</a> <a href="#a20">20</a><br /> + + <a href="#a21">21</a> <a href="#a22">22</a> <a href="#a23">23</a> <a href="#a24">24</a> + + <a href="#a25">25</a> <a href="#a26">26</a> <a href="#a27">27</a> <a href="#a28">28</a> + + <a href="#a29">29</a> <a href="#a30">30</a><br /> + + <a href="#a31">31</a> <a href="#a32">32</a> <a href="#a33">33</a> <a href="#a34">34</a> + + <a href="#a35">35</a> <a href="#a36">36</a> <a href="#a37">37</a> <a href="#a38">38</a> + + <a href="#a39">39</a> <a href="#a40">40</a><br /> + + <a href="#a41">41</a> <a href="#a42">42</a> <a href="#a43">43</a> <a href="#a44">44</a> + + <a href="#a45">45</a> <a href="#a46">46</a> </td> + + <td width="33%"> <a href="#book10"><b>BOOK X</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#b1">1</a> <a href="#b2">2</a> <a href="#b3">3</a> <a href="#b4">4</a> + + <a href="#b5">5</a> <a href="#b6">6</a> <a href="#b7">7</a> <a href="#b8">8</a> + + <a href="#b9">9</a> <a href="#b10">10</a><br /> + + <a href="#b11">11</a> <a href="#b12">12</a> <a href="#b13">13</a> <a href="#b14">14</a> + + <a href="#b15">15</a> <a href="#b16">16</a> <a href="#b17">17</a> <a href="#b18">18</a> + + <a href="#b19">19</a> <a href="#b20">20</a><br /> + + <a href="#b21">21</a> <a href="#b22">22</a> <a href="#b23">23</a> <a href="#b24">24</a> + + <a href="#b25">25</a> <a href="#b26">26</a> <a href="#b27">27</a> <a href="#b28">28</a> + + <a href="#b29">29</a> <a href="#b30">30</a><br /> + + <a href="#b31">31</a> <a href="#b32">32</a> <a href="#b33">33</a> <a href="#b34">34</a> + + <a href="#b35">35</a> <a href="#b36">36</a> <a href="#b37">37</a> <a href="#b38">38</a> + + <a href="#b39">39</a> <a href="#b40">40</a><br /> + + <a href="#b41">41</a> <a href="#b42">42</a> <a href="#b43">43</a> <a href="#b44">44</a> + + <a href="#b45">45</a> <a href="#b46">46</a> <a href="#b47">47</a> </td> + + <td width="33%"><a href="#lost"><b>LOST BOOKS</b></a> <br /> + + <table border="0" cellspacing="10"> + + <tr> + + <td> <a href="#book11"><b>BOOK XI</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#book12"><b>BOOK XII</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#book13"><b>BOOK XIII</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#book14"><b>BOOK XIV</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#book15"><b>BOOK XV</b></a><br /> + + </td> + + <td> <a href="#book16"><b>BOOK XVI</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#book17"><b>BOOK XVII</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#book18"> <b>BOOK XVIII</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#book19"><b>BOOK XIX</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#book20"><b>BOOK XX</b></a> </td> + + </tr> + + </table> + + </td> + + </tr> + + <tr> + + <td> <a href="#book21"><b>BOOK XXI</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#c1">1</a> <a href="#c2">2</a> <a href="#c3">3</a> <a href="#c4">4</a> + + <a href="#c5">5</a> <a href="#c6">6</a> <a href="#c7">7</a> <a href="#c8">8</a> + + <a href="#c9">9</a> <a href="#c10">10</a><br /> + + <a href="#c11">11</a> <a href="#c12">12</a> <a href="#c13">13</a> <a href="#c14">14</a> + + <a href="#c15">15</a> <a href="#c16">16</a> <a href="#c17">17</a> <a href="#c18">18</a> + + <a href="#c19">19</a> <a href="#c20">20</a><br /> + + <a href="#c21">21</a> <a href="#c22">22</a> <a href="#c23">23</a> <a href="#c24">24</a> + + <a href="#c25">25</a> <a href="#c26">26</a> <a href="#c27">27</a> <a href="#c28">28</a> + + <a href="#c29">29</a> <a href="#c30">30</a><br /> + + <a href="#c31">31</a> <a href="#c32">32</a> <a href="#c33">33</a> <a href="#c34">34</a> + + <a href="#c35">35</a> <a href="#c36">36</a> <a href="#c37">37</a> <a href="#c38">38</a> + + <a href="#c39">39</a> <a href="#c40">40</a><br /> + + <a href="#c41">41</a> <a href="#c42">42</a> <a href="#c43">43</a> <a href="#c44">44</a> + + <a href="#c45">45</a> <a href="#c46">46</a> <a href="#c47">47</a> <a href="#c48">48</a> + + <a href="#c49">49</a> <a href="#c50">50</a><br /> + + <a href="#c51">51</a> <a href="#c52">52</a> <a href="#c53">53</a> <a href="#c54">54</a> + + <a href="#c55">55</a> <a href="#c56">56</a> <a href="#c57">57</a> <a href="#c58">58</a> + + <a href="#c59">59</a> <a href="#c60">60</a><br /> + + <a href="#c61">61</a> <a href="#c62">62</a> <a href="#c63">63</a> </td> + + <td> <a href="#book22"><b>BOOK XXII</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#d1">1</a> <a href="#d2">2</a> <a href="#d3">3</a> <a href="#d4">4</a> + + <a href="#d5">5</a> <a href="#d6">6</a> <a href="#d7">7</a> <a href="#d8">8</a> + + <a href="#d9">9</a> <a href="#d10">10</a><br /> + + <a href="#d11">11</a> <a href="#d12">12</a> <a href="#d13">13</a> <a href="#d14">14</a> + + <a href="#d15">15</a> <a href="#d16">16</a> <a href="#d17">17</a> <a href="#d18">18</a> + + <a href="#d19">19</a> <a href="#d20">20</a><br /> + + <a href="#d21">21</a> <a href="#d22">22</a> <a href="#d23">23</a> <a href="#d24">24</a> + + <a href="#d25">25</a> <a href="#d26">26</a> <a href="#d27">27</a> <a href="#d28">28</a> + + <a href="#d29">29</a> <a href="#d30">30</a><br /> + + <a href="#d31">31</a> <a href="#d32">32</a> <a href="#d33">33</a> <a href="#d34">34</a> + + <a href="#d35">35</a> <a href="#d36">36</a> <a href="#d37">37</a> <a href="#d38">38</a> + + <a href="#d39">39</a> <a href="#d40">40</a><br /> + + <a href="#d41">41</a> <a href="#d42">42</a> <a href="#d43">43</a> <a href="#d44">44</a> + + <a href="#d45">45</a> <a href="#d46">46</a> <a href="#d47">47</a> <a href="#d48">48</a> + + <a href="#d49">49</a> <a href="#d50">50</a><br /> + + <a href="#d51">51</a> <a href="#d52">52</a> <a href="#d53">53</a> <a href="#d54">54</a> + + <a href="#d55">55</a> <a href="#d56">56</a> <a href="#d57">57</a> <a href="#d58">58</a> + + <a href="#d59">59</a> <a href="#d60">60</a><br /> + + <a href="#d61">61</a> </td> + + <td> <a href="#book23"><b>BOOK XXIII</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#e1">1</a> <a href="#e2">2</a> <a href="#e3">3</a> <a href="#e4">4</a> + + <a href="#e5">5</a> <a href="#e6">6</a> <a href="#e7">7</a> <a href="#e8">8</a> + + <a href="#e9">9</a> <a href="#e10">10</a><br /> + + <a href="#e11">11</a> <a href="#e12">12</a> <a href="#e13">13</a> <a href="#e14">14</a> + + <a href="#e15">15</a> <a href="#e16">16</a> <a href="#e17">17</a> <a href="#e18">18</a> + + <a href="#e19">19</a> <a href="#e20">20</a><br /> + + <a href="#e21">21</a> <a href="#e22">22</a> <a href="#e23">23</a> <a href="#e24">24</a> + + <a href="#e25">25</a> <a href="#e26">26</a> <a href="#e27">27</a> <a href="#e28">28</a> + + <a href="#e29">29</a> <a href="#e30">30</a><br /> + + <a href="#e31">31</a> <a href="#e32">32</a> <a href="#e33">33</a> <a href="#e34">34</a> + + <a href="#e35">35</a> <a href="#e36">36</a> <a href="#e37">37</a> <a href="#e38">38</a> + + <a href="#e39">39</a> <a href="#e40">40</a><br /> + + <a href="#e41">41</a> <a href="#e42">42</a> <a href="#e43">43</a> <a href="#e44">44</a> + + <a href="#e45">45</a> <a href="#e46">46</a> <a href="#e47">47</a> <a href="#e48">48</a> + + <a href="#e49">49</a> </td> + + </tr> + + <tr> + + <td> <a href="#book24"><b>BOOK XXIV</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#f1">1</a> <a href="#f2">2</a> <a href="#f3">3</a> <a href="#f4">4</a> + + <a href="#f5">5</a> <a href="#f6">6</a> <a href="#f7">7</a> <a href="#f8">8</a> + + <a href="#f9">9</a> <a href="#f10">10</a><br /> + + <a href="#f11">11</a> <a href="#f12">12</a> <a href="#f13">13</a> <a href="#f14">14</a> + + <a href="#f15">15</a> <a href="#f16">16</a> <a href="#f17">17</a> <a href="#f18">18</a> + + <a href="#f19">19</a> <a href="#f20">20</a><br /> + + <a href="#f21">21</a> <a href="#f22">22</a> <a href="#f23">23</a> <a href="#f24">24</a> + + <a href="#f25">25</a> <a href="#f26">26</a> <a href="#f27">27</a> <a href="#f28">28</a> + + <a href="#f29">29</a> <a href="#f30">30</a><br /> + + <a href="#f31">31</a> <a href="#f32">32</a> <a href="#f33">33</a> <a href="#f34">34</a> + + <a href="#f35">35</a> <a href="#f36">36</a> <a href="#f37">37</a> <a href="#f38">38</a> + + <a href="#f39">39</a> <a href="#f40">40</a><br /> + + <a href="#f41">41</a> <a href="#f42">42</a> <a href="#f43">43</a> <a href="#f44">44</a> + + <a href="#f45">45</a> <a href="#f46">46</a> <a href="#f47">47</a> <a href="#f48">48</a> + + <a href="#f49">49</a> </td> + + <td> <a href="#book25"><b>BOOK XXV</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#g1">1</a> <a href="#g2">2</a> <a href="#g3">3</a> <a href="#g4">4</a> + + <a href="#g5">5</a> <a href="#g6">6</a> <a href="#g7">7</a> <a href="#g8">8</a> + + <a href="#g9">9</a> <a href="#g10">10</a><br /> + + <a href="#g11">11</a> <a href="#g12">12</a> <a href="#g13">13</a> <a href="#g14">14</a> + + <a href="#g15">15</a> <a href="#g16">16</a> <a href="#g17">17</a> <a href="#g18">18</a> + + <a href="#g19">19</a> <a href="#g20">20</a><br /> + + <a href="#g21">21</a> <a href="#g22">22</a> <a href="#g23">23</a> <a href="#g24">24</a> + + <a href="#g25">25</a> <a href="#g26">26</a> <a href="#g27">27</a> <a href="#g28">28</a> + + <a href="#g29">29</a> <a href="#g30">30</a><br /> + + <a href="#g31">31</a> <a href="#g32">32</a> <a href="#g33">33</a> <a href="#g34">34</a> + + <a href="#g35">35</a> <a href="#g36">36</a> <a href="#g37">37</a> <a href="#g38">38</a> + + <a href="#g39">39</a> <a href="#g40">40</a><br /> + + <a href="#g41">41</a> </td> + + <td> <a href="#book26"><b>BOOK XXVI</b></a><br /> + + <a href="#h1">1</a> <a href="#h2">2</a> <a href="#h3">3</a> <a href="#h4">4</a> + + <a href="#h5">5</a> <a href="#h6">6</a> <a href="#h7">7</a> <a href="#h8">8</a> + + <a href="#h9">9</a> <a href="#h10">10</a><br /> + + <a href="#h11">11</a> <a href="#h12">12</a> <a href="#h13">13</a> <a href="#h14">14</a> + + <a href="#h15">15</a> <a href="#h16">16</a> <a href="#h17">17</a> <a href="#h18">18</a> + + <a href="#h19">19</a> <a href="#h20">20</a><br /> + + <a href="#h21">21</a> <a href="#h22">22</a> <a href="#h23">23</a> <a href="#h24">24</a> + + <a href="#h25">25</a> <a href="#h26">26</a> <a href="#h27">27</a> <a href="#h28">28</a> + + <a href="#h29">29</a> <a href="#h30">30</a><br /> + + <a href="#h31">31</a> <a href="#h32">32</a> <a href="#h33">33</a> <a href="#h34">34</a> + + <a href="#h35">35</a> <a href="#h36">36</a> <a href="#h37">37</a> <a href="#h38">38</a> + + <a href="#h39">39</a> <a href="#h40">40</a><br /> + + <a href="#h41">41</a> <a href="#h42">42</a> <a href="#h43">43</a> <a href="#h44">44</a> + + <a href="#h45">45</a> <a href="#h46">46</a> <a href="#h47">47</a> <a href="#h48">48</a> + + <a href="#h49">49</a> <a href="#h50">50</a><br /> + + <a href="#h51">51</a> </td> + + </tr> + + </table> + +</div> + +<br /> + +<br /> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book9">BOOK IX.</div> + +<div class="date">B.C. 321-304</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="chapmen"><a href="#a1">1</a> <a href="#a2">2</a> <a href="#a3">3</a> + + <a href="#a4">4</a> <a href="#a5">5</a> <a href="#a6">6</a> <a href="#a7">7</a> + + <a href="#a8">8</a> <a href="#a9">9</a> <a href="#a10">10</a> <a href="#a11">11</a> + + <a href="#a12">12</a> <a href="#a13">13</a> <a href="#a14">14</a> <a href="#a15">15</a> + + <a href="#a16">16</a> <a href="#a17">17</a> <a href="#a18">18</a> <a href="#a19">19</a> + + <a href="#a20">20</a> <a href="#a21">21</a> <a href="#a22">22</a> <a href="#a23">23</a> + + <a href="#a24">24</a> <a href="#a25">25</a> <a href="#a26">26</a> <a href="#a27">27</a> + + <a href="#a28">28</a> <a href="#a29">29</a> <a href="#a30">30</a> <a href="#a31">31</a> + + <a href="#a32">32</a> <a href="#a33">33</a> <a href="#a34">34</a> <a href="#a35">35</a> + + <a href="#a36">36</a> <a href="#a37">37</a> <a href="#a38">38</a> <a href="#a39">39</a> + + <a href="#a40">40</a> <a href="#a41">41</a> <a href="#a42">42</a> <a href="#a43">43</a> + + <a href="#a44">44</a> <a href="#a45">45</a> <a href="#a46">46</a></div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>Titus Veturius and Spurius Postumius, with their army, + + surrounded by the Samnites at the Caudine forks; enter into a treaty, give six + + hundred hostages, and are sent under the yoke. The treaty declared invalid; + + the two generals and the other sureties sent back to the Samnites, but are not + + accepted. Not long after, Papirius Cursor obliterates this disgrace, by vanquishing + + the Samnites, sending them under the yoke, and recovering the hostages. Two + + tribes added. Appius Claudius, censor, constructs the Claudian aqueduct, and + + the Appian road; admits the sons of freedom into the senate. Successes against + + the Apulians, Etruscans, Umbrians, Marsians, Pelignians, Aequans, and Samnites. + + Mention made of Alexander the Great, who flourished at this time; a comparative + + estimate of his strength, and that of the Roman people, tending to show, that + + if he had carried his arms into Italy, he would not have been as successful + + there as he had been in the Eastern countries.</i></div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<br /> + +<div class="lsidenote">1 </div> + +<a id="a1" /> + +<p>This year is followed by the convention of Caudium, so memorable on account + + of the misfortune of the Romans, the consuls being Titus Veturius Calvinus and + + Spurius Postumius. The Samnites had as their commander that year Caius Ponius, + + son to Herennius, born of a father most highly renowned for wisdom, and himself + + a consummate warrior and commander. When the ambassadors, who had been sent + + to make restitution, returned, without concluding a peace, he said, "That ye + + may not think that no purpose has been effected by this embassy, whatever degree + + of anger the deities of heaven had conceived against us, on account of the infraction + + of the treaty, has been hereby expiated. I am very confident, that whatever + + deities they were, whose will it was that you should be reduced to the necessity + + of making the restitution, which had been demanded according to the treaty, + + it was not agreeable to them, that our atonement for the breach of treason should + + be so haughtily spurned by the Romans. For what more could possibly be done + + towards appeasing the gods, and softening the anger of men, than we have done? + + The effects of the enemy, taken among the spoils, which appeared to be our own + + by the right of war, we restored: the authors of the war, as we could not deliver + + them up alive, we delivered them dead: their goods we carried to Rome, lest + + by retaining them, any degree of guilt should remain among us. What more, Roman, + + do I owe to thee? what to the treaty? what to the gods, the guarantees of the + + treaty? What arbitrator shall I call in to judge of your resentment, and of + + my punishment? I decline none; neither nation nor private person. But if nothing + + in human law is left to the weak against stronger, I will appeal to the gods, + + the avengers of intolerant arrogance, and will beseech them to turn their wrath + + against those for whom neither the restoration of their own effects nor additional + + heaps of other men's property, can suffice, whose cruelty is not satiated by + + the death of the guilty, by the surrender of their lifeless bodies, nor by their + + goods accompanying the surrender of the owner; who cannot be appeased otherwise + + than by giving them our blood to drink, and our entrails to be torn. Samnites, + + war is just to those for whom it is necessary, and arms are clear of impiety + + for those who have no hope left but in arms. Wherefore, as in every human undertaking, + + it is of the utmost importance what matter men may set about with the favour, + + what under the displeasure of the gods, be assured that the former wars ye waged + + in opposition to the gods more than to men; in this, which is now impending, + + ye will act under the immediate guidance of the gods themselves." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">2 </div> + +<a id="a2" /> + +<p>After uttering these predictions, not more cheering than true, he led out the + + troops, and placed his camp about Caudium as much out of view as possible. From + + thence he sent to Calatia, where he heard that the Roman consuls were encamped, + + ten soldiers, in the habit of shepherds, and ordered them to keep some cattle + + feeding in several different places, at a small distance from the Roman posts; + + and that, when they fell in with any of their foragers, they should all agree + + in the same story, that the legions of the Samnites were then in Apulia, that + + they were besieging Luceria with their whole force, and very near taking it + + by storm. Such a rumour had been industriously spread before, and had already + + reached the Romans; but these prisoners increased the credit of it, especially + + as they all concurred in the same report. There was no doubt but that the Romans + + would carry succour to the Lucerians, as being good and faithful allies; and + + for this further reason, lest all Apulia, through apprehension of the impending + + danger, might go over to the enemy. The only point of deliberation was, by what + + road they should go. There were two roads leading to Luceria, one along the + + coast of the upper sea, wide and open; but, as it was the safer, so it was proportionably + + longer: the other, which was shorter, through the Caudine forks. The nature + + of the place is this: there are two deep glens, narrow and covered with wood, + + connected together by mountains ranging on both sides from one to the other; + + between these lies a plain of considerable extent, enclosed in the middle, abounding + + in grass and water, and through the middle of which the passage runs: but before + + you can arrive at it, the first defile must be passed, while the only way back + + is through the road by which you entered it; or if in case of resolving to proceed + + forward, you must go by the other glen, which is still more narrow and difficult. + + Into this plain the Romans, having marched down their troops by one of those + + passes through the cleft of a rock, when they advanced onward to the other defile, + + found it blocked up by trees thrown across, and a mound of huge stones lying + + in their way. When the stratagem of the enemy now became apparent, there is + + seen at the same time a body of troops on the eminence over the glen. Hastening + + back, then, they proceed to retrace the road by which they had entered; they + + found that also shut up by such another fence, and men in arms. Then, without + + orders, they halted; amazement took possession of their minds, and a strange + + kind of numbness seized their limbs: they then remained a long time motionless + + and silent, each looking to the other, as if each thought the other more capable + + of judging and advising than himself. After some time, when they saw that the + + consul's pavilions were being erected, and that some were getting ready the + + implements for throwing up works, although they were sensible that it must appear + + ridiculous the attempt to raise a fortification in their present desperate condition, + + and when almost every hope was lost, would be an object of necessity, yet, not + + to add a fault to their misfortunes, they all, without being advised or ordered + + by any one, set earnestly to work, and enclosed a camp with a rampart, close + + to the water, while themselves, besides that the enemy heaped insolent taunts + + on them, seemed with melancholy to acknowledge the apparent fruitlessness of + + their toil and labour. The lieutenants-general and tribunes, without being summoned + + to consultation, (for there was no room for either consultation or remedy,) + + assembled round the dejected consul; while the soldiers, crowding to the general's + + quarters, demanded from their leaders that succour, which it was hardly in the + + power of the immortal gods themselves to afford them. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">3 </div> + +<a id="a3" /> + +<p>Night came on them while lamenting their situation rather than consulting, + + whilst they urged expedients, each according to his temper; one crying out, + + "Let us go over those fences of the roads;" others, "over the steeps; through + + the woods; any way, where arms can be carried. Let us be but permitted to come + + to the enemy, whom we have been used to conquer now near thirty years. All places + + will be level and plain to a Roman, fighting against the perfidious Samnite." + + Another would say, "Whither, or by what way can we go? Do we expect to remove + + the mountains from their foundations? While these cliffs hang over us, by what + + road will you reach the enemy? Whether armed or unarmed, brave or dastardly, + + we are all, without distinction, captured and vanquished. The enemy will not + + even show us a weapon by which we might die with honour. He will finish the + + war without moving from his seat." In such discourse, thinking of neither food + + nor rest, the night was passed. Nor could the Samnites, though in circumstances + + so joyous, instantly determine how to act: it was therefore universally agreed + + that Herennius Pontius, father of the general, should be consulted by letter. + + He was now grown feeble through age, and had withdrawn himself, not only from + + all military, but also from all civil occupations; yet, notwithstanding the + + decline of his bodily strength, his mind retained its full vigour. When he heard + + that the Roman armies were shut up at the Caudine forks between the two glens, + + being consulted by his son's messenger, he gave his opinion, that they should + + all be immediately dismissed from thence unhurt. On this counsel being rejected, + + and the same messenger returning a second time, he recommended that they should + + all, to a man, be put to death. When these answers, so opposite to each other, + + like those of an ambiguous oracle, were given, although his son in particular + + considered that the powers of his father's mind, together with those of his + + body, had been impaired by age, was yet prevailed on, by the general desire + + of all, to send for him to consult him. The old man, we are told, complied without + + reluctance, and was carried in a waggon to the camp, where, when summoned to + + give his advice, he spoke in such way as to make no alteration in his opinions; + + he only added the reasons for them. That "by his first plan, which he esteemed + + the best, he meant, by an act of extraordinary kindness, to establish perpetual + + peace and friendship with a most powerful nation: by the other, to put off the + + return of war to the distance of many ages, during which the Roman state, after + + the loss of those two armies, could not easily recover its strength." A third + + plan there was not. When his son, and the other chiefs, went on to ask him if + + "a plan of a middle kind might not be adopted; that they both should be dismissed + + unhurt, and, at the same time, by the right of war, terms imposed on them as + + vanquished?" "That, indeed," said he, "is a plan of such a nature, as neither + + procures friends or removes enemies. Only preserve those whom ye would irritate + + by ignominious treatment. The Romans are a race who know not how to sit down + + quiet under defeat; whatever that is which the present necessity shall brand + + will rankle in their breasts for ever, and will not suffer them to rest, until + + they have wreaked manifold vengeance on your heads." Neither of these plans + + was approved, and Herennius was carried home from the camp. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">4 </div> + +<a id="a4" /> + +<p>In the Roman camp also, when many fruitless efforts to force a passage had + + been made, and they were now destitute of every means of subsistence, forced + + by necessity, they send ambassadors, who were first to ask peace on equal terms; + + which, if they did not obtain, they were to challenge the enemy to battle. To + + this Pontius answered, that "the war was at an end; and since, even in their + + present vanquished and captive state, they were not willing to acknowledge their + + situation, he would send them under the yoke unarmed, each with a single garment; + + that the other conditions of peace should be such as were just between the conquerors + + and the conquered. If their troops would depart, and their colonies be withdrawn + + out of the territories of the Samnites; for the future, the Romans and Samnites, + + under a treaty of equality, shall live according to their own respective laws. + + On these terms he was ready to negotiate with the consuls: and if any of these + + should not be accepted, he forbade the ambassadors to come to him again." When + + the result of this embassy was made known, such general lamentation suddenly + + arose, and such melancholy took possession of them, that had they been told + + that all were to die on the spot, they could not have felt deeper affliction. + + After silence continued a long time, and the consuls were not able to utter + + a word, either in favour of a treaty so disgraceful, or against a treaty so + + necessary; at length, Lucius Lentulus, who was the first among the lieutenants-general, + + both in respect of bravery, and of the public honours which he had attained, + + addressed them thus: "Consuls, I have often heard my father say, that he was + + the only person in the Capitol who did not advise the senate to ransom the state + + from the Gauls with gold; and these he would not concur in, because they had + + not been enclosed with a trench and rampart by the enemy, (who were remarkably + + slothful with respect to works and raising fortifications,) and because they + + might sally forth, if not without great danger, yet without certain destruction. + + Now if, in like manner as they had it in their power to run down from the Capitol + + in arms against their foe, as men besieged have often sallied out on the besiegers, + + it were possible for us to come to blows with the enemy, either on equal or + + unequal ground, I would not be wanting in the high quality of my father's spirit + + in stating my advice. I acknowledge, indeed, that death, in defence of our country, + + is highly glorious; and I am ready, either to devote myself for the Roman people + + and the legions, or to plunge into the midst of the enemy. But in this spot + + I behold my country: in this spot, the whole of the Roman legions, and unless + + these choose to rush on death in defence of their own individual characters, + + what have they which can be preserved by their death? The houses of the city, + + some may say, and the walls of it, and the crowd who dwell in it, by which the + + city is inhabited. But in fact, in case of the destruction of this army, all + + these are betrayed, not preserved. For who will protect them? An unwarlike and + + unarmed multitude, shall I suppose? Yes, just as they defended them against + + the attack of the Gauls. Will they call to their succour an army from Veii, + + with Camillus at its head? Here on the spot, I repeat, are all our hopes and + + strength; by preserving which, we preserve our country; by delivering them up + + to death, we abandon and betray our country. But a surrender is shameful and + + ignominious. True: but such ought to be our affection for our country, that + + we should save it by our own disgrace, if necessity required, as freely as by + + our death. Let therefore that indignity be undergone, how great soever, and + + let us submit to that necessity which even the gods themselves do not overcome. + + Go, consuls, ransom the state for arms, which your ancestors ransomed with gold." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">5 </div> + +<a id="a5" /> + +<p>The consuls having gone to Pontius to confer with him, when he talked, in the + + strain of a conqueror, of a treaty, they declared that such could not be concluded + + without an order of the people, nor without the ministry of the heralds, and + + the other customary rites. Accordingly the Caudine peace was not ratified by + + settled treaty, as is commonly believed, and even asserted by Claudius, but + + by conventional sureties. For what occasion would these be either for sureties + + or hostages in the former case, where the ratification is performed by the imprecation, + + "that whichever nation shall give occasion to the said terms being violated, + + may Jupiter strike that nation in like manner as the swine is struck by the + + heralds." The consuls, lieutenants-general, quaestors, and military tribunes, + + became sureties; and the names of all these who became sureties are extant; + + where, had the business been transacted by treaty, none would have appeared + + but those of the two heralds. On account of the necessary delay of the treaty + + six hundred horsemen were demanded as hostages, who were to suffer death if + + the compact were not fulfilled; a time was then fixed for delivering up the + + hostages, and sending away the troops disarmed. The return of the consuls renewed + + the general grief in the camp, insomuch that the men hardly refrained from offering + + violence to them, "by whose rashness," they said, "they had been brought into + + such a situation; and through whose cowardice they were likely to depart with + + greater disgrace than they came. They had employed no guide through the country, + + nor scouts; but were sent out blindly, like beasts into a pitfall" They cast + + looks on each other, viewed earnestly the arms which they must presently surrender; + + while their persons would be subject to the whim of the enemy: figured to themselves + + the hostile yoke, the scoffs of the conquerors, their haughty looks, and finally, + + thus disarmed, their march through the midst of an armed foe. In a word, they + + saw with horror the miserable journey of their dishonoured band through the + + cities of the allies; and their return into their own country, to their parents, + + whither themselves, and their ancestors, had so often come in triumph. Observing, + + that "they alone had been conquered without a fight, without a weapon thrown, + + without a wound; that they had not been permitted to draw their swords, nor + + to engage the enemy. In vain had arms, in vain had strength, in vain had courage + + been given them." While they were giving vent to such grievous reflections, + + the fatal hour of their disgrace arrived, which was to render every circumstance + + still more shocking in fact, than they had preconceived it in their imaginations. + + First, they were ordered to go out, beyond the rampart, unarmed, and with single + + garments; then the hostages were surrendered, and carried into custody. The + + lictors were next commanded to depart from the consuls, and the robes of the + + latter were stripped off. This excited such a degree of commiseration in the + + breasts of those very men, who a little before, pouring execrations upon them, + + had proposed that they should be delivered up and torn to pieces, that every + + one, forgetting his own condition, turned away his eyes from that degradation + + of so high a dignity, as from a spectacle too horrid to behold. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">6 </div> + +<a id="a6" /> + +<p>First, the consuls, nearly half naked, were sent under the yoke; then each + + officer, according to his rank, was exposed to disgrace, and the legions successively. + + The enemy stood on each side under arms, reviling and mocking them; swords were + + pointed at most of them, several were wounded and some even slain, when their + + looks, rendered too fierce by the indignity to which they were subjected, gave + + offence to the conquerors. Thus were they led under the yoke; and what was still + + more intolerable, under the eyes of the enemy. When they had got clear of the + + defile, they seemed as if they had been drawn up from the infernal regions, + + and then for the first time beheld the light; yet, when they viewed the ignominious + + appearance of the army, the light itself was more painful to them than any kind + + of death could have been; so that although they might have arrived at Capua + + before night, yet, uncertain with respect to the fidelity of the allies, and + + because shame embarrassed them, in need of every thing, they threw themselves + + carelessly on the ground, on each side of the road: which being told at Capua, + + just compassion for their allies got the better of the arrogance natural to + + the Campanians. They immediately sent to the consuls their ensigns of office, + + the fasces and lictors; to the soldiers, arms, horses, clothes, and provisions + + in abundance: and, on their approach to Capua, the whole senate and people went + + out to meet them, and performed every proper office of hospitality, both public + + and private. But the courtesy, kind looks, and address of the allies, could + + not only not draw a word from them, but it could not even prevail on them to + + raise their eyes, or look their consoling friends in the face, so completely + + did shame, in addition to grief, oblige them to shun the conversation and society + + of these their friends. Next day, when some young nobles, who had been sent + + from Capua, to escort them on their road to the frontiers of Campania, returned, + + they were called into the senate-house, and, in answer to the inquiries of the + + elder members, said, that "to them they seemed deeply sunk in melancholy and + + dejection; that the whole body moved on in silence, almost as if dumb; the former + + genius of the Romans was prostrated, and that their spirit had been taken from + + them, together with their arms. Not one returned a salute, nor returned an answer + + to those who greeted them; as if, through fear, they were unable to utter a + + word; as if their necks still carried the yoke under which they had been sent. + + That the Samnites had obtained a victory, not only glorious, but lasting also; + + for they had subdued, not Rome merely, as the Gauls had formerly done, but what + + was a much wore warlike achievement, the Roman courage." When these remarks + + were made and attentively listened to, and the almost extinction of the Roman + + name was lamented in this assembly of faithful allies, Ofilius Calavius, son + + of Ovius, a man highly distinguished, both by his birth and conduct, and at + + this time further respectable on account of his age, is said to have declared + + that he entertained a very different opinion in the case. "This obstinate silence," + + said he, "those eyes fixed on the earth,--those ears deaf to all comfort,--with + + the shame of beholding the light,--are indications of a mind calling forth, + + from its inmost recesses, the utmost exertions of resentment. Either he was + + ignorant of the temper of the Romans, or that silence would shortly excite, + + among the Samnites, lamentable cries and groans; for that the remembrance of + + the Caudine peace would be much more sorrowful to the Samnites than to the Romans. + + Each side would have their own native spirit, wherever they should happen to + + engage, but the Samnites would not, every where, have the glens of Caudium." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">7 </div> + +<a id="a7" /> + +<p>Their disaster was, by this time, well known at Rome also. At first, they heard + + that the troops were shut up; afterwards the news of the ignominious peace caused + + greater affliction than had been felt for their danger. On the report of their + + being surrounded, a levy of men was begun; but when it was understood that the + + army had surrendered in so disgraceful a manner, the preparations were laid + + aside; and immediately, without any public directions, a general mourning took + + place, with all the various demonstrations of grief. The shops were shut; and + + all business ceased in the forum, spontaneously, before it was proclaimed. Laticlaves + + [<a href="#foot1">1</a>] and gold rings were laid aside: and the public were + + in greater tribulation, if possible, than the army itself; they were not only + + enraged against the commanders, the advisers and sureties of the peace, but + + detested even the unoffending soldiers, and asserted, that they ought not to + + be admitted into the city or its habitations. But these transports of passion + + were allayed by the arrival of the troops, which excited compassion even in + + the angry; for entering into the city, not like men returning into their country + + with unexpected safety, but in the habit and with the looks of captives, late + + in the evening; they hid themselves so closely in their houses, that, for the + + next, and several following days, not one of them could bear to come in sight + + of the forum, or of the public. The consuls, shut up in private, transacted + + no official business, except that which was wrung from them by a decree of the + + senate, to nominate a dictator to preside at the elections. They nominated Quintus + + Fabius Ambustus, and as master of the horse Publius Aelius Paetus. But they + + having been irregularly appointed, there were substituted in their room, Marcus + + Aemilius Papus dictator, and Lucius Valerius Flaccus master of the horse. But + + neither did these hold the elections: and the people being dissatisfied with + + all the magistrates of that year, an interregnum ensued. The interreges were, + + Quintus Fabius Maximus and Marcus Valerius Corvus, who elected consuls Quintus + + Publilius Philo, and Lucius Papirius Cursor a second time; a choice universally + + approved, for there were no commanders at that time of higher reputation. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">8 </div> + +<a id="a8" /> + +<p>They entered into office on the day they were elected, for so it had been determined + + by the fathers. When the customary decrees of the senate were passed, they proposed + + the consideration of the Caudine peace; and Publilius, who was in possession + + of the fasces, said, "Spurius Postumius, speak:" he arose with just the same + + countenance with which he had passed under the yoke, and delivered himself to + + this effect: "Consuls, I am well aware that I have been called up first with + + marked ignominy, not with honour; and that I am ordered to speak, not as being + + a senator, but as a person answerable as well for an unsuccessful war as for + + a disgraceful peace. However, since the question propounded by you is not concerning + + our guilt, or our punishment; waving a defence, which would not be very difficult, + + before men who are not unacquainted with human casualties or necessities, I + + shall briefly state my opinion on the matter in question; which opinion will + + testify, whether I meant to spare myself or your legions, when I engaged as + + surety to the convention, whether dishonourable or necessary: by which, however, + + the Roman people are not bound, inasmuch as it was concluded without their order; + + nor is any thing liable to be forfeited to the Samnites, in consequence of it, + + except our persons. Let us then be delivered up to them by the heralds, naked, + + and in chains. Let us free the people of the religious obligation, if we have + + bound them under any such; so that there may be no restriction, divine or human, + + to prevent your entering on the war anew, without violating either religion + + or justice. I am also of opinion, that the consuls, in the mean time, enlist, + + arm, and lead out an army; but that they should not enter the enemy's territories + + before every particular, respecting the surrender of us, be regularly executed. + + You, O immortal gods! I pray and beseech that, although it has not been your + + will that Spurius Postumius and Titus Veturius, as consuls, should wage war + + with success against the Samnites, ye may yet deem it sufficient to have seen + + us sent under the yoke; to have seen us bound under an infamous convention; + + to have seen us delivered into the hands of our foes naked and shackled, taking + + on our own heads the whole weight of the enemy's resentment. And grant, that + + the consuls and legions of Rome may wage war against the Samnites, with the + + same fortune with which every war has been waged before we became consuls." + + On his concluding this speech, men's minds were so impressed with both admiration + + and compassion, that now they could scarce believe him to be the same Spurius + + Postumius who had been the author of so shameful a peace; again lamenting, that + + such a man was likely to undergo, among the enemy, a punishment even beyond + + that of others, through resentment for annulling the peace. When all the members, + + extolling him with praises, expressed their approbation of his sentiments, a + + protest was attempted for a time by Lucius Livius and Quintus Maelius, tribunes + + of the commons, who said, that "the people could not be acquitted of the religious + + obligation by the consuls being given up, unless all things were restored to + + the Samnites in the same state in which they had been at Caudium; nor had they + + themselves deserved any punishment, for having, by becoming sureties to the + + peace, preserved the army of the Roman people; nor, finally, could they, being + + sacred and inviolable, be surrendered to the enemy or treated with violence." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">9 </div> + +<a id="a9" /> + +<p>To this Postumius replied, "In the mean time surrender us as unsanctified persons, + + which ye may do, without offence to religion; those sacred and inviolable personages, + + the tribunes, ye will afterwards deliver up as soon as they go out of office: + + but, if ye listen to me, they will be first scourged with rods, here in the + + Comitium, that they may pay this as interest for their punishment being delayed. + + For, as to their denying that the people are acquitted of the religious obligation, + + by our being given up, who is there so ignorant of the laws of the heralds, + + as not to know, that those men speak in that manner, that they themselves may + + not be surrendered, rather than because the case is really so? Still I do not + + deny, conscript fathers, that compacts, on sureties given, are as sacred as + + treaties, in the eyes of all who regard faith between men, with the same reverence + + which is paid to duties respecting the gods: but I insist, that without the + + order of the people, nothing can be ratified that is to bind the people. Suppose + + that, out of the same arrogance with which the Samnites wrung from us the convention + + in question, they had compelled us to repeat the established form of words for + + the surrendering of cities, would ye, tribunes, say, that the Roman people was + + surrendered? and, that this city, these temples, and consecrated grounds, these + + lands and waters, were become the property of the Samnites? I say no more of + + the surrender, because our having become sureties is the point insisted on. + + Now, suppose we had become sureties that the Roman people should quit this city; + + that they should set it on fire; that they should have no magistrates, no senate, + + no laws; that they should, in future, be ruled by kings: the gods forbid, you + + say. But, the enormity of the articles lessens not the obligation of a compact. + + If there is any thing in which the people can be bound, it can in all. Nor is + + there any importance in another circumstance, which weighs, perhaps, with some: + + whether a consul, a dictator, or a praetor, be the surety. And this, indeed, + + was what even the Samnites themselves proved, who were not satisfied with the + + security of the consuls, but compelled the lieutenants-general, quaestors, and + + military tribunes to join them. Let no one, then, demand of me, why I entered + + into such a compact, when neither such power was vested in a consul, and when + + I could not either to them, insure a peace, of which I could not command the + + ratification; or in behalf of you, who had given me no powers. Conscript fathers, + + none of the transactions at Caudium were directed by human wisdom. The immortal + + gods deprived of understanding both your generals and those of the enemy. On + + the one side we acted not with sufficient caution in the war; on the other, + + they threw away a victory, which through our folly they had obtained, while + + they hardly confided in the places, by means of which they had conquered; but + + were in haste, on any terms, to take arms out of the hands of men who were born + + to arms. Had their reason been sound, would it have been difficult, during the + + time which they spent in sending for old men from home to give them advice, + + to send ambassadors to Rome, and to negotiate a peace and treaty with the senate, + + and with the people? It would have been a journey of only three days to expeditious + + travellers. In the interim, matters might have rested under a truce, that is, + + until their ambassadors should have brought from Rome, either certain victory + + or peace. That would have been really a compact, on the faith of sureties, for + + we should have become sureties by order of the people. But, neither would ye + + have passed such an order, nor should we have pledged our faith; nor was it + + right that the affair should have any other issue, than, that they should be + + vainly mocked with a dream, as it were, of greater prosperity than their minds + + were capable of comprehending, and that the same fortune, which had entangled + + our army, should extricate it; that an ineffectual victory should be frustrated + + by a more ineffectual peace; and that a convention, on the faith of a surety, + + should be introduced, which bound no other person beside the surety. For what + + part had ye, conscript fathers; what part had the people, in this affair? Who + + can call upon you? Who can say, that he has been deceived by you? Can the enemy? + + Can a citizen? To the enemy ye engaged nothing. Ye ordered no citizen to engage + + on your behalf. Ye are therefore no way concerned either with us, to whom ye + + gave no commission; nor with the Samnites, with whom ye transacted no business. + + We are sureties to the Samnites; debtors, sufficiently wealthy in that which + + is our own, in that which we can offer--our bodies and our minds. On these, + + let them exercise their cruelty; against these, let them whet their resentment + + and their swords. As to what relates to the tribunes, consider whether the delivering + + them up can be effected at the present time, or if it must be deferred to another + + day. Meanwhile let us, Titus Veturius, and the rest concerned, offer our worthless + + persons, as atonements for the breaking our engagements, and, by our sufferings + + liberate the Roman armies." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">10 </div> + +<a id="a10" /> + +<p>Both these arguments, and, still more, the author of them, powerfully affected + + the senators; as they did likewise every one, not excepting even the tribunes + + of the commons who declared, that they would be directed by the senate. They + + then instantly resigned their office, and were delivered, together with the + + rest, to the heralds, to be conducted to Caudium. On passing this decree of + + the senate, it seemed as if some new light had shone upon the state: Postumius + + was in every mouth: they extolled him to heaven; and pronounced his conduct + + as equal even to the devoting act of the consul Publius Decius, and to other + + illustrious acts. "Through his counsel, and exertions," they said, "the state + + had raised up its head from an ignominious peace. He now offered himself to + + the enemy's rage, and to torments; and was suffering, in atonement for the Roman + + people." All turned their thoughts towards arms and war, [and the general cry + + was,] "When shall we be permitted with arms in our hands to meet the Samnites?" + + While the state glowed with resentment and rancour, the levies were composed + + almost entirely of volunteers. New legions, composed of the former soldiers, + + were quickly formed, and an army marched to Caudium. The heralds, who went before, + + on coming to the gate, ordered the sureties of the peace to be stripped of their + + clothes, and their hands to be tied behind their backs. As the apparitor, out + + of respect to his dignity, was binding Postumius in a loose manner, "Why do + + you not," said he, "draw the cord tight, that the surrender may be regularly + + performed?" Then, when they came into the assembly of the Samnites, and to the + + tribunal of Pontius, Aulus Cornelius Arvina, a herald, pronounced these words: + + "Forasmuch as these men, here present, without orders from the Roman people, + + the Quirites, entered into surety, that a treaty should be made, and have thereby + + rendered themselves criminal; now, in order that the Roman people may be freed + + from the crime of impiety, I here surrender these men into your hands." On the + + herald saying thus, Postumius gave him a stroke on the thigh with his knee, + + as forcibly as he could, and said with a loud voice, that "he was now a citizen + + of Samnium, the other a Roman ambassador; that the herald had been, by him, + + violently ill-treated, contrary to the law of nations; and that his people would + + therefore have the more justice on their side, in waging war." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">11 </div> + +<a id="a11" /> + +<p>Pontius then said, "Neither will I accept such a surrender, nor will the Samnites + + deem it valid. Spurius Postumius, if you believe that there are gods, why do + + you not undo all that has been done, or fulfil your agreement? The Samnite nation + + is entitled, either to all the men whom it had in its power, or, instead of + + them, to a peace. But why do I call on you, who, with as much regard to faith + + as you are able to show, return yourself a prisoner into the hands of the conqueror? + + I call on the Roman people. If they are dissatisfied with the convention made + + at the Caudine forks, let them replace the legions within the defile where they + + were pent up. Let there be no deception on either side. Let all that has been + + done pass as nothing. Let them receive again the army which they surrendered + + by the convention; let them return into their camp. Whatever they were in possession + + of, the day before the conference, let them possess again. Then let war and + + resolute counsels be adopted. Then let the convention, and peace, be rejected. + + Let us carry on the war in the same circumstances, and situations, in which + + we were before peace was mentioned. Let neither the Roman people blame the convention + + of the consuls, nor us the faith of the Roman people. Will ye never want an + + excuse for not standing to the compacts which ye make on being defeated? Ye + + gave hostages to Porsena: ye clandestinely withdrew them. Ye ransomed your state + + from the Gauls, for gold: while they were receiving the gold, they were put + + to the sword. Ye concluded a peace with us, on condition of our restoring your + + captured legions: that peace ye now annul; in fine, ye always spread over your + + fraudulent conduct some show of right. Do the Roman people disapprove of their + + legions being saved by an ignominious peace? Let them have their peace, and + + return the captured legions to the conqueror. This would be conduct consistent + + with faith, with treaties, and with the laws of the heralds. But that you should, + + in consequence of the convention, obtain what you desired, the safety of so + + many of your countrymen, while I obtain not, what I stipulated for on sending + + you back those men, a peace; is this the law which you, Aulus Cornelius, which + + ye, heralds, prescribe to nations? But for my part, I neither accept those men + + whom ye pretend to surrender, nor consider them as surrendered; nor do I hinder + + them from returning into their own country, which stands bound under an actual + + convention, formally entered into carrying with them the wrath of all the gods, + + whose authority is thus baffled. Wage war, since Spurius Postumius has just + + now struck with his knee the herald, in character of ambassador. The gods are + + to believe that Postumius is a citizen of Samnium, not of Rome; and that a Roman + + ambassador has been violated by a Samnite; and that therefore a just war has + + been waged against us by you. That men of years, and of consular dignity, should + + not be ashamed to exhibit such mockery of religion in the face of day! And should + + have recourse to such shallow artifices to palliate their breach of faith, unworthy + + even of children! Go, lictor, take off the bonds from those Romans. Let no one + + delay them from departing when they think proper." Accordingly they returned + + unhurt from Caudium to the Roman camp, having acquitted, certainly, their own + + faith, and perhaps that of the public. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">12 </div> + +<a id="a12" /> + +<p>The Samnites finding that instead of a peace which flattered their pride, the + + war was revived, and with the utmost inveteracy, not only felt, in their minds, + + a foreboding of all the consequences which ensued, but saw them, in a manner, + + before their eyes. They now, too late and in vain, applauded the plans of old + + Pontius, by blundering between which, they had exchanged the possession of victory + + for an uncertain peace; and having lost the opportunity of doing a kindness + + or an injury, were now to fight against men, whom they might have either put + + out of the way, for ever, as enemies; or engaged, for ever, as friends. And + + such was the change which had taken place in men's minds, since the Caudine + + peace, even before any trial of strength had shown an advantage on either side, + + that Postumius, by surrendering himself, had acquired greater renown among the + + Romans, than Pontius among the Samnites, by his bloodless victory. The Romans + + considered their being at liberty to make war, a certain victory; while the + + Samnites supposed the Romans victorious, the moment they resumed their arms. + + Meanwhile, the Satricans revolted to the Samnites, who attacked the colony of + + Fregellae, by a sudden surprise in the night, accompanied, as it appears, by + + the Satricans. From that time until day, their mutual fears kept both parties + + quiet: the daylight was the signal for battle, which the Fregellans contrived + + to maintain, for a considerable time, without loss of ground; both because they + + fought for their religion and liberty; and the multitude, who were unfit to + + bear arms, assisted them from the tops of the houses. At length a stratagem + + gave the advantage to the assailants; for they suffered the voice of a crier + + to be heard proclaiming, that "whoever laid down his arms might retire in safety." + + This relaxed their eagerness in the fight, and they began almost every where + + to throw away their arms. A part, more determined, however, retaining their + + arms, rushed out by the opposite gate, and their boldness brought greater safety + + to them, than their fear, which inclined them to credulity, did to the others: + + for the Samnites, having surrounded the latter with fires, burned them all to + + death, while they made vain appeals to the faith of gods and men. The consuls + + having settled the province between them, Papirius proceeded into Apulia to + + Luceria where the Roman horsemen, given as hostages at Caudium were kept in + + custody: Publilius remained in Samnium, to oppose the Caudine legions. This + + proceeding perplexed the minds of the Samnites: they could not safely determine + + either to go to Luceria, lest the enemy should press on their rear or to remain + + where they were, lest in the mean time Luceria should be lost. They concluded, + + therefore, that it would be most advisable to trust to the decision of fortune, + + and to take the issue of a battle with Publilius: accordingly they drew out + + their forces into the field. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">13 </div> + +<a id="a13" /> + +<p>When Publilius was about to engage, considering it proper to address his soldiers + + first, he ordered an assembly be summoned. But though they ran together to the + + general's quarters with the greatest alacrity, yet so loud were the clamours, + + demanding the fight, that none of the general's exhortations were heard: each + + man's own reflections on the late disgrace served as an exhortation. They advanced + + therefore to battle, urging the standard-bearers to hasten; at rest, in beginning + + the conflict, there should be any delay, in wielding their javelins and then + + drawing their swords, they threw away the former, as if a signal to that purpose + + had been given, and, drawing the latter, rushed in full speed upon the foe. + + Nothing of a general's skill was displayed in forming ranks or reserves; the + + resentment of the troops performed all, with a degree of fury little inferior + + to madness. The enemy, therefore, were not only completely routed, not even + + daring to embarrass their flight by retreating to their camp but dispersing, + + made towards Apulia in scattered parties: afterwards, however, collecting their + + forces into one body, they reached Luceria. The same exasperation, which had + + carried the Romans through the midst of the enemy's line, carried them forward + + also into their camp, where greater carnage was made, and more blood spilt, + + than even in the field, while the greater part of the spoil was destroyed in + + their rage. The other army, with the consul Papirius, had now arrived at Arpi, + + on the sea-coast, having passed without molestation through all the countries + + in their way; which was owing to the ill-treatment received by those people + + from the Samnites, and their hatred towards them, rather than to any favour + + received from the Roman people. For such of the Samnites as dwelt on the mountains + + in separate villages, used to ravage the low lands, and the places on the coast; + + and being mountaineers, and savage themselves, despised the husbandmen who were + + of a gentler kind, and, as generally happens, resembled the district they inhabited. + + Now if this tract had been favourably affected towards the Samnites, either + + the Roman army could have been prevented from reaching Arpi, or, as it lay between + + Rome and Arpi, it might have intercepted the convoys of provisions, and utterly + + destroyed them by the consequent scarcity of all necessaries. Even as it was, + + when they went from thence to Luceria, both the besiegers and the besieged were + + distressed equally by want. Every kind of supplies was brought to the Romans + + from Arpi; but in so very scanty proportion, that the horsemen had to carry + + corn from thence to the camp, in little bags, for the foot, who were employed + + in the outposts, watches, and works; and sometimes falling in with the enemy, + + they were obliged to throw the corn from off their horses, in order to fight. + + Before the arrival of the other consul and his victorious army, both provisions + + had been brought in to the Samnites, and reinforcements conveyed in to them + + from the mountains; but the coming of Publilius contracted all their resources; + + for, committing the siege to the care of his colleague, and keeping himself + + disengaged, he threw every difficulty in the way of the enemy's convoys. There + + being therefore little hope for the besieged, or that they would be able much + + longer to endure want, the Samnites, encamped at Luceria, were obliged to collect + + their forces from every side, and come to an engagement with Papirius. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">14 </div> + +<a id="a14" /> + +<p>At this juncture, while both parties were preparing for an action, ambassadors + + from the Tarentines interposed, requiring both Samnites and Romans to desist + + from war; with menaces, that "if either refused to agree to a cessation of hostilities, + + they would join their arms with the other party against them." Papirius, on + + hearing the purport of their embassy, as if influenced by their words, answered, + + that he would consult his colleague: he then sent for him, employing the intermediate + + time in the necessary preparations; and when he had conferred with him on a + + matter, about which no doubt was entertained, he made the signal for battle. + + While the consuls were employed in performing the religious rites and the other + + usual business preparatory to an engagement the Tarentine ambassadors put themselves + + in their way, expecting an answer: to whom Papirius said, "Tarentines, the priest + + reports that the auspices are favourable, and that our sacrifices have been + + attended with excellent omens: under the direction of the gods, we are proceeding, + + as you see, to action." He then ordered the standards to move, and led out the + + troops; thus rebuking the exorbitant arrogance of that nation, which at a time + + when, through intestine discord and sedition, it was unequal to the management + + of its own affairs, yet presumed to prescribe the bounds of peace and war to + + others. On the other side, the Samnites, who had neglected every preparation + + for fighting, either because they were really desirous of peace, or it seemed + + their interest to pretend to be so, in order to conciliate the favour of the + + Tarentines, when they saw, on a sudden, the Romans drawn up for battle, cried + + out, that "they would continue to be directed by the Tarentines, and would neither + + march out, nor carry their arms beyond the rampart. That if deceived, they would + + rather endure any consequence which chance may bring, than show contempt to + + the Tarentines, the advisers of peace." The consuls said that "they embraced + + the omen, and prayed that the enemy might continue in the resolution of not + + even defending their rampart." Then, dividing the forces between them, they + + advanced to the works; and, making an assault on every side at once, while some + + filled up the trenches, others tore down the rampart, and tumbled it into the + + trench. All were stimulated, not only by their native courage, but by the resentment + + which, since their disgrace, had been festering in their breasts. They made + + their way into the camp; where, every one repeating, that here was not Caudium, + + nor the forks, nor the impassable glens, where cunning haughtily triumphed over + + error; but Roman valour, which no rampart nor trench could ward off;--they slew, + + without distinction, those who resisted and those who fled, the armed and unarmed, + + freemen and slaves, young and old, men and cattle. Nor would a single animal + + have escaped, had not the consuls given the signal for retreat; and, by commands + + and threats, forced out of the camp the soldiers, greedy of slaughter. As they + + were highly incensed at being thus interrupted in the gratification of their + + vengeance, a speech was immediately addressed to them, assuring the soldiers, + + that "the consuls neither did nor would fall short of any one of the soldiers, + + in hatred toward the enemy; on the contrary, as they led the way in battle, + + so would they have done the same in executing unbounded vengeance, had not the + + consideration of the six hundred horsemen, who were confined as hostages in + + Luceria, restrained their inclinations; lest total despair of pardon might drive + + on the enemy blindly to take vengeance on them, eager to destroy them before + + they themselves should perish." The soldiers highly applauded this conduct, + + and rejoiced that their resentment had been checked, and acknowledged that every + + thing ought to be endured, rather than that the safety of so many Roman youths + + of the first distinction should be brought into danger. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">15 </div> + +<a id="a15" /> + +<p>The assembly being then dismissed, a consultation was held, whether they should + + press forward the siege of Luceria, with all their forces; or, whether with + + one of the commanders, and his army, trial should be made of the Apulians, a + + nation in the neighbourhood still doubtful. The consul Publilius set out to + + make a circuit through Apulia, and in the one expedition either reduced by force, + + or received into alliance on conditions, a considerable number of the states. + + Papirius likewise, who had remained to prosecute the siege of Luceria, soon + + found the event agreeable to his hopes: for all the roads being blocked up through + + which provisions used to be conveyed from Samnium, the Samnites, who were in + + garrison, were reduced so low by famine, that they sent ambassadors to the Roman + + consul, proposing that he should raise the siege, on receiving the horsemen + + who were the cause of the war, to whom Papirius returned this answer, that "they + + ought to have consulted Pontius, son of Herennius, by whose advice they had + + sent the Romans under the yoke, what treatment he thought fitting for the conquered + + to undergo. But since, instead of offering fair terms themselves, they chose + + rather that they should be imposed on them by their enemies, he desired them + + to carry back orders to the troops in Luceria, that they should leave within + + the walls their arms, baggage, beasts of burthen, and all persons unfit for + + war. The soldiers he would send under the yoke with single garments, retaliating + + the disgrace formerly inflicted, not inflicting a new one." The terms were not + + rejected. Seven thousand soldiers were sent under the yoke, and an immense booty + + was seized in Luceria, all the standards and arms which they had lost at Caudium + + being recovered; and, what greatly surpassed all their joy, recovered the horsemen + + whom the Samnites had sent to Luceria to be kept as pledges of the peace. Hardly + + ever did the Romans gain a victory more distinguished for the sudden reverse + + produced in the state of their affairs; especially if it be true, as I find + + in some annals, that Pontius, son of Herennius, the Samnite general, was sent + + under the yoke along with the rest, to atone for the disgrace of the consuls. + + I think it indeed more strange that there should exist any doubt whether it + + was Lucius Cornelius, in quality of dictator, Lucius Papirius Cursor being master + + of the horse, who performed these achievements at Caudium, and afterwards at + + Luceria, as the single avenger of the disgrace of the Romans, enjoying the best + + deserved triumph, perhaps, next to that of Furius Camillus, which had ever yet + + been obtained; or whether that honour belongs to the consuls, and particularly + + to Papirius. This uncertainty is followed by another, whether, at the next election, + + Papirius Cursor was chosen consul a third time, with Quintus Aulus Ceretanus + + a second time, being re-elected in requital of his services at Luceria; or whether + + it was Lucius Papirius Mugillanus, the surname being mistaken. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">16 </div> + +<a id="a16" /> + +<p>From henceforth, the accounts are clear, that the other wars were conducted + + to a conclusion by the consuls. Aulius by one successful battle, entirely conquered + + the Forentans. The city, to which their army had retreated after its defeat, + + surrendered on terms, hostages having been demanded. With similar success the + + other consul conducted his operations against the Satricans; who, though Roman + + citizens, had, after the misfortune at Caudium, revolted to the Samnites, and + + received a garrison into their city. The Satricans, however, when the Roman + + army approached their walls, sent deputies to sue for peace, with humble entreaties; + + to whom the consul answered harshly, that "they must not come again to him, + + unless they either put to death, or delivered up, the Samnite garrison:" by + + which terms greater terror was struck into the colonists than by the arms with + + which they were threatened. The deputies, accordingly, several times asking + + the consul, how he thought that they, who were few and weak, could attempt to + + use force against a garrison so strong and well-armed: he desired them to "seek + + counsel from those, by whose advice they had received that garrison into the + + city." They then departed, and returned to their countrymen, having obtained + + from the consul, with much difficulty, permission to consult their senate on + + the matter, and bring back their answer to him. Two factions divided the senate; + + one that whose leaders had been the authors of the defection from the Roman + + people, the other consisted of the citizens who retained their loyalty; both, + + however, showed an earnest desire, that every means should be used towards effecting + + an accommodation with the consul for the restoration of peace. As the Samnite + + garrison, being in no respect prepared for holding out a siege, intended to + + retire the next night out of the town, one party thought it sufficient to discover + + to the consul, at what hour, through what gate, and by what road, his enemy + + was to march out. The other, against whose wishes defection to the Samnites + + had occurred, even opened one of the gates for the consul in the night, secretly + + admitting the armed enemy into the town. In consequence of this twofold treachery, + + the Samnite garrison was surprised and overpowered by an ambush, placed in the + + woody places, near the road; and, at the same time, a shout was raised in the + + city, which was now filled with the enemy. Thus, in the short space of one hour, + + the Samnites were put to the sword, the Satricans made prisoners, and all things + + reduced under the power of the consul; who, having instituted an inquiry by + + whose means the revolt had taken place, scourged with rods and beheaded such + + as he found to be guilty; and then, disarming the Satricans, he placed a strong + + garrison in the place. On this those writers state, that Papirius Cursor proceeded + + to Rome to celebrate his triumph, who say, that it was under his guidance Luceria + + was retaken, and the Samnites sent under the yoke. Undoubtedly, as a warrior, + + he was deserving of every military praise, excelling not only in vigour of mind, + + but likewise in strength of body. He possessed extraordinary swiftness of foot, + + surpassing every one of his age in running, from whence came the surname into + + his family; and he is said, either from the robustness of his frame, or from + + much practice, to have been able to digest a very large quantity of food and + + wine. Never did either the foot-soldier or horseman feel military service more + + laborious, under any general, because he was of a constitution not to be overcome + + by fatigue. The cavalry, on some occasion, venturing to request that, in consideration + + of their good behaviour, he would excuse them some part of their business, he + + told them, "Ye should not say that no indulgence has been granted you,--I excuse + + you from rubbing your horses' backs when ye dismount." He supported also the + + authority of command, in all its vigour, both among the allies and his countrymen. + + The praetor of Praeneste, through fear, had been tardy in bringing forward his + + men from the reserve to the front: he, walking before his tent, ordered him + + to be called, and then bade the lictor to make ready his axe, on which, the + + Praenestine standing frightened almost to death, he said, "Here, lictor, cut + + away this stump, it is troublesome to people as they walk;" and, after thus + + alarming him with the dread of the severest punishment, he imposed a fine and + + dismissed him. It is beyond doubt, that during that age, than which none was + + ever more productive of virtuous characters, there was no man in whom the Roman + + affairs found a more effectual support; nay, people even marked him out, in + + their minds, as a match for Alexander the Great, in case that, having completed + + the conquest of Asia, he should have turned his arms on Europe. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">17 </div> + +<a id="a17" /> + +<p>Nothing can be found farther from my intention, since the commencement of this + + history, than to digress, more than necessity required, from the course of narration; + + and, by embellishing my work with variety, to seek pleasing resting-places, + + as it were, for my + + readers, and relaxation for my own mind: nevertheless, the mention + of so great a king and commander, now [editorial note: there is + reason to believe that one or two lines of text might be missing at + this point] calls forth to public view those silent reflections, + whom Alexander must have fought. Manlius Torquatus, had he met + him in the field, might, perhaps, have yielded to Alexander in + discharging military duties in battle (for these also render + him no less illustrious); and so might Valerius Corvus; men who + were distinguished soldiers, before they became commanders. The same, + + too, might have been the case with the Decii, who, after + + devoting their persons, rushed upon the enemy; or of Papirius Cursor, though + + possessed of such powers, both of body and mind. By the counsels of one youth, + + it is possible the wisdom of a whole senate, not to mention individuals, might + + have been baffled, [consisting of such members,] that he alone, who declared + + that "it consisted of kings," conceived a correct idea of a Roman senate. But + + then the danger was, that with more judgment than any one of those whom I have + + named he might choose ground for an encampment, provide supplies, guard against + + stratagems, distinguish the season for fighting, form his line of battle, or + + strengthen it properly with reserves. He would have owned that he was not dealing + + with Darius, who drew after him a train of women and eunuchs; saw nothing about + + him but gold and purple; was encumbered with the trappings of his state, and + + should be called his prey, rather than his antagonist; whom therefore he vanquished + + without loss of blood and had no other merit, on the occasion, than that of + + showing a proper spirit in despising empty show. The aspect of Italy would have + + appeared to him of a quite different nature from that of India, which he traversed + + in the guise of a traveller, at the head of a crew of drunkards, if he had seen + + the forests of Apulia, and the mountains of Lucania, with the vestiges of the + + disasters of his house, and where his uncle Alexander, king of Epirus, had been + + lately cut off. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">18 </div> + +<a id="a18" /> + +<p>We are now speaking of Alexander not yet intoxicated by prosperity, the seductions + + of which no man was less capable of withstanding. But, if he is to be judged + + from the tenor of his conduct in the new state of his fortune, and from the + + new disposition, as I may say, which he put on after his successes, he would + + have entered Italy more like Darius than Alexander; and would have brought thither + + an army that had forgotten Macedonia, and were degenerating into the manners + + of the Persians. It is painful, in speaking of so great a king, to recite his + + ostentatious change of dress; of requiring that people should address him with + + adulation, prostrating themselves on the ground, a practice insupportable to + + the Macedonians, had they even been conquered, much more so when they were victorious; + + the shocking cruelty of his punishments; his murdering his friends in the midst + + of feasting and wine; with the folly of his fiction respecting his birth. What + + must have been the consequence, if his love of wine had daily become more intense? + + if his fierce and uncontrollable anger? And as I mention not any one circumstance + + of which there is a doubt among writers, do we consider these as no disparagements + + to the qualifications of a commander? But then, as is frequently repeated by + + the silliest of the Greeks, who are fond of exalting the reputation, even of + + the Parthians, at the expense of the Roman name, the danger was that the Roman + + people would not have had resolution to bear up against the splendour of Alexander's + + name, who, however, in my opinion, was not known to them even by common fame; + + and while, in Athens, a state reduced to weakness by the Macedonian arms, which + + at the very time saw the ruins of Thebes smoking in its neighbourhood, men had + + spirit enough to declaim with freedom against him, as is manifest from the copies + + of their speeches, which have been preserved; [we are to be told] that out of + + such a number of Roman chiefs, no one would have freely uttered his sentiments. + + How great soever our idea of this man's greatness may be, still it is the greatness + + of an individual, constituted by the successes of a little more than ten years; + + and those who give it pre-eminence on account that the Roman people have been + + defeated, though not in any entire war, yet in several battles, whereas Alexander + + was never once unsuccessful in a single fight, do not consider that they are + + comparing the actions of one man, and that a young man, with the exploits of + + a nation waging wars now eight hundred years. Can we wonder if, when on the + + one side more ages are numbered than years on the other, fortune varied more + + in so long a lapse of time than in the short term of thirteen years? [<a href="#foot2">2</a>] + + But why not compare the success of one general with that of another? How many + + Roman commanders might I name who never lost a battle? In the annals of the + + magistrates, and the records, we may run over whole pages of consuls and dictators, + + with whose bravery, and successes also, the Roman people never once had reason + + to be dissatisfied. And what renders them more deserving of admiration than + + Alexander, or any king, is, that some of these acted in the office of dictator, + + which lasted only ten, or it might be twenty days, none, in a charge of longer + + duration than the consulship of a year; their levies obstructed by plebeian + + tribunes; often late in taking the field; recalled, before the time, on account + + of elections; amidst the very busiest efforts of the campaign, their year of + + office expired; sometimes the rashness, sometimes the perverseness of a colleague, + + proving an impediment or detriment; and finally succeeding to the unfortunate + + administration of a predecessor, with an army of raw or ill-disciplined men. + + But, on the other hand, kings, being not only free from every kind of impediment, + + but masters of circumstances and seasons, control all things in subserviency + + to their designs, themselves uncontrolled by any. So that Alexander, unconquered, + + would have encountered unconquered commanders; and would have had stakes of + + equal consequence pledged on the issue. Nay, the hazard had been greater on + + his side; because the Macedonians would have had but one Alexander, who was + + not only liable, but fond of exposing himself to casualties; the Romans would + + have had many equal to Alexander, both in renown, and in the greatness of their + + exploits; any one of whom might live or die according to his destiny, without + + any material consequence to the public. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">19 </div> + +<a id="a19" /> + +<p>It remains that the forces be compared together, with respect to their numbers, + + the quality of the men, and the supplies of auxiliaries. Now, in the general + + surveys of the age, there were rated two hundred and fifty thousand men, so + + that, on every revolt of the Latin confederates, ten legions were enlisted almost + + entirely in the city levy. It often happened during those years, that four or + + five armies were employed at a time, in Etruria, in Umbria, the Gauls too being + + at war, in Samnium, in Lucania. Then as to all Latium, with the Sabines, and + + Volscians, the Aequans, and all Campania; half of Umbria, Etruria, and the Picentians, + + Marsians, Pelignians, Vestinians, and Apulians; to whom may add, the whole coast + + of the lower sea, possessed by the Greeks, from Thurii to Neapolis and Cumae; + + and the Samnites from thence as far as Antium and Ostia: all these he would + + have found either powerful allies to the Romans or deprived of power by their + + arms. He would have crossed the sea with his veteran Macedonians, amounting + + to no more than thirty thousand infantry and four thousand horse, these mostly + + Thessalians. This was the whole of his strength. Had he brought with him Persians + + and Indians, and those other nations, it would be dragging after him an encumbrance + + other than a support. Add to this, that the Romans, being at home, would have + + had recruits at hand: Alexander, waging war in a foreign country, would have + + found his army worn out with long service, as happened afterwards to Hannibal. + + As to arms, theirs were a buckler and long spears; those of the Romans, a shield, + + which covered the body more effectually, and a javelin, a much more forcible + + weapon than the spear, either in throwing or striking. The soldiers, on both + + sides, were used to steady combat, and to preserve their ranks. But the Macedonian + + phalanx was unapt for motion, and composed of similar parts throughout: the + + Roman line less compact, consisting of several various parts, was easily divided + + as occasion required, and as easily conjoined. Then what soldier is comparable + + to the Roman in the throwing up of works? who better calculated to endure fatigue? + + Alexander, if overcome in one battle, would have been overcome in war. The Roman, + + whom Claudium, whom Cannae, did not crush, what line of battle could crush? + + In truth, even should events have been favourable to him at first, he would + + have often wished for the Persians, the Indians, and the effeminate tribes of + + Asia, as opponents; and would have acknowledged, that his wars had been waged + + with women, as we are told was said by Alexander, king of Epirus, after receiving + + his mortal wound, when comparing the wars waged in Asia by this very youth, + + with those in which himself had been engaged. Indeed, when I reflect that, in + + the first Punic war, a contest was maintained by the Romans with the Carthaginians, + + at sea, for twenty-four years, I can scarcely suppose that the life of Alexander + + would have been long enough for the finishing of one war [with either of those + + nations]. And perhaps, as both the Punic state was united to the Roman by ancient + + treaties, and as similar apprehensions might arm against a common foe those + + two nations the most potent of the time in arms and in men, he might have been + + overwhelmed in a Punic and a Roman war at once. The Romans have had experience + + of the boasted prowess of the Macedonians in arms, not indeed under Alexander + + as their general, or when their power was at the height, but in the wars against + + Antiochus, Philip, and Perses; and not only not with any losses, but not even + + with any danger to themselves. Let not my assertion give offence, nor our civil + + wars be brought into mention; never were we worsted by an enemy's cavalry, never + + by their infantry, never in open fight, never on equal ground, much less when + + the ground was favourable. Our soldiers, heavy laden with arms, may reasonably + + fear a body of cavalry, or arrows; defiles of difficult passage, and places + + impassable to convoys. But they have defeated, and will defeat a thousand armies, + + more formidable than those of Alexander and the Macedonians, provided that the + + same love of peace and solicitude about domestic harmony, in which we now live, + + continue permanent. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">20 </div> + +<a id="a20" /> + +<p>Marcus Foslius Flaccinator and Lucius Plautius Venno were the next raised to + + the consulship. In this year ambassadors came from most of the states of the + + Samnites to procure a renewal of the treaty; and, after they had moved the compassion + + of the senate, by prostrating themselves before them, on being referred to the + + people, they found not their prayers so efficacious. The treaty therefore, being + + refused, after they had importuned them individually for several days, was obtained. + + The Teaneans likewise, and Canusians of Apulia, worn out by the devastations + + of their country, surrendered themselves to the consul, Lucius Plautius, and + + gave hostages. This year praefects first began to be created for Capua, and + + a code of laws was given to that nation, by Lucius Furius the praetor; both + + in compliance with their own request, as a remedy for the disorder of their + + affairs, occasioned by intestine dissensions. At Rome, two additional tribes + + were constituted, the Ufentine and Falerine. On the affairs of Apulia falling + + into decline, the Teatians of that country came to the new consuls, Caius Junius + + Bubulcus, and Quintus Aemilius Barbula, suing for an alliance; and engaging, + + that peace should be observed towards the Romans through every part of Apulia. + + By pledging themselves boldly for this, they obtained the grant of an alliance, + + not however on terms of equality, but of their submitting to the dominion of + + the Roman people. Apulia being entirely reduced, (for Junius had also gained + + possession of Forentum, a town of great strength,) the consuls advanced into + + Lucania; there Nerulum was surprised and stormed by the sudden advance of the + + consul Aemilius. When fame had spread abroad among the allies, how firmly the + + affairs of Capua were settled by [the introduction of] the Roman institutions, + + the Antians, imitating the example, presented a complaint of their being without + + laws, and without magistrates; on which the patrons of the colony itself were + + appointed by the senate to form a body of laws for it. Thus not only the arms, + + but the laws, of Rome became extensively prevalent. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">21 </div> + +<a id="a21" /> + +<p>The consuls, Caius Junius Bubulcus and Quintus Aemilius Barbula, at the conclusion + + of the year, delivered over the legions, not to the consuls elected by themselves, + + who were Spurius Nautius and Marcus Popillius, but to a dictator, Lucius Aemilius. + + He, with Lucius Fulvius, master of the horse, having commenced to lay siege + + to Saticula, gave occasion to the Samnites of reviving hostilities. Hence a + + twofold alarm was occasioned to the Roman army. On one side, the Samnites having + + collected a numerous force to relieve their allies from the siege, pitched their + + camp at a small distance from that of the Romans: on the other side, the Saticulans, + + opening suddenly their gates, ran up with violent tumult to the posts of the + + enemy. Afterwards, each party, relying on support from the other, more than + + on its own strength, formed a regular attack, and pressed on the Romans. The + + dictator, on his part, though obliged to oppose two enemies at once, yet had + + his line secure on both sides; for he both chose a position not easily surrounded, + + and also formed two different fronts. However, he directed his greater efforts + + against those who had sallied from the town, and, without much resistance, drove + + them back within the walls. He then turned his whole force against the Samnites: + + there he found greater difficulty. But the victory, though long delayed, was + + neither doubtful nor alloyed by losses. The Samnites, being forced to fly into + + their camp, extinguished their fires at night, and marched away in silence; + + and renouncing all hopes of relieving Saticula, sat themselves down before Plistia, + + which was in alliance with the Romans, that they might, if possible, retort + + equal vexation on their enemy. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">22 </div> + +<a id="a22" /> + +<p>The year coming to a conclusion, the war was thenceforward conducted by a dictator, + + Quintius Fabius. The new consuls, Lucius Papirius Cursor and Quintus Publilius + + Philo, both a fourth time, as the former had done, remained at Rome. Fabius + + came with a reinforcement to Saticula, to receive the army from Aemilius. For + + the Samnites had not continued before Plistia; but having sent for a new supply + + of men from home, and relying on their numbers, had encamped in the same spot + + as before; and, by provoking the Romans to battle, endeavoured to divert them + + from the siege. The dictator, so much the more intently, pushed forward his + + operations against the fortifications of the enemy; considering that only as + + war which was directed against the city, and showing an indifference with respect + + to the Samnites, except that he placed guards in proper places, to prevent any + + attempt on his camp. The more furiously did the Samnites ride up to the rampart, + + and allowed him no quiet. When the enemy were now come up close to the gates + + of the camp, Quintus Aulius Cerretanus, master of the horse, without consulting + + the dictator, sallied out furiously at the head of all the troops of cavalry, + + and drove back the enemy. In this desultory kind of fight, fortune worked up + + the strength of the combatants in such a manner, as to occasion an extraordinary + + loss on both sides, and the remarkable deaths of the commanders themselves. + + First, the general of the Samnites, indignant at being repulsed, and compelled + + to fly from a place to which he had advanced so confidently, by entreating and + + exhorting his horsemen, renewed the battle. As he was easily distinguished among + + the horsemen, while he urged on the fight, the Roman master of the horse galloped + + up against him, with his spear directed, so furiously, that, with one stroke, + + he tumbled him lifeless from his horse. The multitude, however, were not, as + + is generally the case, dismayed by the fall of their leader, but rather raised + + to fury. All who were within reach darted their weapons at Aulius, who incautiously + + pushed forward among the enemy's troops; but the chief share of the honour of + + revenging the death of the Samnite general they assigned to his brother; he, + + urged by rage and grief, dragged down the victorious master of the horse from + + his seat, and slew him. Nor were the Samnites far from obtaining his body also, + + as he had fallen among the enemies' troops: but the Romans instantly dismounted, + + and the Samnites were obliged to do the same; and lines being thus formed suddenly + + but, at the same time, untenable through scarcity of necessaries: "for all the + + country round, from which provisions could be supplied, has revolted; and besides, + + even were the inhabitants disposed to aid us, the ground is unfavourable. I + + will not therefore mislead you by leaving a camp here, into which ye may retreat, + + as on a former day, without completing the victory. Works ought to be secured + + by arms, not arms by works. Let those keep a camp, and repair to it, whose interest + + it is to protract the war; but let us cut off from ourselves every other prospect + + but that of conquering. Advance the standards against the enemy; as soon as + + the troops shall have marched beyond the rampart, let those who have it in orders + + burn the camp. Your losses, soldiers, shall be compensated with the spoil of + + all the nations round who have revolted." The soldiers advanced against the + + enemy with spirit inflamed by the dictator's discourse, which seemed indication + + of an extreme necessity; and, at the same time, the very sight of the camp burning + + behind them, though the nearest part only was set on fire, (for so the dictator + + had ordered,) was small incitement: rushing on therefore like madmen, they disordered + + the enemy's battalions at the very first onset; and the master of the horse, + + when he saw at a distance the fire in the camp, which was a signal agreed on, + + made a seasonable attack on their rear. The Samnites, thus surrounded on either + + side, fled different ways. A vast number, who had gathered into a body through + + fear, yet from confusion incapable of fleeing, were surrounded and cut to pieces. + + The enemy's camp was taken and plundered; and the soldiers being laden with + + spoil, the dictator led them back to the Roman camp, highly rejoiced at the + + success, but by no means so much as at finding, contrary to their expectation, + + every thing there safe, except a small part only, which was injured or destroyed + + by the fire. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">24 </div> + +<a id="a24" /> + +<p>They then marched back to Sora; and the new consuls, Marcus Poetelius and Caius + + Sulpicius, receive the army from the dictator Fabius, discharging a great part + + of the veteran soldiers, having brought with them new cohorts to supply their + + place. Now while, on account of the dire situation of the city, no certain mode + + of attack could be devised, and success must either be distant in time, or at + + desperate risk; a deserter from Sora came out of the town privately by night, + + and when he had got as far as the Roman watches, desired to be conducted instantly + + to the consuls: which being complied with, he made them an offer of delivering + + the place into their hands. When he answered their questions, respecting the + + means by which he intended to make good his promise, appearing to state a project + + by no means idle, he persuaded them to remove the Roman camp, which was almost + + close to the walls, to the distance of six miles; that the consequence would + + be that this would render the guards by day, and the watches by night, the less + + vigilant. He then desired that some cohorts should post themselves the following + + night in the woody places under the town, and took with himself ten chosen soldiers, + + through steep and almost impassable ways, into the citadel, where a quantity + + of missive weapons had been collected, larger than bore proportion to the number + + of men. There were stones besides, some lying at random, as in all craggy places, + + and others heaped up designedly by the townsmen, to add to the security of the + + place. Having posted the Romans here, and shown them a steep and narrow path + + leading up from the town to the citadel--"From this ascent," said he, "even + + three armed men would keep off any multitude whatever. Now ye are ten in number; + + and, what is more, Romans, and the bravest among the Romans. The night is in + + your favour, which, from the uncertainty it occasions, magnifies every object + + to people once alarmed. I will immediately fill every place with terror: be + + ye alert in defending the citadel." He then ran down in haste, crying aloud, + + "To arms, citizens, we are undone, the citadel is taken by the enemy; run, defend + + it." This he repeated, as he passed the doors of the principal men, the same + + to all whom he met, and also to those who ran out in a fright into the streets. + + The alarm, communicated first by one, was soon spread by numbers through all + + the city. The magistrates, dismayed on hearing from scouts that the citadel + + was full of arms and armed men, whose number they multiplied, laid aside all + + hopes of recovering it. All places are filled with terror: the gates are broken + + open by persons half asleep, and for the most part unarmed, through one of which + + the body of Roman troops, roused by the noise, burst in, and slew the terrified + + inhabitants, who attempted to skirmish in the streets. Sora was now taken, when, + + at the first light, the consuls arrived, and accepted the surrender of those + + whom fortune had left remaining after the flight and slaughter of the night. + + Of these, they conveyed in chains to Rome two hundred and twenty-five, whom + + all men agreed in pointing out as the authors, both of the revolt, and also + + of the horrid massacre of the colonists. The rest they left in safety at Sora, + + a garrison being placed there. All those who were brought to Rome were beaten + + with rods in the forum, and beheaded, to the great joy of the commons, whose + + interest it most highly concerned, that the multitudes, sent to various places + + in colonies should be in safety. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">25 </div> + +<a id="a25" /> + +<p>The consuls, leaving Sora, turned their warlike operations against the lands + + and cities of the Ausonians; for all places had been set in commotion by the + + coming of the Samnites, when the battle was fought at Lautulae: conspiracies + + likewise had been formed in several parts of Campania; nor was Capua itself + + clear of the charge: nay, the business spread even to Rome, and inquiries came + + to be instituted respecting some of the principal men there. However, the Ausonian + + nation fell into the Roman power, in the same manner as Sora, by their cities + + being betrayed: these were Ausona Minturnae, and Vescia. Certain young men, + + of the principal families, twelve in number, having conspired to betray their + + respective cities, came to the consuls; they informed them that their countrymen, + + who had for a long time before honestly wished for the coming of the Samnites, + + on hearing of the battle at Lautulae, had looked on the Romans as defeated, + + and had assisted the Samnites with supplies of young men and arms; but that, + + since the Samnites had been beaten out of the country, they were wavering between + + peace and war, not shutting their gates against the Romans, lest they should + + thereby invite an attack; yet determined to shut them if an army should approach; + + that in that fluctuating state they might easily be overpowered by surprise. + + By these men's advice the camp was moved nearer; and soldiers were sent, at + + the same time, to each of the three towns; some armed, who were to lie concealed + + in places near the walls; others, in the garb of peace, with swords hidden under + + their clothes, when, on the opening of the gates at the approach of day, were + + to enter into the cities. These latter began with killing the guards; at the + + same time, a signal was made to the men with arms, to hasten up from the ambuscades. + + Thus the gates were seized, and the three towns taken in the same hour and by + + the same device. But as the attacks were made in the absence of the generals, + + there were no bounds to the carnage which ensued; and the nation of the Ausonians, + + when there was scarcely any clear proof of the charge of its having revolted, + + was utterly destroyed, as if it had supported a contest through a deadly war. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">26 </div> + +<a id="a26" /> + +<p>During this year, Luceria fell into the hands of the Samnites, the Roman garrison + + being betrayed to the enemy. This matter did not long go unpunished with the + + traitors: the Roman army was not far off, by whom the city, which lay in a plain, + + was taken at the first onset. The Lucerians and Samnites were to a man put to + + the sword; and to such a length was resentment carried, that at Rome, on the + + senate being consulted about sending a colony to Luceria, many voted for the + + demolition of it. Besides, their hatred was of the bitterest kind, against a + + people whom they had been obliged twice to subdue by arms; the great distance, + + also, made them averse from sending away their citizens among nations so ill-affected + + towards them. However the resolution was carried, that the colonists should + + be sent; and accordingly two thousand five hundred were transported thither. + + This year, when all places were becoming disaffected to the Romans, secret conspiracies + + were formed among the leading men at Capua, as well as at other places; a motion + + concerning which being laid before the senate, the matter was by no means neglected. + + Inquiries were decreed, and it was resolved that a dictator should be appointed + + to enforce these inquiries. Caius Maenius was accordingly nominated, and he + + appointed Marcus Foslius master of the horse. People's dread of that office + + was very great, insomuch that the Calavii, Ovius and Novius, who were the heads + + of the conspiracy, either through fear of the dictator's power, or the consciousness + + of guilt, previous to the charge against them being laid in form before him, + + avoided, as appeared beyond doubt, trial by a voluntary death. As the subject + + of the inquiry in Campania was thus removed, the proceedings were then directed + + towards Rome: by construing the order of the senate to have meant, that inquiry + + should be made, not specially who at Capua, but generally who at any place had + + caballed or conspired against the state; for that cabals, for the attaining + + of honours, were contrary to the edicts of the state. The inquiry was extended + + to a greater latitude, with respect both to the matter, and to the kind of persons + + concerned, the dictator scrupling not to avow, that his power of research was + + unlimited: in consequence, some of the nobility were called to account; and + + though they applied to the tribunes for protection, no one interposed in their + + behalf, or to prevent the charges from being received. On this the nobles, not + + those only against whom the charge was levelled, but the whole body jointly + + insisted that such an imputation lay not against the nobles, to whom the way + + to honours lay open if not obstructed by fraud, but against the new men: so + + that even the dictator and master of the horse, with respect to that question, + + would appear more properly as culprits than suitable inquisitors; and this they + + should know as soon as they went out of office. Then indeed Maenius, who was + + more solicitous about his character than his office, advanced into the assembly + + and spoke to this effect, "Romans, both of my past life ye are all witnesses; + + and this honourable office, which ye conferred on me, is in itself a testimony + + of my innocence. For the dictator, proper to be chosen for holding these inquiries, + + was not, as on many other occasions, where the exigencies of the state so required, + + the man who was most renowned in war; but him whose counsel of life was most + + remote from such cabals. But certain of the nobility (for what reason it is + + more proper that ye should judge than that I, as a magistrate, should, without + + proof, insinuate) have laboured to stifle entirely the inquiries; and then, + + finding their strength unequal to it, rather than stand a trial have fled for + + refuge to the stronghold of their adversaries, an appeal and the support of + + the tribunes; and on being there also repulsed, (so fully were they persuaded + + that every other measure was safer than the attempt to clear themselves,) have + + made an attack upon us; and, though in private characters have not been ashamed + + of instituting a criminal process against a dictator. Now, that gods and men + + may perceive that they to avoid a scrutiny as to their own conduct, attempt + + even things which are impossible, and that I willingly meet the charge, and + + face the accusations of my enemies, I divest myself of the dictatorship. And, + + consuls, I beseech you, that if this business is put into your hands by the + + senate, ye make me and Marcus Foslius the first objects of our your examinations; + + that it may be manifested that we are safe from such imputations by our own + + innocence, not by the dignity of office." He then abdicated the dictatorship, + + as did Marcus Foslius, immediately after, his office of master of the horse; + + and being the first brought to trial before the consuls, for to them the senate + + had committed the business, they were most honourably acquitted of all the charges + + brought by the nobles. Even Publilius Philo, who had so often been invested + + with the highest honours, and had performed so many eminent services, both at + + home and abroad, being disagreeable to the nobility, was brought to trial, and + + acquitted. Nor did the inquiry continue respectable on account of the illustrious + + names of the accused, longer than while it was new, which is usually the case; + + it then began to descend to persons of inferior rank; and, at length, was suppressed, + + by means of those factions and cabals against which it had been instituted. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">27 </div> + +<a id="a27" /> + +<p>The accounts received of these matters, but more especially the hope of a revolt + + in Campania, for which a conspiracy had been formed, recalled the Samnites, + + who were turning towards Apulia, back to Caudium; so that from thence, being + + near, they might, if any commotion should open them an opportunity, snatch Capua + + out of the hands of the Romans. To the same place the consuls repaired with + + a powerful army. They both held back for some time, on the different sides of + + the defiles, the roads being dangerous to either party. Then the Samnites, making + + a short circuit through an open tract, marched down their troops into level + + ground in the Campanian plains, and there the hostile camps first came within + + view of each other. Trial of their strength in slight skirmishes was made on + + both sides, more frequently between the horse than the foot; and the Romans + + were no way dissatisfied either at the issue of these, or at the delay by which + + they protracted the war. The Samnite generals, on the contrary, considered that + + their battalions were becoming weakened daily by small losses, and the general + + vigour abated by prolonging the war. They therefore marched into the field, + + disposing their cavalry on both wings, with orders to give more heedful attention + + to the camp behind than to the battle; for that the line of infantry would be + + able to provide for their own safety. The consuls took post, Sulpicius on the + + right wing, Poetelius on the left. The right wing was stretched out wider than + + usual, where the Samnites also stood formed in thin ranks, either with design + + of turning the flank of the enemy, or to avoid being themselves surrounded. + + On the left, besides that they were formed in more compact order, an addition + + was made to their strength, by a sudden act of the consul Poetelius; for the + + subsidiary cohorts, which were usually reserved for the exigencies of a tedious + + fight, he brought up immediately to the front, and, in the first onset, pushed + + the enemy with the whole of his force. The Samnite line of infantry giving way, + + their cavalry advanced to support them; and as they were charging in an oblique + + direction between the two lines, the Roman horse, coming up at full speed, disordered + + their battalions and ranks of infantry and cavalry, so as to oblige the whole + + line on that side to give ground. The left wing had not only the presence of + + Poetelius to animate them, but that of Sulpicius likewise; who, on the shout + + being first raised in that quarter, rode thither from his own division, which + + had not yet engaged. When he saw victory no longer doubtful there, he returned + + to his own post with twelve hundred men, but found the state of things there + + very different; the Romans driven from their ground, and the victorious enemy + + pressing on them thus dismayed. However, the arrival of the consul effected + + a speedy change in every particular; for, on the sight of their leader, the + + spirit of the soldiers was revived, and the bravery of the men who came with + + him rendered them more powerful aid than even their number; while the news of + + success in the other wing, which was heard, and after seen, restored the fight. + + From this time, the Romans became victorious through the whole extent of the + + line, and the Samnites, giving up the contest, were slain or taken prisoners, + + except such as made their escape to Maleventum, the town which is now called + + Beneventum. It is recorded that thirty thousand of the Samnites were slain or + + taken. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">28 </div> + +<a id="a28" /> + +<p>The consuls, after this important victory, led forward the legions to lay siege + + to Bovianum; and there they passed the winter quarters, until Caius Poetelius, + + being nominated dictator, with Marcus Foslius, master of the horse, received + + the command of the army from the new consuls, Lucius Papirius Cursor a fifth, + + and Caius Junius Bubulcus a second time. On hearing that the citadel of Fregellae + + was taken by the Samnites, he left Bovianum, and proceeded to Fregellae, whence, + + having recovered possession of it without any contest, the Samnites abandoning + + it in the night, and having placed a strong garrison there, he returned to Campania, + + directing his operations principally to the recovery of Nola. Within the walls + + of this place, the whole multitude of the Samnites, and the inhabitants of the + + country about Nola, betook themselves on the approach of the dictator. Having + + taken a view of the situation of the city, in order that the approach to the + + fortifications may be the more open, he set fire to all the buildings which + + stood round the walls, which were very numerous; and, in a short time after, + + Nola was taken, either by the dictator Poetelius, or the consul Caius Junius, + + for both accounts are given. Those who attribute to the consul the honour of + + taking Nola, add, that Atina and Calatia were also taken by him, and that Poetelius + + was created dictator in consequence of a pestilence breaking out, merely for + + the purpose of driving the nail. The colonies of Suessa and Pontiae were established + + in this year. Suessa had belonged to the Auruncians: the Volscians had occupied + + Pontiae, an island lying within sight of their shore. A decree of the senate + + was also passed for conducting colonies to Interamna and Cassinum. But commissioners + + were appointed, and colonists, to the number of four thousand, were sent by + + the succeeding consuls, Marcus Valerius and Publius Decius. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">29 </div> + +<a id="a29" /> + +<p>The war with the Samnites being now nearly put an end to, before the Roman + + senate was freed from all concern on that side, a report arose of an Etrurian + + war; and there was not, in those times, any nation, excepting the Gauls, whose + + arms were more dreaded, by reason both of the vicinity of their country, and + + of the multitude of their men. While therefore one of the consuls prosecuted + + the remains of the war in Samnium, Publius Decius, who, being attacked by a + + severe illness, remained at Rome, by direction of the senate, nominated Caius + + Junius Bubulcus dictator. He, as the magnitude of the affair demanded, compelled + + all the younger citizens to enlist, and with the utmost diligence prepared arms, + + and the other matters which the occasion required. Yet he was not so elated + + by the power he had collected, as to think of commencing offensive operations, + + but prudently determined to remain quiet, unless the Etrurians should become + + aggressors. The plans of the Etrurians were exactly similar with respect to + + preparing for, and abstaining from, war: neither party went beyond their own + + frontiers. The censorship of Appius Claudius and Caius Plautius, for this year, + + was remarkable; but the name of Appius has been handed down with more celebrity + + to posterity, on account of his having made the road, [called after him, the + + Appian,] and for having conveyed water into the city. These works he performed + + alone; for his colleague, overwhelmed with shame by reason of the infamous and + + unworthy choice made of senators, had abdicated his office. Appius possessing + + that inflexibility Of temper, which, from the earliest times, had been the characteristic + + of his family, held on the censorship by himself. By direction of the same Appius, + + the Potitian family, in which the office of priests attendant on the great altar + + of Hercules was hereditary, instructed some of the public servants in the rites + + of that solemnity, with the intention to delegate the same to them. A circumstance + + is recorded, wonderful to be told, and one which should make people scrupulous + + of disturbing the established modes of religious solemnities: for though there + + were, at that time, twelve branches of the Potitian family, all grown-up persons, + + to the number of thirty, yet they were every one, together with their offspring, + + cut off within the year; so that the name of the Potitii became extinct, while + + the censor Appius also was, by the unrelenting wrath of the gods, some years + + after, deprived of sight. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">30 </div> + +<a id="a30" /> + +<p>The consuls of the succeeding year were, Caius Junius Bubulcus a third time, + + and Quintus Aemilius Barbula a second. In the commencement of their office, + + they complained before the people, that, by the improper choice of members of + + the senate, that body had been disgraced, several having been passed over who + + were preferable to the persons chosen in; and they declared, that they would + + pay no regard to such election, which had been made without distinction of right + + or wrong, merely to gratify interest or humour: they then immediately called + + over the list of the senate, in the same order which had existed before the + + censorship of Appius Claudius and Caius Plautius. Two public employments, both + + relating to military affairs, came this year into the disposal of the people; + + one being an order, that sixteen of the tribunes, for four legions, should be + + appointed by the people; whereas hitherto they had been generally in the gift + + of the dictators and consuls, very few of the places being left to suffrage. + + This order was proposed by Lucius Atilius and Caius Marcius, plebeian tribunes. + + Another was, that the people likewise should constitute two naval commissioners, + + for the equipping and refitting of the fleet. The person who introduced this + + order of the people, was Marcus Decius, plebeian tribune. Another transaction + + of this year I should pass over as trifling, did it not seem to bear some relation + + to religion. The flute-players, taking offence because they had been prohibited + + by the last censors from holding their repasts in the temple of Jupiter, which + + had been customary from very early times, went off in a body to Tibur; so that + + there was not one left in the city to play at the sacrifices. The religious + + tendency of this affair gave uneasiness to the senate; and they sent envoys + + to Tibur to endeavour that these men might be sent back to Rome. The Tiburtines + + readily promised compliance, and first, calling them into the senate-house, + + warmly recommended to them to return to Rome; and then, when they could not + + be prevailed on, practised on them an artifice not ill adapted to the dispositions + + of that description of people: on a festival day, they invited them separately + + to their several houses, apparently with the intention of heightening the pleasure + + of their feasts with music, and there plied them with wine, of which such people + + are always fond, until they laid them asleep. In this state of insensibility + + they threw them into waggons, and carried them away to Rome: nor did they know + + any thing of the matter, until, the waggons having been left in the forum, the + + light surprised them, still heavily sick from the debauch. The people then crowded + + about them, and, on their consenting at length to stay, privilege was granted + + them to ramble about the city in full dress, with music, and the licence which + + is now practised every year during three days. And that licence, which we see + + practised at present, and the right of being fed in the temple, was restored + + to those who played at the sacrifices. These incidents occurred while the public + + attention was deeply engaged by two most important wars. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">31 </div> + +<a id="a31" /> + +<p>The consuls adjusting the provinces between them, the Samnites fell by lot + + to Junius, the new war of Etruria to Aemilius. In Samnium the Samnites had blockaded + + and reduced by famine Cluvia, a Roman garrison, because they had been unable + + to take it by storm; and, after torturing with stripes, in a shocking manner, + + the townsmen who surrendered, they had put them to death. Enraged at this cruelty, + + Junius determined to postpone every thing else to the attacking of Cluvia; and, + + on the first day that he assaulted the walls, took it by storm, and slew all + + who were grown to man's estate. The victorious troops were led from thence to + + Bovianum; this was the capital of the Pentrian Samnites, by far the most opulent + + of their cities, and the most powerful both in men and arms. The soldiers, stimulated + + by the hope of plunder, for their resentment was not so violent, soon made themselves + + masters of the town: where there was less severity exercised on the enemy; but + + a quantity of spoil was carried off, greater almost than had ever been collected + + out of all Samnium, and the whole was liberally bestowed on the assailants. + + And when neither armies, camps, or cities could now withstand the vast superiority + + of the Romans in arms; the attention of all the leading men in Samnium became + + intent on this, that an opportunity should be sought for some stratagem, if + + by any chance the army, proceeding with incautious eagerness for plunder, could + + be caught in a snare and overpowered. Peasants who deserted and some prisoners + + (some thrown in their way by accident, some purposely) reporting to the consul + + a statement in which they concurred, and one which was at the same time true, + + that a vast quantity of cattle had been driven together into a defile of difficult + + access, prevailed on them to lead thither the legions lightly accoutred for + + plunder. Here a very numerous army of the enemy had posted themselves, secretly, + + at all the passes; and, as soon as they saw that the Romans had got into the + + defile, they rose up suddenly, with great clamour and tumult, and attacked them + + unawares. At first an event so unexpected caused some confusion, while they + + were taking their arms, and throwing the baggage into the centre; but, as fast + + as each had freed himself from his burden and fitted himself with arms, they + + assembled about the standards, from every side; and all, from the long course + + of their service, knowing their particular ranks, the line was formed of its + + own accord without any directions. The consul, riding up to the place where + + the fight was most warm, leaped from his horse, and called "Jupiter, Mars, and + + the other gods to witness, that he had come into that place, not in pursuit + + of any glory to himself, but of booty for his soldiers; nor could any other + + fault be charged on him, than too great a solicitude to enrich his soldiers + + at the expense of the enemy. From that disgrace nothing could extricate him + + but the valour of the troops: let them only join unanimously in a vigorous attack + + against a foe, already vanquished in the field, beaten out of their camps, and + + stripped of their towns, and now trying their last hope by the contrivance of + + an ambuscade, placing their reliance on the ground they occupied, not on their + + arms. But what ground was now unsurmountable to Roman valour?" The citadel of + + Fregellae, and that of Sora, were called to their remembrance, with many other + + places where difficulties from situation had been surmounted. Animated by these + + exhortations, the soldiers, regardless of all difficulties, advanced against + + the line of the enemy, posted above them; and here there was some fatigue whilst + + the army was climbing the steep. But as soon as the first battalions got footing + + in the plain, on the summit, and the troops perceived that they now stood on + + equal ground, the dismay was instantly turned on the plotters; who, dispersing + + and casting away their arms, attempted, by flight, to recover the same lurking-places + + in which they had lately concealed themselves. But the difficulties of the ground, + + which had been intended for the enemy, now entangled them in the snares of their + + own contrivance. Accordingly very few found means to escape; twenty thousand + + men were slain, and the victorious Romans hastened in several parties to secure + + the booty of cattle, spontaneously thrown in their way by the enemy. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">32 </div> + +<a id="a32" /> + +<p>While such was the situation of affairs in Samnium, all the states of Etruria, + + except the Arretians, had taken arms, and vigorously commenced hostilities, + + by laying siege to Sutrium; which city, being in alliance with the Romans, served + + as a barrier against Etruria. Thither the other consul, Aemilius, came with + + an army to deliver the allies from the siege. On the arrival of the Romans, + + the Sutrians conveyed a plentiful supply of provisions into their camp, which + + was pitched before the city. The Etrurians spent the first day in deliberating + + whether they should expedite or protract the war. On the day following, when + + the speedier plan pleased the leaders in preference to the safer, as soon as + + the sun rose the for battle was displayed, and the troops marched out to the + + field; which being reported to the consul, he instantly commanded notice to + + be given, that they should dine, and after taking refreshment, then appear under + + arms. The order was obeyed; and the consul, seeing them armed and in readiness, + + ordered the standards to be carried forth beyond the rampart, and drew up his + + men at a small distance from the enemy. Both parties stood a long time with + + fixed attention, each waiting for the shout and fight to begin on the opposite + + side; and the sun had passed the meridian before a weapon was thrown by either + + side. Then, rather than leave the place without something being done, the shout + + was given by the Etrurians, the trumpets sounded, and the battalions advanced. + + With no less alertness do the Romans commence the fight: both rushed to the + + fight with violent animosity; the enemy were superior in numbers, the Romans + + in valour. The battle being doubtful, carries off great numbers on both sides, + + particularly the men of greatest courage; nor did victory declare itself, until + + the second line of the Romans came up fresh to the front, in the place of the + + first, who were much fatigued. The Etrurians, because their front line was not + + supported by any fresh reserves, fell all before and round the standards, and + + in no battle whatever would there have been seen less disposition to run, or + + a greater effusion of human blood, had not the night sheltered the Etrurians, + + who were resolutely determined on death; so that the victors, not the vanquished, + + were the first who desisted from fighting. After sunset the signal for retreat + + was given, and both parties retired in the night to their camps. During the + + remainder of the year, nothing memorable was effected at Sutrium; for, of the + + enemy's army, the whole first line had been cut off in one battle, the reserves + + only being left, who were scarce sufficient to guard the camp; and, among the + + Romans, so numerous were the wounds, that more wounded men died after the battle + + than had fallen in the field. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">33 </div> + +<a id="a33" /> + +<p>Quintus Fabius, consul for the ensuing year, succeeded to the command of the + + army at Sutrium; the colleague given to him was Caius Marcius Rutilus. On the + + one side, Fabius brought with him a reinforcement from Rome, and on the other, + + a new army had been sent for, and came from home, to the Etrurians. Many years + + had now passed without any disputes between the patrician magistrates and plebeian + + tribunes, when a contest took its rise from that family, which seemed raised + + by fate as antagonists to the tribunes and commons of those times; Appius Claudius, + + being censor, when the eighteen months had expired, which was the time limited + + by the Aemilian law for the duration of the censorship, although his colleague + + Caius Plautius had already resigned his office, could not be prevailed on, by + + any means, to give up his. There was a tribune of the commons, Publius Sempronius; + + he undertook to enforce a legal process for terminating the censorship within + + the lawful time, which was not more popular than just, nor more pleasing to + + the people generally than to every man of character in the city. After he frequently + + appealed to the Aemilian law, and bestowed commendations on Mamercus Aemilius, + + who, in his dictatorship, had been the author of it, for having contracted, + + within the space of a year and six months, the censorship, which formerly had + + lasted five years, and was a power which, in consequence of its long continuance, + + often became tyrannical, he proceeded thus: "Tell me, Appius Claudius, in what + + manner you would have acted, had you been censor, at the time when Caius Furius + + and Marcus Geganius were censors?" Appius insisted, that "the tribune's question + + was irrelevant to his case. For, although the Aemilian law might bind those + + censors, during whose magistracy it was passed,--because the people made that + + law after they had become censors; and whatever order is the last passed by + + the people, that is held to be the law, and valid:--yet neither he, nor any + + of those who had been created censors subsequent to the passing of that law, + + could be bound by it." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">34 </div> + +<a id="a34" /> + +<p>While Appius urged such frivolous arguments as these, which carried no conviction + + whatever, the other said, "Behold, Romans, the offspring of that Appius, who + + being created decemvir for one year, created himself for a second; and who, + + during a third, without being created even by himself or by any other, held + + on the fasces and the government though a private individual; nor ceased to + + continue in office, until the government itself, ill acquired, ill administered, + + and ill retained, overwhelmed him in ruin. This is the same family, Romans, + + by whose violence and injustice ye were compelled to banish yourselves from + + your native city, and seize on the Sacred mount; the same, against which ye + + provided for yourselves the protection of tribunes; the same, on account of + + which two armies of you took post on the Aventine; the same, which violently + + opposed the laws against usury, and always the agrarian laws; the same, which + + broke through the right of intermarriage between the patricians and the commons; + + the same, which shut up the road to curule offices against the commons: this + + is a name, more hostile to your liberty by far, than that of the Tarquins. I + + pray you, Appius Claudius, though this is now the hundredth year since the dictatorship + + of Mamercus Aemilius, though there have been so many men of the highest characters + + and abilities censors, did none of these ever read the twelve tables? none of + + them know, that, whatever was the last order of the people, that was law? Nay, + + certainly they all knew it; and they therefore obeyed the Aemilian law, rather + + than the old one, under which the censors had been at first created; because + + it was the last order; and because, when two laws are contradictory, the new + + always repeals the old. Do you mean to say, Appius, that the people are not + + bound by the Aemilian law? Or, that the people are bound, and you alone exempted? + + The Aemilian law bound those violent censors, Caius Furius and Marcus Geganius, + + who showed what mischief that office might do in the state; when, out of resentment + + for the limitation of their power, they disfranchised Mamercus Aemilius, the + + first man of the age, either in war or peace. It bound all the censors thenceforward, + + during the space of a hundred years. It binds Caius Plautius your colleague, + + created under the same auspices, with the same privileges. Did not the people + + create him with the fullest privileges with which any censor ever was created? + + Or is yours an excepted case, in which this peculiarity and singularity takes + + place? Shall the person, whom you create king of the sacrifices, laying hold + + of the style of sovereignty, say, that he was created with the fullest privileges + + with which any king was ever created at Rome? Who then, do you think, would + + be content with a dictatorship of six months? who, with the office of interrex + + for five days? Whom would you, with confidence, create dictator, for the purpose + + of driving the nail, or of exhibiting games? How foolish, how stupid, do ye + + think, those must appear in this man's eyes, who, after performing most important + + services, abdicated the dictatorship within the twentieth day; or who, being + + irregularly created, resigned their office? Why should I bring instances from + + antiquity? Lately, within these last ten years, Caius Maenius, dictator, having + + enforced inquiries, with more strictness than consisted with the safety of some + + powerful men, a charge was thrown out by his enemies, that he himself was infected + + with the very crime against which his inquiries were directed;--now Maenius, + + I say, in order that he might, in a private capacity, meet the imputation, abdicated + + the dictatorship. I expect not such moderation in you; you will not degenerate + + from your family, of all others the most imperious and assuming; nor resign + + your office a day, nor even an hour, before you are forced to it. Be it so: + + but then let no one exceed the time limited. It is enough to add a day, or a + + month, to the censorship. But Appius says, I will hold the censorship, and hold + + it alone, three years and six months longer than is allowed by the Aemilian + + law. Surely this is like kingly power. Or will you fill up the vacancy with + + another colleague, a proceeding not allowable, even in the case of the death + + of a censor? You are not satisfied that, as if a religious censor, you have + + degraded a most ancient solemnity, and the only one instituted by the very deity + + to whom it is performed, from priests of that rite who were of the highest rank + + to the ministry of mere servants. [You are not satisfied that] a family, more + + ancient than the origin of this city, and sanctified by an intercourse of hospitality + + with the immortal gods, has, by means of you and your censorship, been utterly + + extirpated, with all its branches, within the space of a year, unless you involve + + the whole commonwealth in horrid guilt, which my mind feels a horror even to + + contemplate. This city was taken in that lustrum in which Lucius Papirius Cursor, + + on the death of his colleague Julius, the censor, rather than resign his office, + + substituted Marcus Cornelius Maluginensis. Yet how much more moderate was his + + ambition, Appius, than yours! Lucius Papirius neither held the censorship alone, + + nor beyond the time prescribed by law. But still he found no one who would follow + + his example; all succeeding censors, in case of the death of a colleague, abdicated + + the office. As for you, neither the expiration of the time of your censorship, + + nor the resignation of your colleague, nor law, nor shame restrains you. You + + make fortitude to consist in arrogance, in boldness, in a contempt of gods and + + men. Appius Claudius, in consideration of the dignity and respect due to that + + office which you have borne, I should be sorry, not only to offer you personal + + violence, but even to address you in language too severe. With respect to what + + I have hitherto said, your pride and obstinacy forced me to speak. And now, + + unless you pay obedience to the Aemilian law, I shall order you to be led to + + prison. Nor, since a rule has been established by our ancestors, that in the + + election of censors unless two shall obtain the legal number of suffrages, neither + + shall be returned, but the election deferred,--will I suffer you, who could + + not singly be created censor, to hold the censorship without a colleague." Having + + spoken to this effect he ordered the censor to be seized, and borne to prison. + + But although six of the tribunes approved of the proceeding of their colleague, + + three gave their support to Appius, on his appealing to them, and he held the + + censorship alone, to the great disgust of all ranks of men. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">35 </div> + +<a id="a35" /> + +<p>While such was the state of affairs at Rome, the Etrurians had laid siege to + + Sutrium, and the consul Fabius, as he was marching along the foot of the mountains, + + with a design to succour the allies, and attempt the enemy's works, if it were + + by any means practicable, was met by their army prepared for battle. As the + + wide-extended plain below showed the greatness of their force, the consul, in + + order to remedy his deficiency in point of number, by advantage of the ground, + + changed the direction of his route a little towards the hills, where the way + + was rugged and covered with stones, and then formed his troops, facing the enemy. + + The Etrurians, thinking of nothing but their numbers, on which alone they depended, + + commence the fight with such haste and eagerness, that, in order to come the + + sooner to a close engagement, they threw away their javelins, drew their swords, + + rushing against the enemy. On the other side, the Romans poured down on them, + + sometimes javelins, and sometimes stones which the place abundantly supplied; + + so that whilst the blows on their shields and helmets confused even those whom + + they did not wound, (it was neither an easy matter to come to close quarters, + + nor had they missive weapons with which to fight at a distance,) when there + + was nothing now to protect them whilst standing and exposed to the blows, some + + even giving way, and the whole line wavering and unsteady the spearmen and the + + first rank, renewing the shout, rush on them with drawn swords. This attack + + the Etrurians could not withstand, but, facing about, fled precipitately towards + + their camp; when the Roman cavalry, getting before them by galloping obliquely + + across the plain, threw themselves in the way of their flight, on which they + + quitted the road, and bent their course to the mountains. From thence, in a + + body, almost without arms, and debilitated with wounds, they made their way + + into the Ciminian forest. The Romans, having slain in many thousands of the + + Etrurians, and taken thirty-eight military standards, took also possession of + + their camp, together with a vast quantity of spoil. They then began to consider + + of pursuing the enemy. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">36 </div> + +<a id="a36" /> + +<p>The Ciminian forest was in those days deemed as impassable and frightful as + + the German forests have been in latter times; not even any trader having ever + + attempted to pass it. Hardly any, besides the general himself, showed boldness + + enough to enter it; the others had not the remembrance of the disaster at Caudium + + effaced from their mind. On this, of those who were present, Marcus Fabius, + + the consul's brother, (some say Caeso, others Caius Claudius, born of the same + + mother with the consul,) undertook to go and explore the country, and to bring + + them in a short time an account of every particular. Being educated at Caere, + + where he had friends, he was perfectly acquainted with the Etrurian language. + + I have seen it affirmed, that, in those times, the Roman youth were commonly + + instructed in the Etrurian learning, as they are now in the Greek: but it is + + more probable, that there was something very extraordinary in the person who + + acted so daringly a counterfeit part, and mixed among the enemy. It is said, + + that his only attendant was a slave, who had been bred up with him, and who + + was therefore not ignorant of the same language. They received no further instructions + + at their departure, than a summary description of the country through which + + they were to pass; to this was added the names of the principal men in the several + + states, to prevent their being at a loss in conversation, and from being discovered + + by making some mistake. They set out in the dress of shepherds, armed with rustic + + weapons, bills, and two short javelins each. But neither their speaking the + + language of the country, nor the fashion of their dress and arms, concealed + + them so effectually, as the incredible circumstance of a stranger's passing + + the Ciminian forest. They are said to have penetrated as far as the Camertian + + district of the Umbrians: there the Romans ventured to own who they were, and + + being introduced to the senate, treated with them, in the name of the consul, + + about an alliance and friendship; and after being entertained with courteous + + hospitality, were desired to acquaint the Romans, that if they came into those + + countries, there should be provisions in readiness for the troops sufficient + + for thirty days, and that they should find the youth of the Camertian Umbrians + + prepared in arms to obey their commands. When this information was brought to + + the consul, he sent forward the baggage at the first watch, ordering the legions + + to march in the rear of it. He himself staid behind with the cavalry, and the + + next day, as soon as light appeared, rode up to the posts of the enemy, which + + had been stationed on the outside of the forest; and, when he had detained them + + there for a sufficient length of time, he retired to his camp, and marching + + out by the opposite gate, overtook the main body of the army before night. At + + the first light, on the following day, he had gained the summit of Mount Ciminius, + + from whence having a view of the opulent plains of Etruria, he let loose his + + soldiers upon them. When a vast booty had been driven off, some tumultuary cohorts + + of Etrurian peasants, hastily collected by the principal inhabitants of the + + district, met the Romans; but in such disorderly array, that these rescuers + + of the prey were near becoming wholly a prey themselves. These being slain or + + put to flight, and the country laid waste to a great extent, the Romans returned + + to their camp victorious, and enriched with plenty of every kind. It happened + + that, in the mean time, five deputies, with two plebeian tribunes, had come + + hither, to charge Fabius, in the name of the senate, not to attempt to pass + + the Ciminian forest. These, rejoicing that they had arrived too late to prevent + + the expedition, returned to Rome with the news of its success. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">37 </div> + +<a id="a37" /> + +<p>By this expedition of the consul, the war, instead of being brought nearer + + to a conclusion, was only spread to a wider extent: for all the tract adjacent + + to the foot of Mount Ciminius had felt his devastations; and, out of the indignation + + conceived thereat, had roused to arms, not only the states of Etruria, but the + + neighbouring parts of Umbria. They came therefore to Sutrium, with such a numerous + + army as they had never before brought into the field; and not only ventured + + to encamp on the outside of the wood, but through their earnest desire of coming + + to an engagement as soon as possible, marched down the plains to offer battle. + + The troops, being marshalled, stood at first, for some time, on their own ground, + + having left a space sufficient for the Romans to draw up, opposite to them; + + but perceiving that the enemy declined fighting, they advanced to the rampart; + + where, when they observed that even the advanced guards had retired within the + + works, a shout at once was raised around their generals, that they should order + + provisions for that day to be brought down to them: "for they were resolved + + to remain there under arms; and either in the night, or, at all events, at the + + dawn of day, to attack the enemy's camp." The Roman troops, though not less + + eager for action, were restrained by the commands of the general. About the + + tenth hour, the consul ordered his men a repast; and gave directions that they + + should be ready in arms, at whatever time of the day or night he should give + + the signal. He then addressed a few words to them; spoke in high terms of the + + wars of the Samnites, and disparagingly of the Etrurians, who "were not," he + + said, "as an enemy to be compared with other enemies, nor as a numerous force, + + with others in point of numbers. Besides, he had an engine at work, as they + + should find in due time; at present it was of importance to keep it secret." + + By these hints he intimated that the enemy was circumvented in order to raise + + the courage of his men, damped by the superiority of the enemy's force; and, + + from their not having fortified the post where they lay, the insinuation of + + a stratagem formed against them seemed the more credible. After refreshing themselves, + + they consigned themselves to rest, and being roused without noise, about the + + fourth watch, took arms. Axes are distributed among the servants following the + + army, to tear down the rampart and fill up the trench. The line was formed within + + the works, and some chosen cohorts posted close to the gates. Then, a little + + before day, which in summer nights is the time of the profoundest sleep, the + + signal being given, the rampart was levelled, and the troops rushing forth, + + fell upon the enemy, who were every where stretched at their length. Some were + + put to death before they could stir; others half asleep, in their beds; the + + greatest part, while they ran in confusion to arms; few, in short, had time + + afforded them to arm themselves; and these, who followed no particular leader, + + nor orders, were quickly routed by the Romans and pursued by the Roman horse. + + They fled different ways; to the camp and to the woods. The latter afforded + + the safer refuge; for the former, being situated in a plain, was taken the same + + day. The gold and silver was ordered to be brought to the consul; the rest of + + the spoil was given to the soldiers. On that day, sixty thousand of the enemy + + were slain or taken. Some affirm, that this famous battle was fought on the + + farther side of the Ciminian forest, at Perusia; and that the public had been + + under great dread, lest the army might be enclosed in such a dangerous pass, + + and overpowered by a general combination of the Etrurians and Umbrians. But + + on whatever spot it was fought, it is certain that the Roman power prevailed; + + and, in consequence thereof, ambassadors from Perusia, Cortona, and Arretium, + + which were then among the principal states of Etruria, soliciting a peace and + + alliance with the Romans, obtained a truce for thirty years. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">38 </div> + +<a id="a38" /> + +<p>During these transactions in Etruria, the other consul, Caius Marcius Rutilus, + + took Allifae by storm from the Samnites; and many of their forts, and smaller + + towns, were either destroyed by his arms, or surrendered without being injured. + + About the same time also, the Roman fleet, having sailed to Campania, under + + Publius Cornelius, to whom the senate had given the command on the sea-coast, + + put into Pompeii. Immediately on landing, the soldiers of the fleet set out + + to ravage the country about Nuceria: and after they had quickly laid waste the + + parts which lay nearest, and whence they could have returned to the ships with + + safety, they were allured by the temptation of plunder, as it often happens, + + to advance too far, and thereby roused the enemy against them. While they rambled + + about the country, they met no opposition, though they might have been cut off + + to a man; but as they were returning, in a careless manner, the peasants overtook + + them, not far from the ships, stripped them of the booty, and even slew a great + + part of them. Those who escaped were driven in confusion to the ships. As Fabius' + + having marched through the Ciminian forest had occasioned violent apprehensions + + at Rome, so it had excited joy in proportion among the enemy in Samnium: they + + talked of the Roman army being pent up, and surrounded; and of the Caudine forks, + + as a model of their defeat. "Those people," they said, "ever greedy after further + + acquisitions, were now brought into inextricable difficulties, hemmed in, not + + more effectually by the arms of their enemy, than by the disadvantage of the + + ground." Their joy was even mingled with a degree of envy, because fortune, + + as they thought, had transferred the glory of finishing the Roman war, from + + the Samnites to the Etrurians: they hastened, therefore, with their whole collected + + force, to crush the consul Caius Marcius; resolving, if he did not give them + + an opportunity of fighting, to proceed, through the territories of the Marsians + + and Sabines, into Etruria. The consul met them, and a battle was fought with + + great fury on both sides, but without a decisive issue. Although both parties + + suffered severely, yet the discredit of defeat fell on the Romans, because several + + of equestrian rank, some military tribunes, with one lieutenant-general, had + + fallen; and, what was more remarkable than all, the consul himself was wounded. + + On account of this event, exaggerated by report as is usual, the senate became + + greatly alarmed, so that they resolved on having a dictator nominated. No one + + entertained a doubt that the nomination would light on Papirius Cursor, who + + was then universally deemed to possess the greatest abilities as a commander: + + but they could not be certain, either that a message might be conveyed with + + safety into Samnium, where all was in a state of hostility, or that the consul + + Marcius was alive. The other consul, Fabius, was at enmity with Papirius, on + + his own account; and lest this resentment might prove an obstacle to the public + + good, the senate voted that deputies of consular rank should be sent to him, + + who, uniting their own influence to that of government, might prevail on him + + to drop, for the sake of his country, all remembrance of private animosities. + + When the deputies, having come to Fabius, delivered to him the decree of the + + senate, adding such arguments as were suitable to their instructions, the consul, + + casting his eyes towards the ground, retired in silence, leaving them in uncertainty + + what part he intended to act. Then, in the silent time of the night, according + + to the established custom, he nominated Lucius Papirius dictator. When the deputies + + returned him thanks, for so very meritoriously subduing his passion, he still + + persevered in obstinate silence, and dismissed them without any answer, or mention + + of what he had done: a proof that he felt an extraordinary degree of resentment, + + which had been suppressed within his breast. Papirius appointed Caius Junius + + Bubulcus master of the horse; and, as he was proceeding in an assembly of the + + Curiae [<a href="#foot3">3</a>] to get an order passed respecting the command + + of the army, an unlucky omen obliged him to adjourn it; for the Curia which + + was to vote first, happened to be the Faucian, remarkably distinguished by two + + disasters, the taking of the city, and the Caudine peace; the same Curia having + + voted first in those years in which the said events are found. Licinius Macer + + supposes this Curia ominous, also, on account of a third misfortune, that which + + was experienced at the Cremera. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">39 </div> + +<a id="a39" /> + +<p>Next day the dictator, taking the auspices anew, obtained the order, and, marching + + out at the head of the legions, lately raised on the alarm occasioned by the + + army passing the Ciminian forest, came to Longula; where having received the + + old troops of the consul Marcius, he led on his forces to battle; nor did the + + enemy seem to decline the combat. However, they stood drawn up for battle and + + under arms, until night came on; neither side choosing to begin the fray. After + + this, they continued a considerable time encamped near each other, without coming + + to action; neither diffident of their own strength, nor despising the adversary. + + Meanwhile matters went on actively in Etruria; for a decisive battle was fought + + with the Umbrians, in which the enemy was routed, but lost not many men, for + + they did not maintain the fight with the vigour with which they began it. Besides + + this the Etrurians, having raised an army under the sanctions of the devoting + + law, each man choosing another, came to an engagement at the Cape of Vadimon, + + with more numerous forces, and, at the same time, with greater spirit than they + + had ever shown before. The battle was fought with such animosity that no javelins + + were thrown by either party: swords alone were made use of; and the fury of + + the combatants was still higher inflamed by the long-continued contest; so that + + it appeared to the Romans as if they were disputing, not with Etrurians, whom + + they had so often conquered, but with a new race. Not the semblance of giving + + ground appeared in any part; the first lines fell; and lest the standards should + + be exposed, without defence, the second lines were formed in their place. At + + length, even the men forming the last reserves were called into action; and + + to such an extremity of difficulty and danger had they come, that the Roman + + cavalry dismounted, and pressed forward, through heaps of arms and bodies, to + + the front ranks of the infantry. These starting up a new army, as it were, among + + men now exhausted, disordered the battalions of the Etrurians; and the rest, + + weak as their condition was, seconding their assault, broke at last through + + the enemy's ranks. Their obstinacy then began to give way: some companies quitted + + their posts, and, as soon as they once turned their backs, betook themselves + + to more decided flight. That day first broke the strength of the Etrurians, + + now grown exuberant through a long course of prosperity; all the flower of their + + men were cut off in the field, and in the same assault their camp was seized + + and sacked. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">40 </div> + +<a id="a40" /> + +<p>Equal danger, and an issue equally glorious, soon after attended the war with + + the Samnites; who, besides their many preparations for the field, made their + + army to glitter with new decorations of their armour. Their troops were in two + + divisions, one of which had their shields embossed with gold, the other with + + silver. The shape of the shield was this; broad at the middle to cover the breast + + and shoulders, the summit being flat, sloping off gradually so as to become + + pointed below, that it might be wielded with ease; a loose coat of mail also + + served as a protection for the breast, and the left leg was covered with a greave; + + their helmets were adorned with plumes, to add to the appearance of their stature. + + The golden-armed soldiers wore tunics of various colours; the silver-armed, + + of white linen. To the latter the right wing was assigned; the former took post + + on the left. The Romans had been apprized of these splendid accoutrements, and + + had been taught by their commanders, that "a soldier ought to be rough; not + + decorated with gold and silver, but placing his confidence in his sword. That + + matters of this kind were in reality spoil rather than armour; glittering before + + action, but soon becoming disfigured amid blood and wounds. That the brightest + + ornament of a soldier was valour; that all those trinkets would follow victory, + + and that those rich enemies would be valuable prizes to the conquerors, however + + poor." Cursor, having animated his men with these observations, led them on + + to battle. He took post himself on the right wing, he gave the command of the + + left to the master of the horse. As soon as they engaged, the struggle between + + the two armies became desperate, while it was no less so between the dictator + + and the master of the horse, on which wing victory should first show itself. + + It happened that Junius first, with the left wing, made the right of the enemy + + give way; this consisted of men devoted after the custom of Samnites, and on + + that account distinguished by white garments and armour of equal whiteness. + + Junius, saying "he would sacrifice these to Pluto," pressed forward, disordered + + their ranks, and made an evident impression on their line: which being perceived + + by the dictator, he exclaimed, "Shall the victory begin on the left wing, and + + shall the right, the dictator's own troops, only second the arms of others, + + and not claim the greatest share of the victory?" This spurred on the soldiers: + + nor did the cavalry yield to the infantry in bravery, nor the ardour of lieutenants-general + + to that of the commanders. Marcius Valerius from the right wing, and Publius + + Decius from the left, both men of consular rank, rode off to the cavalry, posted + + on the extremities of the line, and, exhorting them to join in putting in for + + a share of the honour, charged the enemy on the flanks. When the addition of + + this new alarm assailed the enemies' troops on both sides, and the Roman legions, + + having renewed the shout to confound the enemy, rushed on, they began to fly. + + And now the plains were quickly filled with heaps of bodies and splendid armour. + + At first, their camp received the dismayed Samnites; but they did not long retain + + even the possession of that: before night it was taken, plundered, and burnt. + + The dictator triumphed, in pursuance of a decree of the senate; and the most + + splendid spectacle by far, of any in his procession, was the captured arms: + + so magnificent were they deemed, that the shields, adorned with gold, were distributed + + among the owners of the silver shops, to serve as embellishments to the forum. + + Hence, it is said, arose the custom of the forum being decorated by the aediles, + + when the grand processions are made on occasion of the great games. The Romans, + + indeed, converted these extraordinary arms to the honour of the gods: but the + + Campanians, out of pride, and in hatred of the Samnites, gave them as ornaments + + to their gladiators, who used to be exhibited as a show at their feasts, and + + whom they distinguished by the name of Samnites. During this year, the consul + + Fabius fought with the remnants of the Etrurians at Perusia, which city also + + had violated the truce, and gained an easy and decisive victory. He would have + + taken the town itself (for he marched up to the walls,) had not deputies come + + out and capitulated. Having placed a garrison at Perusia, and sent on before + + him to the Roman senate the embassies of Etruria, who solicited friendship, + + the consul rode into the city in triumph, for successes more important than + + those of the dictator. Besides, a great share of the honour of reducing the + + Samnites was attributed to the lieutenants-general, Publius Decius and Marcius + + Valerius: whom, at the next election, the people, with universal consent, declared + + the one consul, the other praetor. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">41 </div> + +<a id="a41" /> + +<p>To Fabius, in consideration of his extraordinary merit in the conquest of Etruria, + + the consulship was continued. Decius was appointed his colleague. Valerius was + + created praetor a fourth time. The consuls divided the provinces between them. + + Etruria fell to Decius, Samnium to Fabius. The latter, having marched to Nuceria, + + rejected the application of the people of Alfaterna, who then sued for peace, + + because they had not accepted it when offered, and by force of arms compelled + + them to surrender. A battle was fought with the Samnites; the enemy were overcome + + without much difficulty: nor would the memory of that engagement have been preserved, + + except that in it the Marsians first appeared in arms against the Romans. The + + Pelignians, imitating the defection of the Marsians, met the same fate. The + + other consul, Decius, was likewise very successful in his operations: through + + terror he compelled the Tarquinians to supply his army with corn, and to sue + + for a truce for forty years. He took several forts from the Volsinians by assault, + + some of which he demolished, that they might not serve as receptacles to the + + enemy, and by extending his operations through every quarter, diffused such + + a dread of his arms, that the whole Etrurian nation sued to the consul for an + + alliance: this they did not obtain; but a truce for a year was granted them. + + The pay of the Roman army for that year was furnished by the enemy; and two + + tunics for each soldier were exacted from them: this was the purchase of the + + truce. The tranquillity now established in Etruria was interrupted by a sudden + + insurrection of the Umbrians, a nation which had suffered no injury from the + + war, except what inconvenience the country had felt in the passing of the army. + + These, by calling into the field all their own young men, and forcing a great + + part of the Etrurians to resume their arms, made up such a numerous force, that + + speaking of themselves with ostentatious vanity and of the Romans with contempt, + + they boasted that they would leave Decius behind in Etruria, and march away + + to besiege Rome; which design of theirs being reported to the consul Decius, + + he removed by long marches from Etruria towards their city, and sat down in + + the district of Pupinia, in readiness to act according to the intelligence received + + of the enemy. Nor was the insurrection of the Umbrians slighted at Rome: their + + very threats excited tears among the people, who had experienced, in the calamities + + suffered from the Gauls, how insecure a city they inhabited. Deputies were therefore + + despatched to the consul Fabius with directions, that, if he had any respite + + from the war of the Samnites, he should with all haste lead his army into Umbria. + + The consul obeyed the order, and by forced marches proceeded to Mevania, where + + the forces of the Umbrians then lay. The unexpected arrival of the consul, whom + + they had believed to be sufficiently employed in Samnium, far distant from their + + country, so thoroughly affrighted the Umbrians, that several advised retiring + + to their fortified towns; others, the discontinuing the war. However, one district, + + called by themselves Materina, prevailed on the rest not only to retain their + + arms, but to come to an immediate engagement. They fell upon Fabius while he + + was fortifying his camp. When the consul saw them rushing impetuously towards + + his rampart, he called off his men from the work, and drew them up in the best + + manner which the nature of the place and the time allowed; encouraging them + + by displaying, in honourable and just terms, the glory which they had acquired, + + as well in Etruria as in Samnium, he bade them finish this insignificant appendage + + to the Etrurian war, and take vengeance for the impious expressions in which + + these people had threatened to attack the city of Rome. Such was the alacrity + + of the soldiers on hearing this, that, raising the shout spontaneously, they + + interrupted the general's discourse, and, without waiting for orders, advanced, + + with the sound of all the trumpets and cornets, in full speed against the enemy. + + They made their attack not as on men, or at least men in arms, but, what must + + appear wonderful in the relation, began by snatching the standards out of the + + hands which held them; and then, the standard-bearers themselves were dragged + + to the consul, and the armed soldiers transferred from the one line to the other; + + and wherever resistance was any where made, the business was performed, not + + so much with swords, as with their shields, with the bosses of which, and thrusts + + of their elbows, they bore down the foe. The prisoners were more numerous than + + the slain, and through the whole line the Umbrians called on each other, with + + one voice, to lay down their arms. Thus a surrender was made in the midst of + + action, by the first promoters of the war; and on the next and following days, + + the other states of the Umbrians also surrendered. The Ocriculans were admitted + + to a treaty of friendship on giving security. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">42 </div> + +<a id="a42" /> + +<p>Fabius, successful in a war allotted to another, led back his army into his + + own province. And as, in the preceding year, the people had, in consideration + + of his services so successfully performed, re-elected him to the consulship, + + so now the senate, from the same motive, notwithstanding a warm opposition made + + by Appius, prolonged his command for the year following, in which Appius Claudius + + and Lucius Volumnius were consuls. In some annals I find, that Appius, still + + holding the office of censor, declared himself a candidate for the consulship, + + and that his election was stopped by a protest of Lucius Furius, plebeian tribune, + + until he resigned the censorship. After his election to the consulship, the + + new war with the Sallentine enemies being decreed to his colleague, he remained + + at Rome, with design to increase his interest by city intrigues, since the means + + of procuring honour in war were placed in the hands of others. Volumnius had + + no reason to be dissatisfied with his province: he fought many battles with + + good success, and took several cities by assault. He was liberal in his donations + + of the spoil; and this munificence, engaging in itself, he enhanced by his courteous + + demeanour, by which conduct he inspired his soldiers with ardour to meet both + + toil and danger. Quintus Fabius, proconsul, fought a pitched battle with the + + armies of the Samnites, near the city of Allifae. The victory was complete. + + The enemy were driven from the field, and pursued to their camp; nor would they + + have kept possession of that, had not the day been almost spent. It was invested, + + however, before night, and guarded until day, lest any should slip away. Next + + morning, while it was scarcely clear day, they proposed to capitulate, and it + + was agreed, that such as were natives of Samnium should be dismissed with single + + garments. All these were sent under the yoke. No precaution was taken in favour + + of the allies of the Samnites: they were sold by auction, to the number of seven + + thousand. Those who declared themselves subjects of the Hernicians, were kept + + by themselves under a guard. All these Fabius sent to Rome to the senate; and, + + after being examined, whether it was in consequence of a public order, or as + + volunteers, that they had carried arms on the side of the Samnites against the + + Romans, they were distributed among the states of the Latins to be held in custody; + + and it was ordered, that the new consuls, Publius Cornelius Arvina and Quintus + + Marcius Tremulus, who by this time had been elected, should lay that affair + + entire before the senate: this gave such offence to the Hernicians, that, at + + a meeting of all the states, assembled by the Anagnians, in the circus called + + the Maritime, the whole nation of the Hernicians, excepting the Alatrians, Ferentines, + + and Verulans, declared war against the Roman people. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">43 </div> + +<a id="a43" /> + +<p>In Samnium also, in consequence of the departure of Fabius, new commotions + + arose. Calatia and Sora, and the Roman garrisons stationed there, were taken, + + and extreme cruelty was exercised towards the captive soldiers: Publius Cornelius + + was therefore sent thither with an army. The command against the new enemy (for + + by this time an order had passed for declaring war against the Anagnians, and + + the rest of the Hernicians) was decreed to Marcius. These, in the beginning, + + secured all the passes between the camps of the consuls, in such a manner, that + + no messenger, however expert, could make his way from one to the other; and + + each consul spent several days in absolute uncertainty regarding every matter + + and in anxious suspense concerning the state of the other. Apprehensions for + + their safety spread even to Rome; so that all the younger citizens were compelled + + to enlist and two regular armies were raised, to answer sudden emergencies. + + The conduct of the Hernicians during the progress of the war afterwards, showed + + nothing suitable to the present alarm, or to the ancient renown of that nation. + + Without ever venturing any effort worth mentioning, being stripped of three + + different camps within a few days, they stipulated for a truce of thirty days, + + during which they might send to Rome, to the senate, on the terms of furnishing + + two months' pay, and corn, and a tunic to every soldier. They were referred + + back to Marcius by the senate, whom by a decree they empowered to determine + + regarding the Hernicians, and he accepted their submission. Meanwhile, in Samnium, + + the other consul, though superior in strength, was very much embarrassed by + + the nature of his situation; the enemy had blocked up all the roads, and seized + + on the passable defiles, so that no provisions could be conveyed; nor could + + the consul, though he daily drew out his troops and offered battle, allure them + + to an engagement. It was evident, that neither could the Samnites support an + + immediate contest, nor the Romans a delay of action. The approach of Marcius, + + who, after he had subdued the Hernicians, hastened to the succour of his colleague, + + put it out of the enemy's power any longer to avoid fighting: for they, who + + had not deemed themselves a match in the field, even for one of the armies, + + could not surely suppose that if they should allow the two consular armies to + + unite, they could have any hope remaining: they made an attack therefore on + + Marcius, as he was approaching in the irregular order of march. The baggage + + was hastily thrown together in the centre, and the line formed as well as the + + time permitted. First the shout which reached the standing camp of Cornelius, + + then the dust observed at a distance, excited a bustle in the camp of the other + + consul. Ordering his men instantly to take arms, and leading them out to the + + field with the utmost haste, he charged the flank of the enemy's line, which + + had enough to do in the other dispute, at the same time exclaiming, that "it + + would be the height of infamy if they suffered Marcius's army to monopolize + + the honour of both victories, and did not assert their claim to the glory of + + their own war." He bore down all before him, and pushed forward, through the + + midst of the enemy's line, to their camp, which, being left without a guard, + + he took and set on fire; which when the soldiers of Marcius saw in flames, and + + the enemy observed it on looking about, a general flight immediately took place + + among the Samnites. But they could not effect an escape in any direction; in + + every quarter they met death. After a slaughter of thirty thousand men, the + + consuls had now given the signal for retreat; and were collecting, into one + + body, their several forces, who were employed in mutual congratulations, when + + some new cohorts of the enemy, which had been levied for a reinforcement, being + + seen at a distance, occasioned a renewal of the carnage. On these the conquerors + + rushed, without any order of the consuls, or signal received, crying out, that + + they would make these Samnites pay dearly for their introduction to service. + + The consuls indulged the ardour of the legions, well knowing that the raw troops + + of the enemy, mixed with veterans dispirited by defeat, would be incapable even + + of attempting a contest. Nor were they wrong in their judgment: all the forces + + of the Samnites, old and new, fled to the nearest mountains. These the Roman + + army also ascended, so that no situation afforded safety to the vanquished; + + they were beaten off, even from the summits which they had seized. And now they + + all, with on voice, supplicated for a suspension of arms. On which, being ordered + + to furnish corn for three months, pay for a year, and a tunic to each of the + + soldiers, they sent deputies to the senate to sue for peace. Cornelius was left + + in Samnium. Marcius returned into the city, in triumph over the Hernicians; + + and a decree was passed for erecting to him, in the forum, an equestrian statue, + + which was placed before the temple of Castor. To three states of the Hernicians, + + (the Alatrians, Verulans, and Ferentines,) their own laws were restored, because + + they preferred these to the being made citizens of Rome; and they were permitted + + to intermarry with each other, a privilege which they alone of the Hernicians, + + for a long time after, enjoyed. To the Anagnians, and the others, who had made + + war on the Romans, was granted the freedom of the state, without the right of + + voting; public assemblies, and intermarriages, were not allowed them, and their + + magistrates were prohibited from acting except in the ministration of public + + worship. During this year, Caius Junius Bubulcus, censor, contracted for the + + building of a temple to Health, which he had vowed during his consulate in the + + war with the Samnites. By the same person, and his colleague, Marcus Valerius + + Maximus, roads were made through the fields at the public expense. During the + + same year the treaty with the Carthaginians was renewed a third time, and ample + + presents made to their ambassadors who came on that business. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">44 </div> + +<a id="a44" /> + +<p>This year had a dictator in office, Publius Cornelius Scipio, with Publius + + Decius Mus, master of the horse. By these the election of consuls was held, + + being the purpose for which they had been created, because neither of the consuls + + could be absent from the armies. The consuls elected were Lucius Postumius and + + Titus Minucius; whom Piso places next after Quintus Fabius and Publius Decius, + + omitting the two years in which I have set down Claudius with Volumnius, and + + Cornelius with Marcius, as consuls. Whether this happened through a lapse of + + memory in digesting his annals, or whether he purposely passed over those two + + consulates as deeming the accounts of them false, cannot be ascertained. During + + this year the Samnites made incursions into the district of Stellae in the Campanian + + territory. Both the consuls were therefore sent into Samnium, and proceeded + + to different regions, Postumius to Tifernum, Minucius to Bovianum. The first + + engagement happened at Tifernum, under the command of Postumius. Some say, that + + the Samnites were completely defeated, and twenty thousand of them made prisoners. + + Others, that the army separated without victory on either side; and that Postumius, + + counterfeiting fear, withdrew his forces privately by night, and marched away + + to the mountains; whither the enemy also followed, and took possession of a + + stronghold two miles distant. The consul, having created a belief that he had + + come thither for the sake of a safe post, and a fruitful spot, (and such it + + really was,) secured his camp with strong works. Furnishing it with magazines + + of every thing useful, he left a strong guard to defend it; and at the third + + watch, led away the legions lightly accoutred, by the shortest road which he + + could take, to join his colleague, who lay opposite to his foe. There, by advice + + of Postumius, Minucius came to an engagement with the enemy; and when the fight + + had continued doubtful through a great part of the day, Postumius, with his + + fresh legions, made an unexpected attack on the enemy's line, spent by this + + time with fatigue: thus, weariness and wounds having rendered them incapable + + even of flying, they were cut off to a man, and twenty-one standards taken. + + The Romans then proceeded to Postumius's station, where the two victorious armies + + falling upon the enemy, already dismayed by the news of what had passed, routed + + and dispersed them: twenty-six military standards were taken here, and the Samnite + + general, Statius Gellius, with a great number of other prisoners, and both the + + camps were taken. Next day Bovianum was besieged, and soon after taken. Both + + the consuls were honoured with a triumph, with high applause of their excellent + + conduct. Some writers say, that the consul Minucius was brought back to the + + camp grievously wounded, and that he died there; that Marcus Fulvius was substituted + + consul in his place, and that it was he who, being sent to command Minucius's + + army, took Bovianum. During the same year, Sora, Arpinum, and Censennia were + + recovered from the Samnites. The great statue of Hercules was erected in the + + Capitol, and dedicated. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">45 </div> + +<a id="a45" /> + +<p>In the succeeding consulate of Publius Sulpicius Saverrio and Publius Sempronius + + Sophus, the Samnites, desirous either of a termination or a suspension of hostilities, + + sent ambassadors to Rome to treat of peace; to whose submissive solicitations + + this answer was returned, that, "had not the Samnites frequently solicited peace, + + at times when they were actually preparing for war, their present application + + might, perhaps, in the course of negotiating, have produced the desired effect. + + But now, since words had hitherto proved vain, people's conduct must be guided + + by facts: that Publius Sempronius the consul would shortly be in Samnium with + + an army: that he could not be deceived in judging whether their dispositions + + inclined to peace or war. He would bring the senate certain information respecting + + every particular, and their ambassadors might follow the consul on his return + + from Samnium." When the Roman army accordingly marched through all parts of + + Samnium, which was in a state of peace, provisions being liberally supplied, + + a renewal of the old treaty was, this year, granted to the Samnites. The Roman + + arms were then turned against the Aequans, their old enemies, but who had, for + + many years past, remained quiet, under the guise of a treacherous peace, because, + + while the Hernicians were in a state of prosperity, these had, in conjunction + + with them, frequently sent aid to the Samnites; and after the Hernicians were + + subdued, almost the whole nation, without dissembling that they acted by public + + authority, had revolted to the enemy; and when, after the conclusion of the + + treaty with the Samnites at Rome, ambassadors were sent to demand satisfaction, + + they said, that "this was only a trial made of them, on the expectation that + + they would through fear suffer themselves to be made Roman citizens. But how + + much that condition was to be wished for, they had been taught by the Hernicians; + + who, when they had the option, preferred their own laws to the freedom of the + + Roman state. To people who wished for liberty to choose what they judged preferable, + + the necessity of becoming Roman citizens would have the nature of a punishment." + + In resentment of these declarations, uttered publicly in their assemblies, the + + Roman people ordered war to be made on the Aequans; and, in prosecution of this + + new undertaking, both the consuls marched from the city, and sat down at the + + distance of four miles from the camp of the enemy. The troops of the Aequans, + + like tumultuary recruits, in consequence of their having passed such a number + + of years without waging war on their own account, were all in disorder and confusion, + + without established officers and without command. Some advised to give battle, + + others to defend the camp; the greater part were influenced by concern for the + + devastation of their lands, likely to take place, and the consequent destruction + + of their cities, left with weak garrisons. Among a variety of propositions, + + one, however, was heard which, abandoning all concern for the public interest, + + tended to transfer every man's attention to the care of his private concerns. + + It recommended that, at the first watch, they should depart from the camp by + + different roads, so as to carry all their effects into the cities, and to secure + + them by the strength of the fortifications; this they all approved with universal + + assent. When the enemy were now dispersed through the country, the Romans, at + + the first dawn, marched out to the field, and drew up in order of battle; but + + no one coming to oppose them, they advanced in a brisk pace to the enemy's camp. + + But when they perceived neither guards before the gates, nor soldiers on the + + ramparts, nor the usual bustle of a camp,--surprised at the extraordinary silence, + + they halted in apprehension of some stratagem. At length, passing over the rampart, + + and finding the whole deserted, they proceeded to search out the tracks of the + + enemy. But these, as they scattered themselves to every quarter, occasioned + + perplexity at first. Afterwards discovering their design by means of scouts, + + they attacked their cities, one after another, and within the space of fifty + + days took, entirely by force, forty-one towns, most of which were razed and + + burnt, and the race of the Aequans almost extirpated. A triumph was granted + + over the Aequans. The Marrucinians, Marsians, Pelignians, and Ferentans, warned + + by the example of their disasters, sent deputies to Rome to solicit peace and + + friendship; and these states, on their submissive applications, were admitted + + into alliance. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">46 </div> + +<a id="a46" /> + +<p>In the same year, Cneius Flavius, son of Cneius, grandson of a freed man, a + + notary, in low circumstances originally, but artful and eloquent, was appointed + + curule aedile. I find in some annals, that, being in attendance on the aediles, + + and seeing that he was voted aedile by the prerogative tribe, but that his name + + would not be received, because he acted as a notary, he threw down his tablet, + + and took an oath, that he would not, for the future, follow that business. But + + Licinius Macer contends, that he had dropped the employment of notary a considerable + + time before, having already been a tribune, and twice a triumvir, once for regulating + + the nightly watch, and another time for conducting a colony. However, of this + + there is no dispute, that against the nobles, who threw contempt on the meanness + + of his condition, he contended with much firmness. He made public the rules + + of proceeding in judicial causes, hitherto shut up in the closets of the pontiffs; + + and hung up to public view, round the forum, the calendar on white tablets, + + that all might know when business could be transacted in the courts. To the + + great displeasure of the nobles, he performed the dedication of the temple of + + Concord, in the area of Vulcan's temple; and the chief pontiff, Cornelius Barbatus, + + was compelled by the united instances of the people, to dictate to him the form + + of words, although he affirmed, that, consistently with the practice of antiquity, + + no other than a consul, or commander-in-chief, could dedicate a temple. This + + occasioned a law to be proposed to the people, by direction of the senate, that + + no person should dedicate a temple, or an altar, without an order from the senate, + + or from a majority of the plebeian tribunes. The incident which I am about to + + mention would be trivial in itself, were it not an instance of the freedom assumed + + by plebeians in opposition to the pride of the nobles. When Flavius had come + + to make a visit to his colleague, who was sick, and when, by an arrangement + + between some young nobles who were sitting there, they did not rise on his entrance, + + he ordered his curule chair to be brought thither, and from his honourable seat + + of office enjoyed the sight of his enemies tortured with envy. However, a low + + faction, which had gathered strength during the censorship of Appius Claudius, + + had made Flavius an aedile; for he was the first who degraded the senate, by + + electing into it the immediate descendants of freed men; and when no one allowed + + that election as valid, and when he had not acquired in the senate-house that + + influence in the city which he had been aiming at, by distributing men of the + + meanest order among all the several tribes, he thus corrupted the assemblies + + both of the forum and of the field of Mars; and so much indignation did the + + election of Flavius excite, that most of the nobles laid aside their gold rings + + and bracelets in consequence of it. From that time the state was split into + + two parties. The uncorrupted part of the people, who favoured and supported + + the good, held one side; the faction of the rabble, the other; until Quintus + + Fabius and Publius Decius were made censors; and Fabius, both for the sake of + + concord, and at the same time to prevent the elections remaining in the hands + + of the lowest of the people, purged the rest of the tribes of all the rabble + + of the forum, and threw it into four, and called them city tribes. And this + + procedure, we are told, gave such universal satisfaction, that, by this regulation + + in the orders of the state, he obtained the surname of Maximus, which he had + + not obtained by his many victories. The annual review of the knights, on the + + ides of July, is also said to have been instituted by him. </p> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book10">BOOK X.</div> + +<div class="date">B.C. 303-293</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="chapmen"><a href="#b1">1</a> <a href="#b2">2</a> <a href="#b3">3</a> + + <a href="#b4">4</a> <a href="#b5">5</a> <a href="#b6">6</a> <a href="#b7">7</a> + + <a href="#b8">8</a> <a href="#b9">9</a> <a href="#b10">10</a> <a href="#b11">11</a> + + <a href="#b12">12</a> <a href="#b13">13</a> <a href="#b14">14</a> <a href="#b15">15</a> + + <a href="#b16">16</a> <a href="#b17">17</a> <a href="#b18">18</a> <a href="#b19">19</a> + + <a href="#b20">20</a> <a href="#b21">21</a> <a href="#b22">22</a> <a href="#b23">23</a> + + <a href="#b24">24</a> <a href="#b25">25</a> <a href="#b26">26</a> <a href="#b27">27</a> + + <a href="#b28">28</a> <a href="#b29">29</a> <a href="#b30">30</a> <a href="#b31">31</a> + + <a href="#b32">32</a> <a href="#b33">33</a> <a href="#b34">34</a> <a href="#b35">35</a> + + <a href="#b36">36</a> <a href="#b37">37</a> <a href="#b38">38</a> <a href="#b39">39</a> + + <a href="#b40">40</a> <a href="#b41">41</a> <a href="#b42">42</a> <a href="#b43">43</a> + + <a href="#b44">44</a> <a href="#b45">45</a> <a href="#b46">46</a> <a href="#b47">47</a></div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>Submission of the Marcians accepted. The college of Augurs + + augmented from four to nine. The law of appeal to the people carried by Valerius + + the consul. Two more tribes added. War declared against the Samnites. Several + + successful actions. In an engagement against the combined forces of the Etruscans, + + Umbrians, Samnites, and Gauls, Publius Decius, after the example of his father, + + devotes himself for the army. Dies, and, by his death, procures the victory + + to the Romans. Defeat of the Samnites by Papirius Cursor. The census held. The + + lustrum closed. The number of the citizens two hundred and sixty-two thousand + + three hundred and twenty-two.</i></div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="lsidenote">1 </div> + +<a id="b1" /> + +<p>During the consulate of Lucius Genucius and Servius Cornelius, the state enjoyed + + almost uninterrupted rest from foreign wars. Colonies were led out to Sora and + + Alba. For the latter, situated in the country of the Aequans, six thousand colonists + + were enrolled. Sora had formerly belonged to the Volscian territory, but had + + fallen into the possession of the Samnites: thither were sent four thousand + + settlers. This year the freedom of the state was granted to the Arpinians and + + Trebulans. The Frusinonians were fined a third part of their lands, because + + it was discovered that the Hernicians had been tampered with by them; and the + + heads of that conspiracy, after a trial before the consuls, held in pursuance + + of a decree of the senate, were beaten with rods and beheaded. However, that + + the Romans might not pass the year entirely exempt from war, a little expedition + + was made into Umbria; intelligence being received from thence, that excursions + + of men, in arms, had been made, from a certain cave, into the adjacent country. + + Into this cave the troops penetrated with their standards, and, the place being + + dark, they received many wounds, chiefly from stones thrown. At length the other + + mouth of the cave being found, for it was pervious, both the openings were filled + + up with wood, which being set on fire, there perished by means of the smoke + + and heat, no less than two thousand men; many of whom, at the last, in attempting + + to make their way out, rushed into the very flames. The two Marci, Livius Denter + + and Aemilius, succeeding to the consulship, war was renewed with the Aequans; + + who, being highly displeased at the colony established within their territory, + + as if it were a fortress, having made an attempt, with their whole force, to + + seize it, were repulsed by the colonists themselves. They caused, however, such + + an alarm at Rome, that, to quell this insurrection, Caius Junius Bubulcus was + + nominated dictator: for it was scarcely credible that the Aequans, after being + + reduced to such a degree of weakness, should by themselves alone have ventured + + to engage in a war. The dictator, taking the field, with Marcus Titinius, master + + of the horse, in the first engagement reduced the Aequans to submission; and + + returning into the city in triumph, on the eighth day, dedicated, in the character + + of dictator, the temple of Health, which he had vowed when consul, and contracted + + for when censor. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">2 </div> + +<a id="b2" /> + +<p>During this year a fleet of Grecians, under the command of Cleonymus, a Lacedaemonian, + + arrived on the coast of Italy, and took Thuriae, a city in the territory of + + the Sallentines. Against this enemy the consul Aemilius was sent, who, in one + + battle, completely defeated them, and drove them on board their ships. Thuriae + + was then restored to its old inhabitants, and peace re-established in the country + + of the Sallentines. In some annals, I find that Junius Bubulcus was sent dictator + + into that country, and that Cleonymus, without hazarding an engagement with + + the Romans, retired out of Italy. He then sailed round the promontory of Brundusium, + + and, steering down the middle of the Adriatic gulf, because he dreaded, on the + + left hand, the coasts of Italy destitute of harbours, and, on the right, the + + Illyrians, Liburnians, and Istrians, nations of savages, and noted in general + + for piracy, he passed on to the coasts of the Venetians. Here, having landed + + a small party to explore the country, and being informed that a narrow beach + + stretched along the shore, beyond which were marshes, overflowed by the tides; + + that dry land was seen at no great distance, level in the nearest part, and + + rising behind into hills, beyond which was the mouth of a very deep river, into + + which they had seen ships brought round and moored in safety, (this was the + + river Meduacus,) he ordered his fleet to sail into it and go up against the + + stream. As the channel would not admit the heavy ships, the troops, removing + + into the lighter vessels, arrived at a part of the country occupied by three + + maritime cantons of the Patavians, settled on that coast. Here they made a descent, + + leaving a small guard with the ships, made themselves masters of these cantons, + + set fire to the houses, drove off a considerable booty of men and cattle, and, + + allured by the sweets of plunder, proceeded still further from the shore. When + + news of this was brought to Patavium, where the contiguity of the Gauls kept + + the inhabitants constantly in arms, they divided their young men into two bands, + + one of which was led towards the quarter where the marauders were said to be + + busy; the other by a different route, to avoid meeting any of the pirates, towards + + the station of the ships, fifteen miles distant from the town. An attack was + + made on the small craft, and the guards being killed, the affrighted mariners + + were obliged to remove their ships to the other bank of the river. By land, + + also, the attack on the dispersed plunderers was equally successful; and the + + Grecians, flying back towards their ships, were opposed in their way by the + + Venetians. Thus they were enclosed on both sides, and cut to pieces; and some, + + who were made prisoners, gave information that the fleet, with their king, Cleonymus, + + was but three miles distant. Sending the captives into the nearest canton, to + + be kept under a guard, some soldiers got on board the flat-bottomed vessels, + + so constructed for the purpose of passing the shoals with ease; others embarked + + in those which had been lately taken from the enemy, and proceeding down the + + river, surrounded their unwieldy ships, which dreaded the unknown sands and + + flats more than they did the Romans, and which showed a greater eagerness to + + escape into the deep than to make resistance. The soldiers pursued them as far + + as the mouth of the river; and having taken and burned a part of the fleet, + + which in the hurry and confusion had been stranded, returned victorious. Cleonymus, + + having met success in no part of the Adriatic sea, departed with scarce a fifth + + part of his navy remaining. Many, now alive, have seen the beaks of his ships, + + and the spoils of the Lacedaemonians, hanging in the old temple of Juno. In + + commemoration of this event, there is exhibited at Patavium, every year, on + + its anniversary day, a naval combat on the river in the middle of the town. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">3 </div> + +<a id="b3" /> + +<p>A treaty was this year concluded at Rome with the Vestinians, who solicited + + friendship. Various causes of apprehension afterwards sprung up. News arrived, + + that Etruria was in rebellion; the insurrection having arisen from the dissensions + + of the Arretians; for the Cilnian family having grown exorbitantly powerful, + + a party, out of envy of their wealth, had attempted to expel them by force of + + arms. [Accounts were also received] that the Marsians held forcible possession + + of the lands to which the colony of Carseoli, consisting of four thousand men, + + had been sent. By reason, therefore, of these commotions, Marcus Valerius Maximus + + was nominated dictator, and chose for his master of the horse Marcus Aemilius + + Paullus. This I am inclined to believe, rather than that Quintus Fabius, at + + such an age as he then was, and after enjoying many honours, was placed in a + + station subordinate to Valerius: but I think it not unlikely that the mistake + + arose from the surname Maximus. The dictator, having set out at the head of + + an army, in one battle utterly defeated the Marsians, drove them into their + + fortified towns, and afterwards, in the course of a few days, took Milionia, + + Plestina, and Fresilia; and then finding Marsians in a part of their lands, + + granted them a renewal of the treaty. The war was then directed against the + + Etrurians; and when the dictator had gone to Rome, for the purpose of renewing + + the auspices, the master of the horse, going out to forage, was surrounded by + + an ambuscade, and obliged to fly shamefully into his camp, after losing several + + standards and many of his men. The occurrence of which discomfiture to Fabius + + is exceedingly improbable; not only because, if in any particular, certainly, + + above all, in the qualifications of a commander, he fully merited his surname; + + but besides, mindful of Papirius's severity, he never could have been tempted + + to fight, without the dictator's orders. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">4 </div> + +<a id="b4" /> + +<p>The news of this disaster excited at Rome an alarm greater than suited the + + importance of the affair; for, as if the army had been destroyed, a justitium + + was proclaimed, guards mounted at the gates, and watches set in every street: + + and armour and weapons were heaped on the walls. All the younger citizens being + + compelled to enlist, the dictator was ordered to join the army. There he found + + every thing in a more tranquil state than he expected, and regularity established + + through the care of the master of the horse, the camp removed to a place of + + greater safety, the cohorts, which had lost their standards, left without tents + + on the outside of the ramparts and the troops ardently impatient for battle, + + that their disgrace might be the sooner obliterated. He therefore immediately + + advanced his camp into the territory of Rusella. Thither the enemy also followed, + + and although, since their late success, they entertained the most sanguine hopes + + from an open trial of strength, yet they endeavoured to circumvent the enemy + + by a stratagem which they had before practised with success. There were, at + + a small distance from the Roman camp, the half-ruined houses of a town which + + had been burnt in the devastation of the country. A body of troops being concealed + + there, some cattle was driven on, within view of a Roman post, commanded by + + a lieutenant-general, Cneius Fulvius. When no one was induced by this temptation + + to stir from his post, one of the herdsmen, advancing close to the works, called + + out, that others were driving out those cattle at their leisure from the ruins + + of the town, why did they remain idle, when they might safely drive them through + + the middle of the Roman camp? When this was interpreted to the lieutenant-general, + + by some natives of Caere, and great impatience prevailed through every company + + of the soldiers, who, nevertheless, dared not to move without orders, he commanded + + some who were skilled in the language to observe attentively, whether the dialect + + of the herdsmen resembled that of rustics or of citizens. When these reported, + + that their accent in speaking, their manner and appearance, were all of a more + + polished cast than suited shepherds, "Go then," said he, "tell them that they + + may uncover the ambush which they vainly conceal, that the Romans understand + + all their devices, and can now be no more taken by stratagem than they can be + + conquered by arms." When these words were heard, and carried to those who lay + + in ambush, they immediately arose from their lurking place, and marched out + + in order into the plain which was open to view on every side The lieutenant-general + + thought their force too powerful for his small band to cope with. He therefore + + sent in haste to Valerius for support, and in the mean time, by himself, sustained + + the enemy's onset. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">5 </div> + +<a id="b5" /> + +<p>On receiving his message, the dictator ordered the standards to move, and the + + troops to follow in arms. But every thing was executed more quickly, almost, + + than ordered. The standards and arms were instantly snatched up, and they were + + with difficulty restrained from running impetuously on, both indignation at + + their late defeat stimulated them, as well as the shouts striking their ears + + with increasing vehemence, as the contest grew hotter They therefore urged each + + other, and pressed the standard-bearers to quicken their pace. The dictator, + + the more eagerly he saw them push forward, took the more pains to repress their + + haste, and ordered them to march at a slower rate. On the other side, the Etrurians, + + putting themselves in motion, on the first beginning of the fray had come up + + with their whole force, and several expresses came to the dictator, one after + + another, that all the regions of the Etrurians had joined in the fight, and + + that his men could not any longer withstand them: at the same time, he himself + + saw, from the higher ground, in how perilous a situation the party was. Confident, + + however, that the lieutenant-general was able, even yet, to support the contest, + + and considering that he himself was at hand to rescue him from defeat, he wished + + to let the enemy be fatigued, as much as might be, in order that, when in that + + state, he might fall on them with his fresh troops. Slowly as these marched, + + the distance was now just sufficient for the cavalry to begin their career for + + a charge. The battalions of the legions marched in front, lest the enemy might + + suspect any secret or sudden movement, but intervals had been left in the ranks + + of the infantry, affording room for the horses to gallop through. At the same + + instant the line raised the shout, and the cavalry, charging at full speed, + + poured on the enemy, and spread at once a general panic. After this, as succour + + had arrived, almost too late, to the party surrounded, so now they were allowed + + entire rest, the fresh troops taking on themselves the whole business of the + + fight. Nor was that either long or dubious. The enemy, now routed, fled to their + + camp, and the Romans advancing to attack it, they gave way, and are crowded + + all together in the remotest part of it. In their flight they are obstructed + + by the narrowness of the gates, the greater number climbed up on the mounds + + and ramparts, to try if they could either defend themselves with the aid of + + the advantageous ground, or get over, by any means, and escape. One part of + + the rampart, happening to be badly compacted sunk under the weight of the multitude + + who stood on it, and fell into the trench. On which, crying out that the gods + + had opened that pass to give them safety, they made their way out, most of them + + leaving their arms behind. By this battle the power of the Etrurians was, a + + second time, effectually crushed, so that, engaging to furnish a year's pay, + + and corn for two months, with the dictator's permission, they sent ambassadors + + to Rome to treat of peace. This was refused, but a truce for two years was granted + + to them. The dictator returned into the city in triumph. I have seen it asserted, + + that tranquillity was restored in Etruria by the dictator, without any memorable + + battle, only by composing the dissensions of the Arretians, and effecting a + + reconciliation between the Cilnian family and the commons. Marcus Valerius was + + elected consul, before the expiration of his dictatorship, many have believed, + + without his soliciting the office, and even while he was absent; and that the + + election was held by an interrex. In one point all agree, that he held the consulship + + with Quintus Appulcius Pansa. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">6 </div> + +<a id="b6" /> + +<p>During this consulate of Marcus Valerius and Quintus Appulcius, affairs abroad + + wore a very peaceable aspect. Their losses sustained in war, together with the + + truce, kept the Etrurians quiet. The Samnites, depressed by the misfortunes + + of many years, had not yet become dissatisfied with their new alliance. At Rome, + + also, the carrying away of such multitudes to colonies, rendered the commons + + tranquil, and lightened their burthens. But, that things might not be tranquil + + on all sides, a contention was excited between the principal persons in the + + commonwealth, patricians on one hand, and plebeians on the other, by the two + + Ogulnii, Quintus and Cneius, plebeian tribunes, who, seeking every where occasions + + of criminating the patricians in the hearing of the people, and having found + + other attempts fruitless, set on foot a proceeding by which they might inflame, + + not the lowest class of the commons, but their chief men, the plebeians of consular + + and triumphal rank, to the completion of whose honours nothing was now wanting + + but the offices of the priesthood, which were not yet laid open to them. They + + therefore published a proposal for a law, that, whereas there were then four + + augurs and four pontiffs, and it had been determined that the number of priests + + should be augmented, the four additional pontiffs and five augurs should all + + be chosen out of the commons. How the college of augurs could be reduced to + + the number of four, except by the death of two, I do not understand: for it + + is a rule among the augurs, that their number should be composed of threes, + + so that the three ancient tribes, the Ramnes, Titienses, and Luceres, should + + have each its own augur; or, in case there should be occasion for more, that + + each should increase its number of augurs, in equal proportion with the rest, + + in like manner as when, by the addition of five to four, they made up the number + + nine, so that there were three to each tribe. However, as it was proposed that + + they should be chosen out of the commons, the patricians were as highly offended + + at the proceeding, as when they saw the consulship made common; yet they pretended + + that the business concerned not them so much as it did the gods, who would "take + + care that their own worship should not be contaminated; that, for their parts, + + they only wished that no misfortune might ensue to the commonwealth." But they + + made a less vigorous opposition, as being now accustomed to suffer defeat in + + such kind of disputes; and they saw their adversaries, not, as formerly, grasping + + at that which they could scarcely hope to reach, the higher honours; but already + + in possession of all those advantages, on the uncertain prospect of which they + + had maintained the contest, manifold consulships, censorships, and triumphs. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">7 </div> + +<a id="b7" /> + +<p>The principal struggle, however, in supporting and opposing the bill, they + + say, was between Appius Claudius and Publius Decius Mus. After these had urged + + nearly the same topics, respecting the privileges of patricians and plebeians, + + which had been formerly employed for and against the Licinian law, when the + + proposition was brought forward of opening the consulship to plebeians, Decius + + is said to have drawn a lively description of his own father, such as many then + + present in the assembly had seen him, girt in the Gabine dress, standing on + + a spear, in the attitude in which he had devoted himself for the people and + + the legions, and to have added, that the consul Publius Decius was then deemed + + by the immortal gods an offering equally pure and pious, as if his colleague, + + Titus Manlius, had been devoted. And might not the same Publius Decius have + + been, with propriety, chosen to perform the public worship of the Roman people? + + Was there any danger that the gods would give less attention to his prayers + + than to those of Appius Claudius? Did the latter perform his private acts of + + adoration with a purer mind, or worship the gods more religiously than he? Who + + had any reason to complain of the vows offered in behalf of the commonwealth, + + by so many plebeian consuls and dictators, either when setting out to their + + armies, or in the heat of battle? Were the numbers of commanders reckoned, during + + those years since business began to be transacted under the conduct and auspices + + of plebeians, the same number of triumphs might be found. The commons had now + + no reason to be dissatisfied with their own nobility. On the contrary, they + + were fully convinced, that in case of a sudden war breaking out, the senate + + and people of Rome would not repose greater confidence in patrician than in + + plebeian commanders. "Which being the case," said he, "what god or man can deem + + it an impropriety, if those whom ye have honoured with curule chairs, with the + + purple bordered gown, with the palm-vest and embroidered robe, with the triumphal + + crown and laurel, whose houses ye have rendered conspicuous above others, by + + affixing to them the spoils of conquered enemies, should add to these the badges + + of augurs or pontiffs? If a person, who has rode through the city in a gilt + + chariot; and, decorated with the ensigns of Jupiter, supremely good and great, + + has mounted the Capitol, should be seen with a chalice and wand; what impropriety, + + I say, that he should, with his head veiled, slay a victim, or take an augury + + in the citadel? When, in the inscription on a person's statue, the consulship, + + censorship, and triumph shall be read with patience, will the eyes of readers + + be unable to endure the addition of the office of augur or pontiff? In truth + + (with deference to the gods I say it) I trust that we are, through the kindness + + of the Roman people, qualified in such a manner that we should, by the dignity + + of our characters, reflect back, on the priesthood, not less lustre than we + + should receive; and may demand, rather on behalf of the gods, than for our own + + sakes, that those whom we worship in our private we may also worship in a public + + capacity." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">8 </div> + +<a id="b8" /> + +<p>"But why do I argue thus, as if the cause of the patricians, respecting the + + priesthood, were untouched? and as if we were not already in possession of one + + sacerdotal office, of the highest class? We see plebeian decemvirs, for performing + + sacrifices, interpreters of the Sibylline prophecies, and of the fates of the + + nation; we also see them presidents of Apollo's festival, and of other religious + + performances. Neither was any injustice done to the patricians, when, to the + + two commissioners for performing sacrifices, an additional number was joined, + + in favour of the plebeians; nor is there now, when a tribune, a man of courage + + and activity, wishes to add five places of augurs, and four of pontiffs, to + + which plebeians may be nominated; not Appius, with intent to expel you from + + your places; but, that men of plebeian rank may assist you, in the management + + of divine affairs, with the same zeal with which they assist you in matters + + of human concernment. Blush not, Appius, at having a man your colleague in the + + priesthood, whom you might have a colleague in the censorship or consulship, + + whose master of the horse you yourself may be, when he is dictator, as well + + as dictator when he is master of the horse. A Sabine adventurer, the first origin + + of your nobility, either Attus Clausus, or Appius Claudius, which you will, + + the ancient patricians of those days admitted into their number: do not then, + + on your part, disdain to admit us into the number of priests. We bring with + + us numerous honours; all those honours, indeed, which have rendered your party + + so proud. Lucius Sextius was the first consul chosen out of the plebeians; Caius + + Licinius Stolo, the first master of the horse; Caius Marcius Rutilus, the first + + dictator, and likewise censor; Quintus Publilius Philo, the first praetor. On + + all occasions was heard a repetition of the same arguments; that the right of + + auspices was vested in you; that ye alone had the rights of ancestry; that ye + + alone were legally entitled to the supreme command, and the auspices both in + + peace and war. The supreme command has hitherto been, and will continue to be, + + equally prosperous in plebeian hands as in patrician. Have ye never heard it + + said, that the first created patricians were not men sent down from heaven, + + but such as could cite their fathers, that is, nothing more than free born. + + I can now cite my father, a consul; and my son will be able to cite a grandfather. + + Citizens, there is nothing else in it, than that we should never obtain any + + thing without a refusal. The patricians wish only for a dispute; nor do they + + care what issue their disputes may have. For my part, be it advantageous, happy, + + and prosperous to you and to the commonwealth, I am of opinion that this law + + should receive your sanction." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">9 </div> + +<a id="b9" /> + +<p>The people ordered that the tribes should be instantly called; and there was + + every appearance that the law would be accepted. It was deferred, however, for + + that day, by a protest, from which on the day following the tribunes were deterred; + + and it passed with the approbation of a vast majority. The pontiffs created + + were, Publius Decius Mus, the advocate for the law; Publius Sempronius Sophus, + + Caius Marcius Rutilus, and Marcus Livius Denter. The five augurs, who were also + + plebeians, were, Caius Genucius, Publius Aelius Paetus, Marcus Minucius Fessus, + + Caius Marcius, and Titus Publilius. Thus the number of the pontiffs was made + + eight; that of the augurs nine. In the same year Marcus Valerius, consul, procured + + a law to be passed concerning appeals; more carefully enforced by additional + + sanctions. This was the third time, since the expulsion of the kings, of this + + law being introduced, and always by the same family. The reason for renewing + + it so often was, I believe, no other, than that the influence of a few was apt + + to prove too powerful for the liberty of the commons. However, the Porcian law + + seems intended, solely, for the security of the persons of the citizens; as + + it visited with a severe penalty any one for beating with stripes or putting + + to death a Roman citizen. The Valerian law, after forbidding a person, who had + + appealed, to be beaten with rods and beheaded, added, in case of any one acting + + contrary thereto, that it shall yet be only deemed a wicked act. This, I suppose, + + was judged of sufficient strength to enforce obedience to the law in those days; + + so powerful was then men's sense of shame; at present one would scarcely make + + use of such a threat seriously. The Aequans rebelling, the same consul conducted + + the war against them; in which no memorable event occurred; for, except ferocity, + + they retained nothing of their ancient condition. The other consul, Appuleius, + + invested the town of Nequinum in Umbria. The ground, the same whereon Narnia + + now stands, was steep (on one side even perpendicular); this rendered the town + + impregnable either by assault or works. That business, therefore, came unfinished + + into the hands of the succeeding consuls, Marcus Fulvius Paetinus and Titus + + Manlius Torquatus. When all the centuries named Quintus Fabius consul for that + + year though not a candidate, Macer Licinius and Tubero state that he himself + + recommended them to postpone the conferring the consulship on him until a year + + wherein there might be more employment for their arms; adding, that, during + + the present year, he might be more useful to the state in the management of + + a city magistracy; and thus, neither dissembling what he preferred, nor yet + + making direct application for it, he was appointed curule aedile with Lucius + + Papirius Cursor. Piso, a more ancient writer of annals, prevents me from averring + + this as certain; he asserts that the curule aediles of that year were Caius + + Domitius Calvinus, son of Cneius, and Spurius Carvilius Maximus, son of Caius. + + I am of opinion, that this latter surname caused a mistake concerning the aediles; + + and that thence followed a story conformable to this mistake, patched up out + + of the two elections, of the aediles, and of the consuls. The general survey + + was performed, this year, by Publius Sempronius Sophus and Publius Sulpicius + + Saverrio, censors; and two tribes were added, the Aniensian and Terentine. Such + + were the occurrences at Rome. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">10 </div> + +<a id="b10" /> + +<p>Meanwhile, after much time had been lost in the tedious siege of Nequinum, + + two of the townsmen, whose houses were contiguous to the wall, having formed + + a subterraneous passage, came by that private way to the Roman advanced guards; + + and being conducted thence to the consul, offered to give admittance to a body + + of armed men within the works and walls. The proposal was thought to be such + + as ought neither to be rejected, nor yet assented to without caution. With one + + of these men, the other being detained as an hostage, two spies were sent through + + the mine, and certain information being received from them, three hundred men + + in arms, guided by the deserter, entered the city, and seized by night the nearest + + gate, which being broken open, the Roman consul and his army took possession + + of the city without any opposition. In this manner came Nequinum under the dominion + + of the Roman people. A colony was sent thither as a barrier against the Umbrians, + + and called Narnia, from the river Nar. The troops returned to Rome with abundance + + of spoil. This year the Etrurians made preparations for war in violation of + + the truce. But a vast army of the Gauls, making an irruption into their territories, + + while their attention was directed to another quarter, suspended for a time + + the execution of their design. They then, relying on the abundance of money + + which they possessed, endeavour to make allies of the Gauls, instead of enemies; + + in order that, with their armies combined, they might attack the Romans. The + + barbarians made no objection to the alliance, and a negotiation was opened for + + settling the price; which being adjusted and paid, and every thing else being + + in readiness for commencing their operations, the Etrurians desired them to + + accompany them in their march. This they refused, alleging that "they had stipulated + + a price for making war against the Romans: that the payment already made, they + + had received in consideration of their not wasting the Etrurian territory, or + + using their arms against the inhabitants. That notwithstanding, if it was the + + wish of the Etrurians, they were still willing to engage in the war, but on + + no other condition than that of being allowed a share of their lands, and obtaining + + at length some permanent settlement." Many assemblies of the states of Etruria + + were held on this subject, and nothing could be settled; not so much by reason + + of their aversion from the dismemberment of their territory, as because every + + one felt a dread of fixing in so close vicinity to themselves people of such + + a savage race. The Gauls were therefore dismissed, and carried home an immense + + sum of money, acquired without toil or danger. The report of a Gallic tumult, + + in addition to an Etrurian war, had caused serious apprehensions at Rome; and, + + with the less hesitation on that account, an alliance was concluded with the + + state of the Picentians. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">11 </div> + +<a id="b11" /> + +<p>The province of Etruria fell by lot to the consul Titus Manlius; who, when + + he had but just entered the enemy's country, as he was exercising the cavalry, + + in wheeling about at full speed, was thrown from his horse, and almost killed + + on the spot; three days after the fall, he died. The Etrurians, embracing this + + omen, as it were, of the future progress of the war, and observing that the + + gods had commenced hostilities on their behalf, assumed new courage. At Rome + + the news caused great affliction, on account both of the loss of such a man + + and of the unseasonableness of the juncture; insomuch that an assembly, held + + for the purpose of substituting a new consul, having been conducted agreeably + + to the wishes of people of the first consequence, prevented the senate from + + ordering a dictator to be created. All the votes and centuries concurred unanimously + + in appointing Marcus Valerius consul, the same whom the senate would have ordered + + to be made dictator. They then commanded him to proceed immediately into Etruria, + + to the legions. His coming gave such a check to the Etrurians, that not one + + of them dared thenceforward to appear on the outside of their trenches; their + + own fears operating as a blockade. Nor could the new consul, by wasting their + + lands and burning their houses, draw them out to an engagement; for not only + + country-houses, but numbers of their towns, were seen smoking and in ashes, + + on every side. While this war proceeded more slowly than had been expected, + + an account was received of the breaking out of another; which was, not without + + reason, regarded as terrible, in consequence of the heavy losses formerly sustained + + by both parties, from information given by their new allies, the Picentians, + + that the Samnites were looking to arms and a renewal of hostilities, and that + + they themselves had been solicited to join therein. The Picentians received + + the thanks of the state; and a large share of the attention of the senate was + + turned from Etruria towards Samnium. The dearness of provisions also distressed + + the state very much, and they would have felt the extremity of want, according + + to the relation of those who make Fabius Maximus curule aedile that year, had + + not the vigilant activity of that man, such as he had on many occasions displayed + + in the field, been exerted then with equal zeal at home, in the management of + + the market, and in procuring and forming magazines of corn. An interregnum took + + place this year, the reason of which is not mentioned. Appius Claudius, and, + + after him, Publius Sulpicius, were interreges. The latter held an election of + + consuls, and chose Lucius Cornelius Scipio and Cneius Fulvius. In the beginning + + of this year, ambassadors came from the Lucanians to the new consuls to complain, + + that "the Samnites, finding that they could not, by any offers, tempt them to + + take part in the war, had marched an army in a hostile manner into their country, + + and were now laying it waste, and forcing them into a war; that the Lucanian + + people had on former occasions erred enough and more than enough; that their + + minds were so firmly fixed that they thought it more endurable to bear and suffer + + every hardship, rather than ever again to outrage the Roman name: they besought + + the senate to take the people of Lucania into their protection, and defend them + + from the injustice and outrage of the Samnites; that although fidelity on their + + part to the Romans would now become necessary, a war being undertaken against + + the Samnites, still they were ready to give hostages." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">12 </div> + +<a id="b12" /> + +<p>The deliberation of the senate was short. They all, to a man, concurred in + + opinion, that a compact should be entered into with the Lucanians, and satisfaction + + demanded from the Samnites: accordingly, a favourable answer was returned to + + the Lucanians, and the alliance concluded. Heralds were then sent, to require + + of the Samnites, that they should depart from the country of the allies, and + + withdraw their troops from the Lucanian territory. These were met by persons + + despatched for the purpose by the Samnites, who gave them warning, that "if + + they appeared at any assembly in Samnium, they must not expect to depart in + + safety." As soon as this was heard at Rome, the senate voted, and the people + + ordered, that war should be declared against the Samnites. The consuls, then, + + dividing the provinces between them, Etruria fell to Scipio, the Samnites to + + Fulvius; and they set out by different routes, each against the enemy allotted + + to him. Scipio, while he expected a tedious campaign, like that of the preceding + + year, was met near Volaterra by the Etrurians, in order of battle. The fight + + lasted through the greater part of the day, while very many fell on both sides, + + and night came on while it was uncertain to which side victory inclined. But + + the following dawn showed the conqueror and the vanquished; for the Etrurians + + had decamped in the dead of the night. The Romans, marching out with intent + + to renew the engagement, and seeing their superiority acknowledged by the departure + + of the enemy, advanced to their camp; and, finding even this fortified post + + deserted, took possession of it, evacuated as it was, together with a vast quantity + + of spoil. The consul then, leading back his forces into the Faliscian territory, + + and leaving his baggage with a small guard at Falerii, set out with his troops, + + lightly accoutred, to ravage the enemy's country. All places are destroyed with + + fire and sword; plunder driven from every side; and not only was the ground + + left a mere waste to the enemy, but their forts and small towns were set on + + fire; he refrained from attacking the cities into which fear had driven the + + Etrurians. The consul Cneius Fulvius fought a glorious battle in Samnium, near + + Bovianum, attended with success by no means equivocal. Then, having attacked + + Bovianum, and not long after Aufidena, he took them by storm. </p> + +<p> This year a colony was carried out to Carseoli, into the territory of the + + Aequicolae. The consul Fulvius triumphed on his defeat of the Samnites. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">13 </div> + +<a id="b13" /> + +<p>When the consular elections were now at hand, a report prevailed, that the + + Etrurians and Samnites were raising vast armies; that the leaders of the Etrurians + + were, in all their assemblies, openly censured for not having procured the aid + + of the Gauls on any terms; and the magistrates of the Samnites arraigned, for + + having opposed to the Romans an army destined to act against the Lucanians. + + That, in consequence, the people were rising up in arms, with all their own + + strength and that of their allies combined; and that this affair seemed not + + likely to be terminated without a contest of much greater difficulty than the + + former. Although the candidates for the consulship were men of illustrious characters, + + yet this alarming intelligence turned the thoughts of all on Quintus Fabius + + Maximus, who sought not the employment at first, and afterwards, when he discovered + + their wishes, even declined it. "Why," said he, "should they impose such a difficult + + task on him, who was now in the decline of life, and had passed through a full + + course of labours, and of the rewards of labour? Neither the vigour of his body, + + nor of his mind, remained the same; and he dreaded fortune herself, lest to + + some god she should seem too bountiful to him, and more constant than the course + + of human affairs allowed. He had himself succeeded, in gradual succession, to + + the dignities of his seniors; and he beheld, with great satisfaction, others + + rising up to succeed to his glory. There was no scarcity at Rome, either of + + honours suited to men of the highest merit, or of men of eminent merit suited + + to the highest honours." This disinterested conduct, instead of repressing, + + increased, while in fact it justified their zeal. But thinking that this ought + + to be checked by respect for the laws, he ordered that clause to be read aloud + + by which it was not lawful that the same person shall be re-elected consul within + + ten years. The law was scarcely heard in consequence of the clamour; and the + + tribunes of the commons declared, that this "decree should be no impediment; + + for they would propose an order to the people, that he should be exempted from + + the obligation of the laws." Still he persisted in his opposition, asking, "To + + what purpose were laws enacted, if they eluded by the very persons who procured + + them? The laws now," he said, "instead of being rulers, were overruled." The + + people, nevertheless, proceeded to vote; and, according as each century was + + called in, it immediately named Fabius consul. Then at length, overcome by the + + universal wish of the state, he said, "Romans, may the gods approve your present, + + and all your future proceedings. But since, with respect to me, ye intend to + + act according to your own wills, let my interest find room with you, with respect + + to my colleague. I earnestly request, that ye will place in the consulship with + + me Publius Decius; a man with whom I have already experienced the utmost harmony + + in our joint administration of that office; a man worthy of you, worthy of his + + father." The recommendation was deemed well founded, and all the remaining centuries + + voted Quintus Fabius and Publius Decius consuls. This year, great numbers were + + prosecuted by the aediles, for having in possession larger quantities of land + + than the state allowed; and hardly any were acquitted: by which means, a very + + great restraint was laid on exorbitant covetousness. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">14 </div> + +<a id="b14" /> + +<p>Whilst the new consuls, Quintus Fabius Maximus a fourth, and Publius Decius + + Mus a third time, were settling between themselves that one should command against + + the Samnites, and the other against the Etrurians; and what number of forces + + would be sufficient for this and for that province; and which would be the fitter + + commander in each war; ambassadors from Sutrium, Nepete, and Falerii, stating + + that the states of Etruria were holding assemblies on the subject of suing for + + peace, they directed the whole force of their arms against Samnium. The consuls, + + in order that the supply of provisions might be the more ready, and to leave + + the enemy in the greater uncertainty on what quarter the war would fall, Fabius + + led his legions towards Samnium through the territory of Sora, and Decius his + + through that of Sidicinum. As soon as they arrived at the frontiers of the enemy, + + both advanced briskly, spreading devastation wherever they came; but still they + + explore the country, to a distance beyond where the troops were employed in + + plundering. Accordingly the fact did not escape the notice of the Romans, that + + the enemy were drawn up in a retired valley, near Tifernum, which, when the + + Romans entered, they were preparing to attack them from the higher ground. Fabius, + + sending away his baggage to a place of safety, and setting a small guard over + + it, and having given notice to his soldiers that a battle was at hand, advanced + + in a square body to the hiding-place of the enemy already mentioned. The Samnites, + + disappointed in making an unexpected attack, determined on a regular engagement, + + as the matter was now likely to come to an open contest. They therefore marched + + out into the plain; and, with a greater share of spirit than of hopes, committed + + themselves to the disposal of fortune. However, whether in consequence of their + + having drawn together, from every state, the whole of the force which it possessed, + + or that the consideration of their all being at stake, heightened their courage, + + they occasioned, even in open fight, a considerable alarm. Fabius, when he saw + + that the enemy in no place gave way, ordered Marcus Fulvius and Marcus Valerius, + + military tribunes, with whom he hastened to the front, to go to the cavalry, + + and to exhort them, that, "if they remembered any instance wherein the public + + had received advantage from the service of the horsemen, they would, on that + + day, exert themselves to insure the invincible renown of that body; telling + + them that the enemy stood immovable against the efforts of the infantry, and + + the only hope remaining was in the charge of horse." He addressed particularly + + both these youths, and with the same cordiality, loading them with praises and + + promises. But considering that, in case that effort should also fail, it would + + be necessary to accomplish by stratagem what his strength could not effect; + + he ordered Scipio, one of his lieutenants-general, to draw off the spearmen + + of the first legion out of the line; to lead them round as secretly as possible + + to the nearest mountains; and, by an ascent concealed from view, to gain the + + heights, and show himself suddenly on the rear of the enemy. The cavalry, led + + on by the tribunes, rushing forward unexpectedly before the van, caused scarcely + + more confusion among the enemy than among their friends. The line of the Samnites + + stood firm against the furious onset of the squadrons; it neither could be driven + + from its ground, nor broken in any part. The cavalry, finding their attempts + + fruitless, withdrew from the fight, and retired behind the line of infantry. + + On this the enemies' courage increased, so that the Roman troops in the van + + would not have been able to support the contest, nor the force thus increasing + + by confidence in itself, had not the second line, by the consul's order, come + + up into the place of the first. These fresh troops checked the progress of the + + Samnites, who had now began to gain ground; and, at this seasonable juncture, + + their comrades appearing suddenly on the mountains, and raising a shout, occasioned + + in the Samnites a fear of greater danger than really threatened them; Fabius + + called out aloud that his colleague Decius was approaching; on which all the + + soldiers, elated with joy, repeated eagerly, that the other consul was come, + + the legions were arrived! This artifice, useful to the Romans, filled the Samnites + + with dismay and terror; terrified chiefly lest fatigued as they were, they should + + be overpowered by another army fresh and unhurt. As they dispersed themselves + + in their flight on every side, there was less effusion of blood than might have + + been expected, considering the completeness of the victory. There were three + + thousand four hundred slain, about eight hundred and thirty made prisoners, + + and twenty-three military standards taken. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">15 </div> + +<a id="b15" /> + +<p>The Apulians would have joined their forces to the Samnites before this battle, + + had not the consul, Publius Decius, encamped in their neighbourhood at Maleventum; + + and, finding means to bring them to an engagement, put them to the rout. Here, + + likewise, there was more of flight than of bloodshed. Two thousand of the Apulians + + were slain; but Decius, despising such an enemy, led his legions into Samnium. + + There the two consular armies, overrunning every part of the country during + + the space of five months, laid it entirely waste. There were in Samnium forty-five + + places where Decius, and eighty-six where the other consul, encamped. Nor did + + they leave traces only of having been there, as ramparts and trenches, but other + + dreadful mementos of it--general desolation and regions depopulated. Fabius + + also took the city of Cimetra, where he made prisoners two thousand four hundred + + soldiers; and there were slain in the assault about four hundred and thirty. + + Going thence to Rome to preside at the elections, he used all expedition in + + despatching that business. All the first-called centuries voted Quintus Fabius + + consul. Appius Claudius was a candidate, a man of consular rank, daring and + + ambitious; and as he wished not more ardently for the attainment of that honour + + for himself, than he did that the patricians might recover the possession of + + both places in the consulship, he laboured, with all his own power, supported + + by that of the whole body of the nobility, to prevail on them to appoint him + + consul along with Quintus Fabius. To this Fabius objected, giving, at first, + + the same reasons which he had advanced the year before. The nobles then all + + gathered round his seat, and besought him to raise up the consulship out of + + the plebeian mire, and to restore both to the office itself, and to the patrician + + rank, their original dignity. Fabius then, procuring silence, allayed their + + warmth by a qualifying speech, declaring, that "he would have so managed, as + + to have received the names of two patricians, if he had seen an intention of + + appointing any other than himself to the consulship. As things now stood, he + + would not set so bad a precedent as to admit his own name among the candidates; + + such a proceeding being contrary to the laws." Whereupon Appius Claudius, and + + Lucius Volumnius, a plebeian, who had likewise been colleagues in that office + + before, were elected consuls. The nobility reproached Fabius for declining to + + act in conjunction with Appius Claudius, because he evidently excelled him in + + eloquence and political abilities. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">16 </div> + +<a id="b16" /> + +<p>When the election was finished, the former consuls, their command being continued + + for six months, were ordered to prosecute the war in Samnium. Accordingly, during + + this next year also, in the consulate of Lucius Volumnius and Appius Claudius, + + Publius Decius, who had been left consul in Samnium by his colleague, in the + + character of proconsul, ceased not to spread devastation through all parts of + + that country; until, at last, he drove the army of the Samnites, which never + + dared to face him in the field, entirely out of the country. Thus expelled from + + home, they bent their route to Etruria; and, supposing that the business, which + + they had often in vain endeavoured to accomplish by embassies, might now be + + negotiated with more effect, when they were backed by such a powerful armed + + force, and could intermix terror with their entreaties, they demanded a meeting + + of the chiefs of Etruria: which being assembled, they set forth the great number + + of years during which they had waged war with the Romans, in the cause of liberty; + + "they had," they said, "tried to sustain, with their own strength, the weight + + of so great a war: they had also made trial of the support of the adjoining + + nations, which proved of little avail. When they were unable longer to maintain + + the conflict, they had sued the Roman people for peace; and had again taken + + up arms, because they felt peace was more grievous to those with servitude, + + than war to free men. That their one only hope remaining rested in the Etrurians. + + They knew that nation to be the most powerful in Italy, in respect of arms, + + men, and money; to have the Gauls their closest neighbours, born in the midst + + of war and arms, of furious courage, both from their natural temper, and particularly + + against the people of Rome, whom they boasted, without infringing the truth, + + of having made their prisoners, and of having ransomed for gold. If the Etrurians + + possessed the same spirit which formerly Porsena and their ancestors once had, + + there was nothing to prevent their obliging the Romans, driven from all the + + lands on this side of the Tiber, to fight for their own existence, and not for + + the intolerable dominion which they assumed over Italy. The Samnite army had + + come to them, in readiness for action, furnished with arms and pay, and were + + willing to follow that instant, even should they lead to the attack of the city + + of Rome itself." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">17 </div> + +<a id="b17" /> + +<p>While they were engaged in these representations, and intriguing at Etruria, + + the operations of the Romans in their own territories distressed them severely. + + For Publius Decius, when he ascertained through his scouts the departure of + + the Samnite army, called a council, and there said, "Why do we ramble through + + the country, carrying the war from village to village? Why not attack the cities + + and fortified places? No army now guards Samnium. They have fled their country; + + they are gone into voluntary exile." The proposal being universally approved, + + he marched to attack Murgantia, a city of considerable strength; and so great + + was the ardour of the soldiers, resulting from their affection to their commander, + + and from their hopes of richer treasure than could be found in pillaging the + + country places, that in one day they took it by assault. Here, two thousand + + one hundred of the Samnites, making resistance, were surrounded and taken prisoners; + + and abundance of other spoil was captured. Decius, not choosing that the troops + + should be encumbered in their march with heavy baggage, ordered them to be called + + together, and said to them, "Do ye intend to rest satisfied with this single + + victory, and this booty? or do ye choose to cherish hopes proportioned to your + + bravery? All the cities of the Samnites, and the property left in them, are + + your own; since, after so often defeating their legions, ye have finally driven + + them out of the country. Sell those effects in your hands; and allure traders, + + by a prospect of profit, to follow you on your march. I will, from time to time, + + supply you with goods for sale. Let us go hence to the city of Romulea, where + + no greater labour, but greater gain awaits you." Having sold off the spoil, + + and warmly adopting the general's plan, they proceeded to Romulea. There, also, + + without works or engines, as soon as the battalions approached, the soldiers, + + deterred from the walls by no resistance, hastily applying ladders wherever + + was most convenient to each, they mounted the fortifications. The town was taken + + and plundered. Two thousand three hundred men were slain, six thousand taken + + prisoners, and the soldiers obtained abundance of spoil. This they were obliged + + to sell in like manner as the former; and, though no rest was allowed them, + + they proceeded, nevertheless, with the utmost alacrity to Ferentinum. But here + + they met a greater share both of difficulty and danger: the fortifications were + + defended with the utmost vigour, and the place was strongly fortified both by + + nature and art. However, the soldiers, now inured to plunder, overcame every + + obstacle. Three thousand of the enemy were killed round the walls, and the spoil + + was given to the troops. In some annals, the principal share of the honour of + + taking these cities is attributed to Maximus. They say that Murgantia was taken + + by Decius; Romulea and Ferentinum by Fabius. Some ascribe this honour to the + + new consuls: others not to both, but to one of these, Lucius Volumnius: that + + to him the province of Samnium had fallen. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">18 </div> + +<a id="b18" /> + +<p>While things went on thus in Samnium, whoever it was that had the command and + + auspices, powerful combination, composed of many states, was formed in Etruria + + against the Romans, the chief promoter of which was Gellius Egnatius, a Samnite. + + Almost all the Etrurians had united in this war. The neighbouring states of + + Umbria were drawn in, as it were, by the contagion; and auxiliaries were procured + + from the Gauls for hire: all their several numbers assembled at the camp of + + the Samnites. When intelligence of this sudden commotion was received at Rome, + + after the consul, Lucius Volumnius, had already set out for Samnium, with the + + second and third legions, and fifteen thousand of the allies; it was, therefore, + + resolved, that Appius Claudius should, at the very earliest opportunity, go + + into Etruria. Two Roman legions followed him, the first and fourth, and twelve + + thousand allies; their camp was pitched at a small distance from the enemy. + + However, advantage was gained by his early arrival in this particular, that + + the awe of the Roman name kept in check some states of Etruria which were disposed + + to war, rather than from any judicious or successful enterprise achieved under + + the guidance of the consul. Several battles were fought, at times and places + + unfavourable, and increasing confidence rendered the enemy daily more formidable; + + so that matters came nearly to such a state, as that neither could the soldiers + + rely much on their leader, nor the leader on his soldiers. It appears in three + + several histories, that a letter was sent by the consul to call his colleague + + from Samnium. But I will not affirm what requires stronger proof, as that point + + was a matter of dispute between these two consuls of the Roman people, a second + + time associated in the same office; Appius denying that the letter was sent, + + and Volumnius affirming that he was called thither by a letter from Appius. + + Volumnius had, by this time, taken three forts in Samnium, in which three thousand + + of the enemy had been slain, and about half that number made prisoners; and, + + a sedition having been raised among the Lucanians by the plebeians and the more + + indigent of the people, he had, to the great satisfaction of the nobles, quelled + + it by sending thither Quintus Fabius, proconsul, with his own veteran army. + + He left to Decius the ravaging of the enemy's country; and proceeded with his + + troops into Etruria to his colleague; where, on his arrival, the whole army + + received him with joy. Appius, if he did not write the letter, being conscious + + of this, had, in my opinion, just ground of displeasure; but if he had actually + + stood in need of assistance, his disowning it, as he did, arose from an illiberal + + and ungrateful mind. For, on going out to receive him, when they had scarcely + + exchanged salutations, he said, "Is all well, Lucius Volumnius? How stand affairs + + in Samnium? What motive induced you to remove out of your province?" Volumnius + + answered, that "affairs in Samnium were in a prosperous state; and that he had + + come thither in compliance with the request in his letter. But, if that were + + a forged letter, and that there was no occasion for him in Etruria, he would + + instantly face about, and depart." "You may depart." replied the other; "no + + one detains you: for it is a perfect inconsistency, that when, perhaps, you + + are scarcely equal to the management of your own war, you should vaunt of coming + + hither to succour others." To this Volumnius rejoined, "May Hercules direct + + all for the best; for his part, he was better pleased that he had taken useless + + trouble, than that any conjuncture should have arisen which had made one consular + + army insufficient for Etruria." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">19 </div> + +<a id="b19" /> + +<p>As the consuls were parting, the lieutenants-general and tribunes of Appius's + + army gathered round them. Some entreated their own general that he would not + + reject the voluntary offer of his colleague's assistance, which ought to have + + been solicited in the first instance: the greater number used their endeavours + + to stop Volumnius, beseeching him "not, through a peevish dispute with his colleague, + + to abandon the interest of the commonwealth; and represented to him, that in + + case any misfortune should happen, the blame would fall on the person who forsook + + the other, not on the one forsaken; that the state of affairs was such, that + + the credit and discredit of every success and failure in Etruria would be attributed + + to Lucius Volumnius: for no one would inquire, what were the words of Appius, + + but what the situation of the army. Appius indeed had dismissed him, but the + + commonwealth, and the army, required his stay. Let him only make trial of the + + inclinations of the soldiers." By such admonitions and entreaties they, in a + + manner, dragged the consuls, who almost resisted, to an assembly. There, longer + + discourses were made to the same purport, as had passed before in the presence + + of a few. And when Volumnius, who had the advantage of the argument, showed + + himself not deficient in oratory, in despite of the extraordinary eloquence + + of his colleague; Appius observed with a sneer, that "they ought to acknowledge + + themselves indebted to him, in having a consul who possessed eloquence also, + + instead of being dumb and speechless, when in their former consulate, particularly + + during the first months, he was not able so much as to open his lips; but now, + + in his harangues, even aspired after popularity." Volumnius replied, "How much + + more earnestly do I wish, that you had learned from me to act with spirit, than + + I from you to speak with elegance: that now he made a final proposal, which + + would determine, not which is the better orator, for that is not what the public + + wants, but which is the better commander. The provinces are Etruria and Samnium: + + that he might select which he preferred; that he, with his own army, will undertake + + to manage the business either in Etruria or in Samnium." The soldiers then, + + with loud clamours, requested that they would, in conjunction, carry on the + + war in Etruria; when Volumnius perceiving that it was the general wish, said, + + "Since I have been mistaken in apprehending my colleague's meaning, I will take + + care that there shall be no room for mistake with respect to the purport of + + your wishes. Signify by a shout whether you choose that I should stay or depart." + + On this, a shout was raised, so loud, that it brought the enemy out of their + + camp: they snatched up their arms, and marched down in order of battle. Volumnius + + likewise ordered the signal to be sounded, and the standard to be advanced from + + the camp. It is said that Appius hesitated, perceiving that, whether he fought + + or remained inactive, his colleague would have the victory; and that, afterwards, + + dreading lest his own legions also should follow Volumnius, he also gave the + + signal, at the earnest desire of his men. On neither side were the forces drawn + + up to advantage; for, on the one, Gellius Egnatius, the Samnite general, had + + gone out to forage with a few cohorts, and his men entered on the fight as the + + violence of their passions prompted, rather than under any directions or orders. + + On the other, the Roman armies neither marched out together, nor had time sufficient + + to form: Volumnius began to engage before Appius came up to the enemy, consequently + + the engagement commenced, their front in the battle being uneven; and by some + + accidental interchange of their usual opponents, the Etrurians fought against + + Volumnius; and the Samnites, after delaying some time on account of the absence + + of their general, against Appius. We are told that Appius, during the heat of + + the fight, raising his hands toward heaven, so as to be seen in the foremost + + ranks, prayed thus, "Bellona, if thou grantest us the victory this day, I vow + + to thee a temple." And that after this vow, as if inspirited by the goddess, + + he displayed a degree of courage equal to that of his colleague and of the troops. + + The generals performed every duty, and each of their armies exerted, with emulation, + + its utmost vigour, lest victory should commence on the other side. They therefore + + routed and put to flight the enemy, who were ill able to withstand a force so + + much superior to any with which they had been accustomed to contend: then pressing + + them as they gave ground, and pursuing them closely as they fled, they drove + + them into their camp. There, by the interposition of Gellius and his Samnite + + cohorts, the fight was renewed for a little time. But these being likewise soon + + dispersed, the camp was now stormed by the conquerors; and whilst Volumnius, + + in person, led his troops against one of the gates, Appius, frequently invoking + + Bellona the victorious, inflamed the courage of his men, they broke in through + + the rampart and trenches. The camp was taken and plundered, and an abundance + + of spoil was found, and given up to the soldiers. Of the enemy seven thousand + + three hundred were slain; and two thousand one hundred and twenty taken. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">20 </div> + +<a id="b20" /> + +<p>While both the consuls, with the whole force of the Romans, pointed their exertions + + principally against the war in Etruria, a new army which arose in Samnium, with + + design to ravage the frontiers of the Roman empire, passed over through the + + country of the Vescians, into the Campanian and Falernian territories, and committed + + great depredations. Volumnius, as he was hastening back to Samnium, by forced + + marches, because the term for which Fabius and Decius had been continued in + + command was nearly expired, heard of this army of Samnites, and of the mischief + + which they had done in Campania; determining, therefore, to afford protection + + to the allies, he altered his route towards that quarter. When he arrived in + + the district of Gales, he found marks of their recent ravages; and the people + + of Gales informed him that the enemy carried with them such a quantity of spoil, + + that they could scarcely observe any order in their march: and that the commanders + + then directed publicly that the troops should go immediately to Samnium, and + + having deposited the booty there, that they should return to the business of + + the expedition, as they must not commit to the hazard of an engagement an army + + so heavily laden. Notwithstanding that this account carried every appearance + + of truth, he yet thought it necessary to obtain more certain information; accordingly + + he despatched some horsemen, to seize on some of the straggling marauders; from + + these he learned, on inquiry, that the enemy lay at the river Vulturnus; that + + they intended to remove thence at the third watch; and that their route was + + towards Samnium. On receiving this intelligence, which could be depended upon, + + he set out, and sat down at such a distance from the enemy, that his approach + + could not be discovered by his being too near them, and, at the same time, that + + he might surprise them, as they should be coming out of their camp. A long time + + before day, he drew nigh to their post, and sent persons, who understood the + + Oscan language, to discover how they were employed: these, mixing with the enemy, + + which they could easily do during the confusion in the night, found that the + + standards had gone out thinly attended; that the booty, and those appointed + + to guard it, were then setting out, a contemptible train; each busied about + + his own affairs, without any concert with the rest, or much regard to orders. + + This was judged the fittest time for the attack, and daylight was now approaching; + + he gave orders to sound the charge, and fell on the enemy as they were marching + + out. The Samnites being embarrassed with the spoil, and very few armed, some + + quickened their pace, and drove the prey before them; others halted, deliberating + + whether it would be safer to advance, or to return again to the camp; and while + + they hesitated, they were overtaken and cut off. The Romans had by this time + + passed over the rampart, and filled the camp with slaughter and confusion: the + + Samnite army, in addition to the disorder caused by the enemy, had their disorder + + increased by a sudden insurrection of their prisoners; some of whom, getting + + loose, set the rest at liberty, while others snatched the arms which were tied + + up among the baggage, and being intermixed with the troops, raised a tumult + + more terrible than the battle itself. They then performed a memorable exploit: + + for making an attack on Statius Minacius, the general, as he was passing between + + the ranks and encouraging his men; then, dispersing the horsemen who attended + + him, they gathered round himself, and dragged him, sitting on his horse, a prisoner + + to the Roman consul. By this movement the foremost battalions of the Samnites + + were brought back, and the battle, which seemed to have been already decided, + + was renewed: but they could not support it long. Six thousand of them were slain, + + and two thousand five hundred taken, among whom were four military tribunes, + + together with thirty standards, and, what gave the conquerors greater joy than + + all, seven thousand four hundred prisoners were recovered. The spoil which had + + been taken from the allies was immense, and the owners were summoned by a proclamation, + + to claim and receive then property. On the day appointed, all the effects, the + + owners of which did not appear, were given to the soldiers, who were obliged + + to sell them, in order that they might have nothing to think of but their duty. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">21 </div> + +<a id="b21" /> + +<p>The depredations, committed on the lands of Campania, had occasioned a violent + + alarm at Rome, and it happened, that about the same time intelligence was brought + + from Litruria, that, after the departure of Volumnius's army, all that country + + had risen up in arms, and that Gellius Egnatius, the leader of the Samnites, + + was causing the Umbrians to join in the insurrection, and tempting the Gauls + + with high offers. Terrified at this news, the senate ordered the courts of justice + + to be shut, and a levy to be made of men of every description. Accordingly not + + only free-born men and the younger sort were obliged to enlist, but cohorts + + were formed of the elder citizens, and the sons of freed-men were incorporated + + in the centuries. Plans were formed for the defence of the city, and the praetor, + + Publius Sempronius, was invested with the chief command. However, the senate + + was exonerated of one half of their anxiety, by a letter from the consul, Lucius + + Volumnius informing them that the army, which had ravaged Campania, had been + + defeated and dispersed whereupon, they decreed a public thanksgiving for this + + success, in the name of the consul. The courts were opened, after having been + + shut eighteen days, and the thanksgiving was performed with much joy. They then + + turned their thoughts to devising measures for the future security of the country + + depopulated by the Samnites, and, with this view, it was resolved, that two + + colonies should be settled on the frontiers of the Vescian and Falernian territories, + + one at the mouth of the river Liris, which has received the name of Minturnae, + + the other in the Vescian forest, which borders on the Falernian territory, where, + + it is said, stood Sinope, a city of Grecians, called thenceforth by the Roman + + colonists Sinuessa. The plebeian tribunes were charged to procure an order of + + the commons, commanding Publius Sempronius, the praetor, to create triumphs + + for conducting the colonies to those places. But persons were not readily found + + to give in their names, because they considered that they were being sent into + + what was almost a perpetual advanced guard in a hostile country, not as a provision + + from concord between consuls, and the evils arising from their disagreement + + in the conduct of military affairs; at the same time remarking, "how near the + + extremity of danger matters had been brought, by the late dispute between his + + colleague and himself." He warmly recommended to Decius and Fabius to "live + + together with one mind and one spirit." Observed that "they were men qualified + + by nature for military command: great in action, but unpractised in the strife + + of words and eloquence; their talents were such as eminently became consuls. + + As to the artful and the ingenious lawyers and orators, such as Appius Claudius, + + they ought to be kept at home to preside in the city and the forum; and to be + + appointed praetors for the administration of justice." In these proceedings + + that day was spent, and, on the following, the elections both of consuls and + + praetor were held, and were guided by the recommendations suggested by the consul. + + Quintus Fabius and Publius Decius were chosen consuls; Appius Claudius, praetor; + + all of them absent; and, by a decree of the senate, followed by an order of + + the commons, Lucius Volumnius was continued in the command for another year. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">23 </div> + +<a id="b23" /> + +<p>During that year many prodigies happened. For the purpose of averting which, + + the senate decreed a supplication for two days: the wine and frankincense for + + the sacrifices were furnished at the expense of the public; and numerous crowds + + of men and women attended the performance. This supplication was rendered remarkable + + by a quarrel, which broke out among the matrons in the chapel of patrician chastity, + + which stands in the cattle market, near the round temple of Hercules. Virginia, + + daughter of Aulus, a patrician, but married to Volumnius the consul, a plebeian, + + was, because she had married out of the patricians, excluded by the matrons + + from sharing in the sacred rites: a short altercation ensued, which was afterwards, + + through the intemperance of passion incident to the sex, kindled into a flame + + of contention. Virginia boasted with truth that she had a right to enter the + + temple of patrician chastity, as being of patrician birth, and chaste in her + + character, and, besides, the wife of one husband, to whom she was betrothed + + a virgin, and had no reason to be dissatisfied either with her husband, or his + + exploits or honours: to her high-spirited words, she added importance by an + + extraordinary act. In the long street where she resided, she enclosed with a + + partition a part of the house, of a size sufficient for a small chapel, and + + there erected an altar. Then calling together the plebeian matrons, and complaining + + of the injurious behaviour of the patrician ladies, she said, "This altar I + + dedicate to plebeian chastity, and exhort you, that the same degree of emulation + + which prevails among the men of this state, on the point of valour, may be maintained + + by the women on the point of chastity; and that you contribute your best care, + + that this altar may have the credit of being attended with a greater degree + + of sanctity, and by chaster women, than the other, if possible." Solemn rites + + were performed at this altar under the same regulations, nearly, with those + + at the more ancient one; no person being allowed the privilege of taking part + + in the sacrifices, except a woman of approved chastity, and who was the wife + + of one husband. This institution, being afterwards debased by [the admission + + of] vicious characters, and not only by matrons, but women of every description, + + sunk at last into oblivion. During this year the Ogulnii, Cneius and Quintus, + + being curule aediles, carried on prosecutions against several usurers; whose + + property being fined, out of the produce, which was deposited in the treasury, + + they ordered brazen thresholds for the Capitol, utensils of plate for three + + tables in the chapel of Jupiter, a statue of Jupiter in a chariot drawn by four + + horses placed on the roof, and images of the founders of the city in their infant + + state under the teats of the wolf, at the Ruminal fig-tree. They also paved + + with square stones the roads from the Capuan gate to the temple of Mars. By + + the plebeian aediles likewise, Lucius Aelius Paetus and Caius Fulvius Corvus, + + out of money levied as fines on farmers of the public pastures, whom they had + + convicted of malpractices, games were exhibited, and golden bowls were placed + + in the temple of Ceres. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">24 </div> + +<a id="b24" /> + +<p>Then came into the consulship Quintus Fabius a fifth time, and Publius Decius + + a fourth. They had been colleagues from the censorship, and twice in the consulship, + + and were celebrated not more for their glorious achievements, splendid as these + + were, than for the unanimity which had ever subsisted between them. The continuance + + of this feeling I am inclined to think was interrupted by a jarring between + + the [opposite] orders rather than between themselves, the patricians endeavouring + + that Fabius should have Etruria for his province, without casting lots, and + + the plebeians insisting that Decius should bring the matter to the decision + + of lots. There was certainly a contention in the senate, and the interest of + + Fabius being superior there, the business was brought before the people. Here, + + between military men who laid greater stress on deeds than on words, the debate + + was short. Fabius said, "that it was unreasonable, after he had planted a tree, + + another should gather the fruit of it. He had opened the Ciminian forest, and + + made a way for the Roman arms, through passes until then impracticable. Why + + had they disturbed him, at that time of his life, if they intended to give the + + management of the war to another?" Then, in the way of a gentle reproof, he + + observed, that "instead of an associate in command, he had chosen an adversary; + + and that Decius thought it too much that their unanimity should last through + + three consulates." Declaring, in fine, that "he desired nothing further, than + + that, if they thought him qualified for the command in the province, they should + + send him thither. He had submitted to the judgment of the senate, and would + + now be governed by the authority of the people." Publius Decius complained of + + injustice in the senate; and asserted, that "the patricians had laboured, as + + long as possible, to exclude the plebeians from all access to the higher honours; + + and since merit, by its own intrinsic power, had prevailed so far, as that it + + should not, in any rank of men, be precluded from the attainment of honours, + + expedients were sought how not only the suffrages of the people, but even the + + decisions of fortune may be rendered ineffectual, and be converted to the aggrandizement + + of a few. All the consuls before him had disposed of the provinces by lots; + + now, the senate bestowed a province on Fabius without lots. If this was meant + + as a mark of honour, the merits of Fabius were so great towards the commonwealth, + + and towards himself in particular, that he would gladly second the advancement + + of his reputation, provided only its splendour could be increased without reflecting + + dishonour on himself. But who did not see, that, when a war of difficulty and + + danger, and out of the ordinary course, was committed to only that one consul, + + the other would be considered as useless and insignificant. Fabius gloried in + + his exploits performed in Etruria: Publius Decius wished for a like subject + + of glory, and perhaps would utterly extinguish that fire, which the other left + + smothered, in such a manner that it often broke out anew, in sudden conflagrations. + + In fine, honours and rewards he would concede to his colleague, out of respect + + to his age and dignified character: but when danger, when a vigorous struggle + + with an enemy was before them, he never did, nor ever would, willingly, give + + place. With respect to the present dispute, this much he would gain at all events, + + that a business, appertaining to the jurisdiction of the people, should be determined + + by an order of that people, and not complimented away by the senate. He prayed + + Jupiter, supremely good and great, and all the immortal gods, not to grant him + + an equal chance with his colleague, unless they intended to grant him equal + + ability and success, in the management of the war. It was certainly in its nature + + reasonable, in the example salutary, and concerned the reputation of the Roman + + people, that the consuls should be men of such abilities, that under either + + of them a war with Etruria could be well managed." Fabius, after requesting + + of the people nothing else than that, before the tribes were called in to give + + their votes, they would hear the letters of the praetor Appius Claudius, written + + from Etruria, withdrew from the Comitium, and with no less unanimity of the + + people than of the senate, the province of Etruria was decreed to him without + + having recourse to lots. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">25 </div> + +<a id="b25" /> + +<p>Immediately almost all the younger citizens flocked together to the consul, + + and readily gave in their names; so strong was their desire of serving under + + such a commander. Seeing so great a multitude collected round him, he said, + + "My intention is to enlist only four thousand foot and six hundred horse: such + + of you as give in your names to-day and to-morrow, I will carry with me. I am + + more solicitous to bring home all my soldiers rich, than to employ a great multitude." + + Accordingly, with a competent number of men, who possessed greater hopes and + + confidence because a numerous army had not been required, he marched to the + + town of Aharna, from which the enemy were not far distant, and proceeded to + + the camp of the praetor Appius. When within a few miles of it, he was met by + + some soldiers, sent to cut wood, attended by a guard. Observing the lictors + + preceding him, and learning that he was Fabius the consul, they were filled + + with joy and alacrity; they expressed their thanks to the gods, and to the Roman + + people, for having sent them such a commander. Then as they gathered round to + + pay their respects, Fabius inquired whither they were going, and on their answering + + they were going to provide wood, "What do you tell me," said he, "have you not + + a rampart, raised about your camp?" When to this they replied, "they had a double + + rampart, and a trench, and, notwithstanding, were in great apprehension." </p> + +<p> "Well then," said he, "you have abundance of wood, go back and level the rampart." + + They accordingly returned to the camp and there levelling the rampart threw + + the soldiers who had remained in it, and Appius himself, into the greatest fright, + + until with eager joy each called out to the rest, that, "they acted by order + + of the consul, Quintus Fabius." Next day the camp was moved from thence, and + + the praetor, Appius, was dismissed to Rome. From that time the Romans had no + + fixed post, the consul affirming, that it was prejudicial to an army to lie + + in one spot, and that by frequent marches, and changing places, it was rendered + + more healthy, and more capable of brisk exertions, and marches were made as + + long as the winter, which was not yet ended, permitted. Then, in the beginning + + of spring, leaving the second legion near Clusium, which they formerly called + + the Camertian, and giving the command of the camp to Lucius Scipio, as propraetor, + + he returned to Rome, in order to adjust measures for carrying on the war, either + + led thereto by his own judgment, because the war seemed to him more serious + + than he had believed, from report, or, being summoned by a decree of the senate, + + for writers give both accounts. Some choose to have it believed, that he was + + forced back by the praetor, Appius Claudius, who, both in the senate, and before + + the people, exaggerated, as he was wont in all his letters, the danger of the + + Etrurian war, contending, that "one general, or one army, would not be sufficient + + to oppose four nations. That whether these directed the whole of their combined + + force against him alone, or acted separately in different parts, there was reason + + to fear, that he would be unable to provide against every emergency. That he + + had left there but two Roman legions; and that the foot and horse, who came + + with Fabius, did not amount to five thousand. It was, therefore, his opinion, + + that the consul, Publius Decius should, without delay, set out to his colleague + + in Etruria, and that the province of Samnium should be given to Lucius Volumnius. + + But if the consul preferred going to his own province, that then Volumnius should + + march a full consular army into Etruria, to join the other consul." When the + + advice of the praetor influenced a great part of the members, they say that + + Publius Decius recommended that every thing should be kept undetermined, and + + open for Quintus Fabius; until he should either come to Rome, if he could do + + so without prejudice to the public, or send some of his lieutenants, from whom + + the senate might learn the real state of the war in Etruria; and with what number + + of troops, and by how many generals, it should be carried on. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">26 </div> + +<a id="b26" /> + +<p>Fabius, as soon as he returned to Rome, qualified his discourses, both in the + + senate and when brought before the people, in such a manner as to appear neither + + to exaggerate or lessen, any particular relating to the war; and to show, that, + + in agreeing to another general being joined with him, he rather indulged the + + apprehensions of others, than guarded against any danger to himself, or the + + public. "But if they chose," he said, "to give him an assistant in the war, + + and associate in command, how could he overlook Publius Decius the consul, whom + + he had tried during so many associations in office? There was no man living + + whom he would rather wish to be joined in commission with him: with Publius + + Decius he should have forces sufficient, and never too many enemies. If, however, + + his colleague preferred any other employment, let them then give him Lucius + + Volumnius as an assistant." The disposal of every particular was left entirely + + to Fabius by the people and the senate, and even by his colleague. And when + + Decius declared that he was ready to go either to Etruria or Samnium, such general + + congratulation and satisfaction took place, that victory was anticipated, and + + it seemed as if a triumph, not a war, had been decreed to the consuls. I find + + in some writers, that Fabius and Decius, immediately on their entering into + + office, set out together for Etruria, without any mention of the casting of + + lots for the provinces, or of the disputes which I have related. Others, not + + satisfied with relating those disputes, have added charges of misconduct, laid + + by Appius before the people against Fabius, when absent; and a stubborn opposition, + + maintained by the praetor against the consul, when present; and also another + + contention between the colleagues, Decius insisting that each consul should + + attend to the care of his own separate province. Certainty, however, begins + + to appear from the time when both consuls set out for the campaign. Now, before + + the consuls arrived in Etruria, the Senonian Gauls came in a vast body to Clusium, + + to attack the Roman legion and the camp. Scipio, who commanded the camp, wishing + + to remedy the deficiency of his numbers by an advantage in the ground, led his + + men up a hill, which stood between the camp and the city but having, in his + + haste, neglected to examine the place, he reached near the summit, which he + + found already possessed by the enemy, who had ascended on the other side. The + + legion was consequently attacked on the rear, and surrounded in the middle, + + when the enemy pressed it on all sides. Some writers say, that the whole were + + cut off, so that not one survived to give an account of it, and that no information + + of the misfortune reached the consuls, who were, at the time, not far from Clusium, + + until the Gallic horsemen came within sight, carrying the heads of the slain, + + some hanging before their horses' breasts, others on the points of their spears, + + and expressing their triumph in songs according to their custom. Others affirm, + + that the defeat was by Umbrians, not Gauls, and that the loss sustained was + + not so great. That a party of foragers, under Lucius Manlius Torquatus, lieutenant-general, + + being surrounded, Scipio, the propraetor, brought up relief from the camp, and + + the battle being renewed, that the Umbrians, lately victorious, were defeated, + + and the prisoners and spoil retaken. But it is more probable that this blow + + was suffered from a Gallic than an Umbrian enemy, because during that year, + + as was often the case at other times, the danger principally apprehended by + + the public, was that of a Gallic tumult, for which reason, notwithstanding that + + both the consuls had marched against the enemy, with four legions, and a large + + body of Roman cavalry, joined by a thousand chosen horsemen of Campania, supplied + + on the occasion, and a body of the allies and Latin confederates, superior in + + number to the Romans, two other armies were posted near the city, on the side + + facing Etruria, one in the Faliscian, the other in the Vatican territory. Cneius + + Fulvius and Lucius Postumius Megellus, both propraetors, were ordered to keep + + the troops stationed in those places. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">27 </div> + +<a id="b27" /> + +<p>The consuls, having crossed the Apennines, came up with the enemy in the territory + + of Sentinum, their camp was pitched there at the distance of about four miles. + + Several councils were then held by the enemy, and their plan of operations was + + thus settled: that they should not encamp together, nor go out together to battle; + + the Gauls were united to the Samnites, the Umbrians to the Etrurians. The day + + of battle was fixed. The part of maintaining the fight was committed to the + + Samnites and Gauls; and the Etrurians and Umbrians were ordered to attack the + + Roman camp during the heat of the engagement. This plan was frustrated by three + + Clusian deserters, who came over by night to Fabius, and after disclosing the + + above designs, were sent back with presents, in order that they might discover, + + and bring intelligence of, any new scheme which should be determined on. The + + consuls then wrote to Flavius and Postumius to move their armies, the one from + + the Faliscian, the other from the Vatican country, towards Clusium; and to ruin + + the enemy's territory by every means in their power. The news of these depredations + + drew the Etrurians from Sentinum to protect their own region. The consuls, in + + their absence, practised every means to bring on an engagement. For two days + + they endeavoured, by several attacks, to provoke the enemy to fight; in which + + time, however, nothing worth mention was performed. A few fell on each side, + + but still the minds [of the Romans] were irritated to wish for a general engagement; + + yet nothing decisive was hazarded. On the third day, both parties marched out + + their whole force to the field: here, while the armies stood in order of battle, + + a hind, chased by a wolf from the mountains, ran through the plain between the + + two lines: there the animals taking different directions, the hind bent its + + course towards the Gauls, the wolf towards the Romans: way was made between + + the ranks for the wolf, the Gauls slew the hind with their javelins; on which + + one of the Roman soldiers in the van said, "To that side, where you see an animal, + + sacred to Diana, lying prostrate, flight and slaughter are directed; on this + + side the victorious wolf of Mars, safe and untouched, reminds us of our founder, + + and of our descent from that deity." The Gauls were posted on the right wing, + + the Samnites on the left: against the latter, Fabius drew up, as his right wing, + + the first and third legions: against the Gauls, Decius formed the left wing + + of the fifth and sixth. The second and fourth were employed in the war in Samnium, + + under the proconsul, Lucius Volumnius. In the first encounter the action was + + supported with strength so equal on both sides, that had the Etrurians and Umbrians + + been present, either in the field or at the camp, in whichever place they might + + have employed their force, the Romans must have been defeated. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">28 </div> + +<a id="b28" /> + +<p>However, although the victory was still undecided, fortune not having declared + + in favour of either party, yet the course of the fight was by no means similar + + on both right and left wings. The Romans, under Fabius, rather repelled than + + offered assault, and the contest was protracted until very late in the day, + + for their general knew very well, that both Samnites and Gauls were furious + + in the first onset, so that, to withstand them would be sufficient. It was known, + + too, that in a protracted contest the spirits of the Samnites gradually flagged, + + and even the bodies of the Gauls, remarkably ill able to bear labour and heat, + + became quite relaxed, and although, in their first efforts, they were more than + + men, yet in their last they were less than women. He, therefore, reserved the + + strength of his men as unimpaired as possible, until the time when the enemy + + were the more likely to be worsted. Decius, more impetuous, as being in the + + prime of life and full flow of spirits, exerted whatever force he had to the + + utmost in the first encounter, and thinking the infantry not sufficiently energetic, + + brought up the cavalry to the fight. Putting himself at the head of a troop + + of young horsemen of distinguished bravery, he besought those youths, the flower + + of the army, to charge the enemy with him, [telling them] "they would reap a + + double share of glory, if the victory should commence on the left wing, and + + through their means." Twice they compelled the Gallic cavalry to give way. At + + the second charge, when they advanced farther and were briskly engaged in the + + midst of the enemy's squadrons, by a method of fighting new to them, they were + + thrown into dismay. A number of the enemy, mounted on chariots and cars, made + + towards them with such a prodigious clatter from the trampling of the cattle + + and rolling of wheels, as affrighted the horses of the Romans, unaccustomed + + to such tumultuous operations. By this means the victorious cavalry were dispersed, + + through a panic, and men and horses, in their headlong flight, were tumbled + + promiscuously on the ground. Hence also the battalions of the legions were thrown + + into disorder, through the impetuosity of the horses, and of the carriages which + + they dragged through the ranks, many of the soldiers in the van were trodden + + or bruised to death, while the Gallic line, as soon as they saw their enemy + + in confusion, pursued the advantage, nor allowed them time to take breath or + + recover themselves. Decius, calling aloud, "Whither were they flying, or what + + hope could they have in running away?" strove to stop them as they turned their + + backs, but finding that he could not, by any efforts, prevail on them to keep + + their posts, so thoroughly were they dismayed, he called on his father, Publius + + Decius, by name. He said, "Why do I any longer defer the fate entailed on my + + family? It is destined to our race, that we should serve as expiatory victims + + to avert the public danger. I will now offer the legions of the enemy, together + + with myself, to be immolated to Earth, and the infernal gods." Having thus said, + + he commanded Marcus Livius, a pontiff, whom, at his coming out to the field, + + he had charged not to stir from him, to dictate the form of words in which he + + was to devote himself, and the legions of the enemy, for the army of the Roman + + people, the Quirites. He was accordingly devoted with the same imprecations, + + and in the same habit, in which his father, Publius Decius, had ordered himself + + to be devoted at the Veseris in the Latin war. When, immediately after the solemn + + imprecation, he added, that "he drove before him dismay and flight, slaughter + + and blood, and the wrath of the gods celestial and infernal, that, with the + + contagious influence of the furies, the ministers of death, he would infect + + the standards, the weapons, and the armour of the enemy, and that the same spot + + should be that of his perdition, and that of the Gauls and Samnites." After + + uttering these execrations on himself and the foe, he spurred forward his horse, + + where he saw the line of the Gauls thickest, and, rushing upon the enemy's weapons, + + met his death. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">29 </div> + +<a id="b29" /> + +<p>Thenceforward the battle seemed to be fought with a degree of force scarcely + + human. The Romans, on the loss of their general, a circumstance which, on other + + occasions, is wont to inspire terror, stopped their flight, and were anxious + + to begin the combat afresh. The Gauls, and especially the multitude which encircled + + the consul's body, as if deprived of reason, cast their javelins at random without + + execution, some became so stupid as not to think of either fighting or flying, + + while on the other side, Livius, the pontiff, to whom Decius had transferred + + his lictors, with orders to act as propraetor, cried out aloud, that "the Romans + + were victorious, being saved by the death of their consul. That the Gauls and + + Samnites were now the victims of mother Earth and the infernal gods. That Decius + + was summoning and dragging to himself the army devoted along with him, and that, + + among the enemy, all was full of dismay, and the vengeance of all the furies." + + While the soldiers were busy in restoring the fight, Lucius Cornelius Scipio + + and Caius Marcius, with some reserved troops from the rear, who had been sent + + by Quintus Fabius, the consul, to the support of his colleague, came up. There + + the fate of Decius is ascertained, a powerful stimulus to brave every danger + + in the cause of the public. Wherefore, when the Gauls stood in close order, + + with their shields formed into a fence before them, and but little prospect + + of success appeared from a close fight, the javelins, which lay scattered between + + the two lines, were, therefore, by order of the lieutenants-general, gathered + + up from the ground, and thrown against the enemy's shields, and as most of them + + pierced the fence, the long pointed ones even into their bodies, their compact + + band was overthrown in such a manner, that a great many, who were unhurt, yet + + fell as if thunderstruck. Such were the changes of fortune on the left wing + + of the Romans; on the right, Fabius had at first protracted the time, as we + + mentioned above, in slow operations, then, as soon as he perceived that neither + + the shout, nor the efforts of the enemy, nor the weapons which they threw, retained + + their former force, having ordered the commanders of the cavalry to lead round + + their squadrons to the flank of the Samnites, so that, on receiving the signal, + + they should charge them in flank, with all possible violence, he commanded, + + at the same time, his infantry to advance leisurely, and drive the enemy from + + their ground. When he saw that they were unable to make resistance, and that + + their exhaustion was certain, drawing together all his reserves, whom he had + + kept fresh for that occasion, he made a brisk push with the legions, and gave + + the cavalry the signal to charge. The Samnites could not support the shock, + + but fled precipitately to their camp, passing by the line of the Gauls, and + + leaving their allies to fight by themselves. These stood in close order under + + cover of their shields. Fabius, therefore, having heard of the death of his + + colleague, ordered the squadron of Campanian cavalry, in number about five hundred, + + to fall back from the ranks, and riding round, to attack the rear of the Gallic + + line, then the chief strength of the third legion to follow, with directions + + that wherever they should see the enemy's troops disordered by the charge, to + + follow the blow, and cut them to pieces, when in a state of consternation. After + + vowing a temple and the spoils of the enemy to Jupiter the Victorious, he proceeded + + to the camp of the Samnites, whither all their forces were hurrying in confusion. + + The gates not affording entrance to such very great numbers, those who were + + necessarily excluded, attempted resistance just at the foot of the rampart, + + and here fell Gellius Egnatius, the Samnite general. These, however, were soon + + driven within the rampart; the camp was taken after a slight resistance; and + + at the same time the Gauls were attacked on the rear, and overpowered. There + + were slain of the enemy on that day twenty-five thousand: eight thousand were + + taken prisoners. Nor was the victory an unbloody one; for, of the army of Publius + + Decius, the killed amounted to seven thousand; of the army of Fabius, to one + + thousand two hundred. Fabius, after sending persons to search for the body of + + his colleague, had the spoils of the enemy collected into a heap, and burned + + them as an offering to Jupiter the Victorious. The consul's body could not be + + found that day, being hid under a heap of slaughtered Gauls: on the following, + + it was discovered and brought to the camp, amidst abundance of tears shed by + + the soldiers. Fabius, discarding all concern about any other business, solemnized + + the obsequies of his colleague in the most honourable manner, passing on him + + the high encomiums which he had justly merited. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">30 </div> + +<a id="b30" /> + +<p>During the same period, matters were managed successfully by Cneius Fulvius, + + propraetor, he having, besides the immense losses occasioned to the enemy by + + the devastation of their lands, fought a battle with extraordinary success, + + in which there were above three thousand of the Perusians and Clusians slain, + + and twenty military standards taken. The Samnites, in their flight, passing + + through the Pelignian territory, were attacked on all sides by the Pelignians; + + and, out of five thousand, one thousand were killed. The glory of the day on + + which they fought at Sentinum was great, even when truly estimated; but some + + have gone beyond credibility by their exaggerations, who assert in their writings, + + that there were in the army of the enemy forty thousand three hundred and thirty + + foot, six thousand horse, and one thousand chariots, that is, including the + + Etrurians and Umbrians, who [they affirm] were present in the engagement: and, + + to magnify likewise the number of Roman forces, they add to the consuls another + + general, Lucius Volumnius, proconsul, and his army to the legions of the consul. + + In the greater number of annals, that victory is ascribed entirely to the two + + consuls. Volumnius was employed in the mean time in Samnium; he drove the army + + of the Samnites to Mount Tifernus, and, not deterred by the difficulty of the + + ground, routed and dispersed them. Quintus Fabius, leaving Decius's army in + + Etruria, and leading off his own legions to the city, triumphed over the Gauls, + + Etrurians, and Samnites: the soldiers attended him in his triumph. The victory + + of Quintus Fabius was not more highly celebrated, in their coarse military verses, + + than the illustrious death of Publius Decius; and the memory of the father was + + recalled, whose fame had been equalled by the praiseworthy conduct of the son, + + in respect of the issue which resulted both to himself and to the public. Out + + of the spoil, donations were made to the soldiers of eighty-two <i>asses</i> + + [<a href="#foot4">4</a>] to each, with cloaks and vests; rewards for service, + + in that age, by no means contemptible. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">31 </div> + +<a id="b31" /> + +<p>Notwithstanding these successes, peace was not yet established, either among + + the Samnites or Etrurians: for the latter, at the instigation of the Perusians, + + resumed their arms, after his army had been withdrawn by the consul; and the + + Samnites made predatory incursions on the territories of Vescia and Formiae; + + and also on the other side, on those of Aesernia, and the parts adjacent to + + the river Vulturnus. Against these was sent the praetor Appius Claudius, with + + the army formerly commanded by Decius. In Etruria, Fabius, on the revival of + + hostilities, slew four thousand five hundred of the Perusians, and took prisoners + + one thousand seven hundred and forty, who were ransomed at the rate of three + + hundred and ten <i>asses</i> [<a href="#foot5">5</a>] each. All the rest of + + the spoil was bestowed on the soldiers. The legions of the Samnites, though + + pursued, some by the praetor Appius Claudius, the others by Lucius Volumnius, + + proconsul, formed a junction in the country of the Stellatians. Here sat down + + the whole body of the Samnites; and Appius and Volumnius, with their forces + + united in one camp. A battle was fought with the most rancorous animosity, one + + party being spurred on by rage against men who had so often renewed their attacks + + on them, and the other now fighting in support of their last remaining hope. + + Accordingly, there were slain, of the Samnites, sixteen thousand three hundred, + + and two thousand and seven hundred made prisoners: of the Roman army fell two + + thousand and seven hundred. This year, so successful in the operations of war, + + was filled with distress at home, arising from a pestilence, and with anxiety, + + occasioned by prodigies: for accounts were received that, in many places, showers + + of earth had fallen; and that very many persons, in the army of Appius Claudius, + + had been struck by lightning; in consequence of which, the books were consulted. + + At this time, Quintus Fabius Gurges, the consul's son, having prosecuted some + + matrons before the people on a charge of adultery, built, with the money accruing + + from the fines which they were condemned to pay, the temple of Venus, which + + stands near the circus. Still we have the wars of the Samnites on our hands, + + notwithstanding that the relation of them has already extended, in one continued + + course, through four volumes of our history, and through a period of forty-six + + years, from the consulate of Marcus Valerius and Aulus Cornelius, who first + + carried the Roman arms into Samnium. And, not to recite the long train of disasters + + sustained by both nations, and the toils which they underwent, by which, however, + + their stubborn breasts could not be subdued; even in the course of the last + + year, the Samnites, with their own forces separately, and also in conjunction + + with those of other nations, had been defeated by four several armies, and four + + generals of the Romans, in the territory of Sentinum, in that of the Pelignians, + + at Tifernum, and in the plains of the Stellatians; had lost the general of the + + highest character in their nation; and, now, saw their allies in the war, the + + Etrurians, the Umbrians, and the Gauls, in the same situation with themselves; + + but, although they could now no longer stand, either by their own or by foreign + + resources, yet did they not desist from the prosecution of hostilities. So far + + were they from being weary of defending liberty, even though unsuccessfully: + + and they preferred being defeated to not aspiring after victory. Who does not + + find his patience tired, either in writing, or reading, of wars of such continuance; + + and which yet exhausted not the resolution of the parties concerned? </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">32 </div> + +<a id="b32" /> + +<p>Quintus Fabius and Publius Decius were succeeded in the consulship by Lucius + + Postumius Megellus and Marcus Atilius Regulus. The province of Samnium was decreed + + to both in conjunction; because intelligence had been received that the enemy + + had embodied three armies; with one that Etruria was to be recovered; with another + + the ravages in Campania were to be repeated; and the third was intended for + + the defence of their frontiers. Sickness detained Postumius at Rome, but Atilius + + set out immediately, with design to surprise the enemy in Samnium, before they + + should have advanced beyond their own borders; for such had been the directions + + of the senate. The Romans met the enemy, as if by mutual appointment, at a spot + + where, while they could be hindered, not only from ravaging, but even from entering + + the Samnite territory, they could likewise hinder the Samnites from continuing + + their progress into the countries which were quiet, and the lands of the allies + + of the Roman people. While their camps lay opposite to each other, the Samnites + + attempted an enterprise, which the Romans, so often their conquerors, would + + scarcely have ventured to undertake; such is the rashness inspired by extreme + + despair: this was to make an assault on the Roman camp. And although this attempt, + + so daring, succeeded not in its full extent, yet it was not without effect. + + There was a fog, which continued through a great part of the day, so thick as + + to exclude the light of the sun, and to prevent not only the view of any thing + + beyond the rampart, but scarcely the sight of each other, when they should meet. + + Depending on this, as a covering to the design, when the sun was scarcely yet + + risen, and the light which he did afford was obscured by the fog, the Samnites + + came up to an advanced guard of the Romans at one of the gates, who were standing + + carelessly on their post. In the sudden surprise, these had neither courage + + nor strength to make resistance: an assault was then made, through the Decuman + + gate, in the rear of the camp: the quaestor's quarters in consequence were taken, + + and the quaestor, Lucius Opimius Pansa, was there slain; on this a general alarm + + was given to take up arms. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">33 </div> + +<a id="b33" /> + +<p>The consul, being roused by the tumult, ordered two cohorts of the allies, + + a Lucanian and Suessanian, which happened to be nearest, to defend the head-quarters, + + and led the companies of the legions down the principal street. These ran into + + the ranks, scarcely taking time to furnish themselves with arms; and, as they + + distinguished the enemy by their shout rather than by sight, could form no judgment + + how great their number might be: thus, ignorant of the circumstances of their + + situation, they at first drew back, and admitted the enemy into the heart of + + the camp. Then when the consul cried out, asking them, whether they intended + + to let themselves be beaten out beyond the rampart, and then to return again + + to storm their own camp, they raised the shout, and uniting their efforts, stood + + their ground; then made advances, pushed closely on the enemy, and having forced + + them to give way, drove them back, without suffering their first terror to abate. + + They soon beat them out beyond the gate and the rampart, but not daring to pursue + + them, because the darkness of the weather made them apprehend an ambush, and + + content with having cleared the camp, they retired within the rampart, having + + killed about three hundred of the enemy. Of the Romans, including the first + + advanced guard and the watchmen, and those who were surprised at the quaestor's + + quarters, two hundred and thirty perished. This not unsuccessful piece of boldness + + raised the spirits of the Samnites so high, that they not only did not suffer + + the Romans to march forward into their country, but even to procure forage from + + their lands; and the foragers were obliged to go back into the quiet country + + of Sora. News of these events being conveyed to Rome, with circumstances of + + alarm magnified beyond the truth, obliged Lucius Postumius, the consul, though + + scarcely recovered from his illness, to set out for the army. However, before + + his departure, having issued a proclamation that his troops should assemble + + at Sora, he dedicated the temple of Victory, for the building of which he had + + provided, when curule aedile, out of the money arising from fines; and, joining + + the army, he advanced from Sora towards Samnium, to the camp of his colleague. + + The Samnites, despairing of being able to make head against the two armies, + + retreated from thence, on which the consuls, separating, proceeded by different + + routes to lay waste the enemy's lands and besiege their towns. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">34 </div> + +<a id="b34" /> + +<p>Postumius attempted to make himself master of Milionia, at first by storm and + + an assault; but these not succeeding, he carried his approaches to the walls, + + and thus gained an entrance into the place. The fight was continued in all parts + + of the city from the fourth hour until near the eighth, the result being a long + + time uncertain: the Romans at last gained possession of the town. Three thousand + + two hundred of the Samnites were killed, four thousand seven hundred taken, + + besides the other booty. From thence the legions were conducted to Ferentinum, + + out of which the inhabitants had, during the night, retired in silence through + + the opposite gate, with all their effects which could be either carried or driven. + + The consul, on his arrival, approached the walls with the same order and circumspection, + + as if he were to meet an opposition here equal to what he had experienced at + + Milionia. Then, perceiving a dead silence in the city, and neither arms nor + + men on the towers and ramparts, he restrains the soldiers, who were eager to + + mount the deserted fortifications, lest they might fall into a snare. He ordered + + two divisions of the confederate Latin horse to ride round the walls, and explore + + every particular. These horsemen observed one gate, and, at a little distance, + + another on the same side, standing wide open, and on the roads leading from + + these every mark of the enemy having fled by night. They then rode up leisurely + + to the gates, from whence, with perfect safety, they took a clear view through + + straight streets quite across the city. They report to the consul, that the + + city was abandoned by the enemy, as was plain from the solitude, the recent + + tracks on their retreat, and the things which, in the confusion of the night, + + they had left scattered up and down. On hearing this, the consul led round the + + army to that side of the city which had been examined, and making the troops + + halt at a little distance from the gate, gave orders that five horsemen should + + ride into the city; and when they should have advanced a good way into it, then, + + if they saw all things safe, three should remain there, and the other two return + + to him with intelligence. These returned and said, that they had proceeded to + + a part of the town from which they had a view on every side, and that nothing + + but silence and solitude reigned through the whole extent of it. The consul + + immediately led some light-armed cohorts into the city; ordering the rest to + + fortify a camp in the mean time. The soldiers who entered the town, breaking + + open the doors, found only a few persons, disabled by age or sickness; and such + + effects left behind as could not, without difficulty, be removed. These were + + seized as plunder: and it was discovered from the prisoners, that several cities + + in that quarter had, in pursuance of a concerted plan, resolved on flight; that + + their towns-people had gone off at the first watch, and they believed that the + + same solitude they should find in the other places. The accounts of the prisoners + + proved well-founded, and the consul took possession of the forsaken towns. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">35 </div> + +<a id="b35" /> + +<p>The war was by no means so easy with the other consul, Marcus Atilius. As he + + was marching his legions towards Luceria, to which he was informed that the + + Samnites had laid siege, the enemy met him on the border of the Lucerian territory. + + Rage supplied them, on this occasion, with strength to equal his: the battle + + was stubbornly contested, and the victory doubtful; in the issue, however, more + + calamitous on the side of the Romans, both because they were unaccustomed to + + defeat, and that, on leaving the field, they felt more sensibly, than during + + the heat of the action, how much more wounds and bloodshed had been on their + + side. In consequence of this, such dismay spread through the camp, as, had it + + seized them during the engagement, a signal defeat would have been the result. + + Even as the matter stood, they spent the night in great anxiety; expecting, + + every instant, that the Samnites would assault the camp; or that, at the first + + light, they should be obliged to stand a battle with a victorious enemy. On + + the side of the enemy, however, although there was less loss, yet there was + + not greater courage. As soon as day appeared, they wished to retire without + + any more fighting; but there was only one road, and that leading close by the + + post of their enemy; on their taking which, they seemed as if advancing directly + + to attack the camp. The consul, therefore, ordered his men to take arms, and + + to follow him outside the rampart, giving directions to the lieutenants-general, + + tribunes, and the praefects of the allies, in what manner he would have each + + of them act. They all assured him that "they would do every thing in their power, + + but that the soldiers were quite dejected; that, from their own wounds, and + + the groans of the dying, they had passed the whole night without sleep; that + + if the enemy had approached the camp before day, so great were the fears of + + the troops, that they would certainly have deserted their standards." "Even + + at present they were restrained from flight merely by shame; and, in other respects, + + were little better than vanquished men." This account made the consul judge + + it necessary to go himself among the soldiers, and speak to them; and, as he + + came up to each, he rebuked them for their backwardness in taking arms, asking, + + "Why they loitered, and declined the fight? If they did not choose to go out + + of the camp, the enemy would come into it; and they must fight in defence of + + their tents, if they would not in defence of the rampart. Men who have arms + + in their hands, and contend with their foe, have always a chance for victory; + + but the man who waits naked and unarmed for his enemy, must suffer either death + + or slavery." To these reprimands and rebukes they answered, that "they were + + exhausted by the fatigue of the battle of yesterday; and had no strength, nor + + even blood remaining; and besides, the enemy appeared more numerous than they + + were the day before." The hostile army, in the mean time, drew near; so that, + + seeing every thing more distinctly as the distance grew less, they asserted + + that the Samnites carried with them pallisades for a rampart, and evidently + + intended to draw lines of circumvallation round the camp. On this the consul + + exclaimed, with great earnestness, against submitting to such an ignominious + + insult, and from so dastardly a foe. "Shall we even be blockaded," said he, + + "in our camp, and die, with ignominy, by famine, rather than bravely by the + + sword, if it must be so? May the gods be propitious! and let every one act in + + the manner which he thinks becomes him. The consul Marcus Atilius, should no + + other accompany him, will go out, even alone, to face the enemy; and will fall + + in the middle of the Samnite battalions, rather than see the Roman camp enclosed + + by their trenches." The lieutenants-general, tribunes, every troop of the cavalry, + + and the principal centurions, expressed their approbation of what the consul + + said; and the soldiers at length, overcome by shame, took up their arms, but + + in a spiritless manner; and in the same spiritless manner, marched out of the + + camp. In a long train, and that not every where connected, melancholy, and seemingly + + subdued, they proceeded towards the enemy, whose hopes and courage, were not + + more steady than theirs. As soon therefore as the Roman standards were beheld, + + a murmur spread from front to rear of the Samnites, that, as they had feared, + + "the Romans were coming out to oppose their march; that there was no road open, + + through which they could even fly thence; in that spot they must fall, or else + + cut down the enemy's ranks, and make their way over their bodies." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">36 </div> + +<a id="b36" /> + +<p>They then threw the baggage in a heap in the centre, and, with their arms prepared + + for battle, formed their line, each falling into his post. There was now but + + a small interval between the two armies, and both stood, waiting until the shout + + and onset should be begun by their adversary. Neither party had any inclination + + to fight, and they would have separated, and taken different roads, unhurt and + + untouched, but that each had a dread of being harassed, in retreat, by the other. + + Notwithstanding this shyness and reluctance, an engagement unavoidably began, + + but spiritless, and with a shout which discovered neither resolution nor steadiness; + + nor did any move a foot from his post. The Roman consul, then, in order to infuse + + life into the action, ordered a few troops of cavalry to advance out of the + + line and charge: most of whom being thrown from their horses and the rest put + + in disorder, several parties ran forward, both from the Samnite line, to cut + + off those who had fallen, and from the Roman, to protect their friends. In consequence + + the battle became a little more brisk, but the Samnites had come forward with + + more briskness, and also in greater numbers, and the disordered cavalry, with + + their affrighted horses, trod down their own party who came to their relief. + + Flight commencing in this quarter, caused the whole Roman line to turn their + + backs. And now the Samnites had no employment for their arms but against the + + rear of a flying enemy, when the consul, galloping on before his men to the + + gate of the camp, posted there a body of cavalry, with orders to treat as an + + enemy any person who should make towards the rampart, whether Roman or Samnite; + + and, placing himself in the way of his men, as they pressed in disorder towards + + the camp, denounced threats to the same purport: "Whither are you going, soldiers?" + + said he; "here also you will find both men and arms; nor, while your consul + + lives, shall you pass the rampart, unless victorious. Choose therefore which + + you will prefer, fighting against your own countrymen, or the enemy." While + + the consul was thus speaking the cavalry gathered round, with the points of + + their spears presented, and ordered the infantry to return to the fight. Not + + only his own brave spirit, but fortune likewise aided the consul, for the Samnites + + did not push their advantage; so that he had time to wheel round his battalions, + + and to change his front from the camp towards the enemy. The men then began + + to encourage each other to return to the battle, while the centurions snatched + + the ensigns from the standard-bearers and bore them forward, pointing out to + + the soldiers the enemy, coming on in a hurry, few in number, and with their + + ranks disordered. At the same time the consul, with his hands lifted up towards + + heaven, and raising his voice so as to be heard at a distance, vowed a temple + + to Jupiter Stator, if the Roman army should rally from flight, and, renewing + + the battle, cut down and defeat the Samnites. All divisions of the army, now, + + united their efforts to restore the fight; officers, soldiers, the whole force, + + both of cavalry and infantry; even the powers of heaven seemed to have looked, + + with favour, on the Roman cause; so speedily was a thorough change effected + + in the fortune of the day, the enemy being repulsed from the camp, and, in a + + short time, driven back to the spot where the battle had commenced. Here they + + stopped, being obstructed by the heap of baggage, lying in their way, where + + they had thrown it together; and then, to prevent the plundering of their effects, + + formed round them a circle of troops. On this, the infantry assailed them vigorously + + in front, while the cavalry, wheeling, fell on their rear: and, being thus enclosed + + between the two, they were all either slain, or taken prisoners. The number + + of the prisoners was seven thousand two hundred, who were all sent under the + + yoke; the killed amounted to four thousand eight hundred. The victory did not + + prove a joyous one, even on the side of the Romans: when the consul took an + + account of the loss sustained in the two days, the number returned, of soldiers + + lost, was seven thousand three hundred. During these transactions in Apulia, + + the Samnites with the other army having attempted to seize on Iteramna, a Roman + + colony situated on the Latin road, did not however obtain the town; whence, + + after ravaging the country, as they were driving off spoil, consisting of men + + and cattle, together with the colonists whom they had taken, they met the consul + + returning victorious from Luceria, and not only lost their booty, but marching + + in disorder, in a long train, and heavily encumbered, were themselves cut to + + pieces. The consul, by proclamation, summoned the owners to Interamna, to claim + + and receive again their property, and leaving his army there, went to Rome to + + hold the elections. On his applying for a triumph, that honour was refused him, + + because he had lost so many thousands of his soldiers; and also, because he + + had sent the prisoners under the yoke without imposing any conditions. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">37 </div> + +<a id="b37" /> + +<p>The other consul, Postumius, because there was no employment for his arms in + + Samnium, having led over his forces into Etruria, first laid waste the lands + + of the Volsinians; and afterwards, on their marching out to protect their country, + + gained a decisive victory over them, at a small distance from their own walls. + + Two thousand two hundred of the Etrurians were slain; the proximity of their + + city protected the rest. The army was then led into the territory of Rusella, + + and there, not only were the lands wasted, but the town itself taken. More than + + two thousand men were made prisoners, and somewhat less than that number killed + + on the walls. But a peace, effected that year in Etruria, was still more important + + and honourable than the war had been. Three very powerful cities, the chief + + ones of Etruria, (Volsinii, Perusia, and Arretium,) sued for peace; and having + + stipulated with the consul to furnish clothing and corn for his army, on condition + + of being permitted to send deputies to Rome, they obtained a truce for forty + + years, and a fine was imposed on each state of five hundred thousand <i>asses</i>,[<a href="#foot6">6</a>] + + to be immediately paid. When the consul demanded a triumph from the senate, + + in consideration of these services, rather to comply with the general practice, + + than in hope of succeeding; and when he saw that one party, his own personal + + enemies, another party, the friends of his colleague, refused him the triumph, + + the latter to console a similar refusal, some on the plea that he had been rather + + tardy in taking his departure from the city; others, that he had passed from + + Samnium into Etruria without orders from the senate; he said, "Conscript fathers, + + I shall not be so far mindful of your dignity, as to forget that I am consul. + + By the same right of office by which I conducted the war, I shall now have a + + triumph, when this war has been brought to a happy conclusion, Samnium and Etruria + + being subdued, and victory and peace procured. With these words he left the + + senate." On this arose a contention between the plebeian tribunes; some of them + + declaring that they would protest against his triumphing in a manner unprecedented; + + others, that they would support his pretensions, in opposition to their colleagues. + + The affair came at length to be discussed before the people, and the consul + + being summoned to attend, when he represented, that Marcus Horatius and Lucius + + Valerius, when consuls, and lately Caius Marcus Rutilus, father of the present + + censor, had triumphed, not by direction of the senate, but by that of the people; + + he then added that "he would in like manner have laid his request before the + + public, had he not known that some plebeian tribunes, the abject slaves of the + + nobles, would have obstructed the law. That the universal approbation and will + + of the people were and should be with him equivalent to any order whatsoever." + + Accordingly, on the day following, by the support of three plebeian tribunes, + + in opposition to the protest of the other seven, and the declared judgment of + + the senate, he triumphed; and the people paid every honour to the day. The historical + + accounts regarding this year are by no means consistent; Claudius asserts, that + + Postumius, after having taken several cities in Samnium, was defeated and put + + to flight in Apulia; and that, being wounded himself, he was driven, with a + + few attendants, into Luceria. That the war in Etruria was conducted by Atilius, + + and that it was he who triumphed. Fabius writes, that the two consuls acted + + in conjunction, both in Samnium and at Luceria; that an army was led over into + + Etruria, but by which of the consuls he has not mentioned; that at Luceria, + + great numbers were slain on both sides; and that in that battle, the temple + + of Jupiter Stator was vowed, the same vow having been formerly made by Romulus, + + but the fane only, that is, the area appropriated for the temple, had been yet + + consecrated. However, in this year, the state having been twice bound by the + + same vow, it became a matter of religious obligation that the senate should + + order the temple to be erected. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">38 </div> + +<a id="b38" /> + +<p>In the next year, we find a consul, distinguished by the united splendour of + + his own and his father's glory, Lucius Papirius Cursor, as also a war of vast + + importance, and a victory of such consequence, as no man, excepting Lucius Papirius, + + the consul's father, had ever before obtained over the Samnites. It happened + + too that these had, with the same care and pains as on the former occasion, + + decorated their soldiers with the richest suits of splendid armour; and they + + had, likewise, called in to their aid the power of the gods, having, as it were, + + initiated the soldiers, by administering the military oath, with the solemn + + ceremonies practised in ancient times, and levied troops in every part of Samnium, + + under an ordinance entirely new, that "if any of the younger inhabitants should + + not attend the meeting, according to the general's proclamation, or shall depart + + without permission, his head should be devoted to Jupiter." Orders being then + + issued, for all to assemble at Aquilonia, the whole strength of Samnium came + + together, amounting to forty thousand men. There a piece of ground, in the middle + + of the camp, was enclosed with hurdles and boards, and covered overhead with + + linen cloth, the sides being all of an equal length, about two hundred feet. + + In this place sacrifices were performed, according to directions read out of + + an old linen book, the priest being a very old man, called Ovius Paccius, who + + affirmed, that he took these ceremonials from the ancient ritual of the Samnites, + + being the same which their ancestors used, when they had formed the secret design + + of wresting Capua from the Etrurians. When the sacrifices were finished, the + + general ordered a beadle to summon every one of those who were most highly distinguished + + by their birth or conduct: these were introduced singly. Besides the other exhibitions + + of the solemnity, calculated to impress the mind with religious awe, there were, + + in the middle of the covered enclosure, altars erected, about which lay the + + victims slain, and the centurions stood around with their swords drawn. The + + soldier was led up to the altars, rather like a victim, than a performer in + + the ceremony, and was bound by an oath not to divulge what he should see and + + hear in that place. He was then compelled to swear, in a dreadful kind of form, + + containing execrations on his own person, on his family and race, if he did + + not go to battle, whithersoever the commanders should lead; and, if either he + + himself fled from the field, or, in case he should see any other flying, did + + not immediately kill him. At first some, refusing to take the oath, were put + + to death round the altars, and lying among the carcasses of the victims, served + + afterwards as a warning to others not to refuse it. When those of the first + + rank in the Samnite nation had been bound under these solemnities, the general + + nominated ten, whom he desired to choose each a man, and so to proceed until + + they should have called up the number of sixteen thousand. This body, from the + + covering of the enclosure wherein the nobility had been thus devoted, was called + + the linen legion. They were furnished with splendid armour and plumed helmets, + + to distinguish them above the rest. They had another body of forces, amounting + + to somewhat more than twenty thousand, not inferior to the linen legion, either + + in personal appearance, or renown in war, or their equipment. This number, composing + + the main strength of the nation, sat down at Aquilonia. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">39 </div> + +<a id="b39" /> + +<p>On the other side, the consuls set out from the city. First, Spurius Carvilius, + + to whom had been decreed the veteran legions, which Marcus Atilius, the consul + + of the preceding year, had left in the territory of Interamna, marched at their + + head into Samnium; and, while the enemy were busied in their superstitious rites, + + and holding their secret meeting, he took by storm the town of Amiternum. Here + + were slain about two thousand eight hundred men; and four thousand two hundred + + and seventy were made prisoners. Papirius, with a new army, which he raised + + in pursuance of a decree of the senate, made himself master of the city of Duronia. + + He took fewer prisoners than his colleague; but slew much greater numbers. Rich + + booty was acquired in both places. The consuls then, overrunning Samnium, and + + wasting the province of Atinum with particular severity, arrived, Carvilius + + at Cominium, and Papirius at Aquilonia, where the main force of the Samnites + + were posted. Here, for some time, there was neither a cessation of action, nor + + any vigorous effort. The day was generally spent in provoking the enemy when + + quiet, and retiring when they offered resistance; in menacing, rather than making + + an attack. By which practice of beginning, and then desisting, even those trifling + + skirmishes were continually left without a decision. The other Roman camp was + + twenty miles distant, and the advice of his absent colleague was appealed to + + on every thing which he undertook, while Carvilius, on his part, directed a + + greater share of his attention to Aquilonia, where the state of affairs was + + more critical and important, than to Cominium, which he himself was besieging. + + When Papirius had fully adjusted every measure, preparatory to an engagement, + + he despatched a message to his colleague, that "he intended, if the auspices + + permitted, to fight the enemy on the day following; and that it would be necessary + + that he (Carvilius) should at the same time make an assault on Cominium, with + + his utmost force, that the Samnites there might have no leisure to send any + + succour to Aquilonia." The messenger had the day for the performance of his + + journey, and he returned in the night, with an answer to the consul, that his + + colleague approved of the plan. Papirius, on sending off the messenger, had + + instantly called an assembly, where he descanted, at large, on the nature of + + the war in general, and on the present mode of equipment adopted by the enemy, + + which served for empty parade, rather than for any thing effectual towards insuring + + success; for "plumes," he said, "made no wounds; that a Roman javelin would + + make its way through shields, however painted and gilt; and that the army, refulgent + + from the whiteness of their tunics, would soon be besmeared with blood, when + + matters came to be managed with the sword. His father had formerly cut off, + + to a man, a gold and silver army of the Samnites; and such accoutrements had + + made a more respectable figure, as spoils, in the hands of the conquering foe, + + than as arms in those of the wearers. Perhaps it was allotted, by destiny, to + + his name and family, that they should be opposed in command against the most + + powerful efforts of the Samnites; and should bring home spoils, of such beauty, + + as to serve for ornaments to the public places. The immortal gods were certainly + + on his side, on account of the leagues so often solicited and so often broken. + + Besides, if a judgment might be formed of the sentiments of the deities, they + + never were more hostile to any army, than to that which, smeared with the blood + + of human beings mixed with that of cattle in their abominable sacrifice, doomed + + to the twofold resentment of the gods, dreading on the one hand the divinities, + + witnesses of the treaties concluded with the Romans, on the other hand the imprecations + + expressed in the oath sworn in contradiction to those treaties, swore with reluctance, + + abhorred the oath, and feared at once the gods, their countrymen, and their + + enemies." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">40 </div> + +<a id="b40" /> + +<p>When the consul had recounted these particulars, ascertained from the information + + of the deserters, to the soldiers already enraged of themselves, they then, + + filled with confidence in both divine and human aid, with one universal shout, + + demanded the battle; were dissatisfied at the action being deferred to the following + + day; they are impatient under the intended delay of a day and a night. Papirius, + + at the third watch, having received his colleague's letter, arose in silence, + + and sent the keeper of the chickens to take the auspices. There was no one description + + of men in the camp who felt not earnest wishes for the fight: the highest and + + the lowest were equally eager; the general watching the ardour of the soldiers, + + and the soldiers that of the general. This universal zeal spread even to those + + employed in taking the auspices; for the chickens having refused to feed, the + + auspex ventured to misrepresent the omen, and reported to the consul that they + + had fed voraciously.[<a href="#foot7">7</a>] The consul, highly pleased, and + + giving notice that the auspices were excellent, and that they were to act under + + the direction of the gods, displayed the signal for battle. Just as he was going + + out to the field, he happened to receive intelligence from a deserter, that + + twenty cohorts of Samnites, consisting of about four hundred each, had marched + + towards Cominium. Lest his colleague should be ignorant of this, he instantly + + despatched a messenger to him, and then ordered the troops to advance with speed, + + having already assigned to each division of the army its proper post, and appointed + + general officers to command them. The command of the right wing he gave to Lucius + + Volumnius, that of the left to Lucius Scipio, that of the cavalry to the other + + lieutenants-general, Caius Caedicius and Caius Trebonius. He ordered Spurius + + Nautius to take off the panniers from the mules, and to lead them round quickly, + + together with his auxiliary cohorts, to a rising ground in view; and there to + + show himself during the heat of the engagement, and to raise as much dust as + + possible. While the general was employed in making these dispositions, a dispute + + arose among the keepers of the chickens, about the auspices of the day, which + + was overheard by some Roman horsemen, who, deeming it a matter not to be slighted, + + informed Spurius Papirius, the consul's nephew, that there was a doubt about + + the auspices. The youth, born in an age when that sort of learning which inculcates + + contempt of the gods was yet unknown, examined into the affair, that he might + + not carry an uncertain report to the consul; and then acquainted him with it. + + His answer was, "I very much applaud your conduct and zeal. However, the person + + who officiates in taking the auspices, if he makes a false report, draws on + + his own head the evil portended; but to the Roman people and their army, the + + favourable omen reported to me is an excellent auspice." He then commanded the + + centurions to place the keepers of the chickens in the front of the line. The + + Samnites likewise brought forward their standards; their main body followed, + + armed and decorated in such a manner, that the enemy afforded a magnificent + + show. Before the shout was raised, or the battle begun, the auspex, wounded + + by a random cast of a javelin, fell before the standards; which being told to + + the consul, he said, "The gods are present in the battle; the guilty has met + + his punishment." While the consul uttered these words, a crow, in front of him, + + cawed with a clear voice; at which augury, the consul being rejoiced, and affirming, + + that never had the gods interposed in a more striking manner in human affairs, + + ordered the charge to be sounded and the shout to be raised. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">41 </div> + +<a id="b41" /> + +<p>A furious conflict now ensued, but with very unequal spirit [in the combatants]. + + Anger, hope, and ardour for conquest, hurried on the Romans to battle, thirsting + + for their enemy's blood; while the Samnites, for the most part reluctantly, + + as if compelled by necessity and religious dread, rather stood on their defence, + + than made an attack. Nor would they, familiarized as they were to defeats, through + + a course of so many years, have withstood the first shout and shock of the Romans, + + had not another fear, operating still more powerfully in their breasts, restrained + + them from flying. For they had before their eyes the whole scene exhibited at + + the secret sacrifice, the armed priests, the promiscuous carnage of men and + + cattle, the altars besmeared with the blood of victims and of their murdered + + countrymen, the dreadful curses, and the direful form of imprecation, drawn + + up for calling down perdition on their family and race. Prevented by these shackles + + from running away, they stood, more afraid of then countrymen than of the enemy. + + The Romans pushed on both the wings, and in the centre, and made great havoc + + among them, stupified as they were, through their fears of the gods and of men. + + A faint resistance is now made, as by men whom fear alone prevented from running + + away. The slaughter had now almost reached to their standards, when, on one + + side, appeared a cloud of dust, as if raised by the marching of a numerous army: + + it was Spurius Nautius, (some say Octavius Metius,) commander of the auxiliary + + cohorts: for these raised a greater quantity of dust than was proportioned to + + the number of men, the servants of the camp, mounted on the mules, trailing + + boughs of trees, full of leaves, along the ground. Through the light thus obscured, + + arms and standards were seen in front; behind, a higher and denser cloud of + + dust presented the appearance of horsemen bringing up the rear. This effectually + + deceived, not only the Samnites, but the Romans themselves: and the consul confirmed + + the mistake, by calling out among the foremost battalions, so that his voice + + reached also the enemy, that "Cominium was taken, and that his victorious colleague + + was approaching," bidding his men "now make haste to complete the defeat of + + the enemy, before the glory should fall to the share of the other army." This + + he said as he sat on horseback, and then ordered the tribunes and centurions + + to open passages for the horse. He had given previous directions to Trebonius + + and Caedicius, that, when they should see him waving the point of his spear + + aloft, they should incite the cavalry to charge the enemy with all possible + + violence. Every particular, as previously concerted, was executed with the utmost + + exactness. The passages were opened between the ranks, the cavalry darted through, + + and, with the points of their spears presented, rushed into the midst of the + + enemy's battalions, breaking down the ranks wherever they charged. Voluminius + + and Scipio seconded the blow, and taking advantage of the enemy's disorder, + + made a terrible slaughter. Thus attacked, the cohorts, called <i>linteatae</i>, + + regardless of all restraints from either gods or men, quitted their posts in + + confusion, the sworn and the unsworn all fled alike, no longer dreading aught + + but the enemies. The body of their infantry which survived the battle, were + + driven into the camp at Aquilonia. The nobility and cavalry directed their flight + + to Bovianum. The horse were pursued by the Roman horse, the infantry by their + + infantry, while the wings proceeded by different roads; the right, to the camp + + of the Samnites; the left to the city. Volumnius succeeded first in gaining + + possession of the camp. At the city, Scipio met a stouter resistance; not because + + the conquered troops there had gained courage, but because walls were a better + + defence against armed men than a rampart. From these they repelled the enemy + + with stones. Scipio, considering that unless the business were effected during + + their first panic, and before they could recover their spirits, the attack of + + so strong a town would be very tedious, asked his soldiers "if they could endure, + + without shame, that the other wing should already have taken the camp, and that + + they, after all their success, should be repulsed from the gates of the city?" + + Then, all of them loudly declaring their determination to the contrary, he himself + + advanced, the foremost, to the gate, with his shield raised over his head: the + + rest, following under the like cover of their shields conjoined, burst into + + the city, and dispersing the Samnites who were near the gate, took possession + + of the walls, but they ventured not to push forward into the interior of the + + city in consequence of the smallness of their number. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">42 </div> + +<a id="b42" /> + +<p>Of these transactions the consul was for some time ignorant; and was busily + + employed in calling home his troops, for the sun was now hastening to set, and + + the approach of night rendered every place suspicious and dangerous, even to + + victorious troops. Having rode forward a considerable way, he saw on the right + + the camp taken, and heard on the left a shouting in the city, with a confused + + noise of fighting, and cries of terror. This happened while the fight was going + + on at the gate. When, on riding up nearer, he saw his own men on the walls, + + and so much progress already made in the business, pleased at having gained, + + through the precipitate conduct of a few, an opportunity of striking an important + + blow, he ordered the troops, whom he had sent back to the camp, to be called + + out, and to march to the attack of the city: these, having made good their entrance + + on the nearest side, proceeded no farther, because night approached. Before + + morning, however, the town was abandoned by the enemy. There were slain of the + + Samnites on that day, at Aquilonia, thirty thousand three hundred and forty; + + taken, three thousand eight hundred and seventy, with ninety-seven military + + standards. One circumstance, respecting Papirius, is particularly mentioned + + by historians: that, hardly ever was any general seen in the field with a more + + cheerful countenance; whether this was owing to his natural temper or to his + + confidence of success. From the same firmness of mind it proceeded, that he + + did not suffer himself to be diverted from the war by the dispute about the + + auspices; and that, in the heat of the battle, when it was customary to vow + + temples to the immortal gods, he vowed to Jupiter the victorious, that if he + + should defeat the legions of the enemy, he would, before he tasted of any generous + + liquor, make a libation to him of a cup of wine and honey. This kind of vow + + proved acceptable to the gods, and they conducted the auspices to a fortunate + + issue. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">43 </div> + +<a id="b43" /> + +<p>Matters were conducted with the same success by the other consul at Cominium: + + leading up his forces to the walls, at the first dawn, he invested the city + + on every side, and posted strong guards opposite to the gates to prevent any + + sally being made. Just as he was giving the signal, the alarming message from + + his colleague, touching the march of the twenty Samnite cohorts, not only caused + + him to delay the assault, but obliged him to call off a part of his troops, + + when they were formed and ready to begin the attack. He ordered Decius Brutus + + Scaeva, a lieutenant-general, with the first legion, ten auxiliary cohorts, + + and the cavalry, to go and oppose the said detachment; and in whatever place + + he should meet the foe, there to stop and detain them, and even to engage in + + battle, should opportunity offer for it; at all events not to suffer those troops + + to approach Cominium. He then commanded the scaling ladders to be brought up + + to the walls, on every side of the city; and, under a fence of closed shields, + + advanced to the gates. Thus, at the same moment, the gates were broken open, + + and the assault made on every part of the walls. Though the Samnites, before + + they saw the assailants on the works, had possessed courage enough to oppose + + their approaches to the city, yet now, when the action was no longer carried + + on at a distance, nor with missile weapons, but in close fight; and when those, + + who had with difficulty gained the walls, having overcome the disadvantage of + + ground, which, they principally dreaded, fought with ease on equal ground, against + + an enemy inferior in strength, they all forsook the towers and walls, and being + + driven to the forum, they tried there for a short time, as a last effort, to + + retrieve the fortune of the fight; but soon throwing down their arms, surrendered + + to the consul, to the number of eleven thousand four hundred; four thousand + + three hundred and eighty were slain. Such was the course of events at Cominium, + + such at Aquilonia. In the middle space between the two cities, where a third + + battle had been expected, the enemy were not found; for, when they were within + + seven miles of Cominium, they were recalled by their countrymen, and had no + + part in either battle. At night-fall, when they were now within sight of their + + camp, and also of Aquilonia, shouts from both places reaching them with equal + + force induced them to halt; then, on the side of the camp, which had been set + + on fire by the Romans, the wide-spreading flames indicating with more certainty + + the disaster [which had happened], prevented their proceeding any farther. In + + that same spot, stretched on the ground at random under their arms, they passed + + the whole night in great inquietude, at one time wishing for, at another dreading + + the light. At the first dawn, while they were still undetermined to what quarter + + they should direct their march, they were obliged to betake themselves hastily + + to flight, being descried by the cavalry; who having gone in pursuit of the + + Samnites, that left the town in the night, saw the multitude unprotected either + + by a rampart or advanced guard. This party had likewise been perceived from + + the walls of Aquilonia, and the legionary cohorts now joined in the pursuit. + + The foot were unable to overtake them, but about two hundred and eighty of their + + rear guard were cut off by the cavalry. In their consternation they left behind + + them a great quantity of arms and eighteen military standards: they reached + + Bovianum with the rest of their party in safety, as far as could be expected + + after so disorderly a rout. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">44 </div> + +<a id="b44" /> + +<p>The joy of both Roman armies was enhanced by the success achieved on the other + + side. Each consul, with the approbation of his colleague, gave to his soldiers + + the plunder of the town which he had taken; and, when the houses were cleared, + + set them on fire. Thus, on the same day, Aquilonia and Cominium were both reduced + + to ashes. The consuls then united their camps, where mutual congratulations + + took place between them and between their soldiers. Here, in the view of the + + two armies, Carvilius bestowed on his men commendations and presents according + + to the desert of each; and Papirius likewise, whose troops had been engaged + + in a variety of actions, in the field, in the assault of the camp, and in that + + of the city, presented Spurius Nautius, Spurius Papirius, his nephew, four centurions, + + and a company of the spearmen, with bracelets and crowns of gold:--to Nautius, + + on account of his behaviour at the head of his detachment, when he had terrified + + the enemy with the appearance as of a numerous army; to young Papirius, on account + + of his zealous exertions with the cavalry, both in the battle and in harassing + + the Samnites in their flight by night, when they withdrew privately from Aquilonia; + + and to the centurions and company of soldiers, because they were the first who + + gained possession of the gate and wall of that town. All the horsemen he presented + + with gorgets and bracelets of silver, on account of their distinguished conduct + + on many occasions. As the time was now come for withdrawing the army out of + + Samnium, the expediency was considered, as to whether they should withdraw both, + + or at least one. It was concluded, that the lower the strength of the Samnites + + was reduced, the greater perseverance and vigour ought to be used in prosecuting + + the war, so that Samnium might be given up to the succeeding consuls perfectly + + subjected. As there was now no army of the enemy which could be supposed capable + + of disputing the field, there remained one mode of operations, the besieging + + of the cities; by the destruction of which, they might be enabled to enrich + + their soldiers with the spoil; and, at the same time, utterly to destroy the + + enemy, reduced to the necessity of fighting, their all being at stake. The consuls, + + therefore, after despatching letters to the senate and people of Rome, containing + + accounts of the services which they had performed, led away their legions to + + different quarters; Papirius going to attack Saepioura, Carvilius to Volana. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">45 </div> + +<a id="b45" /> + +<p>The letters of the consuls were heard with extraordinary exultation, both in + + the senate-house and in the assembly of the people; and, in a thanksgiving of + + four days' continuance, the public rejoicings were celebrated with zeal by individuals. + + These successes were not only important in themselves to the Roman people, but + + peculiarly seasonable; for it happened, that at the same time intelligence was + + brought that the Etrurians were again in arms. The reflection naturally occurred + + to people's minds, how it would have been possible, in case any misfortune had + + happened in Samnium, to have withstood the power of Etruria; which, being encouraged + + by the conspiracy of the Samnites, and seeing both the consuls, and the whole + + force of the Romans, employed against them, had made use of that juncture, in + + which the Romans had so much business on their hands, for reviving hostilities. + + Ambassadors from the allies, being introduced to the senate by the praetor Marcus + + Atilius, complained that their countries were wasted with fire and sword by + + the neighbouring Etrurians, because they had refused to revolt from the Romans; + + and they besought the conscript fathers to protect them from the violence and + + injustice of their common enemy. The ambassadors were answered, </p> + +<p> that "the senate would take care that the allies should not repent their fidelity." + + That the "Etrurians should shortly be in the same situation with the Samnites." + + Notwithstanding which, the business respecting Etruria would have been prosecuted + + with less vigour, had not information been received, that the Faliscians likewise, + + who had for many years lived in friendship with Rome, had united their arms + + with those of the Etrurians. The consideration of the near vicinity of that + + nation quickened the attention of the senate; insomuch that they passed a decree + + that heralds should be sent to demand satisfaction: which being refused, war + + was declared against the Faliscians by direction of the senate, and order of + + the people; and the consuls were desired to determine, by lots, which of them + + should lead an army from Samnium into Etruria. Carvilius had, in the mean time, + + taken from the Samnites Volana, Palumbinum, and Herculaneum; Volana after a + + siege of a few days, Palumbinum the same day on which he approached the walls. + + At Herculaneum, it is true, the consul had two regular engagements without any + + decisive advantage on either side, and with greater loss on his side than on + + that of the enemy; but afterwards, encamping on the spot, he shut them up within + + their works. The town was besieged and taken. In these three towns were taken + + or slain ten thousand men, of whom the prisoners composed somewhat the greater + + part. On the consuls casting lots for the provinces, Etruria fell to Carvilius, + + to the great satisfaction of the soldiers, who could no longer bear the intensity + + of the cold in Samnium. Papirius was opposed at Saepinum with a more powerful + + force: he had to fight often in pitched battles, often on a march, and often + + under the walls of the city, against the eruptions of the enemy; and could neither + + besiege, nor engage them on equal terms; for the Samnites not only protected + + themselves by walls, but likewise protected their walls with numbers of men + + and arms. At length, after a great deal of fighting, he forced them to submit + + to a regular siege. This he carried on with vigour, and made himself master + + of the city by means of his works, and by storm. The rage of the soldiers on + + this occasion caused the greatest slaughter in the taking of the town; seven + + thousand four hundred fell by the sword; the number of the prisoners did not + + amount to three thousand. The spoil, of which the quantity was very great, the + + whole substance of the Samnites being collected in a few cities, was given up + + to the soldiers. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">46 </div> + +<a id="b46" /> + +<p>The snow had now entirely covered the face of the country, and they could no + + longer dispense with the shelter of houses: the consul therefore led home his + + troops from Samnium. While he was on his way to Rome, a triumph was decreed + + him with universal consent; and accordingly he triumphed while in office, and + + with extraordinary splendour, considering the circumstances of those times. + + The cavalry and infantry marched in the procession, adorned with presents. Great + + numbers of civic, vallar, and mural crowns were seen.[<a href="#foot8">8</a>] + + The spoils of the Samnites were inspected with much curiosity, and compared, + + in respect of magnificence and beauty, with those taken by his father, which + + were well known, from being frequently exhibited as ornaments of the public + + places. Several prisoners of distinction, renowned for their own exploits and + + those of their ancestors, were led in the cavalcade. There were carried in the + + train two millions and thirty-three thousand <i>asses</i> in weight.[<a href="#foot9">9</a>] + + This money was said to be produced by the sale of the prisoners. Of silver, + + taken in the cities, one thousand three hundred and thirty pounds. All the silver + + and brass were lodged in the treasury, no share of this part of the spoil being + + given to the soldiers. The ill humour in the commons was further exasperated, + + because the tax for the payment of the army was collected by contribution; whereas, + + said they, if the vain parade of conveying the produce of the spoil to the treasury + + had been disregarded, donations might have been made to the soldiers out of + + the spoil, and the pay of the army also supplied out of that fund. The temple + + of Quirinus, vowed by his father when dictator, (for that he himself had vowed + + it in the heat of battle, I do not find in any ancient writer, nor indeed could + + he in so short a time have finished the building of it,) the son, in the office + + of consul, dedicated and adorned with military spoils. And of these, so great + + was the abundance, that not only that temple and the forum were decorated with + + them, but some were also distributed among the allies and colonies in the neighbourhood, + + to serve as ornaments to their temples and public places. Immediately after + + his triumph, he led his army into winter quarters in the territory of Vescia; + + because that country was harassed by the Samnites. Meanwhile, in Etruria, the + + consul Carvilius having set about laying siege to Troilium, suffered four hundred + + and seventy of the richest inhabitants to depart; they had paid a large sum + + of money for permission to leave the place: the town, with the remaining multitude, + + he took by storm. He afterwards reduced, by force, five forts strongly situated, + + wherein were slain two thousand four hundred of the enemy, and not quite two + + thousand made prisoners. To the Faliscians, who sued for peace, he granted a + + truce for a year, on condition of their furnishing a hundred thousand <i>asses</i> + + in weight,[<a href="#foot10">10</a>] and that year's pay for his army. This + + business completed, he returned home to a triumph, which, though it was less + + illustrious than that of his colleague, in respect of his share in the defeat + + of the Samnites, was yet raised to an equality with it, by his having put a + + termination to the war in Etruria. He carried into the treasury three hundred + + and ninety thousand <i>asses</i> in weight.[<a href="#foot11">11</a>] Out of + + the remainder of the money accruing to the public from the spoils, he contracted + + for the building of a temple to Fors Fortuna, near to that dedicated to the + + same goddess by king Servius Tullius; and gave to the soldiers, out of the spoil, + + one hundred and two asses each, and double that sum to the centurions and horsemen, + + who received this donative the more gratefully, on account of the parsimony + + of his colleague. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">47 </div> + +<a id="b47" /> + +<p>The favour of the consul saved from a trial, before the people, Postumius; + + who, on a prosecution being commenced against him by Marcus Scantius, plebeian + + tribune, evaded, as was said, the jurisdiction of the people, by procuring the + + commission of lieutenant-general, so the indictment against him could only be + + held out as a threat, and not put in force. The The year having now elapsed, + + new plebeian tribunes had come unto office; and for these, in consequence of + + some irregularity on their appointments, others had been, within five days after, + + substituted in their room. The lustrum was closed this year by the censors Publius + + Cornelius Arvina and Caius Marcius Rutilus. The number of citizens rated was + + two hundred and sixty-two thousand three hundred and twenty-two. These were + + the twenty-sixth pair of censors since the first institution of that office; + + and this the nineteenth lustrum. In this year, persons who had been presented + + with crowns, in consideration of meritorious behaviour in war, first began to + + wear them at the exhibition of the Roman games. Then, for the first time, palms + + were conferred on the victors according to a custom introduced from Greece. + + In the same year the paving of the road from the temple of Mars to Bovillae + + was completed by the curule aediles, who exhibited those games out of fines + + levied on the farmers of the pastures. Lucius Papirius presided at the consular + + election, and returned consuls Quintus Fabius Gurges, son of Maximus, and Decius + + Junius Brutus Scaeva. Papirius himself was made praetor. This year, prosperous + + in many particulars, was scarcely sufficient to afford consolation for one calamity, + + a pestilence, which afflicted both the city and country: the mortality was prodigious. + + To discover what end, or what remedy, was appointed by the gods for that calamity, + + the books were consulted: in the books it was found that Aesculapius must be + + brought to Rome from Epidaurus. Nor were any steps taken that year in that matter, + + because the consuls were fully occupied in the war, except that a supplication + + was performed to Aesculapius for one day. </p> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<a id="lost" /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>Here ten books of the original are lost, making a chasm + + of seventy-five years. The translator's object being to publish the work of + + Livy only, he has not thought it his duty to attempt to supply this deficiency, + + either by a compilation of his own, or by transcribing or translating those + + of others. The leader, however, who may be desirous of knowing the events which + + took place during this interval, will find as complete a detail of them as can + + now be given, in Hooke's or Rollin's Roman History.The contents of the lost + + books have been preserved, and are as follows--</i></div> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book11">BOOK XI.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">[Y.R. 460. B.C. 292.] Fabius Gurges, consul, having fought + + an unsuccessful battle with the Samnites, the senate deliberate about dismissing + + him from the command of the army; are prevailed upon not to inflict that disgrace + + upon him, principally by the entreaties of his father, Fabius Maximus, and by + + his promising to join the army, and serve, in quality of lieutenant-general, + + under his son: which promise he performs, and the consul, aided by his counsel + + and co-operation, obtains a victory over the Samnites, and a triumph in consequence. + + C. Pontius, the general of the Samnites, led in triumph before the victor's + + carriage, and afterwards beheaded. A plague at Rome. [Y.R. 461. B.C. 291.] Ambassadors + + sent to Epidaurus, to bring from thence to Rome the statue of Aesculapius: a + + serpent, of itself, goes on board their ship; supposing it to be the abode of + + the deity, they bring it with them; and, upon its quitting their vessel, and + + swimming to the island in the Tiber, they consecrate there a temple to Aesculapius. + + L. Postumius, a man of consular rank, condemned for employing the soldiers under + + his command in working upon his farm. [Y.R. 462. B.C. 290] Curius Dentatus, + + consul, having subdued the Samnites, and the rebellious Sabines, triumphs twice + + during his year of office. [Y.R. 463. B.C. 289.] The colonies of Castrum, Sena, + + and Adria, established. Three judges of capital crimes now first appointed. + + A census and lustrum: the number of citizens found to be two hundred and seventy-three + + thousand. After a long-continued sedition, on account of debts, the commons + + secede to the Janiculum: [Y.R. 466. B.C. 286.] are brought back by Hortensius, + + dictator, who dies in office. Successful operations against the Volsinians and + + Lucanians, [Y.R. 468. B.C. 284.] against whom it was thought expedient to send + + succour to the Thuringians.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book12">BOOK XII.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">[Y.R. 469. B.C. 283.] The Senonian Gauls having slain the + + Roman ambassadors, war is declared against them: they cut off L. Caecilius, + + praetor, with the legions under his command, [Y.R. 470. B.C. 282.] The Roman + + fleet plundered by the Tarentines, and the commander slain: ambassadors, sent + + to complain of this outrage, are ill-treated and sent back; whereupon war is + + declared against them. The Samnites revolt; against whom, together with the + + Lucanians, Bruttians, and Etruscans, several unsuccessful battles are fought + + by different generals. [Y.R. 471. B.C. 281.] Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, comes + + into Italy, to succour the Tarentines. A Campanian legion, sent, under the command + + of Decius Jubellius, to garrison Rhegium, murder the inhabitants, and seize + + the city.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book13">BOOK XIII.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">[Y.R. 472. B.C. 280.] Valerius Laevinus, consul, engages + + with Pyrrhus, and is beaten, his soldiers being terrified at the unusual appearance + + of elephants. After the battle, Pyrrhus, viewing the bodies of the Romans who + + were slain, remarks, that they all of them lay with their faces turned towards + + their enemy. He proceeds towards Rome, ravaging the country as he goes along. + + C. Fabricius is sent by the senate to treat for the redemption of the prisoners: + + the king, in vain, attempts to bribe him to desert his country. The prisoners + + restored without ransom. Cineas, ambassador from Pyrrhus to the senate, demands, + + as a condition of peace, that the king be admitted into the city of Rome: the + + consideration of which being deferred to a fuller meeting, Appius Claudius, + + who, on account of a disorder in his eyes, had not, for a long time, attended + + in the senate, comes there; moves, and carries his motion, that the demand of + + the king be refused. Cneius Domitius, the first plebeian censor, holds a lustrum; + + the number of the citizens found to be two hundred and seventy-eight thousand + + two hundred and twenty-two. A second, but undecided battle with Pyrrhus. [Y.R. + + 473. B.C. 279.] The treaty with the Carthaginians renewed a fourth time. An + + offer made to Fabricius, the consul, by a traitor, to poison Pyrrhus; [Y. R. + + 474. B. C. 278.] he sends him to the king, and discovers to him the treasonable + + offer. Successful operations against the Etruscans, Lucanians, Bruttians, and + + Samnites.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book14">BOOK XIV.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">Pyrrhus crosses over into Sicily. [Y. R. 475. B. C. 277.] + + Many prodigies, among which, the statue of Jupiter in the Capitol is struck + + by lightning, and thrown down. [Y. R. 476. B. C. 276.] The head of it afterwards + + found by the priests. Curius Dentatus, holding a levy, puts up to sale the goods + + of a person who refuses to answer to his name when called upon. [Y. R. 477. + + B. C. 275.] Pyrrhus, after his return from Sicily, is defeated, and compelled + + to quit Italy. The censors hold a lustrum, and find the number of the citizens + + to be two hundred and seventy-one thousand two hundred and twenty-four. [Y. + + R. 479. B. c. 273.] A treaty of alliance formed with Ptolemy, king of Egypt. + + Sextilia, a vestal, found guilty of incest, and buried alive. Two colonies sent + + forth, to Posidonium and Cossa. [Y. R. 480. B. C. 272.] A Carthaginian fleet + + sails, in aid of the Tarentines, by which act the treaty is violated. Successful + + operations against the Lucanians, Samnites, and Bruttians. Death of king Pyrrhus.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book15">BOOK XV.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">The Tarentines overcome: peace and freedom granted to them. + + [Y. R. 481. B. C. 271.] The Campanian legion, which had forcibly taken possession + + of Rhegium, besieged there; lay down their arms, and are punished with death. + + Some young men, who had ill-treated the ambassadors from the Apollonians to + + the senate of Rome, are delivered up to them. Peace granted to the Picentians. + + [Y. R. 484. B. C. 268.] Two colonies established; one at Ariminum in Picenum, + + another at Beneventum in Samnium. Silver coin now, for the first time, used + + by the Roman people. [Y. R. 485. B. C. 267.] The Umbrians and Sallentines subdued. + + The number of quaestors increased to eight.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book16">BOOK XVI.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">[Y. R. 488. B. C. 264.] Origin and progress of the Carthaginian + + state. After much debate, the senate resolves to succour the Mammertines against + + the Carthaginians, and against Hiero, king of Syracuse. Roman cavalry, then, + + for the first time, cross the sea, and engage successfully, in battle with Hiero; + + who solicits and obtains peace. [Y.R. 489. B.C. 263.] A lustrum: the number + + of the citizens amounts to two hundred and ninety-two thousand two hundred and + + twenty-four. D. Junius Brutus exhibits the first show of gladiators, in honour + + of his deceased father. [Y.R. 490. B.C. 262.] The Aesernian colony established. + + Successful operations against the Carthaginians and Vulsinians. [Y.R. 491. B.C. + + 261.]</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book17">BOOK XVII.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">[Y.R. 492. B.C. 260.] Cneius Cornelius, consul, surrounded + + by the Carthaginian fleet; and, being drawn into a conference by a stratagem, + + is taken. [Y.R. 493. B.C. 259.] C. Duilius, consul, engages with and vanquishes + + the Carthaginian fleet; is the first commander to whom a triumph was decreed + + for a naval victory; in honour of which, he is allowed, when returning to his + + habitation at night, to be attended with torches and music. L. Cornelius, consul, + + fights and subdues the Sardinians and Corsicans, together with Hanno, the Carthaginian + + general, in the island of Sardinia. [Y.R. 494. B.C. 258.] Atilius Calatinus, + + consul, drawn into an ambuscade by the Carthaginians, is rescued by the skill + + and valour of M. Calpurnius, a military tribune, who making a sudden attack + + upon the enemy, with a body of only three hundred men, turns their whole force + + against himself. [Y.R. 495. B.C. 257.] Hannibal, the commander of the Carthaginian + + fleet which was beaten, is put to death by his soldiers.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book18">BOOK XVIII.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">[Y.R. 496. B.C. 256.] Attilius Regulus, consul, having overcome + + the Carthaginians in a sea-fight, passes over into Africa: kills a serpent of + + prodigious magnitude, with great loss of his own men. [Y.R. 497. B.C. 255.] + + The senate, on account of his successful conduct of the war, not appointing + + him a successor, he writes to them, complaining; and, among other reasons for + + desiring to be recalled, alledges, that his little farm, being all his subsistence, + + was going to ruin, owing to the mismanagement of hired stewards. [Y.R. 498. + + B.C. 254.] A memorable instance of the instability of fortune exhibited in the + + person of Regulus, who is overcome in battle, and taken prisoner by Xanthippus, + + a Lacedaemonian general. [Y. R. 499. B. C. 253.] The Roman fleet shipwrecked; + + which disaster entirely reverses the good fortune which had hitherto attended + + their affairs. Titus Corucanius, the first high priest chosen from among the + + commons. [Y. R. 500. B. C. 252.] P. Sempronius Sophus and M. Yalerius Maximus, + + censors, examine into the state of the senate, and expel thirteen of the members + + of that body. [Y. R. 501. B. C. 251.] They hold a lustrum, and find the number + + of citizens to be two hundred and ninety-seven thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven. + + [Y. R. 502. B. C. 250.] Regulus being sent by the Carthaginians to Rome to treat + + for peace, and an exchange of prisoners, binds himself by oath to return if + + these objects be not attained; dissuades the senate from agreeing to the propositions: + + and then, in observance of his oath, returning to Carthage, is put to death + + by torture.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book19">BOOK XIX.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">[Y. R. 502. B. C. 250.] C. Caecilius Metellus, having been + + successful in several engagements with the Carthaginians, triumphs with more + + splendour than had ever yet been seen; thirteen generals of the enemy, and one + + hundred and twenty elephants, being exhibited in the procession, [Y. R. 503. + + B. C. 249.] Claudius Pulcher, consul, obstinately persisting, notwithstanding + + the omens were inauspicious, engages the enemy's fleet, and is beaten; drowns + + the sacred chickens which would not feed: recalled by the senate, and ordered + + to nominate a dictator; he appoints Claudius Glicia, one of the lowest of the + + people, who, notwithstanding his being ordered to abdicate the office, yet attends + + the celebration of the public games in his dictator's robe. [Y. R. 504. B. C. + + 248.] Atilius Calatinus, the first dictator who marches with an army out of + + Italy. An exchange of prisoners with the Carthaginians. Two colonies established + + at Fregenae and Brundusium in the Sallentine territories. [Y. R. 505. B. C. + + 247.] A lustrum; the citizens numbered amount to two hundred and fifty-one thousand + + two hundred and twenty-two. [Y. R. 506. B. C. 246.] Claudia, the sister of Claudius, + + who had fought unsuccessfully, in contempt of the auspices, being pressed by + + the crowd, as she was returning from the game, cries out, <i>I wish my brother + + were alive and had again the command of the fleet</i>: for which offence she + + is tried and fined. [Y. R. 507. B. C. 245.] Two praetors now first created. + + Aulus Postumius, consul, being priest of Mars, forcibly detained in the city + + by Caecilius Metellus, the high priest, and not suffered to go forth to war, + + being obliged by law to attend to the sacred duties of his office. [Y.R. 508. + + B.C. 244.] After several successful engagements with the Carthaginians, Caius + + Lutatius, consul, puts an end to the war, [Y.R. 509. B.C. 243.] by gaining a + + complete victory over their fleet, at the island of Aegate. The Carthaginians + + sue for peace, which is granted to them. [Y.R. 510. B.C. 242.] The temple of + + Vesta being on fire, the high priest, Caecilius Metellus, saves the sacred utensils + + from the flames. [Y.R. 511. B.C. 241.] Two new tribes added, the Veline and + + Quirine. The Falisci rebel; are subdued in six days.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book20">BOOK XX.</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes">A colony settled at Spoletum. [Y.R. 512. B.C. 240.] An army + + sent against the Ligurians; being the first war with that state. The Sardinians + + and Corsicans rebel, and are subdued. [Y.R. 514. B.C. 238.] Tuccia, a vestal, + + found guilty of incest. War declared against the Illyrians, who had slain an + + ambassador; they are subdued and brought to submission. [Y.R. 515. B.C. 237.] + + The number of praetors increased to four. The Transalpine Gauls make an irruption + + into Italy: are conquered and put to the sword. [Y.R. 516. B.C. 236.] The Roman + + army, in conjunction with the Latins, is said to have amounted to no less than + + three hundred thousand men. [Y.R. 517. B.C. 235.] The Roman army for the first + + time crosses the Po; fights with and subdues the Insubrian Gauls. [Y.R. 530. + + B.C. 222.] Claudius Marcellus, consul, having slain Viridomarus, the general + + of the Insubrian Gauls, carries off the <i>spolia opima</i>. [Y.R. 531. B.C. + + 221.] The Istrians subdued; also the Illyrians, who had rebelled. [Y.R. 532. + + B.C. 220.] The censors hold a lustrum, in which the number of the citizens is + + found to be two hundred and seventy thousand two hundred and thirteen. The sons + + of freed-men formed into four tribes; the Esquiline, Palatine, Suburran, and + + Colline. [Y.R. 533. B.C. 219.] Caius Flaminius, censor, constructs the Flaminian + + road, and builds the Flaminian circus.</div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book21">BOOK XXI.</div> + +<div class="date">B.C. 219-218</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="chapmen"><a href="#c1">1</a> <a href="#c2">2</a> <a href="#c3">3</a> + + <a href="#c4">4</a> <a href="#c5">5</a> <a href="#c6">6</a> <a href="#c7">7</a> + + <a href="#c8">8</a> <a href="#c9">9</a> <a href="#c10">10</a> <a href="#c11">11</a> + + <a href="#c12">12</a> <a href="#c13">13</a> <a href="#c14">14</a> <a href="#c15">15</a> + + <a href="#c16">16</a> <a href="#c17">17</a> <a href="#c18">18</a> <a href="#c19">19</a> + + <a href="#c20">20</a> <a href="#c21">21</a> <a href="#c22">22</a> <a href="#c23">23</a> + + <a href="#c24">24</a> <a href="#c25">25</a> <a href="#c26">26</a> <a href="#c27">27</a> + + <a href="#c28">28</a> <a href="#c29">29</a> <a href="#c30">30</a> <a href="#c31">31</a> + + <a href="#c32">32</a> <a href="#c33">33</a> <a href="#c34">34</a> <a href="#c35">35</a> + + <a href="#c36">36</a> <a href="#c37">37</a> <a href="#c38">38</a> <a href="#c39">39</a> + + <a href="#c40">40</a> <a href="#c41">41</a> <a href="#c42">42</a> <a href="#c43">43</a> + + <a href="#c44">44</a> <a href="#c45">45</a> <a href="#c46">46</a> <a href="#c47">47</a> + + <a href="#c48">48</a> <a href="#c49">49</a> <a href="#c50">50</a> <a href="#c51">51</a> + + <a href="#c52">52</a> <a href="#c53">53</a> <a href="#c54">54</a> <a href="#c55">55</a> + + <a href="#c56">56</a> <a href="#c57">57</a> <a href="#c58">58</a> <a href="#c59">59</a> + + <a href="#c60">60</a> <a href="#c61">61</a> <a href="#c62">62</a> <a href="#c63">63</a></div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>Origin of the second Punic war. Hannibal's character. + + In violation of a treaty, he passes the Iberus. Besieges Saguntum, and at length + + takes it. The Romans send ambassadors to Carthage; declare war. Hannibal crosses + + the Pyrenees: makes his way through Gaul; then crosses the Alps; defeats the + + Romans at the Ticinus. The Romans again defeated at the Trebia. Cneius Cornelius + + Scipio defeats the Carthaginians in Spain, and takes Hanno, their general, prisoner.</i></div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<br /> + +<div class="lsidenote">1 </div> + +<a id="c1" /> + +<p>I may be permitted to premise at this division of my work, what most historians + + [<a href="#foot12">12</a>] have professed at the beginning of their whole undertaking; + + that I am about to relate the most memorable of all wars that were ever waged: + + the war which the Carthaginians, under the conduct of Hannibal, maintained with + + the Roman people. For never did any states and nations more efficient in their + + resources engage in contest; nor had they themselves at any other period so + + great a degree of power and energy. They brought into action too no arts of + + war unknown to each other, but those which had been tried in the first Punic + + war; and so various was the fortune of the conflict, and so doubtful the victory, + + that they who conquered were more exposed to danger. The hatred with which they + + fought also was almost greater than their resources; the Romans being indignant + + that the conquered aggressively took up arms against their victors; the Carthaginians, + + because they considered that in their subjection it had been lorded over them + + with haughtiness and avarice. There is besides a story, that Hannibal, when + + about nine years old, while he boyishly coaxed his father Hamilcar that he might + + be taken to Spain, (at the time when the African war was completed, and he was + + employed in sacrificing previously to transporting his army thither,) was conducted + + to the altar; and, having laid his hand on the offerings, was bound by an oath + + to prove himself, as soon as he could, an enemy to the Roman people. The loss + + of Sicily and Sardinia grieved the high spirit of Hamilcar: for he deemed that + + Sicily had been given up through a premature despair of their affairs; and that + + Sardinia, during the disturbances in Africa, had been treacherously taken by + + the Romans, while, in addition, the payment of a tribute had been imposed. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">2 </div> + +<a id="c2" /> + +<p>Being disturbed with these anxieties, he so conducted himself for five years + + in the African war, which commenced shortly after the peace with Rome, and then + + through nine years employed in augmenting the Carthaginian empire in Spain, + + that it was obvious that he was revolving in his mind a greater war than he + + was then engaged in; and that if he had lived longer, the Carthaginians under + + Hamilcar would have carried the war into Italy, which, under the command of + + Hannibal, they afterwards did. The timely death of Hamilcar and the youth of + + Hannibal occasioned its delay. Hasdrubal, intervening between the father and + + the son, held the command for about eight years. He was first endeared to Hamilcar, + + as they say, on account of his youthful beauty, and then adopted by him, when + + advanced in age, as his son-in-law, on account of his eminent abilities; and, + + because he was his son-in-law, he obtained the supreme authority, against the + + wishes of the nobles, by the influence of the Barcine faction, [<a href="#foot13">13</a>] + + which was very powerful with the military and the populace. Prosecuting his + + designs rather by stratagem than force, by entertaining the princes, and by + + means of the friendship of their leaders, gaining the favour of unknown nations, + + he aggrandized the Carthaginian power, more than by arms and battles. Yet peace + + proved no greater security to himself. A barbarian, in resentment of his master's + + having been put to death by him, publicly murdered him; and, having been seized + + by the bystanders, he exhibited the same countenance as if he had escaped; nay, + + even when he was lacerated by tortures, he preserved such an expression of face, + + that he presented the appearance of one who smiled, his joy getting the better + + of his pains. With this Hasdrubal, because he possessed such wonderful skill + + in gaining over the nations and adding them to his empire, the Roman people + + had renewed the treaty, [<a href="#foot14">14</a>] on the terms, that the river + + Iberus should be the boundary of both empires; and that to the Saguntines, who + + lay between the territories of the two states, their liberty should be preserved. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">3 </div> + +<a id="c3" /> + +<p>There was no doubt that in appointing a successor to Hasdrubal, the approbation + + of the commons would follow the military prerogative, by which the young Hannibal + + had been immediately carried to the praetorium, and hailed as general, amid + + the loud shouts and acquiescence of all. Hasdrubal had sent for him by letter, + + when scarce yet arrived at manhood; and the matter had even been discussed in + + the senate, the Barcine faction using all their efforts, that Hannibal might + + be trained to military service and succeed to his father's command. Hanno, the + + leader of the opposite faction, said, "Hasdrubal seems indeed to ask what is + + reasonable, but I, nevertheless, do not think his request ought to be granted." + + When he had attracted to himself the attention of all, through surprise at this + + ambiguous opinion, he proceeded: "Hasdrubal thinks that the flower of youth + + which he gave to the enjoyment of Hannibal's father, may justly be expected + + by himself in return from the son: but it would little become us to accustom + + our youth, in place of a military education, to the lustful ambition of the + + generals. Are we afraid that the son of Hamilcar should be too late in seeing + + the immoderate power and splendour of his father's sovereignty? or that we shall + + not soon enough become slaves to the son of him, to whose son-in-law our armies + + were bequeathed as an hereditary right? I am of opinion, that this youth should + + be kept at home, and taught, under the restraint of the laws and the authority + + of magistrates, to live on an equal footing with the rest of the citizens, lest + + at some time or other this small fire should kindle a vast conflagration." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">4 </div> + +<a id="c4" /> + +<p>A few, and nearly every one of the highest merit, concurred with Hanno; but, + + as usually happens, the more numerous party prevailed over the better. Hannibal, + + having been sent into Spain, from his very first arrival drew the eyes of the + + whole army upon him. The veteran soldiers imagined that Hamilcar, in his youth, + + was restored to them; they remarked the same vigour in his looks and animation + + in his eye the same features and expression of countenance; and then, in a short + + time, he took care that his father should be of the least powerful consideration + + in conciliating their esteem. There never was a genius more fitted for the two + + most opposite duties of obeying and commanding; so that you could not easily + + decide whether he were dearer to the general or the army: and neither did Hasdrubal + + prefer giving the command to any other, when any thing was to be done with courage + + and activity; nor did the soldiers feel more confidence and boldness under any + + other leader. His fearlessness in encountering dangers, and his prudence when + + in the midst of them, were extreme. His body could not be exhausted, nor his + + mind subdued, by any toil. He could alike endure either heat or cold. The quantity + + of his food and drink was determined by the wants of nature, and not by pleasure. + + The seasons of his sleeping and waking were distinguished neither by day nor + + night. The time that remained after the transaction of business was given to + + repose; but that repose was neither invited by a soft bed nor by quiet. Many + + have seen him wrapped in a military cloak, lying on the ground amid the watches + + and outposts of the soldiers. His dress was not at all superior to that of his + + equals: his arms and his horses were conspicuous. He was at once by far the + + first of the cavalry and infantry; and, foremost to advance to the charge, was + + last to leave the engagement. Excessive vices counterbalanced these high virtues + + of the hero; inhuman cruelty, more than Punic perfidy, no truth, no reverence + + for things sacred, no fear of the gods, no respect for oaths, no sense of religion. + + With a character thus made up of virtue and vices, he served for three years + + under the command of Hasdrubal, without neglecting any thing which ought to + + be done or seen by one who was to become a great general. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">5 </div> + +<a id="c5" /> + +<p>But from the day on which he was declared general, as if Italy had been decreed + + to him as his province, and the war with Rome committed to him, thinking there + + should be no delay, lest, while he procrastinated, some unexpected accident + + might defeat him, as had happened to his father, Hamilcar, and afterwards to + + Hasdrubal, he resolved to make war the Saguntines. As there could be no doubt + + that by attacking them the Romans would be excited to arms, he first led his + + army into the territory of the Olcades, a people beyond the Iberus, rather within + + the boundaries than under the dominion of the Carthaginians, so that he might + + not seem to have had the Saguntines for his object, but to have been drawn on + + to the war by the course of events; after the adjoining nations had been subdued, + + and by the progressive annexation of conquered territory. He storms and plunders + + Carteia, a wealthy city, the capital of that nation; at which the smaller states + + being dismayed, submitted to his command and to the imposition of a tribute. + + His army, triumphant and enriched with booty, was led into winter-quarters to + + New Carthage. Having there confirmed the attachment of all his countrymen and + + allies by a liberal division of the plunder, and by faithfully discharging the + + arrears of pay, the war was extended, in the beginning of spring, to the Vaccaei. + + The cities Hermandica and Arbocala were taken by storm. Arbocala was defended + + for a long time by the valour and number of its inhabitants. Those who escaped + + from Hermandica joining themselves to the exiles of the Olcades, a nation subdued + + the preceding summer, excite the Carpetani to arms; and having attacked Hannibal + + near the river Tagus, on his return from the Vaccaei, they threw into disorder + + his army encumbered with spoil. Hannibal avoided an engagement, and having pitched + + his camp on the bank, as soon as quiet and silence prevailed among the enemy, + + forded the river; and having removed his rampart so far that the enemy might + + have room to pass over, resolved to attack them in their passage. He commanded + + the cavalry to charge as soon as they should see them advanced into the water. + + He drew up the line of his infantry on the bank with forty elephants in front. + + The Carpetani, with the addition of the Olcades and Vaccaei amounted to a hundred + + thousand, an invincible army, were the fight to take place in the open plain. + + Being therefore both naturally ferocious and confiding in their numbers; and + + since they believed that the enemy had retired through fear thinking that victory + + was only delayed by the intervention of the river, they raise a shout, and in + + every direction, without the command of any one, dash into the stream, each + + where it nearest to him. At the same time, a heavy force of cavalry poured into + + the river from its opposite bank, and the engagement commenced in the middle + + of the channel on very unequal terms; for there the foot-soldier, having no + + secure footing, and scarcely trusting to the ford, could be borne down even + + by an unarmed horseman, by the mere shock of his horse urged at random; while + + the horseman, with the command of his body and his weapons, his horse moving + + steadily even through the middle of the eddies, could maintain the fight either + + at close quarters or at a distance. A great number were swallowed up by the + + current; some being carried by the whirlpools of the stream to the side of the + + enemy, were trodden down by the elephants; and whilst the last, for whom it + + was more safe to retreat to their own bank, were collecting together after their + + various alarms, Hannibal, before they could regain courage after such excessive + + consternation, having entered the river with his army in a close square, forced + + them to fly from the bank. Having then laid waste their territory, he received + + the submission of the Carpetani also within a few days. And now all the country + + beyond the Iberus, excepting that of the Saguntines, was under the power of + + the Carthaginians. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">6 </div> + +<a id="c6" /> + +<p>As yet there was no war with the Saguntines, but already, in order to a war, + + the seeds of dissension were sown between them and their neighbours, particularly + + the Turetani, with whom when the same person sided who had originated the quarrel, + + and it was evident, not that a trial of the question of right, but violence, + + was his object, ambassadors were sent by the Saguntines to Rome to implore assistance + + in the war which now evidently threatened them. The consuls then at Rome were + + Publius Cornelius Scipio and Tiberius Sempronius Longus, who, after the ambassadors + + were introduced into the senate, having made a motion on the state of public + + affairs, it was resolved that envoys should be sent into Spain to inspect the + + circumstances of the allies; and if they saw good reason, both to warn Hannibal + + that he should refrain from the Saguntines, the allies of the Roman people, + + and to pass over into Africa to Carthage, and report the complaints of the allies + + of the Roman people. This embassy having been decreed but not yet despatched, + + the news arrived, more quickly than any one expected, that Saguntum was besieged. + + The business was then referred anew to the senate. And some, decreeing Spain + + and Africa as provinces for the consuls, thought the war should be maintained + + both by sea and land, while others wished to direct the whole hostilities against + + Spain and Hannibal. There were others again who thought that an affair of such + + importance should not be entered on rashly; and that the return of the ambassadors + + from Spain ought to be awaited. This opinion, which seemed the safest, prevailed; + + and Publius Valerius Flaccus, and Quintus Baebius Tamphilus, were, on that account, + + the more quickly despatched as ambassadors to Hannibal at Saguntum, and from + + thence to Carthage, if he did not desist from the war, to demand the general + + himself in atonement for the violation of the treaty. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">7 </div> + +<a id="c7" /> + +<p>While the Romans thus prepare and deliberate, Saguntum was already besieged + + with the utmost vigour. That city, situated about a mile from the sea, was by + + far the most opulent beyond the Iberus. Its inhabitants are said to have been + + sprung from the island Zacynthus, and some of the Rutulian race from Ardea to + + have been also mixed with them; but they had risen in a short time to great + + wealth, either by their gains from the sea or the land, or by the increase of + + their numbers, or the integrity of their principles, by which they maintained + + their faith with their allies, even to their own destruction. Hannibal having + + entered their territory with a hostile army, and laid waste the country in every + + direction, attacks the city in three different quarters. There was an angle + + of the wall sloping down into a more level and open valley than the other space + + around; against this he resolved to move the vineae, by means of which the battering-ram + + might be brought up to the wall. But though the ground at a distance from the + + wall was sufficiently level for working the vineae, yet their undertakings by + + no means favourably succeeded, when they came to effect their object. Both a + + huge tower overlooked it, and the wall, as in a suspected place, was raised + + higher than in any other part; and a chosen band of youths presented a more + + vigorous resistance, where the greatest danger and labour were indicated. At + + first they repelled the enemy with missile weapons, and suffered no place to + + be sufficiently secure for those engaged in the works; afterwards, not only + + did they brandish their weapons in defence of the walls and tower, but they + + had courage to make sallies on the posts and works of the enemy; in which tumultuary + + engagements, scarcely more Saguntines than Carthaginians were slain. But when + + Hannibal himself, while he too incautiously approached the wall, fell severely + + wounded in the thigh by a javelin, such flight and dismay spread around, that + + the works and vineae had nearly been abandoned. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">8 </div> + +<a id="c8" /> + +<p>For a few days after, while the general's wound was being cured, there was + + rather a blockade than a siege: during which time, though there was a respite + + from fighting, yet there was no intermission in the preparation of works and + + fortifications. Hostilities, therefore, broke out afresh with greater fury, + + and in more places, in some even where the ground scarcely admitted of the works, + + the vineae began to be moved forward, and the battering-ram to be advanced to + + the walls. The Carthaginian abounded in the numbers of his troops; for there + + is sufficient reason to believe that he had as many as a hundred and fifty thousand + + in arms. The townsmen began to be embarrassed, by having their attention multifariously + + divided, in order to maintain their several defences, and look to every thing; + + nor were they equal to the task, for the walls were now battered by the rams, + + and many parts of them were shattered. One part by continuous ruins left the + + city exposed; three successive towers and all the wall between them had fallen + + down with an immense crash, and the Carthaginians believed the town taken by + + that breach; through which, as if the wall had alike protected both, there was + + a rush from each side to the battle. There was nothing resembling the disorderly + + fighting which, in the storming of towns, is wont to be engaged in, on the opportunities + + of either party; but regular lines, as in an open plain, stood arrayed between + + the ruins of the walls and the buildings of the city, which lay but a slight + + distance from the walls. On the one side hope, on the other despair, inflamed + + their courage; the Carthaginian believing that, if a little additional effort + + were used, the city was his; the Saguntines opposing their bodies in defence + + of their native city deprived of its walls, and not a man retiring a step, lest + + he might admit the enemy into the place he deserted. The more keenly and closely, + + therefore, they fought on both sides, the more, on that account, were wounded, + + no weapon falling without effect amidst their arms and persons. There was used + + by the Saguntines a missile weapon, called falarica, with the shaft of fir, + + and round in other parts except towards the point, whence the iron projected: + + this part, which was square, as in the pilum, they bound around with tow, and + + besmeared with pitch. It had an iron head three feet in length, so that it could + + pierce through the body with the armour. But what caused the greatest fear was, + + that this weapon, even though it stuck in the shield and did not penetrate into + + the body, when it was discharged with the middle part on fire, and bore along + + a much greater flame, produced by the mere motion, obliged the armour to be + + thrown down, and exposed the soldier to succeeding blows. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">9 </div> + +<a id="c9" /> + +<p>When the contest had for a long time continued doubtful, and the courage of + + the Saguntines had increased, because they had succeeded in their resistance + + beyond their hopes, while the Carthaginian, because he had not conquered, felt + + as vanquished, the townsmen suddenly set up a shout, and drive their enemies + + to the ruins of the wall; thence they force them, while embarrassed and disordered; + + and lastly, drove them back, routed and put to flight, to their camp. In the + + mean time it was announced that ambassadors had arrived from Rome; to meet whom + + messengers were sent to the sea-side by Hannibal, to tell them that they could + + not safely come to him through so many armed bands of savage tribes, and that + + Hannibal at such an important conjuncture had not leisure to listen to embassies. + + It was obvious that, if not admitted, they would immediately repair to Carthage: + + he therefore sends letters and messengers beforehand to the leaders of the Barcine + + faction, to prepare the minds of their partisans, so that the other party might + + not be able in any thing to give an advantage to the Romans. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">10 </div> + +<a id="c10" /> + +<p>That embassy, therefore, excepting that the ambassadors were admitted and heard, + + proved likewise vain and fruitless. Hanno alone, in opposition to the rest of + + the senate, pleaded the cause of the treaty, amidst deep silence on account + + of his authority, and not from the approbation of the audience. He said: that + + he had admonished and forewarned them by the gods, the arbiters and witnesses + + of treaties, that they should not send the son of Hamilcar to the army; that + + the manes, that the offspring of that man could not rest in peace, nor ever, + + while any one of the Barcine name and blood survived, would the Roman treaties + + continue undisturbed. "You, supplying as it were fuel to the flame, have sent + + to your armies a youth burning with the desire of sovereign power, and seeing + + but one road to his object, if by exciting war after war, he may live surrounded + + by arms and legions. You have therefore fostered this fire, in which you now + + burn. Your armies invest Saguntum, whence they are forbidden by the treaty: + + ere long the Roman legions will invest Carthage, under the guidance of those + + gods through whose aid they revenged in the former war the infraction of the + + treaty. Are you unacquainted with the enemy, or with yourselves, or with the + + fortune of either nation? Your good general refused to admit into his camp ambassadors + + coming from allies and in behalf of allies, and set at nought the law of nations. + + They, however, after being there repulsed, where not even the ambassadors of + + enemies are prohibited admittance, come to you: they require restitution according + + to the treaty: let not guilt attach to the state, they demand to have delivered + + up to them the author of the transgression, the person who is chargeable with + + this offence. The more gently they proceed,--the slower they are to begin, the + + more unrelentingly, I fear, when they have once commenced, will they indulge + + resentment. Set before your eyes the islands Aegates and Eryx, all that for + + twenty-four years ye have suffered by land and sea. Nor was this boy the leader, + + but his father Hamilcar himself, a second Mars, as these people would have it: + + but we had not refrained from Tarentum, that is, from Italy, according to the + + treaty; as now we do not refrain from Saguntum. The gods and men have, therefore, + + prevailed over us; and as to that about which there was a dispute in words, + + whether of the two nations had infringed the treaty, the issue of the war, like + + an equitable judge, hath awarded the victory to the party on whose side justice + + stood. It is against Carthage that Hannibal is now moving his vineae and towers: + + it is the wall of Carthage that he is shaking with his battering-ram. The ruins + + of Saguntum (oh that I may prove a false prophet!) will fall on our heads; and + + the war commenced against the Saguntines must be continued against the Romans. + + Shall we, therefore, some one will say, deliver up Hannibal? In what relates + + to him I am aware that my authority is of little weight, on account of my enmity + + with his father. But I both rejoice that Hamilcar perished, for this reason, + + that, had he lived we should have now been engaged in a war with the Romans; + + and this youth, as the fury and firebrand of this war, I hate and detest. Nor + + ought he only to be given up in atonement for the violated treaty; but even + + though no one demanded him, he ought to be transported to the extremest shores + + of earth or sea, and banished to a distance, whence neither his name nor any + + tidings of him can reach us, and he be unable to disturb the peace of a tranquil + + state. I therefore give my opinion, that ambassadors be sent immediately to + + Rome to satisfy the senate; others to tell Hannibal to lead away his army from + + Saguntum, and to deliver up Hannibal himself, according to the treaty to the + + Romans; and I propose a third embassy to make restitution to the Saguntines." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">11 </div> + +<a id="c11" /> + +<p>When Hanno had concluded, there was no occasion for any one to contend with + + him in debate, to such a decree were almost all the senators devoted to Hannibal; + + and they accused Hanno of having spoken with more malignity than Flaccus Valerius, + + the Roman ambassador. It was then said in answer to the Roman ambassadors, "that + + the war had been commenced by the Saguntines, not by Hannibal; and that the + + Roman people acted unjustly if they preferred the Saguntines to the most ancient + + [<a href="#foot15">15</a>] alliance of the Carthaginians." Whilst the Romans + + waste time in sending embassies, Hannibal, because his soldiers were fatigued + + with the battles and the works, allowed them rest for a few days, parties being + + stationed to guard the vineae and other works. In the mean time he inflames + + their minds, now by inciting their anger against the enemy, now with the hope + + of reward. But when he declared before the assembled army, that the plunder + + of the captured city should be given to the soldiers, to such a degree were + + they all excited, that if the signal had been immediately given, it appeared + + that they could not have been resisted by any force. The Saguntines, as they + + had a respite from fighting, neither for some days attacking nor attacked, so + + they had not, by night or day, ever ceased from toiling, that they might repair + + anew the wall in the quarter where the town had been exposed by the breach. + + A still more desperate storming than the former then assailed them; nor whilst + + all quarters resounded with various clamours, could they satisfactorily know + + where first or principally they should lend assistance. Hannibal, as an encouragement, + + was present in person, where a movable tower, exceeding in height all the fortifications + + of the city, was urged forward. When being brought up it had cleared the walls + + of their defenders by means of the catapultae and ballistae ranged through all + + its stories, then Hannibal, thinking it a favourable opportunity, sends about + + five hundred Africans with pickaxes to undermine the wall: nor was the work + + difficult, since the unhewn stones were not fastened with lime, but filled in + + their interstices with clay, after the manner of ancient building. It fell, + + therefore, more extensively than it was struck, and through the open spaces + + of the ruins troops of armed men rushed into the city. They also obtain possession + + of a rising ground; and having collected thither catapultae and ballistae, so + + that they might have a fort in the city itself, commanding it like a citadel, + + they surround it with a wall: and the Saguntines raise an inner wall before + + the part of the city which was not yet taken. On both sides they exert the utmost + + vigour in fortifying and fighting: but the Saguntines, by erecting these inner + + defences, diminish daily the size of their city. At the same time, the want + + of all supplies increased through the length of the siege, and the expectation + + of foreign aid diminished, since the Romans, their only hope, were at such a + + distance, and all the country round was in the power of the enemy. The sudden + + departure of Hannibal against the Oretani and Carpetani [<a href="#foot16">16</a>] + + revived for a little their drooping spirits; which two nations, though, exasperated + + by the severity of the levy, they had occasioned, by detaining the commissaries, + + the fear of a revolt, having been suddenly checked by the quickness of Hannibal, + + laid down the arms they had taken up. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">12 </div> + +<a id="c12" /> + +<p>Nor was the siege of Saguntum, in the mean time, less vigorously maintained; + + Maharbal, the son of Himilco, whom Hannibal had set over the army, carrying + + on operations so actively that neither the townsmen nor their enemies perceived + + that the general was away. He both engaged in several successful battles, and + + with three battering-rams overthrew a portion of the wall; and showed to Hannibal, + + on his arrival the ground all covered with fresh ruins. The army was therefore + + immediately led against the citadel itself, and a desperate combat was commenced + + with much slaughter on both sides, and part of the citadel was taken. The slight + + chance of a peace was then tried by two persons; Alcon a Saguntine, and Alorcus + + a Spaniard. Alcon, thinking he could effect something by entreaties, having + + passed over, without the knowledge of the Saguntines, to Hannibal by night, + + when his tears produced no effect, and harsh conditions were offered as from + + an exasperated conqueror, becoming a deserter instead of an advocate, remained + + with the enemy; affirming that the man would be put to death who should treat + + for peace on such terms. For it was required that they should make restitution + + to the Turdetani; and after delivering up all their gold and silver, departing + + from the city each with a single garment, should take up their dwelling where + + the Carthaginian should direct. Alcon having denied that the Saguntines would + + accept such terms of peace, Alorcus, asserting that when all else is subdued, + + the mind becomes subdued, offers himself as the proposer of that peace. Now + + at that time he was a soldier of Hannibal's, but publicly the friend and host + + of the Saguntines. Having openly delivered his weapon to the guards of the enemy + + and passed the fortifications, he was conducted, as he had himself requested, + + to the Saguntine praetor; whither when there was immediately a general rush + + of every description of people, the rest of the multitude being removed, an + + audience of the senate is given to Alorcus; whose speech was to the following + + effect: </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">13 </div> + +<a id="c13" /> + +<p>"If your citizen Alcon, as he came to implore a peace from Hannibal, had in + + like manner brought back to you the terms of peace proposed by Hannibal, this + + journey of mine would have been unnecessary; by which circumstance I should + + not have had to come to you as the legate of Hannibal, nor as a deserter. Since + + he has remained with your enemies, either through your fault or his own, (through + + his own, if he counterfeited fear; through yours, if among you there be danger + + to those who tell the truth,) that you may not be ignorant that there are some + + terms of safety and peace for you, I have come to you in consideration of the + + ancient ties of hospitality which subsist between us. But that I speak what + + I address to you for your sake and that of no other, let even this be the proof: + + that neither while you resisted with your own strength, nor while you expected + + assistance from the Romans, did I ever make any mention of peace to you. But + + now, after you have neither any hope from the Romans, nor your own arms nor + + walls sufficiently defend you, I bring to you a peace rather necessary than + + just: of effecting which there is thus some hope, if, as Hannibal offers it + + in the spirit of a conqueror, you listen to it as vanquished; if you will consider + + not what is taken from you as loss, (since all belongs to the conqueror,) but + + whatever is left as a gift. He takes away from you your city, which, already + + for the greater part in ruins, he has almost wholly in his possession; he leaves + + you your territory, intending to mark out a place in which you may build a new + + town; he commands that all the gold and silver, both public and private, shall + + be brought to him; he preserves inviolate your persons and those of your wives + + and children, provided you are willing to depart from Saguntum, unarmed, each + + with two garments. These terms a victorious enemy dictates. These, though harsh + + and grievous, your condition commends to you. Indeed I do not despair, when + + the power of every thing is given him, that he will remit something from these + + terms. But even these I think you ought rather to endure, than suffer, by the + + rights of war, yourselves to be slaughtered, your wives and children to be ravished + + and dragged into captivity before your faces." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">14 </div> + +<a id="c14" /> + +<p>When an assembly of the people, by the gradual crowding round of the multitude, + + had mingled with the senate to hear these proposals, the chief men suddenly + + withdrawing before an answer was returned, and throwing all the gold and silver + + collected, both from public and private stores, into a fire hastily kindled + + for that purpose, the greater part flung themselves also into it. When the dismay + + and agitation produced by this deed had pervaded the whole city, another noise + + was heard in addition from the citadel. A tower, long battered, had fallen down; + + and when a Carthaginian cohort, rushing through the breach, had made a signal + + to the general that the city was destitute of the usual outposts and guards, + + Hannibal, thinking that there ought to be no delay at such an opportunity, having + + attacked the city with his whole forces, took it in a moment, command being + + given that all the adults should be put to death; which command, though cruel, + + was proved in the issue to have been almost necessary. For to whom of those + + men could mercy have been shown, who, either shut up with their wives and children, + + burned their houses over their own heads, or abroad in arms made no end of fighting, + + except in death. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">15 </div> + +<a id="c15" /> + +<p>The town was taken, with immense spoil. Though the greater part of the goods + + had been purposely damaged by their owners, and resentment had made scarce any + + distinction of age in the massacre, and the captives were the booty of the soldiers; + + still it appears that some money was raised from the price of the effects that + + were sold, and that much costly furniture and garments were sent to Carthage. + + Some have written that Saguntum was taken in the eighth month after it began + + to be besieged; that Hannibal then retired to New Carthage, into winter quarters; + + and that in the fifth month after he had set out from Carthage he arrived in + + Italy. If this be so, it was impossible that Publius Cornelius and Tiberius + + Sempronius could have been consuls, to whom both at the beginning of the siege + + the Saguntine ambassadors were despatched, and who, during their office, fought + + with Hannibal; the one at the river Ticinus, and both some time after at the + + Trebia. Either all these events took place in a somewhat shorter period, or + + Saguntum was not begun to be besieged, but taken at the beginning of the year + + in which Publius Cornelius and Tiberius Sempronius were consuls. For the battle + + at Trebia could not have been so late as the year of Cneius Servilius and Caius + + Flaminius, since Flaminius entered on the office at Ariminum, having been created + + by the consul Tiberius Sempronius; who, having repaired to Rome after the battle + + at Trebia for the purpose of creating consuls, returned when the election was + + finished to the army into winter quarters. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">16 </div> + +<a id="c16" /> + +<p>Nearly about the same time, both the ambassadors who had returned from Carthage + + brought intelligence to Rome that all appearances were hostile, and the destruction + + of Saguntum was announced. Then such grief, and pity for allies so undeservingly + + destroyed, and shame that aid was withheld, and rage against the Carthaginians, + + and fear for the issue of events, as if the enemy were already at the gates, + + took at once possession of the senators, that their minds, disturbed by so many + + simultaneous emotions, trembled with fear rather than deliberated. For they + + considered that neither had a more spirited or warlike enemy ever encountered + + them nor had the Roman state been ever so sunk in sloth, and unfit for war: + + that the Sardinians, the Corsicans, the Istrians, and the Illyrians, had rather + + kept in a state of excitement than exercised the Roman arms; and with the Gauls + + it had been more properly a tumult than a war. That the Carthaginian, a veteran + + enemy, ever victorious during the hardest service for twenty-three years among + + the tribes of Spain, first trained to war under Hamilcar, then Hasdrubal, now + + Hannibal, a most active leader, and fresh from the destruction of a most opulent + + city, was passing the Iberus; that along with them he was bringing the numerous + + tribes of Spain, already aroused, and was about to excite the nations of Gaul, + + ever desirous of war; and that a war against the world was to be maintained + + in Italy and before the walls of Rome. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">17 </div> + +<a id="c17" /> + +<p>The provinces had already been previously named for the consuls; and having + + been now ordered to cast lots for them, Spain fell to Cornelius, and Africa + + with Sicily to Sempronius. Six legions were decreed for that year, and as many + + of the allies as should seem good to the consuls, and as great a fleet as could + + be equipped. Twenty-four thousand Roman infantry were levied, and one thousand + + eight hundred horse: forty thousand infantry of the allies, and four thousand + + four hundred horse: two hundred and twenty ships of three banks of oars, and + + twenty light galleys, were launched. It was then proposed to the people, "whether + + they willed and commanded that war should be declared against the people of + + Carthage;" and for the sake of that war a supplication was made through the + + city, and the gods were implored that the war which the Roman people had decreed + + might have a prosperous and fortunate issue. The forces were thus divided between + + the consuls. To Sempronius two legions were given, (each of these consisted + + of four thousand infantry and three hundred horse,) and sixteen thousand of + + the infantry of the allies, and one thousand eight hundred horse: one hundred + + and sixty ships of war, and twelve light galleys. With these land and sea forces + + Tiberius Sempronius was despatched to Sicily, in order to transport his army + + to Africa if the other consul should be able to prevent the Carthaginian from + + invading Italy. Fewer troops were given to Cornelius, because Lucius Manlius, + + the praetor, also had been sent with no weak force into Gaul. The number of + + ships in particular was reduced to Cornelius. Sixty of five banks of oars were + + assigned to him, (for they did not believe that the enemy would come by sea, + + or would fight after that mode of warfare,) and two Roman legions with their + + regular cavalry, and fourteen thousand of the infantry of the allies, with one + + thousand six hundred horse. The province of Gaul being not as yet exposed to + + the Carthaginian invasion, had, in the same year, two Roman legions, ten thousand + + allied infantry, one thousand allied cavalry, and six hundred Roman. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">18 </div> + +<a id="c18" /> + +<p>These preparations having been thus made, in order that every thing that was + + proper might be done before they commenced war, they send Quintus Fabius, Marcus + + Livius, Lucius Aemilius, Caius Licinius, and Quintus Baebius, men of advanced + + years, as ambassadors into Africa, to inquire of the Carthaginians if Hannibal + + had laid siege to Saguntum by public authority; and if they should confess it, + + as it seemed probable they would, and defend it as done by public authority, + + to declare war against the people of Carthage. After the Romans arrived at Carthage, + + when an audience of the senate was given them, and Quintus Fabius had addressed + + no further inquiry than the one with which they had been charged, then one of + + the Carthaginians replied: "Even your former embassy, O Romans, was precipitate, + + when you demanded Hannibal to be given up, as attacking Saguntum on his own + + authority: but your present embassy, though so far milder in words, is in fact + + more severe. For then Hannibal was both accused, and required to be delivered + + up: now both a confession of wrong is exacted from us, and, as though we had + + confessed, restitution is immediately demanded. But I think that the question + + is not, whether Saguntum was attacked by private or public authority, but whether + + it was with right or wrong. For in the case of our citizen, the right of inquiry, + + whether he has acted by his own pleasure or ours, and the punishment also, belongs + + to us. The only dispute with you is, whether it was allowed to be done by the + + treaty. Since, therefore, it pleases you that a distinction should be made between + + what commanders do by public authority, and what on their own suggestion, there + + was a treaty between us made by the consul Lutatius; in which, though provision + + was made for the allies of both, there is no provision made for the Saguntines, + + for they were not as yet your allies. But in that treaty which was made with + + Hasdrubal, the Saguntines are excepted; against which I am going to say nothing + + but what I have learned from you. For you denied that you were bound by the + + treaty which Caius Lutatius the consul first made with us, because that it had + + neither been made by the authority of the senate nor the command of the people; + + and another treaty was therefore concluded anew by public authority. If your + + treaties do not bind you unless they are made by your authority and your commands, + + neither can the treaty of Hasdrubal, which he made without our knowledge, be + + binding on us. Cease, therefore, to make mention of Saguntum and the Iberus, + + and let your mind at length bring forth that with which it has long been in + + labour." Then the Roman, having formed a fold in his robe, said, "Here we bring + + to you peace and war; take which you please." On this speech they exclaimed + + no less fiercely in reply: "he might give which he chose;" and when he again, + + unfolding his robe, said "he gave war," they all answered that "they accepted + + it, and would maintain it with the same spirit with which they accepted it." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">19 </div> + +<a id="c19" /> + +<p>This direct inquiry and denunciation of war seemed more consistent with the + + dignity of the Roman people, both before and now, especially when Saguntum was + + destroyed, than to cavil in words about the obligation of treaties. For if it + + was a subject for a controversy of words, in what was the treaty of Hasdrubal + + to be compared with the former treaty of Lutatius, which was altered? Since + + in the treaty of Lutatius, was expressly added, "that it should only be held + + good if the people sanctioned it;" but in the treaty of Hasdrubal, neither was + + there any such exception; and that treaty during its life had been so established + + by the silence of so many years, that not even after the death of its author + + was any change made in it. Although even were they to abide by the former treaty, + + there had been sufficient provision made for the Saguntines by excepting the + + allies of both states; for neither was it added, "those who then were," nor + + "those who should afterwards be admitted." and since it is allowable to admit + + new allies, who could think it proper, either that no people should be received + + for any services into friendship? or that, being received under protection, + + they should not be defended? It was only stipulated, that the allies of the + + Carthaginians should not be excited to revolt, nor, revolting of their own accord, + + be received. The Roman ambassadors, according as they had been commanded at + + Rome, passed over from Carthage into Spain, in order to visit the nations, and + + either to allure them into an alliance, or dissuade them from joining the Carthaginians. + + They came first to the Bargusii, by whom having been received with welcome, + + because they were weary of the Carthaginian government, they excited many of + + the states beyond the Iberus to the desire of a revolution. Thence they came + + to the Volciani, whose reply being celebrated through Spain, dissuaded the other + + states from an alliance with the Romans; for thus the oldest member in their + + council made answer: "What sense of shame have ye, Romans, to ask of us that + + we should prefer your friendship to that of the Carthaginians, when you, their + + allies, betrayed the Saguntines with greater cruelty than that with which the + + Carthaginians, their enemies, destroyed them? There, methinks, you should look + + for allies, where the massacre of Saguntum is unknown. The ruins of Saguntum + + will remain a warning as melancholy as memorable to the states of Spain, that + + no one should confide in the faith or alliance of Rome." Having been then commanded + + to depart immediately from the territory of the Volciani, they afterwards received + + no kinder words from any of the councils of Spain: they therefore pass into + + Gaul, after having gone about through Spain to no purpose. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">20 </div> + +<a id="c20" /> + +<p>Among the Gauls a new and alarming spectacle was seen, by reason of their coming + + (such is the custom of the nation) in arms to the assembly. When, extolling + + in their discourse the renown and valour of the Roman people, and the wide extent + + of their empire, they had requested that they would refuse a passage through + + their territory and cities to the Carthaginian invading Italy; such laughter + + and yelling is said to have arisen, that the youths were with difficulty composed + + to order by the magistrates and old men. So absurd and shameless did the request + + seem, to propose that the Gauls, rather than suffer the war to pass on to Italy, + + should turn it upon themselves and expose their own lands to be laid waste instead + + of those of others. When the tumult was at length allayed, answer was returned + + to the ambassadors, "that they had neither experienced good from the Romans, + + nor wrong from the Carthaginians, on account of which they should either take + + up arms in behalf of the Romans, or against the Cathaginians. On the contrary, + + they had heard that men of their nation had been driven from the lands and confines + + of Italy by the Roman people, that they had to pay a tribute, and suffered other + + indignities." Nearly the same was said and heard in the other assemblies of + + Gaul; nor did they hear any thing friendly or pacific before they came to Marseilles. + + There, every thing found out by the care and fidelity of the allies was made + + known to them--"that the minds of the Gauls had been already prepossessed by + + Hannibal, but that not even by him would that nation be found very tractable, + + (so fierce and untameable are their dispositions,) unless the affections of + + the chiefs should every now and then be conciliated with gold, of which that + + people are most covetous." Having thus gone round through the tribes of Spain + + and Gaul, the ambassadors return to Rome not long after the consuls had set + + out for their provinces. They found the whole city on tiptoe in expectation + + of war, the report being sufficiently confirmed, that the Carthaginians had + + already passed the Iberus. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">21 </div> + +<a id="c21" /> + +<p>Hannibal, after the taking of Saguntum, had retired to New Carthage into winter + + quarters; and there, having heard what had been done and decreed at Rome and + + Carthage, and that he was not only the leader, but also the cause of the war, + + after having divided and sold the remains of the plunder, thinking there ought + + to be no longer delay, he calls together and thus addresses his soldiers of + + the Spanish race: "I believe, tribes, that even you yourselves perceive that, + + all the tribes of Spain having been reduced to peace, we must either conclude + + our campaigns and disband our armies, or transfer the war into other regions: + + for thus these nations will flourish amid the blessings not only of peace, but + + also of victory, if we seek from other countries spoils and renown. Since, therefore, + + a campaign far from home soon awaits you, and it is uncertain when you shall + + again see your homes, and all that is there dear to you, if any one of you wishes + + to visit his friends, I grant him leave of absence. I give you orders to be + + here at the beginning of spring, that, with the good assistance of the gods, + + we may enter on a war which will prove one of great glory and spoil." This power + + of visiting their homes, voluntarily offered, was acceptable to almost all, + + already longing to see their friends, and foreseeing in future a still longer + + absence Repose through the whole season of winter, between toils already undergone + + and those that were soon to be endured, repaired the vigour of their bodies + + and minds to encounter all difficulties afresh. At the beginning of spring they + + assembled according to command. Hannibal, when he had reviewed the auxiliaries + + of all the nations, having gone to Gades, performs his vows to Hercules; and + + binds himself by new vows, provided his other projects should have a prosperous + + issue. Then dividing his care at the same time between the offensive and defensive + + operations of the war, lest while he was advancing on Italy by a land journey + + through Spain and Gaul, Africa should be unprotected and exposed to the Romans + + from Sicily, he resolved to strengthen it with a powerful force. For this purpose + + he requested a reinforcement from Africa, chiefly of light-armed spearmen, in + + order that the Africans might serve in Spain, and the Spaniards in Africa, each + + likely to be a better soldier at a distance from home, as if bound by mutual + + pledges. He sent into Africa thirteen thousand eight hundred and fifty targetteers, + + eight hundred and seventy Balearic slingers, and one thousand two hundred horsemen, + + composed of various nations. He orders these forces partly to be used as a garrison + + for Carthage and partly to be distributed through Africa: at the same time having + + sent commissaries into the different states, he orders four thousand chosen + + youth whom they had levied to be conducted to Carthage, both as a garrison and + + as hostages. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">22 </div> + +<a id="c22" /> + +<p>Thinking also that Spain ought not to be neglected (and the less because he + + was aware that it had been traversed by the Roman ambassadors, to influence + + the minds of the chiefs,) he assigns that province to his brother Hasdrubal, + + a man of active spirit, and strengthens him chiefly with African troops: eleven + + thousand eight hundred and fifty African infantry, three hundred Ligurians, + + and five hundred Balearians. To these forces of infantry were added four hundred + + horsemen of the Libyphoenicians, a mixed race of Carthaginians and Africans; + + of the Numidians and Moors, who border on the ocean, to the number of one thousand + + eight hundred, and a small band of Ilergetes from Spain, amounting to two hundred + + horse: and, that no description of land force might be wanting, fourteen elephants. + + A fleet was given him besides to defend the sea-coast, (because it might be + + supposed that the Romans would then fight in the same mode of warfare by which + + they had formerly prevailed,) fifty quinqueremes, two quadriremes, five triremes: + + but only thirty-two quinqueremes and five triremes were properly fitted out + + and manned with rowers. From Gades he returned to the winter quarters of the + + army at Carthage; and thence setting out, he led his forces by the city Etovissa + + to the Iberus and the sea-coast. There, it is reported, a youth of divine aspect + + was seen by him in his sleep, who said, "that he was sent by Jupiter as the + + guide of Hannibal into Italy, and that he should, therefore, follow him, nor + + in any direction turn his eyes away from him." At first he followed in terror, + + looking no where, either around or behind: afterwards, through the curiosity + + of the human mind, when he revolved in his mind what that could be on which + + he was forbidden to look back, he could not restrain his eyes; then he beheld + + behind him a serpent of wonderful size moving along with an immense destruction + + of trees and bushes, and after it a cloud following with thunderings from the + + skies; and that then inquiring "what was that great commotion, and what the + + cause of the prodigy," he heard in reply: "That it was the devastation of Italy: + + that he should continue to advance forward, nor inquire further, but suffer + + the fates to remain in obscurity." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">23 </div> + +<a id="c23" /> + +<p>Cheered by this vision, he transported his forces in three divisions across + + the Iberus, having sent emissaries before him to conciliate by gifts the minds + + of the Gauls, in the quarter through which his army was to be led, and to examine + + the passes of the Alps. He led ninety thousand infantry and twelve thousand + + cavalry across the Iberus. He then subdued the Ilergetes, the Bargusii, the + + Ausetani, and that part of Lacetania which lies at the foot of the Pyrenaean + + mountains; and he placed Hanno in command over all this district, that the narrow + + gorges which connect Spain with Gaul might be under his power. Ten thousand + + infantry, and a thousand cavalry, were given to Hanno for the defence of the + + country he was to occupy. After the army began to march through the passes of + + the Pyrenees, and a more certain rumour of the Roman war spread through the + + barbarians, three thousand of the Carpetanian infantry turned back: it clearly + + appeared that they were not so much swayed by the prospect of the war as by + + the length of the journey and the insuperable passage of the Alps. Hannibal, + + because it was hazardous to recall or detain them by force, lest the fierce + + minds of the rest might also be irritated, sent home above seven thousand men, + + whom also he had observed to be annoyed with the service, pretending that the + + Carpetani had also been dismissed by him. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">24 </div> + +<a id="c24" /> + +<p>Then, lest delay and ease might unsettle their minds, he crosses the Pyrenees + + with the rest of his forces, and pitches his camp at the town Illiberis. The + + Gauls, though they had heard that the war was directed against Italy, yet because + + there was a report that the Spaniards on the other side of the Pyrenees had + + been reduced by force, and that strong forces had been imposed on them, being + + roused to arms through the fear of slavery, assembled certain tribes at Ruscino. + + When this was announced to Hannibal, he, having more fear of the delay than + + of the war, sent envoys to say to their princes, "that he wished to confer with + + them; and that they should either come nearer to Illiberis, or that he would + + proceed to Ruscino, that their meeting might be facilitated by vicinity: for + + that he would either be happy to receive them into his camp, or would himself + + without hesitation come to them: since he had entered Gaul as a friend, and + + not as an enemy, and would not draw the sword, if the Gauls did not force him, + + before he came to Italy." These proposals, indeed, were made by his messengers. + + But when the princes of the Gauls, having immediately moved their camp to Illiberis, + + came without reluctance to the Carthaginian, being won by his presents, they + + suffered his army to pass through their territories, by the town of Ruscino, + + without any molestation. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">25 </div> + +<a id="c25" /> + +<p>In the mean time no further intelligence had been brought into Italy to Rome + + by the ambassadors of Marseilles than that Hannibal had passed the Iberus; when + + the Boii asked if he had already passed the Alps, revolted after instigating + + the Insubrians; not so much through their ancient resentment towards the Roman + + people, as on account of their having felt aggrieved that the colonies of Placentia + + and Cremona had been lately planted in the Gallic territory about the Po. Having + + therefore, suddenly taken up arms, and made an attack on that very territory, + + they created so much of terror and tumult, that not only the rustic population, + + but even the Roman triumvirs, Caius Lutatius, Caius Servilius, and Titus Annius, + + who had come to assign the lands, distrusting the walls of Placentia, fled to + + Mutina. About the name of Luttius there is no doubt: in place of Caius Servilius + + and Titus Annius, some annals have Quintus Acilius and Caius Herenrius; others, + + Publius Cornelius Asina and Caius Papirius Maso. This point is also uncertain, + + whether the ambassadors went to expostulate to the Boii suffered violence, or + + whether an attack was made on the triumvirs while measuring out the lands. While + + they were shut up in Mutina, and a people unskilled in the arts of besieging + + towns, and, at the same time, most sluggish at military operations, lay inactive + + before the walls, which they had not touched, pretended proposals for a peace + + were set on foot; and the ambassadors, being invited out to a conference by + + the chiefs of the Gauls, are seized, not only contrary to the law of nations, + + but in violation of the faith which was pledged on that very occasion; the Gauls + + denying that they would set them free unless their hostages were restored to + + them. When this intelligence respecting the ambassadors was announced, and that + + Mutina and its garrison were in danger, Lucius Manlius, the praetor, inflamed + + with rage, led his army in haste to Mutina. There were then woods on both sides + + of the road, most of the country being uncultivated. There, having advanced + + without previously exploring his route, he fell suddenly into an ambuscade; + + and after much slaughter of his men, with difficulty made his way into the open + + plains. Here a camp was fortified, and because confidence was wanting to the + + Gauls to attack it, the spirit of the soldiers revived, although it was sufficiently + + evident that their strength was much clipped. The journey was then commenced + + anew; nor while the army was led in march through open tracts did the enemy + + appear: but, when the woods were again entered, then attacking the rear, amid + + great confusion and alarm of all, they slew eight hundred soldiers, and took + + six standards. There was an end to the Gauls of creating, and to the Romans + + of experiencing terror, when they escaped from the pathless and entangled thicket; + + then easily defending their march through the open ground, the Romans directed + + their course to Tanetum, a village near the Po; where, by a temporary fortification, + + and the supplies conveyed by the river, and also by the aid of the Brixian Gauls, + + they defended themselves against the daily increasing multitude of their enemies. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">26 </div> + +<a id="c26" /> + +<p>When the account of this sudden disturbance was brought to Rome, and the senators + + heard that the Punic had also been increased by a Gallic war, they order Caius + + Atilius, the praetor, to carry assistance to Manlius with one Roman legion and + + five thousand of the allies, enrolled in the late levy by the consul: who, without + + any contest, for the enemy had retired through fear, arrived at Tanetum. At + + the same time Publius Cornelius, a new legion having been levied in the room + + of that which was sent with the praetor, setting out from the city with sixty + + ships of war, by the coast of Etruria and Liguria, and then the mountains of + + the Salyes, arrived at Marseilles, and pitched his camp at the nearest mouth + + of the Rhone, (for the stream flows down to the sea divided into several channels,) + + scarcely as yet well believing that Hannibal had crossed the Pyrenaean mountains; + + whom when he ascertained to be also meditating the passage of the Rhone, uncertain + + in what place he might meet him, his soldiers not yet being sufficiently recovered + + from the tossing of the sea, he sends forward, in the mean time, three hundred + + chosen horses, with Massilian guides and Gallic auxiliaries, to explore all + + the country, and observe the enemy from a safe distance. Hannibal, the other + + states being pacified by fear or bribes, had now come into the territory of + + the Volcae, a powerful nation. They, indeed, dwell on both sides of the Rhone: + + but doubting that the Carthaginian could be driven from the hither bank, in + + order that they might have the river as a defence, having transported almost + + all their effects across the Rhone, occupied in arms the farther bank of the + + river. Hannibal, by means of presents, persuades the other inhabitants of the + + river-side, and some even of the Volcae themselves, whom their homes had detained, + + to collect from every quarter and build ships; and they at the same time themselves + + desired that the army should be transported, and their country relieved, as + + soon as possible, from the vast multitude of men that burthened it. A great + + number, therefore, of ships and boats rudely formed for the neighbouring passages, + + were collected together; and the Gauls, first beginning the plan, hollowed out + + some new ones from single trees; and then the soldiers themselves, at once induced + + by the plenty of materials and the easiness of the work, hastily formed shapeless + + hulks, in which they could transport themselves and their baggage, caring about + + nothing else, provided they could float and contain their burthen. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">27 </div> + +<a id="c27" /> + +<p>And now, when all things were sufficiently prepared for crossing, the enemy + + over against them occupying the whole bank, horse and foot, deterred them. In + + order to dislodge them, Hannibal orders Hanno, the son of Bomilcar, at the first + + watch of the night, to proceed with a part of the forces, principally Spanish, + + one day's journey up the river; and having crossed it where he might first be + + able, as secretly as possible, to lead round his forces, that when the occasion + + required he might attack the enemy in the rear. The Gauls, given him as guides + + for the purpose, inform him that about twenty-five miles from thence, the river + + spreading round a small island, broader where it was divided, and therefore + + with a shallower channel, presented a passage. At this place timber was quickly + + cut down and rafts formed, on which men, horses, and other burthens might be + + conveyed over. The Spaniards, without making any difficulty, having put their + + clothes in bags of leather, and themselves leaning on their bucklers placed + + beneath them, swam across the river. And the rest of the army, after passing + + on the rafts joined together, and pitching their camp near the river, being + + fatigued by the journey of the night and the labour of the work, are refreshed + + by the rest of one day, their leader being anxious to execute his design at + + a proper season. Setting out next day from this place, they signify by raising + + a smoke that they had crossed, and were not far distant; which when Hannibal + + understood, that he might not be wanting on the opportunity, he gives the signal + + for passing. The infantry already had the boats prepared and fitted; a line + + of ships higher up transporting the horsemen for the most part near their horses + + swimming beside them, in order to break the force of the current, rendered the + + water smooth to the boats crossing below. A great part of the horses were led + + across swimming, held by bridles from the stern, except those which they put + + on board saddled and bridled, in order that they might be ready to be used by + + the rider the moment he disembarked on the strand. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">28 </div> + +<a id="c28" /> + +<p>The Gauls run down to the bank to meet them with various whoopings and songs, + + according to their custom, shaking their shields above their heads, and brandishing + + their weapons in their right hands, although such a multitude of ships in front + + of them alarmed them, together with the loud roaring of the river, and the mingled + + clamours of the sailors and soldiers, both those who were striving to break + + through the force of the current, and those who from the other bank were encouraging + + their comrades on their passage. While sufficiently dismayed by this tumult + + in front, more terrifying shouts from behind assailed them, their camp having + + been taken by Hanno; presently he himself came up, and a twofold terror encompassed + + them, both such a multitude of armed men landing from the ships, and this unexpected + + army pressing on their rear. When the Gauls, having made a prompt and bold effort + + to force the enemy, were themselves repulsed, they break through where a way + + seemed most open, and fly in consternation to their villages around. Hannibal, + + now despising these tumultuary onsets of the Gauls, having transported the rest + + of his forces at leisure, pitches his camp. I believe that there were various + + plans for transporting the elephants; at least there are various accounts of + + the way in which it was done. Some relate, that after the elephants were assembled + + together on the bank, the fiercest of them being provoked by his keeper, pursued + + him as he swam across the water, to which he had run for refuge, and drew after + + him the rest of the herd; the mere force of the stream hurrying them to the + + other bank, when the bottom had failed each, fearful of the depth. But there + + is more reason to believe that they were conveyed across on rafts; which plan, + + as it must have appeared the safer before execution, is after it the more entitled + + to credit. They extended from the bank into the river one raft two hundred feet + + long and fifty broad, which, fastened higher up by several strong cables to + + the bank, that it might not be carried down by the stream they covered, like + + a bridge, with earth thrown upon it, so that the beasts might tread upon it + + without fear, as over solid ground. Another raft equally broad and a hundred + + feet long, fit for crossing the river, was joined to this first; and when the + + elephants, driven along the stationary raft as along a road had passed, the + + females leading the way, on to the smaller raft which was joined to it, the + + lashings, by which it was slightly fastened, being immediately let go, it was + + drawn by some light boats to the opposite side. The first having been thus landed, + + the rest were then returned for and carried across. They gave no signs of alarm + + whatever while they were driven along as it were on a continuous bridge. The + + first fear was, when, the raft being loosed from the rest, they were hurried + + into the deep. Then pressing together, as those at the edges drew back from + + the water, they produced some disorder, till mere terror, when they saw water + + all around, produced quiet. Some, indeed, becoming infuriated, fell into the + + river; but, steadied by their own weight, having thrown off their riders, and + + seeking step by step the shallows, they escaped to the shore. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">29 </div> + +<a id="c29" /> + +<p>Whilst the elephants were conveyed over, Hannibal, in the mean time, had sent + + five hundred Numidian horsemen towards the camp of the Romans, to observe where + + and how numerous their forces were, and what they were designing. The three + + hundred Roman horsemen sent, as was before said, from the mouth of the Rhone, + + meet this band of cavalry; and a more furious engagement than could be expected + + from the number of the combatants takes place. For, besides many wounds, the + + loss on both sides was also nearly equal: and the flight and dismay of the Numidians + + gave victory to the Romans, now exceedingly fatigued. There fell of the conquerors + + one hundred and sixty, not all Romans, but partly Gauls: of the vanquished more + + than two hundred. This commencement, and at the same time omen of the war, as + + it portended to the Romans a prosperous issue of the whole, so did it also the + + success of a doubtful and by no means bloodless contest. When, after the action + + had thus occurred, his own men returned to each general, Scipio could adopt + + no fixed plan of proceeding, except that he should form his measures from the + + plans and undertakings of the enemy: and Hannibal, uncertain whether he should + + pursue the march he had commenced into Italy, or fight with the Roman army which + + had first presented itself, the arrival of ambassadors from the Boii, and of + + a petty prince called Magalus, diverted from an immediate engagement; who, declaring + + that they would be the guides of his journey and the companions of his dangers, + + gave it as their opinion, that Italy ought to be attacked with the entire force + + of the war, his strength having been no where previously impaired. The troops + + indeed feared the enemy, the remembrance of the former war not being yet obliterated; + + but much more did they dread the immense journey and the Alps, a thing formidable + + by report, particularly to the inexperienced. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">30 </div> + +<a id="c30" /> + +<p>Hannibal, therefore, when his own resolution was fixed to proceed in his course + + and advance on Italy, having summoned an assembly, works upon the minds of the + + soldiers in various ways, by reproof and exhortation. He said, that "he wondered + + what sudden fear had seized breasts ever before undismayed: that through so + + many years they had made their campaigns with conquest; nor had departed from + + Spain before all the nations and countries which two opposite seas embrace, + + were subjected to the Carthaginians. That then, indignant that the Romans demanded + + those, whosoever had besieged Saguntum, to be delivered up to them, as on account + + of a crime, they had passed the Iberus to blot out the name of the Romans, and + + to emancipate the world. That then the way seemed long to no one, though they + + were pursuing it from the setting to the rising of the sun. That now, when they + + saw by far the greater part of their journey accomplished, the passes of the + + Pyrenees surmounted, amid the most ferocious nations, the Rhone, that mighty + + river, crossed, in spite of the opposition of so many thousand Gauls, the fury + + of the river itself having been overcome, when they had the Alps in sight, the + + other side of which was Italy, should they halt through weariness at the very + + gates of the enemy, imagining the Alps to be--what else than lofty mountains? + + That supposing them to be higher than the summits of the Pyrenees, assuredly + + no part of the earth reached the sky, nor was insurmountable by mankind. The + + Alps in fact were inhabited and cultivated;--produced and supported living beings. + + Were they passable by a few men and impassable to armies? That those very ambassadors + + whom they saw before them had not crossed the Alps borne aloft through the air + + on wings; neither were their ancestors indeed natives of the soil, but settling + + in Italy from foreign countries, had often as emigrants safely crossed these + + very Alps in immense bodies, with their wives and children. To the armed soldier, + + carrying nothing with him but the instruments of war, what in reality was impervious + + or insurmountable? That Saguntum might be taken, what dangers, what toils were + + for eight months undergone! Now, when their aim was Rome, the capital of the + + world, could any thing appear so dangerous or difficult as to delay their undertaking? + + That the Gauls had formerly gained possession of that very country which the + + Carthaginian despairs of being able to approach. That they must, therefore, + + either yield in spirit and valour to that nation which they had so often during + + those times overcome; or look forward, as the end of their journey, to the plain + + which spreads between the Tiber and the walls of Rome." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">31 </div> + +<a id="c31" /> + +<p>He orders them, roused by these exhortations, to refresh themselves and prepare + + for the journey. Next day, proceeding upward along the bank of the Rhone, he + + makes for the inland part of Gaul: not because it was the more direct route + + to the Alps, but believing that the farther he retired from the sea, the Romans + + would be less in his way; with whom, before he arrived in Italy, he had no intention + + of engaging. After four days' march he came to the Island: there the streams + + of the Arar and the Rhone, flowing down from different branches of the Alps, + + after embracing a pretty large tract of country, flow into one. The name of + + the Island is given to the plains that lie between them. The Allobroges dwell + + near, a nation even in those days inferior to none in Gaul in power and fame. + + They were at that time at variance. Two brothers were contending for the sovereignty. + + The elder, named Brancus, who had before been king, was driven out by his younger + + brother and a party of the younger men, who, inferior in right, had more of + + power. When the decision of this quarrel was most opportunely referred to Hannibal, + + being appointed arbitrator of the kingdom, he restored the sovereignty to the + + elder, because such had been the opinion of the senate and the chief men. In + + return for this service, he was assisted with a supply of provisions, and plenty + + of all necessaries, particularly clothing, which the Alps, notorious for extreme + + cold, rendered necessary to be prepared. After composing the dissensions of + + the Allobroges, when he now was proceeding to the Alps, he directed his course + + thither, not by the straight road, but turned to the left into the country of + + the Tricastini, thence by the extreme boundary of the territory of the Vocontii + + he proceeded to the Tricorii; his way not being any where obstructed till he + + came to the river Druentia. This stream, also arising amid the Alps, is by far + + the most difficult to pass of all the rivers in Gaul; for though it rolls down + + an immense body of water, yet it does not admit of ships; because, being restrained + + by no banks, and flowing in several and not always the same channels, and continually + + forming new shallows and new whirlpools, (on which account the passage is also + + uncertain to a person on foot,) and rolling down besides gravelly stones, it + + affords no firm or safe passage to those who enter it; and having been at that + + time swollen by showers, it created great disorder among the soldiers as they + + crossed, when, in addition to other difficulties, they were of themselves confused + + by their own hurry and uncertain shouts. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">32 </div> + +<a id="c32" /> + +<p>Publius Cornelius the consul, about three days after Hannibal moved from the + + bank of the Rhone, had come to the camp of the enemy, with his army drawn up + + in square, intending to make no delay in fighting: but when he saw the fortifications + + deserted, and that he could not easily come up with them so far in advance before + + him, he returned to the sea and his fleet, in order more easily and safely to + + encounter Hannibal when descending from the Alps. But that Spain, the province + + which he had obtained by lot, might not be destitute of Roman auxiliaries, he + + sent his brother Cneius Scipio with the principal part of his forces against + + Hasdrubal, not only to defend the old allies and conciliate new, but also to + + drive Hasdrubal out of Spain. He himself, with a very small force, returned + + to Genoa, intending to defend Italy with the army which was around the Po. From + + the Druentia, by a road that lay principally through plains, Hannibal arrived + + at the Alps without molestation from the Gauls that inhabit those regions. Then, + + though the scene had been previously anticipated from report, (by which uncertainties + + are wont to be exaggerated,) yet the height of the mountains when viewed so + + near, and the snows almost mingling with the sky, the shapeless huts situated + + on the cliffs, the cattle and beasts of burden withered by the cold, the men + + unshorn and wildly dressed, all things, animate and inanimate, stiffened with + + frost, and other objects more terrible to be seen than described, renewed their + + alarm. To them, marching up the first acclivities, the mountaineers appeared + + occupying the heights over head; who, if they had occupied the more concealed + + valleys, might, by rushing out suddenly to the attack, have occasioned great + + flight and havoc. Hannibal orders them to halt, and having sent forward Gauls + + to view the ground, when he found there was no passage that way, he pitches + + his camp in the widest valley he could find, among places all rugged and precipitous. + + Then, having learned from the same Gauls, when they had mixed in conversation + + with the mountaineers, from whom they differed little in language and manners, + + that the pass was only beset during the day, and that at night each withdrew + + to his own dwelling, he advanced at the dawn to the heights, as if designing + + openly and by day to force his way through the defile. The day then being passed + + in feigning a different attempt from that which was in preparation, when they + + had fortified the camp in the same place where they had halted, as soon as he + + perceived that the mountaineers had descended from the heights, and that the + + guards were withdrawn, having lighted for show a greater number of fires than + + was proportioned to the number that remained, and having left the baggage in + + the camp, with the cavalry and the principal part of the infantry, he himself + + with a party of light-armed, consisting of all the most courageous of his troops, + + rapidly cleared the defile, and took post on those very heights which the enemy + + had occupied. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">33 </div> + +<a id="c33" /> + +<p>At dawn of light the next day the camp broke up, and the rest of the army began + + to move forward. The mountaineers, on a signal being given, were now assembling + + from their forts to their usual station, when they suddenly behold part of the + + enemy overhanging them from above, in possession of their former position, and + + the others passing along the road. Both these objects, presented at the same + + time to the eye and the mind, made them stand motionless for a little while; + + but when they afterwards saw the confusion in the pass, and that the marching + + body was thrown into disorder by the tumult which itself created, principally + + from the horses being terrified, thinking that whatever terror they added would + + suffice for the destruction of the enemy, they scramble along the dangerous + + rocks, as being accustomed alike to pathless and circuitous ways. Then indeed + + the Carthaginians were opposed at once by the enemy and by the difficulties + + of the ground; and each striving to escape first from the danger, there was + + more fighting among themselves than with their opponents. The horses in particular + + created danger in the lines, which, being terrified by the discordant clamours + + which the groves and re-echoing valleys augmented, fell into confusion; and + + if by chance struck or wounded, they were so dismayed that they occasioned a + + great loss both of men and baggage of every description: and as the pass on + + both sides was broken and precipitous, this tumult threw many down to an immense + + depth, some even of the armed men; but the beasts of burden, with their loads, + + were rolled down like the fall of some vast fabric. Though these disasters were + + shocking to view, Hannibal however kept his place for a little, and kept his + + men together, lest he might augment the tumult and disorder; but afterwards, + + when he saw the line broken, and that there was danger that he should bring + + over his army, preserved to no purpose if deprived of their baggage, he hastened + + down from the higher ground; and though he had routed the enemy by the first + + onset alone, he at the same time increased the disorder in his own army: but + + that tumult was composed in a moment, after the roads were cleared by the flight + + of the mountaineers; and presently the whole army was conducted through, not + + only without being disturbed, but almost in silence. He then took a fortified + + place, which was the capital of that district, and the little villages that + + lay around it, and fed his army for three days with the corn and cattle he had + + taken; and during these three days, as the soldiers were neither obstructed + + by the mountaineers, who had been daunted by the first engagement, nor yet much + + by the ground, he made considerable way. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">34 </div> + +<a id="c34" /> + +<p>He then came to another state, abounding, for a mountainous country, with inhabitants; + + where he was nearly overcome, not by open war, but by his own arts of treachery + + and ambuscade. Some old men, governors of forts, came as deputies to the Carthaginian, + + professing, "that having been warned by the useful example of the calamities + + of others, they wished rather to experience the friendship than the hostilities + + of the Carthaginians: they would, therefore, obediently execute his commands, + + and begged that he would accept of a supply of provisions, guides of his march, + + and hostages for the sincerity of their promises." Hannibal, when he had answered + + them in a friendly manner, thinking that they should neither be rashly trusted + + nor yet rejected, lest if repulsed they might openly become enemies, having + + received the hostages whom they proffered, and made use of the provisions which + + they of their own accord brought down to the road, follows their guides, by + + no means as among a people with whom he was at peace, but with his line of march + + in close order. The elephants and cavalry formed the van of the marching body; + + he himself, examining every thing around, and intent on every circumstance, + + followed with the choicest of the infantry. When they came into a narrower pass, + + lying on one side beneath an overhanging eminence, the barbarians, rising at + + once on all sides from their ambush, assail them in front and rear, both at + + close quarters and from a distance, and roll down huge stones on the army. The + + most numerous body of men pressed on the rear; against whom the infantry, facing + + about and directing their attack, made it very obvious, that had not the rear + + of the army been well supported, a great loss must have been sustained in that + + pass. Even as it was they came to the extremity of danger, and almost to destruction: + + for while Hannibal hesitates to lead down his division into the defile, because, + + though he himself was a protection to the cavalry, lie had not in the same way + + left any aid to the infantry in the rear; the mountaineers, charging obliquely, + + and on having broken through the middle of the army, took possession of the + + road; and one night was spent by Hannibal without his cavalry and baggage. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">35 </div> + +<a id="c35" /> + +<p>Next day, the barbarians running in to the attack between (the two divisions) + + less vigorously, the forces were re-united, and the defile passed, not without + + loss, but yet with a greater destruction of beasts of burden than of men. From + + that time the mountaineers fell upon them in smaller parties, more like an attack + + of robbers than war, sometimes on the van, sometimes on the rear, according + + as the ground afforded them advantage, or stragglers advancing or loitering + + gave them an opportunity. Though the elephants were driven through steep and + + narrow roads with great loss of time, yet wherever they went they rendered the + + army safe from the enemy, because men unacquainted with such animals were afraid + + of approaching too nearly. On the ninth day they came to a summit of the Alps, + + chiefly through places trackless; and after many mistakes of their way, which + + were caused either by the treachery of the guides, or, when they were not trusted, + + by entering valleys at random, on their own conjectures of the route. For two + + days they remained encamped on the summit; and rest was given to the soldiers, + + exhausted with toil and fighting: and several beasts of burden, which had fallen + + down among the rocks, by following the track of the army arrived at the camp. + + A fall of snow, it being now the season of the setting of the constellation + + of the Pleiades, caused great fear to the soldiers, already worn out with weariness + + of so many hardships. On the standards being moved forward at daybreak, when + + the army proceeded slowly over all places entirely blocked up with snow, and + + languor and despair strongly appeared in the countenances of all, Hannibal, + + having advanced before the standards, and ordered the soldiers to halt on a + + certain eminence, whence there was a prospect far and wide, points out to them + + Italy and the plains of the Po, extending themselves beneath the Alpine mountains; + + and said "that they were now surmounting not only the ramparts of Italy, but + + also of the city of Rome; that the rest of the journey would be smooth and down-hill; + + that after one, or, at most, a second battle, they would have the citadel and + + capital of Italy in their power and possession." The army then began to advance, + + the enemy now making no attempts beyond petty thefts, as opportunity offered. + + But the journey proved much more difficult than it had been in the ascent, as + + the declivity of the Alps being generally shorter on the side of Italy is consequently + + steeper; for nearly all the road was precipitous, narrow, and slippery, so that + + neither those who made the least stumble could prevent themselves from falling, + + nor, when fallen, remain in the same place, but rolled, both men and beasts + + of burden, one upon another. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">36 </div> + +<a id="c36" /> + +<p>They then came to a rock much more narrow, and formed of such perpendicular + + ledges, that a light-armed soldier, carefully making the attempt, and clinging + + with his hands to the bushes and roots around, could with difficulty lower himself + + down. The ground, even before very steep by nature, had been broken by a recent + + falling away of the earth into a precipice of nearly a thousand feet in depth. + + Here when the cavalry had halted, as if at the end of their journey, it is announced + + to Hannibal, wondering what obstructed the march that the rock was impassable. + + Having then gone himself to view the place, it seemed clear to him that he must + + lead his army round it, by however great a circuit, through the pathless and + + untrodden regions around. But this route also proved impracticable; for while + + the new snow of a moderate depth remained on the old, which had not been removed, + + their footsteps were planted with ease as they walked upon the new snow, which + + was soft and not too deep; but when it was dissolved by the trampling of so + + many men and beasts of burden, they then walked on the bare ice below, and through + + the dirty fluid formed by the melting snow. Here there was a wretched struggle, + + both on account of the slippery ice not affording any hold to the step, and + + giving way beneath the foot more readily by reason of the slope; and whether + + they assisted themselves in rising by their hands or their knees, their supports + + themselves giving way, they would stumble again; nor were there any stumps or + + roots near; by pressing against which, one might with hand or foot support himself; + + so that they only floundered on the smooth ice and amid the melted snow. The + + beasts of burden sometimes also went into this lower ice by merely treading + + upon it, at others they broke it completely through, by the violence with which + + they struck in their hoofs in their struggling, so that most of them, as if + + taken in a trap, stuck in the hardened and deeply frozen ice. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">37 </div> + +<a id="c37" /> + +<p>At length, after the men and beasts of burden had been fatigued to no purpose, + + the camp was pitched on the summit, the ground being cleared for that purpose + + with great difficulty, so much snow was there to be dug out and carried away. + + The soldiers being then set to make a way down the cliff by which alone a passage + + could be effected, and it being necessary that they should cut through the rocks, + + having felled and lopped a number of large trees which grew around, they make + + a huge pile of timber; and as soon as a strong wind fit for exciting the flames + + arose, they set fire to it, and, pouring vinegar on the heated stones, they + + render them soft and crumbling. They then open a way with iron instruments through + + the rock thus heated by the fire, and soften its declivities by gentle windings, + + so that not only the beasts of burden, but also the elephants could be led down + + it. Four days were spent about this rock, the beasts nearly perishing through + + hunger: for the summits of the mountains are for the most part bare, and if + + there is any pasture the snows bury it. The lower parts contain valleys, and + + some sunny hills, and rivulets flowing beside woods, and scenes more worthy + + of the abode of man. There the beasts of burden were sent out to pasture, and + + rest given for three days to the men, fatigued with forming the passage: they + + then descended into the plains, the country and the dispositions of the inhabitants + + being now less rugged. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">38 </div> + +<a id="c38" /> + +<p>In this manner chiefly they came to Italy in the fifth month (as some authors + + relate) after leaving New Carthage, having crossed the Alps in fifteen days. + + What number of forces Hannibal had when he had passed into Italy is by no means + + agreed upon by authors. Those who state them at the highest, make mention of + + a hundred thousand foot and twenty thousand horse; those who state them at the + + lowest, of twenty thousand foot and six thousand horse. Lucius Cincius Alimentus, + + who relates that he was made prisoner by Hannibal, would influence me most as + + an authority, did he not confound the number by adding the Gauls and Ligurians. + + Including these, (who, it is more probable, flocked to him afterwards, and so + + some authors assert,) he says, that eighty thousand foot and ten thousand horse + + were brought into Italy; and that he had heard from Hannibal himself, that after + + crossing the Rhone he had lost thirty-six thousand men, and an immense number + + of horses, and other beasts of burden, among the Taurini, the next nation to + + the Gauls, as he descended into Italy. As this circumstance is agreed on by + + all, I am the more surprised that it should be doubtful by what road he crossed + + the Alps; and that it should commonly be believed that he passed over the Pennine + + mountain, and that thence [<a href="#foot17">17</a>] the name was given to that + + ridge of the Alps. Coelius says, that he passed over the top of Mount Cremo; + + both which passes would have brought him, not to the Taurini, but through the + + Salasian mountaineers to the Libuan Gauls. Neither is it probable that these + + roads into Gaul were then open, especially once those which, lead to the Pennine + + mountain would have been unlocked up by nations half German; nor by Hercules + + (if this argument has weight with any one) do the Veragri, the inhabitants of + + this ridge, know of the name being given to these mountains from the passage + + of the Carthaginians, but from the divinity, whom the mountaineers style Penninus, + + worshipped on the highest summit. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">39 </div> + +<a id="c39" /> + +<p>Very opportunely for the commencement of his operations, a war had broken out + + with the Taurini, the nearest nation, against the Insubrians; but Hannibal could + + not put his troops under arms to assist either party, as they very chiefly felt + + the disorders they had before contracted, in remedying them; for ease after + + toil, plenty after want, and attention to their persons after dirt and filth, + + had variously affected their squalid and almost savage-looking bodies. This + + was the reason that Publius Cornelius, the consul, when he had arrived at Pisa + + with his fleet, hastened to the Po, though the troops he received from Manlius + + and Atilius were raw and disheartened by their late disgraces, in order that + + he might engage the enemy when not yet recruited. But when the consul came to + + Placentia, Hannibal had already moved from his quarters, and had taken by storm + + one city of the Taurini, the capital of the nation, because they did not come + + willingly into his alliance; and he would have gained over to him, not only + + from fear, but also from inclination, the Gauls who dwell beside the Po, had + + not the arrival of the consul suddenly checked them while watching for an opportunity + + of revolt. Hannibal at the same time moved from the Taurini, thinking that the + + Gauls, uncertain which side to choose, would follow him if present among them. + + The armies were now almost in sight of each other, and their leaders, though + + not at present sufficiently acquainted, yet met each other with a certain feeling + + of mutual admiration. For the name of Hannibal, even before the destruction + + of Saguntum, was very celebrated among the Romans; and Hannibal believed Scipio + + to be a superior man, from the very circumstance of his having been specially + + chosen to act as commander against himself. They had increased too their estimation + + of each other; Scipio, because, being left behind in Gaul, he had met Hannibal + + when he had crossed into Italy; Hannibal, by his daring attempt of crossing + + the Alps and by its accomplishment. Scipio, however, was the first to cross + + the Po, and having pitched his camp at the river Ticinus, he delivered the following + + oration for the sake of encouraging his soldiers before he led them out to form + + for battle: </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">40 </div> + +<a id="c40" /> + +<p>"If, soldiers, I were leading out that army to battle which I had with me in + + Gaul, I should have thought it superfluous to address you; for of what use would + + it be to exhort either those horsemen who so gloriously vanquished the cavalry + + of the enemy at the river Rhone, or those legions with whom, pursuing this very + + enemy flying before us, I obtained in lieu of victory, a confession of superiority, + + shown by his retreat and refusal to fight? Now because that army, levied for + + the province of Spain, maintains the war under my auspices [<a href="#foot18">18</a>] + + and the command of my brother Cneius Scipio, in the country where the senate + + and people of Rome wished him to serve, and since I, that you might have a consul + + for your leader against Hannibal and the Carthaginians, have offered myself + + voluntarily for this contest, few words are required to be addressed from a + + new commander to soldiers unacquainted with him. That you may not be ignorant + + of the nature of the war nor of the enemy, you have to fight, soldiers, with + + those whom in the former war you conquered both by land and sea; from whom you + + have exacted tribute for twenty years; from whom you hold Sicily and Sardinia, + + taken as the prizes of victory. In the present contest, therefore, you and they + + will have those feelings which are wont to belong to the victors and the vanquished. + + Nor are they now about to fight because they are daring, but because it is unavoidable; + + except you can believe that they who declined the engagement when their forces + + were entire, should have now gained more confidence when two-thirds of their + + infantry and cavalry have been lost in the passage of the Alps, and when almost + + greater numbers have perished than survive. Yes, they are few indeed, (some + + may say,) but they are vigorous in mind and body; men whose strength and power + + scarce any force may withstand. On the contrary, they are but the resemblances, + + nay, are rather the shadows of men; being worn out with hunger, cold, dirt, + + and filth, and bruised and enfeebled among stones and rocks. Besides all this, + + their joints are frost-bitten, their sinews stiffened with the snow, their limbs + + withered up by the frost, their armour battered and shivered, their horses lame + + and powerless. With such cavalry, with such infantry, you have to fight: you + + will not have enemies in reality, but rather their last remains. And I fear + + nothing more than that when you have fought Hannibal, the Alps may appear to + + have conquered him. But perhaps it was fitting that the gods themselves should, + + without any human aid, commence and carry forward a war with a leader and a + + people that violate the faith of treaties; and that we, who next to the gods + + have been injured, should finish the contest thus commenced and nearly completed." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">41 </div> + +<a id="c41" /> + +<p>"I do not fear lest any one should think that I say this ostentatiously for + + the sake of encouraging you, while in my own mind I am differently affected. + + I was at liberty to go with my army into Spain, my own province, whither I had + + already set out; where I should have had a brother as the bearer of my councils + + and my dangers, and Hasdrubal, instead of Hannibal, for my antagonist, and without + + question a less laborious war: nevertheless, as I sailed along the coast of + + Gaul, having landed on hearing of this enemy, and having sent forward the cavalry, + + I moved my camp to the Rhone. In a battle of cavalry, with which part of my + + forces the opportunity of engaging was afforded, I routed the enemy; and because + + I could not overtake by land his army of infantry, which was rapidly hurried + + away, as if in flight, having returned to the ships with all the speed I could, + + after compassing such an extent of sea and land, I have met him at the foot + + of the Alps. Whether do I appear, while declining the contest, to have fallen + + in unexpectedly with this dreaded foe, or encounter him in his track? to challenge + + him and drag him out to decide the contest? I am anxious to try whether the + + earth has suddenly, in these twenty years, sent forth a new race of Carthaginians, + + or whether these are the same who fought at the islands Aegates, and whom you + + permitted to defeat from Eryx, valued at eighteen denarii a head; and whether + + this Hannibal be, as he himself gives out, the rival of the expeditions of Hercules, + + or one left by his father the tributary and taxed subject and slave of the Roman + + people; who, did not his guilt at Saguntum drive him to frenzy, would certainly + + reflect, if not upon his conquered country, at least on his family, and his + + father, and the treaties written by the hand of Hamilcar; who, at the command + + of our consul, withdrew the garrison from Eryx; who, indignant and grieving, + + submitted to the harsh conditions imposed on the conquered Carthaginians; who + + agreed to depart from Sicily, and pay tribute to the Roman people. I would, + + therefore, have you fight, soldiers, not only with that spirit with which you + + are wont to encounter other enemies, but with a certain indignation and resentment, + + as if you saw your slaves suddenly taking up arms against you. We might have + + killed them when shut up in Eryx by hunger, the most dreadful of human tortures; + + we might have carried over our victorious fleet to Africa, and in a few days + + have destroyed Carthage without any opposition. We granted pardon to their prayers; + + we released them from the blockade; we made peace with them when conquered; + + and we afterwards considered them under our protection when they were oppressed + + by the African war. In return for these benefits, they come under the conduct + + of a furious youth to attack our country. And I wish that the contest on your + + side was for glory, and not for safety: it is not about the possession of Sicily + + and Sardinia, concerning which the dispute was formerly, but for Italy, that + + you must fight: nor is there another army behind, which, if we should not conquer, + + can resist the enemy; nor are there other Alps, during the passage of which + + fresh forces may be procured: here, soldiers, we must make our stand, as if + + we fought before the walls of Rome. Let every one consider that he defends with + + his arms not only his own person, but his wife and young children: nor let him + + only entertain domestic cares and anxieties, but at the same time let him revolve + + in his mind, that the senate and people of Rome now anxiously regard our efforts; + + and that according as our strength and valour shall be, such henceforward will + + be the fortune of that city and of the Roman empire." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">42 </div> + +<a id="c42" /> + +<p>Thus the consul addressed the Romans. Hannibal, thinking that his soldiers + + ought to be roused by deeds rather than by words, having drawn his army around + + for the spectacle, placed in their midst the captive mountaineers in fetters; + + and after Gallic arms had been thrown at their feet, he ordered the interpreter + + to ask, "whether any among them, on condition of being released from chains, + + and receiving, if victorious, armour and a horse, was willing to combat with + + the sword?" When they all, to a man, demanded the combat and the sword, and + + lots were cast into the urn for that purpose, each wished himself the person + + whom fortune might select for the contest. As the lot of each man came out, + + eager and exulting with joy amidst the congratulations of his comrades, and + + dancing after the national custom, he hastily snatched up the arms: but when + + they fought, such was the state of feeling, not only among their companions + + in the same circumstances, but among the spectators in general, that the fortune + + of those who conquered was not praised more than that of those who died bravely. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">43 </div> + +<a id="c43" /> + +<p>When he had dismissed the soldiers, thus affected after viewing several pairs + + of combatants, having then summoned an assembly, he is said to have addressed + + them in these terms: "If, soldiers, you shall by and by, in judging of your + + own fortune, preserve the same feelings which you experienced a little before + + in the example of the fate of others, we have already conquered; for neither + + was that merely a spectacle, but as it were a certain representation of your + + condition. And I know not whether fortune has not thrown around you still stronger + + chains and more urgent necessities than around your captives. On the right and + + left two seas enclose you, without your possessing a single ship even for escape. + + The river Po around you, the Po larger and more impetuous than the Rhone, the + + Alps behind, scarcely passed by you when fresh and vigorous, hem you in. Here, + + soldiers, where you have first met the enemy, you must conquer or die; and the + + same fortune which has imposed the necessity of fighting, holds out to you, + + if victorious, rewards, than which men are not wont to desire greater, even + + from the immortal gods. If we were only about to recover by our valour Sicily + + and Sardinia, wrested from our fathers, the recompence would be sufficiently + + ample; but whatever, acquired and amassed by so many triumphs, the Romans possess, + + all, with its masters themselves, will become yours. To gain this rich reward, + + hasten, then, and seize your arms with the favour of the gods. Long enough in + + pursuing cattle among the desert mountains of Lusitania [<a href="#foot19">19</a>] + + and Celtiberia, you have seen no emolument from so many toils and dangers: it + + is time to make rich and profitable campaigns, and to gain the great reward + + of your labours, after having accomplished such a length of journey over so + + many mountains and rivers, and so many nations in arms. Here fortune has granted + + you the termination of your labours; here she will bestow a reward worthy of + + the service you have undergone. Nor, in proportion as the war is great in name, + + ought you to consider that the victory will be difficult. A despised enemy has + + often maintained a sanguinary contest, and renowned states and kings been conquered + + by a very slight effort. For, setting aside only the splendour of the Roman + + name, what remains in which they can be compared to you? To pass over in silence + + your service for twenty years, distinguished by such valour and success you + + have made your way to this place from the pillars of Hercules, [<a href="#foot20">20</a>] + + from the ocean, and the remotest limits of the world advancing victorious through + + so many of the fiercest nations of Gaul and Spain: you will fight with a raw + + army, which this very summer was beaten, conquered, and surrounded by the Gauls, + + as yet unknown to its general, and ignorant of him. Shall I compare myself, + + almost born, and certainly bred in the tent of my father, that most illustrious + + commander, myself the subjugator of Spain and Gaul, the conqueror too not only + + of the Alpine nations, but what is much more, of the Alps themselves, with this + + six months' general, the deserter of his army? To whom, if any one, having taken + + away their standards, should show to-day the Carthaginians and Romans, I am + + sure that he would not know of which army he was consul. I do not regard it, + + soldiers, as of small account, that there is not a man among you before whose + + eyes I have not often achieved some military exploit; and to whom, in like manner, + + I the spectator and witness of his valour, could not recount his own gallant + + deeds, particularized by time and place. With soldiers who have a thousand times + + received my praises and gifts, I, who was the pupil of you all before I became + + your commander, will march out in battle-array against those who are unknown + + to and ignorant of each other." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">44 </div> + +<a id="c44" /> + +<p>"On whatever side I turn my eyes I see nothing but what is full of courage + + and energy; a veteran infantry; calvary, both those with and those without the + + bridle, composed of the most gallant nations, you our most faithful and valiant + + allies, you Carthaginians, who are about to fight as well for the sake of your + + country as from the justest resentment. We are the assailants in the war, and + + descend into Italy with hostile standards, about to engage so much more boldly + + and bravely than the foe, as the confidence and courage of the assailant are + + greater than those of him who is defensive. Besides suffering, injury and indignity + + inflame and excite our minds: they first demanded me your leader for punishment, + + and then all of you who had laid siege to Saguntum; and had we been given up + + they would have visited us with the severest tortures. That most cruel and haughty + + nation considers every thing its own, and at its own disposal; it thinks it + + right that it should regulate with whom we are to have war, with whom peace: + + it circumscribes and shuts us up by the boundaries of mountains and rivers, + + which we must not pass; and then does not adhere to those boundaries which it + + appointed. Pass not the Iberus; have nothing to do with the Saguntines. Saguntum + + is on the Iberus; you must not move a step in any direction. Is it a small thing + + that you take away my most ancient provinces Sicily and Sardinia? will you take + + Spain also? and should I withdraw thence, you will cross over into Africa--will + + cross, did I say? they have sent the two consuls of this year one to Africa, + + the other to Spain: there is nothing left to us in any quarter, except what + + we can assert to ourselves by arms. Those may be cowards and dastards who have + + something to look back upon; whom, flying through safe and unmolested roads, + + their own lands and their own country will receive: there is a necessity for + + you to be brave; and since all between victory and death is broken off from + + you by inevitable despair, either to conquer, or, if fortune should waver, to + + meet death rather in battle than flight. If this be well fixed and determined + + in the minds of you all, I will repeat, you have already conquered: no stronger + + incentive to victory has been given to man by the immortal gods." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">45 </div> + +<a id="c45" /> + +<p>When the minds of the soldiers on both sides had been animated to the contest + + by these exhortations, the Romans throw a bridge over the Ticinus, and, for + + the sake of defending the bridge, erect a fort on it. The Carthaginian, while + + the Romans were engaged in this work, sends Maharbal with a squadron of five + + hundred Numidian horse, to lay waste the territories of the allies of the Roman + + people. He orders that the Gauls should be spared as much as possible, and the + + minds of their chiefs be instigated to a revolt. When the bridge was finished, + + the Roman army being led across into the territory of the Insubrians, took up + + its station five miles from Victumviae. At this place Hannibal lay encamped; + + and having quickly recalled Maharbal and the cavalry, when he perceived that + + a battle was approaching, thinking that in exhorting the soldiers enough could + + never be spoken or addressed by way of admonition, he announces to them, when + + summoned to an assembly, stated rewards, in expectation of which they might + + fight. He promised, "that he would give them land in Italy, Africa, Spain, where + + each man might choose, exempt from all burdens to the person who received it, + + and to his children: if any one preferred money to land, he would satisfy him + + in silver; if any of the allies wished to become citizens of Carthage, he would + + grant them permission; if others chose rather to return home, he would lend + + his endeavours that they should not wish the situation of any one of their countrymen + + exchanged for their own." To the slaves also who followed their masters he promised + + freedom, and that he would give two slaves in place of each of them to their + + masters. And that they might know that these promises were certain, holding + + in his left hand a lamb, and in his right a flint, having prayed to Jupiter + + and the other gods, that, if he was false to his word, they would thus slay + + him as he slew the lamb; after the prayer he broke the skull of the sheep with + + the stone. Then in truth all, receiving as it were the gods as sureties, each + + for the fulfilment of his own hopes, and thinking that the only delay in obtaining + + the object of their wishes arose from their not yet being engaged, with one + + mind and one voice demanded the battle. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">46 </div> + +<a id="c46" /> + +<p>By no means so great an alacrity prevailed among the Romans, who, in addition + + to other causes, were also alarmed by recent prodigies; for both a wolf had + + entered the camp, and having torn those who met him, had escaped unhurt; and + + a swarm of bees had settled on a tree overhanging the general's tent. After + + these prodigies were expiated, Scipio having set out with his cavalry and light-armed + + spearmen towards the camp of the enemy, to observe from a near point their forces, + + how numerous, and of what description they were, falls in with Hannibal, who + + had himself also advanced with his cavalry to explore the circumjacent country: + + neither at first perceived the other, but the dust arising from the trampling + + of so many men and horses soon gave the signal of approaching enemies. Both + + armies halted, and were preparing themselves for battle. Scipio places his spearmen + + and Gallic cavalry in front; the Romans and what force of allies he had with + + him, in reserve. Hannibal receives the horsemen who rode with the rein in the + + centre, and strengthens his wings with Numidians. When the shout was scarcely + + raised, the spearmen fled among the reserve to the second line: there was then + + a contest of the cavalry, for some time doubtful; but afterwards, on account + + of the foot soldiers, who were intermingled, causing confusion among the horses, + + many of the riders falling off from their horses, or leaping down where they + + saw their friends surrounded and hard pressed, the battle for the most part + + came to be fought on foot; until the Numidians, who were in the wings, having + + made a small circuit, showed themselves on the rear. That alarm dismayed the + + Romans, and the wound of the consul, and the danger to his life, warded off + + by the interposition of his son, then just arriving at the age of puberty, augmented + + their fears. This youth will be found to be the same to whom the glory of finishing + + this war belongs, and to whom the name of Africanus was given, on account of + + his splendid victory over Hannibal and the Carthaginians. The flight, however, + + of the spearmen, whom the Numidians attacked first, was the most disorderly. + + The rest of the cavalry, in a close body, protecting, not only with their arms, + + but also with their bodies, the consul, whom they had received into the midst + + of them, brought him back to the camp without any where giving way in disorder + + or precipitation. Coelius attributes the honour of saving the consul to a slave, + + by nation a Ligurian. I indeed should rather wish that the account about the + + son was true, which also most authors have transmitted, and the report of which + + has generally obtained credit. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">47 </div> + +<a id="c47" /> + +<p>This was the first battle with Hannibal; from which it clearly appeared that + + the Carthaginian was superior in cavalry; and on that account, that open plains, + + such as lie between the Po and the Alps, were not suited to the Romans for carrying + + on the war. On the following night, therefore, the soldiers being ordered to + + prepare their baggage in silence, the camp broke up from the Ticinus, and they + + hastened to the Po, in order that the rafts by which the consul had formed a + + bridge over the river, being not yet loosened, he might lead his forces across + + without disturbance or pursuit of the enemy. They arrived at Placentia before + + Hannibal had ascertained that they had set out from the Ticinus. He took, however, + + six hundred of those who loitered on the farther bank, who were slowly unfastening + + the raft; but he was not able to pass the bridge, as the whole raft floated + + down the stream as soon as the ends were unfastened. Coelius relates that Mago, + + with the cavalry and Spanish infantry, immediately swam the river; and that + + Hannibal himself led the army across by fords higher up the Po, the elephants + + being opposed to the stream in a line to break the force of the current. These + + accounts can scarcely gain credit with those who are acquainted with that river; + + for it is neither probable that the cavalry could bear up against the great + + violence of the stream, without losing their arms or horses, even supposing + + that inflated bags of leather had transported all the Spaniards; and the fords + + of the Po, by which an army encumbered with baggage could pass, must have been + + sought by a circuit of many days' march. Those authors are more credited by + + me, who relate that in the course of two days a place was with difficulty found + + fit for forming a bridge of rafts across the river, and that by this way the + + light-armed Spanish cavalry was sent forward with Mago. Whilst Hannibal, delaying + + beside the river to give audience to the embassies of the Gauls, conveys over + + the heavy-armed forces of infantry, in the mean time Mago and the cavalry proceed + + towards the enemy at Placentia one day's journey after crossing the river. Hannibal, + + a few days after, fortified his camp six miles from Placentia, and on the following + + day, having drawn up his line of battle in sight of the enemy, gave them an + + opportunity of fighting. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">48 </div> + +<a id="c48" /> + +<p>On the following night a slaughter was made in the Roman camp by the auxiliary + + Gauls, which appeared greater from the tumult than it proved in reality. Two + + thousand infantry and two hundred horse, having killed the guards at the gates, + + desert to Hannibal; whom the Carthaginians having addressed kindly, and excited + + by the hope of great rewards, sent each to several states to gain over the minds + + of their countrymen. Scipio, thinking that that slaughter was a signal for the + + revolt of all the Gauls, and that, contaminated with the guilt of that affair, + + they would rush to arms as if a frenzy had been sent among them, though he was + + still suffering severely from his wound, yet setting out for the river Trebia + + at the fourth watch of the following night with his army in silence, he removes + + his camp to higher ground and hills more embarrassing to the cavalry. He escaped + + observation less than at the Ticinus: and Hannibal, having despatched first + + the Numidians and then all the cavalry, would have thrown the rear at least + + into great confusion, had not the Numidians, through anxiety for booty, turned + + aside into the deserted Roman camp. There whilst, closely examining every part + + of the camp, they waste time, with no sufficient reward for the delay, the enemy + + escaped out of their hands; and when they saw the Romans already across the + + Trebia, and measuring out their camp, they kill a few of the loiterers intercepted + + on that side of the river. Scipio being unable to endure any longer the irritation + + of his wound, caused by the roughness of the road, and thinking that he ought + + to wait for his colleague, (for he had now heard that he was recalled from Sicily,) + + fortified a space of chosen ground, which, adjoining the river, seemed safest + + for a stationary camp. When Hannibal had encamped not far from thence, being + + as much elated with the victory of his cavalry, as anxious on account of the + + scarcity which every day assailed him more severely, marching as he did through + + the territory of the enemy, and supplies being no where provided, he sends to + + the village of Clastidium, where the Romans had collected a great stock of corn. + + There, whilst they were preparing for an assault, a hope of the town being betrayed + + to them was held out: Dasius, a Brundusian, the governor of the garrison, having + + been corrupted for four hundred pieces of gold, (no great bribe truly,) Clastidium + + is surrendered to Hannibal. It served as a granary for the Carthaginians while + + they lay at the Trebia. No cruelty was used towards the prisoners of the surrendered + + garrison, in order that a character for clemency might be acquired at the commencement + + of his proceedings. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">49 </div> + +<a id="c49" /> + +<p>While the war by land was at a stand beside the Trebia, in the mean time operations + + went on by land and sea around Sicily and the islands adjacent to Italy, both + + under Sempronius the consul, and before his arrival. Twenty quinqueremes, with + + a thousand armed men, having been sent by the Carthaginians to lay waste the + + coast of Italy, nine reached the Liparae, eight the island of Vulcan, and three + + the tide drove into the strait. On these being seen from Messana, twelve ships + + sent out by Hiero king of Syracuse, who then happened to be at Messana, waiting + + for the Roman consul, brought back into the port of Messana the ships taken + + without any resistance. It was discovered from the prisoners that, besides the + + twenty ships, to which fleet they belonged, and which had been despatched against + + Italy, thirty-five other quinqueremes were directing their course to Sicily, + + in order to gain over their ancient allies: that their main object was to gain + + possession of Lilybaeum, and they believed that that fleet had been driven to + + the islands Aegates by the same storm by which they themselves had been dispersed. + + The king writes these tidings, according as they had been received, to Marcus + + Aemilius the praetor, whose province Sicily was, and advises him to occupy Lilybaeum + + with a strong garrison. Immediately the lieutenants, generals, and tribunes, + + with the praetor, were despatched to the different states, in order that they + + might keep their men on vigilant guard; above all things it was commanded, that + + Lilybaeum should be secured: an edict having been put forth that, in addition + + to such warlike preparations, the crews should carry down to their ships dressed + + provisions for ten days, so that no one when the signal was given might delay + + in embarking; and that those who were stationed along the whole coast should + + look out from their watch-towers for the approaching fleet of the enemy. The + + Carthaginians, therefore, though they had purposely slackened the course of + + their ships, so that they might reach Lilybaeum just before daybreak, were descried + + before their arrival, because both the moon shone all night, and they came with + + their sails set up. Immediately the signal was given from the watch-towers, + + and the summons to arms was shouted through the town, and they embarked in the + + ships: part of the soldiers were left on the walls and at the stations of the + + gates, and part went on board the fleet. The Carthaginians, because they perceived + + that they would not have to do with an unprepared enemy, kept back from the + + harbour till daylight, that interval being spent in taking down their rigging + + and getting ready the fleet for action. When the light appeared, they withdrew + + their fleet into the open sea, that there might be room for the battle, and + + that the ships of the enemy might have a free egress from the harbour. Nor did + + the Romans decline the conflict, being emboldened both by the recollection of + + the exploits they had performed near that very spot, and by the numbers and + + valour of their soldiers. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">50 </div> + +<a id="c50" /> + +<p>When they had advanced into the open sea, the Romans wished to come to close + + fight, and to make a trial of strength hand to hand. The Carthaginians, on the + + contrary, eluded them, and sought to maintain the fight by art, not by force, + + and to make it a battle of ships rather than of men and arms: for though they + + had their fleet abundantly supplied with mariners, yet it was deficient in soldiers; + + and when a ship was grappled, a very unequal number of armed men fought on board + + of it. When this was observed, their numbers increased the courage of the Romans, + + and their inferiority of force diminished that of the others. Seven Carthaginian + + ships were immediately surrounded; the rest took to flight: one thousand seven + + hundred soldiers and mariners were captured in the ships, and among them were + + three noble Carthaginians. The Roman fleet returned without loss to the harbour, + + only one ship being pierced, and even that also brought back into port. After + + this engagement, before those at Messana were aware of its occurrence, Titus + + Sempronius the consul arrived at Messana. As he entered the strait, king Hiero + + led out a fleet fully equipped to meet him; and having passed from the royal + + ship into that of the general, he congratulated him on having arrived safe with + + his army and fleet, and prayed that his expedition to Sicily might be prosperous + + and successful. He then laid before him the state of the island and the designs + + of the Carthaginians, and promised that with the same spirit with which he had + + in his youth assisted the Romans during the former war, he would now assist + + them in his old age; that he would gratuitously furnish supplies of corn and + + clothing to the legions and naval crews of the consul; adding, that great danger + + threatened Lilybaeum and the maritime states, and that a change of affairs would + + be acceptable to some of them. For these reasons it appeared to the consul that + + he ought to make no delay, but to repair to Lilybaeum with his fleet. The king + + and the royal squadron set out along with him, and on their passage they heard + + that a battle had been fought at Lilybaeum, and that the enemy's ships had been + + scattered and taken. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">51 </div> + +<a id="c51" /> + +<p>The consul having dismissed Hiero with the royal fleet, and left the praetor + + to defend the coast of Sicily, passed over himself from Lilybaeum to the island + + Melita, which was held in possession by the Carthaginians. On his arrival, Hamilcar, + + the son of Gisgo, the commander of the garrison, with little less than two thousand + + soldiers, together with the town and the island, are delivered up to him: thence, + + after a few days, he returned to Lilybaeum, and the prisoners taken, both by + + the consul and the praetor, excepting those illustrious for their rank, were + + publicly sold. When the consul considered that Sicily was sufficiently safe + + on that side, he crossed over to the islands of Vulcan, because there was a + + report that the Carthaginian fleet was stationed there: but not one of the enemy + + was discovered about those islands. They had already, as it happened, passed + + over to ravage the coast of Italy, and having laid waste the territory of Vibo, + + were also threatening the city. The descent made by the enemy on the Vibonensian + + territory is announced to the consul as he was returning to Sicily: and letters + + were delivered to him which had been sent by the senate, about the passage of + + Hannibal into Italy, commanding him as soon as possible to bring assistance + + to his colleague. Perplexed with having so many anxieties at once, he immediately + + sent his army, embarked in the fleet, by the upper sea to Ariminum; he assigned + + the defence of the territory of Vibo, and the sea-coast of Italy, to Sextus + + Pomponius, his lieutenant-general, with twenty-five ships of war: he made up + + a fleet of fifty ships for Marcus Aemilius the praetor; and he himself, after + + the affairs of Sicily were settled, sailing close along the coast of Italy with + + ten ships, arrived at Ariminum, whence, setting out with his army for the river + + Trebia, he joined his colleague. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">52 </div> + +<a id="c52" /> + +<p>Both the consuls and all the strength of Rome being now opposed to Hannibal, + + made it sufficiently obvious that the Roman empire could either be defended + + by those forces, or that there was no other hope left. Yet the one consul being + + dispirited by the battle of the cavalry and his own wound, wished operations + + to be deferred: the other having his spirits unsubdued, and being therefore + + the more impetuous, admitted no delay. The tract of country between the Trebia + + and the Po was then inhabited by the Gauls, who, in this contest of two very + + powerful states, by a doubtful neutrality, were evidently looking forward to + + the favour of the conqueror. The Romans submitted to this conduct of the Gauls + + with tolerable satisfaction, provided they did not take any active part at all; + + but the Carthaginian bore it with great discontent, giving out that he had come + + invited by the Gauls to set them at liberty. On account of that resentment, + + and in order that he might at the same time maintain his troops from the plunder, + + he ordered two thousand foot and a thousand horse, chiefly Numidians, with some + + Gauls intermixed, to lay waste all the country straightforward as far as the + + banks of the Po. The Gauls, being in want of assistance, though they had up + + to this time kept their inclinations doubtful, are forced by the authors of + + the injury to turn to some who would be their supporters; and having sent ambassadors + + to the consul, they implore the aid of the Romans in behalf of a country which + + was suffering for the too great fidelity of its inhabitants to the Romans. Neither + + the cause nor the time of pleading it was satisfactory to Cornelius; and the + + nation was suspected by him, both on account of many treacherous actions, and + + though others might have been forgotten through length of time, on account of + + the recent perfidy of the Boii. Sempronius, on the contrary, thought that it + + would be the strongest tie upon the fidelity of the allies, if those were defended + + who first required support. Then, while his colleague hesitated, he sends his + + own cavalry, with about a thousand spearmen on foot in their company, to protect + + the Gallic territory beyond the Trebia. These, when they had unexpectedly attacked + + the enemy while scattered and disordered, and for the most part encumbered with + + booty, caused great terror, slaughter, and flight, even as far as the camp and + + outposts of the enemy; whence being repulsed by the numbers that poured out, + + they again renewed the fight with the assistance of their own party. Then pursuing + + and retreating in doubtful battle, though they left it at last equal, yet the + + fame of the victory was more with the Romans than the enemy. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">53 </div> + +<a id="c53" /> + +<p>But to no one did it appear more important and just than to the consul himself. + + He was transported with joy "that he had conquered with that part of the forces + + with which the other consul had been defeated; that the spirits of the soldiers + + were restored and revived; that there was no one, except his colleague, who + + would wish an engagement delayed; and that he, suffering more from disease of + + mind than body, shuddered, through recollection of his wound, at arms and battle. + + But others ought not to sink into decrepitude together with a sick man. For + + why should there be any longer protraction or waste of time? What third consul, + + what other army did they wait for? The camp of the Carthaginians was in Italy, + + and almost in sight of the city. It was not Sicily and Sardinia, which had been + + taken from them when vanquished, nor Spain on this side of the Iberus, that + + was their object, but that the Romans should be driven from the land of their + + fathers, and the soil in which they were born. How deeply," he continued, "would + + our fathers groan, who were wont to wage war around the walls of Carthage, if + + they should see us their offspring, two consuls and two consular armies, trembling + + within our camps in the heart of Italy, while a Carthaginian had made himself + + master of all the country between the Alps and the Apennine!" Such discourses + + did he hold while sitting beside his sick colleague, and also at the head-quarters, + + almost in the manner of an harangue. The approaching period of the elections + + also stimulated him, lest the war should be protracted till the new consuls + + were chosen, and the opportunity of turning all the glory to himself, while + + his colleague lay sick. He orders the soldiers, therefore, Cornelius in vain + + attempting to dissuade him, to get ready for an immediate engagement. Hannibal, + + as he saw what conduct would be best for the enemy, had scarce at first any + + hope that the consuls would do any thing rashly or imprudently, but when he + + discovered that the disposition of the one, first known from report, and afterwards + + from experience, was ardent and impetuous, and believed that it had been rendered + + still more impetuous by the successful engagement with his predatory troops, + + he did not doubt that an opportunity of action was near at hand. He was anxious + + and watchful not to omit this opportunity, while the troops of the enemy were + + raw, while his wound rendered the better of the two commanders useless, and + + while the spirits of the Gauls were fresh; of whom he knew that a great number + + would follow him with the greater reluctance the farther they were drawn away + + from home. When, for these and similar reasons, he hoped that an engagement + + was near and desired to make the attack himself, if there should be any delay; + + and when the Gauls, who were the safer spies to ascertain what he wished, as + + they served in both camps, had brought intelligence that the Romans were prepared + + for battle, the Carthaginian began to look about for a place for an ambuscade. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">54 </div> + +<a id="c54" /> + +<p>Between the armies was a rivulet, bordered on each side with very high banks, + + and covered around with marshy plants, and with the brushwood and brambles with + + which uncultivated places are generally overspread; and when, riding around + + it, he had, with his own eyes, thoroughly reconnoitred a place which was sufficient + + to afford a covert even for cavalry, he said to Mago his brother: "This will + + be the place which you must occupy. Choose out of all the infantry and cavalry + + a hundred men of each, with whom come to me at the first watch. Now is the time + + to refresh their bodies." The council was thus dismissed, and in a little time + + Mago came forward with his chosen men. "I see," said Hannibal, "the strength + + of the men; but that you may be strong not only in resolution, but also in number, + + pick out each from the troops and companies nine men like yourselves: Mago will + + show you the place where you are to lie in ambush. You will have an enemy who + + is blind to these arts of war." A thousand horse and a thousand foot, under + + the command of Mago, having been thus sent off, Hannibal orders the Numidian + + cavalry to ride up, after crossing the river Trebia by break of day, to the + + gates of the enemy, and to draw them out to a battle by discharging their javelins + + at the guards; and then, when the fight was commenced, by retiring slowly to + + decoy them across the river. These instructions were given to the Numidians: + + to the other leaders of the infantry and cavalry it was commanded that they + + should order all their men to dine; and then, under arms and with their horses + + equipped, to await the signal. Sempronius, eager for the contest, led out, on + + the first tumult raised by the Numidians, all the cavalry, being full of confidence + + in that part of the forces; then six thousand infantry, and lastly all his army, + + to the place already determined in his plan. It happened to be the winter season + + and a snowy day, in the region which lies between the Alps and the Apennine, + + and excessively cold by the proximity of rivers and marshes: besides, there + + was no heat in the bodies of the men and horses thus hastily led out without + + having first taken food, or employed any means to keep off the cold; and the + + nearer they approached to the blasts from the river, a keener degree of cold + + blew upon them. But when, in pursuit of the flying Numidians, they entered the + + water, (and it was swollen by rain in the night as high as their breasts,) then + + in truth the bodies of all, on landing, were so benumbed, that they were scarcely + + able to hold their arms; and as the day advanced they began to grow faint, both + + from fatigue and hunger. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">55 </div> + +<a id="c55" /> + +<p>In the mean time the soldiers of Hannibal, fires having been kindled before + + the tents, and oil sent through the companies to soften their limbs, and their + + food having been taken at leisure, as soon as it was announced that the enemy + + had passed the river, seized their arms with vigour of mind and body, and advanced + + to the battle. Hannibal placed before the standards the Baliares and the light-armed + + troops, to the amount of nearly eight thousand men; then the heavier-armed infantry, + + the chief of his power and strength: on the wings he posted ten thousand horse, + + and on their extremities stationed the elephants divided into two parts. The + + consul placed on the flanks of his infantry the cavalry, recalled by the signal + + for retreat, as in their irregular pursuit of the enemy they were checked, while + + unprepared, by the Numidians suddenly turning upon them. There were of infantry + + eighteen thousand Romans, twenty thousand allies of the Latin name, besides + + the auxiliary forces of the Cenomani, the only Gallic nation that had remained + + faithful: with these forces they engaged the enemy. The battle was commenced + + by the Baliares; whom when the legions resisted with superior force, the light-armed + + troops were hastily drawn off to the wings; which movement caused the Roman + + cavalry to be immediately overpowered: for when their four thousand already + + with difficulty withstood by themselves ten thousand of the enemy, the wearied, + + against men for the most part fresh, they were overwhelmed in addition by a + + cloud as it were of javelins, discharged by the Baliares; and the elephants + + besides, which held a prominent position at the extremities of the wings, (the + + horses being greatly terrified not only at their appearance, but their unusual + + smell,) occasioned flight to a wide extent. The battle between the infantry + + was equal rather in courage than strength; for the Carthaginian brought the + + latter entire to the action, having a little before refreshed themselves, while, + + on the contrary, the bodies of the Romans, suffering from fasting and fatigue, + + and stiff with cold, were quite benumbed. They would have made a stand, however, + + by dint of courage, if they had only had to fight with the infantry. But both + + the Baliares, having beaten off the cavalry, poured darts on their flanks, and + + the elephants had already penetrated to the centre of the line of the infantry; + + while Mago and the Numidians, as soon as the army had passed their place of + + ambush without observing them, starting up on their rear, occasioned great disorder + + and alarm. Nevertheless, amid so many surrounding dangers, the line for some + + time remained unbroken, and, most contrary to the expectation of all, against + + the elephants. These the light infantry, posted for the purpose, turned back + + by throwing their spears; and following them up when turned, pierced them under + + the tail, where they received the wounds in the softest skin. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">56 </div> + +<a id="c56" /> + +<p>Hannibal ordered the elephants, thus thrown into disorder, and almost driven + + by their terror against their own party, to be led away from the centre of the + + line to its extremity against the auxiliary Gauls on the left wing. In an instant + + they occasioned unequivocal flight; and a new alarm was added to the Romans + + when they saw their auxiliaries routed. About ten thousand men, therefore, as + + they now were fighting in a circle, the others being unable to escape, broke + + through the middle of the line of the Africans, which was supported by the Gallic + + auxiliaries, with immense slaughter of the enemy: and since they neither could + + return to the camp, being shut out by the river, nor, on account of the heavy + + rain, satisfactorily determine in what part they should assist their friends, + + they proceeded by the direct road to Placentia. After this several irruptions + + were made in all directions; and those who sought the river were either swallowed + + up in its eddies, or whilst they hesitated to enter it were cut off by the enemy. + + Some, who had been scattered abroad through the country in their flight, by + + following the traces of the retreating army, arrived at Placentia; others, the + + fear of the enemy inspired with boldness to enter the river, having crossed + + it, reached the camp. The rain mixed with snow, and the intolerable severity + + of the cold, destroyed many men and beasts of burden, and almost all the elephants. + + The river Trebia was the termination of the Carthaginians' pursuit of the enemy; + + and they returned to the camp so benumbed with cold, that they could scarcely + + feel joy for the victory. On the following night, therefore, though the guard + + of the camp and the principal part of the soldiers that remained passed the + + Trebia on rafts, they either did not perceive it, on account of the beating + + of the rain, or being unable to bestir themselves, through their fatigue and + + wounds, pretended that they did not perceive it; and the Carthaginians remaining + + quiet, the army was silently led by the consul Scipio to Placentia, thence transported + + across the Po to Cremona, lest one colony should be too much burdened by the + + winter quarters of two armies. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">57 </div> + +<a id="c57" /> + +<p>Such terror on account of this disaster was carried to Rome, that they believed + + that the enemy was already approaching the city with hostile standards, and + + that they had neither hope nor aid by which they might repel his attack from + + the gates and walls. One consul having been defeated at the Ticinus, the other + + having been recalled from Sicily, and now both consuls and their two consular + + armies having been vanquished, what other commanders, what other legions were + + there to be sent for? The consul Sempronius came to them whilst thus dismayed, + + having passed at great risk through the cavalry of the enemy, scattered in every + + direction in search of plunder, with courage, rather than with any plan or hope + + of escaping, or of making resistance if he should not escape it. Having held + + the assembly for the election of the consuls, the only thing which was particularly + + wanting at present, he returned to the winter quarters. Cneius Servilius and + + Caius Flaminius were elected consuls. But not even the winter quarters of the + + Romans were undisturbed, the Numidian horse ranging at large, and where the + + ground was impracticable for these, the Celtiberians and Lusitanians. All supplies, + + therefore, from every quarter, were cut off, except such as the ships conveyed + + by the Po. There was a magazine near Placentia, both fortified with great care + + and secured by a strong garrison. In the hope of taking this fort, Hannibal + + having set out with the cavalry and the light-armed horse, and having attacked + + it by night, as he rested his main hope of effecting his enterprise on keeping + + it concealed, did not escape the notice of the guards. Such a clamour was immediately + + raised, that it was heard even at Placentia. The consul; therefore, came up + + with the cavalry about daybreak, having commanded the legions to follow in a + + square band. In the mean time an engagement of cavalry commenced, in which the + + enemy being dismayed because Hannibal retired wounded from the fight, the fortress + + was admirably defended. After this, having taken rest for a few days, and before + + his wound was hardly as yet sufficiently healed, he sets out to lay siege to + + Victumviae. This magazine had been fortified by the Romans in the Gallic war; + + afterwards a mixture of inhabitants from the neighbouring states around had + + made the place populous; and at this time the terror created by the devastation + + of the enemy had driven together to it numbers from the country. A multitude + + of this description, excited by the report of the brave defence of the fortress + + near Placentia, having snatched up their arms, went out to meet Hannibal. They + + engaged on the road rather like armies in order of march than in line of battle; + + and since on the one side there was nothing but a disorderly crowd, and on the + + other a general confident in his soldiers, and soldiers in their general, as + + many as thirty-five thousand men were routed by a few. On the following day, + + a surrender having been made, they received a garrison within their walls; and + + being ordered to deliver up their arms, as soon as they had obeyed the command, + + a signal is suddenly given to the victors to pillage the city, as if it had + + been taken by storm; nor was any outrage, which in such cases is wont to appear + + to writers worthy of relation, left unperpetrated; such a specimen of every + + kind of lust, barbarity, and inhuman insolence was exhibited towards that unhappy + + people. Such were the expeditions of Hannibal during the winter. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">58 </div> + +<a id="c58" /> + +<p>For a short time after, while the cold continued intolerable, rest was given + + to the soldiers; and having set out from his winter quarters on the first and + + uncertain indications of spring, he leads them into Etruria, intending to gain + + that nation to his side, like the Gauls and Ligurians, either by force or favour. + + As he was crossing the Apennines, so furious a storm attacked him, that it almost + + surpassed the horrors of the Alps. When the rain and wind together were driven + + directly against their faces, they at first halted, because their arms must + + either be cast away, or striving to advance against the storm they were whirled + + round by the hurricane, and dashed to the ground: afterwards, when it now stopped + + their breath, nor suffered them to respire, they sat down for a little, with + + their backs to the wind. Then indeed the sky resounded with loud thunder, and + + the lightnings flashed between its terrific peals; all, bereft of sight and + + hearing, stood torpid with fear. At length, when the rain had spent itself, + + and the fury of the wind was on that account the more increased, it seemed necessary + + to pitch the camp in that very place where they had been overtaken by the storm. + + But this was the beginning of their labours, as it were, afresh; for neither + + could they spread out nor fix any tent, nor did that which perchance had been + + put up remain, the wind tearing through and sweeping every thing away: and soon + + after, when the water raised aloft by the wind had been frozen above the cold + + summits of the mountains, it poured down such a torrent of snowy hail, that + + the men, casting away every thing, fell down upon their faces, rather buried + + under than sheltered by their coverings; and so extreme an intensity of cold + + succeeded, that when each wished to raise and lift himself from that wretched + + heap of men and beasts of burden, he was for a long time unable, because their + + sinews being stiffened by the cold, they had great difficulty in bending their + + joints. Afterwards, when, by continually moving themselves to and fro, they + + succeeded in recovering the power of motion, and regained their spirits, and + + fires began to be kindled in a few places, every helpless man had recourse to + + the aid of others. They remained as if blockaded for two days in that place. + + Many men and beasts of burden, and also seven elephants, of those which had + + remained from the battle fought at the Trebia, were destroyed. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">59 </div> + +<a id="c59" /> + +<p>Having descended from the Apennines, he moved his camp back towards Placentia, + + and having proceeded as far as ten miles, took up his station. On the following + + day he leads out twelve thousand infantry and five thousand cavalry against + + the enemy. Nor did Sempronius the consul (for he had now returned from Rome) + + decline the engagement; and during that day three miles intervened between the + + two camps. On the following day they fought with amazing courage and various + + success. At the first onset the Roman power was so superior, that they not only + + conquered the enemy in the regular battle, but pursued them when driven back + + quite into their camp, and soon after also assaulted it. Hannibal, having stationed + + a few to defend the rampart and the gates, and having admitted the rest in close + + array into the middle of the camp orders them to watch attentively the signal + + for sallying out. It was now about the ninth hour of the day when the Roman, + + having fatigued his soldiers to no purpose, after there was no hope of gaining + + possession of the camp, gave the signal for retreat; which when Hannibal heard, + + and saw that the attack was slackened, and that they were retreating from the + + camp, instantly having sent out the cavalry on the right and left against the + + enemy, he himself in the middle with the main force of the infantry rushed out + + from the camp. Seldom has there been a combat more furious, and few would have + + been more remarkable for the loss on both sides, if the day had suffered it + + to continue for a longer time. Night broke off the battle when raging most from + + the determined spirit of the combatants. The conflict therefore was more severe + + than the slaughter: and as it was pretty much a drawn battle, they separated + + with equal loss. On neither side fell more than six hundred infantry, and half + + that number of cavalry. But the loss of the Romans was more severe than proportionate + + to the number that fell, because several of equestrian rank, and five tribunes + + of the soldiers, and three prefects of the allies were slain. After this battle + + Hannibal retired to the territory of the Ligurians, and Sempronius to Luca. + + Two Roman quaestors, Caius Fulvius and Lucius Lucretius, who had been treacherously + + intercepted, with two military tribunes and five of the equestrian order, mostly + + sons of senators, are delivered up to Hannibal when coming among the Ligurians, + + in order that he might feel more convinced that the peace and alliance with + + them would be binding. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">60 </div> + +<a id="c60" /> + +<p>While these things are transacting in Italy, Cneius Cornelius Scipio having + + been sent into Spain with a fleet and army, when, setting out from the mouth + + of the Rhone, and sailing past the Pyrenaean mountains, he had moored his fleet + + at Emporiae, having there landed his army, and beginning with the Lacetani, + + he brought the whole coast, as far as the river Iberus, under the Roman dominion, + + partly by renewing the old, and partly by forming new alliances. The reputation + + for clemency, acquired by these means, had influence not only with the maritime + + states, but now also with the more savage tribes in the inland and mountainous + + districts; nor was peace only effected with them, but also an alliance of arms, + + and several fine cohorts of auxiliaries were levied from their numbers. The + + country on this side of the Iberus was the province of Hanno, whom Hannibal + + had left to defend that region. He, therefore, judging that he ought to make + + opposition, before every thing was alienated from him, having pitched his camp + + in sight of the enemy, led out his forces in battle-array; nor did it appear + + to the Roman, that the engagement ought to be deferred, as he knew that he must + + fight with Hanno and Hasdrubal, and wished rather to contend against each of + + them separately, than against both together. The conflict did not prove one + + of great difficulty; six thousand of the enemy were slain, and two thousand + + made prisoners, together with the guard of the camp; for both the camp was stormed, + + and the general himself, with several of the chief officers, taken; and Scissis, + + a town near the camp, was also carried by assault. But the spoil of this town + + consisted of things of small value, such as the household furniture used by + + barbarians and slaves that were worth little. The camp enriched the soldiers; + + almost all the valuable effects, not only of that army which was conquered, + + but of that which was serving with Hannibal in Italy, having been left on this + + side the Pyrenees, that the baggage might not be cumbrous to those who conveyed + + it. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">61 </div> + +<a id="c61" /> + +<p>Before any certain news of this disaster arrived, Hasdrubal, having passed + + the Iberus with eight thousand foot and a thousand horse, intending to meet + + the Romans on their first approach, after he heard of the ruin of their affairs + + at Scissis, and the loss of the camp, turned his route towards the sea. Not + + far from Tarraco, having despatched his cavalry in various directions, he drove + + to their ships, with great slaughter, and greater route, the soldiers belonging + + to the fleet and the mariners, while scattered and wandering through the fields + + (for it is usually the case that success produces negligence), but not daring + + to remain longer in that quarter, lest he should be surprised by Scipio, he + + withdrew to the other side of the Iberus. And Scipio, having quickly brought + + up his army on the report of fresh enemies, after punishing a few captains of + + ships and leaving a moderate garrison at Tarraco, returned with his fleet to + + Emporiae. He had scarcely departed, when Hasdrubal came up, and having instigated + + to a revolt the state of the Ilergetes, which had given hostages to Scipio, + + he lays waste, with the youth of that very people, the lands of the faithful + + allies of the Romans. Scipio being thereupon roused from his winter quarters, + + Hasdrubal again retires from in all the country on this side the Iberus. Scipio, + + when with a hostile army he had invaded the state of the Ilergetes, forsaken + + by the author of their revolt, and having driven them all into Athanagia, which + + was the capital of that nation laid siege to the city; and within a few days, + + having imposed the delivery of more hostages than before, and also fined the + + Ilergetes in a sum of money, he received them back into his authority and dominion. + + He then proceeded against the Ausetani near the Iberus, who were also the allies + + of the Carthaginians; and having laid siege to their city, he cut off by an + + ambuscade the Lacetani, while bringing assistance by night to their neighbours, + + having attacked them at a small distance from the city, as they were designing + + to enter it. As many as twelve thousand were slain; the rest, nearly all without + + their arms, escaped home, by dispersing through the country in every direction. + + Nor did any thing else but the winter, which was unfavourable to the besiegers, + + secure the besieged. The blockade continued for thirty days, during which the + + snow scarce ever lay less deep than four feet; and it had covered to such a + + degree the sheds and mantelets of the Romans, that it alone served as a defence + + when fire was frequently thrown on them by the enemy. At last, when Amusitus, + + their leader, had fled to Hasdrubal, they are surrendered, on condition of paying + + twenty talents of silver. They then returned into winter quarters at Tarraco. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">62 </div> + +<a id="c62" /> + +<p>At Rome during this winter many prodigies either occurred about the city, or, + + as usually happens when the minds of men are once inclined to superstition, + + many were reported and readily believed; among which it was said that an infant + + of good family, only six months old, had called out "Io triumphe" in the herb + + market: that in the cattle market an ox had of his own accord ascended to the + + third story, and that thence, being frightened by the noise of the inhabitants, + + had flung himself down; that the appearance of ships had been brightly visible + + in the sky, and that the temple of Hope in the herb market had been struck by + + lightning; that the spear at Lanuvium had shaken itself; that a crow had flown + + down into the temple of Juno and alighted on the very couch; that in the territory + + of Amiternum figures resembling men dressed in white raiment had been seen in + + several places at a distance, but had not come close to any one; that in Picenum + + it had rained stones; that at Caere the tablets for divination had been lessened + + in size; and that in Gaul a wolf had snatched out the sword from the scabbard + + of a soldier on guard, and carried it off. On account of the other prodigies + + the decemvirs were ordered to consult the books; but on account of its having + + rained stones in Picenum the festival of nine days was proclaimed, and almost + + all the state was occupied in expiating the rest, from time to time. First of + + all the city was purified, and victims of the greater kind were sacrificed to + + those gods to whom they were directed to be offered; and a gift of forty pounds' + + weight of gold was carried to the temple of Juno at Lanuvium; and the matrons + + dedicated a brazen statue to Juno on the Aventine; and a lectisternium was ordered + + at Caere, where the tablets for divination had diminished; and a supplication + + to Fortune at Algidum; at Rome also a lectisternium was ordered to Youth, and + + a supplication at the temple of Hercules, first by individuals named and afterwards + + by the whole people at all the shrines; five greater victims were offered to + + Genius; and Caius Atilius Serranus the praetor was ordered to make certain vows + + if the republic should remain in the same state for ten years. These things, + + thus expiated and vowed according to the Sibylline books, relieved, in a great + + degree, the public mind from superstitious fears. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">63 </div> + +<a id="c63" /> + +<p>Flaminius, one of the consuls elect, to whom the legions which were wintering + + at Placentia had fallen by lot, sent an edict and letter to the consul, desiring + + that those forces should be ready in camp at Ariminum on the ides of March. + + He had a design to enter on the consulship in his province, recollecting his + + old contests with the fathers, which he had waged with them when tribune of + + the people, and afterwards when consul, first about his election to the office, + + which was annulled, and then about a triumph. He was also odious to the fathers + + on account of a new law which Quintus Claudius, tribune of the people, had carried + + against the senate, Caius Flaminius alone of that body assisting him, that no + + senator, or he who had been father of a senator, should possess a ship fit for + + sea service, containing more than three hundred amphorae. This size was considered + + sufficient for conveying the produce of their lands: all traffic appeared unbecoming + + a senator. This contest, maintained with the warmest opposition, procured the + + hatred of the nobility to Flaminius, the advocate of the law; but the favour + + of the people, and afterwards a second consulship. For these reasons, thinking + + that they would detain him in the city by falsifying the auspices, by the delay + + of the Latin festival, and other hinderances to which a consul was liable, he + + pretended a journey, and, while yet in a private capacity, departed secretly + + to his province. This proceeding, when it was made public, excited new and additional + + anger in the senators, who were before irritated against him. They said, "That + + Caius Flaminius waged war not only with the senate, but now with the immortal + + gods; that having been formerly made consul without the proper auspices, he + + had disobeyed both gods and men recalling him from the very field of battle; + + and now, through consciousness of their having been dishonoured, had shunned + + the Capitol and the customary offering of vows, that he might not on the day + + of entering his office approach the temple of Jupiter, the best and greatest + + of gods; he might not see and consult the senate, himself hated by it, as it + + was hateful to him alone; that he might not proclaim the Latin festival, or + + perform on the Alban mount the customary rights to Jupiter Latiaris; that he + + might not, under the direction of the auspices, go up to the Capitol to recite + + his vows, and thence, attended by the lictors, proceed to his province in the + + garb of a general; but that he had set off, like some camp boy, without his + + insignia, without the lictors, in secrecy and stealth, just as if he had been + + quitting his country to go into banishment; as if forsooth he would enter his + + office more consistently with the dignity of the consul at Ariminum than Rome, + + and assume the robe of office in a public inn better than before his own household + + gods."--it was unanimously resolved that he, should be recalled and brought + + back, and be constrained to perform in person every duty to gods and men before + + he went to the army and the province. Quintus Terentius and Marcus Antistius + + having set out on this embassy, (for it was decreed that ambassadors should + + be sent,) prevailed with him in no degree more than the letter sent by the senate + + in his former consulship. A few days after he entered on his office, and as + + he was sacrificing a calf, after being struck, having broken away from the hands + + of the ministers, sprinkled several of the bystanders with its blood. Flight + + and disorder ensued, to a still greater degree at a distance among those who + + were ignorant what was the cause of the alarm. This circumstance was regarded + + by most persons as an omen of great terror. Having then received two legions + + from Sempronius, the consul of the former year, and two from Caius Atilius, + + the praetor, the army began to be led into Etruria, through the passes of the + + Apennines. </p> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book22">BOOK XXII.</div> + +<div class="date">B.C. 217-216</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="chapmen"><a href="#d1">1</a> <a href="#d2">2</a> <a href="#d3">3</a> + + <a href="#d4">4</a> <a href="#d5">5</a> <a href="#d6">6</a> <a href="#d7">7</a> + + <a href="#d8">8</a> <a href="#d9">9</a> <a href="#d10">10</a> <a href="#d11">11</a> + + <a href="#d12">12</a> <a href="#d13">13</a> <a href="#d14">14</a> <a href="#d15">15</a> + + <a href="#d16">16</a> <a href="#d17">17</a> <a href="#d18">18</a> <a href="#d19">19</a> + + <a href="#d20">20</a> <a href="#d21">21</a> <a href="#d22">22</a> <a href="#d23">23</a> + + <a href="#d24">24</a> <a href="#d25">25</a> <a href="#d26">26</a> <a href="#d27">27</a> + + <a href="#d28">28</a> <a href="#d29">29</a> <a href="#d30">30</a> <a href="#d31">31</a> + + <a href="#d32">32</a> <a href="#d33">33</a> <a href="#d34">34</a> <a href="#d35">35</a> + + <a href="#d36">36</a> <a href="#d37">37</a> <a href="#d38">38</a> <a href="#d39">39</a> + + <a href="#d40">40</a> <a href="#d41">41</a> <a href="#d42">42</a> <a href="#d43">43</a> + + <a href="#d44">44</a> <a href="#d45">45</a> <a href="#d46">46</a> <a href="#d47">47</a> + + <a href="#d48">48</a> <a href="#d49">49</a> <a href="#d50">50</a> <a href="#d51">51</a> + + <a href="#d52">52</a> <a href="#d53">53</a> <a href="#d54">54</a> <a href="#d55">55</a> + + <a href="#d56">56</a> <a href="#d57">57</a> <a href="#d58">58</a> <a href="#d59">59</a> + + <a href="#d60">60</a> <a href="#d61">61</a></div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>Hannibal, after an uninterrupted march of four days and + + three nights, arrives in Etruria, through the marshes, in which he lost an eye. + + Caius Flaminius, the consul, an inconsiderate man, having gone forth in opposition + + to the omens, dug up the standards which could not otherwise be raised, and + + been thrown from his horse immediately after he had mounted, is insnared by + + Hannibal, and cut off by his army near the Thrasimene lake. Three thousand who + + had escaped are placed in chains by Hannibal, in violation of pledges given. + + Distress occasioned in Rome by the intelligence. The Sibylline books consulted, + + and a sacred spring decreed. Fabius Maximus sent as dictator against Hannibal, + + whom he frustrates by caution and delay. Marcus Minucius, the master of the + + horse, a rash and impetuous man, inveighs against the caution of Fabius, and + + obtains an equality of command with him. The army is divided between them, and + + Minucius engaging Hannibal in an unfavourable position, is reduced to the extremity + + of danger, and is rescued by the dictator, and places himself under his authority. + + Hannibal, after ravaging Campania, is shut up by Fabius in a valley near the + + town of Casilinum, but escapes by night, putting to flight the Romans on guard + + by oxen with lighted faggots attached to their horns. Hannibal attempts to excite + + a suspicion of the fidelity of Fabius by sparing his farm while ravaging with + + fire the whole country around it. Aemilius Paulus and Terentius Varro are routed + + at Cannae, and forty thousand men slain, among whom were Paulus the consul, + + eighty senators, and thirty who had served the office of consul, praetor, or + + edile. A design projected by some noble youths of quitting Italy in despair + + after this calamity, is intrepidly quashed by Publius Cornelius Scipio, a military + + tribune, afterwards surnamed Africanus. Successes in Spain, eight thousand slaves + + are enlisted by the Romans, they refuse to ransom the captives, they go out + + in a body to meet Varro, and thank him for not having despaired of the commonwealth.</i></div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="lsidenote">1 </div> + +<a id="d1" /> + +<p>Spring was now at hand, when Hannibal quitted his winter quarters, having both + + attempted in vain to cross the Apennines, from the intolerable cold, and having + + remained with great danger and alarm. The Gauls, whom the hope of plunder and + + spoil had collected, when, instead of being themselves engaged in carrying and + + driving away booty from the lands of others, they saw their own lands made the + + seat of war and burdened by the wintering of the armies of both forces, turned + + their hatred back again from the Romans to Hannibal; and though plots were frequently + + concerted against him by their chieftains, he was preserved by the treachery + + they manifested towards each other; disclosing their conspiracy with the same + + inconstancy with which they had conspired; and by changing sometimes his dress, + + at other times the fashion of his hair, he protected himself from treachery + + by deception. However, this fear was the cause of his more speedily quitting + + his winter quarters. Meanwhile Cneius Servilius, the consul, entered upon his + + office at Rome, on the ides of March. There, when he had consulted the senate + + on the state of the republic in general, the indignation against Flaminius was + + rekindled. They said "that they had created indeed two consuls, that they had + + but one; for what regular authority had the other, or what auspices? That their + + magistrates took these with them from home, from the tutelar deities of themselves + + and the state, after the celebration of the Latin holidays; the sacrifice upon + + the mountain being completed, and the vows duly offered up in the Capitol: that + + neither could an unofficial individual take the auspices, nor could one who + + had gone from home without them, take them new, and for the first time, in a + + foreign soil." Prodigies announced from many places at the same time, augmented + + the terror: in Sicily, that several darts belonging to the soldiers had taken + + fire; and in Sardinia, that the staff of a horseman, who was going his rounds + + upon a wall, took fire as he held it in his hand; that the shores had blazed + + with frequent fires; that two shields had sweated blood at Praeneste; that redhot + + stones had fallen from the heavens at Arpi; that shields were seen in the heavens, + + and the sun fighting with the moon, at Capena; that two moons rose in the day-time; + + that the waters of Caere had flowed mixed with blood; and that even the fountain + + of Hercules had flowed sprinkled with spots of blood. In the territory of Antium, + + that bloody ears of corn had fallen into the basket as they were reaping. At + + Falerii, that the heavens appeared cleft as if with a great chasm; and, that + + where it had opened, a vast light had shone forth; that the prophetic tablets + + had spontaneously become less; and that one had fallen out thus inscribed, "Mars + + shakes his spear." During the same time, that the statue of Mars at Rome, on + + the Appian way, had sweated at the sight of images of wolves. At Capua that + + there had been the appearance of the heavens being on fire, and of the moon + + as falling amidst rain. After these, credence was given to prodigies of less + + magnitude: that the goats of certain persons had borne wool; that a hen had + + changed herself into a cock; and a cock into a hen: these things having been + + laid before the senate as reported, the authors being conducted into the senate-house, + + the consul took the sense of the fathers on religious affairs. It was decreed + + that those prodigies should be expiated, partly with full-grown, partly with + + sucking victims; and that a supplication should be made at every shrine for + + the space of three days; that the other things should be done accordingly as + + the gods should declare in their oracles to be agreeable to their will when + + the decemviri had examined the books. By the advice of the decemviri it was + + decreed, first, that a golden thunderbolt of fifty pounds' weight should be + + made as an offering to Jupiter; that offerings of silver should be presented + + to Juno and Minerva; that sacrifices of full-grown victims should be offered + + to Juno Regina on the Aventine; and to Juno Sospita at Lanuvium; that the matrons, + + contributing as much money as might be convenient to each, should carry it to + + the Aventine, as a present to Juno Regina; and that a lectisternium should be + + celebrated. Moreover, that the very freed-women should, according to their means, + + contribute money from which a present might be made to Feronia. When these things + + were done, the decemviri sacrificed with the larger victims in the forum at + + Ardea. Lastly, it being now the month of December, a sacrifice was made at the + + temple of Saturn at Rome, and a lectisternium ordered, in which senators prepared + + the couch and a public banquet. Proclamation was made through the city, that + + the Saturnalia should be kept for a day and a night; and the people were commanded + + to account that day as a holiday, and observe it for ever. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">2 </div> + +<a id="d2" /> + +<p>While the consul employs himself at Rome in appeasing the gods and holding + + the levy, Hannibal, setting out from his winter quarters, because it was reported + + that the consul Flaminius had now arrived at Arretium, although a longer but + + more commodious route was pointed out to him, takes the nearer road through + + a marsh where the Arno had, more than usual, overflowed its banks. He ordered + + the Spaniards and Africans (in these lay the strength of his veteran army) to + + lead, their own baggage being intermixed with them, lest, being compelled to + + halt any where, they should want what might be necessary for their use: the + + Gauls he ordered to go next, that they might form the middle of the marching + + body; the cavalry to march in the rear: next, Mago with the light-armed Numidians + + to keep the army together, particularly coercing the Gauls, if, fatigued with + + exertion and the length of the march, as that nation is wanting in vigour for + + such exertions, they should fall away or halt. The van still followed the standards + + wherever the guides did but lead them, through the exceeding deep and almost + + fathomless eddies of the river, nearly swallowed up in mud, and plunging themselves + + in. The Gauls could neither support themselves when fallen, nor raise themselves + + from the eddies. Nor did they sustain their bodies with spirit, nor their minds + + with hope; some scarce dragging on their wearied limbs; others dying where they + + had once fallen, their spirits being subdued with fatigue, among the beasts + + which themselves also lay prostrate in every place. But chiefly watching wore + + them out, endured now for four days and three nights. When, the water covering + + every place, not a dry spot could be found where they might stretch their weary + + bodies, they laid themselves down upon their baggage, thrown in heaps into the + + waters. Piles of beasts, which lay every where through the whole route, afforded + + a necessary bed for temporary repose to those seeking any place which was not + + under water. Hannibal himself, riding on the only remaining elephant, to be + + the higher from the water, contracted a disorder in his eyes, at first from + + the unwholesomeness of the vernal air, which is attended with transitions from + + heat to cold; and at length from watching, nocturnal damps, the marshy atmosphere + + disordering his head, and because he had neither opportunity nor leisure for + + remedies, loses one of them. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">3 </div> + +<a id="d3" /> + +<p>Many men and cattle having been lost thus wretchedly, when at length he had + + emerged from the marshes, he pitched his camp as soon as he could on dry ground. + + And here he received information, through the scouts sent in advance, that the + + Roman army was round the walls of Arretium. Next the plans and temper of the + + consul, the situation of the country, the roads, the sources from which provisions + + might be obtained, and whatever else it was useful to know; all these things + + he ascertained by the most diligent inquiry. The country was among the most + + fertile of Italy, the plain of Etruria, between Faesulae and Arretium, abundant + + in its supply of corn, cattle, and every other requisite. The consul was haughty + + from his former consulship, and felt no proper degree of reverence not only + + for the laws and the majesty of the fathers, but even for the gods. This temerity, + + inherent in his nature, fortune had fostered by a career of prosperity and success + + in civil and military affairs. Thus it was sufficiently evident that, heedless + + of gods and men, he would act in all cases with presumption and precipitation; + + and, that he might fall the more readily into the errors natural to him, the + + Carthaginian begins to fret and irritate him; and leaving the enemy on his left, + + he takes the road to Faesulae, and marching through the centre of Etruria, with + + intent to plunder, he exhibits to the consul, in the distance, the greatest + + devastation he could with fires and slaughters. Flaminius, who would not have + + rested even if the enemy had remained quiet; then, indeed, when he saw the property + + of the allies driven and carried away almost before his eyes, considering that + + it reflected disgrace upon him that the Carthaginian now roaming at large through + + the heart of Italy, and marching without resistance to storm the very walls + + of Rome, though every other person in the council advised safe rather than showy + + measures, urging that he should wait for his colleague, in order that, joining + + their armies, they might carry on the war with united courage and counsels; + + and that, meanwhile, the enemy should be prevented from his unrestrained freedom + + in plundering by the cavalry and the light-armed auxiliaries; in a fury hurried + + out of the council, and at once gave out the signal for marching and for battle. + + "Nay, rather," says he, "let him be before the walls of Arretium, for here is + + our country, here our household gods. Let Hannibal, slipping through our fingers, + + waste Italy through and through; and, ravaging and burning every thing, let + + him arrive at the walls of Rome; let us move hence till the fathers shall have + + summoned Flaminius from Arretium, as they did Camillus of old from Veii." While + + reproaching them thus, and in the act of ordering the standards to be speedily + + pulled up, when he had mounted upon his horse, the animal fell suddenly, and + + threw the unseated consul over his head. All the bystanders being alarmed at + + this as an unhappy omen in the commencement of the affair, in addition word + + is brought, that the standard could not be pulled up, though, the standard-bearer + + strove with all his force. Flaminius, turning to the messenger, says, "Do you + + bring, too, letters from the senate, forbidding me to act. Go, tell them to + + dig up the standard, if, through fear, their hands are so benumbed that they + + cannot pluck it up." Then the army began to march; the chief officers, besides + + that they dissented from the plan, being terrified by the twofold prodigy; while + + the soldiery in general were elated by the confidence of their leader, since + + they regarded merely the hope he entertained, and not the reasons of the hope. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">4 </div> + +<a id="d4" /> + +<p>Hannibal lays waste the country between the city Cortona and the lake Trasimenus, + + with all the devastation of war, the more to exasperate the enemy to revenge + + the injuries inflicted on his allies. They had now reached a place formed by + + nature for an ambuscade, where the Trasimenus comes nearest to the mountains + + of Cortona. A very narrow passage only intervenes, as though room enough just + + for that purpose had been left designedly; after that a somewhat wider plain + + opens itself, and then some hills rise up. On these he pitches his camp, in + + full view, where he himself with his Spaniards and Africans only might be posted. + + The Baliares and his other light troops he leads round the mountains; his cavalry + + he posts at the very entrance of the defile, some eminences conveniently concealing + + them; in order that when the Romans had entered, the cavalry advancing, every + + place might be enclosed by the lake and the mountains. Flaminius, passing the + + defiles before it was quite daylight, without reconnoitering, though he had + + arrived at the lake the preceding day at sunset, when the troops began to be + + spread into the wider plain, saw that part only of the enemy which was opposite + + to him; the ambuscade in his rear and overhead escaped his notice. And when + + the Carthaginian had his enemy enclosed by the lake and mountains, and surrounded + + by his troops, he gives the signal to all to make a simultaneous charge; and + + each running down the nearest way, the suddenness and unexpectedness of the + + event was increased to the Romans by a mist rising from the lake, which had + + settled thicker on the plain than on the mountains; and thus the troops of the + + enemy ran down from the various eminences, sufficiently well discerning each + + other, and therefore with the greater regularity. A shout being raised on all + + sides, the Roman found himself surrounded before he could well see the enemy; + + and the attack on the front and flank had commenced ere his line could be well + + formed, his arms prepared for action, or his swords unsheathed. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">5 </div> + +<a id="d5" /> + +<p>The consul, while all were panic-struck, himself sufficiently undaunted though + + in so perilous a case, marshals, as well as the time and place permitted, the + + lines which were thrown into confusion by each man's turning himself towards + + the various shouts; and wherever he could approach or be heard exhorts them, + + and bids them stand and fight: for that they could not escape thence by vows + + and prayers to the gods but by exertion and valour; that a way was sometimes + + opened by the sword through the midst of marshalled armies, and that generally + + the less the fear the less the danger. However, from the noise and tumult, neither + + his advice nor command could be caught; and so far were the soldiers from knowing + + their own standards, and ranks, and position, that they had scarce sufficient + + courage to take up arms and make them ready for battle; and certain of them + + were surprised before they could prepare them, being burdened rather than protected + + by them; while in so great darkness there was more use of ears than of eyes. + + They turned their faces and eyes in every direction towards the groans of the + + wounded, the sounds of blows upon the body or arms, and the mingled clamours + + of the menacing and the affrighted. Some, as they were making their escape, + + were stopped, having encountered a body of men engaged in fight; and bands of + + fugitives returning to the battle, diverted others. After charges had been attempted + + unsuccessfully in every direction, and on their flanks the mountains and the + + lake, on the front and rear the lines of the enemy enclosed them, when it was + + evident that there was no hope of safety but in the right hand and the sword; + + then each man became to himself a leader, and encourager to action; and an entirely + + new contest arose, not a regular line, with principes, hastati, and triarii; + + nor of such a sort as that the vanguard should fight before the standards, and + + the rest of the troops behind them; nor such that each soldier should be in + + his own legion, cohort, or company: chance collects them into bands; and each + + man's own will assigned to him his post, whether to fight in front or rear; + + and so great was the ardour of the conflict, so intent were their minds upon + + the battle, that not one of the combatants felt an earthquake which threw down + + large portions of many of the cities of Italy, turned rivers from their rapid + + courses, carried the sea up into rivers, and levelled mountains with a tremendous + + crash. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">6 </div> + +<a id="d6" /> + +<p>The battle was continued near three hours, and in every quarter with fierceness; + + around the consul, however, it was still hotter and more determined. Both the + + strongest of the troops, and himself too, promptly brought assistance wherever + + he perceived his men hard pressed and distressed. But, distinguished by his + + armour, the enemy attacked him with the utmost vigour, while his countrymen + + defended him; until an Insubrian horseman, named Ducarius, knowing him also + + by his face, says to his countrymen, "Lo, this is the consul who slew our legions + + and laid waste our fields and city. Now will I offer this victim to the shades + + of my countrymen, miserably slain;" and putting spurs to his horse, he rushes + + through a very dense body of the enemy; and first slaying his armour-bearer, + + who had opposed himself to his attack as he approached, ran the consul through + + with his lance; the triarii, opposing their shields, kept him off when seeking + + to despoil him. Then first the flight of a great number began; and now neither + + the lake nor the mountains obstructed their hurried retreat; they run through + + all places, confined and precipitous, as though they were blind; and arms and + + men are tumbled one upon another. A great many, when there remained no more + + space to run, advancing into the water through the first shallows of the lake, + + plunge in, as far as they could stand above it with their heads and shoulders. + + Some there were whom inconsiderate fear induced to try to escape even by swimming; + + but as that attempt was inordinate and hopeless, they were either overwhelmed + + in the deep water, their courage failing, or, wearied to no purpose, made their + + way back, with extreme difficulty, to the shallows; and there were cut up on + + all hands by the cavalry of the enemy, which had entered the water. Near upon + + six thousand of the foremost body having gallantly forced their way through + + the opposing enemy, entirely unacquainted with what was occurring in their rear, + + escaped from the defile; and having halted on a certain rising ground, and hearing + + only the shouting and clashing of arms, they could not know nor discern, by + + reason of the mist, what was the fortune of the battle. At length, the affair + + being decided, when the mist, dispelled by the increasing heat of the sun, had + + cleared the atmosphere, then, in the clear light, the mountains and plains showed + + their ruin and the Roman army miserably destroyed; and thus, lest, being descried + + at a distance, the cavalry should be sent against them, hastily snatching up + + their standards, they hurried away with all possible expedition. On the following + + day, when in addition to their extreme sufferings in other respects, famine + + also was at hand, Maharbal, who had followed them during the night with the + + whole body of cavalry, pledging his honour that he would let them depart with + + single garments, if they would deliver up their arms, they surrendered themselves; + + which promise was kept by Hannibal with Punic fidelity, and he threw them all + + into chains. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">7 </div> + +<a id="d7" /> + +<p>This is the celebrated battle at the Trasimenus, and recorded among the few + + disasters of the Roman people. Fifteen thousand Romans were slain in the battle. + + Ten thousand, who had been scattered in the flight through all Etruria, returned + + to the city by different roads. One thousand five hundred of the enemy perished + + in the battle; many on both sides died afterwards of their wounds. The carnage + + on both sides is related, by some authors, to have been many times greater. + + I, besides that I would relate nothing drawn from a worthless source, to which + + the minds of historians generally incline too much, have as my chief authority + + Fabius, who was contemporary with the events of this war. Such of the captives + + as belonged to the Latin confederacy being dismissed without ransom, and the + + Romans thrown into chains, Hannibal ordered the bodies of his own men to be + + gathered from the heaps of the enemy, and buried: the body of Flaminius too, + + which was searched for with great diligence for burial, he could not find. On + + the first intelligence of this defeat at Rome, a concourse of the people, dismayed + + and terrified, took place in the forum. The matrons, wandering through the streets, + + ask all they meet, what sudden disaster was reported? what was the fate of the + + army? And when the multitude, like a full assembly, having directed their course + + to the comitium and senate-house, were calling upon the magistrates, at length, + + a little before sunset, Marcus Pomponius, the praetor, declares, "We have been + + defeated in a great battle;" and though nothing more definite was heard from + + him, yet, full of the rumours which they had caught one from another, they carry + + back to their homes intelligence, that the consul, with a great part of his + + troops, was slain; that a few only survived, and these either widely dispersed + + in flight through Etruria, or else captured by the enemy. As many as had been + + the calamities of the vanquished army, into so many anxieties were the minds + + of those distracted whose relations had served under Flaminius, and who were + + uninformed of what had been the fate of their friends, nor does any one know + + certainly what he should either hope or fear. During the next and several successive + + days, a greater number of women almost than men stood at the gates, waiting + + either for some one of their friends or for intelligence of them, surrounding + + and earnestly interrogating those they met: nor could they be torn away from + + those they knew especially, until they had regularly inquired into every thing. + + Then as they retired from the informants you might discern their various expressions + + of countenance according as intelligence, pleasing or sad, was announced to + + each; and those who congratulated or condoled on their return home. The joy + + and grief of the women were especially manifested. They report that one, suddenly + + meeting her son, who had returned safe, expired at the very door before his + + face--that another, who sat grieving at her house at the falsely reported death + + of her son, became a corpse, from excessive joy, at the first sight of him on + + his return. The praetors detained the senators in the house for several days + + from sunrise to sunset, deliberating under whose conduct and by what forces, + + the victorious Carthaginians could be opposed. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">8 </div> + +<a id="d8" /> + +<p>Before their plans were sufficiently determined another unexpected defeat is + + reported: four thousand horse, sent under the conduct of C. Centenius, propraetor, + + by Servilius to his colleague, were cut off by Hannibal in Umbria, to which + + place, on hearing of the battle at Trasimenus, they had turned their course. + + The report of this event variously affected the people. Some, having their minds + + preoccupied with heavier grief, considered the recent loss of cavalry trifling, + + in comparison with their former losses; others did not estimate what had occurred + + by itself, but considered that, as in a body already labouring under disease, + + a slight cause would be felt more violently than a more powerful one in a robust + + constitution, so whatever adverse event befell the state in its then sickly + + and impaired condition, ought to be estimated, not by the magnitude of the event + + itself, but with reference to its exhausted strength, which could endure nothing + + that could oppress it. The state therefore took refuge in a remedy for a long + + time before neither wanted nor employed, the appointment of a dictator, and + + because the consul was absent, by whom alone it appeared he could be nominated, + + and because neither message nor letter could easily be sent to him through the + + country occupied by Punic troops, and because the people could not appoint a + + dictator, which had never been done to that day, the people created Quintus + + Fabius Maximus pro dictator, and Marcus Minucius Rufus master of the horse. + + To them the senate assigned the task of strengthening the walls and towers of + + the city, of placing guards in such quarters as seemed good, and breaking down + + the bridges of the river, considering that they must now fight at home in defence + + of their city, since they were unable to protect Italy. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">9 </div> + +<a id="d9" /> + +<p>Hannibal, marching directly through Umbria, arrived at Spoletum, thence, having + + completely devastated the adjoining country, and commenced an assault upon the + + city, having been repulsed with great loss and conjecturing from the strength + + of this one colony, which had been not very successfully attacked, what was + + the size of the city of Rome, turned aside into the territory of Picenum, which + + abounded not only with every species of grain, but was stored with booty, which + + his rapacious and needy troops eagerly seized. There he continued encamped for + + several days, and his soldiers were refreshed, who had been enfeebled by winter + + marches and marshy ground, and with a battle more successful in its result than + + light or easy. When sufficient time for rest had been granted for soldiers delighting + + more in plunder and devastation than ease and repose, setting out, he lays waste + + the territories of Pretutia and Hadria, then of the Marsi, the Marrucini, and + + the Peligni, and the contiguous region of Apulia around Arpi and Luceria. Cneius + + Servilius, the consul, having fought some slight battles with the Gauls, and + + taken one inconsiderable town, when he heard of the defeat of his colleague + + and the army, alarmed now for the walls of the capital, marched towards the + + city, that he might not be absent at so extreme a crisis. Quintus Fabius Maximus, + + a second time dictator, assembled the senate the very day he entered on his + + office; and commencing with what related to the gods, after he had distinctly + + proved to the fathers, that Caius Flaminius had erred more from neglect of the + + ceremonies and auspices than from temerity and want of judgment, and that the + + gods themselves should be consulted as to what were the expiations of their + + anger, he obtained a resolution that the decemviri should be ordered to inspect + + the Sibylline books, which is rarely decreed, except when some horrid prodigies + + were announced. Having inspected the prophetic books, they reported, that the + + vow which was made to Mars on account of this war, not having been regularly + + fulfilled, must be performed afresh and more fully; that the great games must + + be vowed to Jupiter, temples to Venus Erycina and Mens; that a supplication + + and lectisternium must be made, and a sacred spring vowed, if the war should + + proceed favourably and the state continue the condition it was in before the + + war. Since the management of the war would occupy Fabius, the senate orders + + Marcus Aemilius, the praetor, to see that all these things are done in good + + time, according to the directions of the college of pontiffs. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">10 </div> + +<a id="d10" /> + +<p>These decrees of the senate having been passed, Lucius Cornelius Lentulus, + + pontifex maximus, the college of praetors consulting with him, gives his opinion + + that, first of all, the people should be consulted respecting a sacred spring: + + that it could not be without the order of the people. The people having been + + asked according to this form: Do ye will and order that this thing should be + + performed in this manner? If the republic of the Roman people, the Quirites, + + shall be safe and preserved as I wish it may, from these wars for the next five + + years, (the war which is between the Roman people and the Carthaginian, and + + the wars which are with the Cisalpine Gauls), the Roman people, the Quirites, + + shall present whatsoever the spring shall produce from herds of swine, sheep, + + goats, oxen and which shall not have been consecrated, to be sacrificed to Jupiter, + + from the day which the senate and people shall appoint. Let him who shall make + + an offering do it when he please, and in what manner he please; in whatsoever + + manner he does it, let it be considered duly done. If that which ought to be + + sacrificed die, let it be unconsecrated, and let no guilt attach; if any one + + unwittingly wound or kill it, let it be no injury to him; if any one shall steal + + it, let no guilt attach to the people or to him from whom it was stolen; if + + any one shall unwittingly offer it on a forbidden day, let it be esteemed duly + + offered; also whether by night or day, whether slave or free-man perform it. + + If the senate and people shall order it to be offered sooner than any person + + shall offer it, let the people being acquitted of it be free. On the same account + + great games were vowed, at an expense of three hundred and thirty-three thousand + + three hundred and thirty-three <i>asses</i> and a third; moreover, it was decreed + + that sacrifice should be done to Jupiter with three hundred oxen, to many other + + deities with white oxen and the other victims. The vows being duly made, a supplication + + was proclaimed; and not only the inhabitants of the city went with their wives + + and children, but such of the rustics also as, possessing any property themselves, + + were interested in the welfare of the state. Then a lectisternium was celebrated + + for three days, the decemviri for sacred things superintending. Six couches + + were seen, for Jupiter and Juno one, for Neptune and Minerva another, for Mars + + and Venus a third, for Apollo and Diana a fourth, for Vulcan and Vesta a fifth, + + for Mercury and Ceres a sixth. Then temples were vowed. To Venus Erycina, Quintus + + Fabius Maximus vowed a temple; for so it was delivered from the prophetic books, + + that he should vow it who held the highest authority in the state. Titus Otacilius, + + the praetor vowed a temple to Mens. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">11 </div> + +<a id="d11" /> + +<p>Divine things having been thus performed, the dictator then put the question + + of the war and the state; with what, and how many legions the fathers were of + + opinion that the victorious enemy should be opposed. It was decreed that he + + should receive the army from Cneius Servilius, the consul: that he should levy, + + moreover, from the citizens and allies as many horse and foot as seemed good; + + that he should transact and perform every thing else as he considered for the + + good of the state. Fabius said he would add two legions to the army of Servilius. + + These were levied by the master of the horse, and were appointed by Fabius to + + meet him at Tibur on a certain day. And then having issued proclamation that + + those whose towns or castles were unfortified should quit them and assemble + + in places of security; that all the inhabitants of that tract through which + + Hannibal was about to march, should remove from the country, having first burnt + + their buildings and spoiled their fruits, that there might not be a supply of + + any thing; he himself set out on the Flaminian road to meet the consul and his + + army; and when he saw in the distance the marching body on the Tiber, near Ocriculum, + + and the consul with the cavalry advancing to him, he sent a beadle to acquaint + + the consul that he must meet the dictator without the lictors. When he had obeyed + + his command, and their meeting had exhibited a striking display of the majesty + + of the dictatorship before the citizens and allies, who, from its antiquity, + + had now almost forgotten that authority; a letter arrived from the city, stating + + that the ships of burden, conveying provisions from Ostia into Spain to the + + army, had been captured by the Carthaginian fleet off the port of Cossa. The + + consul, therefore, was immediately ordered to proceed to Ostia, and, having + + manned the ships at Rome or Ostia with soldiers and sailors, to pursue the enemy, + + and protect the coasts of Italy. Great numbers of men were levied at Rome, sons + + of freed-men even, who had children, and were of the military age, had taken + + the oath. Of these troops levied in the city, such as were under thirty-five + + were put on board ships, the rest were left to protect the city. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">12 </div> + +<a id="d12" /> + +<p>The dictator, having received the troops of the consul from Fulvius Flaccus, + + his lieutenant-general, marching through the Sabine territory, arrived at Tibur + + on the day which he had appointed the new-raised troops to assemble. Thence + + he went to Praeneste, and cutting across the country, came out in the Latin + + way, whence he led his troops towards the enemy, reconnoitering the road with + + the utmost diligence; not intending to expose himself to hazard any where, except + + as far as necessity compelled him. The day he first pitched his camp in sight + + of the enemy, not far from Arpi, the Carthaginian, without delay, led out his + + troops, and forming his line gave an opportunity of fighting: but when he found + + all still with the enemy, and his camp free from tumult and disorder, he returned + + to his camp, saying indeed tauntingly, "That even the spirit of the Romans, + + inherited from Mars, was at length subdued; that they were warred down and had + + manifestly given up all claim to valour and renown:" but burning inwardly with + + stifled vexation because he would have to encounter a general by no means like + + Flaminius and Sempronius; and because the Romans, then at length schooled by + + their misfortunes, had sought a general a match for Hannibal; and that now he + + had no longer to fear the headlong violence, but the deliberate prudence of + + the dictator. Having not yet experienced his constancy, he began to provoke + + and try his temper, by frequently shifting his camp and laying waste the territories + + of the allies before his eyes: and one while he withdrew out of sight at quick + + march, another while he halted suddenly, and concealed himself in some winding + + of the road, if possible to entrap him on his descending into the plain. Fabius + + kept marching his troops along the high grounds, at a moderate distance from + + the enemy, so as neither to let him go altogether nor yet to encounter him. + + The troops were kept within the camp, except so far as necessary wants compelled + + them to quit it; and fetched in food and wood not by small nor rambling parties. + + An outpost of cavalry and light-armed troops, prepared and equipped for acting + + in cases of sudden alarm, rendered every thing safe to their own soldiers, and + + dangerous to the scattered plunderers of the enemy. Nor was his whole cause + + committed to general hazard; while slight contests, of small importance in themselves, + + commenced on safe ground, with a retreat at hand, accustomed the soldiery, terrified + + by their former disasters, now at length to think less meanly either of their + + prowess or good fortune. But he did not find Hannibal a greater enemy to such + + sound measures than his master of the horse, who was only prevented from plunging + + the state into ruin by his inferiority in command. Presumptuous and precipitate + + in his measures, and unbridled in his tongue, first among a few, then openly + + and publicly, he taunted him with being sluggish instead of patient, spiritless + + instead of cautious; falsely imputing to him those vices which bordered on his + + virtues; and raised himself by means of depressing his superiors, which, though + + a most iniquitous practice, has become more general from the too great successes + + of many. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">13 </div> + +<a id="d13" /> + +<p>Hannibal crosses over from the Hirpini into Samnium; lays waste the territory + + of Beneventum; takes the town of Telesia; and purposely irritates the dictator, + + if perchance he could draw him down to a battle on the plain, exasperated by + + so many indignities and disasters inflicted on his allies. Among the multitude + + of allies of Italian extraction, who had been captured by Hannibal at the Trasimenus, + + and dismissed, were three Campanian horsemen, who had even at that time been + + bribed by many presents and promises from Hannibal to win over the affections + + of their countrymen to him. These, bringing him word that he would have an opportunity + + of getting possession of Capua, if he brought his army into the neighbourhood + + in Campania, induced Hannibal to quit Samnium for Campania; though he hesitated, + + fluctuating between confidence and distrust, as the affair was of more importance + + than the authorities. He dismissed them, repeatedly charging them to confirm + + their promises by acts, and ordering them to return with a greater number, and + + some of their leading men. Hannibal himself orders his guide to conduct him + + into the territory of Casinum, being certified by persons acquainted with the + + country, that if he seized that pass he would deprive the Romans of a passage + + by which they might get out to the assistance of their allies. But his Punic + + accent, ill adapted to the pronunciation of Latin names, caused the guide to + + understand Casilinum, instead of Casinum; and leaving his former course, he + + descends through the territory of Allifae, Calatia, and Cales, into the plain + + of Stella, where, seeing the country enclosed on all sides by mountains and + + rivers, he calls the guide to him, and asks him where in the world he was? when + + he replied, that on that day he would lodge at Casilinum: then at length the + + error was discovered, and that Casinum lay at a great distance in another direction. + + Having scourged the guide with rods and crucified him, in order to strike terror + + into all others, he fortified a camp, and sent Maharbal with the cavalry into + + the Falernian territory to pillage. This depredation reached as far as the waters + + of Sinuessa; the Numidians caused destruction to a vast extent, but flight and + + consternation through a still wider space. Yet not even the terror of these + + things, when all around was consuming in the flames of war, could shake the + + fidelity of the allies; for this manifest reason, because they lived under a + + temperate and mild government: nor were they unwilling to submit to those who + + were superior to them, which is the only bond of fidelity. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">14 </div> + +<a id="d14" /> + +<p>But when the enemy's camp was pitched on the Vulturnus, and the most delightful + + country in Italy was being consumed by fire, and the farm-houses, on all hands, + + were smoking from the flames, whilst Fabius led his troops along the heights + + of Mount Massicus, then the strife had nearly been kindled anew, for they had + + been quiet for a few days, because, as the army had marched quicker than usual, + + they had supposed that the object of this haste was to save Campania from devastation; + + but when they arrived at the extreme ridge of Mount Massicus, and the enemy + + appeared under their eyes, burning the houses of the Falernian territory, and + + of the settlers of Sinuessa, and no mention made of battle, Minucius exclaims, + + "Are we come here to see our allies butchered, and their property burned, as + + a spectacle to be enjoyed? and if we are not moved with shame on account of + + any others, are we not on account of these citizens, whom our fathers sent as + + settlers to Sinuessa, that this frontier might be protected from the Samnite + + foe: which now not the neighbouring Samnite wastes with fire, but a Carthaginian + + foreigner, who has advanced even thus far from the remotest limits of the world, + + through our dilatoriness and inactivity? What! are we so degenerate from our + + ancestors as tamely to see that coast filled with Numidian and Moorish foes, + + along which our fathers considered it a disgrace to their government that the + + Carthaginian fleets should cruise? We, who erewhile, indignant at the storming + + of Saguntum, appealed not to men only, but to treaties and to gods, behold Hannibal + + scaling the walls of a Roman colony unmoved. The smoke from the flames of our + + farm-houses and lands comes into our eyes and faces; our ears ring with the + + cries of our weeping allies, imploring us to assist them oftener than the gods, + + while we here are leading our troops, like a herd of cattle, through shady forests + + and lonely paths, enveloped in clouds and woods. If Marcus Furius had resolved + + to recover the city from the Gauls, by thus traversing the tops of mountains + + and forests, in the same manner as this modern Camillus goes about to recover + + Italy from Hannibal, who has been sought out for our dictator in our distress, + + on account of his unparalleled talents, Rome would be the possession of the + + Gauls; and I fear lest, if we are thus dilatory, our ancestors will so often + + have preserved it only for the Carthaginians and Hannibal; but that man and + + true Roman, on the very day on which intelligence was brought him to Veii, that + + he was appointed dictator, on the authority of the fathers and the nomination + + of the people, came down into the plain, though the Janiculum was high enough + + to admit of his sitting down there, and viewing the enemy at a distance, and + + on that very day defeated the Gallic legions in the middle of the city, in the + + place where the Gallic piles are now, and on the following day on the Roman + + side of Gabii. What many years after this, when we were sent under the yoke + + at the Caudine forks by the Samnite foe, did Lucius Papirius Cursor take the + + yoke from the Roman neck and place it upon the proud Samnites, by traversing + + the heights of Samnium? or was it by pressing and besieging Luceria, and challenging + + the victorious enemy? A short time ago, what was it that gave victory to Caius + + Lutatius but expedition? for on the day after he caught sight of the enemy he + + surprised and overpowered the fleet, loaded with provisions, and encumbered + + of itself by its own implements and apparatus. It is folly to suppose that the + + war can be brought to a conclusion by sitting still, or by prayers, the troops + + must be armed and led down into the plain, that you may engage man to man. The + + Roman power has grown to its present height by courage and activity, and not + + by such dilatory measures as these, which the cowardly only designate as cautious." + + A crowd of Roman tribunes and knights poured round Minucius, while thus, as + + it were, haranguing, his presumptuous expressions reached the ears of the common + + soldiers, and had the question been submitted to the votes of the soldiers, + + they showed evidently that they would have preferred Minucius to Fabius for + + their general. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">15 </div> + +<a id="d15" /> + +<p>Fabius, keeping his attention fixed no less upon his own troops than on the + + enemy, first shows that his resolution was unconquered by the former. Though + + he well knew that his procrastination was disapproved, not only in his own camp, + + but by this time even at Rome, yet, inflexibly adhering to the same line of + + policy, he delayed through the remainder of the summer, in order that Hannibal, + + devoid of all hope of a battle, which he so earnestly desired, might now look + + out for a place for winter quarters, because that district was one of present, + + but not constant, supply, consisting, as it did, of plantations and vineyards, + + and all places planted luxurious rather than useful produce. This intelligence + + was to Fabius by his scouts. When he felt convinced that he would return by + + the same narrow pass through which he had entered the Falernian territory, he + + occupied Mount Callicula and Casilinum with a pretty strong guard. Which city, + + intersected by the river Vulturnus, divides the Falernian and Campanian territories. + + He himself leads back his troops along the same heights, having sent Lucius + + Hostilius Mancinus with four hundred of the allied cavalry to reconnoitre; who + + being one of the crowd of youths who had often heard the master of the horse + + fiercely haranguing, at first advanced after the manner of a scout, in order + + that he might observe the enemy in security; and when he saw the Numidians scattered + + widely throughout the villages, having gotten an opportunity, he also slew a + + few of them. But from that moment his mind was engrossed with the thoughts of + + a battle, and the injunctions of the dictator were forgotten, who had charged + + him, when he had advanced as far as he could with safety, to retreat before + + he came within the enemy's view. The Numidians, party after party, skirmishing + + and retreating, drew the general almost to their camp, to the fatigue of his + + men and horses. Then Karthalo, who had the command of the cavalry, charging + + at full speed, and having put them to flight before he came within a dart's + + throw, pursued them for five miles almost in a continuous course. Mancinus, + + when he saw that the enemy did not desist from the pursuit, and that there was + + no hope of escape, having encouraged his troops, turned back to the battle though + + inferior in every kind of force. Accordingly he himself, and the choicest of + + his cavalry, being surrounded, are cut to pieces. The rest in disorderly retreat + + fled first to Cales, and thence to the dictator, by ways almost impassable. + + It happened that on that day Minucius had formed a junction with Fabius, having + + been sent to secure with a guard the pass above Tarracina, which, contracted + + into a narrow gorge, overhangs the sea, in order that Hannibal might not be + + able to get into the Roman territory by the Appian way's being unguarded. The + + dictator and master of the horse, uniting their forces, lead them down into + + the road through which Hannibal was about to march his troops. The enemy was + + two miles from that place. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">16 </div> + +<a id="d16" /> + +<p>The following day the Carthaginians filled the whole road between the two camps + + with his troops in marching order; and though the Romans had taken their stand + + immediately under their rampart, having a decidedly superior position, yet the + + Carthaginian came up with his light horse and, with a view to provoke the enemy, + + carried on a kind of desultory attack, first charging and then retreating. The + + Roman line remained in its position. The battle was slow and more conformable + + to the wish of the dictator than of Hannibal. On the part of the Romans there + + fell two hundred, on the part of the enemy eight hundred. It now began to appear + + that Hannibal was hemmed in, the road to Casilinum being blockaded; and that + + while Capua, and Samnium, and so many wealthy allies in the rear of the Romans + + might supply them with provisions, the Carthaginian, on the other hand, must + + winter amid the rocks of Formiae and the sands and hideous swamps of Liternum. + + Nor did it escape Hannibal that he was assailed by his own arts; wherefore, + + since he could not escape by way of Casilinum, and since it was necessary to + + make for the mountains, and pass the summit of Callicula, lest in any place + + the Romans should attack his troops while enclosed in valleys; having hit upon + + a stratagem calculated to deceive the sight, and excite terror from its appearance, + + by means of which he might baffle the enemy, he resolved to come up by stealth + + to the mountains at the commencement of night. The preparation of his wily stratagem + + was of this description. Torches, collected from every part of the country, + + and bundles of rods and dry cuttings, are fastened before the horns of oxen, + + of which, wild and tame, he had driven away a great number among other plunder + + of the country: the number of oxen was made up to nearly two thousand. To Hasdrubal + + was assigned the task of driving to the mountains that herd, after having set + + fire to their horns, as soon as ever it was dark; particularly, if he could, + + over the passes beset by the enemy. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">17 </div> + +<a id="d17" /> + +<p>As soon as it was dark the camp was moved in silence; the oxen were driven + + a little in advance of the standards. When they arrived at the foot of the mountains + + and the narrow passes, the signal is immediately given for setting fire to their + + horns and driving them violently up the mountains before them. The mere terror + + excited by the flame, which cast a glare from their heads, and the heat now + + approaching the quick and the roots of their horns, drove on the oxen as if + + goaded by madness. By which dispersion, on a sudden all the surrounding shrubs + + were in a blaze, as if the mountains and woods had been on fire; and the unavailing + + tossing of their heads quickening the flame, exhibited an appearance as of men + + running to and fro on every side. Those who had been placed to guard the passage + + of the wood, when they saw fires on the tops of the mountains, and some over + + their own heads, concluding that they were surrounded, abandoned their post; + + making for the tops of the mountains in the direction in which the fewest fires + + blazed, as being the safest course; however they fell in with some oxen which + + had strayed from their herds. At first, when they beheld them at a distance, + + they stood fixed in amazement at the miracle, as it appeared to them, of creatures + + breathing fire; afterwards, when it showed itself to be a human stratagem, then, + + forsooth, concluding that there was an ambuscade, as they are hurrying away + + in flight, with increased alarm, they fall in also with the light-armed troops + + of the enemy. But the night, when the fear was equally shared, kept them from + + commencing the battle till morning. Meanwhile Hannibal, having marched his whole + + army through the pass, and having cut off some of the enemy in the very defile, + + pitches his camp in the country of Allifae. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">18 </div> + +<a id="d18" /> + +<p>Fabius perceived this tumult, but concluding that it was a snare, and being + + disinclined for a battle, particularly by night, kept his troops within the + + works. At break of day a battle took place under the summit of the mountain, + + in which the Romans, who were considerably superior in numbers, would have easily + + overpowered the light-armed of the enemy, cut off as they were from their party, + + had not a cohort of Spaniards, sent back by Hannibal for that very purpose, + + reached the spot. That body being more accustomed to mountains, and being more + + adapted, both from the agility of their limbs and also from the character of + + their arms, to skirmishing amid rocks and crags, easily foiled, by their manner + + of fighting, an enemy loaded with arms, accustomed to level ground and the steady + + kind of fighting. Separating from a contest thus by no means equal, they proceeded + + to their camps; the Spaniards almost all untouched; the Romans having lost a + + few. Fabius also moved his camp, and passing the defile, took up a position + + above Allifae, in a strong and elevated place. Then Hannibal, pretending to + + march to Rome through Samnium, came back as far as the Peligni, spreading devastation. + + Fabius led his troops along the heights midway between the army of the enemy + + and the city of Rome; neither avoiding him altogether, nor coming to an engagement. + + From the Peligni the Carthaginian turned his course, and going back again to + + Apulia, reached Geronium, a city deserted by its inhabitants from fear, as a + + part of its walls had fallen down together in ruins. The dictator formed a completely + + fortified camp in the territory of Larinum, and being recalled thence to Rome + + on account of some sacred rites, he not only urged the master of the horse, + + in virtue of his authority, but with advice and almost with prayers, that he + + would trust rather to prudence than fortune; and imitate him as a general rather + + than Sempronius and Flaminius; that he would not suppose that nothing had been + + achieved by having worn out nearly the whole summer in baffling the enemy; that + + physicians too sometimes gained more by rest than by motion and action. That + + it was no small thing to have ceased to be conquered by an enemy so often victorious, + + and to have taken breath after successive disasters. Having thus unavailingly + + admonished the master of the horse, he set out for Rome. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">19 </div> + +<a id="d19" /> + +<p>In the beginning of the summer in which these events occurred, the war commenced + + by land and sea in Spain also. To the number of ships which he had received + + from his brother, equipped and ready for action, Hasdrubal added ten. The fleet + + of forty ships he delivered to Himilco: and thus setting out from Carthage, + + kept his ships near the land, while he led his army along the shore, ready to + + engage with whichever part of his forces the enemy might fall in with. Cneius + + Scipio, when he heard that the enemy had quitted his winter quarters, at first + + formed the same plan; but afterwards, not daring to engage him by land, from + + a great rumour of fresh auxiliaries, he advances to meet him with a fleet of + + thirty-five ships, having put some chosen soldiers on board. Setting out from + + Tarraco, on the second day, he reached a convenient station, ten miles from + + the mouth of the Iberus. Two ships of the Massilians, sent forward from that + + place reconnoitering, brought word back that the Carthaginian fleet was stationed + + in the mouth of the river, and that the camp was pitched upon the bank. In order, + + therefore, to overpower them while off their guard and incautious, by a universal + + and wide-spread terror, he weighed anchor and advanced. In Spain there are several + + towers placed in high situations, which they employ both as watch-towers and + + as places of defence against pirates. From them first, a view of the ships of + + the enemy having been obtained, the signal was given to Hasdrubal; and a tumult + + arose in the camp, and on land sooner than on the ships and at sea; the dashing + + of the oars and other nautical noises not being yet distinctly heard, nor the + + promontories disclosing the fleet. Upon this, suddenly one horseman after another, + + sent out by Hasdrubal, orders those who were strolling upon the shore or resting + + quietly in their tents, expecting any thing rather than the enemy and a battle + + on that day, immediately to embark and take up arms: that the Roman fleet was + + now a short distance from the harbour. The horsemen, despatched in every direction, + + delivered these orders; and presently Hasdrubal himself comes up with the main + + army. All places resound with noises of various kinds; the soldiers and rowers + + hurrying together to the ships, rather like men running away from the land than + + marching to battle. Scarcely had all embarked, when some, unfastening the hawsers, + + are carried out against the anchors; others cut their cables, that nothing might + + impede them; and by doing every thing with hurry and precipitation, the duties + + of mariners were impeded by the preparations of the soldiers, and the soldiers + + were prevented from taking and preparing for action their arms, by the bustle + + of the mariners. And now the Roman was not only approaching, but had drawn up + + his ships for the battle. The Carthaginians, therefore, thrown into disorder, + + not more by the enemy and the battle than by their own tumult, having rather + + made an attempt at fighting than commenced a battle, turned their fleet for + + flight; and as the mouth of the river which was before them could not be entered + + in so broad a line, and by so many pressing in at the same time, they ran their + + ships on shore in every part. And being received, some in the shallows, and + + others on the dry shore, some armed and some unarmed, they escaped to their + + friends, who were drawn up in battle-array over the shore. Two Carthaginian + + ships were captured and four sunk on the first encounter. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">20 </div> + +<a id="d20" /> + +<p>The Romans, though the enemy was master of the shore, and they saw armed troops + + lining the whole bank, promptly pursuing the discomfited fleet of the enemy, + + towed out into the deep all the ships which had not either shattered their prows + + by the violence with which they struck the shore, or set their keels fast in + + the shallows. They captured as many as twenty-five out of forty. Nor was that + + the most splendid result of their victory: but they became masters of the whole + + sea on that coast by one slight battle; advancing, then, with their fleet to + + Honosca, and making a descent from the ships upon the coast, when they had taken + + the city by storm and pillaged it, they afterwards made for Carthage: then devastating + + the whole surrounding country, they, lastly, set fire also to the buildings + + contiguous to the wall and gates. Thence the fleet laden with plunder, arrived + + at Longuntica, where a great quantity of oakum for naval purposes had been collected + + by Hasdrubal: of this, taking away as much as was sufficient for their necessities, + + they burnt all the rest. Nor did they only sail by the prominent coasts of the + + continent, but crossed over into the island Ebusus; where, having with the utmost + + exertion, but in vain, carried on operations against the city, which is the + + capital of the island, for two days, when they found that time was wasted to + + no purpose upon a hopeless task, they turned their efforts to the devastation + + of the country; and having plundered and fired several villages, and acquired + + a greater booty than they had obtained on the continent, they retired to their + + ships, when ambassadors from the Baliares came to Scipio to sue for peace. From + + this place the fleet sailed back, and returned to the hither parts of the province, + + whither ambassadors of all the people who dwell on the Iberus, and of many people + + in the most distant parts of Spain, assembled. But the number of states who + + really became subject to the authority and dominion of the Romans, and gave + + hostages, amounted to upwards of one hundred and twenty. The Roman therefore, + + relying sufficiently on his land forces also, advanced as far as the pass of + + Castulo. Hasdrubal retired into Lusitania, and nearer the ocean. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">21 </div> + +<a id="d21" /> + +<p>After this, it seemed probable that the remainder of the summer would be peaceful; + + and so it would have been with regard to the Punic enemy: but besides that the + + tempers of the Spaniards themselves are naturally restless, and eager for innovation, + + Mandonius, together with Indibilis, who had formerly been petty prince of the + + Ilergetes, having stirred up their countrymen, came to lay waste the peaceful + + country of the Roman allies, after the Romans had retired from the pass to the + + sea-coast. A military tribune with some light-armed auxiliaries being sent against + + these by Scipio, with a small effort put them all to the rout, as being but + + a disorderly band: some having been captured and slain, a great portion of them + + were deprived of their arms. This disturbance, however, brought back Hasdrubal, + + who was retiring to the ocean, to protect his allies on this side the Iberus. + + The Carthaginian camp was in the territory of Ilercao, the Roman camp at the + + New Fleet, when unexpected intelligence turned the war into another quarter. + + The Celtiberians, who had sent the chief men of their country as ambassadors + + to the Romans, and had given them hostages, aroused by a message from Scipio, + + take up arms and invade the province of the Carthaginians with a powerful army; + + take three towns by storm; and after that, encountering Hasdrubal himself in + + two battles with, splendid success, slew fifteen thousand and captured four + + thousand, together with many military standards. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">22 </div> + +<a id="d22" /> + +<p>This being the state of affairs in Spain, Publius Scipio came into his province, + + having been sent thither by the senate, his command being continued to him after + + his consulate, with thirty long ships, eight thousand soldiers, and a large + + importation of provisions. That fleet, swelled to an enormous size by a multitude + + of transports, being descried at a distance, entered safe the port of Tarraco, + + to the great joy of the citizens and allies. Landing his troops there, Scipio + + set out and formed a junction with his brother, and thenceforward they prosecuted + + the war with united courage and counsels. While the Carthaginians, therefore, + + were occupied with the Celtiberian war, they promptly crossed the Iberus, and + + not seeing any enemy, pursue their course to Saguntum; for it was reported that + + the hostages from every part of Spain, having been consigned to custody, were + + kept in the citadel of that place under a small guard. That pledge alone checked + + the affections of all the people of Spain, which were inclined towards an alliance + + with the Romans; lest the guilt of their defection should be expiated with the + + blood of their children. One man, by a stratagem more subtle than honourable, + + liberated the Spaniards from this restraint. There was at Saguntum a noble Spaniard, + + named Abelux, hitherto faithful to the Carthaginians, but now (such are for + + the most part the dispositions of barbarians) had changed his attachment with + + fortune; but considering that a deserter going over to enemies without the betraying + + of something valuable, would be looked upon only as a stigmatized and worthless + + individual, was solicitous to render as great a service as possible to his new + + confederates. Having turned over in his mind, then, the various means which, + + under the favour of fortune, he might employ, in preference to every other, + + he applied himself to the delivering up of the hostages; concluding that this + + one thing, above all others, would gain the Romans the friendship of the Spanish + + chieftains. But since he knew that the guards of the hostages would do nothing + + without the authority of Bostar, the governor, he addresses himself with craft + + to Bostar himself. Bostar had his camp without the city, just upon the shore, + + in order to preclude the approach of the Romans from that quarter. He informs + + him, taken aside to a secret place, and as if uninformed, in what position affairs + + were: "That hitherto fear had withheld the minds of the Spaniards to them, because + + the Romans were at a great distance: that now the Roman camp was on this side + + the Iberus, a secure fortress and asylum for such as desired a change, that + + therefore those whom fear could not bind should be attached by kindness and + + favour." When Bostar, in astonishment, earnestly asked him, what sudden gift + + of so much importance that could be, he replied, "Send back the hostages to + + their states: this will be an acceptable boon, privately to their parents, who + + possess the greatest influence in their respective states, and publicly to the + + people. Every man wishes to have confidence reposed in him; and confidence reposed + + generally enforces the fidelity itself. The office of restoring the hostages + + to their homes, I request for myself; that I may enhance my project by the trouble + + bestowed, and that I may add as much value as I can to a service in its own + + intrinsic nature so acceptable." When he had persuaded the man, who was not + + cunning as compared with Carthaginian minds in general, having gone secretly + + and by night to the outposts of the enemy, he met with some auxiliary Spaniards; + + and having been brought by them into the presence of Scipio, he explains what + + brought him. Pledges of fidelity having been given and received, and the time + + and place for delivering the hostages having been appointed, he returns to Saguntum. + + The following day he spent with Bostar, in taking his commands for effecting + + the business; having so arranged it, that he should go by night, in order that + + he might escape the observation of the enemy, he was dismissed; and awakening + + the guards of the youths at the hour agreed upon with them, set out and led + + them, as if unconsciously, into a snare prepared by his own deceit. They were + + brought to the Roman camp, and every thing else respecting the restoration of + + the hostages was transacted as had been agreed upon with Bostar, and in the + + same course as if the affair had been carried on in the name of the Carthaginians. + + But the favour of the Romans was somewhat greater than that of the Carthaginians + + would have been in a similar case; for misfortune and fear might have seemed + + to have softened them, who had been found oppressive and haughty in prosperity. + + The Roman, on the contrary, on his first arrival, having been unknown to them + + before, had begun with an act of clemency and liberality: and Abelux, a man + + of prudence, did not seem likely to have changed his allies without good cause. + + Accordingly all began, with great unanimity, to meditate a revolt; and hostilities + + would immediately have commenced, had not the winter intervened, which compelled + + the Romans, and the Carthaginians also, to retire to shelter. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">23 </div> + +<a id="d23" /> + +<p>Such were the transactions in Spain also during the second summer of the Punic + + war; while in Italy the prudent delay of Fabius had procured the Romans some + + intermission from disasters; which conduct, as it kept Hannibal disturbed with + + no ordinary degree of anxiety, for it proved to him that the Romans had at length + + selected a general who would carry on the war with prudence, and not in dependence + + on fortune; so was it treated with contempt by his countrymen, both in the camp + + and in the city; particularly after that a battle had been fought during his + + absence from the temerity of the master of the horse, in its issue, as I may + + justly designate it, rather joyful than successful. Two causes were added to + + augment the unpopularity of the dictator: one arising out of a stratagem and + + artful procedure of Hannibal; for the farm of the dictator having been pointed + + out to him by deserters, he ordered that the fire and sword and every outrage + + of enemies should be restrained from it alone, while all around were levelled + + with the ground; in order that it might appear to have been the term of some + + secret compact: the other from an act of his own, at first perhaps suspicious, + + because in it he had not waited for the authority of the senate, but in the + + result turning unequivocally to his highest credit, with relation to the exchange + + of prisoners: for, as was the case in the first Punic war, an agreement had + + been made between the Roman and Carthaginian generals, that whichever received + + more prisoners than he restored, should give two pounds and a half of silver + + for every man. And when the Roman had received two hundred and forty-seven more + + than the Carthaginian, and the silver which was due for them, after the matter + + had been frequently agitated in the senate, was not promptly supplied, because + + he had not consulted the fathers, he sent his son Quintus to Rome and sold his + + farm, uninjured by the enemy, and thus redeemed the public credit at his own + + private expense. Hannibal lay in a fixed camp before the walls of Geronium, + + which city he had captured and burnt, leaving only a few buildings for the purpose + + of granaries: thence he was in the habit of sending out two-thirds of his forces + + to forage; with the third part kept in readiness, he himself remained on guard, + + both as a protection to his camp, and for the purpose of looking out, if from + + any quarter an attack should be made upon his foragers. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">24 </div> + +<a id="d24" /> + +<p>The Roman army was at that time in the territory of Larinum. Minucius, the + + master of the horse, had the command of it; the dictator, as was before mentioned, + + having gone to the city. But the camp, which had been pitched in an elevated + + and secure situation, was now brought down into the plain; plans of a bolder + + character, agreeably with the temper of the general, were in agitation; and + + either an attack was to be made upon the scattered foragers, or upon the camp + + now left with an inconsiderable guard. Nor did it escape the observation of + + Hannibal, that the plan of the war had been changed with the general, and that + + the enemy would act with more boldness than counsel. Hannibal himself too, which + + one would scarcely credit, though the enemy was near, despatched a third part + + of his troops to forage, retaining the remaining two-thirds in the camp. After + + that he advanced his camp itself nearer to the enemy, to a hill within the enemy's + + view, nearly two miles from Geronium; that they might be aware that he was on + + the alert to protect his foragers if any attack should be made upon them. Then + + he discovered an eminence nearer to, and commanding the very camp of the Romans: + + and because if he marched openly in the day-time to occupy it, the enemy would + + doubtless anticipate him by a shorter way, the Numidians having been sent privately + + in the night, took possession of it. These, occupying this position, the Romans, + + the next day, despising the smallness of their numbers, dislodge, and transfer + + their camp thither themselves. There was now, therefore, but a very small space + + between rampart and rampart, and that the Roman line had almost entirely filled; + + at the same time the cavalry, with the light infantry sent out against the foragers + + through the opposite part of the camp, effected a slaughter and flight of the + + scattered enemy far and wide. Nor dared Hannibal hazard a regular battle; because + + with so few troops, that he would scarcely be able to protect his camp if attacked. + + And now he carried on the war (for part of his army was away) according to the + + plans of Fabius, by sitting still and creating delays. He had also withdrawn + + his troops to their former camp, which was before the walls of Geronium. Some + + authors affirm that they fought in regular line, and with encountering standards; + + that in the first encounter the Carthaginian was driven in disorder quite to + + his camp; but that, a sally thence having been suddenly made all at once, the + + Romans in their turn became alarmed; that after that the battle was restored + + by the arrival of Numerius Decimius the Samnite; that this man, the first in + + family and fortune, not only in Bovianum, whence he came, but in all Samnium, + + when conducting by command of the dictator to the camp eight thousand infantry + + and five hundred horse, having shown himself on the rear of Hannibal, seemed + + to both parties to be a fresh reinforcement coming with Quintus Fabius from + + Rome; that Hannibal, fearing also some ambuscade, withdrew his troops; and that + + the Roman, aided by the Samnite, pursuing him, took by storm two forts on that + + day; that six thousand of the enemy were slain, and about five thousand of the + + Romans; but that though the loss was so nearly equal, intelligence was conveyed + + to Rome of a signal victory; and a letter from the master of the horse still + + more presumptuous. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">25 </div> + +<a id="d25" /> + +<p>These things were very frequently discussed, both in the senate and assemblies. + + When the dictator alone, while joy pervaded the city, attached no credit to + + the report or letter; and granting that all were true, affirmed that he feared + + more from success than failure; then Marcus Metilius, a Plebeian tribune, declares + + that such conduct surely could not be endured. That the dictator, not only when + + present was an obstacle to the right management of the affair, but also being + + absent from the camp, opposed it still when achieved; that he studiously dallied + + in his conduct of the war, that he might continue the longer in office, and + + that he might have the sole command both at Rome and in the army. Since one + + of the consuls had fallen in battle, and the other was removed to a distance + + from Italy, under pretext of pursuing a Carthaginian fleet; and the two praetors + + were occupied in Sicily and Sardinia, neither of which provinces required a + + praetor at this time. That Marcus Minucius, the master of the horse, was almost + + put under a guard, lest he should see the enemy, and carry on any warlike operation. + + That therefore, by Hercules, not only Samnium, which had now been yielded to + + the Carthaginians, as if it had been land beyond the Iberus, but the Campanian, + + Calenian, and Falernian territories had been devastated, while the dictator + + was sitting down at Casilinum, protecting his own farm with the legions of the + + Roman people: that the army, eager for battle, as well as the master of the + + horse, were kept back almost imprisoned within the rampart: that their arms + + were taken out of their hands, as from captured enemies: at length, as soon + + as ever the dictator had gone away, having marched out beyond their rampart, + + that they had routed the enemy and put him to flight. On account of which circumstances, + + had the Roman commons retained their ancient spirit, that he would have boldly + + proposed to them to annul the authority of Quintus Fabius; but now he would + + bring forward a moderate proposition, to make the authority of the master of + + the horse and the dictator equal; and that even then Quintus Fabius should not + + be sent to the army, till he had substituted a consul in the room of Caius Flaminius. + + The dictator kept away from the popular assemblies, in which he did not command + + a favourable hearing, and even in the senate he was not heard with favourable + + ears, when his eloquence was employed in praising the enemy, and attributing + + the disasters of the last two years to the temerity and unskilfulness of the + + generals; and when he declared that the master of the horse ought to be called + + to account for having fought contrary to his injunction. That "if the supreme + + command and administration of affairs were intrusted to him, he would soon take + + care that men should know, that to a good general fortune was not of great importance; + + that prudence and conduct governed every thing; that it was more glorious for + + him to have saved the army at a crisis, and without disgrace, than to have slain + + many thousands of the enemy." Speeches of this kind having been made without + + effect, and Marcus Atilius Regulus created consul, that he might not be present + + to dispute respecting the right of command, he withdrew to the army on the night + + preceding the day on which the proposition was to be decided. When there was + + an assembly of the people at break of day, a secret displeasure towards the + + dictator, and favour towards the master of the horse, rather possessed their + + minds, than that men had not sufficient resolution to advise a measure which + + was agreeable to the public; and though favour carried it, influence was wanting + + to the bill. One man indeed was found who recommended the law, Caius Terentius + + Varro, who had been praetor in the former year, sprung not only from humble + + but mean parentage. They report that his father was a butcher, the retailer + + of his own meat, and that he employed this very son in the servile offices of + + that trade. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">26 </div> + +<a id="d26" /> + +<p>This young man, when a fortune left him by his father, acquired in such a traffic, + + had inspired him with the hope of a higher condition, and the gown and forum + + were the objects of his choice, by declaiming vehemently in behalf of men and + + causes of the lowest kind, in opposition to the interest and character of the + + good, first came to the notice of the people, and then to offices of honour. + + Having passed through the offices of quaestor, plebeian, and curule aedile, + + and, lastly, that of praetor; when now he raised his mind to the hope of the + + consulship, he courted the gale of popular favour by maligning the dictator, + + and received alone the credit of the decree of the people. All men, both at + + Rome and in the army, both friends and foes, except the dictator himself, considered + + this measure to have been passed as an insult to him; but the dictator himself + + bore the wrong which the infuriated people had put upon him, with the same gravity + + with which he endured the charges against him which his enemies laid before + + the multitude; and receiving the letter containing a decree of the senate respecting + + the equalization of the command while on his journey, satisfied that an equal + + share of military skill was not imparted together with the equal share of command, + + he returned to the army with a mind unsubdued alike by his fellow-citizens and + + by the enemy. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">27 </div> + +<a id="d27" /> + +<p>But Minucius, who, in consequence of his success and the favour of the populace, + + was scarcely endurable before now especially, unrestrained by shame or moderation, + + boasted not more in having conquered Hannibal than Quintus Fabius. "That he, + + who had been sought out in their distress as the only general, and as a match + + for Hannibal; that he, an event which no record of history contains, was by + + the order of the people placed upon an equal footing with himself,--a superior + + with an inferior officer, a dictator with a master of the horse,--in that very + + city wherein the masters of the horse are wont to crouch and tremble at the + + rods and axes of the dictator. With such splendour had his valour and success + + shone forth. That he therefore would follow up his own good fortune, though + + the dictator persisted in his delay and sloth; measures condemned alike by the + + sentence of gods and men." Accordingly, on the first day on which he met Quintus + + Fabius, he intimated "that the first point to be settled was the manner in which + + they should employ the command thus equalized. That he was of opinion that the + + best plan would be for them to be invested with the supreme authority and command + + either on alternate days, or, if longer intervals were more agreeable, for any + + determinate periods; in order that the person in command might be a match for + + the enemy, not only in judgment, but in strength, if any opportunity for action + + should occur." Fabius by no means approved of this proposition: he said, "that + + Fortune would have at her disposal all things which the rashness of his colleague + + had; that his command had been shared with him, and not taken away; that he + + would never, therefore, willingly withdraw from conducting the war, in whatever + + post he could with prudence and discretion: nor would he divide the command + + with him with respect to times or days, but that he would divide the army, and + + that he would preserve, by his own measures, so much as he could, since it was + + not allowed him to save the whole." Thus he carried it, that, as was the custom + + of consuls, they should divide the legions between them: the first and fourth + + fell to the lot of Minucius, the second and third to Fabius. They likewise divided + + equally between them the cavalry, the auxiliaries of the allies and of the Latin + + name. The master of the horse was desirous also that they should have separate + + camps. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">28 </div> + +<a id="d28" /> + +<p>From this Hannibal derived a twofold joy, for nothing which was going on among + + the enemy escaped him, the deserters revealing many things, and he himself examining + + by his own scouts. For he considered that he should be able to entrap the unrestrained + + temerity of Minucius by his usual arts, and that half the force of the sagacity + + of Fabius had vanished. There was an eminence between the camps of Minucius + + and the Carthaginians, whoever occupied it would evidently render the position + + of his enemy less advantageous. Hannibal was not so desirous of gaining it without + + a contest, though that were worth his while, as to bring on a quarrel with Minucius, + + who, he well knew, would at all times throw himself in his way to oppose him. + + All the intervening ground was at first sight unavailable to one who wished + + to plant an ambuscade, because it not only had not any part that was woody, + + but none even covered with brambles, but in reality formed by nature to cover + + an ambush, so much the more, because no such deception could be apprehended + + in a naked valley and there were in its curvatures hollow rocks, such that some + + of them were capable of containing two hundred armed men. Within these recesses, + + five thousand infantry and cavalry are secreted, as many as could conveniently + + occupy each. Lest, however, in any part, either the motion of any one of them + + thoughtlessly coming out, or the glittering of their arms, should discover the + + stratagem in so open a valley, by sending out a few troops at break of day to + + occupy the before-mentioned eminence, he diverts the attention of the enemy. + + Immediately, on the first view of them, the smallness of their number was treated + + with contempt, and each man began to request for himself the task of dislodging + + the enemy. The general himself, among the most headstrong and absurd, calls + + to arms to go and seize the place, and inveighs against the enemy with vain + + presumption and menaces. First, he despatches his light-armed, after that his + + cavalry, in a close body, lastly, perceiving that succours were also being sent + + to the enemy, he marches with his legions drawn up in order of battle. Hannibal + + also, sending band after band, as the contest increased, as aids to his men + + when distressed, had now completed a regular army, and a battle was fought with + + the entire strength of both sides. First, the light infantry of the Romans, + + approaching the eminence, which was preoccupied, from the lower ground, being + + repulsed and pushed down, spread a terror among the cavalry, which was marching + + up also and fled back to the standards of the legions: the line of infantry + + alone stood fearless amidst the panic-struck; and it appeared that they would + + by no means have been inferior to the enemy, had it been a regular and open + + battle, so much confidence did the successful battle a few days before inspire. + + But the troops in ambush created such confusion and alarm, by charging them + + on both flanks and on their rear, that no one had spirit enough left to fight, + + or hope enough to try to escape. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">29 </div> + +<a id="d29" /> + +<p>Then Fabius, first having heard the shout of the terrified troops, and then + + having gotten a view of their disordered line, exclaims, "It is so; and no sooner + + than I feared, has adverse fortune overtaken temerity. Equalled to Fabius in + + command, he sees that Hannibal is superior to him in courage and in fortune. + + But another will be the time for reproaches and resentment. Now advance your + + standards beyond the rampart: let us wrest the victory from the enemy, and a + + confession of their error from our countrymen." A great part of the troops having + + been now slain, and the rest looking about for a way to escape; the army of + + Fabius showed itself on a sudden for their help, as if sent down from heaven. + + And thus, before he came within a dart's throw or joined battle, he both stayed + + his friends from a precipitate flight and the enemy from excessive fierceness + + of fighting. Those who had been scattered up and down, their ranks being broken, + + fled for refuge from every quarter to the fresh army; those who had fled together + + in parties, turning upon the enemy, now forming a circle, retreat slowly, now + + concentrating themselves, stand firm. And now the vanquished and the fresh army + + had nearly formed one line, and were bearing their standards against the enemy, + + when the Carthaginians sounded a retreat; Hannibal openly declaring that though + + he had conquered Minucius, he was himself conquered by Fabius. The greater part + + of the day having been thus consumed with varying success, Minucius calling + + together his soldiers, when they had returned to the camp, thus addressed them: + + "I have often heard, soldiers, that he is the greatest man who himself counsels + + what is expedient, and that he who listens to the man who gives good advice + + is the second, but that he who neither himself is capable of counselling, and + + knows not how to obey another, is of the lowest order of mind. Since the first + + place of mind and talent has been denied us, let us strive to obtain the second + + and intermediate kind, and while we are learning to command, let us prevail + + upon ourselves to submit to a man of prudence. Let us join camps with Fabius, + + and, carrying our standards to his pavilion, when I have saluted him as my parent, + + which he deserves on account of the service he has rendered us and of his dignity; + + you, my soldiers, shall salute those men as patrons, whose arms and right-hands + + just now protected you: and if this day has conferred nothing else upon us, + + it hath at least conferred upon us the glory of possessing grateful hearts." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">30 </div> + +<a id="d30" /> + +<p>The signal being given, there was a general call to collect the baggage: then + + setting out, and proceeding in order of march to the dictator's camp, they excited + + at once the surprise of the dictator himself and all around him. When the standards + + were planted before the tribunal, the master of the horse, advancing before + + the rest, having saluted Fabius as father, and the whole body of his troops + + having, with one voice, saluted the soldiers who surrounded him as patrons, + + said, "To my parents, dictator, to whom I have just now equalled you, only in + + name, as far as I could express myself, I am indebted for my life only; to you + + I owe both my own preservation and that of all these soldiers. That order of + + the people, therefore, with which I have been oppressed rather than honoured, + + I first cancel and annul, and (may it be auspicious to me and you, and to these + + your armies, to the preserved and the preserver,) I return to your authority + + and auspices, and restore to you these standards and these legions, and I entreat + + you that, being reconciled, you would order that I may retain the mastership + + of the horse, and that these soldiers may each of them retain their ranks." + + After that hands were joined, and when the assembly was dismissed, the soldiers + + were kindly and hospitably invited by those known to them and unknown: and that + + day, from having been a little while ago gloomy in the extreme, and almost accursed, + + was turned into a day of joy. At Rome, the report of the action was conveyed + + thither, and was afterwards confirmed, not less by letters from the common soldiers + + of both armies, than from the generals themselves, all men individually extolled + + Maximus to the skies. His renown was equal with Hannibal, and his enemies the + + Carthaginians and then at length they began to feel that they were engaged in + + war with Romans, and in Italy. For the two preceding years they entertained + + so utter a contempt for the Roman generals and soldiers, that they could scarcely + + believe that they were waging war with the same nation which their fathers had + + reported to them as being so formidable. They relate also, that Hannibal said, + + as he returned from the field that at length that cloud, which was used to settle + + on the tops of the mountains, had sent down a shower with a storm. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">31 </div> + +<a id="d31" /> + +<p>While these events occur in Italy, Cneius Servilius Geminus, the consul, having + + sailed round the coast of Sardinia and Corsica with a fleet of one hundred and + + twenty ships, and received hostages from both places, crossed over into Africa, + + and before he made a descent upon the continent, having laid waste the island + + of Meninx, and received from the inhabitants of Cercina ten talents of silver, + + in order that their fields too might not be burnt and pillaged, he approached + + the shores of Africa, and landed his troops. Thence the soldiers were led out + + to plunder, and the crews scattered about just as if they were plundering uninhabited + + islands and thus, carelessly falling upon an ambuscade, when they were surrounded--the + + ignorant of the country by those acquainted with it, the straggling by those + + in close array, they were driven back to then ships in ignominious flight, and + + with great carnage. As many as one thousand men, together with Sempionius Blaesus, + + the quaestor, having been lost, the fleet hastily setting sail from the shore, + + which was crowded with the enemy, proceeded direct for Italy, and was given + + up at Lilybaeum to Titus Otacilius, the praetor, that it might be taken back + + to Rome by his lieutenant, Publius Suia. The consul himself, proceeding through + + Sicily on foot, crossed the strait into Italy, summoned, as well as his colleague, + + Marcus Atilius, by a letter from Quintus Fabius, to receive the armies from + + him, as the period of his command, which was six months, had nearly expired. + + Almost all the annalists record that Fabius conducted the war against Hannibal, + + as dictator Caelius also writes, that he was the first dictator created by the + + people. But it has escaped Caelius and all the others that Cneius Servilius, + + the consul, who was then a long way from home in Gaul, which was his province, + + was the only person who possessed the right of appointing a dictator, and that + + as the state, terrified by the disasters which had just befallen it, could not + + abide the delay, it had recourse to the determination that the people should + + create a prodictator, that his subsequent achievements, his singular renown + + as a general, and his descendants, who exaggerated the inscription of his statue, + + easily brought it about that he should be called dictator, instead of prodictator. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">32 </div> + +<a id="d32" /> + +<p>The consuls, Atilius and Geminus Servilius, having received, the former the + + army of Fabius, the latter that of Minucius, and fortified their winter quarters + + in good time, (it was the close of the autumn,) carried on the war with the + + most perfect unanimity, according to the plans of Fabius. In many places they + + fell upon the troops of Hannibal when out on foraging excursions, availing themselves + + of the opportunity, and both harassing their march and intercepting the stragglers. + + They did not come to the chance of a general battle, which the enemy tried by + + every artifice to bring about. And Hannibal was so straitened by the want of + + provisions, that had he not feared in retiring the appearance of flight, he + + would have returned to Gaul, no hope being left of being able to subsist an + + army in those quarters, if the ensuing consuls should carry on the war upon + + the same plan. The war having been arrested in its progress at Geronium, the + + winter interrupting it, ambassadors from Naples came to Rome. They carried into + + the senate-house forty golden goblets, of great weight, and spoke to this effect. + + "That they knew the treasury of the Romans was exhausted by the war, and since + + the war was carried on alike in defence of the cities and the lands of the allies, + + and of the empire and city of Rome, the capital and citadel of Italy, that the + + Neapolitans thought it but fair that they should assist the Roman people with + + whatever gold had been left them by their ancestors as well for the decoration + + of their temples as for the relief of misfortune. If they had thought that there + + was any resource in themselves, that they would have offered it with the same + + zeal. That the Roman fathers and people would render an acceptable service to + + them, if they would consider all the goods of the Neapolitans as their own, + + and if they would think them deserving, that they should accept a present at + + their hands, rendered valuable and of consequence rather by the spirit and affection + + of those who gave it with cheerfulness, than by its intrinsic worth." Thanks + + were given to the ambassadors for their munificence and attention, and the goblet + + of least weight was accepted. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">33 </div> + +<a id="d33" /> + +<p>During the same days a Carthaginian spy, who had escaped for two years, was + + apprehended at Rome, and his hands having been cut off, was let go: and twenty-five + + slaves were crucified for forming a conspiracy in the Campus Martius; his liberty + + was given to the informer, and twenty thousand <i>asses</i> of the heavy standard. + + Ambassadors were also sent to Philip, king of the Macedonians, to demand Demetrius + + of Pharia, who, having been vanquished in war had fled to him. Others were sent + + to the Ligurians, to expostulate with them for having assisted the Carthaginians + + with their substance and with auxiliaries; and, at the same time, to take a + + near view of what was going on amongst the Boii and Insubrians. Ambassadors + + were also sent to the Illyrians to king Pineus, to demand the tribute, the day + + of payment of which had passed; or if he wished to postpone the day, to receive + + hostages. Thus, though an arduous war was on their shoulders, no attention to + + any one concern in any part of the world, however remote, escapes the Romans. + + It was made a matter of superstitious fear also, that the temple of Concord, + + which Lucius Manlius, the praetor, had vowed in Gaul two years ago, on occasion + + of a mutiny, had not been contracted for to that day. Accordingly, Cneius Pupius + + and Caeso Quinctius Flaminius, created duumviri by Marcus Aemilius, the city + + praetor, for that purpose, contract for the building a temple in the citadel. + + By the same praetor a letter was sent to the consuls, agreeably to a decree + + of the senate, to the effect that, if they thought proper, one of them should + + come to Rome to elect consuls; and that he would proclaim the election for whatever + + day they might name. To this it was replied by the consuls, that they could + + not leave the enemy without detriment to the public; that it would be better, + + therefore, that the election should be held by an interrex, than that one of + + the consuls should be called away from the war. It appeared more proper to the + + fathers, that a dictator should be nominated by a consul, for the purpose of + + holding the election Lucius Veturius Philo was nominated, who chose Manius Pomponius + + Matho master of the horse. These having been created with some defect, they + + were ordered to give up their appointment on the fourteenth day; and the state + + came to an interregnum. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">34 </div> + +<a id="d34" /> + +<p>To the consuls the authority was continued for a year longer. Caius Claudius + + Centho, son of Appius, and then Publius Cornelius Asina, were appointed interreges + + by the fathers. During the interregnum of the latter the election was held with + + a violent contest between the patricians and the people, Caius Terentius Varro, + + whom, as a man of their own order, commended to their favour by inveighing against + + the patricians and by other popular arts; who had acquired celebrity by maligning + + others, by undermining the influence of Fabius, and bringing into contempt the + + dictatorial authority, the commons strove to raise to the consulship. The patricians + + opposed him with all their might, lest men, by inveighing against them, should + + come to be placed on an equality with them. Quintus Boebius Herennius, a plebeian + + tribune, and kinsman of Caius Terentius, by criminating not only the senate, + + but the augurs also, for having prevented the dictator from completing the election, + + by the odium cast upon them, conciliated favour to his own candidate. He asserted, + + "that Hannibal had been brought into Italy by the nobility, who had for many + + years been desirous of a war. That by the fraudulent machinations of the same + + persons the war had been protracted, whereas it might have been brought to a + + conclusion. That it had appeared that the war could be maintained with an army + + consisting of four legions in all, from Marcus Minucius's having fought with + + success in the absence of Fabius. That two legions had been exposed to be slain + + by the enemy, and were afterwards rescued from absolute destruction, in order + + that that man might be saluted as father and patron, who had deprived them of + + victory before he delivered them from defeat. That subsequently the consuls, + + pursuing the plans of Fabius, had protracted the war, whereas it was in their + + power to have put a period to it. That this was an agreement made by the nobility + + in general; nor would they ever have the war concluded till they had created + + a consul really plebeian; that is, a new man: for that plebeians who had attained + + nobility were now initiated into the mysteries, and had begun to look down with + + contempt upon plebeians, from the moment they ceased to be despised by the patricians. + + Who was not fully aware that their end and object was, that an interregnum should + + be formed, in order that the elections might be under the influence of the patricians? + + That both the consuls had that in view in tarrying with the army: and that afterwards + + a dictator having been nominated to hold the election contrary to their wishes, + + they had carried it, as it were, by storm, that the augurs should declare the + + dictator informally elected. That they therefore had gotten an interregnum; + + but one consulate was surely in the hands of the Roman people. Thus the people + + would have that at their own unbiassed disposal, and that they would confer + + it on that man who would rather conquer in reality than lengthen the term of + + his command." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">35 </div> + +<a id="d35" /> + +<p>When the people had been inflamed by these harangues, though there were three + + patrician candidates for the consulship, Publius Cornelius Merenda, Lucius Manlius + + Vulso, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, two of plebeian families, who had been ennobled, + + Caius Atilius Serranus and Quintus Aelius Paetus, one of whom was pontiff, the + + other an augur, Terentius alone was created consul, that the comitia for choosing + + his colleague might be in his own management. Then the nobles, finding that + + the competitors whom they had set up were not strong enough, though he strenuously + + refused for a long time, prevail upon Aemilius Paulus, who was strongly opposed + + to the people, to become a candidate. He had been consul before with Marcus + + Livius, and from the condemnation of his colleague, and almost of himself, had + + come off scathed. On the next day of the election, all who had opposed Varro + + withdrawing, he is given to the consul rather as a match to oppose him than + + as a colleague. Afterwards the assembly for the election of praetors was held, + + and Manius Pomponius Matho and Publius Furius Philus were chosen. The city lot + + for the administration of justice at Rome fell to the lot of Pomponius; between + + Roman citizens and foreigners, to Philus. Two praetors were added, Marcus Claudius + + Marcellus for Sicily, and Lucius Postumius for Gaul. These were all appointed + + in their absence; nor was an honour which he had not previously borne committed + + to any one of them, except the consul Terentius, several brave and able men + + having been passed over, because, at such a juncture, it did not appear advisable + + that a new office should be committed to any one. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">36 </div> + +<a id="d36" /> + +<p>The forces also were augmented. But how great was the augmentation of infantry + + and cavalry authors vary so much, that I scarcely dare positively assert. Some + + state, that ten thousand soldiers were levied as a reinforcement; others, four + + fresh legions, that there might be eight legions in service. It is said also, + + that the complement of the legion was increased in respect both to foot and + + horse, one thousand foot and one hundred horse being added to each, so that + + each might contain five thousand foot and three hundred horse; and that the + + allies furnished twice as many cavalry, and an equal number of infantry. Some + + authorities affirm that there were eighty-seven thousand two hundred soldiers + + in the Roman camp when the battle of Cannae was fought. There is no dispute, + + that the war was prosecuted with greater energy and spirit than during former + + years, because the dictator had given them a hope that the enemy might be subdued. + + Before, however, the new-raised legions marched from the city, the decemviri + + were ordered to have recourse to and inspect the sacred volumes, on account + + of persons having been generally alarmed by extraordinary prodigies; for intelligence + + was brought, that it had rained stones on the Aventine at Rome and at Aricia + + at the same time. That among the Sabines, statues had sweated blood copiously, + + and at Caere the waters had flowed warm, from a fountain. The latter prodigy + + excited a greater degree of alarm, because it had frequently occurred. In a + + street called the Arched Way, near the Campus Martius, several men were struck + + by lightning and killed. These prodigies were expiated according to the books. + + Ambassadors from Paestum brought some golden goblets to Rome; they were thanked, + + as the Neapolitans were, but the gold was not accepted. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">37 </div> + +<a id="d37" /> + +<p>During the same time a fleet from Hiero arrived at Ostia with a large cargo + + of supplies. The Syracusan ambassadors, on being introduced into the senate, + + delivered this message: "That king Hiero was so much affected at the slaughter + + announced to him of Caius Flaminius the consul and his troops, that he could + + not have been more distressed at any disasters which could have befallen himself + + or his own kingdom; and accordingly, though he was well aware that the greatness + + of the Roman people was almost more admirable in adversity than prosperity, + + he had nevertheless sent every thing which good and faithful allies are wont + + to contribute to assist the operations of war, which he earnestly implored the + + conscript fathers not to refuse to accept. First of all, for the sake of the + + omen, they had brought a golden statue of Victory, of three hundred pounds' + + weight, which they begged them to accept, keep by them, and hold as their own + + peculiar and lasting possession. That they had also brought three hundred thousand + + pecks of wheat, and two hundred thousand of barley, that there might be no want + + of provisions, and that as much more as might be necessary they would convey, + + as a supply, to whatever place they might appoint. He knew that the Roman people + + employed no legionary troops or cavalry who were not Romans, or of the Latin + + confederacy, that he had seen foreign auxiliary as well as native light-armed + + troops in the Roman camps, he had, therefore, sent one thousand archers and + + slingers, a suitable force against the Bahares and Moors, and other nations + + which fought with missile weapons" To these presents they added also advice + + "That the praetor to whose lot the province of Sicily had fallen, should pass + + a fleet over to Africa, that the enemy also might have a war in their own country, + + and that less liberty should be afforded them of sending reinforcements to Hannibal" + + The senate thus replied to the king. "That Hiero was a good man and an admirable + + ally, and that from the time he first formed a friendship with the Roman people + + he had uniformly cultivated a spirit of fidelity, and had munificently assisted + + the Roman cause at all times and in every place. That this was, as it ought + + to be, a cause of gratitude to the Roman people. That the Roman people had not + + accepted gold which had been brought them also from certain states, though they + + felt gratitude for the act. The Victory and the omen," they said, "they would + + accept, and would assign and dedicate to that goddess, as her abode, the Capitol, + + the temple of Jupiter, the best and greatest of gods, hoping that, consecrated + + in that fortress of the city of Rome, she would continue there firm and immoveable, + + kind and propitious to the Roman people." The slingers, archers, and corn were + + handed over to the consuls. To the fleet which Titus Otacilius the proprietor + + had in Sicily, twenty-five quinqueremes were added, and permission was given + + him, if he thought it for the interest of the state to pass over into Africa. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">38 </div> + +<a id="d38" /> + +<p>The levy completed, the consuls waited a few days, till the allies of the Latin + + confederacy arrived. At this time the soldiers were bound by an oath, which + + had never before been the case, dictated by the military tribunes, that they + + would assemble at the command of the consuls, and not depart without orders; + + for up to that time the military oath only had been employed; and further, when + + the soldiers met to divide into decuries or centuries, the cavalry being formed + + into decuries and the infantry into centuries, all swore together, amongst themselves, + + of their own accord, that they would not depart or quit their ranks for flight + + or fear, except for the purpose of taking up or fetching a weapon, and either + + striking an enemy or saving a countryman. This, from being a voluntary compact + + among the soldiers themselves, was converted into the legal compulsion of an + + oath by the tribunes. Before the standards were moved from the city, the harangues + + of Varro were frequent and furious, protesting that the war had been invited + + into Italy by the nobles, and that it would continue fixed in the bowels of + + the state if it employed any more such generals as Fabius; that he would bring + + the war to conclusion on the very day he got sight of the enemy. His colleague + + Paulus made but one speech, on the day before they set out from the city, which + + was more true than gratifying to the people, in which nothing was said severely + + against Varro, except this only. "That he wondered how any general, before he + + knew any thing of his own army, or that of the enemy, the situation of the places, + + or the nature of the country, even now while in the city, and with the gown + + on, could tell what he must do when in arms, and could even foretell the day + + on which he would fight standard to standard with the enemy. That, for his own + + part, he would not, before the time arrived, prematurely anticipate those measures + + which circumstances imposed on men, rather than men on circumstances. He could + + only wish that those measures which were taken with due caution and deliberation + + might turn out prosperously. That temerity, setting aside its folly, had hitherto + + been also unsuccessful." This obviously appeared, that he would prefer safe + + to precipitate counsels; but that he might persevere the more constantly in + + this, Quintus Fabius Maximus is reported to have thus addressed him on his departure. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">39 </div> + +<a id="d39" /> + +<p>"If you either had a colleague like yourself, Lucius Aemilius, which is what + + I should prefer, or you were like your colleague, an address from me would be + + superfluous. For were you both good consuls, you would do every thing for the + + good of the state from your own sense of honour, even without my saying a word: + + and were you both bad consuls, you would neither receive my words into your + + ears, nor my counsels into your minds. As the case now is, looking at your colleague + + and yourself, a man of such character, my address will be solely to you; who, + + I feel convinced, will prove yourself a good man and a worthy citizen in vain, + + if the state on the other hand should halt. Pernicious counsels will have the + + same authority and influence as those which are sound. For you are mistaken, + + Lucius Paulus, if you imagine that you will have a less violent contest with + + Caius Terentius than with Hannibal. I know not whether the former, your opponent, + + or the latter, your open enemy, be the more hostile. With the latter you will + + have to contend in the field only; with the former, at every place and time. + + Hannibal, moreover, you have to oppose with your own horse and foot; while Varro + + will head your own soldiers against you. Let Caius Flaminius be absent from + + your thoughts, even for the omen's sake. Yet he only began to play the madman's + + consul, in his province, and at the head of the army. This man is raving before + + he put up for the consulship, afterwards while canvassing for it, and now having + + obtained it, before he has seen the camp or the enemy. And he who by talking + + largely of battles and marshalled armies, even now excites such storms among + + the citizens with their gowns on, what do you think he will effect among the + + youth in arms, where words are followed forthwith by acts? But be assured, if + + this man, as he protests he will, shall immediately engage the enemy either + + I am unacquainted with military affairs, with this kind of war, and the character + + of the enemy, or another place will become more celebrated than the Trasimenus + + by our disaster. Neither is this the season for boasting while I am addressing + + one man; and besides, I have exceeded the bounds of moderation in despising + + rather than in courting fame. But the case is really this. The only way of conducting + + the war against Hannibal is that which I adopted: nor does the event only, that + + instructor of fools, demonstrate it, but that same reasoning which has continued + + hitherto, and will continue unchangeable so long as circumstances shall remain + + the same. We are carrying on war in Italy, in our own country, and our own soil. + + All around us are countrymen and allies in abundance. With arms, men, horses, + + and provisions, they do and will assist us. Such proofs of their fidelity have + + they given in our adversity. Time, nay, everyday makes us better, wiser, and + + firmer. Hannibal, on the contrary, is in a foreign, a hostile land, amidst all + + hostile and disadvantageous circumstances, far from his home, far from his country; + + he has peace neither by land nor sea: no cities, no walls receive him: he sees + + nothing any where which he can call his own: he daily lives by plunder. He has + + now scarcely a third part of that army which he conveyed across the Iberus. + + Famine has destroyed more than the sword; nor have the few remaining a sufficient + + supply of provisions. Do you doubt, therefore, whether by remaining quiet we + + shall not conquer him who is daily sinking into decrepitude? who has neither + + provisions nor money? How long before the walls of Geronium, a miserable fortress + + of Apulia, as if before the walls of Carthage--? But not even in your presence + + will I boast. See how Cneius Servilius and Atilius, the last consuls, fooled + + him. This is the only path of safety, Lucius Paulus, which your countrymen will + + render more difficult and dangerous to you than their enemies will. For your + + own soldiers will desire the same thing as those of the enemy: Varro, a Roman + + consul, and Hannibal, a Carthaginian general, will wish the same thing. You + + alone must resist two generals: and you will resist them sufficiently if you + + stand firm against the report and the rumours of men; if neither the empty glory + + of your colleague, and the unfounded calumnies against yourself, shall move + + you. They say that truth too often suffers, but is never destroyed. He who despises + + fame will have it genuine. Let them call you coward instead of cautious, dilatory + + instead of considerate, unwarlike instead of an expert general. I would rather + + that a sagacious enemy should fear you, than that foolish countrymen should + + commend you. A man who hazards all things Hannibal will despise, him who does + + nothing rashly he will fear. And neither do I advise that nothing should be + + done; but that in what you do, reason should guide you, and not fortune. All + + things will be within your own power, and your own. Be always ready armed and + + on the watch, and neither be wanting when a favourable opportunity presents + + itself, nor give any favourable opportunity to the enemy. All things are clear + + and sure to the deliberate man. Precipitation is improvident and blind." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">40 </div> + +<a id="d40" /> + +<p>The address of the consul in reply was by no means cheerful, admitting that + + what he said was true, rather than easy to put in practice. He said, "That to + + him, as dictator, his master of the horse was unbearable: what power or influence + + could a consul have against a factious and intemperate colleague? That he had + + in his former consulate escaped a popular conflagration not without being singed: + + his prayer was, that every thing might happen prosperously; but if, on the contrary, + + any misfortune should occur, that he would rather expose his life to the weapons + + of the enemy, than to the votes of his incensed countrymen." Directly after + + this discourse, it is related that Paulus set out, escorted by the principal + + senators. The plebeian consul attended his own plebeian party, more distinguished + + by their numbers than respectability. When they had arrived at the camp, the + + old and new troops being united, they formed two distinct camps, so that the + + new and smaller one might be the nearer to Hannibal, and the old one might contain + + the greater part, and all the choicest of the troops. They then sent to Rome + + Marcus Atilius, the consul of the former year, who alleged his age in excuse. + + They appoint Geminus Servilius to the command of a Roman legion, and two thousand + + of the allied infantry and cavalry in the lesser camp. Hannibal, although he + + perceived that the forces of the enemy were augmented by one-half, was yet wonderfully + + rejoiced at the arrival of the consuls; for he had not only nothing remaining + + of the provisions which he daily acquired by plunder, but there was not even + + any thing left which he could seize, the corn in all the surrounding country + + having been collected into fortified cities, when the country was too unsafe; + + so that, as was afterwards discovered, there scarcely remained corn enough for + + ten days, and the Spaniards would have passed over to the enemy, through want + + of food, if the completion of that time had been awaited. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">41 </div> + +<a id="d41" /> + +<p>But fortune afforded materials also to the headstrong and precipitate disposition + + of the consul, for in checking the plundering parties a battle having taken + + place, of a tumultuary kind, and occasioned rather by a disorderly advance of + + the soldiers, than by a preconcerted plan, or by the command of the general, + + the contest was by no means equal with the Carthaginians. As many as one thousand + + seven hundred of them were slain, but not more than one hundred of the Romans + + and allies. The consul Paulus, however, who was in command on that day, (for + + they held the command on alternate days,) apprehending an ambuscade, restrained + + the victorious troops in their headstrong pursuit; while Varro indignantly vociferated, + + that the enemy had been allowed to slip out of their hands, and that the war + + might have been terminated had not the pursuit been stopped. Hannibal was not + + much grieved at that loss; nay, rather he felt convinced, that the temerity + + of the more presumptuous consul, and of the soldiers, particularly the fresh + + ones, would be lured by the bait; and besides, all the circumstances of the + + enemy were as well known to him as his own: that dissimilar and discordant men + + were in command; that nearly two-thirds of the army consisted of raw recruits. + + Accordingly, concluding that he now had both a time and place adapted for an + + ambuscade, on the following night he led his troops away with nothing but their + + arms, leaving the camp filled with all their effects, both public and private. + + His infantry drawn up he conceals on the left, on the opposite side of the adjoining + + hills; his cavalry on the right; his baggage in an intermediate line he leads + + over the mountains through a valley, in order that he might surprise the enemy + + when busy in plundering the camp, deserted, as they would imagine, by its owners, + + and when encumbered with booty. Numerous fires were left in the camp, to produce + + a belief that his intention was to keep the consuls in their places by the appearance + + of a camp, until he could himself escape to a greater distance, in the same + + manner as he had deceived Fabius the year before. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">42 </div> + +<a id="d42" /> + +<p>When it was day, the outpost withdrawn first occasioned surprise, then, on + + a nearer approach, the unusual stillness. At length, the desertion being manifest, + + there is a general rush to the pavilions of the consuls, of those who announced + + the flight of the enemy so precipitate, that they left their camp, with their + + tents standing; and, that their flight might be the more secret, that numerous + + fires were left. Then a clamour arose that they should order the standards to + + be advanced, and lead them in pursuit of the enemy, and to the immediate plunder + + of the camp. The other consul too was as one of the common soldiers. Paulus + + again and again urged, that they should see their way before them, and use every + + precaution. Lastly, when he could no longer withstand the sedition and the leader + + of the sedition, he sends Marius Statilius, a prefect, with a Lucanian troop, + + to reconnoitre, who, when he had ridden up to the gates, ordered the rest to + + stay without the works, and entered the camp himself, attended by two horsemen. + + Having carefully examined every thing, he brings back word that it was manifestly + + a snare: that fires were left in that part of the camp which faced the enemy: + + that the tents were open, and that all their valuables were left exposed: that + + in some places he had seen silver carelessly thrown about the passages, as if + + laid there for plunder. This intelligence, which it was hoped would deter their + + minds from greediness, inflamed them; and the soldiers clamorously declaring, + + that unless the signal was given they would advance without their leaders, they + + by no means wanted one, for Varro instantly gave the signal for marching. Paulus, + + whom, unwilling from his own suggestions to move, the chickens had not encouraged + + by their auspices, ordered the unlucky omen to be reported to his colleague, + + when he was now leading the troops out of the gate. And though Varro bore it + + impatiently, yet the recent fate of Flaminius, and the recorded naval defeat + + of Claudius, the consul in the first Punic war, struck religious scruples into + + his mind. The gods themselves (it might almost be said) rather postponed than + + averted the calamity which hung over the Romans; for it fell out by mere accident, + + that when the soldiers did not obey the consul who ordered them to return to + + the camp, two slaves, one belonging to a horseman of Formiae, the other to one + + of Sidicinum, who had been cut off by the Numidians among a party of foragers, + + when Servilius and Atilius were consuls, had escaped on that day to their masters: + + and being brought into the presence of the consuls, inform them that the whole + + army of Hannibal was lying in ambush on the other side of the adjoining mountains. + + The seasonable arrival of these men restored the consuls to their authority, + + when the ambition of one of them had relaxed his influence with the soldiers, + + by an undignified compliance.43. Hannibal, perceiving that the Romans had been + + indiscreetly prompted rather than rashly carried to a conclusion, returned to + + his camp without effecting any thing, as his stratagem was discovered. He could + + not remain there many days, in consequence of the scarcity of corn; and, moreover, + + not only among the soldiers, who were mixed up of the off-scouring of various + + nations, but even with the general himself, day by day new designs arose: for, + + first, when there had been murmuring of the soldiers, and then an open and clamorous + + demand of their arrears of pay, and a complaint first of the scarcity of provisions, + + and lastly of famine; and there being a report that the mercenaries, particularly + + the Spanish, had formed a plan of passing over to the enemy, it is affirmed + + that Hannibal himself too sometimes entertained thoughts of flying into Gaul, + + so that, having left all his infantry, he might hurry away with his cavalry. + + Such being the plans in agitation, and such the state of feeling in the camp, + + he resolved to depart thence into the regions of Apulia, which were warmer, + + and therefore earlier in the harvest. Thinking also, that the farther he retired + + from the enemy, the more difficult would desertion be to the wavering. He set + + out by night, having, as before, kindled fires, and leaving a few tents to produce + + an appearance; that a fear of an ambuscade, similar to the former, might keep + + the Romans in their places. But when intelligence was brought by the same Lucanian + + Statilius, who had reconnoitred every place on the other side the mountains, + + and beyond the camp, that the enemy was seen marching at a distance, then plans + + began to be deliberated on about pursuing him. The consuls persisted in the + + same opinions they ever entertained; but nearly all acquiesced with Varro, and + + none with Paulus except Servilius, the consul of the former year. In compliance + + with the opinion of the majority, they set out, under the impulse of destiny, + + to render Cannae celebrated by a Roman disaster. Hannibal had pitched his camp + + near that village, with his back to the wind Vulturnus, which, in those plains + + which are parched with drought, carries with it clouds of dust. This circumstance + + was not only very advantageous to the camp, but would be a great protection + + to them when they formed their line; as they, with the wind blowing only on + + their backs, would combat with an enemy blinded with the thickly blown dust. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">44 </div> + +<a id="d44" /> + +<p>When the consuls, employing sufficient diligence in exploring the road in pursuit + + of the Carthaginian, had arrived at Cannae, where they had the enemy in the + + sight of them, having divided their forces, they fortify two camps with nearly + + the same interval as before, at Geronium. The river Aufidus, which flowed by + + both the camps, afforded approach to the watering parties of each, as opportunity + + served, though not without contest. The Romans in the lesser camp, however, + + which was on the other side the Aufidus, were more freely furnished with water, + + because the further bank had no guard of the enemy. Hannibal, entertaining a + + hope that the consuls would not decline a battle in this tract, which was naturally + + adapted to a cavalry engagement, in which portion of his forces he was invincible, + + formed his line, and provoked the enemy by a skirmishing attack with his Numidians. + + Upon this the Roman camp began again to be embroiled by a mutiny among the soldiers, + + and the disagreement of the consuls: since Paulus instanced to Varro the temerity + + of Sempronius and Flaminius; while Varro pointed to Fabius, as a specious example + + to timid and inactive generals. The latter called both gods and men to witness, + + "that no part of the blame attached to him that Hannibal had now made Italy + + his own, as it were, by right of possession; that he was held bound by his colleague; + + that the swords and arms were taken out of the hands of the indignant soldiers + + who were eager to fight." The former declared, "that if any disaster should + + befall the legions thus exposed and betrayed into an ill-advised and imprudent + + battle, he should be exempt from any blame, though the sharer of all the consequences. + + That he must take care that their hands were equally energetic in the battle + + whose tongues were so forward and impetuous." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">45 </div> + +<a id="d45" /> + +<p>While time is thus consumed in altercation rather than deliberating, Hannibal, + + who had kept his troops drawn up in order of battle till late in the day, when + + he had led the rest of them back into the camp, sends Numidians across the river + + to attack a watering party of the Romans from the lesser camp. Having routed + + this disorderly band by shouting and tumult, before they had well reached the + + opposite bank, they advanced even to an outpost which was before the rampart, + + and near the, very gates of the camp. It seemed so great an indignity, that + + now even the camp of the Romans should be terrified by a tumultuary band of + + auxiliaries, that this cause alone kept back the Romans from crossing the river + + forthwith, and forming their line, that the chief command was on that day held + + by Paulus. Accordingly Varro, on the following day, on which it was his turn + + to hold the command, without consulting his colleague, displayed the signal + + for battle, and forming his troops, led them across the river. Paulus followed, + + because he could better disapprove of the proceeding, than withhold his assistance. + + Having crossed the river, they add to their forces those which they had in the + + lesser camp; and thus forming their line, place the Roman cavalry in the right + + wing, which was next the river; and next them the infantry: at the extremity + + of the left wing the allied cavalry; within them the allied infantry, extending + + to the centre, and contiguous to the Roman legions. The darters, and the rest + + of the light-armed auxiliaries, formed the van. The consuls commanded the wings; + + Terentius the left, Aemilius the right. To Geminus Sevilius was committed the + + charge of maintaining the battle in the centre. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">46 </div> + +<a id="d46" /> + +<p>Hannibal, at break of day, having sent before him the Baliares and other light-armed + + troops, crossed the river, and placed his troops in line of battle, as he had + + conveyed them across the river. The Gallic and Spanish cavalry he placed in + + the left wing, opposite the Roman cavalry: the right wing was assigned to the + + Numidian cavalry, the centre of the line being strongly formed by the infantry, + + so that both extremities of it were composed of Africans, between which Gauls + + and Spaniards were placed. One would suppose the Africans were for the most + + part Romans, they were so equipped with arms captured at the Trebia, and for + + the greater part at the Trasimenus. The shields of the Gauls and Spaniards were + + of the same shape; their swords unequal and dissimilar. The Gauls had very long + + ones, without points. The Spaniards, who were accustomed to stab more than to + + cut their enemy, had swords convenient from their shortness, and with points. + + The aspect of these nations in other respects was terrific, both as to the appearance + + they exhibited and the size of their persons. The Gauls were naked above the + + navel: the Spaniards stood arrayed in linen vests resplendent with surprising + + whiteness, and bordered with purple. The whole amount of infantry standing in + + battle-array was forty thousand, of cavalry ten. The generals who commanded + + the wings were on the left Hasdrubal, on the right Maharbal: Hannibal himself, + + with his brother Mago, commanded the centre. The sun very conveniently shone + + obliquely upon both parties; the Romans facing the south, and the Carthaginians + + the north; either placed so designedly, or having stood thus by chance. The + + wind, which the inhabitants of the district call the Vulturnus, blowing violently + + in front of the Romans, prevented their seeing far by rolling clouds of dust + + into their faces. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">47 </div> + +<a id="d47" /> + +<p>The shout being raised, the auxiliaries charged, and the battle commenced in + + the first place with the light-armed troops: then the left wing, consisting + + of the Gallic and Spanish cavalry, engages with the Roman right wing, by no + + means in the manner of a cavalry battle; for they were obliged to engage front + + to front; for as on one side the river, on the other the line of infantry hemmed + + them in, there was no space left at their flanks for evolution, but both parties + + were compelled to press directly forward. At length the horses standing still, + + and being crowded together, man grappling with man, dragged him from his horse. + + The contest now came to be carried on principally on foot. The battle, however, + + was more violent than lasting; and the Roman cavalry being repulsed, turn their + + backs. About the conclusion of the contest between the cavalry, the battle between + + the infantry commenced. At first the Gauls and Spaniards preserved their ranks + + unbroken, not inferior in strength or courage: but at length the Romans, after + + long and repeated efforts, drove in with their even front and closely compacted + + line, that part of the enemy's line in the form of a wedge, which projected + + beyond the rest, which was too thin, and therefore deficient in strength. These + + men, thus driven back and hastily retreating, they closely pursued; and as they + + urged their course without interruption through this terrified band, as it fled + + with precipitation, were borne first upon the centre line of the enemy; and + + lastly, no one opposing them, they reached the African reserved troops. These + + were posted at the two extremities of the line, where it was depressed; while + + the centre, where the Gauls and Spaniards were placed, projected a little. When + + the wedge thus formed being driven in, at first rendered the line level, but + + afterwards, by the pressure, made a curvature in the centre, the Africans, who + + had now formed wings on each side of them, surrounded the Romans on both sides, + + who incautiously rushed into the intermediate space; and presently extending + + their wings, enclosed the enemy on the rear also. After this the Romans, who + + had in vain finished one battle, leaving the Gauls and Spaniards, whose rear + + they had slaughtered, in addition commence a fresh encounter with the Africans, + + not only disadvantageous, because being hemmed in they had to fight against + + troops who surrounded them, but also because, fatigued, they fought with those + + who were fresh and vigorous. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">48 </div> + +<a id="d48" /> + +<p>Now also in the left wing of the Romans, in which the allied cavalry were opposed + + to the Numidians, the battle was joined, which was at first languid, commencing + + with a stratagem on the part of the Carthaginians. About five hundred Numidians, + + who, besides their usual arms, had swords concealed beneath their coats of mail, + + quitting their own party, and riding up to the enemy under the semblance of + + deserters, with their bucklers behind them, suddenly leap down from their horses; + + and, throwing down their bucklers and javelins at the feet of their enemies, + + are received into their centre, and being conducted to the rear, ordered to + + remain there; and there they continued until the battle became general. But + + afterwards, when the thoughts and attention of all were occupied with the contest, + + snatching up the shields which lay scattered on all hands among the heaps of + + slain, they fell upon the rear of the Roman line, and striking their backs and + + wounding their hams, occasioned vast havoc, and still greater panic and confusion. + + While in one part terror and flight prevailed, in another the battle was obstinately + + persisted in, though with little hope. Hasdrubal, who was then commanding in + + that quarter, withdrawing the Numidians from the centre of the army, as the + + conflict with their opponents was slight, sends them in pursuit of the scattered + + fugitives, and joining the Africans, now almost weary with slaying rather than + + fighting the Spanish and Gallic infantry. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">49 </div> + +<a id="d49" /> + +<p>On the other side of the field, Paulus, though severely wounded from a sling + + in the very commencement of the battle, with a compact body of troops, frequently + + opposed himself to Hannibal, and in several quarters restored the battle, the + + Roman cavalry protecting him; who, at length, when the consul had not strength + + enough even to manage his horse, dismounted from their horses. And when some + + one brought intelligence that the consul had ordered the cavalry to dismount, + + it is said that Hannibal observed, "How much rather would I that he delivered + + them to me in chains." The fight maintained by the dismounted cavalry was such + + as might be expected, when the victory was undoubtedly on the side of the enemy, + + the vanquished preferring death in their places to flight; and the conquerors, + + who were enraged at them for delaying the victory, butchering those whom they + + could not put to flight. They at length, however, drove the few who remained + + away, worn out with exertion and wounds. After that they were all dispersed, + + and such as could, sought to regain their horses for flight. Cneius Lentulus, + + a military tribune, seeing, as he rode by, the consul sitting upon a stone and + + covered with blood, said to him: "Lucius Aemilius! the only man whom the gods + + ought to regard as being guiltless of this day's disaster, take this horse, + + while you have any strength remaining, and I am with you to raise you up and + + protect you. Make not this battle more calamitous by the death of a consul. + + There is sufficient matter for tears and grief without this addition." In reply + + the consul said: "Do thou indeed go on and prosper, Cneius Servilius, in your + + career of virtue! But beware lest you waste in bootless commiseration the brief + + opportunity of escaping from the hands of the enemy. Go and tell the fathers + + publicly, to fortify the city of Rome, and garrison it strongly before the victorious + + enemy arrive: and tell Quintus Fabius individually, that Lucius Aemilius lived, + + and now dies, mindful of his injunctions. Allow me to expire amid these heaps + + of my slaughtered troops, that I may not a second time be accused after my consulate, + + or stand forth as the accuser of my colleague, in order to defend my own innocence + + by criminating another." While finishing these words, first a crowd of their + + flying countrymen, after that the enemy, came upon them; they overwhelm the + + consul with their weapons, not knowing who he was: in the confusion his horse + + rescued Lentulus. After that they fly precipitately. Seven thousand escaped + + to the lesser camp, ten to the greater, about two thousand to the village itself + + of Cannae who were immediately surrounded by Carthalo and the cavalry, no fortifications + + protecting the village. The other consul, whether by design or by chance, made + + good his escape to Venusia with about seventy horse, without mingling with any + + party of the flying troops. Forty thousand foot, two thousand seven hundred + + horse, there being an equal number of citizens and allies, are said to have + + been slain. Among both the quaestors of the consuls, Lucius Atilius and Lucius + + Furius Bibaculus; twenty-one military tribunes; several who had passed the offices + + of consul, praetor, and aedile; among these they reckon Cneius Servilius Germinus, + + and Marcus Minucius, who had been master of the horse on a former year, and + + consul some years before: moreover eighty, either senators, or who had borne + + those offices by which they might be elected into the senate, and who had voluntarily + + enrolled themselves in the legions. Three thousand infantry and three hundred + + cavalry are said to have been captured in that battle. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">50 </div> + +<a id="d50" /> + +<p>Such is the battle of Cannae, equal in celebrity to the defeat at the Allia: + + but as it was less important in respect to those things which happened after + + it, because the enemy did not follow up the blow, so was it more important and + + more horrible with respect to the slaughter of the army; for with respect to + + the flight at the Allia, as it betrayed the city, so it preserved the army. + + At Cannae, scarcely seventy accompanied the flying consul: almost the whole + + army shared the fate of the other who died. The troops collected in the two + + camps being a half-armed multitude without leaders, those in the larger send + + a message to the others, that they should come over to them at night, when the + + enemy was oppressed with sleep, and wearied with the battle, and then, out of + + joy, overpowered with feasting: that they would go in one body to Canusium. + + Some entirely disapproved of that advice. "For why," said they, "did not those + + who sent for them come themselves, since there would be equal facility of forming + + a junction? Because, evidently, all the intermediate space was crowded with + + the enemy, and they would rather expose the persons of others to so great a + + danger than their own." Others did not so much disapprove, as want courage to + + fulfil the advice. Publius Sempronius Tuditanus, a military tribune, exclaims, + + "Would you rather, then, be captured by the most rapacious and cruel enemy, + + and have a price set upon your heads, and have your value ascertained by men + + who will ask whether you are Roman citizens or Latin confederates, in order + + that from your miseries and indignities honour may be sought for another? Not + + you, at least, if you are the fellow-citizens of Lucius Aemilius, the consul + + who preferred an honourable death to a life of infamy, and of so many brave + + men who lie heaped around him. But, before the light overtakes us and more numerous + + bodies of the enemy beset the way, let us break through those disorderly and + + irregular troops who are making a noise at our gates. By the sword and courage, + + a road may be made through enemies, however dense. In a wedge we shall make + + our way through this loose and disjointed band, as if nothing opposed us. Come + + along with me therefore, ye who wish the safety of yourselves and the state." + + Having thus said, he draws his sword, and forming a wedge, goes through the + + midst of the enemy; and as the Numidians discharged their javelins on their + + right side, which was exposed, they transferred their shields to the right hand, + + and thus escaped, to the number of six hundred, to the greater camp; and setting + + out thence forthwith, another large body having joined them, arrived safe at + + Canusium. These measures were taken by the vanquished, according to the impulse + + of their tempers, which his own disposition or which accident gave to each, + + rather than in consequence of any deliberate plan of their own, or in obedience + + to the command of any one. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">51 </div> + +<a id="d51" /> + +<p>When all others, surrounding the victorious Hannibal, congratulated him, and + + advised that, having completed so great a battle, he should himself take the + + remainder of the day and the ensuing night for rest, and grant it to his exhausted + + troops; Maharbal, prefect of the cavalry, who was of opinion that no time should + + be lost, said to him, "Nay, rather, that you may know what has been achieved + + by this battle, five days hence you shall feast in triumph in the Capitol. Follow + + me: I will go first with the cavalry, that they may know that I am arrived before + + they know of me as approaching." To Hannibal this project appeared too full + + of joy, and too great for his mind to embrace it and determine upon it at the + + instant. Accordingly, he replied to Maharbal, that "he applauded his zeal, but + + that time was necessary to ponder the proposal." Upon this Maharbal observed, + + "Of a truth the gods have not bestowed all things upon the same person. You + + know how to conquer, Hannibal; but you do not know how to make use of your victory." + + That day's delay is firmly believed to have been the preservation of the city + + and the empire. On the following day, as soon as it dawned, they set about gathering + + the spoils and viewing the carnage, which was shocking, even to enemies. So + + many thousands of Romans were lying, foot and horse promiscuously, according + + as accident had brought them together, either in the battle or in the flight. + + Some, whom their wounds, pinched by the morning cold, had roused, as they were + + rising up, covered with blood, from the midst of the heaps of slain, were overpowered + + by the enemy. Some too they found lying alive with their thighs and hams cut + + who, laying bare their necks and throats, bid them drain the blood that remained + + in them. Some were found with their heads plunged into the earth, which they + + had excavated; having thus, as it appeared, made pits for themselves, and having + + suffocated themselves by overwhelming their faces with the earth which they + + threw over them. A living Numidian, with lacerated nose and ears, stretched + + beneath a lifeless Roman who lay upon him, principally attracted the attention + + of all; for when his hands were powerless to grasp his weapon, turning from + + rage to madness, he had died in the act of tearing his antagonist with his teeth. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">52 </div> + +<a id="d52" /> + +<p>The spoils having been gathered for a great part of the day, Hannibal leads + + his troops to storm the lesser camp, and, first of all, interposing a trench, + + cuts it off from the river. But as the men were fatigued with toil, watching, + + and wounds, a surrender was made sooner than he expected. Having agreed to deliver + + up their arms and horses, on condition that the ransom of every Roman should + + be three hundred denarii, for an ally two hundred, for a slave one hundred, + + and that on payment of that ransom they should be allowed to depart with single + + garments, they received the enemy into the camp, and were all delivered into + + custody, the citizens and allies being kept separate. While the time is being + + spent there, all who had strength or spirit enough, to the number of four thousand + + foot and two hundred horse, quitted the greater camp and arrived at Canusium; + + some in a body, others widely dispersed through the country, which was no less + + secure a course: the camp itself was surrendered to the enemy by the wounded + + and timid troops, on the same terms as the other was. A very great booty was + + obtained; and with the exception of the men and horses, and what silver there + + was which was for the most part on the trappings of the horses; for they had + + but very little in use for eating from, particularly in campaign; all the rest + + of the booty was given up to be plundered. Then he ordered the bodies of his + + own troops to be collected for burial. They are said to have been as many as + + eight thousand of his bravest men. Some authors relate, that the Roman consul + + also was carefully searched for and buried. Those who escaped to Canusium, being + + received by the people of that place within their walls and houses only, were + + assisted with corn, clothes, and provisions for their journey, by an Apulian + + lady, named Busa, distinguished for her family and riches; in return for which + + munificence, the senate afterwards, when the war was concluded, conferred honours + + upon her. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">53 </div> + +<a id="d53" /> + +<p>But, though there were four military tribunes there, Fabius Maximus of the + + first legion, whose father had been dictator the former year; and of the second + + legion, Lucius Publicius Bibulus and Publius Cornelius Scipio; and of the third + + legion, Appius Claudius Pulcher, who had been aedile the last year; by the consent + + of all, the supreme command was vested in Publius Scipio, then a very young + + man, and Appius Claudius. To these, while deliberating with a few others on + + the crisis of their affairs, Publius Furius Philus, the son of a man of consular + + dignity, brings intelligence, "That it was in vain that they cherished hopes + + which could never be realized: that the state was despaired of, and lamented + + as lost. That certain noble youths, the chief of whom was Lucius Caecilius Metellus, + + turned their attention to the sea and ships, in order that, abandoning Italy, + + they might escape to some king." When this calamity, which was not only dreadful + + in itself, but new, and in addition to the numerous disasters they had sustained, + + had struck them motionless with astonishment and stupor; and while those who + + were present gave it as their opinion that a council should be called to deliberate + + upon it, young Scipio, the destined general of this war, asserts, "That it is + + not a proper subject for deliberation: that courage and action, and not deliberation, + + were necessary in so great a calamity. That those who wished the safety of the + + state would attend him forthwith in arms; that in no place was the camp of the + + enemy more truly, than where such designs were meditated." He immediately proceeds, + + attended by a few, to the lodging of Metellus; and finding there the council + + of youths of which he had been apprized, he drew his sword over the heads of + + them, deliberating, and said, "With sincerity of soul I swear that neither will + + I myself desert the cause of the Roman republic, nor will I suffer any other + + citizen of Rome to desert it. If knowingly I violate my oath, then, O Jupiter, + + supremely great and good, mayest thou visit my house, my family, and my fortune + + with perdition the most horrible! I require you, Lucius Caecilius, and the rest + + of you who are present, to take this oath; and let the man who shall not take + + it be assured, that this sword is drawn against him." Terrified, as though they + + were beholding the victorious Hannibal, they all take the oath, and deliver + + themselves to Scipio to be kept in custody. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">54 </div> + +<a id="d54" /> + +<p>During the time in which these things were going on at Canusium, as many as + + four thousand foot and horse, who had been dispersed through the country in + + the flight, came to Venusia, to the consul. These the Venusini distributed throughout + + their families, to be kindly entertained and taken care of; and also gave to + + each horseman a gown, a tunic, and twenty-five denarii; and to each foot soldier + + ten denarii, and such arms as they wanted; and every other kind of hospitality + + showed them, both publicly and privately: emulously striving that the people + + of Venusia might not be surpassed by a woman of Canusium in kind offices. But + + the great number of her guests rendered the burden more oppressive to Busa, + + for they amounted now to ten thousand men. Appius and Scipio, having heard that + + the other consul was safe, immediately send a messenger to inquire how great + + a force of infantry and cavalry he had with him, and at the same time to ask, + + whether it was his pleasure that the army should be brought to Venusia, or remain + + at Canusium. Varro himself led over his forces to Canusium. And now there was + + some appearance of a consular army, and they seemed able to defend themselves + + from the enemy by walls, if not by arms. At Rome intelligence had been received, + + that not even these relics of their citizens and allies had survived, but that + + the two consuls, with their armies, were cut to pieces, and all their forces + + annihilated. Never when the city was in safety was there so great a panic and + + confusion within the walls of Rome. I shall therefore shrink from the task, + + and not attempt to relate what in describing I must make less than the reality. + + The consul and his army having been lost at the Trasimenus the year before, + + it was not one wound upon another which was announced, but a multiplied disaster, + + the loss of two consular armies, together with the two consuls: and that now + + there was neither any Roman camp, nor general nor soldiery: that Apulia and + + Samnium, and now almost the whole of Italy, were in the possession of Hannibal. + + No other nation surely would not have been overwhelmed by such an accumulation + + of misfortune. Shall I compare with it the disaster of the Carthaginians, sustained + + in a naval battle at the islands Aegates, dispirited by which they gave up Sicily + + and Sardinia, and thenceforth submitted to become tributary and stipendiary? + + Or shall I compare with it the defeat in Africa under which this same Hannibal + + afterwards sunk? In no respect are they comparable, except that they were endured + + with less fortitude. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">55 </div> + +<a id="d55" /> + +<p>Publius Furius Philus and Manius Pomponius, the praetors, assembled the senate + + in the curia hostilia, that they might deliberate about the guarding of the + + city; for they doubted not but that the enemy, now their armies were annihilated, + + would come to assault Rome, the only operation of the war which remained. Unable + + to form any plan in misfortunes, not only very great, but unknown and undefined, + + and while the loud lamentations of the women were resounding, and nothing was + + as yet made known, the living and the dead alike being lamented in almost every + + house; such being the state of things, Quintus Fabius gave it as his opinion, + + "That light horsemen should be sent out on the Latin and Appian ways, who, questioning + + those they met, as some would certainly be dispersed in all directions from + + the flight, might bring back word what was the fate of the consuls and their + + armies; and if the gods, pitying the empire, had left any remnant of the Roman + + name where these forces were; whither Hannibal had repaired after the battle, + + what he was meditating; what he was doing, or about to do. That these points + + should be searched out and ascertained by active youths. That it should be the + + business of the fathers, since there was a deficiency of magistrates, to do + + away with the tumult and trepidation in the city; to keep the women from coming + + into public, and compel each to abide within her own threshold; to put a stop + + to the lamentations of families; to obtain silence in the city; to take care + + that the bearers of every kind of intelligence should be brought before the + + praetors; that each person should await at home the bearer of tidings respecting + + his own fortune: moreover, that they should post guards at the gates, to prevent + + any person from quitting the city; and oblige men to place their sole hopes + + of safety in the preservation of the walls and the city. That when the tumult + + had subsided the fathers should be called again to the senate-house, and deliberate + + on the defence of the city." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">56 </div> + +<a id="d56" /> + +<p>When all had signified their approbation of this opinion, and after the crowd + + had been removed by the magistrates from the forum, and the senators had proceeded + + in different directions to allay the tumult; then at length a letter is brought + + from the consul Terentius, stating, "That Lucius Aemilius, the consul, and his + + army were slain; that he himself was at Canusium, collecting, as it were after + + a shipwreck, the remains of this great disaster; that he had nearly ten thousand + + irregular and unorganized troops. That the Carthaginian was sitting still at + + Cannae, bargaining about the price of the captives and the other booty, neither + + with the spirit of a conqueror nor in the style of a great general." Then also + + the losses of private families were made known throughout the several houses; + + and so completely was the whole city filled with grief, that the anniversary + + sacred rite of Ceres was intermitted, because it was neither allowable to perform + + it while in mourning, nor was there at that juncture a single matron who was + + not in mourning. Accordingly, lest the same cause should occasion the neglect + + of other public and private sacred rites, the mourning was limited to thirty + + days, by a decree of the senate. Now when the tumult in the city was allayed, + + an additional letter was brought from Sicily, from Titus Otacilius, the propraetor, + + stating, "that the kingdom of Hiero was being devastated by the Carthaginian + + fleet: and that, being desirous of affording him the assistance he implored, + + he received intelligence that another Carthaginian fleet was stationed at the + + Aegates, equipped and prepared; in order that when the Carthaginians had perceived + + that he was gone away to protect the coast of Syracuse, they might immediately + + attack Lilybaeum and other parts of the Roman province; that he therefore needed + + a fleet, if they wished him to protect the king their ally, and Sicily." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">57 </div> + +<a id="d57" /> + +<p>The letters of the consul and the propraetor having been read, they resolved + + that Marcus Claudius, who commanded the fleet stationed at Ostia, should be + + sent to the army to Canusium; and a letter be written to the consul, to the + + effect that, having delivered the army to the praetor, he should return to Rome + + the first moment he could, consistently with the interest of the republic. They + + were terrified also, in addition to these disasters, both with other prodigies, + + and also because two vestal virgins, Opimia and Floronia, were that year convicted + + of incontinence; one of whom was, according to custom, buried alive at the Colline + + gate; the other destroyed herself. Lucius Cantilius, secretary of the pontiff, + + whom they now call the lesser pontiffs, who had debauched Floronia, was beaten + + by rods in the comitium, by order of the chief pontiff, so that he expired under + + the stripes. This impiety being converted into a prodigy, as is usually the + + case when happening in the midst of so many calamities, the decemviri were desired + + to consult the sacred books. Quintus Fabius Pictor was also sent to Delphi, + + to inquire of the oracle by what prayers and offerings they might appease the + + gods, and what termination there would be to such great distresses. Meanwhile + + certain extraordinary sacrifices were performed, according to the directions + + of the books of the fates; among which a Gallic man and woman, and a Greek man + + and woman, were let down alive in the cattle market, into a place fenced round + + with stone, which had been already polluted with human victims, a rite by no + + means Roman. The gods being, as they supposed, sufficiently appeased, Marcus + + Claudius Marcellus sends from Ostia to Rome, as a garrison for the city, one + + thousand five hundred soldiers, which he had with him, levied for the fleet. + + He himself sending before him a marine legion, (it was the third legion,) under + + the command of the military tribunes, to Teanum Sidicinum, and delivering the + + fleet to Publius Furius Philus, his colleague, after a few days, proceeded by + + long marches to Cannsium. Marcus Junius, created dictator on the authority of + + the senate, and Titus Sempronius, master of the horse, proclaiming a levy, enrol + + the younger men from the age of seventeen, and some who wore the toga praetexta: + + of these, four legions and a thousand horse were formed. They send also to the + + allies and the Latin confederacy, to receive the soldiers according to the terms + + of the treaty. They order that arms, weapons, and other things should be prepared; + + and they take down from the temples and porticoes the old spoils taken from + + the enemy. They adopted also another and a new form of levy, from the scarcity + + of free persons, and from necessity: they armed eight thousand stout youths + + from the slaves, purchased at the public expense, first inquiring of each whether + + he was willing to serve. They preferred this description of troops, though they + + had the power of redeeming the captives at a less expense. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">58 </div> + +<a id="d58" /> + +<p>For Hannibal, after so great a victory at Cannae, being occupied with the cares + + of a conqueror, rather than one who had a war to prosecute, the captives having + + been brought forward and separated, addressed the allies in terms of kindness, + + as he had done before at the Trebia and the lake Trasimenus, and dismissed them + + without a ransom; then he addressed the Romans too, who were called to him, + + in very gentle terms: "That he was not carrying on a war of extermination with + + the Romans, but was contending for honour and empire. That his ancestors had + + yielded to the Roman valour; and that he was endeavouring that others might + + be obliged to yield, in their turn, to his good fortune and valour together. + + Accordingly, he allowed the captives the liberty of ransoming themselves, and + + that the price per head should be five hundred denarii for a horseman, three + + hundred for a foot soldier, and one hundred for a slave." Although some addition + + was made to that sum for the cavalry, which they stipulated for themselves when + + they surrendered, yet they joyfully accepted any terms of entering into the + + compact. They determined that ten persons should be selected, by their own votes, + + who might go to Rome to the senate; nor was any other guarantee of their fidelity + + taken than that they should swear that they would return. With these was sent + + Carthalo, a noble Carthaginian, who might propose terms, if perchance their + + minds were inclined towards peace. When they had gone out of the camp, one of + + their body, a man who had very little of the Roman character, under pretence + + of having forgotten something, returned to the camp, for the purpose of freeing + + himself from the obligation of his oath, and overtook his companions before + + night. When it was announced that they had arrived at Rome, a lictor was despatched + + to meet Carthalo, to tell him, in the words of the dictator, to depart from + + the Roman territories before night. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">59 </div> + +<a id="d59" /> + +<p>An audience of the senate was granted by the dictator to the delegates of the + + prisoners. The chief of them, Marcus Junius, thus spoke: "There is not one of + + us, conscript fathers, who is not aware that there never was a nation which + + held prisoners in greater contempt than our own. But unless our own cause is + + dearer to us than it should be, never did men fall into the hands of the enemy + + who less deserved to be disregarded than we do; for we did not surrender our + + arms in the battle through fear; but having prolonged the battle almost till + + night-fall, while standing upon heaps of our slaughtered countrymen, we betook + + ourselves to our camp. For the remainder of the day and during the following + + night, although exhausted with exertion and wounds, we protected our rampart. + + On the following day, when, beset by the enemy, we were deprived of water, and + + there was no hope of breaking through the dense bands of the enemy; and, moreover, + + not considering it an impiety that any Roman soldier should survive the battle + + of Cannae, after fifty thousand of our army had been butchered; then at length + + we agreed upon terms on which we might be ransomed and let off; and our arms, + + in which there was no longer any protection, we delivered to the enemy. We had + + been informed that our ancestors also had redeemed themselves from the Gauls + + with gold, and that though so rigid as to the terms of peace, had sent ambassadors + + to Tarentum for the purpose of ransoming the captives. And yet both the fight + + at the Allia with the Gauls, and at Heraclea with Pyrrhus, was disgraceful, + + not so much on account of the loss as the panic and flight. Heaps of Roman carcasses + + cover the plains of Cannae; nor would any of us have survived the battle, had + + not the enemy wanted the strength and the sword to slay us. There are, too, + + some of us, who did not even retreat in the field; but being left to guard the + + camp, came into the hands of the enemy when it was surrendered. For my part, + + I envy not the good fortune or condition of any citizen or fellow-soldier, nor + + would I endeavour to raise myself by depressing another: but not even those + + men who, for the most part, leaving their arms, fled from the field, and stopped + + not till they arrived at Venusia or Canusium; not even those men, unless some + + reward is due to them on account of their swiftness of foot and running, would + + justly set themselves before us, or boast that there is more protection to the + + state in them than in us. But you will both find them to be good and brave soldiers, + + and us still more zealous, because, by your kindness, we have been ransomed + + and restored to our country. You are levying from every age and condition: I + + hear that eight thousand slaves are being armed. We are no fewer in number; + + nor will the expense of redeeming us be greater than that of purchasing these. + + Should I compare ourselves with them, I should injure the name of Roman. I should + + think also, conscript fathers, that in deliberating on such a measure, it ought + + also to be considered, (if you are disposed to be over severe, which you cannot + + do from any demerit of ours,) to what sort of enemy you would abandon us. Is + + it to Pyrrhus, for instance, who treated us, when his prisoners, like guests; + + or to a barbarian and Carthaginian, of whom it is difficult to determine whether + + his rapacity or cruelty be the greater? If you were to see the chains, the squalid + + appearance, the loathsomeness of your countrymen, that spectacle would not, + + I am confident, less affect you, than if, on the other hand, you beheld your + + legions prostrate on the plains of Cannae. You may behold the solicitude and + + the tears of our kinsmen, as they stand in the lobby of your senate-house, and + + await your answer. When they are in so much suspense and anxiety in behalf of + + us, and those who are absent, what think you must be our own feelings, whose + + lives and liberty are at stake? By Hercules! should Hannibal himself, contrary + + to his nature, be disposed to be lenient towards us, yet we should not consider + + our lives worth possessing, since we have seemed unworthy of being ransomed + + by you. Formerly, prisoners dismissed by Pyrrhus, without ransom, returned to + + Rome; but they returned in company with ambassadors, the chief men of the state, + + who were sent to ransom them. Would I return to my country, a citizen, and not + + considered worth three hundred denarii? Every man has his own way of thinking, + + conscript fathers. I know that my life and person are at stake. But the danger + + which threatens my reputation affects me most, if we should go away rejected + + and condemned by you; for men will never suppose that you grudged the price + + of our redemption." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">60 </div> + +<a id="d60" /> + +<p>When he had finished his address, the crowd of persons in the comitium immediately + + set up a loud lamentation, and stretched out their hands to the senate, imploring + + them to restore to them their children, their brothers, and their kinsmen. Their + + fears and affection for their kindred had brought the women also with the crowd + + of men in the forum. Witnesses being excluded, the matter began to be discussed + + in the senate. There being a difference of opinion, and some advising that they + + should be ransomed at the public charge, others, that the state should be put + + to no expense, but that they should not be prevented redeeming themselves at + + their own cost; and that those who had not the money at present should receive + + a loan from the public coffer, and security given to the people by their sureties + + and properties; Titus Manlius Torquatus, a man of primitive, and, as some considered, + + over-rigorous severity, being asked his opinion, is reported thus to have spoken: + + "Had the deputies confined themselves to making a request, in behalf of those + + who are in the hands of the enemy, that they might be ransomed, I should have + + briefly given my opinion, without inveighing against any one. For what else + + would have been necessary but to admonish you, that you ought to adhere to the + + custom handed down from your ancestors, a precedent indispensable to military + + discipline. But now, since they have almost boasted of having surrendered themselves + + to the enemy, and have claimed to be preferred, not only to those who were captured + + by the enemy in the field, but to those also who came to Venusia and Canusium, + + and even to the consul Terentius himself; I will not suffer you to remain in + + ignorance of things which were done there. And I could wish that what I am about + + to bring before you, were stated at Canusium, before the army itself, the best + + witness of every man's cowardice or valour; or at least that one person, Publius + + Sempronius, were here, whom had they followed as their leader, they would this + + day have been soldiers in the Roman camp, and not prisoners in the power of + + the enemy. But though the enemy was fatigued with fighting, and engaged in rejoicing + + for their victory, and had, the greater part of them, retired into their camp, + + and they had the night at their disposal for making a sally, and as they were + + seven thousand armed troops, might have forced their way through the troops + + of the enemy, however closely arrayed; yet they neither of themselves attempted + + to do this, nor were willing to follow another. Throughout nearly the whole + + night Sempronius ceased not to admonish and exhort them, while but few of the + + enemy were about the camp, while there was stillness and quiet, while the night + + would conceal their design, that they would follow him; that before daybreak + + they might reach places of security, the cities of their allies. If as Publius + + Decius, the military tribune in Samnium, said, within the memory of our grandfathers; + + if he had said, as Calpurnius Flamma, in the first Punic war, when we were youths, + + said to the three hundred volunteers, when he was leading them to seize upon + + an eminence situated in the midst of the enemy: LET US DIE, SOLDIERS, AND BY + + OUR DEATHS RESCUE THE SURROUNDED LEGIONS FROM AMBUSCADE;--if Publius Sempronius + + had said thus, he would neither have considered you as Romans nor men, had no + + one stood forward as his companion in so valorous an attempt. He points out + + to you the road that leads not to glory more than to safety; he restores you + + to your country, your parents, your wives and children. Do you want courage + + to effect your preservation? What would you do if you had to die for your country? + + Fifty thousand of your countrymen and allies on that very day lay around you + + slain. If so many examples of courage did not move you, nothing ever will. If + + so great a carnage did not make life less dear, none ever will. While in freedom + + and safety, show your affection for your country; nay, rather do so while it + + is your country, and you its citizens. Too late you now endeavour to evince + + your regard for her when degraded, disfranchised from the rights of citizens, + + and become the slaves of the Carthaginians. Shall you return by purchase to + + that degree which you have forfeited by cowardice and neglect? You did not listen + + to Sempronius, your countryman, when he bid you take arms and follow him; but + + a little after you listened to Hannibal, when he ordered your arms to be surrendered, + + and your camp betrayed. But why do I charge those men with cowardice, when I + + might tax them with villany? They not only refused to follow him who gave them + + good advice, but endeavoured to oppose and hold him back, had not some men of + + the greatest bravery, drawing their swords, removed the cowards. Publius Sempronius, + + I say, was obliged to force his way through a band of his countrymen, before + + he burst through the enemy's troops. Can our country regret such citizens as + + these, whom if all the rest resembled, she would not have one citizen of all + + those who fought at Cannae? Out of seven thousand armed men, there were six + + hundred who had courage to force their way, who returned to their country free, + + and in arms; nor did forty thousand of the enemy successfully oppose them. How + + safe, think you, would a passage have been for nearly two legions? Then you + + would have had this day at Canusium, conscript fathers, twenty thousand bold + + and faithful. But now how can these men be called faithful and good citizens, + + (for they do not even call themselves brave,) except any man suppose that they + + showed themselves such when they opposed those who were desirous of forcing + + their way through the enemy? or, unless any man can suppose, that they do not + + envy those men their safety and glory acquired by valour, when the must know + + that their timidity and cowardice were the cause of their ignominious servitude? + + Skulking in their tents they preferred to wait for the light and the enemy together, + + when they had an opportunity of sallying forth during the silence of the night. + + But though they had not courage to sally forth from the camp, had they courage + + to defend it strenuously? Having endured a siege for several days and nights, + + did they protect their rampart by their arms, and themselves by their rampart? + + At length, having dared and suffered every extremity, every support of life + + being gone, their strength exhausted with famine, and unable to hold their arms, + + were they subdued by the necessities of nature rather than by arms? At sunrise, + + the enemy approached the rampart: before the second hour, without hazarding + + any contest, they delivered up their arms and themselves. Here is their military + + service for you during two days. When they ought to have stood firm in array + + and fight on, then they fled back into their camp; when they ought to have fought + + before their rampart, they delivered up their camp: good for nothing, either + + in the field or the camp. I redeem you. When you ought to sally from the camp, + + you linger and hesitate; and when you ought to stay and protect your camp in + + arms, you surrender the camp, your arms, and yourselves to the enemy. I am of + + opinion, conscript fathers, that these men should no more be ransomed, than + + that those should be surrendered to Hannibal, who sallied from the camp through + + the midst of the enemy, and, with the most distinguished courage, restored themselves + + to their country." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">61 </div> + +<a id="d61" /> + +<p>After Manlius had thus spoken, notwithstanding the captives were related to + + many even of the senators, besides the practice of the state, which had never + + shown favour to captives, even from the remotest times, the sum of money also + + influenced them: for they were neither willing to drain the treasury, a large + + sum of money having been already issued for buying and arming slaves to serve + + in the war, nor to enrich Hannibal, who, according to report, was particularly + + in want of this very thing. The sad reply, that the captives would not be ransomed, + + being delivered, and fresh grief being added to the former on account of the + + loss of so many citizens, the people accompanied the deputies to the gate with + + copious tears and lamentations. One of them went home, because he had evaded + + his oath by artfully returning to the camp. But when this was known and laid + + before the senate, they all resolved that he should be apprehended and conveyed + + to Hannibal by guards, furnished by the state. There is another account respecting + + the prisoners, that ten came first, and that, the senate hesitating whether + + they should be admitted into the city or not, they were admitted, on the understanding + + that they should not have an audience of the senate. That when these staid longer + + than the expectation of all, three more came, Scribonius, Calpurnius, and Manlius. + + That then at length a tribune of the people, a relation of Scribonius, laid + + before the senate the redemption of the captives, and that they resolved that + + they should not be ransomed. That the three last deputies returned to Hannibal, + + and the ten former remained, because they had evaded their oath, having returned + + to Hannibal after having set out, under pretence of learning afresh the names + + of the captives. That a violent contest took place in the senate, on the question + + of surrendering them, and that those who thought they ought to be surrendered + + were beaten by a few votes, but that they were so branded by every kind of stigma + + and ignominy by the ensuing censors, that some of them immediately put themselves + + to death, and the rest, for all their life afterwards, not only shunned the + + forum, but almost the light and publicity. You can more easily wonder that authors + + differ so much than determine what is the truth. How much greater this disaster + + was than any preceding, even this is a proof, that such of the allies as had + + stood firm till that day then began to waver, for no other cause certainly but + + that they despaired of the empire. The people who revolted to the Carthaginians + + were these: the Atellani, Calatini, the Hirpini, some of the Apulians, the Samnites, + + except the Pentrians, all the Bruttians, and the Lucanians. Besides these the + + Surrentinians, and almost the whole coast possessed by the Greeks, the people + + of Tarentum, Metapontum, Croton, the Locrians, and all Cisalpine Gaul. Yet not + + even these losses and defections of their allies so shook the firmness of the + + Romans, that any mention of peace was made among them, either before the arrival + + of the consul at Rome, or after he came thither, and renewed the memory of the + + calamity they had suffered. At which very juncture, such was the magnanimity + + of the state, that the consul, as he returned after so severe a defeat, of which + + he himself was the principal cause, was met in crowds of all ranks of citizens, + + and thanks bestowed because he had not despaired of the republic, in whose case, + + had he been a Carthaginian commander, no species of punishment would have been + + spared. </p> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book23">BOOK XXIII.</div> + +<div class="date">B.C. 216-215</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="chapmen"><a href="#e1">1</a> <a href="#e2">2</a> <a href="#e3">3</a> + + <a href="#e4">4</a> <a href="#e5">5</a> <a href="#e6">6</a> <a href="#e7">7</a> + + <a href="#e8">8</a> <a href="#e9">9</a> <a href="#e10">10</a> <a href="#e11">11</a> + + <a href="#e12">12</a> <a href="#e13">13</a> <a href="#e14">14</a> <a href="#e15">15</a> + + <a href="#e16">16</a> <a href="#e17">17</a> <a href="#e18">18</a> <a href="#e19">19</a> + + <a href="#e20">20</a> <a href="#e21">21</a> <a href="#e22">22</a> <a href="#e23">23</a> + + <a href="#e24">24</a> <a href="#e25">25</a> <a href="#e26">26</a> <a href="#e27">27</a> + + <a href="#e28">28</a> <a href="#e29">29</a> <a href="#e30">30</a> <a href="#e31">31</a> + + <a href="#e32">32</a> <a href="#e33">33</a> <a href="#e34">34</a> <a href="#e35">35</a> + + <a href="#e36">36</a> <a href="#e37">37</a> <a href="#e38">38</a> <a href="#e39">39</a> + + <a href="#e40">40</a> <a href="#e41">41</a> <a href="#e42">42</a> <a href="#e43">43</a> + + <a href="#e44">44</a> <a href="#e45">45</a> <a href="#e46">46</a> <a href="#e47">47</a> + + <a href="#e48">48</a> <a href="#e49">49</a></div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>The Campanians revolt to Hannibal. Mago is sent to Carthage + + to announce the victory of Cannae. Hanno advises the Carthaginian senate to + + make peace with the Romans, but is overborne by the Barcine faction. Claudius + + Marcellus the praetor defeats Hannibal at Nola. Hannibal's army is enervated + + in mind and body by luxurious living at Capua. Casilinum is besieged by the + + Carthaginians, and the inhabitants reduced to the last extremity of famine. + + A hundred and ninety-seven senators elected from the equestrian order. Lucius + + Postumius is, with his army, cut off by the Gauls. Cneius and Publius Scipio + + defeat Hasdrubal in Spain, and gain possession of that country. The remains + + of the army, defeated at Cannae, are sent off to Sicily, there to remain until + + the termination of the war. An alliance is formed between Philip, king of Macedon, + + and Hannibal. Sempronius Gracchus defeats the Campanians. Successes of Titus + + Manlius in Sardinia he takes Hasdrubal the general, Mago, and Hanno prisoners. + + Claudius Marcellus again defeats the army of Hannibal at Nola, and the hopes + + of the Romans are revived as to the results of the war.</i></div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="lsidenote">1 </div> + +<a id="e1" /> + +<p>After the battle of Cannae, Hannibal, having captured and plundered the Roman + + camp, had immediately removed from Apulia into Samnium; invited into the territory + + of the Hirpini by Statius, who promised that he would surrender Compsa. Tiebius, + + a native of Compsa, was conspicuous for rank among his countrymen; but a faction + + of the Mopsii kept him down--a family of great influence through the favour + + of the Romans. After intelligence of the battle of Cannae, and a report of the + + approach of Hannibal, circulated by the discourse of Trebius, the Mopsian party + + had retired from the city; which was thus given up to the Carthaginian without + + opposition, and a garrison received into it. Leaving there all his booty and + + baggage, and dividing his forces, he orders Mago to receive under his protection + + the cities of that district which might revolt from the Romans, and to force + + to defection those which might be disinclined. He himself, passing through the + + territory of Campania, made for the lower sea, with the intention of assaulting + + Naples, in order that he might be master of a maritime city. As soon as he entered + + the confines of the Neapolitan territory, he placed part of his Numidians in + + ambush, wherever he could find a convenient spot; for there are very many hollow + + roads and secret windings: others he ordered to drive before them the booty + + they had collected from the country, and, exhibiting it to the enemy, to ride + + up to the gates of the city. As they appeared to be few in number and in disorder, + + a troop of horse sallied out against them, which was cut off, being drawn into + + an ambuscade by the others, who purposely retreated: nor would one of them have + + escaped, had not the sea been near, and some vessels, principally such as are + + used in fishing, observed at a short distance from the shore, afforded an escape + + for those who could swim. Several noble youths, however, were captured and slain + + in that affair. Among whom, Hegeas, the commander of the cavalry, fell when + + pursuing the retreating enemy too eagerly. The sight of the walls, which were + + not favourable to a besieging force, deterred the Carthaginian from storming + + the city. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">2 </div> + +<a id="e2" /> + +<p>Thence he turned his course to Capua, which was wantoning under a long course + + of prosperity, and the indulgence of fortune: amid the general corruption, however, + + the most conspicuous feature was the extravagance of the commons, who exercised + + their liberty without limit. Pacuvius Calavius had rendered the senate subservient + + to himself and the commons, at once a noble and popular man, but who had acquired + + his influence by dishonourable intrigues. Happening to hold the chief magistracy + + during the year in which the defeat at the Trasimenus occurred, and thinking + + that the commons, who had long felt the most violent hostility to the senate, + + would attempt some desperate measure, should an opportunity for effecting a + + change present itself; and if Hannibal should come into that quarter with his + + victorious army, would murder the senators and deliver Capua to the Carthaginians; + + as he desired to rule in a state preserved rather than subverted (for though + + depraved he was not utterly abandoned), and as he felt convinced that no state + + could be preserved if bereaved of its public council, he adopted a plan by which + + he might preserve the senate and render it subject to himself and the commons. + + Having assembled the senate, he prefaced his remarks by observing, "that nothing + + would induce him to acquiesce in a plan of defection from the Romans, were it + + not absolutely necessary; since he had children by the daughter of Appius Claudius, + + and had a daughter at Rome married to Livius: but that a much more serious and + + alarming matter threatened them, than any consequences which could result from + + such a measure. For that the intention of the commons was not to abolish the + + senate by revolting to the Carthaginians, but to murder the senators, and deliver + + the state thus destitute to Hannibal and the Carthaginians. That it was in his + + power to rescue them from this danger, if they would resign themselves to his + + care, and, forgetting their political dissensions, confide in him." When, overpowered + + with fear, they all put themselves under his protection, he proceeded: "I will + + shut you up in the senate-house, and pretending myself to be an accomplice in + + the meditated crime, I will, by approving measures which I should in vain oppose, + + find out a way for your safety. For the performance of this take whatever pledge + + you please." Having given his honour, he went out; and having ordered the house + + to be closed, placed a guard in the lobby that no one might enter or leave it + + without his leave. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">3 </div> + +<a id="e3" /> + +<p>Then assembling the people, he thus addressed them: "What you have so often + + wished for, Campanians, the power of punishing an unprincipled and detestable + + senate, you now have, not at your own imminent peril, by riotously storming + + the houses of each, which are guarded and garrisoned with slaves and dependants, + + but free and without danger. Take them all, shut up in the senate-house, alone + + and unarmed; nor need you do any thing precipitately or blindly. I will give + + you the opportunity of pronouncing upon the life or death of each, that each + + may suffer the punishment he has deserved. But, above all, it behoves you so + + to give way to your resentment, as considering that your own safety and advantage + + are of greater importance. For I apprehend that you hate these particular senators, + + and not that you are unwilling to have any senate at all; for you must either + + have a king, which all abominate, or a senate, which is the only course compatible + + with a free state. Accordingly you must effect two objects at the same time; + + you must remove the old senate and elect a new one. I will order the senators + + to be summoned one by one, and I shall put it to you to decide whether they + + deserve to live or die: whatever you may determine respecting each shall be + + done; but before you execute your sentence on the culprit, you shall elect some + + brave and strenuous man as a fresh senator to supply his place." Upon this he + + took his seat, and, the names having been thrown together into an urn, he ordered + + that the name which had the lot to fall out first should be proclaimed, and + + the person brought forward out of the senate-house. When the name was heard, + + each man strenuously exclaimed that he was a wicked and unprincipled fellow, + + and deserved to be punished. Pacuvius then said, "I perceive the sentence which + + has been passed on this man; now choose a good and upright senator in the room + + of this wicked and unprincipled one." At first all was silence, from the want + + of a better man whom they might substitute; afterwards, one of them, laying + + aside his modesty, nominating some one, in an instant a much greater clamour + + arose; while some denied all knowledge of him, others objected to him at one + + time on account of flagitious conduct, at another time on account of his humble + + birth, his sordid circumstances, and the disgraceful nature of his trade and + + occupation. The same occurred with increased vehemence with respect to the second + + and third senators, so that it was evident that they were dissatisfied with + + the senator himself, but had not any one to substitute for him; for it was of + + no use that the same persons should be nominated again, to no other purpose + + than to hear of their vices, and the rest were much more mean and obscure than + + those who first occurred to their recollection. Thus the assembly separated, + + affirming that every evil which was most known was easiest to be endured, and + + ordering the senate to be discharged from custody. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">4 </div> + +<a id="e4" /> + +<p>Pacuvius, having thus rendered the senators more subservient to himself than + + to the commons by the gift of their lives, ruled without the aid of arms, all + + persons now acquiescing. Henceforward the senators, forgetful of their rank + + and independence, flattered the commons; saluted them courteously; invited them + + graciously; entertained them with sumptuous feasts; undertook those causes, + + always espoused that party, decided as judges in favour of that side, which + + was most popular, and best adapted to conciliate the favour of the commons. + + Now, indeed, every thing was transacted in the senate as if it had been an assembly + + of the people. The Capuans, ever prone to luxurious indulgence not only from + + natural turpitude, but from the profusion of the means of voluptuous enjoyment + + which flowed in upon them, and the temptations of all the luxuries of land and + + sea; at that time especially proceeded to such a pitch of extravagance in consequence + + of the obsequiousness of the nobles and the unrestrained liberty of the commons, + + that their lust and prodigality had no bounds. To a disregard for the laws, + + the magistrates, and the senate, now, after the disaster of Cannae, was added + + a contempt for the Roman government also, for which there had been some degree + + of respect. The only obstacles to immediate revolt were the intermarriages which, + + from a remote period, had connected many of their distinguished and influential + + families with the Romans; and, which formed the strongest bond of union, that + + while several of their countrymen were serving in the Roman armies, particularly + + three hundred horsemen, the flower of the Campanian nobility, had been selected + + and sent by the Romans to garrison the cities of Sicily. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">5 </div> + +<a id="e5" /> + +<p>The parents and relations of these men with difficulty obtained that ambassadors + + should be sent to the Roman consul. The consul, who had not yet set out for + + Canusium, they found at Venusia with a few half-armed troops, an object of entire + + commiseration to faithful, but of contempt to proud and perfidious allies, like + + the Campanians. The consul too increased their contempt of himself and his cause, + + by too much exposing and exhibiting the disastrous state of his affairs; for + + when the ambassadors had delivered their message, which was, that the senate + + and people of Capua were distressed that any adverse event should have befallen + + the Romans, and were promising every assistance in prosecuting the war, he observed, + + "In bidding us order you to furnish us with all things which are necessary for + + the war, Campanians, you have rather observed the customary mode of addressing + + allies, than spoken suitably to the present posture of our affairs; for hath + + anything been left us at Cannae, so that, as if we possessed that, we can desire + + what is wanting to be supplied by our allies? Can we order a supply of infantry, + + as if we had any cavalry? Can we say we are deficient in money, as if that were + + the only thing we wanted? Fortune has not even left us anything which we can + + add to. Our legions, cavalry, arms, standards, horses, men, money, provisions, + + all perished either in the battle, or in the two camps which were lost the following + + day. You must, therefore, Campanians, not assist us in the war, but almost take + + it upon yourselves in our stead. Call to mind how formerly at Saticula we received + + into our protection and defended your ancestors, when dismayed and driven within + + their walls; terrified not only by their Samnite but Sidicinian enemies; and + + how we carried on, with varying success, through a period of almost a century, + + a war with the Samnites, commenced on your account. Add to this, that when you + + gave yourselves up to us we granted you an alliance on equal terms, that we + + allowed you your own laws, and lastly, what before the disaster at Cannae was + + surely a privilege of the highest value, we bestowed the freedom of our city + + on a large portion of you, and held it in common with you. It is your duty, + + therefore, Campanians, to look upon this disaster which has been suffered as + + your own, and to consider that our common country must be protected. It is not + + a Samnite or Tuscan foe we are engaged with, so that the empire taken from us + + might still continue in Italy. A Carthaginian enemy draws after him from the + + remotest regions of the world, from the straits of the ocean and the pillars + + of Hercules, a body of soldiers who are not even natives of Africa, destitute + + of all laws, and of the condition and almost of the language of men. Savage + + and ferocious from nature and habit, their general has rendered them still more + + so, by forming bridges and works with heaps of human bodies; and, what the tongue + + can scarcely utter, by teaching them to live on human flesh. What man, provided + + he were born in any part of Italy, would not abominate the idea of seeing and + + having for his masters these men, nourished with such horrid food, whom even + + to touch were an impiety; of fetching laws from Africa and Carthage; and of + + suffering Italy to become a province of the Moors and Numidians? It will be + + highly honourable, Campanians, that the Roman empire, sinking under this disastrous + + defeat, should be sustained and restored by your fidelity and your strength. + + I conceive that thirty thousand foot and four thousand horse may be raised in + + Campania. You have already abundance of money and corn. If your zeal corresponds + + with your means, neither will Hannibal feel that he has been victorious, nor + + the Romans that they have been defeated." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">6 </div> + +<a id="e6" /> + +<p>After the consul had thus spoken, the ambassadors were dismissed; and as they + + were returning home, one of them, named Vibius Virius, observed, "that the time + + had arrived at which the Campanians might not only recover the territory once + + injuriously taken away by the Romans, but also possess themselves of the sovereignty + + of Italy. For they might form a treaty with Hannibal on whatever terms they + + pleased; and there could be no question but that after Hannibal, having put + + an end to the war, had himself retired victorious into Africa, and had withdrawn + + his troops, the sovereignty of Italy would be left to the Campanians." All assenting + + to Vibius, as he said this, they framed their report of the embassy so that + + all might conclude that the Roman power was annihilated. Immediately the commons + + and the major part of the senate turned their attention to revolt. The measure, + + however, was postponed for a few days at the instigation of the elder citizens. + + At last, the opinion of the majority prevailed, that the same ambassadors who + + had gone to the Roman consul should be sent to Hannibal. I find in certain annals, + + that before this embassy proceeded, and before they had determined on the measure + + of revolting, ambassadors were sent by the Campanians to Rome, requiring that + + one of the consuls should be elected from Campania if they wished assistance + + to the Roman cause. That from the indignation which arose, they were ordered + + to be removed from the senate-house, and a lictor despatched to conduct them + + out of the city and command them to lodge that day without the Roman frontier. + + But as this request is too much like that which the Latins formerly made, and + + as Coelius and other writers had, not without reason, made no mention of it, + + I have not ventured to vouch for its truth. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">7 </div> + +<a id="e7" /> + +<p>The ambassadors came to Hannibal and concluded a treaty of peace with him on + + the terms, "That no Carthaginian commander should have any authority over a + + Campanian citizen, nor any Campanian serve in war or perform any office against + + his will: that Capua should have her own laws and her own magistrates: that + + the Carthaginian should give to the Campanians three hundred captives selected + + by themselves, who might be exchanged for the Campanian horse who were serving + + in Sicily." Such were the stipulations: but in addition to them, the Campanians + + perpetrated the following atrocities; for the commons ordered that the prefects + + of the allies and other citizens of Rome should be suddenly seized, while some + + of them were occupied with military duties, others engaged in private business, + + and be shut up in the baths, as if for the purpose of keeping them in custody, + + where, suffocated with heat and vapour, they might expire in a horrid manner. + + Decius Magius, a man who wanted nothing to complete his influence except a sound + + mind on the part of his countrymen, had resisted to the uttermost the execution + + of these measures, and the sending of the embassy to Hannibal, and when he heard + + that a body of troops was sent by Hannibal, bringing back to their recollection, + + as examples, the haughty tyranny of Pyrrhus and the miserable slavery of the + + Tarentines, he at first openly and loudly protested that the troops should not + + be admitted, then he urged either that they should expel them when received, + + or, if they had a mind to expiate, by a bold and memorable act, the foul crime + + they had committed in revolting from their most ancient and intimate allies, + + that leaving slain the Carthaginian troops they should give themselves back + + to the Romans. These proceedings, having been reported to Hannibal, for they + + were not carried on in secret, he at first sent persons to summon Magius into + + his presence at his camp, then, on his vehemently refusing to come, on the ground + + that Hannibal had no authority over a Campanian, the Carthaginian, excited with + + rage, ordered that the man should be seized and dragged to him in chains, but + + afterwards, fearing lest while force was employed some disturbance might take + + place, or lest, from excitement of feeling, some undesigned collision might + + occur, he set out himself from the camp with a small body of troops, having + + sent a message before him to Marius Blosius, the praetor of Campania, to the + + effect, that he would be at Capua the next day. Marius calling an assembly, + + issued an order that they should go out and meet Hannibal in a body, accompanied + + by their wives and children. This was done by all, not only with obedience, + + but with zeal, with the full agreement of the common people, and with eagerness + + to see a general rendered illustrious by so many victories. Decius Magius neither + + went out to meet him, nor kept himself in private, by which course he might + + seem to indicate fear from a consciousness of demerit, he promenaded in the + + forum with perfect composure, attended by his son and a few dependants, while + + all the citizens were in a bustle to go to see and receive the Carthaginian. + + Hannibal, on entering the city, immediately demanded an audience of the senate; + + when the chief men of the Campanians, beseeching him not to transact any serious + + business on that day, but that he would cheerfully and willingly celebrate a + + day devoted to festivity in consequence of his own arrival, though naturally + + extremely prone to anger, yet, that he might not deny them any thing at first, + + he spent a great part of the day in inspecting the city. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">8 </div> + +<a id="e8" /> + +<p>He lodged at the house of the Ninii Celeres, Stenius and Pacuvius, men distinguished + + by their noble descent and their wealth. Thither Pacuvius Calavius, of whom + + mention has already been made, who was the head of the party which had drawn + + over the state to the Carthaginian cause, brought his son, a young man, whom + + he had forced from the side of Decius Magius, in conjunction with whom he had + + made a most determined stand for the Roman alliance in opposition to the league + + with the Carthaginians; nor had the leaning of the state to the other side, + + or his father's authority, altered his sentiments. For this youth his father + + procured pardon from Hannibal, more by prayers than by clearing him. Hannibal, + + overcome by the entreaties and tears of his father, even gave orders that he + + should be invited with his father to the banquet; to which entertainment he + + intended to admit no Campanian besides his hosts, and Jubellius Taurea, a man + + distinguished in war. They began to feast early in the day, and the entertainment + + was not conformable to the Carthaginian custom, or to military discipline, but + + as might be expected in a city and in a house both remarkable for luxury, was + + furnished with all the allurements of voluptuousness. Perolla, the son of Calavius, + + was the only person who could not be won either by the solicitations of the + + masters of the house, or those which Hannibal sometimes employed. The youth + + himself pleaded ill health as an apology, while his father urged as an excuse + + the disturbed state of his mind, which was not surprising. About sunset, Calavius, + + who had gone out from the banquet, was followed by his son; and when they had + + arrived at a retired place, (it was a garden at the back part of the house,) + + he said, "I have a plan to propose to you, my father, by which we shall not + + only obtain pardon from the Romans for our crime, in that we revolted from them + + to the Carthaginian, but shall be held in much higher esteem, than we Campanians + + ever have been." When the father inquired with surprise what that plan could + + be, he threw back his gown off his shoulder and exposed to view his side, which + + was girt with a sword. "Forthwith will I ratify the alliance with Rome with + + the blood of Hannibal. I was desirous that you should be informed of it first, + + in case you might prefer to be absent while the deed is performing." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">9 </div> + +<a id="e9" /> + +<p>On hearing and seeing which the old man, as though he were actually present + + at the transactions which were being named to him, wild with fear, exclaimed, + + "I implore, I beseech you, my son, by all the ties which unite children to parents, + + that you will not resolve to commit and to suffer every thing that is horrible + + before the eyes of a father. Did we but a few hours ago, swearing by every deity, + + and joining right hands, pledge our fidelity to Hannibal, that immediately on + + separating from the conference we should arm against him the hands which were + + employed as the sacred pledges of our faith? Do you rise from the hospitable + + board to which as one of three of the Campanians you have been admitted by Hannibal, + + that you may ensanguine that very board with the blood of your host. Could I + + conciliate Hannibal to my son, and not my son to Hannibal? But let nothing be + + held sacred by you, neither our pledges, nor the sense of religion, nor filial + + duty; let the most horrid deeds be dared, if with guilt they bring not ruin + + upon us. Will you singly attack Hannibal? What will that numerous throng of + + freemen and slaves be doing? What the eyes of all intent on him alone? What + + those so many right hands? Will they be torpid amidst your madness? Will you + + be able to bear the look of Hannibal himself, which armed hosts cannot sustain, + + from which the Roman people shrink with horror? And though other assistance + + be wanting, will you have the hardihood to strike me when I oppose my body in + + defence of Hannibal's? But know that through my breast you must strike and transfix + + him. Suffer yourself to be deterred from your attempt here, rather than to be + + defeated there. May my entreaties prevail with you, as they did for you this + + day." Upon this, perceiving the youth in tears, he threw his arms around him, + + and kissing him affectionately, ceased not his entreaties until he prevailed + + upon him to lay aside his sword and give his promise that he would do no such + + thing. The young man then observed, "I will indeed pay to my father the debt + + of duty which I owe to my country, but I am grieved for you on whom the guilt + + of having thrice betrayed your country rests; once when you sanctioned the revolt + + from the Romans; next when you advised the alliance with Hannibal; and thirdly, + + this day, when you are the delay and impediment of the restoration of Capua + + to the Romans. Do thou, my country, receive this weapon, armed with which in + + thy behalf I would fain have defended this citadel, since a father wrests it + + from me." Having thus said, he threw the sword into the highway over the garden + + wall, and that the affair might not be suspected, himself returned to the banquet. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">10 </div> + +<a id="e10" /> + +<p>The next day an audience of a full senate was given to Hannibal, when the first + + part of his address was full of graciousness and benignity, in which he thanked + + the Campanians for having preferred his friendship to an alliance with the Romans, + + and held out among his other magnificent promises "that Capua should soon become + + the capital of all Italy, and that the Romans as well as the other states should + + receive laws from it. That there was, however, one person who had no share in + + the Carthaginian friendship and the alliance formed with him, Decius Magius, + + who neither was nor ought to be called a Campanian. Him he requested to be surrendered + + to him, and that the sense of the senate should be taken respecting his conduct, + + and a decree passed in his presence." All concurred in this proposition, though + + a great many considered him as a man undeserving such severe treatment; and + + that this proceeding was no small infringement of their liberty to begin with. + + Leaving the senate-house, the magistrate took his seat on the consecrated bench, + + ordered Decius Magius to be apprehended, and to be placed by himself before + + his feet to plead his cause. But he, his proud spirit being unsubdued, denied + + that such a measure could be enforced agreeably to the conditions of the treaty; + + upon which he was ironed, and ordered to be brought into the camp before a lictor. + + As long as he was conducted with his head uncovered, he moved along earnestly + + haranguing and vociferating to the multitude which poured around him on all + + sides. "You have gotten that liberty, Campanians, which you seek; in the middle + + of the forum, in the light of day, before your eyes, I, a man second to none + + of the Campanians, am dragged in chains to suffer death. What greater outrage + + could have been committed had Capua been captured? Go out to meet Hannibal, + + decorate your city to the utmost, consecrate the day of his arrival, that you + + may behold this triumph over a fellow-citizen." As the populace seemed to be + + excited by him, vociferating these things, his head was covered, and he was + + ordered to be dragged away more speedily without the gate. Having been thus + + brought to the camp, he was immediately put on board a ship and sent to Carthage, + + lest if any commotion should arise at Capua on account of the injustice of the + + proceeding, the senate also should repent of having given up a leading citizen; + + and lest if an embassy were sent to request his restoration, he must either + + offend his new allies by refusing their first petition, or, by granting it, + + be compelled to retain at Capua a promoter of sedition and disturbance. A tempest + + drove the vessel to Cyrenae, which was at that time under the dominion of kings. + + Here flying for refuge to the statue of king Ptolemy, he was conveyed thence + + in custody to Alexandria to Ptolemy; and having instructed him that he had been + + thrown into chains by Hannibal, contrary to the law of treaties, he was liberated + + and allowed to return to whichever place he pleased, Rome or Capua. But Magius + + said, that Capua would not be a safe place for him, and that Rome, at a time + + when there was war between the Romans and Capuans, would be rather the residence + + of a deserter than a guest. That there was no place that he should rather dwell + + in, than in the dominions of him whom he esteemed an avenger and the protector + + of his liberty. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">11 </div> + +<a id="e11" /> + +<p>While these things were carrying on, Quintus Fabius Pictor, the ambassador, + + returned from Delphi to Rome, and read the response of the oracle from a written + + copy. In it both the gods were mentioned, and in what manner supplication should + + be made. It then stated, "If you do thus, Romans, your affairs will be more + + prosperous and less perplexed; your state will proceed more agreeably to your + + wishes; and the victory in the war will be on the side of the Roman people. + + After that your state shall have been restored to prosperity and safety, send + + a present to the Pythian Apollo out of the gains you have earned, and pay honours + + to him out of the plunder, the booty, and the spoils. Banish licentiousness + + from among you." Having read aloud these words, translated from the Greek verse, + + he added, that immediately on his departure from the oracle, he had paid divine + + honours to all these deities with wine and frankincense; and that he was ordered + + by the chief priest of the temple, that, as he had approached the oracle and + + performed the sacred ceremonies decorated with a laurel crown, so he should + + embark wearing the crown, and not put it off till he had arrived at Rome. That + + he had executed all these injunctions with the most scrupulous exactness and + + diligence, and had deposited the garland on the altar of Apollo at Rome. The + + senate decreed that the sacred ceremonies and supplications enjoined should + + be carefully performed with all possible expedition. During these events at + + Rome and in Italy, Mago, the son of Hamilcar, had arrived at Carthage with the + + intelligence of the victory at Cannae. He was not sent direct from the field + + of battle by his brother, but was detained some days in receiving the submission + + of such states of the Bruttii as were in revolt. Having obtained an audience + + of the senate he gave a full statement of his brother's exploits in Italy: "That + + he had fought pitched battles with six generals, four of whom were consuls, + + two a dictator and master of the horse, with six consular armies; that he had + + slain above two hundred thousand of the enemy, and captured above fifty thousand. + + That out of the four consuls he had slain two; of the two remaining, one was + + wounded, the other, having lost his whole army, had fled from the field with + + scarcely fifty men; that the master of the horse, an authority equal to that + + of consul, had been routed and put to flight; that the dictator, because he + + had never engaged in a pitched battle, was esteemed a matchless general; that + + the Bruttii, the Apulians, part of the Samnites and of the Lucanians had revolted + + to the Carthaginians. That Capua, which was the capital not only of Campania, + + but after the ruin of the Roman power by the battle of Cannae, of Italy also, + + had delivered itself over to Hannibal. That in return for these so many and + + so great victories, gratitude ought assuredly to be felt and thanks returned + + to the immortal gods." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">12 </div> + +<a id="e12" /> + +<p>Then, in proof of this such joyful news, he ordered the golden rings to be + + poured out in the vestibule of the senate-house, of which there was such a heap + + that some have taken upon themselves to say that on being measured they filled + + three pecks and a half. The statement has obtained and is more like the truth, + + that there were not more than a peck. He then added, by way of explanation, + + to prove the greater extent of the slaughter, that none but knights, and of + + these the principal only, wore that ornament. The main drift of his speech was, + + "that the nearer the prospect was of bringing the war to a conclusion, the more + + should Hannibal be aided by every means, for that the seat of war was at a long + + distance from home and in the heart of the enemy's country. That a great quantity + + of corn was consumed and money expended; and that so many pitched battles, as + + they had annihilated the armies of the enemy, had also in some degree diminished + + the forces of the victor. That a reinforcement therefore ought to be sent; and + + money for the pay, and corn for the soldiers who had deserved so well of the + + Carthaginian name." After this speech of Mago's, all being elated with joy, + + Himilco, a member of the Barcine faction, conceiving this a good opportunity + + for inveighing against Hanno, said to him, "What think you now, Hanno? do you + + now also regret that the war against the Romans was entered upon? Now urge that + + Hannibal should be given up; yes, forbid the rendering of thanks to the immortal + + gods amidst such successes; let us hear a Roman senator in the senate-house + + of the Carthaginians." Upon which Hanno replied, "I should have remained silent + + this day, conscript fathers, lest, amid the general joy, I should utter any + + thing which might be too gloomy for you. But now, to a senator, asking whether + + I still regret the undertaking of the war against the Romans, if I should forbear + + to speak, I should seem either arrogant or servile, the former of which is the + + part of a man who is forgetful of the independence of others, the latter of + + his own. I may answer therefore to Himilco, that I have not ceased to regret + + the war, nor shall I cease to censure your invincible general until I see the + + war concluded on some tolerable terms; nor will any thing except a new peace + + put a period to my regret for the loss of the old one. Accordingly those achievements, + + which Mago has so boastingly recounted, are a source of present joy to Himilco + + and the other adherents of Hannibal; to me they may become so; because successes + + in war, if we have a mind to make the best use of fortune, will afford us a + + peace on more equitable terms; for if we allow this opportunity to pass by, + + on which we have it in our power to appear to dictate rather than to receive + + terms of peace, I fear lest even this our joy should run into excess, and in + + the end prove groundless. However, let us see of what kind it is even now. I + + have slain the armies of the enemy, send me soldiers. What else would you ask + + if you had been conquered? I have captured two of the enemy's camps, full, of + + course, of booty and provisions; supply me with corn and money. What else would + + you ask had you been plundered and stripped of your camp? And that I may not + + be the only person perplexed, I could wish that either Himilco or Mago would + + answer me, for it is just and fair that I also should put a question, since + + I have answered Himilco. Since the battle at Cannae annihilated the Roman power, + + and it is a fact that all Italy is in a state of revolt; in the first place, + + has any one people of the Latin confederacy come over to us? In the next place, + + has any individual of the five and thirty tribes deserted to Hannibal?" When + + Mago had answered both these questions in the negative, he continued: "there + + remains then still too large a body of the enemy. But I should be glad to know + + what degree of spirit and hope that body possesses." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">13 </div> + +<a id="e13" /> + +<p>Mago declaring that he did not know; "Nothing," said he, "is easier to be known. + + Have the Romans sent any ambassadors to Hannibal to treat of peace? Have you, + + in short, ever heard that any mention has been made of peace at Rome?" On his + + answering these questions also in the negative: "We have upon our hands then, + + said he, a war as entire as we had on the day on which Hannibal crossed over + + into Italy. There are a great many of us alive now who remember how fluctuating + + the success was in the former Punic war. At no time did our affairs appear in + + so prosperous a condition as they did before the consulship of Caius Lutatius + + and Aulus Posthumius. In the consulship of Caius Lutatius and Aulus Posthumius + + we were completely conquered at the islands Aegates. But if now, as well as + + then, (oh! may the gods avert the omen!) fortune should take any turn, do you + + hope to obtain that peace when we shall be vanquished which no one is willing + + to grant now we are victorious. I have an opinion which I should express if + + any one should advise with me on the subject of proffering or accepting terms + + of peace with the enemy; but with respect to the supplies requested by Mago, + + I do not think there is any necessity to send them to a victorious army; and + + I give it as my opinion that they should far less be sent to them, if they are + + deluding us by groundless and empty hopes." But few were influenced by the harangue + + of Hanno, for both the jealousy which he entertained towards the Barcine family, + + made him a less weighty authority; and men's minds being taken up with the present + + exultation, would listen to nothing by which their joy could be made more groundless, + + but felt convinced, that if they should make a little additional exertion the + + war might be speedily terminated. Accordingly a decree of the senate was made + + with very general approbation, that four thousand Numidians should be sent as + + a reinforcement to Hannibal, with four hundred elephants and many talents of + + silver. Moreover, the dictator was sent forward into Spain with Mago to hire + + twenty thousand foot and four thousand horse, to recruit the armies in Italy + + and Spain. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">14 </div> + +<a id="e14" /> + +<p>But these resolutions, as generally happens in the season of prosperity, were + + executed in a leisurely and slothful manner. The Romans, in addition to their + + inborn activity of mind, were prevented from delaying by the posture of their + + affairs. For the consul was not wanting in any business which was to be done + + by him; and the dictator, Marcus Junius Pera, after the sacred ceremonies were + + concluded, and after having, as is usual, proposed to the people that he might + + be allowed to mount his horse; besides the two legions which had been enlisted + + by the consuls in the beginning of the year, and besides the cohorts collected + + out of the Picenian and Gallic territories, descended to that last resort of + + the state when almost despaired of, and when propriety gives place to utility, + + and made proclamation, that of such persons as had been guilty of capital crimes + + or were in prison on judgment for debt, those who would serve as soldiers with + + him, he would order to be released from their liability to punishment and their + + debts. These six thousand he armed with the Gallic spoils which were carried + + in the procession at the triumph of Caius Flaminius. Thus he marched from the + + city at the head of twenty-five thousand men. Hannibal, after gaining Capua, + + made a second fruitless attempt upon the minds of the Neapolitans, partly by + + fear and partly by hope: and then marched his troops across into the territory + + of Nola: not immediately in a hostile attitude, for he did not despair of a + + voluntary surrender, yet intending to omit nothing which they could suffer or + + fear, if they delayed the completion of his hopes. The senate, and especially + + the principal members of it, persevered faithfully in keeping up the alliance + + with the Romans; the commons, as usual, were all inclined to a change in the + + government and to espouse the cause of Hannibal, placing before their minds + + the fear lest their fields should be devastated, and the many hardships and + + indignities which must be endured in a siege; nor were there wanting persons + + who advised a revolt. In this state of things, when a fear took possession of + + the senate, that it would be impossible to resist the excited multitude if they + + went openly to work, devised a delay of the evil by secret simulation. They + + pretended that they were agreeable to the revolt to Hannibal; but that it was + + not settled on what terms they should enter into the new alliance and friendship. + + Thus having gained time, they promptly sent ambassadors to the Roman praetor, + + Marcellus Claudius, who was at Casilinum with his army, and informed him what + + a critical situation Nola was in; that the fields were already in the possession + + of Hannibal and the Carthaginians, and that the city soon would be, unless succour + + were sent; that the senate, by conceding to the commons that they would revolt + + when they pleased, had caused them not to hasten too much to revolt. Marcellus, + + after bestowing high commendations on the Nolans, urged them to protract the + + business till his arrival by means of the same pretences; in the mean time, + + to conceal what had passed between them, as well as all hope of succour from + + the Romans. He himself marched from Casilinum to Calatia, and thence crossing + + the Vulturnus, and passing through the territories of Saticula and Trebula, + + pursuing his course along the mountains above Suessula, he arrived at Nola. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">15 </div> + +<a id="e15" /> + +<p>On the approach of the Roman praetor, the Carthaginians retired from the territory + + of Nola and marched down to the sea close upon Naples, eager to get possession + + of a maritime town to which there would be a safe course for ships from Africa. + + But hearing that Naples was held by a Roman prefect, Marcus Junius Silanus, + + who had been invited thither by the Neapolitans themselves, he left Naples as + + he had left Nola, and directed his course to Nuceria, which he at length starved + + into capitulation, after having besieged it for a considerable time, often by + + open force, and often by soliciting to no purpose sometimes the commons, at + + other times the nobles; agreeing that they should depart with single garments + + and without arms. Then, as wishing to appear from the beginning to show lenity + + to all the inhabitants of Italy except the Romans, he proposed rewards and honours + + to those who might remain with him, and would be willing to serve with him. + + He retained none, however, by the hopes he held out; they all dispersed in different + + directions throughout the cities of Campania, wherever either hospitable connexions + + or the casual impulse of the mind directed them, but principally to Nola and + + Naples. About thirty senators, including as it happened all of the first rank, + + made for Capua; but being shut out thence, because they had closed their gates + + on Hannibal, they betook themselves to Cumae. The plunder of Nuceria was, given + + to the soldiery, the city sacked and burned. Marcellus continued to hold possession + + of Nola, relying not more from confidence in his own troops than from the favourable + + disposition of the leading inhabitants. Apprehensions were entertained of the + + commons, particularly Lucius Bantius, whose having been privy to an attempt + + at defection, and dread of the Roman praetor, stimulated sometimes to the betrayal + + of his country, at others, should fortune fail him in that undertaking, to desertion. + + He was a young man of vigorous mind, and at that time enjoying the greatest + + renown of almost any of the allied cavalry. Found at Cannae half dead amid a + + heap of slain, Hannibal had sent him home, after having had him cured, with + + the kindest attention, and even with presents. In gratitude for this favour, + + he had conceived a wish to put Nola under the power and dominion of the Carthaginian; + + but his anxiety and solicitude for effecting a change did not escape the notice + + of the praetor. However, as it was necessary that he should be either restrained + + by penal inflictions or conciliated by favours, he preferred attaching to himself + + a brave and strenuous ally, to depriving the enemy of him; and summoning him + + into his presence, in the kindest manner said, "that the fact that he had many + + among his countrymen who were jealous of him, might be easily collected from + + the circumstance that not one citizen of Nola had informed him how many were + + his splendid military exploits. But that it was impossible for the valour of + + one who served in the Roman camp to remain in obscurity; that many who had served + + with him had reported to him how brave a man he was, how often and what dangers + + he had encountered for the safety and honour of the Roman people; and how in + + the battle of Cannae he had not given over fighting till, almost bloodless, + + he was buried under a heap of men, horses, and arms which fell upon him. Go + + on then," says he, "and prosper in your career of valour, with me you shall + + receive every honour and every reward, and the oftener you be with me, the more + + you shall find it will be to your honour and emolument." He presented the young + + man, delighted with these promises, with a horse of distinguished beauty, ordered + + the quaestor to give him five hundred denarii, and commanded the lictors to + + allow him to approach him whenever he might please. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">16 </div> + +<a id="e16" /> + +<p>The violent spirit of the youth was so much soothed by the courteous treatment + + of Marcellus, that thenceforward no one of the allies displayed greater courage + + or fidelity in aiding the Roman cause. Hannibal being now at the gates, for + + he had moved his camp back again from Nuceria to Nola, and the commons beginning + + to turn their attention to revolt afresh, Marcellus, on the approach of the + + enemy, retired within the walls; not from apprehension for his camp, but lest + + he should give an opportunity for betraying the city, which too many were anxiously + + watching for. The troops on both sides then began to be drawn up; the Romans + + before the walls of Nola, the Carthaginians before their own camp. Hence arose + + several battles of small account between the city and the camp, with varying + + success, as the generals were neither willing to check the small parties who + + inconsiderately challenged the enemy, nor to give the signal for a general engagement. + + While the two armies continued to be thus stationed day after day, the chief + + men of the Nolans informed Marcellus, that conferences were held by night between + + the commons of Nola and the Carthaginians; and that it was fixed, that, when + + the Roman army had gone out at the gates, they should make plunder of their + + baggage and packages, then close the gates and post themselves upon the walls, + + in order that when in possession of the government and the city, they might + + then receive the Carthaginian instead of the Roman. On receiving this intelligence + + Marcellus, having bestowed the highest commendations on the senators, resolved + + to hazard the issue of a battle before any commotion should arise within the + + city. He drew up his troops in three divisions at the three gates which faced + + the enemy; he gave orders that the baggage should follow close by, that the + + servants, suttlers' boys, and invalids should carry palisades; at the centre + + gate he stationed the choicest of the legionary troops and the Roman cavalry, + + at the two gates on either side, the recruits, the light-armed, and the allied + + cavalry. The Nolans were forbidden to approach the walls and gates, and the + + troops designed for a reserve were set over the baggage, lest while the legions + + were engaged in the battle an attack should be made upon it. Thus arranged they + + were standing within the gates. Hannibal, who had waited with his troops drawn + + up in battle-array, as he had done for several days, till the day was far advanced, + + at first was amazed that neither the Roman army marched out of the gates, nor + + any armed man was to be seen on the walls, but afterwards concluding that the + + conferences had been discovered, and that they were quiet through fear, he sent + + back a portion of his troops into the camp, with orders to bring into the front + + line, with speed, every thing requisite for assaulting the city; satisfied that + + if he urged them vigorously while they were indisposed to action, the populace + + would excite some commotion in the city. While, in the van, the troops were + + running up and down in a hurried manner in discharge of their several duties, + + and the line was advancing up to the gates, suddenly throwing open the gate, + + Marcellus ordered that the signal should be given, and a shout raised, and that + + first the infantry and after them the cavalry should burst forth upon the enemy + + with all possible impetuosity. They had occasioned abundant terror and confusion + + in the centre of the enemy's line, when, at the two side gates, the lieutenant-generals, + + Publius Valerius Flaccus and Caius Aurelius, sallied forth upon the wings. The + + servants, suttlers' boys, and the other multitude appointed to guard the baggage, + + joined in the shout, so that they suddenly exhibited the appearance of a vast + + army to the Carthaginians, who despised chiefly their paucity of numbers. For + + my own part I would not take upon me to assert what some authors have declared, + + that two thousand eight hundred of the enemy were slain, and that the Romans + + lost not more than five hundred. Whether the victory was so great or not; it + + is certain that a very important advantage, and perhaps the greatest during + + the war, was gained on that day: for not to be vanquished by Hannibal was then + + a more difficult task to the victorious troops, than to conquer him afterwards. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">17 </div> + +<a id="e17" /> + +<p>When Hannibal, all hope of getting possession of Nola being lost, had retired + + to Acerrae, Marcellus, having closed the gates and posted guards in different + + quarters to prevent any one from going out, immediately instituted a judicial + + inquiry in the forum, into the conduct of those who had been secretly in communication + + with the enemy. He beheaded more than seventy who were convicted of treason, + + and ordered their foods to be confiscated to the Roman state; and then committing + + the government to the senate, set out with all his forces, and, pitching a camp, + + took up a position above Suessula. The Carthaginian, having at first endeavoured + + to win over the people of Acerrae to a voluntary surrender, but finding them + + resolved, makes preparations for a siege and assault. But the people of Acerrae + + had more spirit than power. Despairing therefore, of the defence of the city, + + when they saw their walls being circumvallated, before the lines of the enemy + + were completed, they stole off in the dead of night through the opening in the + + works, and where the watches had been neglected; and pursuing their course through + + roads and pathless regions, accordingly as design or mistake directed each, + + made their escape to those towns of Campania which they knew had not renounced + + their fidelity. After Acerrae was plundered and burnt, Hannibal, having received + + intelligence that the Roman dictator with the new-raised legions was seen at + + some distance from Casilinum, and fearing lest, the camp of the enemy being + + so near, something might occur at Capua, marched his army to Casilinum. At that + + time Casilinum was occupied by five hundred Praenestines, with a few Romans + + and Latins, whom the news of the defeat at Cannae had brought to the same place. + + These men setting out from home too late, in consequence of the levy at Praeneste + + not being completed at the appointed day, and arriving at Casilinum before the + + defeat was known there, where they united themselves with other troops, Romans + + and allies, were proceeding thence in a tolerably large body, but the news of + + the battle at Cannae them back to Casilinum. Having spent several days there + + in evading and concerting plots, in fear themselves and suspected by the Campanians, + + and having now received certain information that the revolt of Capua and the + + reception of Hannibal were in agitation, they put the townsmen to the sword + + by night, and seized upon the part of the town on this side the Vulturnus, for + + it is divided by that river. Such was the garrison the Romans had at Casilinum; + + to these was added a cohort of Perusians, in number four hundred and sixty, + + who had been driven to Casilinum by the same intelligence which had brought + + the Praenestines a few days before. They formed a sufficient number of armed + + men for the defence of walls of so limited extent, and protected on one side + + by the river. The scarcity of corn made them even appear too numerous. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">18 </div> + +<a id="e18" /> + +<p>Hannibal having now advanced within a short distance of the place, sent forward + + a body of Getulians under a commander named Isalca, and orders them in the first + + place, if an opportunity of parley should be given, to win them over by fair + + words, to open the gates, and admit a garrison; but, if they persisted in obstinate + + opposition, to proceed to action, and try if in any part he could force an entrance + + into the city. When they had approached the walls, because silence prevailed + + there appeared a solitude; and the barbarian, supposing that they had retired + + through fear, made preparation for forcing the gates and breaking away the bars, + + when, the gates being suddenly thrown open, two cohorts, drawn up within for + + that very purpose, rushed forth with great tumult, and made a slaughter of the + + enemy. The first party being thus repulsed, Maharbal was sent with a more powerful + + body of troops; but neither could even he sustain the sally of the cohorts. + + Lastly, Hannibal, fixing his camp directly before the walls, prepared to assault + + this paltry city and garrison, with every effort and all his forces, and having + + completely surrounded the city with a line of troops, lost a considerable number + + of men, including all the most forward, who were shot from the walls and turrets, + + while he pressed on and provoked the enemy. Once he was very near cutting them + + off, by throwing in a line of elephants, when aggressively sallying forth, and + + drove them in the utmost confusion into the town; a good many, out of so small + + a number, having been slain. More would have fallen had not night interrupted + + the battle. On the following day, the minds of all were possessed with an ardent + + desire to commence the assault, especially after a golden mural crown had been + + promised, and the general himself had reproached the conquerors of Saguntum + + with the slowness of their siege of a little fort situated on level ground; + + reminding them, each and all, of Cannae, Trasimenus, and Trebia. They then began + + to apply the vineae and to spring mines: nor was any measure, whether of open + + force or stratagem, unemployed against the various attempts of the enemy. These + + allies of the Romans erected bulwarks against the vineae, cut off the mines + + of the enemy by cross-mines, and met their efforts both covertly and openly, + + till, at last, shame compelled Hannibal to desist from his undertaking; and, + + fortifying a camp in which he placed a small guard, that the affair might not + + appear to have been abandoned, he retired into winter quarters to Capua. There + + he kept, under cover, for the greater part of the winter, that army, which, + + though fortified by frequent and continued hardships against every human ill, + + had yet never experienced or been habituated to prosperity. Accordingly, excess + + of good fortune and unrestrained indulgence were the ruin of men whom no severity + + of distress had subdued; and so much the more completely, in proportion to the + + avidity with which they plunged into pleasures to which they were unaccustomed. + + For sleep, wine, feasting, women, baths, and ease, which custom rendered more + + seductive day by day, so completely unnerved both mind and body, that from henceforth + + their past victories rather than their present strength protected them; and + + in this the general is considered by those who are skilled in the art of war + + to have committed a greater error than in not having marched his troops to Rome + + forthwith from the field of Cannae: for his delay on that occasion might be + + considered as only to have postponed his victory, but this mistake to have bereaved + + him of the power of conquering. Accordingly, by Hercules, as though he marched + + out of Capua with another army, it retained in no respect any of its former + + discipline; for most of the troops returned in the embrace of harlots; and as + + soon as they began to live under tents, and the fatigue of marching and other + + military labours tried them, like raw troops, they failed both in bodily strength + + and spirit. From that time, during the whole period of the summer campaign, + + a great number of them slunk away from the standards without furloughs, while + + Capua was the only retreat of the deserters. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">19 </div> + +<a id="e19" /> + +<p>However, when the rigour of winter began to abate, marching his troops out + + of their winter quarters he returned to Casilinum; where, although there had + + been an intermission of the assault, the continuance of the siege had reduced + + the inhabitants and the garrison to the extremity of want. Titus Sempronius + + commanded the Roman camp, the dictator having gone to Rome to renew the auspices. + + The swollen state of the Vulturnus and the entreaties of the people of Nola + + and Acerrae, who feared the Campanians if the Roman troops should leave them, + + kept Marcellus in his place; although desirous himself also to bring assistance + + to the besieged. Gracchus, only maintaining his post near Casilinum, because + + he had been enjoined by the dictator not to take any active steps during his + + absence, did not stir; although intelligence was brought from Casilinum which + + might easily overcome every degree of patience. For it appeared that some had + + precipitated themselves from the walls through famine and that they were standing + + unarmed upon the walls, exposing their undefended bodies to the blows of the + + missile weapons. Gracchus, grieved at the intelligence, but not daring to fight + + contrary to the injunctions of the dictator, and yet aware that he must fight + + if he openly attempted to convey in provisions, and having no hope of introducing + + them clandestinely, collected corn from all parts of the surrounding country, + + and filling several casks sent a message to the magistrate to Casilinum, directing + + that they might catch the casks which the river would bring down. The following + + night, while all were intent upon the river, and the hopes excited by the message + + from the Romans, the casks sent came floating down the centre of the stream, + + and the corn was equally distributed among them all. This was repeated the second + + and third day; they were sent off and arrived during the same night; and hence + + they escaped the notice of the enemy's guards. But afterwards, the river, rendered + + more than ordinarily rapid by continual rains, drove the casks by a cross current + + to the bank which the enemy were guarding; there they were discovered sticking + + among the osiers which grew along the banks; and, it being reported to Hannibal, + + from that time the watches were kept more strictly, that nothing sent to the + + city by the Vulturnus might escape notice. However, nuts poured out at the Roman + + camp floated down the centre of the river to Casilinum, and were caught with + + hurdles. At length they were reduced to such a degree of want, that they endeavoured + + to chew the thongs and skins which they tore from their shields, after softening + + them in warm water; nor did they abstain from mice or any other kind of animals. + + They even dug up every kind of herb and root from the lowest mounds of their + + wall; and when the enemy had ploughed over all the ground producing herbage + + which was without the wall, they threw in turnip seed, so that Hannibal exclaimed, + + Must I sit here at Casilinum even till these spring up? and he, who up to that + + time had not lent an ear to any terms, then at length allowed himself to be + + treated with respecting the ransom of the free persons. Seven ounces of gold + + for each person were agreed upon as the price; and then, under a promise of + + protection, they surrendered themselves. They were kept in chains till the whole + + of the gold was paid, after which they were sent back to Cumae, in fulfilment + + of the promise. This account is more credible than that they were slain by a + + body of cavalry, which was sent to attack them as they were going away. They + + were for the most part Praenestines. Out of the five hundred and seventy who + + formed the garrison, almost one half were destroyed by sword or famine; the + + rest returned safe to Praeneste with their praetor Manicius, who had formerly + + been a scribe. His statue placed in the forum at Praeneste, clad in a coat of + + mail, with a gown on, and with the head covered, formed an evidence of this + + account; as did also three images with this legend inscribed on a brazen plate, + + "Manicius vowed these in behalf of the soldiers who were in the garrison at + + Casilinum." The same legend was inscribed under three images placed in the temple + + of Fortune. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">20 </div> + +<a id="e20" /> + +<p>The town of Casilinum was restored to the Campanians, strengthened by a garrison + + of seven hundred soldiers from the army of Hannibal, lest on the departure of + + the Carthaginian from it, the Romans should assault it. To the Praenestine soldiers + + the Roman senate voted double pay and exemption from military service for five + + years. On being offered the freedom of the state, in consideration of their + + valor, they would not make the exchange. The account of the fate of the Perusians + + is less clear, as no light is thrown upon it by any monument of their own, or + + any decree of the Romans. At the same time the Petelini, the only Bruttian state + + which had continued in the Roman alliance, were attacked not only by the Carthaginians, + + who were in possession of the surrounding country, but also by the rest of the + + Bruttian states, on account of their having adopted a separate policy. The Petelini, + + unable to bear up against these distresses, sent ambassadors to Rome to solicit + + aid, whose prayers and entreaties (for on being told that they must themselves + + take measures for their own safety, they gave themselves up to piteous lamentations + + in the vestibule of the senate-house) excited the deepest commiseration in the + + fathers and the people. On the question being proposed a second time to the + + fathers by Manius Pomponius, the praetor, after examining all the resources + + of the empire, they were compelled to confess that they had no longer any protection + + for their distant allies, and bid them return home, and having done every thing + + which could be expected from faithful allies, as to what remained to take measures + + for their own security in the present state of fortune. On the result of this + + embassy being reported to the Petelini, their senate was suddenly seized with + + such violent grief and dismay, that some advised that they should run away wherever + + each man could find an asylum, and abandon the city. Some advised, that as they + + were deserted by their ancient allies, they should unite themselves with the + + rest of the Bruttian states, and through them surrender themselves to Hannibal. + + The opinion however which prevailed was that of those who thought that nothing + + should be done in haste and rashly, and that they should take the whole matter + + into their consideration again. The next day, when they had cooled upon it, + + and their trepidation had somewhat subsided, the principal men carried their + + point that they should collect all their property out of the fields, and fortify + + the city and the walls. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">21 </div> + +<a id="e21" /> + +<p>Much about the same time letters were brought from Sicily and Sardinia. That + + of Titus Otacilius the propraetor was first read in the senate. It stated that + + Lucius Furius the praetor had arrived at Lilybaeum from Africa with his fleet. + + That he himself, having been severely wounded, was in imminent danger of his + + life; that neither pay nor corn was punctually furnished to the soldiers or + + the marines; nor were there any resources from which they could be furnished. + + That he earnestly advised that such supplies should be sent with all possible + + expedition; and that, if it was thought proper, they should send one of the + + new praetors to succeed him. </p> + +<p> Nearly the same intelligence respecting corn and pay was conveyed in a letter + + from Aulus Cornelius Mammula, the propraetor, from Sardinia. The answer to both + + was, that there were no resources from whence they could be supplied, and orders + + were given to them that they should themselves provide for their fleets and + + armies. Titus Otacilius having sent ambassadors to Hiero, the only source of + + assistance the Romans had, received as much money as was wanting to pay the + + troops and a supply of corn for six months. In Sardinia, the allied states contributed + + liberally to Cornelius. The scarcity of money at Rome also was so great, that + + on the proposal of Marcus Minucius, plebeian tribune, a financial triumvirate + + was appointed, consisting of Lucius Aemilius Papus, who had been consul and + + censor, Marcus Atilius Regulus, who had been twice consul, and Lucius Scribonius + + Libo, who was then plebeian tribune. Marcus and Caius Atilius were also created + + a duumvirate for dedicating the temple of Concord, which Lucius Manlius had + + vowed when praetor. Three pontiffs were also created, Quintus Caecilius Metellus, + + Quintus Fabius Maximus, and Quintus Fulvius Flaccus, in the room of Publius + + Scantinius deceased, and of Lucius Aemilius Paulus the consul, and of Quintus + + Aelius Paetus, who had fallen in the battle of Cannae. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">22 </div> + +<a id="e22" /> + +<p>The fathers having repaired, as far as human counsels could effect it, the + + other losses from a continued series of unfortunate events, at length turned + + their attention on themselves, on the emptiness of the senate-house, and the + + paucity of those who assembled for public deliberation. For the senate-roll + + had not been reviewed since the censorship of Lucius Aemilius and C. Flaminius, + + though unfortunate battles, during a period of five years, as well as the private + + casualties of each, had carried off so many senators. Manius Pomponius, the + + praetor, as the dictator was now gone to the army after the loss of Casilinum, + + at the earnest request of all, brought in a bill upon the subject. When Spurius + + Carvilius, after having lamented in a long speech not only the scantiness of + + the senate, but the fewness of citizens who were eligible into that body, with + + the design of making up the numbers of the senate and uniting more closely the + + Romans and the Latin confederacy, declared that he strongly advised that the + + freedom of the state should be conferred upon two senators from each of the + + Latin states, if the Roman fathers thought proper, who might be chosen into + + the senate to supply the places of the deceased senators. This proposition the + + fathers listened to with no more equanimity than formerly to the request when + + made by the Latins themselves. A loud and violent expression of disapprobation + + ran through the whole senate-house. In particular, Manlius reminded them that + + there was still existing a man of that stock, from which that consul was descended + + who formerly threatened in the Capitol that he would with his own hand put to + + death any Latin senator he saw in that house. Upon which Quintus Fabius Maximus + + said, "that never was any subject introduced into the senate at a juncture more + + unseasonable than the present, when a question had been touched upon which would + + still further irritate the minds of the allies, who were already hesitating + + and wavering in their allegiance. That that rash suggestion of one individual + + ought to be annihilated by the silence of the whole body; and that if there + + ever was a declaration in that house which ought to be buried in profound and + + inviolable silence, surely that above all others was one which deserved to be + + covered and consigned to darkness and oblivion, and looked upon as if it had + + never been made." This put a stop to the mention of the subject. They determined + + that a dictator should be created for the purpose of reviewing the senate, and + + that he should be one who had been a censor, and was the oldest living of those + + who had held that office. They likewise gave orders that Caius Terentius, the + + consul, should be called home to nominate a dictator; who, leaving his troops + + in Apulia, returned to Rome with great expedition; and, according to custom, + + on the following night nominated Marcus Fabius Buteo dictator, for six months, + + without a master of the horse, in pursuance of the decree of the senate. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">23 </div> + +<a id="e23" /> + +<p>He having mounted the rostrum attended by the lictors, declared, that he neither + + approved of there being two dictators at one time, which had never been done + + before, nor of his being appointed dictator without a master of the horse; nor + + of the censorian authority being committed to one person, and to the same person + + a second time; nor that command should be given to a dictator for six months, + + unless he was created for active operations. That he would himself restrain + + within proper bounds those irregularities which chance, the exigencies of the + + times, and necessity had occasioned. For he would not remove any of those whom + + the censors Flaminius and Aemilius had elected into the senate; but would merely + + order that their names should be transcribed and read over, that one man might + + not exercise the power of deciding and determining on the character and morals + + of a senator; and would so elect in place of deceased members, that one rank + + should appear to be preferred to another, and not man to man. The old senate-roll + + having been read, he chose as successors to the deceased, first those who had + + filled a curule office since the censorship of Flaminius and Aemilius, but had + + not yet been elected into the senate, as each had been earliest created. He + + next chose those who had been aediles, plebeian tribunes, or quaestors; then + + of those who had never filled the office of magistrate, he selected such as + + had spoils taken from an enemy fixed up at their homes, or had received a civic + + crown. Having thus elected one hundred and seventy-seven senators, with the + + entire approbation of his countrymen, he instantly abdicated his office, and, + + bidding the lictors depart, he descended from the rostrum as a private citizen, + + and mingled with the crowd of persons who were engaged in their private affairs, + + designedly wearing away this time, lest he should draw off the people from the + + forum for the purpose of escorting him home. Their zeal, however, did not subside + + by the delay, for they escorted him to his house in great numbers. The consul + + returned to the army the ensuing night, without acquainting the senate, lest + + he should be detained in the city on account of the elections. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">24 </div> + +<a id="e24" /> + +<p>The next day, on the proposition of Manius Pomponius the praetor, the senate + + decreed that a letter should be written to the dictator, to the effect, that + + if he thought it for the interest of the state, he should come, together with + + the master of the horse and the praetor, Marcus Marcellus, to hold the election + + for the succeeding consuls, in order that the fathers might learn from them + + in person in what condition the state was, and take measures according to circumstances. + + All who were summoned came, leaving lieutenant-generals to hold command of the + + legions. The dictator, speaking briefly and modestly of himself, attributed + + much of the glory Of the campaign to the master of the horse, Tiberius Sempronius + + Gracchus. He then gave out the day for the comitia, at which the consuls created + + were Lucius Posthumius in his absence, being then employed in the government + + of the province of Gaul, for the third time, and Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus, + + who was then master of the horse and curule aedile. Marcus Valerius Laevinus, + + Appius Claudius Pulcher, Quintus Fulvius Flaccus, and Quintus Mucius Scaevola, + + were then created praetors. After the election of the magistrates, the dictator + + returned to his army, which was in winter quarters at Teanum, leaving his master + + of the horse at Rome, to take the sense of the fathers relative to the armies + + to be enlisted and embodied for the service of the year, as he was about to + + enter upon the magistracy after a few days. While busily occupied with these + + matters, intelligence arrived of a fresh disaster--fortune crowding into this + + year one calamity after another--that Lucius Posthumius, consul elect, himself + + with all his army was destroyed in Gaul. He was to march his troops through + + a vast wood, which the Gauls called Litana. On the right and left of his route, + + the natives had sawed the trees in such a manner that they continued standing + + upright, but would fall when impelled by a slight force. Posthumius had with + + him two Roman legions, and besides had levied so great a number of allies along + + the Adriatic Sea, that he led into the enemy's country twenty-five thousand + + men. As soon as this army entered the wood, the Gauls, who were posted around + + its extreme skirts, pushed down the outermost of the sawn trees, which falling + + on those next them, and these again on others which of themselves stood tottering + + and scarcely maintained their position, crushed arms, men, and horses in an + + indiscriminate manner, so that scarcely ten men escaped. For, most of them being + + killed by the trunks and broken boughs of trees, the Gauls, who beset the wood + + on all sides in arms killed the rest, panic-struck by so unexpected a disaster. + + A very small number, who attempted to escape by a bridge, were taken prisoners, + + being intercepted by the enemy who had taken possession of it before them. Here + + Posthumius fell, fighting with all his might to prevent his being taken. The + + Boii having cut off his head, carried it and the spoils they stole off his body, + + in triumph into the most sacred temple they had. Afterwards they cleansed the + + head according to their custom, and having covered the skull with chased gold, + + used it as a cup for libations in their solemn festivals, and a drinking cup + + for their high priests and other ministers of the temple. The spoils taken by + + the Gauls were not less than the victory. For though great numbers of the beasts + + were crushed by the falling trees, yet as nothing was scattered by flight, every + + thing else was found strewed along the whole line of the prostrate band. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">25 </div> + +<a id="e25" /> + +<p>The news of this disaster arriving, when the state had been in so great a panic + + for many days, that the shops were shut up as if the solitude of night reigned + + through the city; the senate gave it in charge to the aediles to go round the + + city, cause the shops to be opened, and this appearance of public affliction + + to be removed. Then Titus Sempronius, having assembled the senate, consoled + + and encouraged the fathers, requesting, "that they who had sustained the defeat + + at Cannae with so much magnanimity would not now be cast down with less calamities. + + That if their arms should prosper, as he hoped they would, against Hannibal + + and the Carthaginians, the war with the Gauls might be suspended and deferred + + without hazard. The gods and the Roman people would have it in their power to + + revenge the treachery of the Gauls another time. That they should now deliberate + + about the Carthaginian foe, and the forces with which the war was to be prosecuted." + + He first laid before them the number of foot and horse, as well citizens as + + allies, that were in the dictator's army. Then Marcellus gave an account of + + the amount in his. Those who knew were asked what troops were in Apulia with + + Caius Terentius Varro the consul. But no practicable plan could be devised for + + raising consular armies sufficient to support so important a war. For this reason, + + notwithstanding a just resentment irritated them, they determined that Gaul + + should be passed over for that year. The dictator's army was assigned to the + + consul; and they ordered such of the troops of Marcellus's army as had fled + + from Cannae, to be transported into Sicily, to serve there as long as the war + + continued in Italy. Thither, likewise, were ordered to be sent as unfit to serve + + with him, the weakest of the dictator's troops, no time of service being appointed, + + but the legal number of campaigns. The two legions in the city were voted to + + the other consul who should be elected in the room of Posthumius; and they resolved + + that he should be elected as soon as the auspices would permit. Besides, two + + legions were immediately to be recalled from Sicily, out of which the consul, + + to whom the city legions fell, might take what number of men he should have + + occasion for. The consul Caius Terentius Varro was continued in his command + + for one year, without lessening the army he had for the defence of Apulia. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">26 </div> + +<a id="e26" /> + +<p>During these transactions and preparations in Italy, the war in Spain was prosecuted + + with no less vigour; but hitherto more favourably to the Romans. The two generals + + had divided their troops, so that Cneius acted by land, and Publius by sea. + + Hasdrubal, general of the Carthaginians, sufficiently trusting to neither branch + + of his forces, kept himself at a distance from the enemy, secured by the intervening + + space and the strength of his fortifications, until, after much solicitation, + + four thousand foot and five hundred horse were sent him out of Africa as a reinforcement. + + At length, inspired with fresh hopes, he moved nearer the enemy; and himself + + also ordered a fleet to be equipped and prepared for the protection of the islands + + and sea-coasts. In the very onset of renewing the war, he was greatly embarrassed + + by the desertion of the captains of his ships, who had ceased to entertain a + + sincere attachment towards the general and the Carthaginian cause, ever since + + they were severely reprimanded for abandoning the fleet in a cowardly manner + + at the Iberus. These deserters had raised an insurrection among the Tartessians, + + and at their instigation some cities had revolted; they had even taken one by + + force. The war was now turned from the Romans into that country, which he entered + + in a hostile manner, and resolved to attack Galbus, a distinguished general + + of the Tartessians, who with a powerful army kept close within his camp, before + + the walls of a city which had been captured but a few days before. Accordingly, + + he sent his light-armed troops in advance to provoke the enemy to battle, and + + part of his infantry to ravage the country throughout in every direction, and + + to cut off stragglers. There was a skirmish before the camp, at the same time + + that many were killed and put to flight in the fields. But having by different + + routes returned to their camp, they so quickly shook off all fear, that they + + had courage not only to defend their lines, but challenge the enemy to fight. + + They sallied out, therefore, in a body from the camp, dancing according to their + + custom. Their sudden boldness terrified the enemy, who a little before had been + + the assailants. Hasdrubal therefore drew off his troops to a tolerably steep + + eminence, and secured further by having a river between it and the enemy. Here + + the parties of light-armed troops which had been sent in advance, and the horse + + which had been dispersed about, he called in to join him. But not thinking himself + + sufficiently secured by the eminence or the river, he fortified his camp completely + + with a rampart. While thus fearing and feared alternately, several skirmishes + + occurred, in which the Numidian cavalry were not so good as the Spanish, nor + + the Moorish darters so good as the Spanish targetteers, who equalled them in + + swiftness, but were superior to them in strength and courage. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">27 </div> + +<a id="e27" /> + +<p>The enemy seeing they could not, by coming up to Hasdrubal's camp, draw him + + out to a battle, nor assault it without great difficulty, stormed Asena, whither + + Hasdrubal, on entering their territories, had laid up his corn and other stores. + + By this they became masters of all the surrounding country. But now they became + + quite ungovernable, both when on march and within their camp. </p> + +<p> Hasdrubal, therefore, perceiving their negligence, which, as usual, was the + + consequence of success, after having exhorted his troops to attack them while + + they were straggling and without their standards, came down the hill, and advanced + + to their camp in order of battle. On his approach being announced in a tumultuous + + manner, by men who fled from the watchposts and advanced guards, they shouted + + to arms; and as each could get his arms, they rushed precipitately to battle, + + without waiting for the word, without standards, without order, and without + + ranks. The foremost of them were already engaged, while some were running up + + in parties, and others had not got out of their camp. However, at first, the + + very boldness of their attack terrified the enemy. But when they charged their + + close ranks with their own which were thin, and were not able to defend themselves + + for want of numbers, each began to look out for others to support him; and being + + repulsed in all quarters they collected themselves in form of a circle, where + + being so closely crowded together, body to body, armour to armour, that they + + had not room to wield their arms, they were surrounded by the enemy, who continued + + to slaughter them till late in the day. A small number, having forced a passage, + + made for the woods and hills. With like consternation, their camp was abandoned, + + and next day the whole nation submitted. But they did not continue long quiet, + + for immediately upon this, Hasdrubal received orders from Carthage to march + + into Italy with all expedition. The report of which, spreading over Spain, made + + almost all the states declare for the Romans. Accordingly he wrote immediately + + to Carthage, to inform them how much mischief the report of his march had produced. + + "That if he really did leave Spain, the Romans would be masters of it all before + + he could pass the Iberus. For, besides that he had neither an army nor a general + + whom he could leave to supply his place, so great were the abilities of the + + Roman generals who commanded there, that they could scarcely be opposed with + + equal forces. If, therefore, they had any concern for preserving Spain, they + + ought to send a general with a powerful army to succeed him. To whom, however + + prosperous all things might prove, yet the province would not be a position + + of ease." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">28 </div> + +<a id="e28" /> + +<p>Though this letter made at first a great impression on the senate, yet, as + + their interest in Italy was first and most important, they did not at all alter + + their resolution in relation to Hasdrubal and his troops. However, they despatched + + Himilco with a complete army, and an augmented fleet, to preserve and defend + + Spain both by sea and land. When he had conveyed over his land and naval forces, + + he fortified a camp; and having drawn his ships upon dry land, and surrounded + + them with a rampart, he marched with a chosen body of cavalry, with all possible + + expedition; using the same caution when passing through people who were wavering, + + and those who were actually enemies; and came up with Hasdrubal. As soon as + + he had informed him of the resolutions and orders of the senate, and in his + + turn been thoroughly instructed in what manner to prosecute the war in Spain, + + he returned to his camp; his expedition more than any thing else saving him, + + for he quitted every place before the people could conspire. Before Hasdrubal + + quitted his position he laid all the states in subjection to him under contribution. + + He knew well that Hannibal purchased a passage through some nations; that he + + had no Gallic auxiliaries but such as were hired; and that if he had undertaken + + so arduous a march without money, he would scarcely have penetrated so far as + + the Alps. For this reason, having exacted the contributions with great haste, + + he marched down to the Iberus. As soon as the Roman generals got notice of the + + Carthaginian senate's resolution, and Hasdrubal's march, they gave up every + + other concern, and uniting their forces, determined to meet him and oppose his + + attempt. They reflected, that when it was already so difficult to make head + + against Hannibal alone in Italy, there would be an end of the Roman empire in + + Spain, should Hasdrubal join him with a Spanish army. Full of anxiety and care + + on these accounts, they assembled their forces at the Iberus, and crossed the + + river; and after deliberating for some time whether they should encamp opposite + + to the enemy, or be satisfied with impeding his intended march by attacking + + the allies of the Carthaginians, they made preparations for besieging a city + + called Ibera, from its contiguity to the river, which was at that time the wealthiest + + in that quarter. When Hasdrubal perceived this, instead of carrying assistance + + to his allies, he proceeded himself to besiege a city which had lately placed + + itself under the protection of the Romans; and thus the siege which was now + + commenced was given up by them, and the operations of the war turned against + + Hasdrubal himself. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">29 </div> + +<a id="e29" /> + +<p>For a few days they remained encamped at a distance of five miles from each + + other, not without skirmishes, but without going out to a regular engagement. + + At length the signal for battle was given out on both sides on one and the same + + day, as though by concert, and they marched down into the plain with all their + + forces. The Roman army stood in triple line; a part of the light troops were + + stationed among the first line, the other half were received behind the standards, + + the cavalry covering the wings. Hasdrubal formed his centre strong with Spaniards, + + and placed the Carthaginians in the right wing, the Africans and hired auxiliaries + + in the left. His cavalry he placed before the wings, attaching the Numidians + + to the Carthaginian infantry, and the rest to the Africans. Nor were all the + + Numidians placed in the right wing, but such as taking two horses each into + + the field are accustomed frequently to leap full armed, when the battle is at + + the hottest, from a tired horse upon a fresh one, after the manner of vaulters: + + such was their own agility, and so docile their breed of horses. While they + + stood thus drawn up, the hopes entertained by the generals on both sides were + + pretty much upon an equality; for neither possessed any great superiority, either + + in point of the number or quality of the troops. The feelings of the soldiers + + were widely different. Their generals had, without difficulty, induced the Romans + + to believe, that although they fought at a distance from their country, it was + + Italy and the city of Rome that they were defending. Accordingly, they had brought + + their minds to a settled resolution to conquer or die; as if their return to + + their country had hinged upon the issue of that battle. The other army consisted + + of less determined men; for they were principally Spaniards, who would rather + + be vanquished in Spain, than be victorious to be dragged into Italy. On the + + first onset, therefore, ere their javelins had scarcely been thrown, their centre + + gave ground, and the Romans pressing on with great impetuosity, turned their + + backs. In the wings the battle proceeded with no less activity; on one side + + the Carthaginians, on the other the Africans, charged vigorously, while the + + Romans, in a manner surrounded, were exposed to a twofold attack. But when the + + whole of the Roman troops had united in the centre, they possessed sufficient + + strength to compel the wings of the enemy to retire in different directions; + + and thus there were two separate battles, in both of which the Romans were decidedly + + superior, as after the defeat of the enemy's centre they had the advantage both + + in the number and strength of their troops. Vast numbers were slain on this + + occasion; and had not the Spaniards fled precipitately from the field ere the + + battle had scarce begun, very few out of the whole army would have survived. + + There was very little fighting of the cavalry, for as soon as the Moors and + + Numidians perceived that the centre gave way, they fled immediately with the + + utmost precipitation, leaving the wings uncovered, and also driving the elephants + + before them. Hasdrubal, after waiting the issue of the battle to the very last, + + fled from the midst of the carnage with a few attendants. The Romans took and + + plundered the camp. This victory united with the Romans whatever states of Spain + + were wavering, and left Hasdrubal no hope, not only of leading an army over + + into Italy, but even of remaining very safely in Spain. When these events were + + made generally known at Rome by letters from the Scipios, the greatest joy was + + felt, not so much for the victory, as for the stop which was put to the passage + + of Hasdrubal into Italy. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">30 </div> + +<a id="e30" /> + +<p>While these transactions were going on in Spain, Petilia, in Bruttium, was + + taken by Himilco, an officer of Hannibal's, several months after the siege of + + it began. This victory cost the Carthaginians much blood and many wounds, nor + + did any power more subdue the besieged than that of famine; for after having + + consumed their means of subsistence, derived from fruits and the flesh of every + + kind of quadrupeds, they were at last compelled to live upon skins found in + + shoemakers' shops, on herbs and roots, the tender barks of trees, and berries + + gathered from brambles: nor were they subdued until they wanted strength to + + stand upon the walls and support their arms. After gaining Petilia, the Carthaginian + + marched his forces to Consentia, which being less obstinately defended, he compelled + + to surrender within a few days. Nearly about the same time, an army of Bruttians + + invested Croton, a Greek city, formerly powerful in men and arms, but at the + + present time reduced so low by many and great misfortunes, that less than twenty + + thousand inhabitants of all ages remained. The enemy, therefore, easily got + + possession of a city destitute of defenders: of the citadel alone possession + + was retained, into which some of the inhabitants fled from the midst of the + + carnage during the confusion created by the capture of the city. The Locrians + + too revolted to the Bruttians and Carthaginians, the populace having been betrayed + + by the nobles. The Rhegians were the only people in that quarter who continued + + to the last in faithful attachment to the Romans, and in the enjoyment of their + + independence. The same alteration of feeing extended itself into Sicily also; + + and not even the family of Hiero altogether abstained from defection; for Gelo, + + his oldest son, conceiving a contempt for his father's old age, and, after the + + defeat of Cannae, for the alliance with Rome, went over to the Carthaginians; + + and he would have created a disturbance in Sicily, had he not been carried off, + + when engaged as arming the people and soliciting the allies, by a death so seasonable + + that it threw some degree of suspicion even upon his father. Such, with various + + result, were the transactions in Italy, Africa, Sicily, and Spain during this + + year. At the close of the year, Quintus Fabius Maximus requested of the senate, + + that he might be allowed to dedicate the temple of Venus Erycina, which he had + + vowed when dictator. The senate decreed, that Tiberius Sempronius, the consul + + elect, as soon as ever he had entered upon his office, should propose to the + + people, that they should create Quintus Fabius duumvir, for the purpose of dedicating + + the temple. Also, in honour of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, who had been consul + + twice and augur, his three sons, Lucius, Marcus, and Quintus exhibited funeral + + games and twenty-two pairs of gladiators for three days in the forum. The curule + + aediles, Caius Laetorius, and Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus consul elect, who + + during his aedileship had been master of the horse, celebrated the Roman games, + + which were repeated for three days. The plebeian games of the aediles, Marcus + + Aurelius Cotta and Marcus Claudius Marcellus, were thrice repeated. At the conclusion + + of the third year of the Punic war, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus the consul + + entered upon his office on the ides of March. Of the praetors, Quintus Fulvius + + Flaccus, who had before been consul and censor, had by lot the city jurisdiction; + + Marcus Valerius Laevinus, the foreign. Sicily fell to the lot of Appius Claudius + + Pulcher; Sardinia to Quintus Mucius Scaevola. The people ordered that Marcus + + Marcellus should be in command as proconsul, because he was the only Roman general + + who had been successful in his operations in Italy since the defeat at Cannae. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">31 </div> + +<a id="e31" /> + +<p>The senate decreed, the first day they deliberated in the Capitol, that double + + taxes should be imposed for that year, one moiety of which should be immediately + + levied, as a fund from which pay might be given forthwith to all the soldiers, + + except those who had been at Cannae. With regard to the armies they decreed, + + that Tiberius Sempronius the consul should appoint a day for the two city legions + + to meet at Cales, whence these legions should be conveyed into the Claudian + + camp above Suenula. That the legions which were there, and they consisted principally + + of the troops which had fought at Cannae, Appius Claudius Pulcher, the praetor, + + should transport into Sicily; and that those in Sicily should be removed to + + Rome. Marcus Claudius Marcellus was sent to the army, which had been ordered + + to meet at Cales on a certain day, with orders to march the city legions thence + + to the Claudian camp. Titus Metilius Croto, lieutenant-general, was sent by + + Appius Claudius Pulcher to receive the old army and remove it into Sicily. People + + at first had expected in silence that the consul would hold an assembly for + + the election of a colleague, but afterwards perceiving that Marcus Marcellus, + + whom they wished above all others to be consul this year, on account of his + + brilliant success during his praetorship, was removed to a distant quarter, + + as it were on purpose, a murmuring arose in the senate-house, which the consul + + perceiving, said "Conscript fathers, it was conducive to the interest of the + + state, both that Marcus Marcellus should go into Campania to make the exchange + + of the armies, and that the assembly should not be proclaimed before he had + + returned thence after completing the business with which he was charged, in + + order that you might have him as consul whom the situation of the republic required + + and yourselves prefer." Thus nothing was said about the assembly till Marcellus + + returned. Meanwhile Quintus Fabius Maximus and Titus Otacilius Crassus were + + created duumvirs for dedicating temples, Otacilius to Mens, Fabius to Venus + + Erycina. Both are situated in the Capitol, and separated by one channel. It + + was afterwards proposed to the people, to make Roman citizens of the three hundred + + Campanian horsemen who had returned to Rome after having faithfully served their + + period, and also that they should be considered to have been citizens of Cumae + + from the day before that on which the Campanians had revolted from the Roman + + people. It had been a principal inducement to this proposition, that they themselves + + said they knew not to what people they belonged, having left their former country, + + and being not yet admitted into that to which they had returned. After Marcellus + + returned from the army, an assembly was proclaimed for electing one consul in + + the room of Lucius Posthumius. Marcellus was elected with the greatest unanimity, + + and was immediately to enter upon his office, but as it thundered while he entered + + upon it, the augurs were summoned, who pronounced that they considered the creation + + formal, and the fathers spread a report that the gods were displeased, because + + on that occasion, for the first time, two plebeians had been elected consuls. + + Upon Marcellus's abdicating his office, Fabius Maximus, for the third time, + + was elected in his room. This year the sea appeared on fire; at Sinuessa a cow + + brought forth a horse foal; the statues in the temple of Juno Sospita Lanuvium + + flowed down with blood; and a shower of stones fell in the neighbourhood of + + that temple: on account of which shower the nine days' sacred rite was celebrated, + + as is usual on such occasions, and the other prodigies were carefully expiated. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">32 </div> + +<a id="e32" /> + +<p>The consuls divided the armies between them. The army which Marcus Junius the + + dictator had commanded fell to the lot of Fabius. To that of Sempronius fell + + the volunteer slaves, with twenty-five thousand of the allies. To Marcus Valerius + + the praetor were assigned the legions which had returned from Sicily. Marcus + + Claudius, proconsul, was sent to that army which lay above Suessula for the + + protection of Nola. The praetors set out for Sicily and Sardinia. The consuls + + issued a proclamation, that as often as they summoned a senate, the senators + + and those who had a right to give their opinion in the senate, should assemble + + at the Capuan gate. The praetors who were charged with the administration of + + justice, fixed their tribunals in the public fish market; there they ordered + + sureties to be entered into, and here justice was administered this year. Meanwhile + + news was brought to Carthage, from which place Mago, Hannibal's brother, was + + on the point of carrying over into Italy twelve thousand foot, fifteen hundred + + horse, twenty elephants, and a thousand talents of silver, under a convoy of + + sixty men of war, that the operations of the war had not succeeded in Spain, + + and that almost all the people in that province had gone over to the Romans. + + There were some who were for sending Mago with that fleet and those forces into + + Spain, neglecting Italy, when an unexpected prospect of regaining Sardinia broke + + upon them. They were informed, that "the Roman army there was small, that Aulus + + Cornelius, who had been praetor there, and was well acquainted with the province, + + was quitting it, and that a new one was expected. Moreover, that the minds of + + the Sardinians were now wearied with the long continuance of rule; and that + + during the last year it had been exercised with severity and rapacity. That + + the people were weighed down with heavy taxes, and an oppressive contribution + + of corn: that there was nothing wanting but a leader to whom they might revolt." + + This secret embassy had been sent by the nobles, Hampsicora being the chief + + contriver of the measure, who at that time was first by far in wealth and influence. + + Disconcerted and elated almost at the same time by these accounts, they sent + + Mago with his fleet and forces into Spain, and selecting Hasdrubal as general + + for Sardinia, assigned to him about as large a force as to Mago. At Rome, the + + consuls, after transacting what was necessary to be done in the city now prepared + + themselves for the war. Tiberius Sempronius appointed a day for his soldiers + + to assemble at Sinuessa; and Quintus Fabius also, having first consulted the + + senate, issued a proclamation, that all persons should convey corn from the + + fields into fortified towns, before the calends of June next ensuing: if any + + neglected to do so he would lay waste his lands, sell his slaves by auction, + + and burn his farm-houses. Not even the praetors, who were created for the purpose + + of administering justice, were allowed an exemption from military employments. + + It was resolved that Valerius the praetor should go into Apulia, to receive + + the army from Terentius, and that, when the legions from Sicily had arrived, + + he should employ them principally for the protection of that quarter. That the + + army of Terentius should be sent into Sicily, with some one of the lieutenant-generals. + + Twenty-five ships were given to Marcus Valerius, to protect the sea-coast between + + Brundusium and Tarentum. An equal number was given to Quintus Fulvius, the city + + praetor, to protect the coasts in the neighbourhood of the city. To Caius Terentius, + + the proconsul, it was given in charge to press soldiers in the Picenian territory, + + and to protect that part of the country; and Titus Otacilius Crassus, after + + he had dedicated the temple of Mens in the Capitol, was invested with command, + + and sent into Sicily to take the conduct of the fleet. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">33 </div> + +<a id="e33" /> + +<p>On this contest, between the two most powerful people in the world, all kings + + and nations had fixed their attention. Among them Philip, king of the Macedonians, + + regarded it with greater anxiety, in proportion as he was nearer to Italy, and + + because he was separated from it only by the Ionian Sea. When he first heard + + that Hannibal had crossed the Alps, as he was rejoiced that a war had arisen + + between the Romans and the Carthaginians, so while their strength was yet undetermined, + + he felt doubtful which he should rather wish to be victorious. But after the + + third battle had been fought and the third victory had been on the side of the + + Carthaginians, he inclined to fortune, and sent ambassadors to Hannibal. These, + + avoiding the harbours of Brundusium and Tarentum, because they were occupied + + by guards of Roman ships, landed at the temple of Juno Lacinia. Thence passing + + through Apulia, on their way to Capua, they fell in with the Roman troops stationed + + to protect the country, and were conveyed to Marcus Valerius Laevinus, the praetor, + + who lay encamped in the neighbourhood of Luceria. Here Xenophanes, who was at + + the head of the embassy, fearlessly stated, that he was sent by King Philip + + to conclude a treaty of alliance and friendship with the Roman people, and that + + he had commissions to the Roman consuls, senate, and people. The praetor, highly + + delighted with this new alliance with a distinguished potentate, amidst the + + desertions of her old allies, courteously entertained these enemies as guests, + + and furnished them with persons to accompany them carefully to point out the + + roads, and inform them what places, and what passes, the Romans or the enemy + + occupied. Xenophanes passing through the Roman troops came into Campania, whence, + + by the shortest way, he entered the camp of Hannibal, and concluded a treaty + + of alliance and friendship with him on the following terms: That "King Philip, + + with as large a fleet as he could, (and it was thought he could make one of + + two hundred ships,) should pass over into Italy, and lay waste the sea-coast, + + that he should carry on the war by land and sea with all his might; when the + + war was concluded, that all Italy, with the city of Rome itself, should be the + + property of the Carthaginians and Hannibal, and that all the booty should be + + given up to Hannibal. That when Italy was completely subdued they should sail + + into Greece, and carry on war with such nations as the king pleased. That the + + cities on the continent and the islands which border on Macedonia, should belong + + to Philip, and his dominions." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">34 </div> + +<a id="e34" /> + +<p>A treaty was concluded between the Carthaginian general and the ambassadors, + + upon nearly these terms; and Gisgo, Bostar, and Mago were sent as ambassadors + + with them to receive the ratification of the king in person. They arrived at + + the same place, near the temple of Juno Lacinia, where the vessel lay concealed + + in a creek. Setting out thence, when they had got into the open sea, they were + + descried by the Roman fleet, which was guarding the coasts of Calabria. Publius + + Valerius Flaccus having sent fly-boats to pursue and bring back the ship, the + + king's party at first attempted to fly; but afterwards, finding that they were + + overmatched in swiftness, they delivered themselves up to the Romans, and were + + brought to the commander of the fleet. Upon being asked by him who they were, + + whence they came, and whither they were going, Xenophanes, having once been + + pretty successful, made up a fictitious story and said, "that he was sent from + + Philip to the Romans; that he had succeeded in reaching Marcus Valerius, to + + whom alone he had safe access; that he was unable to make his way through Campania, + + which was beset with the troops of the enemy." But afterwards the Carthaginian + + dress and manners excited suspicions of the messengers of Hannibal, and when + + interrogated, their speech betrayed them; then on their companions being removed + + to separate places, and intimidated by threats, even a letter from Hannibal + + to Philip was discovered, and the agreement made between the king of the Macedonians + + and the Carthaginian. These points having been ascertained, the best course + + appeared to be, to convey the prisoners and their companions as soon as possible + + to the senate at Rome, or to the consuls, wheresoever they might be; for this + + service five of the fastest sailing vessels were selected, and Lucius Valerius + + Antias sent in command of them, with orders to distribute the ambassadors through + + all the ships separately, and take particular care that they should hold no + + conversation or consultation with each other. About the same time Aulus Cornelius + + Mammula, on his return from the province of Sardinia, made a report of the state + + of affairs in the island; that every body contemplated war and revolt; that + + Quintus Mucius who succeeded him, being on his arrival affected by the unwholesomeness + + of the air and water, had fallen into a disorder rather lingering than dangerous, + + and would for a long time be incapable of sustaining the violent exertion of + + the war; that the army there, though strong enough for the protection of a province + + in a state of tranquillity, was, nevertheless, not adequate to the maintenance + + of the war which seemed to be about to break out. Upon which the fathers decreed, + + that Quintus Fulvius Flaccus should enlist five thousand foot and four hundred + + horse, and take care that the legion thus formed should be transported as soon + + as possible into Sardinia, and send invested with command whomsoever he thought + + fit to conduct the business of the war until Mucius had recovered. For this + + service Titus Manlius Torquatus was sent; he had been twice consul and censor, + + and had subdued the Sardinians during his consulate. Nearly about the same time + + a fleet sent from Carthage to Sardinia under the conduct of Hasdrubal, surnamed + + the Bald, having suffered from a violent tempest, was driven upon the Balearian + + islands, where a good deal of time was lost in refitting the ships, which were + + hauled on shore, so much were they damaged, not only in their rigging but also + + in their hulls. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">35 </div> + +<a id="e35" /> + +<p>As the war was carried on in Italy with less vigour since the battle of Cannae, + + the strength of one party having been broken, and the energy of the other relaxed, + + the Campanians of themselves made an attempt to subjugate Cumae, at first by + + soliciting them to revolt from the Romans, and when that plan did not succeed, + + they contrived an artifice by which to entrap them. All the Campanians had a + + stated sacrifice at Hamae. They informed the Cumans that the Campanian senate + + would come there, and requested that the Cuman senate should also be present + + to deliberate in concert, in order that both people might have the same allies + + and the same enemies; they said that they would have an armed force there for + + their protection, that there might be no danger from the Romans or Carthaginians. + + The Cumans, although they suspected treachery, made no objection, concluding + + that thus the deception they meditated might be concealed. Meanwhile Tiberius + + Sempronius, the Roman consul, having purified his army at Sinuessa, where he + + had appointed a day for their meeting, crossed the Vulturnus, and pitched his + + camp in the neighbourhood of Liternum. As his troops were stationed here without + + any employment, he compelled them frequently to go through their exercise, that + + the recruits, which consisted principally of volunteer slaves, might accustom + + themselves to follow the standards, and know their own centuries in battle While + + thus engaged, the general was particularly anxious for concord, and therefore + + enjoined the lieutenant-generals and the tribunes that "no disunion should be + + engendered among the different orders, by casting reproaches on any one on account + + of his former condition. That the veteran soldier should be content be placed + + on an equal footing with the tiro, the free-man with the volunteer slave; that + + all should consider those men sufficiently respectable in point of character + + and birth, to whom the Roman people had intrusted their arms and standards; + + that the measures which circumstances made it necessary to adopt, the same circumstances + + also made it necessary to support when adopted." This was not more carefully + + prescribed by the generals than observed by the soldiers; and in a short time + + the minds of all were united in such perfect harmony, that the condition from + + which each became a soldier was almost forgotten. While Gracchus was thus employed, + + ambassadors from Cumas brought him information of the embassy which had come + + to them from the Campanians, a few days before, and the answer they had given + + them; that the festival would take place in three days from that time; that + + not only the whole body of their senate, but that the camp and the army of the + + Campanians would be there. Gracchus having directed the Cumans to convey every + + thing out of their fields into the town, and to remain within their walls, marched + + himself to Cumae, on the day before that on which the Campanians were to attend + + the sacrifice. Hamae was three miles distant from his position. The Campanians + + had by this time assembled there in great numbers according to the plan concerted; + + and not far off Marius Alfius, Medixtuticus, which is the name of the chief + + magistrate of the Campanians, lay encamped in a retired spot with fourteen thousand + + armed men, considerably more occupied in making preparation for the sacrifice + + and in concerting the stratagem to be executed during it, than in fortifying + + his camp or any other military work. The sacrifice at Hamae lasted for three + + days. It was a nocturnal rite, so arranged as to be completed before midnight. + + Gracchus, thinking this the proper time for executing his plot, placed guards + + at the gates to prevent any one from carrying out intelligence of his intentions; + + and having compelled his men to employ the time from the tenth hour in taking + + refreshment and sleep, in order that they might be able to assemble on a signal + + given as soon as it was dark. He ordered the standards to be raised about the + + first watch, and marching in silence, reached Hamae at midnight; where, finding + + the Campanian camp in a neglected state, as might be expected during a festival, + + he assaulted it at every gate at once; some he butchered while stretched on + + the ground asleep, others as they were returning unarmed after finishing the + + sacrifice. In the tumultuous action of this night more than two thousand men + + were slain, together with the general himself, Marius Alfius, and thirty-four + + military standards were captured. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">36 </div> + +<a id="e36" /> + +<p>Gracchus, having made himself master of the enemy's camp with the loss of less + + than a hundred men, hastily returned to Cumae, fearful of an attack from Hannibal, + + who lay encamped above Capua on Tifata; nor did his provident anticipation of + + the future deceive him; for as soon as intelligence was brought to Capua of + + this loss, Hannibal, concluding that he should find at Hamae this army, which + + consisted for the most part of recruits and slaves, extravagantly elated with + + its success, despoiling the vanquished and collecting booty, marched by Capua + + at a rapid pace, ordering those Campanians whom he met in their flight to be + + conducted to Capua under an escort, and the wounded to be conveyed in carriages. + + He found at Hamae the camp abandoned by the enemy, where there was nothing to + + be seen but the traces of the recent carnage, and the bodies of his allies strewed + + in every part. Some advised him to lead his troops immediately thence to Cumae, + + and assault the town. Though Hannibal desired, in no ordinary degree, to get + + possession of Cumae at least, as a maritime town, since he could not gain Neapolis; + + yet as his soldiers had brought out with them nothing besides their arms on + + their hasty march, he retired to his camp on Tifata. But, wearied with the entreaties + + of the Campanians, he returned thence to Cumae the following day, with every + + thing requisite for besieging the town; and having thoroughly wasted the lands + + of Cumae, pitched, his camp a mile from the town, in which Gracchus had stayed + + more because he was ashamed to abandon, in such an emergency, allies who implored + + his protection and that of the Roman people, than because he felt confidence + + in his army. Nor dared the other consul, Fabius, who was encamped at Cales, + + lead his troops across the Vulturnus, being employed at first in taking new + + auspices, and afterwards with the prodigies which were reported one after another; + + and while expiating these, the aruspices answered that they were not easily + + atoned. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">37 </div> + +<a id="e37" /> + +<p>While these causes detained Fabius, Sempronius was besieged, and now works + + were employed in the attack. Against a very large wooden tower which was brought + + up to the town, the Roman consul raised up another considerably higher from + + the wall itself; for he had made use of the wall, which was pretty high of itself, + + as a platform, placing strong piles as supports. From this the besieged at first + + defended their walls and city, with stones, javelins, and other missiles; but + + lastly, when they perceived the tower advanced into contact with the wall they + + threw upon it a large quantity of fire, making use of blazing fire-brands; and + + while the armed men were throwing themselves down from the tower in great numbers, + + in consequence of the flames thus occasioned, the troops sallying out of the + + town at two gates at once, routed the enemy, and drove them back to their camp; + + so that the Carthaginians that day were more like persons besieged than besiegers. + + As many as one thousand three hundred of the Carthaginians were slain, and fifty-nine + + made prisoners, having been unexpectedly overpowered, while standing careless + + and unconcerned near the walls and on the outposts, fearing any thing rather + + than a sally. Gracchus sounded a retreat, and withdrew his men within the walls, + + before the enemy could recover themselves from the effects of this sudden terror. + + The next day Hannibal, supposing that the consul, elated with his success, would + + engage him in a regular battle, drew up his troops in battle-array between the + + camp and the city; but finding that not a man was removed from the customary + + guard of the town, and that nothing was hazarded upon rash hopes, he returned + + to Tifata without accomplishing any thing. At the same time that Cumae was relieved + + from siege, Tiberius Sempronius, surnamed Longus, fought successfully with the + + Carthaginian general, Hanno, at Grumentum in Lucania. He slew above two thousand + + of the enemy, losing two hundred and eighty of his own men. He took as many + + as forty-one military standards. Hanno, driven out of the Lucanian territory, + + drew back among the Bruttii. Three towns belonging to the Hirpinians, which + + had revolted from the Romans, were regained by force by the praetor, Marcus + + Valerius, Vercellius and Sicilius, the authors of the revolt, were beheaded; + + above a thousand prisoners sold by auction; and the rest of the booty having + + been given up to the soldiery, the army was marched back to Luceria. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">38 </div> + +<a id="e38" /> + +<p>While these things were taking place in Lucania and Hirpinia, the five ships, + + which were conveying to Rome the captured ambassadors of the Macedonians and + + Carthaginians, after passing round the whole coast of Italy from the upper to + + the lower sea, were sailing by Cumae, when, it not being known whether they + + belonged to enemies or allies, Gracchus despatched some ships from his fleet + + to meet them. When it was ascertained, in the course of their mutual inquiries + + that the consul was at Cumae, the ships put in there, the captives were brought + + before the consul, and their letters placed in his hands. The consul, after + + he had read the letters of Philip and Hannibal, sent them all, sealed up, to + + the senate by land, ordering that the ambassadors should be conveyed thither + + by sea. The ambassadors and the letters arriving at Rome nearly on the same + + day, and on examination the answers of the ambassadors corresponding with the + + contents of the letters, at first intense anxiety oppressed the fathers, on + + seeing what a formidable war with Macedonia threatened them, when with difficulty + + bearing up against the Punic war; yet so far were they from sinking under their + + calamities, that they immediately began to consider how they might divert the + + enemy from Italy, by commencing hostilities themselves. After ordering the prisoners + + to be confined in chains, and selling their attendants by public auction, they + + decreed, that twenty more ships should be got ready, in addition to the twenty-five + + ships which Publius Valerius Flaccus had been appointed to command. These being + + provided and launched, and augmented by the five ships which had conveyed the + + captive ambassadors to Rome, a fleet of fifty ships set sail from Ostia to Tarentum. + + Publius Valerius was ordered to put on board the soldiers of Varro, which Lucius + + Apustius, lieutenant-general, commanded at Tarentum; and, with this fleet of + + fifty ships, not only to protect the coast of Italy, but also to make inquiry + + respecting the Macedonian war. If the plans of Philip corresponded with his + + letter, and the discoveries made by his ambassadors, he was directed to acquaint + + the praetor, Marcus Valerius, with it, who, leaving Lucius Apustius, lieutenant-general, + + in command of the army, and going to Tarentum to the fleet, was to cross over + + to Macedonia with all speed, and endeavour to detain Philip in his own dominions. + + The money which had been sent into Sicily to Appius Claudius, to be repaid to + + Hiero, was assigned for the support of the fleet and the maintenance of the + + Macedonian war. This money was conveyed to Tarentum, by Lucius Apustius, lieutenant-general, + + and with it Hiero sent two hundred thousand pecks of wheat, and a hundred thousand + + of barley. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">39 </div> + +<a id="e39" /> + +<p>While the Romans were engaged in these preparations and transactions, the captured + + ship, which formed one of those which had been sent to Rome, made its escape + + on the voyage and returned to Philip; from which source it became known that + + the ambassadors with their letters had been made prisoners. Not knowing, therefore, + + what had been agreed upon between Hannibal and his ambassadors, or what proposals + + they were to have brought back to him, he sent another embassy with the same + + instructions. The ambassadors sent to Hannibal were Heraclitus, surnamed Scotinus, + + Crito of Beraea, and Sositheus of Magnesia; these successfully took and brought + + back their commissions, but the summer had passed before the king could take + + any step or make any attempt. Such an influence had the capture of one vessel, + + together with the ambassadors, in deferring a war which threatened the Romans. + + Fabius crossed the Vulturnus, after having at length expiated the prodigies, + + and both the consuls prosecuted the war in the neighbourhood of Capua. Fabius + + regained by force the towns Compulteria, Trebula, and Saticula, which had revolted + + to the Carthaginians; and in them were captured the garrisons of Hannibal and + + a great number of Campanians. At Nola, as had been the case the preceding year, + + the senate sided with the Romans, the commons with Hannibal; and deliberations + + were held clandestinely on the subject of massacring the nobles and betraying + + the city; but to prevent their succeeding in their designs, Fabius marched his + + army between Capua and the camp of Hannibal on Tifata, and sat down in the Claudian + + camp above Suessula, whence he sent Marcus Marcellus, the proconsul, with those + + forces which he had under him, to Nola for its protection. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">40 </div> + +<a id="e40" /> + +<p>In Sardinia also the operations of the war, which had been intermitted from + + the time that Quintus Mucius, the praetor, had been seized with a serious illness, + + began to be conducted by Titus Manlius, the praetor. Having hauled the ships + + of war on shore at Carale, and armed his mariners, in order that he might prosecute + + the war by land, and received the army from the praetor, he made up the number + + of twenty-two thousand foot and twelve hundred horse. Setting out for the territory + + of the enemy with these forces of foot and horse, he pitched his camp not far + + from the camp of Hamsicora. It happened that Hampsicora was then gone among + + the Sardinians, called Pelliti, in order to arm their youth, whereby he might + + augment his forces. His son, named Hiostus, had the command of the camp, who + + coming to an engagement, with the presumption of youth, was routed and put to + + flight. In that battle as many as three thousand of the Sardinians were slain, + + and about eight hundred taken alive. The rest of the army at first wandered + + in their flight through the fields and woods, but afterwards all fled to a city + + named Cornus, the capital of that district, whither there was a report that + + their general had fled; and the war in Sardinia would have been brought to a + + termination by that battle, had not the Carthaginian fleet under the command + + of Hasdrubal, which had been driven by a storm upon the Balearian islands, come + + in seasonably for inspiring a hope of renewing the war. Manlius, after hearing + + of the arrival of the Punic fleet, returned to Carale, which afforded Hampsicora + + an opportunity of forming a junction with the Carthaginian. Hasdrubal, having + + landed his forces and sent back his fleet to Carthage, set out under the guidance + + of Hampsicora, to lay waste the lands of the allies of the Romans; and he would + + have proceeded to Carale, had not Manlius, meeting him with his army, restrained + + him from this wide-spread depredation. At first their camps were pitched opposite + + to each other, at a small distance; afterwards skirmishes and slight encounters + + took place with varying success; lastly, they came down into the field and fought + + a regular pitched battle for four hours. The Carthaginians caused the battle + + to continue long doubtful, for the Sardinians were accustomed to yield easily; + + but at last, when the Sardinians fell and fled on all sides around them, the + + Carthaginians themselves were routed. But as they were turning their backs, + + the Roman general, wheeling round that wing with which he had driven back the + + Sardinians, intercepted them, after which it was rather a carnage than a battle. + + Two thousand of the enemy, Sardinians and Carthaginians together, were slain, + + about three thousand seven hundred captured, with twenty-seven military standards. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">41 </div> + +<a id="e41" /> + +<p>Above all, the general, Hasdrubal, and two other noble Carthaginians having + + been made prisoners, rendered the battle glorious and memorable; Mago, who was + + of the Barcine family, and nearly related to Hannibal, and Hanno, the author + + of the revolt of the Sardinians, and without doubt the instigator of this war. + + Nor less did the Sardinian generals render that battle distinguished by their + + disasters; for not only was Hiostus, son of Hampsicora, slain in the battle, + + but Hampsicora himself flying with a few horse, having heard of the death of + + his son in addition to his unfortunate state, committed suicide by night, lest + + the interference of any person should prevent the accomplishment of his design. + + To the other fugitives the city of Cornus afforded a refuge, as it had done + + before; but Manlius, having assaulted it with his victorious troops, regained + + it in a few days. Then other cities also which had gone over to Hampsicora and + + the Carthaginians, surrendered themselves and gave hostages, on which having + + imposed a contribution of money and corn, proportioned to the means and delinquency + + of each, he led back his troops to Carale. There launching his ships of war, + + and putting the soldiers he had brought with him on board, he sailed to Rome, + + reported to the fathers the total subjugation of Sardinia, and handed over the + + contribution of money to the quaestors, of corn to the aediles, and the prisoners + + to the praetor Fulvius. During the same time, as Titus Otacilius the praetor, + + who had sailed over with a fleet of fifty ships from Lilybaeum to Africa, and + + laid waste the Carthaginian territory, was returning thence to Sardinia, to + + which place it was reported that Hasdrubal had recently crossed over from the + + Baleares, he fell in with his fleet on its return to Africa; and after a slight + + engagement in the open sea, captured seven ships with their crews. Fear dispersed + + the rest far and wide, not less effectually than a storm. It happened also, + + at the same time, that Bomilcar arrived at Locri with soldiers sent from Carthage + + as a reinforcement, bringing with him also elephants and provisions. In order + + to surprise and overpower him, Appius Claudius, having hastily led his troops + + to Messana, under pretext of making the circuit of the province, crossed over + + to Locri, the tide being favourable. Bomilcar had by this time left the place, + + having set out for Bruttium to join Hanno. The Locrians closed their gates against + + the Romans, and Appius Claudius returned to Rome without achieving any thing, + + by his strenuous efforts. The same summer Marcellus made frequent excursions + + from Nola, which he was occupying with a garrison, into the lands of the Hirpini + + and Caudine Samnites, and so destroyed all before him with fire and sword, that + + he renewed in Samnium the memory of her ancient disasters. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">42 </div> + +<a id="e42" /> + +<p>Ambassadors were therefore despatched from both nations at the same time to + + Hannibal, who thus addressed the Carthaginian: "Hannibal, we carried on hostilities + + with the Roman people, by ourselves and from our own resources, as long as our + + own arms and our own strength could protect us. Our confidence in these failing, + + we attached ourselves to king Pyrrhus. Abandoned by him, we accepted of a peace, + + dictated by necessity, which we continued to observe up to the period when you + + arrived in Italy, through a period of almost fifty years. Your valour and good + + fortune, not more than your unexampled humanity and kindness displayed towards + + our countrymen, whom, when made prisoners, you restored to us, so attached us + + to you, that while you our friend were in health and safety, we not only feared + + not the Romans, but not even the anger of the gods, if it were lawful so to + + express ourselves. And yet, by Hercules, you not only being in safety and victorious, + + but on the spot, (when you could almost hear the shrieks of our wives and children, + + and see our buildings in flames,) we have suffered, during this summer, such + + repeated devastations, that Marcellus, and not Hannibal, would appear to have + + been the conqueror at Cannae; while the Romans boast that you had strength only + + to inflict a single blow; and having as it were left your sting, now lie torpid. + + For near a century we waged war with the Romans, unaided by any foreign general + + or army; except that for two years Pyrrhus rather augmented his own strength + + by the addition of our troops, than defended us by his. I will not boast of + + our successes, that two consuls and two consular armies were sent under the + + yoke by us, nor of any other joyful and glorious events which have happened + + to us. We can tell of the difficulties and distresses we then experienced, with + + less indignation than those which are now occurring. Dictators, those officers + + of high authority, with their masters of horse, two consuls with two consular + + armies, entered our borders, and, after having reconnoitred and posted reserves, + + led on their troops in regular array to devastate our country. Now we are the + + prey of a single propraetor, and of one little garrison, for the defence of + + Nola. Now they do not even confine themselves to plundering in companies, but, + + like marauders, range through our country from one end to the other, more unconcernedly + + than if they were rambling through the Roman territory. And the reason is this, + + you do not protect us yourself, and the whole of our youth, which, if at home, + + would keep us in safety, is serving under your banners. We know nothing either + + of you or your army, but we know that it would be easy for the man who has routed + + and dispersed so many Roman armies, to put down these rambling freebooters of + + ours, who roam about in disorder to whatsoever quarter the hope of booty, however + + groundless, attracts them. They indeed will be the prey of a few Numidians, + + and a garrison sent to us will also dislodge that at Nola, provided you do not + + think those men undeserving that you should protect them as allies, whom you + + have esteemed worthy of your alliance." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">43 </div> + +<a id="e43" /> + +<p>To this Hannibal replied, "that the Hirpini and Samnites did every thing at + + once: that they both represented their sufferings, solicited succours, and complained + + that they were undefended and neglected. Whereas, they ought first to have represented + + their sufferings, then to have solicited succours; and lastly, if those succours + + were not obtained, then, at length, to make complaint that assistance had been + + implored without effect. That he would lead his troops not into the fields of + + the Hirpini and Samnites, lest he too should be a burthen to them, but into + + the parts immediately contiguous, and belonging to the allies of the Roman people, + + by plundering which, he would enrich his own soldiers, and cause the enemy to + + retire from them through fear. With regard to the Roman war, if the battle of + + Trasimenus was more glorious than that at Trebia, and the battle of Cannae than + + that of Trasimenus, that he would eclipse the fame of the battle of Cannae by + + a greater and more brilliant victory." With this answer, and with munificent + + presents, he dismissed the ambassadors. Having left a pretty large garrison + + in Tifata, he set out with the rest of his troops to go to Nola. Thither came + + Hanno from the Bruttii with recruits and elephants brought from Carthage. Having + + encamped not far from the place, every thing, upon examination, was found to + + be widely different from what he had heard from the ambassadors of the allies. + + For Marcellus was doing nothing, in such a way that he could be said to have + + committed himself rashly either to fortune or to the enemy. He had gone out + + on plundering expeditions, having previously reconnoitred, planted strong guards, + + and secured a retreat; the same caution was observed and the same provisions + + made, as if Hannibal were present. At this time, when he perceived the enemy + + on the approach, he kept his forces within the walls, ordered the senators of + + Nola to patrol the walls, and explore on all hands what was doing among the + + enemy. Of these Herennius Bassus and Herius Petrius, having been invited by + + Hanno, who had come up to the wall, to a conference, and gone out with the permission + + of Marcellus, were thus addressed by him, through an interpreter. After extolling + + the valour and good fortune of Hannibal, and vilifying the majesty of the Roman + + people, which he represented as sinking into decrepitude with their strength; + + he said, "but though they were on an equality in these respects, as once perhaps + + they were, yet they who had experienced how oppressive the government of Rome + + was towards its allies, and how great the clemency of Hannibal, even towards + + all his prisoners of the Italian name, were bound to prefer the friendship and + + alliance of the Carthaginians to those of the Romans." If both the consuls with + + their armies were at Nola, still they would no more be a match for Hannibal + + than they had been at Cannae, much less would one praetor with a few raw soldiers + + be able to defend it. It was a question which concerned themselves more than + + Hannibal whether he should take possession of Nola as captured or surrendered, + + for that he would certainly make himself master of it, as he had done with regard + + to Capua and Nuceria, and what difference there was between the fate of Capua + + and Nuceria, the Nolans themselves, situated as they were nearly midway between + + them, were well aware. He said he was unwilling to presage the evils which would + + result to the city if taken by force, but would in preference pledge himself + + that if they would deliver up Nola, together with Marcellus and his garrison, + + no other person than themselves should dictate the conditions on which they + + should come into the friendship and alliance of Hannibal. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">44 </div> + +<a id="e44" /> + +<p>To this Herennius Bassus replied, that, "a friendship had subsisted now for + + many years between the Romans and the Nolans, which neither party up to that + + day regretted; and even had they been disposed to change their friends upon + + a change of fortune, it was now too late to change; had they intended to surrender + + themselves to Hannibal, they should not have called a Roman garrison to their + + aid: that all fortunes both were now and should to the last be shared with those + + who had come to their protection." This conference deprived Hannibal of the + + hope of gaining Nola by treachery; he therefore completely invested the city, + + in order that he might attack the walls in every part at once. Marcellus, when + + he perceived that he had come near to the walls, having drawn up his troops + + within the gate, sallied forth with great impetuosity; several were knocked + + down and slain on the first charge: afterwards the troops running up to those + + who were engaged, and their forces being thus placed on an equality? the battle + + began to be fierce; nor would there have been many actions equally memorable, + + had not the combatants been separated by a shower of rain attended with a tremendous + + storm. On that day, after having engaged in a slight contest, and with inflamed + + minds, they retired, the Romans to the city, the Carthaginians to their camp. + + Of the Carthaginians, however, there fell from the shock of the first sally + + not more than thirty, of the Romans not one. The rain continued without intermission + + through the whole night, until the third hour of the following day, and therefore, + + though both parties were eager for the contest, they nevertheless kept themselves + + within their works for that day. On the third day Hannibal sent a portion of + + his troops into the lands of the Nolans to plunder. Marcellus perceiving this, + + immediately led out his troops and formed for battle, nor did Hannibal decline + + fighting. The interval between the city and the camp was about a mile. In that + + space, and all the country round Nola consists of level ground, the armies met. + + The shout which was raised on both sides, called back to the battle, which had + + now commenced, the nearest of those cohorts which had gone out into the fields + + to plunder. The Nolans too joined the Roman line. Marcellus having highly commended + + them, desired them to station themselves in reserve, and to carry the wounded + + out of the field but not take part in the battle, unless they should receive + + a signal from him. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">45 </div> + +<a id="e45" /> + +<p>It was a doubtful battle; the generals exerting themselves to the utmost in + + exhorting, and the soldiers in fighting Marcellus urged his troops to press + + vigorously on men who had been vanquished but three days before, who had been + + put to flight at Cumae only a few days ago, and who had been driven from Nola + + the preceding year by himself, as general, though with different troops. He + + said, "that all the forces of the enemy were not in the field; that they were + + rambling about the country in plundering parties, and that even those who were + + engaged, were enfeebled with Campanian luxury, and worn out with drunkenness, + + lust, and every kind of debauchery, which they had been indulging in through + + the whole winter. That the energy and vigour had left them, that the strength + + of mind and body had vanished, by which the Pyrenees and the tops of the Alps + + had been passed. That those now engaged were the remains of those men, with + + scarcely strength to support their arms and limbs. That Capua had been a Cannae + + to Hannibal; that there his courage in battle, his military discipline, the + + fame he had already acquired, and his hopes of future glory, were extinguished." + + While Marcellus was raising the spirits of his troops by thus inveighing against + + the enemy, Hannibal assailed them with still heavier reproaches. He said, "he + + recognised the arms and standards which he had seen and employed at Trebia and + + Trasimenus, and lastly at Cannae; but that he had indeed led one sort of troops + + into winter quarters at Capua, and brought another out. Do you, whom two consular + + armies could never withstand, with difficulty maintain your ground against a + + Roman lieutenant-general, and a single legion with a body of auxiliaries? Does + + Marcellus now a second time with impunity assail us with a band of raw recruits + + and Nolan auxiliaries? Where is that soldier of mine, who took off the head + + of Caius Flaminius, the consul, after dragging him from his horse? Where is + + the man who slew Lucius Paulus at Cannae? Is it that the steel hath lost its + + edge? or that your right hands are benumbed? or what other miracle is it? You + + who, when few, have been accustomed to conquer numbers, now scarce maintain + + your ground, the many against the few. Brave in speech only, you were wont to + + boast that you would take Rome by storm if you could find a general to lead + + you. Lo! here is a task of less difficulty. I would have you try your strength + + and courage here. Take Nola, a town situated on a plain, protected neither by + + river nor sea; after that, when you have enriched yourselves with the plunder + + and spoils of that wealthy town, I will either lead or follow you whithersoever + + you have a mind." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">46 </div> + +<a id="e46" /> + +<p>Neither praises nor reproaches had any effect in confirming their courage. + + Driven from their ground in every quarter, while the Romans derived fresh spirits, + + not only from the exhortations of their general, but from the Nolans, who, by + + their acclamations in token of their good wishes, fed the flame of battle, the + + Carthaginians turned their backs, and were driven to their camp, which the Roman + + soldiers were eager to attack; but Marcellus led them back to Nola, amidst the + + great joy and congratulations even from the commons, who hitherto had been more + + favourable to the Carthaginians. Of the enemy more than five thousand were slain + + on that day, six hundred made prisoners, with nineteen military standards and + + two elephants. Four elephants were killed in the battle. Of the Romans less + + than a thousand were killed. The next day was employed by both parties in burying + + their dead, under a tacit truce. Marcellus burnt the spoils of the enemy, in + + fulfilment of a vow to Vulcan. On the third day after, on account of some pique, + + I suppose, or in the hope of more advantageous service, one thousand two hundred + + and seventy-two horsemen, Numidians and Spaniards, deserted to Marcellus. The + + Romans had frequently availed themselves of their brave and faithful service + + in that war. After the conclusion of the war, portions of land were given to + + the Spaniards in Spain, to the Numidians in Africa, in consideration of their + + valour. Having sent Hanno back from Nola to the Bruttians with the troops with + + which he had come, Hannibal went himself into winter quarters in Apulia, and + + took up a position in the neighbourhood of Arpi. Quintus Fabius, as soon as + + he heard that Hannibal was set out into Apulia, conveyed corn, collected from + + Nola and Naples, into the camp above Suessula; and having strengthened the fortifications + + and left a garrison sufficient for the protection of the place during the winter, + + moved his camp nearer to Capua, and laid waste the Campanian lands with fire + + and sword; so that at length the Campanians, though not very confident in their + + strength, were obliged to go out of their gates and fortify a camp in the open + + space before the city. They had six thousand armed men, the infantry, unfit + + for action. In their cavalry they had more strength. They therefore harassed + + the enemy by attacking them with these. Among the many distinguished persons + + who served in the Campanian cavalry was one Cerrinus Jubellius, surnamed Taurea. + + Though of that extraction, he was a Roman citizen, and by far the bravest horseman + + of all the Campanians, insomuch that when he served under the Roman banners, + + there was but one man, Claudius Asellus, a Roman, who rivalled him in his reputation + + as a horseman. Taurea having for a long time diligently sought for this man, + + riding up to the squadrons of the enemy, at length having obtained silence, + + inquired where Claudius Asellus was, and asked why, since he had been accustomed + + to dispute about their merit in words, he would not decide the matter with the + + sword, and if vanquished give him <i>spolia opima</i>, or if victorious take + + them. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">47 </div> + +<a id="e47" /> + +<p>Asellus, who was in the camp, having been informed of this, waited only to + + ask the consul leave to depart from the ordinary course and fight an enemy who + + had challenged him. By his permission, he immediately put on his arms, and riding + + out beyond the advanced guards called on Taurea by name, and bid him come to + + the encounter when he pleased. By this time the Romans had gone out in large + + bodies to witness the contest, and the Campanians had crowded not only the rampart + + of the camp, but the walls of the city to get a view of it. After a flourish + + of expressions of mutual defiance, they spurred on their horses with their spears + + pointed. Then evading each other's attacks, for they had free space to move + + in, they protracted the battle without a wound. Upon this the Campanian observed + + to the Roman, "This will be only a trial of skill between our horses and not + + between horsemen, unless we ride them down from the plain into this hollow way. + + There, as there will be no room for retiring, we shall come to close quarters." + + Almost quicker than the word, Claudius leaped into the hollow way. Taurea, bold + + in words more than in reality, said, "Never be the ass in the ditch;" an expression + + which from this circumstance became a common proverb among rustics. Claudius + + having rode up and down the way to a considerable distance, and again come up + + into the plain without meeting his antagonist, after reflecting in reproachful + + terms on the cowardice of the enemy, returned in triumph to the camp, amidst + + great rejoicing and congratulation. To the account of this equestrian contest, + + some histories add a circumstance which is certainly astonishing, how true it + + is, is an open matter of opinion that Claudius, when in pursuit of Taurea, who + + fled back to the city, rode in at one of the gates of the enemy which stood + + open and made his escape unhurt through another, the enemy being thunderstruck + + at the strangeness of the circumstance. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">48 </div> + +<a id="e48" /> + +<p>The camps were then undisturbed, the consul even moved his camp back, that + + the Campanians might complete their sowing, nor did he do any injury to the + + lands till the blades in the corn-fields were grown sufficiently high to be + + useful for forage. This he conveyed into the Claudian camp above Suessula, and + + there erected winter quarters. He ordered Marcus Claudius, the proconsul, to + + retain at Nola a sufficient force for the protection of the place, and send + + the rest to Rome, that they might not be a burthen to their allies nor an expense + + to the republic. Tiberius Gracchus also, having led his legions from Cumae to + + Luceria in Apulia, sent Marcus Valerius, the praetor, thence to Brundusium with + + the troops which he had commanded at Luceria, with orders to protect the coast + + of the Sallentine territory, and make provisions with regard to Philip and the + + Macedonian war. At the close of the summer, the events of which I have described, + + letters arrived from Publius and Cneius Scipio, stating the magnitude and success + + of their operations in Spain, but that the army was in want of money, clothing, + + and corn, and that then crews were in want of every thing. With regard to the + + pay, they said, that if the treasury was low, they would adopt some plan by + + which they might procure it from the Spaniards, but that the other supplies + + must certainly be sent from Rome, for otherwise neither the army could be kept + + together nor the province preserved. When the letters were read, all to a man + + admitted that the statement was correct, and the request reasonable, but it + + occurred to their minds, what great forces they were maintaining by land and + + sea, and how large a fleet must soon be equipped if a war with Macedon should + + break out, that Sicily and Sardinia, which before the war had wielded a revenue, + + were scarcely able to maintain the troops which protected those provinces, that + + the expenses were supplied by a tax, that both the number of the persons who + + contributed this tax was diminished by the great havoc made in their armies + + at the Trasimenus and Cannae, and the few who survived, if they were oppressed + + with multiplied impositions, would perish by a calamity of a different kind. + + That, therefore, if the republic could not subsist by credit, it could not stand + + by its own resources. It was resolved, therefore, that Fulvius, the praetor, + + should present himself to the public assembly of the people, point out the necessities + + of the state, and exhort those persons who had increased their patrimonies by + + farming the public revenues, to furnish temporary loans for the service of that + + state, from which they had derived their wealth, and contract to supply what + + was necessary for the army in Spain, on the condition of being paid the first + + when there was money in the treasury. These things the praetor laid before the + + assembly, and fixed a day on which he would let on contract the furnishing the + + army in Spain with clothes and corn, and with such other things as were necessary + + for the crews. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">49 </div> + +<a id="e49" /> + +<p>When the day arrived, three companies, of nineteen persons, came forward to + + enter into the contract; but they made two requests: one was, that they should + + be exempt from military service while employed in that revenue business; the + + second was, that the state should bear all losses of the goods they shipped, + + which might arise either from the attacks of the enemy or from storms. Having + + obtained both their requests, they entered into the contract, and the affairs + + of the state were conducted by private funds. This character and love of country + + uniformly pervaded all ranks. As all the engagements were entered into with + + magnanimity, so were they fulfilled with the strictest fidelity; and the supplies + + were furnished in the same manner as formerly, from an abundant treasury. At + + the time when these supplies arrived, the town of Illiturgi was being besieged + + by Hasdrubal, Mago, and Hamilcar the son of Bomilcar, on account of its having + + gone over to the Romans. Between these three camps of the enemy, the Scipios + + effected an entrance into the town of their allies, after a violent contest + + and great slaughter of their opponents, and introduced some corn, of which there + + was a scarcity; and after exhorting the townsmen to defend their walls with + + the same spirit which they had seen displayed by the Roman army fighting in + + their behalf, led on their troops to attack the largest of the camps, in which + + Hasdrubal had the command. To this camp the two other generals of the Carthaginians + + with their armies came, seeing that the great business was to be done there. + + They therefore sallied from the camp and fought. Of the enemy engaged there + + were sixty thousand; of the Romans about sixteen; the victory, however, was + + so decisive, that the Romans slew more than their own number of the enemy, and + + captured more than three thousand, with nearly a thousand horses and fifty-nine + + military standards, five elephants having been slain in the battle. They made + + themselves masters of the three camps on that day. The siege of Illiturgi having + + been raised, the Carthaginian armies were led away to the siege of Intibili; + + the forces having been recruited out of that province, which was, above all + + others, fond of war, provided there was any plunder or pay to be obtained, and + + at that time had an abundance of young men. A second regular engagement took + + place, attended with the same fortune to both parties; in which above three + + thousand of the enemy were slain, more than two thousand captured, together + + with forty-two standards and nine elephants. Then, indeed, almost all the people + + of Spain came over to the Romans, and the achievements in Spain during that + + summer were much more important than those in Italy. </p> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book24">BOOK XXIV.</div> + +<div class="date">B.C. 215-213</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="chapmen"><a href="#f1">1</a> <a href="#f2">2</a> <a href="#f3">3</a> + + <a href="#f4">4</a> <a href="#f5">5</a> <a href="#f6">6</a> <a href="#f7">7</a> + + <a href="#f8">8</a> <a href="#f9">9</a> <a href="#f10">10</a> <a href="#f11">11</a> + + <a href="#f12">12</a> <a href="#f13">13</a> <a href="#f14">14</a> <a href="#f15">15</a> + + <a href="#f16">16</a> <a href="#f17">17</a> <a href="#f18">18</a> <a href="#f19">19</a> + + <a href="#f20">20</a> <a href="#f21">21</a> <a href="#f22">22</a> <a href="#f23">23</a> + + <a href="#f24">24</a> <a href="#f25">25</a> <a href="#f26">26</a> <a href="#f27">27</a> + + <a href="#f28">28</a> <a href="#f29">29</a> <a href="#f30">30</a> <a href="#f31">31</a> + + <a href="#f32">32</a> <a href="#f33">33</a> <a href="#f34">34</a> <a href="#f35">35</a> + + <a href="#f36">36</a> <a href="#f37">37</a> <a href="#f38">38</a> <a href="#f39">39</a> + + <a href="#f40">40</a> <a href="#f41">41</a> <a href="#f42">42</a> <a href="#f43">43</a> + + <a href="#f44">44</a> <a href="#f45">45</a> <a href="#f46">46</a> <a href="#f47">47</a> + + <a href="#f48">48</a> <a href="#f49">49</a></div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>Hieronymus, king of Syracuse, whose grandfather Hiero + + had been a faithful ally of Rome, revolts to the Carthaginians, and for his + + tyranny is put to death by his subjects. Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus, the proconsul, + + defeats the Carthaginians under Hanno at Beneventum chiefly by the services + + of the slaves in his army, whom he subsequently liberated. Claudius Marcellus, + + the consul, besieges Syracuse. War is declared against Philip, king of Macedon, + + he is routed by night at Apollonia and retreats into Macedonia. This war is + + intrusted to Valerius the praetor. Operations of the Scipios against the Carthaginians + + in Spain. Syphax, king of the Numidians, is received into alliance by the Romans, + + and is defeated by Masinissa, king of the Massillians, who fought on the side + + of the Carthaginians. The Celtiberians joined the Romans, and their troops having + + been taken into pay, mercenary soldiers for the first time served in a Roman + + camp.</i></div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="lsidenote">1 </div> + +<a id="f1" /> + +<p>On his return from Campania into Bruttium, Hanno, with the assistance and under + + the guidance of the Bruttians, made an attempt upon the Greek cities; which + + were the more disposed to continue in alliance with the Romans, because they + + perceived that the Bruttians, whom they feared and hated, had taken part with + + the Carthaginians. The first place attempted was Rhegium, where several days + + were spent without effect. Meanwhile the Locrians hastily conveyed from the + + country into the city, corn, wood, and other things necessary for their use, + + as also that no booty might be left for the enemy. The number of persons which + + poured out of every gate increased daily, till at length those only were left + + in the city whose duty it was to repair the walls and gates, and to collect + + weapons in the fortresses. Against this mixed multitude, composed of persons + + of all ages and ranks, while rambling through the country, and for the most + + part unarmed, Hamilcar, the Carthaginian, sent out his cavalry, who, having + + been forbidden to hurt any one, only interposed their squadrons, so as to cut + + them off from the city when dispersed in flight. The general himself, having + + posted himself upon an eminence which commanded a view of the country and the + + city, ordered a cohort of Bruttians to approach the walls, call out the leaders + + of the Locrians to a conference, and promising them the friendship of Hannibal, + + exhort them to deliver up the city. At first the Bruttians were not believed + + in any thing they stated in the conference, but afterwards, when the Carthaginian + + appeared on the hills, and a few who had fled back to the city brought intelligence + + that all the rest of the multitude were in the power of the enemy, overcome + + with fear, they said they would consult the people. An assembly of the people + + was immediately called, when, as all the most fickle of the inhabitants were + + desirous of a change of measures and a new alliance, and those whose friends + + were cut off by the enemy without the city, had their minds bound as if they + + had given hostages, while a few rather silently approved of a constant fidelity + + than ventured to support the opinion they approved, the city was surrendered + + to the Carthaginians, with an appearance of perfect unanimity. Lucius Atilius, + + the captain of the garrison, together with the Roman soldiers who were with + + him, having been privately led down to the port, and put on board a ship, that + + they might be conveyed to Rhegium, Hamilcar and the Carthaginians were received + + into the city on condition that an alliance should be formed on equal terms; + + which condition, when they had surrendered, the Carthaginian had very nearly + + not performed, as he accused them of having sent away the Roman fraudulently, + + while the Locrians alleged that he had spontaneously fled. A body of cavalry + + went in pursuit of the fugitives, in case the tide might happen to detain them + + in the strait, or might carry the ships to land. The persons whom they were + + in pursuit of they did not overtake, but they descried some ships passing over + + the strait from Messana to Rhegium. These contained Roman troops sent by the + + praetor, Claudius, to occupy the city with a garrison. The enemy therefore immediately + + retired from Rhegium. At the command of Hannibal, peace was concluded with the + + Locrians on these terms: that "they should live free under their own laws; that + + the city should be open to the Carthaginians, the harbour in the power of the + + Locrians. That their alliance should rest on the principle, that the Carthaginian + + should help the Locrian and the Locrian the Carthaginian in peace and war." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">2 </div> + +<a id="f2" /> + +<p>Thus the Carthaginian troops were led back from the strait, while the Bruttians + + loudly complained that Locri and Rhegium, cities which they had fixed in their + + minds that they should have the plundering of, they had left untouched. Having + + therefore levied and armed fifteen thousand of their own youth, they set out + + by themselves to lay siege to Croto, which was also a Greek city, and on the + + coast, believing that they would obtain a great accession to their power, if + + they could get possession of a city upon the sea-coast, which had a port and + + was strongly defended by walls. This consideration annoyed them, that they neither + + could venture on the business without calling in the Carthaginians to their + + assistance, lest they should appear to have done any thing in a manner unbecoming + + allies, and on the other hand, lest, if the Carthaginian general should again + + show himself to have been rather an umpire of peace than an auxiliary in war, + + they should fight in vain against the liberty of Croto, as before in the affair + + of the Locrians. The most advisable course, therefore, appeared to be, that + + ambassadors should be sent to Hannibal, and that a stipulation should be obtained + + from him that Croto, when reduced, should be in possession of the Bruttians. + + Hannibal replied, that it was a question which should be determined by persons + + on the spot, and referred them to Hanno, from whom they could obtain no decisive + + answer. For they were unwilling that so celebrated and opulent a city should + + be plundered, and were in hopes that if the Bruttians should attack it, while + + the Carthaginians did not ostensibly approve or assist in the attack, the inhabitants + + would the more readily come over to them. The Crotonians were not united either + + in their measures or wishes. All the states of Italy were infected with one + + disease, as it were, the commons dissented from the nobles, the senate favouring + + the Romans, while the commons endeavoured to draw the states over to the Carthaginians. + + A deserter announced to the Bruttii that such a dissension prevailed in the + + city, that Aristomachus was the leader of the commons, and the adviser of the + + surrender of the city, that the city was of wide extent and thinly inhabited, + + that the walls in every part were in ruins, that it was only here and there + + that the guards and watches were kept by senators, and that wherever the commons + + kept guard, there an entrance lay open. Under the direction and guidance of + + the deserter, the Bruttians completely invested the city, and being received + + into it by the commons, got possession of every part, except the citadel, on + + the first assault. The nobles held the citadel, which they had taken care beforehand + + to have ready as a refuge against such an event. In the same place Aristomachus + + took refuge, as though he had advised the surrender of the city to the Carthaginians, + + and not to the Bruttians. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">3 </div> + +<a id="f3" /> + +<p>The wall of the city of Croto in circuit extended through a space of twelve + + miles, before the arrival of Pyrrhus in Italy. After the devastation occasioned + + by that war, scarcely half the city was inhabited. The river which had flowed + + through the middle of the town, now ran on the outside of the parts which were + + occupied by buildings, and the citadel was at a distance from the inhabited + + parts. Six miles from this celebrated city stood the temple of Juno Lacinia, + + more celebrated even than the city itself, and venerated by all the surrounding + + states. Here was a grove fenced with a dense wood and tall fir trees, with rich + + pastures in its centre, in which cattle of every kind, sacred to the goddess, + + fed without any keeper; the flocks of every kind going out separately and returning + + to their folds, never being injured, either from the lying in wait of wild beasts, + + or the dishonesty of men. These flocks were, therefore, a source of great revenue, + + from which a column of solid gold was formed and consecrated; and the temple + + became distinguished for its wealth also, and not only for its sanctity. Some + + miracles are attributed to it, as is generally the case with regard to such + + remarkable places. Rumour says that there is an altar in the vestibule of the + + temple, the ashes of which are never moved by any wind. But the citadel of Croto, + + overhanging the sea on one side, on the other, which looks towards the land, + + was protected formerly by its natural situation only, but was afterwards surrounded + + by a wall. It was in this part that Dionysius, the tyrant of Sicily, took it + + by stratagem, approaching by way of some rocks which faced from it. This citadel, + + which was considered sufficiently secure, was now occupied by the nobles of + + Croto, the Bruttians, in conjunction even with their own commons, besieging + + them. The Bruttians, however, perceiving at length that it was impossible to + + take the citadel by their own efforts, compelled by necessity, implored the + + aid of Hanno. He endeavoured to bring the Crotonians to surrender, under an + + agreement that they should allow a colony of Bruttians to settle there; so that + + their city, desolate and depopulated by wars, might recover its former populousness: + + but not a man besides Aristomachus did he move; they affirmed, that "they would + + die sooner than, mixing with Bruttians, be turned to the rites, manners, and + + laws, and soon the language also of others." Aristomachus alone, since he was + + neither able to persuade them to surrender, nor could obtain an opportunity + + for betraying the citadel as he had betrayed the city, deserted to Hanno. A + + short time afterwards ambassadors of Locri, entering the citadel with the permission + + of Hanno, persuaded them to allow themselves to be removed to Locri, and not + + resolve to hazard extremities. They had already obtained leave from Hannibal + + to do this, by ambassadors sent for this purpose. Accordingly, Croto was evacuated, + + and the inhabitants were conducted to the sea, where they embarked; and the + + whole multitude removed to Locri. In Apulia, Hannibal and the Romans did not + + rest even during the winter. The consul Sempronius wintered at Luceria, Hannibal + + not far from Arpi. Slight engagements took place between them, accordingly as + + either side had an opportunity or advantage; by which the Roman soldiery were + + improved, and became daily more guarded and more secure against stratagems. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">4 </div> + +<a id="f4" /> + +<p>In Sicily, the death of Hiero, and the transfer of the government to his grandson, + + Hieronymus, had completely altered all things with regard to the Romans. Hieronymus + + was but a boy, as yet scarcely able to bear liberty, still less sovereign power. + + His guardians and friends gladly observed in him a disposition which might be + + easily plunged into every kind of vice; which Hiero foreseeing, is said to have + + formed an intention, in the latter part of his long life, of leaving Syracuse + + free, lest the sovereignty which had been acquired and established by honourable + + means, should be made a sport of and fall into ruin, under the administration + + of a boy. This plan of his his daughters strenuously opposed, who anticipated + + that the boy would enjoy the name of royalty, but that the administration of + + all affairs would be conducted by themselves and their husbands, Andranodorus + + and Zoippus, for these were left the principal of his guardians. It was not + + an easy task for a man in his ninetieth year, beset night and day by the winning + + artifices of women, to disenthral his judgment, and to consult only the good + + of the state in his domestic affairs. Accordingly, all he did was to leave fifteen + + guardians over his son, whom he entreated, on his death-bed, to preserve inviolate + + that alliance with the Romans, which he had himself cultivated for fifty years, + + and to take care that the young king should, above all things, tread in the + + steps of his father, and in that course of conduct in which he had been educated. + + Such were his injunctions. On the death of the king, the will was brought forward + + by the guardians, and the young king, who was now about fifteen, introduced + + into the public assembly, where a few persons, who had been placed in different + + parts on purpose to raise acclamations, expressed their approbation of the will; + + while all the rest were overwhelmed with apprehensions, in the destitute condition + + of the state, which had lost as it were its parent. The funeral of the king + + was then performed, which was honoured more by the love and affection of his + + citizens than the attentions of his kindred. Andranodorus next effected the + + removal of the other guardians, giving out that Hieronymus had now attained + + the years of manhood, and was competent to assume the government; and thus, + + by voluntarily resigning the guardianship which he shared with several others, + + united the powers of all in himself. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">5 </div> + +<a id="f5" /> + +<p>It would scarcely have been easy even for any good and moderate king, succeeding + + one so deeply rooted in their affections as Hiero was, to obtain the favour + + of the Syracusans. But Hieronymus, forsooth, as if he was desirous of exciting + + regret for the loss of his grandfather by his own vices, showed, immediately + + on his first appearance, how completely every thing was changed. For those who + + for so many years had seen Hiero and his son Gelon differing from the rest of + + the citizens neither in the fashion of their dress nor any other mark of distinction, + + now beheld the purple, the diadem, and armed guards, and their king sometimes + + proceeding from his palace in a chariot drawn by four white horses, according + + to the custom of the tyrant Dionysius. This costliness in equipage and appearance + + was accompanied by corresponding contempt of everybody, capricious airs, insulting + + expressions, difficulty of access, not to strangers only, but even to his guardians + + also, unheard of lusts, inhuman cruelty. Terror so great took possession of + + every body therefore, that some of his guardians, either by a voluntary death, + + or by exile, anticipated the tenor of his inflictions. Three of those persons + + to whom alone belonged a more familiar access to the palace, Andranodorus and + + Zoippus, sons-in-law of Hiero, and one Thraso, were not much attended to upon + + other subjects, but the two former exerting themselves in favour of the Carthaginians, + + while Thraso argued for the Roman alliance, they sometimes engaged the attention + + of the young king by their zeal and earnestness. It was at this time that a + + conspiracy formed against the life of the tyrant was discovered by a certain + + servant, of the same age as Hieronymus, who from his very childhood had associated + + with him on entirely familiar terms. The informer was able to name one of the + + conspirators, Theodotus, by whom he himself had been solicited. He was immediately + + seized, and delivered to Andranodorus to be subjected to torture, when, without + + hesitation, he confessed as to himself, but concealed his accomplices. At last, + + when racked with every species of torture, beyond the power of humanity to bear, + + pretending to be overcome by his sufferings, he turned his accusation from the + + guilty to the innocent, and feigned that Thraso was the originator of the plot, + + without whose able guidance, he said, they never would have been bold enough + + to attempt so daring a deed, he threw the guilt upon such innocent men, near + + the king's person, as appeared to him to be the most worthless, while fabricating + + his story amid groans and agonies. The naming of Thraso gave the highest degree + + of credibility to the story in the mind of the tyrant. Accordingly he was immediately + + given up to punishment, and others were added who were equally innocent. Not + + one of the conspirators, though their associate in the plot was for a long time + + subjected to torture, either concealed himself or fled, so great was their confidence + + in the fortitude and fidelity of Theodotus, and so great was his firmness in + + concealing their secret. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">6 </div> + +<a id="f6" /> + +<p>Thus on the removal of Thraso, who formed the only bond which held together + + the alliance with the Romans, immediately affairs clearly indicated defection. + + Ambassadors were sent to Hannibal, who sent back in company with a young man + + of noble birth named Hannibal, Hippocrates and Epicydes, natives of Carthage, + + and of Carthaginian extraction on their mother's side, but whose grandfather + + was an exile from Syracuse. Through their means an alliance was formed between + + Hannibal and the tyrant of Syracuse; and, with the consent of Hannibal, they + + remained with the tyrant. As soon as Appius Claudius, the praetor, whose province + + Sicily was, had received information of these events, he sent ambassadors to + + Hieronymus; who, upon stating that the object of their mission was to renew + + the alliance which had subsisted between the Romans and his grandfather, were + + heard and dismissed in an insulting manner, Hieronymus asking them sneeringly, + + "how they had fared at the battle of Cannae? for that the ambassadors of Hannibal + + stated what could hardly be credited." He said, "he wished to know the truth, + + in order that before he made up his mind, he might determine which he should + + espouse as offering the better prospect." The Romans replied, that they would + + return to him when he had learned to receive embassies with seriousness; and, + + after having cautioned, rather than requested him, not rashly to change his + + alliance, they withdrew. Hieronymus sent ambassadors to Carthage, to conclude + + a league in conformity with the alliance with Hannibal. It was settled in the + + compact, that after they had expelled the Romans from Sicily, (which would speedily + + be effected if the Carthaginians sent ships and troops,) the river Himera, which + + divides the island in nearly equal portions, should be the limit of the Carthaginian + + and Syracusan dominions. Afterwards, puffed up by the flattery of those persons + + who bid him be mindful, not of Hiero only, but of king Pyrrhus, his maternal + + grandfather, he sent another embassy, in which he expressed his opinion that + + equity required that the whole of Sicily should be conceded to him, and that + + the dominion of Italy should be acquired as the peculiar possession of the Carthaginians. + + This levity and inconstancy of purpose in a hot-headed youth, did not excite + + their surprise, nor did they reprove it, anxious only to detach him from the + + Romans. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">7 </div> + +<a id="f7" /> + +<p>But every thing conspired to hurry him into perdition. For having sent before + + him Hippocrates and Epicydes with two thousand armed men, to make an attempt + + upon those cities which were occupied by Roman garrisons, he himself also proceeded + + to Leontium with all the remaining troops, which amounted to fifteen thousand + + foot and horse, when the conspirators (who all happened to be in the army) took + + possession of an uninhabited house, which commanded a narrow way, by which the + + king was accustomed to go to the forum. The rest stood here prepared and armed, + + waiting for the king to pass by. One of them, by name Dinomenes, as he was one + + of the body-guards, had the task assigned him of keeping back the crowd behind + + in the narrow way, upon some pretext, when the king approached the door. All + + was done according to the arrangement. Dinomenes having delayed the crowd, by + + pretending to lift up his foot and loosen a knot which was too tight, occasioned + + such an interval, that an attack being made upon the king, as he passed by unattended + + by his guards, he was pierced with several wounds before any assistance could + + be brought. When the shout and tumult was heard, some weapons were discharged + + on Dinomenes, who now openly opposed them; he escaped from them, however, with + + only two wounds. The body-guard, as soon as they saw the king prostrate, betook + + themselves to flight. Of the assassins, some proceeded to the forum to the populace, + + who were rejoiced at the recovery of their liberty; others to Syracuse to anticipate + + the measures of Andranodorus and the rest of the royal party. Affairs being + + in this uncertain state, Appius Claudius perceiving a war commencing in his + + neighbourhood, informed the senate by letter, that Sicily had become reconciled + + to the Carthaginians and Hannibal. For his own part, in order to frustrate the + + designs of the Syracusans, he collected all his forces on the boundary of the + + province and the kingdom. At the close of this year, Quintus Fabius, by the + + authority of the senate, fortified and garrisoned Puteoli, which, during the + + war, had begun to be frequented as an emporium. Coming thence to Rome to hold + + the election, he appointed the first day for it which could be employed for + + that purpose, and, while on his march, passed by the city and descended into + + the Campus Martius. On that day, the right of voting first having fallen by + + lot on the junior century of the Anien tribe, they appointed Titus Otacilius + + and Marcus Aemilius Regillus, consuls, when Quintus Fabius, having obtained + + silence, delivered the following speech: </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">8 </div> + +<a id="f8" /> + +<p>"If we had either peace in Italy, or had war with such an enemy that the necessity + + to be careful was less urgent than it is, I should consider that man as wanting + + in respect for your liberty, who would at all impede that zealous desire which + + you bring with you into the Campus Martius, of conferring honours on whom you + + please. But since during the present war, and with the enemy we have now to + + encounter, none of our generals have ever committed an error which has not been + + attended with most disastrous consequences to us, it behoves you to use the + + same circumspection in giving your suffrages for the creation of consuls, which + + you would exert were you going armed into the field of battle. Every man ought + + thus to say to himself I am nominating a consul who is to cope with the general + + Hannibal. In the present year, at Capua, when Jubellius Taurea, the most expert + + horseman of the Campanians, gave a challenge, Claudius Asellus, the most expert + + among the Roman horsemen, was pitted against him. Against the Gaul who at a + + former period gave a challenge on the bridge of the Amo, our ancestors sent + + Titus Manlius, a man of resolute courage and great strength. It was for the + + same reason, I cannot deny it, that confidence was placed in Marcus Valerius, + + not many years ago, when he took arms against a Gaul who challenged him to combat + + in a similar manner. In the same manner as we wish to have our foot and horse + + more powerful, but if that is impracticable, equal in strength to the enemy, + + so let us find out a commander who is a match for the general of the enemy. + + Though we should select the man as general whose abilities are greater than + + those of any other in the nation, yet still he is chosen at a moment's warning, + + his office is only annual; whereas he will have to cope with a veteran general + + who has continued in command without interruption, unfettered by any restrictions + + either of duration or of authority, which might prevent him from executing or + + planning every thing according as the exigencies of the war shall require. But + + with us the year is gone merely in making preparations, and when we are only + + commencing our operations. Having said enough as to what sort of persons you + + ought to elect as consuls, it remains that I should briefly express my opinion + + of those on whom the choice of the prerogative century has fallen. Marcus Aemilius + + Regillus is flamen of Quirinus, whom we can neither send abroad nor retain at + + home without neglecting the gods or the war. Otacilius is married to my sister's + + daughter, and has children by her, but the favours you have conferred upon me + + and my ancestors, are not such as that I should prefer private relationship + + to the public weal. Any sailor or passenger can steer the vessel in a calm sea, + + but when a furious storm has arisen, and the vessel is hurried by the tempest + + along the troubled deep, then there is need of a man and pilot We are not sailing + + on a tranquil sea, but have already well nigh sunk with repeated storms, you + + must therefore employ the utmost caution and foresight in determining who shall + + sit at the helm Of you, Titus Otacilius, we have had experience in a business + + of less magnitude, and, certainly you have not given us any proof that we ought + + to confide to you affairs of greater moment The fleet which you commanded this + + year we fitted out for three objects: to lay waste the coast of Africa, to protect + + the shores of Italy, but, above all, to prevent the conveyance of reinforcements + + with pay and provisions from Carthage to Hannibal. Now if Titus Otacilius has + + performed for the state, I say not all, but any one of these services, make + + him consul But if, while you had the command of the fleet supplies of whatever + + sort were conveyed safe and untouched to Hannibal, even as though he had no + + enemy on the sea, if the coast of Italy has been more infested this year than + + that of Africa, what can you have to urge why you should be preferred before + + all others as the antagonist of Hannibal? Were you consul, we should give it + + as our opinion that a dictator should be appointed in obedience to the example + + of our ancestors Nor could you feel offended that some one in the Roman nation + + was deemed superior to you in war It concerns yourself more than any one else, + + Titus Otacilius, that there be not laid upon your shoulders a burthen under + + which you would fall I earnestly exhort you, that with the same feelings which + + would influence you if standing armed for battle, you were called upon suddenly + + to elect two generals, under whose conduct and auspices you were to fight, you + + would this day elect your consuls, to whom your children are to swear allegiance, + + at whose command they are to assemble, and under whose protection and care they + + are to serve. The Trasimene Lake and Cannae are melancholy precedents to look + + back upon, but form useful warnings to guard against similar disasters Crier, + + call back the younger century of the Amen tribe to give their votes again" </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">9 </div> + +<a id="f9" /> + +<p>Titus Otacilius, vociferating in the most furious manner, that his object was + + to continue in the consulship, the consul ordered the lictors to go to him, + + and as he had not entered the city, but had proceeded directly without halting + + from his march to the Campus Martius, admonished him that the axes were in the + + fasces which were carried before him. The prerogative century proceeded to vote + + a second time, when Quintus Fabius Maximus for the fourth time, and Marcus Marcellus + + for the third time, were created consuls. The other centuries voted for the + + same persons without any variation. One praetor, likewise, Quintus Fulvius Flaccus, + + was re-elected; the other new ones who were chosen, were Titus Otacilius Crassus + + a second time, Quintus Fabius, son of the consul, who was at that time curule + + aedile, and Publius Cornelius Lentulus. The election of the praetors completed, + + a decree of the senate was passed, that Quintus Fulvius should have the city + + department out of the ordinary course, and that he in preference to any other + + should command in the city while the consuls were absent in the war. Great floods + + happened twice during this year, and the Tiber overflowed the fields, with great + + demolition of houses and destruction of men and cattle. In the fifth year of + + the second Punic war Quintus Fabius Maximus for the fourth time, and Marcus + + Claudius Marcellus for the third time, entering upon their office, drew the + + attention of the state upon them in a more than ordinary degree, for there had + + not been two such consuls now for many years. The old men observed, that thus + + Maximus Rullus and Publius Decius were declared consuls for conducting the Gallic + + war; that thus afterwards Papirius and Carvilius were appointed to that office + + against the Samnites, the Bruttians, and the Lucanian with the Tarentine people. + + Marcellus, who was with the army, was created consul in his absence; to Fabius, + + who was present and held the election himself, the office was continued. The + + critical state of affairs, the exigencies of the war, and the danger which threatened + + the state, prevented any one from looking narrowly into the precedent, or suspecting + + that the consul was actuated by an excessive love of command; on the contrary, + + they applauded his magnanimity in that when he knew the state was in want of + + a general of the greatest ability, and that he was himself confessedly such + + an one, he thought less of the personal odium which might arise out of the transaction, + + than of the good of the state. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">10 </div> + +<a id="f10" /> + +<p>On the day on which the consuls entered on their office, the senate was assembled + + in the Capitol, and in the first place a decree was passed to the effect that + + the consuls should draw lots, and settle between themselves which should hold + + the election for the creation of censors, before they proceeded to join the + + army. Next, all those who had the command of armies were continued in their + + offices, and ordered to remain in their provinces; Tiberius Gracchus at Luceria, + + where he was with an army of volunteer slaves; Caius Terentius Varro in the + + Picenian, and Manius Pomponius in the Gallic territory. Of the praetors of the + + former year, it was settled that Quintus Mucius should have the government of + + Sardinia as propraetor, Marcus Valerius the command of the sea-coast near Brundusium, + + watchful against all the movements of Philip, king of the Macedonians. To Publius + + Cornelius Lentulus, the praetor, the province of Sicily was assigned. Titus + + Otacilius received the same fleet which he had employed the year before against + + the Carthaginians. Many prodigies were reported to have happened this year, + + which increased in proportion as they were believed by the credulous and superstitious. + + That crows had built a nest within the temple of Juno Sospita at Lanuvium; that + + a green palm-tree had taken fire in Apulia; that a pool at Mantua, formed by + + the overflowing of the river Mincius, had assumed the appearance of blood; that + + it had rained chalk at Cales, and blood at Rome in the cattle market; that a + + fountain under ground in the Istrian street had discharged so violent a stream + + of water, that rolling along with the impetuosity of a torrent, it carried away + + the butts and casks which were near it; that the public court in the Capitol + + had been struck by lightning; also the temple of Vulcan in the Campus Martius, + + a nut-tree in the Sabine territory, a wall and gate at Gabii. Now other miracles + + were published: that the spear of Mars at Praeneste moved forward of its own + + accord; that in Sicily an ox had spoken; that a child in the womb of its mother + + cried out Io Triumphe! in the country of the Marrucinians; at Spoletum, that + + a woman was transformed into a man; at Hadria, that an altar, with appearances + + as of men surrounding it in white clothing, was seen in the heavens. Nay, even + + in the city of Rome itself, after a swarm of bees had been seen in the forum, + + some persons roused the citizens to arms, affirming that they saw armed legions + + on the Janiculum; but those who were on the Janiculum at the time, declared + + that they had seen no person there besides the usual cultivators of the hill. + + These prodigies were expiated by victims of the larger kind, according to the + + response of the aruspices; and a supplication was ordered to all the deities + + who had shrines at Rome. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">11 </div> + +<a id="f11" /> + +<p>The ceremonies which were intended to propitiate the gods being completed, + + the consuls took the sense of the senate on the state of the nation, the conduct + + of the war, what troops should be employed, and where they were severally to + + act. It was resolved that eighteen legions should be engaged in the war; that + + the consuls should take two each; that two should be employed in each of the + + provinces of Gaul, Sicily, and Sardinia; that Quintus Fabius, the praetor, should + + have the command of two in Apulia, and Tiberius Gracchus of two legions of volunteer + + slaves in the neighbourhood of Luceria; that one each should be left for Caius + + Terentius, the proconsul, for Picenum, and to Marcus Valerius for the fleet + + off Brundusium, and two for the protection of the city. To complete this number + + of legions six fresh ones were to be enlisted, which the consuls were ordered + + to raise as soon as possible; and also to prepare the fleet, so that, together + + with the ships which were stationed off the coasts of Calabria, it might amount + + that year to one hundred and fifty men of war. The levy completed, and the hundred + + new ships launched, Quintus Fabius held the election for the creation of censors, + + when Marcus Atilius Regulus and Publius Furius Philus were chosen. A rumour + + prevailing that war had broken out in Sicily, Titus Otacilius was ordered to + + proceed thither with his fleet; but as there was a deficiency of sailors, the + + consuls, in conformity with a decree of the senate, published an order that + + those persons who themselves or whose fathers had been rated in the censorship + + of Lucius Aemilius and Caius Flaminius, at from fifty to one hundred thousand + + <i>asses</i>, or whose property had since reached that amount, should furnish + + one sailor and six months' pay; from one to three hundred thousand, three sailors + + with a year's pay; from three hundred thousand to a million, five sailors; above + + one million, seven sailors; that senators should furnish eight sailors with + + a year's pay. The sailors furnished according to this proclamation being armed + + and equipped by their masters, embarked with cooked provisions for thirty days. + + Then first it happened that the Roman fleet was manned at the expense of individuals. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">12 </div> + +<a id="f12" /> + +<p>These unusually great preparations alarmed the Campanians particularly, lest + + the Romans should commence the year's campaign with the siege of Capua. They + + therefore sent ambassadors to Hannibal, to implore him to bring his army to + + Capua, and tell him that new armies were levying at Rome for the purpose of + + besieging it; and that there was not any city the defection of which had excited + + more hostile feelings. As they announced this with so much fear, Hannibal concluded + + he must make haste lest the Romans should get there before him; and setting + + out from Arpi, took up his position in his old camp at Tifata, above Capua. + + Leaving his Numidians and Spaniards for the protection both of the camp and + + Capua, he went down thence with the rest of his troops to the lake Avernus on + + the pretence of performing sacrifice, but in reality to make an attempt upon + + Puteoli and the garrison in it. Maximus, on receiving intelligence that Hannibal + + had set out from Arpi, and was returning to Campania, went back to his army, + + pursuing his journey without intermission by night or by day. He also ordered + + Tiberius Gracchus to bring up his troops from Luceria to Beneventum, and Quintus + + Fabius the praetor, the son of the consul, to go to Luceria in the room of Gracchus. + + At the same time the two praetors set out for Sicily, Publius Cornelius to join + + his army, Otacilius to take the command of the sea-coast and the fleet; the + + rest also proceeded to their respective provinces, and those who were continued + + in command remained in the same countries as in the former year. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">13 </div> + +<a id="f13" /> + +<p>While Hannibal was at the lake Avernus, five noble youths came to him from + + Tarentum. They had been made prisoners partly at the lake Trasimenus, and partly + + at Cannae, and had been sent home by the Carthaginian with the same civility + + which he had shown towards all the Roman allies. They stated to him that, impressed + + with gratitude for his favours, they had succeeded in inducing a large portion + + of the Tarentine youth to prefer his alliance and friendship to that of the + + Romans; and that they were sent by their countrymen as ambassadors to request + + Hannibal to bring his forces nearer to Tarentum; that if his standards and camp + + were within sight of Tarentum, that city would be delivered into his hands without + + delay; that the commons were under the influence of the youth, and the state + + of Tarentum in the hands of the commons. Hannibal after bestowing the highest + + commendations upon them, and loading them with immense promises, bid them return + + home to mature their plans, saying that he would be there in due time. With + + these hopes, the Tarentines were dismissed. Hannibal had himself conceived the + + strongest desire of getting possession of Tarentum. He saw that it was a city + + opulent and celebrated, on the coast, and lying conveniently over against Macedonia. + + And that as the Romans were in possession of Brundusium, king Philip would make + + for this port if he crossed over into Italy. Having completed the sacrifice + + for which he came, and during his stay there laid waste the territory of Cumae + + as far as the promontory of Misenum, he suddenly marched his troops thence to + + Puteoli to surprise the Roman garrison there. It consisted of six thousand men, + + and the place was secured not only by its natural situation, but by works also. + + The Carthaginian having waited there three days, and attempted the garrison + + in every quarter, without any success, proceeded thence to devastate the territory + + of Naples, influenced by resentment more than the hope of getting possession + + of the place. The commons of Nola, who had been long disaffected to the Romans + + and at enmity with their own senate, moved into the neighbouring fields on his + + approach; and in conformity with this movement ambassadors came to invite Hannibal + + to join them, bringing with them a positive assurance that the city would be + + surrendered to him. The consul, Marcellus, who had been called in by the nobles, + + anticipated their attempt. In one day he had reached Suessula from Cales, though + + the river Vulturnus had delayed him crossing; and from thence the ensuing night + + introduced into Nola for the protection of the senate, six thousand foot and + + three hundred horse. The dilatoriness of Hannibal was in proportion to the expedition + + which the consul used in every thing he did in order to preoccupy Nola. Having + + twice already made the attempt unsuccessfully, he was slower to place confidence + + in the Nolans. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">14 </div> + +<a id="f14" /> + +<p>During the same time, the consul, Fabius, came to attempt Casilinum, which + + was occupied by a Carthaginian garrison; and, as if by concert, Hanno approached + + Beneventum on one side from the Bruttians, with a large body of foot and horse, + + while on the other side Gracchus approached it from Luceria. The latter entered + + the town first. Then, hearing that Hanno had pitched his camp three miles from + + the city, at the river Calor, and from thence was laying waste the country, + + he himself marched without the walls, and pitching his camp about a mile from + + the enemy, harangued his soldiers. The legions he had consisted for the most + + part of volunteer slaves, who chose rather to earn their liberty silently by + + another year's service, than demand it openly. The general, however, on quitting + + his winter quarters, had perceived that the troops murmured, asking when the + + time would arrive that they should serve as free citizens. He had written to + + the senate, stating not so much what they wanted as what they had deserved; + + he said they had served him with fidelity and courage up to that day, and that + + they wanted nothing but liberty, to bring them up to the model of complete soldiers. + + Permission was given him to act in the business as he thought for the interest + + of the state, and, accordingly, before he engaged with the enemy, he declared + + that the time was now arrived for obtaining that liberty which they had so long + + hoped for; that on the following day he should fight a pitched battle on a level + + and open plain, in which the contest would be decided by valour only, without + + any fear of ambuscade. The man who should bring back the head of an enemy, he + + would instantly order to be set free; but that he would punish, in a manner + + suited to a slave, the man who should quit his post; that every man's fortune + + was in his own hands; that not he himself alone would authorize their enfranchisement, + + but the consul, Marcus Marcellus, and the whole body of the fathers, who, on + + being consulted by him on the subject, had left the matter to his disposal. + + He then read the letter of the consul and the decree of the senate, on which + + they raised a general shout of approbation, demanded to be led to battle, and + + vehemently urged him to give the signal forthwith. Gracchus broke up the assembly, + + after proclaiming the battle for the following day. The soldiers, highly delighted, + + particularly those whose enfranchisement was to be the reward of one day's prowess, + + employed the remaining time in getting ready their arms. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">15 </div> + +<a id="f15" /> + +<p>The next day, as soon as the trumpets began to sound, they were the first to + + assemble at the general's tent, armed and ready for action. When the sun had + + risen, Gracchus led out his troops to the field of battle; nor did the enemy + + delay to engage him. His troops consisted of seventeen thousand infantry, principally + + Bruttians and Lucanians, with twelve hundred horse, among which were very few + + Italians, almost all the rest being Numidians and Moors. The contest was fierce + + and protracted. For four hours neither side had the advantage, nor did any other + + circumstance more impede the Romans, than that the heads of their enemies were + + made the price of their liberty. For when each man had gallantly slain his enemy, + + first, he lost time in cutting off his head, which was done with difficulty + + amid the crowd and confusion, and secondly, all the bravest troops ceased to + + be engaged in fight, as their right hands were employed in holding the heads; + + and thus the battle was left to be sustained by the inactive and cowardly. But + + when the military tribunes reported to Gracchus that the soldiers were employed + + not in wounding any of the enemy who were standing, but in mangling those who + + were prostrate, their right hands being occupied in holding the heads of men + + instead of their swords, he promptly ordered a signal to be given that they + + should throw down the heads and charge the enemy; that they had given evident + + and signal proofs of valour, and that the liberty of such brave men was certain. + + Then the fight was revived, and the cavalry also were sent out against the enemy. + + The Numidians engaging them with great bravery, and the contest between the + + cavalry being carried on with no less spirit than that between the infantry, + + the victory again became doubtful; when, the generals on both sides vilifying + + their opponents, the Roman saying, that their enemies were Bruttians and Lucanians, + + who had been so often vanquished and subjugated by their ancestors; the Carthaginian, + + that the troops opposed to them were Roman slaves, soldiers taken out of a workhouse; + + at last Gracchus exclaimed, that his men had no ground to hope for liberty unless + + the enemy were routed and put to flight that day. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">16 </div> + +<a id="f16" /> + +<p>These words at length kindled their courage so effectually, and renewing the + + shout, as if suddenly changed into other men, they bore down upon the enemy + + with such impetuosity that they could not longer be withstood. First, of the + + Carthaginians who stood before the standards; then the standards were thrown + + into disorder; and lastly the whole line was compelled to give way. They then + + turned their backs downright, and fled precipitately to their camp with such + + terror and consternation, that not a man made stand in the gates or on the rampart; + + while the Romans, who pursued them so close as to form almost a part of their + + body commenced the battle anew, enclosed within the rampart of the enemy. Here + + the battle was more bloody as the combatants had less room to move, from the + + narrowness of the place in which they fought. The prisoners too assisted; for + + snatching up swords in the confusion, and forming themselves into a body, they + + slew the Carthaginians in the rear and prevented their flight. Thus less than + + two thousand men out of so large an army, and those principally cavalry, effected + + their escape with their commander, all the rest were slain or taken prisoners. + + Thirty-eight standards were taken. Of the victors about two thousand fell. All + + the booty except that of the prisoners was given up to the soldiery. Such cattle + + also as the owners should identify within thirty days was excepted. When they + + returned to their camp loaded with spoil, about four thousand of the volunteer + + slaves who had fought with less spirit, and had not joined in breaking into + + the enemy's camp, through fear of punishment, took possession of a hill not + + far from the camp. Being brought down thence the next day by a military tribune, + + it happened that they arrived during an assembly of the soldiers which Gracchus + + had called. At this assembly the proconsul, having first rewarded the veteran + + soldiers with military presents, according to the valour displayed, and the + + service rendered by each man in the engagement, then observed, with respect + + to the volunteer slaves, that he would rather that all should be praised by + + him whether deserving it or not, than that any one should be chastised on that + + day. I bid you, said he, all be free, and may the event be attended with advantage, + + happiness, and prosperity to the state and to yourselves. These words were followed + + by the most cordial acclamations, the soldiers sometimes embracing and congratulating + + one another, at other times lifting up their hands to heaven, and praying that + + every blessing might attend the Roman people, and Gracchus in particular; when + + Gracchus addressed them thus: "Before I had placed you all on an equal footing + + with respect to the enjoyment of liberty, I was unwilling to affix any marks + + by which the brave and dastardly soldier might be distinguished. But now the + + pledge given by the state being redeemed, lest all distinction between courage + + and cowardice should disappear, I shall order that the names of those persons + + be laid before me, who, conscious of their dastardly conduct in the battle, + + have lately seceded. I shall have them cited before me, when I shall bind them + + by an oath, that none of them, except such as shall have the plea of sickness, + + will, so long as they serve, take either meat or drink in any other posture + + than standing. This penalty you will bear with patience when you reflect that + + it is impossible your cowardice could be marked with a slighter stigma." He + + then gave the signal for packing up the baggage; and the soldiers, sporting + + and jesting as they drove and carried their booty, returned to Beneventum in + + so playful a mood, that they appeared to be returning, not from the field of + + battle, but from a feast celebrated on some remarkable holiday. All the Beneventans + + pouring out in crowds to meet them at the gate, embraced, congratulated, and + + invited the troops to entertainments. They had all prepared banquets in the + + courts of their houses, to which they invited the soldiers, and of which they + + entreated Gracchus to allow them to partake. Gracchus gave permission, with + + the proviso that they should feast in the public street. Each person brought + + every thing out before his door. The volunteers feasted with caps of liberty + + on their heads, or filletted with white wool; some reclining at the tables, + + others standing, who at once partook of the repast, and waited upon the rest. + + It even seemed a fitting occasion that Gracchus, on his return to Rome, should + + order a picture representing the festivities of that day to be executed in the + + temple of Liberty, which his father caused to be built on the Aventine out of + + money arising from fines, and which his father also dedicated. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">17 </div> + +<a id="f17" /> + +<p>While these events occurred at Beneventum, Hannibal having laid waste the territory + + of Naples, moved his camp to Nola. The consul, as soon as he was aware of his + + approach, sent for Pemponius the propraetor, with the troops he had in the camp + + above Suessula; and then prepared to meet the enemy and to make no delay in + + fighting. He sent out Caius Claudius Nero in the dead of night with the main + + strength of the cavalry, through the gate which was farthest removed from the + + enemy, with orders to make a circuit so as not to be observed, and then slowly + + to follow the enemy as they moved along, and as soon as he perceived the battle + + begun, to charge them on the rear. Whether Nero was prevented from executing + + these orders by mistaking the route, or from the shortness of the time, is doubtful. + + Though he was absent when the battle was fought, the Romans had unquestionably + + the advantage; but as the cavalry did not come up in time, the plan of the battle + + which had been agreed upon was disconcerted and Marcellus, not daring to follow + + the retiring enemy, gave the signal for retreat when his soldiers were conquering + + More than two thousand of the enemy are said, however, to have fallen on that + + day; of the Romans, less than four hundred. Nero, after having fruitlessly wearied + + both men and horses, through the day and night, without even having seen the + + enemy, returned about sunset; when the consul went so far in reprimanding him + + as to assert, that he had been the only obstacle to their retorting on the enemy + + the disaster sustained at Cannae. The following day the Roman came into the + + field, but the Carthaginian, beaten even by his own tacit confession, kept within + + his camp. Giving up all hope of getting possession of Nola, a thing never attempted + + without loss, during the silence of the night of the third day he set out for + + Tarentum, which he had better hopes of having betrayed to him. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">18 </div> + +<a id="f18" /> + +<p>Nor were the Roman affairs administered with less spirit at home than in the + + field. The censors being freed from the care of letting out the erection of + + public works, from the low state of the treasury, turned their attention to + + the regulation of men's morals, and the chastisement of vices which sprung up + + during the war, in the same manner as constitutions broken down by protracted + + disease, generate other maladies. In the first place, they cited those persons + + who, after the battle of Cannae, were said to have formed a design of abandoning + + the commonwealth, and leaving Italy. The chief of these was Lucius Caecilius + + Metellus, who happened to be then quaestor. In the next place, as neither he + + nor the other persons concerned were able to exculpate themselves on being ordered + + to make their defence, they pronounced them guilty of having used words and + + discourse prejudicial to the state, that a conspiracy might be formed for the + + abandonment of Italy. After them were cited those persons who showed too much + + ingenuity in inventing a method of discharging the obligation of their oath, + + namely, such of the prisoners as concluded that the oath which they had sworn + + to return, would be fulfilled by their going back privately to Hannibal's camp, + + after setting out on their journey. Such of these and of the above-mentioned + + as had horses at the public expense were deprived of them, and all were degraded + + from their tribes and disfranchised. Nor was the attention of the censors confined + + to the regulation of the senate and the equestrian order. They erased from the + + lists of the junior centuries the names of all who had not served during the + + last four years, unless they were regularly exempted, or were prevented by sickness. + + Those too, amounting to more than two thousand names, were numbered among the + + disfranchised, and were all degraded. To this more gentle stigma affixed by + + the censors, a severe decree of the senate was added, to the effect that all + + those whom the censor had stigmatized, should serve on foot, and be sent into + + Sicily to join the remains of the army of Cannae, a class of soldiers whose + + time of service was not to terminate till the enemy was driven out of Italy. + + The censors, in consequence of the poverty of the treasury, having abstained + + from receiving contracts for the repairs of the sacred edifices, the furnishing + + of curule horses, and similar matters, the persons who had been accustomed to + + attend auctions of this description, came to the censors in great numbers, and + + exhorted them to "transact all their business and let out the contracts in the + + same manner as if there were money in the treasury. That none of them would + + ask for money out of the treasury before the war was concluded." Afterwards + + the owners of those slaves whom Tiberius Sempronius had manumitted at Beneventum, + + came to them, stating that they were sent for by the public bankers, to receive + + the price of their slaves, but that they would not accept of it till the war + + was concluded. This disposition on the part of the commons to sustain the impoverished + + treasury having manifested itself, the property of minors first, and then the + + portions of widows, began to be brought in; the persons who brought them being + + persuaded, that their deposit would no where be more secure and inviolable than + + under the public faith. If any thing was bought or laid in for the widows and + + minors, an order upon the quaestor was given for it. This liberality in individuals + + flowed from the city into the camp also, insomuch that no horseman or centurion + + would accept of his pay, and those who would accept it were reproached with + + the appellation of mercenary men. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">19 </div> + +<a id="f19" /> + +<p>Quintus Fabius, the consul, was encamped before Casilinum, which was occupied + + by a garrison of two thousand Campanians and seven hundred of the soldiers of + + Hannibal. The commander was Statius Metius, who was sent there by Cneius Magius + + Atellanus, who was that year Medixtuticus and was arming the slaves and people + + without distinction, in order to assault the Roman camp, while the consul was + + intently occupied in the siege of Casilinum. None of these things escaped Fabius. + + He therefore sent to his colleague at Nola, "That another army was requisite, + + which might be opposed to the Campanians, while the siege of Casilinum was going + + on; that either he should come himself, leaving a force sufficient for the protection + + of Nola, or if the state of Nola required him to stay there, in consequence + + of its not being yet secure against the attempts of Hannibal, that he should + + summon Tiberius Gracchus, the proconsul, from Beneventum." On this message, + + Marcellus, leaving two thousand troops in garrison at Nola, came to Casilinum + + with the rest of his forces; and at his arrival the Campanians, who were already + + in motion, desisted from their operations. Thus the siege of Casilinum was commenced + + by the two consuls. But as the Roman soldiers received many wounds as they rashly + + approached the walls, and as they did not succeed satisfactorily in their attempts. + + Fabius gave it as his opinion that this, which was a small matter, though as + + difficult as more important ones, should be abandoned, and that they should + + retire from the place, as affairs of greater moment were pressing. Marcellus, + + however, succeeded in persuading him that they should not go away with their + + object unaccomplished, observing that as there were many objects which great + + generals should not attempt, so when once attempted they should not be abandoned, + + because the mere report in either case would have important consequences. Upon + + this the vineae and all kinds of military works and engines were applied; in + + consequence of which, the Campanians entreated Fabius to allow them to retire + + to Capua in safety; when a few of them having come out of the town, Marcellus + + took possession of the gate through which they passed, and first slew all indiscriminately + + who were near the gate, and then rushing in, the slaughter commenced in the + + town also. About fifty of the Campanians, who at first came out of the city, + + having fled for refuge to Fabius, arrived safe at Capua under his protection. + + Thus Casilinum was captured on an accidental opportunity which occurred during + + the conferences and delay of those who were soliciting protection. The prisoners, + + both those who were Campanians and those who were Hannibal's soldiers, were + + sent to Rome, where they were shut up in a prison. The crowd of townsmen was + + distributed among the neighbouring people to be kept in custody. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">20 </div> + +<a id="f20" /> + +<p>At the same time that the consuls retired from Casilinum, their object having + + been accomplished, Gracchus, who was in Lucania, sent, under a prefect of the + + allies, some cohorts which he had levied in that country to ravage the lands + + of the enemy. These, as they were straggling in a careless manner, Hanno surprising, + + retorted upon his enemy a defeat not much less disastrous than he had himself + + received at Beneventum, and then hastily retired to the territory of the Bruttians, + + lest Gracchus should overtake him. Of the consuls, Marcellus returned to Nola, + + whence he had come, Fabius proceeded to Samnium to waste the lands, and recover + + by force the cities which had revolted. The Samnites of Caudium suffered the + + severest devastation; their fields were laid waste by fire for a wide extent, + + and both men and cattle were conveyed away as booty. The towns of Compulteria, + + Telesia, Compsa, Melae, Fulfulae, and Orbitanium, were taken by storm. Blandae, + + belonging to the Lucanians, and Aecae to the Apulians, were taken after a siege. + + Twenty-five thousand of the enemy were captured or slain in these towns, and + + three hundred and seventy deserters recovered; who, being sent to Rome by the + + consul, were all of them beaten with rods in the comitium, and thrown down from + + the rock. Such were the achievements of Fabius within the space of a few days. + + Ill health detained Marcellus from active operations at Nola. The town of Accua + + also was taken by storm, during the same period, by the praetor Quintus Fabius, + + whose province was the neighbourhood of Luceria; he also fortified a stationary + + camp at Ardonea. While the Romans were thus employed in different quarters, + + Hannibal had reached Tarentum, utterly destroying every thing whichsoever way + + he went. In the territory of Tarentum, the troops at length began to march in + + a peaceable manner. There nothing was violated, nor did they ever go out of + + the road; it was evident that this was done not from the moderation of the soldiery, + + or their general, but to conciliate the affections of the Tarentines. However, + + on advancing almost close to the walls without perceiving any movement, which + + he expected would occur on the sight of his vanguard, he pitched his camp about + + a mile off the city. Three days before the arrival of Hannibal, Marcus Livius, + + who had been sent by Marcus Valerius, the propraetor, commanding the fleet at + + Brundusium, had enlisted the young nobility of Tarentum, and stationing guards + + at every gate, and round the walls, wherever circumstances made it necessary, + + had kept such a strict watch both by day and night, as to give no opportunity + + for making any attempt either to the enemy or doubtful allies. On this account + + several days were consumed there to no purpose, when Hannibal, as none of those + + who had come to him at the lake Avernus, either came themselves or sent any + + letter or message, perceiving that he had carelessly followed delusive promises, + + moved his camp thence. Even after this he did not offer any violence to the + + Tarentine territory, not quitting the hope of shaking their allegiance to the + + Romans, though his simulated lenity had hitherto been of no advantage to him; + + but as soon as he came to Salapia he collected stores of corn there from the + + Metapontine and Heraclean lands; for midsummer was now past, and the situation + + pleased him as a place for winter quarters. From hence the Moors and Numidians + + were detached to plunder the territory of Sallentum, and the neighbouring woods + + of Apulia, from which not much booty of any other sort was obtained, but principally + + droves of horses, four thousand of which were distributed among his horsemen + + to be broken. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">21 </div> + +<a id="f21" /> + +<p>The Romans, since a war by no means to be despised was springing up in Sicily, + + and the death of the tyrant had furnished the Syracusans with more enterprising + + leaders, rather than changed their attachment to the Carthaginian cause, or + + the state of their minds, decreed that province to Marcus Marcellus, one of + + their consuls. After the assassination of Hieronymus, at first a tumult had + + taken place among the soldiery in the territory of the Leontines. They exclaimed + + furiously that the manes of the king should be appeased with the blood of the + + conspirators. Afterwards the frequent repetition of the word liberty, which + + was restored to them, a word so delightful to the ear, the hopes they had conceived + + of largesses from the royal treasury, and of serving in future under better + + generals, the relation of the horrid crimes and more horrid lusts of the tyrant, + + effected such an alteration in their sentiments, that they suffered to lie unburied + + the corpse of the king, whom a little before they regretted. As the rest of + + the conspirators remained behind, in order to keep the army on their side, Theodotus + + and Sosis, mounted on the king's horses, rode off to Syracuse with all possible + + speed, that they might surprise the king's party, while unacquainted with all + + that had occurred. But they were anticipated not only by report, than which + + nothing is swifter in such affairs, but also by a messenger who was one of the + + royal servants. In consequence, Andranodorus had occupied with strong garrisons + + the Insula and the citadel, and every other convenient part which he could. + + After sunset, when it was now growing dark, Theodotus and Sosis rode in by the + + Hexapylum, and displayed the royal vest stained with blood, and the ornament + + of the king's head; then passing through the Tycha, and calling the people at + + once to liberty and arms, bid them assemble in the Achradina. Some of the multitude + + ran out into the streets, some stood in the porches of their houses, while others + + looked out from the roofs and windows, and inquired what was the matter. Every + + part of the city was filled with lights and noises of various kinds. Assemblies + + of armed men were formed in the open spaces. Those who had no arms tore down + + from the temple of the Olympian Jupiter the spoils of the Gauls and Illyrians, + + which had been presented to Hiero by the Roman people, and hung up there by + + him; at the same time offering up prayers to Jupiter, that he would willingly, + + and without feeling offence, lend those consecrated weapons to those who were + + arming themselves in defence of their country, of the temples of their gods, + + and their liberty. This multitude was also joined by the watches which were + + stationed through the principal quarters of the city. In the island, Andranodorus, + + among other places, secured the public granaries by a garrison. This place, + + which was enclosed by a wall of stones hewn square, and built up on high, after + + the manner of a citadel, was occupied by a body of youth, who had been appointed + + to garrison it, and these sent messengers to the Achradina, to give information + + that the granaries and the corn were in the power of the senate. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">22 </div> + +<a id="f22" /> + +<p>At break of day the whole populace, armed and unarmed, assembled at the senate-house + + in the Achradina: where from the altar of Concord, which stood there, one of + + the nobles, named Polyaenus, delivered a liberal and temperate address. He said, + + that "men who had experienced servitude and contumely, were enraged against + + an evil which was well known, but that the Syracusans had rather heard from + + their fathers than seen with their own eyes the disasters which civil discord + + introduces." He said, "he commended them for the alacrity with which they had + + taken arms; but that he should commend them more if they should abstain from + + using them unless compelled by extreme necessity. At present he advised that + + ambassadors should be sent to Andranodorus, to charge him to submit to the direction + + of the senate and the people, to throw open the gates of the island, and withdraw + + the garrison. If he resolved to usurp the sovereignty of which he had been appointed + + guardian, that he would recommend that their liberty be recovered more energetically + + from Andranodorus than it had been from Hieronymus." From this assembly ambassadors + + were despatched. The senate began now to meet, which though during the reign + + of Hiero it had continued to be the public council of the state, from the time + + of his death up to the present had never been assembled or consulted upon any + + subject. When the ambassadors came to Andranodorus, he was himself moved by + + the unanimous opinion of his countrymen, by their having possession of other + + parts of the city, and by the fact that the strongest part of the island was + + betrayed and placed in the hands of others; but his wife, Demarata, the daughter + + of Hiero, still swelling with the pride of royalty and female presumption, called + + him out from the presence of the ambassadors, and reminded him of the expression + + so often repeated by the tyrant Dionysius, "that a man ought only to relinquish + + sovereign power when dragged by the feet, and not while sitting on horseback. + + That it was an easy thing, at any moment one pleased, to give up possession + + of grandeur, but that to create and obtain them was difficult and arduous. That + + he should obtain from the ambassadors a little time to deliberate, and to employ + + it in fetching the soldiers from the Leontines; to whom, if he promised the + + royal treasure, every thing would be at his disposal." This advice, suggested + + by a woman, Andranodorus neither entirely rejected nor immediately adopted, + + considering it the safer way to the attainment of power to temporize for the + + present. Accordingly he told the ambassadors to carry word back, that he should + + act subserviently to the senate and the people. The next day, as soon as it + + was light, he threw open the gates of the island, and came into the forum of + + the Achradina; then mounting the altar of Concord, from which Polyaenus had + + delivered his harangue the day before, he commenced a speech by soliciting pardon + + for his delay. "He had kept the gates closed," he said, "not as separating his + + own from the public interest, but from fear as to where the carnage would stop + + when once the sword was drawn; whether they would be satisfied with the blood + + of the tyrant, which was sufficient for their liberty, or whether all who were + + connected with the court, by consanguinity, affinity, or any offices, would, + + as implicated in another's guilt, be butchered. After he perceived that those + + who had liberated their country were desirous of preserving it when liberated, + + and that the counsels of all were directed towards the public good, he had not + + hesitated to restore to his country his own person and every thing else which + + had been committed to his honour and guardianship, since the person who had + + intrusted him with them had fallen a victim to his own madness." Then turning + + to the persons who had killed the tyrant, and calling on Theodotus and Sosis + + by name, he said, "You have performed a memorable deed, but believe me, your + + glory is only beginning, not yet perfected; and there still remains great danger + + lest the enfranchised state should be destroyed, if you do not provide for its + + tranquillity and harmony." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">23 </div> + +<a id="f23" /> + +<p>At the conclusion of this speech, he laid the keys of the gates and of the + + royal treasure at their feet; and on that day, retiring from the assembly in + + the highest spirits, they made supplication with their wives and children at + + all the temples of the gods. On the following day an assembly was held for the + + election of praetors. Andranodorus was created among the first; the rest consisted + + for the most part of the destroyers of the tyrant; two of these, Sopater and + + Dinomenes, they appointed in their absence. These, on hearing of what had passed + + at Syracuse, conveyed thither the royal treasure which was at Leontini, and + + put it into the hands of quaestors appointed for that purpose. The treasure + + also in the island and the Achradina was delivered to them, and that part of + + the wall which formed too strong a separation between the island and the other + + parts of the city, was demolished by general consent. Every thing else which + + was done was in conformity with this inclination of their minds to liberty. + + Hippocrates and Epicydes, on hearing of the death of the tyrant, which Hippocrates + + had wished to conceal even by putting the messenger to death, being deserted + + by the soldiery, returned to Syracuse, as that appeared the safest course under + + present circumstances; but lest if they appeared there in common they should + + become objects of suspicion, and looked upon as persons who were seeking an + + opportunity of effecting some change, they in the first place addressed themselves + + to the praetors and then through them to the senate. They declared, that "they + + were sent by Hannibal to Hieronymus, as to a friend and ally; that they had + + obeyed the orders of that man whom their general wished them to obey; that they + + desired to return to Hannibal; but as the journey would not be safe, as armed + + Romans were ranging at large through the whole of Sicily, that they requested + + to be furnished with some escort which might convey them in safety to Locri + + in Italy; and that thus they would confer a great obligation upon Hannibal, + + with little trouble." The request was easily obtained, for they were desirous + + of getting rid of these generals of the king, who were skilled in war, and at + + once necessitous and enterprising. But they did not exert themselves so as to + + effect what they desired with the requisite speed. Meanwhile these young men, + + who were of a military turn and accustomed to the soldiers, employed themselves + + in circulating charges against the senate and nobles, sometimes in the minds + + of the soldiers themselves, sometimes of the deserters, of which the greater + + part were Roman sailors, at other times of men belonging to the lowest order + + of the populace, insinuating, that "what they were secretly labouring and contriving + + to effect, was to place Syracuse under the dominion of the Romans with the pretence + + of a renewed alliance, and then that faction and the few promoters of the alliance + + would be supreme." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">24 </div> + +<a id="f24" /> + +<p>The crowds of persons disposed to hear and credit these insinuations which + + flowed into Syracuse from every quarter increased daily, and afforded hopes, + + not only to Epicydes but to Andranodorus also, of effecting a revolution. The + + latter, wearied at length by the importunities of his wife, who warned him, + + "that now was the favourable time for seizing the government, while every thing + + was in confusion in consequence of liberty being recent and not yet regularly + + established; while a soldiery supported by the royal pay was to be met with, + + and while generals sent by Hannibal and accustomed to the soldiery might forward + + the attempt;" he communicated his design with Themistus, who had married the + + daughter of Gelon, and a few days afterwards incautiously disclosed it to a + + certain tragic actor, named Ariston, to whom he was in the habit of committing + + other secrets. He was a man of reputable birth and fortune, nor did his profession + + disgrace them, for among the Greeks no pursuit of that kind was considered dishonourable. + + He therefore discovered the plot to the praetors, from a conviction that his + + country had a superior claim upon his fidelity. These having satisfied themselves + + that his statement was not false by indubitable proofs, took the advice of the + + elder senators, and with their sanction, having placed a guard at the doors, + + slew Themistus and Andranodorus as soon as they had entered the senate-house. + + A disturbance arising in consequence of this act, which, as none but the praetors + + knew the cause of it, wore an appearance of atrocity, the praetors, having at + + length procured silence, introduced the informer into the senate-house; and + + after he had in a regular manner detailed to the senate every particular, showing + + that the conspiracy owed its origin to the marriage of Harmonia, the daughter + + of Gelon, with Themistus; that the African and Spanish auxiliaries had been + + prepared to murder the praetors and others of the nobility; that it had been + + given out that their goods were to be the booty of the assassins; that already + + a band of mercenaries accustomed to obey the command of Andranodorus had been + + procured for the reoccupation of the island; and having then distinctly represented + + to them the several parts which the persons implicated in the transaction were + + performing, and having brought under their view the entire plot prepared for + + execution with men and arms; it seemed to the senate that they had fallen as + + justly as Hieronymus had. A shout was raised before the senate-house by a crowd + + of people variously disposed and uncertain of the facts; but as they were conducting + + themselves in a furious and menacing manner, the bodies of the conspirators + + in the vestibule of the senate-house restrained them with such alarm, that they + + silently followed the more discreet part of the commons to an assembly. Sopater + + was the person commissioned by the senate and his colleague to explain the affair. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">25 </div> + +<a id="f25" /> + +<p>Treating them as if they stood upon their trial, he began with their past lives; + + and insisted that Andranodorus and Themistus were the authors of every act of + + iniquity and impiety which had been perpetrated since the death of Hiero. "For + + what," said he, "did the boy Hieronymus ever do of his own accord? What could + + he do who had scarce as yet arrived at puberty? His tutors and guardians had + + ruled, while the odium rested on another. Therefore they ought to have been + + put to death either before Hieronymus or with him. Nevertheless those men, deservedly + + marked out for death, had attempted fresh crimes after the decease of the tyrant; + + first openly, when, closing the gates of the island, Andranodorus declared himself + + heir to the throne, and kept that as proprietor which he had held only in the + + capacity of guardian; afterwards, when betrayed by those who were in the island + + and blockaded by the whole body of the citizens who held the Achradina, he endeavoured + + to obtain, by secret and artful means, that sovereignty which he had in vain + + attempted openly; whom not even benefits and honorary distinction could move, + + for even this conspirator against the liberty of his country was created praetor + + among her liberators. But that wives of royal blood had infected them with this + + thirst for royalty, one having married the daughter of Hiero, the other the + + daughter of Gelon." On hearing these words, a shout arose from every part of + + the assembly, that "none of these women ought to live, and that not one of the + + royal family should be left alive." Such is the nature of the populace; they + + are either cringing slaves or haughty tyrants. They know not how with moderation + + to spurn or to enjoy that liberty which holds the middle place; nor are there + + generally wanting ministers, the panders to their resentment, who incite their + + eager and intemperate minds to blood and carnage. Thus, on the present occasion, + + the praetors instantly proposed the passing of a decree, which was consented + + to almost before it was proposed, that all the royal family should be put to + + death; and persons despatched for the purpose by the praetors, put to death + + Demarata, the daughter of Hiero, and Harmonia, the daughter of Gelon, the wives + + of Andranodorus and Themistus. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">26 </div> + +<a id="f26" /> + +<p>There was a daughter of Hiero, named Heraclea, the wife of Zoippus, who, having + + been sent by Hieronymus as ambassador to king Ptolemy, had become a voluntary + + exile. As soon as she was apprized that they were coming to her also, she fled + + for refuge into the chapel to the household gods, accompanied by her two virgin + + daughters, with dishevelled hair, and other marks of wretchedness. In addition + + to this, she had recourse to prayers also; she implored them "by the memory + + of her father, Hiero, and her brother, Gelon, that they would not suffer her, + + a guiltless person, to be consumed by their hatred of Hieronymus. That all that + + she had derived from his reign was the exile of her husband. That neither did + + she enjoy the same advantages as her sister while Hieronymus was alive, nor + + was her cause the same as hers now he was dead. What? Though her sister would + + have shared the throne with Andranodorus, had he succeeded in his designs, she + + must have been in servitude with the rest. Can any one doubt, that if information + + should be conveyed to Zoippus that Hieronymus had been put to death, and that + + Syracuse was free, he would instantly embark and return to his native land. + + But how are all human hopes deceived! His wife and children are struggling for + + their lives in his native land, now blessed with liberty! In what manner standing + + in the way of liberty or the laws? What danger could arise to any one from them, + + from a solitary, and in a manner, widowed woman and girls living in a state + + of orphanage? But perhaps it will be granted that no danger is to be apprehended + + from them, but alleged that the whole royal family is detested. If this were + + the case, she entreated that they would banish them far from Syracuse and Sicily, + + and order them to be conveyed to Alexandria, the wife to her husband, the daughters + + to their father." Seeing that their ears and minds were unimpressed, and that + + certain of them were drawing their swords to prevent a fruitless consumption + + of time, she gave over entreating for herself, and began to implore them to + + "spare, at least, her daughters, at an age which even exasperated enemies spared." + + She entreated them "that they would not, in their revenge on tyrants, themselves + + imitate the crimes which were odious to them." While thus employed, they dragged + + her from the sanctuary and murdered her; and after that they fell upon the virgins, + + who were sprinkled with the blood of their mother; who, distracted alike by + + fear and grief, and as if seized with madness, rushed out of the chapel with + + such rapidity, that had there been an opening by which they might have escaped + + into the street, they would have filled the city with confusion. As it was, + + they several times made their escape through the midst of so many armed men + + with their persons uninjured in the contracted space which the house afforded, + + and extricated themselves from their grasp, though they had to disengage themselves + + from so many and such strong hands; but at length enfeebled by wounds, and after + + covering every place with blood, they fell down lifeless. This murder, piteous + + as it was in itself, was rendered still more so by its happening that a short + + time after it a message arrived that they should not be killed, as the minds + + of the people were now turned to compassion. This compassion then gave rise + + to a feeling of anger, because so much haste had been shown in carrying the + + punishment into effect, and because no opportunity was left for relenting or + + retracing the steps of their passion. The multitude therefore gave vent to their + + indignation, and demanded an election to supply the places of Andranodorus and + + Themistus, for both of them had been praetors; an election by no means likely + + to be agreeable to the praetors. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">27 </div> + +<a id="f27" /> + +<p>The day was fixed for the election, when, to the surprise of all, one person + + from the extremity of the crowd nominated Epicydes, and then another from the + + same quarter nominated Hippocrates. Afterwards the voices in favour of these + + persons increased with the manifest approbation of the multitude. The assembly + + was one of a heterogeneous character, consisting not only of the commons, but + + a crowd of soldiers, with a large admixture even of deserters, who were desirous + + of innovation in every thing. The praetors, at first, concealed their feelings, + + and were for protracting the business; but at length, overcome by the general + + opinion, and apprehensive of a sedition, they declared them the praetors. These + + did not, however, immediately openly avow their sentiments, though they were + + chagrined that ambassadors had been sent to Appius Claudius to negotiate a ten + + days' truce, and that on obtaining this, others were sent to treat for the renewal + + of the old alliance. The Romans, with a fleet of a hundred ships, were then + + stationed at Murgantia, waiting the issue of the commotion raised at Syracuse + + by the death of the tyrants, and to what their recent acquisition of liberty + + would impel the people. Meanwhile, the Syracusan ambassadors were sent by Appius + + Claudius to Marcellus on his coming into Sicily, and Marcellus having heard + + the conditions of peace, and being of opinion that matters might be brought + + to a settlement, himself also sent ambassadors to Syracuse to treat with the + + praetors in person on the renewal of the alliance. But now by no means the same + + state of quiet and tranquillity existed there. Hippocrates and Epicydes, their + + fears being removed, after that intelligence had arrived that a Carthaginian + + fleet had put in at Pachynum, complained sometimes to the mercenary soldiers, + + at other times to the deserters, that Syracuse was being betrayed to the Romans. + + And when Appius began to station his ships at the mouth of the port, in order + + to inspire the other party with courage, their false insinuations appeared to + + receive great corroboration; and on the first impulse, the populace had even + + run down in a disorderly manner to prevent them from disembarking. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">28 </div> + +<a id="f28" /> + +<p>While affairs were in this unsettled state, it was resolved to call an assembly; + + in which, when some leaned to one side and some to the other, and an insurrection + + being on the point of breaking out, Apollonides, one of the nobles, delivered + + a speech fraught with salutary advice, considering the critical state of affairs: + + "Never," he said, "had a state a nearer prospect of safety and annihilation. + + For if they would all unanimously espouse the cause either of the Romans or + + the Carthaginians, there could be no state whose condition would be more prosperous + + and happy; but if they pulled different ways, the war between the Romans and + + Carthaginians would not be more bloody than that which would take place between + + the Syracusans themselves, in which both the contending parties would have their + + forces, their troops, and their generals, within the same walls. Every exertion + + ought therefore to be made that all might think alike. Which alliance would + + be productive of the greater advantages, was a question of quite a secondary + + nature, and of less moment; though the authority of Hiero ought to be followed + + in preference to that of Hieronymus in the selection of allies, and a friendship + + of which they had had a happy experience through a space of fifty years, ought + + to be chosen rather than one now untried and formerly unfaithful. That it ought + + also to have some weight in their deliberations, that peace with the Carthaginians + + might be refused in such a manner as not immediately, at least, to have a war + + with them, while with the Romans they must forthwith have either peace or war." + + The less of party spirit and warmth appeared in this speech the greater weight + + it had. A military council also was united with the praetors and a chosen body + + of senators; the commanders of companies also, and the praefects of the allies, + + were ordered to consult conjointly. After the question had been agitated with + + great warmth, at length, as there appeared to be no means of carrying on a war + + with the Romans, it was resolved that a treaty of peace should be formed, and + + that ambassadors should be sent with those from Rome to ratify the same. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">29 </div> + +<a id="f29" /> + +<p>Not many days intervened before ambassadors came from the Leontines, requesting + + troops to protect their frontiers; an embassy which appeared to afford a very + + favourable opportunity for disencumbering the city of a turbulent and disorderly + + rabble, and for removing their leaders to a distance. The praetor, Hippocrates, + + was ordered to lead the deserters thither. Many of the mercenary auxiliaries + + accompanying them made them number four thousand armed men. This expedition + + gave great delight both to those who were sent and those who sent them, for + + to the former an opportunity was afforded of change which they had long desired, + + while the latter were rejoiced because they considered that a kind of sink of + + the city had been drained off. But they had, as it were, only relieved a sick + + body for a time, that it might afterwards fall into a more aggravated disease. + + For Hippocrates began to ravage the adjoining parts of the Roman province, at + + first by stealthy excursions, but afterwards, when Appies had sent a body of + + troops to protect the lands of the allies, he made an attack with all his forces + + upon the guard posted over against him, and slew many. Marcellus, when informed + + of this, immediately sent ambassadors to Syracuse, who said that the faith of + + the treaty had been broken, and that there would never be wanting a cause for + + hostilities, unless Hippocrates and Epicydes were removed not only from Syracuse, + + but far from all Sicily. Epicydes, lest by being present he should be arraigned + + for the offence committed by his absent brother, or should be wanting on his + + own part in stirring up a war, proceeded himself also to the Leontines; and + + seeing that they were already sufficiently exasperated against the Romans, he + + endeavoured to detach them from the Syracusans also. His argument was, that + + the terms on which they had formed a treaty of peace with the Romans were, that + + whatever people had been subject to their kings should be placed under their + + dominion; and that now they were not satisfied with liberty unless they could + + also exercise kingly power and dominion over others. The answer, therefore, + + he said, which they ought to send back was, that the Leontines also considered + + themselves entitled to liberty, either on the ground that the tyrant fell in + + the streets of their city, or that there the shout was first raised for liberty; + + and that they were the persons who, abandoning the king's generals, flocked + + to Syracuse. That, therefore, either that article must be expunged from the + + treaty, or that that term of it would not be admitted. They easily persuaded + + the multitude; and when the ambassadors of Syracuse complained of the slaughter + + of the Roman guard, and ordered that Hippocrates and Epicydes should depart + + either to Locri or any other place they pleased, provided they quitted Sicily, + + a reply was made to them in a haughty manner, "that they had neither placed + + themselves at the disposal of the Syracusans to make a peace for them with the + + Romans, nor were they bound by the treaties of other people." This answer the + + Syracusans laid before the Romans, declaring at the same time that "the Leontines + + were not under their control, and that, therefore, the Romans might make war + + on them without violating the treaty subsisting between them; that they would + + also not be wanting in the war, provided that when brought again under subjection, + + they should form a part of their dominion, agreeably to the conditions of the + + peace." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">30 </div> + +<a id="f30" /> + +<p>Marcellus marched with his entire forces against Leontini, having sent for + + Appius also, in order that he might attack it in another quarter; when, such + + was the ardour of the troops in consequence of the indignation they felt at + + the Roman guards being put to the sword during the negotiations for a peace, + + that they took the town by storm on the first assault. Hippocrates and Epicydes, + + perceiving that the enemy were getting possession of the walls and breaking + + open the gates, retired with a few others into the citadel, from which they + + fled unobserved during the night to Herbessus. The Syracusans, who had marched + + from home with eight thousand troops, were met at the river Myla by a messenger, + + who informed them that the city was taken. The rest which he stated was a mixture + + of truth and falsehood; he said that there had been an indiscriminate massacre + + of the soldiers and the townsmen, and that he did not think that one person + + who had arrived at puberty had survived; that the town had been pillaged, and + + the property of the rich men given to the troops. On receiving such direful + + news the army halted; and while all were under violent excitement, the generals, + + Sosis and Dinomenes, consulted together as to the course to be taken. The scourging + + and beheading of two thousand deserters had given to this false statement a + + plausibility which excited alarm; but no violence was offered to any of the + + Leontine or other soldiers after the city was taken; and every man's property + + was restored to him, with the exception only of such as was destroyed in the + + first confusion which attended the capture of the city. The troops, who complained + + of their fellow-soldiers having been betrayed and butchered, could neither be + + induced to proceed to Leontini, nor wait where they were for more certain intelligence. + + The praetors, perceiving their minds disposed to mutiny, but concluding that + + their violence would not be of long continuance, if those who had led them on + + to such folly were removed, led the troops to Megara, whence they themselves + + with a few horsemen proceeded to Herbessus, under the expectation of having + + the city betrayed to them in the general consternation; but being disappointed + + in this attempt, they resolved to resort to force, and moved their camp from + + Megara on the following day, in order to attack Herbessus with all their forces. + + Hippocrates and Epicydes having formed the design of putting themselves into + + the hands of the soldiers, who were for the most part accustomed to them, and + + were now incensed at the report of the massacre of their comrades, not so much + + as a safe measure on the first view of it as that it was their only course, + + now that all hope was cut off, went out to meet the army. It happened that the + + troops which marched in the van were six hundred Cretans, who had been engaged + + in the service of Hieronymus under their command, and were under obligation + + to Hannibal, having been captured at the Trasimenus among the Roman auxiliaries, + + and dismissed by him. Hippocrates and Epicydes, recognising them by their standards + + and the fashion of their armour, held out olive branches, and the fillets usually + + worn by suppliants, and implored them to receive them into their ranks, protect + + them when received, and not betray them to the Syracusans, by whom they themselves + + would soon be delivered up to the Romans to be butchered. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">31 </div> + +<a id="f31" /> + +<p>But the Cretans with one accord called out to them to be of good courage; that + + they would share every fortune with them. During this conversation, the vanguard + + had halted, and the march was delayed; nor had the cause of the delay as yet + + reached the generals. After the report had spread that Hippocrates and Epicydes + + were there, and a voice was heard through the whole army, which showed evidently + + that the troops were pleased at their arrival, the praetors immediately gallopped + + to the front, and earnestly asked "what was the meaning of that violation of + + discipline, which the Cretans had committed in holding conference with the enemy, + + and allowing them to mingle with their ranks without the authority of the praetors." + + They ordered Hippocrates to be seized and thrown into chains. On hearing which + + such a clamour was raised, first by the Cretans and then by the rest, that it + + was quite evident if they proceeded farther that they would have cause to fear. + + In this state of anxiety and perplexity, they gave orders to march back to Megara, + + whence they had set out, and sent messengers to Syracuse, to give information + + of their present condition. Hippocrates added a deception, seeing that the minds + + of the troops were disposed to entertain every suspicion. Having sent some Cretans + + to lie in wait in the roads, he read a letter he pretended had been intercepted, + + but which he had written himself. The address was: "The praetors of Syracuse + + to the consul Marcellus." After the customary wishing of health, it stated "that + + he had acted duly and properly in sparing none of the Leontines, but that the + + cause of all the mercenary troops was the same, and that Syracuse would never + + be tranquil while there were any foreign auxiliaries in the city or in the army. + + That it was therefore necessary that he should endeavour to get into his power + + those who were encamped at Megara, with their praetors, and by punishing them, + + at length restore Syracuse to liberty." After this letter had been read, they + + ran to seize their arms in every direction, with so great a clamour, that the + + praetors, in the utmost consternation, rode away to Syracuse during the confusion. + + The mutiny, however, was not quelled even by their flight, but an attack was + + made upon the Syracusan soldiers; nor would any one have escaped their violence, + + had not Hippocrates and Epicydes opposed the resentment of the multitude, not + + from pity or any humane motive, but lest they should cut off all hope of effecting + + their return; and that they might have the soldiers, both as faithful supporters + + of their cause, and as hostages, and conciliate to themselves their relatives + + and friends, in the first place by so great an obligation, and in the next by + + reason of the pledge. Having also experienced that the populace could be excited + + by any cause, however groundless or trifling, they procured a soldier of the + + number of those who were besieged at Leontini, whom they suborned to carry a + + report to Syracuse, corresponding with that which had been falsely told at the + + Myla; and by vouching for what he stated, and relating as matters which he had + + seen, those things of which doubts were entertained, to kindle the resentment + + of the people. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">32 </div> + +<a id="f32" /> + +<p>This man not only obtained credit with the commons, but being introduced into + + the senate-house, produced an impression upon the senate also. Some men of no + + small authority openly declared, that it was very fortunate that the rapacity + + and cruelty of the Romans had been made apparent in the case of the Leontines; + + that if they had entered Syracuse, they would have committed the same or even + + more horrible acts, as there the temptations to rapacity would have been greater. + + All, therefore, advised that the gates should be closed and the city guarded, + + but not the same persons were objects of fear or hatred to all alike. Among + + the soldiers of every kind, and a great part of the people, the Roman name was + + hated. The praetors, and a few of the nobles, though enraged by the fictitious + + intelligence, rather directed their cautions against a nearer and more immediate + + evil. Hippocrates and Epicycles were now at the Hexapylum; and conversations + + were taking place, fomented by the relatives of the native soldiers who were + + in the army, touching the opening of the gates, and the allowing their common + + country to be defended from the violence of the Romans. One of the doors of + + the Hexapylum was now thrown open, and the troops began to be taken in at it, + + when the praetors interposed; and first by commands and menaces, then by advice, + + they endeavoured to deter them from their purpose, and last of all, every other + + means proving ineffectual, forgetful of their dignity, they tried to move them + + by prayers, imploring them not to betray their country to men heretofore the + + satellites of the tyrant, and now the corrupters of the army. But the ears of + + the excited multitude were deaf to all these arguments, and the exertions made + + from within to break open the gates, were not less than those without; the gates + + were all broken open, and the whole army received into the Hexapylum. The praetors, + + with the youth of the city, fled into the Achradina; the mercenary soldiers + + and deserters, with all the soldiers of the late king who were at Syracuse, + + joined the forces of the enemy. The Achradina also was therefore taken on the + + first assault, and all the praetors, except such as escaped in the confusion, + + were put to the sword. Night put an end to the carnage. On the following day + + the slaves were invited to liberty, and those bound in prison were released; + + after which this mixed rabble created Hippocrates and Epicydes their praetors, + + and thus Syracuse, when for a brief period the light of liberty had shone on + + it, relapsed into her former state of servitude. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">33 </div> + +<a id="f33" /> + +<p>The Romans, on receiving information of these events, immediately moved their + + camp from Leontini to Syracuse. It happened at this time that ambassadors were + + sent by Appius in a quinquereme, to make their way through the harbour. A quadrireme + + was sent in advance, which was captured as soon as it entered the mouth of the + + harbour, and the ambassadors with difficulty made their escape. And now not + + only the laws of peace but of war also were not regarded, when the Roman army + + pitched their camp at Olympium, a temple of Jupiter, a mile and a half from + + the city. From which place also it was thought proper that ambassadors should + + be sent forward; these were met by Hippocrates and Epicydes with their friends + + without the gate, to prevent their entering the city. The Roman, who was appointed + + to speak, said that "he did not bring war, but aid and assistance to the Syracusans, + + not only to such as, escaping from the midst of the carnage, fled to the Romans + + for protection, but to those also, who, overpowered by fear, were submitting + + to a servitude more shocking, not only than exile, but than death. Nor would + + the Romans suffer the horrid murder of their friends to go unavenged. If, therefore, + + those who had taken refuge with them were allowed to return to their country + + with safety, the authors of the massacre delivered up, and the Syracusans reinstated + + in the enjoyment of their liberty and laws, there would be no necessity for + + arms; but if these things were not done, they would direct their arms unceasingly + + against those who delayed them, whoever they might be." Epicydes replied, that + + "if they had been commissioned with any message for them, they would have given + + them an answer; and when the government of Syracuse was in the hands of those + + persons to whom they were come, they might visit Syracuse again. If they should + + commence hostilities, they would learn by actual experience that it was by no + + means the same thing to besiege Syracuse and Leontini." With this he left the + + ambassadors and closed the gate. The siege of Syracuse then commenced by sea + + and land at the same time; by land on the side of the Hexapylum; by sea on the + + side of the Achradina, the wall of which is washed by its waves; and as the + + Romans felt a confidence that as they had taken Leontini by the terror they + + occasioned on the first assault, they should be able in some quarter to effect + + an entrance into a city so desert, and diffused over so large an extent of ground, + + they brought up to the walls every kind of engine for besieging cities. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">34 </div> + +<a id="f34" /> + +<p>And an attempt made with so much energy would have succeeded, had it not been + + for one person then at Syracuse. That person was Archimedes, a man of unrivalled + + skill in observing the heavens and the stars, but more deserving of admiration + + as the inventor and constructor of warlike engines and works, by means of which, + + with a very slight effort, he turned to ridicule what the enemy effected with + + great difficulty. The wall which ran along unequal eminences, most of which + + were high and difficult of access, some low and open to approach along level + + vales, he furnished with every kind of warlike engine, as seemed suitable to + + each particular place. Marcellus attacked from the quinqueremes the wall of + + the Achradina, which, as before stated, was washed by the sea. From the other + + ships the archers and slingers and light infantry, whose weapon is difficult + + to be thrown back by the unskilful, allowed scarce any person to remain upon + + the wall unwounded. These, as they required room for the discharge of their + + missiles, kept their ships at a distance from the wall. Eight more quinqueremes + + joined together in pairs, the oars on their inner sides being removed, so that + + side might be placed to side, and which forming as it were ships, were worked + + by means of the oars on the outer sides, carried turrets built up in stories, + + and other engines employed in battering walls. Against this naval armament, + + Archimedes placed on different parts of the walls engines of various dimensions. + + Against the ships which were at a distance he discharged stones of immense weight. + + Those which were nearer he assailed with lighter, and therefore more numerous + + missiles. Lastly, in order that his own men might heap their weapons upon the + + enemy, without receiving any wounds themselves, he perforated the wall from + + the top to the bottom with a great number of loop-holes, about a cubit in diameter, + + through which some with arrows, others with scorpions of moderate size, assailed + + the enemy without being seen. Certain ships which came nearer to the walls in + + order to get within the range of the engines, he placed upon their sterns, raising + + up their prows by throwing upon them an iron grapple, attached to a strong chain, + + by means of a tolleno which projected from the wall, and overhung them, having + + a heavy counterpoise of lead which forced back the lever to the ground; then + + the grapple being suddenly disengaged, the ship falling as it were from the + + wall, was, by these means, to the utter consternation of the mariners, dashed + + in such a manner against the water, that even if it fell back in an erect position + + it took in a great quantity of water. Thus the attack by sea was foiled, and + + their whole efforts were directed to an attack by land with all their forces. + + But on this side also the place was furnished with a similar array of engines + + of every kind, procured at the expense of Hiero, who had given his attention + + to this object through a course of many years, and constructed by the unrivalled + + abilities of Archimedes. The nature of the place also assisted them; for the + + rock which formed the foundation of the wall was for the most part so steep, + + that not only materials discharged from engines, but such as were rolled down + + by their own gravity, fell upon the enemy with great force; the same cause rendered + + the approach to the city difficult, and the footing unsteady. Wherefore, a council + + being held, it was resolved, since every attempt was frustrated, to abstain + + from assaulting the place, and keeping up a blockade, only to cut off the provisions + + of the enemy by sea and land. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">35 </div> + +<a id="f35" /> + +<p>Meanwhile, Marcellus, who had set out with about a third part of the army, + + to recover the towns which, during the commotion, had gone over to the Carthaginians, + + regained Helorus and Herbessus by voluntary surrender. Megara, which he took + + by storm, he demolished and plundered, in order to terrify the rest, but particularly + + the Syracusans. Much about the same time, Himilco, who had kept his fleet for + + a long time at the promontory of Pachynus, landed twenty-five thousand infantry, + + three thousand horse, and twelve elephants, at Heraclea, which they call Minoa. + + This force was much greater than that which he had before on board his fleet + + at Pachynus. But after Syracuse was seized by Hippocrates, he proceeded to Carthage, + + where, being aided by ambassadors from Hippocrates, and a letter from Hannibal, + + who said that now was the time to recover Sicily with the highest honour, while + + his own advice given in person had no small influence, he had prevailed upon + + the Carthaginians to transport into Sicily as large a force as possible, both + + of foot and horse. Immediately on his arrival he retook Heraclea, and within + + a few days after Agrigentum; and in the other states which sided with the Carthaginians, + + such confident hopes were kindled of driving the Romans out of Sicily, that + + at last even those who were besieged at Syracuse took courage; and thinking + + that half their forces would be sufficient for the defence of the city, they + + divided the business of the war between them in such a manner, that Epicydes + + superintended the defence of the city, while Hippocrates, in conjunction with + + Himilco, prosecuted the war against the Roman consul. The latter, having passed + + by night through the intervals between the posts, with ten thousand foot and + + five hundred horse, was pitching a camp near the city Acrillae, when Marcellus + + came upon them, while engaged in raising the fortifications, on his return from + + Agrigentum, which was already occupied by the enemy, having failed in his attempt + + to get there before the enemy by expeditious marching, Marcellus calculated + + upon any thing rather than meeting with a Syracusan army at that time and place; + + but still through fear of Himilco and the Carthaginians, for whom he was by + + no means a match with the forces he had with him, he was marching with all possible + + circumspection, and with his troops so arranged, as to be prepared for any thing + + which might occur. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">36 </div> + +<a id="f36" /> + +<p>It happened that the caution he had observed with intent to guard him against + + the Carthaginians, proved useful against the Sicilians. Having caught them in + + disorder and dispersed, employed in forming their camp, and for the most part + + unarmed, he cut off all their infantry. Their cavalry, having commenced a slight + + engagement, fled to Acrae with Hippocrates. This battle having checked the Sicilians + + in their purpose of revolting from the Romans, Marcellus returned to Syracuse, + + and a few days after Himilco, being joined by Hippocrates, encamped on the river + + Anapus, about eight miles distant from that place. Nearly about the same time, + + fifty-five ships of war of the Carthaginians, with Bomilcar as commander of + + the fleet, put into the great harbour of Syracuse from the sea, and a Roman + + fleet of thirty quinqueremes landed the first legion at Panormus; and so intent + + were both the contending powers upon Sicily, that the seat of war might seem + + to have been removed from Italy. Himilco, who thought that the Roman legion + + which had been landed at Panormus, would doubtless fall a prey to him on its + + way to Syracuse, was mistaken in his road; for the Carthaginian marched through + + the inland parts of the country, while the legion, keeping along the coast, + + and attended by the fleet, came up with Appius Claudius, who had advanced to + + Pachynum with a part of his forces to meet it. Nor did the Carthaginians delay + + longer at Syracuse. Bomilcar, who at the same time that he did not feel sufficient + + confidence in his naval strength, as the Romans had a fleet more than double + + his number, was aware that delay which could be attended with no good effect, + + would only increase the scarcity of provisions among the allies by the presence + + of his troops, sailed out into the deep, and crossed over into Africa. Himilco, + + who had in vain followed Marcellus to Syracuse, to see if he could get any opportunity + + of engaging him before he was joined by larger forces, failing in this object, + + and seeing that the enemy were secured at Syracuse, both by their fortifications + + and the strength of their forces, to avoid wasting time in sitting by as an + + idle spectator of the siege of his allies, without being able to do any good, + + marched his troops away, in order to bring them up wherever the prospect of + + revolt from the Romans might invite him, and wherever by his presence he might + + inspire additional courage in those who espoused his interest. He first got + + possession of Murgantia, the Roman garrison having been betrayed by the inhabitants + + themselves. Here a great quantity of corn and provisions of every kind had been + + laid up by the Romans. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">37 </div> + +<a id="f37" /> + +<p>To this revolt the minds of other states also were stimulated; and the Roman + + garrisons were now either driven out of the citadels, or treacherously given + + up and overpowered. Enna, which stood on an eminence lofty and of difficult + + ascent on all sides, was impregnable on account of its situation, and had besides + + in its citadel a strong garrison commanded by one who was very unlikely to be + + overreached by treachery, Lucius Pinarius, a man of vigorous mind, who relied + + more on the measures he took to prevent treachery, than on the fidelity of the + + Sicilians; and at that time particularly the intelligence he had received of + + so many cities being betrayed, and revolting, and of the massacre of the garrisons, + + had made him solicitous to use every precaution. Accordingly, by day and night + + equally, every thing was kept in readiness, and every place furnished with guards + + and watches, the soldiery being continually under arms and at their posts. But + + when the principal men in Enna, who had already entered into a covenant with + + Himilco to betray the garrison, found that they could get no opportunity of + + circumventing the Roman, they resolved to act openly. They urged, that "the + + city and the citadel ought to be under their control, as they had formed an + + alliance with the Romans on the understanding that they were to be free, and + + had not been delivered into their custody as slaves. That they therefore thought + + it just that the keys of the gates should be restored to them. That their honour + + formed the strongest tie upon good allies, and that the people and senate of + + Rome would entertain feelings of gratitude towards them if they continued in + + friendship with them of their own free will, and not by compulsion." The Roman + + replied, that "he was placed there by his general to protect the place; that + + from him he had received the keys of the gates and the custody of the citadel, + + trusts which he held not subject to his own will, nor that of the inhabitants + + of Enna, but to his who committed them to him. That among the Romans, for a + + man to quit his post was a capital offence, and that parents had sanctioned + + that law by the death even of their own children. That the consul Marcellus + + was not far off; that they might send ambassadors to him, who possessed the + + right and liberty of deciding." But they said, they would certainly not send + + to him, and solemnly declared, that as they could not obtain their object by + + argument, they would seek some means of asserting their liberty. Pinarius upon + + this observed, "that if they thought it too much to send to the consul, still + + they would, at least, grant him an assembly of the people, that it might be + + ascertained whether these denunciations came from a few, or from the whole state." + + An assembly of the people was proclaimed for the next day, with the general + + consent. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">38 </div> + +<a id="f38" /> + +<p>After this conference, he returned into the citadel, and assembling his soldiers, + + thus addressed them: "Soldiers, I suppose you have heard in what manner the + + Roman garrisons have been betrayed and cut off by the Sicilians of late. You + + have escaped the same treachery, first by the kindness of the gods, and secondly + + by your own good conduct, in unremittingly standing and watching under arms. + + I wish the rest of our time may be passed without suffering or committing dreadful + + things. This caution, which we have hitherto employed, has been directed against + + covert treachery, but not succeeding in this as they wished, they now publicly + + and openly demand back the keys of the gates; but as soon as we shall have delivered + + them up, Enna will be instantly in the hands of the Carthaginians, and we shall + + be butchered under circumstances more horrid than those with which the garrison + + of Murgantia were massacred. I have with difficulty procured a delay of one + + night for deliberation, that I might employ it in acquainting you with the danger + + which threatens you. At daybreak they intend holding a general assembly for + + the purpose of criminating me, and stirring up the people against you; to-morrow, + + therefore, Enna will be inundated either with your blood, or that of its own + + inhabitants. If they are beforehand with you, you will have no hope left, but + + if you anticipate their proceedings, you will have no danger. Victory will belong + + to that side which shall have drawn the sword first. You shall all, therefore, + + full armed, attentively wait the signal. I shall be in the assembly, and by + + talking and disputing will spin out the time till every thing shall be ready. + + When I shall have given the signal with my gown, then, mind me raising a shout + + on all sides rush upon the multitude, and fell all before you with the sword, + + taking care that no one survive from whom either force or fraud can be apprehended. + + You, mother Ceres and Proserpine, I entreat, and all ye other gods, celestial + + and infernal, who frequent this city and these consecrated lakes and groves, + + that you would lend us your friendly and propitious aid, as we adopt this measure + + not for the purpose of inflicting, but averting injury. I should exhort you + + at greater length my soldiers, if you were about to fight with armed men, men + + unarmed and off their guard, you will slay to satiety. The consul's camp too + + is near, so that nothing can be apprehended from Himilco and the Carthaginians'." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">39 </div> + +<a id="f39" /> + +<p>Being allowed to retire immediately after this exhortation, they employed themselves + + in taking refreshment. The next day they stationed themselves some in one place + + and others in another, to block up the streets, and shut up the ways by which + + the townsmen might escape, the greater part of them stationing themselves upon + + and round the theatre, as they had been accustomed before also to be spectators + + of the assemblies. When the Roman praefect, having been brought into the presence + + of the people by the magistrates, said, that the power and authority of deciding + + the question appertained to the consul, and not to him, repeating for the most + + part what he had urged the day before, first of all a small number, and then + + more, desired him to give up the keys, but afterwards all with one consent demanded + + it, and when he hesitated and delayed, threatened him furiously, and seemed + + as though they would not further delay violent extremities then the praefect + + gave the signal agreed upon with his gown and the soldiers, who had been long + + anxiously waiting the signal, and in readiness, raising a shout, ran down, some + + of them from the higher ground, upon the rear of the assembly while others blocked + + up the passages leading out of the crowded theatre. The people of Enna thus + + shut up in the pit were put to the sword, being heaped one upon another not + + only in consequence of the slaughter, but also from their own efforts to escape, + + for some scrambling over the heads of others, and those that were unhurt falling + + upon the wounded, and the living upon the dead, they were accumulated together. + + Thence they ran in every direction throughout the city, when nothing was any + + where to be seen but flight and bloodshed, as though the city had been captured, + + for the rage of the soldiery was not less excited in putting to the sword an + + unarmed rabble, than it would have been had the heat of battle and an equality + + of danger stimulated it. Thus possession of Enna was retained, by an act which + + was either atrocious or unavoidable. Marcellus did not disapprove of the deed, + + and gave up the plunder of the place to the soldiery, concluding that the Sicilians, + + deterred by this example, would refrain from betraying their garrisons. As this + + city was situated in the heart of Sicily, and was distinguished both on account + + of the remarkable strength of its natural situation, and because every part + + of it was rendered sacred by the traces it contained of the rape of Proserpine + + of old, the news of its disaster spread though the whole of Sicily in nearly + + one day, and as people considered that by this horrid massacre violence had + + been done not only to the habitations of men, but even of the gods, then indeed + + those who even before this event were in doubt which side they should take, + + revolted to the Carthaginians Hippocrates and Himilco, who had in vain brought + + up their troops to Enna at the invitation of the traitors, retired thence, the + + former to Murgantia, the latter to Agrigentum. Marcellus retrograded into the + + territory of Leontium, and after collecting a quantity of corn and other provisions + + in his camp there, left a small body of troops to protect it, and then went + + to carry on the siege of Syracuse. Appius Claudius having been allowed to go + + from thence to Rome to put up for the consulship, he appointed Titus Quintus + + Crispinus to command the fleet and the old camp in his room. He himself fortified + + his camp, and built huts for his troops at a distance of five miles from Hexapylum, + + at a place called Leon. These were the transactions in Sicily up to the beginning + + of the winter. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">40 </div> + +<a id="f40" /> + +<p>The same summer the war with king Philip, as had been before suspected, broke + + out. Ambassadors from Oricum came to Marcus Valerius, the praetor, who was directing + + his fleet around Brundusium and the neighbouring coasts of Calabria, with intelligence, + + that Philip had first made an attempt upon Apollonia, having approached it by + + sailing up the river with a hundred and twenty barks with two banks of oars; + + after that, not succeeding so speedily as he had hoped, that he had brought + + up his army secretly to Oricum by night; which city, as it was situated on a + + plain, and was not secured either by fortifications or by men and arms, was + + overpowered at the first assault. At the same time that they delivered this + + intelligence, they entreated him to bring them succour, and repel that decided + + enemy of the Romans by land or by a naval force, since they were attacked for + + no other cause than that they lay over against Italy. Marcus Valerius, leaving + + Publius Valerius lieutenant-general charged with the protection of that quarter, + + set sail with his fleet equipped and prepared, having put on board of ships + + of burthen such soldiers as there was not room for in the men of war, and reached + + Oricum on the second day; and as that city was occupied by a slight garrison, + + which Philip had left on his departure thence, he retook it without much opposition. + + Here ambassadors came to him from Apollonia, stating that they were subjected + + to a siege because they were unwilling to revolt from the Romans, and that they + + would not be able any longer to resist the power of the Macedonians, unless + + a Roman force were sent for their protection. Having undertaken to perform what + + they wished, he sent two thousand chosen armed men in ships of war to the mouth + + of the river, under the command of Quintus Naevius Crista, praefect of the allies, + + a man of enterprise, and experienced in military affairs. Having landed his + + troops, and sent back the ships to join the rest of the fleet at Oricum, whence + + he had come, he marched his troops at a distance from the river, by a way not + + guarded at all by the king's party, and entered the city by night, so that none + + of the enemy perceived him. During the following day they remained quiet, to + + afford time for the praefect to inspect the youth of Apollonia, together with + + the arms and resources of the city. Having derived considerable confidence from + + a review and inspection of these, and at the same time discovering from scouts + + the supineness and negligence which prevailed among the enemy, he marched out + + of the city during the dead of night without any noise, and entered the camp + + of the enemy, which was in such a neglected and exposed state, that it was quite + + clear that a thousand men had passed the rampart before any one perceived them, + + and that had they abstained from putting them to the sword, they might have + + penetrated to the royal pavilion. The killing of those who were nearest the + + gate aroused the enemy; and in consequence, they were all seized with such alarm + + and dismay, that not only none of the rest attempted to take arms or endeavour + + to expel the enemy from the camp, but even the king himself, betaking himself + + to flight, in a manner half naked and just as he was when roused from his sleep, + + hurried away to the river and his ships in a garb scarcely decent for a private + + soldier, much less for a king. Thither also the rest of the multitude fled with + + the utmost precipitation. Little less than three thousand men were slain or + + made prisoners in the camp; considerably more, however, were captured than slain. + + The camp having been plundered, the Apollonians removed into their city the + + catapults, ballistas, and other engines which had been got together for the + + purpose of assaulting their city, for the protection of their walls, in case + + at any time a similar conjuncture should arise; all the rest of the plunder + + which the camp afforded was given up to the Romans. Intelligence of these events + + having been carried to Oricum, Marcus Valerius immediately brought his fleet + + to the mouth of the river, that the king might not attempt to make his escape + + by ship. Thus Philip, having lost all hope of being able to cope with his enemies + + by land or sea, and having either hauled on shore or burnt his ships, made for + + Macedonia by land, his troops being for the most part unarmed and despoiled + + of their baggage. The Roman fleet, with Marcus Valerius, wintered at Oricum. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">41 </div> + +<a id="f41" /> + +<p>The same year the war was prosecuted in Spain with various success; for before + + the Romans crossed the Iberus, Mago and Hasdrubal had routed an immense army + + of Spaniards; and the farther Spain would have revolted from the Romans, had + + not Publius Cornelius, hastily crossing the Iberus with his army, given a seasonable + + stimulus to the wavering resolutions of his allies by his arrival among them. + + The Romans first encamped at a place called the High Camp, which is remarkable + + for the death of the great Hamilcar. It was a fortress strongly defended by + + works, and thither they had previously conveyed corn; but as the whole circumjacent + + country was full of enemy's troops, and the Roman army on its march had been + + charged by the cavalry of the enemy without being able to take revenge upon + + them, two thousand men, who either loitered behind or had strayed through the + + fields, having been slain, the Romans quitted this place to get nearer to a + + friendly country, and fortified a camp at the mount of Victory. To this place + + came Cneius Scipio with all his forces, and Hasdrubal, son of Gisgo, and a third + + Carthaginian general, with a complete army, all of whom took up a position opposite + + the Roman camp and on the other side the river. Publius Scipio, going out with + + some light troops to take a view of the surrounding country, was observed by + + the enemy; and he would have been overpowered in the open plain, had he not + + seized an eminence near him. Here too he was closely invested, but was rescued + + from the troops which environed him by the arrival of his brother. Castulo, + + a city of Spain, so strong and celebrated, and so closely connected with the + + Carthaginians, that Hannibal had taken a wife from it, revolted to the Romans. + + The Carthaginians commenced the siege of Illiturgi, because there was a Roman + + garrison in it; and it seemed that they would carry the place, chiefly in consequence + + of a lack of provisions. Cneius Scipio, setting out with a legion lightly equipped, + + in order to bring succour to his allies and the garrison, entered the city, + + passing between the two camps of the enemy, and slaying a great number of them. + + The next day also he sallied out and fought with equal success. Above twelve + + thousand were slain in the two battles, more than a thousand made prisoners, + + and thirty-six military standards captured. In consequence of this they retired + + from Illiturgi. After this the siege of Bigerra, a city which was also in alliance + + with the Romans, was commenced by the Carthaginians; but Scipio coming up, raised + + the siege without experiencing any opposition. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">42 </div> + +<a id="f42" /> + +<p>The Carthaginians then removed their camp to Munda, whither the Romans speedily + + followed them. Here a pitched battle was fought, which lasted almost four hours; + + and while the Romans were carrying all before them in the most glorious manner, + + the signal for retreat was sounded, because the thigh of Cneius Scipio had been + + transfixed with a javelin. The soldiers round about him were thrown into a state + + of great alarm, lest the wound should be mortal. However, there was no doubt + + but that if they had not been prevented by the intervention of this accident, + + they might have taken the Carthaginian camp that day. By this time, not only + + the men, but the elephants, were driven quite up to the rampart; and even upon + + the top of it nine and thirty elephants were pierced with spears. In this battle, + + too, as many as twelve thousand are said to have been slain, nearly three thousand + + captured, with fifty-seven military standards. The Carthaginians retired thence + + to the city Auringis, whither the Romans followed them, in order to take advantage + + of their terror. Here Scipio again fought them, having been carried into the + + field in a small litter; the victory was decisive; but not half so many of the + + enemy were slain as before, because fewer survived to fight. But this family, + + which possessed a natural talent at renewing war and restoring its effects, + + in a short time recruited their army, Mago having been sent by his brother to + + press soldiers, and assumed courage to try the issue of a fresh struggle. Though + + the soldiers were for the most part different, yet as they fought in a cause + + which had so often been unsuccessful within the space of a few days, they carried + + into the field the same state of mind as those which had been engaged before, + + and the issue of the battle was similar. More than eight thousand were slain, + + not much less than a thousand captured, with fifty-eight military standards. + + The greater part of the spoils had belonged to the Gauls, consisting of golden + + chains and bracelets in great numbers. Also two distinguished Gallic petty princes, + + whose names were Moenicaptus and Civismarus, fell in this battle. Eight elephants + + were captured and three slain. When affairs went on so prosperously in Spain, + + the Romans began to feel ashamed that Saguntum, on account of which the war + + had originated, should continue for now the eighth year in the power of the + + enemy. Accordingly, having expelled by force the Carthaginian garrison, they + + retook that town, and restored it to such of the ancient inhabitants as had + + survived the fury of the war. The Turditanians also, who had been the cause + + of the war between that people and the Carthaginians, they reduced under their + + power, sold them as slaves, and razed their city. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">43 </div> + +<a id="f43" /> + +<p>Such were the achievements in Spain during the consulate of Quintus Fabius + + and Marcus Claudius. At Rome, as soon as the new plebeian tribunes entered upon + + their office, Lucius Metellus, a plebeian tribune, immediately appointed a day + + for impleading the censors, Publius Furius and Marcus Atilius, before the people. + + In the preceding year, when he was quaestor, they had deprived him of his horse, + + removed him from his tribe, and disfranchised him, on account of the conspiracy + + entered into at Cannae to abandon Italy. But being aided by the other nine tribunes, + + they were forbidden to answer while in office, and were discharged. The death + + of Publius Furius prevented their completing the lustrum. Marcus Atilius abdicated + + his office. An assembly for the election of consuls was held by Quintus Fabius + + Maximus. The consuls elected were Quintus Fabius Maximus, son of the consul, + + and Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus a second time, both being absent. The praetors + + appointed were Marcus Atilius, and the two curule aediles, Publius Sempronius + + Tuditanus and Cneius Fulvius Centumalus, together with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. + + It is recorded, that the scenic games were this year, for the first time, celebrated + + for four days by the curule aediles. The aedile Tuditanus was the man who made + + his way through the midst of the enemy at Cannae when all the rest were paralysed + + with fear, in consequence of that dreadful calamity. As soon as the elections + + were completed, the consuls elect having been summoned to Rome, at the instance + + of Quintus Fabius, the consul, entered upon their office, and took the sense + + of the senate respecting the war, their own provinces as well as those of the + + praetors, and also respecting the armies to be employed, and which each of them + + was to command. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">44 </div> + +<a id="f44" /> + +<p>The provinces and armies were thus distributed: the prosecution of the war + + with Hannibal was given to the consuls, and of the armies, one which Sempronius + + himself had commanded, and another which the consul Fabius had commanded, each + + consisting of two legions. Marcus Aemilius, the praetor, who had the foreign + + jurisdiction, was to have Luceria as his province, with the two legions which + + Quintus Fabius, then consul, had commanded as praetor, his colleague, Marcus + + Atilius, the city praetor, undertaking the duties of his office. The province + + of Ariminum fell to the lot of Publius Sempronius, that of Suessula to Cneius + + Fulvius, with two legions each likewise; Fulvius taking with him the city legions; + + Tuditanus receiving his from Manius Pomponius. The following generals were continued + + in command, and their provinces assigned to them thus: to Marcus Claudius, so + + much of Sicily as lay within the limits of the kingdom of Hiero; to Lentulus, + + the propraetor, the old province in that island; to Titus Otacilius, the fleet; + + no additional troops were assigned to them. Marcus Valerius had Greece and Macedonia, + + with the legion and the fleet which he had there; Quintus Mucius had Sardinia, + + with his old army, consisting of two legions; Caius Terentius, Picenum, with + + one legion which he then commanded. Besides, orders were given to enlist two + + legions for the city, and twenty thousand men from the allies. With these leaders + + and these forces did they fortify the Roman empire against the many wars which + + had either actually broken out, or were suspected at one and the same time. + + After enlisting the city legions and raising troops to make up the numbers of + + the others, the consuls, before they quitted the city, expiated the prodigies + + which were reported. A wall and a gate had been struck by lightning; and at + + Aricia even the temple of Jupiter had been struck by lightning. Other illusions + + of the eyes and ears were credited as realities. An appearance as of ships had + + been seen in the river at Tarracina, when there were none there. A clashing + + of arms was heard in the temple of Jupiter Vicilinus, in the territory of Compsa; + + and a river at Amiternum had flowed bloody. These prodigies having been expiated + + according to a decree of the pontiffs, the consuls set out, Sempronius for Lucania, + + Fabius for Apulia. The father of the latter came into the camp at Suessula, + + as his lieutenant-general; and when the son advanced to meet him, the lictors, + + out of respect for his dignity, went on in silence. The old man rode past eleven + + of the fasces, when the consul ordered the lictor nearest to him to take care + + and he called to him to dismount; then at length dismounting, he exclaimed, + + "I wished to try, my son, whether you were duly sensible that you are a consul." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">45 </div> + +<a id="f45" /> + +<p>To this camp came Dasias Altinius of Arpi privately and by night, attended + + by three slaves, with a promise that if he should receive a reward for it, he + + would engage to betray Arpi to them. Fabius having laid the matter before a + + council, some were of opinion that "he ought to be scourged and put to death + + as a deserter, as a man of unstable mind, and a common enemy to both sides; + + who, after the defeat at Cannae, had gone over to Hannibal and drawn Arpi into + + revolt, as if it were right that a man's fidelity should vary according to the + + fluctuations of fortune; and who now, when the Roman cause, contrary to his + + hopes and wishes, was as it were rising up again, would seem to aggravate his + + baseness by recompensing those whom he had formerly betrayed, by fresh betrayal. + + That a man whose custom it was to espouse one side, while his heart was on another, + + was unworthy of confidence as an ally, and contemptible as an enemy; that he + + ought to be made a third example to deserters, in addition to the betrayers + + of Falerii and Pyrrhus." On the other hand, Fabius, the father of the consul, + + observed, that, "forgetful of circumstances, men were apt to exercise a free + + judgment on every question in the heat of war, as in time of peace; for though + + in the present instance that which ought rather to form the object of their + + endeavours and to occupy their thoughts, is by what means it may be brought + + about that none of the allies may revolt from the Roman people, yet that they + + never think of; but, on the contrary, they urge that an example ought to be + + made of any who might repent and look back upon their former alliance. But if + + it is allowable to forsake the Romans, and not allowable to return to them, + + who can doubt but that in a short time the Romans, deserted by their allies, + + will see every state in Italy united in leagues with the Carthaginians. Not, + + however, that he was of opinion that any confidence was to be reposed in Altinius, + + but he would invent some middle course of proceeding. Treating him neither as + + an enemy nor as a friend for the present, his wish was, that he should be kept + + during the war in some city whose fidelity could be relied on, at a short distance + + from the camp, in a state of easy restraint; and that when the war was concluded, + + they should then deliberate whether he more deserved to be punished for his + + former defection, or pardoned for his present return." The opinion of Fabius + + was approved of. Altinius was bound in chains and given into custody, together + + with his companions, and a large quantity of gold which he brought with him + + was ordered to be kept for him. He was kept at Cales, where, during the day, + + he was unconfined, but attended by guards who locked him up at night. He was + + first missed and inquired for at his house at Arpi. but afterwards, when the + + report of his absence had spread through the city, a violent sensation was excited, + + as if they had lost their leader, and, from the apprehension of some attempt + + to alter the present state of things, messengers were immediately despatched + + to Hannibal. With this the Carthaginian was far from being displeased, both + + because he had long regarded the man himself with suspicion, as one of doubtful + + fidelity, and because he had now been lucky enough to get a pretext for possessing + + himself of the property of so wealthy a person. But that the world might suppose + + that he had yielded to resentment more than to avarice, he added cruelty to + + rapacity; for he summoned his wife and children to the camp, and after having + + made inquiry, first, respecting the flight of Altinius, and then, touching the + + quantity of gold and silver which was left at his house, and informed himself + + on all these points, he burned them alive. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">46 </div> + +<a id="f46" /> + +<p>Fabius, setting out from Suessula, first set about the siege of Arpi; and having + + pitched his camp about half a mile from it, he took a near view of the site + + and walls of the city, and resolved to attack it, in preference, in that quarter + + where it was most secured by works, and where the least care was taken in guarding + + it. After getting all things together which could be of use in besieging a city, + + he selected the most efficient of the centurions out of the whole army, placing + + them under the command of tribunes of approved valour, and giving them six hundred + + soldiers, a number which was thought sufficient for the purpose. These he ordered + + to bring the scaling ladders to the place which he had marked out, as soon as + + the signal of the fourth watch had sounded. In this part there was a low and + + narrow gate, opening into a street which was little frequented, and which led + + through a deserted part of the city. He ordered them, after scaling the wall, + + to proceed to this gate, and break down the bars on the inside by force, and + + when they were in possession of that part of the city, to give a signal with + + a cornet, that the rest of the troops might be brought up, observing that he + + would have every thing prepared and ready. These orders were executed promptly, + + and that which seemed likely to impede their operations, served more than any + + thing to conceal them. A shower of rain, which came on suddenly at midnight, + + compelled the guards and watches to slip away from their posts and take shelter + + in the houses; and the noise of the shower, which was somewhat copious, at first + + prevented their hearing that which was made by the men in breaking open the + + gate. Afterwards, when it fell upon the ear more gently and uniformly, it lulled + + a great number of the men to sleep. After they had secured possession of the + + gate, they placed cornet-players in the street at equal distances, and desired + + them to sound, in order to call the consul. This being done according to the + + plan previously agreed upon, the consul ordered the troops to march, and a little + + before daylight entered the city through the broken gate. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">47 </div> + +<a id="f47" /> + +<p>Then at length the enemy were roused, the shower was now subsiding, and daylight + + coming on. Hannibal had a garrison of about five thousand armed men in the city, + + and the inhabitants themselves had three thousand men in arms; these the Carthaginians + + placed in front against the enemy, to guard against any treachery on their rear. + + The fight was carried on at first in the dark, and in the narrow streets, the + + Romans having seized not only the streets, but the houses also nearest the gate, + + that they might not be struck or wounded by any thing discharged at them from + + above. Some of the Arpinians and Romans recognised each other, which led to + + conversations, in which the Romans asked them, what it was they meant? for what + + offence on the part of the Romans, or what service on that of the Carthaginians, + + they, who were Italians, made war in favour of foreigners and barbarians, against + + their ancient allies the Romans, and endeavoured to render Italy tributary and + + stipendiary to Africa? The Arpinians urged in excuse of themselves, that in + + ignorance of all the circumstances, they had been sold to the Carthaginians + + by their nobility, and that they were kept in a state of thraldom and oppression + + by the few. A beginning having been made, greater numbers on both sides entered + + into conversation; and at length the praetor of Arpi was brought by his countrymen + + before the consul, and after exchanging assurances in the midst of the standards + + and the troops, the Arpinians suddenly turned their arms against the Carthaginians, + + in favour of the Romans. Some Spaniards also, little less than a thousand in + + number, after only stipulating with the consul that the Carthaginian garrison + + might be allowed to march out unhurt, passed over to the consul. The gates were + + therefore thrown open for the Carthaginians; and being allowed to go out unmolested, + + in conformity with the stipulation, they joined Hannibal in Salapia. Thus was + + Arpi restored to the Romans, without the loss of a life, except that of one + + man, who was formerly a traitor, and recently a deserter. The Spaniards were + + ordered to receive a double allowance of provisions, and on very many occasions + + the republic availed itself of their brave and faithful services. While one + + of the consuls was in Apulia, and the other in Lucania, a hundred and twelve + + Campanian noblemen, having gone out of Capua, with the permission of the magistrates, + + under pretence of collecting booty from the enemy's lands, came into the Roman + + camp, which lay above Suessula. They told the soldiers, forming the vanguard, + + that they wished to speak with the praetor. Cneius Fulvius commanded the camp; + + who, on being informed of the circumstance, ordered ten of them to be brought + + into his presence unarmed; and after hearing their request, (and all they asked + + was, that when the Romans should recover Capua, their property might be restored + + to them,) they were all received under his protection. The other praetor, Sempronius + + Tuditanus, took by force the town of Aternum; more than seven thousand were + + captured, with a considerable quantity of coined brass and silver. A dreadful + + fire happened at Rome, which continued for two nights and a day; every thing + + was burnt to the ground between the Salinae and the Carmental gate, with the + + Aequimaelium and the Jugarian street. In the temples of Fortune, Mater Matuta, + + and Hope, which latter stood without the gate, the fire, spreading to a wide + + extent, consumed much both sacred and profane. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">48 </div> + +<a id="f48" /> + +<p>The same year, the two Cornelii, Publius and Cneius, as affairs were now in + + a prosperous state in Spain, and they had recovered many ancient allies, and + + attached fresh ones to them, extended their views even to Africa. Syphax was + + a king of the Numidians, who had suddenly become hostile to the Carthaginians; + + to him they sent three centurions as ambassadors, to form a treaty of friendship + + and alliance with him; and to promise, that, if he persevered in pressing the + + war against the Carthaginians, he would render an acceptable service to the + + senate and people of Rome, and they would endeavour to requite the favour with + + large additions, and at a seasonable time. This embassy was gratifying to the + + barbarian; and when conversing with the ambassadors on the art of war he heard + + the observations of those experienced soldiers, by comparing his own practice + + with so regular a system of discipline, he became sensible of how many things + + he himself was ignorant. Then he entreated them to give the first proof of their + + being good and faithful allies, "by letting two of them carry back the result + + of their embassy to their generals, while one remained with him as his instructor + + in military science, observing that the Numidian nation were unacquainted with + + the method of carrying on war with foot forces, being useful only as mounted + + soldiers. That it was in this manner that their ancestors had carried on war + + even from the first origin of their nation, and to this they were habituated + + from their childhood. But that they had to contend with an enemy who relied + + upon the prowess of their infantry; with whom, if they wished to be placed upon + + an equality in respect of efficient strength, they must also furnish themselves + + with infantry. That his dominions abounded with a large quantity of men fit + + for the purpose, but that he was unacquainted with the art of arming, equipping, + + and marshalling them; that all his infantry were unwieldy and unmanageable, + + like a rabble collected together by chance." The ambassadors answered, that + + they would comply with his request for the present, on his engaging to send + + him back immediately, if their generals did not approve of what they had done. + + The name of the person who staid behind with the king was Quintus Statorius. + + With the two other Romans, the Numidian sent ambassadors into Spain, to receive + + the ratification of the alliance from the Roman generals. He gave it in charge + + to the same persons, forthwith to induce the Numidians, who were serving as + + auxiliaries among the Carthaginian troops, to go over to the other side. Statorius + + raised a body of infantry for the king out of the large number of young men + + which he found; and having formed them into companies, in close imitation of + + the Roman method, taught them to follow their standards and keep their ranks + + when being marshalled, and when performing their evolutions; and he so habituated + + them to military works and other military duties, that in a short time the king + + relied not more on his cavalry than on his infantry; and in a regular and pitched + + battle, fought on a level plain, he overcame his enemies, the Carthaginians. + + In Spain also the arrival of the king's ambassadors was of the greatest advantage + + to the Romans, for at the news thereof the Numidians began rapidly to pass over. + + Thus the Romans and Syphax were united in friendship, which the Carthaginians + + hearing of, immediately sent ambassadors to Gala, who reigned in another part + + of Numidia, over a nation called Massylians. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">49 </div> + +<a id="f49" /> + +<p>Gala had a son named Masinissa, seventeen years of age, but a youth of such + + talents, that even at that time it was evident that he would render the kingdom + + more extensive and powerful than when he received it. The ambassadors represented + + that, "since Syphax had united himself with the Romans, that by their alliance + + he might strengthen his hands against the kings and nations of Africa, it would + + be better for Gala also to unite with the Carthaginians as soon as possible, + + before Syphax crossed over into Spain, or the Romans into Africa; that Syphax + + might be overpowered, while as yet he derived nothing from his league with the + + Romans but the name of it." Gala, his son claiming to be intrusted with the + + conduct of the war, was easily prevailed upon to send an army, which, joined + + by the legions of the Carthaginians, totally defeated Syphax in a great battle. + + In this thirty thousand men are said to have been slain. Syphax, with a few + + horsemen, fled from the field, and took refuge among the Maurusian Numidians, + + a nation dwelling at the extremity of Africa, near the ocean, and over against + + Gades. But the barbarians flocking to his standard from all sides, in consequence + + of his great renown, he speedily armed a very large force. Before he passed + + over with these forces into Spain, which was separated only by a narrow strait, + + Masinissa came up with his victorious army; and here he acquired great glory + + in the prosecution of the war with Syphax, in which he acted alone and unsupported + + by any aid from the Carthaginians. In Spain nothing worth mentioning was performed, + + except that the Romans drew over to their side the Celtiberian youth, by giving + + them the same pay which they had stipulated with the Carthaginians to pay them. + + They also sent above three hundred Spaniards of the greatest distinction into + + Italy, to bring over their countrymen, who served among the auxiliary troops + + of Hannibal. The only memorable circumstance of this year in Spain was, that + + the Romans then, for the first time, employed mercenary troops in their camp, + + namely, the Celtiberians. </p> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book25">BOOK XXV.</div> + +<div class="date">B.C. 213-212</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="chapmen"><a href="#g1">1</a> <a href="#g2">2</a> <a href="#g3">3</a> + + <a href="#g4">4</a> <a href="#g5">5</a> <a href="#g6">6</a> <a href="#g7">7</a> + + <a href="#g8">8</a> <a href="#g9">9</a> <a href="#g10">10</a> <a href="#g11">11</a> + + <a href="#g12">12</a> <a href="#g13">13</a> <a href="#g14">14</a> <a href="#g15">15</a> + + <a href="#g16">16</a> <a href="#g17">17</a> <a href="#g18">18</a> <a href="#g19">19</a> + + <a href="#g20">20</a> <a href="#g21">21</a> <a href="#g22">22</a> <a href="#g23">23</a> + + <a href="#g24">24</a> <a href="#g25">25</a> <a href="#g26">26</a> <a href="#g27">27</a> + + <a href="#g28">28</a> <a href="#g29">29</a> <a href="#g30">30</a> <a href="#g31">31</a> + + <a href="#g32">32</a> <a href="#g33">33</a> <a href="#g34">34</a> <a href="#g35">35</a> + + <a href="#g36">36</a> <a href="#g37">37</a> <a href="#g38">38</a> <a href="#g39">39</a> + + <a href="#g40">40</a> <a href="#g41">41</a></div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>Publius Cornelius Scipio, afterwards called Africanus, + + elected aedile before he had attained the age required by the law. The citadel + + of Tarentum, in which the Roman garrison had taken refuge, betrayed to Hannibal. + + Games instituted in honour of Apollo, called Apollinarian. Quintus Fulvius and + + Appius Claudius, consuls, defeat Hanno the Carthaginian general. Tiberius Sempronius + + Gracchus betrayed by a Lucanian to Mago, and slain. Centenius Penula, who had + + been a centurion, asks the senate for the command of an army, promising to engage + + and vanquish Hannibal, is cut off with eight thousand men. Cneius Fulvius engages + + Hannibal, and is beaten, with the loss of sixteen thousand men slain, he himself + + escapes with only two hundred horsemen. Quintus Fulvius and Appius Claudius, + + consuls, lay siege to Capua. Syracuse taken by Claudius Marcellus after a siege + + of three years. In the tumult occasioned by taking the city, Archimedes is killed + + while intently occupied on some figures which he had drawn in the sand. Publius + + and Cornelius Scipio, after having performed many eminent services in Spain, + + are slain, together with nearly the whole of their armies, eight years after + + their arrival in that country; and the possession of that province would have + + been entirely lost, but for the valour and activity of Lucius Marcius, a Roman + + knight, who, collecting the scattered remains of the vanquished armies, utterly + + defeats the enemy, storming their two camps, killing thirty-seven thousand of + + them, and taking eighteen hundred together with an immense booty.</i></div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="lsidenote">1 </div> + +<a id="g1" /> + +<p>Hannibal passed the summer during which these events occurred in Africa and + + Italy, in the Tarentine territory, with the hope of having the city of the Tarentines + + betrayed to him. Meanwhile some inconsiderable towns belonging to them, and + + to the Sallentines, revolted to him. At the same time, of the twelve states + + of the Bruttians, which had in a former year gone over to the Carthaginians, + + the Consentians and Thurians returned to the protection of the Roman people. + + And more would have done the same, had not Titus Pomponius Veientanus, praefect + + of the allies, having acquired the appearance of a regular general, in consequence + + of several successful predatory expeditions in the Bruttian territory, got together + + a tumultuary band, and fought a battle with Hanno. In that battle, a great number + + of men, consisting, however, of a disorderly rabble of slaves and rustics, were + + slain or captured. The least part of the loss was, that the praefect himself + + was taken prisoner; for he was not only in the present instance guilty of having + + rashly engaged the enemy, but previously, in the capacity of farmer of the revenue, + + by iniquitous practices of every description, had shown himself faithless and + + injurious to the state, as well as the companies. Among the Lucanians, the consul, + + Sempronius, fought several small battles, but none worthy of being recorded, + + he also took several inconsiderable towns. In proportion as the war was protracted, + + and the sentiments no less than the circumstances of men fluctuated accordingly + + as events flowed prosperously or otherwise, the citizens were seized with such + + a passion for superstitious observances, and those for the most part introduced + + from foreign countries, that either the people or the gods appeared to have + + undergone a sudden change. And now the Roman rites were growing into disuse, + + not only in private, and within doors, but in public also; in the forum and + + Capitol there were crowds of women sacrificing, and offering up prayers to the + + gods, in modes unusual in that country. A low order of sacrificers and soothsayers + + had enslaved men's understandings, and the numbers of these were increased by + + the country people, whom want and terror had driven into the city, from the + + fields which were lain uncultivated during a protracted war, and had suffered + + from the incursions of the enemy, and by the profitable cheating in the ignorance + + of others which they carried on like an allowed and customary trade. At first, + + good men gave protest in private to the indignation they felt at these proceedings, + + but afterwards the thing came before the fathers, and formed a matter of public + + complaint. The aediles and triumviri, appointed for the execution of criminals, + + were severely reprimanded by the senate for not preventing these irregularities, + + but when they attempted to remove the crowd of persons thus employed from the + + forum, and to overthrow the preparations for their sacred rites, they narrowly + + escaped personal injury. It being now evident, that the evil was too powerful + + to be checked by inferior magistrates, the senate commissioned Marcus Atilius, + + the city praetor, to rid the people of these superstitions. He called an assembly, + + in which he read the decree of the senate, and gave notice, that all persons + + who had any books of divination, or forms of prayer, or any written system of + + sacrificing, should lay all the aforesaid books and writings before him before + + the calends of April; and that no person should sacrifice in any public or consecrated + + place according to new or foreign rites. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">2 </div> + +<a id="g2" /> + +<p>Several of the public priests too died this year: Lucius Cornelius Lentulus, + + chief pontiff, Caius Papirius Maso, son of Caius, a pontiff, Publius Furius + + Philo, an augur, and Caius Papirius Maso, son of Lucius, a decemvir for the + + superintendence of sacred rites. In lieu of Lentulus, Marcus Cornelius Cethegus, + + in lieu of Papirius Cnaeius, Servilius Caepio, were created pontiffs. Lucius + + Quinctius Flaminius was created augur, and Lucius Cornelius Lentulus decemvir + + for the superintendence of sacred rites. The time for the election of consuls + + was now approaching; but as it was not thought proper to call the consuls away + + from the war with which they were intently occupied, Tiberius Sempronius, the + + consul, nominated Caius Claudius Centho as dictator to hold the election. He + + appointed Quintus Fulvius Flaccus as his master of the horse. On the first day + + on which the election could be held, the dictator appointed as consuls, Quintus + + Fulvius Flaccus, his master of the horse, and Appius Claudius Pulcher, who had + + held the government of Sicily as praetor. The praetors created were Cneius Fulvius + + Flaccus, Caius Claudius Nero, Marcus Junius Silanus, Publius Cornelius Sulla. + + The election completed, the dictator retired from his office. This year, Publius + + Cornelius Scipio, afterwards surnamed Africanus, held the office of curule aedile, + + with Marcus Cornelius Cethegus; and when the tribunes of the people opposed + + his pretensions to the aedileship, alleging, that no notice ought to be taken + + of him, because he had not attained the legal age for candidateship, he observed, + + "if the citizens in general are desirous of appointing me aedile, I am old enough." + + Upon this the people ran to their respective tribes to give their votes, with + + feelings so strongly disposed in his favour, that the tribunes on a sudden abandoned + + their attempt. The largesses bestowed by the aediles were the following: the + + Roman games were sumptuously exhibited, considering the present state of their + + resources; they were repeated during one day, and a gallon of oil was given + + to each street. Lucius Villius Tapulus, and Marcus Fundanius Fundulus, the plebeian + + aediles, accused some matrons of misconduct before the people, and some of them + + they convicted and sent into exile. The plebeian games were repeated during + + two days, and a feast in honour of Jupiter was celebrated on occasion of the + + games. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">3 </div> + +<a id="g3" /> + +<p>Quintus Fulvius Flaccus, for the third time, and Appius Claudius entered upon + + the office of consuls. The praetors determined their provinces by lot. Publius + + Cornelius Sulla received both the city and the foreign jurisdiction, formerly + + allotted to two persons, Cneius Fulvius Flaccus, Apulia, Caius Claudius Nero, + + Suessula, and Marcus Junius Silanus, Tuscany. To the consuls the conduct of + + the war with Hannibal was decreed with two legions each, one taking the troops + + of Quintus Fabius, the consul of the former year, the other those of Fulvius + + Centumalus. Of the praetors, Fulvius Flaccus was to have the legions which were + + in Luceria under Aemilius the praetor, Nero Claudius those in Picenum under + + Caius Terentius, each raising recruits for himself to fill up the number of + + his troops. To Marcus Junius the city legions of the former year were assigned, + + to be employed against the Tuscans. Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus and Publius + + Sempronius Tuditanus were continued in command in their provinces of Lucania + + and Gaul with the armies they had, as was also Publius Lentulus in that part + + of Sicily which formed the ancient Roman province. Marcus Marcellus had Syracuse, + + and that which was the kingdom of Hiero. Titus Otacilius was continued in the + + command of the fleet, Marcus Valerius in that of Greece, Quintus Mucius Scaevola + + in that of Sardinia. The Cornelii, Publius and Cneius, were continued in the + + command of Spain. In addition to the armies already existing, two legions for + + the service of the city were levied by the consuls, and a total of twenty-three + + legions was made up this year. The levy of the consuls was impeded by the conduct + + of Marcus Posthumius Pyrgensis, almost accompanied with a serious disturbance. + + Posthumius was a farmer of the revenue, who, for knavery and rapacity, practised + + through a course of many years, had no equal except Titus Pomponius Veientanus, + + who had been taken prisoner the former year by the Carthaginians under the conduct + + of Hanno, while carelessly ravaging the lands in Lucania. As the state had taken + + upon itself the risk of any loss which might arise from storms to the commodities + + conveyed to the armies, not only had these two men fabricated false accounts + + of shipwrecks, but even those which had really occurred were occasioned by their + + own knavery, and not by accident. Their plan was to put a few goods of little + + value into old and shattered vessels, which they sank in the deep, taking up + + the sailors in boats prepared for the purpose, and then returning falsely the + + cargo as many times more valuable than it was. This fraudulent practice had + + been pointed out to Marcus Atilius, the praetor in a former year, who had communicated + + it to the senate; no decree, however, had been passed censuring it, because + + the fathers were unwilling that any offence should be given to the order of + + revenue farmers while affairs were in such a state. The people were severer + + avengers of the fraud; and at length two tribunes of the people, Spurius and + + Lucius Carvilius, being moved to take some active measure, as they saw that + + this conduct excited universal disgust, and had become notorious, proposed that + + a fine of two hundred thousand asses should be imposed on Marcus Posthumius. + + When the day arrived for arguing the question, the people assembled in such + + numbers, that the area of the Capitol could scarcely contain them; and the cause + + having been gone through, the only hope of safety which presented itself was, + + that Caius Servilius Casca, a tribune of the people, a connexion and relation + + of Posthumius, should interpose his protest before the tribes were called to + + give their votes. The witnesses having been produced, the tribunes caused the + + people to withdraw, and the urn was brought, in order that the tribes should + + draw lots which should give the vote first. Meanwhile, the farmers of the revenue + + urged Casca to stop the proceedings for that day. The people, however, loudly + + opposed it; and Casca happened to be sitting on the most prominent part of the + + rostrum, whose mind fear and shame were jointly agitating. Seeing that no dependence + + was to be placed in him for protection, the farmers of the revenue, forming + + themselves into a wedge, rushed into the void space occasioned by the removal + + of the people for the purpose of causing disturbance, wrangling at the same + + time with the people and the tribunes. The affair had now almost proceeded to + + violence, when Fulvius Flaccus, the consul, addressing the tribunes, said, "Do + + you not see that you are degraded to the common rank, and that an insurrection + + will be the result, unless you speedily dismiss the assembly of the commons." + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">4 </div> + +<a id="g4" /> + +<p>The commons being dismissed, the senate was assembled, when the consuls proposed + + the consideration of the interruption experienced by the assembly of the commons, + + in consequence of the violence and audacity of the farmers of the revenue. They + + said, that "Marcus Furius Camillus, whose banishment was followed by the downfall + + of the city, had suffered himself to be condemned by his exasperated countrymen. + + That before him, the decemviri, according to whose laws they lived up to the + + present day, and afterwards many men of the first rank in the state, had submitted + + to have sentence passed upon them by the people. But Posthumius Pyrgensis had + + wrested from the Roman people their right of suffrage, had dissolved the assembly + + of the commons, had set at nought the authority of the tribunes, had drawn up + + a body of men in battle-array against the Roman people; and seized upon a post, + + in order to cut off the tribunes from the commons, and prevent the tribes being + + called to give their votes. That the only thing which had restrained the people + + from bloodshed and violence, was the forbearance of the magistrates in giving + + way for the moment to the fury and audacity of a few individuals, and suffering + + themselves and the Roman people to be overcome; and that no opportunity might + + be afforded those who were seeking an occasion of violence, in dissolving, agreeably + + to the wish of the defendant himself, that assembly which he was about to interrupt + + by force of arms." Observations of this kind having been urged with a warmth + + proportioned to the atrocity of the conduct which called them forth, by all + + the most respectable persons, and the senate having passed a decree to the effect + + that the violence offered was prejudicial to the state, and a precedent of pernicious + + tendency, immediately the Carvilii, tribunes of the people, giving up the action + + for a fine, appointed a day on which Posthumius should be tried capitally, and + + ordered, that unless he gave bail, he should be apprehended by the beadle, and + + carried to prison. Posthumius gave bail, but did not appear. The tribunes then + + proposed to the commons, and the commons resolved, that if Marcus Posthumius + + did not appear before the calends of May, and if on being cited on that day + + he did not answer, and sufficient cause were not shown why he did not, he would + + be adjudged an exile, his goods would be sold, and himself interdicted from + + water and fire. They then proceeded to indict capitally, and demand bail of + + each of the persons who had been the promoters of the disorder and riot. At + + first they threw into prison those who did not give bail, and afterwards even + + such as could; upon which the greater part of them went into exile, to avoid + + the danger to which this proceeding exposed them. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">5 </div> + +<a id="g5" /> + +<p>The knavery of the revenue farmers, and their subsequent audacious conduct + + to screen themselves from its effects, thus terminated. An assembly was then + + held for the creation of a chief pontiff. The new pontiff, Marcus Cornelius + + Cethegus, presided. The election was contested with the greatest obstinacy by + + three candidates, Quintus Fulvius Flaccus, the consul, who had been twice consul + + before and censor, Titus Manhus Torquatus, who had himself also been distinguished + + by two consulships and the censorship, and Publius Licinius Ciassus, who was + + about to stand for the office of curule aedile. In this contest, the last-mentioned + + candidate, though a young man, beat the others, who were his superiors in years, + + and had filled offices of honour. Before him there had not been a man for a + + hundred and twenty years, except Publius Cornelius Calussa, who had been created + + chief pontiff without having sat in the curule chair. Though the consuls found + + great difficulty in completing the levy, for in consequence of the scarcity + + of young men, it was not easy to procure enough for the two purposes of forming + + the new city legions, and recruiting the old ones, the senate forbade them to + + desist from the attempt, and ordered two triumvirates to be appointed, one of + + which within, the other without the fiftieth mile from the city, might ascertain + + the utmost number of free-born men which were to be found in the villages, and + + market towns, and hamlets, and enlist whom they thought strong enough to bear + + arms, though they had not attained the military age. That the tribunes of the + + people, if they thought proper, should propose to the people, that such as should + + take the military oath being under seventeen years, should be allowed to reckon + + their period of service in the same manner as if they had enlisted at seventeen + + or older. The two triumvirates, created agreeably to this decree of the senate, + + enlisted free-born men throughout the country. At the same time a letter from + + Marcellus from Sicily, respecting the petition of the troops who served with + + Publius Lentulus, was read in the senate. These troops were the relics of the + + disaster at Cannae, and had been sent out of the way into Sicily, as has been + + mentioned before, on an understanding that they should not be brought home before + + the conclusion of the Carthaginian war. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">6 </div> + +<a id="g6" /> + +<p>With the permission of Lentulus, these men sent the most distinguished of the + + cavalry and centurions, and a select body of the legionary infantry, as ambassadors + + to Marcellus, to his winter quarters. Having obtained leave to speak, one of + + them thus addressed him: "We should have approached you, Marcus Marcellus, when + + consul in Italy, as soon as that decree of the senate was passed respecting + + us, which, though not unjust, was certainly severe, had we not hoped, that being + + sent into a province which was in a state of disorder in consequence of the + + death of its kings, to carry on an arduous war against the Sicilians and Carthaginians + + together, we should make atonement to the state by our blood and wounds, in + + the same manner as, within the memory of our fathers, those who were taken prisoners + + by Pyrrhus at Heraclea, made atonement by fighting against the same Pyrrhus. + + And yet, for what fault of ours, conscript fathers, did you then, or do you + + now, feel displeasure towards us; for when I look upon you, Marcus Marcellus, + + I seem to behold both the consuls and the whole body of the senate; and had + + you been our consul at Cannae, a better fate would have attended the state as + + well as ourselves. Permit me, I entreat you, before I complain of the hardship + + of our situation, to clear ourselves of the guilt with which we are charged. + + If it was neither by the anger of the gods, nor by fate, according to whose + + laws the course of human affairs is unalterably fixed, but by misconduct that + + we were undone at Cannae; but whose was that misconduct; the soldiers', or that + + of their generals? For my own part, I, as a soldier, will never say a word of + + my commander, particularly when I know that he received the thanks of the senate + + for not having despaired of the state; and who has been continued in command + + through every year since his flight from Cannae. We have heard that others also + + who survived that disaster, who were military tribunes, solicit and fill offices + + of honour, and have the command of provinces. Do you then, conscript fathers, + + pardon yourselves and your children, while you exercise severity towards such + + insignificant persons as we are? It was no disgrace to a consul and other leading + + persons in the state, to fly when no other hope remained; and did you send your + + soldiers into the field as persons who must of necessity die there? At the Allia + + nearly the whole army fled; at the Caudine Forks the troops delivered up their + + arms to the enemy, without even making an effort; not to mention other disgraceful + + defeats of our armies. Yet, so far from any mark of infamy being sought for, + + which might be fixed upon these troops, the city of Rome was recovered by means + + of those very troops who had fled to Veii from the Allia; and the Caudine legions, + + which had returned to Rome without their arms, being sent back armed to Samnium, + + brought under the yoke that very enemy who had exulted in the disgrace which, + + in this instance, attached to them. But is there a man who can bring a charge + + of cowardice or running away against the army which fought at Cannae, where + + more than fifty thousand men fell; from whence the consul fled with only seventy + + horsemen; where not a man survived, except perchance those whom the enemy left, + + being wearied with killing? When the proposal to ransom the prisoners was negatived, + + we were the objects of general commendation, because we reserved ourselves for + + the service of the state; because we returned to the consul to Venusia, and + + exhibited an appearance of a regular army. Now we are in a worse condition than + + those who were taken prisoners in the time of our fathers; for they only had + + their arms, the nature of their service, and the place where they might pitch + + their tents in the camp altered; all which, however, they got restored by one + + service rendered to the state, and by one successful battle. Not one of them + + was sent away into banishment; not one was deprived of the hope of completing + + the period of his service; in short, an enemy was assigned to them, fighting + + with whom they might at once terminate their life or their disgrace. We, to + + whom nothing can be objected, except that it is owing to us that any Roman soldier + + has survived the battle of Cannae, are removed far away, not only from our country + + and Italy, but even from an enemy; where we may grow old in exile, where we + + can have no hope or opportunity of obliterating our disgrace, of appeasing the + + indignation of our countrymen, or, in short, of obtaining an honourable death. + + We seek neither to have our ignominy terminated, nor our virtue rewarded, we + + only ask to be allowed to make trial of our courage, and to exercise our virtue. + + We seek for labour and danger that we may discharge the duty of men and soldiers. + + A war is carrying on in Sicily, now for the second year, with the utmost vigour + + on both sides. The Carthaginians are storming some cities, the Romans others, + + armies of infantry and horse are engaging in battle, at Syracuse the war is + + prosecuted by sea and by land. We hear distinctly the shout of the combatants, + + and the din of arms, while we ourselves lie inactive and unemployed, as if we + + had neither hands nor arms. The consul, Sempronius has now fought many pitched + + battles with the enemy with legions of slaves. They receive as the fruits of + + their exertion their liberty, and the rights of citizens. Let us at least be + + employed by you as slaves purchased for the service of this war, let us be allowed + + to combat with the enemy and acquire our freedom by fighting. Do you wish to + + make trial of our valour by sea, by land, in a pitched battle, or in the assault + + of towns? We ask as our portion all those enterprises which present the greatest + + difficulty and danger, that what ought to have been done at Cannae may be done + + as soon as possible, for the whole of our subsequent lives has been doomed to + + ignominy." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">7 </div> + +<a id="g7" /> + +<p>At the conclusion of this speech they prostrated themselves at the knees of + + Marcellus. Marcellus replied, that the question was neither within his authority + + nor his power, that he would, however, write to the senate, and be guided in + + every thing he did by the judgment of the fathers. This letter was brought to + + the new consuls, and by them read in the senate, and, on the question being + + put relative to this letter, they decreed, "that the senate saw no reason why + + the interests of the republic should be intrusted to the hands of soldiers who + + had deserted then comrades, in battle, at Cannae. If Marcus Marcellus, the proconsul, + + thought otherwise, that he should act as he deemed consistent with the good + + of the republic and his own honour, with this proviso, however, that none of + + these men should be exempt from service, nor be presented with any military + + reward in consideration of valour, or be conveyed back to Italy, while the enemy + + was in that country." After this, agreeably to the decree of the senate, and + + the order of the people, an election was held by the city praetor, at which + + five commissioners were created for the purpose of repairing the walls and turrets, + + and two sets of triumviri, one to search for the property belonging to the temples, + + and to register the offerings, the other for repairing the temples of Fortune + + and Mother Matuta within the Carmental gate, and also that of Hope without the + + gate, which had been destroyed by fire the year before. Dreadful storms occurred + + at this time. It rained stones for two days without intermission in the Alban + + mount. Many places were struck by lightning; two buildings in the Capitol, the + + rampart in the camp above Suessula in many places, and two of the men on guard + + were killed. A wall and certain towers at Cannae were not only struck with lightning, + + but demolished. At Reate, a vast rock was seen to fly about; the sun appeared + + unusually red and blood-like. On account of these prodigies there was a supplication + + for one day, and the consuls employed themselves for several days in sacred + + rites; at the same time there was a sacred rite performed through nine days. + + An accidental circumstance which occurred at a distance, hastened the revolt + + of Tarentum, which had now for a long time been the object of the hopes of Hannibal + + and of the suspicion of the Romans. Phileas, a native of Tarentum, who had been + + a long time at Rome under the pretence of an embassy, being a man of a restless + + mind, and ill brooking that inactive state in which he considered that his powers + + had been for too long a time sinking into imbecility, discovered for himself + + a means of access to the Tarentine hostages. They were kept in the court of + + the temple of Liberty, and guarded with less care, because it was neither the + + interest of themselves nor of their state to escape from the Romans. By corrupting + + two of the keepers of the temple, he was enabled to hold frequent conferences + + with them, at which he solicited them to come into this design; and having brought + + them out of their place of confinement as soon as it was dark, he became the + + companion of their clandestine flight, and got clear away. As soon as day dawned, + + the news of their escape spread through the city, and a party sent in pursuit, + + having seized them all at Tarracina, brought them back. They were led into the + + Comitium, and after being scourged with rods, with the approbation of the people, + + were thrown down from the rock. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">8 </div> + +<a id="g8" /> + +<p>The severity of this punishment exasperated the inhabitants of two of the most + + distinguished Greek states in Italy, not only publicly as communities, but privately + + as individuals, according as each was connected, either by relationship or friendship, + + with those who had been so disgracefully put to death. Of these about thirteen + + noble Tarentine youths formed a conspiracy, the chief of whom were Nico and + + Philemenus. Concluding that it would be right to confer with Hannibal before + + they took any step, they went to him, having been allowed to go out of the city + + by night on pretence of hunting. When they were now not far from the camp, all + + the rest hid themselves in a wood by the road side; but Nico and Philemenus, + + proceeding to the advanced guard, were seized, and at their own request brought + + before Hannibal. Having laid before him the motives of their plan, and the object + + they had in view, they received the highest commendation, and were loaded with + + promises; and that their countrymen might believe that they had gone out of + + the city to obtain plunder, they were desired to drive to the city some cattle + + of the Carthaginians which had been sent out to graze. A promise was given them + + that they might do this without danger or interruption. The booty of the young + + men attracted notice, and less astonishment was therefore felt that they should + + frequently repeat the attempt. At a second meeting with Hannibal they entered + + into a solemn engagement, that the Tarentines should be free, enjoying their + + own laws, and all their rights uninterfered with; that they should neither pay + + any tribute to the Carthaginians, nor receive a garrison against their will; + + that their present garrison should be delivered up to the Carthaginians. These + + points being agreed upon, Philemenus then began to repeat more frequently his + + customary practice of going out and returning to the city followed by his dogs, + + and furnished with the other requisites for hunting; for he was remarkable for + + his fondness of hunting; and generally bringing home something which he had + + captured or taken away from the enemy, who had purposely placed it in his way + + he presented it to the commander or the guards of the gates. They supposed that + + he preferred going and returning by night through fear of the enemy. After this + + practice had become so familiar, that at whatever time of the night he gave + + a signal, by whistling, the gate was opened, Hannibal thought that it was now + + time to put the plan in execution. He was at the distance of three days' journey, + + and to diminish the wonder which would be felt at his keeping his camp fixed + + in one and the same place so long, he feigned himself ill. Even to the Romans + + who formed the garrison of Tarentum, his protracted inactivity had ceased to + + be an object of suspicion. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">9 </div> + +<a id="g9" /> + +<p>But after he determined to proceed to Tarentum, selecting from his infantry + + and cavalry ten thousand men, whom, from activity of body, and lightness of + + arms, he judged best adapted for the expedition, he began his march in the fourth + + watch of the night; and sending in advance about eighty Numidian horsemen, ordered + + them to scour the country on each side of the road, and narrowly examine every + + place, lest any of the rustics who might have observed his army at a distance + + should escape; to bring back those who were got before, and kill those whom + + they met, that they might appear to the neighbouring inhabitants to be a plundering + + party, rather than a regular army. Hannibal himself, marching at a rapid pace, + + pitched his camp about fifteen miles from Tarentum; and without telling his + + soldiers even there, what was their destination, he only called them together + + and admonished them to march all of them in the road, and not to suffer any + + one to turn aside or deviate from the line; and above all, that they would be + + on the watch, so as to catch the word of command, and not do any thing without + + the order of their leaders; that in due time he would issue his commands as + + to what he wished to be done. About the same hour a rumour reached Tarentum, + + that a few Numidian horsemen were devastating the fields, and had terrified + + the rustics through a wide extent of country; at which intelligence the Roman + + praefect took no further step than to order a division of his cavalry to go + + out the following day at sunrise to check the depredations of the enemy; and + + so far was he from directing his attention to any thing else on this account, + + that on the contrary, this excursion of the Numidians was a proof to him that + + Hannibal and his army had not moved from his camp. Early in the night Hannibal + + put his troops in motion, and Philemenus, with his customary burden of prey + + taken in hunting, was his guide. The rest of the conspirators waited the accomplishment + + of what had been concerted; and the agreement was, that Philemenus, while bringing + + in his prey through the small gate by which he was accustomed to pass, should + + introduce some armed men, while Hannibal in another quarter approached the gate + + called Temenis, which faced the east, in that quarter which was towards the + + continent, near the tombs which were within the walls. When he drew near to + + the gate, Hannibal raised a fire according to agreement, which made a blaze; + + the same signal was returned by Nico, and the fires were extinguished on both + + sides. Hannibal led his troops on in silence to the gate. Nico suddenly fell + + upon the guards while asleep, slew them in their beds, and opened the gate. + + Hannibal then entered with his infantry, ordering his cavalry to stay behind, + + that they might be able to bring their assistance wherever it was required without + + obstruction. Philemenus also in another quarter approached the small gate by + + which he was accustomed to pass and re-pass. His voice, which was well known, + + for he said he could scarcely bear the weight of the huge beast he had gotten, + + and his signal, which had now become familiar, having roused the guard, the + + small gate was opened. Two youths carrying in a boar, Philemenus himself followed, + + with a huntsman, unencumbered, and while the attention of the guard was incautiously + + turned upon those who carried the boar, in consequence of its astonishing size, + + he transfixed him with a hunting spear. About thirty armed men then entering, + + slew the rest of the guards, and broke open the adjoining gate, when a body + + of troops, in regular array, instantly rushed in. Being conducted hence in silence + + to the forum, they joined Hannibal. The Carthaginian then sent the Tarentines, + + with two thousand Gauls formed into three divisions, in different directions + + through the city, with orders to occupy the most frequented streets. A confusion + + arising, the Romans were put to the sword on all hands. The townsmen were spared; + + but in order to insure this, he instructed the Tarentine youths, when they saw + + any of their friends at a distance, to bid them be quiet and silent, and be + + of good courage. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">10 </div> + +<a id="g10" /> + +<p>The tumult and clamour was now such as usually takes place in a captured city, + + but no man knew for certain what was the occasion. The Tarentines supposed that + + the Romans had suddenly risen to plunder the city. To the Romans it appeared, + + that some commotion had been set on foot by the townsmen with a treacherous + + design. The praefect, who was awakened at the first alarm, escaped to the port, + + whence getting into a boat he was conveyed round to the citadel. The sound of + + a trumpet also from the theatre excited alarm; for it was a Roman trumpet, prepared + + by the conspirators for this very purpose; and as it was blown unskilfully by + + a Grecian, it could not be ascertained who gave the signal, or to whom it was + + given. At dawn of the day, the Romans recognised the Carthaginian and Gallic + + arms, which removed all doubt; and the Greeks, seeing the bodies of slain Romans + + spread about in all directions, perceived that the city had been taken by Hannibal. + + When the light had increased, so that they could discriminate with greater certainty, + + and the Romans who survived the carnage had taken refuge in the citadel, the + + tumult now beginning to subside a little, Hannibal gave orders to assemble the + + Tarentines without their arms. All of them attended the assembly, except those + + who had accompanied the Romans in their retreat to the citadel, to share every + + fortune with them. Here Hannibal having addressed the Tarentines in terms of + + kindness, and appealed to the services he had rendered to those of their countrymen + + whom he had captured at the Trasimenus and at Cannae, and having at the same + + time inveighed against the haughty domination of the Romans, desired that they + + would every one of them retire to their respective houses, and inscribe their + + names upon their doors; declaring, that he should give orders that those houses + + which had not the names written upon them should be plundered. That if any man + + should write his name upon the house of a Roman, (and the Romans occupied houses + + by themselves,) he should treat him as an enemy. Having dismissed the assembly, + + and the names inscribed upon the doors having made it easy to distinguish the + + house of an enemy from that of a friend, on a signal given, the troops ran in + + every direction to plunder the lodgings of the Romans, and a considerable booty + + was found. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">11 </div> + +<a id="g11" /> + +<p>The next day he led his troops to assault the citadel; but seeing that it was + + protected by very high rocks towards the sea, which washed the greater part + + of it, and formed it into a sort of peninsula, and towards the city by a wall + + and ditch, and consequently that it could not be taken by assault or by works; + + lest the design to protect the Tarentines should detain him from the prosecution + + of more important objects, and lest the Romans should have the power of sallying + + from the citadel whenever they pleased against the Tarentines, if left without + + a strong protecting force, he resolved to cut off the communication between + + the citadel and city by a rampart; not without a hope that he might have an + + opportunity of fighting with the Romans, when attempting to obstruct the work; + + and if they should sally forth too eagerly, that by killing many of them the + + strength of the garrison would be so far reduced, that the Tarentines alone + + would be easily able to defend themselves from them. After they had begun, the + + Romans, suddenly throwing open the gate, rushed in upon the workmen. The guard + + stationed before the works allowed itself to be driven back, in order that their + + boldness might be increased by success, and that they might pursue them when + + driven back, in greater numbers, and to a greater distance. Then on a signal + + given, the Carthaginians, whom Hannibal kept in readiness for this purpose, + + sprang up on all sides; nor could the Romans sustain the attack, but were prevented + + from precipitate flight by the narrowness of the ground, by impediments occasioned + + in some places by the works already commenced, in others by the preparations + + for the work. Most of them were driven headlong into the ditch, and more were + + killed in the flight than in the battle. After this the work was commenced without + + any attempt to obstruct it. A large ditch was formed, within which a rampart + + was thrown up. He prepared also to add a wall at a small distance, and on the + + same side, that they might defend themselves from the Romans even without a + + garrison. He, however, left them a small force, at once for their protection + + and to assist in building the wall. The general himself, setting out with the + + rest of his forces, pitched his camp at the river Galaesus, five miles from + + the city. Returning from this position to inspect the work, which had gone on + + somewhat faster than he had anticipated, he conceived a hope that the citadel + + might even be taken by storm; for it was not protected by an elevated situation + + as the other parts were, but placed upon a plain, and separated from the city + + only by a wall and ditch. While subjected to an attack from every kind of military + + engine and work, a reinforcement sent from Metapontum inspired the Romans with + + courage to assault the works of the enemy, by a sudden attack, under cover of + + the night. Some of them they threw down, others they destroyed by fire, and + + thus there was an end to Hannibal's attempts against the citadel in that quarter. + + His only remaining hope was in a siege; nor did that afford a good prospect + + of success, because, occupying a citadel which was placed on a peninsula and + + commanded the entrance of the harbour, they had the sea open to them, while + + the city, on the contrary, was deprived of any supplies by sea: and thus the + + besiegers were in greater danger of want than the besieged. Hannibal assembled + + the chief men of the Tarentines, and laid before them all the present difficulties. + + He said, "That he could neither discover any method by which a citadel so well + + fortified could be taken, nor could he hope for any favourable result from a + + siege, while the enemy was master of the sea; but that if ships could be obtained, + + by which the introduction of supplies might be prevented, the enemy would either + + immediately evacuate it, or surrender themselves." The Tarentines agreed with + + him; but were of opinion, that "he who gave the advice ought also to assist + + in carrying it into execution; for if the Carthaginian ships were brought there + + from Sicily, they would be able to effect it; but by what means could their + + own ships, shut up as they were in a confined harbour, the mouth of which was + + in the command of the enemy, be brought out into the open sea." "They shall + + be brought out," said Hannibal. "Many things which are difficult in themselves, + + are easily effected by contrivance. You have a city situated upon a plain; you + + have level and sufficiently wide roads extending in every direction. By the + + road which runs through the midst of the city from the harbour to the sea I + + will convey your ships in waggons without any great difficulty, and the sea + + will be ours which the enemy now commands. We will invest the citadel on one + + side by sea, on the other by land; nay, rather, in a short time, we will take + + it either abandoned by the enemy, or with the enemy in it." This speech not + + only inspired hopes of accomplishing the object, but excited the greatest admiration + + of the general. Waggons were immediately collected from every quarter and joined + + together; machines were employed to haul the ships on shore, and the road was + + prepared, in order that the waggons might run more easily, and thus the difficulty + + of passing be diminished. Beasts of burden and men were next collected, and + + the work was actively commenced. After the lapse of a few days, the fleet, equipped + + and ready for action, sailed round the citadel, and cast anchor just before + + the mouth of the harbour. Such was the state of things at Tarentum, when Hannibal + + left it and returned to his winter quarters. Authors, however, are divided as + + to whether the defection of the Tarentines took place in the present or former + + year. The greater number, and those who, from their age, were more able to recollect + + these events, represent it to have occurred in the present year. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">12 </div> + +<a id="g12" /> + +<p>The Latin holidays detained the consuls and praetors at Rome till the fifth + + of the calends of May; on which day, having completed the solemnities on the + + mount, they proceeded to their respective provinces. Afterwards a new difficulty + + respecting religious matters arose out of the prophetic verses of Marcius, who + + had been a distinguished soothsayer; and on a search being made the year before, + + for books of this description, agreeably to a decree of the senate, these verses + + had fallen into the hands of Marcus Atilius, the city praetor, who had the management + + of that business, and he had immediately handed them over to the new praetor, + + Sulla. The importance attached to one of the two predictions of Marcius, which + + was brought to light after the event to which it related had occurred, and the + + truth of which was confirmed by the event, attached credence to the other, the + + time of whose fulfilment had not yet arrived. In the former prophecy, the disaster + + at Cannae was predicted in nearly these words: "Roman of Trojan descent, fly + + the river Canna, lest foreigners should compel thee to fight in the plain of + + Diomede. But thou wilt not believe me until thou shalt have filled the plain + + with blood, and the river carries into the great sea, from the fruitful land, + + many thousands of your slain countrymen, and thy flesh becomes a prey for fishes, + + birds, and beasts inhabiting the earth. For thus hath Jupiter declared to me." + + Those who had served in that quarter recognised the correspondence with respect + + to the plains of the Argive Diomede and the river Canna, as well as the defeat + + itself. The other prophecy was then read, which was more obscure, not only because + + future events are more uncertain than past, but also from being more perplexed + + in its style of composition. "Romans, if you wish to expel the enemy and the + + ulcer which has come from afar, I advise, that games should be vowed, which + + may be performed in a cheerful manner annually to Apollo; when the people shall + + have given a portion of money from the public coffers, that private individuals + + then contribute, each according to his ability. That the praetor shall preside + + in the celebration of these games, who holds the supreme administration of justice + + to the people and commons. Let the decemviri perform sacrifice with victims + + after the Grecian fashion. If you do these things properly you will ever rejoice, + + and your affairs will be more prosperous, for that deity will destroy your enemies + + who now, composedly, feed upon your plains." They took one day to explain this + + prophecy. The next day a decree of the senate was passed, that the decemviri + + should inspect the books relating to the celebration of games and sacred rites + + in honour of Apollo. After they had been consulted, and a report made to the + + senate, the fathers voted, that "games should be vowed to Apollo and celebrated; + + and that when the games were concluded, twelve thousand <i>asses</i> should + + be given to the praetor to defray the expense of sacred ceremonies, and also + + two victims of the larger sort." A second decree was passed, that "the decemviri + + should perform sacrifice in the Grecian mode, and with the following victims: + + to Apollo, with a gilded ox, and two white goats gilded; to Latona, with a gilded + + heifer." When the praetor was about to celebrate the games in the Circus Maximus, + + he issued an order, that during the celebration of the games, the people should + + pay a contribution, as large as was convenient, for the service of Apollo. This + + is the origin of the Apollinarian games, which were vowed and celebrated in + + order to victory, and not restoration to health, as is commonly supposed. The + + people viewed the spectacle in garlands; the matrons made supplications; the + + people in general feasted in the courts of their houses, throwing the doors + + open; and the day was distinguished by every description of ceremony. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">13 </div> + +<a id="g13" /> + +<p>While Hannibal was in the neighbourhood of Tarentum, and both the consuls in + + Samnium, though they seemed as if they were about to besiege Capua, the Campanians + + were experiencing famine, that calamity which is the usual attendant of a protracted + + siege. It was occasioned by the Roman armies' having prevented the sowing of + + the lands. They therefore sent ambassadors to Hannibal, imploring him to give + + orders that corn should be conveyed to Capua from the neighbouring places, before + + both the consuls led their legions into their fields, and all the roads were + + blocked up by the troops of the enemy. Hannibal ordered Hanno to pass with his + + army from Bruttium into Campania, and to take care that the Campanians were + + supplied with corn. Hanno, setting out from Bruttium with his army, and carefully + + avoiding the camp of the enemy and the consuls who were in Samnium, when he + + drew near to Beneventum, pitched his camp on an eminence three miles from the + + city. He next ordered that the corn which had been collected during the summer, + + should be brought from the neighbouring people in alliance with him, into his + + camp, assigning a guard to escort those supplies. He then sent a messenger to + + the Capuans, fixing a day when they should attend at his camp to receive the + + corn, bringing with them vehicles and beasts of every description, collected + + from every part of their country. The Campanians executed this business with + + their usual indolence and carelessness. Somewhat more than four hundred vehicles, + + with a few beasts of burden besides, were sent. After receiving a reproof from + + Hanno for this conduct, who told them, that not even hunger, which excited dumb + + animals to exertion, could stimulate them to diligence, another day was named + + when they were to fetch the corn after better preparation. All these transactions + + being reported to the Beneventans, just as they occurred, they lost no time + + in sending ten ambassadors to the Roman consuls, who were encamped in the neighbourhood + + of Bovianum. The consuls, hearing what was going on at Capua, arranged it so + + that one of them should lead an army into Campania; and Fulvius, to whose lot + + that province had fallen, setting out by night, entered the walls of Beneventum. + + Being now near the enemy, he obtained information that Hanno had gone out to + + forage with a portion of his troops; that the Campanians were supplied with + + corn by a quaestor; that two thousand waggons had arrived together with an undisciplined + + and unarmed rabble; that every thing was done in a disorderly and hurried manner; + + and that the form of a camp, and all military subordination, were destroyed + + by the intermixture of rustics out of the neighbourhood. This intelligence being + + sufficiently authenticated, the consul ordered his soldiers to get ready only + + their standards and arms against the next night, as he must attack the Carthaginian + + camp. They set out at the fourth watch of the night, leaving all their packages + + and baggage of every description at Beneventum; and arriving a little before + + daylight at the camp, they occasioned such a panic, that, had the camp been + + situated on level ground, it might doubtlessly have been taken on the first + + assault. The height of its situation and the works defended it; for they could + + not be approached on any side except by a steep and difficult ascent. At break + + of day a hot engagement commenced, when the Carthaginians not only defended + + their rampart, but having more even ground, threw down the enemy as they attempted + + to ascend the steep. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">14 </div> + +<a id="g14" /> + +<p>Persevering courage, however, at length prevailed over every impediment, and + + they made their way up to the ditch and rampart in several parts at the same + + time, but with many wounds and much loss of soldiers. The consul, therefore + + assembling the military tribunes, said they must desist from this inconsiderate + + enterprise; and that it appeared to him to be the safer course, that the troops + + should be led back to Beneventum for that day, and then on the following day + + to pitch his camp close to that of the enemy, so that the Campanians could not + + quit it, nor Hanno return to it; and in order that that object might be attained + + with the greater ease, that he should send for his colleague and his army; and + + that they would direct their whole force on that point. This plan of the general + + was disconcerted, after the signal began to sound for a retreat, by the clamours + + of the soldiery, who despised so pusillanimous an order. Nearest to the gate + + of the enemy's camp was a Pelignian cohort, whose commander, Vibius Accuaeus, + + seizing the standard, threw it over the rampart. Then pronouncing a curse upon + + himself and his cohort, if the enemy got possession of that standard, he rushed + + forward before the rest, and crossing the ditch and rampart, burst into the + + camp of the enemy. The Pelignians were now fighting within the rampart, when + + in another quarter Valerius Flaccus, a military tribune of the third legion, + + taunting the Romans with cowardice for conceding to allies the honour of taking + + the camp. Titus Pedanius, first centurion of the first century, snatched the + + standard out of the hands of the standard-bearer, and cried out, "Soon shall + + this standard, and this centurion, be within the rampart of the enemy; let those + + follow who would prevent the standard's being captured by the enemy." Crossing + + the ditch, he was followed first by the men of his own maniple, and then by + + the whole legion. By this time the consul also, changing his plan on seeing + + them crossing the rampart, began to incite and encourage his soldiers, instead + + of calling them off; representing to them, how critical and perilous was the + + situation of the bravest cohort of their allies and a legion of their countrymen. + + All, therefore, severally exerting themselves to the utmost, regardless whether + + the ground were even or uneven, while showers of weapons were thrown against + + them from all sides, the enemy opposing their arms and their persons to obstruct + + them, made their way and burst in. Many who were wounded, even those whose blood + + and strength failed them, pressed forward, that they might fall within the rampart + + of the enemy. The camp, therefore, was taken in an instant, as if it had been + + situated upon level ground, and not completely fortified. What followed was + + a carnage rather than a battle. The troops of both sides being huddled together + + within the rampart, above six thousand of the enemy were slain; above seven + + thousand, together with the Campanians who fetched the corn, and the whole collection + + of waggons and beasts of burden, were captured. There was also a great booty, + + which Hanno in his predatory excursions, which he had been careful to make in + + every quarter, had drawn together from the lands of the allies of the Romans. + + After throwing down the camp of the enemy, they returned thence to Beneventum; + + and there both the consuls (for Appius Claudius came thither a few days after) + + sold the booty and distributed it, making presents to those by whose exertions + + the camp of the enemy had been captured; above all, to Accuaeus the Pelignian, + + and Titus Pedanius, first centurion of the third legion. Hanno, setting off + + from Cominium in the territory of Cere, whither intelligence of the loss of + + the camp had reached him, with a small party of foragers, whom he happened to + + have with him, returned to Bruttium, more after the manner of a flight than + + a march. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">15 </div> + +<a id="g15" /> + +<p>The Campanians, when informed of the disaster which had befallen themselves + + and their allies, sent ambassadors to Hannibal to inform him, that "the two + + consuls were at Beneventum, which was a day's march from Capua; that the war + + was all but at their gates and their walls; and that if he did not hasten to + + their assistance, Capua would fall into the power of the enemy sooner than Arpi + + had; that not even Tarentum itself, much less its citadel, ought to be considered + + of so much consequence as to induce him to deliver up to the Roman people, abandoned + + and undefended, Capua, which he used to place on an equal footing with Carthage." + + Hannibal, promising that he would not neglect the interest of the Campanians, + + sent, for the present, two thousand horse, with the ambassadors, aided by which, + + they might secure their lands from devastation. The Romans, meanwhile, among + + the other things which engaged their attention, had an eye to the citadel of + + Tarentum, and the garrison besieged therein. Caius Servilius, lieutenant-general, + + having been sent, according to the advice of the fathers, by Publius Cornelius, + + the praetor, to purchase corn in Etruria, made his way into the harbour of Tarentum, + + through the guard-ships of the enemy, with some ships of burden. At his arrival, + + those who before, having very slight hopes of holding out, were frequently invited + + by the enemy, in conferences, to pass over to them, now, on the contrary, were + + the persons to invite and solicit the enemy to come over to them; and now, as + + the soldiers who were at Metapontum had been brought to assist in guarding the + + citadel of Tarentum, the garrison was sufficiently powerful. In consequence + + of this measure, the Metapontines, being freed from the fears which had influenced + + them, immediately revolted to Hannibal. The people of Thurium, situated on the + + same coast, did the same. They were influenced not more by the defection of + + the Metapontines and Tarentines, with whom they were connected, being sprung + + from the same country, Achaia, than by resentment towards the Romans, in consequence + + of the recent execution of the hostages. The friends and relations of these + + hostages sent a letter and a message to Hanno and Mago, who were not far off + + among the Bruttii, to the effect, that if they brought their troops up to the + + walls, they would deliver the city into their hands. Marcus Atinius was in command + + at Thurium, with a small garrison, who they thought might easily be induced + + to engage rashly in a battle, not from any confidence which he reposed in his + + troops, of which he had very few, but in the youth of Thurium, whom he had purposely + + formed into centuries, and armed against emergencies of this kind. The generals, + + after dividing their forces between them, entered the territory of Thurium; + + and Hanno, with a body of infantry, proceeded towards the city in hostile array. + + Hanno staid behind with the cavalry, under the cover of some hills, conveniently + + placed for the concealment of an ambush. Atinius, having by his scouts discovered + + only the body of infantry, led his troops into the field, ignorant both of the + + domestic treachery and of the stratagem of the enemy. The engagement with the + + infantry was particularly dull, a few Romans in the first rank engaging while + + the Thurians rather waited than helped on the issue. The Carthaginian line retreated, + + on purpose that they might draw the incautious enemy to the back of the hill, + + where their cavalry were lying in ambush; and when they had come there, the + + cavalry rising up on a sudden with a shout, immediately put to flight the almost + + undisciplined rabble of the Thurians, not firmly attached to the side on which + + they fought. The Romans, notwithstanding they were surrounded and hard pressed + + on one side by the infantry, on the other by the cavalry, yet prolonged the + + battle for a considerable time; but at length even they were compelled to turn + + their backs, and fled towards the city. There the conspirators, forming themselves + + into a dense body, received the multitude of their countrymen with open gates; + + but when they perceived that the routed Romans were hurrying towards the city, + + they exclaimed that the Carthaginian was close at hand, and that the enemy would + + enter the city mingled with them, unless they speedily closed the gates. Thus + + they shut out the Romans, and left them to be cut up by the enemy. Atinius, + + however, and a few others were taken in. After this for a short time there was + + a division between them, some being of opinion that they ought to defend the + + city, others that they ought, after all that had happened, to yield to fortune, + + and deliver up the city to the conquerors; but, as it generally happens, fortune + + and evil counsels prevailed. Having conveyed Atinius and his party to the sea + + and the ships, more because they wished that care should be taken of him, in + + consequence of the mildness and justice of his command, than from regard to + + the Romans, they received the Carthaginians into the city. The consuls led their + + legions from Beneventum into the Campanian territory, with the intention not + + only of destroying the corn, which was in the blade, but of laying siege to + + Capua; considering that they would render their consulate illustrious by the + + destruction of so opulent a city, and that they would wipe away the foul disgrace + + of the empire, from the defection of a city so near remaining unpunished for + + three years. Lest, however, Beneventum should be left without protection, and + + that in case of any sudden emergency, if Hannibal should come to Capua, in order + + to bring assistance to his friends, which they doubted not he would do, the + + cavalry might be able to sustain his attack, they ordered Tiberius Gracchus + + to come from Lucania to Beneventum with his cavalry and light-armed troops and + + to appoint some person to take the command of the legions and stationary camp, + + for the defence of Lucania. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">16 </div> + +<a id="g16" /> + +<p>An unlucky prodigy occurred to Gracchus, while sacrificing, previous to his + + departure from Lucania. Two snakes gliding from a secret place to the entrails, + + after the sacrifice was completed, ate the liver; and after having been observed, + + suddenly vanished out of sight. The sacrifice having been repeated according + + to the admonition of the aruspices, and the vessel containing the entrails being + + watched with increased attention, it is reported that the snakes came a second, + + and a third time, and, after tasting the liver, went away untouched. Though + + the aruspices forewarned him that the portent had reference to the general, + + and that he ought to be on his guard against secret enemies and machinations, + + yet no foresight could avert the destiny which awaited him. There was a Lucanian, + + named Flavius, the leader of that party which adhered to the Romans when the + + others went over to Hannibal; he was this year in the magistracy, having been + + created praetor by the same party. Suddenly changing his mind, and seeking to + + ingratiate himself with the Carthaginians, he did not think it enough that he + + himself should pass over to them, or that he should induce the Lucanians to + + revolt with him, unless he ratified his league with the enemy with the head + + and blood of the general, betrayed to them, though his guest. He entered into + + a secret conference with Mago, who had the command in Bruttium, and receiving + + a solemn promise from him, that he would take the Lucanians into his friendship, + + without interfering with their laws, if he should betray the Roman general to + + the Carthaginians, he conducted Mago to a place to which he was about to bring + + Gracchus with a few attendants. He then directed Mago to arm his infantry and + + cavalry, and to occupy the retired places there, in which he might conceal a + + very large number of troops. After thoroughly inspecting and exploring the place + + on all sides, a day was agreed upon for the execution of the affair. Flavius + + came to the Roman general, and said, that "he had begun a business of great + + importance, for the completion of which, it was necessary to have the assistance + + of Gracchus himself. That he had persuaded the praetors of all the states which + + had revolted to the Carthaginians in the general defection of Italy, to return + + into the friendship of the Romans, since now the Roman power too, which had + + almost come to ruin by the disaster at Cannae. was daily improving and increasing, + + while the strength of Hannibal was sinking into decay, and was almost reduced + + to nothing. He had told them that the Romans would be disposed to accept an + + atonement for their former offence; that there never was any state more easy + + to be entreated, or more ready to grant pardon; how often, he had observed to + + them, had they forgiven rebellion even in their own ancestors! These considerations," + + he said, "he had himself urged, but that they would rather hear the same from + + Gracchus himself in person, and touching his right hand, carry with them that + + pledge of faith. That he had agreed upon a place with those who were privy to + + the transaction, out of the way of observation, and at no great distance from + + the Roman camp; that there the business might be settled in few words, so that + + all the Lucanian states might be in the alliance and friendship of the Romans." + + Gracchus, not suspecting any treachery either from his words or the nature of + + the proposal, and being caught by the probability of the thing, set out from + + the camp with his lictors and a troop of horse, under the guidance of his host, + + and fell headlong into the snare. The enemy suddenly arose from their lurking-place, + + and Flavius joined them; which made the treachery obvious. A shower of weapons + + was poured from all sides on Gracchus and his troop. He immediately leaped from + + his horse, and ordering the rest to do the same, exhorted them, that "as fortune + + had left them only one course, they would render it glorious by their valour. + + And what is there left," said he, "to a handful of men, surrounded by a multitude, + + in a valley hemmed in by a wood and mountains, except death? The only question + + was, whether, tamely exposing themselves to be butchered like cattle, they should + + die unavenged; or whether, drawing the mind off from the idea of suffering and + + anticipation of the event, and giving full scope to fury and resentment, they + + should fall while doing and daring, covered with hostile blood, amid heaps of + + arms and bodies of their expiring foes." He desired that "all would aim at the + + Lucanian traitor and deserter;" adding, that "the man who should send that victim + + to the shades before him, would acquire the most distinguished glory, and furnish + + the highest consolation for his own death." While thus speaking, he wound his + + cloak round his left arm, for they had not even brought their shields out with + + them, and then rushed upon the enemy. The exertion made in the fight was greater + + than could be expected from the smallness of the number. The bodies of the Romans + + were most exposed to the javelins, with which, as they were thrown on all sides + + from higher ground into a deep valley, they were transfixed. The Carthaginians + + seeing Gracchus now bereft of support, endeavoured to take him alive; but he + + having descried his Lucanian host among the enemy, rushed with such fury into + + their dense body that it became impossible to save his life without a great + + loss. Mago immediately sent his corpse to Hannibal, ordering it to be placed, + + with the fasces which were taken at the same time, before the tribunal of the + + general. This is the true account; Gracchus fell in Lucania, near the place + + called the Old Plains. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">17 </div> + +<a id="g17" /> + +<p>There are some who have put forth an account, stating, that when in the territory + + of Beneventum, near the river Calor, having gone out from his camp with his + + lictors and three servants, for the purpose of bathing, he was slain while naked + + and unarmed, and endeavouring to defend himself with the stones which the river + + brought down, by a party of the enemy which happened to be concealed among the + + osiers which grew upon the banks. Others state, that having gone out five hundred + + paces from the camp, at the instance of the aruspices, in order to expiate the + + prodigies before mentioned on unpolluted ground, he was cut off by two troops + + of Numidians who happened to be lying in ambush there. So different are the + + accounts respecting the place and manner of the death of so illustrious and + + distinguished a man. Various also are the accounts of the funeral of Gracchus. + + Some say that he was buried by his own friends in the Roman camp; others relate, + + and this is the more generally received account, that a funeral pile was erected + + by Hannibal, in the entrance of the Carthaginian camp; that the troops under + + arms performed evolutions, with the dances of the Spaniards, and motions of + + the arms and body, which were customary with the several nations; while Hannibal + + himself celebrated his obsequies with every mark of respect, both in word and + + deed. Such is the account of those who assert that the affair occurred in Lucania. + + If you are disposed to credit the statement of those who relate that he was + + slain at the river Calor, the enemy got possession only of the head of Gracchus; + + which being brought to Hannibal, he immediately despatched Carthalo to convey + + it into the Roman camp to Cneius Cornelius, the quaestor, who buried the general + + in the camp, the Beneventans joining the army in the celebration. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">18 </div> + +<a id="g18" /> + +<p>The consuls having entered the Campanian territory, while devastating the country + + on all sides, were alarmed, and thrown into confusion, by an eruption of the + + townsmen and Mago with his cavalry. They called in their troops to their standards + + from the several quarters to which they were dispersed, but having been routed + + when they had scarcely formed their line, they lost above fifteen hundred men. + + The confidence of the Campanians, who were naturally presumptuous, became excessive + + in consequence of this event, and in many battles they challenged the Romans; + + but this one battle, which they had been incautiously and imprudently drawn + + into, had increased the vigilance of the consuls. Their spirits were restored, + + while the presumption of the other party was diminished, by one trifling occurrence; + + but in war nothing is so inconsiderable as not to be capable, sometimes, of + + producing important consequences. Titus Quinctius Crispinus was a guest of Badius, + + a Campanian, united with him by the greatest intimacy. Their acquaintance had + + increased from the circumstance of Badius having received the most liberal and + + kind attentions at the house of Crispinus, in a fit of illness, at Rome, before + + the Campanian revolt. On the present occasion, Badius, advancing in front of + + the guards, which were stationed before the gate, desired Crispinus to be called; + + and Crispinus, on being informed of this, thinking that a friendly and familiar + + interview was requested, and the memory of their private connexion remaining + + even amidst the disruption of public ties, advanced a little from the rest. + + When they had come within view of each other, Badius exclaimed, "I challenge + + you to combat, Crispinus; let us mount our horses, and making the rest withdraw, + + let us try which is the better soldier." In reply, Crispinus said, that "neither + + of them were in want of enemies to display their valour upon; for his own part, + + even if he should meet him in the field he would turn aside, lest he should + + pollute his right-hand with the blood of a guest;" and then turning round, was + + going away. But the Campanian, with increased presumption, began to charge him + + with cowardice and effeminacy, and cast upon him reproaches which he deserved + + himself, calling him "an enemy who sheltered himself under the title of host, + + and one who pretended to spare him for whom he knew himself not to be a match. + + If he considered; that when public treaties were broken, the ties of private + + connexion were not severed with them, then Badius the Campanian openly, and + + in the hearing of both armies, renounced his connexion of hospitality with Titus + + Quinctius Crispinus the Roman. He said, that there could exist no fellowship + + or alliance with him and an enemy whose country and tutelary gods, both public + + and private, he had come to fight against. If he was a man, he would meet him." + + Crispinus hesitated for a long time; but the men of his troop at length prevailed + + upon him not to allow the Campanian to insult him with impunity. Waiting, therefore, + + only to ask his generals whether they would allow him to fight, contrary to + + rule, with an enemy who had challenged him; having obtained their permission, + + he mounted his horse, and addressing Badius by name, called him out to the combat. + + The Campanian made no delay. They engaged with their horses excited to hostility. + + Crispinus transfixed Badius with his spear in the left shoulder, over his shield. + + He fell from his horse in consequence of the wound; and Crispinus leaped down + + to despatch him as he lay, on foot. But Badius, before his enemy was upon him, + + ran off to his friends, leaving his horse and buckler. Crispinus, decorated + + with the spoils, and displaying the horse and arms which he had seized together + + with the bloody spear, was conducted amid the loud plaudits and congratulations + + of the soldiery into the presence of the consuls, where he was highly commended, + + and was presented with gifts. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">19 </div> + +<a id="g19" /> + +<p>Hannibal, having moved his camp from the territory of Beneventum to Capua, + + drew out his troops in order of battle the third day after his arrival; not + + entertaining the least doubt but that, as the Campanians had fought successfully + + a few days ago when he was absent, the Romans would be still less able to withstand + + him and his army, which had been so often victorious. After the battle had commenced, + + the Roman line was distressed chiefly from the attack of the cavalry, being + + overwhelmed with their darts, till the signal was given to the Roman cavalry + + to direct their horses against the enemy; thus it was a battle of the cavalry. + + But at this time the Sempronian army, commanded by Cneius Cornelius the quaestor, + + being descried at a distance, excited alarm in both parties equally, lest those + + who were approaching should be fresh enemies. As if by concert, therefore, both + + sounded a retreat; and the troops were withdrawn from the field to their camps, + + in an equal condition; a greater number, however, of the Romans fell in the + + first charge of the cavalry. The consuls, to divert the attention of Hannibal + + from Capua, departed thence on the following night in different directions, + + Fulvius into the territory of Cuma, Claudius into Lucania. The next day Hannibal, + + having received intelligence that the camp of the Romans was deserted, and that + + they had gone off in different directions in two divisions, doubtful at first + + which he should follow, commenced the pursuit of Appius; who, after leading + + him about whichever way he pleased, returned by another route to Capua. Hannibal, + + while in this quarter, had another opportunity of gaining an advantage. Marcus + + Centenius, surnamed Penula, was distinguished among the centurions of the first + + rank by the size of his person, and his courage. Having gone through his period + + of service, he was introduced to the senate by Publius Cornelius Sulla, when + + he requested of the fathers that five thousand men might be placed at his disposal. + + He said, that "as he was acquainted with the character of the enemy, and the + + nature of the country, he should speedily perform some service; and that he + + would employ those arts by which our generals and armies had been hitherto ensnared + + against the inventor of them." This was not promised more foolishly than it + + was believed; as if the qualifications of a soldier and a general were the same. + + Instead of five, eight thousand men were given him, half Romans, half allies. + + He himself also got together a considerable number of volunteers, in the country, + + on his march; and having almost doubled his force, arrived in Lucania, where + + Hannibal had halted after having in vain pursued Claudius. No doubt could be + + entertained of the issue of a contest which was to take place between Hannibal, + + as general on one side, and a centurion on the other; between armies, one of + + which had grown old in victory, the other entirely inexperienced, and for the + + most part even tumultuary and half-armed. As soon as the troops came within + + sight of each other, and neither of them declined an engagement, the lines were + + formed. The battle, notwithstanding the utter disparity of the contending parties, + + lasted more than two hours, the Roman troops acting with the greatest spirit + + as long as their general survived. But after that he had fallen, for he continually + + exposed himself to the weapons of the enemy, not only from regard to his former + + character, but through fear of the disgrace which would attach to him if he + + survived a disaster occasioned by his own temerity, the Roman line was immediately + + routed. But so completely were they prevented from flying, every way being beset + + by the cavalry, that scarcely a thousand men escaped out of so large an army; + + the rest were destroyed on all hands, in one way or other. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">20 </div> + +<a id="g20" /> + +<p>The siege of Capua was now resumed by the consuls with the utmost energy. Every + + thing requisite for the business was conveyed thither and got in readiness. + + A store of corn was collected at Casilinum; at the mouth of the Vulturnus, where + + a town now stands, a strong post was fortified; and a garrison was stationed + + in Puteoli, which Fabius had formerly fortified, in order to have the command + + of the neighbouring sea and the river. Into these two maritime forts, the corn + + recently sent from Sicily, with that which Marcus Junius, the praetor, had bought + + up in Etruria, was conveyed from Ostia, to supply the army during the winter. + + But, in addition to the disaster sustained in Lucania, the army also of volunteer + + slaves, who had served during the life of Gracchus with the greatest fidelity, + + as if discharged from service by the death of their general, left their standards. + + Hannibal was not willing that Capua should be neglected, or his allies deserted, + + at so critical a juncture; but, having obtained such success from the temerity + + of one Roman general, his attention was fixed on the opportunity which presented + + itself of crushing the other general and his army. Ambassadors from Apulia reported + + that Cneius Fulvius, the praetor, had at first conducted his measures with caution, + + while engaged in besieging certain towns of Apulia, which had revolted to Hannibal; + + but that afterwards, in consequence of extraordinary success, both himself and + + his soldiers, being glutted with booty, had so given themselves up to licentiousness + + and indolence, that all military discipline was disregarded. Having frequently + + on other occasions, as well as but a few days ago, experienced what an army + + was good for, when conducted by an unskilful commander, he moved his camp into + + Apulia. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">21 </div> + +<a id="g21" /> + +<p>The Roman legions, and the praetor, Fulvius, were in the neighbourhood of Herdonia, + + where, receiving intelligence of the approach of the enemy, they had nearly + + torn up the standards and gone out to battle without the praetor's orders; nor + + did any thing tend more to prevent it than the assured hope they entertained + + that they could do so whenever they pleased, consulting only their own will. + + The following night, Hannibal having obtained information that the camp was + + in a state of tumult, and that most of the troops were in a disorderly manner + + urging the general to give the signal, and calling out to arms, and therefore + + feeling convinced that an opportunity presented itself for a successful battle, + + distributed three thousand light troops in the houses in the neighbourhood, + + and among the thorns and woods. These, on a signal being given, were to rise + + up from their lurking-place with one accord; and Mago, with about two thousand + + horse, was ordered to occupy all the roads in the direction in which he supposed + + their flight would be directed. Having made these preparations during the night, + + he led his troops into the field at break of day. Nor did Fulvius decline the + + challenge; not so much from any hope of success entertained by himself, as drawn + + by the blind impetuosity of his soldiers. Accordingly, the line itself was formed + + with the same want of caution with which they entered the field, agreeably to + + the whim of the soldiers, who came up as chance directed, and took their stations + + just where they pleased; which they afterwards abandoned, as fear or caprice + + suggested. The first legion and the left wing of the allied troops were drawn + + up in front. The line was extended to a great length, the tribunes remonstrating, + + that there was no strength in it, and that wherever the enemy made the charge + + they would break through it: but no salutary advice reached their minds, nor + + even their ears. Hannibal was now come up, a general of a totally different + + character, with an army neither similar in its nature, nor similarly marshalled. + + The consequence was, that the Romans did not so much as sustain their shout + + and first attack. Their general, equal to Centenius in folly and temerity, but + + by no means to be compared with him in courage, when he saw things going against + + him, and his troops in confusion, hastily mounting his horse, fled from the + + field with about two hundred horsemen. The rest of the troops, beaten in front, + + and surrounded on the flank and rear, were slaughtered to such a degree, that + + out of eighteen thousand men, not more than two thousand escaped. The enemy + + got possession of the camp. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">22 </div> + +<a id="g22" /> + +<p>When these disastrous defeats, happening one upon another, were reported at + + Rome, great grief and consternation seized the city. But still, as the consuls + + had been hitherto successful when it was most important, they were the less + + affected by these disasters. Caius Lastorius and Marcus Metilius were sent as + + ambassadors to the consuls, with directions carefully to collect the remains + + of the two armies, and use every endeavour to prevent their surrendering themselves + + to the enemy, through fear or despair, (which was the case after the battle + + of Cannae,) and to search for the deserters from the army of volunteer slaves. + + Publius Cornelius was charged with the same business; to him also the levy was + + intrusted. He caused an order to be issued throughout the market and smaller + + towns, that search should be made for the volunteer slaves, and that they should + + be brought back to their standards. All these things were executed with the + + most vigilant care. The consul, Appius Claudius, having placed Decius Junius + + in command at the mouth of the Vulturnus, and Marcus Aurelius Cotta at Puteoli, + + with directions to send off the corn immediately to the camp, as each of the + + ships from Etruria and Sardinia arrived with it, returned himself to Capua, + + and found his colleague Quintus Fulvius at Casilinum, conveying every requisite + + thence, and making every preparation for the siege of Capua. Both of them then + + joined in besieging the city, summoning Claudius Nero, the praetor, from the + + Claudian camp at Suessula; who, leaving a small garrison there, marched down + + to Capua with all the rest of his forces. Thus there were three generals' tents + + erected round Capua; and three armies, applying themselves to the work in different + + parts, proceeded to surround the city with a ditch and rampart, erecting forts + + at moderate intervals. The Campanians attempting to obstruct the work, a battle + + was fought in several places at once; the consequence of which was, that at + + length the Campanians confined themselves within their gates and walls. Before, + + however, these works were carried quite round, ambassadors were sent to Hannibal + + to complain that Capua was abandoned, and almost given up to the Romans, and + + to implore him, that he would now, at least, bring them assistance, when they + + were not only besieged, but surrounded by a rampart. A letter was sent to the + + consuls from Publius Cornelius, the praetor, directing that before they completely + + enclosed Capua with their works, they should grant permission to such of the + + Campanians as chose to quit Capua, and take their property with them. That those + + should retain their liberty, and all their possessions, who quitted it before + + the ides of March, but that those who quitted it after that day, as well as + + those who continued there, would be considered as enemies. Proclamation was + + made to the Campanians to this effect, but it was received with such scorn, + + that they spontaneously used insulting language and menaces. Hannibal had marched + + his legions from Herdonea to Tarentum, with the hope of getting possession of + + the citadel of that place, by force or stratagem. But not succeeding there, + + he turned his course to Brundusium, thinking that town would be betrayed to + + him, but, while fruitlessly spending time there also, the Campanian ambassadors + + came to him with complaints and entreaties. Hannibal answered them in a proud + + manner, that he had before raised the siege of Capua, and that now the consuls + + would not sustain his approach. The ambassadors, dismissed with these hopes, + + with difficulty effected their return to Capua, which was by this time surrounded + + by a double trench and rampart. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">23 </div> + +<a id="g23" /> + +<p>At the time when the circumvallation of Capua was carrying on with the greatest + + activity, the siege of Syracuse, which had been forwarded by intestine treachery, + + in addition to the efforts and bravery of the general and his army, was brought + + to a conclusion. For in the beginning of spring, Marcellus being in doubt whether + + he should direct the operations of the war against Himilco and Hippocrates at + + Agrigentum, or press the siege of Syracuse, though he saw that it was impossible + + to take the city by force, which, from its situation, both with respect to sea + + and land, was impregnable, nor by famine, as it was supported by an uninterrupted + + supply of provisions from Carthage, yet that he might leave no course untried, + + directed the Syracusan deserters (and there were in the Roman camp some men + + in this situation of the highest rank, who had been driven out of the city during + + the defection from the Romans, because they were averse to a change of measures) + + to sound the feelings of those who were of the same party in conferences, and + + to promise them, that if Syracuse was delivered up, they should have their liberty, + + and be governed by their own laws. There was no opportunity however, of having + + a conference; for as many were suspected of disaffection, the attention and + + observation of all were exerted, lest any thing of the kind should occur unknown + + to them. One of the exiles, who was a servant, having been allowed to enter + + the city in the character of a deserter, assembled a few persons, and opened + + a conversation upon the subject. After this, certain persons, covering themselves + + with nets in a fishing smack, were in this way conveyed round to the Roman camp, + + and conferred with the fugitives. The same was frequently repeated by different + + parties, one after another; and at last they amounted to eighty. But after every + + thing had been concerted for betraying the city, the plot was reported to Epicydes, + + by one Attalus, who felt hurt that he had not been intrusted with the secret; + + and they were all put to death with torture. This attempt having miscarried, + + another hope was immediately raised. One Damippus, a Lacedaemonian, who had + + been sent from Syracuse to king Philip, had been taken prisoner by the Roman + + fleet. Epicydes was particularly anxious to ransom this man above any other; + + nor was Marcellus disinclined to grant it; the Romans, even at this time, being + + desirous of gaining the friendship of the Aetolians, with whom the Lacedaemonians + + were in alliance. Some persons having been sent to treat respecting his ransom, + + the most central and convenient place to both parties for this purpose appeared + + to be at the Trogilian port, near the tower called Galeagra. As they went there + + several times, one of the Romans, having a near view of the wall, and having + + determined its height, as nearly as it could be done by conjecture, from counting + + the stones, and by forming an estimate, in his own mind, what was the height + + of each stone in the face of the work; and having come to the conclusion that + + it was considerably lower than he himself and all the rest had supposed it, + + and that it was capable of being scaled with ladders of moderate size, laid + + the matter before Marcellus. It appeared a thing not to be neglected; but as + + the spot could not be approached, being on this very account guarded with extraordinary + + care, a favourable opportunity of doing it was sought for. This a deserter suggested, + + who brought intelligence that the Syracusans were celebrating the festival of + + Diana; that it was to last three days, and that as there was a deficiency of + + other things during the siege, the feasts would be more profusely celebrated + + with wine, which was furnished by Epicydes to the people in general, and distributed + + through the tribes by persons of distinction. When Marcellus had received this + + intelligence, he communicated it to a few of the military tribunes; then having + + selected, through their means, such centurions and soldiers as had courage and + + energy enough for so important an enterprise, and having privately gotten together + + a number of scaling-ladders, he directed that a signal should be given to the + + rest of the troops to take their refreshment, and go to rest early, for they + + were to go upon an expedition that night. Then the time, as it was supposed, + + having arrived, when, after having feasted from the middle of the day, they + + would have had their fill of wine, and have begun to sleep, he ordered the soldiers + + of one company to proceed with the ladders, while about a thousand armed men + + were in silence marched to the spot in a slender column. The foremost having + + mounted the wall, without noise or confusion, the others followed in order; + + the boldness of the former inspiring even the irresolute with courage. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">24 </div> + +<a id="g24" /> + +<p>The thousand armed men had now taken a part of the city, when the rest, applying + + a greater number of ladders, mounted the wall on a signal given from the Hexapylos. + + To this place the former party had arrived in entire solitude; as the greater + + part of them, having feasted in the towers, were either asleep from the effects + + of wine, or else, half asleep, were still drinking. A few of them, however, + + they surprised in their beds, and put to the sword. They began then to break + + open a postern gate near the Hexapylos, which required great force; and a signal + + was given from the wall by sounding a trumpet, as had been agreed upon. After + + this, the attack was carried on in every quarter, not secretly, but by open + + force; for they had now reached Epipolae, a place protected by numerous guards, + + where the business was to terrify the enemy, and not to escape their notice. + + In effect they were terrified; for as soon as the sound of the trumpets was + + heard, and the shouts of the men who had got possession of the walls and a part + + of the city, the guards concluded that every part was taken, and some of them + + fled along the wall, others leaped down from it, or were thrown down headlong + + by a crowd of the terrified townsmen. A great part of the inhabitants, however, + + were ignorant of this disastrous event, all of them being overpowered with wine + + and sleep; and because, in a city of so wide extent, what was perceived in one + + quarter was not readily made known through the whole city. A little before day, + + Marcellus having entered the city with all his forces, through the Hexapylos, + + which was forced open roused all the townsmen; who ran to arms, in order, if + + possible, by their efforts, to afford succour to the city, which was now almost + + taken. Epicydes advanced with a body of troops at a rapid pace from the Insula, + + which the Syracusans themselves call Nasos, not doubting but that he should + + be able to drive out what he supposed a small party, which had got over the + + wall through the negligence of the guards. He earnestly represented to the terrified + + inhabitants who met him, that they were increasing the confusion, and that in + + their accounts they made things greater and more important than they really + + were. But when he perceived that every place around Epipolae was filled with + + armed men, after just teasing the enemy with the discharge of a few missiles, + + he marched back to the Achradina, not so much through fear of the number and + + strength of the enemy, as that some intestine treachery might show itself, taking + + advantage of the opportunity, and he might find the gates of the Achradina and + + island closed upon him in the confusion. When Marcellus, having entered the + + walls, beheld this city as it lay subjected to his view from the high ground + + on which he stood, a city the most beautiful, perhaps, of any at that time, + + he is said to have shed tears over it; partly from the inward satisfaction he + + felt at having accomplished so important an enterprise, and partly in consideration + + of its ancient renown. The fleets of the Athenians sunk there, and two vast + + armies destroyed, with two generals of the highest reputation, as well as the + + many wars waged with the Carthaginians with so much peril arose before his mind; + + the many and powerful tyrants and kings; but above all Hiero, a king who was + + not only fresh in his memory, but who was distinguished for the signal services + + he had rendered the Roman people, and more than all by the endowments which + + his own virtues and good fortune had conferred. All these considerations presenting + + themselves at once to his recollection, and reflecting, that in an instant every + + thing before him would be in flames, and reduced to ashes; before he marched + + his troops to the Achradina, he sent before him some Syracusans, who, as was + + before observed, were among the Roman troops, to induce the enemy, by a persuasive + + address, to surrender the city. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">25 </div> + +<a id="g25" /> + +<p>The gates and walls of the Achradina were occupied principally by deserters, + + who had no hopes of pardon in case of capitulation. These men would neither + + suffer those who were sent to approach the walls, nor to address them. Marcellus, + + therefore, on the failure of this attempt, gave orders to retire to the Euryalus, + + which is an eminence at the extremity of the city, at the farthest point from + + the sea, and commanding the road leading into the fields and the interior of + + the island, and is conveniently situated for the introduction of supplies. This + + fort was commanded by Philodemus, an Argive, who was placed in this situation + + by Epicydes. Marcellus sent Sosis, one of the regicides, to him. After a long + + conversation, being put off for the purpose of frustrating him, he brought back + + word to Marcellus, that Philodemus had taken time to deliberate. This man postponing + + his answer day after day, till Hippocrates and Himilco should quit their present + + position, and come up with their legions; not doubting but that if he should + + receive them into the fort, the Roman army, shut up as it was within the walls, + + might be annihilated, Marcellus, who saw that the Euryalus would neither be + + delivered up to him, nor could be taken by force, pitched his camp between Neapolis + + and Tycha, which are names of divisions of the city, and are in themselves like + + cities; fearful lest if he entered populous parts of the city, he should not + + be able to restrain his soldiers, greedy of plunder, from running up and down + + after it. When three ambassadors came to him from Tycha and Neapolis with fillets + + and other badges of supplicants, imploring him to abstain from fire and slaughter, + + Marcellus, having held a council respecting these entreaties, for so they were, + + rather than demands, ordered his soldiers, according to the unanimous opinion + + of the council, not to offer violence to any free person, but told them that + + every thing else might be their booty. The walls of the houses forming a protection + + for his camp, he posted guards and parties of troops at the gates, which were + + exposed, as they faced the streets, lest any attack should be made upon his + + camp while the soldiers were dispersed in pursuit of plunder. After these arrangements, + + on a signal given, the soldiers dispersed for that purpose; and though they + + broke open doors and every place resounded in consequence of the alarm and confusion + + created, they nevertheless refrained from blood. They did not desist from plunder + + till they had gutted the houses of all the property which had been accumulated + + during a long period of prosperity. Meanwhile, Philodemus also, who despaired + + of obtaining assistance, having received a pledge that he might return to Epicydes + + in safety, withdrew the garrison, and delivered up the fortress to the Romans. + + While the attention of all was engaged by the tumult occasioned in that part + + of the city which was captured, Bomilcar, taking advantage of the night, when, + + from the violence of the weather the Roman fleet was unable to ride at anchor + + in the deep, set out from the bay of Syracuse, with thirty-five ships, and sailed + + away into the main without interruption; leaving fifty-five ships for Epicydes + + and the Syracusans; and having informed the Carthaginians in what a critical + + situation Syracuse was placed, returned, after a few days, with a hundred ships; + + having, as report says, received many presents from Epicydes out of the treasure + + of Hiero. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">26 </div> + +<a id="g26" /> + +<p>Marcellus, by gaining possession of the Euryalus, and placing a garrison in + + it, was freed from one cause of anxiety; which was, lest any hostile force received + + into that fortress on his rear might annoy his troops, shut up and confined + + as they were within the walls. He next invested the Achradina, erecting three + + camps in convenient situations, with the hope of reducing those enclosed within + + it to the want of every necessary. The outposts of both sides had remained inactive + + for several days, when the arrival of Hippocrates and Himilco suddenly caused + + the Romans to be attacked aggressively on all sides; for Hippocrates, having + + fortified a camp at the great harbour, and given a signal to those who occupied + + the Achradina, attacked the old camp of the Romans, in which Crispinus had the + + command; and Epicydes sallied out against the outposts of Marcellus, the Carthaginian + + fleet coming up to that part of the shore which lay between the city and the + + Roman camp, so that no succour could be sent by Marcellus to Crispinus. The + + enemy, however, produced more tumult than conflict; for Crispinus not only drove + + back Hippocrates from his works, but pursued him as he fled with precipitation, + + while Marcellus drove Epicydes into the city; and it was considered that enough + + was now done even to prevent any danger arising in future from their sudden + + sallies. They were visited too by a plague; a calamity extending to both sides, + + and one which might well divert their attention from schemes of war. For as + + the season of the year was autumn, and the situation naturally unwholesome, + + though this was much more the case without than within the city, the intolerable + + intensity of the heat had an effect upon the constitution of almost every man + + in both the camps. At first they sickened and died from the unhealthiness of + + the season and climate; but afterwards the disease was spread merely by attending + + upon, and coming in contact with, those affected; so that those who were seized + + with it either perished neglected and deserted, or else drew with them those + + who sat by them and attended them, by infecting them with the same violence + + of disease. Daily funerals and death were before the eye; and lamentations were + + heard from all sides, day and night. At last, their feelings had become so completely + + brutalized by being habituated to these miseries, that they not only did not + + follow their dead with tears and decent lamentations, but they did not even + + carry them out and bury them; so that the bodies of the dead lay strewed about, + + exposed to the view of those who were awaiting a similar fate; and thus the + + dead were the means of destroying the sick, and the sick those who were in health, + + both by fear and by the filthy state and the noisome stench of their bodies. + + Some preferring to die by the sword, even rushed alone upon the outposts of + + the enemy. The violence of the plague, however, was much greater in the Carthaginian + + than the Roman army; for the latter, from having been a long time before Syracuse, + + had become more habituated to the climate and the water. Of the army of the + + enemy, the Sicilians, as soon as they perceived that diseases had become very + + common from the unwholesomeness of the situation, dispersed to their respective + + cities in the neighbourhood; but the Carthaginians, who had no place to retire + + to, perished, together with their generals, Hippocrates and Himilco, to a man. + + Marcellus, on seeing the violence with which the disease was raging, had removed + + his troops into the city, where their debilitated frames were recruited in houses + + and shade. Many however, of the Roman army were cut off by this pestilence. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">27 </div> + +<a id="g27" /> + +<p>The land forces of the Carthaginians being thus destroyed, the Sicilians, who + + had served under Hippocrates retired to two towns of no great size, but well + + secured by natural situation and fortifications; one was three miles, the other + + fifteen, from Syracuse. Here they collected a store of provisions from their + + own states, and sent for reinforcements. Meanwhile, Bomilcar, who had gone a + + second time to Carthage, by so stating the condition of their allies as to inspire + + a hope that they might not only render them effectual aid, but also that the + + Romans might in a manner be made prisoners in the city which they had captured, + + induced the Carthaginians to send with him as many ships of burden as possible, + + laden with every kind of provisions, and to augment the number of his ships. + + Setting sail, therefore, from Carthage with a hundred and thirty men of war + + and seven hundred transports, he had tolerably fair winds for crossing over + + to Sicily, but was prevented by the same wind from doubling Cape Pachynum. The + + news of the approach of Bomilcar, and afterwards his unexpected delay, excited + + alternate fear and joy in the Romans and Syracusans. Epicydes, apprehensive + + lest if the same wind which now detained him should continue to blow from the + + east for several days, the Carthaginian fleet would return to Africa, put the + + Achradina in the hands of the generals of the mercenary troops, and sailed to + + Bomilcar; whom he at length prevailed upon to try the issue of a naval battle, + + though he found him with his fleet stationed in the direction of Africa, and + + afraid of fighting, not so much because he was unequal in the strength or the + + number of his ships, for he had more than the Romans, as because the wind was + + more favourable to the Roman fleet than to his own. Marcellus also seeing that + + an army of Sicilians was assembling from every part of the island, and that + + the Carthaginian fleet was approaching with a great want of supplies, though + + inferior in the number of his ships, resolved to prevent Bomilcar from coming + + to Syracuse, lest, blocked up in the city of his enemies, he should be pressed + + both by sea and land. The two hostile fleets were stationed near the promontory + + of Pachynum, ready to engage as soon as the sea should become calm enough to + + admit of their sailing out into the deep. Accordingly, the east wind, which + + had blown violently for several days, now subsiding, Bomilcar got under sail + + first, his van seeming to make for the main sea, in order to double the promontory + + with greater ease; but seeing the Roman ships bearing down upon him, terrified + + by some unexpected occurrence, it is not known what, he sailed away into the + + main sea; and sending messengers to Heraclea, to order the transports to return + + to Africa, he passed along the coast of Sicily and made for Tarentum. Epicydes, + + thus suddenly disappointed in such great expectations, to avoid returning to + + endeavour to raise the siege of a city, a great part of which was already in + + the hands of the enemy, sailed to Agrigentum, intending to wait the issue of + + the contest, rather than take any new measures when there. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">28 </div> + +<a id="g28" /> + +<p>Intelligence of these events having been carried into the camp of the Sicilians, + + that Epicydes had departed from Syracuse, that the island was deserted by the + + Carthaginians, and almost again delivered up to the Romans; after sounding the + + inclinations of the besieged in conferences, they sent ambassadors to Marcellus, + + to treat about terms of capitulation. They had not much difficulty in coming + + to an agreement, that all the parts of the island which had been under the dominion + + of their kings should be ceded to the Romans; that the rest, with their liberty + + and their own laws, should be preserved to the Sicilians. They then invited + + to a conference the persons who had been intrusted with the management of affairs + + by Epicydes; to whom they said, that they were sent from the army of the Sicilians, + + at once to Marcellus and to them, that both those who were besieged and those + + who were not might share the same fortune; and that neither of them might stipulate + + any thing for themselves separately. They were then allowed to enter, in order + + to converse with their relations and friends; when, laying before them the terms + + which they had made with Marcellus, and holding out to them a hope of safety, + + they induced them to join with them in an attack upon the prefects of Epicydes, + + Polyclitus, Philistion, and Epicydes, surnamed Sindon. Having put them to death, + + they summoned the multitude to an assembly; and after complaining of the famine, + + at which they had been accustomed to express their dissatisfaction to each other + + in secret, they said, that "although they were pressed by so many calamities, + + they had no right to accuse Fortune, because it was at their own option how + + long they should continue to suffer them. That the motive which the Romans had + + in besieging Syracuse was affection for the Syracusans, and not hatred; for + + when they heard that the government was usurped by Hippocrates and Epicydes, + + the creatures first of Hannibal and then of Hieronymus, they took arms and began + + to besiege the city, in order to reduce not the city itself, but its cruel tyrants. + + But now that Hippocrates is slain, Epicydes shut out of Syracuse, his praefects + + put to death, and the Carthaginians driven from the entire possession of Sicily + + by sea and land, what reason can the Romans have left why they should not desire + + the preservation of Syracuse, in the same manner as they would if Hiero were + + still lining, who cultivated the friendship of Rome with unequalled fidelity? + + That, therefore, neither the city nor its inhabitants were in any danger, except + + from themselves, if they neglected an opportunity of restoring themselves to + + the favour of the Romans; and that no so favourable a one would ever occur as + + that which presented itself at the present instant, immediately upon its appearing + + that they were delivered from their insolent tyrants." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">29 </div> + +<a id="g29" /> + +<p>This speech was received with the most unqualified approbation of all present. + + It was resolved, however, that praetors should be elected before the nomination + + of deputies; which being done, some of the praetors themselves were sent as + + deputies to Marcellus, the chief of whom thus addressed him: "Neither in the + + first instance did we Syracusans revolt from you, but Hieronymus, whose impiety + + towards you was by no means so great as towards us; nor afterwards was it any + + Syracusan who disturbed the peace established by the death of the tyrant, but + + Hippocrates and Epicydes, creatures of the tyrant; while we were overpowered, + + on the one hand by fear, and on the other by treachery. Nor can any one say + + that there ever was a time when we were in possession of our liberty, when we + + were not also at peace with you. In the present instance, manifestly, as soon + + as ever we became our own masters, by the death of those persons who held Syracuse + + in subjection, we lost no time in coming to deliver up our arms, to surrender + + ourselves, our city, and our walls, and to refuse no conditions which you shall + + impose upon us. To you, Marcellus, the gods have given the glory of having captured + + the most renowned and beautiful of the Grecian cities. Every memorable exploit + + which we have at any time achieved by land or sea accrues to the splendour of + + your triumph. Would you wish that it should be known only by fame, how great + + a city has been captured by you, rather than that she should stand as a monument + + even to posterity; so that to every one who visits her by sea or land, she may + + point out at one time our trophies gained from the Athenians and Carthaginians, + + at another time those which you have gained from us; and that you should transmit + + Syracuse unimpaired to your family, to be kept under the protection and patronage + + of the race of the Marcelli? Let not the memory of Hieronymus have greater weight + + with you than that of Hiero. The latter was your friend for a much longer period + + than the former was your enemy. From the latter you have realized even benefits, + + while the frenzy of Hieronymus only brought ruin upon himself." At the hands + + of the Romans all things were obtainable and secure. There was a greater disposition + + to war, and more danger to be apprehended among themselves; for the deserters, + + thinking that they were delivered up to the Romans, induced the mercenary auxiliaries + + to entertain the same apprehension; and hastily seizing their arms, they first + + put the praetors to death, and then ran through the city to massacre the Syracusans. + + In their rage they slew all whom chance threw in their way, and plundered every + + thing which presented itself; and then, lest they should have no leaders, they + + elected six praetors, so that three might have the command in the Achradina, + + and three in the island. At length, the tumult having subsided, and the mercenary + + troops having ascertained, by inquiry, what had been negotiated with the Romans, + + it began to appear, as was really the case, that their cause and that of the + + deserters were different. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">30 </div> + +<a id="g30" /> + +<p>The ambassadors returned from Marcellus very opportunely. They informed them + + that they had been influenced by groundless suspicions, and that the Romans + + saw no reason why they should inflict punishment upon them. Of the three praefects + + of the Achradina one was a Spaniard, named Mericus. To him one of the Spanish + + auxiliaries was designedly sent, among those who accompanied the ambassadors. + + Having obtained an interview with Mericus in the absence of witnesses, he first + + explained to him the state in which he had left Spain, from which he had lately + + returned: "That there every thing was in subjection to the Roman arms; that + + it was in his power, by doing the Romans a service, to become the first man + + among his countrymen, whether he might be inclined to serve with the Romans, + + or to return to his country. On the other hand, if he persisted in preferring + + to hold out against the siege, what hope could he have, shut up as he was by + + sea and land?" Mericus was moved by these suggestions, and when it was resolved + + upon to send ambassadors to Marcellus, he sent his brother among them; who, + + being brought into the presence of Marcellus, apart from the rest, by means + + of the same Spaniard, after receiving an assurance of protection, arranged the + + method of carrying their object into effect, and then returned to the Achradina. + + Mericus then, in order to prevent any one from conceiving a suspicion of treachery, + + declared, that he did not like that deputies should be passing to and fro; he + + thought that they should neither admit nor send any; and in order that the guards + + might be kept more strictly, that such parts as were most exposed should be + + distributed among the prefects, each being made responsible for the safety of + + his own quarter. All approved of the distribution of the posts. The district + + which fell to the lot of Mericus himself extended from the fountain Arethusa + + to the mouth of the large harbour, of which he caused the Romans to be informed. + + Accordingly, Marcellus ordered a transport with armed men to be towed by a quadrireme + + to the Achradina during the night, and the soldiers to be landed in the vicinity + + of that gate which is near the fountain of Arethusa. This order having been + + executed at the fourth watch, and Mericus having received the soldiers when + + landed at the gate, according to the agreement, Marcellus assaulted the walls + + of the Achradina with all his forces at break of day, so that he not only engaged + + the attention of those who occupied the Achradina, but also bands of armed men, + + quitting their own posts ran to the spot from the island, in order to repel + + the furious attack of the Romans. During this confusion, some light ships which + + had been prepared beforehand, and had sailed round, landed a body of armed men + + at the island; these suddenly attacking the half-manned stations and the opened + + door of the gate at which the troops had a little before run out, got possession + + of the island without much opposition, abandoned as it was, in consequence of + + the flight and trepidation of its guards. Nor were there any who rendered less + + service, or showed less firmness in maintaining their posts, than the deserters; + + for as they did not repose much confidence even in those of their own party, + + they fled in the middle of the contest. When Marcellus learnt that the island + + was taken, one quarter of the Achradina in the hands of his troops, and that + + Mericus, with the men under his command, had joined them, he sounded a retreat, + + lest the royal treasure, the fame of which was greater than the reality, should + + be plundered. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">31 </div> + +<a id="g31" /> + +<p>The impetuosity of the soldiers having been checked, time and opportunity to + + escape were given to the deserters in the Achradina; and the Syracusans, at + + length delivered from their fears, threw open the gates of the Achradina, and + + sent deputies to Marcellus, requesting only safety for themselves and children. + + Having summoned a council, to which the Syracusans were invited who were among + + the Roman troops, having been driven from home during the disturbances, Marcellus + + replied, "that the services rendered by Hiero through a period of fifty years, + + were not more in number than the injuries committed against the Roman people + + in these few years by those who had had possession of Syracuse; but that most + + of these injuries had justly recoiled upon their authors, and that they had + + inflicted much more severe punishment upon themselves for the violation of treaties, + + than the Roman people desired. That he was indeed now besieging Syracuse for + + the third year, but not that the Romans might hold that state in a condition + + of slavery, but that the ringleaders of the deserters might not keep it in a + + state of thraldom and oppression. What the Syracusans could do was exemplified, + + either by the conduct of those Syracusans who were among the Roman troops, or + + that of the Spanish general, Mericus, who had delivered up the post which he + + was appointed to command, or, lastly, by the late but bold measure adopted by + + the Syracusans themselves. That the greatest possible recompence for all the + + evils and dangers which he had for so long a time undergone, both by sea and + + land, around the walls of Syracuse, was the reflection, that he had been able + + to take that city." The quaestor was then sent with a guard to the island, to + + receive and protect the royal treasure. The city was given up to be plundered + + by the soldiery, after guards had been placed at each of the houses of those + + who had been with the Roman troops. While many acts exhibited horrid examples + + of rage and rapacity, it is recorded that Archimedes, while intent on some figures + + which he had described in the dust, although the confusion was as great as could + + possibly exist in a captured city, in which soldiers were running up and down + + in search of plunder, was put to death by a soldier, who did not know who he + + was; that Marcellus was grieved at this event, and that pains were taken about + + his funeral, while his relations also for whom diligent inquiry was made, derived + + honour and protection from his name and memory. Such, for the most part, was + + the manner in which Syracuse was captured. The quantity of booty was so great, + + that had Carthage itself, which was carrying on a contest on equal terms, been + + captured, it would scarcely have afforded so much. A few days before the taking + + of Syracuse, Titus Otacilius passed over from Lilybaeum to Utica with eighty + + quinqueremes, and entering the harbour before it was light, took some transports + + laden with corn; then landing, he laid waste a considerable portion of the country + + around Utica, and brought back to his ships booty of every description. He returned + + to Lilybaeum, the third day after he set out, with a hundred and thirty transports + + laden with corn and booty. The corn he sent immediately to Syracuse; and had + + it not been for the very seasonable arrival of this supply, a destructive famine + + threatened alike the victors and the vanquished. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">32 </div> + +<a id="g32" /> + +<p>Nothing very memorable had been done in Spain for about two years, the operations + + of the war consisting more in laying plans than in fighting; but during the + + same summer in which the events above recorded took place, the Roman generals, + + quitting their winter quarters, united their forces; then a council was summoned; + + and the opinions of all accorded, that since their only object hitherto had + + been to prevent Hasdrubal from pursuing his march into Italy, it was now time + + that an effort should be made to bring the war in Spain to a termination; and + + they thought that the twenty thousand Celtiberians, who had been induced to + + take arms that winter, formed a sufficient accession to their strength. There + + were three armies of the enemy. Hasdrubal, son of Gisgo, and Mago, who had united + + their forces, were about a five days' journey from the Romans. Hasdrubal, son + + of Hamilcar, who was the old commander in Spain, was nearer to them: he was + + with his army near the city Anitorgis. The Roman generals were desirous that + + he should be overpowered first; and they hoped that they had enough and more + + than enough strength for the purpose. Their only source of anxiety was, lest + + the other Hasdrubal and Mago, terrified at his discomfiture, should protract + + the war by withdrawing into trackless forests and mountains. Thinking it, therefore, + + the wisest course to divide their forces and embrace the whole Spanish war, + + they arranged it so that Publius Cornelius should lead two-thirds of the Roman + + and allied troops against Mago and Hasdrubal, and that Cneius Cornelius, with + + the remaining third of the original army, and with the Celtiberians added to + + them, should carry on the war with the Barcine Hasdrubal. The two generals and + + their armies, setting out together, preceded by the Celtiberians, pitched their + + camp near the city Anitorgis, within sight of the enemy, the river only separating + + them. Here Cneius Scipio, with the forces above mentioned, halted, but Publius + + Scipio proceeded to the portion of the war assigned to him. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">33 </div> + +<a id="g33" /> + +<p>Hasdrubal perceiving that there were but few Roman troops in the camp, and + + that their whole dependence was on the Celtiberian auxiliaries; and having had + + experience of the perfidy of the barbarian nations in general, and particularly + + of all those nations among which he had served for so many years; as there was + + every facility of intercourse, for both camps were full of Spaniards, by secret + + conferences with the chiefs of the Celtiberians, he agreed with them, for a + + large consideration, to take their forces away. Nor did they conceive it to + + be any great crime; for the object was not that they should turn their arms + + against the Romans, while the reward which they were to receive to abstain from + + the war was large enough to remunerate them for their service in it. At the + + same time the mere rest from labour, the return to their homes, with the pleasure + + of seeing their friends and property, were pleasing to the generality. Accordingly, + + the multitude were prevailed upon as easily as their leaders. They had, moreover, + + nothing to fear from the Romans, in consequence of the smallness of their numbers, + + should they endeavour to detain them by force. It will indeed be the duty of + + all Roman generals to take care, and the instances here recorded should be considered + + as strong arguments, never to place so much confidence in foreign auxiliaries, + + as not to retain in their camps a preponderance of their own strength and of + + that force which is properly their own. The Celtiberians, suddenly taking up + + their standards, marched away, replying only to the Romans, who asked the cause + + of their departure and entreated them to stay, that they were called away by + + a war at home. Scipio seeing that his allies could be detained neither by prayers + + nor force, and that he was neither a match for his enemy without them, nor could + + again effect a junction with his brother, no other course which promised safety + + offering itself, resolved to retire as far as possible, carefully using every + + caution not to encounter the enemy any where on level ground. On his departing, + + the enemy, crossing the river, pursued him almost in his footsteps. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">34 </div> + +<a id="g34" /> + +<p>During the same period an equal terror and a greater danger pressed upon Publius + + Scipio. Masinissa was a young man at that time an ally of the Carthaginians, + + whom afterwards the friendship of the Romans rendered illustrious and powerful. + + He not only opposed himself with his Numidian cavalry to Scipio on his approach, + + but afterwards harassed him incessantly day and night, so as both to cut off + + his stragglers, who had gone out to a distance from the camp in search of wood + + and forage, and riding up to the very gates of his camp, and charging into the + + midst of his advanced guards, to fill every quarter with the utmost confusion. + + By night also alarm was frequently occasioned in the gates and rampart by his + + sudden attacks. Nor was there any time or place at which the Romans were exempt + + from fear and anxiety; and driven within their rampart, and deprived of every + + necessary, they suffered in a manner a regular siege; and it appeared that it + + would have been still straiter, if Indibilis, who it was reported was approaching + + with seven thousand five hundred Suessetani, should form a junction with the + + Carthaginians. Scipio, though a wary and provident general, overpowered by difficulties, + + adopted the rash measure of going to meet Indibilis by night, with the intention + + of fighting him wherever he should meet him. Leaving, therefore, a small force + + in his camp, under the command of Titus Fonteius, lieutenant-general, he set + + out at midnight, and meeting with the enemy, came to battle with him. The troops + + fought in the order of march rather than of battle. The Romans, however, had + + the advantage, though in an irregular fight; but the Numidian cavalry, whose + + observation the general supposed that he had escaped, suddenly spreading themselves + + round his flanks, occasioned great terror. After a new contest had been entered + + into with the Numidians, a third enemy came up in addition to the rest, the + + Carthaginian generals having come up with their rear when they were now engaged + + in fighting. Thus the Romans were surrounded on every side by enemies; nor could + + they make up their minds which they should attack first, or in what part, forming + + themselves into a close body, they should force their way through. The general, + + while fighting and encouraging his men, exposing himself wherever the strife + + was the hottest, was run through the right side with a lance; and when the party + + of the enemy, which, formed into a wedge, had charged the troops collected round + + the general, perceived Scipio falling lifeless from his horse, elated with joy, + + they ran shouting through the whole line with the news that the Roman general + + had fallen. These words spreading in every direction, caused the enemy to be + + considered as victors, and the Romans as vanquished. On the loss of the general + + the troops immediately began to fly from the field; but though it was not difficult + + to force their way through the Numidians and the other light-armed auxiliaries, + + yet it was scarcely possible for them to escape so large a body of cavalry, + + and infantry equal to horses in speed. Almost more were slain in the flight + + than in the battle; nor would a man have survived, had not night put a stop + + to the carnage, the day by this time rapidly drawing to a close. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">35 </div> + +<a id="g35" /> + +<p>After this, the Carthaginian generals, who were not slow in following up their + + victory, immediately after the battle, scarcely giving their soldiers necessary + + rest, hurry their army to Hasdrubal, son of Hamilcar; confidently hoping, that + + after uniting their forces with his, the war might be brought to a conclusion. + + On their arrival, the warmest congratulations passed between the troops and + + their generals, who were delighted with their recent victory; for they had not + + only destroyed one distinguished general and all his men, but looked forward + + to another victory of equal magnitude as a matter of certainty. The intelligence + + of this great disaster had not yet reached the Romans; but there prevailed a + + kind of melancholy silence and mute foreboding, such as is usually found in + + minds which have a presentiment of impending calamity. The general himself, + + besides feeling that he was deserted by his allies, and that the forces of the + + enemy were so much augmented, was disposed from conjecture and reasoning rather + + to a suspicion that some defeat had been sustained, than to any favourable hopes. + + "For how could Hasdrubal and Mago bring up their troops without opposition, + + unless they had terminated their part of the war? How was it that his brother + + had not opposed his progress or followed on his rear? in order that if he could + + not prevent the armies and generals of the enemy from forming a junction, he + + might himself join his forces with his brother's." Disturbed with these cares, + + he believed that the only safe policy for the present was to retire as far as + + possible; and, accordingly, he marched a considerable distance thence in one + + night, the enemy not being aware of it, and on that account continuing quiet. + + At dawn, perceiving that their enemy had decamped, they sent the Numidians in + + advance, and began to pursue them as rapidly as possible. The Numidians overtook + + them before night, and charged; sometimes their rear, at other times their flanks. + + They then began to halt and defend themselves as well as they could; but Scipio + + exhorted them at once to fight so as not to expose themselves, and march at + + the same time, lest the infantry should overtake them. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">36 </div> + +<a id="g36" /> + +<p>But having made but little progress for a long time, in consequence of his + + making his troops sometimes advance and at others halt, and night now drawing + + on, Scipio recalled his troops from the battle, and collecting them, withdrew + + to a certain eminence, not very safe, indeed, particularly for dispirited troops, + + but higher than any of the surrounding places. There, at first, his infantry, + + drawn up around his baggage and cavalry, which were placed in their centre, + + had no difficulty in repelling the attacks of the charging Numidians; but afterwards, + + when three generals with three regular armies marched up in one entire body, + + and it was evident that his men would not be able to do much by arms in defending + + the position without fortifications, the general began to look about, and consider + + whether he could by any means throw a rampart around; but the hill was so bare, + + and the soil so rough, that neither could a bush be found for cutting a palisade, + + nor earth for making a mound, nor the requisites for making a trench or any + + other work; nor was the place naturally steep or abrupt enough to render the + + approach and ascent difficult to the enemy, as it rose on every side with a + + gentle acclivity. However, that they might raise up against them some semblance + + of a rampart, they placed around them the panniers tied to the burdens, building + + them up as it were to the usual height, and when there was a deficiency of panniers + + for raising it, they presented against the enemy a heap of baggage of every + + kind. The Carthaginian armies coming up, very easily marched up the eminence, + + but were stopped by the novel appearance of the fortification, as by something + + miraculous, when their leaders called out from all sides, asking "what they + + stopped at? and why they did not tear down and demolish that mockery, which + + was scarcely strong enough to impede the progress of women and children; that + + the enemy, who were skulking behind their baggage, were, in fact, captured and + + in their hands." Such were the contemptuous reproofs of their leaders. But it + + was not an easy task either to leap over or remove the burdens raised up against + + them, or to cut through the panniers, closely packed together and covered completely + + with baggage. When the removal of the burdens had opened a way to the troops, + + who were detained by them for a long time, and the same had been done in several + + quarters, the camp was now captured on all sides; the Romans were cut to pieces + + on all hands, the few by the many, the dispirited by the victorious. A great + + number of the men, however, having fled for refuge into the neighbouring woods, + + effected their escape to the camp of Publius Scipio, which Titus Fonteius commanded. + + Some authors relate that Cneius Scipio was slain on the eminence on the first + + assault of the enemy; others that he escaped with a few attendants to a castle + + near the camp; this, they say, was surrounded with fire, by which means the + + doors which they could not force were consumed; that it was thus taken, and + + all within, together with the general himself, put to death. Cneius Scipio was + + slain in the eighth year after his arrival in Spain, and on the twenty-ninth + + day after the death of his brother. At Rome the grief occasioned by their death + + was not more intense than that which was felt throughout Spain. The sorrow of + + the citizens, however, was partly distracted by the loss of the armies, the + + alienation of the province, and the public disaster, while in Spain they mourned + + and regretted the generals themselves, Cneius, however, the more, because he + + had been longer in command of them, had first engaged their affections, and + + first exhibited a specimen of Roman justice and forbearance. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">37 </div> + +<a id="g37" /> + +<p>When it seemed that the Roman armies were annihilated, and Spain lost, one + + man recovered this desperate state of affairs. There was in the army one Lucius + + Marcius, the son of Septimus, a Roman knight, an enterprising youth, and possessing + + a mind and genius far superior to the condition in which he had been born. To + + his high talents had been added the discipline of Cneius Scipio, under which + + he had been thoroughly instructed during a course of so many years in all the + + qualifications of a soldier. This man, having collected the troops which had + + been dispersed in the flight, and drafted some from the garrisons, had formed + + an army not to be despised, and united it with Titus Tonteius, the lieutenant-general + + of Publius Scipio. But so transcendent was the Roman knight in authority and + + honour among the troops, that when, after fortifying a camp on this side of + + the Iberus, it had been resolved that a general of the two armies should be + + elected in an assembly of the soldiers, relieving each other in the guard of + + the rampart, and in keeping the outposts until every one had given his vote, + + they unanimously conferred the supreme command upon Lucius Marcius. All the + + intervening time, which was but short, was occupied in fortifying their camp + + and collecting provisions, and the soldiers executed every order not only with + + vigour, but with feelings by no means depressed. But when intelligence was brought + + them that Hasdrubal, son of Gisgo, who was coming to put the finishing stroke + + to the war, had crossed the Iberus and was drawing near, and when they saw the + + signal for battle displayed by a new commander, then calling to mind whom they + + had had for their leaders a little while ago, relying on what leaders and what + + forces they used to go out to fight, they all suddenly burst into tears and + + beat their heads, some raising their hands to heaven and arraigning the gods, + + others prostrating themselves upon the ground and invoking by name each his + + own former commander. Nor could their lamentations be restrained, though the + + centurions endeavoured to animate their companies, and though Marcius himself + + soothed and remonstrated with them, asking them "why they had given themselves + + up to womanish and unavailing lamentations rather than summon up all their courage + + to protect themselves and the commonwealth together, and not suffer their generals + + to lie unavenged?" But suddenly a shout and the sound of trumpets were heard; + + for by this time the enemy were near the rampart. Upon this, their grief being + + suddenly converted into rage, they hastily ran to arms, and, as it were, burning + + with fury, rushed to the gates and charged the enemy, while advancing in a careless + + and disorderly manner. This unexpected event instantly struck terror into the + + Carthaginians, who wondering whence so many enemies could have sprung up so + + suddenly, as the army had been almost annihilated; what could have inspired + + men who had been vanquished and routed with such boldness and confidence in + + themselves; what general could have arisen now that the two Scipios were slain; + + who could command the camp, and who had given the signal for battle; in consequence + + of these so many and so unexpected circumstances, at first, being in a state + + of complete uncertainty and amazement, they gave ground; but afterwards, discomfited + + by the violence of the charge, they turned their backs; and either there would + + have been a dreadful slaughter of the flying enemy, or a rash and dangerous + + effort on the part of the pursuers, had not Marcius promptly given the signal + + for retreat, and by throwing himself in the way of the front rank, and even + + holding some back with his own hands, repressed the infuriated troops. He then + + led them back to the camp, still eager for blood and slaughter. When the Carthaginians, + + who were at first compelled to fly with precipitation from the rampart of their + + enemy, saw that no one pursued them, concluding that they had stopped from fear, + + now on the other hand went away to their camp at an easy pace, with feelings + + of contempt for the enemy. There was a corresponding want of care in guarding + + their camp; for though the enemy were near, yet it seemed that they were but + + the remains of the two armies which had been cut to pieces a few days before. + + As in consequence of this all things were neglected in the enemy's camp, Marcius + + having ascertained this, addressed his mind to a measure which on the first + + view of it might appear rather rash than bold: it was, aggressively to assault + + the enemy's camp, concluding that the camp of Hasdrubal, while alone, might + + be carried with less difficulty than his own could be defended, if the three + + armies and as many generals should again unite; taking into consideration also + + that either if he succeeded he would retrieve their prostrate fortune, or if + + repulsed, still, by making the attack himself, he would rescue himself from + + contempt. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">38 </div> + +<a id="g38" /> + +<p>Lest, however, the suddenness of the affair, and the fear of night, should + + frustrate a measure which was in itself ill adapted to his condition, he thought + + it right that his soldiers should be addressed and exhorted; and having called + + an assembly, he discoursed as follows: "Soldiers, either my veneration for our + + late commanders, both living and dead, or our present situation, may impress + + on every one the belief that this command, as it is highly honourable to me, + + conferred by your suffrages, so is it in its nature a heavy and anxious charge. + + For at a time when I should be scarcely so far master of myself as to be able + + to find any solace for my afflicted mind, did not fear deaden the sense of sorrow, + + I am compelled to take upon myself alone the task of consulting for the good + + of you all; a task of the greatest difficulty when under the influence of grief. + + And not even at that critical moment, when I ought to be considering in what + + manner I may be enabled to keep together for my country these remains of two + + armies, can I divert my mind from the affliction which incessantly preys upon + + me. For bitter recollection is ever present, and the Scipios ever disturb me + + with anxious cares by day and dreams by night, frequently rousing me from my + + sleep, and imploring me not to suffer themselves nor their soldiers, your companions + + in war, who had been victorious in this country for eight years, nor the commonwealth + + to remain unrevenged; enjoining me also to follow their discipline and their + + plans; and desiring that as there was no one more obedient to their commands + + while they were alive than I, so after their death I would consider that conduct + + as best, which I might have the strongest reason for believing they would have + + adopted in each case. I could wish also that you, my soldiers, should not show + + your respect for them by lamentations and tears, as if they were dead; (for + + they still live and flourish in the fame of their achievements;) but that whenever + + the memory of those men shall occur to you, you would go into battle as though + + you saw them encouraging you and giving you the signal. Nor certainly could + + anything else than their image presenting itself yesterday to your eyes and + + minds, have enabled you to fight that memorable battle, in which you proved + + to the enemy that the Roman name had not become extinct with the Scipios; and + + that the energy and valour of that people, which had not been overwhelmed by + + the disaster at Cannae, would, doubtlessly, emerge from the severest storms + + of fortune. Now since you have dared so much of your own accord, I have a mind + + to try how much you will dare when authorized by your general: for yesterday, + + when I gave the signal for retreat while you were pursuing the routed enemy + + with precipitation, I did not wish to break your spirit, but to reserve it for + + greater glory and more advantageous opportunities; that you might afterwards, + + when prepared and armed, seize an occasion of attacking your enemy while off + + their guard, unarmed, and even buried in sleep. Nor do I entertain the hope + + of gaining an opportunity of this kind rashly, but from the actual state of + + things. Doubtless, if any one should ask even himself, by what means, though + + few in number and disheartened by defeat, you defended your camp against troops + + superior in number and victorious, you would give no other answer than that, + + as this was the very thing you were afraid of, you had kept every place secured + + by works and yourselves ready and equipped. And so it generally happens: men + + are least secure against that which fortune causes not to be feared; because + + you leave unguarded and exposed what you think is not necessary to be cared + + about. There is nothing whatever which the enemy fear less at the present time, + + than lest we, who were a little while ago besieged and assaulted, should aggressively + + assault their camp ourselves. Let us dare, then, to do that which it is incredible + + we should have the courage to attempt; it will be most easy from the very fact + + of its appearing most difficult. At the third watch of the night I will lead + + you thither in silence. I have ascertained by means of scouts that they have + + no regular succession of watches, no proper outposts. Our shout at their gates, + + when heard, and the first assault, will carry their camp. Then let that carnage + + be made among men, torpid with sleep, terrified at the unexpected tumult, and + + overpowered while lying defenceless in their beds, from which you were so grieved + + to be recalled yesterday. I know that the measure appears to you a daring one; + + but in difficult and almost desperate circumstances the boldest counsels are + + always the safest. For if when the critical moment has arrived, the opportunity + + of seizing which is of a fleeting nature, you delay ever so little, in vain + + do you seek for it afterwards when it has been neglected. One army is near us; + + two more are not far off. We have some hopes if we make an attack now; and you + + have already made trial of your own and their strength. If we postpone the time + + and cease to be despised in consequence of the fame of yesterday's irruption, + + there is danger lest all the generals and all the forces should unite. Shall + + we be able then to withstand three generals and three armies, whom Cneius Scipio + + with his army unimpaired could not withstand? As our generals have perished + + by dividing their forces, so the enemy may be overpowered while separated and + + divided. There is no other mode of maintaining the war; let us, therefore, wait + + for nothing but the opportunity of the ensuing night. Now depart, with the favour + + of the gods, and refresh yourselves, that, unfatigued and vigorous, you may + + burst into the enemy's camp with the same spirit with which you have defended + + your own." This new enterprise, proposed by their new general, they received + + with joy; and the more daring it was the more it pleased them. The remainder + + of the day was spent in getting their arms in readiness and recruiting their + + strength, the greater part of the night was given to rest, and at the fourth + + watch they were in motion. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">39 </div> + +<a id="g39" /> + +<p>At a distance of six miles beyond their nearest camp lay other forces of the + + Carthaginians. A deep valley, thickly planted with trees, intervened. Near about + + the middle of this wood a Roman cohort and some cavalry were placed in concealment + + with Punic craft. The communication between the two armies being thus cut off, + + the rest of the forces were marched in silence to the nearest body of the enemy; + + and as there were no outposts before the gates, and no guards on the rampart, + + they entered quite into the camp, as though it had been their own, no one any + + where opposing them. The signals were then sounded and a shout raised. Some + + put the enemy to the sword when half asleep; others threw fire upon the huts, + + which were covered in with dry straw; others blocked up the gates to intercept + + their escape. The enemy, who were assailed at once with fire, shouting, and + + the sword, were in a manner bereaved of their senses, and could neither hear + + each other, nor take any measures for their security. Unarmed, they fell into + + the midst of troops of armed men: some hastened to the gates; others, as the + + passes were flocked up, leaped over the rampart, and as each escaped they fled + + directly towards the other camp, where they were cut off by the cohort and cavalry + + rushing forward from their concealment, and were all slain to a man. And even + + had any escaped from that carnage, the Romans, after taking the nearer camp, + + ran over to the other with such rapidity, that no one could have arrived before + + them with news of the disaster. In this camp, as they were far distant from + + the enemy, and as some had gone off just before daylight for forage, wood, and + + plunder, they found every thing in a still more neglected and careless state. + + Their arms only were placed at the outposts, the men being unarmed, and either + + sitting and reclining upon the ground, or else walking up and down before the + + rampart and the gates. On these men, thus at their ease and unguarded, the Romans, + + still hot from the recent battle, and flushed with victory, commenced an attack; + + no effectual opposition therefore could be made to them in the gates. Within + + the gates, the troops having rushed together from every part of the camp at + + the first shout and alarm, a furious conflict arose; which would have continued + + for a long time, had not the bloody appearance of the Roman shields discovered + + to the Carthaginians the defeat of the other forces, and consequently struck + + them with dismay. This alarm produced a general flight; and all except those + + who were overtaken with the sword, rushing out precipitately wherever they could + + find a passage, abandoned their camp. Thus, in a night and a day, two camps + + of the enemy were carried, under the conduct of Lucius Marcius. Claudius, who + + translated the annals of Acilius out of Greek into Latin, states that as many + + as thirty-seven thousand men were slain, one thousand eight hundred and thirty + + made prisoners, and a great booty obtained; among which was a silver shield + + of a hundred and thirty-eight pounds' weight, with an image upon it of the Barcine + + Hasdrubal. Valerius Antias states, that the camp Of Mago only was captured, + + and seven thousand of the enemy slain; and that in the other battle, when the + + Romans sallied out and fought with Hasdrubal, ten thousand were slain, and four + + thousand three hundred captured. Piso writes, that five thousand were slain + + in an ambuscade when Mago incautiously pursued our troops who retired. With + + all, the name of the general, Marcius, is mentioned with great honour, and to + + his real glory they add even miracles. They say, that while he was haranguing + + his men a stream of fire poured from his head without his perceiving it, to + + the great terror of the surrounding soldiers; and that a shield, called the + + Marcian, with an image of Hasdrubal upon it, remained in the temple up to the + + time of the burning of the Capitol, a monument of his victory over the Carthaginians. + + After this, affairs continued for a considerable time in a tranquil state in + + Spain, as both parties, after giving and receiving such important defeats, hesitated + + to run the hazard of a general battle. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">40 </div> + +<a id="g40" /> + +<p>During these transactions in Spain, Marcellus, after the capture of Syracuse, + + having settled the other affairs in Sicily with so much honour and integrity + + as not only to add to his own renown, but also to the majesty of the Roman people, + + conveyed to Rome the ornaments of the city, together with the statues and pictures + + with which Syracuse abounded. These were certainly spoils taken from enemies, + + and acquired according to the laws of war; but hence was the origin of the admiration + + of the products of Grecian art, and to that freedom with which at present all + + places, both sacred and profane, are despoiled; which at last recoiled upon + + the Roman gods, and first upon that very temple which was so choicely adorned + + by Marcellus. For foreigners were in the habit of visiting the temples dedicated + + by Marcellus near the Capuan gate, on account of their splendid ornaments of + + this description, of which a very small portion can be found. Embassies from + + almost all the states of Sicily came to him. As their cases were different, + + so were also the terms granted to them. Those who had either not revolted or + + had returned to the alliance before the capture of Syracuse, were received and + + honoured as faithful allies. Those who had been induced to submit through fear + + after the capture of Syracuse, as vanquished, received laws from the conqueror. + + The Romans, however, had still remaining a war of no small magnitude at Agrigentum, + + headed by Epicydes and Hanno, generals in the late war, and a third new one + + sent by Hannibal in the room of Hippocrates, a Libyphoenician by nation, and + + a native of Hippo, called by his countrymen Mutines; an energetic man, and thoroughly + + instructed in all the arts of war under the tuition of Hannibal. To this man + + the Numidian auxiliaries were assigned by Epicydes and Hanno. With these he + + so thoroughly overran the lands of his enemies, and visited his allies with + + such activity, in order to retain them in their allegiance, and for the purpose + + of bringing them seasonable aid as each required it, that in a short time he + + filled all Sicily with his fame, nor was greater confidence placed in any one + + else by those who favoured the Carthaginian interest. Accordingly the Carthaginian + + and Syracusan generals, who had been hitherto compelled to keep within the walls + + of Agrigentum, not more at the advice of Mutines than from the confidence they + + reposed in him, had the courage to go out from the walls, and pitched a camp + + near the river Himera. When this was announced to Marcellus, he immediately + + advanced and sat down at a distance of about four miles from the enemy, with + + the intention of waiting to see what steps they took, and what they meditated. + + But Mutines allowed no room or time for delay or deliberation, but crossed the + + river, and, charging the outposts of his enemy, created the greatest terror + + and confusion. The next day, in an engagement which might almost be called regular, + + he compelled his enemy to retire within their works. Being called away by a + + mutiny of the Numidians, which had broken out in the camp, and in which about + + three hundred of them had retired to Heraclea Minoa, he set out to appease them + + and bring them back; and is said to have earnestly warned the generals not to + + engage with the enemy during his absence. Both the generals were indignant at + + this conduct, but particularly Hanno, who was before disturbed at his reputation. + + "Is it to be borne," said he, "that a mongrel African should impose restraints + + upon me, a Carthaginian general, commissioned by the senate and people?" Epicydes, + + who wished to wait, was prevailed upon by him to agree to their crossing the + + river and offering battle; for, said he, if they should wait for Mutines, and + + the battle should terminate successfully, Mutines would certainly have the credit + + of it. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">41 </div> + +<a id="g41" /> + +<p>But Marcellus, highly indignant that he who had repulsed Hannibal from Nola, + + when rendered confident by his victory at Cannae, should succumb to enemies + + whom he had vanquished by sea and land, ordered his soldiers immediately to + + take arms and raise the standards. While marshalling his army, ten Numidians + + rode up rapidly from the enemy's line with information that their countrymen, + + first induced by the same causes which brought on the mutiny, in which three + + hundred of their number retired to Heraclea, and secondly, because they saw + + their commander, just on the approach of a battle, sent out of the way by generals + + who wished to detract from his glory, would not take any part in the battle. + + This deceitful nation made good their promise in this instance. Accordingly + + the spirits of the Romans were increased by the intelligence, which was speedily + + conveyed through the lines, that the enemy were abandoned by the cavalry, which + + the Romans principally feared; while at the same time the enemy were dispirited, + + not only because they were deprived of the principal part of their strength, + + but further, because they were afraid lest they should themselves be attacked + + by their own cavalry. Accordingly, there was no great resistance made: the first + + shout and onset determined the business. The Numidians who stood quiet in the + + wings during the action, when they saw their party turning their backs, accompanied + + them in their flight only for a short time; but when they perceived that they + + were all making for Agrigentum with the most violent haste, they turned off + + to the neighbouring towns round about, through fear of a siege. Many thousand + + men were slain and captured, together with eight elephants. This was the last + + battle which Marcellus fought in Sicily, after which he returned victorious + + to Syracuse. The year was now about closing; the senate therefore decreed that + + Publius Cornelius, the praetor, should send a letter to Capua to the consuls, + + with directions that while Hannibal was at a distance, and nothing of any great + + importance was going on at Capua, one of them, if they thought fit, should come + + to Rome to elect new magistrates. On the receipt of the letter, the consuls + + arranged it between themselves, that Claudius should hold the election, and + + Fulvius remain at Capua. The consuls created by Claudius were Cneius Fulvius + + Centumalus, and Publius Sulpicius Galba, the son of Servius, who had never exercised + + any curule magistracy. After this Lucius Cornelius Lentulus, Marcus Cornelius + + Cethegus, Caius Sulpicius, and Caius Calpurnius Piso, were created praetors. + + Piso had the city jurisdiction; Sulpicius, Sicily; Cethegus, Apulia; Lentulus, + + Sardinia. The consuls were continued in command for a year longer. </p> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="book" id="book26">BOOK XXVI.</div> + +<div class="date">B.C 212-211</div> + +<br /> + +<div class="chapmen"><a href="#h1">1</a> <a href="#h2">2</a> <a href="#h3">3</a> + + <a href="#h4">4</a> <a href="#h5">5</a> <a href="#h6">6</a> <a href="#h7">7</a> + + <a href="#h8">8</a> <a href="#h9">9</a> <a href="#h10">10</a> <a href="#h11">11</a> + + <a href="#h12">12</a> <a href="#h13">13</a> <a href="#h14">14</a> <a href="#h15">15</a> + + <a href="#h16">16</a> <a href="#h17">17</a> <a href="#h18">18</a> <a href="#h19">19</a> + + <a href="#h20">20</a> <a href="#h21">21</a> <a href="#h22">22</a> <a href="#h23">23</a> + + <a href="#h24">24</a> <a href="#h25">25</a> <a href="#h26">26</a> <a href="#h27">27</a> + + <a href="#h28">28</a> <a href="#h29">29</a> <a href="#h30">30</a> <a href="#h31">31</a> + + <a href="#h32">32</a> <a href="#h33">33</a> <a href="#h34">34</a> <a href="#h35">35</a> + + <a href="#h36">36</a> <a href="#h37">37</a> <a href="#h38">38</a> <a href="#h39">39</a> + + <a href="#h40">40</a> <a href="#h41">41</a> <a href="#h42">42</a> <a href="#h43">43</a> + + <a href="#h44">44</a> <a href="#h45">45</a> <a href="#h46">46</a> <a href="#h47">47</a> + + <a href="#h48">48</a> <a href="#h49">49</a> <a href="#h50">50</a> <a href="#h51">51</a></div> + +<br /> + +<div class="bookdes"><i>Hannibal encamps on the banks of the Amo, within three + + miles of Rome. Attended by two thousand horsemen, he advances close to the Colline + + gate to take a view of the walls and situation of the city. On two successive + + days the hostile armies are hindered from engaging by the severity of the weather. + + Capua taken by Quintus Fulvius and Appius Claudius, the chief nobles die, voluntarily, + + by poison. Quintus Fulvius having condemned the principal senators to death, + + at the moment they are actually tied to the stakes, receives despatches from + + Rome, commanding him to spare their lives, which he postpones reading until + + the sentence is executed. Publius Scipio, offering himself for the service, + + is sent to command in Spain, takes New Carthage in one day. Successes in Sicily. + + Treaty of friendship with the Aetolians. War with Philip, king of Macedonia, + + and the Acarnanians.</i></div> + +<br /> + +<h3> * * * * *</h3> + +<div class="lsidenote">1 </div> + +<a id="h1" /> + +<p>The consuls, Cneius Fulvius Centumalus and Publius Sulpicius Galba, having + + entered on their office on the ides of March, assembled the senate in the Capitol, + + and took the opinion of the fathers on the state of the republic, the manner + + of conducting the war, and on what related to the provinces and the armies. + + Quintus Fulvius and Appius Claudius, the consuls of the former year, were continued + + in command; and the armies which they before had were assigned to them, it being + + added that they should not withdraw from Capua, which they were besieging, till + + they had taken it. The Romans were now solicitously intent upon this object, + + not from resentment so much, which was never juster against any city, as from + + the consideration that as this city, so celebrated and powerful, had by its + + defection drawn away several states, so when reduced it would bring back their + + minds to respect for the former supreme government. Two praetors also of the + + former year, Marcus Junius and Publius Sempronius, were each continued in command + + of the two legions which they had under them, the former in Etruria, the latter + + in Gaul. Marcus Marcellus also was continued in command, that he might, as proconsul, + + finish the war in Sicily with the army he had there. If he wanted recruits he + + was to take them from the legions which Publius Cornelius, the propraetor, commanded + + in Sicily, provided he did not choose any soldier who was of the number of those + + whom the senate had refused to allow to be discharged, or to return home till + + the war was put an end to. To Caius Sulpicius, to whose lot Sicily had fallen, + + the two legions which Publius Cornelius had commanded were assigned, to be recruited + + from the army of Cneius Fulvius, which had been shamefully beaten, and had experienced + + a dreadful loss the year before in Apulia. To soldiers of this description the + + senate had assigned the same period of service as to those who fought at Cannae; + + and as an additional mark of ignominy upon both, they were not allowed to winter + + in towns, or to build huts for wintering within the distance of ten miles from + + any town. To Lucius Cornelius, in Sardinia, the two legions which Quintus Mucius + + had commanded were assigned; if recruits were wanted, the consuls were ordered + + to enlist them. To Titus Otacilius and Marcus Valerius was allotted the protection + + of the coasts of Sicily and Greece, with the legions and fleets which they had + + commanded. The Greek coast had fifty ships with one legion; the Sicilian, a + + hundred ships with two legions. Twenty-three legions were employed by the Romans + + in carrying on the war this year by land and sea. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">2 </div> + +<a id="h2" /> + +<p>In the beginning of the year, on a letter from Lucius Marcius being laid before + + the senate, they considered his achievements as most glorious; but the title + + of honour which he assumed (for though he was neither invested with the command + + by the order of the people, nor by the direction of the fathers, his letter + + ran in this form, "The propraetor to the senate") gave offence to a great many. + + It was considered as an injurious precedent for generals to be chosen by the + + armies, and for the solemn ceremony of elections, held under auspices, to be + + transferred to camps and provinces, and (far from the control of the laws and + + magistrates) to military thoughtlessness. And though some gave it as their opinion, + + that the sense of the senate should be taken on the matter, yet it was thought + + more advisable that the discussion should be postponed till after the departure + + of the horsemen who brought the letter from Marcius. It was resolved, that an + + answer should be returned respecting the corn and clothing of the army, stating, + + that the senate would direct its attention to both those matters; but that the + + letter should not be addressed to Lucius Marcius, propraetor, lest he should + + consider that as already determined which was the very point they reserved for + + discussion. After the horsemen were dismissed, it was the first thing the consuls + + brought before the senate; and the opinions of all to a man coincided, that + + the plebeian tribunes should be instructed to consult the commons with all possible + + speed, as to whom they might resolve to send into Spain to take the command + + of that army which had been under the conduct of Cneius Scipio. The plebeian + + tribunes were instructed accordingly, and the question was published. But another + + contest had pre-engaged the minds of the people: Caius Sempronius Blaesus, having + + brought Cneius Fulvius to trial for the loss of the army in Apulia, harassed + + him with invectives in the public assemblies: "Many generals," he reiterated, + + "had by indiscretion and ignorance brought their armies into most perilous situations, + + but none, save Cneius Fulvius, had corrupted his legions by every species of + + excess before he betrayed them to the enemy; it might therefore with truth be + + said, that they were lost before they saw the enemy, and that they were defeated, + + not by Hannibal, but by their own general. No man, when he gave his vote, took + + sufficient pains in ascertaining who it was to whom he was intrusting an army. + + What a difference was there between this man and Tiberius Sempronius! The latter + + having been intrusted with an army of slaves, had in a short time brought it + + to pass, by discipline and authority, that not one of them in the field of battle + + remembered his condition and birth, but they became a protection to our allies + + and a terror to our enemies. They had snatched, as it were, from the very jaws + + of Hannibal, and restored to the Roman people, Cumae, Beneventum, and other + + towns. But Cneius Fulvius had infected with the vices peculiar to slaves, an + + army of Roman citizens, of honourable parentage and liberal education; and had + + thus made them insolent and turbulent among their allies, inefficient and dastardly + + among their enemies, unable to sustain, not only the charge, but the shout of + + the Carthaginians. But, by Hercules, it was no wonder that the troops did not + + stand their ground in the battle, when their general was the first to fly; with + + him, the greater wonder was that any had fallen at their posts, and that they + + were not all the companions of Cneius Fulvius in his consternation and his flight. + + Caius Flaminius, Lucius Paullus, Lucius Posthumius, Cneius and Publius Scipio, + + had preferred falling in the battle to abandoning their armies when in the power + + of the enemy. But Cneius Fulvius was almost the only man who returned to Rome + + to report the annihilation of his army. It was a shameful crime that the army + + of Cannae should be transported into Sicily, because they fled from the field + + of battle, and not be allowed to return till the enemy has quitted Italy; that + + the same decree should have been lately passed with respect to the legions of + + Cneius Fulvius; while Cneius Fulvius himself has no punishment inflicted upon + + him for running away, in a battle brought about by his own indiscretion; that + + he himself should be permitted to pass his old age in stews and brothels, where + + he passed his youth, while his troops, whose only crime was that they resembled + + their general, should be sent away in a manner into banishment, and suffer an + + ignominious service. So unequally," he said, "was liberty shared at Rome by + + the rich and the poor, by the ennobled and the common people." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">3 </div> + +<a id="h3" /> + +<p>The accused shifted the blame from himself to his soldiers; he said, "that + + in consequence of their having in the most turbulent manner demanded battle, + + they were led into the field, not on the day they desired, for it was then evening, + + but on the following; that they were drawn up at a suitable time and on favourable + + ground; but either the reputation or the strength of the enemy was such, that + + they were unable to stand their ground. When they all fled precipitately, he + + himself also was carried away with the crowd, as had happened to Varro at the + + battle of Cannae, and to many other generals. How could he, by his sole resistance, + + benefit the republic, unless his death would remedy the public disasters? that + + he was not defeated in consequence of a failure in his provisions; that he had + + not, from want of caution, been drawn into a disadvantageous position; that + + he had not been cut off by an ambuscade in consequence of not having explored + + his route, but had been vanquished by open force, and by arms, in a regular + + engagement. He had not in his power the minds of his own troops, or those of + + the enemy. Courage and cowardice were the result of each man's natural constitution." + + He was twice accused, and the penalty was laid at a fine. On the third accusation, + + at which witnesses were produced, he was not only overwhelmed with an infinity + + of disgraceful charges, but a great many asserted on oath, that the flight and + + panic commenced with the praetor, that the troops being deserted by him, and + + concluding that the fears of their general were not unfounded, turned their + + backs; when so strong a feeling of indignation was excited, that the assembly + + clamorously rejoined that he ought to be tried capitally. This gave rise to + + a new controversy; for when the tribune, who had twice prosecuted him as for + + a finable offence, now, on the third occasion, declared that he prosecuted him + + capitally; the tribunes of the commons being appealed to, said, "they would + + not prevent their colleague from proceeding, as he was permitted according to + + the custom of their ancestors, in the manner he himself preferred, whether according + + to the laws or to custom, until he had obtained judgment against a private individual, + + convicting him either of a capital or finable offence." Upon this, Sempronius + + said, that he charged Cneius Fulvius with the crime of treason; and requested + + Caius Calpurnius, the city praetor, to appoint a day for the comitia. Another + + ground of hope was then tried by the accused, viz. if his brother, Quintus Fulvius, + + could be present at his trial, who was at that time flourishing in the fame + + of his past achievements and in the near expectation of taking Capua. Fulvius + + wrote to the senate, requesting the favour in terms calculated to excite compassion, + + in order to save the life of his brother; but the fathers replied, that the + + interest of the state would not admit of his leaving Capua. Cneius Fulvius, + + therefore, before the day appointed for the comitia arrived, went into exile + + to Tarquinii, and the commons resolved that it was a legal exile. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">4 </div> + +<a id="h4" /> + +<p>Meanwhile all the strength of the war was directed against Capua. It was, however, + + more strictly blockaded than besieged. The slaves and populace could neither + + endure the famine, nor send messengers to Hannibal through guards so closely + + stationed. A Numidian was at length found, who, on undertaking to make his way + + with it, was charged with a letter; and going out by night, through the midst + + of the Roman camp, in order to fulfil his promise, he inspired the Campanians + + with confidence to try the effect of a sally from every quarter, while they + + had any strength remaining. In the many encounters which followed, their cavalry + + were generally successful, but their infantry were beaten: however, it was by + + no means so joyful to conquer, as it was miserable to be worsted in any respect + + by a besieged and almost subdued enemy. A plan was at length adopted, by which + + their deficiency in strength might be compensated by stratagem. Young men were + + selected from all the legions, who, from the vigour and activity of their bodies, + + excelled in swiftness; these were supplied with bucklers shorter than those + + worn by horsemen, and seven javelins each, four feet in length, and pointed + + with steel in the same manner as the spears used by light-armed troops. The + + cavalry taking one of these each upon their horses, accustomed them to ride + + behind them, and to leap down nimbly when the signal was given. When, by daily + + practice, they appeared to be able to do this in an orderly manner, they advanced + + into the plain between the camp and the walls, against the cavalry of the Campanians, + + who stood there prepared for action. As soon as they came within a dart's cast, + + on a signal given, the light troops leaped down, when a line of infantry formed + + out of the body of horse suddenly rushed upon the cavalry of the enemy, and + + discharged their javelins one after another with great rapidity; which being + + thrown in great numbers upon men and horses indiscriminately, wounded a great + + many. The sudden and unsuspected nature of the attack, however, occasioned still + + greater terror; and the cavalry charging them, thus panic-struck, chased them + + with great slaughter as far as their gates. From that time the Roman cavalry + + had the superiority; and it was established that there should be velites in + + the legions. It is said that Quintus Navius was the person who advised the mixing + + of infantry with cavalry, and that he received honour from the general on that + + account. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">5 </div> + +<a id="h5" /> + +<p>While affairs were in this state at Capua, Hannibal was perplexed between two + + objects, the gaining possession of the citadel of Tarentum, and the retaining + + of Capua. His concern for Capua, however, prevailed, on which he saw that the + + attention of every body, allies and enemies, was fixed; and whose fate would + + be regarded as a proof of the consequences resulting from defection from the + + Romans. Leaving therefore, a great part of his baggage among the Bruttians, + + and all his heavier armed troops, he took with him a body of infantry and cavalry, + + the best he could select for marching expeditiously, and bent his course into + + Campania. Rapidly as he marched he was followed by thirty-three elephants. He + + took up his position in a retired valley behind Mount Tifata, which overhung + + Capua. Having at his coming taken possession of fort Galatia, the garrison of + + which he dislodged by force, he then directed his efforts against those who + + were besieging Capua. Having sent forward messengers to Capua stating the time + + at which he would attack the Roman camp, in order that they also, having gotten + + themselves in readiness for a sally, might at the same time pour forth from + + all their gates, he occasioned the greatest possible terror; for on one side + + he himself attacked them suddenly, and on the other side all the Campanians + + sallied forth, both foot and horse, joined by the Carthaginian garrison under + + the command of Bostar and Hanno. The Romans, lest in so perilous an affair they + + should leave any part unprotected, by running together to any one place, thus + + divided their forces: Appius Claudius was opposed to the Campanians; Fulvius + + to Hannibal; Caius Nero, the propraetor, with the cavalry of the sixth legion, + + placed himself in the road leading to Suessula; and Caius Fulvius Flaccus, the + + lieutenant-general, with the allied cavalry, on the side opposite the river + + Vulturnus. The battle commenced not only with the usual clamour and tumult, + + but in addition to the din of men, horses, and arms, a multitude of Campanians, + + unable to bear arms, being distributed along the walls, raised such a shout + + together with the clangour of brazen vessels, similar to that which is usually + + made in the dead of night when the moon is eclipsed, that it diverted the attention + + even of the combatants. Appius easily repulsed the Campanians from the rampart. + + On the other side Hannibal and the Carthaginians, forming a larger force, pressed + + hard on Fulvius. There the sixth legion gave way; being repulsed, a cohort of + + Spaniards with three elephants made their way up to the rampart. They had broken + + through the centre of the Roman line, and were in a state of anxious and perilous + + suspense, whether to force their way into the camp, or be cut off from their + + own army. When Fulvius saw the disorder of the legion, and the danger the camp + + was in, he exhorted Quintus Navius, and the other principal centurions, to charge + + the cohort of the enemy which was fighting under the rampart; he said, "that + + the state of things was most critical; that either they must retire before them, + + in which case they would burst into the camp with less difficulty than they + + had experienced in breaking through a dense line of troops, or they must cut + + them to pieces under the rampart: nor would it require a great effort; for they + + were few, and cut off from their own troops, and if the line which appeared + + broken, now while the Romans were dispirited, should turn upon the enemy on + + both sides, they would become enclosed in the midst, and exposed to a twofold + + attack." Navius, on hearing these words of the general, snatched the standard + + of the second company of spearmen from the standard-bearer, and advanced with + + it against the enemy, threatening that he would throw it into the midst of them + + unless the soldiers promptly followed him and took part in the fight. He was + + of gigantic stature, and his arms set him off; the standard also, raised aloft, + + attracted the gaze both of his countrymen and the enemy. When, however, he had + + reached the standards of the Spaniards, javelins were poured upon him from all + + sides, and almost the whole line was turned against him; but neither the number + + of his enemies nor the force of the weapons could repel the onset of this hero. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">6 </div> + +<a id="h6" /> + +<p>Marcus Atilius, the lieutenant-general, also caused the standard of the first + + company of principes of the same legion to be borne against a cohort of the + + Spaniards. Lucius Portius Licinus and Titus Popilius, the lieutenant-generals, + + who had the command of the camp, fought valiantly in defence of the rampart, + + and slew the elephants while in the very act of crossing it. The carcasses of + + these filling up the ditch, afforded a passage for the enemy as effectually + + as if earth had been thrown in, or a bridge erected over it; and a horrid carnage + + took place amid the carcasses of the elephants which lay prostrate. On the other + + side of the camp, the Campanians, with the Carthaginian garrison, had by this + + time been repulsed, and the battle was carried on immediately under the gate + + of Capua leading to Vulturnus. Nor did the armed men contribute so much in resisting + + the Romans, who endeavoured to force their way in, as the gate itself, which, + + being furnished with ballistas and scorpions, kept the enemy at bay by the missiles + + discharged from it. The ardour of the Romans was also clamped by the general, + + Appius Claudius, receiving a wound; he was struck by a javelin in the upper + + part of his breast, beneath the left shoulder, while encouraging his men before + + the front line. A great number, however, of the enemy were slain before the + + gate, and the rest were driven in disorder into the city. When Hannibal saw + + the destruction of the cohort of Spaniards, and that the camp of the enemy was + + defended with the utmost vigour, giving up the assault, he began to withdraw + + his standards, making his infantry face about, but throwing out his cavalry + + in the rear lest the enemy should pursue them closely. The ardour of the legions + + to pursue the enemy was excessive, but Flaccus ordered a retreat to be sounded, + + considering that enough had been achieved to convince the Campanians, and Hannibal + + himself, how unable he was to afford them protection. Some who have undertaken + + to give accounts of this battle, record that eight thousand of the army of Hannibal, + + and three thousand Campanians, were slain; that fifteen military standards were + + taken from the Carthaginians, and eighteen from the Campanians. In other authors + + I find the battle to have been by no means so important, and that there was + + more of panic than fighting; that a party of Numidians and Spaniards suddenly + + bursting into the Roman camp with some elephants, the elephants, as they made + + their way through the midst of the camp, threw down their tents with a great + + noise, and caused the beasts of burden to break their halters and run away. + + That in addition to the confusion occasioned, a stratagem was employed; Hannibal + + having sent in some persons acquainted with the Latin language, for he had some + + such with him, who might command the soldiers, in the name of the consuls, to + + escape every one as fast as he could to the neighbouring mountains, since the + + camp was lost; but that the imposture was soon discovered, and frustrated with + + a great slaughter of the enemy; that the elephants were driven out of the camp + + by fire. However commenced, and however terminated, this was the last battle + + which was fought before the surrender of Capua. Seppius Lesius was Medixtuticus, + + or chief magistrate of Capua, that year, a man of obscure origin and slender + + fortune. It is reported that his mother, when formerly expiating a prodigy which + + had occurred in the family in behalf of this boy, who was an orphan, received + + an answer from the aruspex, stating, that "the highest office would come to + + him;" and that not recognising, at Capua, any ground for such a hope, exclaimed, + + "the state of the Campanians must be desperate indeed, when the highest office + + shall come to my son." But even this expression, in which the response was turned + + into ridicule, turned to be true, for those persons whose birth allowed them + + to aspire to high offices, refusing to accept them when the city was oppressed + + by sword and famine, and when all hope was lost, Lesius, who complained that + + Capua was deserted and betrayed by its nobles, accepted the office of chief + + magistrate, being the last Campanian who held it. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">7 </div> + +<a id="h7" /> + +<p>But Hannibal, when he saw that the enemy could not be drawn into another engagement, + + nor a passage be forced through their camp into Capua, resolved to remove his + + camp from that place and leave the attempt unaccomplished, fearful lest the + + new consuls might cut off his supplies of provision. While anxiously deliberating + + on the point to which he should next direct his course, an impulse suddenly + + entered his mind to make an attack on Rome, the very source of the war. That + + the opportunity of accomplishing this ever coveted object, which occurred after + + the battle of Cannae, had been neglected, and was generally censured by others, + + he himself did not deny. He thought that there was some hope that he might be + + able to get possession of some part of the city, in consequence of the panic + + and confusion which his unexpected approach would occasion, and that if Rome + + were in danger, either both the Roman generals, or at least one of them, would + + immediately leave Capua; and if they divided their forces, both generals being + + thus rendered weaker, would afford a favourable opportunity either to himself + + or the Campanians of gaining some advantage. One consideration only disquieted + + him, and that was, lest on his departure the Campanians should immediately surrender. + + By means of presents he induced a Numidian, who was ready to attempt any thing, + + however daring, to take charge of a letter; and, entering the Roman camp under + + the disguise of a deserter, to pass out privately on the other side and go to + + Capua. As to the letter, it was full of encouragement. It stated, that "his + + departure, which would be beneficial to them, would have the effect of drawing + + off the Roman generals and armies from the siege of Capua to the defence of + + Rome. That they must not allow their spirits to sink; that by a few days' patience + + they would rid themselves entirely of the siege." He then ordered the ships + + on the Vulturnus to be seized, and rowed up to the fort which he had before + + erected for his protection. And when he was informed that there were as many + + as were necessary to convey his army across in one night, after providing a + + stock of provisions for ten days, he led his legions down to the river by night, + + and passed them over before daylight. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">8 </div> + +<a id="h8" /> + +<p>Fulvius Flaccus, who had discovered from deserters that this would happen, + + before it took place, having written to Rome to the senate to apprize them of + + it, men's minds were variously affected by it according to the disposition of + + each. As might be expected in so alarming an emergency, the senate was immediately + + assembled, when Publius Cornelius, surnamed Asina, was for recalling all the + + generals and armies from every part of Italy to protect the city, disregarding + + Capua and every other concern. Fabius Maximus thought that it would be highly + + disgraceful to retire from Capua, and allow themselves to be terrified and driven + + about at the nod and menaces of Hannibal. "Was it probable that he, who, though + + victorious at Cannae, nevertheless dared not approach the city, now, after having + + been repulsed from Capua, had conceived hopes of making himself master of Rome? + + It was not to besiege Rome, but to raise the siege of Capua that he was coming. + + Jupiter, the witness of treaties violated by Hannibal, and the other deities, + + would defend the city of Rome with that army which is now at the city." To these + + opposite opinions, that of Publius Valerius Flaccus, which recommended a middle + + course, was preferred. Regardful of both objects, he thought that a letter should + + be written to the generals at Capua, informing them of the force they had at + + the city for its protection, and stating, that as to the number of forces which + + Hannibal was bringing with him, or how large an army was necessary to carry + + on the siege of Capua, they themselves knew. If one of the generals and a part + + of the army could be sent to Rome, and at the same time Capua could be efficiently + + besieged by the remaining general and army, that then Claudius and Fulvius should + + settle between themselves which should continue the siege of Capua, and which + + should come to Rome to protect their capital from being besieged. This decree + + of the senate having been conveyed to Capua, Quintus Fulvius, the proconsul, + + who was to go to Rome, as his colleague was ill from his wound, crossed the + + Vulturnus with a body of troops, to the number of fifteen thousand infantry + + and a thousand horse, selected from the three armies. Then having ascertained + + that Hannibal intended to proceed along the Latin road, he sent persons before + + him to the towns on and near the Appian way, Setia, Cora, and Lanuvium, with + + directions that they should not only have provisions ready in their towns, but + + should bring them down to the road from the fields which lay out of the way, + + and that they should draw together into their towns troops for their defence, + + in order that each state might be under its own protection. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">9 </div> + +<a id="h9" /> + +<p>On the day he crossed the Vulturnus, Hannibal pitched his camp at a small distance + + from the river. The next day, passing by Cales, he reached the Sidicinian territory, + + and having spent a day there in devastating the country, he led his troops along + + the Latin way through the territory of Suessa, Allifae, and Casinum. Under the + + walls of Casinum he remained encamped for two days, ravaging the country all + + around; thence passing by Interamna and Aquinum, he came into the Fregellan + + territory, to the river Liris, where he found the bridge broken down by the + + Fregellans in order to impede his progress. Fulvius also was detained at the + + Vulturnus, in consequence of Hannibal's having burnt the ships, and the difficulty + + he had in procuring rafts to convey his troops across that river from the great + + scarcity of materials. The army having been conveyed across by rafts, the remainder + + of the march of Fulvius was uninterrupted, a liberal supply of provisions having + + been prepared for him, not only in all the towns, but also on the sides of the + + road; while his men, who were all activity, exhorted each other to quicken their + + pace, remembering that they were going to defend their country. A messenger + + from Fregella, who had travelled a day and a night without intermission, arriving + + at Rome, caused the greatest consternation; and the whole city was thrown into + + a state of alarm by the running up and down of persons who made vague additions + + to what they heard, and thus increased the confusion which the original intelligence + + created. The lamentations of women were not only heard from private houses, + + but the matrons from every quarter, rushing into the public streets, ran up + + and down around the shrines of the gods, sweeping the altars with their dishevelled + + hair, throwing themselves upon their knees and stretching their uplifted hands + + to heaven and the gods, imploring them to rescue the city of Rome out of the + + hands of their enemies, and preserve the Roman mothers and their children from + + harm. The senate sat in the forum near the magistrates, in case they should + + wish to consult them. Some were receiving orders and departing to their own + + department of duty; others were offering themselves wherever there might be + + occasion for their aid. Troops were posted in the citadel, in the Capitol, upon + + the walls around the city, and also on the Alban mount, and the fort of Aesula. + + During this confusion, intelligence was brought that Quintus Fulvius, the proconsul, + + had set out from Capua with an army; when the senate decreed that Quintus Fulvius + + should have equal authority with the consuls, lest on entering the city his + + power should cease. Hannibal, having most destructively ravaged the Fregellan + + territory, on account of the bridge having been broken down, came into the territory + + of the Lavici, passing through those of Frusino, Ferentinum, and Anagnia; thence + + passing through Algidum he directed his course to Tusculum; but not being received + + within the walls, he went down to the right below Tusculum to Gabii; and marching + + his army down thence into the territory of the Pupinian tribe, he pitched his + + camp eight miles from the city. The nearer the enemy came, the greater was the + + number of fugitives slain by the Numidians who preceded him, and the greater + + the number of prisoners made of every rank and age. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">10 </div> + +<a id="h10" /> + +<p>During this confusion, Fulvius Flaccus entered the city with his troops through + + the Capuan gate, passed through the midst of the city, and through Carinae, + + to Esquiliae; and going out thence, pitched his camp between the Esquiline and + + Colline gates. The plebeian aediles brought a supply of provisions there. The + + consuls and the senate came to the camp, and a consultation was held on the + + state of the republic. It was resolved that the consuls should encamp in the + + neighbourhood of the Colline and Esquiline gates; that Caius Calpurnius, the + + city praetor, should have the command of the Capitol and the citadel; and that + + a full senate should be continually assembled in the forum, in case it should + + be necessary to consult them amidst such sudden emergencies. Meanwhile, Hannibal + + advanced his camp to the Anio, three miles from the city, and fixing his position + + there, he advanced with two thousand horse from the Colline gate as far as the + + temple of Hercules, and riding up, took as near a view as he could of the walls + + and site of the city. Flaccus, indignant that he should do this so freely, and + + so much at his ease, sent out a party of cavalry, with orders to displace and + + drive back to their camp the cavalry of the enemy. After the fight had begun, + + the consuls ordered the Numidian deserters who were on the Aventine, to the + + number of twelve hundred, to march through the midst of the city to the Esquiliae, + + judging that no troops were better calculated to fight among the hollows, the + + garden walls, and tombs, or in the enclosed roads which were on all sides. But + + some persons, seeing them from the citadel and Capitol as they filed off on + + horseback down the Publician hill, cried out that the Aventine was taken. This + + circumstance occasioned such confusion and terror, that if the Carthaginian + + camp had not been without the city, the whole multitude, such was their alarm, + + would have rushed out. They then fled for refuge into their houses and upon + + the roofs, where they threw stones and weapons on their own soldiers as they + + passed along the streets, taking them for enemies. Nor could the tumult be repressed, + + or the mistake explained, as the streets were thronged with crowds of rustics + + and cattle, which the sudden alarm had driven into the city. The battle between + + the cavalry was successful, and the enemy were driven away; and as it was necessary + + to repress the tumults which were arising in several quarters without any cause, + + it was resolved that all who had been dictators, consuls, or censors, should + + be invested with authority till such time as the enemy had retired from the + + walls. During the remainder of the day and the following night, several tumults + + arose without any foundation, and were repressed. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">11 </div> + +<a id="h11" /> + +<p>The next day Hannibal, crossing the Anio, drew out all his forces in order + + of battle; nor did Flaccus and the consuls decline to fight. When the troops + + on both sides were drawn up to try the issue of a battle, in which Rome was + + to be the prize of the victors, a violent shower of rain mingled with hail created + + such disorder in both the lines, that the troops, scarcely able to hold their + + arms, retired to their camps, less through fear of the enemy than of any thing + + else. On the following day, likewise, a similar tempest separated the armies + + marshalled on the same ground; but after they had retired to their camps the + + weather became wonderfully serene and tranquil. The Carthaginians considered + + this circumstance as a Divine interposition, and it is reported that Hannibal + + was heard to say, "That sometimes he wanted the will to make himself master + + of Rome, at other times the opportunity." Two other circumstances also, one + + inconsiderable, the other important, diminished his hopes. The important one + + was, that while he lay with his armed troops near the walls of the city, he + + was informed that troops had marched out of it with colours flying, as a reinforcement + + for Spain; that of less importance was, that he was informed by one of his prisoners, + + that the very ground on which his camp stood was sold at this very time, without + + any diminution in its price. Indeed, so great an insult and indignity did it + + appear to him that a purchaser should be found at Rome for the very soil which + + he held and possessed by right of conquest, that he immediately called a crier, + + and ordered that the silversmiths' shops, which at that time stood around the + + Roman forum, should be put up for sale. Induced by these circumstances he retired + + to the river Tutia, six miles from the city, whence he proceeded to the grove + + of Feronia, where was a temple at that time celebrated for its riches. The Capenatians + + and other states in the neighbourhood, by bringing here their first-fruits and + + other offerings according to their abilities, kept it decorated with abundance + + of gold and silver. Of all these offerings the temple was now despoiled. After + + the departure of Hannibal, vast heaps of brass were found there, as the soldiers, + + from a religious feeling, had thrown in pieces of uncoined brass. The spoliation + + of this temple is undoubted by historians; but Caelius asserts, that Hannibal, + + in his progress to Rome, turned out of his way to it from Eretum. According + + to him his route commenced with Amiternum, Caetilii, and Reate. He came from + + Campania into Samnium, and thence into Pelignia; then passing the town Sulmio, + + he entered the territory of the Marrucini; thence through the Alban territory + + he came to that of the Marsi, from which he came to Amiternum and the village + + of Foruli. Nor is this diversity of opinion a proof that the traces of so great + + an army could be confounded in the lapse of so brief a period. That he went + + that way is evident. The only question is, whether he took this route to the + + city, or returned by it from the city into Campania? </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">12 </div> + +<a id="h12" /> + +<p>With regard to Capua, Hannibal did not evince such obstinate perseverance in + + raising the siege of it as the Romans did in pressing it; for quitting Lucania, + + he came into the Bruttian territory, and marched to the strait and Rhegium with + + such rapidity, that he was very near taking the place by surprise, in consequence + + of the suddenness of his arrival. Though the siege had been urged with undiminished + + vigour during his absence, yet Capua felt the return of Flaccus; and astonishment + + was excited that Hannibal had not returned with him. Afterwards they learnt, + + by conversations, that they were abandoned and deserted, and that the Carthaginians + + had given up all hopes of retaining Capua. In addition to this a proclamation + + was made by the proconsul, agreeably to a decree of the senate, and published + + among the enemy, that any Campanian citizen who came over before a stated day + + should be indemnified. No one, however, came over, as they were held together + + by fear more than fidelity; for the crimes they had committed during their revolt + + were too great to admit of pardon. As none of them passed over to the enemy, + + consulting their own individual interest, so no measure of safety was taken + + with regard to the general body. The nobility had deserted the state, nor could + + they be induced to meet in the senate, while the office of chief magistrate + + was filled by a man who had not derived honour to himself from his office, but + + stripped the office of its influence and authority by his own unworthiness. + + Now none of the nobles made their appearance even in the forum, or any public + + place, but shut themselves up in their houses, in daily expectation of the downfall + + of their city, and their own destruction together. The chief responsibility + + in every thing devolved upon Bostar and Hanno, the praefects of the Punic garrison, + + who were anxious on account of their own danger, and not that of their allies. + + They addressed a letter to Hannibal, in terms, not only of freedom, but severity, + + charging him with "delivering, not only Capua into the hands of the enemy, but + + with treacherously abandoning themselves also, and their troops, to every species + + of torture;" they told him "he had gone off to the Bruttians, in order to get + + out of the way, as it were, lest Capua should be taken before his eyes; while, + + by Hercules, the Romans, on the contrary, could not be drawn off from the siege + + of Capua, even by an attack upon their city. So much more constant were the + + Romans in their enmity than the Carthaginians in their friendship. If he would + + return to Capua and direct the whole operations of the war to that point, that + + both themselves and the Campanians would be prepared for a sally. That they + + had crossed the Alps not to carry on a war with the people of Rhegium nor Tarentum. + + That where the Roman legions were, there the armies of the Carthaginians ought + + to be. Thus it was that victories had been gained at Cannae and Trasimenus; + + by uniting, by pitching their camp close to that of the enemy, by trying their + + fortune." A letter to this effect was given to some Numidians who had already + + engaged to render their services for a stated reward. These men came into the + + camp to Flaccus under pretence of being deserters, with the intention of quitting + + it by seizing an opportunity, and the famine, which had so long existed at Capua, + + afforded a pretext for desertion which no one could suspect. But a Campanian + + woman, the paramour of one of the deserters, unexpectedly entered the camp, + + and informed the Roman general that the Numidians had come over according to + + a preconcerted plan of treachery, and were the bearers of letters to Hannibal; + + that she was prepared to convict one of the party of that fact, as he had discovered + + it to her. On being brought forward, he at first pretended, with considerable + + pertinacity, that he did not know the woman; but afterwards, gradually succumbing + + to the force of truth, when he saw the instruments of torture called for and + + preparing, he confessed that it was so. The letters were produced, and a discovery + + was made of an additional fact, before concealed, that other Numidians were + + strolling about in the Roman camp, under pretence of being deserters. Above + + seventy of these were arrested, and, with the late deserters, scourged with + + rods; and after their hands had been cut off, were driven back to Capua. The + + sight of so severe a punishment broke the spirit of the Campanians. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">13 </div> + +<a id="h13" /> + +<p>The people, rushing in crowds to the senate-house, compelled Lesius to assemble + + a senate, and openly threatened the nobles, who had now for a long time absented + + themselves from the public deliberations, that unless they attended the meeting + + of the senate, they would go round to their houses and drag them all before + + the public by force. The fear of this procured the magistrate a full senate. + + Here, while the rest contended for sending ambassadors to the Roman generals, + + Vibius Virrius, who had been the instigator of the revolt from the Romans, on + + being asked his opinion, observed, that "those persons who spoke of sending + + ambassadors, and of peace, and a surrender, did not bear in mind either what + + they would do if they had the Romans in their power, or what they themselves + + must expect to suffer. What! do you think," says he, "that your surrender will + + be like that in which formerly we placed ourselves and every thing belonging + + to us at the disposal of the Romans, in order that we might obtain assistance + + from them against the Samnites? Have you already forgotten at what a juncture + + we revolted from the Romans, and what were their circumstances? Have you forgotten + + how at the time of the revolt we put to death, with torture and indignity, their + + garrison, which might have been sent out? How often, and with determined hostility, + + we have sallied out against them when besieging us, and assaulted their camp? + + How we invited Hannibal to come and cut them off? And how most recently we sent + + him hence to lay siege to Rome? But come, retrace on the other hand what they + + have done in hostility towards us, that you may learn therefrom what you have + + to hope for. When a foreign enemy was in Italy, and that enemy Hannibal; when + + the flame of war was kindled in every quarter; disregarding every other object, + + disregarding even Hannibal himself, they sent two consuls with two consular + + armies to lay siege to Capua. This is the second year, that, surrounded with + + lines and shut up within our walls, they consume us by famine, having suffered + + in like manner with ourselves the extremest dangers and the severest hardships, + + having frequently had their troops slain near their rampart and trenches, and + + at last having been almost deprived of their camp. But I pass over these matters. + + It has been usual, even from of old, to suffer dangers and hardships in besieging + + an enemy's city. The following is a proof of their animosity and bitter hatred. + + Hannibal assaulted their camp with an immense force of horse and foot, and took + + a part of it. By so great a danger they were not in the least diverted from + + the siege. Crossing the Vulturnus, he laid waste the territory of Cales with + + fire. Such calamities inflicted upon their allies had no effect in calling them + + off. He ordered his troops to march in hostile array to the very city of Rome. + + They despised the tempest which threatened them in this case also. Crossing + + the Anio, he pitched his camp three miles from the city, and lastly, came up + + to the very walls and gates. He gave them to understand that he would take their + + city from them, unless they gave up Capua. But they did not give it up. Wild + + beasts, impelled by headlong fury and rage, you may divert from their object + + to bring assistance to those belonging to them, if you attempt to approach their + + dens and their young. The Romans could not be diverted from Capua by the blockade + + of Rome, by their wives and children, whose lamentations could almost be heard + + from this place, by their altars, their hearths, the temples of their gods, + + and the sepulchres of their ancestors profaned and violated. So great was their + + avidity to bring us to punishment, so insatiable their thirst for drinking our + + blood. Nor, perhaps, without reason. We too would have done the same had the + + opportunity been afforded us. Since, however, the gods have thought proper to + + determine it otherwise, though I ought not to shrink from death, while I am + + free, while I am master of myself, I have it in my power, by a death not only + + honourable but mild, to escape the tortures and indignities which the enemy + + hope to inflict upon me. I will not see Appius Claudius and Quintus Fulvius + + in the pride and insolence of victory, nor will I be dragged in chains through + + Rome as a spectacle in a triumph, that afterwards in a dungeon, or tied to a + + stake, after my back has been lacerated with stripes, I may place my neck under + + a Roman axe. I will neither see my native city demolished and burnt, nor the + + matrons, virgins, and free-born youths of Campania dragged to constupration. + + Alba, from which they themselves derived their origin, they demolished from + + her foundations, that there might remain no trace of their rise and extraction, + + much less can I believe they will spare Capua, towards which they bear a more + + rancorous hatred than towards Carthage. For such of you, therefore, as have + + a mind to yield to fate, before they behold such horrors, a banquet is furnished + + and prepared at my house. When satiated with wine and food, the same cup which + + shall have been given to me shall be handed round to them. That potion will + + rescue our bodies from torture, our minds from insult, our eyes and ears from + + seeing and hearing all those cruelties and indignities which await the vanquished. + + There will be persons in readiness who will throw our lifeless bodies upon a + + large pile kindled in the court-yard of the house. This is the only free and + + honourable way to death. Our very enemies will admire our courage, and Hannibal + + will learn that those whom he deserted and betrayed were brave allies." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">14 </div> + +<a id="h14" /> + +<p>More of those who heard this speech of Virrius approved of the proposal contained + + in it, than had strength of mind to execute what they approved. The greater + + part of the senate being not without hopes that the Romans, whose clemency they + + had frequently had proof of in many wars, would be exorable by them also, decreed + + and sent ambassadors to surrender Capua to the Romans. About twenty-seven senators, + + following Vibius Virrius to his home, partook of the banquet with him; and after + + having, as far as they could, withdrawn their minds, by means of wine, from + + the perception of the impending evil, all took the poison. They then rose from + + the banquet, after giving each other their right hands, and taking a last embrace, + + mingling their tears for their own and their country's fate; some of them remained, + + that they might be burned upon the same pile, and the rest retired to their + + homes. Their veins being filled in consequence of what they had eaten, and the + + wine they drank, rendered the poison less efficacious in expediting death; and + + accordingly, though the greater part of them languished the whole of that night + + and part of the following day, all of them, however, breathed their last before + + the gates were opened to the enemy. The following day the gate of Jupiter, which + + faced the Roman camp, was opened by order of the proconsul, when one legion + + and two squadrons of allies marched in at it, under the command of Caius Fulvius, + + lieutenant-general. When he had taken care that all the arms and weapons to + + be found in Capua should be brought to him; having placed guards at all the + + gates to prevent any one's going or being sent out, he seized the Carthaginian + + garrison, and ordered the Campanian senators to go into the camp to the Roman + + generals. On their arrival they were all immediately thrown into chains, and + + ordered to lay before the quaestor an account of all the gold and silver they + + had. There were seventy pounds of gold, and three thousand two hundred of silver. + + Twenty-five of the senators were sent to Cales, to be kept in custody, and twenty-eight + + to Teanum; these being the persons by whose advice principally it appeared that + + the revolt from the Romans had taken place. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">15 </div> + +<a id="h15" /> + +<p>Fulvius and Claudius were far from being agreed as to the punishment of the + + Campanian senators. Claudius was disposed to grant their prayer for pardon, + + but Fulvius was more inclined to severity. Appius, therefore, was for referring + + the entire disposal of the question to the Roman senate. He thought it right + + also, that the fathers should have the opportunity of asking them whether any + + of the Latin confederates, or of the municipal towns, had taken part in these + + designs, and whether they had derived any assistance from them in the war. Fulvius, + + on the contrary, urged that they ought by no means to run the hazard of having + + the minds of faithful allies harassed by doubtful accusations, and subjected + + to informers who never cared at all what they did or what they said. For this + + reason he said that he should prevent and put a stop to any such inquiry. After + + this conversation they separated; Appius not doubting but that his colleague, + + though he expressed himself so warmly, would, nevertheless, wait for a letter + + from Rome, in an affair of such magnitude. But Fulvius, fearing that his designs + + would be frustrated by that very means, dismissed his council, and commanded + + the military tribunes and the praefects of the allies to give notice to two + + thousand chosen horsemen to be in readiness at the third trumpet. Setting out + + for Teanum with this body of cavalry, he entered the gate at break of day, and + + proceeded direct to the forum; and a number of people having flocked together + + at the first entrance of the horsemen, he ordered the Sidicinian magistrate + + to be summoned; when he desired him to bring forth the Campanians whom he had + + in custody. These were all accordingly brought forth, scourged, and beheaded. + + He then proceeded at full speed to Cales; where, when he had taken his seat + + on the tribunal, and while the Campanians, who had been brought forth, were + + being bound to the stake, an express arrived from Rome, and delivered to him + + a letter from Caius Calpurnius, the praetor, and a decree of the senate. A murmur + + immediately pervaded the whole assembly, beginning at the tribunal, that the + + entire question respecting the Campanians was referred to the decision of the + + fathers, and Fulvius, suspecting this to be the case, took the letter, and without + + opening it put it into his bosom, and then commanded the crier to order the + + lictor to do his duty. Thus punishment was inflicted on those also who were + + at Cales. The letter was then read, together with the decree of the senate, + + when it was too late to prevent the business which was already executed, and + + which had been accelerated by every means to prevent its being obstructed. When + + Fulvius was now rising from his seat, Jubellius Taurea, a Campanian making his + + way through the middle of the city and the crowd, called upon him by name, and + + when Flaccus, who wondered greatly what he could want, had resumed his seat, + + he said, "Order me also to be put to death, that you may be able to boast, that + + a much braver man than yourself has been put to death by you." Fulvius at first + + said, that the man could not certainly be in his senses, then, that he was restrained + + by a decree of the senate, even though he might wish it, when Jubellius exclaimed + + "Since, after the capture of my country, and the loss of my relations and friends, + + after having killed, with my own hand, my wife and children to prevent their + + suffering any indignity, I am not allowed even to die in the same manner as + + these my countrymen, let a rescue be sought in courage from this hated existence." + + So saying, he thrust a sword, which he had concealed under his garment, right + + through his breast, and fell lifeless at the general's feet. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">16 </div> + +<a id="h16" /> + +<p>Because not only what related to the punishment of the Campanians, but most + + of the other particulars of this affair, were transacted according to the judgment + + of Flaccus alone, some authors affirm that Appius Claudius died about the time + + of the surrender of Capua, and that this same Taurea neither came to Cales voluntarily + + nor died by his own hand, but that while he was being tied to the stake among + + the rest, Flaccus, who could not distinctly hear what he vociferated from the + + noise which was made, ordered silence, when Taurea said the things which have + + been before related "that he, a man of the greatest courage, was being put to + + death by one who was by no means his equal in respect to valour." That immediately + + on his saying this, the herald, by command of the proconsul, pronounced this + + order. "Lictor, apply the rods to this man of courage, and execute the law upon + + him first." Some authors also relate, that he read the decree of the senate + + before he beheaded them, but that as there was a clause in it, to the effect, + + that if he thought proper he should refer the entire question to the senate, + + he construed it that the decision as to what was most for the interest of the + + state was left to himself. He returned from Cales to Capua. Atella and Calatia + + surrendered themselves, and were received. Here also the principal promoters + + of the revolt were punished. Thus eighty principal members of the senate were + + put to death, and about three hundred of the Campanian nobles thrown into prison. + + The rest were distributed through the several cities of the Latin confederacy, + + to be kept in custody, where they perished in various ways. The rest of the + + Campanian citizens were sold. The remaining subject of deliberation related + + to the city and its territory. Some were of opinion that a city so eminently + + powerful, so near, and so hostile, ought to be demolished. But immediate utility + + prevailed, for on account of the land, which was evidently superior to any in + + Italy from the variety and exuberance of its produce, the city was preserved + + that it might become a settlement of husbandmen. For the purpose of peopling + + the city, a number of sojourners, freed-men, dealers, and artificers, were retained, + + but all the land and buildings were made the property of the Roman state. It + + was resolved, however, that Capua should only be inhabited and peopled as a + + city, that there should be no body-politic, nor assembly of the senate or people, + + nor magistrates. For it was thought that a multitude not possessing any public + + council, without a ruling power, and unconnected by the participation of any + + common rights, would be incapable of combination. They resolved to send a praefect + + annually from Rome to administer justice. Thus were matters adjusted at Capua, + + upon a plan in every respect worthy of commendation. Punishment was inflicted + + upon the most guilty with rigour and despatch, the populace dispersed beyond + + all hope of return, no rage vented in fire and ruins upon the unoffending houses + + and walls. Together also with advantage, a reputation for clemency was obtained + + among the allies, by the preservation of a city of the greatest celebrity and + + opulence, the demolition of which, all Campania, and all the people dwelling + + in the neighbourhood of Campania, would have bewailed, while their enemies were + + compelled to admit the ability of the Romans to punish their faithless allies, + + and how little assistance could be derived from Hannibal towards the defence + + of those whom he had taken under his protection. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">17 </div> + +<a id="h17" /> + +<p>The Roman senate having gone through every thing which required their attention + + relative to Capua, decreed to Caius Nero six thousand foot and three hundred + + horse, whichever he should himself choose out of those two legions which he + + had commanded at Capua, with an equal number of infantry, and eight hundred + + horse of the Latin confederacy. This army Nero embarked at Puteoli, and conveyed + + over into Spain. Having arrived at Tarraco with his ships, landed his troops, + + hauled his ships ashore, and armed his mariners to augment his numbers, he proceeded + + to the river Iberus, and received the army from Titus Fonteius and Lucius Marcius. + + He then marched towards the enemy. Hasdrubal, son of Hamilcar, was encamped + + at the black stones in Ausetania, a place situated between the towns Illiturgi + + and Mentissa. The entrance of this defile Nero seized, and Hasdrubal, to prevent + + his being shut up in it, sent a herald to engage that, if he were allowed to + + depart thence, he would convey the whole of his army out of Spain. The Roman + + general having received this proposition gladly, Hasdrubal requested the next + + day for a conference, when the Romans might draw up conditions relative to the + + surrender of the citadels of the towns, and the appointment of a day on which + + the garrisons might be withdrawn, and the Carthaginians might remove every thing + + belonging to them without imposition. Having obtained his point in this respect, + + Hasdrubal gave orders that as soon as it was dark, and during the whole of the + + night afterwards, the heaviest part of his force should get out of the defile + + by whatever way they could. The strictest care was taken that many should not + + go out that night, that the very fewness of their numbers might both be more + + adapted to elude the notice of the enemy from their silence, and to an escape + + through confined and rugged paths. Next day they met for the conference; but + + that day having been spent, on purpose, in speaking and writing about a variety + + of subjects, which were not to this point, the conference was put off to the + + next day. The addition of the following night gave him time to send still more + + out; nor was the business concluded the next day. Thus several days were spent + + in openly discussing conditions, and as many nights in privately sending the + + Carthaginian troops out of their camp; and after the greater part of the army + + had been sent out, he did not even keep to those terms which he had himself + + proposed; and his sincerity decreasing with his fears, they became less and + + less agreed. By this time nearly all the infantry had cleared the defile, when + + at daybreak a dense mist enveloped the whole defile and the neighbouring plains; + + which Hasdrubal perceiving, sent to Nero to put off the conference to the following + + day, as the Carthaginians held that day sacred from the transaction of any serious + + business. Not even then was the cheat suspected. Hasdrubal having gained the + + indulgence he sought for that day also, immediately quitted his camp with his + + cavalry and elephants, and without creating any alarm escaped to a place of + + safety. About the fourth hour the mist, being dispelled by the sun, left the + + atmosphere clear, when the Romans saw that the camp of the enemy was deserted. + + Then at length Claudius, recognising the Carthaginian perfidy, and perceiving + + that he had been caught by trickery, immediately began to pursue the enemy as + + they moved off, prepared to give battle; but they declined fighting. Some skirmishes, + + however, took place between the rear of the Carthaginians and the advanced guard + + of the Romans. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">18 </div> + +<a id="h18" /> + +<p>During the time in which these events occurred, neither did those states of + + Spain which had revolted after the defeat that was sustained, return to the + + Romans, nor did any others desert them. At Rome, the attention of the senate + + and people, after the recovery of Capua, was not fixed in a greater degree upon + + Italy than upon Spain. They resolved that the army there should be augmented + + and a general sent. They were not, however, so clear as to the person whom they + + should send, as that, where two generals had fallen within the space of thirty + + days, he who was to supply the place of them should be selected with unusual + + care. Some naming one person, and others another, they at length came to the + + resolution that the people should assemble for the purpose of electing a proconsul + + for Spain, and the consuls fixed a day for the election. At first they waited + + in expectation that those persons who might think themselves qualified for so + + momentous a command would give in their names, but this expectation being disappointed, + + their grief was renewed for the calamity they had suffered, and then regret + + for the generals they had lost. The people thus afflicted, and almost at their + + wits' end, came down, however, to the Campus Martius on the day of the election, + + where, turning towards the magistrates, they looked round at the countenances + + of their most eminent men, who were earnestly gazing at each other, and murmured + + bitterly, that their affairs were in so ruinous a state, and the condition of + + the commonwealth so desperate, that no one dared undertake the command in Spain. + + When suddenly Publius Cornelius, son of Publius who had fallen in Spain, who + + was about twenty-four years of age, declaring himself a candidate, took his + + station on an eminence from which he could be seen by all. The eyes of the whole + + assembly were directed towards him, and by acclamations and expressions of approbation, + + a prosperous and happy command were at once augured to him. Orders were then + + given that they should proceed to vote, when not only every century, but every + + individual to a man, decided that Publius Scipio should be invested with the + + command in Spain. But after the business had been concluded, and the ardour + + and impetuosity of their zeal had subsided, a sudden silence ensued, and a secret + + reflection on what they had done, whether their partiality had not got the better + + of their judgment? They chiefly regretted his youth, but some were terrified + + at the fortune which attended his house and his name, for while the two families + + to which he belonged were in mourning, he was going into a province where he + + must carry on his operations between the tombs of his father and his uncle. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">19 </div> + +<a id="h19" /> + +<p>Perceiving the solicitude and anxiety which people felt, after performing the + + business with so much ardour, he summoned an assembly, in which he discoursed + + in so noble and high minded a manner, on his years, the command intrusted to + + him, and the war which he had to carry on, as to rekindle and renew the ardour + + which had subsided, and inspire the people with more confident hopes than the + + reliance placed on human professions, or reasoning on the promising appearance + + of affairs, usually engenders. For Scipio was not only deserving of admiration + + for his real virtues, but also for his peculiar address in displaying them, + + to which he had been formed from his earliest years;--effecting many things + + with the multitude, either by feigning nocturnal visions or as with a mind divinely + + inspired; whether it was that he was himself, too, endued with a superstitious + + turn of mind, or that they might execute his commands and adopt his plans without + + hesitation, as if they proceeded from the responses of an oracle. With the intention + + of preparing men's minds for this from the beginning, he never at any time from + + his first assumption of the manly gown transacted any business, public or private, + + without first going to the Capitol, entering the temple, and taking his seat + + there; where he generally passed a considerable time in secret and alone. This + + practice, which was adhered to through the whole of his life, occasioned in + + some persons a belief in a notion which generally prevailed, whether designedly + + or undesignedly propagated, that he was a man of divine extraction; and revived + + a report equally absurd and fabulous with that formerly spread respecting Alexander + + the Great, that he was begotten by a huge serpent, whose monstrous form was + + frequently observed in the bedchamber of his mother, but which, on any one's + + coming in, suddenly unfolding his coils, glided out of sight. The belief in + + these miraculous accounts was never ridiculed by him, but rather increased by + + his address; neither positively denying any such thing nor openly affirming + + it. There were also many other things, some real and others counterfeit, which + + exceeded in the case of this young man the usual measure of human admiration, + + in reliance on which the state intrusted him with an affair of so much difficulty, + + and with so important a command, at an age by no means ripe for it. To the forces + + in Spain, consisting of the remains of the old army, and those which had been + + conveyed over from Puteoli by Claudius Nero, ten thousand infantry and a thousand + + horse were added; and Marcus Junius Silanus, the propraetor, was sent to assist + + in the management of affairs. Thus with a fleet of thirty ships, all of which + + were quinqueremes, he set sail from the mouth of the Tiber, and coasting along + + the shore of the Tuscan Sea, the Alps, and the Gallic Gulf, and then doubling + + the promontory of the Pyrenees, landed his troops at Emporiae, a Greek city, + + which also derived its origin from Phocaea. Ordering his ships to attend him, + + he marched by land to Tarraco; where he held a congress of deputies from all + + the allies; for embassies had poured forth from every province on the news of + + his arrival. Here he ordered his ships to be hauled on shore, having sent back + + the four triremes of the Massilians which had, in compliment to him, attended + + him from their home. After that, he began to give answers to the embassies of + + the several states, which had been in suspense on account of the many vicissitudes + + of the war; and this with so great dignity, arising from the great confidence + + he had in his own talents, that no presumptuous expression ever escaped him; + + and in every thing he said there appeared at once the greatest majesty and sincerity. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">20 </div> + +<a id="h20" /> + +<p>Setting out from Tarraco, he visited the states of his allies and the winter + + quarters of his army; and bestowed the highest commendations upon the soldiers, + + because, though they had received two such disastrous blows in succession, they + + had retained possession of the province, and not allowing the enemy to reap + + any advantage from their successes, had excluded them entirely from the territory + + on this side of the Iberus, and honourably protected their allies. Marcius he + + kept with him, and treated him with such respect, that it was perfectly evident + + there was nothing he feared less than lest any one should stand in the way of + + his own glory. Silanus then took the place of Nero, and the fresh troops were + + led into winter quarters. Scipio having in good time visited every place where + + his presence was necessary, and completed every thing which was to be done, + + returned to Tarraco. The reputation of Scipio among his enemies was not inferior + + to that which he enjoyed among his allies and countrymen. They felt also a kind + + of presentiment of what was to come, which occasioned the greater apprehension, + + the less they could account for their fears, which had arisen without any cause. + + They had retired to their winter quarters in different directions. Hasdrubal, + + son of Gisgo, had gone quite to the ocean and Gades; Mago into the midland parts + + chiefly above the forest of Castulo; Hasdrubal, son of Hamilcar, wintered in + + the neighbourhood of Saguntum, close upon the Iberus. At the close of the summer + + in which Capua was recovered and Scipio entered Spain, a Carthaginian fleet, + + which had been fetched from Sicily to Tarentum, to cut off the supplies of the + + Roman garrison in the citadel of that place, had blocked up all the approaches + + to the citadel from the sea; but by lying there too long, they caused a greater + + scarcity of provisions to their friends than to their enemies. For so much corn + + could not be brought in for the townsmen, along the coasts which were friendly + + to them, and through the ports which were kept open through the protection afforded + + by the Carthaginian fleet, as the fleet itself consumed, which had on board + + a crowd made up of every description of persons. So that the garrison of the + + citadel, which was small in number, could be supported from the stock they had + + previously laid in without importing any, while that which they imported was + + not sufficient for the supply of the Tarentines and the fleet. At length the + + fleet was sent away with greater satisfaction than it was received. The scarcity + + of provisions, however, was not much relieved by it; because when the protection + + by sea was removed corn could not be brought in. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">21 </div> + +<a id="h21" /> + +<p>At the close of the same summer, Marcus Marcellus arriving at the city from + + his province of Sicily, an audience of the senate was given him by Caius Calpurnius, + + the praetor, in the temple of Bellona. Here, after discoursing on the services + + he had performed, and complaining in gentle terms, not on his own account more + + than that of his soldiers, that after having completely reduced the province, + + he had not been allowed to bring home his army, he requested that he might be + + allowed to enter the city in triumph; this he did not obtain. A long debate + + took place on the question, whether it was less consistent to deny a triumph + + on his return to him, in whose name, when absent, a supplication had been decreed + + and honours paid to the immortal gods, for successes obtained under his conduct; + + or, when they had ordered him to deliver over his army to a successor, which + + would not have been decreed unless there were still war in the province, to + + allow him to triumph, as if the war had been terminated, when the army, the + + evidence of the triumph being deserved or undeserved, were absent. As a middle + + course between the two opinions, it was resolved that he should enter the city + + in ovation. The plebeian tribunes, by direction of the senate, proposed to the + + people, that Marcus Marcellus should be invested with command during the day + + on which he should enter the city in ovation. The day before he entered the + + city he triumphed on the Alban mount; after which he entered the city in ovation, + + having a great quantity of spoils carried before him, together with a model + + of the capture of Syracuse. The catapultas and ballistas, and every other instrument + + of war were carried; likewise the rich ornaments laid up by its kings during + + a long continuance of peace; a quantity of wrought silver and brass, and other + + articles, with precious garments, and a number of celebrated statues, with which + + Syracuse had been adorned in such a manner as to rank among the chief Grecian + + cities in that respect. Eight elephants were also led as an emblem of victory + + over the Carthaginians. Sosis, the Syracusan, and Mericus, the Spaniard, who + + preceded him with golden crowns, formed not the least interesting part of the + + spectacle; under the guidance of one of whom the Romans had entered Syracuse + + by night, while the other had betrayed to them the island and the garrison in + + it. To both of them the freedom of the city was given, and five hundred acres + + of land each. Sosis was to have his portion in the Syracusan territory, out + + of the lands which had belonged either to the kings or the enemies of the Roman + + people, together with a house at Syracuse, which had belonged to any one of + + those persons who had been punished according to the laws of war. Mericus and + + the Spaniards who had come over with him were ordered to have a city and lands + + assigned to them in Sicily, which had belonged to some of those who had revolted + + from the Romans. It was given in charge to Marcus Cornelius to assign them the + + city and lands wherever he thought proper. In the same country, four hundred + + acres of land were decreed to Belligenes, by whose means Mericus had been persuaded + + to come over. After the departure of Marcellus from Sicily, a Carthaginian fleet + + landed eight thousand infantry and three thousand Numidian cavalry. To these + + the Murgantian territories revolted; Hybla, Macella, and certain other towns + + of less note followed their defection. The Numidians also, headed by Mutines, + + ranging without restraint through the whole of Sicily, ravaged with fire the + + lands of the allies of the Romans. In addition to these unfortunate circumstances, + + the Roman soldiers, incensed partly because they had not been taken from the + + province with their general, and partly because they had been forbidden to winter + + in towns, discharged their duties negligently, and wanted a a leader more than + + inclination for a mutiny. Amid these difficulties Marcus Cornelius, the praetor, + + sometimes by soothing, at other times by reproving them, pacified the minds + + of the soldiers; and reduced to obedience all the states which had revolted; + + out of which he gave Murgantia to those Spaniards who were entitled to a city + + and land, in conformity with the decree of the senate. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">22 </div> + +<a id="h22" /> + +<p>As both the consuls had Apulia for their province, and as there was now less + + to be apprehended from Hannibal and the Carthaginians, they were directed to + + draw lots for the provinces of Apulia and Macedonia. Macedonia fell to the lot + + of Sulpicius, who succeeded Laevinus. Fulvius having been called to Rome on + + account of the election, held an assembly to elect new consuls; when the junior + + Veturian century, which had the right of voting first, named Titus Manlius Torquatus + + and Titus Otacilius. A crowd collecting round Manlius, who was present, to congratulate + + him, and it being certain that the people would concur in his election, he went, + + surrounded as he was with a multitude of persons, to the tribunal of the consul, + + and requested that he would listen to a few words from him; and that he would + + order the century which had voted to be recalled. While all present were waiting + + impatiently to hear what it was he was going to ask, he alleged as an excuse + + the weakness of his eyes; observing, that "a pilot or a general might fairly + + be charged with presumption who should request that the lives and fortunes of + + others might be intrusted to him, when in every thing which was to be done he + + must make use of other people's eyes. Therefore he requested, that, if it seemed + + good to him, he would order the junior Veturian century to come and vote again; + + and to recollect, while electing consuls, the war which they had in Italy, and + + the present exigencies of the state. That their ears had scarcely yet ceased + + to ring with the noise and tumult raised by the enemy, when but a few months + + ago they nearly scaled the walls of Rome." This speech was followed by the century's + + shouting out, one and all, that "they would not in the least alter their vote, + + but would name the same persons for consuls;" when Torquatus replied, "neither + + shall I as consul be able to put up with your conduct, nor will you be satisfied + + with my government. Go back and vote again, and consider that you have a Punic + + war in Italy, and that the leader of your enemies is Hannibal." Upon this the + + century, moved by the authority of the man and the shouts of admirers around, + + besought the consul to summon the elder Veturian century; for they were desirous + + of conferring with persons older than themselves, and to name the consuls in + + accordance with their advice. The elder Veturian century having been summoned, + + time was allowed them to confer with the others by themselves in the <i>ovile</i>. + + The elders said that there were three persons whom they ought to deliberate + + about electing, two of them having already served all the offices of honour, + + namely, Quintus Fabius and Marcus Marcellus; and if they wished so particularly + + to elect some fresh person as consul to act against the Carthaginians, that + + Marcus Valerius Laevinus had carried on operations against king Philip by sea + + and land with signal success. Thus, three persons having been proposed to them + + to deliberate about, the seniors were dismissed, and the juniors proceeded to + + vote. They named as consuls, Marcus Claudius Marcellus, then glorious with the + + conquest of Sicily, and Marcus Valerius, both in their absence. All the centuries + + followed the recommendation of that which voted first. Let men now ridicule + + the admirers of antiquity. Even if there existed a republic of wise men, which + + the learned rather imagine than know of; for my own part I cannot persuade myself + + that there could possibly be a nobility of sounder judgment, and more moderate + + in their desire of power, or a people better moralled. Indeed that a century + + of juniors should have been willing to consult their elders, as to the persons + + to whom they should intrust a command by their vote, is rendered scarcely probable + + by the contempt and levity with which the parental authority is treated by children + + in the present age. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">23 </div> + +<a id="h23" /> + +<p>The assembly for the election of praetors was then held, at which Publius Manlius + + Vulso, Lucius Manlius Acidinus, Caius Laetorius, and Lucius Cincius Alimentus + + were elected. It happened that just as the elections were concluded, news was + + brought that Titus Otacilius, whom it seemed the people would have made consul + + in his absence, with Titus Manlius, had not the course of the elections been + + interrupted, had died in Sicily. The games in honour of Apollo had been performed + + the preceding year, and on the motion of Calpurnius, the praetor, that they + + should be performed this year also, the senate decreed that they should be vowed + + every year for the time to come. The same year several prodigies were seen and + + reported. At the temple of Concord, a statue of Victory, which stood on the + + roof, having been struck by lightning and thrown down, stuck among the figures + + of Victory, which were among the ornaments under the eaves, and did not fall + + to the ground from thence. Both from Anagnia and Fregellae it was reported that + + a wall and some gates had been struck by lightning. That in the forum of Sudertum + + streams of blood had continued flowing through a whole day; at Eretum, that + + there had been a shower of stones; and at Reate, that a mule had brought forth. + + These prodigies were expiated with victims of the larger sort, the people were + + commanded to offer up prayers for one day, and perform the nine days' sacred + + rite. Several of the public priests died off this year, and fresh ones were + + appointed. In the room of Manius Aemilius Numida, decemvir for sacred rites, + + Marcus Aemilius Lepidus was appointed; in the room of Manius Pomponius Matho, + + the pontiff, Caius Livius; in the room of Spurius Carvilius Maximus, the augur, + + Marcus Servilius. As Titus Otacilius Crassus, a pontiff, died after the year + + was concluded, no person was nominated to succeed him. Caius Claudius, flamen + + of Jupiter, retired from his office, because he had distributed the entrails + + improperly. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">24 </div> + +<a id="h24" /> + +<p>During the same time Marcus Valerius Laevinus, having first sounded the intentions + + of the leading men by means of secret conferences, came with some light ships + + to a council of the Aetolians, which had been previously appointed to meet for + + this very purpose. Here having proudly pointed to the capture of Syracuse and + + Capua, as proofs of the success of the Roman arms in Sicily and Italy, he added, + + that "it was a custom with the Romans, handed down to them from their ancestors, + + to respect their allies; some of whom they had received into their state, and + + had admitted to the same privileges they enjoyed themselves, while others they + + treated so favourably that they chose rather to be allies than citizens. That + + the Aetolians would be honoured by them so much the more, because they were + + the first of the nations across the sea which had entered into friendship with + + them. That Philip and the Macedonians were troublesome neighbours to them, but + + that he had broken their strength and spirits already, and would still further + + reduce them to that degree, that they should not only evacuate the cities which + + they had violently taken from the Aetolians, but have Macedonia itself disturbed + + with war. And that as to the Acarnanians, whose separation from their body was + + a source of grief to the Aetolians, he would place them again under their ancient + + system of jurisdiction and dominion." These assertions and promises of the Roman + + general, Scopas, who was at that time praetor of the nation, and Dorymachus, + + a leading man among the Aetolians, confirmed on their own authority, extolling + + the power and greatness of the Roman people with less reserve, and with greater + + force of conviction. However, the hope of recovering Acarnania principally moved + + them. The terms, therefore, were reduced to writing, on which they should enter + + into alliance and friendship with the Roman people, and it was added, that "if + + it were agreeable to them and they wished it, the Eleans and Lacedaemonians, + + with Attalus, Pleuratus, and Scerdilaedas, should be included on the same conditions." + + Attalus was king of Asia; the latter, kings of the Thracians and Illyrians. + + The conditions were, that "the Aetolians should immediately make war on Philip + + by land, in which the Romans should assist, with not less than twenty quinqueremes. + + That the site and buildings, together with the walls and lands, of all the cities + + as far as Corcyra, should become the property of the Aetolians, every other + + kind of booty, of the Romans. That the Romans should endeavour to put the Aetolians + + in possession of Acarnania. If the Aetolians should make peace with Philip, + + they should insert a stipulation that the peace should stand good only on condition + + that they abstained from hostilities against the Romans, their allies, and the + + states subject to them. In like manner, if the Romans should form an alliance + + with the king, that they should provide that he should not have liberty to make + + war upon the Aetolians and their allies." Such were the terms agreed upon; and + + copies of them having been made, they were laid up two years afterwards by the + + Aetolians at Olympia, and by the Romans in the Capitol, that they might be attested + + by these consecrated records. The delay had been occasioned by the Aetolian + + ambassadors' having been detained at Rome. This, however, did not form an impediment + + to the war's proceeding. Both the Aetolians immediately commenced war against + + Philip, and Laevinus taking, all but the citadel, Zacynthus, a small island + + near to Aetolia, and having one city of the same name with the island; and also + + taking Aeniadae and Nasus from the Acarnanians, annexed them to the Aetolians; + + and also considering that Philip was sufficiently engaged in war with his neighbours + + to prevent his thinking of Italy, the Carthaginians, and his compact with Hannibal, + + he retired to Corcyra. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">25 </div> + +<a id="h25" /> + +<p>To Philip intelligence of the defection of the Aetolians was brought while + + in winter quarters at Pella. As he was about to march an army into Greece at + + the beginning of the spring, he undertook a sudden expedition into the territories + + of Oricum and Apollonia, in order that Macedonia might not be molested by the + + Illyrians, and the cities bordering upon them, in consequence of the terror + + he would thus strike them with in turn. The Apollonians came out to oppose him, + + but he drove them, terrified and dismayed, within their walls. After devastating + + the adjacent parts of Illyricum he turned his course into Pelagonia, with the + + same expedition. He then took Sintia, a town of the Dardanians, which would + + have afforded them a passage into Macedonia. Having with the greatest despatch + + performed these achievements, not forgetting the war made upon him by the Aetolians + + and Romans in conjunction, he marched down into Thessaly through Pelagonia, + + Lyncus, and Bottiaea. He trusted that people might be induced to take part with + + him in the war against the Aetolians, and, therefore, leaving Perseus with four + + thousand armed men at the gorge, which formed the entrance into Thessaly, to + + prevent the Aetolians from passing it, before he should be occupied with more + + important business, he marched his army into Macedonia, and thence into Thrace + + and Maedica. This nation had been accustomed to make incursions into Macedonia + + when they perceived the king engaged in a foreign war, and the kingdom left + + unprotected. Accordingly, he began to devastate the lands in the neighbourhood + + of Phragandae, and to lay siege to the city Jamphorina, the capital and chief + + fortress of Maedica. Scopas, on hearing that the king had gone into Thrace, + + and was engaged in a war there, armed all the Aetolian youths, and prepared + + to invade Acarnania. The Acarnanian nation, unequal to their enemy in point + + of strength, and seeing that they had lost Aeniadae and Nasus, and moreover + + that the Roman arms were threatening them, prepare the war rather with rage + + than prudence. Having sent their wives, children, and those who were above sixty + + years old into the neighbouring parts of Epirus, all who were between the ages + + of fifteen and sixty, bound each other by an oath not to return unless victorious. + + That no one might receive into his city or house, or admit to his table or hearth, + + such as should retire from the field vanquished, they drew up a form of direful + + execration against their countrymen who should do so; and the most solemn entreaty + + they could devise, to friendly states. At the same time they entreated the Epirotes + + to bury in one tomb such of their men as should fall in the encounter, adding + + this inscription over their remains: HERE LIE THE ACARNANIANS, WHO DIED WHILE + + FIGHTING IN DEFENCE OF THEIR COUNTRY, AGAINST THE VIOLENCE AND INJUSTICE OF + + THE AETOLIANS. Having worked up their courage to the highest pitch by these + + means, they fixed their camp at the extreme borders of their country in the + + way of the enemy; and sending messengers to Philip to inform him of the critical + + situation in which they stood, they obliged him to suspend the war in which + + he was engaged, though he had gained possession of Jamphorina by surrender, + + and had succeeded in other respects. The ardour of the Aetolians was damped, + + in the first instance, by the news of the combination formed by the Acarnanians; + + but afterwards the intelligence of Philip's approach compelled them even to + + retreat into the interior of the country. Nor did Philip proceed farther than + + Dium, though he had marched with great expedition to prevent the Acarnanians + + being overpowered; and when he had received information that the Aetolians had + + returned out of Acarnania, he also returned to Pella. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">26 </div> + +<a id="h26" /> + +<p>Laevinus set sail from Corcyra in the beginning of the spring, and doubling + + the promontory Leucate, arrived at Naupactus; when he gave notice that he should + + go thence to Anticyra, in order that Scopas and the Aetolians might be ready + + there to join him. Anticyra is situated in Locris, on the left hand as you enter + + the Corinthian Gulf. The distance between Naupactus and this place is short + + both by sea and land. In about three days after, the attack upon this place + + commenced on both elements. The attack from the sea produced the greatest effect, + + because there were on board the ships engines and machines of every description, + + and because the Romans besieged from that quarter. In a few days, therefore, + + the town surrendered, and was delivered over to the Aetolians, the booty, according + + to compact, was given up to the Romans. Laevinus then received a letter informing + + him, that he had been elected consul in his absence, and that Publius Sulpicius + + was coming as his successor. He arrived at Rome later than he was generally + + expected, being detained by a lingering illness. Marcus Marcellus, having entered + + upon the consulship on the ides of March, assembled the senate on that day merely + + for form's sake He declared, that "in the absence of his colleague he would + + not enter into any question relative to the state or the provinces." He said, + + "he well knew there were crowds of Sicilians in the neighbourhood of the city + + at the country-houses of those who maligned him, whom he was so far from wishing + + to prevent from openly publishing, at Rome, the charges which had been circulated + + and got up against him by his enemies, that did they not pretend that they entertained + + some fear of speaking of a consul in the absence of his colleague, he would + + forthwith have given them a hearing of the senate. That when his colleague had + + arrived, he would not allow any business to be transacted before the Sicilians + + were brought before the senate. That Marcus Cornelius had in a manner held a + + levy throughout all Sicily, in order that as many as possible might come to + + Rome to prefer complaints against him, that the same person had filled the city + + with letters containing false representations that there was still war in Sicily, + + in order to detract from his merit." The consul, having acquired on that day + + the reputation of having a well-regulated mind, dismissed the senate, and it + + appeared that there would be almost a total suspension of every kind of business + + till the other consul returned to the city. The want of employment, as usual, + + produced expressions of discontent among the people. They complained of the + + length of the war, that the lands around the city were devastated wherever Hannibal + + had marched his hostile troops; that Italy was exhausted by levies, and that + + almost every year their armies were cut to pieces, that the consuls elected + + were both of them fond of war, men over-enterprising and impetuous, who would + + probably stir up war in a time of profound peace, and therefore were the less + + likely to allow the state to breathe in time of war. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">27 </div> + +<a id="h27" /> + +<p>A fire which broke out in several places at once in the neighbourhood of the + + forum, on the night before the festival of Minerva, interrupted these discourses. + + Seven shops, where five were afterwards erected, and the banks, which are now + + called the new banks, were all on fire at once. Afterwards the private dwellings + + caught, for there were no public halls there then, the prisons called the Quarry, + + the fish-market, and the royal palace. The temple of Vesta was with difficulty + + saved, principally by the exertions of thirteen slaves, who were redeemed at + + the public expense and manumitted. The fire continued for a day and a night. + + It was evident to every body that it was caused by human contrivance, because + + the flames burst forth in several places at once, and those at a distance from + + each other. The consul, therefore, on the recommendation of the senate, publicly + + notified, that whoever should make known by whose act the conflagration was + + kindled, should rewarded, if a free-man, with money, if a slave, with liberty. + + Induced by this reward, a slave of the Campanian family, the Calavii, named + + Mannus, gave information that "his masters, with five noble Campanian youths, + + whose parents had been executed by Fulvius, were the authors of the fire, and + + that they would commit various other acts of the same kind if they were not + + seized." Upon this they were seized, as well as their slaves. At first, the + + informer and his evidence were disparaged, for that "he had run away from his + + masters the day before in consequence of a whipping, and that from an event + + which had happened by mere chance, he had fabricated this charge, from resentment + + and wantonness." But when they were charged by their accusers face to face, + + and the ministers of their villanies begin to be examined in the middle of the + + forum, they all confessed, and punishment was inflicted upon the masters and + + their accessory slaves. The informer received his liberty and twenty thousand + + <i>asses</i>. The consul Laevinus, while passing by Capua, was surrounded by + + a multitude of Campanians, who besought him, with tears, that they might be + + permitted to go to Rome to the senate, so that if they could at length be in + + any degree moved by compassion, they might not carry their resentment so far + + as to destroy them utterly, nor suffer the very name of the Campanian nation + + to be obliterated by Quintus Flaccus. Flaccus declared, that "he had individually + + no quarrel with the Campanians, but that he did entertain an enmity towards + + them on public grounds and because they were foes, and should continue to do + + so as long as he felt assured that they had the same feelings towards the Roman + + people; for that there was no nation or people on earth more inveterate against + + the Roman name. That his reason for keeping them shut up within their walls + + was, that if any of these got out any where they roamed through the country + + like wild beasts, tearing and massacring whatever fell in their way. That some + + of them had deserted to Hannibal, others had gone and set fire to Rome; that + + the consul would find the traces of the villany of the Campanians in the half-burnt + + forum. That the temple of Vesta, the eternal fire, and the fatal pledge for + + the continuance of the Roman empire deposited in the shrine, had been the objects + + of their attack. That in his opinion it was extremely unsafe for any Campanians + + to be allowed to enter the walls of Rome." Laevinus ordered the Campanians to + + follow him to Rome, after Flaccus had bound them by an oath to return to Capua + + on the fifth day after receiving an answer from the senate. Surrounded by this + + crowd, and followed also by the Sicilians and Aeolians, who came out to meet + + him, he went to Rome; taking with him into the city as accusers of two men who + + had acquired the greatest celebrity by the overthrow of two most renowned cities, + + those whom they had vanquished in war. Both the consuls, however, first proposed + + to the senate the consideration of the state of the commonwealth, and the arrangements + + respecting the provinces. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">28 </div> + +<a id="h28" /> + +<p>On this occasion Laevinus reported the state of Macedonia and Greece, of the + + Aetolians, Acarnanians, and Locrians, and the services he had himself performed + + there on sea and land. That "Philip, who was bringing an army against the Aetolians, + + had been driven back by him into Macedonia, and compelled to retire into the + + heart of his kingdom. That the legion might therefore be withdrawn from that + + quarter, and that the fleet was sufficient to keep the king out of Italy." Thus + + much he said respecting himself and the province where he had commanded. The + + consuls jointly proposed the consideration of the provinces, when the senate + + decreed, that, "Italy and the war with Hannibal should form the province of + + one of the consuls; that the other should have the command of the fleet which + + Titus Otacilius had commanded, and the province of Sicily, in conjunction with + + Lucius Cincius, the praetor." The two armies decreed to them were those in Etruria + + and Gaul, consisting of four legions. That the two city legions of the former + + year should be sent into Etruria and the two which Sulpicius, the consul, had + + commanded, into Gaul; that he should have the command of Gaul, and the legions + + there whom the consul, who had the province of Italy, should appoint. Caius + + Calpurnius, having his command continued to him for a year after the expiration + + of his praetorship, was sent into Etruria. To Quintus Fulvius also the province + + of Capua was decreed, with his command continued for a year. The army of citizens + + and allies was ordered to be reduced, so that, out of two, one legion should + + be formed consisting of five thousand foot and three hundred horse, those being + + discharged who had served the greatest number of campaigns. That of the allies + + there should be left seven thousand infantry and three hundred horse, the same + + rule being observed with regard to the periods of their service in discharging + + the old soldiers. With Cneius Fulvius, the consul of the former year, no change + + was made touching his province of Apulia nor his army; only he was continued + + in command for a year. Publius Sulpicius, his colleague, was ordered to discharge + + the whole of his army excepting the marines. It was ordered also, that the army + + which Marcus Cornelius had commanded, should be sent out of Sicily as soon as + + the consul arrived in his province. The soldiers which had fought at Cannae, + + amounting to two legions, were assigned to Lucius Cincius, the praetor, for + + the occupation of Sicily. As many legions were assigned to Publius Manlius Vulso, + + the praetor, for Sardinia, being those which Lucius Cornelius had commanded + + in that province the former year. The consuls were directed so to raise legions + + for the service of the city, as not to enlist any one who had served in the + + armies of Marcus Claudius, Marcus Valerius, or Quintus Fulvius, so that the + + Roman legions might not exceed twenty-one that year. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">29 </div> + +<a id="h29" /> + +<p>After the senate had passed these decrees, the consuls drew lots for their + + provinces. Sicily and the fleet fell to the lot of Marcellus; Italy, with the + + war against Hannibal, to Laevinus. This result so terrified the Sicilians, who + + were standing in sight of the consuls waiting the determination of the lots, + + that their bitter lamentations and mournful cries both drew upon them the eyes + + of all at the time, and afterwards furnished matter for conversation. For they + + went round to the several senators in mourning garments, affirming, that "they + + would not only abandon, each of them, his native country, but all Sicily, if + + Marcellus should again go thither with command. That he had formerly been implacable + + toward them for no demerit of theirs, what would he do now, when exasperated + + that they had come to Rome to complain of him? That it would be better for that + + island to be overwhelmed with the fires of Aetna, or sunk in the sea, than to + + be delivered up, as it were, for execution to an enemy." These complaints of + + the Sicilians, having been carried round to the houses of the nobility, and + + frequently canvassed in conversations, which were prompted partly by compassion + + for the Sicilians and partly by dislike for Marcellus, at length reached the + + senate also. The consuls were requested to take the sense of the senate on an + + exchange of provinces. Marcellus said, that "if the Sicilians had already had + + an audience of the senate, his opinion perhaps might have been different, but + + as the case now stood, lest any one should be able to say that they were prevented + + by fear from freely venting their complaints respecting him, to whose power + + they were presently about to be subject, he was willing, if it made no difference + + to his colleague, to exchange provinces with him. That he deprecated a premature + + decision on the part of the senate, for since it would be unjust that his colleague + + should have the power of selecting his province without drawing lots, how much + + greater injustice would it be, nay, rather indignity, for his lot to be transferred + + to him." Accordingly the senate, having rather shown than decreed what they + + wished, adjourned. An exchange of provinces was made by the consuls of themselves, + + fate hurrying on Marcellus to encounter Hannibal, that he might be the last + + of the Roman generals, who, by his fall, when the affairs of the war were most + + prosperous, might add to the glory of that man, from whom he derived the reputation + + of having been the first Roman general who defeated him. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">30 </div> + +<a id="h30" /> + +<p>After the provinces had been exchanged, the Sicilians, on being introduced + + into the senate, discoursed largely on the constant fidelity of king Hiero to + + the Roman people, converting it into a public merit. They said, "that the tyrants, + + Hieronymus, and, after him, Hippocrates and Epicydes, had been objects of detestation + + to them, both on other accounts and especially on account of then deserting + + the Romans to take part with Hannibal. For this cause Hieronymus was put to + + death by the principal young men among them, almost with the public concurrence, + + and a conspiracy was formed to murder Epicydes and Hippocrates, by seventy of + + the most distinguished of their youth; but being left without support in consequence + + of the delay of Marcellus, who neglected to bring up his troops to Syracuse + + at the time agreed upon, they were all, on an indictment that was made, put + + to death by the tyrants. That Marcellus, by the cruelty exercised in the sacking + + of Leontini, had given occasion to the tyranny of Hippocrates and Epicydes. + + From that time the leading men among the Syracusans never ceased going over + + to Marcellus, and promising him that they would deliver the city to him whenever + + he pleased; but that he, in the first instance, was disposed rather to take + + it by force, and afterwards, finding it impossible to effect his object by sea + + or land, after trying every means, he preferred having Syracuse delivered to + + him by Sosis, a brazier, and Mericus, a Spaniard, to receiving it from the principal + + men of Syracuse, who had so often offered it to him voluntarily to no purpose; + + doubtless in order that he might with a fairer pretext butcher and plunder the + + most ancient allies of the Roman people. If it had not been Hieronymus who revolted + + to Hannibal, but the people and senate of Syracuse; if the body of the Syracusan + + people, and not their tyrants, Hippocrates and Epicydes, who held them in thraldom, + + had closed the gates against Marcellus; if they had carried on war with the + + Roman people with the animosity of Carthaginians, what more could Marcellus + + have done in hostility than he did, without levelling Syracuse with the ground? + + Nothing indeed was left at Syracuse except the walls and gutted houses of her + + city, the temples of her gods broken open and plundered; her very gods and their + + ornaments having been carried away. From many their possessions also were taken + + away, so that they were unable to support themselves and their families, even + + from the naked soil, the only remains of their plundered property. They entreated + + the conscript fathers, that they would order, if not all, at least such of their + + property as could be found and identified, to be restored to the owners." After + + they had made these complaints, Laevinus ordered them to withdraw from the senate-house, + + that the senate might deliberate on their requests, when Marcellus exclaimed, + + "Nay, rather let them stay here, that I may reply to their charges in their + + presence, since we conduct your wars for you, conscript fathers, on the condition + + of having as our accusers those whom we have conquered with our arms. Of the + + two cities which have been captured this year, let Capua arraign Fulvius, and + + Syracuse Marcellus." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">31 </div> + +<a id="h31" /> + +<p>The deputies having been brought back into the senate-house, the consul said: + + "I am not so unmindful of the dignity of the Roman people and of the office + + I fill as consul, conscript fathers, as to make a defence against charges brought + + by Greeks, had the inquiry related only to my own delinquency. But it is not + + so much what I have done, as what they deserved to suffer, which comes into + + dispute. For if they were not our enemies, there was no difference between sacking + + Syracuse then, and when Hiero was alive. But if, on the other hand, they have + + renounced their connexion with us, attacked our ambassadors sword in hand, shut + + us out of their city and walls, and defended themselves against us with an army + + of Carthaginians, who can feel indignant that they should suffer the hostilities + + they have offered? I turned away from the leading men of the Syracusans, when + + they were desirous of delivering up the city to me, and esteemed Sosis and Mericus + + as more proper persons for so important an affair. Now you are not the meanest + + of the Syracusans, who reproach others with the meanness of their condition. + + But who is there among you, who has promised that he would open the gates to + + me, and receive my armed troops within the city? You hate and execrate those + + who did so; and not even here can you abstain from speaking with insult of them; + + so far is it from being the case that you would yourselves have done any thing + + of the kind. The very meanness of the condition of those persons, conscript + + fathers, with which these men reproach them, forms the strongest proof that + + I did not turn away from any man who was willing to render a service to our + + state. Before I began the siege of Syracuse I attempted a peace, at one time + + by sending ambassadors, at another time by going to confer with them; and after + + that they refrained not from laying violent hands on my ambassadors, nor would + + give me an answer when I held an interview with their chief men at their gates, + + then, at length, after suffering many hardships by sea and land, I took Syracuse + + by force of arms. Of what befell them after their city was captured they would + + complain with more justice to Hannibal, the Carthaginians, and those who were + + vanquished with them, than to the senate of the victorious people. If, conscript + + fathers, I had intended to conceal the fact that I had despoiled Syracuse, I + + should never have decorated the city of Rome with her spoils. As to what things + + I either took from individuals or bestowed upon them, as conqueror, I feel assured + + that I have acted agreeably to the laws of war, and the deserts of each. That + + you should confirm what I have done, conscript fathers, certainly concerns the + + commonwealth more than myself, since I have discharged my duty faithfully; but + + it is the duty of the state to take care, lest, by rescinding my acts, they + + should render other commanders for the time to come less zealous. And since, + + conscript fathers, you have heard both what the Sicilians and I had to say, + + in the presence of each other, we will go out of the senate-house together, + + in order that in my absence the senate may deliberate more freely." Accordingly, + + the Sicilians having been dismissed, he himself also went away to the Capitol + + to levy soldiers. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">32 </div> + +<a id="h32" /> + +<p>The other consul then proposed to the fathers the consideration of the requests + + of the Sicilians, when a long debate took place. A great part of the senate + + acquiesced in an opinion which originated with Titus Manlius Torquatus, "that + + the war ought to have been carried on against the tyrants, the enemies both + + of the Syracusans and the Roman people; that the city ought to have been recovered, + + not captured; and, when recovered, should have been firmly established under + + its ancient laws and liberty, and not distressed by war, when worn out with + + a wretched state of bondage. That in the contest between the tyrants and the + + Roman general, that most beautiful and celebrated city, formerly the granary + + and treasury of the Roman people, which was held up as the reward of the victor, + + had been destroyed; a city by whose munificence and bounty the commonwealth + + had been assisted and adorned on many occasions, and lastly, during this very + + Punic war. Should king Hiero, that most faithful friend of the Roman empire, + + rise from the shades, with what face could either Syracuse or Rome be shown + + to him, when, after beholding his half-demolished and plundered native city, + + he should see, on entering Rome, the spoils of his country in the vestibule, + + as it were, of the city, and almost in the very gates?" Although these and other + + similar things were said, to throw odium upon the consul and excite compassion + + for the Sicilians, yet the fathers, out of regard for Marcellus, passed a milder + + decree, to the effect, "that what Marcellus had done while prosecuting the war, + + and when victorious, should be confirmed. That for the time to come, the senate + + would look to the affairs of Syracuse, and would give it in charge to the consul + + Laevinus, to consult the interest of that state, so far as it could be done + + without detriment to the commonwealth." Two senators having been sent to the + + Capitol to request the consul to return to the senate-house, and the Sicilians + + having been called in, the decree of the senate was read. The deputies were + + addressed in terms of kindness, and dismissed, when they threw themselves at + + the knees of the consul, Marcellus, beseeching him to pardon them for what they + + had said for the purpose of exciting compassion, and procuring relief from their + + calamities, and to receive themselves and the city of Syracuse under his protection + + and patronage; after which, the consul addressed them kindly and dismissed them. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">33 </div> + +<a id="h33" /> + +<p>An audience of the senate was then granted to the Campanians. Their speech + + was more calculated to excite compassion, but their case less favourable, for + + neither could they deny that they deserved the punishment they had suffered, + + nor were there any tyrants to whom they could transfer their guilt. But they + + trusted that sufficient atonement had been made by the death of so many of their + + senators by poison and the hands of the executioner. They said, "that a few + + only of their nobles remained, being such as were not induced by the consciousness + + of their demerit to adopt any desperate measure respecting themselves, and had + + not been condemned to death through the resentment of their conquerors. That + + these implored the restoration of their liberty, and some portion of their goods + + for themselves and families, being citizens of Rome, and most of them connected + + with the Romans by affinity and now too near relationship, in consequence of + + intermarriages which had taken place for a long period." After this they were + + removed from the senate-house, when for a short time doubts were entertained + + whether it would be right or not to send for Quintus Fulvius from Capua, (for + + Claudius, the proconsul, died after the capture of that place,) that the question + + might be canvassed in the presence of the general who had been concerned, as + + was done in the affair between Marcellus and the Sicilians. But afterwards, + + when they saw in the senate Marcus Atilius, and Caius Fulvius, the brother of + + Flaccus, his lieutenant-generals, and Quintus Minucius, and Lucius Veturius + + Philo, who were also his lieutenant-generals, who had been present at every + + transaction; and being unwilling that Fulvius should be recalled from Capua, + + or the Campanians put off, Marcus Atilius Regulus, who possessed the greatest + + weight of any of those present who had been at Capua, being asked his opinion, + + thus spoke: "I believe I assisted at the council held by the consuls after the + + capture of Capua, when inquiry was made whether any of the Campanians had deserved + + well of our state; and it was found that two women had done so; Vestia Oppia, + + a native of Atella and an inhabitant of Capua, and Faucula Cluvia, formerly + + a common woman. The former had daily offered sacrifice for the safety and success + + of the Roman people, and the latter had clandestinely supplied the starving + + prisoners with food. The sentiments of all the rest of the Campanians towards + + us had been the same," he said, "as those of the Carthaginians; and those who + + had been decapitated by Fulvius, were the most conspicuous in rank, but not + + in guilt. I do not see," said he, "how the senate can decide respecting the + + Campanians who are Roman citizens, without an order of the people. And the course + + adopted by our ancestors, in the case of the Satricani when they had revolted, + + was, that Marcus Antistius, the plebeian tribune, should first propose and the + + commons make an order, that the senate should have the power of pronouncing + + judgment upon the Satricani. I therefore give it as my opinion, that application + + should be made to the plebeian tribunes, that one or more of them should propose + + to the people a bill, by which we may be empowered to determine in the case + + of the Campanians." Lucius Atilius, plebeian tribune, proposed to the people, + + on the recommendation of the senate, a bill to the following effect: "Concerning + + all the Campanians, Atellanians, Calatinians, and Sabatinians, who have surrendered + + themselves to the proconsul Fulvius, and have placed themselves under the authority + + and dominion of the Roman people; also concerning what things they have surrendered, + + together with their persons, both lands and city, divine or human, together + + with their utensils and whatsoever else they have surrendered; concerning these + + things, Roman citizens, I ask you what it is your pleasure should be done." + + The commons thus ordered: "Whatsoever the senate on oath, or the majority of + + those present, may determine, that we will and order." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">34 </div> + +<a id="h34" /> + +<p>The senate having taken the matter into their consideration in conformity with + + this order of the people, first restored to Oppia and Cluvia their goods and + + liberty; directing, that if they wished to solicit any other rewards from the + + senate, they should come to Rome. Separate decrees were passed respecting each + + of the Campanian families, all of which it is not worth while to enumerate. + + The goods of some were to be confiscated; themselves, their children, and their + + wives were to be sold, excepting such of their daughters as had married before + + they came into the power of the Roman people. Others were ordered to be thrown + + into chains, and their cases to be considered at a future time. They made the + + amount of income the ground on which they decided, whether the goods of the + + rest of the Campanians should be confiscated or not. They voted, that all the + + cattle taken except the horses, all the slaves except adult males, and every + + thing which did not belong to the soil, should be restored to the owners. They + + ordered that all the Campanians, Atellanians, Calatinians, and Sabatinians, + + except such as were themselves, or whose parents were, among the enemy, should + + be free, with a proviso, that none of them should become a Roman citizen or + + a Latin confederate; and that none of those who had been at Capua while the + + gates were shut should remain in the city or territory of Capua after a certain + + day. That a place should be assigned to them to inhabit beyond the Tiber, but + + not contiguous to it. That those who had neither been in Capua nor in any Campanian + + city which had revolted from the Romans during the war, should inhabit a place + + on this side the river Liris towards Rome; and that those who had come over + + to the Romans before Hannibal arrived at Capua, should be removed to a place + + on this side the Vulturnus, with a proviso, that none of them should have either + + land or house within fifteen miles of the sea. That such of them as were removed + + to a place beyond the Tiber, should neither themselves nor their posterity acquire + + or possess any property any where, except in the Veientian, Sutrian, or Nepetian + + territories; and, except on condition, that no one should possess a greater + + extent of land than fifty acres. That the goods of all the senators, and such + + as had been magistrates at Capua, Calatia, and Atella, should be sold at Capua; + + but that the free persons who were decreed to be exposed to sale, should be + + sent to Rome and sold there. As to the images and brazen statues, which were + + said to have been taken from the enemy, whether sacred or profane, they referred + + them to the college of pontiffs. They sent the Campanians away, considerably + + more grieved than they were when they came, in consequence of these decrees; + + and now they no longer complained of the severity of Quintus Fulvius towards + + them, but of the malignity of the gods and their own accursed fortune. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">35 </div> + +<a id="h35" /> + +<p>After the Sicilians and Campanians were dismissed, a levy was made; and after + + the troops had been enlisted for the army, they then began to consider about + + making up the number of rowers; but as there was neither a sufficient supply + + of men for that purpose, nor any money at that time in the treasury by which + + they might be purchased or paid, the consuls issued an edict, that private persons + + should furnish rowers in proportion to their income and rank, as had been done + + before, with pay and provisions for thirty days. So great was the murmuring + + and indignation of the people, on account of this edict, that a leader, rather + + than matter, was wanting for an insurrection. It was said, that "the consuls, + + after having ruined the Sicilians and Campanians, had undertaken to destroy + + and lacerate the Roman commons; that, drained as they had been for so many years + + by taxes, they had nothing left but wasted and naked lands. That the enemy had + + burned their houses, and the state had taken away their slaves, who were the + + cultivators of their lands, at one time by purchasing them at a low rate for + + soldiers, at another by commanding a supply of rowers. If any one had any silver + + or brass it was taken away from him, for the payment of rowers or for annual + + taxes. That no force could compel and no command oblige them to give what they + + had not got. That they might sell their goods and then vent their cruelty on + + their persons, which were all that remained to them. That they had nothing even + + left from which they could be redeemed." These complaints were uttered not in + + secret, but publicly in the forum, and before the eyes of the consuls themselves, + + by an immense crowd which surrounded them; nor could the consuls appease them + + now by coercing nor by soothing them. Upon this they said that three days should + + be allowed them to consider of the matter; which interval the consuls employed + + in examining and planning. The following day they assembled the senate to consider + + of raising a supply of rowers; and after arguing at great length that the people's + + refusal was fair, they brought their discourse to this point, that whether it + + were just or unjust, this burden must be borne by private individuals. For from + + what source could they procure rowers, when there was no money in the treasury? + + and how, without fleets, could Sicily be kept in subjection, or Philip be prevented + + from entering Italy, or the shores of Italy be protected? </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">36 </div> + +<a id="h36" /> + +<p>In this perplexing state of affairs, when all deliberation was at a stand, + + and a kind of torpor had seized on men's minds, Laevinus, the consul, observed, + + that "as the magistrates were more honoured than the senators, and the senators + + than the people, so also ought they to be the first in taking upon themselves + + every thing that was burdensome and arduous. If you would enjoin any duty on + + an inferior, and would first submit yourself and those belonging to you to the + + obligation, you will find everybody else more ready to obey; nor is an expense + + thought heavy, when the people see every one of their principal men taking upon + + himself more than his proportion of it. Are we then desirous that the Roman + + people should have and equip a fleet? that private individuals should without + + repugnance furnish rowers? Let us first execute the command ourselves. Let us, + + senators, bring into the treasury to-morrow all our gold, silver, and coined + + brass, each reserving rings for himself, his wife, and children, and a bulla + + for his son; and he who has a wife or daughters, an ounce weight of gold for + + each. Let those who have sat in a curule chair have the ornaments of a horse, + + and a pound weight of silver, that they may have a salt-cellar and a dish for + + the service of the gods. Let the rest of us, senators, reserve for each father + + of a family, a pound weight only of silver and five thousand coined <i>asses</i>. + + All the rest of our gold, silver, and coined brass, let us immediately carry + + to the triumviri for banking affairs, no decree of the senate having been previously + + made; that our voluntary contributions, and our emulation in assisting the state, + + may excite the minds, first, of the equestrian order to emulate us, and after + + them of the rest of the community. This is the only course which we, your consuls, + + after much conversation on the subject, have been able to discover. Adopt it, + + then, and may the gods prosper the measure. If the state is preserved, she can + + easily secure the property of her individual members, but by betraying the public + + interests you would in vain preserve your own." This proposition was received + + with such entire approbation, that thanks were spontaneously returned to the + + consuls. The senate was then adjourned, when every one of the members brought + + his gold, silver, and brass into the treasury, with such emulation excited, + + that they were desirous that their names should appear among the first on the + + public tables; so that neither the triumviri were sufficient for receiving nor + + the notaries for entering them. The unanimity displayed by the senate was imitated + + by the equestrian order, and that of the equestrian order by the commons. Thus, + + without any edict, or coercion of the magistrates, the state neither wanted + + rowers to make up the numbers, nor money to pay them; and after every thing + + had been got in readiness for the war, the consuls set out for their provinces. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">37 </div> + +<a id="h37" /> + +<p>Nor was there ever any period of the war, when both the Carthaginians and the + + Romans, plunged alike in vicissitudes, were in a state of more anxious suspense + + between hope and fear. For on the side of the Romans, with respect to their + + provinces, their failure in Spain on the one hand, and their successes in Sicily + + on the other, had blended joy and sorrow; and in Italy, the loss of Tarentum + + was an injury and a source of grief to them, while the unexpected preservation + + of the citadel with the garrison was matter of joy to them. The sudden terror + + and panic occasioned by the siege and attack of Rome, was turned into joy by + + the capture of Capua, a few days after. Their affairs beyond sea also were equalized + + by a kind of compensation. Philip had become their enemy at a juncture somewhat + + unseasonable; but then the Aetolians, and Attalus, king of Asia, were added + + to their allies; fortune now, in a manner, promising to the Romans the empire + + of the east. The Carthaginians also set the loss of Capua against the capture + + of Tarentum; and as they considered it as glorious to them to have reached the + + walls of Rome without opposition, so they were chagrined at the failure of their + + attempt, and they felt ashamed that they had been held in such contempt, that + + while they lay under the walls of Rome, a Roman army was marched out for Spain + + at an opposite gate. With regard also to Spain itself, the greater the reason + + was to hope that the war there was terminated, and that the Romans were driven + + from the country, after the destruction of two such renowned generals and their + + armies, so much the greater was the indignation felt, that the victory had been + + rendered void and fruitless by Lucius Marcius, a general irregularly appointed. + + Thus fortune balancing events against each other, all was suspense and uncertainty + + on both sides, their hopes and their fears being as strong as though they were + + now first commencing the war. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">38 </div> + +<a id="h38" /> + +<p>What grieved Hannibal more than any thing was the fact, that Capua having been + + more perseveringly besieged by the Romans than defended by him, had turned from + + him the regard of many of the states of Italy, and it was not only impossible + + for him to retain possession of all these by means of garrisons, unless he could + + make up his mind to tear his army into a number of small portions, which at + + that time was most inexpedient, but he could not, by withdrawing the garrisons, + + leave the fidelity of his allies open to the influence of hope, or subject to + + that of fear. His disposition, which was strongly inclined to avarice and cruelty, + + induced him to plunder the places he could not keep possession of, that they + + might be left for the enemy in a state of desolation. This resolution was equally + + horrid in principle and in its issue, for not only were the affections of those + + who suffered such harsh treatment alienated from him, but also of the other + + states, for the warning affected a greater number than did the calamity. Nor + + did the Roman consul fail to sound the inclinations of the cities, whenever + + any prospect of success presented itself. Dasius and Blasius were the principal + + men in Salapia, Dasius was the friend of Hannibal, Blasius, as far as he could + + do it with safety, promoted the Roman interest, and, by means of secret messengers, + + had given Marcellus hopes of having the place betrayed to him, but the business + + could not be accomplished without the assistance of Dasius. After much and long + + hesitation and even then more for the want of a better plan than from any hope + + of success, he addressed himself to Dasius; but he, being both adverse to the + + measure and also hostile to his rival in the government, discovered the affair + + to Hannibal. Both parties were summoned, and while Hannibal was transacting + + some business on his tribunal, intending presently to take cognizance of the + + case of Blasius, and the accuser and the accused were standing apart from the + + crowd, which was put back, Blasius solicited Dasius on the subject of surrendering + + the city; when he exclaimed, as if the case were now clearly proved, that he + + was being treated with about the betrayal of the city, even before the eyes + + of Hannibal. The more audacious the proceeding was, the less probable did it + + appear to Hannibal and those who were present. They considered that the charge + + was undoubtedly a matter of rivalry and animosity, and that it had been brought + + because it was of such a nature that, not admitting of being proved by witnesses, + + it could the more easily be fabricated. Accordingly the parties were dismissed. + + But Blasius, notwithstanding, desisted not from his bold undertaking, till by + + continually harping upon the same subject, and proving how conducive such a + + measure would be to themselves and their country, he carried his point that + + the Punic garrison, consisting of five hundred Numidians, and Salapia, should + + be delivered up to Marcellus. Nor could it be betrayed without much bloodshed, + + consisting of the bravest of the cavalry in the whole Punic army. Accordingly, + + though the event was unexpected, and their horses were of no use to them in + + the city, yet hastily taking arms, during the confusion, they endeavoured to + + force their way out; and not being able to escape, they fell fighting to the + + last, not more than fifty of them falling into the hands of the enemy alive. + + The loss of this body of cavalry was considerably more detrimental to Hannibal + + than that of Salapia, for the Carthaginian was never afterwards superior in + + cavalry, in which he had before been most effective. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">39 </div> + +<a id="h39" /> + +<p>During this time the scarcity of provisions in the citadel of Tarentum was + + almost intolerable; the Roman garrison there, and Marcus Livius, the praefect + + of the garrison and the citadel, placing all their dependence in the supplies + + sent from Sicily; that these might safely pass along the coast of Italy, a fleet + + of about twenty ships was stationed at Rhegium. Decius Quinctius, a man of obscure + + birth, but who had acquired great renown as a soldier, on account of many acts + + of bravery, had charge of the fleet and the convoys. At first he had five ships, + + the largest of which were two triremes, given to him by Marcellus, but afterwards, + + in consequence of his spirited conduct on many occasions, three quinqueremes + + were added to his number, at last, by exacting from the allied states of Rhegium, + + Velia, and Paestum, the ships they were bound to furnish according to treaty, + + he made up a fleet of twenty ships, as was before stated. This fleet setting + + out from Rhegium, was met at Sacriportus, about fifteen miles from the city + + by Democrates, with an equal number of Tarentine ships. It happened that the + + Roman was then coming with his sails up, not expecting an approaching contest, + + but in the neighbourhood of Croto and Sybaris, he had supplied his ships with + + rowers, and had his fleet excellently equipped and armed for the size of his + + vessels, and it also happened, that just at the time when the enemy were in + + sight, the wind completely fell, so that there was sufficient time to furl their + + sails, and get their rowers and soldiers in readiness for the approaching action. + + Rarely elsewhere have regular fleets engaged with so much spirit, for they fought + + for what was of greater importance than the fleets themselves. The Tarentines, + + in order that, having recovered their city from the Romans after the lapse of + + almost a century, they might also rescue their citadel, hoping also to cut off + + the supplies of their enemy, if by a naval battle they could deprive them of + + the dominion of the sea. The Romans, that, by keeping possession of the citadel, + + they might prove that Tarentum was lost not by the strength and valour of their + + enemies, but by treachery and stealth. Accordingly, the signal having been given + + on both sides, they charged each other with the beaks of their ships, and neither + + did they draw back their own, nor allow the ships of the enemy with which they + + were engaged to separate from them, having thrown then grappling irons, and + + thus the battle was carried on in such close quarters, that they fought not + + only with missile weapons, but in a manner foot to foot even with their swords. + + The prows joined together remained stationary, while the sterns were moved round + + by the force of their adversaries' oars. The ships were crowded together in + + so small a compass, that scarcely one weapon fell into the sea without taking + + effect. They pressed front against front like lines of troops engaging on land, + + and the combatants could pass from one ship to another. But the contest between + + two ships which had engaged each other in the van, was remarkable above the + + rest. In the Roman ship was Quinctius himself, in the Tarentine, Nico, surnamed + + Perco, who hated, and was hated by, the Romans, not only on public grounds, + + but also personally, for he belonged to that faction which had betrayed Tarentum + + to Hannibal. This man transfixed Quinctius with a spear while off his guard, + + and engaged at once in fighting and encouraging his men, and he immediately + + fell headlong with his arms over the prow. The victorious Tarentine promptly + + boarded the ship, which was all in confusion from the loss of the commander, + + and when he had driven the enemy back, and the Tarentines had got possession + + of the prow, the Romans, who had formed themselves into a compact body, with + + difficulty defending the stern, suddenly another trireme of the enemy appeared + + at the stern. Thus the Roman ship, enclosed between the two, was captured. Upon + + this a panic spread among the rest, seeing the commander's ship captured, and + + flying in every direction, some were sunk in the deep and some rowed hastily + + to land, where, shortly after, they became a prey to the Thurians and Metapontines. + + Of the storeships which followed, laden with provisions, a very few fell into + + the hands of the enemy; the rest, shifting their sails from one side to another + + with the changing winds, escaped into the open sea. An affair took place at + + Tarentum at this time, which was attended with widely different success; for + + a party of four thousand men had gone out to forage, and while they were dispersed, + + and roaming through the country, Livius, the commander of the citadel and the + + Roman garrison, who was anxious to seize every opportunity of striking a blow, + + sent out of the citadel Caius Persius, an active officer, with two thousand + + soldiers, who attacked them suddenly when widely dispersed and straggling about + + the fields; and after slaying them for a long time on all hands, drove the few + + that remained of so many into the city, to which they fled in alarm and confusion, + + and where they rushed in at the doors of the gates, which were half-opened that + + the city might not be taken in the same attack. In this manner affairs were + + equally balanced at Tarentum, the Romans being victorious by land, and the Tarentines + + by sea. Both parties were equally disappointed in their hope of receiving provisions + + after they were within sight. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">40 </div> + +<a id="h40" /> + +<p>While these events were occurring, the consul, Laevinus, after a great part + + of the year had elapsed, having arrived in Sicily, where he had been expected + + by both the old and new allies, considered it his first and principal duty to + + adjust the affairs of Syracuse, which were still in a state of disorder, the + + peace being but recent. He then marched his legions to Agrigentum, the seat + + of the remaining part of the war, which was occupied by a strong garrison of + + Carthaginians; and here fortune favoured his attempt. Hanno was commander-in-chief + + of the Carthaginians, but their whole reliance was placed upon Mutines and the + + Numidians. Mutines, scouring the whole of Sicily, employed himself in carrying + + off spoil from the allies of the Romans; nor could he by force or stratagem + + be cut off from Agrigentum, or prevented from sallying from it whenever he pleased. + + The renown which he gained by this conduct, as it began now to eclipse the fame + + of the commander-in-chief, was at last converted into a source of jealousy; + + so that even now his successes were not as acceptable as they ought to have + + been, on account of the person who gained them. For these reasons Hanno at last + + gave his commission to his own son, concluding that by taking away his command + + he should also deprive him of the influence he possessed with the Numidians. + + But the result was very different; for their former attachment to him was increased + + by the envy incurred by him. Nor did he brook the affront put upon him by this + + injurious treatment, but immediately sent secret messengers to Laevinus, to + + treat about delivering up Agrigentum. After an agreement had been entered into + + by means of these persons, and the mode of carrying it into execution concerted, + + the Numidians seized on a gate which leads towards the sea, having driven the + + guards from it, or put them to the sword, and then received into the city a + + party of Romans sent for that purpose; and when these troops were now marching + + into the heart of the city and the forum with a great noise, Hanno, concluding + + that it was nothing more than a disturbance and secession of the Numidians, + + such as had happened before, advanced to quell the mutiny; but observing at + + a distance that the numbers were greater than those of the Numidians, and hearing + + the Roman shout, which was far from being new to him, he betook himself to flight + + before he came within reach of their weapons. Passing out of the town at a gate + + in the opposite quarter, and taking Epicydes to accompany him, he reached the + + sea with a few attendants; and having very seasonably met with a small vessel, + + they abandoned to the enemy Sicily, for which they had contended for so many + + years, and crossed over into Africa. The remaining multitude of Carthaginians + + and Sicilians fled with headlong haste, but as every passage by which they could + + escape was blockaded up, they were cut to pieces near the gates. On gaining + + possession of the town, Laevinus scourged and beheaded those who took the lead + + in the affairs of Agrigentum. The rest, together with the booty, he sold. All + + the money he sent to Rome. Accounts of the sufferings of the Agrigentines spreading + + through all Sicily, all the states suddenly turned to the Romans. In a short + + time twenty towns were betrayed to them, and six taken by storm. As many as + + forty put themselves under their protection, by voluntary surrender. The consul + + having rewarded and punished the leading men of these states, according to their + + several deserts, and compelled the Sicilians, now that they had at length laid + + aside arms, to turn their attention to the cultivation of their lands, in order + + that the island might by its produce not only maintain its inhabitants, but, + + as it had frequently done on many former occasions, add to the supplies of Rome + + and Italy, he returned into Italy, taking with him a disorderly multitude from + + Agathyrna. These were as many as four thousand men, made up of a mixed assemblage + + of every description of persons, exiles, bankrupts, the greater part of them + + felons, who had supported themselves by rapine and robbery, both when they lived + + in their native towns, under the restraint of the laws, and also after that + + a coincidence in their fortunes, brought about by causes different in each case, + + had congregated them at Agathyrna. These men Laevinus thought it hardly safe + + to leave in the island, when an unwonted tranquillity was growing up, as the + + materials of fresh disturbances; and besides, they were likely to be useful + + to the Rhegians, who were in want of a band of men habituated to robbery, for + + the purpose of committing depredations upon the Bruttian territory. Thus, so + + far as related to Sicily, the war was this year terminated. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">41 </div> + +<a id="h41" /> + +<p>In Spain, in the beginning of spring, Publius Scipio, having launched his ships, + + and summoned the auxiliary troops of his allies to Tarraco by an edict, ordered + + his fleet and transports to proceed thence to the mouth of the Iberus. He also + + ordered his legions to quit their winter quarters, and meet at the same place; + + and then set out from Tarraco, with five thousand of the allies, to join the + + army. On his arrival at the camp he considered it right to harangue his soldiers, + + particularly the old ones who had survived such dreadful disasters; and therefore, + + calling an assembly, he thus addressed them: "Never was there a new commander + + before myself who could, with justice and good reason, give thanks to his soldiers + + before he had availed himself of their services. Fortune laid me under obligations + + to you before I set eyes on my province or your camp; first, on account of the + + respect you have shown to my father and uncle, both in their lifetime and since + + their death; and secondly, because by your valour you have recovered and preserved + + entire, for the Roman people, and me their successor, the possession of the + + province which had been lost in consequence of so dreadful a calamity. But since, + + now, by the favour of the gods, our purpose and endeavour is not that we may + + remain in Spain ourselves, but that the Carthaginians may not; and not to stand + + on the bank of the Iberus, and hinder the enemy from crossing that river, but + + cross it first ourselves, and carry the war to the other side, I fear lest to + + some among you the enterprise should appear too important and daring, considering + + your late misfortunes, which are fresh in your recollection, and my years. There + + is no person from whose mind the memory of the defeats sustained in Spain could + + be obliterated with more difficulty than from mine; inasmuch as there my father + + and uncle were both slain within the space of thirty days, so that one death + + after another was accumulated on my family. But as the orphanhood and desolation + + of my own family depresses my mind, so both the good fortune and valour of our + + nation forbid me to despair of the safety of the state. It has happened to us + + by a kind of fatality, that in all important wars we have been victorious, after + + having been defeated. I pass over those wars of ancient date with Porsena, the + + Gauls, and Samnites. I will begin with the Punic wars. How many fleets, generals, + + and armies were lost in the former war? Why should I mention what has occurred + + in this present war? I have either been myself present at all the defeats sustained, + + or have felt more than any other those from which I was absent. What else are + + the Trebia, the Trasimenus, and Cannae, but monuments of Roman armies and consuls + + slain? Add to these the defection of Italy, of the greater part of Sicily and + + Sardinia, and the last terror and panic, the Carthaginian camp pitched between + + the Anio and the walls of Rome, and the victorious Hannibal seen almost in our + + gates. Amid this general ruin, the courage of the Roman people alone stood unabated + + and unshaken. When every thing lay prostrate on the ground, it was this that + + raised and supported the state. You, first of all, my soldiers, under the conduct + + and auspices of my father, opposed Hasdrubal on his way to the Alps and Italy, + + after the defeat of Cannae, who, had he formed a junction with his brother, + + the Roman name would now have been extinct. These successes formed a counterpoise + + to those defeats. Now, by the favour of the gods, every thing in Italy and Sicily + + is going on prosperously and successfully, every day affording matter of fresh + + joy, and presenting things in a better light. In Sicily, Syracuse and Agrigentum + + have been captured, the enemy entirely expelled the island, and the province + + placed again under the dominion of the Romans. In Italy, Arpi has been recovered + + and Capua taken. Hannibal has been driven into the remotest corner of Bruttium, + + having fled thither all the way from Rome, in the utmost confusion; and now + + he asks the gods no greater boon than that he might be allowed to retire in + + safety, and quit the territory of his enemy. What then, my soldiers, could be + + more preposterous than that you, who here supported the tottering fortune of + + the Roman people, together with my parents, (for they may be equally associated + + in the honour of that epithet,) when calamities crowded one upon another in + + quick succession, and even the gods themselves, in a manner, took part with + + Hannibal, should now sink in spirits when every thing is going on happily and + + prosperously? Even with regard to the events which have recently occurred, I + + could wish that they had passed with as little grief to me as to you. At the + + present time the immortal gods who preside over the destinies of the Roman empire, + + who inspired all the centuries to order the command to be given to me, those + + same gods, I say, by auguries and auspices, and even by nightly visions, portend + + entire success and joy. My own mind also, which has hitherto been to me the + + truest prophet, presages that Spain will be ours; that the whole Carthaginian + + name will in a short time be banished from this land, and will fill both sea + + and land with ignominious flight. What my mind presages spontaneously, is also + + supported by sound reasoning. Their allies, annoyed by them, are by ambassadors + + imploring our protection; their three generals, having differed so far as almost + + to have abandoned each other, have divided their army into three parts, which + + they have drawn off into regions as remote as possible from each other. The + + same fortune now threatens them which lately afflicted us; for they are both + + deserted by their allies, as formerly we were by the Celtiberians, and they + + have divided their forces, which occasioned the ruin of my father and uncle. + + Neither will their intestine differences allow them to unite, nor will they + + be able to cope with us singly. Only do you, my soldiers, favour the name of + + the Scipios, favour the offspring of your generals, a scion springing up from + + the trunks which have been cut down. Come then, veterans, lead your new commander + + and your new army across the Iberus, lead us across into a country which you + + have often traversed, with many a deed of valour. I will soon bring it to pass + + that, as you now trace in me a likeness to my father and uncle in my features, + + countenance, and figure, I will so restore a copy of their genius, honour, and + + courage, to you, that every man of you shall say that his commander, Scipio, + + has either returned to life, or has been born again." </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">42 </div> + +<a id="h42" /> + +<p>Having animated his troops with this harangue, and leaving Marcus Silanus with + + three thousand infantry and three hundred horse, for the protection of that + + district, he crossed the Iberus with all the rest of his troops, consisting + + of twenty-five thousand infantry and two thousand five hundred horse. Though + + certain persons there endeavoured to persuade him that, as the Carthaginian + + armies had retired from each other into three such distant quarters, he should + + attack the nearest of them; yet concluding that if he did so there was danger + + lest he should cause them to concentrate all their forces, and he alone should + + not be a match for so many, he determined for the present to make an attack + + upon New Carthage, a city not only possessing great wealth of its own, but also + + full of every kind of military store belonging to the enemy; there were their + + arms, their money, and the hostages from every part of Spain. It was, besides, + + conveniently situated, not only for a passage into Africa, but also near a port + + sufficiently capacious for a fleet of any magnitude, and, for aught I know, + + the only one on the coast of Spain which is washed by our sea. No one but Caius + + Laelius knew whither he was going. He was sent round with the fleet, and ordered + + so to regulate the sailing of his ships, that the army might come in view and + + the fleet enter the harbour at the same time. Both the fleet and army arrived + + at the same time at New Carthage, on the seventh day after leaving the Iberus. + + The camp was pitched over against that part of the city which looks to the north. + + A rampart was thrown up as a defence on the rear of it, for the front was secured + + by the nature of the ground. Now the situation of New Carthage is as follows: + + at about the middle of the coast of Spain is a bay facing for the most part + + the south-west, about two thousand five hundred paces in depth, and a little + + more in breadth. In the mouth of this bay is a small island forming a barrier + + towards the sea, and protecting the harbour from every wind except the south-west. + + From the bottom of the bay there runs out a peninsula, which forms the eminence + + on which the city is built; which is washed in the east and south by the sea, + + and on the west is enclosed by a lake which extends a little way also towards + + the north, of variable depth according as the sea overflows or ebbs. An isthmus + + of about two hundred paces broad connects the city with the continent, on which, + + though it would have been a work of so little labour, the Roman general did + + not raise a rampart; whether his object was to make a display of his confidence + + to the enemy from motives of pride, or that he might have free regress when + + frequently advancing to the walls of the city. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">43 </div> + +<a id="h43" /> + +<p>Having completed the other requisite works, he drew up his ships in the harbour, + + that he might exhibit to the enemy the appearance of a blockade by sea also; + + he then went round the fleet, and having warned the commanders of the ships + + to be particularly careful in keeping the night-watches, because an enemy, when + + besieged, usually tried every effort and in every quarter at first, he returned + + into his camp; and in order to explain to his soldiers the reason why he had + + adopted the plan of commencing the war with the siege of a city, in preference + + to any other, and also by exhortations to inspire them with hopes of making + + themselves masters of it, he summoned them to an assembly, and thus addressed + + them: "Soldiers, if any one among you suppose that you have been brought here + + to attack a single city, that man takes a more exact account of your present + + labour than of its profitable result from it. For you will in truth attack the + + walls of a single city, but in that single city you will have made yourselves + + masters of all Spain. Here are the hostages of all her most distinguished kings + + and states; and as soon as you shall have gained possession of these, they will + + immediately deliver into your hands every thing which is now subject to the + + Carthaginians. Here is the whole of the enemy's treasure, without which they + + cannot carry on the war, as they are keeping mercenary troops, and which will + + be most serviceable to us in conciliating the affections of the barbarians. + + Here are their engines, their arms, their tackle, and every requisite in war; + + which will at once supply you, and leave the enemy destitute. Besides, we shall + + gain possession of a city, not only of the greatest beauty and wealth, but also + + most convenient as having an excellent harbour, by means of which we may be + + supplied with every requisite for carrying on the war both by sea and land. + + Great as are the advantages we shall thus gain, we shall deprive our enemies + + of much greater. This is their citadel, their granary, their treasury, their + + magazine, their receptacle for every thing. Hence there is a direct passage + + into Africa; this is the only station for a fleet between the Pyrenees and Gades; + + this gives to Africa the command of all Spain. But as I perceive you are arrayed + + and marshalled, let us pass on to the assault of New Carthage, with our whole + + strength, and with undaunted courage." Upon this, they all with, one accord + + cried out that it should be done; and he led them to Carthage, and ordered that + + the assault should be made both by sea and land. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">44 </div> + +<a id="h44" /> + +<p>On the other side, Mago, the Carthaginian general, perceiving that a siege + + was being prepared for both by sea and land, himself also disposed his forces + + thus: he placed two thousand of the townsmen to oppose the enemy, on the side + + facing the Roman camp; he occupied the citadel with five hundred soldiers, and + + stationed five hundred on a rising ground, facing the east; the rest of his + + troops he ordered, intent on every thing that occurred, to hasten with assistance + + wherever the shout, or any sudden emergency, might call them. Then, throwing + + open the gate, he sent out those he had drawn up in the street leading to the + + camp of the enemy. The Romans, according to the direction of their general, + + retired a little, in order that they might be nearer to the reserved troops + + which were to be sent to their assistance during the engagement. At first they + + stood with pretty equal force, but afterwards the reserved troops, sent from + + time to time from the camp, not only obliged the enemy to turn their backs, + + but followed them up so close when flying in disorder, that had not a retreat + + been sounded, they seemed as though they would have rushed into the city together + + with the fugitives. The consternation in the field was not greater than in every + + part of the city; many of the outposts were abandoned in panic and flight; and + + the walls were deserted, as they leaped down each in the part nearest him. Scipio, + + who had gone out to an eminence called Mercury's hill, perceiving that the walls + + were abandoned by their defenders in many parts, ordered all his men to be called + + out of his camp and advance to take the city, and orders them to bring the scaling-ladders. + + The general himself, covered by the shields of three stout young men, (for now + + an immense number of missiles of every description were let fly from the walls,) + + came up to the city, cheered them on, and gave the requisite orders; and, what + + was of the utmost importance in exciting the courage of his men, he appeared + + among them a witness and spectator of the valour or cowardice of each. Accordingly, + + they rushed forward, amidst wounds and weapons; nor could the walls, or the + + armed troops which stood upon them, repel them from eagerly mounting them. At + + the same time an attack was commenced by the fleet upon that part of the city + + which was washed by the sea. But here the alarm occasioned was greater than + + the force which could be employed; for while they were bringing the boats to + + shore, and hastily landing the ladders and the men, each man pressing forward + + to gain the land the shortest way, they hindered one another by their very haste + + and eagerness. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">45 </div> + +<a id="h45" /> + +<p>In the mean time, the Carthaginians had now filled the walls again with armed + + men, who were supplied with a great quantity of missiles from the immense stores + + which they had laid up. But neither men nor missiles, nor any thing else, so + + effectually defended them as the walls themselves, for very few of the ladders + + were equal to the height of them, and all those which were longer than the rest + + were proportionably weaker. Accordingly, those who were highest being unable + + to mount from them, and being followed, nevertheless, by others, they broke + + from the mere weight upon them. Some, though the ladders stood, a dizziness + + having come over their eyes in consequence of the height, fell to the ground. + + And as men and ladders were every where tumbling down, while the boldness and + + alacrity of the enemy were increased by the mere success, the signal for retreat + + was sounded, which afforded hopes to the besieged, not only of present rest + + after such a laborious contest, but also for the future, as it appeared their + + city could not be taken by scalade and siege. To raise works they considered + + would be attended with difficulty, and would give time to their generals to + + bring them assistance. Scarcely had the first tumult subsided, when Scipio ordered + + other fresh and unfatigued troops to take the ladders from those who were tired + + and wounded and assault the city with increased vigour. Having received intelligence + + that the tide was ebbing, and having before been informed by some fishermen + + of Tarraco who used to pass through the lake, sometimes in light boats, and, + + when these ran aground, by wading, that it afforded an easy passage to the wall + + for footmen, he led some armed men thither in person. It was about mid-day, + + and besides that the water was being drawn off naturally, in consequence of + + the tide receding, a brisk north wind rising impelled the water in the lake, + + which was already in motion, in the same direction as the tide, and rendered + + it so shallow, that in some parts the water reached only to the navel, while + + in others it scarcely rose above the knees. Scipio, referring this discovery, + + which he had made by his own diligence and penetration, to the gods and to miracle, + + which had turned the course of the sea, withdrawn it from the lake, and opened + + ways never before trodden by human feet to afford a passage to the Romans, ordered + + them to follow Neptune as their guide, and passing through the middle of the + + lake, make good their way to the walls. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">46 </div> + +<a id="h46" /> + +<p>Those who renewed the assault by land experienced great difficulty; for they + + were baffled not only by the height of the walls, but also because they exposed + + the Romans, as they approached them, to the missiles of the enemy from different + + quarters, so that their sides were endangered more than the fronts of their + + bodies. But in the other quarter five hundred passed without difficulty through + + the lake, and then mounted the wall, for neither was it defended by any fortifications, + + because there they thought the city was sufficiently protected by the nature + + of the place and the lake, nor were there any outposts or guards stationed there, + + because all were engaged in bringing succour to that quarter in which the danger + + appeared. Having entered the city without opposition, they proceeded direct, + + with all possible speed, to that gate near which the contest was concentrated; + + and so intently occupied with this were not only the minds, but the eyes and + + ears of all, both of those who were engaged in fighting, and of those who were + + looking on and encouraging the combatants, that no one perceived that the city + + had been captured in their rear till the weapons fell upon their backs, and + + they had an enemy on both sides of them. Then, the defenders having been thrown + + into confusion through fear, both the walls were captured, and the gate began + + to be broken open both from within and from without; and presently, the doors + + having been broken to pieces by blows, in order that the way might not be obstructed, + + the troops rushed in. A great number had also got over the walls, but these + + employed themselves in putting the townsmen to the sword; those which entered + + by the gate, forming a regular body, with officers and in ranks, advanced through + + the midst of the city into the forum. Scipio then perceiving that the enemy + + fled in two different directions, some to the eminence which lay eastward, which + + was occupied by a garrison of five hundred men, others to the citadel, into + + which Mago himself also had fled for refuge, together with almost all the troops + + which had been driven from the walls, sent part of his forces to storm the hill, + + and part he led in person against the citadel. Not only was the hill captured + + at the first assault, but Mago also, after making an effort to defend it, when + + he saw every place filled with the enemy, and that there was no hope, surrendered + + himself and the citadel, with the garrison. Until the citadel was surrendered, + + the massacre was continued in every quarter throughout the city; nor did they + + spare any one they met who had arrived at puberty: but after that, on a signal + + given, a stop was put to the carnage, and the victors turned their attention + + to the plunder, of which there was an immense quantity of every description. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">47 </div> + +<a id="h47" /> + +<p>Of males of free condition, as many as ten thousand were captured. Of these + + he allowed to depart such as were citizens of New Carthage; and restored to + + them their city, and all their property which the war had left them. The artisans + + amounted to two thousand, whom he assigned to the Roman people as their property; + + holding out to them a hope of speedy emancipation, provided they should address + + themselves strenuously to the service of the war. Of the rest of the mass of + + inhabitants, the young men and able-bodied slaves he assigned for the service + + of the fleet, to fill up the numbers of the rowers. He had also augmented his + + fleet with five ships which he had captured. Besides this multitude, there remained + + the Spanish hostages, to whom as much attention was paid as if they had been + + children of allies. An immense quantity of military stores was also taken; one + + hundred and twenty catapultae of the larger size, two hundred and eighty-one + + of the smaller; twenty-three ballistae of the larger size, fifty-two of the + + smaller; an immense number of scorpions of the larger and smaller size, and + + also of arms and missile weapons; and seventy-four military standards. Of gold + + and silver, an immense quantity was brought to the general; there were two hundred + + and seventy-six golden bowls, almost all of them weighing a pound; of silver, + + wrought and coined, eighteen thousand three hundred pounds' weight; and of silver + + vessels an immense number. All these were weighed and reckoned to the quaestor, + + Caius Flaminius. There were twenty thousand pecks of wheat, and two hundred + + and seventy of barley. One hundred and thirteen ships of burden were boarded + + and captured in the harbour, some of them with their cargoes, consisting of + + corn and arms, besides brass, iron, sails, spartum, and other naval materials, + + of use in equipping a fleet; so that amid such large military stores which were + + captured, Carthage itself was of the least consideration. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">48 </div> + +<a id="h48" /> + +<p>Having ordered Caius Laelius with the marines to guard the city, Scipio led + + back his legions to the camp the same day in person; and as his soldiers were + + tired, as they had in one day gone through every kind of military labour; for + + they had engaged the enemy in the field, and had undergone very great fatigue + + and danger in taking the city; and after they had taken it had fought, and that + + on disadvantageous ground, with those who had fled to the citadel, he ordered + + them to attend to themselves. The next day, having assembled the land and naval + + forces, he, in the first place, ascribed praise and thanks to the immortal gods, + + who had not only in one day made him master of the wealthiest city in Spain, + + but had previously collected in it the riches of almost all Africa and Spain; + + so that while his enemy had nothing left, he and his army had a superabundance + + of every thing. He then commended in the highest terms the valour of his soldiers, + + because that neither the sally of the enemy, nor the height of the walls, nor + + the unexplored fords of the lake, nor the fort standing upon a high hill, nor + + the citadel, though most strongly fortified, had deterred them from surmounting + + and breaking through every thing. Therefore, though all credit was due to them + + all, he said that the man who first mounted the wall ought to be distinguished + + above the rest, by being honoured with a mural crown; and he desired that he + + who thought himself worthy of that reward would claim it. Two persons laid claim + + to it, Quintus Trebellius, a centurion of the fourth legion, and Sextus Digitius, + + a marine. Nor did these contest so fiercely as each excited the zeal of his + + own body of men. Caius Laelius, admiral of the fleet, patronized the marines, + + and Marcus Sempronius Tuditanus, the legionary troops. As this contest began + + almost to assume the character of a mutiny, Scipio having notified that he should + + appoint three delegates, who, after making themselves acquainted with the case, + + and examining the witnesses, might decide which had been the first to scale + + the wall and enter the town, added Publius Cornelius Caudinus, a middle party, + + to Laelius and Sempronius, the advocates of the two parties, and ordered these + + three delegates to sit and determine the cause. But as the contest was now carried + + on with increased warmth, because those high characters, who had acted more + + as moderators of the zeal of both than as advocates of any particular party, + + were withdrawn, Caius Laelius, leaving the council, went up to the tribunal + + of Scipio and informed him, "that the contest was proceeding without bounds + + or moderation, and that they had almost come to blows. But still, though no + + violence should take place, that the proceedings formed a most hateful precedent, + + for that the honours due to valour were being sought by fraud and perjury. That + + on one side stood the legionary troops, on the other the marines, ready to swear + + by all the gods what they wished, rather than what they knew, to be true, and + + to involve in the guilt of perjury not only themselves and their own persons, + + but the military standards, the eagles, and their solemn oath of allegiance. + + That he laid these matters before him, in accordance with the opinion of Publius + + Cornelius and Marcus Sempronius." Scipio, after highly praising Laelius, summoned + + an assembly, and then declared, "that he had ascertained satisfactorily that + + Quintus Trebellius and Sextus Digitius had mounted the wall at the same time, + + and that he presented them both with mural crowns in consideration of their + + valour." He then gave presents to the rest, according to the merit and valour + + of each. Above all he honoured Caius Laelius, the admiral of the fleet, by the + + placing him upon an equality with himself, and bestowing upon him every kind + + of commendation, and also by presenting him with a golden crown and thirty oxen. + +</p> + +<div class="lsidenote">49 </div> + +<a id="h49" /> + +<p>He then ordered the Spanish hostages to be summoned. What the number of these + + was I feel reluctant to state, because in some authors I find that it was about + + three hundred, in others seven hundred and twenty-five. There is the same difference + + between authors with regard to the other particulars. One writes that the Punic + + garrison consisted of ten thousand, another of seven, a third of not more than + + two thousand. In some you may find that ten thousand persons were captured, + + in others above twenty-five thousand. I should have stated the number of scorpions + + captured, both of the greater and smaller size, at sixty, if I had followed + + the Greek author, Silenus, if Valerius Antius, of the larger at six thousand, + + of the smaller at thirteen, so great is the extent of falsehood. Nor are they + + agreed even respecting the commanders, most say that Laelius commanded the fleet, + + but some say Marcus Junius Silanus. Valerius Antius says, that Arines commanded + + the Punic garrison, and was given up to the Romans; other writers say it was + + Mago. They are not agreed respecting the number of the ships taken, respecting + + the weight of gold and silver, and of the money brought into the public treasury. + + If we must assent to some of their statements, the medium is nearest to the + + truth. However, Scipio having summoned the hostages, first bid them all keep + + up their spirits observing, "that they had fallen into the hands of the Roman + + people, who chose to bind men to them by benefits rather than by fear, and keep + + foreign nations attached to them by honour and friendship, rather than subject + + them to a gloomy servitude." Then receiving the names of the states to which + + they belonged, he took an account of the captives, distinguishing the number + + belonging to each people, and sent messengers to their homes, to desire that + + they would come and take back their respective friends. If ambassadors from + + any of the states happened to be present, he delivered their countrymen to them + + in person, and assigned to them the quaestor, Caius Flaminius, the charge of + + kindly taking care of the rest. Meanwhile, there advanced from the midst of + + the crowd of hostages a woman in years, the wife of Mandonius, who was the brother + + of Indibilis, the chieftain of the Illergetians; she threw herself weeping at + + the general's feet, and began to implore him to give particularly strict injunctions + + to their guardians with respect to the care and treatment of females. Scipio + + replied, that nothing certainly should be wanting; when the woman rejoined: + + "We do not much value such things, for what is not good enough for such a condition? + + A care of a different kind disquiets me, when beholding the age of these females; + + for I am myself no longer exposed to the danger peculiar to females." Around + + her stood the daughters of Indibilis, in the bloom of youth and beauty, with + + others of equal rank, all of whom looked up to her as a parent. Scipio then + + said: "Out of regard for that discipline which I myself and the Roman nation + + maintain, I should take care that nothing, which is any where held sacred, should + + be violated among us. In the present case, your virtue and your rank cause me + + to observe it more strictly; for not even in the midst of misfortunes have you + + forgotten the delicacy becoming matrons." He then delivered them over to a man + + of tried virtue, ordering him to treat them with no less respect and modesty + + than the wives and mothers of guests. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">50 </div> + +<a id="h50" /> + +<p>The soldiers then brought to him a female captive, a grown-up virgin, of such + + exquisite beauty, that whichever way she walked she attracted the eyes of every + + body. Scipio, on making inquiries as to her country and parentage, heard, among + + other particulars, that she was betrothed to a young prince of the Celtiberians, + + named Allucius. He immediately, therefore, summoned from their abode her parents + + and lover, and having heard in the mean time that the latter was desperately + + enamoured of her, as soon as he arrived he addressed him in a more studied manner + + than her parents. "A young man myself," said he, "I address myself to a young + + man, and therefore there need be the less reserve in this conversation. As soon + + as your intended bride, having been captured by my soldiers, was brought into + + my presence, and I was informed that she was endeared to you, which her beauty + + rendered probable, considering that I should myself wish that my affection for + + my intended bride, though excessive, should meet with indulgence, could I enjoy + + the pleasures suited to my age, (particularly in an honourable and lawful love,) + + and were not my mind engrossed by public affairs, I indulge as far as I can + + your passion. Your mistress, while under my protection, has received as much + + respect as under the roof of her own parents, your father-in-law and mother-in-law. + + She has been kept in perfect safety for you, that she might be presented to + + you pure, a gift worthy of me and of you. This only reward I bargain for in + + return for the service I have rendered you, that you would be a friend to the + + Roman people, and if you believe that I am a true man, as these nations knew + + my father and uncle to have been heretofore, that you would feel assured that + + in the Roman state there are many like us, and that no nation in the world at + + the present time can be mentioned, with which you ought to be less disposed + + that you, or those belonging to you, should be at enmity, or with which you + + would rather be in friendship." The young man, overcome at once with joy and + + modesty, clung to Scipio's right hand, and invoked all the gods to recompense + + him in his behalf, since he himself was far from possessing means proportioned + + either to his own wishes or Scipio's deserts. He then addressed himself to the + + parents and relatives of the damsel, who, on receiving her back without any + + reward, whom they had brought a very large weight of gold to redeem, entreated + + Scipio to accept it from them as a present to himself; affirming, that if he + + would do so, they should feel as grateful for it as they did for the restoration + + of their daughter inviolate. As they were so earnest in their entreaties, Scipio + + promised to accept it, and ordered it to be laid at his feet. Then calling Allucius + + to him, he said: "To the dowry which you are about to receive from your father-in-law, + + let these marriage presents also from me be added;" bidding him take away the + + gold and keep it for himself. Delighted with these presents and honours, he + + was dismissed to his home, where he inspired his countrymen with the deserved + + praises of Scipio, observing, "that a most godlike youth had come among them, + + who conquered every thing, not only by arms, but by kindness and generosity." + + Accordingly, making a levy among his dependants, he returned to Scipio after + + a few days, with fourteen hundred chosen horsemen. </p> + +<div class="lsidenote">51 </div> + +<a id="h51" /> + +<p>Scipio kept Laelius with him until he had disposed of the captives, hostages, + + and booty, in accordance with his advice; but when all these matters were satisfactorily + + arranged, he gave him a quinquereme; and selecting from the captives Mago, and + + about fifteen senators who had been made prisoners at the same time with him, + + put them on board, and sent him to Rome with the news of his victory. He himself + + employed the few days he had resolved to stay at Carthage, in exercising his + + naval and land forces. On the first day the legions under arms performed evolutions + + through a space of four miles; on the second day he ordered them to repair and + + clean their arms before their tents; on the third day they engaged in imitation + + of a regular battle with wooden swords, throwing javelins with the points covered + + with balls; on the fourth day they rested; on the fifth they again performed + + evolutions under arms. This succession of exercise and rest they kept up as + + long as they staid at Carthage. The rowers and mariners, pushing out to sea + + when the weather was calm, made trial of the manageableness of their ships by + + mock sea-fights. Such exercises, both by sea and land, without the city prepared + + their minds and bodies for war. The city itself was all bustle with warlike + + preparations, artificers of every description being collected together in a + + public workshop. The general went round to all the works with equal attention. + + At one time he was employed in the dock-yard with his fleet, at another he exercised + + with the legions; sometimes he would devote his time to the inspection of the + + works, which were every day carried on with the greatest eagerness by a multitude + + of artificers both in the workshops, and in the armoury and docks. Having put + + these preparations in a train, repaired the walls in a part where they had been + + shattered, and placed bodies of troops to guard the city, he set out for Tarraco; + + and on his way thither was visited by a number of embassies, some of which he + + dismissed, having given them answers on his journey, others he postponed till + + his arrival at Tarraco; at which place he had appointed a meeting of all his + + new and old allies. Here ambassadors from almost all the people dwelling on + + this side the Iberus, and from many dwelling in the further Spain, met. The + + Carthaginian generals at first industriously suppressed the rumour of the capture + + of Carthage; but afterwards, when it became too notorious to be concealed or + + dissembled, they disparaged its importance by their language. They said, that + + "by an unexpected attack, and in a manner by stealth, in one day, one city of + + Spain had been snatched out of their hands; that a presumptuous youth, elated + + with the acquisition of this, so inconsiderable an advantage, had, by the extravagance + + of his joy, given it the air of an important victory; but that as soon as he + + should hear that three generals and three victorious armies of his enemies were + + approaching, the deaths which had taken place in his family would occur to his + + recollection." Such was the tone in which they spoke of this affair to the people, + + though they were, at the same time, far from ignorant how much their strength + + had been diminished, in every respect, by the loss of Carthage. </p> + +<h2> END OF VOL. II </h2> + +<div id="footnotes"> + + <h3>FOOTNOTES</h3> + + <div class="foots"> + + <div id="foot1"><b>Footnote 1</b>: In the original, <i>lati clavi</i>. The + + latus clavus was a tunic, or vest, ornamented with a broad stripe of purple + + on the fore part, worn by the senators; the knights wore a similar one, + + only ornamented with a narrower stripe. Gold rings were also used as badges + + of distinction, the common people wore iron ones. </div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot2"><b>Footnote 2</b>: The duration of Alexander's military career.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot3"><b>Footnote 3</b>: The <i>comitia curiata</i>, or assemblies + + of the curiae, alone had the power of conferring military command; no magistrate, + + therefore, could assume the command without the previous order of their + + assembly. In time, this came to be a mere matter of form; yet the practice + + always continued to be observed.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot4"><b>Footnote 4</b>: 5s. 31d.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot5"><b>Footnote 5</b>: £1.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot6"><b>Footnote 6</b>: £1614. 11s 8d.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot7"><b>Footnote 7</b>: When the auspices were to be taken from + + the chickens, the keeper threw some of them food upon the ground, in their + + sight, and opened the door of then coop. If they did not come out; if they + + came out slowly; if they refused to feed, or ate in a careless manner, the + + omen was considered as bad. On the contrary, if they rushed out hastily + + and ate greedily, so that some of the food fell from their mouths on the + + ground, this was considered as an omen of the best import; it was called + + <i>tripudium solistinum</i>, originally, <i>terripavium</i>, from <i> terra</i>, + + and <i>pavire</i>, to strike.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot8"><b>Footnote 8</b>: These marks of honour were bestowed for + + having saved the lives of citizens, or for having been the first to mount + + walls or ramparts.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot9"><b>Footnote 9</b>: £4940 13s.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot10"><b>Footnote 10</b>: £322 18s. 4d.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot11"><b>Footnote 11</b>: £1259 7s. 6d.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot12"><b>Footnote 12</b>: Thucydides seems to be specially referred + + to.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot13"><b>Footnote 13</b>: The Barcine faction derived its name + + from Hamilcar, who was surnamed Barca. Hanno appears to have been at the + + head of the opposite party.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot14"><b>Footnote 14</b>: A.U.C. 526, thirteen years after the + + conclusion of the first Punic war, being the sixth treaty between the Carthaginians + + and Romans. The first was a commercial agreement made during the first consulate, + + in the year that the Tarquins were expelled from Rome; but is not mentioned + + by Livy. The second is noted by him, lib. vii. 27, and the third, lib. ix. + + 43. The fourth was concluded during the war with Pyrrhus and the Tarentines, + + Polyb. V. iii. 25: and the fifth was the memorable treaty at the close of + + the first war.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot15"><b>Footnote 15</b>: Alluding to the first treaty made in + + the year that the kings were expelled from Rome.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot16"><b>Footnote 16</b>: The Carpetani have already been mentioned, + + chap. v. The Oretani, then neighbours, occupied the country lying between + + the sources of the Baetis and the Anas, or what are now called the Guadalquiver + + and Guadiana. In a part of Orospeda they deduced their name from a city + + called Oretum, the site of which has been brought to light in a paltry village + + to which the name of Oreto still remains.--<i>D'Anville</i>.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot17"><b>Footnote 17</b>: from Paenus, Carthaginian.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot18"><b>Footnote 18</b>: Because Spain was his proper province + + as consul.</div> + + <br /> + + <div id="foot19"><b>Footnote 19</b>: The ancient name of Portugal.</div> + + <br /> + + </div> + +</div> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10907 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |