a heap, and that the soldiers should stand every man in his own place.
After this he compassed about the whole army of the enemy with his own
army, and commanded that at a set signal every man should shout, and
when they had shouted should dig a trench and set up therein the stakes.
This the soldiers did, and the noise of the shouting passed over the
camp of the enemy and came into the city, causing therein great joy,
even as it caused great fear in the camp. For the Romans cried, "These
be our countrymen, and they bring us help." Then said the Consul, "We
must make no delay. By that shout is signified, not that they are come
only, but that they are already dealing with the enemy. Doubtless the
camp of the AEquians is even now assailed from without. Take ye your arms
and follow me." So the legion went forth, it being yet night, to the
battle, and as they went they shouted, that the Dictator might be aware.
Now the AEquians had set themselves to hinder the making of a ditch and
rampart which should shut them in; but when the Romans from the camp
fell upon them, fearing lest these should make their way through the
midst of their camp, they left them that were with Cincinnatus to finish
their entrenching, and fought with the Consul. And when it was now
light, lo! they were already shut in, and the Romans, having finished
their entrenching, began to trouble them. And when the AEquians perceived
that the battle was now on either side of them, they could withstand
no longer, but sent ambassadors praying for peace, and saying, "Ye have
prevailed; slay us not, but rather permit us to depart, leaving our arms
behind us." Then said the Dictator, "I care not to have the blood of the
AEquians. Ye may depart, but ye shall depart passing under the yoke, that
ye may thus acknowledge to all men that ye are indeed vanquished." Now
the yoke is thus made. There are set up in the ground two spears, and
over them is bound by ropes a third spear. So the AEquians passed under
the yoke.
In the camp of the enemy there was found abundance of spoil. This the
Dictator gave wholly to his own soldiers. "Ye were well-nigh a spoil to
the enemy," said he to the army of the Consul, "therefore ye shall
have no share in the spoiling of them. As for thee, Minucius, be thou a
lieutenant only till thou hast learnt how to bear thyself as a consul."
Meanwhile at Rome there was held a meeting of the Senate, at which it
was commanded that Cincinnatus should enter the city in triumph, his
soldiers following him in order of march.
Before his chariot there were led the generals of the enemy; also the
standards were carried in the front; and after these came the army,
every man laden with spoil. That day there was great rejoicing in the
city, every man setting forth a banquet before his doors in the street.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account