CAMILLUS

Among the many remarkable things that are related of Furius Camillus, it

seems singular that he, who continually was in the highest commands,

and obtained the greatest successes, was five times chosen dictator,

triumphed four times, and was styled a second founder of Rome, yet never

was so much as once consul. The reason of which was the state and temper

of the commonwealth at that time; for the people, being at dissension

with the senate, refused to return consuls, but they instead elected

other magistrates, called military tribunes, who acted, indeed, with

full consular power, but were thought to exercise a less obnoxious

amount of authority, because it was divided among a larger number.

The house of the Furii was not, at that time, of any considerable

distinction; he, by his own acts, first raised himself to honor, serving

under Postumius Tubertus, dictator, in the great battle against the

Aequians and Volscians. For, riding out from the rest of the army, and

in the charge receiving a would in his thigh, he for all that did not

quit the fight, but, letting the dart drag in the would, and engaging

with the bravest of the enemy, put them to flight; for which action,

among other rewards bestowed on him, he was created censor, an office in

those days of great repute and authority. During his censorship one

very good act of his is recorded, that, whereas the wars had made many

widows, he obliged such as had no wives, some by fair persuasion, others

by threatening to set fines on their heads, to take them in marriage;

another necessary one, in causing orphans to be rated, who before were

exempted from taxes, the frequent wars requiring more than ordinary

expenses to maintain them. What, however, pressed them most was the

siege of Veii. Some call this people Veientani. This was the head city

of Tuscany, not inferior to Rome either in number of arms or multitude

of soldiers, insomuch that, presuming on her wealth and luxury, and

priding herself upon her refinement and sumptuousness, she engaged in

many honorable contests with the Romans for glory and empire. But now

they had abandoned their former ambitious hopes, having been weakened by

great defeats, so that, having fortified themselves with high and strong

walls, and furnished the city with all sorts of weapons offensive and

defensive, as likewise with corn and all manner of provisions, they

cheerfully endured a siege, which, though tedious to them, was no less

troublesome and distressing to the besiegers. For the Romans, having

never been accustomed to stay away from home except in summer, and for

no great length of time, and constantly to winter at home, were then

first compelled by the tribunes to build forts in the enemy's country,

and, raising strong works about their camp, to join winter and summer

together. And now the seventh year of the war drawing to an end, the

commanders began to be suspected as too slow and remiss in driving on

the siege, insomuch that they were discharged and others chosen for the

war, among whom was Camillus, then second time tribune. But at present

he had no hand in the siege, the duties that fell by lot to him being to

make war upon the Faliscans and Capenates, who, taking advantage of

the Romans being occupied on all hands, had carried ravages into their

country, and through all the Tuscan war, given them much annoyance, but

were now reduced by Camillus, and with great loss shut up within their

walls.

And now, in the very heat of the war, a strange phenomenon in the

Alban lake, which, in the absence of any known cause and explanation by

natural reasons, seemed as great a prodigy as the most incredible that

are reported, occasioned great alarm. It was the beginning of autumn,

and the summer now ending had, to all observation, been neither rainy

nor much troubled with southern winds; and of the many lakes, brooks,

and springs of all sorts with which Italy abounds, some were wholly

dried up, others had very little water in them; all the rivers, as is

usual in summer, ran in a very low and hollow channel. But the Alban

lake, which is fed by no other waters but its own, and is on all sides

encircled with fruitful mountains, without any cause, unless it were

divine, began visibly to rise and swell, increasing to the feet of the

mountains, and by degrees reaching the level of the very tops of some of

them, and all this without any waves or agitation. At first it was the

wonder of shepherds and herdsmen; but when the earth, which, like a

great dam, held up the lake from falling into the lower grounds, through

the quantity and weight of water was broken down, and in a violent

stream it ran through the ploughed fields and plantations to discharge

itself in the sea, it not only struck terror into the Romans, but was

thought by all the inhabitants of Italy to portend some extraordinary

event. But the greatest talk of it was in the camp that besieged Veii,

so that in the town itself, also, the occurrence became known.

As in long sieges it commonly happens that both parties on both sides

meet often and converse with one another, so it chanced that a Roman had

gained much confidence and familiarity with one of the besieged, a man

versed in ancient prophecies, and of repute for more than ordinary skill

in divination. The Roman, observing him to be overjoyed at the story of

the lake, and to mock at the siege, told him that this was not the only

prodigy that of late had happened to the Romans; others more wonderful

yet than this had befallen them, which he was willing to communicate to

him, that he might the better provide for his private interests in these

public distempers. The man greedily embraced the proposal, expecting to

hear some wonderful secrets; but when, little by little, he had led him

on in conversation, and insensibly drawn him a good way from the gates

of the city, he snatched him up the middle, being stronger than he, and,

by the assistance of others who came running from the camp, seized and

delivered him to the commanders. The man, reduced to this necessity, and

sensible now that destiny was not to be avoided, discovered to them the

secret oracle of Veii, that it was not possible the city should be

taken until the Alban lake, which now broke forth and had found out new

passages, was drawn back from that course, and so diverted that it

could not mingle with the sea. The senate, having heard and satisfied

themselves about the matter, decreed to send to Delphi, to ask counsel

of the god. The messengers returned with the answer that the Alban

water, if possible, they should keep from the sea, and shut it up in its

ancient bounds; but if that was not to be done, then they should carry

it off by ditches and trenches into the lower grounds, and so dry it up;

which message being delivered, the priests performed what related to the

sacrifices, and the people went to work and turned the water.

And now the senate, in the tenth year of the war, taking away all other

commands, created Camillus dictator, who chose Cornelius Scipio for his

general of horse, and, having made vows, marched into the country of the

Faliscans, and in a great battle overthrew them and the Capenates, their

confederates; afterwards he turned to the siege of Veii, and finding

that to take it by assault would prove a difficult and hazardous

attempt, proceeded to cut mines under ground, the earth about the city

being easy to break up, and allowing such depth for the works as would

prevent their being discovered by the enemy. This design going on in a

hopeful way, he openly gave assaults to the enemy, to keep them to the

walls, until they that worked underground in the mines might, without

being perceived, arrive within the citadel, close to the temple of Juno,

which was the greatest and most honored in all the city. It is said that

the prince of the Tuscans was at that very time at sacrifice, and that

the priest, after he had looked into the entrails of the beast, cried

out with a loud voice that the gods would give the victory to those that

should complete those offerings; and that the Romans who were in the

mines, hearing the words, immediately pulled down the floor, and,

ascending with noise, and clashing of weapons, frightened away the

enemy, and, snatching up the entrails, carried them to Camillus. But

this may look like a fable. The city, however, being taken by storm, and

the soldiers busied in pillaging and gathering an infinite quantity of

riches and spoil, Camillus, from the high tower viewing what was done,

at first wept for pity; and when the bystanders congratulated him upon

his success, he lifted up his hands to heaven, and broke out into this

prayer: "O most mighty Jupiter, and ye gods that are judges of good and

evil actions, ye know that not without just cause, but constrained by

necessity, we have been forced to revenge ourselves on the city of our

unrighteous and wicked enemies. But if, the the vicissitude of things,

there by any calamity due, to counter-balance this great felicity, I beg

that it may be diverted from the city and army of the Romans, and fall,

with as little hurt as may be, upon my own head." Having said these

words, and just turning about (as the custom of the Romans is to turn

to the right after adoration or prayer), he stumbled and fell, to the

astonishment of all that were present. But, recovering himself presently

from the fall, he told them that he had received what he had prayed for,

a small mischance, in compensation for the greatest good fortune.

Camillus, however, whether puffed up with the greatness of his

achievement in conquering a city that was the rival of Rome, and held

out a ten years' siege, or exalted with the felicitations of those that

were about him, assumed to himself more than became a civil and legal

magistrate; among other things, in the pride and haughtiness of triumph,

driving through Rome in a chariot drawn with four white horses, which no

general either before or since ever did; for the Romans consider such a

mode of conveyance to be sacred and specially set apart to the king and

father of the gods. This alienated the hearts of his fellow-citizens,

who were not accustomed to such pomp and display.

The second pique they had against him was his opposing the law by which

the city was to be divided; for the tribunes of the people brought

forward a motion that the people and senate should be divided into two

parts, one of which should remain at home, the other, as the lot should

decide, remove to the new-taken city. By which means they should

not only have much more room, but, by the advantage of two great and

magnificent cities, be better able to maintain their territories and

their fortunes in general. The people, therefore, who were numerous and

indigent, greedily embraced it, and crowded continually to the forum,

with tumultuous demands to have it put to the vote. But the senate and

the noblest citizens, judging the proceedings of the tribunes to tend

rather to a destruction than a division of Rome, greatly averse to it,

went to Camillus for assistance, who, fearing the result if it came to a

direct contest, contrived to occupy the people with other business, and

so staved it off. He thus became unpopular.

And now the tribunes of the people again resuming their motion for the

division of the city, the war against the Faliscans luckily broke out,

giving liberty to the chief citizens to choose what magistrates they

pleased, and to appoint Camillus military tribune, with five colleagues;

affairs then requiring a commander of authority and reputation, as well

as experience. And when the people had ratified the election, he marched

with his forces into the territories of the Faliscans, and laid siege

to Falerii, a well-fortified city, and plentifully stored with all

necessaries of war. And although he perceived it would be so small work

to take it, and no little time would be required for it, yet he was

willing to exercise the citizens and keep them abroad, that they might

have no leisure, idling at home, to follow the tribunes in factions

and seditions: a very common remedy, indeed, with the Romans, who thus

carried off, like good physicians, the ill humors of their commonwealth.

The Falerians (The Falerians, in this narrative, are the people of the

town; the Faliscans, the nation in general.), trusting in the strength

of their city, which was well fortified on all sides, made so little

account of the siege, that all, with the exception of those that guarded

the walls, as in times of peace, walked about the streets in their

common dress; the boys went to school, and were led by their master

to play and exercise about the town walls; for the Falerians, like the

Greeks, used to have a single teacher for many pupils, wishing their

children to live and be brought up from the beginning in each others

company.

This schoolmaster, designing to betray the Falerians by their children,

led them out every day under the town wall, at first but a little way,

and, when they had exercised, brought them home again. Afterwards by

degrees he drew them farther and farther, till by practice he had made

them bold and fearless, as if no danger was about them; and at last,

having got them all together, he brought them to the outposts of the

Romans, and delivered them up, demanding to be led to Camillus. Where

being come, and standing in the middle, he said that he was the master

and teacher of these children, but, preferring his favor before all

other obligations, he had come to deliver up his charge to him, and, in

that, the whole city. When Camillus had heard him out, he was astounded

at the treachery of the act, and, turning to the standers-by observed

that, "War, indeed, is of necessity attended with much injustice and

violence! Certain laws, however, all good men observe even in war

itself, nor is victory so great an object as to induce us to incur for

its sake obligations for base and impious acts. A great general should

rely on his own virtue, and not other men's vices." Which said, he

commanded the officers to tear off the man's clothes, and bind his hands

behind him and give the boys rods and scourges, to punish the traitor

and drive him back to the city. By this time the Falerians had

discovered the treachery of the schoolmaster, and the city, as was

likely, was full of lamentations and cries for their calamity, men and

women of worth running in distraction about the walls and gates; when,

behold, the boys came whipping their master on, naked and bound, calling

Camillus their preserver and god and father; so that it struck not only

the parents, but the rest of the citizens, with such admiration and love

of Camillus's justice, that, immediately meeting in assembly, they

sent ambassadors to him, to resign whatever they had to his disposal.

Camillus sent them to Rome, where, being brought into the senate,

they spoke to this purpose: that the Romans, preferring justice before

victory, had taught them rather to embrace submission than liberty; they

did not so much confess themselves to be inferior in strength as they

must acknowledge them to be superior in virtue. The senate remitted the

whole matter to Camillus, to judge and order as he thought fit; who,

taking a sum of money of the Falerians, and making a peace with the

whole nation of Faliscans, returned home.

But the soldiers, who had expected to have the pillage of the city,

when they came to Rome empty-handed railed against Camillus among their

fellow-citizens, as a hater of the people, and one that grudged

all advantage to the poor. The People were exasperated against him.

Gathering, therefore, together his friends and fellow-soldiers, and such

as had borne command with him, a considerable number in all, he besought

them that they would not suffer him to be unjustly overborne by shameful

accusations, and left the mock and scorn of his enemies. His friends,

having advised and consulted among themselves, made answer, that, as to

the sentence, they did not see how they could help him, but that they

would contribute to whatsoever fine should be set upon him. Not able to

endure so great an indignity, he resolved in his anger to leave the city

and go into exile; and so, having taken leave of his wife and son, he

went silently to the gate of the city, and, there stopping and turning

round, stretched out his hands to the Capitol, and prayed to the gods,

that if, without any fault of his own, but merely through the malice and

violence of the people, he was driven out into banishment, the Romans

might quickly repent of it; and that all mankind might witness their

need for the assistance, and desire for the return, of Camillus.

And there is not a Roman but believes that immediately upon the prayers

of Camillus a sudden judgment followed, and that he received a revenge

for the injustice done unto him, which was very remarkable, and noised

over the whole world: such a punishment visited the city of Rome, an era

of such loss and danger and disgrace so quickly succeeded; whether it

thus fell out by fortune, or it be the office of god not to see injured

virtue go unavenged.

The first token that seemed to threaten some mischief to ensure was the

death of the censor Julius; for the Romans have a religious reverence

for the office of a censor, and esteem it sacred. The second was, that,

just before Camillus went into exile, Marcus Caedicius, a person of no

great distinction, nor of the rank of senator, but esteemed a good and

respectable man, reported to the military tribunes a thing worthy their

consideration: that, going along the night before in the street called

the New Way, and being called by somebody in a loud voice, he turned

about, but could see no one, but heard a voice greater than human, which

said these words, "Go, Marcus Caedicius, and early in the morning tell

the military tribunes that they are shortly to expect the Gauls." But

the tribunes made a mock and sport with the story, and a little after

came Camillus's banishment.

The Gauls are of the Celtic race, and are reported to have been

compelled by their numbers to leave their country, which was

insufficient to sustain them all, and to have gone in search of other

homes. And being, many thousands of them, young men able to bear

arms, and carrying with them a still greater number of women and young

children, some of them, passing the Riphaean mountains, fell upon

the Northern Ocean, and possessed themselves of the farthest parts of

Europe; others, seating themselves between the Pyrenean mountains and

the Alps, lived there a considerable time, near to the Senones and

Celtorii; but, afterwards tasting wine, which was then first brought

them out of Italy, they were all so much taken with the liquor, and

transported with the hitherto unknown delight, that, snatching up their

arms and taking their families along with them, they marched directly to

the Alps, to find out the country which yielded such fruit, pronouncing

all others barren and useless. He that first brought wine among them and

was the chief instigator of their coming into Italy is said to have been

one Aruns, A Tuscan, a man of noble extraction.

At their first coming they at once possessed themselves of all that

country which anciently the Tuscans inhabited, reaching from the Alps

to both the seas, as the names themselves testify; for the North of

Adriatic Sea is named from the Tuscan city Adria, and that to the south

the Tuscan Sea simply. The whole country is rich in fruit trees, has

excellent pasture, and is well watered with river. It had eighteen large

and beautiful cities, well provided with all the means for industry and

wealth, and all the enjoyments and pleasures of life. The Gauls cast out

the Tuscans, and seated themselves in them.

The Gauls at this time were besieging Clusium, a Tuscan city. The

Clusinians sent to the Romans for succor, desiring them to interpose

with the barbarians by letters and ambassadors. The Romans, perceiving

that Brennus, the leader of the Gauls, was not to be treated with, went

into Clusium and encouraged the inhabitants to make a sally with them

upon the barbarians, which they did either to try their strength or to

show their own. The sally being made, and the fight growing hot about

the walls, one of the Fabii, Quintus Ambustus, who had come as an

ambassador, being well mounted, and setting spurs to his horse, made

full against a Gaul, a man of huge bulk and stature, whom he saw riding

out at a distance from the rest. At the first he was not recognized,

through the quickness of the conflict and the glittering of the armor,

that precluded any view of him; but when he had overthrown the Gaul, and

was going to gather the spoils, Brennus knew him; and invoking the gods

to be witnesses that, contrary to the known and common law of nations,

which is holily observed by all mankind, he who had come as an

ambassador had now engaged in hostility against him, he drew off his

men, and, bidding Clusium farewell, led his army directly against Rome.

Whilst the barbarians were hastening with all speed, the military

tribunes brought the Romans into the field to be ready to engage them,

being not inferior to the Gauls in number (for they were no less than

forty thousand foot), but most of them raw soldiers, and such as had

never handled a weapon before. Besides, they had wholly neglected

all religious usages, had not obtained favorable sacrifices, nor made

inquiries of the prophets, natural in danger and before battle. No less

did the multitude of commanders distract and confound their proceedings;

frequently before, upon less occasions, they had chosen a single leader,

with the title of dictator, being sensible of what great importance it

is in critical times to have the solders united under one general with

the entire and absolute control placed in his hands. Add to all, the

remembrance of Camillus's treatment, which made it now seem a dangerous

thing for officers to command without humoring their solders. In this

condition they left the city, and encamped by the river Allia, about

ten miles from Rome, and not far from the place where it falls into

the Tiber; and here the Gauls came upon them, and, after a disgraceful

resistance, devoid of order and discipline, they were miserably

defeated. The left wing was immediately driven into the river, and there

destroyed; the right had less damage by declining the shock, and from

the low ground getting to the tops of the hills, from whence most of

them afterwards dropped into the city; the rest, as many as escaped, the

enemy being weary of the slaughter, stole by night to Veii, giving up

Rome and all that was in it for lost.

This battle was fought about the summer solstice, the moon being at

full, the very same day in which the sad disaster of the Fabii had

happened, when three hundred of that name were at one time cut off by

the Tuscans.

And now, after the battle, had the Gauls immediately pursued those that

fled, there had been no remedy but Rome must have wholly been ruined,

and all those who remained in it utterly destroyed; such was the terror

that those who escaped the battle brought with them into the city,

and with such distraction and confusion were they themselves in

turn infected. But the Gauls, not imagining their victory to be so

considerable, and overtaken with the present joy, fell to feasting and

dividing the spoil, by which means they gave leisure to those who were

for leaving the city to make their escape, and to those that remained,

to anticipate and prepare for their coming.

On the third day after the battle, Brennus appeared with his army at

the city, and, finding the gates wide open and no guards upon the walls,

first began to suspect it was some design or stratagem, never dreaming

that the Romans were in so desperate a condition. But when he found it

to be so indeed, he entered at the Colline gate, and took Rome, in the

three hundred and sixtieth year, or a little more, after it was built.

Brennus having taken possession of Rome, set a strong guard about the

Capitol, and, going himself down into the forum, was there struck with

amazement at the sight of so many men sitting in such order and silence,

observing that they neither rose at his coming, nor so much as changed

color or countenance, but remained without fear or concern, leaning upon

their staves, and sitting quietly, looking at each other. The Gauls,

for a great while, stood wondering at the strangeness of the sight,

not daring to approach or touch them, taking them for an assembly of

superior beings. But when one, bolder than the rest, drew near to Marcus

Papirius, and, putting forth his hand, gently touched his chin and

stroked his long beard, Papirius with his staff struck him a severe blow

on the head; upon which the barbarian drew his sword and slew him.

This was the introduction to the slaughter; for the rest, following his

example, set upon them all and killed them, and dispatched all others

that came in their way; and so went on to the sacking and pillaging of

the houses, which they continued for many days ensuing.

Camillus then sojourned in the city of Ardea, having, ever since his

leaving Rome, sequestered himself from all business, and taken to a

private life; but now he began to rouse up himself, and consider not

how to avoid or escape the enemy, but to find out an opportunity to be

revenged upon them. And perceiving that the Ardeatians wanted not men,

but rather enterprise, through the inexperience and timidity of their

officers, he began to speak with the young men, first to the effect that

they ought not to ascribe the misfortune of the Romans to the courage of

their enemy, nor attribute the losses they sustained by rash counsel to

the conduct of men who had no title to victory: the event had been

only an evidence of the power of fortune. When he found the young men

embraced the thing, he went to the magistrates and council of the city,

and, having persuaded them also, he mustered all that could bear arms,

and drew them up within the the walls, that they might not be perceived

by the enemy, who was near; who, having scoured the country, and

now returned heavy laden with booty, lay encamped in the plains in a

careless and negligent posture, so that, with the night ensuing upon

debauch and drunkenness, silence prevailed through all the camp. When

Camillus learned this from his scouts, he drew out the Ardeatians, and

in the dead of the night, passing in silence over the ground that lay

between, came up to their works, and, commanding his trumpets to sound

and his men to shout and halloo, he struck terror into them from all

quarters; while drunkenness impeded and sleep retarded their movements.

A few whom fear had sobered, getting into some order, for awhile

resisted; and so died with their weapons in their hands. But the

greatest part of them, buried in wine and sleep, were surprised without

their arms, and dispatched; and as many of them as by the advantage of

the night got out of the camp were the next day found scattered abroad

and wandering in the fields, and were picked up by the horse that

pursued them.

The fame of this action soon flew through the neighboring cities,

and stirred up the young men from various quarters to come and join

themselves with him. But none were so much concerned as those Romans

who escaped in the battle of Allia, and were now at Veii, thus lamenting

with themselves, "O heavens, what a commander has Providence bereaved

Rome of, to honor Ardea with his actions! And that city, which brought

forth and nursed so great a man, is lost and gone, and we, destitute

of a leader and shut up within strange walls, sit idle, and see Italy

ruined before our eyes. Come, let us send to the Ardeatians to have back

our general, or else, with weapons in our hands, let us go thither to

him." To this they all agreed, and sent to Camillus to desire him to

take the command; but he answered that he would not until they that

were in the Capitol should legally appoint him. When this answer was

returned, they admired the modesty and tempter of Camillus; but they

could not tell how to find a messenger to carry the intelligence to the

Capitol, or rather, indeed, it seemed altogether impossible for any one

to get to the citadel whilst the enemy was in full possession of

the city. But among the young men there was one Pontius Cominius, of

ordinary birth, but ambitious of honor, who proffered himself to run the

hazard, and took no letters with him to those in the Capitol, lest, if

he were intercepted, the enemy might learn the intentions of Camillus;

but, putting on a poor dress and carrying corks under, he boldly

traveled the greatest part of the way by day, and came to the city when

it was dark; the bridge he could not pass, as it was guarded by the

barbarians; so that taking his clothes, which were neither many nor

heavy, and binding them about his head, he laid his body upon the

corks, and, swimming with them, got over to the city. And avoiding those

quarters where he perceived the enemy was awake, which he guessed at

by the lights and noise, he went to the Carmental gate, where there was

greatest silence, and where the hill of the Capitol is steepest, and

rises with craggy and broken rock. By this way he got up, though with

much difficulty, by the hollow of the cliff, and presented himself to

the guards, saluting them, and telling them his name; he was taken in,

and carried to the commanders. And a senate being immediately called,

he related to them in order the victory of Camillus, which they had not

heard of before, and the proceedings of the soldiers, urging them

to confirm Camillus in the command, as on him alone all their

fellow-countrymen outside the city would rely. Having heard and

consulted of the matter, the senate declared Camillus dictator, and sent

back Pontius the same way that he came, who, with the same success as

before, got through the enemy without being discovered, and delivered to

the Romans outside the decision of the senate, who joyfully received it.

Camillus, on his arrival, found twenty thousand of them ready in arms;

with which forces, and those confederates he brought along with him, he

prepared to set upon the enemy.

But at Rome some of the barbarians passing by chance near the place at

which Pontius by night had got into the Capitol, spied in several places

marks of feet and hands, where he had laid hold and clambered, and

places where the plants that grew to the rock had been rubbed off, and

the earth had slipped, and went accordingly and reported it to the king,

who, coming in person, and viewing it, for the present said nothing, but

in the evening, picking out such of the Gauls as were nimblest of body,

and by living in the mountains were accustomed to climb, he said to

them, "The enemy themselves have shown us a way how to come at them;

where it was easy for one man to get up, it will not be hard for many,

one after another; nay, when many shall undertake it, they will be aid

and strength to each other. Rewards and honors shall be bestowed on

every man as he shall acquit himself."

When the king had thus spoken, the Gauls cheerfully undertook to perform

it, and in the dead of night a good party of them together, with great

silence, began to climb the rock, clinging to the precipitous and

difficult ascent, which yet upon trial offered a way to them, and proved

less difficult than they had expected. So that the foremost of them

having gained the top of all, and put themselves into order, they

all but surprised the outworks, and mastered the watch, who were fast

asleep; for neither man nor dog perceived their coming. But there were

sacred geese kept near the temple of Juno, which at other times were

plentifully fed, but now, by reason that corn and all other provisions

were grown scarce for all, were in but a poor condition. The creature is

by nature of quick sense, and apprehensive of the least noise, so that

these, being moreover watchful through hunger, and restless, immediately

discovered the coming of the Gauls, and, running up and down with the

noise and cackling, they raised the whole camp; while the barbarians, on

the other side, perceiving themselves discovered, no longer endeavored

to conceal their attempt, but with shouting and violence advanced to the

assault. The Romans, every one in haste snatching up the first weapon

that came to hand, did what they could on the sudden occasion. Manlius,

a man of consular dignity, of strong body and great spirit, was the

first that made head against them, and, engaging with two of the enemy

at once, with his sword cut off the right arm of one just as he was

lifting up his blade to strike, and, running his target full in the face

of the other, tumbled him headlong down the steep rock; then mounting

the rampart, and there standing with others that came running to his

assistance, drove down the rest of them, who, indeed, to begin with, had

not been many, and did nothing worthy of so bold an attempt. The Romans,

having thus escaped this danger, early in the morning took the captain

of the watch and flung him down the rock upon the heads of their

enemies, and to Manlius for his victory voted a reward, intended more

for honor than advantage, bringing him, each man of them, as much as he

received for his daily allowance, which was half a pound of bread and

one eighth of a pint of wine.

Henceforward, the affairs of the Gauls were daily in a worse and worse

condition; they wanted provisions, being withheld from foraging through

fear of Camillus, and sickness also was amongst them, occasioned by the

number of carcasses that lay in heaps unburied. Neither, indeed,

were things on that account any better with the besieged, for famine

increased upon them, and despondency with not hearing anything of

Camillus, it being impossible to send any one to him, the city was so

guarded by the barbarians. Things being in this sad condition on both

sides, a motion of treaty was made at first by some of the outposts,

as they happened to speak with one another; which being embraced by the

leading men, Sulpicius, tribune of the Romans, came to a parley with

Brennus, in which it was agreed that the Romans laying down a thousand

weight of gold, the Gauls upon the receipt of it should immediately quit

the city and territories. The agreement being confirmed by oath on both

sides, and the gold brought forth, the Gauls used false dealing in

the weights, secretly at first, but afterwards openly pulled back and

disturbed the balance; at which the Romans indignantly complaining,

Brennus in a scoffing and insulting manner pulled off his sword and

belt, and threw them both into the scales; and when Sulpicius asked what

that meant, "What should it mean," says he, "but woe to the conquered?"

which afterwards became a proverbial saying.

Whilst this difference remained still unsettled, both amongst themselves

and with the Gauls, Camillus was at the gates with his army; and, having

learned what was going on, commanded the main body of his forces to

follow slowly after him in good order, and himself with the choicest of

his men hastening on, went at once to the Romans; where all giving

way to him, and receiving him as their sole magistrate, with profound

silence and order, he took the gold out of the scales, and delivered

it to his officers, and commanded the Gauls to take their weights and

scales and depart; saying that is was customary with the Romans to

deliver their country with iron, not with gold. And when Brennus began

to rage, and say that he was unjustly dealt with in such a breach of

contract, Camillus answered that it was never legally made, and the

agreement of no force or obligation; for that himself being declared

dictator, and there being no other magistrate by law, the engagement had

been made with men who had no power to enter into it; but now they might

say anything they had to urge, for he had come with full power by law

to grant pardon to such as should ask it, or inflict punishment on the

guilty, if they did not repent. At this, Brennus broke into violent

anger, and an immediate quarrel ensued; both sides drew their swords and

attacked, but in confusion, as could not otherwise be amongst houses,

and in narrow lanes and places where it was impossible to form any

order. But Brennus, presently recollecting himself, called off his

men, and, with the loss of a few only, brought them to their camp; and,

rising in the night with all his forces, left the city, and advancing

about eight miles, encamped upon the way to Gabii. As soon as day

appeared, Camillus came up with him, splendidly armed himself, and his

soldier full o courage and confidence; and there engaging with him in a

sharp conflict, which lasted a long while, overthrew his army with great

slaughter, and took their camp. Of those that fled, some were presently

cut off by the pursuers; other, and these were the greatest number,

dispersed hither and thither, and were despatched by the people that

came sallying out from the neighboring towns and villages.

Thus Rome was strangely taken, and more strangely recovered, having been

seven whole months in the possession of the barbarians, who entered her

a little after the Ides of July, and were driven out about the Ides of

February following. Camillus triumphed, as he deserved, having saved

his country that was lost, and brought the city so to say, back again

to itself. For those that had fled abroad, together with their wives and

children, accompanied him as he rode in; and those who had been shut up

in the capitol, and were reduced almost to the point of perishing with

hunger, went out to meet him, embracing each other as they met, and

weeping for joy, and, though the excess of the present pleasure,

scarcely believing in its truth.

It was a hard task, amidst so much rubbish, to discover and re-determine

the consecrated places; but by the zeal of Camillus, and the incessant

labor of the priest, it was at last accomplished. But when it came also

to rebuilding the city, which was wholly demolished, despondency seized

the multitude, and a backwardness to engage in a work for which they

had no materials. The senate, therefore, fearing a sedition, would not

suffer Camillus, though desirous, to lay down his authority within the

year, though no other dictator had ever held it above six months.

Camillus thought good to refer the matter of rebuilding to general

deliberation, and himself spoke largely and earnestly in behalf of his

country, as also may others. At last, calling to Lucius Lucretius, whose

place it was to speak first, he commanded him to give his sentence, and

the rest as they followed, in order. Silence being made, and Lucretius

just about to begin, by chance a centurion, passing by outside with

his company of the day-guard, called out with a loud voice to the

ensign-bearer to halt and fix his standard, for this was the best place

to stay in. This voice, coming in that moment of time, and that crisis

of uncertainty and anxiety for the future, was taken as a direction what

was to be done; so that Lucretius, assuming an attitude of devotion,

gave sentence in concurrence with the gods, as he said, as likewise did

all that followed. Even among the common people it created a wonderful

change of feeling: every one now cheered and encouraged his neighbor,

and set himself to the work, proceeding in it, however, not by any

regular lines or divisions, but every one pitching upon that plot of

ground which came next to hand, or best pleased his fancy; by which

haste and hurry in building they constructed their city in narrow and

ill-designed lanes, and with houses huddled together one upon another;

for it is said that within the compass of the year the whole city was

raised up anew, both in its public walls and private buildings.

And now they had scarcely got a breathing time from their trouble when

a new war came upon them; and the Aequians, and the Tuscans besieged

Sutrium, their confederate city. Camillus, being the third time chosen

dictator, armed not only those under, but also those over, the age

of service; and taking a large circuit around the mountain Maecius,

undiscovered by the enemy, lodged his army on their rear, and then by

many fires gave notice of his arrival. The besieged, encouraged by this,

prepared to sally forth and join battle; but the Latins and Volscians,

fearing this exposure to any enemy on both sides, drew themselves within

their works, and fortified their camp with a strong palisade of trees

on every side, resolving to wait for more supplies from home, and

expecting, also, the assistance of the Tuscans, their confederate.

Camillus, detecting their object, and fearing to be reduced to the same

position to which he had brought them, namely, to be besieged himself,

resolved to lose no time; and finding their rampart was all of timber,

and observing that a strong wind constantly at sun-rising blew off from

the mountains, after having prepared a quantity of combustibles, about

break of day he drew forth his forces, commanding a part with their

missiles to assault the enemy with noise and shouting on the other

quarter, whilst he, with those that were to fling in the fire, went to

that side of the enemy's camp to which the wind usually blew, and there

waited his opportunity. When the skirmish was begun, and the sun risen,

and a strong wind set in from the mountains, he gave the signal of

onset; and, heaping in an immense quantity of fiery matter, filled all

their rampart with it, so that the flame being fed by the close timber

and wooden palisades, went on and spread into all quarters. The Latins,

having nothing ready to keep it off or extinguish it, when the camp was

now almost full of fire, were driven back within a very small compass,

and at last forced by necessity to come into their enemy's hands, who

stood before the works ready armed and prepared to receive them; of

these very few escaped, while those that stayed in the camp were all a

prey to the fire, until the Romans, to gain the pillage, extinguished

it.

These things performed, Camillus, leaving his son Lucius in the camp

to guard the prisoners and secure the booty, passed into the enemy's

country, where, having taken the city of the Aequians and reduced the

Volscians to obedience, he then immediately led his army to Sutrium, not

having heard what had befallen the Sutrians, but making haste to assist

them, as if they were still in danger and besieged by the Tuscans.

They, however, had already surrendered their city to their enemies,

and destitute of all things, with nothing left but their clothes, and

bewailing their misfortune. Camillus himself was struck with compassion,

and perceiving the soldiers weeping, and commiserating their case,

while the Sutrians hung about and clung to them, resolved not to defer

revenge, but that very day to lead his army to Sutrium; conjecturing

that the enemy, having just taken a rich and plentiful city, without

an enemy left within it, nor any from without to be expected, would be

found abandoned to enjoyment, and unguarded. Neither did his opinion

fail him: he not only passed through their country without discovery,

but came up to their very gates and possessed himself of the walls, not

a man being left to guard them, but their whole army scattered about

in the houses, drinking and making merry. Nay, when at last they did

perceive that the enemy had seized the city, they were so overloaded

with meat and wine that few were able so much as to endeavor to

escape, but either waited shamefully for their death within doors,or

surrendered themselves to the conqueror. Thus the city of the Sutrians

was twice taken in one day; and they who were in possession lost it, and

they who had lost regained it, alike by the means of Camillus. For all

which actions he received a triumph which brought him no less honor and

reputation than the two former ones; for those citizens who before most

regarded him with an evil eye, and ascribed his successes to a certain

luck rather than real merit, were compelled by these last acts of his to

allow the whole honor to his great abilities and energy.

Of all he adversaries and enviers of his glory, Marcus Manlius was the

most distinguished, he who first drove back the Gauls when they made

their night attack upon the Capitol, and who for that reason had

been named Capitolinus. This man, affecting the first place in the

commonwealth, and not able by noble ways to outdo Camillus's reputation,

took that ordinary course toward usurpation of absolute power, namely,

to gain the multitude, those of them especially that were in debt;

defending some by pleading their causes against their creditors,

rescuing others by force, and not suffering the law to proceed against

them; insomuch that in a short time he got great numbers of indigent

people about him, whose tumults and uproars in the forum struck terror

into the principal citizens. After that Quintius Capitolinus, who was

made dictator to suppress these disorders, had committed Manlius to

prison, the people immediately changed their apparel, a thing never done

but in great and public calamities, and the senate, fearing some tumult,

ordered him to be released. He, however, when set at liberty, changed not

his course, but was rather the more insolent in his proceedings,filling

the whole city with faction and sedition. They chose, therefore,

Camillus again military tribune; and a day being appointed for Manlius

to answer to his charge, the prospect from the place where his trial was

held proved a great impediment to his accusers; for the very spot where

Manlius by night fought with the Gauls overlooked the forum from the

Capitol, so that, stretching forth his hands that way, and weeping, he

called to their remembrance his past actions, raising compassion in all

that beheld him. Insomuch that the judges were at a loss what to do, and

several times adjourned the trial, unwilling to acquit him of the crime,

which was sufficiently proved, and yet unable to execute the law while

his noble action remained, as it were, before their eyes. Camillus,

considering this, transferred the court outside the gates to the

Peteline Grove, from whence there is no prospect of the Capitol Here

his accuser went on with his charge, and his judges were capable of

remembering the duly resenting his guilty deeds. He was convicted,

carried to the Capitol, and flung headlong from the rock; so that one

and same spot was thus the witness of his greatest glory, and monument

of his most unfortunate end. The Romans, besides, razed his house, and

built there a temple to the goddess they call Moneta, ordaining for

the future that none of the patrician order should ever dwell on the

Capitoline.

And now Camillus, being called to his sixth tribuneship, desired to

be excused, as being aged, and perhaps not unfearful of the malice of

fortune, and those reverses which seem to ensue upon great prosperity.

But the most apparent pretence was the weakness of his body, for he

happened at that time to be sick; the people, however, would admit of no

excuses, but, crying that they wanted not his strength for horse or

for foot service, but only his counsel and conduct, constrained him to

undertake the command, and with one of his fellow-tribunes to lead the

army immediately against the enemy. These were the Praenestines and

Volscians, who, with large forces, were laying waste the territory of

the Roman confederates. Having marched out with his army, he sat down

and encamped near the enemy, meaning himself to protract the war, or if

there should come any necessity or occasion of fighting, in the meantime

to regain his strength, but Lucius Furius, his colleague, carried away

with the desire of glory, was not to e held in, but, impatient to

give battle, inflamed the inferior officers of the army with the same

eagerness; so that Camillus, fearing he might seem out of envy to be

wishing to rob the young man of the glory of a noble exploit, consented,

though unwillingly, that he should draw out the forces, whilst himself,

by reason of weakness, stayed behind with a few in the camp. Lucius,

engaging rashly, was discomfited, when Camillus, perceiving the Romans

to give ground and fly, could not contain himself, but, leaping from his

bed, with those he had about him ran to meet them at the gates of the

camp, making his way through the flyers to oppose the pursuers; so that

those who had got within the camp turned back at once and followed him,

and those that came flying from without made head again and gathered

about him, exhorting one another not to forsake their general. Thus the

enemy, for that time, was stopped in his pursuit. The next day Camillus,

drawing out his forces and joining battle with them, overthrew them by

main force, and, following close upon them, entered pell-mell with

them into their camp, and took it, slaying the greatest part of them.

Afterwards, having heard that the city of Satricum was taken by the

Tuscans, and the inhabitants, all Romans, put to the sword, he sent home

to Rome the main body of his forces and heaviest-armed, and, taking

with him the lightest and most vigorous soldiers, set suddenly upon

the Tuscans, who were in the possession of the city, and mastered them,

slaying some and expelling the rest; and so, returning to Rome with

great spoils, gave signal evidence of their superior wisdom, who, not

mistrusting the weakness and age of a commander endowed with courage

and conduct, had rather chosen him who was sickly and desirous to be

excused, than young men who were forward and ambitious to command.

When, therefore, the revolt of the Tusculans was reported, they

gave Camillus the charge of reducing them, choosing one of his five

colleagues to go with him. And when every one was eager for the place,

contrary to the expectation of all, he passed by the rest and chose

Lucius Furius, the very same man who lately, against the judgment of

Camillus, had rashly hazarded and nearly lost a battle; willing, at it

should seem, to dissemble that miscarriage, and free him from the shame

of it. The Tusculans, hearing of Camillus's coming against them, made

a cunning attempt at revoking their act of revolt; their fields, as

in times of highest peace, were full of ploughmen and shepherds; their

gates stood wide open, and their children were being taught in the

schools; of the people, such as were tradesmen, he found in their

workshops, busied about their several employments, and the better sort

of citizens walking in the public places in their ordinary dress; the

magistrates hurried about to provide quarters for the Romans, as if they

stood in fear of no danger and were conscious of no fault. Which arts,

though they could not dispossess Camillus of the conviction he had of

their treason, yet induced some compassion for their repentance; he

commanded them to go to the senate and deprecate their anger, and

joined himself as an intercessor in their behalf, so that their city was

acquitted of all guilt and admitted to Roman citizenship. These were the

most memorable actions of his sixth tribuneship.

After these things, Licinius Stolo raised a great sedition in the city,

and brought the people to dissension with the senate, contending, that

of two consuls one should be chosen out of the commons, and not both out

of the patricians. Tribunes of the people were chosen, but the election

of consuls was interrupted and prevented by the people. And as this

absence of any supreme magistrate was leading to yet further confusion,

Camillus was the fourth time created dictator by the senate, sorely

against the people's will, and not altogether in accordance with his

own; he had little desire for a conflict with men whose past services

entitles them to tell him that he had achieved far greater actions in

war along with them than in politics with the patricians, who, indeed,

had only put him forward now out of envy; that, if successful, he might

crush the people, or, failing, be crushed himself. However, to provide

as good a remedy as he could for the present, knowing the day on which

the tribunes of the people intended to prefer the law, he appointed it

by proclamation for a general muster, and called the people from the

forum into the Campus, threatening to set heavy fines upon such as

should not obey. On the other side, the tribunes of the people met

his threats by solemnly protesting they would fine him fifty thousand

drachmas of silver, if he persisted in obstructing the people from

giving their suffrages for the law. Whether it were, then, that he

feared another banishment or condemnation, which would ill become his

age and past great actions, or found himself unable to stem the current

of the multitude, which ran strong and violent, he betook himself,

for the present, to his house, and afterwards, for some days together,

professing sickness, finally laid down his dictatorship. The senate

created another dictator; who, choosing Stolo, leader of the sedition,

to be his general of horse, suffered that law to be enacted and

ratified, which was most grievous to the patricians, namely that no

person whatsoever should possess above five hundred acres of land. Stolo

was much distinguished by the victory he had gained; but, not long after

was found himself to possess more than he had allowed to others, and

suffered the penalties of his own law.

And now the contention about election of consuls coming on (which was

the main point and original cause of the dissension, and had throughout

furnished most matter of division between the senate and the people),

certain intelligence arrived, that the Gauls again, proceeding from the

Adriatic Sea, were marching in vast number upon Rome. On the very heels

of the report followed manifest acts also of hostility; the country

through which they marched was all wasted, and such as by flight could

not make their escape to Rome were dispersing and scattering among

the mountains. The terror of this war quieted the sedition; nobles and

commons, senate and people together, unanimously chose Camillus

the fifth time dictator; who, though very aged, not wanting much of

fourscore years, yet, considering the danger and necessity of his

country, did not, as before, pretend sickness, or depreciate his own

capacity, but at once undertook the charge, and enrolled soldiers. And,

knowing that the great force of the barbarians lay chiefly in their

swords, with which they laid about them in a rude and inartificial

manner, hacking and hewing the head and shoulders, he caused head-pieces

entire of iron to be made for most of his men, smoothing and polishing

the outside, that the enemy's swords, lighting upon them, might either

slide off or be broken; and fitted also their shields with a little rim

of brass, the wood itself not being sufficient to bear off the blows.

Besides, he taught his soldiers to use their long javelins in close

encounter, and, by bringing them under their enemy's swords, to receive

their strokes upon them.

When the Gauls drew near, about the river Anio, dragging a heavy camp

after them, and loaded with infinite spoil, Camillus drew forth his

forces, and planted himself upon a hill of easy ascent, and which had

many dips in it, with the object that the greatest part of his army

might lie concealed, and those who appeared might be thought to have

betaken themselves, through fear, to those upper grounds. And the

more to increase this opinion in them, he suffered them, without any

disturbance, to spoil and pillage even to his very trenches, keeping

himself quiet within his works, which were well fortified; till, at

last, perceiving that part of the enemy were scattered about the country

foraging, and that those that were in the camp did nothing day and night

but drink and revel, in the night time he drew up his lightest-armed

men, and sent them out before to impede the enemy while forming into

order, and to harass them when they should first issue out of the their

camp; and early in the morning brought down his main body, and set them

in battle array in the lower round, numerous and courageous army, not,

as the barbarians had supposed, an inconsiderable and fearful division.

The first thing that shook the courage of the Gauls was, that their

enemies had, contrary to their expectation, the honor of being

aggressors. In the next place, the light-armed men, falling upon them

before they could get into their usual order or range themselves in

their proper squadrons, so disturbed and pressed upon them, that they

were obliged to fight at random, without any order at all. But at last,

when Camillus brought on his heavy-armed legions, the barbarians, with

their swords drawn, went vigorously to engage them; the Romans, however,

opposing their javelins, and receiving the force of their blows on those

parts of the defences which were well guarded with steel, turned the

edge of their weapons, beingmade of a soft and ill-tempered metal, so

that their swords bent and doubled up in their hands; and their shields

were pierced through and through, and grew heavy with the javelins

that stuck upon them. And thus forced to quit their own weapons, they

endeavored to take advantage of those of their enemies, laid hold of the

javelins with their hands, and tried to pluck them away. But the Romans,

perceiving them now naked and defenceless, betook themselves to their

swords, which they so well used, that in a little time great slaughter

was made in the foremost ranks, while the rest fled over all parts of

the level country; the hills and upper grounds Camillus had secured

beforehand, and their camp they knew it would not be difficult for

the enemy to take, as, through confidence of victory, they had left

it unguarded. This fight, it is stated, was thirteen years after the

sacking of Rome; and from henceforward the Romans took courage, and

surmounted the apprehensions they had hitherto entertained of the

barbarians, whose previous defeat they had attributed rather to

pestilence and a concurrence of mischances than to their own superior

valor. And, indeed, this fear had been formerly so great, that they made

a law, that priests should be excused from service in war, unless in an

invasion from the Gauls.

This was the last military action that Camillus ever performed; for

the voluntary surrender of the city of the Velitrani was but a mere

accessory to it. But the greatest of all civil contests, and the hardest

to be managed, was still to be fought out against the people; who,

returning home full of victory and success, insisted, contrary to

established law, to have one of the consuls chosen out of their own

body. The senate strongly opposed it, and would not suffer Camillus

to lay down his dictatorship, thinking, that, under the shelter of his

great name and authority, they should be better able to contend for

the power of the aristocracy. But when Camillus was sitting upon the

tribunal, dispatching public affairs, an officer, sent by the tribunes

of the people, commanded him to rise and follow him, laying his and upon

him, as ready to seize and carry him away; upon which, such a noise and

tumult as was never heard before, filled the whole forum; some that were

about Camillus thrusting the officer from the bench, and the multitude

below calling out to him to bring Camillus down. Being at a loss what

to do in these difficulties, he yet laid not down his authority, but,

taking the senators along with him, he went to the senate-house;

but before he entered, besought the gods that they would bring these

troubles to a happy conclusion, solemnly vowing, when the tumult was

ended, to build a temple to Concord. A great conflict of opposite

opinions arose in the senate; but, at last, the most moderate and most

acceptable to the people prevailed, and consent was given, that of two

consuls, one should be chosen from the commonalty. When the dictator

proclaimed this determination of the senate to the people, at the moment

pleased and reconciled with the senate, as they could not well otherwise

be, they accompanied Camillus home with all expressions and acclamations

of joy; and the next day, assembling together, they voted a temple of

Concord to be built, according to Camillus's vow, facing the assembly

and the forum; and to the feasts, called the Latin holidays, they added

one day more, making four in all; and ordained that, on the present

occasion the whole people of Rome should sacrifice with garlands on

their heads.

In the election of consuls held by Camillus, Marcus Aemilius was chosen

of the patricians, and Lucius Sextius the first of the commonalty; and

this was the last of all Camillus's actions. In the year following, a

pestilential sickness infected Rome, which, besides an infinite number

of the common people, swept away most of the magistrates, among whom

was Camillus; whose death cannot be called premature, if we consider

his great age, or greater actions, yet was he more lamented than all the

rest put together that then died of that distemper.