The rampart of the allies
was formed of wood, and as a strong wind blew down from the mountains at
daybreak, he prepared combustibles, and early in the morning got his
forces under arms. One division he sent to attack the enemy's camp with
darts, and missile weapons, and loud shouts, while he himself, with
those who were in charge of the fire, waited for his opportunity on that
side towards which the wind usually blew. When the other troops were
engaged with the enemy, the sun rose, and a strong wind got up. At this
Camillus gave the signal for attack, and at once enveloped the palisades
with lighted missiles. As the flames quickly spread in the thick wooden
palisades, the Latins, finding their camp girt with flames, were driven
into a small compass, and finally obliged to sally out of their
entrenchments, outside of which the Romans stood ready to receive them.
Few of those who broke out escaped, while all who remained in the camp
perished in the flames, until the Romans extinguished them and began to
plunder.
XXXV. After this exploit, Camillus left his son Lucius in charge of the
camp, to guard the prisoners and the booty, and himself invaded the
enemy's country. He took the capital of the Aequi, reduced the Volsci to
subjection, and marched at once upon Sutrium to relieve that city, whose
inhabitants had not heard of his successes, but were still besieged by
the Etruscans.
Pages:
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386