42.
of these events the consul was at first unaware, and was intent upon the withdrawal of his army; for the sun was now rapidly sinking in the west, and night coming on apace made all things dangerous and suspect, even to the victors.
[
2]
as he rode farther forward, he saw on his right hand that the camp was taken, while from the city, on his left, a confused uproar was rising in which the shouts of the combatants were mingled with screams of terror; and it so happened that at that very moment the struggle at the gate was in progress.
[
3]
then, riding nearer and perceiving that his men were on the walls and that his course was already marked out for him, since the adventurousness of a few men had provided him with a great opportunity, he gave orders that the troops withdrawn should be called back and advance against the city.
[
4]
they entered it on the nearest side, and, as night was approaching, bivouacked; in the night the town was abandoned by the enemy.
[5]
there were slain that day of the Samnites at Aquilonia twenty thousand three hundred and forty, and three thousand eight hundred and seventy were captured, with ninety —seven military standards.
[6]
tradition also avers that hardly had there ever been a general more joyous in combat, whether owing to his native temper or to his confidence that he should gain the victory.
[7]
it resulted from the same stoutness of heart that he was not to be recalled from giving battle by the dispute about the omen, and that in the hour of crisis, when it was customary to vow temples to the immortal gods, he made a [p. 525]vow to Jupiter the Victor that if he routed the1 legions of the enemy he would present him with a thimbleful of mead before he drank strong wine himself. this vow was pleasing to the gods and they gave a good tum to the auspices.2
