ve, either to march or to give
battle. Forthwith they set out, the Dictator leading the foot soldiers
by their legions, and Tarquinius the horsemen, and each bidding them
that followed make all haste. "We must needs come," they said, "to our
journey's end while it is yet night. Remember that the Consul and his
army have been besieged now for three days, and that no man knows what
a day or a night may bring forth." The soldiers themselves also were
zealous to obey, crying out to the standard-bearers that they should
quicken their steps, and to their fellows that they should not lag
behind. Thus they came at midnight to Mount AEdigus, and when they
perceived that the enemy was at hand they halted the standards. Then
the Dictator rode forward to see, so far as the darkness would suffer
him, how great was the camp of the AEquians and after what fashion
it was pitched. This done he commanded that the baggage should be
gathered together into 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