a desire to be
better governed, and are attracted by the good government which he to
whom they surrender is seen exercising over others who have placed
themselves in his hands; as was the case with the Rhodians, the
Massilians, and others who for like causes gave themselves up to the
Roman people. Compulsory surrenders take place, either as the result
of a protracted siege, like those we have spoken of above; or from the
country being continually wasted by incursions, forays, and similar
severities, to escape which a city makes its submission.

Of the methods which have been noticed, the Romans, in preference to all
others, used this last; and for four hundred and fifty years made it
their aim to wear out their neighbours by invasion and by defeat in the
open field, while endeavouring, as I have elsewhere said, to establish
their influence over them by treaties and conventions. It was to this
method of warfare therefore that they always mainly trusted, because,
after trying all others, they found none so free from inconvenience and
disadvantage--the procedure by siege involving expense and delay,
that by assault, difficulty and danger, and that by secret practice,
uncertainty and doubt. They found, likewise, that while in subduing one
obstinate city by siege many years might be wasted, a kingdom might be
gained in a single day by the defeat of a hostile army in the field.

CHAPTER XXXIII.--_That the Romans intrusted the Captains of their Armies
with the fullest Powers._

In reading this History of Titus Livius with a view to profit by it, I
think that all the methods of conduct followed by the Roman people and
senate merit attention. And among other things fit to be considered,
it should be noted, with how ample an authority they sent forth their
consuls, their dictators, and the other captains of their armies, all of
whom we find clothed with the fullest powers: no other prerogative being
reserved to itself by the senate save that of declaring war and
making peace, while everything else was left to the discretion and
determination of the consul. For so soon as the people and senate had
resolved on war, for instance on a war against the Latins, they threw
all further responsibility upon the consul, who might fight or decline
battle as he pleased, and attack this or the other city as he thought
fit.

That this was so, is seen in many instances, and especially from what
happened during an expedition made against