35.4
As the
Ligurian operations were confined to Pisae the other consul led his army
through the furthest limits of Liguria into the country of the Boii. Here
totally different tactics were pursued; it was the consul who offered battle
and the enemy who declined it. As they met with no opposition the Romans
dispersed on plundering forays, the Boii preferring to let their property be
carried off with impunity rather than risk a battle in its defence. After the
whole country had been laid waste with fire and sword the consul left the
enemy's territory and marched in the direction of Mutina, taking as little
precaution against attack as though he were in a friendly country. When the
Boii found that their enemy had withdrawn from their frontiers, they
followed noiselessly, looking out for a suitable place for a surprise attack.
Passing by the Roman camp in the night, they seized a pass through which
the Romans would have to go. This movement did not escape observation,
and the consul, who had been in the habit of marching in the dead of the
night, decided to wait for daylight so that the dangers incident to a
tumultuary battle might not be augmented by darkness. Though it was quite
light when he started, he sent on a squadron of cavalry to reconnoitre. On
receiving their report as to the strength and position of the enemy he ordered
the whole of the baggage to be collected together, and the triarii were told
off to surround it with a breastwork. With the rest of his army in battle
formation he advanced against the enemy. The Gauls did the same when they
found that their stratagem was exposed and that they would have to fight an
open and regular battle.
