9.12
The
Samnites clearly saw that instead of the peace which they had so arrogantly
dictated, a most bitter war had commenced. They not only had a foreboding
of all that was coming but they almost saw it with their eyes; now when it
was too late they began to view with approval the two alternatives which the
elder Pontius had suggested. They saw that they had fallen between the two,
and by adopting a middle course had exchanged the secure possession of
victory for an insecure and doubtful peace. They realised that they had lost
the chance of doing either a kindness or an injury, and would have to fight
with those whom they might have got rid of for ever as enemies or secured
for ever as friends. And though no battle had yet given either side the
advantage, men's feelings had so changed that Postumius enjoyed a greater
reputation amongst the Romans for his surrender than Pontius possessed
amongst the Samnites for his bloodless victory. The Romans regarded the
possibility of war as involving the certainty of victory, whilst the Samnites
looked upon the renewal of hostilities by the Romans as equivalent to their
own defeat. In the meantime, Satricum revolted to the Samnites. (The latter
made a sudden descent on Fregellae and succeeded in occupying it in the
night, assisted, there is no doubt, by the Satricans. Mutual fear kept both the
Samnites and the Fregellans quiet till daylight, with the return of light the
battle began. For some time the Fregellans held their ground, for they were
fighting for their hearths and homes and the noncombatant population
assisted them from the roofs of the houses. At length the assailants gained
the advantage by adopting a ruse. A proclamation was made that all who laid
down their arms should depart unhurt, and the defenders did not interfere
with the crier who made it. Now that there were hopes of safety they fought
with less energy and in all directions arms were thrown away. Some,
however, showed more determination and made their way fully armed
through the opposite gate. Their courage proved a better protection than the
timid credulity of the others, for these were hemmed in by the Samnites with
a ring of fire, and in spite of their cries for mercy were burnt to death. After
arranging their respective commands, the consuls took the field. Papirius
marched into Apulia as far as Luceria, where the equites who had been given
as hostages at Caudium were interned; Publilius remained in Samnium to
oppose the legions who had been at Caudium. His presence made the
Samnites uncertain how to act; they could not march to Luceria for fear of
exposing themselves to a rear attack, nor did they feel satisfied to remain
where they were, as Luceria might in the meantime be lost. They decided
that the best course would be to try their fortune and hazard a battle with
Publilius.
