24.46
Fabius
broke up his camp at Suessula and decided to begin by an attack on Arpi. He
encamped about half a mile from it, and on examining from a near position
the situation of the city and its fortifications, he saw one part where it was
most strongly fortified and, therefore, less carefully guarded, and at this
point he determined to deliver his assault. After seeing that everything
required for the storm was in readiness, he selected out of the whole army
the pick of the centurions and placed them under the command of tribunes
who were distinguished for courage. He then furnished them with six
hundred of the rank and file, a number which he deemed quite sufficient for
his purpose, and gave them orders to carry scaling ladders to that point when
they heard the bugles sound the fourth watch. There was a low narrow gate
which led into an unfrequented street running through a lonely part of the
city. His orders were that they were first to scale the wall with their ladders,
and then open the gate or break the bolts and bars from the inside and when
they were in possession of that quarter of the city they were to give a signal
on the bugle, so that the rest of the troops might be brought up, and he
would have everything in order and ready. His instructions were carried out
to the letter, and what seemed likely to prove a hindrance turned out to be of
the greatest help in concealing their movements. A rain storm which began at
midnight drove all the sentries and outposts to seek shelter in the houses,
and the roar of the rain which at first came down like a deluge prevented the
noise of those who were at work on the gate from being heard. Then when
the sound of the rain fell upon the ear more gently and regularly, it soothed
most of the defenders to sleep. As soon. as they were in possession of the
gate, they placed the buglers at equal distances along the street and ordered
them to sound the signal to give notice to the consul. This having been done
as previously arranged, the consul ordered a general advance, and shortly
before daylight he entered the city through the broken down gate.
