32.31
The
consul Minucius had carried his plundering expeditions throughout the
country of the Boii, but when he heard that they had deserted the Insubres
and returned to defend their country, he kept within his camp, intending to
meet them in a general engagement. The Boii would not have declined battle
if the news of the defeat of the Insubrians had not broken their spirit. They
abandoned their leader and their camp and dispersed to their villages, each
man prepared to defend his own property. This made their antagonist change
his plans, for as there was no longer any hope of forcing decision in a single
action he resumed the plundering of their fields, and burnt their villages and
farms. It was at this time that Clastidium was burnt. The Ilvates were now
the only Ligurian tribe which had not submitted, and he led the legion against
them. They too, however, surrendered when the had learnt the defeat of the
Insubrians and also that the Boii were so discouraged that they would not
venture to hazard an engagement. The despatches from the two consuls
announcing their successes reached Rome about the same time. The City
praetor, M. Sergius, read them in the senate and was authorised by that body
to read them in the Assembly. A four days' thanksgiving was ordered.