7.35
After
arranging the watches, he ordered the tessera to be given to the rest of the
troops; when the bugle sounded for the second watch they were to muster
round him in silence. When they had assembled in accordance with
instructions, he said: "This silence, soldiers, must be maintained, and all
applause as you listen to me checked. When I have laid my proposals fully
before you, those of you who approve will cross over silently to the right.
The opinion of the majority will be adopted. Now listen to my plans. You
were not carried here in flight, nor have you been abandoned through
cowardice, and the enemy are investing you. You seized this position by
your courage, by your courage you must get away from it. By coming here
you have saved a splendid army for Rome, now you must save yourselves by
cutting your way out. Though few in number you have brought aid to many,
and it is only fitting to your deserts that you yourselves should need the aid
of none. We have to do with an enemy who through his slackness yesterday
failed to use the chance which Fortune gave him of wiping out an entire
army; who did not perceive this most useful peak hanging over his head until
it had been seized by us. With all their thousands of men they did not prevent
us, few as we are, from climbing it, and now that we are holding it, did they,
though plenty of daylight remained, enclose us with lines of circumvallation?
The enemy whom you eluded while his eyes were open, and he was on the
watch, you certainly ought to evade when he is heavy with sleep. In fact, it is
absolutely necessary for you to do so, for our position is such that I have
rather to point out the necessity in which you are placed than to suggest any
plan of action. For there can be no question as to your remaining here or
departing, since Fortune has left you nothing but your arms and the courage
which knows how to use them. If we show more fear of the sword than
becomes men and Romans we shall have to die of hunger and thirst. Our one
chance of safety, then, lies in our breaking our way through and departing.
We must do that either in the daytime or at night. But this is a point which
admits of little doubt; if we wait for daylight how can we hope that the
enemy, who, as you see, has drawn a ring of men all round us, will not
completely enclose us with entrenchments? On the other hand, if night be
best for our sortie, as it most certainly is, then this hour of the night is most
assuredly the fittest. You have mustered at the call for the second watch, an
hour when men are buried in sleep. You will pass through them in silence,
unnoticed by the sleepers, but should they become aware of your presence
you will throw them into a panic by a sudden shout. You have followed me
so far, follow me still, while I follow Fortune who has guided us here. Those
of you who think this a safe plan step forward and pass over to the right."