23.15
On the
approach of the Roman praetor the Carthaginian evacuated the territory of
Nola and marched down to the coast close to Neapolis, as he was anxious to
secure a seaport town to which there might be a safe passage for ships
coming from Africa. When, however, he learnt that Neapolis was held by a
Roman officer, M. Junius Silanus, who had been invited by the Neapolitans,
he left Naples, as he had left Nola, and went to Nuceria. He spent some time
in investing the place, often attacking it, and often making tempting
proposals to the chief men of the place and to the leaders of the populace,
but all to no purpose. At last famine did its work, and he received the
submission of the town, the inhabitants being allowed to depart without arms
and with one garment apiece. Then, to keep up his character of being
friendly to all the Italian nationalities except the Romans, he held out
honours and rewards to those who consented to remain in his service. Not a
single man was tempted by the prospect; they all dispersed, wherever they
had friends, or wherever each man's fancy led him, amongst the cities of
Campania, mainly Nola and Neapolis. About thirty of their senators, and, as
it happened, their principal ones, endeavoured to enter Capua, but were
refused admission because they had closed their gates against Hannibal. They
accordingly went on to Cumae. The plunder of Nuceria was given to the
soldiers, the city itself was burnt.
Marcellus retained his hold on Nola quite as much by the support of
its leading men as by the confidence he felt in his troops. Fears were
entertained as to the populace and especially L. Bantius. This enterprising
young man was at that time almost the most distinguished among the allied
cavalry, but the knowledge that he had attempted revolt and his fear of the
Roman praetor were driving him on to betray his country or, if he found no
means of doing that, to become a deserter. He had been discovered lying
half-dead on a heap of bodies on the field of Cannae, and after being taken
the utmost care of, Hannibal sent him home loaded with presents. His
feelings of gratitude for such kindness made him wish to place the
government of Nola in the hands of the Carthaginian, and his anxiety and
eagerness for a revolution attracted the observation of the praetor. As it was
necessary either to restrain the youth by punishment or to win him by
kindness, the praetor chose the latter course, preferring to secure such a
brave and enterprising youth as a friend rather than to lose him to the enemy.
He invited him to come and see him and spoke to him most kindly. "You can
easily understand," he told him, "that many of your countrymen are jealous
of you, from the fact that not a single citizen of Nola has pointed out to me
your many distinguished military services. But the bravery of a man who has
served in a Roman camp cannot be hidden. Many of your fellow-soldiers tell
me what a young hero you are, and how many perils and dangers you have
undergone in defence of the safety and honour of Rome. I am told that you
did not give up the struggle on the field of Cannae until you were buried
almost lifeless, beneath a falling mass of men and horses and arms. May you
long live to do still more gallant deeds! With me you will gain every honour
and reward, and you will find that the more you are in my company the more
will it lead to your profit and promotion." The young man was delighted
with these promises. The praetor made him a present of a splendid charger
and authorised the quaestor to pay him 500 silver coins; he also instructed
his lictors to allow him to pass whenever he wished to see him.
