27.45
When
Nero had placed a sufficient distance between himself and the enemy to
make it safe for him to reveal his design, he made a brief address to his men.
"No commander," he said, "has ever formed a project apparently more risky
but really less so than mine. I am leading you to certain victory. My
colleague did not enter upon this campaign until he had obtained from the
senate such a force of infantry and cavalry as he deemed sufficient, a force
indeed more numerous and better equipped than if he were advancing
against Hannibal himself. However small the addition you are now making to
it, it will be enough to turn the scale. When once the news spreads on the
battle-field -and I will take care that it does not spread sooner -that a
second consul has arrived with a second army, it will make victory no longer
doubtful. Rumour decides battles; slight impulses sway men's hopes and
fears; if we are successful you yourselves will reap almost all the glory of it,
for it is always the last weight added that has the credit of turning the
balance. You see for yourselves what admiring and enthusiastic crowds
welcome you as you march along." And indeed they did advance amidst
vows and prayers and blessings from the lines of men and women who were
gathered everywhere out of the fields and homesteads. They were called the
defenders of the republic, the vindicators of the City and sovereignty of
Rome; upon their swords and strong right hands depended all security and
liberty for the people and their children. The bystanders prayed to all the
gods and goddesses to grant them a safe and prosperous march, a successful
battle and an early victory over their foes. As they were now following them
with anxious hearts, so they prayed that they might fulfil the vows which
they were making when they went forth with joy to meet them flushed with
the pride of victory. Then they invited the soldiers to take what they had
brought for them, each begging and entreating them to take from his hands
rather than from any one else's what would be of use to them and their
draught animals, and loading them with presents of all sorts. The soldiers
showed the utmost moderation and refused to accept anything that was not
absolutely necessary. They did not interrupt their march or leave the ranks or
even halt to take food; day and night they went steadily on, hardly allowing
themselves the rest which nature demanded. The consul sent messages in
advance to announce his coming to his colleague, and to enquire whether it
would be better to come secretly or openly, by night or by day, and also
whether they were to occupy the same camp or separate ones. It was
thought better that he should come by night.
