ar in the camp. For the Romans cried, "These be our countrymen,
and they bring us help." Then said the Consul, "We must make no delay. By
that shout is signified, not that they are come only, but that they are
already dealing with the enemy. Doubtless the camp of the AEquians is even
now assailed from without. Take ye your arms and follow me." So the legion
went forth, it being yet night, to the battle, and as they went they
shouted, that the Dictator might be aware. Now the AEquians had set
themselves to hinder the making of a ditch and rampart which should shut
them in; but when the Romans from the camp fell upon them, fearing lest
these should make their way through the midst of their camp, they left
them that were with Cincinnatus to finish their entrenching, and fought
with the Consul. And when it was now light, lo! they were already shut in,
and the Romans, having finished their entrenching, began to trouble them.
And when the AEquians perceived that the battle was now on either side of
them, they could withstand no longer, but sent ambassadors praying for
peace, and saying, "Ye have prevailed; slay us not, but rather permit us
to depart, leaving our arms behind us." Then said the Dictator, "I care
not to have the blood of the AEquians. Ye may depart, but ye shall depart
passing under the yoke, that ye may thus acknowledge to all men that ye
are indeed vanquished." Now the yoke is thus made. There are set up in the
ground two spears, and over them is bound by ropes a third spear. So the
AEquians passed under the yoke.

In the camp of the enemy there was found abundance of spoil. This the
Dictator gave wholly to his own soldiers. "Ye were well-nigh a spoil to
the enemy," said he to the army of the Consul, "therefore ye shall have no
share in the spoiling of them. As for thee, Minucius, be thou a lieutenant
only till thou hast learnt how to bear thyself as a consul." Meanwhile at
Rome there was held a meeting of the Senate, at which it was commanded
that Cincinnatus should enter the city in triumph, his soldiers following
him in order of march. Before his chariot there were led the generals of
the enemy; also the standards were carried in the front; and after these
came the army, every man laden with spoil. That day there was great
rejoicing in the city, every man setting forth a banquet before his doors
in the street.

After this, Virginius, that had borne false witness against Caeso, was
found guilty of perjury, a