shock of surprise and joy, as if by a blow.

In seasons of great and imminent danger to the commonwealth, it was
the custom of the Romans to appoint what they called a dictator, that
is, a supreme executive, who was clothed with absolute and unlimited
powers; and it devolved on him to save the state from the threatened
ruin by the most prompt and energetic action. This case was obviously
one of the emergencies requiring such a measure. There was no time for
deliberations and debates; for deliberations and debates, in periods
of such excitement and danger, become disputes, and end in tumult and
uproar. Hannibal was at the head of a victorious army, ravaging the
country which he had already conquered, and with no obstacle between
him and the city itself. It was an emergency calling for the
appointment of a dictator. The people made choice of a man of great
reputation for experience and wisdom, named Fabius, and placed the
whole power of the state in his hands. All other authority was
suspended, and every thing was subjected to his sway. The whole city,
with the life and property of every inhabitant, was placed at his
disposal; the army and the fleets were also under his command, even
the consuls being subject to his orders.

Fabius accepted the vast responsibility which his election imposed
upon him, and immediately began to take the necessary measures. He
first made arrangements for performing solemn religious ceremonies, to
expiate the omens and propitiate the gods. He brought out all the
people in great convocations, and made them take vows, in the most
formal and imposing manner, promising offerings and celebrations in
honor of the various gods, at some future time, in case these
divinities would avert the threatening danger. It is doubtful,
however, whether Fabius, in doing these things, really believed that
they had any actual efficiency, or whether he resorted to them as a
means of calming and quieting the minds of the people, and producing
that composure and confidence which always results from a hope of the
favor of Heaven. If this last was his object, his conduct was
eminently wise.

Fabius, also, immediately ordered a large levy of troops to be made.
His second in command, called his _master of horse_, was directed to
make this levy, and to assemble the troops at a place called Tibur, a
few miles east of the city. There was always a master of horse
appointed to attend upon and second a dictator. The name o