soldiers no longer recovered themselves; but unmindful
of their recent presumption and former glory, were turning their backs
in every direction, and with disorderly speed were making for their
camp, when Camillus, being mounted on his horse by those around him, and
hastily opposing the reserved troops to them, "Is this," says he,
"soldiers, the battle which ye called for? What man, what god is there,
whom ye can blame? That was your rashness, this your cowardice. Having
followed another leader, now follow Camillus; and as ye are accustomed
to do under my leadership, conquer. Why do ye look to the rampart and
camp? Not a man of you shall that camp receive, except as victor." Shame
at first stopped their disorderly flight; then when they saw the
standards wheel about, and a line formed to meet the enemy, and the
general, besides being distinguished by so many triumphs, venerable also
by his age, presented himself in front of the battalions, where the
greatest toil and danger was, every one began to upbraid both himself
and others, and mutual exhortation with a brisk shout pervaded the
entire line. Nor was the other tribune deficient on the occasion. Being
despatched to the cavalry by his colleague, who was restoring the line
of the infantry, not by rebuking them, (for which task his share in
their fault had rendered him an authority of little weight,) but from
command turning entirely to entreaties, he besought them individually
and collectively, "to redeem him from blame, who was answerable for the
events of that day. Notwithstanding the repugnance and dissuasion of my
colleague, I gave myself a partner in the rashness of all rather than in
the prudence of one. Camillus sees his own glory in your fortune,
whatever it be; for my part, unless the battle is restored, I shall feel
the result with you all, the infamy alone (which is most distressing)."
It was deemed best that the horse should be transferred into the line
whilst still unsteady, and that they should attack the enemy by fighting
on foot. Distinguished by their arms and courage, they proceed in
whatever direction they perceive the line of the infantry most pressed;
nor among either the officers or soldiers is there any abatement
observed from the utmost effort of courage. The result therefore felt
the aid of the bravery exerted; and the Volscians being put to real
flight in that direction in which they had lately retreated under
pretended fear, great numbers were