the calls or threats of any
of them, and reached the Quirinal hill; and after duly performing there
the solemn rites, coming back by the same way with the same firm
countenance and gait, confident that the gods were propitious, whose
worship he had not even neglected when prohibited by the fear of death,
he returned to the Capitol to his friends, the Gauls being either
astounded at such an extraordinary manifestation of boldness, or moved
even by religious considerations, of which the nation is by no means
regardless. In the mean time, not only the courage, but the strength of
those at Veii increased daily, not only those Romans repairing thither
from the country who had strayed away after the unsuccessful battle, or
the disaster of the city being taken, but volunteers also flowing in
from Latium, to come in for share of the spoil. It now seemed high time
that their country should be recovered and rescued from the hands of the
enemy. But a head was wanting to this strong body. The very spot put
them in mind of Camillus, and a considerable part consisted of soldiers
who had fought successfully under his guidance and auspices: and
Caedicius declared that he would not give occasion that any one, whether
god or man, should terminate his command rather than that, mindful of
his own rank, he would himself call (for the appointment of) a general.
With universal consent it was resolved that Camillus should be sent for
from Ardea, but not until the senate at Rome were first consulted: so
far did a sense of propriety regulate every proceeding, and so carefully
did they observe the distinctions of things in their almost desperate
circumstances. They had to pass at great risk through the enemy's
guards. For this purpose a spirited youth, Pontius Cominius, offered his
services, and supporting himself on cork was carried down the Tiber to
the city. From thence, where the distance from the bank was shortest, he
makes his way into the Capitol over a portion of the rock that was
craggy, and therefore neglected by the enemy's guard: and being
conducted to the magistrates, he delivers the instructions received from
the army. Then having received a decree of the senate, both that
Camillus should be recalled from exile at the comitia curiata, and be
forthwith appointed dictator by order of the people, and that the
soldiers should have the general whom they wished, he passed out the
same way and proceeded with his despatches to Veii; and deput