that it was never legally made, and the
agreement of no force or obligation; for that himself being declared
dictator, and there being no other magistrate by law, the engagement had
been made with men who had no power to enter into it; but now they might
say anything they had to urge, for he had come with full power by law
to grant pardon to such as should ask it, or inflict punishment on the
guilty, if they did not repent. At this, Brennus broke into violent
anger, and an immediate quarrel ensued; both sides drew their swords and
attacked, but in confusion, as could not otherwise be amongst houses,
and in narrow lanes and places where it was impossible to form any
order. But Brennus, presently recollecting himself, called off his
men, and, with the loss of a few only, brought them to their camp; and,
rising in the night with all his forces, left the city, and advancing
about eight miles, encamped upon the way to Gabii. As soon as day
appeared, Camillus came up with him, splendidly armed himself, and his
soldier full o courage and confidence; and there engaging with him in a
sharp conflict, which lasted a long while, overthrew his army with great
slaughter, and took their camp. Of those that fled, some were presently
cut off by the pursuers; other, and these were the greatest number,
dispersed hither and thither, and were despatched by the people that
came sallying out from the neighboring towns and villages.

Thus Rome was strangely taken, and more strangely recovered, having been
seven whole months in the possession of the barbarians, who entered her
a little after the Ides of July, and were driven out about the Ides of
February following. Camillus triumphed, as he deserved, having saved
his country that was lost, and brought the city so to say, back again
to itself. For those that had fled abroad, together with their wives and
children, accompanied him as he rode in; and those who had been shut up
in the capitol, and were reduced almost to the point of perishing with
hunger, went out to meet him, embracing each other as they met, and
weeping for joy, and, though the excess of the present pleasure,
scarcely believing in its truth.

It was a hard task, amidst so much rubbish, to discover and re-determine
the consecrated places; but by the zeal of Camillus, and the incessant
labor of the priest, it was at last accomplished. But when it came also
to rebuilding the city, which was wholly demolished, despondency seized
t