he multitude, and a backwardness to engage in a work for which they
had no materials. The senate, therefore, fearing a sedition, would not
suffer Camillus, though desirous, to lay down his authority within the
year, though no other dictator had ever held it above six months.

Camillus thought good to refer the matter of rebuilding to general
deliberation, and himself spoke largely and earnestly in behalf of his
country, as also may others. At last, calling to Lucius Lucretius, whose
place it was to speak first, he commanded him to give his sentence, and
the rest as they followed, in order. Silence being made, and Lucretius
just about to begin, by chance a centurion, passing by outside with
his company of the day-guard, called out with a loud voice to the
ensign-bearer to halt and fix his standard, for this was the best place
to stay in. This voice, coming in that moment of time, and that crisis
of uncertainty and anxiety for the future, was taken as a direction what
was to be done; so that Lucretius, assuming an attitude of devotion,
gave sentence in concurrence with the gods, as he said, as likewise did
all that followed. Even among the common people it created a wonderful
change of feeling: every one now cheered and encouraged his neighbor,
and set himself to the work, proceeding in it, however, not by any
regular lines or divisions, but every one pitching upon that plot of
ground which came next to hand, or best pleased his fancy; by which
haste and hurry in building they constructed their city in narrow and
ill-designed lanes, and with houses huddled together one upon another;
for it is said that within the compass of the year the whole city was
raised up anew, both in its public walls and private buildings.

And now they had scarcely got a breathing time from their trouble when
a new war came upon them; and the Aequians, and the Tuscans besieged
Sutrium, their confederate city. Camillus, being the third time chosen
dictator, armed not only those under, but also those over, the age
of service; and taking a large circuit around the mountain Maecius,
undiscovered by the enemy, lodged his army on their rear, and then by
many fires gave notice of his arrival. The besieged, encouraged by this,
prepared to sally forth and join battle; but the Latins and Volscians,
fearing this exposure to any enemy on both sides, drew themselves within
their works, and fortified their camp with a strong palisade of trees
on every side, re