arisen now that the two Scipios were slain; who could
command the camp, and who had given the signal for
battle; in consequence of these so many and so unexpected
circumstances, at first, being in a state of complete
uncertainty and amazement, they gave ground; but afterwards,
discomfited by the violence of the charge, they turned
their backs; and either there would have been a dreadful
slaughter of the flying enemy, or a rash and dangerous
effort on the part of the pursuers, had not Marcius
promptly given the signal for retreat, and by throwing
himself in the way of the front rank, and even holding
some back with his own hands, repressed the infuriated
troops. He then led them back to the camp, still
eager for blood and slaughter. When the Carthaginians,
who were at first compelled to fly with precipitation
from the rampart of their enemy, saw that no one pursued
them, concluding that they had stopped from fear,
now on the other hand went away to their camp at an
easy pace, with feelings of contempt for the enemy.
There was a corresponding want of care in guarding
their camp; for though the enemy were near, yet it
seemed that they were but the remains of the two armies
which had been cut to pieces a few days before.
As in consequence of this all things were neglected
in the enemy’s camp, Marcius having ascertained
this, addressed his mind to a measure which on the
first view of it might appear rather rash than bold:
it was, aggressively to assault the enemy’s
camp, concluding that the camp of Hasdrubal, while
alone, might be carried with less difficulty than his
own could be defended, if the three armies and as many
generals should again unite; taking into consideration
also that either if he succeeded he would retrieve
their prostrate fortune, or if repulsed, still, by
making the attack himself, he would rescue himself
from contempt.
38. Lest, however, the suddenness of the affair,
and the fear of night, should frustrate a measure
which was in itself ill adapted to his condition,
he thought it right that his soldiers should be addressed
and exhorted; and having called an assembly, he discoursed
as follows: “Soldiers, either my veneration
for our late commanders, both living and dead, or
our present situation, may impress on every one the
belief that this command, as it is highly honourable
to me, conferred by your suffrages, so is it in its
nature a heavy and anxious charge. For at a time
when I should be scarcely so far master of myself
as to be able to find any solace for my afflicted mind,
did not fear deaden the sense of sorrow, I am compelled
to take upon myself alone the task of consulting for
the good of you all; a task of the greatest difficulty
when under the influence of grief. And not even
at that critical moment, when I ought to be considering
in what manner I may be enabled to keep together for
my country these remains of two armies, can I divert
my mind from the affliction which incessantly preys
upon me. For bitter recollection is ever present,