of safety upon their approach; being terrified at their numbers, the fierceness of their natures, and their dreadful preparations for war. 36.  But the rage and impetuosity of this wild people were directed solely against Rome.  They went on without doing the least injury in their march, breathing vengeance only against the Romans.  A terrible engagement soon after ensued, in which the Romans were defeated near the river Al’lia, with the loss of about forty thousand men.[8]

37.  Rome, thus deprived of succour, prepared for every extremity.  The inhabitants endeavoured to hide themselves in the neighbouring towns, or resolved to await the conqueror’s fury, and end their lives with the ruin of their native city.[9] 38.  But, more particularly, the ancient senators and priests, struck with a religious enthusiasm, on this occasion resolved to devote their lives to atone for the crimes of the people, and, habited in their robes of ceremony, placed themselves in the forum, on their ivory chairs. 39.  The Gauls, in the mean time, were giving a loose to their triumph, in sharing and enjoying the plunder of the enemy’s camp.  Had they immediately marched to Rome, upon gaining the victory, the Capitol would, in all probability, have been taken; but they continued two days feasting upon the field of battle, and, with barbarous pleasure, exulting amidst their slaughtered enemies. 40.  On the third day after this easy victory, Brennus appeared with all his forces before the city.  He was at first much surprised to find the gates open to receive him, and the walls defenceless; so that he began to impute the unguarded situation of the place to a Roman stratagem.  After proper precaution, he entered the city, and, marching into the forum, beheld there the ancient senators sitting in their order, observing a profound silence, unmoved and undaunted. 41.  The splendid habits, the majestic gravity, and the venerable looks of these old men, who, in their time, had all borne the highest offices of state, awed the barbarous enemy into reverence; they mistook them for the tutelar deities of the place, and began to offer blind adoration; till one, more forward than the rest, putting forth his hand to stroke the beard of Papyr’ius, an insult the noble Roman could not endure, he lifted up his ivory sceptre, and struck the savage to the ground. 42.  This proved to be a signal for general slaughter.  Papyr’ius fell first, and all the rest shared his fate without mercy or distinction.[10] The fierce invaders pursued their slaughter for three days successively, sparing neither sex nor age; then, setting fire to the city, burnt every house to the ground.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What was the conduct of the Veians?

2.  What resolution was adopted in consequence?

3.  Was Veii a strong place?

4.  Did the besieged make a vigorous resistance?

5.  What consequences were likely to ensue, and how were they obviated?