Book 19
2.1
After the body had been burned and the ashes collected and placed in a silver urn, since the father had decided that they should be taken to his native land to be consigned to the earth, they debated what it was best to do; and it was resolved to propitiate the spirit of the slain youth by burningThat is, the burned city should take the place of the bustum where his body was burned; see A.J.P. liv. pp. 362f. and destroying the city; for Grumbates would not allow them to go farther while the shade of his only son was unavenged.
2.2
Accordingly, after two days had been given to rest, a large force was sent to devastate the rich, cultivated fields, which were unprotected as in time of peace; then the city was begirt by a fivefold line of shields, and on the morning of the third day gleaming bands of horsemen filled all places which the eye could reach, and the ranks, advancing at a quiet pace, took the places assigned them by lot.
