Book 7
35.1
After arranging the watches, he ordered the tesseraA wooden tablet on which the watchword was written —it was not as a rule given verbally —and frequently, also, the order of the day, as in the present instances. to be given to the rest of the troops; when the bugle sounded for the second watch they were to muster round him
35.2
in silence. When they had assembled in accordance with instructions, he said: “This silence, soldiers, must be maintained, and all applause as you listen to me checked. When I have laid my proposals fully before you, those of you who approve will cross over silently to the right. The opinion of the majority will be adopted. Now listen to
35.3
my plans. You were not carried here in flight, nor have you been abandoned through cowardice, and the enemy are investing you. You seized this position by your courage, by your courage you must get away from it. By coming here you have saved a splendid army for Rome, now you must save yourselves by cutting your
35.4
way out. Though few in number you have brought aid to many, and it is only fitting to your deserts that you yourselves should need the aid
35.5
of none. We have to do with an enemy who through his slackness yesterday failed to use the chance which Fortune gave him of wiping out an entire army; who did not perceive this most useful peak hanging over his head until it had been seized
