Ab urbe condita

It is even asserted that the mob of mechanics and artizans, a class utterly unfit for warfare, were called out. An immense army was concentrated at Veii to check the advance of the Gauls. It was thought better not to march any further in case the enemy took some other route to the City. After a thorough reconnaissance had been made, it was ascertained after a few days that all was quiet as far as the Gauls were concerned, and the whole force was thereupon marched to Privernum.

From this point there is a twofold story. Some state that the city was stormed and Vitrubius taken alive; other authorities aver that before the final assault the townsmen came out with a caduceus [*](This was primarily the wand or staff carried by Hermes, the herald-god, and the term was applied to the staff —corresponding to our flag of truce —carried by peace-envoys when approaching the victorious enemy with a view to surrender.) and surrendered to the consul, whilst Vitrubius was given up by