Ab urbe condita

We shall be like them if we stay here longer than we need. Come along with me and let us reconnoitre their positions while some light is still left and find out where the exit from here is open.”

Disguised in a common soldier's cloak that the enemy might not mark the general going his rounds, and with his centurion similarly attired, he made a thorough examination of all these details.

After arranging the watches, he ordered the tessera[*](A 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