Context. The Romans on the Capitol, despairing of outside help, agreed with Brennus that Rome should be redeemed by a ransom of 1000 pounds of gold. Nondum omnni auro appenso, Camillus appeared at the head of his troops.

3 per altercationem = owing to the dispute. When the Consular Tribune Sulpicius complained that the Gauls used unjust weights, Brennus in derision threw his sword into the scale and said Vae victis!

13-14 nova re = at the change in their fortunes.—Whibley.

15-16 haud maiore momento = with no greater difficulty (effort).

17 Iustiore altero proelio = in a second and more regular engagement.— W.

23 incondītos = rough, unpolished.

‘The Gaul shall come against thee

From the land of snow and night:

Thou shalt give his fair-haired armies

To the raven and the kite.’—Macaulay.