Camillus was grieved for the misery of these poor folk. When he saw that his soldiers also pitied them, he determined still to go to the city, that he might wrest it once again from the Etruscans, and restore the Sutrians to their homes.
He foresaw that the victorious soldiers would be feasting, that the gates would be unguarded.
And so it was. Camillus had no difficulty in seizing the gates and manning the walls of Sutrium. Then he ordered his soldiers to fall upon the merrymakers, who were celebrating their victory with song and feast. Many of the Etruscans surrendered, while others waited like cowards to be slain. Sutrium was thus taken twice in one day.
CHAPTER XXXIX
THE BATTLE ON THE BANKS OF THE ANIO
The battle on the banks of the Anio took place when Camillus was no longer young, and when he was attacked with illness.
Yet the Senate, anxious to have his help, would not listen as he pleaded that he was unable for the duties of a tribune.
But when war broke out with the Volscians and the Prænestines, it sent another tribune with Camillus, to lead the army, so that the old man’s strength might be spared. Lucius Furius was the name of the tribune who accompanied Camillus.
The two tribunes encamped near the enemy, Camillus hoping to avoid battle until he was stronger.
But Lucius wished to win glory on the field, and was impatient to fight.