Page:Frontinus - The stratagems, and, the aqueducts of Rome (Bennet et al 1925).djvu/253

 STRATAGEMS, III. i. 1-2

On the other hand, stratagems connected with the protection of the besieged :

XII. On stimulating the vigilance of one's own troops.

XIII. On sending and receiving messages.

XIV. On introducing reinforcements and supplying

provisions. XV. How to produce the impression of abundance of what is lacking. XV'I. How to meet the menace of treason and

desertion. XVII. On sorties, XVIII. Concerning steadfastness on the part of the besieged.

I. On Surprise Attacks

The consul Titus Quinctius, having conquered the Aequians and Volscians in an engagement, decided to storm the walled town of Antium. Accordingly he called an assemblv of the soldiers and explained how necessary this project was and how easy, if only it were not postponed. Then, having roused enthusiasm by his address, he assaulted the town.'^

Marcus Cato, when in Spain, saw that he could gain possession of a certain town, if only he could assault the enemy by surpi'ise. Accordingly, having in two days accomplished a four days' march through rough and barren districts, he crushed his foes, who were fearing no such event. Then, when his men asked the reason of so easy a success, he told them that they had won the victory as soon as they had accomplished the four days' march in two.^

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