Page:Frontinus - The stratagems, and, the aqueducts of Rome (Bennet et al 1925).djvu/279

 STRATAGEMS, III. i.. 2-4

In anothci' quarter, Fabius himself made an attack at a given signal and captured Arpi.^

In the Juginthine War Gaius Marius was at one time besieging a fortress situated near the Mulucha River. It stood on a rocky eminence, accessible on one side by a single narrow path, while the other side, as though by special design, was precijiitous. It happened that a certain Ligurian, a common soldier from among the auxiliaries, had gone out to procure water, and, while gathei'ing snails among the rocks of the mountain, had reached the summit. This man reported to Marius that it was possible to clamber up to the stronghold. Marius accordingly sent a few centurions in company with his fleetest soldiers, including also the most skilful trumjieters. These men went bare-headed and bare-footed, that they might see better and make their way more easily over the rocks ; their shields and swords were fastened to their backs. Guided by the Ligurian, and aided by straps and staffs, with which they sup- ported themselves, they made their way up to the rear of the fortress, which, owing to its position, was without defenders, and then began to sound their trumpets and make a great uproar, as they had previously been directed. At this signal, Marius, steadfastly urging on his men, began to advance with renewed fury against the defenders of the fortress. The latter were recalled from the defence by the populace, who had lost heart under the impression that the town had been captured from the rear, so that Mai-ius was enabled to press on and capture the fort.^

The consul Lucius Cornelius Rufinus captured numerous towns in Sardinia by landing powerful

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