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 CHAPTER XXXIII

THE STATUE OF THE GODDESS

When Veii had fallen into his hands, Camillus allowed not only the soldiers, but the citizens of Rome to plunder the city, for he had agreed with the Senate that all the people should share in the spoil.

As he stood on a high tower watching the sack of the city which had resisted Rome for ten years, Camillus wept for pity. Then, covering his face with his toga, he prayed that if his great victory had made him proud, Jupiter would punish, not Rome or the army, but only him, and that 'with as little hurt as might be.'

Turning then to his right, as was the custom after prayer, the Dictator slipped and fell to the ground. This, he believed, was the 'little hurt' sent to him by the god.

Many treasures were taken from the conquered city to Rome, but none more sacred than the statue of Juno.

Camillus ordered some young men to clothe themselves in white robes, and then to go to the temple to remove the statue.

It was a solemn moment when the youths stood before the image, scarce venturing to look upon it, lest they should be punished for their boldness.

One of them, half mocking, yet, it may be, half in earnest too, said: 'O Juno, wilt thou go to Rome?'

Clear through the temple echoed the voice of the goddess: 'I will.'

Then reverently the young men lifted the image, but to their astonishment it was so light that they felt as though