He stood receiving the pledges and plaudits, and repaying each protestation of loyalty with a few gracious words, or smiles, that were worth fifty talents to each acclaiming maniple.

Drusus, who was standing back of the proconsul, beside Curio, realized that never before had he seen such outgoing of magnetism and personal energy from man to man, one mind holding in vassalage five thousand.

Yet it was all very quickly over.

Almost while the plaudits of the centuries were rending the air, Caesar turned to the senior tribune of the legion.
"Are your men ready for the march, officer ?" The soldier instantly fell into rigid military pose.

"Ready this instant, Imperator.