From the time camp was brought close to camp, they ceased not from light skirmishing, the dictator readily allowing his soldiers, by comparing strength, to entertain beforehand the hope of a general victory, after they had gradually essayed the result of slight skirmishes.

Wherefore the enemy, no hope being now left in a regular engagement, attacked the consuls' camp in the night, and bring the matter to the chance of a doubtful result.

The shout which arose suddenly awoke not only the consuls' sentinels and then all the army, but the dictator also.

When circumstances required instant exertion, the consul evinced no deficiency either in spirit or in judgment.

One part of the troops reinforce the guards at the gates, another man the rampart around.