And now, after the battle, had the Gauls immediately pursued those
that fled, there had been no remedy but Rome must have wholly been
ruined, and all those who remained in it utterly destroyed; such
was the terror that those who escaped the battle brought with them
into the city, and with such distraction and confusion were they
themselves in turn infected. But the Gauls, not imagining their
victory to be so considerable, and overtaken with the present joy,
fell to feasting and dividing the spoil, by which means they gave
leisure to those who were for leaving the city to make their
escape, and to those that remained, to anticipate and prepare for
their coming.
On the third day after the battle, Brennus appeared with his army
at the city, and, finding the gates wide open and no guards upon
the walls, first began to suspect it was some design or stratagem,
never dreaming that the Romans were in so desperate a condition.
But when he found it to be so indeed, he entered at the Colline
gate, and took Rome, in the three hundred and sixtieth year, or a
little more, after it was built.
Brennus having taken possession of Rome, set a strong guard about
the Capitol, and, going himself down into the forum, was there
struck with amazement at the sight of so many men sitting in such
order and silence, observing that they neither rose at his coming,
nor so much as changed color or countenance, but remained without
fear or concern, leaning upon their staves, and sitting quietly,
looking at each other.
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