The Gauls, for a great while, stood
wondering at the strangeness of the sight, not daring to approach
or touch them, taking them for an assembly of superior beings. But
when one, bolder than the rest, drew near to Marcus Papirius, and,
putting forth his hand, gently touched his chin and stroked his
long beard, Papirius with his staff struck him a severe blow on
the head; upon which the barbarian drew his sword and slew him.
This was the introduction to the slaughter; for the rest,
following his example, set upon them all and killed them, and
dispatched all others that came in their way; and so went on to
the sacking and pillaging of the houses, which they continued for
many days ensuing.
Camillus then sojourned in the city of Ardea, having, ever since
his leaving Rome, sequestered himself from all business, and taken
to a private life; but now he began to rouse up himself, and
consider not how to avoid or escape the enemy, but to find out an
opportunity to be revenged upon them. And perceiving that the
Ardeatians wanted not men, but rather enterprise, through the
inexperience and timidity of their officers, he began to speak
with the young men, first to the effect that they ought not to
ascribe the misfortune of the Romans to the courage of their
enemy, nor attribute the losses they sustained by rash counsel to
the conduct of men who had no title to victory: the event had been
only an evidence of the power of fortune.
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