Every day, from the time that news arrived that the consul Claudius had set out, from sun-rise to sun-set, none of the senators ever quitted the senate-house, or did the people depart from the forum.

The matrons, as they had themselves no means of affording assistance, had recourse to prayers and entreaties, and going about to all the temples, wearied the gods with vows and supplications.

While the city was in this state of solicitude and suspense, a vague report first arrived that two Narnian horsemen had come from the field of battle into the camp which stood as a defence in the entrance to Umbria, with intelligence that the enemy were cut to pieces.

At first they rather heard than credited this news, as being too great and too joyful for the mind to take in, or obtain a firm belief.

Even the very rapidity with which it had arrived formed an obstacle to its reception; for it was stated that the battle took place two days before.