That the aruspex was not, indeed, pleased that the entrails should first have appeared mutilated and foul, and then too exuberant.
27.

But the consul Marcellus was influenced by so ardent a desire of engaging with Hannibal, that he never thought their camps close enough.

At that time also, as he quitted the rampart, he gave orders that the troops should be ready when occasion required, in order that if the hill, which they were going to examine, were thought convenient, they might collect their baggage and follow them.

Before the camp there was a small plain; the road thence to the hill was open and exposed to view on all sides.

A watchman who was stationed, not under the expectation of so important an event, but in order that they might be able to intercept any stragglers who had gone too far from the camp in search of wood or forage, gave a signal to the Numidians to rise simultaneously one and all from their concealment.