38.
P. Sextius Baculus, who had led a principal century
under Caesar (of whom we have made mention in previous
engagements), had been left an invalid in the garrison, and had now been five
days without food. He, distrusting his own safety and that of all, goes forth
from his tent unarmed; he sees that the enemy are close at hand and that the
matter is in the utmost danger; he snatches arms from those nearest, and
stations himself at the gate. The centurions of that cohort which was on guard
follow him; for a short time they sustain the fight together. Sextius faints, after receiving many wounds; he is with difficulty
saved, drawn away by the hands of the soldiers. This space having intervened,
the others resume courage so far as to venture to take their place on the
fortifications and present the aspect of defenders.
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