38 Elated by their victory and
their booty, the conquerors passed a night of merriment. Meanwhile the Britons,
wandering amidst the mingled wailings of men and women, were dragging off their
wounded, calling to the unhurt, deserting their homes, and in their rage
actually firing them, choosing places of concealment only instantly to abandon
them. One moment they would take counsel together, the next, part company,
while the sight of those who were dearest to them sometimes melted their
hearts, but oftener roused their fury. It was an undoubted fact that some of
them vented their rage on their wives and children, as if in pity for their
lot. The following day showed more fully the extent of the calamity, for the
silence of desolation reigned everywhere: the hills were forsaken, houses were
smoking in the distance, and no one was seen by the scouts. These were
despatched in all directions; and it having been ascertained that the track of
the flying enemy was uncertain, and that there was no attempt at rallying, it
being also impossible, as summer was now over, to extend the war, Agricola led
back his army into the territory of the Boresti. He received hostages from
them, and then ordered the commander of the fleet to sail round Britain. A
force for this purpose was given him, which great panic everywhere preceded.
Agricola himself, leading his infantry and cavalry by slow marches, so as to
overawe the newly-conquered tribes by the very tardiness of his progress,
brought them into winter quarters, while the fleet with propitious breezes and great
renown entered the harbour
of Trutulium, to which it
had returned after having coasted along the entire southern shore of the
island.
|