1This is the battle of Cannae, equal in renown to the disaster at the Allia, but, as it was lighter in what happened after the battle, because the enemy held back, so it was heavier and more shameful in the slaughter of the army. 3For the flight at the Allia, while it betrayed the city, saved the army; 3at Cannae barely fifty followed the consul in his flight, while almost the whole army was with the other as he died. 4Since in both camps there was a half-armed multitude without leaders, those in the larger camp send a message to the others that they should cross over to them while the enemy, worn out by the battle and then by feasting for joy, were sunk in the sleep of night: they would leave for Canusium in a single column.
5Some rejected that proposal entirely: why, they asked, did those who were summoning them not come themselves, since they could be united just as well that way? 5Because, plainly, everything in between was full of the enemy, and they preferred to expose others' bodies rather than their own to such great danger. 6Others did not so much dislike the proposal as lack the courage. 6Then Publius 6Sempronius Tuditanus, a military tribune, said: 'Would you rather, then, be taken by a most greedy and cruel enemy, and have your heads valued and prices set by men asking whether you are a Roman citizen or a Latin ally, so that from your insult and misery honour may be sought for another?
7No, not if you are indeed fellow citizens of the consul Lucius Aemilius, who chose to die well rather than live disgracefully, and of so many very brave men who lie heaped around him. 8But before daylight overtakes us and larger bodies of the enemy block our way, let us break out through these men who are clamouring at our gates without order or formation. 9With steel and daring a way is made, however densely packed the enemy. 9With a wedge, indeed, you could scatter this loose and slack column as if nothing stood in your way. 9So come with me, all who wish to save both yourselves and the state.' 10When he had said this, he draws his sword and, forming a wedge, goes through the midst of the enemy: and when the Numidians hurled javelins at their right side, which was exposed, they shifted their shields to the right and got through to the larger camp, about six hundred of them, and from there, at once joining another large column, they reach Canusium unharmed.
12These things were done among the defeated more on the impulse of feeling, which each man's own nature or chance supplied, than from their own deliberation or anyone's command.