1When the Po was in sight and night was coming on, it was decided to fortify a camp. 1That labour, unfamiliar to the city soldiers, broke their spirits. 1Then all the oldest soldiers began to reproach their own credulity, and to point out the fear and danger if Caecina with his army had surrounded so few cohorts on the open plains. 1And now throughout the camp there was sober talk, and, as the centurions and tribunes joined in, the general's foresight was praised for having chosen a colony strong in men and resources as a stronghold and base for the war. 1At last Spurinna himself, not so much reproaching them for their fault as showing them his reasoning, left the scouts behind and led the rest back to Placentia, less unruly now and ready to accept orders.
1The walls were strengthened, battlements added, towers heightened, and provision and preparation were made not only of arms but of obedience and a love of discipline, the one thing which that party lacked, since they had no cause to be ashamed of their courage.