him how affairs went on. “All your five sons are slain,” said he. “Unhappy wretch!” replied the woman: “I ask thee not of what concerns my children, but of what concerns my country.” “As to that all is well,” said the soldier. “Then,” said she, “let them mourn that are miserable. My country is prosperous, and I am happy.” (a) A great chasm opened in the Roman Forum, which the soothsayers said could not be filled but by that which was most valuable to the State. Marcus Curtius, an eminent soldier,
Pages 9–10