Their enemy,although their shields and bodies were pierced and even their cries had failed,held their ground bravely.When the corpses of those who had been killed on the wall were stripped and thrown down among them,they could not bear the indignity,but turned away from the spectacle and stood for a moment undecided,like athletes taking a breathing-spell in the gymnastic games.Lucius had pity on them in this condition and sounded a retreat.Then the troops of Octavian joyfully clashed their arms as for a victory,whereupon those of Lucius were roused to anger and again seized their ladders (although they had no more towers),and carried them to the walls with desperation. Yet they did not do any harm to the enemy,
for they had not the strength. Lucius ran among them and besought them to sacrifice their lives no longer,and led them back groaning and reluctant.
This was the end of this hotly contested siege. In order that the enemy might not make another attempt on his works, Octavian stationed a part of his army, that was held in reserve, alongside the fortifications, and instructed others in other places to leap upon the wall at the sound of the trumpet. Although no one urged them on, they went through this exercise continually, in order to become familiar with it, and to inspire the enemy with fear. The troops of Lucius began to grow down-hearted, and, as usually happens in such cases, the guards relaxed their vigilance,
and desertion became more frequent, not only of the common soldiers, but, in some cases, of the higher officers also. And now Lucius inclined toward peace, out of pity for the perishing multitude, but the fears of some of the enemies of Octavian for their own safety still restrained him. But as Octavian was observed to treat the deserters kindly, and the desire for peace increased among all, Lucius began to fear lest, if he refused, he should be delivered up.Lucius selected three envoys.The three envoys advanced other like arguments which were calculated to prevail with Octavian. Octavian, knowing that some of the enemy were still raw recruits, while others were veteran colonists, replied artfully that he would
grant amnesty to Antony's soldiers out of regard for him,but that the others must surrender at discretion.This he said in the presence of all,but,taking aside Furnius,one of the three,he led him to expect mild treatment for Lucius and the rest,except his own personal enemies.These personal enemies of Octavian,having learned of Furnius' private interview and suspecting that it related to themselves,reproached him when he came back,and demanded of Lucius either that he should ask a new treaty,which should include all alike,or fight to the death,saying that this had not been a private war for any individual,but a public one in behalf of their country.Lucius approved,pitying them as men of the same rank as himself.