"They got to the top in such silence that they not only deceived the guards but did not even arouse the dogs, animals that are startled by noises in the night. But they did not deceive the geese, which had not been killed despite the shortage of food, since they were sacred to Juno. This was the salvation of Rome. Marcus Manlius, an outstanding soldier who had been consul three years before, was aroused by their honking and the beating of their wings. He seized his arms, at the same time calling the rest to arms. As the others trembled, he strode forward and, with the boss of his shield, thrust back a Gaul who had already gained a foothold on the top of the hill. The Gaul slipped and fell, toppling those nearest to him. The nearest Manlius butchered as, in their fear, they dropped their arms and clung to the rocks with their hands. By now the rest of the Romans had amassed and were repelling the enemy with javelins and stones. The entire line collapsed and tumbled headlong down."
- From Book 5, section 47 [The Gauls climb the Capitol by night. Rome is saved by the sacred geese and the prompt action of Manlius.]
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