Steadily,
as though they were on parade, and dragging with them those of their
wounded comrades who could not walk, the legionaries fell back, heedless
of the storm of spears and arrows, reaching their own lines before the
outflanking body of Jews could get among them. Then seeing that there
was nothing more to be gained, since to attempt to storm the Roman works
was hopeless, the victorious Jews also retreated, this time not to the
houses behind the tower, but only to the old market wall thirty or forty
paces in front of it, which they proceeded to hold and strengthen in the
fading light. Seeing that they were lost, such of the wounded Romans as
remained upon the field committed suicide, preferring to fall upon their
own spears than into the hands of the Jews to be tortured and crucified.
Also for this deed they had another reason, since it was the decree of
Titus that any soldier who was taken living should be publicly disgraced
by name and expelled from the ranks of the legion, and, if recaptured,
in addition suffer death or banishment.
Gladly would Marcus have followed their example and thereby--though he
knew it not--save himself much misery and shame in the future, but he
had neither time nor weapon; moreover, so weak was he with struggling
and the loss of blood, that even as he and Caleb were dragged by savage
hands from among the fallen, he fainted.
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