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[291]
NOW, on the next night, a surprising disturbance fell upon the Romans;
for whereas Titus had given orders for the erection of three towers of
fifty cubits high, that by setting men upon them at every bank, he might
from thence drive those away who were upon the wall, it so happened that
one of these towers fell down about midnight; and as its fall made a very
great noise, fear fell upon the army, and they, supposing that the enemy
was coming to attack them, ran all to their arms. Whereupon a disturbance
and a tumult arose among the legions, and as nobody could tell what had
happened, they went on after a disconsolate manner; and seeing no enemy
appear, they were afraid one of another, and every one demanded of his
neighbor the watchword with great earnestness, as though the Jews had invaded
their camp. And now were they like people under a panic fear, till Titus
was informed of what had happened, and gave orders that all should be acquainted
with it; and then, though with some difficulty, they got clear of the disturbance
they had been under.
Flavius Josephus. The Works of Flavius Josephus. Translated by. William Whiston, A.M. Auburn and Buffalo. John E. Beardsley. 1895.
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