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S.A. Bent, comp. Familiar Short Sayings of Great Men. 1887.

Brennus

  • [A chief of the Gaulish tribe of the Senones; invaded the Roman State about 390 B.C.: having entered Rome, he found the city deserted, except by some aged senators, who were murdered in their ivory chairs. The Capitol was, however, defended by a garrison, which was saved from a night attack by the cackling of some geese.]
  • Væ victis!

  • Brennus consented to leave Rome upon the payment of one thousand talents. Reproached with using false measures, he threw his sword into the scale, exclaiming, “Woe to the conquered!”—PLUTARCH: Life of Camillus (by whom the Gauls were finally expelled).