Notes About The Poem
Years ago I read a very good novel called The Wolf Of Masada (by John Fredman). I've since been interested in the Roman siege of Masada. The Sicarii would hide short daggers in their clothes, suddenly stab Romans, then disappear into crowds. The people mentioned were real. Vespasian, who prior was himself a very capable military commander, was the emperor then.
The X Legion Attack Order
From: Governor Silva, Lucias Flavius
To: Commander, Legio X "Fretensis"
The Judean slaves finally finished the assault ramp.
Order the centurions to roust the legionnaires from each camp.
Give each of your legionnaires extra water and a double ration,
Then assemble the squares and set them in motion.
The last of the defenders are cowering behind the wall.
Well before nightfall, I should expect Masada fortress to fall.
Among Eleazar Ben Yair's Zealots are Sicarii assassins,
So ensure that each prisoner taken is searched for hidden weapons.
Capture as many as you can of them to be sold for slaves;
But toss all their dead off the cliffs--don't bother digging graves.
It may still be awhile before the Tenth Legions rotates back home;
When that day comes, I'm sure Vespasian will honor you all before Rome.
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