With this project in his mind he sent a letter-bearer to Capua, inducing one of the Libyans to desert to the Roman camp and thence to the city, taking every precaution for the security of the letter.
For he was in great dread lest the Capuans on witnessing his departure should think he despaired of saving them and in their consternation surrender to the Romans.
He therefore wrote explaining his purpose in leaving, and sent off the Libyan, so that when they heard of his purpose and learnt why he had left they might continue to sustain the siege courageously.
Now when the news from Capua first reached <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Rome&groupId=935&placeId=1669">Rome</a> that Hannibal had encamped parallel to their lines and was besieging them, it caused universal excitement and dismay, as they felt that the impending decision would influence the whole war.
Consequently the whole attention of everyone was at present directed to the preparation and dispatch of succour to that quarter.
The Capuans on receiving the letter from the Libyan, and on understanding the Carthaginian plan, continued to maintain their resistance, being resolved to try the chance of this expedient.
Hannibal on the fifth day from his arrival, after giving his men their supper, left his fires burning and retreated in such a manner that none of the enemy had any notion of what was happening.
By a series of rapid marches through <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Samnium&groupId=943&placeId=1678">Samnium</a>, and by sending his outposts on each day to reconnoitre and occupy the district near the road, he succeeded,
while the minds of the Romans were still occupied with Capua and what was happening there, in crossing the <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Anio&groupId=331&placeId=642">Anio</a> unperceived and getting so near to <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Rome&groupId=935&placeId=1669">Rome</a> that he established his camp at a distance of not more than forty stades from the walls.
Walbank Commentary