Caius Marcius Coriolanus

He did, indeed, admit this embassy into his camp, but made no other concession, nor did he act or speak more mildly, but told them to make a settlement on his former terms, or else accept the war.[*](Cf. Livy, ii. 39, 12; Dionysius, viii. 38. ) Accordingly, when the priests had returned, it was decided to remain quietly in the city, guarding its walls, and repulsing the enemy, should he make an attack.

They put their hopes in time especially, and in the vicissitudes of fortune, since they knew not how to save themselves by their own efforts, but turmoil, terror, and rumours of evil possessed the city. At last something happened that was like what Homer often mentions, although people generally do not wholly believe it.

For when some great and unusual deed is to be done, that poet declares in his stately manner:—

1. He then was inspired by the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene;[*](Odyssey, xviii. 158 = xxi. i. (τῇ δ’ ἄρα).)

1. But some immortal turned his mind by lodging in his heart
2. A fear of what the folk would say;[*](Not to be found now in Homer.)

1. Either through some suspicion, or else a god so bade him do;[*](Odyssey, ix. 339.)