Ab urbe condita

The enemy were defeated with great slaughter at Antium in a single easily-won battle. The victorious army devastated the Volscian territory. The fort at Lake Fucinus was stormed, and the garrison of 3000 men taken prisoners, whilst the rest of the Volscians were driven into their walled towns, leaving their fields at the mercy of the enemy.

After making what use he could of Fortune's favours in the conduct of the war[*](Livy's meaning appears to be that though the general seized every opportunity, the war was not arduous enough to enhance his reputation. But the sentence is obscure.), the Dictator returned home with more success than glory and

laid down his office. The consular tribunes waived all proposals for the election of consuls —owing, I believe, to their resentment at the appointment of a Dictator —and issued orders for the election of consular tribunes.

This increased the anxiety of the senators, for they saw that their cause was being betrayed by men of their own party.

Accordingly, as in the previous year they had excited disgust against all plebeian candidates, however worthy, by means of those who were perfectly worthless, so now the leaders of the senate appeared as candidates, surrounded by everything that could lend distinction or strengthen personal influence.