Ab urbe condita

As these opinions were pretty generally expressed in their different councils, the Romans ordered war to be declared against the Aequi.

Both the consuls took the field and selected a position four miles distant from the enemy's camp.

As the Aequi had for many years had no experience of a national war, their army was like a body of irregulars with no properly appointed generals and no discipline or obedience. They were in utter confusion; some were of opinion that they ought to give battle, others thought they ought to confine themselves to defending their camp.

The majority were influenced by the prospect of their fields being devastated and their cities, with their scanty garrisons, being destroyed.

In this diversity of opinions one was given utterance to which put out of sight all care for the common weal and directed each man's regards to his own private interests.

They were advised to abandon their camp at the first watch, carry off all their belongings, and disperse to their respective cities to protect their property behind their walls. This advice met with the warmest approval from all.