History of Rome

​The Sabines, however, held the citadel, and from there on the following day, when the Roman army, drawn up in order, had filled the plain that lies between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, they did not descend to the level ground until the Romans, their minds stimulated by anger and the desire to recover the citadel, went up against them.

​The leaders on both sides provoked the battle: on the Sabines’ side, Mettius Curtius; on the Romans’ side, Hostius Hostilius. The latter supported the Roman cause in an unfavorable position at the front line with courage and daring.

​As soon as Hostius fell, the Roman line immediately wavered and was routed to the old gate of the Palatine.

​Romulus himself, swept along by the crowd of fugitives, raising his weapons to heaven, said, “Jupiter, commanded by your birds, I laid here on the Palatine the first foundations for the city. The Sabines now hold the citadel, bought by crime; from there they are making their way here in arms, having crossed the valley between; but you, ​father of gods and men, ward off the enemy at least from here, take away terror from the Romans, and stop their shameful flight. Here I vow to you a temple to Jupiter the Stayer, ​which shall be a monument to posterity that the city was saved by your timely help.”

​Having prayed thus, as if he had felt his prayers were heard, he said, “From here, Romans, Jupiter Best and Greatest bids you halt and renew the battle.” The Romans halted as if commanded by a divine voice; Romulus himself flew forward to the front ranks.

​Mettius Curtius, the leader on the Sabines’ side, had run down from the citadel and driven the scattered Romans across the whole space of the forum. He was now not far from the gate of the Palatine, shouting: “We have conquered our faithless hosts, our cowardly enemies; now they know that it is one thing to carry off maidens, and quite another to fight with men.”

​Against him, boasting thus, Romulus made a charge with a band of the fiercest youths. Mettius happened to be fighting on horseback at that time; therefore it was easier to drive him back. The Romans pursued him when he was driven back; and the rest of the Roman line, kindled by the daring of their king, routed the Sabines.

​Mettius threw himself into the swamp, his horse being terrified by the noise of his pursuers; and this event had turned the Sabines’ attention because of the danger to so great a man. And he indeed escaped, his people gesturing and calling to him, his courage increased by the support of many; the Romans and Sabines renewed the battle in the valley between the two hills. But the Roman cause was superior.