History of Rome

​Thenceforward, gradually, whether because the peace of the gods had been obtained or because the more severe season of the year was now passed, they got through the diseases. Their bodies began to be healthier;

​and their minds being turned now to public concern, when several interregna had expired, P. Valerius Publicola, on the third day after he had entered upon his interregnum, elected Lucius Lucretius Tricipitinus and Titus Veturius Geminus (or if he was Vetusius) as consuls.

​They entered upon their consulship on the third day before the Ides of Sextilis, the state being now sufficiently strong, so that it was able not only to ward off war, but even voluntarily to carry it on.

​Therefore, when the Hernici reported that the enemy had crossed into their territory, the promised help was promptly provided. Two consular armies were enrolled. Veturius was sent against the Volsci to carry the war actively into their territory;

​Tricipitinus, stationed in the territory of the allies to ward off devastations, did not advance further than into the land of the Hernici. Veturius in the first battle routed and put to flight the enemy;

​while Lucretius remained inactive among the Hernici, a band of plunderers eluded him, led over the Praenestine mountains, and thence sent down into the plains. They laid waste the Praenestine and Gabine lands, and from the Gabine territory they turned into the Tusculan hills;

​great terror was also caused to the city of Rome, more by the suddenness of the event than because there was too little strength to ward off the violence. Q. Fabius was in charge of the city. He, having armed the youth and disposed garrisons, made all things safe and tranquil.

​And so the enemy, having seized plunder from the nearest places, not daring to approach the city, as they were returning with their column wheeled round, the farther they withdrew from the city, with their vigilance being the more relaxed, fell in with the consul Lucretius, who was already well-prepared, the routes having been reconnoitered beforehand, and intent upon the contest.

​Therefore, with minds prepared, they attacked those who were struck with sudden panic, and though considerably fewer in number, they routed and put to flight the huge multitude, and having driven them into deep valleys, since escape was not easy, they surrounded them.

​There the Volscian name was almost wiped out. In certain annals I find that thirteen thousand four hundred and seventy fell in battle and flight, one thousand seven hundred and fifty were taken alive, and twenty-seven military standards were brought back; in which, even if something has been added to the number, the slaughter was certainly great.

​The victorious consul, having gained possession of vast booty, returned to the same permanent camp. Then the consuls joined their camps; and the Volsci and Aequi brought together their shattered forces into one. That was the third battle in that year. The same fortune gave victory; the enemy having been routed, their camp also was captured.