History of Rome

​This dispute had occupied the thoughts of men at a highly unsuitable time, when so great a war was on their hands, ​until, when Julius and Cornelius had long argued alternately that, since they themselves were sufficiently suitable leaders for that war, it was not just that the office committed to them by the people should be snatched away, ​then Ahala Servilius, a military tribune, said that he had remained silent for so long, not because he was uncertain of his opinion—for what good citizen would separate his own plans from those of the public?—but because he preferred that his colleagues should yield of their own accord to the authority of the senate, rather than allow the tribunician power to be implored against them.

​Even then, if the situation had permitted, he would gladly have given them time for the retreat from their too obstinate opinion; but since the necessities of war do not wait for human plans, the republic would be more important to him than the favor of his colleagues, and, if the senate remained in its opinion, ​he would name a dictator during the coming night, and, if anyone should intercede against the decree of the senate, he would be content with its authority.

​When, by this act, he had won well-deserved praise and gratitude among all, Publius Cornelius was named dictator, and he himself was appointed master of the horse by him, serving as an example to his colleagues as they looked at him and the dictator, showing how favor and honor sometimes come more seasonably to those who do not desire them. The war was not memorable.

​In a single and easy battle, the enemy were slain near Antium; the victorious army ravaged the Volscian territory; a fort near Lake Fucinus was taken by storm, and in it three thousand men were captured, the rest of the Volscians being driven within their walls and not defending their lands.

​The dictator, having conducted the war in such a way that it seemed almost not to have lacked good fortune, returned to the city greater in good fortune than in glory, and resigned his office.

​The military tribunes, making no mention of the consular elections—I believe on account of their anger at the appointment of a dictator—proclaimed the elections for military tribunes.

​Then indeed a more serious anxiety fell upon the patricians, since they saw the cause being betrayed by their own men.

​Therefore, just as in the previous year they had created disgust for all, even the worthy, through the most unworthy candidates from the plebs, so then, with the leading patricians prepared for candidacy with their brilliance and influence, they secured all the places, so that no plebeian might have access.

​Four were elected, all having already held that office: Lucius Furius Medullinus, Gaius Valerius Potius, Numerius Fabius Vibulanus, and Gaius Servilius Ahala, the last-named being re-elected in a continuous term, not only on account of his other virtues, but also because of the recent favor won by his unique moderation.