§1.12.1tenuere tamen arcem Sabini atque inde postero die, cum Romanus exercitus instructus quod inter Palatinum Capitolinumque collem campi est complesset, non prius descenderunt in aequum, quam ira et cupiditate recuperandae arcis stimulante animos in adversum Romani subiere.
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.
§1.12.2principes utrimque pugnam ciebant, ab Sabinis Mettius Curtius, ab Romanis Hostius Hostilius.
The leaders on both sides provoked the battle: on the Sabines' side, Mettius Curtius; on the Romans' side, Hostius Hostilius.
hic rem Romanam iniquo loco ad prima signa animo atque audacia sustinebat.
The latter supported the Roman cause in an unfavorable position at the front line with courage and daring.
§1.12.3ut Hostius cecidit, confestim Romana inclinatur acies fusaque est ad veterem portam Palatii.
As soon as Hostius fell, the Roman line immediately wavered and was routed to the old gate of the Palatine.
§1.12.4Romulus et ipse turba fugientium actus arma ad caelum tollens “Iuppiter, tuis” inquit “iussus avibus hic in Palatio prima urbi fundamenta ieci.
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.
arcem iam scelere emptam Sabini habent; inde huc armati superata media valle tendunt; at tu, §1.12.5pater deum hominumque, hinc saltem arce hostes, deme terrorem Romanis fugamque foedam siste.
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.
hic ego tibi templum Statori Iovi, §1.12.6quod monumentum sit posteris tua praesenti ope servatam urbem esse, voveo. ” §1.12.7haec precatus, velut si sensisset auditas preces, “hinc” inquit, “Romani, Iuppiter optimus maximus resistere atque iterare pugnam iubet. ” restitere Romani tamquam caelesti voce iussi;
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.
ipse ad primores Romulus provolat. §1.12.8Mettius Curtius ab Sabinis princeps ab arce decucurrerat et effisos egerat Romanos, toto quantum foro spatium est.
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.
nec procul iam a porta Palatii erat clamitans: “vicimus perfidos hospites, inbelles hostes; iam sciunt longe aliud esse virgines rapere, aliud pugnare cum viris. ” §1.12.9in eum haec gloriantem cum globo ferocissimorum iuvenum Romulus impetum facit.
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.
ex equo tum forte Mettius pugnabat; eo pelli facilius fuit.
Mettius happened to be fighting on horseback at that time; therefore it was easier to drive him back.
pulsum Romani persequuntur; et alia Romana acies audacia regis accensa fundit Sabinos.
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.
§1.12.10Mettius in paludem sese strepitu sequentium trepidante equo coniecit; averteratque ea res etiam Sabinos tanti periculo viri.
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.
et ille quidem annuentibus ac vocantibus suis favore multorum addito animo evadit; Romani Sabinique in media convalle duorum montium redintegrant proelium.
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.
sed res Romana erat superior.
But the Roman cause was superior.