§10.22.1nemini dubium erat, quin Q. Fabius omnium consensu destinaretur, eumque et praerogativae et primo vocatae omnes centuriae consulem cum L. Volumnio dicebant.
No one doubted that Quintus Fabius was being designated by the consensus of all, and both the prerogative centuries and all those first called to vote were declaring him consul along with Lucius Volumnius.
§10.22.2Fabi oratio fuit, qualis biennio ante; deinde, ut vincebatur consensu, versa postremo ad collegam P. Decium poscendum: §10.22.3id senectuti suae adminiculum fore.
Fabius's speech was of the same kind as two years before; then, as he was overcome by the consensus, it was finally directed towards demanding Publius Decius as his colleague: this would be a support for his old age.
censura duobusque consulatibus simul gestis expertum se, nihil concordi collegio firmius ad rem publicam tuendam esse.
He had learned from experience during their joint censorship and two joint consulships that nothing was stronger for protecting the state than a harmonious colleagueship.
novo imperii socio vix iam adsuescere senilem animum posse; cum moribus notis facilius se communicaturum consilia.
A mind in old age could now scarcely accustom itself to a new partner in power; with character that was well-known he would more easily share his counsels.
§10.22.4subscripsit orationi eius consul cum meritis P. Deci laudibus, tur, quae ex concordia consulum bona quaeque ex discordia mala in administratione rerum militarium evenirent, §10.22.5memorando, quamque prope ultimum discrimen suis et collegae certaminibus nuper ventum foret, admonendo; §10.22.6Decium Fabiumque uno animo, una mente vivere; esse praeterea viros natos militiae, factis magnos, ad verborum linguaeque certamina rudes: §10.22.7ea ingenia consularia esse; callidos sollertesque, iuris atque eloquentiae consultos, qualis Ap. Claudius esset, urbi ac foro praesides habendos praetoresque ad reddenda iura creandos esse.
The consul supported his speech with well-deserved praises of Publius Decius, and by recalling what good things arose from the harmony of consuls and what evils from discord in the administration of military affairs, and by warning how close they had recently come to the ultimate crisis through the disputes between himself and his colleague; that Decius and Fabius lived with one mind and one soul; that they were, moreover, men born for military service, great in deeds, but unskilled in contests of words and tongue: these were the talents suited for consuls; whereas those who were cunning and clever, skilled in law and eloquence, such as Appius Claudius, should be held as guardians for the city and the forum, and should be elected praetors to administer justice.
§10.22.8his agendis dies est consumptus.
In doing these things the day was consumed.
§10.22.9postridie ad praescriptum consulis et consularia et praetoria comitia habita.
On the following day, according to the direction of the consul, both the consular and praetorian elections were held.
consules creati Q. Fabius et P. Decius, Ap. Claudius praetor, omnes absentes.
Quintus Fabius and Publius Decius were elected consuls, and Appius Claudius praetor, all of them in their absence.
et L. Volumnio ex senatus consulto et scito plebis prorogatum in annum imperium est.
And the command of Lucius Volumnius was prolonged for a year by a decree of the senate and a plebiscite.