indeed the largest portion, was yet only a portion:  nor could they, seeing that the enemy were almost at the gates, allow anything to take precedence of the war:  nor, even though there should be some respite, was it either to the credit of the people not to have taken up arms in defence of their country unless they first received pay, nor consistent with the dignity of the senators to have adopted measures of relief for the distressed fortunes of their countrymen through fear rather than afterward of their own free will.  He then further gave his speech the stamp of sincerity by an edict, by which he ordained that no one should detain a Roman citizen either in chains or in prison, so that he would thereby be deprived of the opportunity of enrolling his name under the consuls, and that no one should either take possession of or sell the goods of any soldier, while on service, or detain his children or grandchildren in custody for debt.  On the publication of this edict, both the debtors who were present immediately gave in their names, and crowds of persons, hastening from all quarters of the city from private houses, as their creditors had no right to detain their persons, ran together into the forum, to take the military oath.  These made up a considerable body of men, nor did any others exhibit more conspicuous bravery or activity during the Volscian war.  The consul led out his forces against the enemy, and pitched his camp at a little distance from them.

The next night the Volscians, relying on the dissension among the Romans, made an attempt on their camp, to see if there were any chance of desertion or treachery during the night.  The sentinels on guard perceived them:  the army was called up, and, the signals being given, they ran to arms.  Thus the attempt of the Volscians was frustrated; the remainder of the night was given up to repose on both sides.  The next morning at daybreak the Volscians, having filled the trenches, attacked the rampart.  And already the fortifications were being demolished on every side, when the consul, after having delayed a little while for the purpose of testing the feelings of the soldiers, although all from every quarter, and before all the debtors, were crying out for him to give the signal, at length, when their great eagerness became unmistakable, gave the signal for sallying forth, and let out the soldiery impatient for the fight.  At the very first onset the enemy was routed; the fugitives were harassed in the rear, as far as the infantry were able to follow them:  the cavalry drove then in consternation up to their camp.  In a short time the legions having been drawn around it, the camp itself was taken and plundered, since panic had driven the Volscians even from thence also.  On the next day the legions were led to Suessa Pometia, whither the enemy had retreated.  In a few days the town was taken, and, after being taken, was given up for plunder, whereby the needs of the soldiers were somewhat relieved.  The consul led back his victorious army to Rome with the greatest renown to himself.  On his departure for Rome, he was met by the deputies of the Ecetrans, a tribe of the Volscians, who were alarmed for the safety of their state after the capture of Pometia.  By a decree of the senate peace was granted them, but they were deprived of their land.