23.  In the mean time, the battle began with mutual fury; and as the two armies had often fought under the same leaders, they combated with all the animosity of a civil war.  The Latins chiefly depended on bodily strength; the Romans on their invincible courage and conduct. 24.  Forces so nearly matched, seemed only to want the aid of their deities to turn the scale of victory; and in fact the augurs had foretold, that whatever part of the Roman army should be distressed, the commander of that part should devote himself for his country, and die as a sacrifice to the immortal gods.  Man’lius commanded the right wing, and De’cius the left. 25.  Both sides fought with doubtful success, as their courage was equal; but, after a time, the left wing of the Roman army began to give ground. 26.  It was then that De’cius resolved to devote himself for his country; and to offer his own life, as an atonement, to save his army.

27.  Thus determined, he called out to Man’lius with a loud voice, and demanded his instructions, as he was the chief pontiff, how to devote himself, and what form of words he should use. 28.  By his directions, therefore, being clothed in a long robe, his head covered, and his arms stretched forward, standing upon a javelin, he devoted himself to the celestial and infernal gods for the safety of Rome.  Then arming himself, and mounting his horse, he drove furiously into the midst of the enemy, striking terror and consternation wherever he came, till he fell covered with wounds. 29.  In the mean time the Roman army considered his devoting himself in this manner, as an assurance of success; nor was the superstition of the Latins less powerfully influenced by his resolution; a total route began to ensue:  the Romans pressed them on every side, and so great was the carnage, that scarcely a fourth part of the enemy survived the defeat.

Questions for Examination.

1.  Against whom did the Romans next turn their arms?

2.  Who were appointed commanders in this war?

3.  Who was Valerius?

4.  What separate commands were entrusted to the consuls?

5.  What was the character of Valerius?

6.  What was the character of the hostile armies?

7.  To whom did the advantage belong?

8.  Was not the division under Cornelius led into a difficulty, and how was it extricated?

9.  What important event next occurred?

10.  How were the senate affected by their approach?

11.  What are the peculiar evils attendant on civil wars?

12.  What steps did Corvus take on this occasion?

13.  What was the consequence of this mildness?

14.  What reflection may be drawn from this incident?

15.  What was the next occurrence of note?

16.  What precautions were necessary in this war?

17.  In what way was the discipline of the Romans put to the proof?