3.  Vale’rius was one of the greatest commanders of his time; he was surnamed Cor’vus, from the strange circumstance of being assisted by a crow in a single combat, in which he killed a Gaul of gigantic stature. 4.  To his colleague’s care it was consigned to lead an army to Sam’nium, the enemy’s capital, while Cor’vus was sent to relieve Cap’ua, the capital of the Capin’ians. 5.  Never was a captain more fitted for command than he.  To a habit naturally robust and athletic, he joined the gentlest manners; he was the fiercest, and yet the most good-natured man in the army; and, while the meanest sentinel was his companion, no man kept them more strictly to their duty; but to complete his character, he constantly endeavoured to preserve his dignity by the same arts by which he gained it. 6.  Such soldiers as the Romans then were, hardened by their late adversity, and led on by such a general, were unconquerable.  The Samnites were the bravest men they ever yet had encountered, and the contention between the two nations was managed on both sides with the most determined resolution. 7.  But the fortune of Rome prevailed; the Samnites at length fled, averring, that they were not able to withstand the fierce looks, and the fire-darting eye of the Romans. 8.  Corne’lius, however, was not at first so fortunate; for having unwarily led his army into a defile, he was in danger of being cut off, had not De’cius possessed himself of a hill which commanded the enemy; so that the Samnites, being attacked on both sides, were defeated with great slaughter; not less than thirty thousand of them being left dead upon the field.

9.  Some time after this victory, the forces stationed at Cap’ua mutinying, compelled Quin’tinus, an eminent old soldier, to be their leader; and, conducted by their rage, more than by their general, came within six miles of the city. 10.  So terrible an enemy, almost at the gates, not a little alarmed the senate, who immediately created Vale’rius dictator, and sent him forth with an army to oppose them. 11.  The two armies were now drawn up against each other, while fathers and sons beheld themselves prepared to engage in opposite causes. 12.  Any other general than Corvus would, perhaps, have brought this civil war to extremity; but he, knowing his influence among the soldiery, instead of going forward to meet the mutineers in a hostile manner, went with the most cordial friendship to embrace, and expostulate with his old acquaintances. 13.  His conduct had the desired effect.  Quin’tius, as their speaker, solicited no more than to have their defection from their duty forgiven; and for himself, as he was innocent of their conspiracy, he had no reason to solicit pardon for offences. 14.  Thus this defection, which threatened danger to Rome, was repaired by the prudence and moderation of a general, whose ambition it was to be gentle to his friends, and formidable only to his enemies.