re was sent a message from the gods that
the Romans must enquire what was that by which more than all things the
State was made strong. "For," said the soothsayer, "this thing must be
dedicated to the Gods in this place if the commonwealth of Rome is to
stand fast for ever." And while they doubted, one Marcus Curtius, a
youth that had won great renown in war, rebuked them saying, "Can ye
doubt that Rome hath nothing better than arms and valour?" Then all the
people stood silent; and Curtius, first beholding the temples of the
immortal gods that hung over the market-place and the Capitol, and
afterwards stretching forth his hands both to heaven above and to this
gulf that opened its mouth to the very pit, as it were, of hell, devoted
himself for his country; and so, being clothed in armour and with arms
in his hand, and having his horse arrayed as sumptuously as might be, he
leapt into the gulf; and the multitude, both of men and women, threw in
gifts and offerings of the fruits of the earth, and afterwards the earth
closed together.

[Illustration: Curtius leaping into the chasm 288]

About the space of thirteen years after these things there was again
war with the Gauls; and when the Romans had levied a great army of ten
legions of men, Camillus the Consul (being son to that Camillus that
the city in time past) marched therewith into the Latin plain, and
pitched his camp near to the marshes by the sea, over against the camp
of the Gauls.

And while the two armies lay quiet, a Gaul of great stature, and having
splendid arms, came forth, who, striking his shield with his spear, by
way of token that he would have silence, challenged by the mouth of an
interpreter any one that would of the men of Rome to do battle with
him. Thereupon a certain Marcus Valerius, thinking that he might win
for himself like renown with Manlius, that was surnamed of the Twisted
Chain, came forth fully armed into the space between the two armies,
having first obtained permission of the Consul. When these two were
about to join battle, a crow lighted suddenly upon the helmet of
Valerius, with his face towards the Gaul. And Valerius received it with
joy as an augury sent from heaven, crying out, "May the god or goddess
that hath sent this bird of good omen to me be favourable to me and
succour me." Then, marvellous to relate, the bird not only remained
steadfast in the place whereupon it had lighted, but as soon as the two
began to fight toget