ish. Latium had at that time two praetors, Lucius
Annius, a native of Setia, and Lucius Numisius of Circeii, both from the
Roman colonists; through whose means, besides Signia and Velitrae, also
Roman colonies, the Volscians too had been stirred up to arms. It was
determined that these two should be summoned specially; it was a matter
of doubt to no one, on what matter they were sent for. Accordingly the
praetors, having held an assembly, before they set out for Rome, inform
them, that they were summoned by the Roman senate, and consult them as
to what answer it was their wish should be given on those subjects which
they thought would be discussed with them.

4. When different persons advanced different opinions, then Annius says:
"Though I myself put the question, as to what answer it might be your
pleasure should be given, yet I think it more concerns our general
interest how we should act than how we should speak. Your plans being
once unfolded, it will be easy to suit words to the subject; for if even
now we are capable of submitting to slavery under the shadow of a
confederacy on equal terms, what is wanting but to betray the
Sidicinians, be obedient to the orders not only of the Romans, but of
the Samnites, and tell the Romans, that we will lay down our arms
whenever they intimate it to be their wish? But if at length a desire of
liberty stimulates your minds, if a confederacy does subsist, if
alliance be equalization of rights, if there be reason now to boast that
we are of the same blood as the Romans, of which they were formerly
ashamed, if they have such an army of allies, by the junction of which
they may double their strength, such a one as their consuls would be
unwilling to separate from themselves either in concluding or commencing
their own wars; why are not all things equalized? why is not one of the
consuls chosen from the Latins? Where there is an equal share of
strength, is there also an equal share in the government? This indeed in
itself reflects no extraordinary degree of honour on us, as still
acknowledging Rome to be the metropolis of Latium; but that it may
possibly appear to do so, has been effected by our long-continued
forbearance. But if ye ever wished for an opportunity of sharing in the
government, and enjoying freedom, lo! this opportunity is now at hand,
presented both by your own valour and the bounty of the gods. Ye have
tried their patience by refusing them soldiers. Who doubts that t