ursuance
of a decree of the senate; and that Atilius might not be without a share
of glory, both the consuls were ordered to lead the army against the
Sidicinians. But first, in conformity with a decree of the senate, they
nominated as dictator for the purpose of holding the elections, Lucius
AEmilius Mamercinus; he named Quintus Publilius Philo his master of the
horse. The dictator presiding at the elections, Titus Veturius and
Spurius Postumius were elected consuls. Though a part of the war with
the Sidicinians still remained; yet that they might anticipate, by an
act of kindness, the wishes of the commons, they proposed about sending
a colony to Cales; and a decree of the senate being passed that two
thousand five hundred men should be enrolled for that purpose, they
appointed Kaeso Duilius, Titus Quinctius, and Marcus Fabius commissioners
for conducting the colony and distributing the land.

17. The new consuls then, recovering the army from their predecessors,
entered the enemy's territories and carried their depredations up to the
walls and the city. There because the Sidicinians, who had raised a
numerous army, seemed determined to fight vigorously for their last
hope, and a report existed that Samnium also was preparing for
hostilities, Publius Cornelius Rufinus was created dictator by the
consuls in pursuance of a decree of the senate; Marcus Antonius was
nominated master of the horse. A scruple afterwards arose that they were
elected under an informality: and they laid down their office; and
because a pestilence followed, recourse was had to an interregnum, as if
all the auspices had been infected by that irregularity. By Marcus
Valerius Corvus, the fifth interrex from the commencement of the
interregnum, Aulus Cornelius a second time, and Cneius Domitius were
elected consuls. Things being now tranquil, the rumour of a Gallic war
had the effect of a real outbreak, so that they were determined that a
dictator should be nominated. Marcus Papirius Crassus was nominated, and
Publius Valerius Publicola master of the horse. And when the levy was
conducted by them with more activity than was deemed necessary in the
case of neighbouring wars, scouts were sent out and brought word, that
there was perfect quiet with the Gauls in every direction. It was
suspected that Samnium also was now for the second year in a state of
disturbance in consequence of their entertaining new designs: hence the
Roman troops were not withdr