dy, determined themselves to be witnesses and
directors of the public counsels. Very few of the senators, whom chance
had thrown in the way, were forced to attend the consuls; fear prevented
the rest from coming not only to the house, but even to the forum. Nor
could any thing be done by reason of the thinness of the senate. Then
indeed the people began to think their demand was eluded, and the
redress of their grievances delayed; that such of the senators as had
absented themselves did so not through chance or fear, but on purpose to
obstruct the business. That the consuls themselves trifled with them,
that their miseries were now a mere subject of mockery. By this time the
sedition was come to such a height, that the majesty of the consuls
could hardly restrain the violence of the people. Wherefore, uncertain
whether they incurred greater danger by staying at home, or venturing
abroad, they came at length to the senate; but though the house was at
length full, a want of agreement manifested itself, not only among the
fathers, but even between the consuls themselves. Appius, a man of
violent temper, thought the matter was to be done by the authority of
the consuls, and that if one or two were seized, the rest would be
quiet. Servilius, more inclined to moderate measures, thought that while
their minds were in this ferment, it would be both more safe and more
easy to bend than to break them. Amidst these debates, another terror of
a more serious nature presented itself.

24. Some Latin horse came full speed to Rome, with the alarming news
that the Volscians were marching with a hostile army, to besiege the
city, the announcement of which (so completely had discord made the
state two from one) affected the senators and people in a far different
manner. The people exulted with joy, and said, that the gods were come
as avengers of the tyranny of the fathers. They encouraged one another
not to enrol their names, that it was better that all should perish
together, than that they should perish alone. That the patricians should
serve as soldiers, that the patricians should take up arms, so that the
perils of war should remain with those with whom the advantages were.
But the senate, dejected and confounded by the two-fold terror, that
from their own countrymen, and that from the enemy, entreated the consul
Servilius, whose temper was more conciliating, that he would extricate
the commonwealth beset with such great terrors. Then