.]

[Footnote 85: _rem non vulgabat_, was not for extending the relief to
all.]

30. To many the opinion of Appius appeared, as it really was, severe and
violent. On the other hand, those of Virginius and Largius were not safe
for the precedent they established; especially they thought that of
Largius so, as it would destroy all credit. The opinion of Virginius was
reckoned to be most moderate, and a happy medium between the other two.
But through the spirit of faction and a regard of private interest,
which always have and always will obstruct the public councils, Appius
prevailed, and was himself near being created dictator; which step would
certainly have alienated the commons at this most dangerous juncture,
when the Volsci, the AEqui, and the Sabines happened to be all in arms at
the same time. But the consuls and elder senators took care that this
office, in its own nature uncontrollable, should be committed to a man
of moderate temper. They choose Manius Valerius, son of Volesus,
dictator. The people, though they saw that this magistrate was created
against themselves, yet as they had got the right of appeal by his
brother's law, dreaded nothing oppressive or tyrannical from that
family. An edict of the dictator's, which was almost the same with that
published by the consul Servilius, afterwards confirmed their minds. But
judging it safer to confide in both the man and in the absolute power
with which he was vested, they gave in their names, desisting from all
contest. Ten legions were levied, a greater army than had ever been
raised before. Each of the consuls had three legions assigned him, and
the dictator commanded four. Nor could the war be deferred any longer.
The AEqui had made incursions upon the Latin territory; the deputies of
the Latins begged the senate either to send them assistance, or to allow
them to arm themselves for the purpose of defending their own frontiers.
It seemed safer that the Latins should be defended without arming, than
to allow them to take up arms again. Wherefore Vetusius the consul was
sent to their assistance; this immediately put a stop to the
devastations. The AEqui retired from the plains, and depending more on
the advantage of the ground than on their arms, secured themselves on
the summits of the mountains. The other consul, having marched against
the Volsci, in order that he too might not waste time, challenged the
enemy to pitch their camp nigh to his, and to risk an en