far the most formidable: for they did nothing through
anger or cupidity; nor did they make a show of war, before they actually
began it. To prudence stratagem also was added. Sp. Tarpeius commanded
the Roman citadel; Tatius bribes his maiden daughter with gold, to admit
armed soldiers into the citadel: she had gone by chance outside the
walls to fetch water for the sacrifice. Those who were admitted crushed
her to death by heaping their arms upon her; either that the citadel
might seem rather to have been taken by storm, or for the purpose of
establishing a precedent, that no faith should, under any circumstances,
be kept with a traitor. A story is added, that the Sabines commonly wore
on their left arm golden bracelets of great weight, and large rings set
with precious stones, and that she bargained with them for what they had
on their left hands; hence that their shields were thrown upon her
instead of the golden presents. There are some who say that in pursuance
of the compact to deliver up what was on their left hands, she expressly
demanded their shields, and that appearing to act with treachery, she
was killed by the reward of her own choosing.

12. The Sabines, however, kept possession of the citadel, and on the day
after, when the Roman army, drawn up in order of battle, filled up all
the ground lying between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, they did not
descend from thence into the plain, till the Romans, fired with
resentment, and with a desire of retaking the citadel, advanced to
attack them. Two chiefs, one on each side, animated the battle, viz.
Mettus Curtius on the part of the Sabines, Hostus Hostilius on that of
the Romans. The latter, in the front ranks, supported the Roman cause by
his courage and bravery, on disadvantageous ground. As soon as Hostus
fell, the Roman line immediately gave way and was beaten to the old gate
of the Palatium. Romulus, himself too carried away with the general
rout, raising his arms to heaven, says, "O Jupiter, commanded by thy
birds, I here laid the first foundation of the city on the Palatine
hill. The Sabines are in possession of the citadel, purchased by fraud.
From thence they are now advancing hither, sword in hand, having already
passed the middle of the valley. But do thou, father of gods and men,
keep back the enemy at least from hence, dispel the terror of the
Romans, and stop their shameful flight. Here I solemnly vow to build a
temple to thee as Jupiter Stator