of an hour the flames destroyed both the rampart and the
machines, the work of so long a time, and great numbers of men, bearing
assistance in vain, were destroyed by the sword and by fire. When the
account of this circumstance was brought to Rome, it inspired sadness
into all ranks; into the senate anxiety and apprehension, lest the
sedition could no longer be withstood either in the city or in the camp,
and lest the tribunes of the commons should insult over the
commonwealth, as if vanquished by them; when on a sudden, those who
possessed an equestrian fortune, but to whom horses had not been
assigned by the public, having previously held a meeting together, went
to the senate; and having obtained permission to speak, promise that
they will serve on their own horses. And when thanks were returned to
them by the senate in the most complimentary terms, and the report of
this proceeding spread through the forum and the city, there suddenly
ensues a concourse of the commons to the senate-house. They say that
"they are now of the pedestrian order, and they preferred their services
to the commonwealth, though not compelled to serve, whether they wished
to march them to Veii, or to any other place. If they were led to Veii,
they affirm, that they would not return from thence, until the city of
the enemy was taken." Then indeed they with difficulty set bounds to the
joy which now poured in upon them; for they were not ordered, as in the
case of the horsemen, to be publicly eulogized, the order for so doing
being consigned to the magistrates, nor were they summoned into the
senate-house to receive an answer; nor did the senate confine themselves
within the threshold of their house, but every one of them individually
with their voice and hands testified from the elevated ground the public
joy to the multitude standing in the assembly; they declared that by
that unanimity the Roman city would be happy, and invincible and
eternal; praised the horsemen, praised the commons; extolled the day
itself by their praises; they acknowledged that the courtesy and
kindness of the senate was outdone. Tears flowed in abundance through
joy both from the patricians and commons; until the senators being
called back into the house, a decree of the senate was passed, "that the
military tribunes, summoning an assembly, should return thanks to the
infantry and cavalry; and should state that the senate would be mindful
of their affectionate attachment