aten war [in case of
refusal], and what business the Gauls had in Etruria, and on their
fiercely replying, that they carried their right in their swords, that
all things were the property of the brave, with minds inflamed on both
sides they severally have recourse to arms, and the battle is commenced.
Here, fate now pressing hard on the Roman city, the ambassadors,
contrary to the law of nations, take up arms; nor could this be done in
secret, as three of the noblest and bravest of the Roman youth fought in
the van of the Etrurians; so conspicuous was the valour of the
foreigners. Moreover Quintus Fabius, riding out beyond the line, slew a
general of the Gauls who was furiously charging the very standards of
the Etrurians, having run him through the side with his spear: and the
Gauls recognised him when stripping him of his spoils; and a signal was
given throughout the entire line that he was a Roman ambassador. Giving
up therefore their resentment against the Clusians, they sound a
retreat, threatening the Romans. Some gave it as their opinion that they
should proceed forthwith to Rome. The seniors prevailed, that
ambassadors should be sent to complain of the injuries done them, and to
demand that the Fabii should be given up to them in satisfaction for
having violated the law of nations. When the ambassadors had stated
matters, according to the instructions given to them, the conduct of the
Fabii was neither approved by the senate, and the barbarians seemed to
them to demand what was just: but in the case of men of such station
party favour prevented them from decreeing that which they felt to be
right. Wherefore lest the blame of any misfortune, which might happen to
be received in a war with the Gauls, should lie with them, they refer
the consideration of the demands of the Gauls to the people, where
influence and wealth were so predominant, that those persons, whose
punishment was under consideration, were elected military tribunes with
consular power for the ensuing year. At which proceeding the Gauls being
enraged, as was very natural, openly menacing war, return to their own
party. With the three Fabii the military tribunes elected were Quintus
Sulpicius Longus, Quintus Servilius a fourth time, Servius Cornelius
Maluginensis.

37. Though danger of such magnitude was impending (so completely does
Fortune blind the minds of men when she wishes not her threatening
stroke to be foiled) a state, which against the Fid