tities of land than
the state allowed; and hardly any were acquitted: by which means, a
very great restraint was laid on exorbitant covetousness.

14. Whilst the new consuls, Quintus Fabius Maximus a fourth, and
Publius Decius Mus a third time, were settling between themselves that
one should command against the Samnites, and the other against the
Etrurians; and what number of forces would be sufficient for this and
for that province; and which would be the fitter commander in each
war; ambassadors from Sutrium, Nepete, and Falerii, stating that the
states of Etruria were holding assemblies on the subject of suing for
peace, they directed the whole force of their arms against Samnium.
The consuls, in order that the supply of provisions might be the more
ready, and to leave the enemy in the greater uncertainty on what
quarter the war would fall, Fabius led his legions towards Samnium
through the territory of Sora, and Decius his through that of
Sidicinum. As soon as they arrived at the frontiers of the enemy, both
advanced briskly, spreading devastation wherever they came; but still
they explore the country, to a distance beyond where the troops were
employed in plundering. Accordingly the fact did not escape the notice
of the Romans, that the enemy were drawn up in a retired valley, near
Tifernum, which, when the Romans entered, they were preparing to
attack them from the higher ground. Fabius, sending away his baggage
to a place of safety, and setting a small guard over it, and having
given notice to his soldiers that a battle was at hand, advanced in a
square body to the hiding-place of the enemy already mentioned. The
Samnites, disappointed in making an unexpected attack, determined on a
regular engagement, as the matter was now likely to come to an open
contest. They therefore marched out into the plain; and, with a
greater share of spirit than of hopes, committed themselves to the
disposal of fortune. However, whether in consequence of their having
drawn together, from every state, the whole of the force which it
possessed, or that the consideration of their all being at stake,
heightened their courage, they occasioned, even in open fight, a
considerable alarm. Fabius, when he saw that the enemy in no place
gave way, ordered Marcus Fulvius and Marcus Valerius, military
tribunes, with whom he hastened to the front, to go to the cavalry,
and to exhort them, that, "if they remembered any instance wherein the
public h