from this defeat of the Etrurians may
be dated the commencement of the recovery of their liberty by the
Romans, and that the flight of the Roman hostages, the sale of Porsena's
goods, &c. were subsequent to it.]

15. Then P. Lucretius and P. Valerius Publicola were elected consuls.
This year ambassadors came from Porsena for the last time, regarding the
restoration of Tarquin to the throne. And when they were answered, that
the senate would send deputies to the king; some of the principal
persons of that order were forthwith despatched to represent to him
"that it was not because the answer could not have been given in a few
words, that the royal family would not be received, that select members
of the senate had been deputed to him, rather than an answer given to
his ambassadors at Rome; but (it was done) that all mention of the
matter might be put an end to for evermore, and that their minds might
not be disturbed amid so many mutual acts of kindness, by his requiring
what was adverse to the liberty of the Roman people, and by their
denying to him to whom they would willingly deny nothing, unless they
would submit to their own ruin. That the Roman people were not now under
a kingly government, but in a state of freedom, and were firmly
determined rather to open their gates to enemies than to kings. That it
was the wish of all, that their city might have the same period of
existence as their freedom in that city. Wherefore, if he wished Rome to
be safe, they entreated that he would suffer it to be free." The king,
overcome by modesty, says, "Since it is your firm and fixed resolve, I
will neither tease you by repeatedly urging these same subjects more
frequently, nor will I disappoint the Tarquinii by holding out hopes of
aid which it is not in my power to give them; whether they have need of
peace, or of war, let them seek another place from here for their exile,
that nothing may disturb the peace between you and me." To these kind
promises he added actions still more friendly, for he delivered up the
remainder of the hostages, and restored to them the land of the
Veientians, which had been taken from them by the treaty concluded at
Janiculum. Tarquin, all hopes of return being now cut off, went to
Tusculum to live in exile with his son-in-law Mamilius Octavius. Thus
the peace between Porsena and the Romans was inviolably preserved.

16. M. Valerius and P. Posthumius were chosen consuls. This year war was
carried on