ttacked by the Faliscans and other tribes,
chose rather to be defeated and routed than ask aid from Virginius, who,
on his part, awaiting the humiliation of his rival, was willing to see
his country dishonoured and an army destroyed, sooner than go unasked
to his relief. This was notable misconduct, and likely, unless both
offenders were punished, to bring discredit on the Roman name. But
whereas another republic would have punished these men with death,
the Romans were content to inflict only a money fine: not because the
offence did not in itself deserve severe handling, but because they were
unwilling, for the reasons already given, to depart in this instance
from their ancient practice.

Of errors committed through ignorance we have no better example than in
the case of Varro, through whose rashness the Romans were defeated by
Hannibal at Cannae, where the republic well-nigh lost its liberty. But
because he had acted through ignorance and with no evil design, they
not only refrained from punishing him, but even treated him with
distinction; the whole senate going forth to meet him on his return to
Rome, and as they could not thank him for having fought, thanking him
for having come back, and for not having despaired of the fortunes his
country.

Again, when Papirius Cursor would have had Fabius put to death, because,
contrary to his orders, he had fought with the Samnites, among the
reasons pleaded by the father of Fabius against the persistency of the
dictator, he urged that never on the occasion of the defeat of any of
their captains had the Romans done what Papirius desired them to do on
the occasion of a victory.

CHAPTER XXXII.--_That a Prince or Commonwealth should not delay
conferring Benefits until they are themselves in difficulties._

The Romans found it for their advantage to be generous to the commons at
a season of danger, when Porsenna came to attack Rome and restore the
Tarquins. For the senate, apprehending that the people might choose
rather to take back their kings than to support a war, secured their
adherence by relieving them of the duty on salt and of all their other
burthens; saying that "_the poor did enough for the common welfare in
rearing their offspring._" In return for which indulgence the commons
were content to undergo war, siege, and famine. Let no one however,
relying on this example, delay conciliating the people till danger has
actually come; or, if he do, let him not hope