The utmost exertions were made to organize an army capable of taking the field.

The Latins were summoned to render aid in the common peril.

Rome itself set the example, and called to arms all the men above boyhood, armed the debtor-serfs and criminals, and even incorporated in the army eight thousand slaves purchased by the state.

As there was a want of arms, they took the old spoils from the temples, and everywhere set the workshops and artisans in action.

The senate was completed, not as timid patriots urged, from the Latins, but from the Roman burgesses who had the best title.