However, the first introduction of plays, intended as a religious expiation, neither relieved their minds from religious awe, nor their bodies from disease.

Nay more, when the circus being inundated by the overflowing of the Tiber happened to interrupt the middle of the performance, that indeed, as if the gods were now turned from them, and despised their efforts to soothe their wrath, excited great terror.
Accordingly, Cneius Genucius and Lucius AEmilius Mamercinus being a second time consuls, when the searching for expiations harassed their minds, more than the diseases did their bodies, it is said to have been collected from the memory of the more aged, that a pestilence had formerly been relieved, on the nail being driven by a dictator.

Induced by this superstitious circumstance, the senate ordered a dictator to be appointed for the purpose of driving the nail.

Lucius Manlius Imperiosus being appointed, named Lucius Pinarius master of the horse.

There is an ancient law written in antique letters and words, that whoever is supreme officer should drive a nail on the ides of September.