The Roman consuls, before they marched out their armies to the field, offered sacrifices.

The aruspex is said to have shown to Decius the head of the liver wounded on the side relating to himself, in other respects the victim was acceptable to the gods; whilst Manlius obtained highly favourable omens from his sacrifice.

"But all is well," says Decius, "if my colleague has offered an acceptable sacrifice." The ranks being drawn up in the order already described, they marched forth to battle.

Manlius commanded the right, Decius the left wing.

At first the action was conducted with equal strength on both sides, and with the same ardent courage.