The state of affairs was now such in Latium, that they could no longer submit to either war or peace.

For war they were deficient in resources; they spurned at peace through resentment for the loss of their land.

It seemed necessary therefore to steer a middle course, to keep within their towns, so that the Romans by being provoked might have no pretext for hostilities; and that if the siege of any town should be announced to them, aid should be sent from every quarter from all the states.

And still the people of Pedum were aided by only a very few states.

The Tiburtians and Praenestines, whose territory lay nearest, came to Pedum.