This state, relying both on their own strength, as well as on the treacherous nature of the alliance of the Samnites with the Romans; or, encouraged by the report of a pestilence having attacked the city of Rome, committed various acts of hostility against the Romans settled in the Campanian and Falernian territories.

Wherefore, in the succeeding consulate of Lucius Cornelius, and Quintus Publilius Philo a second time, heralds being sent to Palaepolis to demand satisfaction, when a haughty answer was returned by these Greeks, a race more magnanimous in words than in action, the people, in pursuance of the direction of the senate, ordered war to be declared against the Palaepolitans.

On settling the provinces between the consuls, the war against the Greeks fell to Publilius.
Cornelius, with another army, was appointed to watch the Samnites if they should attempt any movement; but a report prevailed that they, anxiously expecting a revolt in Campania, intended to march their troops thither; that was judged by Cornelius the properest station for him.
23.

The senate received information, from both the consuls, that there was very little hope of peace with the Samnites.

Publilius informed them, that two thousand soldiers from Nolae, and four thousand of the Samnites, had been received into Palaepolis, a measure rather forced on the Greeks by the Nolans than agreeable to their inclination.