(animo obvers.)_; the fortune of their country, the high or humble character of which for the future depended on their exertions on that occasion.] [Footnote 34: The two Roman champions, we have seen, fell in the one place, _super alium alius_; consequently were buried together; whilst the Curiatii fell in different places, as Horatius contrived to separate them to avoid their joint attack.] 26.

Before they parted from thence, when Mettus, in conformity to the treaty which had been concluded, asked what orders he had to give, Tullus orders him to keep the youth in arms, that he designed to employ them, if a war should break out with the Veientes.

After this both armies returned to their homes.

Horatius marched foremost, carrying before him the spoils of the three brothers: his sister, a maiden who had been betrothed to one of the Curiatii, met him before the gate Capena: and having recognized her lover's military robe, which she herself had wrought, on her brother's shoulders, she tore her hair, and with bitter wailings called by name on her deceased lover.

The sister's lamentations in the midst of his own victory, and of such great public rejoicings, raised the indignation of the excited youth.