The opinion of Virginius was reckoned to be most moderate, and a happy medium between the other two.
But through the spirit of faction and a regard of private interest, which always have and always will obstruct the public councils, Appius prevailed, and was himself near being created dictator; which step would certainly have alienated the commons at this most dangerous juncture, when the Volsci, the AEqui, and the Sabines happened to be all in arms at the same time.

But the consuls and elder senators took care that this office, in its own nature uncontrollable, should be committed to a man of moderate temper.

They choose Manius Valerius, son of Volesus, dictator.

The people, though they saw that this magistrate was created against themselves, yet as they had got the right of appeal by his brother's law, dreaded nothing oppressive or tyrannical from that family.

An edict of the dictator's, which was almost the same with that published by the consul Servilius, afterwards confirmed their minds.