Besides that they had already of themselves recovered a sufficient degree of courage, the Romans were fired with exasperation "that the other army would soon return victorious to the city; that the enemy were now wantonly insulting them by contumelies; when would they be a match for the enemy, if they were not so then ?" When the consul ascertained that the soldiers gave expression to these sentiments in the camp, having summoned an assembly: "How matters have gone on in Algidum," says he, "I suppose that you, soldiers, have already heard.

As became the army of a free people to behave, so have they behaved: through the judicious conduct of my colleague and the valour of the soldiers, the victory has been gained.

For my part, the plan and determination which I am to maintain, you yourselves shall suggest.

The war may be both prolonged with advantage, and be brought to a speedy conclusion.

If it is to be prolonged, I shall take care by the same discipline with which I have commenced, that your hopes and your valour may increase every day.