Some writers cast a gloom on the memory of this glorious dictatorship, when they state that his son, though victorious, was beheaded by Aulus Postumius, because, tempted by a favourable opportunity of fighting to advantage, he had left his post without orders.

We are disposed to refuse our belief; and we are warranted by the variety of opinions on the matter.

And it is an argument against it, that such orders have been entitled "Manlian," not "Postumian," since the person who first set on foot so barbarous a precedent, was likely to obtain the signal title of cruelty.

Besides, the cognomen of "Imperiosus" was affixed to Manlius: Postumius has not been marked by any hateful brand.

Caius Julius the consul, in the absence of his colleague, without casting lots, dedicated the temple of Apollo: Quintius resenting this, when, after disbanding his army, he returned into the city, made a complaint of it in the senate to no purpose.
To the year marked by great achievements is added an event which seemed to have no relation to the interest of Rome, viz.