The slaves conspire to set fire to the city in several quarters, and whilst the people should be intent in bearing assistance to the houses in every direction, to take up arms and seize the citadel and Capitol.

Jupiter frustrated their horrid designs; and the offenders, being seized on the information of two (accomplices), were punished.

Ten thousand _asses_ in weight of brass paid out of the treasury, a sum which at that time was considered wealth, and their freedom, was the reward conferred on the parties who discovered.

The AEquans then began to prepare for a renewal of hostilities; and an account was brought to Rome from good authority, that new enemies, the Lavicanians, were forming a coalition with the old ones.

The state had now become habituated, as it were, to the anniversary arms of the AEquans.