Ab urbe condita

On this the soldiers began to clamour; they insisted that both consuls should carry on the war in Etruria.

When Volumnius saw that this was the general wish he said, “Since I have made a mistake in interpreting my colleague's wishes I will take care that there shall be no doubt as to what it is that you want.

Signify your wishes by acclamation; do you wish me to stay or to go?” Such a shout arose in reply that it brought the enemy out of their camp; seizing their arms they came down to the battlefield.

Then Volumnius ordered the battle signal to be sounded and the standards to be carried out of the camp. Appius, it is said, was for some time undecided, as he saw that whether he fought or remained inactive the victory would be his colleague's, but at last, fearing lest his legions also should follow Volumnius, he yielded to their loud demands and gave the signal for battle.