Ab urbe condita

He finally made a proposal which would settle the question who was —not the better orator, for that was not what the republic needed, but —the better commander. Their two provinces were Etruria and Samnium; Appius might choose which he preferred, he, Volumnius, was willing to conduct operations either in Etruria or in Samnium.

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