Ab urbe condita

and what mischief is wrought when they are at variance. He mentioned as an instance the recent misunderstanding between him and

his colleague which almost led to a national disaster, and he solemnly admonished Decius and Fabius that they should live together with one mind and one heart. They were, he continued, born commanders, great in action, unskilled in wordy debate, possessing, in fact, all the qualifications of a consul.

Those, on the other hand, who were clever and cunning in law, and practised pleaders, like Appius Claudius, ought to be employed in the City and on the bench; they should be elected praetors to administer justice.

The discussion in the Assembly lasted the whole day. On the morrow the elections were held for both consuls and praetors.