Ab urbe condita

With[*](The Revolt of the Latins and Campanians.) this reply the Samnites were dismissed, quite uncertain as to what the Romans were going to do. But its effect was to completely estrange the Campanians, who now feared the worst, and it made the Latins more determined than ever, since the Romans refused any further concessions.

Under the pretext of making preparations for a Samnite war, they held frequent meetings of their national council, and in all the consultations of their leaders they hatched plans in secret for war with Rome. The Campanians also took part in this movement against their preservers.

But in spite of the careful secrecy with which everything was being conducted —for they wanted the Samnites to be dislodged from their rear before the Romans made any movement —some who had friends and relatives in Rome sent hints about the league which was being formed.