Ab urbe condita

Lictor, stand by him!” Fabius found it far from easy to reply to each question in detail, and protested against the same man being both accuser and judge in a matter of life and death.

He exclaimed that it would be easier to deprive him of his life than of the glory he had won, and went on to exculpate himself and bring charges against the Dictator.

Papirius in a fresh outburst of rage ordered the Master of the Horse to be stripped and the rods and axes to be got ready. Fabius appealed to the soldiers for help, and as the lictors began to tear off his clothes, he retreated behind the triarii who were now raising a tumult.

Their shouts were taken up through the whole concourse, threats and entreaties were heard everywhere.

Those nearest the tribunal, who could be recognised as being within view of the Dictator implored him to spare the Master of the Horse and not with him to condemn the whole army; those furthest off and the men who had closed round Fabius reviled the Dictator as unfeeling and merciless. Matters were rapidly approaching a mutiny.

Even those on the tribunal did not remain quiet; the staff officers who were standing round the Dictator's chair begged him to adjourn the proceedings to the following day to allow his anger to cool and give time for quiet consideration.

They urged that the youthful spirit of Fabius had been sufficiently chastened and his victory sufficiently sullied;