Nor was the army in the Sabine country inactive. There too, at the instigation of Icilius and Numitorius, a secession from the decemvirate was brought about; men's anger on being reminded of the murder of Siccius being no less violent than that which was kindled in them by the new story of the maiden whose dishonour had been so foully sought. [8] Icilius, on hearing that military tribunes had been elected on the Aventine, feared lest the City comitia might take their cue from the comitia of the soldiers2 and elect the same [9??] men to be tribunes of the plebs, for he was experienced in the ways of the people; and having designs upon that office himself, [p. 171]he saw to it, before they marched to the City, that3 the same number of men, vested with equal power, were chosen by his own army. [10] They entered Rome under their standards, by the Colline Gate, and marched right through the midst of the City to the Aventine. There they joined the other army, and directed the twenty military tribunes to appoint two of their number to exercise supreme command. [11] Marcus Oppius and Sextus Manilius were appointed.
The Fathers were alarmed about the state; but, though the senate held daily sessions, they spent more time in recriminations than in deliberating. [12] Siccius's murder was cast in the teeth of the decemvirs, as well as the lust of Appius, and their disgraces in the field. It was decided that Valerius and Horatius should go to the Aventine. They agreed to go only on condition that the decemvirs would put off the insignia of that magistracy which they had already ceased to hold the year before. [13] The decemvirs, complaining that they were being deprived of their office, asserted that they would not lay down their authority until after the enactment of the laws which had been the reason of their appointment.
