Book 9
45.1
P. Sulpicius Saverrio and P. Sempronius Sophus were the next consuls. During their consulship the Samnites, anxious for either a termination or at least a suspension of hostilities, sent envoys to Rome to sue for peace.
45.2
In spite of their submissive attitude they did not meet with a very favourable reception. The reply they received was to the effect that if the Samnites had not often made proposals for peace while they were actually preparing for war negotiations might possibly have been entered into, but now as their words had proved worthless the question must be decided by their deeds.
45.3
They were informed that the consul P. Sempronius would shortly be in Samnium with his army, and he would he able to judge accurately whether they were more disposed to peace or to war.
45.4
When he had obtained all the information that he wanted he would lay it before the senate; on his return from Samnium the envoys might follow him to Rome.
45.5
Wherever Sempronius marched they found the Samnites peaceably disposed and ready to supply them with provisions and stores. The old treaty was therefore restored. From that quarter the Roman arms were turned against their old enemies the Aequi. For many years this nation had remained quiet, disguising their real sentiments under a peaceable attitude.
