Then came into the consulship Quintus Fabius a fifth time, and Publius Decius a fourth.

They had been colleagues from the censorship, and twice in the consulship, and were celebrated not more for their glorious achievements, splendid as these were, than for the unanimity which had ever subsisted between them.

The continuance of this feeling I am inclined to think was interrupted by a jarring between the [opposite] orders rather than between themselves, the patricians endeavouring that Fabius should have Etruria for his province, without casting lots, and the plebeians insisting that Decius should bring the matter to the decision of lots.

There was certainly a contention in the senate, and the interest of Fabius being superior there, the business was brought before the people.

Here, between military men who laid greater stress on deeds than on words, the debate was short.
Fabius said, "that it was unreasonable, after he had planted a tree, another should gather the fruit of it.