The year was now near a close, and with regard to the election of consuls, emulation was more fiercely kindled than was ever known before.

The candidates, both patrician and plebeian, were many and powerful: Publius Cornelius Scipio, son to Cneius, and who had lately come home from Spain, having performed great exploits; Lucius Quinctius Flamininus, who had commanded the fleet in Greece; and Cneius Manlius Vulso; these were the patricians.

Then there were, of plebeian rank, Caius Laelius, Cneius Domitius, Caius Livius Salinator, and Manius Acilius.

The eyes of all men were turned on Quinctius and Cornelius; for, being both patricians, they sued for one place; and they were both of them recommended by high and recent renown in war.
Above every thing else, the brothers of the candidates, the two most illustrious generals of the age, increased the violence of the struggle.

Scipio's fame was the more splendid, and in proportion to its greater splendour, the more obnoxious to envy.