After this speech of Sulpicius, being sent to give their votes, they declared for the war as he had proposed.

On which, in pursuance of a decree of the senate, a supplication for three days was proclaimed by the consuls; and prayers were offered to the gods at all the shrines, that the war which the people had ordered against Philip might turn out well and happily.

The consul Sulpicius inquiring of the heralds, whether they would direct the declaration of the war against king Philip to be made to himself in person, or whether it would be sufficient to publish it in the nearest garrison, within the frontiers of his kingdom, they answered, that they would do rightly whichever course they should adopt.

The consul received authority from the senate to send any person whom he thought proper, not being a senator, as ambassador, to denounce war against the king.

They then arranged for the armies of the consuls and praetors.