In the mean time, the battle began with mutual fury; and as the two armies had often fought under the same leaders, they combated with all the animosity of a civil war.

The Latins chiefly depended on bodily strength; the Romans on their invincible courage and conduct.
24.

Forces so nearly matched, seemed only to want the aid of their deities to turn the scale of victory; and in fact the augurs had foretold, that whatever part of the Roman army should be distressed, the commander of that part should devote himself for his country, and die as a sacrifice to the immortal gods.

Man'lius commanded the right wing, and De'cius the left.25.Both sides fought with doubtful success, as their courage was equal; but, after a time, the left wing of the Roman army began to give ground.26.It was then that De'cius resolved to devote himself for his country; and to offer his own life, as an atonement, to save his army.
27.

Thus determined, he called out to Man'lius with a loud voice, and demanded his instructions, as he was the chief pontiff, how to devote himself, and what form of words he should use.28.By his directions, therefore, being clothed in a long robe, his head covered, and his arms stretched forward, standing upon a javelin, he devoted himself to the celestial and infernal gods for the safety of Rome.