Appius Claudius was sent against the Volscians; the AEquans fell to Quintius as his province.

The severity of Appius was the same in war as at home, being more unrestrained because he was free from tribunitian control.

He hated the commons with more than his father's hatred: he had been defeated by them: when he was set up as the only consul to oppose the tribunitian influence, a law was passed, which former consuls obstructed with less effort, amid hopes of the senators by no means so great (as those formed of him).

His resentment and indignation at this, excited his imperious temper to harass the army by the rigour of his command; nor could it (the army) however be subdued by any means; such a spirit of opposition had they imbibed.

They executed every measure slowly, indolently, negligently, and with stubbornness: neither shame nor fear restrained them.