1When day broke, the Romans, fresh and refreshed with sleep, were led out into battle and at the first charge struck down the Volsci, worn out by standing and by lack of sleep; 2though the enemy withdrew rather than were driven back, because behind them were slopes to which there was a safe retreat, behind the front ranks, with their formation unbroken. 2The consul, when they had come to unfavourable ground, halts the line. 2The soldiers could hardly be restrained; they shouted and demanded to be allowed to press on the shaken enemy. 3The cavalry behave more fiercely; 3crowding round the general, they cry out that they will go ahead of the standards.
3While the consul hesitates, trusting in the courage of his soldiers but having little confidence in the ground, they shout that they will go, and action followed the shout. 3Planting their javelins in the ground, so as to climb the steep slope more lightly, they charge up at the run. 4The Volsci, having discharged their missiles at the first onset, hurl down the stones lying at their feet upon those coming up, and when they are thrown into disorder press them with repeated blows from the higher ground. 4So the Romans' left wing was nearly overwhelmed, had not the consul, as they were already falling back, rebuked both their rashness and their cowardice, and driven out their fear with shame.
5At first they stood their ground with stubborn resolve; 5then, as by holding their position they had recovered their strength, they dare actually to advance, and with a renewed shout set the enemy line in motion; 5then, gathering momentum again, they struggle up and overcome the disadvantage of the ground. 5They were now almost on the point of reaching the top of the ridge, when the enemy turned their backs, and in headlong flight, pursued and pursuers almost in a single column, burst into the camp. 7In that panic the camp is taken. 7Those of the Volsci who were able to escape make for Antium. 7The Roman army too was led to Antium.
7After being besieged for a few days it surrenders, not because of any new force on the part of the besiegers, but because their spirits had fallen ever since that unlucky battle and the loss of their camp.