302'For my part, Latins, I would have wished, and it had been better, to have decided this supreme matter before, and not to call a council at such a time, when the enemy sits before our walls. 305We are waging an ill-timed war, citizens, with a race of gods and unconquered men, whom no battles weary: not even when beaten can they leave off the sword. 308If you had any hope in the arms of the Aetolians you sent for, lay it aside. 309Each man is his own hope; but you see how narrow this is; 310in what ruin all else lies struck down, is all before your eyes and in your hands.
312Nor do I blame anyone: the greatest valour that could be, has been; 313we have fought with the whole body of the kingdom. 314Now, then, I will set out what is the opinion of my doubting mind and explain it in a few words; give me your attention. 316I have an ancient territory next to the Tuscan river, stretching long to the west, as far as beyond the Sicanian borders; 318Auruncans and Rutulians sow it and work the hard hills with the ploughshare, and pasture the roughest of them. 320Let all this region and the pine-clad tract of high mountain be ceded for the friendship of the Teucrians; let us lay down fair terms of treaty and invite them as partners in the kingdom.
323Let them settle, if their desire is so great, and found their walls. 324But if they have a mind to take other lands and another nation, and are able to leave our soil, let us build twice ten ships of Italian oak, or if they can man more, all the timber lies by the water; let them themselves prescribe the number and design of the hulls, and let us give bronze, hands, dockyards. 330Besides, it is my wish that a hundred envoys, Latins of the first rank, go to carry our words and confirm the treaty, and hold out the branches of peace in their hands, bearing gifts, talents of gold and ivory, and the chair and robe, the insignia of our kingship.
335Take counsel together and help our weary state.'