Titus Livius (Livy), The History of Rome, Book 3
Benjamin Oliver Foster, Ph.D., Ed.

60. The consuls, having set affairs in order in the City and established the position of the plebs, departed to their respective commands. [2] Valerius, facing the armies of the Aequi and Volsci, which had already effected a junction on Mount Algidus, deliberately postponed engaging them; had he risked an immediate decision, it is likely —such was the difference in spirit between the Romans and the enemy, in consequence of the godless dealings of the decemvirs —that the struggle would have cost him a severe defeat. [3] He established his camp a mile from the enemy and kept his men within the works. The enemy repeatedly drew up their troops in fighting order on the ground between the camps, and challenged the Romans to come out and engage them; but no one answered them. [4] At length, weary with standing and waiting, to no purpose, for the battle, the Aequi and Volsci concluded that the Romans had virtually yielded them the victory; and marched off to pillage, some against the Hernici, others against the Latins, leaving behind what was rather a garrison for the camp than a sufficient force for giving battle. [5] On perceiving this the consul repaid the fear he had previously been made to feel, and forming a line of battle, himself provoked the enemy. [6] Since they declined the combat, conscious of their want of strength, the [p. 203]Romans felt an immediate access of courage, and¹ regarded their opponents, cowering behind the palisade, as beaten men. [7] After standing in line all day intent on fighting, the Romans withdrew at nightfall. And they, on their side, were full of hope, as they ate their evening meal; but the enemy's spirits were by no means so high, and they sent out couriers far and wide, in great alarm, to recall the marauders. [8] The nearest of these hastened back; but those who were farther afield could not be found. As soon as it was light, the Romans sallied from their camp, intending to assault the rampart, unless the enemy gave battle. So, when the day was now far spent and the enemy made no move, the consul ordered an advance. The Roman line having got in motion, the Aequi and Volsci were ashamed that their victorious armies should depend for protection upon stockades, instead of valour and the sword. Accordingly they too demanded of their leaders, and received, the signal to attack. [9] A part had already passed out through the gates and the rest were following in good order, each man coming out into his proper place; when the Roman consul, not waiting till the enemy's line should be strongly posted in full force, advanced to the charge. [10] The attack, which he delivered before their troops had all been brought out, and when those who had been were insufficiently deployed, found little more than a surging mob of men, who as they hurried this way and that cast anxious looks at one another and wished for their missing friends. [11] The shouting and the fury of the onset increased their agitation, and at first they fell back; then, when they had collected their wits and on [p. 205]every side heard their officers wrathfully demanding² if they meant to yield to troops whom they had beaten, they rallied and held their own.