Titus Livius (Livy), The History of Rome, Book 10
D. Spillan, A.M., M.D., Cyrus Evans, Ed.

22. No one doubted but that Quintus Fabius would be chosen by universal consent; and accordingly, the prerogative, and all the first-called centuries, were for naming him consul with Lucius Volumnius. [2] The speech of Fabius was to the same purpose as it had been two years before; but afterwards, when he yielded to the general wish, he applied himself to procure Decius to be appointed his confederate: “that,” he said, “would be a prop to his advanced age. [3] In the censorship, and two consulships, in which they had been associated, he had experienced that there could be no firmer support, in promoting the interest of the commonwealth, than harmony with a colleague. At his advanced stage of life, his mind could hardly conform itself to a new associate in command; and he could more easily act in concert with a temper to which he had been familiarized.” [4] Volumnius subscribed to these sentiments, both by bestowing due praises on Publius Decius, and enumerating “the advantages resulting [p. 657]from concord between consuls, and the evils arising from their disagreement in the conduct of military affairs;” [5] at the same time remarking, “how near the extremity of danger matters had been brought, by the late dispute between his colleague and himself.” [6] He warmly recommended to Decius and Fabius to “live together with one mind and one spirit.” Observed that “they were men qualified by nature for military command: great in action, but unpractised in the strife of words and eloquence; their talents were such as eminently became consuls. [7] As to the artful and the ingenious lawyers and orators, such as Appius Claudius, they ought to be kept at home to preside in the city and the forum; and to be appointed praetors for the administration of justice.” [8] In these proceedings that day was spent, and, on the following, the elections both of consuls and praetor were held, and were guided by the recommendations suggested by the consul. [9] Quintus Fabius and Publius Decius were chosen consuls; Appius Claudius, praetor; all of them absent; and, by a decree of the senate, followed by an order of the commons, Lucius Volumnius was continued in the command for another year.