season been at a greater distance, he might have put an end to hostilities.  He was then just going into winter quarters; but, it was stated that he had brought the war into such a state, that if he were not prevented by a intercessor, he seemed likely to complete it in the course of the ensuing summer.”  By such arguments the tribunes so far prevailed, that the consuls declared that they would abide by the directions of the senate, if the tribunes would agree to do the same.  Both parties having, accordingly, left the consultation perfectly free, a decree was passed, appointing the two consuls to the government of the province of Italy.  Titus Quinctius was continued in command, until a successor should accede by a decree of the senate.  To each, two legions were decreed; and they were ordered, with these, to carry on the war with the Cisalpine Gauls, who had revolted from the Romans.  A reinforcement of five thousand foot and three hundred horse was ordered to be sent into Macedonia to Quinctius, together with three thousand seamen.  Lucius Quinctius Flamininus was continued in the command of the fleet.  To each of the praetors for the two Spains were granted eight thousand foot, of the allies and Latins, and four hundred horse; so that they might discharge the veteran troops in their provinces.  They were further directed to fix the bounds which should divide the hither from the farther province.  Two additional lieutenant-generals were sent to the army in Macedonia, Publius Sulpicius and Publius Villius, who had been consuls in that province.

29.  It was thought necessary, that before the consuls and praetors went abroad, some prodigies should be expiated.  For the temples of Vulcan and Summanus,[1] at Rome, and a wall and a gate at Fregellae, had been struck by lightning.  At Frusino, light had shone forth during the night.  At Asculum, a lamb had been born with two heads and five feet.  At Formiae, two wolves entering the town had torn several persons who fell in their way; and, at Rome, a wolf had made its way, not only into the city, but into the Capitol.  Caius Acilius, plebeian tribune, caused an order to be passed, that five colonies should be led out to the sea-coast; two to the mouths of the rivers Vulturnus and Liternus; one to Puteoli and one to the fort of Salernum.  To these was added Buxentum.  To each colony three hundred families were ordered to be sent.  The commissioners appointed to conduct them thither, and who were to hold the office for three years, were Marcus Servilius Geminus, Quintus Minucius Thermus, and Tiberius Sempronius Longus.  As soon as the levies, and such other business, religious and civil, as required their personal attendance, was finished, both the consuls set out for Gaul.  Cornelius took the direct road towards the Insubrians, who were then in arms, and had been joined by the Caenomanians.  Quintus Minucius turned his route to the left side of Italy, and leading away his army to the lower sea,