The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1902-10-30
.Citus nlanliu$: Zero. I. /.

IN ,URING the early struggles of
Rome for supremacy, and
while the Romans were at war
with the Latins, there lived
stalWart young warrior known as
Titus Manlius. At this period the
Romans were on the verge of open re-
bellion on account of the dissatisfac-
tion that had long existed between the
Patricians and plebeians; and the Lat
ms were so encouraged by their re-
peated successes over the Samnites
that they cast aside the hated yoke of
the Romans and attempted to win
their independence.
The Romans at once forgot the mutt
nous grievances that had long been the
bone of contention between the partri-
clans and plebeians, made peace with
Samnium and entered into an alliance
with the Marsian League, confedera-
tiOn of Sabine towns, and at once took
the field. The Romans were led by
their two consuls, Manl1us of the pa
tricians and Publius Decius of the pie
>beians.
The two consuls marched their
armies into the Campania and went
into camp in the plain of Capua, and
almost within speaking distance of
the combined army of the Latins and
their allies. AS both armies were so
nearly alike in dress, arms and spoke
the same language the Roman Consul
Manlius gave stringent orders that no
soldier in his army should leave his
ranks, threatening punishment by death
FOR any disobedience Of this order.
What magnificent sight those two
vast armies must have presented to
the artistic eye as they stood there
facing each other, only waiting the
signal from their generals to hurl
themselves at each others throats!
There they stood with eyes flashing
and pulses beating rapidly. AS the
sun shone down on their FURNISHED
shields it almost dszzled the eye to be-
mold the gorgeous display of arms
Suddenly there is slight commotion
in the center of the Latin army. Every
Roman eye is turned in that direction.
A horseman appears armed with spear
and shield. For an instant he pauses
to speak few words to those about
him. The Romans begin to whisper
to each other, for they have recognized
the brave Metlus, the general in COM
mand of the opposing forces. The
hOrseman rides to the center of the
space that divides the two armies,
halts his steed, and with proud and
naughty bearing challenges any Roman
soldier to meet him in single combat
According to Roman tradition a
thousand soldiers should have stepped
forward and instantly accepted the
challenge. Not Roman moved. The
terrible threat of Consul Manlius still
rang in their ears. But the bold Metius
did not have to repeat his words.
While the whole Roman army silently
stood there accepting the keenest in
suit which it wasapossible for Roman
to receive at the hands of an enemy,
Titus Manlius, son of Consul ManIius
who issued the order against leaving
the ranks, rode forward without his
fathers permission and engaged the
Latin general.
Titus Manlius's face was scarlet as
he rode from the Roman ranks. No
doubt he thought it far better to die a
hero than to see the whole Roman army
intimidated by single person, branded
as towards and shamed at home.
He rode straight at his antagonist and
the two came together with a tremend-
Gus shock. Titus was slightly wounded
in the neck, but he succeeded in killing
his adversary's horse. The Latin gen.
eral was thrown violently to the ground
and endeavored for while to defend
himself with his shield, but Titus killed
him as he was attempting to rise. He
then stripped him, returned to his ranks
in triumph and laid the spoils Of his
victory ct his fathers feet.
The Roman army was IN ecstasy ever