a quo post illam nefariam Campanorum defectionem in acie ad pugnam provocatus, cum et viribus corporis et animi virtute aliquanto esset superior, monere ingratum quam vincere maluit: nam quid agis inquit, demens, aut quo te prava cupiditas transversum rapit? parum habes publica impietate furere, nisi etiam privata lapsus fueris? unus videlicet tibi Romanorum Quinctius placet in quo scelesta exerceas arma, cuius penatibus et honoris vicissitudinem et salutem tuam debes! at me foedus amicitiae dique hospitales, sancta nostro sanguini, vestris pectoribus vilia pignora, hostili certamine congredi tecum vetant.
After the villainous defection of the Campanians, Badius in a battle challenged him to personal combat. But though considerably superior in strength of body and valour of spirit, he preferred to admonish the ingrate rather than overcome him. What are you about, madman? he said. A perverse impulse is sweeping you off course, whither? Dont you find it enough to lose your wits in public betrayal unless you tumble into a private one as well? Quinctius, it seems, is the only Roman on whom you want to use your criminal weapons, Quinctius, to whose house you owe both the return of a courtesy and your life. As for me, the pact of friendship and the gods of hospitality, pledges sacred to our race but cheap to your Campanian hearts, forbid me to meet you in a hostile encounter.
final_alignments\Valerius_Memorable_Book5.json