we were so long neglected by our fathers, our brothers, and
countrymen, that time, having now by the strictest bonds united us
to those we once mortally hated, has made it impossible for us not
to tremble at the danger and weep at the death of the very men who
once used violence to us. You did not come to vindicate our honor,
while we were virgins, against our assailants; but do come now to
force away wives from their husbands and mothers from their
children, a succor more grievous to its wretched objects than the
former betrayal and neglect of them. Which shall we call the
worst, their love-making or your compassion? If you were making
war upon any other occasion, for our sakes you ought to withhold
your hands from those to whom we have made you fathers-in-law and
grandsires. If it be for our own cause, then take us, and with us
your sons-in-law and grandchildren. Restore to us our parents and
kindred, but do not rob us of our children and husbands. Make us
not, we entreat you, twice captives." Having spoken many such
words as these, and earnestly praying, a truce was made, and the
chief officers came to a parley; the women, in the meantime,
brought and presented their husbands and children to their fathers
and brothers; gave those that wanted, meat and drink, and carried
the wounded home to be cured, and showed also how much they
governed within doors, and how indulgent their husbands were to
them, in demeaning themselves towards them with all kindness and
respect imaginable. Upon this, conditions were agreed upon, that
what women pleased might stay where they were, exempt from all
drudgery and labor but spinning; that the Romans and Sabines
should inhabit the city together; that the city should be called
Rome, from Romulus; but the Romans, Quirites, from the country of
Tatius; and that they both should govern and command in common.
The place of the ratification is still called Comitium, from