Of course, in theory there was a middle course possible, which would have served the best interests of the two states equally. He might have used his influence to establish a lasting and intimate alliance; and this was the policy that Volumnia outlined in her plea:
If it were so that our request did tend
To save the Romans, thereby to destroy
The Volsces whom you serve, you might condemn us
As poisonous to your honour: no; our suit
Is, that you reconcile them: while the Volsces
May say, “This mercy we have show’d”; the Romans,
“This we received”; and each in either side
Give the all-hail to thee, and cry “Be blest
For making up this peace!”