<P> This poem celebrates the Roman victory over the Latin League, at the Battle of Lake Regillus . Several years after the retreat of Porsena, Rome was threatened by a Latin army led by the deposed Roman king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, together with his son, Titus Tarquinius, and his son - in - law, Octavius Mamilius, prince of Tusculum . The fighting described by Macaulay is fierce and bloody, and the outcome is only decided when the twin gods Castor and Pollux descend to the battlefield on the side of Rome . </P> <P> This poem includes a number of finely described single - combats, in conscious imitation of Homer's Iliad . </P> <P> This poem describes the tragedy of Virginia, the only daughter of Virginius, a poor Roman farmer . The wicked Appius Claudius, a member of one of Rome's most noble patrician families, and head of the college of decemvirs, desires the beautiful and virtuous Virginia . He initiates legal proceedings, claiming Virginia as his "runaway slave", knowing that his claim will be endorsed by the corrupt magistracy over which he and his cronies preside . Driven to despair, Virginius resolves to save his daughter from Claudius' lust by any means--even her death is preferable . </P> <P> Virginia's sacrifice stirs the plebeians to action: their violent outbursts lead to the overthrow of the decemvirs, and the establishment of the office of tribune of the plebs, to protect the plebeian interest from abuses by the established patrician aristocracy . </P>

Facing fearful odds protecting the bones of her fathers and the temples of her gods