This chapter's epigraph comes from a conversation between the two men in which they discuss the nature of the traitorous leader of the Volscian army. The two men argue about whether or not they should be allowed to continue their fight against the invading army. They argue about who should be responsible for the failure of the project to create "magi soldiers" . The men argue that they should not be punished for their actions, but they agree that it is a shame that they are not allowed to discuss the matter with one another. They also argue that if they were allowed to speak, they would be able to make a case for their innocence