"The account given by a celebrated antiquarian, of the origin of this name, is, that, 'in the year 349 B.C., Camillus led a powerful army against the Gauls, when one of the latter, remarkable for his size and the richness of his arms, challenged any of the Romans to fight. Marcus Valerius accepted the challenge; and, as they were advancing to engage, a raven came and perched on his right arm; and, whilst they were in close combat, the bird struck the Gaul in such a manner with his beak, wings, and talons, that he could not see his enemy, by which means Valerius gained the victory. From thence he was called CORVUS, and his posterity Corvini. The two armies coming to a battle, the Gauls were entirely routed; after which, for his high deserts, Valerius Corvus, was created a consul, at 23 years of age. He lived 105 years, and was six times a Roman consul. Some centuries afterwards the family name of Corvini was changed to Corbeau; and the raven, in the center of a golden field, was given for that family's court armoury."

Some people have expressed a gentle skepticism about the "legend" of Corvus. However, research into Roman history has shown that around 30 - 25 B.C. the Roman historian, Livy, devoted considerable space to Marcus Valerius Corvus.

A translation of Livy was done in 1940 by B. O. Foster, Ph.D. of Stanford University, which was published by the Harvard University Press.. In Book VII, p. 443, Livy reports: "While they were there quietly passing the time in guard-duty, a Gaul came out to them, remarkable for his great stature and his armour, and, smiting his spear against his shield and thereby obtaining silence, challenged the Roman through an interpreter, to send a man to fight with him. There was a young tribune of the soldiers, named Marcus Valerius, who, regarding himself as no less worthy of that honour than Titus Manlius had been, first ascertained the consul's wishes, then armed himself and advanced into the midst."

Livy then tells about the Raven and the victory, and the rout of the Gauls by the inspired Romans.
In 345-343 B.C., Valerius having been made a general, led a campaign against the Campanians, and Livy tells us "Valerius, having delayed not many days for the purpose of testing the enemy in small skirmishes, hung out the signal for a battle. But first he spoke a few words of encouragement to his soldiers, bidding them have no fear of a strange war and strange enemy. ... he said that they ought, as they went into action, not only to rely every man on his own courage and martial glory, but also to consider under whose command and auspices they would have to fight; whether he were one who only merited a hearing as a brilliant orator, warlike only in his words, and ignorant of military operations, or one who knew himself how to handle weapons, to advance before the standards, and to play his part in the press and turmoil of a battle. 'Soldiers', he cried, 'it is my deeds and not my words I would have you follow, and to look to me not only for instruction but for example. Not with factions, nor the intrigues common among the nobles, but with this right hand, have I won for myself three consulships and the highest praise." ...
On page 473, we read: "There was never a commander who more endeared himself to his men by cheerfully sharing all their duties with the meanest of the soldiers. At the military sports, too, in which those of a like age contend with one another in strength and swiftness, he was easy going and good natured; he would win or lose without changing countenance, nor did he scorn to match himself with anyone who challenged him; in his acts his kindness was suited to the circumstances, in his speech he had regard to the liberty of others no less than to his own dignity; finally - and nothing can be more popular than this - he was the same in office that he had been while a candidate. (Emphasis added) It was therefore with incredible eagerness that the whole army, listening to the general's speech, marched out of the camp." and energized by their general's speech and example, won the battle.

In later years there was an insurrection within the Empire and Marcus Valerius Corvus was named dictator for the purpose of putting it down. On page 503 Livy tells us that when the two armies came in sight of one another, they recognized one another's arms and ensign, and all were reminded of their fatherland, and their anger cooled. "On either side both the leaders and the men began to seek for ways to meet and confer together. Corvinus now came forward to parley, and being recognized, was instantly accorded a silent attention, in which his opponents showed as great respect for him as did his followers."

"Soldiers," he began, "as I was setting forth from the city, I adored your gods and mine, and humbly besought them of their goodness to vouchsafe to me the glory of reconciling, not of conquering you. There have been wars in plenty, and will be others, where men may win renown; in this crisis we must seek for peace. The petition which I made to the immortal gods, as I offered up my prayer, you are able of yourselves to grant me, if you are willing to reflect that your camp is pitched, not in Samnium nor among the Volsci, but on Roman soil; that those hills which you see are in your native land; that this army is made up of your fellow citizens; that I am your consul, under whose command and auspices you twice last year defeated the Samnite legions, and twice stormed their camp. I am Marcus Valerius Corvus, soldiers, whose patrician blood has declared itself in kindness done you, not in injuries; I have urged no insolent law against you; in every position of authority I have been sterner to myself than to you. ... You shall therefore sooner draw sword on me than I on you. It is on your side that the trumpet will sound, on your side that the battle-cry will be raised and the attack begin, if fight we must. ... Will you an army of Romans, not relinquish this impious war? ... Titus Quinctius ... to make peace you will stand with honour and credit amongst the foremost, and will be a salutary mediator at this conference. Let your men ask what is reasonable, and receive it; rather than join together in impious strife.

Titus Quinctius turned with streaming eyes and addressed his people: 'I, too, soldiers, if I am of any use to you, can better lead you to peace than into war. For it was no Volscian or Samnite that just spoke these words, but a Roman. It was your consul, your general, soldiers. You have proved his auspices in your behalf; seek not to prove their worth against you. The Senate had other leaders who would have made more ruthless war on you; but they have chosen him who would deal most mercifully with you, his men; one in whom, as your general, you might place the utter most confidence. Peace is the goal desired even by those who are able to conquer: what then ought our desire to be? Nay, let us abandon wrath and hope - deceitful counselors - and commit ourselves and all our cause to a man of known fidelity!'

A shout of approval burst from every throat, and Titus Quinctius, advancing in front of the standards, announced that the soldiers would submit to the dictator's authority. He begged him to undertake the cause of his wretched fellow-citizens, and having done so to forward it with the same fidelity with which he had been used to deal with the interests of the state. For himself privately, he said, he demanded no assurance, he had no wish to found a hope on aught but innocence. But the soldiers must be assured, as in their fathers' day the plebs had been, that they should not be punished.

After praising Quinctius and bidding the rest be of good cheer, the dictator galloped back to the City, and having secured the authority of the Fathers, got the people to enact a law, that none of the soldiers should be held to answer for the secession. He begged them also, as citizens, to grant him the favor that none would make the incident a matter of reproach to any, either in jest or in earnest."

In these day, when factions and ethnic groups have attacked each other in Africa, the Mid-East, Bosnia and Ireland, as well as within some of our cities, it is evident that as essential as generals, and strong armies, and police forces are, the greatest need is for leaders who can work for reconciliation and peace within the whole human family. Would that more leaders could act with the courage, wisdom, and integrity of Marcus Valerius Corvus.