magistrate, who should have absolute power, not only over all ranks of the state, but even over the laws themselves.  To this the plebeians readily consented, willing to give up their own power for the sake of abridging that of their superiors. 30.  In consequence of this, Lar’tius was created the first dictator of Rome, for so was this high office called, being nominated to it by his colleague in the consulship. 31.  Thus the people, who could not bear the very name of king, readily submitted to a magistrate possessed of much greater power; so much do the names of things mislead us, and so little is any form of government irksome to the people, when it coincides with their prejudices.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What form of government was substituted for the regal?

2.  Who were the first consuls?

3.  Did this new government appear stable at its commencement?

4.  Was this party formidable, and who were the most remarkable of its members?

5.  What share had Tarquin in this conspiracy?

6.  By what means was it discovered?

7.  In what unhappy situation was Brutus placed?

8.  What had the criminals to say in extenuation of their offences?

9.  What effect had this scene on the judges?

10.  Did not paternal affection cause him to relent?

11.  What measures did Tarquin next pursue?

12.  What steps were taken to resist him?

13.  What remarkable event attended the meeting of the armies?

14.  Did this decide the fate of the day?

15.  Did Tarquin relinquish his hopes?

16.  In what manner did Porsenna attempt the restoration of Tarquin?

17.  By what heroic action was the city saved?

18.  Did Porsenna persevere in his attempt?

19.  What was the consequence?

20.  What was this act of heroism?

21.  Did he succeed?

22.  What followed?

23.  How did Porsenna act on the occasion?

24.  Were these conditions accepted?

25.  What remarkable circumstance attended the delivery of the hostages?

26.  How did the consul act on the occasion?

27.  Whom did she choose?

28.  What happened after the departure of Porsenna?

29.  What measures did Tarquin next resort to?

30.  What was the consequence?

31.  What inference may be drawn from this?

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] These were first called Praetors, next Judices, and afterwards Consuls:  a Consulendo, from their consulting the good of the Common wealth.  They had the royal ornaments, as the golden crown, sceptre, purple robes, lictors, and the ivory and curule chairs.  The crowns and sceptres were, however, used only on extraordinary days of triumph.—­See Introduction.

[2] For this heroic act, Hora’tius was crowned on his return; his status was erected in the temple of Vulcan; as much land was given him as a plough could surround with a furrow in one day, and a tax was voluntarily imposed to make him a present in some degree suitable to the service he had performed.