1.  The commonwealth of Rome had now, for nearly sixty years, been fluctuating between the contending orders that composed it, till at length each side, as if weary, was willing to respire awhile from the mutual exertions of its claims.  The citizens, of every rank, began to complain of the arbitrary decisions of their magistrates, and wished to be guided by a written body of laws which, being known, might prevent wrongs, as well as punish them. 2.  In this both the senate and the people concurred, as hoping that such laws would put an end to the commotions that so long had harassed the state. 3.  It was thereupon agreed that ambassadors should be sent to the Greek cities in Italy, and to Athens, to bring home such laws from thence, as, by experience, had been found most equitable and useful.  For this purpose three senators, Posthu’mus, Sulpi’cius, and Man’lius, were fixed upon, and galleys assigned to convoy them, agreeably to the majesty of the Roman people. 4.  While they were upon this commission abroad, a dreadful plague depopulated the city at home, and supplied the interval of their absence with other anxiety than that of wishes for their return. 5.  In about a year the plague ceased, and the ambassadors returned, bringing home a body of laws, collected from the most civilised states of Greece and Italy, which, being afterwards formed into ten tables, and two more being added, made that celebrated code, called, The Laws of the Twelve Tables.[1]

6.  The ambassadors were no sooner returned, than the tribunes required that a body of men should be chosen to digest their new laws into proper form, and to give weight to the execution of them. 7.  After long debate, whether this choice should not be made from the people, as well as the patricians, it was at last agreed that ten of the principal senators should be elected, whose power, continuing for a year, should be equal to that of kings and consuls, and that without any appeal. 8.  Thus the whole constitution of the state at once took a new form, and a dreadful experiment was about to be tried, of governing one nation by laws formed from the manners and customs of another.

9.  These Decemviri, being now invested with absolute power, agreed to take the reins of government by turns, each to administer justice for a day. 10.  For the first year, they wrought with extreme application:  and their work being finished, it was expected that they would be content to give up their office; but, having known the charms of power, they were unwilling to resign:  they pretended that some laws were yet wanting to complete their design, and entreated the senate for a continuance in office; which request was readily granted.