lazy dependence. 22.  When he had thus gained a sufficient number of partisans, he procured large quantities of arms to be brought into his house by night, and formed a conspiracy, by which he was to obtain the command, while some of the tribunes, whom he had found means to corrupt, were to act under him, in seizing upon the liberties of his country. 23.  Minu’tius soon discovered the plot, and, informing the senate, they immediately resolved to create a dictator, who should have the power of quelling the conspiracy without appealing to the people. 24.  Cincinna’tus, who was now eighty years old, was chosen once more to rescue his country from impending danger. 25.  He began by summoning Mae’lius to appear, who refused to obey.  He next sent Aha’la, the master of the horse, to compel his attendance; when, meeting him in the forum, Aha’la, on his refusal, killed him upon the spot.  The dictator applauded the resolution of his officer, and commanded the conspirator’s goods to be sold, his house to be demolished, and his stores to be distributed among the people.[5]

26.  The tribunes of the people were much enraged at the death of Mae’lius.  In order, therefore, to punish the senate at the next election, instead of consuls, they insisted upon restoring the military tribunes, and the senate were obliged to comply.

[Sidenote:  U.C. 315.]

The next year, however, the government returned to its ancient channel, and consuls were chosen.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What was the consequence of those intestine tumults related in the preceding section?

2.  Was it their courage only that was impaired by them?

3.  How did the tribunes conduct themselves?

4.  How were these proposals received?

5.  Did it answer the desired end?

6.  What expedient was resorted to?

7.  How was it received?

8.  What happened on assembling the senate?

9.  Did they avail themselves of this permission, and what farther passed on this occasion?

10.  Was his opinion agreeable to the people?  What new proposition was offered by Genutius?

11.  Was this plan adopted and acted upon?

12.  What were the name, number, and powers of these new magistrates?

13.  How long did they continue in office?

14.  What government was substituted?

15.  What were the duties of the censors?

16.  Who were the first censors?

17.  What was the consequence of this new creation?

18.  Was this satisfaction lasting?

19.  How were the consuls affected by it?

20, 21.  Through what means did Spurius Manlius obtain credit for being more liberal than the consuls?  And what was his real object?

22.  How did he proceed in his designs against the liberties of his country?

23.  By what means was the plot frustrated?