the space of five years there might be such alterations in the fortunes of private persons as to entitle some to be raised to a higher class and reduce others to a lower, enjoined that the census should be renewed every five years.

As the census was usually closed by the lustrum, the Romans henceforth began to compute time by lustrums, each lustrum containing the space of five years. However, the lustrums were not always regularly observed, but often put off, though the census had been made in the fifth year. Some writers say that Servius at this time coined the first money that had appeared at Rome. The government of the city being thus established, Servius, touched with compassion for those whom an unsuccessful war had reduced to slavery, thought that such of them as had, by long and faithful services, deserved and obtained their freedom, were much more worthy of being made Roman citizens than foreigners who were admitted without distinction. He therefore gave the freed men their choice, either to return to their own country or continue at Rome. Those who chose to continue he divided into four tribes, and settled them within the city; and though they were distinguished from the plebeians by their old name of liberti, or freed men, yet they enjoyed all the privileges of free citizens. The senate took offence at the regard which the king showed to such low people, who had but lately shaken off their fetters; but Servius, by a most humane and judicious discourse, entirely appeased the fathers, who passed his institution into a law which subsisted ever after. This wise king, having thus established order among the people, undertook at last to reform the royal power itself; his equity, which was the main spring of all his resolutions, leading him to act contrary to his own interest, and to sacrifice onehalf of the royal authority to the public good. His predecessors reserved to themselves the cognizance of all causes, public and private; but Servius, finding the duties of his office too much for one man to discharge well, committed the cognizance of ordinary suits to the senate, and reserved that only of state crimes to himself. All things being now regulated, both in the city and country, Servius formed a scheme for attaching the Sabines and Latins to the Romans, by social ties, strengthened by religion. He summoned the Latin and Sabine cities to send their deputies to Rome, to consult about an affair of great importance. When they were come, he proposed to them the building of a temple in honor of Diana, where the Latins and Sabines should meet once a-year, and join with the Romans in offering sacrifices to that goddess; that this festival should be followed by a council in which all disputes between the cities should be amicably determined; that there proper measures should be taken to pursue their common interest; and lastly, in order to draw the common people thither, a fair should be kept, at which every one night furnish himself with what he wanted. The king's design met with no opposition: the deputies only added to it that the temple should be an inviolable asylum for the united nations; and that all the cities should contribute toward the expense of building it. It being left to the

king to choose a proper place for it, he pitched upon the Aventine Hill, where the temple was built, and assemblies annually held in it. The laws which were to be observed in these general meetings were engraved on a pillar of brass, and were to be seen in Augustus's time in the Latin tongue, but in Greek characters. But now Servius was grown old; and the ambition of Tarquin his son-in-law increased in proportion as the king advanced in years. His wife used her utmost endeavours to check the rashness and fury of her husband, and to divert him from all criminal enterprises; while her younger sister was ever instigating Arunx, who placed all his happiness in a private life, to the most villanous attempts. She was continually lamenting her fate in being tied to such an indolent husband, and wishing she had either continued unmarried, or were a widow. Similitude of temper and manners formed by degrees a great intimacy between her and Tarquin. At length she proposed nothing less to him than the murdering of her father, sister, and husband, that they two might meet and ascend the throne together. Soon after they paved their way to an incestuous marriage, he by poisoning his wife, and she her husband; and then had the assurance to ask the king's and queen's consent to their marriage. Servius and Tarquinia, though they did not give it, were silent, through too much indulgence to a daughter in whom now was their only hope of posterity. But these criminal nuptials were only the first step towards a yet greater iniquity. The wicked ambition of the new married couple first showed itself against the king: for they publicly declared that the crown belonged to them; that Servius was a usurper, who, being appointed tutor to Tarquin's grandchildren, had deprived his pupils of their inheritance; that it was high time for an old man, who was but little able to support the weight of public affairs, to give place to a prince who was of a mature age, &c. The patricians, whom Servius had humbled during the whole of his reign, were easily gained over to Tarquin's party; and by the help of money, many of the poorer citizens were also brought over. The king, being informed of their treasonable practises, endeavoured to dissuade his daughter and son-in-law from such proceedings, which might end in their ruin; and exhorted them to wait for the kingdom till his death. But they, despising his counsels and paternal admonitions, resolved to lay their claim before the senate, which Servius was obliged to summon. Tarquin reproached his father-in law with having ascended the throne without a previous interregnum; and with having bought the votes of the people, and despised the suffrages of the senate. He then urged his own right of inheritance to the crown, and the injustice of Servius, who, being only his guardian, had kept possession of it, when he himself was of an age to govern. Servius answered that he had been lawfully elected by the people; and that, if there could be an hereditary right to the kingdom, the sons of Ancus had a much better one than the grandsons of the late king, who must himself have been a usurper. He then referred the whole to an assembly of the people; which being

immediately proclaimed, all over the city, the forum was soon filled; and Servius harangued the multitude in such a manner as gained all their affections. They all cried out with one voice, Let Servius reign; let him continue to make the Romans happy.' Amidst their clamors, these words were likewise heard: 'Let Tarquin die; let him perish.' This language so frightened him, that he retired to his house in great haste; while the king was conducted back to his palace with the acclamations of the people. The ill success of this attempt cooled Tarquin's ardent desire of reigning, but his ambition made him act a new part. He undertook to regain the favor of his father-in-law by caresses, submissions, and protestations of a sincere regard and affection for him; insomuch that the king was sincerely reconciled to him, and tranquillity re-established in the royal family. But it was not long ere Tarquin, roused by the continual reproaches of his wife, began to renew his intrigues; and had no sooner gained a considerable party, than he clothed himself in the royal robes, and, causing the fasces to be carried before him by some of his domestics, crossed the forum, and, entering the temple where the senate used to meet, seated himself on the throne. Such of the senators as were in the faction he found already in their places (for he had given them private notice to be there early); and the rest, being summoned to assemble in Tarquin's name, made what haste they could to the appointed place, thinking that Servius was dead, since Tarquin assumed the title and functions of king. When they were all assembled, Tarquin made a long speech, reviling his father-in-law, and repeating the invectives against him which he had so often uttered, calling him a slave, an usurper, a favorer of the populace, and an enemy to the senate and patricians. While he was speaking Servius arrived; and, rashly giving way to the motions of his courage, without considering his strength, drew near the throne to pull Tarquin down from it. This raised a tumult in the assembly, which drew the people into the temple; but nobody ventured to part the rivals. Tarquin, therefore, being more strong and vigorous, seized the old man by the waist, and, hurrying him through the temple, threw him down from the top of the steps into the forum. The king raised himself up with some difficulty: but all his friends had abandoned him; two or three of the people only, touched with compassion, lent him their arms to conduct him to the palace. As they were leading him on so slowly, the cruel Tullia appeared in the forum, whither she had hastened in her chariot on the first report of what had passed in the senate. She found her husband on the top of the steps of the temple; and was the first who saluted him king. The example was immediately followed by the senators of Tarquin's party. Nor was this enough for the unnatural daughter; she took aside her husband, and suggested to him that he would never be safe so long as the usurper of his crown was alive. Hereupon Tarquin instantly despatched some of his domestics to take away the unfortunate Servius's life. The orders for this parricide were no sooner given than Tullia

mounted her chariot again, with an air of triumph, to return home. In the way to her house, which was through a narrow street, called Vicus Cyprius, the assassins had left the king's body, which was still panting. At this sight the charioteer, struck with horror, checked his horses: but Tullia forced him to go on: and the blood of the father is said to have dyed the wheels of the chariot, and even the clothes of the inhuman daughter; whence the street was called ever after Vicus Sceleratus.

The new king proved a most despotic and cruel tyrant; and was surnamed the proud, on account of his haughty behaviour. All controversies whatever were decided by himself and his friends; and he banished, fined, and even executed, whom he pleased. The census and lustrum, the division of citizens into classes and centuries, were abolished; and all kinds of assemblies, even those for amusement and recreation, were prohibited. Nay, to such a height did Tarquin carry his insolence and tyranny, that the most virtuous of the senators went into voluntary banishment; while many of those who remained were cut off on various pretences, that the king might enjoy their estates. Tarquin, sensible of the danger in which he stood by thus losing the affections of his people, provided a sufficient number of soldiers, by way of guard, to prevent attempts upon his person; and gave his daughter to Octavius Mamilius, one of the most considerable men among the Latins, to strengthen his interest by a foreign alliance. Mamilius accordingly procured many friends to his father-in-law, but he had nearly lost them again by his haughty behaviour. He desired the Latins to call a national council at Ferentinum, where he would meet them on a day appointed by himself. The Latins accordingly met; but, after waiting for several hours, Tarquin did not appear. On this, one Turnus Herdonius, an enterprising and eloquent man, who hated Tarquin, and was jealous of Mamilius, made a speech, in which he inveighed against the haughty behaviour of Tarquin, set forth the contempt which he had put upon the Latins, and concluded with desiring the council to break up and return home without taking any further notice of him. Mamilius, however, prevailed upon them to return the day following; when Tarquin made his appearance, and told the assembly that his design in calling them together was to claim his right of commanding the Latin armies, which he said was derived from his grandfather, but which he desired to be confirmed to him by them. These words were scarcely out of his mouth, when Herdonius, rising up, entered into a detail of Tarquin's tyranny and arbitrary behaviour at Rome, which, he said, the Latins would soon feel in an equal degree, if they complied with Tarquin's demand. To this speech the king made no reply at that time, but promised to answer him next day. In the mean time, however, he bribed the domestics of Herdonius to admit among his baggage a large quantity of arms : and then, telling the Latins that Herdonius's opposition proceeded only from Tarquin's having refused him his daughter in marriage, accused him of having laid a plot to cut off all the de

above mentioned, a violent plague happening to break out at Rome, Tarquin sent his sons Titus and Arunx to consult the oracle of Delphi; and the princes took Brutus along with them, to divert themselves with his supposed folly. Brutus chose for his offering to the Delphic Apollo a stick of elder; which occasioned much laughter. However, he had the precaution to enclose a rod of gold within the stick; and to this probably it was owing that the priestess gave the princes the following riddle, that he who should first kiss his mother should succeed Tarquin in the government of Rome. This answer had been given to their enquiries concerning the succession; upon which the two brothers either drew lots which of them should kiss their mother at their return, or agreed to do it at once, that both might reign jointly: but Brutus, imagining the oracle had another meaning, fell down and kissed the earth, the common mother of all living. This the priestess had probably meant, and had given the answer on purpose to have another proof of Brutus's ingenuity. On the return of the princes to Rome, they found their father engaged in a war with the Rutuli. The treasury being exhausted by the sums which Tarquin had expended in his public works, he had marched to Ardea the capital of that nation, which lay about twenty miles from Rome, in hopes of taking it without opposition. Contrary to his expectation, however, he was obliged to besiege it in form; and this constrained him to lay a heavy tax upon his subjects. As the siege was carried on very slowly, the general officers frequently made entertainments for one another. One day, when Sextus Tarquinius was entertaining his brothers, the conversation happened to turn upon their wives: every one extolled the good qualities of his own; but Collatinus bestowed such extravagant praises on his Lucretia, that the dispute ended in a kind of quarrel. It was then resolved that they should mount their horses and surprise their wives by their unexpected return. The king's daughtersin-law were employed in feasting and diversion, and seemed much disconcerted by the appearance of their husbands; but Lucretia, though the night was far advanced, was found, with her maids about her, spinning and working in wool. She was not at all discomposed by the company whom her husband brought with him, and they were all pleased with the reception she gave them. As Lucretia was very beautiful, Sextus Tarquinius conceived a passion for her, which resolving to satisfy at all events, he soon returned to Collatia in the absence of Lucretia's husband, and was entertained by her with great civility and respect. In the night-time he entered Lucretia's apartment, and threatened her with immediate death if she did not yield to his desires.

But finding her not to be intimidated, he told her that, if she still persisted in her refusal, he would kill one of her male slaves, and lay him naked by her when she was dead, and then declare to all the world that he had only revenged the injury of Collatinus. On this the virtuous Lucretia (who, it seems, dreaded violation less than infamy) submitted to the desires of Sextus; but resolved not to outlive his violence. She

dressed herself in mourning, and took a poniard under her robe, having previously written to her husband to meet her at her father Lucretia's house, where she refused to discover the cause of her grief, except in a full assembly of her friends and relations. Here, addressing herself to her husband Collatinus, she acquainted them with the whole affair; exhorted them to revenge the injury; and protested that she would not outlive the loss of her honor. Every one present gave her a solemn promise that they would revenge her quarrel; but, while they endeavoured to comfort her, she suddenly stabbed herself to the heart, with the dagger which she had concealed. This action inflamed, beyond measure, the minds of all present. Brutus, laying aside his pretended folly, drew the bloody dagger out of Lucretia's body; and, showing it to the assembly, swore by the blood upon it that he would pursue Tarquin and his family with fire and sword; nor would he ever suffer that or any other family to reign in Rome. The same oath was taken by all the company; who were so much surprised at the apparent transition of Brutus from folly to wisdom, that they did whatever he desired of them. By his advice the gates of the city were shut, that nobody might go out of it to inform Tarquin of what was going forward; which, as Lucretius had been left governor of the city by Tarquin, was put in execution without difficulty. The corpse of Lucretia was then exposed to public view; and Brutus having made a speech to the people, in which he explained the mystery of his conduct in counterfeiting folly for many years past, proceeded to tell them that the patricians were come to a resolution of deposing the tyrant, and exhorted them to concur in the same design. The people testified their approbation, and called out for arms; but Brutus did not think proper to trust them with arms till he had first obtained a decree of the senate. This was easily procured: the senate enacted that Tarquin had forfeited all the prerogatives belonging to the regal authority, condemned him and all his posterity to perpetual banishment, and devoted to the gods of hell every Roman who should hereafter, by word or deed, endeavour his restoration; and this decree was unanimously confirmed by the curio.

Tarquin being thus deposed, the form of the government became the next object. Lucretius was declared Interrex ; but Brutus, being again consulted, declared, that though it was by no means proper for the state to be without supreme magistrates, yet it was equally necessary that the power should not be centered in one man, and that it should not be perpetual. For this reason he proposed that two magistrates, called consuls, should be elected annually; that the state should thenceforth have the name of republic; that the ensigns of royalty should be abolished; and that the only ensigns of consular dignity should be an ivory chair, a white robe, and twelve lictors for their attendants. He also proposed that the title of rex, or king, should be given to him who superintended religious matters, who should thenceforth be called rex sacrorum, or king of sacred things. This scheme being approved of, Brutus and Collatinus were

proposed by Lucretius as the two first consuls, and unanimously accepted by the people, who thought it impossible to find more implacable enemies to the Tarquins. They entered on their office A. A. C. 508; and the monster Tullia, perceiving that now all was lost, left the city, and retired to her husband at Ardea. She was suffered to depart, though the populace hooted at her, and cursed her as she went along. Tarquin, in the mean time, being informed by some who had got out of Rome before the gate was shut, that Brutus was raising commotions to his prejudice, returned in haste to the city, attended only by his sons and a few friends; but finding the gates shut, and the people in arms on the walls, he returned again to the camp: here again, to his surprise, he found that the consuls had taken the opportunity of gaining over the army to their interest; so that, being refused admittance into the camp also, he was forced to fly for refuge, at the age of seventy-six, with his wife and three sons to Gabii. Here he continued for some time; but, not finding the Latins forward to revenge his cause, he retired into Etruria; where, it being the country of his mother's family, he hoped to find more friends. The Romans now congratulated themselves on their happy deliverance from tyranny. However, as Tarquin had by his policy procured himself many friends abroad, these now became enemies to the Roman name; and, by the defection of the allies, the Roman dominions were left in much the same state as they had been in the time of Romulus. Though almost constantly victorious in war for 143 years, they had not yet gained land enough to supply their city with provisions. The main strength of the state lay in the number of the citizens of Rome; which, by transplanting the inhabitants of the conquered cities, had so prodigiously increased, that it put the Romans in a condition of usurping the authority over other nations, the most inconsiderable of which had an extent of territory far exceeding theirs. By frequent depredations they so harassed the states of Latium and Etruria that many of them were constrained to enter into treaties with Rome, by which they obliged themselves to furnish her with auxiliaries whenever she should invade and pillage the lands of her other neighbours. Submissions of this kind the Romans called making alliances with them, and these useful alliances supplied the want of a large territory; but now, upon the change of her government, all the allies of Rome forsook her at once, and either stood neuter, or espoused the cause of the banished king. The new consuls in the mean time took the most effectual methods for securing the liberties of the republic. The army employed in the siege of Ardea marched home under Herminus and Horatius, who concluded a truce with the Ardeates for fifteen years. The consuls then again assembled the people by centuries, and had the decree of Tarquin's banishment confirmed; and many of the laws of Servius Tullius were revived to the great Joy of the people. Tarquin, however, having made Tarquinii the seat of his residence, engaged the inhabitants to send an embassy to Rome, with a submissive letter for himself, di

rected to the Roman people. The ambassadors represented in such strong terms to the senate how reasonable it was to let the king be heard before he was condemned, that the consuls inclined to bring these agents before the people, and to leave the decision to the curiæ; but Valerius, who had been very active in the revolution, strenuously opposed this, and by his influence in the senate got it prevented. Mean time, Tarquin prevailed on the inhabitants of Tarquinii to send a second embassy to Rome, demanding the estates of the exiles, but with private instructions to get the consuls assassinated. The restoration of the estates of the exiles was opposed by Brutus, but Collatinus was for complying with it; whereupon Brutus accused his colleague of treachery, and of a design to bring back the tyrant. The matter was referred to the people, where it was carried by one vote in favor of the Tarquins. But whilst the people were employed in loading carriages with the effects of the exiles, and in selling what could not be carried off, the ambassadors drew some of the nearest relations of the consuls into a plot with them. These were three young noblemen of the Aquilian family (the sons of Collatinus's sister), two of the Vitellii (whose sister Brutus had married); and Titus and Tiberius, the two sons of Brutus. They all bound themselves by solemn oaths, with the dreadful ceremony of drinking the blood of a murdered man and touching his entrails. They met at the house of the Aquilii, where they wrote letters to Tarquin and gave them to the ambassadors. But their proceedings were overheard by one Vindicius a slave, who immediately communicated the whole to Valerius; upon which all the criminals were apprehended. Brutus stood judge over his own sons; and notwithstanding the intercession of the whole assembly, and the tears of his children, commanded them to be beheaded; nor would he depart till he saw the execution of the sentence. Having performed this piece of heroic barbarity, he quitted the tribunal, and left Collatinus to perform the rest.

Collatinus, being inclined to spare his nephews, allowed them a day to clear themselves: and caused Vindicius, the only witness against them, to be delivered up to his masters. This roused the indignation of the people, especially of Valerius, who had promised to protect the witness, and therefore he refused to deliver him up to the lictors. The multitude called for Brutus to return; which when he had done, he told them that he had executed his two sons in consequence of his own paternal authority, but that it belonged to the people to determine the fate of the rest. Accordingly, by a decree of the curiæ, all the delinquents suffered as traitors, except the ambassadors. Vindicius had his liberty granted him; and was presented with 25,000 asses of brass, in value about £80 14s. 7d. of our money. The decree for restoring the estates of the exiled Tarquins was annulled, their palaces were destroyed, and their lands divided among the people. The public only retained a piece of ground near the Campus Martius, which the king had usurped, and which they consecrated to Mars. The severity of Brutus towards his two sons