Ab urbe condita

it. His first act was to secure the people, who were now jealous of their newly-recovered liberty, from being influenced by any entreaties or bribes from the

king. He therefore made them take an oath that they would not suffer any man to reign in Rome. The senate had been thinned by the murderous cruelty of Tarquin, and Brutus' next care was to strengthen its influence by selecting some of the leading men of equestrian rank to fill the vacancies; by this means he brought it up to the old number of three

hundred. The new members were known as “ conscripti,” the old ones retained their designation of “ patres.” This measure had a wonderful effect in promoting harmony in the State and bringing the patricians and plebeians together.

He next gave his attention to the affairs of religion. Certain public functions had hitherto been executed by the kings in person;

with the view of supplying their place a “king for sacrifices” was created,[*](king for sacrifices —The discharge of these functions by any one of lower rank than a king might be deemed an affront by the gods. A striking instance of the “legalism” of the Roman religion.) and lest he should become king in anything more than name, and so threaten that liberty which was their first care, his office was made subordinate to the Pontifex Maximus. I think that they went to unreasonable lengths in devising safeguards for their liberty, in all, even the smallest

points. The second consul —L. Tarquinius Collatinus —bore an unpopular name —this was his sole offence —and men said that the Tarquins had been too long in power. They began with Priscus; then Servius Tullius reigned, and Superbus Tarquinius, who even after this interruption had not lost sight of the throne which another filled, regained it by crime and violence as the hereditary possession of his house. And now that he was expelled, their power was being wielded by Collatinus; the Tarquins did not know how to live in a private station, the very name was a danger to

liberty. What were at first whispered hints became the common talk of the City, and as the people were becoming suspicious and alarmed, Brutus summoned an