Ab urbe condita

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