![]() ![]() He was unalterably opposed to giving poor men, who considered war a greater burden than tyranny, occasions and excuses for revolution.ģAfter this, other envoys came announcing that Tarquin abdicated his throne and ceased to wage war upon the city, but demanded for himself, his friends, and his kinsmen, their moneys and effects, wherewith to maintain themselves in exile. These envoys the consuls thought should be brought before the assembled people, but Valerius would not suffer it. 3For envoys came from Tarquin bringing letters calculated to seduce the people, and specious words by which they thought the multitude were most likely to be corrupted, coming as they did from a king who seemed to have humbled himself, and to ask only moderate terms. And his actions speedily confirmed his oath. This pleased the senate and inspired the consuls with courage. 2But when Brutus, who had his suspicions of certain others also, desired the senators to take a sacrificial oath, and set a day for the ceremony, Valerius went down with a glad countenance into the forum, and was the first to take oath that he would make no submission or concession to the Tarquins, but would fight with all his might in defence of freedom. ![]() They feared lest, in his wrath, he should attach himself to the royal exiles, and subvert the established order of the city, which was in a dangerous pass. This caused anxious remark among the multitude. He was a man of no greater excellence than Valerius, but the influential citizens were afraid of the kings, who were still putting forth many efforts outside, and trying to appease resentment inside the city, and they therefore desired to have as their commander the most pronounced enemy of the royal family, believing that he would make no concessions to them.ĢValerius, accordingly, vexed that his desire to do his utmost for his country should be doubted, merely because he had received no private injury at the hands of the tyrants, withdrew from the senate, gave up his practice as an advocate, and abandoned entirely his public activities. For against the wishes of Brutus, Tarquinius Collatinus, the husband of Lucretia, was elected as his colleague, instead of Valerius. 5Then Valerius, who hoped that he would be chosen next to Brutus, and would be consul with him, was disappointed. But the very name of monarchy was odious to the people, who thought that it would be less vexatious to submit to an authority which was divided, and therefore proposed and demanded that two men should be elected to the highest office. Then, as long as the people was likely to elect one man as their commander in place of the king, 4Valerius acquiesced, thinking it more fitting that Brutus should have the office, because he had led the way to freedom. Lucius Brutus, engaging in the revolution, came to Valerius first of all, and with his most zealous assistance drove out the kings. The people therefore hated him, resented his oppressions, and found occasion for revolt in the fate of Lucretia, who made away with herself after violence had been done to her. It was therefore clear that, should Rome become a democracy, he would at once be one of its foremost men.ģNow Tarquinius Superbus had not acquired his power honourably, but by the violation of divine and human laws nor did he exercise it in kingly fashion, but after the manner of an insolent and haughty tyrant. 2Such being his lineage, Valerius, as we are told, while Rome was still a kingdom, was conspicuous for his eloquence and wealth, always employing the one with integrity and boldness in the service of justice, while with the other he gave liberal and kindly aid to the poor and needy. Before that he was called Publius Valerius, and was reputed to be a descendant of that ancient Valerius who was most instrumental in making the Romans and the Sabines one people instead of enemies for it was he more than anyone else that persuaded their kings to come together, and settled their differences. 1–23 (end) | About This Work »ġSuch was Solon, and with him we compare Publicola, to whom the Roman people gave this surname later as a mark of honour. ![]()
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