e head of the government.

Tarquin made three attempts to recover his power at Rome, all
unsuccessful. (Footnote: The victory of Lake Regillus, which has been
painted by Macaulay in glowing colors, was gained over Tarquin in 509.)
In the last attempt (508), he was assisted by PORSENA, king of the
Etruscans. They advanced against the city from the north. HORATIUS
COCLES, a brave young man, alone defended the bridge (_pans sublicius_)
over the Tiber until it was torn down behind him. He then swam the river
in safety to his friends. (Footnote: See Macaulay's "Lays of Ancient
Rome.")

During the siege of the city, QUINTUS MUCIUS SCAEVOLA, a courageous
youth, stole into the camp of the enemy with the intention of killing
King Porsena, but by mistake killed his secretary instead. He was seized
and carried to Porsena, who tried to frighten him by threats of burning.
Instead of replying, Scaevola held his right hand on the burning altar
until it was consumed. The king, admiring this heroic act, pardoned him.
Out of gratitude, Scaevola told the king that three hundred other men as
brave as himself had sworn to kill him. Porsena was so alarmed, that
he made peace, and withdrew from the city. Mucius received his name
Scaevola (left-handed) on account of this loss of his right hand.

Tarquin went to Tusculum, where he spent the rest of his days in
retirement.

In 494 the plebeians at Rome rebelled, because they were exhausted by
taxes and military service. A large part of them left the city, and
crossed the Anio to a mountain (Mons Sacer) near by. The Senate sent
MENENIUS AGRIPPA to treat with them. By his exertions (Footnote:
Menenius is said to have related for them the famous fable of the belly
and members.) the people were induced to return to the city, and for the
first time were allowed to have officers chosen from their own ranks to
represent their interests. These officers were called Tribuni Plebis.

Two years later (492) Gaius Marcius, one of the patricians, met and
defeated the Volsci, a neighboring tribe, at CORIOLI. For this he
received the name of CORIOLANUS. During a famine, he advised that grain
should not be distributed to the plebeians unless they relinquished
their right to choose the Tribuni Plebis. For this he was banished.
Having obtained command of a Volscian army, he marched against Rome, and
came within five miles of the city. Here he was met by a deputation of
his own citizens, who begged him to spare