ne of the public, which
withstood it. So they concluded with Appius, who also had been dictator,
if the Consuls and some of the graver sort had not thought it altogether
unseasonable, at a time when the Volsci and the Sabines were up again,
to venture so far upon alienation of the people: for which cause
Valerius, being descended from the Publicolas, the most popular family,
as also in his own person of a mild nature, was rather trusted with so
rigid a magistracy. Whence it happened that the people, though they knew
well enough against whom the Dictator was created, feared nothing from
Valerius; but upon a new promise made to the same effect with that of
Servilius, hoped better another time, and throwing away all disputes,
gave their names roundly, went out, and, to be brief, came home again
as victorious as in the former action, the Dictator entering the city in
triumph. Nevertheless, when he came to press the Senate to make good his
promise, and do something for the ease of the people, they regarded him
no more as to that point than they had done Servilius. Whereupon the
Dictator, in disdain to be made a stale, abdicated his magistracy, and
went home. Here, then, was a victorious army without a captain, and a
Senate pulling it by the beard in their gowns. What is it (if you have
read the story, for there is not such another) that must follow? Can
any man imagine that such only should be the opportunity upon which this
people could run away?

"Alas, poor men, the AEqui and the Volsci and the Sabines were nothing,
but the fathers invincible! There they sat, some 300 of them armed all
in robes, and thundering with their tongues, without any hopes in
the earth to reduce them to any tolerable conditions. Wherefore, not
thinking it convenient to abide long so near them, away marches the
army, and encamps in the fields. This retreat of the people is called
the secession of Mount Aventin, where they lodged, very sad at their
condition, but not letting fall so much as a word of murmur against the
fathers. The Senate by this time were great lords, had the whole city to
themselves; but certain neighbors were upon the way that might come to
speak with them, not asking leave of the porter. Wherefore their minds
became troubled, and an orator was posted to the people to make as good
conditions with them as he could; but, whatever the terms were, to bring
them home, and with all speed. And here it was covenanted between the
Senate a