ngendered by these scenes of blood, that
malefactors and unfortunate christians, during the period of the
persecution against them, were compelled to risk their lives in these
unequal contests; and in the time of Nero, christians were dressed in
skins, and thus distinguished, were hunted by dogs, or forced to contend
with ferocious animals, by which they were devoured.

The next in order were the dramatic entertainments, of which there were
three kinds. First; comedy, which was a representation of common life,
written in a familiar style, and usually with a happy issue: the design
of it was, to expose vice and folly to ridicule.

Second; tragedy, or the representation of some one serious and important
action; in which illustrious persons are introduced as heroes, kings,
&c. written in an elevated style, and generally with an unhappy issue.

The great end of tragedy was to excite the passions; chiefly pity and
horror: to inspire a love of virtue, and an abhorrence of vice.

The Roman tragedy and comedy differed from ours only in the chorus: this
was a company of actors who usually remained on the stage singing and
conversing on the subject in the intervals of the acts.

Pantomimes, or representations of dumb show, where the actors expressed
every thing by their dancing and gestures, without speaking.

Those who were most approved, received crowns, &c. as at other games; at
first composed of leaves or flowers, tied round the head with strings,
afterwards of thin plates of brass gilt.

The scenery was concealed by a curtain, which, contrary to the modern
custom, was drawn down when the play began, and raised when it was over.

CHAPTER XVI.

_Magistrates._

Rome was at first governed by kings, chosen by the people; their power
was not absolute, but limited; their badges were the _trabea_ or white
robe adorned with stripes of purple, a golden crown and ivory sceptre;
the _curule_ chair and twelve _lictors_ with the _fasces_, that is,
carrying each a bundle of rods, with an axe in the middle of them.

The regal government subsisted at Rome for two hundred and forty-three
years, under seven kings--Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius,
Ancus Marcius, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, and Lucius
Tarquinius Superbus, all of whom, except the last, may be said to have
laid the foundation of Roman greatness by their good government.

Tarquin being universally detested for his tyranny and cruelty, w