much to have ratified when proposed, as to have proposed from
themselves." When they appeared sufficiently corrected according to
public opinion (as expressed) regarding each chapter of the laws as it
was published, the laws of the ten tables were passed at the assembly
voting by centuries; which, even at the present time, amid this immense
heap of laws crowded one upon the other, still remain the source of all
public and private jurisprudence. A rumour was then spread that two
tables were wanting; on the addition of which a body, as it were, of the
whole Roman law might be completed. The expectation of this, as the day
of election approached, created a desire to appoint decemvirs again. The
commons now, besides that they detested the name of consuls as much as
that of kings, required not even the tribunitian aid, as the decemvirs
in turn submitted to appeal.

35. But when the assembly for electing decemvirs was proclaimed for the
third market-day, so strong a flame of ambition blazed forth, that the
first men of the state began to canvass individuals, (through fear, I
suppose, lest the possession of such high authority might become
accessible to persons not sufficiently worthy, if the post were left
unoccupied by themselves,) suppliantly soliciting for an honour, which
had been opposed by them with all their might, from that commons with
whom they had so often contended. Their dignity now lowered to the risk
of a contest, at such an age, and after passing through such honours,
stimulated the exertions of Appius Claudius. You would not know whether
to reckon him among the decemvirs or the candidates; he resembled more
closely one canvassing for the office than one invested with it; he
aspersed the nobility, extolled every most insignificant and humble
candidate; surrounded by the Duilii and Icilii who had been tribunes, he
bustled about the forum, through their means he recommended himself to
the commons; until his colleagues even, who till then had been extremely
devoted to him, turned their eyes on him, wondering what he meant. It
was evident to them, that there was no sincerity in it; "that certainly
such affability amid such pride would not be for nothing. That this
excessive lowering of himself, and putting himself on a level with
private citizens, was not so much the conduct to be expected from one
hastening to go out of office, as of one seeking the means of continuing
that office." Not daring openly to oppose h