s. He instituted many other sacred rites, and dedicated places for
performing them, which the priests call Argei. But the greatest of all
his works was his maintenance of peace, during the whole period of his
reign, no less than of his royal prerogative. Thus two kings in
succession, by different methods, the one by war, the other by peace,
aggrandized the state. Romulus reigned thirty-seven years, Numa
forty-three: the state was both strong and well versed in the arts of
war and peace.

[Footnote 29: _Cum ipsi se ---- formarent, tum finitimi etiam_, etc.
Some of the editors of Livy have remarked on this passage, that _cum_
when answering to _tum_ may be joined to a subjunctive, as here; the
fact however is, that _cum_ here does not answer to _tum_ at all; _cum_
is here "whilst,"--and so necessarily requires the verb to be in the
subjunctive mood.]

22. Upon the death of Numa, the administration returned again to an
interregnum. After that the people appointed as king, Tullus Hostilius,
the grandson of that Hostilius who had made the noble stand against the
Sabines at the foot of the citadel. The fathers confirmed the choice. He
was not only unlike the preceding king, but was even of a more warlike
disposition than Romulus. Both his youth and strength, and the renown of
his grandfather, stimulated his ambition. Thinking therefore that the
state was becoming languid through quiet, he every where sought for
pretexts for stirring up war. It happened that some Roman and Alban
peasants had mutually plundered each other's lands. C. Cluilius at that
time governed Alba. From both sides ambassadors were sent almost at the
same time, to demand restitution. Tullus ordered his to attend to
nothing before their instructions. He knew well that the Alban would
refuse, and that so war might be proclaimed on just grounds. Their
commission was executed more remissly by the Albans. For being
courteously and kindly entertained by Tullus, they politely avail
themselves of the king's hospitality. Meanwhile the Romans had both been
first in demanding restitution, and, upon the refusal of the Albans, had
proclaimed war after an interval of thirty days: of this they give
Tullus notice. Upon this he granted the Alban ambassadors an opportunity
of stating what they came to demand. They, ignorant of all, waste some
time in making apologies: "That it was with the utmost reluctance they
should say any thing which was not pleasing to Tullus; but the