n any regard they now had to his authority.
The Roman people, meantime began to crown themselves with garlands and
prepare for sacrifice, as they were wont to do upon tidings brought
of an signal victory. But the joy and transport of the whole city was
chiefly remarkable in the honors and marks of affection paid to the
women, as well by the senate as the people in general; every one
declaring that they were, beyond all question, the instruments of the
public safety. And the senate having passed a decree that whatsoever
they would ask in the way of an a favor or honor should be allowed and
done for them by the magistrates, they demanded simply that a temple
might be erected to the Goddess Fortuna, the expense of which they
offered to defray out of their own contributions, if the city would be
at the cost of sacrifices, and other matters pertaining to the due honor
of the gods, out of the common treasury. The senate, much commending
their public spirit, caused the temple to be built and a statue set
up in it at the public charge; they however, made up a sum among
themselves, for a second image of Fortune, which the Romans say utter
these words as they were putt it up "Blessed of the gods, O women, is
your gift."

When Marcius came back to Antium, Tullus, who thoroughly hated
and greatly feared him, proceeded at once to contrive how he might
immediately despatch him; as, if he escaped now, he was never likely
to give him such another advantage. Having, therefore, got together and
suborned several partisans against him, he required Marcius to resign
his charge, and give the Volscians an account of his administration.

An assembly was called, and popular speakers, as had been concerted,
came forward to exasperate and incense the multitude; but when Marcius
stood up to answer, even the most tumultuous part of the people became
quiet on a sudden, and out of reverence allowed him to speak without
the least disturbance; while all the better people, and such as were
satisfied with a peace, made it evident by their whole behavior,
that they would give him a favorable hearing, and judge and pronounce
according to equity.

For these reasons, the conspirators judged it prudent not to test the
general feeling; but the boldest of their faction fell upon Marcius in
a body, and slew him there, none of those that were present offering
to defend him. But it quickly appeared that the action was in nowise
approved of by the majority of th