ught by any by irregular and
unworthy means, it was not by them, but by the plebeians, who, with
neither birth nor merit to recommend them, had need to resort to
corruption. And more particularly they accused the dictator himself.
And so telling was the effect of these charges, that Menenius, after
haranguing the people and complaining to them of the calumnies
circulated against him, laid down his dictatorship, and submitted
himself to whatever judgment might be passed upon him. When his cause
came to be tried he was acquitted; but at the hearing it was much
debated, whether he who would retain power or he who would acquire it,
is the more dangerous citizen; the desires of both being likely to lead
to the greatest disorders.

Nevertheless, I believe that, as a rule, disorders are more commonly
occasioned by those seeking to preserve power, because in them the
fear of loss breeds the same passions as are felt by those seeking to
acquire; since men never think they hold what they have securely, unless
when they are gaining something new from others. It is also to be said
that their position enables them to operate changes with less effort
and greater efficacy. Further, it may be added, that their corrupt and
insolent behaviour inflames the minds of those who have nothing, with
the desire to have; either for the sake of punishing their adversaries
by despoiling them, or to obtain for themselves a share of those riches
and honours which they see the others abuse.

CHAPTER VI.--_Whether it was possible in Rome to contrive such a
Government as would have composed the Differences between the Commons
and the Senate._

I have spoken above of the effects produced in Rome by the controversies
between the commons and the senate. Now, as these lasted down to the
time of the Gracchi, when they brought about the overthrow of freedom,
some may think it matter for regret that Rome should not have achieved
the great things she did, without being torn by such disputes.
Wherefore, it seems to me worth while to consider whether the government
of Rome could ever have been constituted in such a way as to prevent
like controversies.

In making this inquiry we must first look to those republics which
have enjoyed freedom for a great while, undisturbed by any violent
contentions or tumults, and see what their government was, and whether
it would have been possible to introduce it into Rome. Of such republics
we have an example in ancien