ll on Quintus Fabius Maximus, who sought not
the employment at first, and afterwards, when he discovered their
wishes, even declined it. "Why," said he, "should they impose such a
difficult task on him, who was now in the decline of life, and had
passed through a full course of labours, and of the rewards of labour?
Neither the vigour of his body, nor of his mind, remained the same;
and he dreaded fortune herself, lest to some god she should seem too
bountiful to him, and more constant than the course of human affairs
allowed. He had himself succeeded, in gradual succession, to the
dignities of his seniors; and he beheld, with great satisfaction,
others rising up to succeed to his glory. There was no scarcity at
Rome, either of honours suited to men of the highest merit, or of men
of eminent merit suited to the highest honours." This disinterested
conduct, instead of repressing, increased, while in fact it justified
their zeal. But thinking that this ought to be checked by respect for
the laws, he ordered that clause to be read aloud by which it was not
lawful that the same person shall be re-elected consul within ten
years. The law was scarcely heard in consequence of the clamour; and
the tribunes of the commons declared, that this "decree should be no
impediment; for they would propose an order to the people, that he
should be exempted from the obligation of the laws." Still he
persisted in his opposition, asking, "To what purpose were laws
enacted, if they eluded by the very persons who procured them? The
laws now," he said, "instead of being rulers, were overruled." The
people, nevertheless, proceeded to vote; and, according as each
century was called in, it immediately named Fabius consul. Then at
length, overcome by the universal wish of the state, he said, "Romans,
may the gods approve your present, and all your future proceedings.
But since, with respect to me, ye intend to act according to your own
wills, let my interest find room with you, with respect to my
colleague. I earnestly request, that ye will place in the consulship
with me Publius Decius; a man with whom I have already experienced the
utmost harmony in our joint administration of that office; a man
worthy of you, worthy of his father." The recommendation was deemed
well founded, and all the remaining centuries voted Quintus Fabius and
Publius Decius consuls. This year, great numbers were prosecuted by
the aediles, for having in possession larger quan