of popular
prejudice, and to injure his own cause, than to be wanting to the public
cause; and he stood firm in the same sentiment, "that no largess should
be made, which was sure to turn to the benefit of the three tribunes;
that it was not land was sought for the people, but odium for him. That
he too would undergo that storm with a determined mind; nor should
either himself, nor any other citizen, be of so much consequence to the
senate, that in showing tenderness to an individual, a public injury may
be done." When the day of trial came, he, having pleaded his own cause
with a spirit by no means subdued, is condemned in a fine of fifteen
thousand _asses_, though the patricians tried every means to make the
people relent. The same year Postumia, a Vestal virgin, is tried for a
breach of chastity, though guiltless of the charge; having fallen under
suspicion in consequence of her dress being too gay and her manners less
reserved than becomes a virgin, not avoiding the imputation with
sufficient care. The case was first deferred, she was afterwards
acquitted; but the chief pontiff, by the instruction of the college,
commanded her to refrain from indiscreet mirth, and to dress with more
regard to sanctity than elegance. In the same year Cumae, a city which
the Greeks then occupied, was taken by the Campanians.

45. The following year had for military tribunes with consular power,
Agrippa Menenius Lanatus, Publius Lucretius Tricipitinus, Spurius
Nautius Rutilus: to the good fortune of the Roman people, the year was
remarkable rather by great danger than by losses. The slaves conspire to
set fire to the city in several quarters, and whilst the people should
be intent in bearing assistance to the houses in every direction, to
take up arms and seize the citadel and Capitol. Jupiter frustrated their
horrid designs; and the offenders, being seized on the information of
two (accomplices), were punished. Ten thousand _asses_ in weight of
brass paid out of the treasury, a sum which at that time was considered
wealth, and their freedom, was the reward conferred on the parties who
discovered. The AEquans then began to prepare for a renewal of
hostilities; and an account was brought to Rome from good authority,
that new enemies, the Lavicanians, were forming a coalition with the old
ones. The state had now become habituated, as it were, to the
anniversary arms of the AEquans. When ambassadors were sent to Lavici
and brought back f