ed that Valerius
and Horatius might be sent to them, to whom their wishes would be made
known, these declined to go until the decemvirs had laid down their
office. When this was done, and Valerius and Horatius came to the hill
where the commons were assembled, the latter demanded that tribunes of
the people should be appointed; that in future there should be an appeal
to the people from the magistrates of whatever degree; and that all the
decemvirs should be given up to them to be burned alive. Valerius and
Horatius approved the first two demands, but rejected the last as
inhuman; telling the commons that "they were rushing into that very
cruelty which they themselves had condemned in others;" and counselling
them to say nothing about the decemvirs, but to be satisfied to regain
their own power and authority; since thus the way would be open to them
for obtaining every redress.
Here we see plainly how foolish and unwise it is to ask a thing and with
the same breath to say, "I desire this that I may inflict an injury."
For we should never declare our intention beforehand, but watch for
every opportunity to carry it out. So that it is enough to ask another
for his weapons, without adding, "With these I purpose to destroy you;"
for when once you have secured his weapons, you can use them afterwards
as you please.
CHAPTER XLV.--_That it is of evil example, especially in the Maker of a
Law, not to observe the Law when made: and that daily to renew acts of
injustice in a City is most hurtful to the Governor._
Terms having been adjusted, and the old order of things restored in
Rome, Virginius cited Appius to defend himself before the people; and on
his appearing attended by many of the nobles, ordered him to be led to
prison. Whereupon Appius began to cry out and appeal to the people. But
Virginius told him that he was unworthy to be allowed that appeal which
he had himself done away with, or to have that people whom he had
wronged for his protectors. Appius rejoined, that the people should not
set at nought that right of appeal which they themselves had insisted on
with so much zeal. Nevertheless, he was dragged to prison, and before
the day of trial slew himself. Now, though the wicked life of Appius
merited every punishment, still it was impolitic to violate the laws,
more particularly a law which had only just been passed; for nothing, I
think, is of worse example in a republic, than to make a law and not to
keep
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