Nothing was more common in Rome than charges of peculation, extortion, embezzlement, and brigandage, carried on in the provinces at the head of armies, and in other public capacities.

All these charges were quieted by intrigue, bribery of the judges, or desistance of the accuser.

The culprit was allowed always in the end to enjoy his spoils in peace; his son was only the more respected on account of his father's crimes.

And, in fact, it could not be otherwise.

What would become of us, if every deputy, peer, or public functionary should be called upon to show his title to his fortune! "The patricians arrogated the exclusive enjoyment of the ager publicus; and, like the feudal seigniors, granted some portions of their lands to their dependants,--a wholly precarious concession, revocable at the will of the grantor.