They wished Tarpeia to open the gates and let them in.

She promised to do so if they would give her their bracelets; but, as she did not know the name of the shining ornaments, the language she used to designate them was, "Those things you have upon your arms." The soldiers acceded to her terms; she opened the gates, and they, instead of giving her the bracelets, threw their _shields_ upon her as they passed, until the poor girl was crushed down with them and destroyed.

This was near the Tarpeian Rock, which afterward took her name.

The rock is now found to be perforated by a great many subterranean passages, the remains, probably, of ancient quarries.

Some of these galleries are now walled up; others are open; and the people who live around the spot believe, it is said, to this day, that Tarpeia herself sits, enchanted, far in the interior of these caverns, covered with gold and jewels, but that whoever attempts to find her is fated by an irresistible destiny to lose his way, and he never returns.