He first marched against the Sab'ines, who refused to pay him obedience; and he soon reduced them to submission.5.In the meantime, many of the discontented patricians, abandoning their native country, took refuge in Ga'bii, a city of Latium, about twelve miles from Rome, waiting an opportunity to take up arms, and drive Tarquin from his throne.

To escape this danger.

Tarquin had recourse to the following stratagem.6.He caused his son Sextus to counterfeit desertion, upon pretence of barbarous usage, and to seek refuge among the inhabitants of the place.

There, by artful complaints and studied lamentations, Sextus so prevailed upon the pity of the people, as to be chosen their governor, and, soon after, general of their army.7.At first, in every engagement, he appeared successful; till, at length, finding himself entirely possessed of the confidence of the state, he sent a trusty messenger to his father for instructions.

Tarquin made no answer; but taking the messenger to the garden, he cut down before him the tallest poppies.