Tarquin, surprised at the inconsistency of her behaviour, consulted the augurs, to be advised what to do.

These much blamed him for not buying the nine, and commanded him to take the three remaining, at whatsoever price they were to be had.12.

The woman, says the historian, after thus selling and delivering the three prophetic volumes, and advising him to have a special attention to what they contained, vanished from before him, and was never seen after.

A trick this, invented probably by Tarquin himself, to impose upon the people; and to find in the Sybil's leaves whatever the government might require.

However this was, he chose proper persons to keep them, who, though but two at first, were afterwards increased to fifteen, under the name of _Quindecemviri_.