Who were the tribunes of the people, and what was their authority?
14.

Did this new regulation answer the desired end?
FOOTNOTES: [1] The power of the dictator was absolute; he could, of his own will, make peace or war, levy forces, lead them forth, disband them, and even dispense with the existing laws, at his pleasure, without consulting the senate.
[2] The gates had been shut by order of the senate, to prevent further defection.
[3] Titus Livius was born at Pad'ua (the ancient Patavi'nus) in the year of Rome, 695.

He wrote the Roman history, from the foundation of the city to the year 744, in 140 books, of which only 35 remain and some of them are still imperfect.

Though Livy was treated with great marks of respect by the emperor Augustus, in whose reign he flourished, yet he extolled Pompey so highly, that Augustus used to call him a Pompeian: and though he was by no means backward in bestowing praises on Brutus and Cassius, the enemies of Augustus, yet it did not interrupt their friendship.

Livy died at his native city, in the fourth year of the reign of Tiberius, aged 76 years.
[4] This is a severe satire upon the judgment of the multitude; indeed, it seems intended to show, that when the passions are appealed to, the judgment is not much consulted; and therefore, that little reliance ought to be placed on acts resulting from popular acclamation.
[5] They were called tribunes, because chosen by the tribes.