CHAPTER XI.
SECTION I.
FROM THE CREATION OF THE TRIBUNES, TO THE APPOINTMENT OF THE DECEMVIRI--U.C.

260.
Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!--_Shakspeare_.
1.

During the late separation, all tillage had been entirely neglected, and a famine was the consequence the ensuing season.2.

The senate did all that lay in their power to remedy the distress; but the people, pinched with want and willing to throw the blame on any but themselves, ascribed the whole of their distress to the avarice of the patricians, who, having purchased all the corn, as was alleged, intended to indemnify themselves for the abolition of debts, by selling it out to great advantage.3.But plenty soon after appeased them for a time.

A fleet of ships, laden with corn, from Sicily, once more raised their spirits.
4.