CHAPTER XII.
SECTION I.
FROM THE CREATION OF THE DECEMVIRI TO THE EXTINCTION OF THAT OFFICE .-- U.C.

302.
She's gone, forever gone! The king of terrors Lays his rude hands upon her lovely limbs.
And blasts her beauty with his icy breath .-- _Dennis_.
1.

The commonwealth of Rome had now, for nearly sixty years, been fluctuating between the contending orders that composed it, till at length each side, as if weary, was willing to respire awhile from the mutual exertions of its claims.

The citizens, of every rank, began to complain of the arbitrary decisions of their magistrates, and wished to be guided by a written body of laws which, being known, might prevent wrongs, as well as punish them.2.In this both the senate and the people concurred, as hoping that such laws would put an end to the commotions that so long had harassed the state.3.It was thereupon agreed that ambassadors should be sent to the Greek cities in Italy, and to Athens, to bring home such laws from thence, as, by experience, had been found most equitable and useful.

For this purpose three senators, Posthu'mus, Sulpi'cius, and Man'lius, were fixed upon, and galleys assigned to convoy them, agreeably to the majesty of the Roman people.4.While they were upon this commission abroad, a dreadful plague depopulated the city at home, and supplied the interval of their absence with other anxiety than that of wishes for their return.
5.