Every distinction was lavished upon senators, who, in the spirit of his laws, could only pass from the temple of virtue to that of honour.

Before their jurisdiction all species of crime might be arraigned--they had equal power to reward and to punish.

From the guilt of murder to the negative offence of idleness [207], their control extended--the consecration of altars to new deities, the penalties affixed to impiety, were at their decision, and in their charge.

Theirs was the illimitable authority to scrutinize the lives of men--they attended public meetings and solemn sacrifices, to preserve order by the majesty of their presence.

The custody of the laws and the management of the public funds, the superintendence of the education of youth, were committed to their care.