But it will be observed, in this sequence of circumstances, the robbery of the province was essential to success.

This was sometimes done after so magnificent a fashion as to have become an immortal fact in history.

The instance of Verres will be narrated in the next chapter but one.

Something of moderation was more general, so that the fleeced provincial might still live, and prefer sufferance to the doubtful chances of recovery.

A Proconsul might rob a great deal, and still return with hands apparently clean, bringing with him a score of provincial Deputies to laud his goodness before the citizens at home.