I.IX.The Tarquins 2.

The well-known fable for the most part refutes itself.

To a considerable extent it has been concocted for the explanation of surnames (-Brutus-, -Poplicola-, -Scaevola-).

But even its apparently historical ingredients are found on closer examination to have been invented.

Of this character is the statement that Brutus was captain of the horsemen (-tribunus celerum-) and in that capacity proposed the decree of the people as to the banishment of the Tarquins; for, according to the Roman constitution, it is quite impossible that a mere officer should have had the right to convoke the curies.