That same Manlius, subsequently accused of conspiring against public liberty, was cited before the tribunes.

He presented bracelets, javelins, twelve civic crowns, thirty spoils torn from conquered enemies, and his breast scarred with cicatrices; he reminded them that he had saved Rome, and yet the sole reply was to cast him headlong from the same rock whence he had precipitated the Gauls.

These, sirs, were a free people.
"And we, since the day we acquired our liberty, have not ceased to pardon our patricians their conspiracies, have not ceased to recompense their crimes by sending them chariots of gold: as for me, if I voted such gifts, I should die of remorse.

The people contemplate and judge us, and on their sentence depends the destiny of our labours.

Cowards, we lose the public confidence; firm, our enemies would be disconcerted.
Do not then sully the sanctity of the oath, by making it pause in deference before mouths thirsting for our blood.