Their attendants being instantly seized, informed against a great number of matrons, of whom to the number of one hundred and seventy were condemned.

Nor up to that day was there ever an inquiry made at Rome concerning poisoning.

The circumstance was considered a prodigy; and seemed the act rather of insane persons than of persons depraved by guilt.

Wherefore mention having been found in the annals, that formerly in the secessions of the commons the nail had been driven by the dictator, and that the minds of the people, distracted by discord, had been restored to a sane state, it was determined that a dictator should be nominated for the purpose of driving the nail.

Cneius Quinctilius being nominated, appointed Lucius Valerius master of the horse, who, as soon as the nail was driven, abdicated their offices.
19.