This authority, so mild and so moderate, yet, because it was vested in one, some say that he had it in contemplation to resign,[60] had not the wickedness of his family interfered with him whilst meditating the liberation of his country.
[Footnote 60: _To resign_.

Niebuhr is of opinion that what is said regarding the Commentaries of Servius Tullius, chap.

60, has reference to this.] 49.

After this period Tarquin began his reign, whose actions procured him the surname of the Proud, for he refused his father-in-law burial, alleging, that even Romulus died without sepulture.

He put to death the principal senators, whom he suspected of having been in the interest of Servius.