It was a grateful sight to the multitude that the insignia of authority were lowered to them, and that an acknowledgment was made, that the majesty and power of the people were greater than that of the consul.

When they were called to silence, Valerius highly extolled the good fortune of his colleague, "who after delivering his country had died vested with the supreme power, fighting bravely in defence of the commonwealth, when his glory was in its maturity, and not yet converted into jealousy.

That he himself, having survived his glory, now remained as an object of accusation and calumny; that from the liberator of his country he had fallen to the level of the Aquilii and Vitellii.

Will no merit then, says he, ever be so tried and approved by you, as to be exempted from the attacks of suspicion.

Could I apprehend that myself, the bitterest enemy of kings, should fall under the charge of a desire of royalty?
Could I believe that, even though I dwelt in the very citadel and the Capitol, that I could be dreaded by my fellow citizens?
Does my character among you depend on so mere a trifle?
Is my integrity so slightly founded, that it makes more matter where I may be, than what I may be.