That this terrible mischief took its rise from the right of appeal; since threats, not authority, was all that belonged to the consuls, while permission was given to appeal to those who were accomplices in the crime.

Come," added he, "let us create a dictator from whom there lies no appeal; this madness, which hath set every thing in a flame, will immediately subside.

Let any one dare then to strike a lictor, when he shall know that his back, and even his life, are in the power of that person whose authority he has insulted." [Footnote 84: The determination of the plebeians and senators.] [Footnote 85: _rem non vulgabat_, was not for extending the relief to all.] 30.

To many the opinion of Appius appeared, as it really was, severe and violent.

On the other hand, those of Virginius and Largius were not safe for the precedent they established; especially they thought that of Largius so, as it would destroy all credit.