Moreover, "should you feel disposed to render yourselves formidable, when, having recovered your magistrates and laws, decisions on our lives and fortunes shall be in your hands; then you shall determine according to the merits of each case; now it is sufficient that your liberty be restored." 54.

All permitting them to act just as they think proper, the ambassadors assure them that they would speedily return, having completed every matter.

When they went and laid before the patricians the message of the commons, the other decemvirs, since, contrary to their own expectation, no mention was made of their punishment, raised no objection.

Appius, being of a truculent disposition and a particular object of detestation, measuring the rancour of others towards him by his own towards them, says, "I am aware of the fate which hangs over me.
I see that the contest against us is deferred, until our arms are delivered up to our adversaries.

Blood must be offered up to popular rage.