What else then does he do, than abolish auspices out of the state, who, by creating plebeian consuls, takes them away from the patricians who alone can hold them?
They may now mock at religion.

For what else is it, if the chickens do not feed?
if they come out too slowly from the coop?
if a bird chaunt an unfavourable note?
These are trifling: but by not despising these trifling matters, our ancestors have raised this state to the highest eminence.

Now, as if we had no need of the favour of the gods, we violate all religious ceremonies.

Wherefore let pontiffs, augurs, kings of the sacrifices be appointed at random.

Let us place the tiara of Jupiter's flamen on any person, provided he be a man.