The law was before the dictator and after him; and it resumed its power over him on the cessation of his office.

He was appointed for a very short period--six months only: _semestris dictatura_, says Livy.[5] But as if this enormous power, even when freely conferred by the people, ultimately weighed heavily upon him, like remorse, the dictator generally resigned before the end of his term.

Cincinnatus gave it up at the end of eight days.

The dictator was forbidden to dispose of the public funds without the authority of the Senate, or to go out of Italy.

He could not even ride on horseback without the permission of the people.