Читать книгу Yale Classics (Vol. 2) - Луций Анней Сенека - Страница 432

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The Trojans, as far as I can learn, who were forced to fly from their native country, and wandered up and down, without any fixed abode, under the conduct of Æneas, were the founders of Rome, together with the Aborigines, a barbarous race, subject to no laws, and restrained by no authority, but altogether independent and unaccountable. It is incredible how easily these two nations, after they came to inhabit the same city, formed into one people, though differing in original, language, and manners. Afterward, when wholesome institutions, an increase of territory and inhabitants, had rendered their state sufficiently flourishing and glorious, their opulence, such is the hard fate of almost all human affairs, became the object of envy; neighbouring princes and nations fell on them in war, and but few of their friends came to their assistance; the rest, struck with terror, kept at a distance from the danger.

The Romans, however, fearless and undaunted, equally on their guard both within and without the walls, acted with spirit and resolution; concerted their measures, encouraged one another; boldly faced the enemy; and by their arms protected their liberty, their country, and their families: then, after having repelled their own dangers, they carried assistance to their confederates, and procured themselves alliances more by conferring than receiving favours.5

The form of their government was monarchical; but monarchy circumscribed by laws: a select number of men, whose bodies were indeed enfeebled with years, but their minds in full vigour, formed a council for the direction of public affairs; they were called Fathers,6 either on account of their age, or a similitude of concern. Afterward, when the regal government, which was established for maintaining liberty and aggrandizing the state, degenerated into pride and tyranny, they abolished it, and created two magistrates with annual power;7 this they thought would be the most effectual method to prevent that insolence which a long continuance of power generally inspires.