37.  It may seem surprizing, that this massacre of a whole race of men, could have been carried on in the sight, and under the administration of several religieuse of the order of St. Jerome; for we know that cardinal Ximenes, who was prime minister at Castile before the time of Charles V. sent over four monks of this order, in quality of presidents of the royal council of the island.  Doubtless they were not able to resist the torrent, and the hatred of the natives to their new masters being with just reason become implacable, rendered their destruction unhappily necessary.

Romulus the founder of Rome, after building the city, resolved to submit the form of its government to the choice of the people; and therefore, calling the citizens together, he harangued them thus: 

If all the strength of cities lay in the height of their ramparts, or the depth of their ditches, we should have great reason to be in fear for that which we have now built.  Are there in reality any walls too high to be scaled by a valiant enemy?  And of what use are ramparts in intestine divisions?  They may serve for a defence against sudden incursions from abroad; but it is by courage and prudence chiefly, that the invasions of foreign enemies are repelled; and by unanimity, sobriety, and justice, that domestic seditions are prevented.  Cities fortified by the strongest bulwarks, have been often seen to yield to force from without, or to tumults from within.  An exact military discipline, and a steady observance of civil polity, are the surest barriers against these evils.  But there is still another point of great importance to be considered.  The prosperity of some rising colonies, and the speedy ruin of others, have in a great measure been owing to the form of government.  Was there but one manner of ruling states and cities that could make you happy, the choice would not be difficult; but I have learnt, that of the various forms of government among the Greeks and Barbarians, there are three which are highly extolled by those who have experienced them; and yet, that no one in those is in all respects perfect; but each of them has some innate and incurable defect.  Chuse you then in what manner this city shall be governed.  Shall it be by one man?  Shall it be by a select number of the wisest among us? or shall the legislative power be in the people?  As for me, I shall submit to whatever form of administration you shall please to establish.  As I think myself not unworthy to command, so neither am I unwilling to obey.  Your having chosen me to be the leader of this colony, and your calling the city after my name, are honours sufficient to content me; honours of which, I or dead, I can never be deprived.

While Quinctius Capitolinus and Agrippa Furius were Consuls at Rome, the differences betwixt the Senate and people ran so high, that the AEqui and Volsci, taking advantage of their intestine disorders ravaged the country to the very gates of Rome, and the Tribunes of the people forbad the necessary levies of troops to oppose them.  Quinctius, a Senator, of great reputation, well beloved, and now in his fourth consulate, got the better of this opposition, by the following speech.