VI.  Now Faustulus, the swineherd of Amulius, kept the children concealed from every one, though some say that Numitor knew of it, and shared the expense of their education.  They were sent to Gabii to learn their letters, and everything else that well-born children should know; and they were called Romulus and Remus, because they were first seen sucking the wolf.  Their noble birth showed itself while they were yet children, in their size and beauty; and when they grew up they were manly and high-spirited, of invincible courage and daring.  Romulus, however, was thought the wiser and more politic of the two, and in his discussions with the neighbours about pasture and hunting, gave them opportunities of noting that his disposition was one which led him to command rather than to obey.  On account of these qualities they were beloved by their equals and the poor, but they despised the king’s officers and bailiffs as being no braver than themselves, and cared neither for their anger nor their threats.  They led the lives and followed the pursuits of nobly born men, not valuing sloth and idleness, but exercise and hunting, defending the land against brigands, capturing plunderers, and avenging those who had suffered wrong.  And thus they became famous.

VII.  Now a quarrel arose between the herdsmen of Numitor and those of Amulius, and cattle were driven off by the former.  Amulius’s men, enraged at this, fought and routed the others, and recovered a great part of the booty.  They cared nothing for Numitor’s anger, but collected together many needy persons and slaves, and filled them with a rebellious spirit.  While Romulus was absent at a sacrifice (for he was much addicted to sacrifices and divination), the herdsmen of Numitor fell in with Remus, accompanied by a small band, and fought with him.  After many wounds had been received on both sides, Numitor’s men conquered and took Remus alive.  Remus was brought before Numitor, who did not punish him, as he feared his brother’s temper, but went to his brother and begged for justice, saying that he had suffered wrong at the hands of the king his brother’s servants.  As all the people of Alba sympathised with Remus, and feared that he would be unjustly put to death, or worse, Amulius, alarmed at them, handed over Remus to his brother Numitor, to deal with as he pleased.  Numitor took him, and as soon as he reached home, after admiring the bodily strength and stature of the youth, which surpassed all the rest, perceiving in his looks his courageous and fiery spirit, undismayed by his present circumstances, and having heard that his deeds corresponded to his appearance, and above all, as seems probable, some god being with him and watching over the first beginnings of great events, he was struck by the idea of asking him to tell the truth as to who he was, and how he was born, giving him confidence and encouragement by his kindly voice and looks.  The young man boldly said, “I will conceal nothing from you,