the commanders, that their present situation was wrong. 23.  The soldiers, however, who were given as his attendants, were assassins; wretches who had long been ministers of the vengeance of the decemviri, and who had now engaged to murder him, though with all those apprehensions which his reputation (for he was called the Roman Achilles) might be supposed to inspire. 24.  With these designs they led him into the hollow bosom of a retired mountain, where they began to set upon him behind. 25.  Denta’tus too late perceived the treachery of the decemviri, and was resolved to sell his life as dearly as he could; he therefore set his back against a rock, and defended himself against those who pressed most closely.  Though now grown old, he had still the remains of his former valour, and, with his own hand, killed no less than fifteen of the assailants, and wounded thirty. 26.  The assassins now, therefore, terrified at his amazing bravery, showered their javelins upon him at a distance, all which he received in his shield with undaunted resolution.

[Illustration:  Death of Dentatus.]

27.  The combat, though so unequal in numbers, was managed for some time with doubtful success, till at length the assailants bethought themselves of ascending the rock, against which he stood, and pouring down stones upon him from above. 28.  This succeeded:  the old soldier fell beneath their united efforts; after having shown, by his death, that he owed to his fortitude, and not his fortune, that he had come off so many times victorious. 29.  The decemviri pretended to join in the general sorrow for so brave a man, and decreed him a funeral with the first military honours; but their pretended grief, compared with their known hatred, only rendered them still more detestable to the people.

Questions for Examination.

1.  Of what did the Roman citizens complain, and what did they wish?

2.  Was this assented to by the nation at large?

3.  What means were adopted for this purpose?

4.  What happened during their absence?

5.  How long did this calamity last?

6.  What steps were taken on the return of the ambassadors?

7.  Who were chosen for this purpose?

8.  Was this proceeding an important one?

9.  In what manner did the decemviri govern?

10.  How did they discharge the duties of their office?

11.  Did they continue in the conscientious discharge of their duties?

12.  What was the consequence of this conduct?

13.  Was no patriot to be found bold enough to be a champion in his country’s cause?

14.  What added to the miseries of the Romans?

15.  What steps were taken to oppose them?

16.  What was the conduct of the Roman soldiers on this occasion?

17.  How was this news received at Rome?

18.  Who appeared most conspicuous on this occasion?