upon the multitude, and under a pretence of being sufficiently instructed in the merits of the cause, with rage interrupted him.  “Yes,” said he, “my conscience obliges me to declare, that I, myself, am a witness to the truth of the deposition of Clau’dius.  Most of this assembly know that I was left guardian to him.  I was early apprised that he had a right to this young slave; but public affairs, and the dissensions of the people, have prevented my doing him justice.  However, it is not now too late; and by the power vested in me for the general good, I adjudge Virgin’ia to be the property of Clau’dius, the plaintiff.  Go, therefore, lictors, disperse the multitude, and make room for the master to repossess himself of his slave.” 22.  The lictors, in obedience to his command, drove off the throng that pressed round the tribunal; they seized upon Virgin’ia, and were delivering her up into the hands of Clau’dius:  the multitude were terrified and withdrew; and Virgin’ius, who found that all was over, seemed to acquiesce in the sentence. 22.  He, however, mildly entreated of Ap’pius to be permitted to take a last farewell of a child whom he had at least considered as his own, and so satisfied, he would return to his duty with fresh alacrity. 24.  Ap’pius granted the favour, upon condition that their endearments should pass in his presence.  But Virgin’ius was then meditating a dreadful resolution.

[Illustration:  Death of Virginia.]

25.  The crowd made way, and Virgin’ius, with the most poignant anguish, taking his almost expiring daughter in his arms, for a while supported her head upon his breast, and wiped away the tears that trickled down her cheeks. 26.  He most tenderly embraced her, and drawing her insensibly to some shops which were on the side of the forum, snatched up a butcher’s knife:  “My dearest lost child,” cried Virgin’ius, “thus, thus alone is it in my power to preserve your honour and your freedom!” So saying, he plunged the weapon into her heart.  Then drawing it out, reeking with her blood, he held it up to Ap’pius:  “Tyrant,” cried he, “by this blood I devote thy head to the infernal gods!” 27.  Thus saying, and covered with his daughter’s blood, the knife remaining in his hand, threatening destruction to whomsoever should oppose him, he ran through the city, wildly calling upon the people to strike for freedom.  By the favour of the multitude he then mounted his horse, and rode directly to the camp.

28.  He no sooner arrived, followed by a number of his friends, than he informed the army of all that had been done, still holding the bloody knife in his hand.  He asked their pardon and the pardon of the gods, for having committed so rash an action, but ascribed it to the dreadful necessity of the times. 29.  The army, already predisposed to revolt by the murder of Denta’tus, and other acts of tyranny and oppression, immediately with shouts echoed their approbation, and decamping, left the generals behind, to take their station once more upon mount Aven’tine, whither they had retired about, forty years before.  The other army, which had been to oppose the Sab’ines, felt a like resentment, and came over in large parties to join them.