But at the approach of another war the praetors decreed a cancellation of debts:  others opposed this measure:  and so Marcus Valerius was named dictator.  He was of the kindred of Poplicola and was beloved by the people.  Then, indeed, so many gathered, animated with such zeal (for he had promised them prizes, too), that they overran not only the Sabines, but the Volsci and AEqui who were allied with them.  As a sequel, the populace voted many honors to Valerius, one of which was their bestowal of the title Maximus.  This name, translated into Greek, signifies “greatest.”  And he, wishing to do the populace some favors, made many addresses to the senate but could not get it to follow his guidance.  Consequently he rushed out of the senatorial assembly in a rage, and after making to the populace a long speech against the senate resigned his command. [Sidenote:  FRAG. 16^4] AND THE POPULACE WAS ALL THE MORE PROVOKED TO REVOLT.  AS FOR THE MONEY-LENDERS, BY INSISTING IN THE CASE OF DEBTS UPON THE VERY LETTER OF THE AGREEMENT AND REFUSING TO MAKE ANY CONCESSION TO THOSE WHO OWED THEM THEY BOTH FAILED TO SECURE THE EXACT AMOUNT AND WERE DISAPPOINTED IN MANY OTHER HOPES.  FOR POVERTY AND THE RESULTING DESPERATION IS A HEAVY CURSE, AND IS, IF IT SPREADS AMONG A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE, VERY DIFFICULT TO COMBAT.  NOW THE CAUSE OF MOST OF THE TROUBLES THAT BEFELL THE ROMANS LAY IN THE UNYIELDING ATTITUDE ADOPTED AT THIS TIME BY THE MORE POWERFUL TOWARD THEIR INFERIORS.  For as the military contingent came to be hard pressed by dint of campaigns and was baffled out and out in frequent hopes frequently entertained, and the debtors were repeatedly abused and maltreated by the money-lenders, the people became inflamed to such a pitch of fury that many of the destitute abandoned the city, withdrew from the camp, [Sidenote:  FRAG. 16^5] AND LIKE ENEMIES GATHERED THEIR SUBSISTENCE FROM THE COUNTRY.

WHEN THIS SITUATION HAD BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT, SINCE NUMBERS CAME
FLOCKING TO THE SIDE OF THE REVOLUTIONISTS, THE SENATORS, DREADING
THAT THE LATTER MIGHT BECOME MORE ESTRANGED AND THE NEIGHBORING TRIBES
JOIN THEIR REBELLION FOR PURPOSES OF ATTACK, MADE PROPOSITIONS TO THEM
IN WHICH THEY PROMISED EVERYTHING THAT THE SENATE WAS EMPOWERED TO DO
FOR THEM.  BUT WHEN THEY DISPLAYED THE UTMOST AUDACITY AND WOULD ACCEPT
NO OFFER, ONE OF THE ENVOYS, AGRIPPA MENENIUS, BEGGED THEM TO HEARKEN
TO A FABLE.  HAVING OBTAINED THEIR CONSENT HE SPOKE AS FOLLOWS.  ONCE
ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY BEGAN A CONTENTION AGAINST THE BELLY.  AND
THE EYES SAID:  “WE GIVE THE HANDS THE POWER TO WORK AND THE FEET THE
POWER TO GO.”  AND THE TONGUE AND THE LIPS:  “THROUGH US THE COUNSELS OF
THE HEART ARE MADE KNOWN.”  AND THEN THE EARS:  “THROUGH US THE WORDS OF
OTHERS ARE DESPATCHED TO THE MIND.”  AND THE HANDS:  “WE ARE THE WORKERS
AND LAY UP STORES OF WEALTH.”  AND FINALLY THE FEET:  “WE TIRE OURSELVES
OUT CARRYING THE WHOLE BODY IN JOURNEYS AND WHILE