But, after they had
abandoned their original equality, and from modesty and shame to do evil,
proceeded to ambition and violence; lordly dominion was introduced and
arbitrary rule, and in many nations grew perpetual. Some, either from the
beginning, or after they were surfeited with kings, preferred the
sovereignty of laws; which, agreeable to the artless minds of men, were at
first short and simple. The laws in most renown were those framed for the
Cretans by Minos; for the Spartans by Lycurgus; and afterwards such as
Solon delivered to the Athenians, now greater in number and more
exquisitely composed. To the Romans justice was administered by Romulus
according to his pleasure: after him, Numa managed the people by religious
devices and laws divine. Some institutions were made by Tullus Hostilius,
some by Ancus Martius; but above all our laws were those founded by
Servius Tullius; they were such as even our kings were bound to obey.
Upon the expulsion of Tarquin; the people, for the security of their
freedom against the encroachment and factions of the Senate, and for
binding the public concord, prepared many ordinances: hence were created
the Decemviri, and by them were composed the twelve tables, out of a
collection of the most excellent institutions found abroad.
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