And now laws were not
made for the public only, but for particular men particular laws; and
corruption abounding in the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth abounded in
laws.
Pompey was, now in his third Consulship, chosen to correct the public
enormities; and his remedies proved to the State more grievous than its
distempers. He made laws such as suited his ambition, and broke them when
they thwarted his will; and lost by arms the regulations which by arms he
had procured. Henceforward for twenty years discord raged, and there was
neither law nor settlement; the most wicked found impunity in the excess
of their wickedness; and many virtuous men, in their uprightness met
destruction. At length, Augustus Caesar in his sixth Consulship, then
confirmed in power without a rival, abolished the orders which during the
Triumvirate he had established, and gave us laws proper for peace and a
single ruler. These laws had sanctions severer than any heretofore known:
as their guardians, informers were appointed, who by the Law Papia Poppaea
were encouraged with rewards, to watch such as neglected the privileges
annexed to marriage and fatherhood, and consequently could claim no legacy
or inheritance, the same, as vacant, belonging to the Roman People, who
were the public parent.
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