own example had taught the People both the Theory and the
Practise of opposing Tyrannie? It was necessary therefore
that hee should think of some other Course more pl[unr]usible,
whereby to work his own ends and yet preserve the love of
the People; who not having been used to Liberty, did very
little understand it, and therefore we[unr]e the more easily gull'd
out of the substance, and made content with the shadow.
For the carrying on of this design, all the projecting Grandees
joyned Pates together; whereupon, as one observes,
Regium quidem nomen, sed non Regia potestas Româ suit ex.
Pulsa; though the name of King were exploded with alacrity,
yet the Kingly power was retained with all Art and subtilty,
and shared under another notion among Themselves,
who were the great ones of the City. For, all Authority was
confined within the walls of a standing Senate, out of which
2 Consuls were chosen yearly, and so by Turns they dub'd one
another with a new kinde of Regality; the People being no
gamers at all by that alteration of Government, save onely
that (like Asses) they were saddled with new Panniers of
slavery.
But what followed ? The Senate having gotten all Power
into their own hands, in a short time degenerated from their
first vertue and Institution, to the practises of avarice, riot,
and luxury, whereby the love of their Country was changed
into a study of Ambition and Faction; so that they fell into
divisions among themselves, as well as oppressions over the
people; by which divisions, some leading, Grandees, more
potent than their fellows, took occasion to wipe their Noses,
and to assume the power into their own hands, to the number
of Ten persons. This form of Government was known by
the name of the Decemsvirate, wherein these new Usurpers
joyning Forces together, made themselves rich with the spoils
of the People; not caring by what unlawfull means they purchased
either profit or pleasure, till that growing every day
more insupportable, they were in the end by force cashiered
of their Tyranny.
But what then? The People being flesht with this Victory,