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[13]
Do you even mention to me the law of Porcius, the name of Gaius Gracchus, the liberty of these citizens, and any other benefactor of the people who came to mind? You, who sought to defile the liberty of this people not merely with outlandish punishments but with savage words hitherto unheard, who sought to essay their civilization, and who sought to change completely their way of life? The fact is that this stuff, “GO, LICTOR. BIND THE HANDS,” which delights you, merciful benefactor of the people, does not belong to the liberty and civilization of today, not even to Romulus or Numa Pompilius. These are the formulas of Tarquin, a most arrogant and savage king, which the soft-spoken benefactor of the people that you are most effortlessly recalls: “THERE SHALL BE A VEILING OF THE HEAD.” “THERE SHALL BE A HANGING UPON A BARREN TREE.” These words, Roman citizens, were long ago suppressed by the darkness of time past as well as the light of freedom.
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