Book 1
26.6
law.” The dreadful language of the law was: “The duumvirs shall judge cases of treason; if the accused appeal from the duumvirs the appeal shall be heard; if their sentence be confirmed the lictor shall hang him by a rope on the fatal tree and shall scourge him either within or without the
26.7
pomoerium.” pomoerium —A space within and without the City walls which, as sacred, was kept clear of all buildings. As the City grew so the pomoerium was extended. Here it is equivalent to the limits of the City (see Livy's account in chap. xliv.). The duumvirs appointed under this law did not think that by its provisions they had the power to acquit even an innocent person. Accordingly they condemned him; then one of them said “Publius Horatius, I pronounce you guilty
26.8
of treason. Lictor, bind his hands.” The lictor had approached and was fastening the cord, when Horatius, at the suggestion of Tullus, who placed a merciful interpretation on the law, said
26.9
“I appeal.” The appeal was accordingly brought before the people. Their decision was mainly influenced by Publius Horatius the father, who declared that his daughter had been justly slain , had it not been so, he would have exerted his authority as a father in punishing his son. Then he implored them not to bereave of all his children the man whom they had so lately seen surrounded with such
