Subsequently, the Roman Republic was established. The Roman monarchy was overthrown around 509 BCE, during a political revolution that resulted in the expulsion of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome. patriciansĪ group of ruling class families in ancient Rome.
#Sextus and collatinus tarquinus free#
plebeiansĪ general body of free Roman citizens who were part of the lower strata of society. While they stood weeping helplessly, Brutus drew the bloody knife from Lucretia's body, and holding it before him cried: 'By this girl's blood- none more chaste till a tyrant wronged her- and by the gods, I swear that with sword and fire, and whatever else can lend strength to my arm, I will pursue Lucius Tarquinius the Proud, his wicked wife, and all his children, and never again will I let them or any other man be King in Rome.Literally, this translates to mean a ruler that presides over the period between the rule of two separate kings or, in other words, a short-term regent. Her father and husband were overwhelmed with grief. Never shall Lucretia provide a precedent for unchaste women to escape what they deserve.' With these words she drew a knife from under her robe, drove it into her heart, and fell forward, dead. As for me I am innocent of fault, but I will take my punishment. 'What is due to him,' Lucretia said, 'is for you to decide. They told her she was helpless, and therefore innocent that he alone was guilty, It was the mind, they said, that sinned, not the body without intention there could never be guilt. One after another they tried to comfort her. That pleasure will be my death- and his, too, if you are men.' The promise was given. He it is who last night came as my enemy disguised as my guest, and took his pleasure of me.
Give me your solemn promise that the adulterer will be punished- he is Sextus Tarquinius. My heart is innocent, and death will be my witness. What can be well with a woman who has lost her honor? In your bed, Collatinus, is the impress of another man. Tears rose to her eyes as they entered, and to her husband's question, 'Is it well with you?' she answered, 'No. They found Lucretia sitting in her room, in deep distress. Her father came with Valerius, Volesus's son, her husband with Brutus, with whom he was returning to Rome when he was met by the messenger. The unhappy girl wrote her father in Rome and to her husband in Ardea, urging them both to come at once with a trusted friend- and quickly, for a frightful thing had happened. Sextus enjoyed her, and rode away, proud of his success.
Will they not believe that you have been caught in adultery with a servant- and paid the price?' Even the most resolute chastity could not have stood against this dreadful threat. I will kill you first, then cut the throat of the slave and lay his naked body by your side. 'If death will not move you,' Sextus cried, 'dishonor shall. But all in vain not even the fear of death could bend her will. Sextus urged his love, begged her to submit, pleaded, threatened, used every weapon that might conquer a woman's heart. I am armed- if you utter a word I will kill you.' Lucretia opened her eyes in terror death was imminent, no help at hand. Laying his left hand on her breast, 'Lucretia.' he whispered, 'not a sound! I am Sextus Tarquinius. Here he waited till the house was asleep, and then, when all was quiet, he drew his sword and made his way to Lucretia's room determined to rape her. A few days later Sextus, without Collatinus's knowledge, returned with one companion to Collatia, where he was hospitably welcomed in Lucretia's house, and, after supper, escorted, like the honored visitor he was though to be, to the guest-chamber. It was at that fatal supper that Lucretia's beauty, and proven chastity, kindled in Sextus Tarquinius the flame of lust, and determined to debauch her. With all courtesy Lucretia rose to bid her husband and the princes welcome, and Collatinus, pleased with his success, invited his friends to sup with him.
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