[28]
But just note the scrupulousness and the diligence of the man. He saw, and
was thoroughly aware, that without a lex curiata the decemvirs
could not have authority, since they were elected by only nine tribes. So he directs that
there should be a lex curiata passed about them, and orders the
praetor to propose it. How ridiculous such a contrivance was, it is no business of mine to
say. For he orders that “he who has been elected first praetor, shall propose a
lex curiata; but if he be able to propose it, then the last
praetor shall do it.” So that he seems either to have been playing the fool in this
business, or else to have been aiming at something I know not what. But, however, let us pass
over this, which is either so perverse, or so ridiculous, or so malicious and cunning, as to
be unintelligible, and return to the scrupulousness of the man.
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