From the way in which what is called Rome, as a nation, was got
together, it was naturally in a constant state of warfare. The spirit
in which it was founded pervaded and ruled over it to its fall: it was
at all times a nation of the sword; and when that sword was blunted
by having conquered the known world, its conquests all crumbled away:
when Rome ceased to be an aggressor, she instantly ceased to be great.
Rome, of course, commenced this aggressive career with wars upon her
neighbours, a cause for quarrel being quickly and easily found where
everything was to be gained and little to be lost. Thus, the rape of
the Sabine women produced the first siege of the nascent city,--a
violation not only of the laws of nations, but of the laws of even
the rudest state of nature, created its first enemies. The Sabines of
Cures, animated by a warm desire for vengeance, presented themselves
before Rome; their design was to blockade it, when chance rendered them
masters of the citadel by the treachery of Tarpeia. She covenanted,
as her reward for betraying the capital, for what they wore on their
arms, meaning their ornamental bracelets; but they, disgusted with
her action, threw their bucklers upon her and smothered her. After
her, the rock from which criminals were precipitated was called the
Tarpeian,--a proof that there was at least some foundation for that now
disputed legend. The two peoples then came to close action, and victory
remained long undecided: the Romans gave way at the first charge, but
were rallied by the voice of Romulus, and recommenced the fight with
obstinacy and success. The carnage was about to become horrible, when
the Sabine women, for whose honour so much blood was being spilt, threw
themselves between the combatants, with dishevelled hair, holding in
their arms the fruits of their forced marriages, and uttering piercing
cries. Their voices, their tears, their supplicating posture, relaxed
the fury of the fight, and calmed the animosity of the combatants;
the Sabine women became mediators between their relations and their
husbands. Peace was made on the condition that the two people should
from that time be one, and that the two kings should reign together.