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.He sees that nothing can be done by the decemvirs except by a lex curiata . What was to happen afterwards, if a lex curiata were not passed? Remark the ingenuity of the man. “Then,”
 says he, “the decemvirs shall be in the same condition as those who are appointed in the
 strictest accordance with the law.” If this can be brought about, that, in this city which is
 far superior to all other states in its rights of liberty, any one may be able to obtain either
 military command or civil authority without the sanction of any comitia , then what is the necessity for ordering in the third chapter that some one
 shall propose a lex curiata , when in the fourth chapter you
 permit men to have the same rights without a lex curiata ,
 which they would have if they were elected by the burghers according to the strictest form of
 law? Kings are being appointed, O Romans, not decemvirs; and they are starting with such
 beginnings and on such foundations, that the whole of your rights, and powers, and liberties
 are destroyed not only from the moment that they begin to act, but from the moment that they
 are appointed.