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[24]
Now at this time came on the horse-races [Circensian games]; the
view of which games was eagerly desired by the people of Rome, for they
come with great alacrity into the hippodrome [circus] at such times, and
petition their emperors, in great multitudes, for what they stand in need
of; who usually did not think fit to deny them their requests, but readily
and gratefully granted them. Accordingly, they most importunately desired
that Caius would now ease them in their tributes, and abate somewhat of
the rigor of their taxes imposed upon them; but he would not hear their
petition; and when their clamors increased, he sent soldiers some one way
and some another, and gave order that they should lay hold on those that
made the clamors, and without any more ado bring them out, and put them
to death. These were Caius's commands, and those who were commanded executed
the same; and the number of those who were slain on this occasion was very
great. Now the people saw this, and bore it so far, that they left off
clamoring, because they saw with their own eyes that this petition to be
relieved, as to the payment of their money, brought immediate death upon
them. These things made Cherea more resolute to go on with his plot, in
order to put an end to this barbarity of Caius against men. He then at
several times thought to fall upon Caius, even as he was feasting; yet
did he restrain himself by some considerations; not that he had any doubt
on him about killing him, but as watching for a proper season, that the
attempt might not be frustrated, but that he might give the blow so as
might certainly gain his purpose.
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