Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/527

TIBERIUS GRACCHUS. 519 When the people were met together again, Tiberius placed himself in the rostra, and endeavored a second time to persuade Octavius. But all being to no purpose, he referred the whole matter to the people, calling on them to vote at once, whether Octavius should be deposed or not ; and when seventeen of the thirty-five tribes had already voted against him, and there wanted only the votes of one tribe more for his final deprivation, Tiberius put a short stop to the proceedings, and once more re- newed his importunities; he embraced and kissed him before all the assembly, begging, with all the earnestness imaginable, that he would neither suffer himself to incur the dishonor, nor him to be reputed the author and pro- moter of so odious a measure. Octavius, we are told, did seem a little softened and moved with these entreaties ; his eyes filled with tears, and he continued silent for a considerable time. But presently looking .towards the rich men and proprietors of estates, who stood gathered in a body together, partly for shame, and partly for fear of disgracing himself with them, he boldly bade Tiberius use any severity he pleased. The law for his deprivation being thus voted, Tiberius ordered one of his servants, whom he had made a freeman, to remove Octavius from the rostra, employing his own domestic freed servants in the stead of the public officers. And it made the action seem all the sadder, that Octavius was dragged out in such an ignominious manner. The people immediately assaulted him, whilst the rich men ran in to his assistance. Octavius, with some difficulty, was snatched away, and safely conveyed out of the crowd ; though a trusty ser- vant of his, who had placed himself in front of his mas- ter that he might assist his escape, in keeping off the multitude, had his eyes struck out, much to the displeas- ure of Tiberius, who ran with all haste, when he perceived the disturbance, to appease the rioters.