first, because he knew them to be deeply indebted, aswell for their state, as for their priuate vses; and secondly, for that the French Nation by nature is inclinable to listen to innouation.
This Vmbrenus, for that he had Traffiqued in Fraunce, did know, and was knowne vnto most of the principal go∣uernours of the Citties, so that immediately after meeting with the Legates in the common Hall, hee began to que∣stion them of the estate of their citty, and (in a manner condoling their hard aduenture) beganne to aske them, what remedy they expected to cure such, so great and in∣sufferable greeuances.
For answere whereunto, when hee obserued, that by their complaints they taxed the Magistrates of Auarice, and accused the Senate, as neglectiue of their redresse, & that they hoped for no release but by death: Why then my Maisters (quoth he) if you will but shewe your selues men, I will teach you, how you shall easily acquit your selues of these euils. The Allobroges no sooner herd him to vse these spee∣ches, but they importune Vmbrenus, that hee would take compassion of their miseries, protesting no commaunde to be so difficult or dangerous, but they would attempt it with earnest resolution, so as the performāce might make satisfaction for the debts of their citty.
Heereupon he conducteth them to the house of Decius Brutus, adioyning to the Towne-house, a man not alto∣gether vnacquainted with the complot, by reason of his wife Sempronia: but at this time out of towne.
Heere, to adde further credite to his speeches, hee sen∣deth for Gabinius. In his presence he relateth the full pro∣iect of the Conspiracie, and nominateth the associates, and amongst them he interproseth the names of many of all degrees; yea, Innocents, the readier to giue courage and assurance to the mis-informed Legates: Then taking his leaue with promisse of his vtmost seruice, he dismissed them home.
The Allobroges stood long doubtfull, vppon what to re∣solue: On one side, their great debts, their inclination to