The Multitude alwaies desirous of change in Government. [ 1326]
LIvy maketh mention of the Citizens of Capua, that being gathered toge∣ther in a mutinous manner,* 1.1 they would needs depose the Senate; and be∣ing weary of their Government, agreed to put them to death; But Pacuvius Calavius the head Magistrate, being willing to save them; When they had passed sentence upon one of them to have him executed, bade them first in his stead to choose a good and Righteous Senator:* 1.2 At the first, they were all si∣lent, not knowing how to find a better; After, when some odde fellow of the crew, past all shame and reverence, seemed to nominate one to succeed, by and by they grew to loud words and great out-cryes; Some said flatly, they k••en not the Man: Others laid heinous things to his charge: Some said, he was of a base and beggarly condition; Others objected his Trade and way of living: T••us they grew more and more vehement upon the Proposals of a second and third t•• their choice: Whereupon they bethought themselves, and repented of what they had done already, considering how much they failed, and were to seek upon every new Election, and so at length they were content to keep their ol•• Senators still. And just thus is it with the* 1.3 many-headed Multitude, Neutrum mo∣••••, Mas mod•• vulgus, as changeable, unconstant, and variable as the weather•• never at any certain; discontented with the present Government, which if chan∣ged for another, they like that no better, weary of present things, desirous of change and alteration; Either they serve basely, or rule proudly. As for Liberty,