Chapter 31 - Paragon of Virtue

Latin Homework 13/02/24

Rome was being ruled by an arrogant tyrant whose son was Sextus Tarquinius. On a certain night when
Tarquinius was drinking wine with his friends they began to praise their own wives. Collatinus said that his
Lucretia surpassed all of the others: let us bring ourselves together into my house and let us see what my wife
is now doing. Then you will know how much my Lucretia is better than other women. They all replied, “Let’s
depart” When they had come to that house they found faithful Lucretia not playing but spinning wool. Sextus
when he saw how beautiful and chaste Lucretia was, was seized by an evil love. A few days later when
Collatinus was away that man returned. When, after dinner had been offered, he had been led into a guest
bedroom, he came to Lucretia while she was sleeping: “Be silent” he said. “I am Sextus Tarquinius; I bear a
sword in my hand. Listen to me or I will kill you”
Although Lucretia preferred to be killed, nevertheless, Sextus finally overcame her chastity. Then he left. But
Lucretia told all of these things to Collatinus who swore that he would kill Sextus. Then Lucretia killed herself
lest she seem to be as a bad example for the other wives: “I free myself from blame, but I do not free myself
from the punishment,” she said as she passed.