[26]
Now consider what a power is given to the decemvirs, and how great is its extent. In the first place be gives the decemvirs the honour of a
lex curiata.
1
But this is unheard-of and absolutely without precedent, that a magistracy should be conferred by a
lex curiata on a man who has not previously received it in some comitia. He orders the law to be brought in by that praetor who is appointed first praetor. But how? In order that these men may receive the decemvirate whom the people has elected. He has forgotten that none have been elected by the common people. Here is a pretty fellow to bind the whole world with laws, who does not recollect in the third clause what is set down in the second! This, too, is quite plain; both what privileges you have received from your ancestors, and what is left to you by this tribune of the people.
11
Our ancestors chose that you should give your votes twice about every magistrate. For as a
centuriata lex
2
was passed for the censors, and a
curiata lex for the other patrician magistrates, by this means a decision was come to a second time about the same men, in order that the people might have an opportunity of correcting what they had done, if they repented of the honour they had conferred on any one.