by various authors

“ Both camp and city rose against the decemvirs, who were deprived of their power, and the old form of government was restored. L. Virginius was the first who was elected tribune, and he hastened to take revenge upon his cruel enemy. By his orders Appius was dragged to prison to await his trial, and he there put an end to his own life in order to avoid a more ignominious death. M. Claudius, who had claimed the maiden as his slave, was condemned to death, but Virginius himself did not allow the last sentence of the law to be carried into effect, but permitted him to go into exile. ”

“ Appius hastened to give sentence, by which he consigned the maiden to the party who claimed her as his slave, until a judge should decide the matter. M. Claudius stept forward to take possession of the maiden, but was driven back by the people. Thereupon Appius, who had brought with him to the forum a large body of armed patricians and their clients, ordered his lictors to disperse the mob. The people drew back in affright, leaving Virginius and his daughter alone before the judgment-seat. ”

“ In his presence Marcus repeated the tale he had learnt, asserting, that Virginia was the child of one of his female slaves, and had been imposed upon the reputed father by his wife, who was childless. ”