Plutarch's Romane Questions · Plutarch
91.
_Wherefore was it not lawfull for the Patricians or nobles of_ Rome _to dwell upon the mount Capitoll_? MIGHT it not be in regard of _M. Manlius_, who dwelling there attempted and plotted to be king of _Rome_, and to usurpe tyrannie; in hatred and detestation of whom, it is said, that ever after those of the house of _Manlij_, might not have _Marcus_ for their fore-name? Or rather was not this an old feare that the Romans had (time out of mind)? For albeit _Valerius Poplicola_ was a personage verie popular and well affected unto the common people; yet never ceased the great and mightie men of the citie to suspect and traduce him, nor the meane commoners and multitude to feare him, untill such time as himselfe caused his owne house to be demolished and pulled down, because it seemed to overlooke and commaund the common market place of the citie. _What is the reason, that he who saved the life of a citizen in the warres, was rewarded with a coronet made of oake braunches?_ WAS it not for that in everie place and readily, they might meet with an oake, as they marched in their warlike expeditions. Or rather, because this maner of garland is dedicated unto _Jupiter_ and _Juno_, who are reputed protectors of cities? Or might not this be an ancient custome proceeding from the Arcadians, who have a kind of consanguinitie with oakes, for that they report of themselves, that they were the first men that issued out of the earth, like as the oake of all other trees.
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