FABRICIUS, C. a celebrated Roman, who in his first consulship, year of Rome 470, obtained several victories over the Samnites and Lucanians, and was honoured with a triumph. The riches which were acquired in those battles were immense, the soldiers were liberally rewarded by the consul, and the treasury was enriched with 400 talents. Two years after, Fabricius went as ambassador to Pyrrhus, and refused with contempt presents, and heard with indignation offers, which might have corrupted the fidelity of a less virtuous citizen. Pyrrhus had occasion to admire the magnanimity of Fabricius; but his astonishment was more powerfully awakened when he saw him make a discovery of the perfidious offers of his physician, who pledged himself to the Roman general for a sum of money to poison his royal master. To this greatness of soul was added the most consummate knowledge of military affairs, and the greatest simplicity of manners. Fabricius never used rich plate at his table. A small salt-cellar, the feet of which were of horn, was the only silver vessel which appeared in his house. This contempt of luxury and useless ornaments Fabricius wished to inspire among the people; and during his censorship he banished from the senate Cornelius Rufinus, who had been twice consul and dictator, because he kept in his house more than ten pounds weight of silver plate. Such were the manners of the conqueror of Pyrrhus, who observed that he wished rather to command those that had money, than possess it himself. He lived and died in the greatest poverty. His body was buried at the public charge, and the Roman people were obliged to give a dowry to his two daughters when they had arrived at years of maturity.