Caius, surnamed Codrus, and afterwards Scaevola, was one of the illustrious Roman family of the Matii, and rendered his name famous in the war between Porsenna king of Tuscany and the Romans. That prince resolving to restore the family of Tarquin the Proud, went to besiege Rome 507 B.C. Mutius resolved to sacrifice himself for the safety of his country; and boldly entering the enemy's camp, killed Porsenna's secretary, whom he took for Porsenna himself. Being seized and brought before Porsenna, he told him boldly, that 300 young men like himself had sworn to murder him; but since this hand has missed thee, continued he, it must be punished; then putting his right hand on the burning coals, he let it burn with such constancy as astonished the beholders. The king, amazed at the intrepidity of this young Roman, ordered that he should have his freedom and return to Rome, and soon after concluded a peace with the Romans. From this action Mutius obtained the surname of Scaevola, "or left-handed," which was enjoyed by his family.

Mutiuss Scaevola, Q., surnamed the Augur, was an excellent civilian, and instructed Cicero in the laws. He was made praetor in Asia; was afterwards consul, and performed very important services for the republic.

He ought not to be confounded with Quintus Mutius Scaevola, another excellent civilian, who was pre- tor in Asia, tribune of the people, and at length consul, 95 B.C. He governed Asia with such prudence and equity, that his example was proposed to the governors who were sent into the provinces. Cicero says, "that he was the most eloquent orator of all the civilians, and the most able civilian of all the orators." He was assassinated in the temple of Vesta, during the wars of Marius and Sylla, 82 B.C.