THE. See Egypt.

PUBLICOLA was the surname given to Publius Valerius, an old Roman consul. The character of this famous man, as portrayed by Livy and Plutarch, is that of a magnanimous patriot. He was one of those who witnessed the suicide of the ill-fated Lucretia, and who swore over the reeking dagger to avenge the outraged matron. Nor was his oath carelessly performed. He bore a chief part in expelling the Tarquins, and both in his private capacity and after he was elected one of the consuls, he foiled the attempts of the detested family to regain the Roman crown. His zeal became still more disinterested when the death of his colleague, Junius Brutus, left him for some time alone in the consulship. Hearing that the citizens began to be suspicious lest he should suddenly change into a despot, he at once adopted the most decisive measures to disabuse them of this notion. A palatial edifice which he had reared on the Velian Hill was forthwith demolished in a night. The fasces, the insignia of power which were carried before him, were ordered to be henceforth lowered whenever he came into the presence of the people. The most decided and stringent laws were instituted to protect the liberties of the citizens. Among other decrees, it was enacted that every convict should have the right of appeal from the consuls to the people, and that whoever should attempt to set himself up for a king might be slain by any man at any time. For these services Publius Valerius was raised to the very highest place of honour in the state. The surname of Publicola ("friend of the people") was conferred upon him and his descendants for ever. He was thrice re-elected to the consulship. On the last of these occasions he had the honour of leading a successful attack against the Sabines, and of entering the city in triumph. The popular favour continued with him to the last; and on his death in 503 B.C., he was buried at the public expense, and lamented by the Roman matrons for ten months.