Brutus

Lucius Junius, a legendary Roman leader, about 500 B. C. Many stories are related of him. According to the first, he was sent with the two sons of King Tarquin to consult the oracle of Delphi in Greece. Their business done, the oracle was asked, "Which of us shall be king of Rome?" "He that kisses his mother first was the ready reply. Accordingly when they landed, the two sons of the king sped away, each eager to salute the queen mother first; but Brutus, with more wit, pretended to stumble, and pressed his lips to mother earth. Tarquin, the king, having insulted Lucretia, the peerless wife of an honored citizen, Brutus joined a band of patriots to drive the Tarquins from power. This accomplished, a republic was declared, and he was elected first consul. When Brutus found that his two sons were engaged in a treasonable conspiracy to bring the Tarquins back, he gave orders that the lictors should proceed to do their duty just as though his boys were the sons of a man not in authority. They were accordingly put to death before their father left the Senate chamber. When at length the Tarquins marched upon Rome, Brutus led a body of Roman citizens. He and one of the sons, who in former days visited the oracle, met in personal combat; each plunged his sword into the other. Both fell. The Romans conquered the followers of Tarquin and gave Brutus a magnificent burial.