worship Romulus as one taken up to the gods, and about to be to
them, in the place of a good prince, now a propitious god. The
multitude, hearing this, went away believing and rejoicing in
hopes of good things from him; but there were some, who,
canvassing the matter in a hostile temper, accused the patricians,
as men that persuaded the people to believe ridiculous tales, when
they were the murderers of the king.

Things being in this disorder, one, they say, of the patricians,
of noble family and approved good character, and a faithful and
familiar friend of Romulus himself, having come with him from
Alba, Julius Proculus by name, presented himself in the forum; and
taking a most sacred oath, protested before them all, that, as he
was travelling on the road, he had seen Romulus coming to meet
him, looking taller and comelier than ever, dressed in shining and
flaming armor; and he, being affrighted at the apparition, said,
"Why, O king, or for what purpose, have you abandoned us to unjust
and wicked surmises, and the whole city to bereavement and endless
sorrow?" and that he made answer, "It pleased the gods, O
Proculus, that we, who came from them, should remain so long a
time amongst men as we did; and, having built a city to be the
greatest in the world for empire and glory, should again return to
heaven. But farewell; and tell the Romans, that, by the exercise
of temperance and fortitude, they shall attain the height of human
power; we will be to you the propitious god Quirinus." This seemed
credible to the Romans, upon the honesty and oath of the relator,
and laying aside all jealousies and detractions, they prayed to
Quirinus and saluted him as a god.

This is like some of the Greek fables of Aristeas the