At the same time, they have a great respect for firm authority. “There is nothing more certain to appease a popular tumult, and reduce the people to reason, than the interposition of some wise person of authority among them, as Vergil has told us with very good reason: ‘If in their tumults, a grave man appears, All’s whist, and nothing stirring but their ears.’ ” (Discourses, Book I, Chap. 54.)
