When they met a criminal, they had power to pardon him; when they went abroad, they were accompanied by lictors with the fasces; and even the consuls on meeting them, bowed their fasces in token of respect. […] When they met drunkards, they stupified them with their looks. […] When they reign in heaven, they are called Pentrales, and the palace of their residence, Pentrale. […] When they had empire over kingdoms and provinces, they were called Penates; when they governed cities only, they were called Dii Patrii, or the “gods of the country,” or “great gods;” and when they preside over particular houses and families, they are called “Pavique Penates,” or “small gods.” […] Sometimes they were figured with such images as were calculated to paint the terror and dread they created in those to whom they appeared.