Three of the monarchic principes fell by the sword. […] Such were the resources which ambition required to win power in Rome and direct the policy of the imperial Republic as consul or as one of the principes. […] There was a fine rally at the prosecution of the tribune Cornelius ‘dixerunt in eum infesti testimonia principes civitatis qui plurimum in senatu poterant Q. […] The principes strove for prestige and power, but not to erect a despotic rule upon the ruins of the constitution, or to carry out a real revolution. […] Which of the principes were ready to give their sanction?