TARQUIN'S POPPIES

Tarquinius Superbus was a great warrior. He fought the Volscians and besieged Gabii, where fleeing patricians had taken refuge. Unable to take the well-fortified city by force, Tarquin tried fraud. His son Sextus pretended to flee his cruel father and won the trust of Gabii's people. They made him general and gave him the keys to the gates. Sextus sent a messenger asking his father what to do next. Tarquin said nothing, but walked through his garden striking off the heads of the tallest poppies. When the messenger reported this, Sextus understood: get rid of the principal men. He found pretexts to exile or kill the bravest citizens. When no one dared oppose him, he opened the gates and handed Gabii to his father.