[10-17] The Roman people were divided into two classes, the patricians, to whom belonged all the privileges of citizenship, and the plebeians, who were not allowed to hold office or even to own property. Macaulay gives the English name Commons to the plebeians.
[11-18] A discussion as to who these chiefs were, or as to where the places mentioned were located, would be profitless. The notes attempt to give only such information as will aid in understanding the story.
[12-19] Campania is another name for the campagna.
[12-20] Hinds here means peasants.
[14-21] Romulus, the founder of Rome, and Remus, his brother, were, according to the legend, rescued and brought up by a she-wolf, after they had been cast into the Tiber to die.
[18-22] The Palatine is one of the seven hills of Rome.
[18-23] The Romans personified the Tiber River, and even offered prayers to it.
[20-24] The Comitium was the old Roman polling-place, a square situated between the Forum and the Senate House.
[20-25] The Volscians were among the most determined of the Italian enemies of Rome.
[20-26] Juno was the goddess who was thought of as presiding over marriage and the birth of children.