Mucius Scaevola Rome; 508 BC; the city was besieged by the Etruscans of Porsenna; according to legend the noble Muzio Cordo obtained permission of the Senate to groped a sortie solo to kill the leader; but for a trivial person failed intent error. Immediately caught to Etruscan declared: "I wanted to kill you. My hand was wrong and now I punish for this unforgivable mistake" ... "Muzio Scevola extended his arm over the brazier and looking proud Porsena exclaimed: -Watch and know how Romans despise life- "; then stood motionless until the complete end-eat; and from that day he was told" scevola "(the left-handed). Then fooled Porsenna; impressed by his brave conduct; saying that 299 other Roman; animated by his own determination; had sworn to kill him and would attempt the enterprise; one by one; after him. Porsenna resolved to start peace negotiations with the Romans. Illustration of Tancredi Scarpelli (1866-1937) for the "History of Italy" told the people from the historic Italian Professor Paolo Emiliani Giudici (1812-1872). Vol. 1 "Rome - The Roman Empire"; publishing house G. Nerbini; Florence; 1929-1933