Claudius then brought before the Senate the subject
of the college of "haruspices," that, as he said, "the oldest of Italian
sciences might not be lost through negligence. It had often happened in evil
days for the State that advisers had been summoned at whose suggestion
ceremonies had been restored and observed more duly for the future. The
nobles of
Etruria, whether of their own accord or at
the instigation of the Roman Senate, had retained this science, making it
the inheritance of distinct families. It was now less zealously studied
through the general indifference to all sound learning and to the growth of
foreign superstitions. At present all is well, but we must show gratitude to
the favour of Heaven, by taking care that the rites observed during times of
peril may not be forgotten in prosperity." A resolution of the Senate was
accordingly passed, charging the pontiffs to see what should be retained or
reformed with respect to the "haruspices."