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To terrify the unarmed consul by bludgeon men or the defenceless capital by the swords of the legions, amounted to the same thing in the end: Sulpicius assumed that his opponent, now when he could, would requite violence with violence and return to the capital at the head of his legions to overthrow the conservative demagogue and his laws along with him.

Word:

requite

Question:

What motivations might have led Sulpicius to assume that his opponent would retaliate with violence and attempt to overthrow him and his laws?

Answer (optional):

Sulpicius might have assumed that his opponent would retaliate with violence and attempt to overthrow him and his laws because he perceived the two strong and victorious armies of proconsul Strabo and consul Sulla as potential threats. He assumed that Sulla, who had previously engaged in open violence and was allied with the majority of the senate, would be eager to use force. Sulpicius might have also believed that Sulla would want to defend the political interests of the senate and himself. Therefore, he thought it was likely that Sulla would return to the capital with his legions to take revenge and overthrow the conservative demagogue and his laws.