"By gold all good faith has been banished; by gold our rights are abused; the law itself is influenced by gold, and soon there will be an end of every modest restraint"

This quote by Sextus Propertius speaks with the power of money and how it can corrupt even the most honorable of intents. Gold has become a tool of manipulation, enabling those with wealth to purchase their escape of justice and to influence the law. This has triggered a breakdown of trust and regard for the law, as individuals are no longer held responsible for their actions. The quote suggests that if this pattern continues, there will be a complete lack of ethical restraint, as people will be able to purchase their way out of any effect. This is an alerting to those in power, as it suggests that if they do not do something about it to prevent the abuse of gold, it will lead to a society without any ethical boundaries.