Every dictator, no matter for what purpose appointed,[876] nominated as his delegate a master of the horse,[877] who, unlike other delegates, possessed the _imperium_, six fasces,[878] and a rank equal to the praetor.[879] These distinctions justify the assertion that he was a magistrate,[880] and apparently one of curule rank, even though his tenure of power was strictly dependent on that of his nominator.[881] Like a magistrate he asked for a _lex curiata_ for the ratification of his _imperium_,[882] and he seems to have had power to question the people and to transact business with the Senate.[883] In these three respects the office differed from that of the _tribuni celerum_ of the monarchy. As the dictator was a lesser king, the _magister equitum_ was a greater lieutenant; but, in spite of the theoretical independence of his position, his services were entirely at the disposal of the dictator, who could enforce obedience to his commands, if necessary, by capital punishment.[884] Although originally employed, as the name signifies, for the sole leadership of the _equites_ under the higher _imperium_ of the dictator, and always to some extent preserving his character of a cavalry general, he could be entrusted by his absent superior with full command either in the camp or in Rome.[885] The office was a useful one, as it gave two generals of tried military capacity to Rome in time of danger, and obviated the disadvantages that might follow from the dictator’s having to use incompetent consuls or praetors as his subordinates. This consideration also explains why, in order to secure experienced men for the post, the custom became fixed of choosing ex-consuls or ex-praetors.[886] _The Consuls_ The consuls, after their election at the _comitia centuriata_, could at least in later times assume the _insignia_ of their rank, and transact all the ordinary official business within the state without waiting for the consent of the _curiae_. Their first act was the taking of the auspices; these were always favourable, for the _haruspex_ who stood by[887] announced, as a matter of form, that lightning had been seen upon the left. Armed with this consent they assumed the praetexta, and, preceded by their lictors, performed the first significant act of authority. This act was the summons of the Senate,[888] and was one which showed that they were the magistrates who stood highest in the Roman executive. For, indeed, throughout Republican history, the consulship—though in power it often yielded to the tribunate or dictatorship, and in the reverence it inspired to the censorship—was the highest titular office in the state.[889] The rank of the consuls is sufficiently exhibited by the fact that it was chiefly by their names that the years were dated,[890] and by the ceremonial respect which was paid to them by the other magistrates.[891]