Original sentence: His extrordinary status was strictly temporary, and he would have been closely scrutinised for signs that he wished it otherwise.In Republican Rome, the highest honours were offered with great circumspection - its tradition (mos maiorum) was both staunchly conservative and anti-monarchic
Edited sentence: His extrordinary status was strictly temporary, and he would have been closely scrutinised for signs that he might wish it otherwise.Republican tradition (mos maiorum) was both staunchly conservative and anti-monarchic.The senate offered its highest honours with great circumspection