Vitellius speech.

Vitellius accompanieth the vehemency and force of his speech with much grace,The considerati­on of the quality of accusers forti­fieth the accusa­tion. and gra­vity, speaking in this manner: Although (Con­script Fathers) the quality of those who com­plaine, deserve consideration, yet is it not availeable but for such as seeke not support from ought else but justice, and the power of their owne plea.

This cause carrieth its owne favour,A cause strong in it selfe needs no helpe. nor needeth any other aid, but, that, of lawes, which is not denied to the meanest. I could say, those who now presently implore it, are of such qualitie, that if it be denied them,The authority of a Prince maintai­neth the state, and it cannot last when the re­venge of offence [...] is contemned. the Empire no longer shall stand in need either of lawes, or Senate. The bloud of Augustus requireth vengeance, the people expect it, the Iudges owe it, and you Caesar are obliged thereunto, both as Prince, and Parent.

I seeke not to make this accusation plausi­ble, but in representing the crime as a prodi­gie, the criminall as a parricide, and the ex­cesse such, that every one hath bemoaned it; [Page 34] forraine nations have admired it, kindred have bewailed it:Ingen [...] luctus pro­vinciae, & circum­ [...]acentium popule­rum. In doluere ex­t [...]rae nationes re­gesque. Tac. This Citie in all things com­mends moderation, except in so just a resent­ment of sorrow as this is: Germanicus is no more; Oh what griefe? Wee have lost him; Oh what unhappinesse? Germanicus, the worlds darling, the love of his Countrey, who had so much bountie for Citizens,Illi comitas in so­cios, manfuetudo in hostes. Tac, so much courtesie for his allies, so much mode­stie for strangers, hath beene traiterously and miserably murdered: And by whom? By Piso, an impious and ungratefull man; By whom also? By Plancina a furie in the shape of a woman. By what meanes? By charmes and poisons: who are the Complices? Sorce­cerers drawne out of hell: And wherefore? to revenge injury, and usurpe on authority.

Nemo tantum a na­turali lege descivit & hominem exuit, ut an [...]i causa ma­lus sit. Sen.The soules of ill men (Fathers conscript) are not instantly wicked, nor is there any man who embraceth mischiefe for nought, but the meere pleasure thereof. They by de­grees give forme to their designes, and so di­rect them to the utmost limits. Piso by petty crimes is mounted to the greatest, from ava­rice to rapine, from thence to practices, so to ambition, and from ambition, to the violati­on [Page 35] of the authority of lawes, by that way to hasten to the contempt of the Gods. To Spaine hee hath given testimony of his ava­rice, to Syria of his ambition, and to the house of Germanicus of his impiety.

So soone as you honoured him with the charge of Lievtenant to Germanicus, Haud invito impe­ratore ea fieri oc­cultus rumor ince­debat. Tac. he dis­sembled not his ambition to become Gene­rall, practising at Rome to make him odious to his father, and in the Armie to be despised of the souldiers. He laboured to draw them to his devotion, expelled the Tribunes who would not depend on him, filled their places with persons trustie,Defidiae in castris, licentia in urbibus. Tac. Eousque corruptio­nis provectus, ut in sermone vulgi pa­rens legionum ha­beretur. Tac. and to make himselfe beloved by men of warre, permitted sloth in the Campe, riots in the Citie, insolence in the field, and was then called father of the legi­ons. On the other side, Plancina went equall with Agrippina, and undertooke matters a­bove the decorum of women, was often pre­sent in the exercises of the Cavallerie, and race of swift horses.

And though this was harsh to a temper whose actions were civill,Secreta studia pai [...] non potest animus ad civilia erectus, agendique cupidu [...]. Sen. yet he thought it more fit to dissemble them, than disquiet the Emperour his father with troublesome com­plaints. [Page 36] He commandeth Piso to leade one part of the Legions into Armenia, or send his sonne thither, he made no account of the one or the other, and lost the opportunitie of a service most important for the Empire.Si quando adsideret a [...]rox ac dissentire manifestus. Tac. When he sate in Councell with Germanicus, or on a seat of justice under him, he sharply and im­pudently opposed all his designes.

I will recite an incredible insolence, but so certaine, that he will not dare denie it, there­by to manifest, that follie and malice were in­separable companions, and sisters in all his actions. Being present at a feast of the King of Nabathaea, seeing the golden Crownes gi­ven him were not of like lustre or weight with those of Germanicus and Agrippina, hee cast them to the ground, and full as foolish as malicious, undertooke to reprove the magni­ficence of the feast, discoursed against super­fluitie, and said such an expence was fit for a Roman Emperour, not the sonne of a King of Parthia.

He who offendeth a Prince hath no safe [...]y but in absence.Silly man, didst thou thinke ever after this to finde confidence in the soule, or securitie in the friends of Germanicus, whom thou so shamelesly hadst offended, although he were [Page 37] condemned for being too good,Erat Germanicus clemens. Sen. and for suf­fering too much: Could'st thou suppose, there might bee any safe retreat in the world, to protect thee from the anger of a Prince ex­tracted from the bloud of Augustus? Hast thou ever heard the hearts of this line have beene exasperated without ensuing punish­ment? And behold why Plancina, Nunquam erit foe­lix, quem torque­bit. Sen. who could not esteeme her selfe happie, whilst Agrippina was so, told her husband hee must either pe­rish, or revenge himselfe, and either pull this thorne out of his owne heart, or suffer ano­ther to doe it.

Admire (Conscript Fathers) the goodnesse and generositie of this Prince,Patres conscripti. Plut. It is a generous way of revenge, to let the enemy see one can bee revenged. who having so often, and so sensibly beene offended by Piso, hath ever contented himselfe with letting him know he could have revenged, but did save when hee might destroy.Nescius quibus in­sectationibus pete­retur mansue [...]udine tamen agebat. Tac. Hee came to Rhodes unto him, and was well advertised of all the practices he used against him, but bare himselfe with such equalitie and temper, that upon notice a storme had cast him on the sands, hee sent vessels to dis-ingage him,Potest quando [...]ue inte [...]i [...] m [...]ci ad casu [...] [...]ofe ri. Tac. al­though if he there had left him, only Chance could have beene accused of his losse, and [Page 36] [...] [Page 37] [...] [Page 38] Fortune supposed to conspire in his revenge.

Germanicus visiting Aegypt, was curious to see the sources of Nilus,Nilus cujus ine­narrabilu natura est cum mundo tra­xit principia. Sen. (that memorable ri­ver which began with the world,) and in his returne, found Piso had changed the Decrees made at his departure, altered what he establi­shed,Amici accendendis offensionibus calli­di. Tac. and contemned his commands. Hee was much troubled herewith, his servants ani­mated him to resent it, and hee could not so dissemble it, but that choler appeared by his words, and revenge in his menaces, Piso reti­reth, Germanicus fals sicke; Piso, who knew the force of the malady, removes not far off, and death is hastened by the violence of the poyson.

Ah, cruell man! Heare the words of this dying Prince, yea dying words which eter­nally shal live in the memory of the Romans: I dye miserably in the flower of mine age by the treason of Piso and Plancina;The last words of a dying Prince fortified the complaint a­gainst the au­thors of his death. I conjure you my friends, to let the people of Rome know, these wretches cut the throats of the neece of Augu­stus, and her six little children. Where are hearts to be found, which these words doe not rent asunder? Yet thou Piso livest still, and the Sunne affords thee her light; Thy conscience [Page 39] not knowing where to hide thee, hath brought thee hither to suffer punishment, de­nying thee the safetie thou elsewhere hast sought.Tutum aliquaeres in mala conscientia praestat, nulla secu­rum. Sen. As it hath failed thee in deliberation on this crime, so hath it betrayed thee in lea­ding thee to punishment: What hast thou done after this parricide? Thou didst visit the cities of Asia, and spend thy time in the faire houses of Achaia. This was done,Subdola mora scele­rum probationet subvertit. Tac. to the end proofes might vanish, and witnesses dye. It is needfull (Fathers Conscript) to set Piso in the condition of a man convict, to re­duce him into the state of one accused.

Hee hath not done as the good man Vale­rius Publicola, who being accused,Mihifasces, & jus Praetoris mihi legio­nes date. forsooke his house at Velia, and lodged in the village, to the end he might ease them of the trouble to finde him out. The innocent man flyeth not from judgement, but hee that is culpable avoydeth the Iudges.

If he had beene accused for taking armes, hee purposed to shelter himselfe with the power he had in Syria under Germanicus his Generall; if to have layd hands on publique treasures, he supposed the share which hee di­stributed among his friends, would save the [Page 40] rest. Hee escapes for a little, who robbed much.

When great ones ar [...] accused, they must appeare up­on easie sum­mons.If Martina, the notorious Witch and Sor­ceresse, a great friend of Plancina, were alive, shee could declare the whole mysterie of this treason. The friends of Germanicus caused her to be brought towards Rome, but when she arrived at Brindisi, she suddenly died, and the poyson hid in the knots of her haire,V [...]nenum nodo cri­mu [...] occultatum ne [...] ulla in corpore sign samp i [...]exitii res [...]rta. Tac. S [...]orum in sidiis ex­ternas inter gentes o [...]cidit. Tac. ap­peared not on her body.

If presumptions may assist veritie, it can­not be said this Prince who found lesse securi­tie among his owne, than with strangers, was murdered by any other than Piso. Who hath done it? Hee had displeased none but him, and upon the resentment of this offence, hee was declared his enemy, hee assaulted him in his chariot, and it is knowen to bee a verie hard matter, to separate the desire of death; from, that, of succession.

So Leporina sued her husband Sa­binus in the time of Vespasian.Wee heretofore in this place have heard of one proscribed, who to enjoy the goods of his wife, told her he would kill himselfe, shee replyeth, she resolved to beare him company. He prepareth the deadly drug, but so craftily, that drinking first, hee left the poyson for his [Page 41] wife, which through the weight thereof re­mained in the bottome of the glasse.Id genus veneni fuit quod pondere subsideret in imam potionem, bibi [...]iste usque ad venenum, uxor venenum. Sen. P. She di­eth, he was in health, and enjoyed the wealth she left him by her will. Never is that poyson escaped, which is given by the next heire.

Who rejoiceth more at a death, than he who procured it? And desires it more ardently, than he that expects it with much impatience? How did Piso entertaine it?Luctus lato cultu mutatus. Tac. Hee made sacri­fices, hee offered victimes; Plancina is so transported with this joy, that shee layd aside the mourning weeds shee was putting on for the death of her sister, and attires her selfe with the fairest, and richest garments of her ward-robe.

This accusation aboundeth with so much varietie, and his resolution to free himselfe from Germanicus, is replenished with so many mischiefes, that they smother,Nihil ordinatum quod praecipitatur & properat. Sen. and by heapes precipitate one another in this discourse, so that I have much adoe to marshall them in order. I had forgot to tell you how Piso sent Spies to know the condition of Germanicus his sicknesse, and the symptomes thereof. This displeased the sicke man, and much troubled his minde, not with feare; for death [Page 42] never terrified him; but with anger and pas­sion, apprehending that so soone as he should expire, Piso would usurp command over his Forces,Flosti lenta viden­tur veneficia. Tac. and his wife rest at his discretion. Piso in like manner was perplexed, the poyson was so slow, that it wrought not it's effect soone enough, hee therefore returned into Sy­ria, to be nearer the Legions, and upon occa­sion to make use of them. Which was the cause Germanicus said in his anguish of mind.

It is a verie sensi­ble griefe to dye in the sight of an enemie, and to leave a wife and children in his power. How then? must I dye, destroyed by mine ene­mie, shall he see me give up the ghost? What shall become of my distressed wife, how shall shee bee en­treated, what shall my children doe, to whom teares in this calamitie will not bee wanting to weepe for me, though words (perhaps) faile to deplore me?

Let that happen, which Heaven will, Piso hath taken away my life, but hath left me courage; nor am I reduced to such debilitie, that I ever shall consent the murderer may derive reward from my death. When the Ro­mans would break friendship [...]ith any one, they gave them notice thereof, & forbade them their house. Tit. Hereupon he sent him a letter written with his owne hand, to this purpose, that hee held him for an enemie, that he forbade him accesse to his house, and abode in that Pro­vince.

[Page 43]But there is no doubt, but witchcraft suc­ceeded poyson, since the bones of the dead were seene torne from the members, and fast­ned to the wals, and roofes of the chamber, characters with charmes and imprecations, the name of Germanicus engraven on plates of lead, ashes halfe burnt,Maleficiis animae numinibus inferni sacrae. Tac. and mingled with the putrifaction of ulcers, and other incanta­tions and impieties, with which they use to bewitch any one to death, sacrificing him to the God of hell.

Although this Prince were dying,Moderatus cursus qui vult propius regredi. Tac. and in the agonies thereof, Piso feared him, and at his command weighed anchor, and departed; but went not farre off, that his returne might be speedy, when he should have notice of his death. And if all this put together serve not to convince him, where shall truth seeke for proofes?

Thus (Conscript Fathers) you behold be­fore your eyes a man marked from his mo­thers wombe for violence, and the spirit of rebellion; for hee is sonne of a father,Ingenium violemū, obsequii ignarum. Tac. who followed the faction of Brutus and Cassius. He not onely is an extortioner, but a robber; not an entermedler, but seditious; not an [Page 44] enemy, but a rebell: not a murderer, but a tormentor.Cicero saith, the crime of Verres enforced the Iud­ges to condemne him. Never did any Criminall more exact your justice than this man, for the exe­cration of his crime enforceth you to con­demne him: and if in despite of Gods and men you pardon him, it will bee impossible to free him from the hands of the people, who expect him: and heare (Conscript Fa­thers) their exclamations, there is not any wo­man so low of stature, that promiseth not her selfe to teare some haire from his head.

When the tri­umphant passed to the Capitoll, he put his priso­ners over to the Magistrates, and durst not bring them to his lodg­ing.Propose to your selves, what their joy will be, when they see the heads of rebellion drag­ged after a triumphant chariot, and the next day executed, for satisfaction of the inhuma­nities, and cruelties they committed in their Provinces; yea, much more will they bee pleased, when they shall behold Piso in tor­ment.

They lose their patience, if you doe not speedily pronounce these solemne words; Take,I Lictor coll [...]ga ma­nus, caput ob nubi­to, arbori infoeliti suspendito. Cic. Executioner, this Parricide, this Theefe, this Rebell, binde his hands, blinde-fold his eyes, and fasten them to a miserable gibbet. And who knoweth, whether the multitude transported with griefe and sorrow, will rest [Page 45] there, whether they will bee contented with the punishment of one alone, and not rush upon those who favoured this impious man, esteeming them more wicked than him.

No, no,Non majus s [...]elus in R. P. commisit reus; quàm ii qui eum à tam nefariis sceleribus sententiae sua liberant. Cic. (Conscript Fathers) there is no dal­liance herein, the matter is too important, the consequence too great, and this man of such condition, that it would be full of danger, to commit any errour in his execution.In judgement upon men of qualitie, the time and reason of State are to be considered. I be­seech you (beleeve) that neither the accused, the time, place, reason of state, nor qualitie of the interessed herein, can give consent to steale him from example, to deliver him in private, and not to suffer him to dye in pub­lique.

Lepidus his speech.

Marcus Lepidus, Eloquentia nulli tota contigit. Sen. P. who had as much elo­quence as might bee, (for never any man could have enough speaking for Piso) in this sort answered the accusers. It is a great cala­mitie (Fathers Conscript) for poore Piso to have beene happie.Great honours are burdens, which oppresse those who beare them. Great honours many times serve for the felicitie of those who no­thing deserve them, and such as merit before they obtaine them, finde their ruine by a strange extravagance,Ludos facit fortu­na. Sen. or cousenage of For­tune, [Page 46] which affording content to others, hath given to this man nothing but miserie.

The great services Piso did for Augustus, ob­liged the Emperour to create him Germanicus his Lievtenant; but this honour was accom­panied with so many disasters, that his fideli­tie found no favour,Vnhappie is the dignitie which hath no credit with the Prince. nor his counsell credit in the heart of this young Prince, who nothing dismayed by the encounter of things impossi­ble, raised his thoughts beyond dutie, threat­ned the Sunne with darknesse, the Ocean with thraldome, and from thence mounted to imaginations of greatnesse, which troubled the Emperour.

His affection to his Countrey, his loyalty to his Prince, obliged him to watch over his acti­ons, w^ch he ever found so bold, and vehement, that he thought this young Hercules meant not to climbe up to the Stars fairly,Nec in astra lenta veniet via, iter ruina quaeret. Sen. T. or peace­ably, but would violently passe thorow the breach to the ruine of the Empire. These aimes of an exorbitant ambition, could not happily succeed, nor was Piso amazed, when the Priest of Apolloes oracle told him at Colo­phon,Necesse est oppri­mant enera, quae ferento majora sunt. Sen. this should not long continue: the charge he undertooke being too heavy for his forces.

[Page 47]But as Princes better love to be soothed in their follies, than advised of their duties, he presently was distasted in that Piso rather de­sired to displease him with truth,Malo veris offen­dere, quàm placere adulando. Sen. then content him with flattery. He esteemed his freedome presumption, when he shewed him the way from which he wandered, and what he ought to follow, yea even then when he told him he should wrong the Majesty of the Empire, to entertaine with favour men of slight conditi­on and courteously countenance those abject Athenians who ever followed the contrary part to ours,Quod colluvi [...]m illam nationum comitate nimia co­luisset. Tac. nor have at any time beene with­out some plot of revolt against us, formerly aiding Mithridates against Sylla, Anthony against Augustus.

Was it (I pray) by the Councell of Piso, Inter alia domina­tionis arcana Au­gustus vetitis sepo­suit Aegyptum. Tac. that he entred into Aegypt contrary to the ancient ordinance of Augustus, who recom­mended unto you for a secret of State, never to suffer any great man to passe into Aegypt: for in revolting against us,Levi praesidio in­gentes exercitus co­ercentur. Tac. they might with a few resist a vast army, and by forbidding the trade of corne, starve Italy.

Recall (Oh Caesar) into your memory (for nothing of worth escapeth you) the disgust [Page 48] you received when Piso gave advertisement that this young Prince directed all his acti­ons to vanity, and ambition, who to gaine the peoples hearts, gratified them with gifts of Corne and money,In vulgus gratae, sine milite incedere pe­dibus, intectus, & pari cum Graecis amictu. Tac. marched up and downe without a guard, on foot, ill attended, and cloathed like a Grecian, as heretofore Scipio did.

All the furies of hell could never have in­vented a more detestable Calumny than this poison of which Piso is accused, but it is so slender,Tenue mendacium pellucet. Sen. and transparent that falshood may be seene thorow it. How is it possible that you Vitellius, who have an open eye, and a cleare judgement (that I may not alleage matters su­perfluous) should at this time fix your selfe on contrarieties,Non minus vitan­dum supervacua dicere, quàm con­traria. Sen. P. what likelyhood is there that Piso eating at Germanicus table, who ever nar­rowly observed him, could have leisure to take poison, to rub his fingers therein, and so infect the meat. Is this easie to be done in ano­ther mans house,Absurdum inter aliena servitia, & tot astantium visu. Tac. in the presence of a Prince, who hath assay made unto him, and so many eyes about him which observe all?

Qui patrem pulsa­verit, manus ei prae­cidantur. Sen. P.If this be true, Piso is willing, not, that the hand which perpetrated this parricide should [Page 49] be cut off, but the heart which imagined it,Offerebat familians reus, & ministres in termenta. Tac. be torne alive out of his breast, and that this truth may be knowne, he offereth his whole family, and servants to be put on the racke.

He is not without fault; what man is free?There is nothing so deformed as an injury which re­culeth backe a­gainst him who spake it. Plut. Diamonds have blemishes, faire faces moles, but he is neither villaine, nor traitor. Those that traduce him of pride, want not arrogan­cy themselves, if he be hasty, they are violent: never hath he attempted on the life of his Princes.

If he have used some severity in his charge,The Magistrates ought to be more tender to become feared than loved. he did it rather out of duty, than disposition, It is for Princes to make themselves beloved, and for Magistrates to bee feared. If he have failed in respect and affection towards Ger­manicus, There is nothing so naturall as to hate those who have persecuted us. it is a hard taske to be enforced to love him, who resolves, & vowes your ruine. Germanicus, like all great men, wrote Pisoes ser­vices on the sand, and all his offences on mar­ble, if we so may call the sincere and free councels, which he for his better direction gave him.

He protesteth the death of Germanicus hath drawne from his heart, a growing thorne, a continuall feare, that he is glad to see his house [Page 50] freed from so potent an enemy, Tiberius from a nephew so ambitious, the Empire from a Prince so over-daring. Germanicus would have ruined Piso, and heaven hath destroyed Germanicus, The Eagle ha­ving taken away the young rab­bits, the dam un­dermineth the tree, and throw­eth downe the neast of the Ea­gle, and her young ones stand to her mercy. and in dying made him know, there is a supreme justice above, which re­vengeth the violences of great ones, over in­feriours. Are they permitted to spit in our fa­ces, or to set foot on our throats, because they are above us? Nay the least creatures have questioned the Eagle. Nothing is so sweet as revenge, at what price soever; It is a viand, that is swallowed without chewing.

But never hath Piso attempted on his life, as desirous of his death, and it being well knowne to have been naturall, it is a great im­piety to faine it was violent.Mala & impia consuetudo contra Deos disputandi, si­ve ex animo id fiat, sive simulate. Cic. The Gods would have it so, it is not lawfull either in earnest, or by way of discourse to dispute of their power.

Prompta Pisoni le­gionum studia.If he have endevoured to gaine some credit among Military men, it was but to lessen the exorbitancy of Germanicus. His ambition ha­stened to ruine, Pisoes to conservation, the one gave cause of jealousie to Tiberius, the other of caution to Germanicus. If hee have acquired [Page 51] good opinion in the provinces, is he forbid­den to cherish it? Are not affections free,Amor affectus liber qui vices exigit. Plin. what hurt is it to make them mutuall?

But he rather chose to bow under Caesars goodnesse, than stiffely dispose himselfe to the defence of his innocency. With clasped hands therefore he imploreth this royall vertue, which abhorreth the brutish thirst of bloud, and humbly beseecheth you (O great Prince) to imitate heaven,Ferina rabies san­guine gaudere. Sen. which hath more thunder to affright, than lightening to punish.

But if all prove inexorable,Nihil tam peri [...]ule­sum fortunis inno­centum, quàm t [...] cere adversarios and that the ac­cusers hasten to ravish and snatch away this soule which they so much have turmoiled and afflicted, he will dye with this comfort, that his innocency found no protection, and had rather perish, than offend those, who might have saved him.

There resteth darknesse in the accusation of poison; It is a Pyramis which doth not en­tirely discover it selfe, for of three sides there is alwayes one which cannot be seene, Piso and Plancina his wife appeared,A Tribuno deau­ctus, vario rumore, custos salutis, an mortis exactor. Tac. but the third hid Tiberius, and Tiberius, Sejanus.

This first audience ended, Piso went out, but the people were so incensed against him, that [Page 52] had he not beene conveyed away in a litter by the guard, he never had returned to his house, safe, and alive. That which the multi­tude could not do on his person, they acted on his statues, dragging them to the Gemonian staires.

Portia said she was not onely a partaker of the bed, and table of her husband, as a Concubine, but was the Compa­nion of his good and evill fortune, as his wife, Plut. Plancina his wife who had promised to un­dergoe his fortune, wholly inclined to levity (a naturall vice of that sex,) and being well as­sured of her owne life by the favour of the Emperesse, neglected Piso, and abandoned him, as if she had beene married to participate with him only in prosperity.

The Iudges for many respects were impla­cable to the accused,This opinion was common, and Io­sephus affirmes it. Caesar was willing he should dye, because he entred with armes into the Province, the Senate constantly beleeved Germanicus was poisoned, and among violent deaths poisoning is abhorred with the greatest execration,The mad-love drinke is quaffed in silver in stead of Greeke wine. because thereby persons most pre­tious and esteemed are torne from the Com­mon wealth,Life-killing Arse­nick is tasted in a golden dish. that poison more easily is ming­led and compounded in golden, than earthen vessels. There is no Antidote hath more ver­tue, or efficacy against poison, than a private condition, which neither feareth avarice may [Page 53] attempt on his state, nor envy on his dignity, yet is it most certaine,Venenicvi [...]en ac­cusatores non satis firmabans. Tac. this poisoning was ne­ver clearly proved, nor confidently affirmed by the accusers: There was no speech hereof either in Antioch or Rome, but according to the affection men bare to the dead, or hatred a­gainst the living.

Tacitus saith it is not certaine that the marks of poison appeared on the dead:Praetuleritne vene­f [...]ii signa parum constitit. Tac. Suetonius af­firmes he was covered all over with purple spots, that he foamed at the mouth,Livores totocorpo [...] spumae per os flue­bant, cor inter essa incorruptum. Suet. and that his heart was found whole among the ashes: Pliny, that Vitellius pressed this very hard, that Piso retorted the arrow backe, against those that shot it: and as one affirmed that Germa­nicus being poisoned his heart resisted the fire: so the other maintained that dying of the Cardiaque disease, his heart could not be burnt.Negatur corcremari posse in his, qui Car­diaco morbo ob­ierint, & veneno interemptis. Plin. So the Hypothesis ever rested in the question, and both the one and the other had truth on his side, it being equally true accor­ding to Pliny, that the hearts of those who dye by poison, or the Cardiaque evill are not con­sumed by fire. But the worst passage of Pisoes processe, was, the extreme boldnesse of the people, who taking rumour for proofe, [Page 54] cryed out at the Court gate, that if justice were not executed on Piso, they would doe it themselves.

All this much amazed Piso, who on the se­cond day appeared in Senate, to see if any change were made in this first severitie. But hee found the wind verie contrarie, Tiberi­us so cold,Nullo magis exter­ritus est, quàm quod Tiberium si­ne miseratione, sine ira obstinatum, claufumque vidit. Tac. that for feare of discovering him­selfe, hee inclined neither to anger to ruine him, nor to pitie to afford him any hope. He thereupon judged he was to have no recourse thither, either for his innocencie, or truth. Yet notwithstanding Sejanus told him, Tibe­rius would take his opportunitie when time required, and not see him lost; others terrified him saying,He who is con­ [...]inced of one crime, is puni­shed for many. Although he were declared inno­cent for the death of Germanicus, hee would bee put to death for other crimes: For Tibe­rius was so much exasperated with his taking armes in Syria,In crimes against the State, there is no compensa­tion of merit for the fault. that he resolved to make him an example, not suffering his service to coun­terpoyse the crime.

Sejanus regarded not the losse of Piso, so he concealed his secret commission; but much he feared, lest seeing himselfe condemned, he might complaine in the Senate of judge­ment, [Page 55] and at his execution, of the Emperour, and that he should speake, if not against Tibe­rius, at least against him.The interest of children trans­porteth Parents. The consideration of his children choked in his soule all resent­ment of the injurie hee suffered; and seeing himselfe lost, would bee ruined alone. And that their innocencie might be distinguished from his punishment, hee wrote a letter to Ti­berius, beseeching him to take pitie of them, and that done hee resolved to dye, thrusting his sword thorow his owne throat.It is a madnesse to dye for feare of death. He died not for feare of death, but, not to satisfie his enemies in the manner. If there be any thing troublesome in a publique death, it is onely the griefe, and shame of content thereby gi­ven to an enemie.

When this death was related to the Senate, Tiberius shewed sorrow in his face;Caesar flexo in mae­stitiam ore. Tac. but it was feigned, and to distract the judgements made upon this occasion to his prejudice, and settle his countenance by his discourse, hee among other things informed himselfe of that, which Piso had done the day before, and how hee spent the night.Plaeraque sap [...]enter, quae dam inconsul­lius. Tac Some there were who answered with discretion, others more inconsiderately, as upon the like occasions [Page 56] there are some, who cannot endure to bee ac­counted so foolish, as not to know that, of which we wish they were ignorant.

Hereupon Tiberius read the letters, which Piso had written to this purpose. Since, Cae­sar, I see my selfe oppressed by the conspiracie of mine enemies, and the violence of a false accusa­tion, Conspiratione ini­micorum, & invi­d [...]â falsi criminis veritati, & inno­centiae nusquam lo­cum. Tac. which affordeth no place in the Senate, ei­ther for truth, or mine innocency; the Gods are my witnesses, I have not failed in dutie towards you, or reverence to your mother, for which cause I beseech you to think on my children. Gneius Piso ought to have no share in my fortune, Qualiscunque, for­tunae meae non est adjunctus. Tac. whatsoever it be; for he stirred not out of Rome. Marcus Piso disswaded me from going into Syria, and I could wish the father had accommodated himselfe to the youth of the sonne, and the sonne not yeelded to the age of the father. Nihi [...] quidquam post haec rogaturus salutem infoelicis filii rege. Tac. This is the cause, why I with the greater instance humbly entreat, his in­nocencie may not feele the punishment of my ob­stinacie: and seeing my selfe in a condition never to beg of you againe, I conjure you by five and fortie yeares service, by the esteeme your father Augustus had of mee, Pravitatis p [...]nas innoxius non luat. when I was his Collegue in the Consulship, and by the friendship you have professed, to preserve my poore sonne.

[Page 57]He spake not a word of his wife; For how could hee remember her, who forgat him in this extremitie, and had perhaps promised the Empresse and Sejanus, to open the chamber doore for murtherers to kill him. Tiberius ha­ving read these letters, said; Although Piso had deserved the miserie whereinto hee was fallen, yet was hee moved to pitie, for the re­spect of his house, that it was notwithstanding verie reasonable,Ex arboribus qua­vontus, aut turbo evulsit soboles resi­dua est fovenda. Sen. to preserve the siens of the tree which was felled downe, and not to lay the punishment on his guiltlesse children, whereof absence discharged the one, and the fathers command excused the other;Patris jussa filius non potest detra­ctare. Tac. and therefore they not lyable to the crime of ta­king armes. As for Plancina, hee besought the Senate to yeeld her up to the prayers of his mother. The whole assembly well saw the impudencie, and impietie of this request, good men murmured against this woman, as the cause of Germanicus his death, and Piso's slaughter. Shall then (say they) the Empresse have the honour, to save the murderesse of her grand childe, to visit her, Fas aviae interfe­ctricem nepotis ad­spicere, adloqui, eripere Senatui [...] Tac. to comfort her in the death of her husband, to snatch her out of the hands of the Senate? The Lawes will not allow to [Page 58] Germanicus, what they grant to the meanest Citizen. Vitellius and Veranius, who were no­thing to Germanicus, have bitterly deplored his death, Venena & artes semel faeliciter ex­pertae in alterius exitium facilè ver­tuntur. Tac. and Augusta his grand-mother defendeth Plancina, that hath caused it; and what may we expert from hence, but that the force of poysons, and witchcrafts, having so prosperously succee­ded, she likewise will employ them against Agrip­pina, and her children, to allay the thirst of the Grand-mother and Vncle, with the bloud of this miserable family, and so satisfie the rage of Se­janus.

The opinions summed up, Aurelius Cotta saith, the memorie of Piso ought to be aboli­shed,Nomina scelerato­rum è fastis raden­da. Tac. and his name raced, and blotted out of the Calenders, and Annals, the moytie of his goods confiscated, the other given to his son Gneius Piso, with command to change his name; Marcus Piso deprived of office, and banished for ten yeares,Concessa Plancinae incolumitas ob preces Augustae. Tac. and to have five hun­dred Sesterces for his entertainment: Life gi­ven to Plancina in consideration of the Em­presses request. All consented to this opinion.

Tiberius, who had what he desired, sweet­neth the rigor of this judgement:Pudore flagitii princeps placabilior fit. Tac. for the ha­tred of Plancina's absolution made him lesse [Page 59] severe against the children, there being no ap­parance why hee should pardon the mother a murderesse, and condemne the innocent chil­dren. Hee saith the name of Piso should re­maine in the Annals, as well as Anthonies, Nomen Marci An­tonii, qui bellum patriae fecit, fastis mansit. Tac. who had invaded his owne Countrey. Messalina saith, A golden Ensigne should bee raised in the Temple of Mars-Avenger, and Caecinna Severus, an Altar to Revenge. No (saith Tiberius) it is not good, Domestica mala tristitia operienda. Tac. in victories atchieved on strangers, domestique miseries should be covered with sadnesse.

Fulcinus Trio, who so lowdly had declai­med against Piso, besought the assistance of his favour, the better to charge the accused; he answered,Facundia non est violent a praecipi­tanda. Tac. Take heed you precipitate not your eloquence by the violence of your pas­sion. Hee was offended, that hee too much had pressed Piso in the matter of poyson; for all the words that were spoken on this sub­ject, touched him verie neere. Hee wished him to represent the passion of Agrippina, Rerum humanari [...] ubique ludibria. Tac. Audivi ex seniori­bus, qui ad no­stram usque juven­tam duraverunt. Tac. without passion in himselfe. Behold the vani­tie of humane practices.

Hereupon Tacitus saith; I remember I have heard it told in my youth by those of that time, [Page 60] That many peeces had beene seene in Piso's hand, which he did not publish, but that his friends af­firmed everie where, they contained the commis­sion and command, which Tiberius gave him against Germanicus, and that hee resolved to produce them in Senate to convince the Prince, but that Sejanus had deceived him with faire promises, Elusus à Sejano per vana promissa Piso. Tac. and that he killed not himselfe, but that one was sent in the night, who murdred him.

Death delivered Piso, but Tiberius and Se­janus were not thought the more innocent, and everie night these cryes were heard about the Palace.Per noctes creber­rime acclamatum est, Redde Germa­nicum. Suet. Give us Germanicus.

This death, whether it were voluntarie, or forced, much abated the hatred of the people against Piso, and encreased it against Tiberius, the rather that he had saved the wife, and ha­ving drawen this miserable man into a preci­pice, would not deliver him. If Piso had per­mitted the Lawes and Iustice to take their course,Praebe te legibus. Sen. and suffered like a man that feared not death, his miserie would have been deplored. There is no life so odious, Confidence lesseneth the in­famie of punish­ment. which ending in pub­lique with constancie and modestie, changeth not hatred into pitie, and pitie into favour, leaving a friendly opinion of innocencie behinde it.

[Page 61]The death of Germanicus gave no lesse con­tent to Sejanus than Tiberius, for this Prince held all their resolutions under controule. Ti­berius esteemed not himselfe Emperor, while he was alive, and Sejanus despaired ever to be so, or to dispose of the Empire so absolutely, as he afterward did, for this Prince held him short, as one may say, to a strait diet.Our enemies in­force us to live regularly and to preserve life irre­prehensible as in a strait diet. Plut. The good affection he possessed in the minds of all, both great, meane, and middle sort, much crossed his ambition. But after his death, fortune af­forded him a prosperous gale, till pride and insolence rent the sailes of his vessell, and de­signes.

Tiberius thought he had more authority, yet was not lesse distrustfull, imagining that as many friends as Germanicus should leave, were so many conspirators. And therefore of­ten said, he held not the Empire,Lupum auribus te­nere. but as a wolfe by the eares, fearing he might escape, and es­caping bite him. He supposed every man had a purpose to take him out of his hands: He caused the Horoscopes of the principall men of Rome to be calculated, and such as the Starres promised eminence above other, he depressed, banished, or put to death. He knew [Page 62] Galba might arrive to this point,Dion & Tacit. so that mee­ting him on the day of his Marriage, he said; And thou Galba shalt one day taste what Empire is. Yet he attempted nothing against him, for this dignity seemed fatally destined vnto him.

Sejanus among the rules of his policy held this ever, to nourish distrust in the soule of Ti­berius, to the end that not relying on any man he might onely confide in him.

The great houses descended from those brave and generous spirits, which had beene sacrificed to preserve the liberty of their Countrey, were by Tiberius (who resolved to raise the absolute sway on the foundations of Augustus) suspected, and to Sejanus odious, who could not endure vertue to oppose his for­tune.Liboni proavu [...] Pompeius, amita Scribonia, consobri­ni Caesares. Tac. Libo Drusus, as being descended by his father from Augustus, and by his Mother from Pompey the great, was one of the principall of the Romane youth, and, as this his birth gi­ving hope to his courage gained him respect among the greatest, so was it the cause of his fall.

Defertur moliri res novas. Tac.His youth prompt, and inconsiderate, trans­ported him to thoughts more haughty, than [Page 63] the times would permit, for which cause he was perpetually had in jealousie by Tiberius, so that being at a sacrifice, he commanded the Master of the Ceremonies to give a leaden knife to Libo, who was one of the sacrificers,Pro cespita plum­beus culter. lest hee might attempt somewhat on his per­son.The little hatchet of the sacrificer. Another time demanding audience in se­cret, he caused his sonne Drusus to be called, and counterfeiting to stand in need of sup­port whilst he walked, he held Libo (who spake to him) by the right hand, carrying his eye steddy to observe all his motions.Iuvenis improvidus & facilis inanibus. Tac. This young man had a Romane Citizen whom he held his intimate friend, that conspired his ru­ine, supposing the shortest way to make a for­tune, was to overthrow those, who gave cause of suspition to Sejanus. He impressed in this giddy spirit,Hortatur ad luxum, & aes alienum soci­us libidinum, & necessitatum quo plurihus indiciis in­dagaret. Tac. that there was some great thing designed in heaven for him, he led him out to riots, which caused excessive expences, and those put him into inconveniences, which this wicked friend sweetned with false hopes. Necessity made him dreame on his future for­tunes, and that thrust him into the curiosity of knowing from Astrologers, what the Stars promised him (the ordinary retreat of minds [Page 64] which admit a Master.) Wherefore that he yet might understand more, his friend brought him to conferre with Magicians, who aske of their spirits what they knew, and never tell truth: for a while after all his hopes were tur­ned into despaire.

Tib. non vultu alie­natus, non verbis commotior, cuncta ejus dicta factaque, cum prohibere pos­set scire mallebat. Tac.The Senator discovereth all this to Tiberi­us, who is heartily glad to see this young man in the snare, yet desisteth not to shew him a good countenance, affording him the title of Pretor, and oft calling him to his Table. Pre­sently after he caused him to be accused in the Senate as of a matter weighty, important, and enormous; behold he is brought into the con­dition of one accused; he changeth his appa­rell,Keus obsoletius ve­stiebatur. Cic. the principall Ladies of the City his allies, solicite for him: There was not a man to bee found would speak in his defence; for when any question is made of a Conspiracy against a Prince, all intercessions are suspected, and favours held crimes.It was not per­mitted to any but the sick to goe in a litter to the gate of the Se­nate house. Tiberi­us comming thi­ther the sicke man would [...] no train [...]. He went to the Court in a litter, for this stroke not foreseene, had wea­kened the forces of his health, and so suppor­ted by his brothers arme, he entereth into the Senate, and a farre off beholding Tiberius, stretcheth out his hands, and imploreth mer­cy with much humility.

[Page 65] Tiberius readeth all the points whereof hee was accused, it not being preceived either by his countenance or words, that he had a pur­pose to sweeten, or exasperate the affaire. The whole matter consisted in things rather curi­ous, than wicked, rather vaine than serious, and which more required pity, than cor­rection.

He had asked the Southsayers,Stolida & vana, & si melius accipian­tur, miserànda. Tec. whether hee should ever be so rich, as to bee able to cover the Appian way to Brindisi with pieces of money. A list likewise was produced against him, by which it appeared he had made cer­taine Ciphers under the names of Caesars, and Senators, as it were a marke upon those he meant to ruine, and the way how. He denieth all.Questio in caput domini. Tac. The Senate adviseth his slavecs should be put to the torture, but Tiberius rich in subtil­ties, and subtile in inventions,More majorum de servis in Dominum ne tormentis qui­dem quaeri licet. Cic. caused them to be sold, thereby not to offend the lawes, which receive them not as witnesses against their Maisters.

He returneth to his house, borne in a litter; yea rather his Coffin, for he went to death, nor was there any other difference, but that his friends denied him this last office, and no [Page 66] creature followed him. He sent a kinsman of his to Tiberius to implore his mercy,Necessarii deserae­rant impie jam non r [...]m, sed famam. Sen. but his answer was, he should make his addresse to the Senate, he sought out his Grandmother Scribonia, and asked her counsell, whether it were best to hasten his death or expect it.Quid te delectat alienum negotium facere? Sen. This couragious woman made answer; Why will you execute the office of another? Performe your owne.

She thought it a neglect of ones proper businesse to live at the direction of another, and that he who expecteth to be led to execution, did the worke of the hangman: The condition of humane things is wrongfully accused: Hee that will not himselfe, Excruciant epulae in novissimam vo­lupta [...]em adhibitae. Tac. is not miserable. The only sight of viands brought for his last dainties touched his heart; he resolveth to dye, calleth one to kill him, pulleth his servants to him, puts the knife into their hands, praying them to afford him this last office. They deny him, abhorring such a commandement, not so much for pity of him, as of themselves, fearing to be punished;Etiam ubi remedi­um est mors, selus [...] occidere. Sen. P. for although death serve as a remedy for such as beg it, yet is it a crime in those that give it. The more he pressed and urged them to kill him, the more they retyred, and [Page 67] stepping backe overthrew the table, so that the lights which stood thereon were extin­guished.

This darknesse confirming his resolution,Feralibus [...] remebris dues [...]us in vist [...] a [...]. Tac. and beginning his owne funerals, hee gave himselfe two stabs with a knife in the belly, he cried out, and fell, the whole family ran up into the Chamber, the souldiers hastened thi­ther, and seeing their worke done, departed. When this passage was related to Tiberius, hee counterfeited sorrow, and sware, if the dead man had let him alone, he had yet beene alive, himselfe being resolved to have pleaded for him.

Confiscation of goods was prosecuted,Adul [...] [...] Reip. malum. Tac. and the Senate through flattery (an ancient wound of the Republique) gave them to the accu­sers, abolished the name, and statues of Libo, Iduum Septembi­um dios quo se Libi occiderat festus. Tac. and put the Ides of September among the so­lemne festivals, because on that day the Em­perour had beene delivered from a great pe­rill. There was also a decree made against Ma­thematitians, and Magicians, and Lucius Pitu­anius who was of this unhappy profession, was throwne headlong from the top of the Tar­peian hill. Their banishment was but renewed [Page 68] againe; for it had before beene decreed, they should forsake Italie, in that through a deceit­full knowledge of starres,Caldaei pluribus at­que ineptis in­geniis siderum fallae [...] interpretati­one questuesam medaciis suis Cali­ginem injiciunt. Val. they abused vaine and idle people.

Sejanus was freed from Princes, Pretors, and Senators, he was willing Rome should know, there was not any conditioned men exempt from feare of his fortune and power he presently layes hold on the Philosophers, as those whose lives he hated for innocencie, and whose tongues he dreaded for libertie. He banisheth Attalus a Stoicke Philosopher,Attalus stoicus so­lum vertit à Sejano Circumscriptus, magnae vir eloquen­tiae, ex Philosophis, subtillissimus. Sen. P. a man of singular integritie of life, admirable elo­quence, and incomparable learning; The sect of Stoicks being a most worthy and venera­ble company, and as different from others as men from women, I cannot imagine where­in he erred, but in that Sejanus tooke to him­selfe in particular, what he meant to all in ge­nerall,Malitia maximam partem sui veneni bibit. when he said, that he who offended others, first displeased himselfe, and that the wicked man taketh the first draught of his owne poison; was not this to tell Sejanus, that all his violencies returned on himselfe, as ri­vers to their source?Quicquid expe­ctantibus fortuna projecit id fine [...]lla voluptate di­mittmus, statim ad rapinam alterius erecti, & attenti. Sen. When he said men were unsatiable, and that having received some be­nefits [Page 69] from fortune they presently beg others, as dogs, who no sooner swallow one morsell, but they instantly gape for another, discove­red not he this gulfe of greedinesse, who ha­ving ruined one familie, threatned another?

This Tyger shewed his hatred against the choyce wits of his time: A Poet having writ­ten some few free words against him, was put to death, not for that, but because in a Tragedy he had injured Agamemnon, Quod in tragedia Agamemnonem probis lacessisset. Suet. and spo­ken against the honour of Kings: Tiberius punished the offences committed against Se­janus, as rigorously as those that concerned himselfe, he was perswaded he himselfe recei­ved the counterbuffe of all that, which woun­ded him. Princes are offended, when their Favourites are blamed, because it seemes to them the weaknesse of their judgement is condemned,He who blameth the favour of a Prince condem­neth his judge­ment. in the election of a subject un­worthy of their favour. The worke-man is bound to defend his workmanship. The Painter is troubled, if durt bee cast on the pi­cture he hath drawen. Old faults are sought out, to make new examples of severitie. The Senate decreed the Statue of Sejanus should be erected in Pompey's Theater, which [Page 68] [...] [Page 69] [...] [Page 70] Tiberius had re-edified. Cremutius Cordus vexed with this injury done to the memorie of Pom­pey, Quis nen rumpere­tur supra cineres Gn. Pompei consti­tu [...]e Sejanum? Sen. cryed out aloud, It was not to re-edifie, but to destroy, thus to set Sejanus above the heads of the Romans, to raise a meane Soul­dier upon the monument of a prime Cap­taine. He spake truth, but Veritie excuseth not the imprudence of those, who inconsiderately are transported into the censure of great ones. Seja­nus beareth this in minde,Novam, ac primum auditum crimen. Tac. and accuseth him not thereof at all, but disposeth Tiberius to en­quire into his life, all the parts of which were found innocent and commendable. But his writings were examined, and an Historie hee composed of Augustus, and which Augustus himselfe had read. Hee was accused not to have sufficiently honoured Caesar, P [...]ul. and Augu\stus; too much praised Brutus, and called Cassius the last of the Romans.

The credit of accusers is the despaire of the accused. Sejani clientes perniciabiles reo. Tac.His accusers were Satrius, Secundus, and Pi­narius Natta, creatures of Sejanus, and this qualitie made the ruine of this man accused most infallible, and thrust his innocencie in­to desperation. Yea, the Iudge himselfe made him perceive by his sterne countenance, and words of reproofe, that he sate there, not to [Page 71] heare, but to condemne him; not to arraigne, but to appoint his execution:Innocencie of actions should excuse the folly of words. Cordus likewise came not thither to save his owne life, for hee was certaine to lose it, but for the honour of truth, and the glorie of his writings. Hee spake in this manner.

My actions are so farre innocent, Verba mea a [...]g [...]un­tur, adeo sum fa­ctorum innocen [...]. Tac that nothing is questioned, but my words, and yet they offend neither the Emperour, nor his Mother, who only are comprized in the Law of Majestie. It is said I praised Brutus, and Cassius, whose actions are registred by many, nor is there any one hath men­tioned them, but to their honour. Titus Livius,There is not an Historian, which becomes not pas­sionate on one side, or other. to whom the prize of eloquence, and truth is at­tributed, hath so highly commended Pompey, that Augustus called him the Pompeyan: which never impaired the friendship contracted between them.

Hee useth not these names of Theeves and Parricides, Scipio, a man worthy of all warlike commen­dation. Plut. Afranius, Lievte­nant of Pompey against the Par­thians and Ara­bians. Plut. Cassius, an enemy of Tyrants from his infancie. Plu [...] which now are imposed on Scipio and Afranius, on Brutus, and Cassius; but often stiles them brave, and excellent men. The Histo­rie of Asinius Pollio makes an honourable men­tion of them: Mesalla Corvinus extolled Cas­sius as his Generall, yet both the one and other have beene powerfull in riches, and honours. [Page 72] Caesar the Dictator was pleased to answer in an Oration by writing (as before his Iudges) to a booke, which Cicero made, to raise Cato his ene­mie as high as Heaven. The Epistles of An­thony,Brutus wel wished by the people, beloved of his owne, esteemed of honest men, and hated by none. See the Epigram 30. of Catullus. the speeches of Brutus object to Augu­stus things false, and relate them with much sharp­nesse and animositie. Men spare not to read the verse of Bibaculus, and Catullus, though far­ced with injuries against the Caesars. Iulius and Augustus have permitted, and scorned them. And I cannot well tell, whether they have shewed more moderation, than wisdome therein. For slanders passe away, if they be despised; and seeme avowed, if resented. I speake not at all of the Grecians, for not onely their libertie, but temeritie also hath beene unpunished, and if any one hath blamed it, words have revenged words. But it alwayes hath beene a matter of freedome, and without reprehension to speake of those, whom death hath enfranchized from hate, Convitia spreta ex­ [...]lescunt, si irascare agnita vidantur. Tac. or favour. Can any man say, that I with my Orations ex­cite the people to rebell, and take armes for civill war while Brutus, and Cassius are armed in the the Philipicke fields? It is now threescore and sixteene yeares, since they dyed: As they are knowen by the Statues, which their victorious [Page 73] selves erected, so writings have preserved their memories Posteritie rendreth everie one the ho­nour, which belongs to him, and if I be condem­ned, there may those be found, who will not onely remember Brutus, and Cassius, but me also.

Hee had reason to adorne his discourse with examples of Caesar and Augustus. For the world hath never seene any thing equall to this their generous bountie in pardoning slan­ders. Calvus the Orator,Caio Calvo post sa­mosa Epigr. de re­conciliatione per a­micos agenti ultro ac prior scripsit. Suet. and Catullus the Poet, desperately detracted Caesar: Truth set­led shamefastnesse on their foreheads, and re­pentance in their consciences. Caesar was sa­tisfied with it, and seeing Calvus desired his friendship, and durst not entreat it, in an ex­presse letter he offered it himselfe:Valerius Catullus perpetua stigmata suis versiculis im­posuit Caesari. Suet. As for Ca­tullus, hee invited him to supper the same day he published his Poem against him.

For Augustus, I finde none to paralell him: Timagenes, a noble Historian, wrote against him, his wife, daughters, and all his family. Hee adviseth him to use his pen and tongue with more moderation,Timagenem Caesar monuit, ut mode­ratiua lingua ute­retur, perseveranti, domo sua interdi­xit: post ea in con­tubernio Pollionis consenuit. Sen. especially concerning his house and friends: for Augustus had bred him up. O extreme ingratitude! Hee perse­vers. Augustus enforced to take notice hereof, [Page 74] wisheth him to retire. Asinius Pollio, estee­ming more the promptnesse of this wit, than his dutie to the Emperour, lodgeth, and enter­taineth him. Timagenes absolutely declares himselfe an enemy of Augustus, burneth that notable Historie, which he had composed of his reigne, affirming hee deserved not to bee remembred at all, and that the good hee had delivered of him, was altogether false. Augustus swallowed all this, and was pleased to say to Pollio; You nourish a Serpent. But Pollio desirous to reply in his excuse: He stop­ped his mouth,Fruere mi Pollio fruere. saying, My friend keepe him, make use of him. Is it possible, that Rome should grieve to lose her libertie under such a Prince? She afterward found by deare expe­rience what she lost in the change: It was the same flocke, but not the same Shepherd.

We may well say Sejanus had strangely cor­rupted the nature of Tiberius, making him so severe in the punishment of injuries done to his Predecessors, who tooke so small account of his owne, and who often said, that in free Cities tongues should not be restrained.Subinde jactat in civitate libera lin­guam mentomque liberas esse debere. Suet. Au­gustus gave him this counsell; for upon the point of blaming his dissimulation in the [Page 75] matter of unbridled libertie, used in depraving of him, he wrote these words: Son Tiberius, flatter herein neither your youth, nor anger, to beleeve that any man speakes ill of me: Satis est si hoc ha­bemus ne quis nobis malè facere possit. D. Aug. It is e­nough wee can so handle the matter, they shall doe us no hurt.

As for himselfe, he slighted the Satyres, and bitter jests were divulged of him; and when hereupon the Senate would give informati­on, he said, Wee have not so much spare time, Non tantum habi­mus otii P. C. ut implicare nos pluri­bus negotiis debea­mus: si hanc fene­stram aperueritis nihil aliud agi sine­tis. D. Tib. as to trouble our selves with these trifles, and if wee shall open this window, we need to do nothing else, and you shall bee perpetually importuned with an infinite number of particular complaints.

Cordus then having spoken so boldly and elegantly, retired to his house much unresol­ved what he should doe. If he would live,Si vivere vellet, Sejanus rogandus erat; si mori, filia; uterque inexorabi­lis; constituit filiam fallere. Sen. he must beg of Sejanus; if dye, of his daughter: Both are inexorable. His courage not suffe­ring him to prostrate himselfe to the one, hee resolved to deceive the other. And that hee might not discover his purpose, he for certaine dayes taketh the bath,At the comming out of a bath, they brought to their chambers sweet wine with new laid egges. and the better to be­guile his daughter, hee afterward withdrawes into his chamber to take his refection, and sending his servants away, throwes out of the [Page 76] window some part of that which was brought him,Quaedam per fene­stram ut videretur edisse projecit à coena, deinde quasi jam satis in cubicu­lo edisset abstinuit. Sen. to make them beleeve it was the remainder of what hee had eaten. The houre of supper arrived, he telleth his daugh­ter hee had no appetite to eat, that his former collation served him for a supper; shee ur­geth him no further, supposing it true, and little imagining the thing she approved for his health, should hasten his death.

Hee continueth this rigorous deceit untill the fourth day, that his owne weaknesse dis­covered it.Homini non anie septimum diem lae­talis inedia: du­rasse, & ultra un­decimum plaerosque [...]ertum est. Plin. Extreme sorrow conspired with his abstinence, which had not otherwise power sufficient to overthrow him in so few dayes; for hunger will not kill a man in so short a space.

His daughter thus deceived, conjureth him by her prayers and teares, to live both for her and himselfe.The last houre causeth not death, but fini­sheth it. This prayer came too late. His life was now almost wholly wasted, he is up­on the last houre: at which time embracing his daughter,Iter mortis ingres­sus sum, & jam medium fere teneo; revocare me, nec de­bes, nec potes. Sen. hee said: Martia, I am too farre onward in the way of death, to retire back; I have gone almost the one halfe of it: you neither ought, nor can withhold me.

Which spoken, he caused the lights to bee [Page 77] put out that he might the more quietly hide himselfe, and creepe away in the darke. His servants seeing his resolution so absolute and forward, were no whit sorry,Et faucibus avi­dissimorum lupo­rum educitur prae­da. Sen. the wolves had failed of their prey At which time the accu­sers ran by the commandement of Sejanus to the Consuls to tell them that Cordus had kil­led himselfe, to wit, had escaped them.Magna res erat in quaestione, an mor­tis rei perderentur: dum deliberatur, dum accusatores i­terum adeunt, ille se absolverat. Sen. This question was then debated, Whether one might hinder the accused to make themselves away? but whilst this was disputed to resolve it, and con­demne him, he freeth himselfe.

His bookes were burnt by the Ediles,Scripta autoris. calamitate. Dio. the calamitie of the Author, and excellencie of the stile rendred them the more illustrious, and made them sought after, and studied with the more curiositie. Martia preserveth,Vir Romanus qui subactis jam cervi­cibus omnium, & ad Sejani jugum ab­actis indomitus sit, homo ingenio, ani­mo, manu liber. Tac. and pre­sents them to the world to renew the memory of her father, who had written them in his owne bloud, had stood firme and invincible, when every man else offered his head under the yoke of Sejanus, and had with hand, dis­course and judgement,Praesenti potentia non extinguitur se­quentis aevi memo­ria. Tac. maintained ancient liberty. Princes deceive themselves when they grow passionate to abolish bookes which displease them, prohibition addes desire, and difficulty ma­keth [Page 78] good the curiosity. Punitis ingeniis gliscit authoritas. Tac. If feare suppresse them du­ring their life, they appeare more confident, when they themselves are no more. The affliction of writers augmenteth the reputation of their la­bours: punishment is odious; hee that inflicteth it, is blamed, and who suffers it, receiveth honour.

And it is well for us this fury against bookes, began not till under Tiberius, for what would it have beene, if the Triumvirs had proscribed or burnt those of Cicero? R P. interest, ut fa­cta quoeque poste­ritati tradantur. Suet. Cali­gula caused the works of Cordus to be revived, and thought himselfe interessed, that posterity might know the lives and gests of his prede­cessors. What a contentment is it, to reade the History of so worthy a pen, written with a courage so free, and confident, and in such a manner as he offered it to the Senate, not un­like the scantling which Seneca observed up­on the death of Cicero, in these termes.

Anthony received much satisfaction when Ciceroes head was brought him, and said his pro­scription was at an end, for he was not onely glut­ted, Non satiatus modo cadendis civibus sed defectus. Sen. P. but tyred with the massacres of so many men. Hee commanded it to bee exposed to the view of the people in their Rostra, Piis concionibus multorum capita fervarat. Sen. P. in the same place where they, drawne by the reputation of his excel­lency, [Page 79] thronged to follow him, and where they had heard his elaborate discourses, which saved so many heads. He is now at this present beheld by his fellow Citizens, neither in the joy, nor manner as they admired him heretofore (alive and) en­tire, but with bloud, which all embrued his head, Manus dextera eloquentiae mini­stra. Sen. P. and disfigured his countenance. This head which of late swayed in Senate, and was the ornament of the Roman name, serves as a recompence for him, who dissevered it from his body. All hearts were melted into teares and sighes, when his right hand was beheld (the instrument of his di­vine eloquence) fastened to this head. Caeterorum caedes privatorum luctus excitaverunt, illa una commonem. Sen. P. The death of others was not bewailed but by particulars: The sorrow for this man was generall. Wee ought not onely to beleeve the greatnesse, but admire the in­finite number of his vertues. He lived as Brutus, Cassius, and Sextus Pompeius, saying: All things displease me, but death alone.

Cordus wrote the history of his time, and perhaps seeing the truth most pure for poste­rity, had spoken for the honour of those,Opti [...]e meruit de posterie ad quos ventet in corruptae rerum fid [...]s. Sen. who died for the defence of ancient liberty; for (ve­rily) the feare of death excuseth not him, who of­fēdeth truth to flatter fortune. To publish lying hi­stories, or give false instructiōs to those that write [Page 80] them, is to rob passengers on the high way in good earnest. He retaining the same liberty in his discourses he had done in his writings, con­temned the pride of Sejanus, and to free him­selfe from the hands of a man so potent, made it appeare he was reall, and exempt from the number of the miserable.

This Calamity was not so frequent among the Romans when Germanicus lived; these two Lions did (as yet) restraine their pawes, feare tempered the actions of Tiberius, and ne­cessity with-held the insolence of Sejanus. Dion saith that o­pinions often passed currant a­gainst his, he not therewith offen­ded. Di­on saith whilst Germanicus lived, Tiberius did nothing at any time of his owne head. He re­ferred all manner of affaires to the Senate, hee ministred justice by the advice of those who assisted him, allowed every one should deli­ver his opinion, endured contradiction, and sometime suffered to be cut off in his opinions.

Tiberius said I am Lord of slaves, Emperour of souldiers, and o­ver the rest a Prince.He would not be called Lord, but by slaves, nor Emperour but of souldiers, he absolutely refused the name of father of the Countrey, he gave way in discourse, and petitions to the title of Augustus, used it in the dispatches he made to Kings, and in all occasions else was contented with the name of Caesar, and Prince [Page 81] of the Senate: His ordinary wish was, that heaven would grant him life so long, as the common wealth should stand in need of his service.

Whilst Germanicus lived,All that was done during the life of Germanicus, but after his death all was changed. the day of his birth was not solemnized, no man sware by his fortune, no statue nor Temple was erected to him. When he went thorow the City, he de­sired not to be attended either by Senator, Pa­trician, or Roman Knight, or any man of qua­lity, in all things demeaning himselfe, as if he lived under a popular government, yea he de­scended even to the making of funerall orati­ons for particular men.

If he exercised any violence,Ambition for a long time makes it selfe little to be­come great. it was cloaked and coloured with semblances of reason, or necessity, or if it were secret, it appeared not at all.The Emperour Augustus to please Livia banished him to the Ile of Planasia. Clemens a famous impostor had slaine his Master Agrippa Posthumus, the grand-child of Augustus, and because he was much of his age, and stature,Veritas visu, & morâ, falsa; festina­tione incer, tis voles­cunt. Tac. he caused the bruit thereof pri­vately to run as a thing dangerous, and after­ward publikely (as a matter acceptable) that Agrippa was alive: for it was true, the Mother of the Emperour, had made him away present­ly after the death of Augustus, whose memory [Page 82] was so precious and venerable, that under this name he found friends in Gallia, succours in Italy, and credit in Rome, the people proclaim­ing and beleeving the Gods had reserved him for the good of the Empire.

Tiberius considering that rumour, and his levity gave countenance to this fiction, and that it could not so slenderly be beleeved, but it would prejudice his affaires, commanded him to be attached by those who fained to be of his faction.Percunctanti Ti­berio quomodo Agrippa factus esset respon­disse fertur? Quo modo tu Caesar. Tac. Being brought before him, he wondred he so cunningly had managed this imposture, demanding of him, by what title art thou made Agrippa? The gallant answer­eth by the same thou hast made thy selfe Cae­sar. Torments could not evict from him the names of his complices,Inanis credulitas tempore ipso vane­scit. Tac. and although Tiberi­us knew he had beene assisted both with mo­ny and counsell by the greatest, he enquired no further of them. But caused him to be put to death without further noyce,

Tiberius then had reason to account the death of Germanicus amongst the best dayes of his owne life, and Sejanus reckoned it one of the greatest steps to his fortune, but the same malice they bare to the father continued [Page 83] against the children, yet endevouring all they could possibly to dissemble it, to the end it might seasonably appeare, in the meane time covering it with large demonstrations of af­fection towards them.Neronem e liberis Germanici jam in­gressum juventam commendavit Pa­tribus non sinc ri­su audientium. Tac. Tiberius prayeth the Senate to give Nero a dispensation of age that he might enter into publike offices, and be able at fifteene yeares to become Questor, which is not granted but at two and twenty. He was also created Pontifex, and the day he entered into this dignity,Congiarium pleb. Tac. he made a donative of provisions to the people, who much rejoy­ceth to behold the children of Germanicus in a flourishing state of youth. For full accom­plishment of alacrity, he espouseth Iulia the daughter of Drusus. ut illa secundis, ita hoc adversis animis acceptum. Tac.

But she grew disdainfull when she heard the daughter of Sejanus was promised to Dru­sus the sonne of Claudius; esteeming this noble family was dishonoured by such an alliance, and that it gave but too much hope to a man, who already had over-much power, and who accounted himselfe unhappy if he com­manded not, impatient to live as a private person. The heavens unwilling to derive fruit from so bad a tree, disposed thereof otherwise. [Page 84] Drusus sporting in the City of Pompey threw a peare up into the aire,Iason the Tyrant of Pherez said, he died for hun­ger, if he arrived not at Tyranny, for he could not live a foole, that is to say a private man. and receiving it againe with open mouth was strangled, and this daughter participating in the disastrous end of her father, made her wedding song, at the foot of the gallowes, as in his due place shall be seene. The hatred was so enraged against Seja­nus, that some said he made this marriage to destroy his sonne in law,

Miror fuisse qui traderenta a Sejano necatum Suet.This opinion could have no other foun­dation, but that this young Prince discovered too much contempt of this alliance, or too much scorne to be the sonne in law of a man so odious, who had no honour in him; his an­cestors or himselfe,Vaine is the praise which comes not from a praise worthy man. having acquired nothing, he could leave nought to his children, and received praise but only from those, whom he himselfe durst not commend.

Drusus could not brooke this insolence, nor that his father Tiberius should preferre Coun­sels and forraine affections before naturall.Secreta viri, cor­rupta uxore pro­duntur. Tac. He spared not to say to his wife, who betray­ed him, and to his friends, who deceived him, that Sejanus was almost become a Colleague, as he hath hither to beene a Coadjutor of Ti­berius, and his children the allies of Drusus: [Page 85] That his ambition hath deepe aimes, that hee will not rest there: For,Prima dominandi spes in arduo, ubi fis ingressus adsunt studia, & ministri, Tac. The first hopes of pre­dominance are difficult, but when one is arrived thither, meanes to maintaine it will never bee wanting. He often spake this, and unto many; they were his ordinarie complaints. A minde perplexed ceaseth not to expostulate, and ever layes the hand upon the wound.

Hee conceived an extreme hatred against Sejanus: Hee was so ready to strike, that they surnamed him Castor, Surnames are gi­ven according to natures, for which cause Dion saith, Drusus was surnamed Castor, and keen swords were called Dru­sians. and not being able any longer to endure this man, who made him­selfe his companion, hee lifted up his hand with threats, and the other disposing himselfe to defence, presented his to stay the blow, wherupon Drusus strucke him on the cheeke. Dion and Zonaras write, that Sejanus smote Drusus, but there is no apparance he used this hardinesse against the sonne of the Emperour, young, couragious, associated to the Empire, and holding the Tribunitiall power,Tribunitia potestas summi fastigii vo­cabatur. Tac. the grea­test next the Sovereigne.

A blow should be answered with a poynard, but strokes which come from the hand of a Prince ought to be recived with patience and humilitie. He that can kill, obligeth when he only woundeth. [Page 86] This disgust so fresh reneweth those, which by processe of time were (as I may say) wi­thered in the soule of Sejanus. Yet the Historie relateth not hee made any complaint, or that Tiberius reproved his sonne,Tiberius S [...]num singularem princi­palium onerum ad jutorem in omnia habuit. Vell. so to have inju­red him whom he had selected above all, for assistance to support the principall burthens of Empire: For it is ever an ill way to seeke out occasions, which may irritate the Emperour a­gainst the Prince.

Not daring to complaine, hee resolved to be revenged, and as revenge is ever wittie, to lay hold of the meanes how to satisfie the of­fended, hee could finde no fitter wedge to cleave this knot, but to make it of the same wood, and gaine the wife to ruine the hus­band.Ra [...]a est concordia formae, atque pudi­citiae. Inven. Shee was faire, but her beautie accor­ded not well with her honour. Shee consen­teth to the earnest solicitations of Sejanus, to whom none denyed any thing, because Tibe­rius gave him all. Familiaritie drew on affe­ction, that which at first was nought else but love, becomes adulterie, and adulterie witch­craft. A most strange blindnesse: The neece of Augustus, daughter in law of Tiberius, daughter of Drusus, sister of Germanicus, wife [Page 87] of the Emperours sonne,Se, ac majores, & pas [...]cros municipali adultere foedabat. Tac. mother of two Prin­ces, in possibilitie of Empire, blemisheth her honour, disgraceth her house, to consent to the lusts of an ordinarie Citizen. But glo­rious beauties will be admired, and powerfull fa­vours sought unto. Sejanus could doe all by his favour, Livia was beloved of all for her beau­tie.Vpon the de­mand made unto Aristotle, why we love that which is faire, he answe­red, It is a blinde mans question. To aske why that which is beautifull is affected, Is the question of a blinde man: but it is to have eyes no where but in the head, to wish great men may not do what they please.

Having then the body at his dispose, hee managed the heart as he list: The first crime made way for all the rest.Foemina amissa pu­dicitia, alia flagitia non abnuit. Tac. When a woman hath forsaken her chastitie, she hath nothing left either to lose, or deny. Love made her an adulteresse, ambition a murderesse, and the passage is con­fident from the one to the other. Sejanus in­fuseth into her minde a desire to become the Emperours wife, shee beleeves hee is able to make good what hee sayes; for Tiberius reig­ned not, but in his person, and at his pleasure. Shee heareth, and tasteth it, and the delight shee sheweth therein by her attention, is not farre distant from her consent.The Fort which parleyes, is halfe renured. Their likings concurring for loue, unite for marriage, and [Page 88] for that purpose they conspire to dissolve all obstacles: Sejanus, by the divorce of Apicata, and Livia by the death of Drusus.

Magnitudo facino­ [...]is metum, prolatio, interdum di­versa consilia ad­f [...]rt. Tac.But as Great mischiefes cannot so quickly bee hatched (for feare draweth on irresolution, af­frightment invites slacknesse, and distance of time augmenteth difficulties) they had not so much trouble to resolve on the act, as to finde out the meanes, and manner. Order, and secre­cie, which ought to bee exactly observed in matters important were not omitted in this wicked plot. They resolved to poyson him: and weighing with themselves, if the poyson were given in his meat, some others (perhaps) might be surprized, and deceived therewith, they advised to give it in some medicine which he was to take, and that it should have so slow operation, that death would bee im­puted to nature, or accident, and not to trea­son, and violence.

Eudemus amicus, ac medicus Liviae, specie artis fre­quens secretis. Tac. Livia therein employed Eudemus her Phy­sitian, who for his qualitie, and by the favour of his profession, had ordinarie accesse to her cabinet.Adulteria etiam in principum domibus, ut Eudemi in Li­viae Drusi Caesaris. Plin. Tacitus saith he was her friend, Pliny her adulterer. Sejanus gaineth Lygdus the Eunuch, one of the chiefest and most trustie [Page 89] houshold servants of Drusus, and to tie his heart more straightly to him,Rumor Sejanum Lygdi spadonis ani­mum stupro vicisse. villanously abu­seth his body, hee being both young, and handsome. The wretches conspire in this execrable attempt: The murdrous Sejanus plotteth it, Livia the Adulteresse gives con­sent, Eudemus the Ruffian compoundeth the drug, and Lygdus the Catamite presenteth it. Foure creatures,Iupiter saith to Prometheus, hee deserved to have his heart, and li­ver devoured. who deserve their hearts which formed, and conceived this prodigi­ous assassinate on the sole sonne of the Prince, should everlastingly bee devoured by gnaw­ing Vultures. They all miserably perished, and so may all those Furies, who trayterously attempt on Princes.

Drusus, without distrust, takes this deadly poyson from the hand of Lygdus his Eunuch, and that which he thought would have con­firmed health, hastens death: but so slowly, that the languishment, and length tooke a­way the suspition of poyson. Time,Ordo sceleris per Apicatam Sejano proditus tormentis Eudemi, as Lygdi patefactus est. Tac. which in the end discovereth all things, drew truth out of darknesse, and Apicata the wife of Se­janus, eight yeares after gave the first notice. It is an admirable thing, that a woman of a great spirit wounded in her honour, and bani­shed [Page 90] shed from the company of her husband by an Adulteresse, could so long bee silent, but this discourse shall not be ended, till this wonder be satisfied.

Sejanus facinorum amnium repertor habehatur ex nimia caritate in eum Cae­saris. Tac.The actions of Sejanus were so exploded, and Tiberius for favouring him so hated, that already being branded with so remarkable, and notorious villanies, it was thought hee had put Drusus to death by the hand of Tibe­rius, suggesting that his sonne out of desire to rule, had resolved on his death, and that it were fit he tooke heed, when hee dined at his table, not to drinke the first draught, which should be presented unto him:Druso ignaro, & juveniliter hauri­ente poculum; cun­ctis suspitio tan­quam metu, & pu­dore sibimet arro­garet patri finxe­rat. Tac. that Tiberius taking the cup from the Tasters hand, offered it to Drusus, and that shame and feare not suf­fering him to refuse it, hee swallowed downe the poyson prepared for his Father: An impo­sture without apparance, or foundation.

He who made as­say was called in ancient inscrip­tions Apotione, or Praegustator, by Xenophon, Oino­ch [...]s. Tac.This impious act could not so easily have beene perpetrated by Drusus, for the Father tasted nothing without assay, which custome was brought from the Persian Court, into the Palaces of the Roman Emperours, since Au­gustus his time. Make Tiberius as cruell as you will, yet cannot the honour of a wise, cun­ning, [Page 91] and warie Prince bee taken from him, and well he might have beene condemned of much imprudence, if he had plotted to make his sonne away, by the meere advice of Seja­nus, and before he were exactly informed of the cause, and confederates of this conspiracie.

This onely proceedeth from the malignitie of rumours,Atrocior semper fa­ma erga dominan­tium exitus. Tac. little favourable to the actions of Princes. All which Tiberius hath done, is cu­riously collected, and published; but never hath there beene creature so transported with hatred, and passion, to dishonour his memo­rie, as to reproach him with Parricide.Divulgata atque incredibilia avidè accepta, non sunt antehabenda ve­ris, neque in mira­culum corruptis. Tac. Wee ought not to receive all which bruit approveth, without suspition, nor to preferre things incredi­ble, (although divulged, and greedily entertai­ned) before reall truth, though oft times disguised with apparant semblances, and frivolous won­ders, to impresse amazement on mindes.

This death once againe restored the hope of succession to the children of Germanicus; Simulatio habi­tum, ac voces d [...] ­lentium induit. Tac. and though the Senate for their love to Tiberius deplored this accident, yet were their teares faigned, and passion without sorrow. There was not a man but was well pleased to see, that by this death the house of Augustus began [Page 92] to reflourish. Drusus likewise was not belo­ved, but for the inveterate hatred they bare to his Father;A segelflatos cay omotatos. Dion. for he was much debaushed, and as the vice of another displeaseth even the vi­tious, his Father oft chid him for these inso­lent, and haughtie humors, which made him to be most quarrelsome, Solus, & nullis vo­luptatibus avoca­tus, moestam vigi­lantiam & malas curas exercet. Tac. and cruell. But the peo­ple excused all that, saying, It were better hee should passe the night in feasts, the day in Theaters, than to languish in the melancholy of solitude, pensive vigils, and pernicious a­musements.

Presently the teares of Tiberius being dried up,Negotia pro solatiis. he went to the Senate to seeke out conso­lation in affaires,The Consuls sate on their Sellae cu­rules, and the Se­nators low, and after them the Praetors, and Tribunes. and seeing the Senators sit low, he caused them to ascend, putting them in minde of the reverence of the place, and the dignitie of their charges, and used his speech to raise up their spirits, which sorrow had dejected.

The custome of mourning was, not to stirre out of the house, nor behold day light. Vix dies à plaerisque lugentium adspici­tur. Tac. Sirs, I may perhaps be condemned, that in so fresh a sorrow, I here am present, and well I wot, that those who are in griefe brooke not day-light, nor condolement of their friends most neare: But as I ascribe not this to weaknesse of heart, so I desire to let you know, that I have not sought out a [Page 93] greater ease in mine affliction, than the embraces of the common wealth.

He also said, that the decrepit age of the Empresse, tooke from him the hope of her as­sistance, that his grandchildren were in their minority, that he already had passed more than the moity of the course of his life, that he prayed them the children of Germanicus might be admitted, the only remedy,Germanici siberi unica praesentium malorum levamen­ta. Tac. and con­solation of the evils which at this time affli­cted him. Nero and Drusus were sent for:Egressi consules fir­matos eloquio ado­lescentulos, dedu­ctosque ante Caesa­rem statuunt. Tac. The Consuls went out of the Senate house to re­ceive them, and after some words spoken to encourage them, they were conducted to the Emperour, who taking them by the hand said.

(Sirs) when these children lost their father, I committed them to the charge of Drusus my son, and their Cousin, and prayed him, although hee had children, to take as much care of them, as of his owne proper bloud, educate, and preserve them for himselfe, and posterity: But now that Drusus is taken from them, I addresse my prayers to you, and conjure you before the Gods, and our Coun­trey, that undergoing the performance of my obli­gation, and yours, you take upon you the breed­ding, [Page 94] and care of the nephewes of Augustus, de­scended from eminent, and illustrious Personages.

Afterward casting his eyes on the young Princes, he sayes to them.

(Nero my darling, and you Drusus) these Lords, whom you here behold, are your Fathers: The condition of your birth is such, [...]a nat [...]a [...]tis, ut bo­na maloque vostra ad Remp. Tac. that the state hath much interest in the good, or evill you shall doe.

In these ocasions they had words proper; of joy, and desire, among the Grecians A­gathetuche, and the Latines Quod saustum se­lixque sit.The Senate answered not, but with teares, vowes, and prayers, and this discourse of Ti­berius had served for his honour, had he not thereunto added the same promises, which so often were exploded heretofore, and which much it would have troubled him to keep.

I protest unto you (Fathers Conscript) saith he) I have no other ambition, but to restore Rome to her ancient liberty, and leave the governe­ment, either to the Consuls, or some other. These last words were so farre from the intention of him who spake them,Vana, & irrisa, ve­ro, & honesto fidem adimuni. Tac. and the beleefe of his auditory, that they tooke from the first, all the estimation which truth, and honesty might give them.

All that was nought but meere deceit: This evill Prince thought of nothing but the utter [Page 95] extirpation of Germanicus his family, which the death of Drusus brought into grace. The funerals were prepared in the same equipage, as those of Germanicus, and thereunto many other magnificences were added;Addit semper ali quid posterior adu­latio. Tac. For the last adulation is ever most costly. Tiberius made the funerall oration, as Augustus had done for A­grippa his sonne in law.

There was placed a vaile between him and the dead body, to the end he might not behold the corps: for the office of the Pontifex being sacred, it was not lawfull for him to looke on any thing, dead. The Statues likewise of the Gods were vailed, or transferred from places, where punishments were inflicted:So Philo saith, that the high Priest of the Iewes for that his soule was ever pure saw nothing direfull. Yea Clau­dius caused, that, of Augustus to be taken from the Theater of the Gladiators, that it might not ever be present at murther, or be alwayes scarfed. Every one bewailed him, who wept not himselfe: For an object so sad,Flente populo non flexit vult [...]m. Sen. and appre­hensible as this, could not bend his gravity, beholding without passion in himselfe, how sensible his losse was to others, whilst he would make it appeare, he had no sense at all.

Sejanus standing by his side admired his constancy, but made no profit thereof: For [Page 96] this act taught him of what temper his heart was,Sejano ad latus s [...] ­ti experiendum se dedit quam patien­ter possit suos per­dere. Sen. since he so patiently bare the losse of one so beloved. Could he thinke, that a Prince who had so little resentment in the death of a sonne, would care for the losse of his ser­vants. He must learne to be more subtile to know the humour of his Master, who made vse of him, as of a felt cloake or gaberdine du­ring the storme; to cast it off when it ceased. Sejanus thought on nothing, but the ruine of Germanicus his house, and when that were done Tiberius would ruine him, for then he should have no further need of him. He dealt presently as with a good horse, when the rider sees him of gentle mannage, he makes much of him, and lets him goe at pleasure where he list, but in the end Masters him.

It was not only violence which guided this excessive power of Sejanus, but avarice al­so bare a part, making him beleeve all he pos­sessed not,Quicquid non ac­quiritur, damnum est. Sen. was wholy lost. Dion saith, he was heire of all those, who died without children, This exorbitant covetousnesse caused the death of Lepida a noble Romane Lady, and Suetonius saying, that Tiberius made Lentulus the Augur dye with griefe, to the end he might [Page 97] have no other heire than himselfe,In gratiam Quirini consularis pradivi­tu, & orbi. Tac. addeth the processe framed against Lepida, was only to gratifie Quirinus her husband, who was rich, and without issue.

The proceeding related by Tacitus is very strange, it was full twenty yeares she had lived from her husband,Exemit Drusum dicenda primo loco Sententia, n [...]caeteris assentiendi necessi­tas fieret. Tac. when he accused her of adultery, poison, and a supposititious child. Ti­berius affirmed she had consulted with Chal­deans concerning his house and person. He would not suffer Drusus to deliver his opinion (first) in judgement, that he might leave the o­pinions free, & not oblige them to follow his.

There were sports exercised during this pro­cesse, Lepida went thither with many great and eminent Ladies of the City, and enjoying the privilege of Romans, who never were im­prisoned during their accusation, nor after judgement, unlesse the offence were capitall, as she entred into Pompeys Theater,Ammian Marcolputs Pompeys Theater Inter de­cora urbis aeternae. she tur­ned her eyes on the statues which stood there in many places, and implored aid of him from whom she was descended. This was done with much exclamation, and abundance of teares, that it moved the people, but especially the women, to pity her, and to cry out against [Page 98] Quirinus, Adstantes effusi in lachrimas, saeva, et detestanda Quirino clamitant. Tac. calling him wicked creature, for that he so inhumanely had used a wife who ha­ving beene promised to Lucius Caesar the son of Augustus, had by this marriage much ho­noured him, as if they would have said, that by reason he was old,Lepida cui super Emiliorum decus L. Silla, ac Cu. Pom­peius proavi erant. Tac. and without children, & besides of mean condition, his wife should doe well to make him weare the horne.

The processe comming to triall, verdicts propended to the commiseration of a woman extracted from noble bloud, sequestred twen­ty yeares from her husband, and where the accusations were only proved by slaves: But Rubellius Blandus concludes for banishment,Adsensit Drusus, quamvis alii miti­ares, censuissēt. Tac. Drusus was of his opinion, and he drew those to him, who stood not so much for rigour. The Prince ought not to deliver his opinion first,Quo loco censebis Caesar? si primus, habebo quod sequar, si post omnes vercor ne imprudent dis­sentiam. Tac. nor last, it is for him to conclude, and de­cree, Piso confidently said the same to Tiberius in the beginning of his Empire. In what ranke (O Caesar) would you deliver your opinion? if in the first, I were bound to follow you, if in the last, our opinions may happen to differ, & so I might commit a fault against my will.

Dion observeth another meane, to get the inheritance of a rich man. Sextus Marius had [Page 99] a daughter young and beautifull, Tiberius af­fecteth her, the father removes her to a coun­trey house. To inforce their returne, they are accused of incest.He lives too long, who sur­vives his owne honour. The daughter sayes to the father: Let us not afford them the content to di­spose of us at their pleasure, nor so farre to pre­vaile, as to hinder us from dying honestly. I have not used to pray to any, but the Gods; and to Seja­nus I will never be beholding for my life, upon the price of that, which is more deare to me, than a thousand lives. Marius ashamed to see his cou­rage stand in need of his daughters example, slew himselfe first, and she after did the like.

This death much benefited Tiberius and Sejanus: For they were the heires of Marius, The same hand which doth the injury maketh a­mends. a man so rich, that being offended with a neighbour of his, he invited him to his house, made him good cheere for two dayes toge­ther. On the first he pulled downe his house, on the second he reedified it again more faire and large. The owner thereof returning on the third day, was amazed at this alteration; Marius said to him, I have done the one as thy enemy to be revenged on thee, and the other as thy friend, for the good I wish thee.Delatores genu [...] hominum publico exitio repertum, & paenu quidem nun­quam satis coerci­tum, per praemia eliciebantur. Tac.

There was then no safetie in Rome, but for [Page 100] Informers, a pernitious sort of people, whom disorder had put into credit, to ruine & over­throw all, and who were so countenanced, that their calumnie was not only unpunished, but recompenced. The more implacable, & stiffe they were to maintaine a falshood, and out­brave truth, the more they were rewarded, nor was it a lesse offence to displease them, than things holy and sacred.Vt quis districtior accusator velut sa­cro sanctus erat, lo ves ignobiles paenis afficiebantur. Tac. Others who would not belie their owne consciences, nor deliver their opinions contrary to truth, were despi­sed and punished.

Vibius Serenus proconsull of the lower Spaine, was accused by his owne son to have conspired against the Emperour, and to have sent men into Gallia to incite,Miseriarum, ac sae­vitiae exemplum atrox, reus pater, accusator filius. Tac. and stirre up the people. He appeareth in the nasty, and durty frocke of his voyage, (for he was but now freshly returned from banishment) and though he saw his life in imminent perill, yet had he a firme countenance before the Iudges, and with an eye of indignation and menace be­held his sonne jocund and merry. Stamping with his feet up and downe for anger, and ma­king a noise with his chaines (for he was brought thither by the souldiers that guarded [Page 101] him) he lifted his hands to heaven, prayed the Gods to send him backe to the place from whence he came, and to punish the ingrati­tude, and impiety of his sonne. Nature so un­worthily outraged,How soere the matter goe with the sonne: the father should dis­poile himselfe of the office of a fa­ther, to play the part of a judge. prompted him these im­precations, not suffering he should shew him­selfe as a father, to this wicked villaine, who had revolted from the duty of a sonne. A father should content himselfe with a light punishment, for a heavy fault: but this disloyalty was so prodigious,Pro peceato magno paululum supplicii satu est patri. that it drew from his heart this prayer to the Gods for his chastisement: wher­soever monsters are found they are strangled, without consideration of whence they are: Birds are fed, which come from forests,In silvis ortas avi­culas pascitis, & domi natos scorpio­nesoc ciditis. Petr. and scorpions killed which are bred in the house.

This countenance so confident impressed in the minds of the Iudges an opinion of the innocency of the father, and made the wic­kednesse of the sonne appeare, who was so ter­rified with remorse of conscience, and the murmur of people threatning him prison, stoning to death, and the punishment of parricides, that he fled to Ravenna,Exequi accusatio­nem adigitur. Tac. from whence Tiberius recalled him, enforcing him to pursue his accusation, for he by all meanes [Page 102] desired to be rid of Serenus, having upon his stomacke the distast of a letter which he had written eight yeares before,Haud tutum con­tumacius loqui apud aures superbas, & offensioni proniores. Tac. in termes more ar­rogant than eares, proud, and curious to re­sent offences, could suffer. The Senators gave their opinions hereupon. Gallus Asinius advi­sed he should be banished to the Ilands of Gyara, or Donusa: which Tiberius disliked, because there was no water either in the one,Dandus vita usus, cui vita conceditur Tac. or other, saying it was but reason, to give those men meanes of life, who were suffered to live, Cruell pity! He was willing the commodities of life should serve for the continuance, and entertainment of the miseries of affliction.

It was permitted to the most wicked to accuse the most honest, to revile them with injuries, and give affronts: Masters durst not threaten servants either with word or finger. There was no exorbitancy,Religion gave to the Temples of the Gods liberty, and flattery to the statues of Princes. which was not dis­sembled for those, who could shelter them­selves under Caesars Image. The same liberty which incouraged the criminall, gave also confidence and occasion to commit the crime.The custome was thereof in Rome from the time of Iulius Caesar. This great reverence done to Tiberius, was shewed in other places as well as Rome, his statues being had in as much veneration, as [Page 103] Olympique Iupiter: Capitale circa Au­gusti simulacrum servum occidisse. in such sort that a master was condemned of impietie, because hee had strucken his servant, bearing a peece of coyne insculped with the image of Caesar.

Annia Rufillia had been falsly condemned by the Senate at the suit of Cestius. She vexed thereat, expected him at the Palace gate, neere unto Tiberius statue, from whence as a place of malediction, shee thundred against him all manner of calumnies, which are the weapons of weake spirits.The place where Theseus cursed the Athenians, in the Burg of Gargettus, was called Araterion, the place of ma­lediction. Plut. Cestius durst not demand re­paration, because shee had reproached him through favour, and neere the statue of Tibe­rius. Hee made complaint, and spake in full Senate these memorable words.

Princes possesse the place of Gods, Principes instar deorum suut, sed noque à diis, nisi justae supplicum preces audiuntur. Tac. but the Gods heare none, but just prayers of suppliants. There is not any one hath recourse to the Capitoll, or the other Temples of the Citie, as to a Sanctua­rie to commit an outrage: but thy Lawes are abo­lished, & turned up-side downe, since in a publique place, at the entrance of the Palace wee are enfor­ced to suffer wrongs, Non licet jus expe­riri ob effigiem Im­peratoris opposi­tam. Tac. to heare menaces without hope of justice, for respect given to the Emperors statue.

Had the Historie said nothing else, to repre­sent [Page 104] the state of the miserable reigne of Tibe­rius, this would bee enough to manifest vio­lence and disorder, and who understandeth the carriage of Sejanus, cannot bee ignorant, how the State was governed. Pitifull then was the condition of a Roman Citizen: it was dangerous to speake,Crimen ex silentio, ex voce. Tac. or to be silent, only thoughts passed without mulct, or perill, so that the countenance made not appeare, either joy for Agrippina, or malice against Sejanus. This absolute power which hee had over the wealth of the Romans, made some say, it were good to dwell in Rome, and have their estate out of the extent of the Roman Empire.

Vacia nulla re alia quam otio notua consenuit, & ob hoc unum foelix ha­bebatur. Sen. Vacia, a wealthy man, and who had beene Pretor, retired to his Countrey house, finding no freedome against violence, but solitude. It was a difficult matter for men of these times, to make any resolution; for it was supposed, who di [...] so of his owne accord, was so farre alienated from nature, that hee stood exalted above it with the Gods, or was cast under it among bruit beasts. As often as the friendship of Asinius Gallus, a kinsman of Agrippina's, or the malice of Sejanus had ruined any, the men of this age cryed lowdly our,O Vacia, solus scis v [...]vere. Sen. O Vacia, there is [Page 105] none but thou, who knowes how to live.

The solitarie life was the most secure,Vita ruftica parsi­moniae, jus [...]itiae, ac diligentiae magistra-Cic. the civill most perilous, and the rustique most ac­ceptable, so is it likewise the mistresse of fru­galitie, diligence, integritie, and simplicitie. It was not attended with so much honour, nor gave such contentment as heretofore, when the great Captaines went from Tri­umph to the Cart, from Tillage to Armes,Attilii manus ru­stico opere attritae salutem publicam stabilicrunt. Vol. and from Harvest to the Senate. The earth in those times tooke delight to yeeld fruits in a­bundance,Gaudebattellus vo­mere laurea to. Plin. and acknowledge the labour of those victorious hands, which tilled her with a Coulter, crowned with Lawrell.

Sejanus, this torrent of pride and insolency, overflowed all: There was not a creature stayed him, all bee encountred were utterly ruined.It is not safe to commit so many, and so great charges, to the fortune of one. Par. de Fab. Tiberius was blamed for submitting the fortune of the Empire to the discretion of one sole man, and his will to the power of his servant.

Ambition is oft times put blinde,Evill enterprises succeed against the undertakers. when it should bee cleare sighted, and thinking to walke the right way, wanders: It ruin'd Se­janus, and caused his designes to succeed other­wise than he hoped. Hee promised himselfe, [Page 106] that Germanicus being dead, nothing could hinder him but Drusus, hee poysoneth him, and behold the succession (doubtlesse) stands for Germanicus his children. It is necessarie for establishment of his tyrannie, that hee overthrow it, which he undertakes, and that the more boldly,Ferox scelerum, quia prima prove­nerant. Tac. because his precedent out­rages succeeded so prosperously, that the father neglecteth to revenge the death of his sonne.

He makes him beleeve his enemies will de­rive profit from this losse, that Agrippina is resolved to reigne. He needeth no great art to perswade him;Nun dubia Germa­nici liberorum suc­cessio. Tac. for hee saw the succession open, and this woman thorowly resolved to bite the apple. He is determined to cause the mother and her children to perish, Sejanus herein findes himselfe much perplexed: For to thinke to corrupt Agrippina, as he had done Livia, there was no likelyhood, she being of a chastitie invincible,Sparga venenum in tres non poterat, egregiâ custodum fide, & pudicitiâ Agrippinae impene­trabili. Tac. and impenetrable: To give poyson unto three at once was impossi­ble; and severally, difficult; so great was the fidelitie, and vigilance of their servants.

Besides, this Lady could not bee treated withall, as other women: All the Citie was for her, the most confident and shamelesse [Page 107] calumny durst not seize on her, shee walked firmely betweene the jealousie of Tiberius, and ambition of Sejanus, who found no shor­ter way to ruine her, than to animate the Em­perour against her, by causing him to observe her courage, and her hopes.

He lost no time herein, but in a short space met with a fit occasion, to make his wicked designe breake into action. In the beginning of the yeare,Solennia vota pro incolumitate tuâ, quá salus publica continetur, & sus­cipimus, & solvi­mus. Plin. they used to sacrifice to Iupiter an Oxe with gilded bornes, for the Safetie of the Prince, (which is the weale of the State:) The Pontiffes, and other Priests, by their example recommended to the same Gods, Nero and Drusus, sonnes of Germanicus, not so much for the love of them, as to please Tiberius, thereby to let him know how much they de­sired to perpetuate the Empire in his house. Good manners were so much forgotten,Adulatio moribus corruptis perinde ancepa, si nulla, & ubi nimia est. Tac. that it was not more dangerous to flatter too much, than not at all.

Tiberius was perplexed to see their youth hold way with his age,Primores modicè perstringendi. Tac. for which cause hee asked the Pontiffes, whether they had done it at the instant entreaties, or threats of Agrippi­na, and they answering no, he rebuked them, [Page 108] but temperately; for they were for the most part, either Allies of Agrippina, or of the prime men of the Citie. He hastens presently to the Senate on this occasion, frames a large discourse, to shew them that henceforward, The mindes of weake and mutable young men should not be thrust into pride, Mobiles adolescen­tium animi, prae­maturis honoribus ad superbiam non extollendi. Tac. by honours imma­turely conferred upon them.

Yea, Sejanus made more noyse hereupon than Tiberius, saying; All would run to ruine, since no more difference was made betweene the Prince, and his kinsmen; That the Citie of Rome would fall into division, as in the civill broyles,Facta tribu [...] domi­nis communis Roma. Lucan. when it had three Lords, Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus; That the authoritie of the Emperour would be the least; That the desire of ancient liberty was awakened; That the faction of Agrippina would bee set up, which not resisted, their number would bee the greater;Nullum aliud glis­centis discordiae remedium, si unus alterve maximè prompti subvertan­tur. Tac. That no other remedy could bee found for the discord which began to ad­vance, and multiply, but by causing one or two of them presently to be put to death.

Amicitia Germani­ci pernitiosa utri­que. Tac.He threatned only two, and aimed at many, but he supposed, that these two C. Silius, and T. Sabinus should fall from so high an emi­nence, [Page 109] that all the rest would be warned by their ruine. Their noble affection to the house of Germanicus, had in no degree degenerated from the nature of true friendship, although it were not only barren, but unfortunate to them.Turpe aliis gratifi­cari per dede cus proprium. Tac. Varro the Consull wickedly accommo­dating his conscience, and honour to the pas­sion of Sejanus, accuseth Caius Silius, and Sosia Galla his wife, T. Sabinus was reserved for ano­ther time, and although they made it appeare this pursuit was violent, and that Varro ought to stay till he were out of his Consulship, yet processe was framed as in case of treason, though they were accused for nothing but to have converted the moneys of the common wealth to their owne use, and of which sums no man required restitution:Proprium Tiberio scelera nuper reper­ta priscis verbis obtegere. Tac. But Tiberius was so wary, that he gave the titles of most odious crimes to the slightest faults. Silius seeing that, makes no defence, and when [...]e speakes, it is but to shew the pursuit is too potent; but foreseeing it was not in his power to save him­selfe,Immineus damna­tio voluntario fine praevertitur. Tac. his courage counselleth him to prevent a necessary death by a voluntary. Sosia was sent into banishment.

His imprudence, and vanity hastned his [Page 110] ruine, for he forbare not to boast that Tiberi­us was bound to him for the Empire, and that if the Legions which he commanded in Ger­many had revolted as the rest, he had not long held out. This reproach touched the soule of Tiberius to the quicke;Clitus was undone for saying Alex­ander was Master over the lives of the Macedonians Plut. For it destroyed his for­tune, gave him no share in the prosperous successe of affaires, and made it knowne it was not in his power to free himselfe from this ob­ligation.Beneficia co usque laeta sunt dum vi­dentur solvi posse, ubi multum ante­venere, pro gratia odium redditur. Tac. When the service is so great that it can­not condignely bee rewarded, Princes account it not onely as nothing, but as an offence, hatred pos­sessing the place of recompence, and disgrace of thankes.

It is a safer way to be obliged to a Master, than to oblige, and the service which cannot bee recom­penced, makes the servant troublesome.

In the midst of all this Sejanus sees him­selfe so farre removed from his hopes, that he redoubleth his speed to arrive thither, and by a blinde imprudence gives notice thereof to Tiberius. It is true he was forced thereunto by the ordinary exclamations of Livia, who cea­seth not to challenge him of his promise to le­gitimate their loves, and to change the title of a Mistresse, into, that, of a wife. Sejanus gives [Page 111] her words for effects, she growes angry,Reason should say to choler, what the nurse doth to the child, cry not, and you shall have it. Plut. Sejanus nimia for­tunâ secors, & mu­liebri cupidine in­census. Tac. he ap­peaseth her, she weeps, be flatters, & although reason tels her, as Nurses doe children, Cry not, and you shall have it; yet patience is forgotten, her heart is like a mine which breaketh with so much the more ruine, and noise, as it is re­strained and inforced. He suffers himselfe to be transported by the ambition of this wo­man, who thought to marry the title of Augu­sta with this husband, and so he to please her discovereth her purpose to the Emperour, en­treating him to give way to this marriage. He presenteth his suit, and although infinitely fa­voured, brake not the custome to treat with the Prince by writing.

Caesar paused, to the end he might have time to consider of that which was demanded, and what he should answer, and to make the expe­dition of affaires more easie: for the affluence of them was so great, and the City of such ex­tent, that it was impossible to satisfie all in an instant. Augustus wrote all his answers,Serm [...]n [...]s èlibello habuit, ne plus mi­nusve loqueretur. Suet. that he might speake neither more nor lesse, than what he had premeditated. The subject of his request being bold, he presented it with much presumption: A fearefull suppliant is the more [Page 112] confidently denied: Qui timidè ragat, negare docet. to beg softly and negligently is to doubt either of the merit of your request, or the power of him whom you petition. He useth a complement of gratitude, and acknowledge­ment, for this good Courtier never began by way of supplication, and he thereunto addeth a pernicious flattery, protesting he taketh this course, to treat of his affaires, rather with his Masters than the Gods. It was delivered in these termes.

Spes, & vota non prius ad principum aures, quàm ad De­os. Tac. The good which Augustus hath wished me, and that you have done for mee in many occasions (O Caesar) oblige mee, not, to addresse my vowes and hopes to the eares of the Gods, Qui excubias & la­bores ut unus mili­tum pro incolumi­tate principis ma­vult, haud unquam honorum fulgorem precatur. Tac. before I first offer them to yours, which importeth thus much as to tell you, though I never sought the eminent splen­dor of honours, and that my ambition hath wholly beene to watch, and toyle, even as the meanest gregarian souldier for your safeguard and weale; yet I notwithstanding enjoy this comfort, (which I value above all the rest) to have beene reputed not unworthy the alliance of Caesars, by the marri­age of my daughter with the sonne of Claudius. This is the foundation of my hope, Augustus in collo­canda filiâ nonni­hil de equitibus Romanis consulta­vit. Tac. and forasmuch as I have heard, Augustus purposing to marry his daughter, had an intention to make choyce of a [Page 113] Roman Knight, I humbly intreat, if you seeke out one for Livia the widow of your sonne, you would be pleased to remember him, whom you ever have loved, and who therein hath no other aime, but the honour of your alliance, and not te leave those offices wherewith you have dignified him. Satis vixit, qui vi­tam cum principe explevit. Tac. It suf­ficeth me my house may have a support against the malice of Agrippina, besides what I doe is meere­ly for affection to my children: As for my selfe I rest contented with life, since I have wholly pas­sed it hitherto in the service of such a Prince.

Tiberius having praised the good nature of Sejanus, and remembred in few words the gratitude he returned, answereth,Tempus ad integrā consultationem ne­cessarium. Tac. this affaire required time for a full resolution, and spake in this manner.

The undertakings of ordinary men willingly rest upon profit, but the condition of Princes is quite otherwise: Praecipua rerum ad famam dirigenda. Tac. For they should direct the princi­pall scope of their ends to reputation, wherefore I will not reply to your demand so fully as I could. Livia may dispose of her selfe, if she resolve to mar­ry, or patiently abide in the house of my son Dru­sus,Matris & aviae propi [...]ra consilia. Tac. in which point shee may have counsell much nearer, than mine; of her Grandmother, and her mother: But as for my selfe, I will freely give you [Page 114] my advice. And first concerning the enmities of Agrippina it is undoubted, they wil more ardently be enflamed, if the marriage of Livia should di­vide the familie of the Caesars into diuers facti­ons. Thereupon jealousies of women will breake forth, Quid s [...]intendatur certamen? and by this discord my nephewes will enter into contestation, and what will you say, if you must fight for this alliance?

What wil become of thee if thou beest called? Thou deceivest thy selfe (Sejanus) if thou thin­kest still to continue in the same state, or that Li­via is of such a disposition, as to be willing to liue with a Roman Knight, Vix cum equite Romano senes [...]et que nupsit Caesari. Tac. having espoused Caesar, and after him Drusus: and though I give my con­sent doest thou beleeve, they, who have seene her Brother, Father, and our ancestors in soveraigne dignities, will endure I should suffer it? Resolue thy selfe to live as thou art. There is no de­sire so regular, which stayes where it begins. But the magistrates and prime men of state, who visit thee to disease thee, and aske counsell of thee upon all occasions, know well thou wilt not rest there, that thou hast raised thy selfe above the quality of a Knight, and that I have much exceeded the limits of the love my Father bare thee. In publique they dissemble it, but in private blame my affection for their ha­tred of thee. Excessit equestre fastigiam Sejanus. Tac. You will say Augustus purposed to bestow his daughter upon a Romane Knight ve­rily [Page 115] it is strange, that he (having a minde rectified to thinke of all, and foreseeing even to what de­gree of power that man might climbe, whom he, by this alliance should preferre before others) never spake of Caius Proculeius,Augusti animus in omnes oras distra­hitur. Tac. and some others of re­markable tranquillity of life, who never in any kinde intermedled in state affaires. Insignis vitae tran­quillitas nullis R. P. negotiis permix­ta. Tac. But if wee bee amazed at his irresolution, yea, even in the ad­vancement of these; How much more may wee wonder, that he married his daughter first to A­grippa, and afterward to me? This is it which my friendship will not suffer mee to conceale, and as for the other faction I doe assure thee I will never preferre it before thy designes, nor those of Livia. I wil not at this present tell thee what I resolve to doe before the yeare be passed, Nihil tam excel­sum, quod non me­reantur virtutes. Tac. nor by what alliance I desire to linke thee unto mee: I will only give thee assurance, there is nothing so eminent to which thy vertues, and the affection thou bearest me may not arrive, and when occasion of speech shall bee offered, either to the Senate, or people, I will not therein be silent. In the commerce of love, and am­bition; reason is a coyne nothing currant. But Sejanus more tru­sted his owne thoughts than Tiberius his words, and his soule frantique with this am­bition, no longer was capable of reason. Much adoe hath he had to come hither, there is no [Page 116] way to passe any further. The Ascent hath beene difficult, slippery, and craggy, when he shall arrive on the top, he shall finde nothing but danger, and round about him a ga­ping precipice.

Tiberius not willing to ruine him, made it appeare his course was dangerous, which he would rectifie. He that sheweth the place, where one hath missed the ready way, obligeth no lesse, than he who directeth which way to goe. He lets him know that this marriage will be a perpe­tuall source of discord, in the house of the Cae­sars, and that those things which serve for Ci­ment, Vincula charitatis apud concordes, sunt incitamenta irarum apud infen­sos. Tac. among such as well accord, cause hatred in the minds of those, who are already moved.

But Sejanus is not so much troubled with the successe of his marriage, as with suspitions which began to be hatched in Tiberius his braine against this mighty and puissant au­thority, he usurped over affaires, which in short time make confidence degenerate into feare, affection into jealousie, and liberty in­to necessity.

Praecipuum indiciū magni principis, magni liberti. When servants are too great, it is no good signe of the greatnesse of a Prince; yet is it a thing proper to great Princes, to raise merits, and [Page 117] recompence services: for,Incujus [...]unque a­nimo virtus sit, ei plurimum tribu [...]n­dum. Vell. Wheresoever vertue is found, it will be honoured: More it conside­reth the person than nation; industrie, than birth. In all times Rome hath beheld new men raised to mightie honours. T. Corunca­nus chiefe Pontifex, Sp. Carvillius Consull, M. Cato Censor, Mummius triumphant, and Ma­rius six times Consull.

It is a madnesse to oppose the pleasure of a Prince; when he saith, I will, hee gives an ac­count what he doth. Conse [...]ratus est vi­vens senti [...]nsque Euthymus, nihilque adeo mirum aliud, quam hoc; placu­isse Diis. Plin. We wonder that Euthymus was put into the number of Gods, before his death, and that in his life, he received sacrifi­ces: but we are payed with this onely reason, Iupiter will have it so.

To take the power from a Prince, to raise infe­riours, and to humble the greatest, is to snatch the scepter out of his hand, to make his authoritie a scar-crow, and extinguish the radiant light of Majestie. It concerneth the State, Interest reipubli [...]ae quod usu necessa­rium, & dignitate eminere, utilita­temque authoritate munir. V [...]ll. Dub u [...] an fato principum inclina­tio in hos, offensio in illos, an sit ali­quid in nostris con­siliis. Tac. that liberalitie acknowledge desert; and affection support service. The condition of a Prince would bee verie hard, if he might not chuse amongst the in­finite number of his servants, some one worthy of a nearer trust, according to the happinesse of ele­ction, or strength of merit.

[Page 118] It importeth not, whether favour cause jealou­sie in great ones, envie in equalls, hatred in infe­riours, so it disturbe not the course of affaires, and that particular interest swallow not up the pub­lique; Vt pauci illustren­tur mundus ever­titur: unius honor, orbis excidium est. Sal. for when this happeneth, and that to en­rich a few Favourites, the State must be empove­rished, all runs to confusion: the Prince so ill di­sposing of his favours, is despised, as having nei­ther judgement, nor justice in his election, and the Favourite findeth, Nullum gravius suppli [...]ium odio pullico. Sen. Fluxa fama poten­tiae non suis viribus nixa. Tac. there is no heavier punish­ment, than publique hate.

If the Prince please, he casteth him as low, as he raised him high, and there needeth but a blast to overthrow a power, which cannot subsist by its owne forces. Tiberius (truly) hath some cause of suspition, upon this excessive power of Se­janus, but the affection the people beare to the house of Germanicus vexeth him more: and Sejanus, who saw his imagination wounded upon this point, representeth the perill grea­ter than it is, awakeneth in the heart of the Empresse, the old rancors she had conceived against Agrippina; Choler is ap­pointed as a companion for reason: and S. Basil calleth it, The sinnew of the soule. this remembrance moves choler in her, and anger, which is the sinnew that giveth the sprightliest motions to the soule, makes her consider shee shall bee no­thing, [Page 119] if her enemie bee ought.

To cause this apprehension to penetrate more sensibly into her minde, hee employeth Mutilia Prisca, her trustie friend, and more to gaine her, practiseth upon Iulius Posthumus, who made love to her.Regibus aequa, ne­dum infirma inso­lita sunt. Tac. The Empresse instant­ly was stirred with hopes to supplant Agrippi­na, and the feare not onely to goe below, but equall with her, furnished her with sufficient cunning, to make her more odious to Tibe­rius, than (as yet) shee was. Besides, Sejanus had suborned men,Facilis foeminarum credulitas ad gau­dia. Tac. who entertained Agrippi­na with vanities, and breathed into her soule the sweet hopes of government; and as things pleasing easily enter into the beleefe of women, she rendred her selfe more prompt, to minister matter of suspition to Tiberius, and of contentment to the people.

But the age being so corrupted, that al­though it was held a vertue,Tiberii saeculo mag­na pietas fuit nihil impie sacere. Sen. not to doe a mis­chiefe, and pietie to doe nothing wickedly; yet Tiberius resolving to doe no good for A­grippina, feared to be condemned of impietie and ingratitude, if he did her any injurie. His indignation therefore not daring to fall di­rectly upon her, assaulted first her friends and [Page 120] allies. Claudia Pulchra her cousin, was accused of adulterie with Furnius, of charmes and poyson against Tiberius.

Domitius Afer quoque crimine clarescere propensus. Tac. Domitius Afer, who at any rate would make a fortune, was the accuser: He was in the list of those whom Sejanus entertained, and used as an inferiour instrument to remove great engines. On this accusation, Agrippina whol­ly enflamed with anger, both for the injurie done to her, and the perill of her kinswoman, seeketh out Tiberius, and finding him, offering sacrifice for his father, saith;

It is disproportionable to sacrifice victims to Augustus, and persecute his posteritie. The spi­rit of this great Prince is not confined to his dumb statues, Non in effigies mu­tas divinas spiritus transfusus. Tac. but his true image, (which is sprung from his celestiall bloud) Well knoweth the difference, by the evill usage is done him, he being reduced to the miserable condition of the accused. Pulchrae sola exitii causa, quod Agrip­pinam stultè pror­sus ad cultum di­lexerit. Tac. It is not Pulchra is aimed at, but my selfe, I am the onely cause of her ruine, she hath done no ill, but in shew­ing to have no other affection, but for the service of Agrippina, and that imprudently: For shee ought to have remembred, that Sofia Galla was banished for the same.

This discourse so galled Tiberius, that hee [Page 121] could no further dissemble, but drew from the bottome of his heart a word sharpe and strange, for his humour, who accustomed not to be so cleare: For after hee had told her shee must moderate her passion, hee addeth a Greeke verse to this purpose. Daughter, you thinke you have wrong, if you command not. If Agrippina understood Greeke, this speech could not passe without an answer; and it is most certaine, Ladies of this qualitie were lear­ned, Agrippina her daughter wrote an Histo­rie, Augustus commended her wit,Augustus quadam epistola Agrippinae neptis ingenium collandavit, & scripta. Suet. as one who long time had lived in Athens, and other Ci­ties of Greece with Germanicus her husband, to understand certaine graces of speech.

And it is without doubt, that this word touching his ambition to the quicke, and hea­ting her choler, shee could not hold from say­ing this, either in the place, or in her retire­ment.

Now, I pray, behold in what case we are, since the hope of a woman causeth jealousie in Tibe­rius, and feare in Sejanus. If I have beene am­bitious, it is not for my selfe, Mihi nunquam persuadebunt, ut meos amari à mo nimis, unquam pu­tem. Plin. my sex wrongs my courage: If I desire to reigne, it is but among children. What reason is there I should love [Page 122] mine owne lesse than I doe? I have ashare in that which Heaven allots them, and I would have them know, if I desire not their advancement, I cannot be a mother; and if I wish them not that, which belongs to their father, I cannot bee the daughter of Augustus.Agrippina semper atrox, pervicax irae. aequi impati­cus. Tac. Let him call me haughtie, proud, and impatient, as long as he will, I cannot be other towards that insolent man, whom hee en­titleth his companion, and who will bee such with my children, who hath allied himselfe with the Claudii, thrust in his images among the Caesars, throwen downe the Pompey's, extendeth his au­thoritie above the Senate, was the death of my husband, hath ruined his family, persecuted my friends and allies. Yes (truly) I am angrie I command not; But I should be ashamed to com­mand so impiously, and unjustly.

But to what purpose are menaces used, where power is wanting?Weaknesse and choler ill match together. There is nothing more unequall than to be weake, and quickly mo­ved with choler. This mood of Agrippina profited her nothing, and advanced the con­demnation of Furnius, and Pulchra. Domi­tius Afer, who had shewed himselfe eloquent in their accusation, was commended by Tibe­rius, and put in the ranke of the prime Ora­tors, [Page 123] but with more reputation of speaking,Prosperior Afro eloquentiae, quàm morum fama. Tac. than doing well. The decrepitnesse of his age, cut off much of the estimation of his elo­quence: For his spirits being growen wearie and faint, hee could not maintaine his speech.

It was doubted whether the condemnati­on of these two Lovers were according to the Iulian Law, ordained by Augustus against A­dulterers, for that was too milde to content the crueltie of Tiberius, and boldnesse of Seja­nus, which being rather shamefast than severe,Relegation more gentle than ba­nishment. Namque religatus, non exul dicor. Ovid. did onely banish Delinquents out of the citie of Rome.

Number moderated the rigor of the pu­nishment: for had it beene capitall, families had become desarts. Seneca saith, this excesse was so common in his time,Argumentum est deformitatis pudi­citia: nunquam invenies tam mise­ram, tam sordidam, ut illi satis sit unū adulterorum par, nisi singulis dividat horas, & non suffi­cit dies omnibus. Sen. that chastitie was a note of deformitie; for to be wise, there was no need of beautie: That there was not a woman so miserable and contemptible, who contented her selfe with a couple of ser­vants, gave not to each one his houre, and to whom the longest day seemed not too short. It was by Law decreed, that shee who had a Roman Knight, for grand-father, father, or husband, might not be a Prostitute. Vistilia [Page 124] extracted from a family of Pretors, declared before the Ediles, she desired her youth might not be barren, nor her beautie unknowen; in a word that she was a Curtezan.Satis poenarum ad­versum impudicas in ipsa professione flagiti [...]. Tac. This was all the penaltie, which custome imposed upon these vitious women, that the ignominious declaration of one so wretched and infa­mous, might serve for a punishment. Tiberius commanded her to be shut up in the Island of Seriphos. Wee must beleeve Sejanus ren­dred him not more mercifull towards the kinswoman of Agrippina his enemie; for ex­ceeding the severitie of his Predecessours, hee already had caused Aquilia to be condemned to banishment,Aquiliam quan­quam Consul lege Iulia damnasset, exilio punivit. Tac. although the Consull onely did it by vertue of the Iulian Law.

Agrippina was so incensed to see her kins­woman thus unworthily used, that she there­upon sickned. Tiberius visiteth her, and after complements of good wishes for her health, sorrow instantly drew sighs from the heart, and teares from the eyes of the sicke, when having deplored the miserie, and ruine of her house, she besought the Emperour to ease her afflictions, give her leave to marrie, her youth being unable to continue in this solitude; [Page 125] nor any other cōtentment remaining among honest women of this her age, but wedlocke,Non aliud probis, quam ex matrimo­nio solatium. Tac. as also that he would be pleased seriously to embrace the protection of the widow and children of Germanicus.

This request which I (O Father) make to you is not because I am either troubled at my solitari­nesse, or that there is any thing in the world can re­inkindle my love, the first being raked up in the ashes of Germanicus, and which shall never be revived.

This is not a matter to give me content, there is none left for mee: But if the Gods have (as yet) decreed any favour for me, they must afford me a new heart to entertaine it: For they never hither­to have allowed any to mine, but acerbities, it not being able to hold, or retaine pleasures. I stand in need of one who may comfort, not my courage, but cherish my patience against mine enemies. Reason of state is a contravention against common Reason in respect of one reason, or one benefit much greater and more universall.

State rules, which transcend all the reasons of ordinary lawes, could not approve this her demand, because being a woman as well prai­sed for chastity, as fruitfulnesse, she would have filled a house with grand-children of Augustus, who all one day might pretend to the succession of the Empire.

[Page 126]For which cause Tiberius considering the prejudice the state was like to receive thereby, made her no answer, and that he might give her no further notice, either of his distast or feare, he slightly retired, not speaking one word.An advised an­swer neither dis­covers the of­fence nor feare. Ne offensio, aut metus prodatur. Tac. This silence, and slacknesse the more inflamed Agrippina, but since the first arrowes of revenge are injuries, and what cannot be done through want of power, is in heat of an­ger wished,Prima semper ira­rum tela maledicta sunt & quicquid non possumus im­becilli, optamus ira­ti. Salu. she vomited all out, which lay on her heart. Sejanus who knew how to take his time, ponders all this, and by an officious dis­loyalty causeth to be said to this Lady, that the designes which Tiberius hath concealed in his heart against her, are now on the point to breake forth, that he is resolved to poison her, and therefore wished her to take nothing, ei­ther from his hand,Solum insidiarum remedium, si non intelligantur. Tac. or of his meat. Agrippina who out of her wisdome was not to make shew of this counsell, for the danger might ensue in taking notice to know the purposes of the Prince, presently bare her heart on her forehead, & being at his table, stiffely resolved on silence and abstinence. When he saw, she had not tasted of an apple, which he presen­ted her with his owne hand, and that she gave [Page 127] it to those who waited at the table, he turned to his mother, and said in her eare. It is not to be wondered at, Non mirum si prin­ceps quid seuerius statuit in eum a quo veneficii insimula­tur. Tac. if I heretofore haue decreed any harsh thing against this woman, since she accounts me a poysoner.

Where distrust begins, friendship ends: From this instant their spirits became irreconcilia­ble, and the rumour ran thorow Rome, Tibe­rius would put Agrippina to death, either in private, or publike.

Thereupon Tiberius makes a voyage to Na­ples, the designe whereof had often beene re­solved, set on foot againe, and broken of.Certus procul urbe degere. Tac. He said it was to dedicate a Temple to Iupiter at Capua, and another to Augustus at Nola,Augustus died at Nola. Cum saevitiam, ac libidinem factis promoret, locis oc­cultabat. Tac. where he dyed, but his intention was to absent him­selfe from the City. It is certaine that Sejanus knowing his humour, advised this retirement that he might have opportunity at his plea­sure to rule him: but because he remained there five yeares after his death, I suppose, he chose this place to cover the exorbitances of his life.Weake old age makes a Prince to be despised. Dion speakes it of Tiberius and Ner­va. Dia togeras ca­taphronoumenon.

There are some hold opinion; it was also to conceale his old age which made him con­temptible, and that he might not expose his [Page 128] body to publike view, which was ready to fall in pieces, and his spirit to issue our, as it were from a building the wals whereof are ruinate, and planchers rotten. This ill habit of body, made him ashamed: he was tall of sta­ture, meager and thin, his shoulders crooked and hollow, his head bald, and void of haire, his face over-run with pushes, and mattery botches,Adrian was the first Emperour who let his beard grow to cover his scarres. and alwayes spotted and disfigured with plaisters: The haire of his beard covered not his deformities, for the Emperours ware none. His nature was pleased with solitari­nesse, and used it much at Rhodes, where he fled from company, to hide the shame of his owne excesses, and those of his wife.

Soveraigne au­thority is incapa­ble of company.One of the most apparant reasons was his impatience, not being any longer able to en­dure neare his mother, who would doe all, nor could he take the authority out of her hands, he having received the Empire from her.Matrem dominati­onis sociam asper­nabatur. Tac. Vpon all occasions she upbraided him, that he teigned not but by her meanes, that he was no lesse obliged to her for his fortune, than his birth. Nor is it to be doubted; for Livia perceiving Augustus would declare Germanicus his successor, upon the conceit this [Page 129] election would be acceptable to the people, (who loved and applauded him) obtained so much by her prayers, and conjurations, that Tiberius was assured of Empire, after Augustus, and Germanicus after Tiberius. Livia put him in mind hereof, The memory was a reproach,Qui exprobrat, re­poscit. Tac. the reproach a summons of acknowledge­ment, and the failing herein, Ingraritude.

He then undertooke this journey to absent himselfe from his Mother, and was attended by very few,Martino participe Sejanus Curtium Atticum oppressit. Tac. One Senator Cocceius Nerva skilfull in the lawes, Sejanus, one Knight, and Curtius Atticus whom Sejanus ruined. The o­ther were men of learning, and for the most part Grecians; For he entertained himselfe with their discourses, was delighted with the riches and elegance of this language, and spake it distinctly, properly, and eloquently, which is not done without the helpe of nature, art, and propriety. Many can speake, few expresse themselves, for to expresse well it is requi­site the discourse bee ever to the purpose, the words good, the consequence with­out confusion.He that medleth in many matters gives fortune much power over him.

Besides the contentment Sejanus received in wholy possessing his Master, he managed [Page 130] his affaires with more safety, and lesse envy: but ever gave fortune much advantage over himselfe.Qui assiduos in do­mum cetus arcet, in [...]ringit potentiam: qui recipit, faculta­tem criminantibus praebet. Tac. His abode in Rome was not so pro­per, for dismissing the ordinary companies from his house, he lost his friends, in entertain­ing them, he made the number to be knowne, and gave suspition to the Master. Hee also had another benefit; for receiving the packets which the souldiers of the guard brought, he became sole arbitrator of dispatches.

Souldiers carried packets of letters and were called Spies.All the functions of Tiberius his soule were depraved in this ill leisure, and all the faculties he had were dissolved into delights, which Se­janus perpetually seasoned with some notable example, because this Prince thought his au­thoritie weakened, if severitie maintained not his reputation.Hinc metus in om­nes, & fuga eorum, qui convivium ce­lebrabant. Tac. This retirement afforded him one occasion, which greatly confirmed the proofe of his fidelitie; for Tiberius dining in a vault, the roofe thereof fell downe, slew some of his officers,Qui non sui, sed principis est anxius, cum fide auditur quanquam exitio suo suadeat. Tac. and had overwhelmed him, without the helpe of Sejanus, who covered him with his head and hands, the safetie of his Prince being more deare to him than his own. From that time forward he gave eare to his counsels, although dangerous, not conside­ring [Page 131] the motives or sequels, as proceeding from one who protested to have no other interest, but his authoritie.

Hee perswaded him to quit himselfe of Nero, the neerest to the succession, whose hopes much disturbed his repose, and enter­tained desires of change in the minds of the people. He played the Iudge himselfe, his crea­tures were the accusers, and they condemned him as criminall.Nero quanquam modesta juventa tamen quid imprae­sentiarum conduce­ret oblitus. Tac. This young Prince had mo­destie enough in his condition, but little judgement to resolve on the sudden, and to consider the counsels of his servants, who cea­sed not to tell him, that his birth designed him for Empire, that the people desired it, the Le­gions required it, that Sejanus was wicked enough, not to wish it, but not sufficiently powerfull to hinder him.Nihil quidem pra­vae cogitationis, sed interdum voces contumaces & in­consultae. Tac. These words put no ill thoughts into his minde, but drew from his lips inconsiderate speeches, which being reported to Sejanus, and from thence to Tibe­rius, were taken for conspiracies. When he is at Court, great observation is used over his actions: Crime in words, crime in silence: all his wayes are looked into: there is no retreat, nor safetie in his house, night it selfe hath no [Page 132] coverture,A Roman Senator tried the discreti­on of his wife, as a vessell ill hooped; He neither powred oyle nor vinegar into it, but onely water and satisfied her with toyes he in­vented. Plut. Ne nox quidem se­cura, eum uxor vi­gilias, somnia, suspi­ria matri Liviae atque illa Sejano patefaceret. Tac. nor secret place for him: If he repose in his wifes bosome, he there findeth treache­rie; for as a vessell ill hooped, suffers all that is powred in, to run out, she relateth to Livia, the Emperors mother, his watchings, dreams, yea even his very sighs. Livia recounteth them to Sejanus, who bandieth his brother Drusus against him, giving him hope of the first place, when his elder brother, whom the hate of Tiberius made already infinitely to stagger, should be overthrowne. The spirit of Drusus was eager, for besides the desire of command, and emulations which ordinarily are among brothers, he was very suspitious, his mother Agrippina loved Nero better than himselfe.Iam diusopita fra­trum odia accen­duntur. Tac. Sejanus was no otherwise affected, nor were his intentions better rectified for Drusus: but knowing he was couragious, and bare himselfe boldly in perils, he supposed it would be very easie to prepare an Ambusca­do, and so utterly ruine him.

All the friends of Germanicus were sought out and persecuted: friends deceived friends, The most established amitie went not so farre as to the Altar, but covered under it inhu­mane disloyalties, which shewed how dange­rous [Page 133] it was for man to confide in man,Multis simulati [...] ­num involucris te­gitur notura unius­cujusque: frons, ocu­li, vultus persaepe montiuntur. Cic. whose forehead was a lyer, eye a traitor, and counte­nance unfaithfull. Sabinus accused by Silius staid not long to see him in the same precipice, wherein himselfe had beene cast; but it was done by a notable treason.

Foure Preters affected the Consulship,Si consulem vide o, aut praetorem, ōnia quibus honor haberi solet faciam, equo desiliam, capui ape­riam, semitâ [...]edam. Sen. the highest honour of Roman ambition. Twelve Vshers marched before the Consull; As he pas­sed along, he that was sitting rose up to him, and he who was on horse-backe, or in Coach alighted, every one veild bonnet, and many laid downe their swords for reverence.

These Honours being not to be acquired but by the favour of Sejanus he that could not attaine ought by just and honourable means, knew not on what to resolve. Give him mo­ney? He careth not for it, he disposeth of the riches of the Empire, and treasure of the Em­perour, which consisted of more than three­score, and twelve millions of gold: Pleasures? Nature violateth her selfe, turning all upside downe to furnish him: Titles? He is more than the Emperour; for his will giveth law to his,Sejuni voluntas non nisi soclere quaereba­tur. Tac. his statues are erected, as high as those of the Caesars. To gaine the favour of the Oracle, the [Page 134] heads of his enemies must be sacrificed to him

Of this number was Titus Sabinus a Roman Knight,Friendship which ends, was never friendship. who being of opinion that a friend which ceased so to be, had never beene such, continued his affection after the death of Ger­manicus to his wife and children, assisting them in their houshold affaires,Sectator domi, [...]o­mes in publico, post rot clientes unus. Tac. accompanying them in the City, boasting the constancy of his fidelity, even in the time when their faith­fullest friends grew timorous, and the most obliged ungratefull.

Eo apud bonos lau­datus, gravis ini­quis. Tac.That which pleased honest men, and incen­sed the wicked, fell right within the compasse of Sejanus aime, who held it for a bravado and a contempt, that a man of this quality, made so small account of his power, as to declare himselfe openly for his enemies. These men knew the wound in his heart: And under­tooke to pull away the steele that stucke there­in. Latiaris was made the spy to betray Sabinus, and the rest were witnesses.Compositum inter ipsos, ut Latiaris strueret dolum, cae­teri testes adessent. Tac. He had some ac­quaintance with him, which he renewes, che­risheth, and establisheth by a more straight fa­miliarity,Florentis domus a­mici, afflictan de­ser [...]nt. Tac. and begins to applaud him for his constancy in friendship towards Germanicus his family, when others failed, speaketh of this [Page 135] Prince with honour, of his wife with pity, of his children with hope, Sabinus beleeving he had found a man truly faithfull to powre his complaints into his breast,Molles in calamita­te mortalium animi Tac. and (hearts being ever tender in the ressentment of calamities) he set his teares at liberty, then his plaints fol­lowed, and after, reproaches,Effudit lachrimas, junxit questus, au­dentius onerat Se­janum, saevitiam, superbiam, spes ejus. Tac. and opprobries against Sejanus, speaking of his cruelties, pride, and plots, and it being a hard matter to bridle discourse, when anger and passion have taken their scope, many free words escaped him a­gainst Tiberius.

This secret passion so breathed forth,Species arctae ami­citiae inter eos, qui sermonibus votita miscuere. Tac. and his heart thus freely disburdened, he imagined he might build upon the amity, and freedome of Latiaris, because they had so enterchangea­bly mixt together bold complaints, and words both dangerous, and unlawfull.

And as discontented spirits penetrate and search into each other,Dolores quasi ad si­dissimum deferun­tur. Tac. Sabinus every day re­paired to Latiaris to discover to him some new wound of his heart, and that, so much the more confidently, as be reputed him for a most faithfull friend, and that he (poore man) might imploy the more time and judgement to make triall of him.

[Page 136] Latiaris relateth to the other three Senators the discourse which he held with Sabinus: but because the testimony of one single man was not sufficient to convince him; they advised to hide themselves, betweene the feeling and the boards,Tarpis latebra, de­testanda fraus. Tac. to hearken, whilst Latiaris should continue, and renew this conference. He find­eth him in the street, brings him to his house, saying, he had newes to tell him, and being shut up together in the chamber he represent­eth to him the perils passed, and the miseries present,Praeterita, & in­stantia quorum af­fatim copia, novos terrores cumulat. Tac. whereof these times were too fruitful, and redoubled new horrors upon old grie­vances, not so much thereby to let him know, that all was naught, as to give him occasion to talke and prattle in his former guise. Sabi­nus, who was still verie confident, said to him, Matters were now reduced to such termes, that one could neither speake, nor presage any thing but ill, that no good was to be expected in so tyrannicall, and insolent a government, and,Moesta ubi semel prorupere, difficilius reticentur. Tac. for that griefes and injuries are hardly forborne, when they have once had a vent (it being painfull to hide a wound) he makes Se­janus author of all these miseries, private and publique. With much difficultie conceale we our hurts.

[Page 137]All this conference ascended by the holes in the feeling, to the eares of the three Sena­tors, who so soone as Sabinus retired, accom­plished their treason. Tacitus affirmeth, they in the same instant, by expresse letters,Missis ad Caesarem literis ordinem fraudis suumque ipsi dedecus narra­vere. Tac. let Ti­berius understand all, representing the treason, and their owne infamie; and Dion saith, it was to please Sejanus. He might have added, it so behoved them: for besides the recom­pence they would draw from this disloyaltie, and to arrive to the honour of Consulship, by thus dishonouring themselves, if one of these should have betrayed his companion, they had beene all utterly undone.

The bruit of this mischiefe brought to Ca­preae, instantly returned to Rome, where it marvellously disturbed mindes, put everie one upon his guard,Notae ignotaeque aures vitantur, muta, atque inani­ma, iectum & pari­etes circumspectan­tur. Tac. eares knowen and un­knowen were suspected, wals were mistru­sted, and things inanimate feared: there was everie where silence, perplexitie, and amaze­ment.

Sabinus on the first day of the yeare was im­prisoned: Is the new yeare (saith hee to those who apprehended him) thus begun? Must Se­janus have sacrifices of this qualitie? What [Page 138] safetie then is there for a Roman Citizen, seeing among vowes and holy ceremonies, Inter sacra, & vota, verbis etiam profa­nis abstineri mos. Tac. even where prophane words are forborne, cords and halters are used, both to binde and strangle, yea even Temples are turned into prisons?

He presently was put to death, having no leisure given to defend, and justifie himselfe. His dog stayed still neere the dead body,Cum quidam eu co­rona circumstante cani cibum objecis­set ad os defuncti tulit. Innatavit idem in Tyburim cadavere abjecto sustentare conatus. Plin. layd the bread to his masters mouth which was gi­ven him; and when the corps was throwen into Tyber, leaped after to support it, that it might not sinke to the bottome: whilst the whole Citie stood amazed to see such thank­fulnesse in a beast, amongst so many ingrati­tudes, and inhumanities which dishonoured men. All the accusers died miserably: and as Princes abhorre Traytors after they have drawen profit out of their treason,Tiberius scelerum ministros, ut per­verti ab aliis nole­bat, ita plerumque satiatus, & oblatis in eandem operam recentibus; veteres, & praegraves affi­xit Tac. Tiberius rid himselfe of them: for when hee had made use of these evill instruments, hee discarded them to take new.

The Emperour gave thanks to the Senate, they had delivered the Common-wealth from such an enemie, and added, hee pas­sed his life in feare and terrour. That the con­spiracies of his enemies much disquieted him, [Page 139] and though hee named them not, it well ap­peared it was meant by Agrippina, and her children. Asinius Gallus speaking according to his libertie, and usuall plainnesse, said, the Emperour must bee entreated to discover his feares,Qui metus fate­tur, eos & amoveri sinat. Tac. and suffer they may be removed from his minde.Aegrius accipit princeps ea quae recludit, quam qua promit. Tac. Tiberius lentus in meditando, ubi prae­rupisset tristioribus dictis atrocia scele­ra conjungebat. Tac. Tiberius thought this speech over­bold, for it carried the lampe into the bot­tome of his heart, which he would not disco­ver. Sejanus sweetned it, not for the love of Gallus, but that his choler being the more slow, the fall might bee the more precipitate, and impetuous: having ever found, that the more he thought upon his revenge, time ren­dred it the more violent, & the more distant­ly he menaced, the more heavie was the blow.

Asinius Gallus had much credit in the Com­mon-wealth, but no favour from Tiberius, who feared his courage, hated his vertues, and said, Pride was in him an hereditarie disease, blaming Asinius Pollio his father,Asinius Pollio wrote a Tragedy of civill wars. a brave Cap­taine, a vehement Orator, an excellent Poet, and a friend of truth in a time when it was most hatefull.

Tiberius (who euer bare in minde the bitter words, which Asinius spake to him at his com­ming [Page 140] to the Empire, when confessing him­selfe incapable to hold any more than one part thereof,Interrogo Caesar quam partem rei­publicae tibi manda­rivelis. Tac. hee readily asked him, which hee would have) cast him into prison, where for three yeares he languished: Death dis-engaged him; but it is not knowen whether it were naturall, or violent. Princes will not thus be dallyed with,Speaking to a Prince, we are not so much to consider whe­ther that which is spoken be true, as whether they be fit to heare a truth. wee must speake to them by way of supplication, or remonstrance: wee are not to correct them; to tell them their errours, is to offend them.

About this time the Emperours mother died, foure-score and six yeares old, according to Dion, Iulia Augusta Lxxxij annos viti Pucino retulit ac­ceptos, non aliovi­no usa. Plin. or foure-score and two, as Pliny affir­meth, who ascribeth the length of her life to the qualitie of a wine she dranke. The Se­nate decreed large honours for her: But her sonne, not through modestie, but envie, cut away part thereof, and by his letters dissem­bled not, to be distasted with the graces done to his mother, taxing the Consull Fusius, whom the Empresse had loved, a man verie comely to attract the affections of women, and who had a grace in speaking wittie con­ceits, and jesting at Tiberius with taunts, which touched the quicke. Great men doe not [Page 141] so soone forget, yea even that, Facetiarum apud praepotente [...] in lon­gum memoria est, dum acerba sunt. Tac. which is spoken in merriment.

The haires of Tiberius were growen white under the obedience of this mother. Neither age, nor majestie dispensed with his dutie. The sage Roman heretofore in his time said, that hee who loveth not those who brought him into the world, is impious,Parentes non ama­re impietas est, non agnoscere insania. Sen. hee that ac­knowledgeth them not is mad. But this re­spect grounded upon the duties of nature, hindreth not the libertie of State-rule, which is jealous of any thing that trencheth upon their authoritie. He was offended his mother dedicating a statue to Augustus, neere to Mar­cellus his Theater,Iulia Tiberii nomen suo post scripsit, Tibe­rius, ut inferius majestate principis dissimulatum gravi offensione abdidit. Tac. had set the name of Livia, before that of Tiberius, hee thought Majestie was wronged herein, and that a Prince should not consent to be touched by any.

Shee had beene married to Tiberius Nero, father of the Emperour Tiberius; and Augu­stus, becomming extremely passionate for her love, tooke her from her husband, and that so suddenly, that hee gave her not time to lay her great belly,Penatibus gravi­dam induxit. Tac. and to leave in her lodging what shee there had taken. It is not knowen, whether shee consented to this change, or [Page 142] whether her ignorance gave some colour hereunto. Faire women, who have done a­misse at the suit of a Prince,Virium autore re­demit. Ovid. Matris in admisso falsâ sub imagine [...]usae, Error inest pluvia tectus adul­ter erat. Ovid. thinke authoritie will excuse them. Helena said, her mother er­red not, having Iupiter for the warrant of her fault.

Scribonia the wife of Augustus was rejected, because shee too liberally had complained of the immoderate power of this new Mistresse; her fall established Livia, and her error taught her, that to gaine the heart of her husband, shee must comply with his humour, which was the cause shee being asked what shee had done to governe him so absolutely, answered, By not prying into his actions, and dissembling his loves.

Never any woman gave her husband bet­ter counsell. For seeing Augustus having reig­ned severely, lived not safely, and that Cinna had attempted to kill him in a citie of Gaule, as he was sacrificing, with intent to offer him as a victim for the publique good: Augustus was much displeased,Quid vivii si perire te tam multorum interest, quis finis erit suppliciorum? quis sanguinis? D. Aug. when hee was advised hereof, and desired death, since so many were interessed therein, and that a man of qualitie, nephew to Pompey, undertooke to bereave [Page 143] him of his life. In this perplexitie, Livia his wife spake these memorable words:Severitate nihil adhuc profecisti, tenta quomodo tibi cedat clementia: Ignosce Cinnae, de­prehensus est, jam nocere tibi non po­test, prodesse famae tuae potest. D. Liv. The re­medies you have used have beene to no purpose, take the contrarie way, severitie hitherto hath nothing profited, trie the effect of clemencie: pardon Cinna, his plot is discovered, hee cannot prejudice your life, and may much benefit your reputation.

Augustus beleeved her, sends for Cinna, and telling him hee was well informed of his de­signe, said: I heretofore gave thee life, as mine Enemie and a Rebell; now I will grant at thee, as a Traytor and a Parricide: Let us speake no more of it, but be friends, Contendamus utrùm ego meliore fide vitam tibi de­derim, antu debe­as. Sen. and make it appeare which of us two hath done best, either I in pardoning, or thou in repenting.

As Tiberius had his confident friend, so Livia had hers. To obtaine any suit from Ti­berius, way must bee made by Sejanus; Hee that would gaine the favour of Livia, must sacrifice to Vrgulania, Amicitia Augusta Vrgulaniam extu­lerat supra leges. Tac. whose power in the Citie was so great, that no man durst enter­prise any thing contrarie to her liking, how just so ever it were: For shee had raised her selfe above the Lawes; besides, she was a wo­man so haughtie and arrogant, that being [Page 144] called to the Senate, she refused to appeare, al­though none were dispensed with herein, no not the Vestall Virgins themselves.Vestales in foro, & judicio audiri qun­ties testimonium dicerent, vetus mos fuit. Tac. Tiberius enforced through dutie to his mother, became passionate in her causes; in such sort, that her nephew having throwen his wife out at a window,Vrgulania monitu principis pugionem nepoti misit. Tac. he went presently to view the cham­ber, and saw this woman had not cast her selfe downe of her owne accord, as her husband affirmed: for the signes were yet to be seene, of the violence used to thrust her out, and of her resistance to hinder it.

While this Lady was alive, he moderated his affections, submitting himselfe through duty to her counsels, and Sejanus for reverence humbled his designes under her commands, not daring to contradict them: But after her death,Tunc veluti fraenis exeluti prorupe­runt. Tac. all was at liberty, and in confusion, nor was there any farther hope or refuge for innocency.

Caius Caesar who succeeded to the Empire, publikely praised her before the Palace, that she most religiously had governed her house after the ancient manner, not permitting time should introduce the vanities and curiosities, which so much had wasted the former sim­plicity. [Page 145] A Princesse most affable, and cour­teous beyond the carriage of women of pas­sed times. As a mother, she could not suffer, As a wife, nothing was insupportable, yea, was so wary, that she prudently accommodated her selfe to the wisdome of Augustus, and the dis­simulation of Tiberius.

The Senate received letters from Tiberius against Agrippina, and her children: It was thought along time since they were written, but that the Emperesse had detained them,There is nothing but ambition which never waxeth old in man. Thucyd. and Plut. foreseeing they would give occasion of trou­ble, and although her ambition waxed not old, yet desired she to end the small remainder of her life in repose.

They accused neither Nero nor Drusus of trea­son, nor of Levies of souldiers, nor to have plot­ted innovations, only that they were debau­shed.Queis nulla ex honesto spes, publi­camala in occasio­nem gratiae tra­huntur. Tac. There was not any thing offended the mother herein, but the imputation of pride and obstinacy. The letters being read, it was mo­ved deliberation should be used, but as opini­ons are delivered more, or lesse rigorous, ac­cording to the disposition of their nature who give judgement, certaine Senators, whose hopes could not be grounded upon honour, [Page 146] yet sought out occasions of grace, and favour, in publike calamities, advised contrary to the most ancient, and sage, and making their own desires mount much higher than other, found there is not any spirit so strong or firme, which ought not to bee very reserved either in giving counsell or judgement upon the liberty, or life of him, who may succeed the Prince.

Tiberius had bestowed the office of the acts and registers of the Senate on Iunius Rusticus, who having not given before any proofe of constancy, or fortitude, yet shewed it was good to proceed gently in this affaire,Dandum interstiti­um paenitentiae. Tac. that the accused might have time allowed him to repent, and frustrate this commandement: for the most important things are altered in a moment.Brevibus momen­tis summa verti possunt. Tac. Besides nature, in the house of Ger­manicus was vigorous and flourishing; and in that of Tiberius weary, spent, and fraile.

Vpon this difference the people who could not endure these Princes should be used as cri­minals, detest this injustice, and lay the blame on Sejanus, Ferebantur sub no­minibus consulari­am fictae in Seja­num sententiae. Tac carry the figures of Agrippina, and Nero up and downe the City, assemble daily about the palace, cry out the letters were false and forged, make processe against Sejanus, and [Page 147] counterfeiting the resolutions of the Senators, the stoutest man amongst them having colle­cted them from this company, pronounceth judgement of death against him. And to this,Per occultum libi­do ingeniorum ex­ercetur procacius. Tac. Satyrical invectives are not wanting, so much the more confident, as the authors were con­cealed, and gathered and sought out so much the more greedily, as they in them contained quick and ingenious conceits.

Sejanus who should have avoided these blowes by contempt of them, gave satisfacti­on to his enemies, by letting them know these things much troubled him, and informing the Emperour, his Majesty suffered in his suffer­ing; That the people gathering assemblies, and making decrees, there remained nothing for them to doe, but to take armes, and chuse him Emperour, whose Images they bare for ensignes.

Tiberius wrote other letters,Facile populus du­ces, Imperatoresq, deligit, quorum imagines pro vexillis sequitur. Tac. and continu­eth his complaints against Agrippina, and her children, against the timerity, and insolence of the popular multitude, and against the Senate, who more weighed the cunning practices of one Senator, than the reverence of his Com­mands, in contempt of his will, and scorne of [Page 148] his authority: but addeth, that he to himselfe reserveth the judgement hereof. The Senators excuse themselves, and protest they resolved on punishment,Integra sibi cuncta postulavit. Tac. and extremest rigour if his commandement had not staied them.

The [...]se of Taci­tus Annals is ine­stimable, not of some pages, but of all which pas­sed from the yeare 782. to 785.In this point all the world bewaileth the in­estimable losse of Tacitus his bookes, which re­corded the rest of Agrippinaes fortune, the con­spiracy of Sejanus, leading us along with the torch of truth through the mists of conje­ctures. Libraries have preserved many bookes, which we willingly would restore to them a­gaine, for that which wanteth of this excel­lent author, who described all that was requi­site to be knowne of the worlds affaires.

Now Tiberius ceased not, till the Senate had satisfied him, and that all his violences were authorized by their judgement. Nothing so much urged the condemnation of Agrippina, Novissime calum­niata, modo ad statuam Augusti, modo ad exercitus confugere vellet. Suet. and her children, as the information Sejanus gave to Tiberius, that she was resolved to passe through the temples of Rome, to imbrace the statues of Augustus, thereby to stirre the people, and if that tooke not effect to hasten with her children to Germany to seaze on the Legions.

Agrippina was vsed no better than her chil­dren, [Page 149] and we must understand, that of her,Accusavit per lite­ras amarissimas, lō ­gestis etiam probris, & judicatos homi­nes same necavit. Suet. which Suetonius saith of them, that he caused them to be declared enemies, and dye with hunger. Nero was banished into the Iland of Pontia, Drusus immured in the base Court of the palace: the rumor was, that Nero seeing the executioner who brought the halter, and hooke for him to make his choyce, slew him­selfe with his owne hand, and that food being denyed to Drusus, Druso adeo alimen­ta subducta, ut to­mentum è culcitra t [...]ntaverit mandere. Suet. he eat the flocks of his mat­teresse; but the death of these two Princes was not so sudden, nor in this manner. Sue­tonius wrote it upon bruit, who makes his fraight up, as well of lies, as verities.

The worst was done that might be against A­grippina, & her extremitie was to be exiled in­to the Island of Pandatria in the Tyrrhene sea,Pandatriam relega­vit. Suet. where she hourely might expect, when they would come to strangle her, or being asleepe, cause death and sleepe to meet together.Somnum mort [...] jungere. Petr. But Tiberius desired life should bee her punish­ment, and, As injuries are worse borne by those, who thinke they have not deserved them, Odiorum causae gra­viores, quia iniquae. Tac. and whose cause is just: so this poore Princesse cea­sed not to complaine, and lament the inhu­manitie of Tiberius. Seeing then wee know [Page 150] the wrong she suffered,The pen is cold in comparison of the tongue, when the ardent passi­on of a woman couragious, and incensed is to be expressed. we may well cōjecture what the complaints were she made. Her or­dinarie discourse was to this purpose, but it is not heightned with that grace shee gave it from her gravitie, nor with that fervor where­with she enkindled it by her passion.

Agrippinaes speech.

Fuerim tantum ni­hil amplius deletu­rae domus piamen­tum. Sen. Will the cruell Tyrant bee satisfied, seeing hee may now with full draught quench that ardent thirst in the bloud of Augustus, which so long hath tormented him? And will this disloyall Sejanus any more complaine of fortune, who hath brought un­der his owne power those three heads, which stop­ped his passage to Tyranny?

The Gods have singled me out to beare alone all the miseries of my house, and the expiation of the rest. I aske them but one favour, which is death; Is it possible they should deny it to the miserable? And who is more miserable in life than hee who desireth to dye; Quid miserius in vita quam velle mori? Quid in mor­te quam sepeliri non posse? Sen. P. or in death, than hee that is de­nyed buriall?

Complaints, not forbidden to the wretched, and which afford some ease to misery, are denyed mee; Nay, I this instant know not, whether spies may bee set upon mee to relate all I say. And I wish it [Page 151] so. It is an argument of feare and pusillanimity, not to dare to tell our grievances. Augustus commu­nicateth this se­cret to Fulvius, who discovered it to his wife, she to Livia. Augustus is displeased with Fulvius w [...]r griefe killed him­selfe, and his wise followed him. Plut. I will complaine to heaven and earth of the inhumanities practised by Tiberius on the living, and dead. Hee put my uncles to death who resisted his hopes. Augustus my grandfather not long after discovered to Ful­vius his intention of repealing Agrippa. This poore Agrippa was the first victime sacrificed at his entrance into Empire▪ My Mother Iulia, who for her last misfortune, and third husband, maried this cruell man, presently followed her sonne. Ger­manicus was poisoned, his widow banished, Nero exiled, Drusus a prisoner, Caligula in their power: what would they more?

I was married; hee hath taken my husband from mee, I found another among the prime fami­lies of Rome; hee hath hindered it; I was a Mo­ther, he hath taken away my children; I was free, hee useth mee as a slave; Nothing is left mee but honour, and he indevoureth by impudent calumnies to traduce it: His slander being unable to fasten on me, he hath invented a new imposture, which sen­teth of the pollution of the place, Tiberius foedissimis criminationibus exarsit, impudiciti­am arguens, & Asi­mum Gallum adul­terum. Tac. from whence it proceedeth, in saying Asinius Gallus hath love in store for mee. I cannot but thinke well to be loved by a man, whom Augustus held worthy of the [Page 152] Empire: besides hee was my brother in law, nor have I so little respected my sister Vipsania, as to rob her of the heart of her husband.

It is not fit the wife seeke parti­cular friends, but thinke well of the g [...]ll friends of her husband. Plut. Let my former actions answer for my present; Never have I knowne whom to affect, but the friends of my husband, nor have I ever transfer­red my eyes, or thoughts upon any other. If I have beene mistresse of some beauty, I have not beene proud of it, nor suffered others to talke of it, or e­steemed it at all but for decency.

They have reason indeed to say I have beene too haughty; It is true my disdaines have served my purposes: For scornefull beauties entrap not hearts: I must affirme the passion of love in my soule hath given way to ambition, and I have ta­ken more pleasure in employments, which onely appertaine to masculine minds, Agrippina aequi impatiens, domi­nandi avida, virili­bus curis faemina­rum vitia exuerat. Tac. than to vanities, which satisfie none but the effeminate, and I may truly say, it is long since I forsooke all the im­perfections of my sex, to put on manly, and gene­rous resolutions.

But these impostures, are nought else, than smoakes proceeding from the ardent desires of Se­janus to arrive at the Empire: For hee seeing Rome affecteth mee, and that this well-wishing is supported by the opinion of some merit, hath pro­claimed [Page 153] mee a wicked woman, It is the fashion of good men to doe well, and of bad to speake ill, and doe worse. but as hee exceeds mee in speaking ill, I have ever surpassed him in well-doing.

Let him please himselfe to have cast mee into a condition, that I may no longer bee able to give him occasion of feare, I on the other side comfort my selfe, he hath reduced me to such a state that he can doe no worse by mee, for I shall esteeme the greatest ill he may worke, the greatest good he can doe me; Let him not feare I will oppose his ambi­tion, he ought to dread fortune more than mee, I suppose shee cannot bee more favourable to a mis­chievous plot, than she hath appeared unequall in the protection of a just and lawfull cause.

His ambition hath no limit, The appetite of ambition en­creaseth with sa­tietie. satietie in him pro­cureth appetite, hee in the beginning protested, the Colonelship of the Guards should content him, he desired nought else; and now, Tiberius said, a man who had passed three­score yeeres should not stretch out his hand to the peo­ple, to have their voyce, or suf­frage. Plut. when he through age should not stretch out his hand to any, but the Physitian, he will graspe the Tribunitiall staffe, to bee in the neerest degree to sovereigne command. Hath hee asked counsell of his courage, whether he be capable? He never hath seene a battell, but in picture, nor ever drawen his sword, but to shew the blade.

After all this, he would have me live, that death [Page 154] may serve me for a punishment, and will not suffer me to let it appeare a woman knowes, how to con­quer the feare of death, which terrifieth the most daring. Since then all the passages to arrive at death, or draw it upon me are stopped up, I must seeke it in mine affliction, Vici, quem vicerium quaeris? metum mortis, qui victores gentium vicit. Sen. and my courage must yeeld thereunto; It shall not resist these violen­ces, consolations would redouble it, which I will refuse, on what side soever they come; Those my friends afford shall in them be commendable, Officium pium, sed mutile. Ovid. but for me unprofitable.

If abstinence, affliction, melancholy, and sor­row cannot vindicate mee from this miserie, and that needs I must live dying, and dye living, I will expect which way the Gods will have me fi­nish my dayes, Expectandus exi­tus, quem natura decrevit. Sen. and hap what hap will, as I have lived Agrippina, I will dye Agrippina.

He who is in the power of ano­ther, impaires his condition by his impatience, and the liberty of his compalints.The dolour of her wounds daily increa­sing, she continually laid her hand on the sore, and without ceasing renewed the complaints, which so excessive a sorrow was unable to moderate. Her words were related to Tiberi­us, who was well pleased, that she perpetually gave him cause, why to augment her ill usage, for it would have vexed him, her patience should oblige him to any courtesie. Hee [Page 155] commanded the Captaine who had her in charge, not to let the ill language shee used passe without reply. This cruell man well knowing; the way to please Tiberius, was to injure her,Convitianti oculum per Centuriones verberibus excus­sit. Suet. and hearing her continue frequent complaints and reproaches, so barbarously and brutishly beat her, that therewith one of her eyes started out of her head.

After this cruell outrage, shee would no longer live,Mori inedia desti­nanti, per vim ore diducto infulciri cibum jussit. Suet. and being resolved no farther to expect death, but to prevent it, shee remained some dayes without food; but the Souldiers opening her mouth by force, constrained her to swallow nourishment. Shee therein being more miserable than others, who dye when they list,Admoriendum ni­hil aliud in mora, quam velle. Sen. and have nothing but their owne wils to hinder them; but she was willing to dye, and is enforced to live. Death is the only remedy for evils, and she may not use it.Non magis crudeles sunt, qui volentem vivere occidunt, quam qui mori vo­lentes non sinunt. Sen. P. They are no lesse cruell, who kill those that would live, than such as force them to live, that desire to dye.

Yet is not Sejanus arrived to that hee aimed at, all hee hath done to advance his purposes, prospers not; for Tiberius, who was no lon­ger distrustfull of Germanicus, nor jealous of Drusus, and is revenged of the pride of Agrip­pina, [Page 156] and her children, imagineth nothing can further disturbe him, but the arrogance and immeasurable power of Sejanus. Which is the cause hee addeth new jealousies to old feares, and revolves in his braine, that he drea­meth of Empire.

Quos diu fortuna sequuta est, eos re­pente velut fatiga­ta destituit. Q. Curt.Besides, Fortune began to grow wearie of waiting on him, for he went too fast, she for­saketh his insolence, and ill carriage, as if shee had not raised him, but to make him fall from such an height, that there should not be a crea­ture found durst lend him an arme, or offer a bosome to receive him.Dion saith, Tibe­rius seeing Seja­nus was waited on, and feared by the Senators, doubted they would make him Emperour. Tiberius, who loved him, began now to feare him, and seeing the Senate more esteemed of Sejanus than him­selfe, hee entred into an apprehension they would make him Emperour, from that time hee resolved to draw this thorne out of his heart; but did nothing rashly: For it was not onely dangerous to enterprise his ruine, but even to make semblance thereof. He pro­ceeded verie slowly, and contrarie to the ad­vice of the Sages, who councell, matters im­portant should rather be acted, than consul­ted on.

This delay proceeded both from prudence, [Page 157] and affection; for it troubled him to ruine a man, who began to serve him, before hee to reigne.

Yet I notwithstanding suppose,A wise Courtier ought to know the complexion of his Prince. Behold upon th [...] an excellent Treatise of the Court, written by M. de Refuges, a Councellor of State. had this beene all, hee would have dissembled it, nor ever had rid his hands of him; for hee was apt for his humours, knew them perfectly, consented to his pleasures, corresponded with his opinions, had readily preserved him from an ill accident, and disengaged him from his perplexities. He overthrew all the principall men which ministred matter of feare, or jea­lousie, reposing himselfe on the watchfull heed of a servant so faithfull and approved, entermedled not but with occurrents of most moment, and lived peaceably in his Island.

And though it be a matter verie difficult, to sound the heart of a Prince,Rationem foelicita­tis nemo reddit. Auson. and the causes of sudden prosperities, yet doubtlesse there is no way so short to merit his good opinion, as to serve him in matters which are either pleasing,To be loved of a Prince, he must be observed in his pleasures. or profitable, dispose of his delights, and manage his purse. All which is honest and pro­fitable should give content. But the passion of pleasure transporteth the consideration, both of honour and profit. Sejanus had all which [Page 158] might serve to entertaine the Prince in repose, and banish the necessitie of affaires; and such power over his heart, that he gave it what mo­tion he would, either of love, feare, or hatred.

A Prince ought to take notice of services, that hee may be the bet­ter served.Hee had done many great services for him, and although this consideration is not al­wayes plausible in the mindes of Princes, (for there are some, who the more they are obli­ged, the lesse doe love.) Yet would Tiberius have great ones know, what they (in serving him well) might expect. But there is no like­lyhood, if hee had not beene endowed with excellent parts, and of courage undaunted, he so long had continued in the favour of Tibe­rius, a sowre, severe, prudent, and suspitious Prince. The Historie sets before us two di­vers Pourtraits; the one under Tacitus his pensill, who representeth him, as wicked; the other from the hand of Velleius Paterculus, who flatters, and affords him all the lustre of a perfect Courtier,Sejanus laboris, & fidei capacissimus, sufficiente vigore animi, compage corporis, & actu otiosis simillimus. Vell. he sayes: The vigour of his body was answerable to the force of his spirit, that he travelled without paine, acted all, as if hee did nothing, and in his greatest employments seemed at rest, neither shewing himselfe troubled, nor tur­moyled: That he hunted not after occasions, nor [Page 159] gave himselfe the honour of it: That hee had his desires in all, and ever placed himselfe beneath the esteeme was had of him: Infra aliorum aesti­mationes se moti­ens, vultu, vitaque tranquillus, animo exsomnis. Vell. There could never bee observed, or found any alteration in his counte­nance, his spirit alwayes awakened, and hee ever active.

Howsoever it be, Sejanus to all purposes was an able man, and having lasted almost as long as Tiberius, wee must thinke, if Fortune had not turned her selfe against his counsels, hee had enforced her to subscribe to his wisdome. Onely I much wonder, that having made so many friends, hee wanted friends: That a­mong so many heads tyed (as it were) to his, and which could not stand firme on their shoulders, were his taken off, there was not one spake freely and faithfully,To speake sweet­ly and graciously to great men. Athenaeys calleth it, Eouglottein Ace­lyse, choriglotein. to advise him to prevent his ruine. It is the common cala­mitie of great ones: it is necessarie all discour­ses addressed to them be of grace, and sweet­nesse: They beleeve truth oweth them all that, which complacence affordeth. Were there Iudges appointed for adulation, they would have little to doe, for no man complaineth, hee is flattered.

Sejanus had this unhappinesse, not to have a [Page 160] creature, who sincerely and ingenuously at any time said.

Temper your spirit, provoke not your fortune, abuse not your favour. Dally not with your Ma­ster, This time will not alwayes last, Patience offended turnes into fury. Dion saith, If any God were des­cended, and had assured the ruine of Sejanus, it would not have beene beleeved; for at that time everie one sware by his fortune. And should any one have said this, he would not have beleeved it. Pride dazled his eyes, whilst hee boasted to hold fire, and water in his hands, and meant to make use of them when he pleased.

Tiberius then (though tardily) perceiving Sejanus built his hopes on his tombe, and that hee not onely dreamed,Not onely to at­tempt, yea think, nay dreame a­gainst the State, is a crime. but plotted, yea at­tempted on Empire, he resolved to quench the fire of this ambition, in the bloud of the ambitious.Summum ad gra­dum claritus cum veneris, aegre consi­stes. Laber. The first suspition he conceived, was upon his mariage with Livia the widow of Drusus: The second, that the house of Ger­manicus being overthrowne, there appeared no obstacle for his insolence, which was mounted to such a height, it no longer could rest in any consistence: The third on the ex­cesse of his power in the affaires of the Senate, treasures and commands: The fourth on his great retinue of servants, who too much pre­sumed upon him: The fifth that he held Dru­sus [Page 161] prisoner, and Caius Caesar at his dispose,Improba blanditia, non quae amicio­rem, sed quae dete­riorem facit assen­tando. Alc. to produce them when need were, and continue under their names the supreme government: The sixth upon the cunning he used to with­draw him from his abode in the City, and de­taine him as a captive; under pretext of ab­sence, and old age: The seventh upon the strong, and violent meanes he made to have the power of a Tribune, which was so great, that the Emperours annexed it to their owne persons: The eighth, that Sejanus spake words he should rather have concealed than expres­sed. And if upon all this he had had but this one suspition of his aspiring to the state, there needed no paines to be taken to finde out a greater crime.

But Tiberius is condemned of two acts of pusillanimity, The first to have suffred the en­crease of this excessive power, which could not be acquired without extreme industry, nor lessened but with over much severity.Bloud drawne a­bundantly from the best veine is well employed to defend or acquire one least mite of authority. The tree, which was in the beginning but a little plant, beareth his head and branches so high, that it giveth a most dangerous shadow. That which he might have drawne forth with one hand, when it did but pricke, taketh [Page 162] such deep roots, that it afterward is very hard­ly pulled up with both. The Prince who hinde­reth not increase of ambition, when it first grow­eth, deriveth no other profit from hit sufferance, but losse and repentance. A State will no more tole­rate two Kings, When authority is once crackt it is ruined. than the world two Sunnes, or the Temple two deities. Soveraigne authority is a strong sea-wall, not so soone overborne by the im­petuous violence of the tide, or weight of the wa­ter it resisteth, as by a slight rift, or cranny, which gives passage to the torrent of waves.

The second is to have used so much cere­mony in so pressing an occasion, so much po­licy in so great a power, so much feare in so undoubted security. Not to be separated from him, he made him his colleague in the consul­ship, to whom no man had beene associated without unhappinesse.

Quintilius varus, [...]n. Piso. Germanicus and Drusus who had bin Consuls with Tiberius deid of a violent death. Dius.When Tiberius wrote to the Senate, he stuf­fed his letters with nothing but the deserts of Sejanus, and the services he had done the Em­pire: These words are many times inculca­ted, Sejanus my friend, my Sejanus, I say my Seja­nus. It seemeth he confined not the glory of the Empire, but within the compasse of his life. His statues were to be seene every where, [Page 163] every one raiseth them as to their Guardian-God. Who will refuse to yeeld him honour, on whom the Emperour so profusely confers it?

This five yeares Consulship,Vino debemus homi­nes, quod soli ani­mantium non fiti­entes bibimus. Plin. intoxicated him, and as the excellency of wine invites a man to drinke beyond thirst, so this sweet­nesse of prosperities inebriated and transpor­ted him to more, than he wished. He that is embarqued on this Ocean, where there are so many perils, ought never to confide in the Calme, but rather turne his eyes towards hea­ven, to direct his hopes to a good haven.

The solitary, and voluptuous life of Tiberi­us, was the ladder of his ambition: For like ano­ther Sardanapalus, he vaunted nothing but his riots. Sejanus entertained him in this shamefull idlenesse, spitefully accustoming him to prefer things sensuall, before serious. Hee, who negle­cteth the office of a Master, findeth servants au­dacious enough to command him: And who acteth the Prince but in a chamber, runs the hazard to finde a companion in the field.

Impudence accompanying his pride, drew these words from his mouth, which ought ne­ver to have proceeded so much as from his thoughts: I am Emperour of Rome, and Tiberi­us [Page 164] is Prince of the Iland. He caused sports to be presented afore him by bald men, who were brought backe againe to the entrance of the Theater, by five thousand shaven youths, therewith to flout at Tiberius his bald Crown. This number will not be strange to those,Athaeneus recko­neth 20000. and cals them Sum proyontas, Anteam bulones. who know the Romans had troups, and Le­gions, and such there have beene who have had more than twenty thousand of those marching before them; but it was much to shave them, for then great care was used in frizeling, and curling their haire.

Tiberius was instantly advertised of this mockery,Familias calami­stratas. Apul. and made shew not to know it, al­though he ressented it to the quicke, but was willing ignorance dissembled should excuse the slacknesse of undoubted revenge. Besides, there is not any thing which more galleth the heart of a Prince, Praecincti pueri, compti (que). Hor. than to see himselfe braved by a man, whom he hath raised from the contempt and mise­ry of a meane condition. Aram clementiae, a­ram amicitiae, effigi­esque circum Caesa­ris, ac Sejani co­luere: cr [...]brisque precibus efflagita­bant, visendi sui copiam facerent. Tac. It is no lesse troublesome to be exposed to the derision of servants, than to the discretion of enemies.

Vpon the newes, that the Frisons, a people of Rhine had broken the peace, and in battell defeated the armies, so great was the terror in [Page 165] Rome, that every one ran to the Altars of cle­mency, and amity, adoring the statues of Ti­berius and Sejanus, which stood round about, humbly beseeching them to returne againe to Rome. Tiberius, and Sejanus were willing the Romans by their absence should judge of the benefit, their residence in Court brought them: Nor indeed is it fit a Prince should still abide in one place: If the Sunne stept not out of one of his twelve houses, all would run to ruine. Tiberius not withstanding drew neare, and be­cause he sometimes approached even to the suburbs, not entring into the City,Breve confinium artis, & falsi. Tac. many thought the limits of Astrology, and lying, stood not so neare one another as it was said: For the Astrologers affirmed, Tiberius went out of Rome under such a constellation, that he should never returne againe; and there is great apparance, if this feare had not seised on his imagination, he had not resided eleven yeares out of Rome.

These predictions animated the complices of Sejanus, soliciting him to temporise no lon­ger, since the stars conspired with his purpo­ses. On the other side Tiberius, would not be surprised, and as the feare of evill which he ap­prehended [Page 166] much urged him, so the peril of re­medy restrained him: but imagining he should be prevented, if Sejanus had the winde of him, he durst aske counsel of none but him­selfe, what resolution was fittest to be taken.

Sejanus (as yet) distrusted nothing, prospe­rity had seeled up his eyes, he thought Tiberius meant no other, but to passe his time in Ca­preae; it was now five yeares he had beene there, at Rome there was no speech of him, but as of a Prince who reigned not, and lived but at the devotion of others; that he neither saw,The Kings of Persia had ser­vants called the eyes and eares of the King and by them he under­stood all that was done or spoken every where. Apul. nor heard, but through Sejanus, who a­lone was his eyes, and eares, and tooke no con­tentment, but in pleasure, and ease, which was the cause Sejanus put forward and advanced his designe of the Empire the more violently; what blindnesse is this; He is not to live one moneth, and plotteth designes for an age?

It was very strange he had not some suspiti­on of the Emperours purposes. All intelligen­ces which went to Capreae, or came to Rome passed thorow his hands, and he hearkened to them all; For it is behovefull those who are en­gaged in important affaires, should slight nothing, and though oft times tales are brought, yet some [Page 167] truth is ever stirring; they make use of all, There is no man so great a lyar, who speakes not some truth. and are well payd for it, when of an hundred informa­tions given, one proveth true.

Hee held all dispositions at his discretion,Hearts are gai­ned by hope, feare, or benefits. either by feare, hope, or benefits. Those who served Tiberius, depended on Sejanus, and such as served Sejanus, sware by no other name, but, that, of their Master. Tiberius did nothing which was not related to Sejanus, nor was advertised of any thing Sejanus acted contrarie to his service. Hee had men for all sorts of employments; Seneca cals them his dogs, who were onely tractable, and tame to himselfe, and barked at all others; for hee maintained them with the bloud of his ene­mies.Acerrimi caenes, quos Sejanus ut si­bi uni mansuetos omnibus faros ha­beret, sanguine hu­mano pascebat. Sen. Tiberius not able to lay hold on him in the face, sets on his sides, and embraceth him to strangle him: He caused a rumour to bee divulged, he would make him Tribune, and wrote to the Senate, that without him this vast body of Empire would fall in peeces; in all his letters he signifies Sejanus was the Ora­cle of his designes, the companion of his thoughts.

The Senate who observed, not, that Tiberius dissembled, seeketh out all sorts of honours, [Page 168] wherewith to dignifie Sejanus, decreeth both their names should be set in the selfe same line in patents, and inscriptions, their chaires in the same ranke in Theaters, and Temples, their statues every where erected, and that cōming to Rome one only should goe before another

He who wil ruine one is well plea­sed with his evill carriage. Tiberius is not offended the Senate cherish­eth the pride of Sejanus, to the end that vanity rendring him more insolent, his deportments might become the more odious In the meane time to let Tiberius know his designes aime not beyond his life, he caused Germinius to be ac­cused, that he had attempted on the person of Caesar, this man for his fuller justification brought his will into the Senate house, where he made the Prince his heire, a proofe of his af­fection, and desire not to survive him. But that being not sufficient to save him,He who will make one his heire thinkes to dye before him. when he saw the Questor comming to execute him, he thrust a knife into his owne belly, saying, Goe tell the Senate, I dye, as a man ought to doe. Publica Prisca his wife, being in the palace, did the like. I much wonder among so many, who dyed thus couragiously,Nullum magis ad­versarium timeas, quam qui vivere non potest, accidere potest. Sen. P. there was non enter­prised the death either of Tiberius, or Sejanus: For he who is carelesse of his owne life is master of anothers.

[Page 169]This so fervent favour of Tiberius, cooled not at the first occasion, it grew lukewarme, and then wholly congealed into Ice. Hee to day strikes one blow for Sejanus, and to mor­row another against him, hee assigneth the dignitie of the Pontifex to his sonne, and though hee hated Caligula, Tiberius said, be­holding Caligula, I breed up a Ser­pent for the peo­ple of Rome, and a Phaeton for the rest of the world. Suet. hee gave him the same honour, and that onely because hee was an enemy to Sejanus. At this instant hee gratified him, in granting what he demanded, and presently revoketh what hee had given him, and held his spirit so suspended between hope and feare, that hee knew not where hee was, and did nothing but like a man amazed. He commandeth the Senate to free a Procon­sull, whom Sejanus had accused. Tiberius pub­liquely praiseth Caligula, & lets it be knowen,Tiberius desired all might perish after him, and thought Priamus happie, in that hee ended his reigne and life together. Dion. he resolved to declare him his Successor, not so much for affection, as to make the world grieve at his Successor, being indeed more cruell, and wicked than himselfe. He writing to the Senate, sayes no more but this onely, Sejanus is my friend, his name was found in his letters single, and alone, adding no more the titles, and recommendations hee accusto­med. As soone as the affection of a Prince takes [Page 168] [...] [Page 169] [...] [Page 170] aire, it vapours away, and it is an hard matter to conserve it still in the same degree of heat.

The people were well pleased, that Tiberius began to affect Caligula, not so much for the love of him, who was naturally violent and inhumane,Caligula seeing many Senators at his table, laughed at a sud­den, and it being asked, what hee meant by it? hee answered, for that it is in my power to cause you to be stran­gled one after another. Suet. taking no delight, but in the sight of bloud. As for honour to the memorie of Germanicus his father, and the desire of Seja­nus his ruine, of whose tyrannie they were ap­prehensive.

Tiberius, who had pondred and digested this designe in his heart, thought there was no further danger for him to declare himselfe, and leave the way of dissimulation, to pursue the tracke of fortitude. Hee sent an Edict to the Senate, prohibiting the offer of sacrifice to any man living, and the ordaining of any kinde of honour to Sejanus, it being a matter by him not approved, to see the reverence conferred on a Subject, which he accounted disproportionable for the Prince.

Then was the time when such as were but friends of his fortune,Tamdiu placebit, quamdiu utilis. Sen. declared themselves enemies to his designes. (Temporarie friends) who come but to drinke, and returne backe againe when the bottles are emptie. But as [Page 171] thunder roreth when the aire is brightest, Se­janus beheld himselfe surprised with a storme, in the cleerest serenitie of fortune. Many presages he had of his fall. The Theater where he received salutations on the Calends brake, and a Cat crossed him.Ancient supersti­tion tooke the crossing of a Cat for an ill presage. Comming from the Capitoll, the Guard thronging thorow the presse to follow him, and get before, fell from the top of the staires, from which criminals were headlong throwen. Sejanus consulted with Southsayers, to know what that presa­ged. Luckie birds appeared not;Tiberius Gracchus going to the Ca­pitoll, three Ra­vens flew about him, and hee was there slaine. Val. Vidimus non semel flammam ingentis pilae specie, quae ta­men in ipso cursu suo dissipata est. Vidimus circa divi Augusti excessum, simile prodigium, vidimus cum de Sejano actum est. Sen. He saw none but a great flight of Ravens, ill boading birds, Nightingales of Hell, which flew, and croa­ked round about him. There was seene in the aire a globe of fire, such an one as was beheld at the death of Augustus, and Germanicus: but there was not a man, who in this his most flourishing state, imagined hee was so neere his end. Yet desisted they not to stile him the companion of Tiberius, not onely in the Con­sulship, but in the Empire of the world.

Tiberius, to discover dispositions and affe­ctions, wrote often to Sejanus, and to the Se­nate, sometime that hee was in good health, sometime at the point of death; other while [Page 172] that his strength was come to him againe, and that hee hoped verie shortly to see them, and returne to Rome. These dissimulations avai­led him; for according as the newes brought either joy, or sorrow, hope, or feare, he distin­guished betweene such as depended on him, or Sejanus. Hee also besought the Senate, to send him one of the two Consuls with a Guard, to conduct him safely.

Pudenda miseran­daque oratione P.C. precabatur mitte­rent alterum è Consulibus, qui se­nem se, & solum, in conspectum eorum [...] cum aliquo militari praesidio perduce­ret. Suet.He thought the conspiracie was so power­full against him, hee could not withstand it, and had already for the purpose prepared ships for flight, and caused Sentinels to be set on the rocks, who by fires were to give sig­nall of what they discovered. Needs must the conspiracie be great, and neere at hand, or Tiberius verie timorous and wretched, so to manifest the anguish of his minde, For never should feare lodge in the heart, or appeare on the forehead of a Prince, who maketh his complaint, when those who ought to feare him, terrifie him.

Wee must not proudly despise prodigies. This contempt undid Alexander. App.But Sejanus beginneth to bee perplexed, when he heard it reported, the head of one of his statues was seene to smoke. He comman­ded it to bee broken to know the cause, and there issued from thence an huge serpent. He [Page 173] despised not this Prodigie,Perseus. Iustin. Crassus. D. Halic. but made a sacrifice to himselfe; for so he was accustomed, there also was found about the necke of the same statue a little cord.

Tiberius judged, the Destinies conspired with his revenge to ruine him, and therefore continued his subtilties,Dion saith, Tibe­rius to surprize and entrap Seja­nus, caused the Senate to bee told, he would give him the power of a Tri­bune. causing a bruit to be spread, hee would raise him to the principall charge of the Empire. Yet at the same time dispatched Nevius Sertorius Macro, with commission to present his letters to the Se­nate, to seize on the person of Sejanus, to set Drusus, who was in prison at libertie, that he might rally together all his friends against the common enemy, if opposition were made.

The place of Colonell of the Guard, which Tiberius had given to Macro, encouraged this execution. Princes who desire to be well served, Nihil non aggres­suri sunt homines, si magnis conatibus magna praemia pro­ponantur. Liv. ought ever to make the qualitie of the service ap­peare by the recompence. Hee came secretly to Rome, communicateth the cause of his arri­vall to Consull Memmius Regulus, and not to his Colleague (for he was a creature of Seja­nus) and to Gracinus Laco Captaine of the watch. Hee found them all verie ready, to [Page 172] [...] [Page 173] [...] [Page 174] sacrifice this wretch to publique hatred.

The Consull summoned the Senate for the next day to the Temple of Apollo, The Senate stayed in the Temples, or holy places. and caused this scrowle to be affixed to one of the pillars of the Gallerie.

Prima luce. Cic.To give example to others, he was one of the first, hee entreth in with the Ensignes of his dignitie, the purple robe, twelve Lictors marching before him, making way. Being en­tred, he sacrificeth wine and honey, takes his place in the Ivorie Chaire, the other Senators doe the like, ranking themselves in their se­verall seats.

Macro encountred Sejanus, who (as yet) was scarcely entred, and seeing him some­what [Page 175] troubled that he brought him no letters from Tiberius, said in his eare: There is bet­ter newes, I bring you the power of a Tribune. Qualem quisque sortem, statumque habeat in mea manu positum est, quod cuique mortalium fortuna datum ve­lit, meo ore pronun­ciat. Sen. This satisfied him: his friends were quick­ly made acquainted with it, and much rejoy­ced saying to themselves, hereafter all which fortune would grant to the Romans, should passe thorow their hands, or be pronounced by the mouth of their Master.

Macro presenteth his letters and retireth, causeth the souldiers to assemble, under colour he was to give them notice of the Emperours commands: and by this meanes left those of the watch, for the guard of the Temple, and the other who followed Sejanus, repaired to the field and ensigne. Being there he assured them the Emperours favour to acknowledge their services, and gratifie them with a dona­tive. There was not a man,Those presents were armours, pikes, ensignes, scarfes, chaines, and Crownes. who lent not an o­pen eare to this speech, and promised not to be ready. He chose a good number to guard the passages, and the Temple of Apollo: That done he presenteth his letters to the Senate, opens his Commission, retireth, leaves Laco there, and hasteneth to give direction in the other parts of the City.

[Page 176] The authority of a Prince cannot descend more low, than when he dare not speake plainly to his subjects, u [...]on any thing which displeaseth him.These letters are read, which expressed an afflicted and trembling spirit, that durst not unfold, but in broken words, what he had up­on his heart, against the ingratitude and trea­chery of his servant, they were confused by divers affaires and out of order; the beginning upon things indifferent, the sequele of other matters more important, Pursued with many complaints of the immeasurable power of Sejanus. The tragicall end of Sejanus is well expressed in the french. Tiberius of M. le Mastre the chiefe Physitian of Mounsier. Afterward he fell upon other occur­rents, intreating the Senate to grant out pro­cesse against two Senators, familiar friends of Sejanus, and lastly commanded, but as be­tweene both, that they should vigilantly ob­serve the actions of Sejanus. There was not a word of putting him to death, so much did he feare, lest the great reputation he had in every place might oppose him, & that in case matters succeeded not acording to his desire, he might ever reserve a liberty to declare himselfe.

Aliquisque pavendo Dat vires fama nullo que antore malorum. Quoe fin­xere timent. Lucan.But as feare beleeves all it imagineth, so the friends of Sejanus finding not in this letter what they expected, shrunk from him, as from a place threatned with thunder. When the fa­vour of a Prince forsaketh one, it is dangerous to come neare him, disfavour is infectious.

[Page 177]Here Dion observeth how variable the minds of men are, saying, before the Emperors letters were read, there was not a Senator,Cicero chargeth Catiline with the like. who offe­red not his service to Sejanus, and asked not how he pleased to employ him.Adventu tuo ista subsellia vacua fa­cta sunt. Cic. But percei­ving the mind of Tiberius altered, they chan­ged in an instant. Those which stood farre from him, looked scornfully on him, such as were neare, removed farther off, they who be­fore accounted it an honour to wait on him,Every one avoi­ded a traitor. now held themselves disgraced to sit neare him. And where are men to be found who in adversity remember benefits?Quis in adversis beneficiorum servat memoriam? aut quis ullam calami tosis deberi putat gratiam? quando fortuna non mutet fidem. Vell. or think them­selves bound to the miserable? Great amities are not to be sought in Court, nor are pety en­mities there to be found, and that is the cause why wise men breake with none. Ill will, and hatred are harsh plants, the fruits they beare are alwayes foure, there is no sweetnesse nor profit, but in amendment of manners,Vsque quaque sa­pere oportet, id erit telum acerrimum. Cic. that the enemy may not lay hold on the life, or fortune of him, whose fall or ruine he thirsteth.

Sejanus did ill to come into the Senate, when he saw Macro brought him no letters. Provi­dence which turneth her eye on every side, and is a strong buckler against fortune, failed [Page 178] him. Nay he should have gone out when he understood the jealousies, which Tiberius let fall in this letter, and had he beene followed by those of his faction, the rest would have censured his power by his courage.Presumption contemneth safe­ty. But seeing nothing very expresse against himselfe, he thought they were vapors of his melancholy, and certaine inequalities, and that there was not any so hardy, as to disgust him.

Words of com­mand are harsh to those, who have never obeyed.The Consull Regulus called him, he sitteth stil; but not out of arrogance, for he was much humbled, rather indeed because he was not accustomed to obey, or be commanded. He called him the first and second time, and stret­ching out his hand, saith, Sejanus come hither. Sejanus answereth. Doe you call mee? (S^r.) Yea, saith the Consull, Sejanus steps forward, and in an instant Laco captaine of the watch stood before him, and all the Tribunes round about, that he might not goe out.

Dacretum ut [...]v. Cal. utriusque necis dies per omnes unnos donum Iovi sacra­retur.The day of this memorable act, was the 18^th. of October, which is knowne, because Tiberius ordained the 15^th. of the Calends of November, should be solemnised at Rome, both for the death of Sejanus, and of Agrippina. And if the yeare likewise be observed, it was of Romes [Page 179] foundation the 785. and of the raigne of Tibe­rius, the 18^th. and from the birth of Christ the 34. There was no danger of hastening his judgement, or of commencing processe for his execution.S.C. actum ut paena damnatorum, in de­cimum semper diem deferreretur. Suet. The law of ten dayes was not (as yet) made. All his life was a streame of inso­lence, pride, violence, and fury.

Dion affirmes, that in one day he was arre­sted, condemned, and executed, and by the shortnesse of time, we may guesse at the facili­ty of proceedings, which were arbitrary, wherin such retardation, or expedition might be used, as they listed. Processe against Lentu­lus, one of Catilines confederates was made in two dayes; That, of Clentius continued long; This, of Sejanus was dispatched in a morning. The taske of things serious ending at noone,Aristotle gave the morning to Phy­losophie, it was Ergon, afternoone to eloquence, Parergon. that which is done after dinner, was (as it were) out of time, as well in matters most pleasing and facile, as important and painfull, and now the Trumpet which served as a clocke among the Romans having soun­ded the houre of ten, no man expected any new relation.

Memmius did not put the Emperours let­ters into consultation, and that deceived Seja­nus, [Page 180] who trusted to his friends had he so done, the diversity of opinions would have marred the matter: For the length of discourses had wasted time, which he was to gaine, to the end Sejanus his faction might not stirre. But to avoid the blame of doing all on his owne head,The Consull ask­ing advice of a Senator spake this word. Dion. he commanded a Senator whom he knew to be a good Citizen, and well affected to Tiberius, to speake his opinion. Dion nameth him not. This man said.

A Magistrate who hath discovered a conspiracy, and seemes fearefull to remedy it, is as faulty as the Con­spirator himselfe. Sal. The affaire here presented (Fathers Conscript) is of so great consequence, that according as you hereon shall make resolution, the weale-publike is either shaken, or confirmed, and wee shall bee trai­tors to our Country, ingratefull towards the Prince, unjust to our selves, if we exercise not therein all sincerity, and fidelity. Caesar with one hand sheweth the mischiefe unto us, with the other the remedy; The mischiefe, the conspiracy of Sejanus; The remedy, the imprisonment of Sejanus. I doubt not, but the evill is greater in his knowledge, than he expresseth in his letters, yet hold I the remedy more extreme than he supposeth, We cannot be as­sured of the person of Scianus in delivering it up to a Magistrate: Eminent persons were put into the custody of Magi­strates. Who will take this charge upon him? Nor may we doe it by the Guard; hee com­mandeth [Page 181] them; Lentulus was com­mitted to Lent. Spinth. Cethegus to Q. Cornificiu [...], Statilius to C Cae­sar, Cepar. to [...]n. Terentius. nor by committing him to any pri­vate house, he will not abide there long: Nor can it be done by his cautions; what assurance is there in state affaires, as they now stand? We cannot an­swer it, but in detaining him prisoner. The prison is but for slaves; There is not any for the Romane Citizen, the Consull, or Senator, much lesse for him who hath commanded over people, Senate, The first prison was built by A [...]e­cus Martius, or Tarquin. and Consuls. Our predecessors will rise out of their graves to defend this privilege, (the only marke of our ancient liberty) for they thought, to binde a Citizen of Rome was a great offence; to strike him a crime, to kill him, a Parricide. Facinus vinciri ci­vem Romanum, scelus verberari, parricidiam necari. Cic. The prison is the place of punishment among the Romans, and of custody among Barbarians.

There is none, but those who know not Scianus, or are ignorant of Tiberius can doubt the necessi­ty of proceeding further: It would bee a great wonder, if he should prove innocent, and an un­speakable unhappinesse, if hee escape us Hee must bee made an example, and to the end hee may not take from the publique, let us deale surely; Diogines said, there had beene some who slew themselves in the tempest before the vessell was drowned. Hee would have courage enough to drowne himselfe in the storme, and not expect the ship-wracke of the vessell. Our Ancestors have beheld, how Caius Licinius Macer, seeing himselfe lost, and the [Page 182] Iudges ready to give sentence against him, got up to the top of the house, and thence threw himselfe headlong, Licinius Macer said to Cicero, Non damnatus, sed reus pereo. Val. to have the honour to dye uncondemned, though accused. Hee was willing to prevent his judgement, and make himselfe his owne Execu­tioner.

Alienae crudelitatis procurationem sus­cipere. Sen. The Weale-publique is here in question, the safetie of the Prince, the preservation of the State, our Altars, our Lawes. I am ashamed to preferre our owne interests before the commands of Caesar.In deliberations you must alwayes incline rather to that which is safe, than to that which is conve­nient, or profita­ble. Dion. Hal. The securest way ought to be the most just. Wee are to preferre our safeties before our honours. There is no meanes to stop this evill, but by arresting Sejanus, and no course to stay him, but by imprisonmenu. The Person, Time, and Crime oblige you to make your selves sure of him, and to chase away the evill, by the evill it selfe. Sejanus is raised upon the ruines of the State, it is fit the State repaire it selfe on the ruines of Seja­nus. It is a great sloth in the Senate, to have to­lerated so much; Caesar doth an infinite favour to the people of Rome, to free them from this tyran­nie; Let us not lose the honour to have seconded his pietie; It shall be more glorious to follow Seja­nus to prison, than to serve him at libertie. If he be innocent, the Gods are unjust.

[Page 183]What terrour soever possessed the Assem­bly, the resolution was hazardous,Prava consilia in incerto sunt. Tac. and this counsell being approved, everie one judged it reasonable to execute, not examine the will of the Emperour. He was led to prison, and the Consull would trust none but himselfe with the adventure of this conduct, lest hee might escape, or bee rescued from him. Thus the same Senators, which an houre before accom­panied him to the Senate, now led him to pri­son. Those who offered sacrifices to him,Cui genua flexe­runt, ac ut Deo sa­crifica verant. Dio. as to their Gods, who prostrately bowed their knees to adore him, now jested at him, when they beheld him dragged from the Temple to the Gaole, from supreme honours to the lowest shame.

Yea, some there were so transported with furie against him,Pallio coccinio ad­rasum oceluserat ca­put. Petr. that seeing him to cover his eyes with the skirt of his robe, with which he veiled his head (for the Romans ware no hats, but in the wars, or time of sicknesse, nor caps but in a voyage) they pulled it away, di­spoyling him thereof for the greater disgrace, and with their fifts giving him many blowes on the face.

The people flouted at his fall, detested his [Page 184] life, reproached his insolence, cryed out on the Traytor, and had they beene suffered, hee had not come unmaimed to the prison; for they at that instant would have dragged him to Sestertium,Plutarch saith, the head of Galba was cast into Se­stertium. the most infamous place about Rome, and where the bodies of slaves were throwen. But supposing hee was not impri­soned to preserve his life, they flew upon his statues.Vpon this Dion maketh a notable observation of human incon­stancie. Those in a moment were over­throwen, and were seene to be drawen up and downe with ropes, to bee melted in the fire. Peeces of that head,Ex facie toto orbe secunda, fiunt urce­oli, peives, sartago, patellae, Iuven. which was adored as the second in the whole world, and which made the Senate tremble, were converted to meane movables of the kitchin.

There was so little space betweene his glo­rie and his fall, that he was so soone strucken, as threatned.Dion noteth that Sejanus saw his statues to be bro­ken, and from it perceived what happened to himselfe. Hee beholding at the entrance of the Palace, what was done to the statues, imagined the principall would bee ill entrea­ted: but his greatest miserie was, to have been no better prepared for this calamitie. The or­dinarie errour of those who are lifted to great dig­nities, A man must be seasonably pre­pared for a fall, and rather to goe out, than expect to be expelled. is, not to be wise, till after their falls, and having the meanes to descend at their ease, expect till they are forced to leape downe the staires.

[Page 185]After Sejanus had passed the wicket: the Consull, that he might not lose time, returneth to the Temple of Apollo, enters into, that, of Concord, which was neere unto it, to grant processe against the prisoner; for it were a wrong to the reputation of the great ju­stice of the Senate, to thinke it forgot any thing of forme,Necessarie formes. Accusatio crimen desiderat, rem ut definiat, hominem ut notet, argumen­to probet, teste con­firmet. Cic. in an affaire of so remarkable importance, where it was necessarie the au­thoritie of justice should cover the defects, might happen in the proceeding, the processe being begun by emprisonment:

The Accusers, Witnesses, Complices, were all heard in full Senate: For the instruction was publique,Populus Romanus circum suosellia coronam facit. Cic. and the people had (as it were) environed the seats of the Iudges. In it there was much authoritie, for the Majestie of the Senate was exposed to the view of all, no­thing covered it but Heaven, there was much sinceritie, so many eyes, so many Iudges, great example, all acted with order and discipline.

It is not to be doubted,Antigonus being entreated to judge a cause in private, answe­red: It is better in the Palace, un­lesse we should be unjust. Plut. but some excellent Orator was allowed him, more for ceremony of defence, than opinion of innocence, and that performance of dutie was recommended vnto him; for the more vigorously his cause [Page 186] were maintained, the more would be the tri­umph of truth.Timor, perturbatio, suspensus, incertus vultus, crebra co­loris mutatio, quae fuerant antea suspi­ciosa, aperta, atque manifesta faciunt. Cic. Therupon the Iudges watch­fully observed the countenance of the accu­sed, and satisfied themselves often in doubts of intention by troubles of the countenance; the aire of which many times possesseth the place of words.

Besides, Macro had given the word Consull, It is Tiberius will hee dye: They were not to expect any other commande­ment,Many times the Senate related to the Prince what they had de­creed. nor to send him the opinion of the Se­nate. It was necessarie for the State; and though hee entred not culpable into prison, his qualitie permitted him not to goe out in­nocent. The Iudges could not erre, when they obeyed the directions of the Prince, who beholdeth his owne affaires with an eye diffe­rent from that of his Officers.

Damnaturi jurant nihil se precibus dare. Sen. P.The Iudges make oath to give sentence ac­cording to conscience. Neither Consull, nor Pretor deliver opinions, but take verdicts, The number of Senators was great,An expectem dum te septuaginta quinque tabellae di­ripiant. Cic. Cicero reckoneth three-score and fifteene against Piso. It was lessened under the Emperours, and there were to be fortie by Augustus his Edict, to make a Decree. Sentence was given [Page 187] either by discourse, or writing, by a little Ta­blet put into a box, or by silence and gesture, as at this day by veiling bonner, a signe of consent, or by the pace, when those who were of one part, ranked themselves together a­gainst the contrarie: This was called going on foot.Many times in notorious crimes they cryed out, Hostis, Hostis. There was here but one voyce to be heard; Let Sejanus dye, let his posteritie dye, let his memorie dye, and be all his goods confiscated.

The Senators were so animated, that it is certaine those, who knew the advantage they had above the rest (as Albutius the lou­dest in speaking) were not silent,Albutius in alter­catione vires suas noverat. Sen. P. to gaine thereby the gracious favour of the Prince, yea, even they who chiefly depended on the will of Sejanus: And doubt you not,Nunquam si quis mihi credit amavi, Hunc hominum. Iuven. but what was spoken among the people, who had nothing to lose, was also said by the Se­nators, who accounted all them lost, which had beene his friends.

These men were the bitterest, and said;The friends of Sejanus shewed themselves verie passionate a­gainst him. If Caesar would extend clemencie, it ought to be conferred on men, not monsters. If the Se­nate had not beene carefull to conserve the glorie of their mildnesse, in the detestation of horrible punishments, hee had suffered as a [Page 188] Parricide, his mouth had beene stopped with weeds, woodden slippers had beene fastned to his feet, hee had beene sowed up in a sacke with a Dog, a Cocke, an Ape, and a Viper, (impious creatures, companions for a wret­ched man) lastly had beene sent to the river upon a cart drawen by two blacke Oxen, for a marke of the enormitie, and hideousnesse of the crime.

In aliis gloriari li­cet nulli gentium minores placuisse [...]enis. T. Liv.But never hath any Common-wealth been more curious than the Roman, to preserve this ancient reputation of humanitie and courtesie. Metius Suffetius for his treason, was drawen in peeces by foure horses; all the people turned their eyes from a spectacle of such horrour. This was the first and last pu­nishment in this kinde of rigour, which had made the Iudges forget, that Lawes and penal­ties were ordained, not for Tygers, or Ounces, but for men.

In an arrest it is observed, Quo referente, Quo de­cernente, & Quo primum, assentiente.It was expedient the execution of Sejanus his sentence should bee shewen, as in other mens cases, but that herein more pompe for the occasion, and example was to bee used, and more diligence and power for safetie, and for that in this many Magistrates were em­ployed. [Page 189] Here is briefly delivered all which must be sought in many places, and which confusedly, and variously is related.

Iudgement being signed by him, who regi­sters the Acts, and Letters of the Emperor,Carnifex non modo foro, sed et am caelo hoc, ac spiritu pro­hibetur. Cic. by him who first delivered his opinion which was followed by the rest, and by the Consull, who decreed what was resolved on: the exe­cutioner was sent for, whose abode by the law of the Censors might not be in the City.

The Trumpet assembled the people, sound­ing before the gates of the Temple, before the house of the man condemned,Inversam induit Magistratus vestem Sen. and in publike places. The Consull or Pretor mounteth up to his throne, puts off his purple robe, or turneth the wrong side outward, or else taketh one of blacke, as a sad and dismal habit, yet not dispo­sing his countenance to anger, or Melancho­ly, but retaining the comelinesse,Lex non irascitur, sed constituit. Sen. and gravity of the law, which is not angry with any man.

The condemned is led forth, the Vshers command silence, the Consull pronounceth sentence, which is written in a Tablet,Fit a praecone silen­tium. Sen. P. and turning himselfe towards the executioner,Quibus animad­vertere in damna­tos necisse est, non dicunt occide, non morere, sedlege, age. sayes, Doe according to law, or more plaine­ly, passe on. They abstaine from the harsh [Page 190] words, kill, hang, knocke him downe, as if one should command a servant to crush a scorpi­on, or a Caterpiller.

The executioner bound his hands behinde him, the Trumpets sounded whilest he prepa­red for execution, and the condemned dispo­sed himselfe to death.Crudelitatem impe­rii verbo miliore subducunt. Sen. P. Time was not at discre­tion: Nero never gave more than an houre for one to make himselfe ready for the mortall blow.Noxio post tergali­gantur manus. Sen. P. As in funerals, there were instruments, which sounded sad and mournfull aires, with Cornets for great men,Adbibentur legiti­ma verba, canitur ex altera parte classicum. Sen. P. or with the flute for in­feriors, which was called Symphony, So like­wise at executions the trumpets sounded an a­larum,Quis nam Delator? quibus indiciis? quo teste probavit? Nihil horum, ver­bosa, & grandis epi­stola venit. A Ca­preis: bene habet, nil plus interrogo Iuven. as it were a charge, or an onset, to march on to death.

In the meane space the people amazed at so suddaine a judgement, aske the cause there­of, one sayes for what offence is he condem­ned? who was his accuser, what confederates, what witnesses, Is there nothing of all this? Another replyeth. A large and long letter is come from Capreae, And a third sayes it is suf­ficient, we need know no more, All is well.

The forme is no other wise expressed, than as Dion hath set it down, and the words he useth [Page 191] signifie, hee was condemned and executed.

It is certaine there was no rumour concer­ning his punishment. When any one among the ancients was condemned as a delinquent, it was to banishment (the civill death of a Ro­man [...]Citizen.) The gibbet, empaling,Supplicium more majorum. Tac. the gal­lowes, wild beasts, the halter, the hang-man were for slaves, and the baser sort of people. It is long agoe, said Paetus Thrasaeas to Nero, Sunt paenae legibus constitutae quibus sine judicum sae­vitia, & temporum infamia supplicia decern [...]ntur. Tac since there was any speech at Rome of the hang-man, or the cord; the lawes have ordained punishments which correct the crimes with­out infamy in respect of time, without cruelty in regard of the Iudges. Traitors, Rebels, ene­mies of the common wealth, leaped headlong from the Tarpeian Mount.Tarpeio pr [...]ditores, hostesve publici im­ponantur. Sen. Manlius was throwne from the top of the hill athwart the Rocks, and he had as Plutarch saith, The Ca­pitoll for witnesse of his most fortunate Acts, and greatest Calamity;Locus idem in uno homine, & eximia gloriae monimentum & pana ultima fuit. T. Liv. This punishment was inflicted upon him for having enterprised upon the government of the comon-wealth. A punishment of all the most dreadful, for the rocke was rough, of an admirable height, the middle and sides bordered (as it were) with sharp points like tainter hookes, and if the bo­dy [Page 192] fell upon them,Mo [...]es abscissa in profundum, frequen tibus exasperata saxis. Sen. it was either broken, or more violently cast off. The very sight of it had horror, and who once fetched this leape, was sure enough never to make another.

Nondum caput [...]nse rotare. Lucan.The heads also of offenders after the civill warre were cut off, not with an axe (as ancient­ly) but with a sword, and this punishment was so new, that a Courtesane at the Table of Pro­consull Flaminius, saying she never had seene it, he caused the head of a prisoner, to be chop­ped off by the hangman.Vt iste cum amica caenaret jucundius, homo occisus est. Sen. P. Valerius Antius gave the like satisfaction to a Lady whom he loved. Behold here goodly Magistrates, who play with the lives of men, and the authority of lawes, to content the cruell curiosity, the one of a Citizens wife of Placentia, the other of a trull, whose name was so odious, that if the Vsher meeting her in the Consuls passage, had not chased her away, the dignity of the office had suffered.Majestas laesa, fi, ex­eunti proconsuli me­retrix non summo­vetur. Sen. P.

Sejanus had not his head strucken off, the punishment was too mild, in so violent and publike fury.Sejanus ducitur unco spectandus, gaudent omnes, quae labra, quis illi vul­tus erat? Iuven. Iuvenal saith, that being dragged thorow the City with a hooke, the people ad­mired at the greatnesse of his head, and large size of his lips. I suppose he was strangled in [Page 193] prison,Iactavit Caesar quod non laque [...] strangulata, nequ [...] in Gemonias pro­jecta foret. Tac. for it was the most ordinary punish­ment, and Tiberius used it. After he had caused Agrippina to be put to death at Pandarr i, he boasted what favour he had done in not com­manding her to be strangled, and would have the Senate to thanke him for it.

His three poore children were carried to pri­son, his daughter promised to the son of Clau­dius was deflowred neare to the gallowes by the Hang-man, because it was not permit­ted to put a Virgin to death by torment. Dion saith she was slaine by the people.Puella a carnifi [...]e juxta laqueum. compressa. Tac. Tacitus thinkes his sonne knew what they would doe and the hazzard he did incurre. There was a daughter of his so young, and of so little un­derstanding, that the ceased not to cry out,Puella adeo nescia, ut crebro interro­garet quod ob de­lictum, & q [...]o tra­heretur neque fa­cturam ultra, & possese puerili ver­bere [...]oneri. Tac. What have I done? whether will they lead me? If I may be forgiven, I will doe so no more; There nee­deth nothing but a rod to correct me. The hang-man tooke these two by the throat and stran­gled them both. The bodies thus slaine were fastned to the Gemonian staires,The Gemonian staires in the third station of Rome, which was mount Auentine. which bare this name, either from the inventor, or from the groanes which there were heard It was as the pillory, the open place of executions, there the statues, and pourtraits of the condemned [Page 194] were set. The Gaole, the Court where they pleaded, & the Rolles where they registred de­crees, were built neare together; the staires were in the same place at the foot of Tiber, whereinto they cast the bodies.

Quo die illum Se­natus d [...] duxerat populus in frusta divisit. Sen. Seneca and Dion differ, the one sayeth they dragged his body three whole dayes, the other that the same day the Senate accompanied him to the Senate house, the people hewed him in pieces, and that of a man, on whom Gods and men had accumulated all that which might make him great and glorious,Ex eo nihil super­fuit, quod carni­fex traheret. Sen. there was nothing left for the hang-man to tye to his hooke, and cast into Tiber. To re­concile them I suppose,You must looke on P. victor of the 14. stations of Rome and what they containe. after he was executed, they set him on those staires, that the people might see him, and that in this fury they drag­ged him from thence in an instant, and having distended him on the banke of Tiber, they cut him in pieces, or perhaps in fourteene quar­ters, as many as the City had wards, and that these pieces were drawne three dayes together about the City.

All sorts of outrages were done to this mi­serable body, some through inhumanity, o­thers for revenge, many for example, and all [Page 195] to the end, it might not be thought, they had either loved, or knowne him. Iuvenal relateth the discourse, which then was frequent at Rome, for every one gave liberty to his tongue according to his opinion. Behold the prose of his verse.

I perceive it is best to dye; Perituros audio multos, nil dubium magna est f [...]rnacula ut male defensua &c. Qum atim [...]. &c. curramus precipi­tes, & dum jacet in ripa calcemus. Caesaris hostem &c. & pavidum in jus cervice astricta do­minam trabat. &c. visne salutari, sicut Sejanus? habere. Tantundem, atque illi sellas don [...] curules. Illum exercitibus prapa [...]ere? [...]tor haberi. There is no doubt to be made of it: The furnace wherein they are to be cast is very large: I met my poore friend Bru­tidius last day, neare Mars his Temple, hee was very pale, and much astonished. I feare lest being called Ajax hee kill himselfe with his owne hand. But that we may not be taken for friends to Seja­nus, and perish without defence, let us run to this body, whilst it lieth on Tibers banke, and cry out aloud, We trample under foot the enemy of Caesar.

He who is a servant let him renounce, and for­sake his Maister, let him take him by the throat, writh his necke, and drag him all trembling before the Commissaries. This is the way to save himselfe, and be rewarded.

The people then made this discourse of Seia­nus in secret. Wouldest thou be followed and cour­ted like Seianus, have as much wealth as he, di­spose of dignities, give the Ivory chaires, com­mand over armies, be accounted the Governour of [Page 196] the Prince, dispatch his businesses, whilst he is in the straightened Grot of Capreae, Principis angusta Caprearum in rupe sedentis, cum grege Chaldaeo. with his troup of Chaldeans, and Astrologers?

Wouldest tbou have command over the com­pany which carrieth the dart, or three pointed Ia­velin? Wouldest thou command over the Ca­valry, over those bands, which abide in the palace to guard the Prince?

Quinolunt occide­re quenquam posse volunt; ut rebus le­tu par sit mensura malorum. Why doest thou not desire it? They that will kill no man, wish to have the power. Every one affect­eth honors, and riches, which are notwithstanding such, that the measure of their evils, who pursue them, equalleth the contentment they bring.

Love you better to weare the robe of Seianus, whom you see dragged in the streets; than to be a Magistrate in the forsaken villages of Fidenae, Gabij, An Fidenarum, Gabiorumque esse potestis: Et de mensura vis di­cere: or be the Edile of Vlubris, which is almost desolate, and give judgement on measures, and weights, and cause those to bee broken which are not lawfull? Numerosa parabat. Excelsa [...]urri tabu­lata unde altior esset. you must then confesse, that Seia­nus hath never knowne what is to be desired; For in pursuing great honours and riches, he did no­thing but prepare a scaffold for himselfe on a high Turret to fall downe, and cast himselfe headlong from the top thereof. What overthrew the Crassi, the Pompeyes, and him, that conquered the Qui­rites, [Page 197] and scourged them like slaves? Truly, Summus nempè lo­cus: Magnaque numinibus vota exaudita malignis. Iuven. ele­vated fortunes, to which men mount by wiles and ambitious desires, such as maligne starres raise to ruine those that built them.

Few Tyrants have descended to the sonne in law of Ceres, and a naturall death: Their end was not drie, nor hath bloud beene spared to moy­sten it.

Seneca saw this execution, and yet wrote nothing thereof, though hee were then of an age to observe it: for he was in Rome fifteen yeares before the death of Augustus. He much wondreth, that of the body of a man of such eminencie and magnificence, nothing remai­ned for buriall.

If excessive joy killed a mother,Si ad mortem agit matres magnum gaudium? quid magnus dolor? Sen. what may extreme sorrow? Apicata was assailed with an incredible griefe, when shee saw her chil­dren on the Gemonian steps. Cratesiclea, Cratesiclea begged she might be put to death before her children, but the Hangman slue them before her face. Plut. mo­ther of Cleomenes King of Sparta, whose head Ptolomie cut off, and hanged his body on a paire of gallowes, seeing her children slaine before her eyes, said; Out alas, my children, whither are you gone? Apicata spake to these innocents, which shee beheld on this infa­mous place, Poore Infants, where are you now? [Page 198] In this anguish she retired to her house, where she wrote a discourse of Drusus his death, sent it to Tiberius, which done, she slue her selfe.

Ordo sceleris per Apicatam Sejano proditus tormentis Eudemi, ac Lygdi patefactus est. Tac.She had not stayed so long before she disco­vered it, had not the love of her children with­held her; for well shee knew, that in crimes of treason, they should suffer the like punish­ment with the father. Shee accuseth Sejanus, Livilla, Lygdus, and Eudemus, these put upon the wheele, (which was the torture) confes­sed all. Tiberius caused divers to be racked, to discover the complices. It was told him there was one arrived, who came from Rhodes, and forgetting he was a creature of his owne, whom hee had sent, hee presently caused him to be put to the torture, and having found his owne errour,Errore detecto, oc­cidi jussit ne divul­garet injuriam. commanded hee should be kil­led, that he might not divulge the wrong hee had sustained. This was to preserve the repu­tation of a just Prince, by a notable injustice.

The death of Sejanus gave confidence, and safetie to Tiberius, and when he was moved to chuse twentie Senators, to bee alwayes neere about him with swords by their sides, he an­swered;Mibi vita tanti n [...]n est ut armis te­genda sit. Tac. Life was not so deare to him, that hee would submit himselfe to preserve it by armes. [Page 199] But vitious and exorbitant habits passe not away: And hee, not causing his vices to dye before his death, had not the pleasure of seeing his enemies dye before himselfe. Hee so sensibly resented the remorse of this, that hee protested to the Senate hee daily dyed.Tandem facinora, & flagitia in sup­plicium vertuntur. Tac. His condition was not subject to the judgement of men, but hee was convinced in his owne conscience, which accused, condemned, and executed him. Whereupon a wise man, who lived in that time, said;Vt corpora verbe­ribus, ita saevitia, ac libidine Tyranno­rum animus dila­ceratur. Tac. If the soules of Tyrants might be seene, more ulcers would appeare through lust, than they made wounds on bodies murthered by their crueltie. Of all his violencies, the most execrable was the death of the Architect,Ferunt Tiberio principe excogita­tum vitri tempera­mentum ut flexibile esset, & totam ar­tificis officinam a­bolitam, ne aeris, ar­genti, auri, metalli pretia detraheren­tur. Plin. who skilfully re-edified, and repaired the great por­tall of Rome, and presented a glasse unto him, brake it, and gathering the peeces together, instantly made it up againe, having found out the secret that this substance obeyed the last office of fire, and became malleable. Pliny sayes, hee abolished it, lest gold, silver, and brasse should be the lesse esteemed. What an ornament had it beene, if from an herb, which hath neither beautie, sent, nor is good or tast­full for man, or beast, a substance should bee [Page 200] derived, hard, solid, and transparent?

Priscis temporibus summum certamen inter homines ne quid profuturum saeculu, diu lateret. Petr.An invention notwithstanding, which the precedent ages were ignorant of, his admired, and ours ever may deplore; for wee shall no more have men, who in this kinde will bee grieved, that, that, which may benefit posteri­tie should long bee concealed. Tiberius inter­mitted none of his profuse,Malus Imperator qui ex visceribus, provincialium ho­mines non necessa­rios, nec reipublicae utiles aluit. Lampr. voluptuous, and superfluous expences: Hee entertained from the sweat and labours of people, infinite num­bers, not onely unprofitable, but pernitious to the Common-wealth: and caused those to bee put to death, whose industrie might bring ornament and utilitie. Oh! what dis­order in the times, and men? The reward of an admirable invention is denyed, and Seja­nus selleth one of his Eunuchs for 3500. Se­sterces. But that was during the calamitie of the Empire, and when no man was suffered to reprove his profusions.

Injuriam lueri fecit in luctu civilatis, quoniam arguere nulli vacabat. Plin.The reigne of Tiberius was much more ter­rible and cruell after Sejanus, than it had been before. Hee would not have the people re­paire by his death, the evils he had done in his life. Augustus ordained a militarie treasurie, which hee filled with three tributes, as with [Page 201] three living sources:The most plea­sing tribute was the twentieth, which is taken upon inheritan­ces, legacies kin­red, and exempt poore. from the twentieth part of inheritances, from the twentie-fifth upon the sale of slaves, from the hundreth of all that which was in trade. Tiberius having re­duced the kingdome of Cappadocia into a province, thought by the increase of this reve­nue, the people should bee discharged of so much; and therefore in stead of an hundred,Extrancis facile, domesticis grave. Plin. he decreed they should pay but the two hun­dreth part. But after the death of Sejanus, as repenting himselfe of this favour, he reduced it to the hundreth againe. Necessitie of af­faires excused it, which suffers not tributes to be denyed, it is a furie that catcheth the State by the throat, if not appeased. Those who are constituted, to stand in the front of em­ployment, ought to render the people capable of this veritie.Da operam, ut om­nes intelligant si salvi esse velint, necessitati esse pa­rendum. Cic. M. Ant. in Asia after the battell of Philippi. So Themistocles demanding mo­ney of the Andri­ans, said to them▪ he was accompa­nied with two Goddesses, Per­swasion and Constraint. Plut. If you will in peace possesse par­ticular benefits▪ needs must you succour publique necessities. When Anthony the Triumvir was sent into Asia, to draw aid from thence, hee gave no other reason, but this, Necessitie will have it so.

Thus (saith he) that you may not bee expelled from your Townes and Territories, it is fit you give money for the entertainment of Souldiers. [Page 202] There is not so much required, but that you may freely part with it. You gave in two yeares, to Brutus and Cassius our enemies, the tributes of ten; wee need no more to be freed from affaires, so you this one time grant it.

By the qualitie of tribute, we may judge of the power of the tri­bute giver.Hee drew from them 200000. tallents, which was 20000. yearely, amounting in all to twelve millions.

Nec quies gentium fine armis, nec ar­ma sine stipendio, nec stipendia sine tributis haberi queunt. Tac. A Common-wealth cannot maintaine it selfe in peace, if it bee feeble, nor bee fortified without armes: armes are not entertained without money, and money is not derived, but from tributes. But moderation is therein to bee used, and the Prince imitating Tiberius, Malo tondere pe­cus, quàm deglube­re. D. Tib. should sheere the sheepe, not flay it, and render the disposure thereof chaste, sincere, and pure, as drawen from the bloud, sweat, and teares of his peo­ple, for expences profitable, necessarie, and glorious, not for profusions, which neither afford contentment, nor reputation.

Happie is the Prince, who findeth honest men, whom he may trust with the care of his Exchequers, whereon dependeth the honour of his designes, the Majestie of his Crowne, the tranquillitie of his State: For they are, both the nerves which give motion, and the [Page 203] veines which entertaine life; and as by the resolution, and shrinking of nerves, the physi­call body is many times deprived of motion and sence: So the politique without money cannot stirre, nor support it selfe: In a word, with revenues one accomplisheth, and comes to the end of all. He that hath the last Crowne gaines the triumph. They are sacred, the charge of them is given to Saturne, or to his Temple.Tunc conditus im [...] eruitur Templo, multis intactus ab annis Romani cen­sus populi. Luc. Caesar had not knowen how to ru­ine libertie, if hee had not begun by this sacri­lege, robbing the treasurie of the Republique, which was filled with all the spoyles of the Orient, and that which the Fabricii, the Sci­pio's, the Cato's, the Pompey's had by their vi­ctories acquired. The first note of the desola­tion of a State is drawen from the uniust, and irregular administration of revenues.

It is not enough, that such as have the charge thereof bee vigilant, to make the ex­pence not exceed the receipt, but it much im­porteth the State the meanes of particulars be husbanded without excesse,Res familiaris iis rebus quaeratur à qu bus est turpitu­do. Cic. with order and modestie, as they ought to bee acquired with honestie and justice. The disorders which are observed in apparrell, diet, buildings, cu­riosities, [Page 204] and superfluitie of private houses,Conviviorū luxu­ria, & vestium, ae­grae civitatis indi­cia sunt. Sen. are symptomes not onely of a sicke, but a dy­ing State. Troubles and seditions are com­monly supported by the despaire of forlorne people, and such as have nothing to lose, of which condition were those,Hoc in Republica seminarium Catili­narium. Cic. who entred into conspiracie with Catiline. Great and excessive were the confusions during the reigne of Ti­berius; but such as were derived from former times; for he was wont to say, The Romans learned to dispend their owne meanes in civil wars, and the wealth of others among stran­gers. It is an admirable thing, that having provided against so many other exorbitan­cies, he would not correct the ryot and disso­lution, which overflowed through the con­tempt of Somptuarie Lawes.Non sum offenfio­num avidus, pro Rep. suspicio; inanes & irritas jure de­precor. Tac. Was not this because hee would not begin the example of reformation in his owne house, surfetted with superfluities, or by reason disorder was grown into custome, and discipline; or that he would not unprofitably, and without effect, draw publique dis-affection upon himselfe. His greatest reason was, not, to expose his com­mands to contempt, nor open the veine, be­fore he had the fillet ready to stanch the bloud.

[Page 205]These remarkable words which he spake to the Senate on this occasion, should be repre­sented to Kings, as often as they institute laws, the effects whereof were difficult and doubt­full.Omittenda potius praevalida & adul­ta vttia, quam hoc adsequi ut palam fiat, quibus flagitin impares simus. Tac. A Prince ought rather to dissemble an inve­terate disorder, and which is of much consequence, than to put his authority in hazard, and suffer his weaknesse publikely to appeare, especially when they are matters, which he cannot remedy.

After the execution of Sejanus, the Senate commanded the statue of liberty to be erected in the open market place, and that every yeare on the same day Sejanus was put to death, a Combat on horse-backe should bee exhibi­ted, and many beasts there slaine. A thing ne­ver done before. They likewise prohibited ex­cessive honours to bee conferred on any man, or to sweare by other name, than that of the Emperour.

All the friends of Sejanus ran his fortune, and received what they expected.Quam male est extra legem viven­tibus: quicquid me­ruerunt semper ex­pectant. Petr. The prisons were filled, some condemned to death, others banished, all deprived of their offices. The Ci­ty seemed a field, where nothing was to be seene but mangled bodies, or Ravens which rent them.

[Page 206] Iacuit immensa strages, omnis sexus, omnis etas, [...]ust [...]es ignobites. Tac. Tiberius was so accustomed to executions, that he caused all those to be put to death, who in prison were accused to have any intel­ligence with Sejanus: Faeminae quia occu­pandae re [...]pub. argui non poterant ob la­chrimas iuensaban­tur. Tac. there were laid on the pavement an infinite number of dead men of all ages and conditions, eminent, noble, plebei­an: It not being permitted any man to stand still to behold them, nor retire to bewaile them, for both the one and the other were re­puted a crime. Vitia was punished with death, for having lamented her sonne Geminus: and because women were not to be accused for attempting on the state, their teares were accounted criminall.

Interciderat fortis humanae commerci­um, ut metus quan­tumque saevitiae glisceret, miseratio­ne arcebatur. Tac.Sorrow was judged by the countenance, and griefe by the vehemency of passion, in such sort, that the bodies which Tyber cast up to the shore, remained there without buriall: so much had feare dissolved commerce be­twene nature, and compassion.

Ausus est amplecti amicitiam, quam caeteri falso exue­rant. Tac.There was not a man which disavowed not the friendship of Sejanus. One only Ro­man Knight, Marcus Terentius accused to have beene his friend, freely protested it, when the rest made semblance to renounce it.Minus expedit ag­noscere crimen, quam abnuere. And thus he spake before the Senate.

[Page 207] It were perhaps more expedient for my fortune to deny the crime, whereof I am accused, than con­fesse it, But hap what will I professe to have beene Sejanus his friend, I desire to bee so, and much re­joyce to have gained his favour. There were 4 in the City, 3. in the garrisons. Cunctos, qui novis­simi consilu exper­ti fuimus, non uniu [...] discrimine defen­dam. Tac. I saw him a Col­league with his father in the charge of the Preto­rian Cohorts, and that he in one and the same time managed the affaires both of peace and warre: That those who were his most intimates, were powerfull in the Emperours grace, and the rest per­petually in terrour, and the miserable condition of men accused.

I will not here produce any man for an exam­ple, but with the sole hazard of my life defend all those, who have had no part in his last designes. For we did not our service to Sejanus of Vulsini­um, but wee followed the fortune of the house of Claudius, whereof he by alliance, was become the head. We (Caesar) honoured your sonne in Law, Non est nostrum astimare quem su­pra caeteros, & qui­bus de causis extol­las. Tibi summum rerum judicium dii dedere: nobis obse­quii gloria relicta est. Tac. your associate in the Consulship, and him who exer­cised your commands in the common wealth.

It is not for us to judge, what hee ought to bee, nor for what cause you raised him above others. The Gods have given you the soveraigne dispose of affaires: Nothing remaineth for us herein, but the only glory of obedience. We consider what we [Page 208] see, on whom you confer riches, and honours; and who can hurt or advantage us, and no man can deny, Abditos principis sensus, & si quid occultius parat, ex­quirere illicitum. Tac. but Sejanus was all this. It is not lawfull to penetrate the deepe intentions of the Prince, nor what in secret he aimeth at: That is, doubtfull, we therefore attempt it not. Thinke not on this last day of Sejanus, but the sixteene yeares of his pro­sperity. In that time we honoured Satrius and Pomponius, his freed men: and it was thought a glorious thing to be knowne by his servants, yea, his Porter. What then shall we make no difference betweene those who have served Sejanus, as the Emperours creature, and such as followed him in his designes, as an enemy of the Empire?

Insidia in remp., concilia caedis ad­versum imperato­rem puniautur, de amicitia, & officiis, Idem, & te Caesar, & nos absoluerit. Tac. It is necessary this distinction be reduced into its just limits, to the end the treasons and conspira­cies against the state, and plots concerning the Emperors life may be punished, but for the friend­ship you have borne him, and the obserevances we afforded him, one and the same reason ought (oh Caesar) to discharge both you and us.

The boldnesse, and constancy of his speech which contained the thoughts of others, was of so great force, that such as were accused as friends to Sejanus, were distinguished from his Confederates; and Caesar applauded to have [Page 209] confirmed the decree of the Senate, for the in­nocency of Terentius, Scipio said the worst word might be encountred in friendship was that, which would have a friend love, as if he should hate. Cic. who loved not his friend to hate, or disavow him.

Lentulus Getulicus tooke a cleane contrary course from Varro. Abudius Rufus accused him to have treated the marriage of his daughter with the sonne of Sejanus, this man was in Ger­many in great esteeme, and authority for his mildnesse and modesty. He spake a far off on horse-backe, and in armes, for which cause Ti­berius condemned and exiled his accuser, an act of the wisdome of a Prince, never to threa­ten him, who is out of his danger.

Getulicus was hereof advertised,Getulicus effusae clementia, modicus severitate, m [...]rum amorem ad­secutus. Tac. and know­ing the humour of Tiberius, (who when he fell upon a resolution, seldome flew from it, but according to the temper of his anger pressed, or retarded his revenge) let him know, he was in such a state,Confidence doth not alwayes pro­ceed from cou­rage, but from place and caution he would not forget his owne safety for anothers, and so sent him this letter, as insolent, as confident.

Caesar, the alliance I contracted with Sejanus,Idem error principis sine fraude ali [...]s ex­itio non est haben­dus. Tac. hath not beene upon my owne motion, but your ad­vice: It may be I am deceived as well as you: but one, and the same fault ought not to discharge one, and ruine another. My loyalty hath hitherto [Page 210] beene untainted, Successorem non aliter quam indi­cium mortis accep­tum. Tac. nor ever shall change, if some fa­ction be not prepared against me, and whosoever shall succeed me in my charge, I will receive him as one, who attempteth on my life. Let us accord as by way of treaty; Princeps caetera­rum rerū potiatur, ipse provinciam re­tineam. Tac. Take you the rest of the Empire, I my government.

Nothing but distance excused the incivility of this letter. He was the only man among the friends of Sejanus, that escaped. Tiberius cast his eyes downward,Publico odio & ex­trema aetate res principis stant ma­gis fama, quam vi. Tac. and shrugged his shoul­der, for his affaires were more maintained by reputation, than power. His fraile decrepit age cut off his hopes, and publike hatred augmen­ted his jealousies.

Haud minus vali­dum ad exitia Macronis odium qui easdem artes occultius exercebat. Mamercus Scaurus was likewise one of Se­janus his friends, but this amity had not so much power to ruine him, as the malice of Ma­cro, who was no lesse violent, than the other to rid himselfe of his enemies, but he therein pro­ceeded with more cunning, and secrecy. He was worthy of the friendship of Sejanus, Mamercus Scaurus ancillarum men­struamore hianta exceptabat. Sen. for the conformity of his humours, to the others lusts, which Seneca representeth to be so bru­tish, that the only thought of them, polluteth the mind; he staid not till condemnation, but followed the advice of Sextia his wife, who [Page 211] perswaded him to kill himselfe.

P. Vitellius, P. Vitellius aerarii praefectus milita­rem pecuniam rebus novis obtulerat. Tac. who stoutly had supported the cause of Germanicus against Piso, was accused to have delivered to Sejanus the treasure of the common wealth, for he was one of the over­seers of the Eschequer. His brothers answered for him,Crebris prolationi­bus spe [...], & metum juxta gravatus. Tac. but seeing his processe continued long, he was much perplexed to languish be­tweene hope and feare, and so opened a veine with a bodkin. His friends stanched the bloud and staied the spirits in their passage, much troubled to remaine in a body, which pleasing it selfe in turmoiles, was resigned to sorrow, and heavinesse.

Pomponius was sicke,In custodia mort [...] periit. S [...]et. Vitam aegritudine animi finivit. Tac. in the same hospitall with the rest, but his patience made him sur­vive Tiberius, who would have put him to death, because Velius Gallus had retired into his garden, when they dragged Sejanus.

Tiberius bewailed Sejanus, Honoribus functus es? Numquid aut tam magnis, aut tam universis, quam Sejanus? Sen. not for the losse of him, but his owne interest, for whilest he lived all the blame was laid on him, whatsoever he did either of injustice or cruelty, and after his death no man shared with him, in the ge­nerall hatred.

As much as the prosperity of Sejanus was [Page 212] admired, so much his fall bred terrour, and a­mazement. Never any man before him, recei­ved greater Honours, more universall, more unexpected, and all the favours, and dignities, which the Kings of Europe could heape toge­ther, to raise a man, might not be compared with these.Diu multumque singulis q [...]id posset, ostendit. Sen. He made all men know farre and neare, what he was able to doe. He sixteene yeares possessed the Soveraigne power of an Empire, that commanded the whole world, and which had the rising and setting Sun, for limit.Clausum mari aut fluminibus longin­quis imperi [...]m. Euphrates confined its frontier towards the East, Mount Atlas, the Cataracts of Nilus, the Desarts of Africa towards the South; the Ocean in the West; Danubius in the North: so that, as far as the Sun progressed, his com­mands went. What glory ever mounted so high, or fell so low.

He that should see a lofty mountaine, com­manding over a goodly plaine to be swal­lowed up, to sink, and be ingulfed in a mo­ment, would bee amazed, yet were not that more strange, than to behold these great Co­lossuses,To see great men fall is to behold mountains made levell. overthrown in an instant. This bree­deth astonishment, yet is the example negle­cted. Every one trusteth his owne judgement, [Page 213] thinking to walke the same way, but with another pace, and more securely than others. One ship alone, which shall happily returne from a long navigation,Everie one thinkes to doe the best, and to carrie himselfe more wisely, than they who are un­done. is able to encourage an hundred men to attempt the like voyage; and the shipwracke of an hundred vessels, is not of power to divert one alone: For, no man beleeves ill lucke is ordained for him.

Macro Captaine of the Guard, and Laco Master of the watch, were much better advi­sed, the Senate decreed large honours to them, for this their good service.Great services for the State ought to be paid with honour, not money. To the first the office of Pretor, with power to sit in the ranke of Senators, with a purple robe in sports, and publique assemblies; and to the second, the office of Questor: They refused them, and Dion findeth out the reason of their deniall, upon the terrour of an example so fresh.

They thought it would bee a great impru­dence, to fall upon the same shelfe,Optimum est aliena insania frui. Pliu. whereon Sejanus was shipwracked.There are some can never bee wise by any ex­ample, but their owne ruine. It is better to bee taught by the mishap of another, than our owne. Wise men make use of the disgrace and detriment, which they see others suffer. And as Triacle is compounded of vipers, and wholsome reme­dies are drawen from poyson; so from the [Page 212] [...] [Page 213] [...] [Page 214] ruines and miseries of the wicked, honest men may derive precepts for direction.

Sejanus shall alwayes be alleaged for a pro­digious example of extreme insolence, and unfortunate ambition:Nemo unquam ìm­perium flagitio ac­quisitum, bonis arti­bus exercu [...]t. Tac. Alvarus de Luna said to those who admired his for­tune with the King of Castile, You doe ill to praise the buil­ding before it be finished. and his tragicall end will instruct us, that, Power ill gotten, is never well used: That wee must not judge of feli­citie, till death; nor of the day, before night; nor of the building, till it be finished.

Death, Fortune, Time, and the Course thereof, change in a moment. Favour acquired by merit, or good for­tune, is lost by insolence, and the most secure cannot subsist, but by support of the Prince.