BEing to write the liues of the Roman Emperours, which held the Monarchie of the world; or, to speak more properly, to reduce them into a brief Com­pendium (a work in truth of waight and troublesome, requiring an actiue spi­rit, and a more eloquent pen than mine) I hould it no small difficulty to be­gin with IVLIVS CAESAR, of whom I am first to treat. Who although he were but Dictator, and not stiled Emperour, in that sense of Lord and So­ueraign, as his Successors afterwards held it; yet he was the fore-runner, and made the way to this Monarchie: and all succeeding Emperours haue held it a glory to be cal­led All Emperors took the sirname of Caesar. CAESARS after his name. His exploits were such and so many, and Histories are so fraught with them, that I hould it as great a difficulty to relate them briefly, as to write them confused­ly. Wherefore, out of so large and copious a field, I will onely collect that which I shall hould [Page 2] fittest for the Subject of this Work; yet handling it with conuenient breuity: notwithstanding (he being the basis and foundation of this stately Building) it wil be needfull I should extend my self much more in this, than in the rest which shall follow. As for his other braue atchieue­ments, I will refer the Reader to those many books which make honourable mention of CAE­SAR, and to the content which is generally conceiued of his vertues and worthy endeauours.

Among all the glorious actions of IVLIVS CAESAR, the greatest in my opinion, and which breeds most admiration, is, how he durst project, then put it in practice, and lastly bring it to ef­fect, His greatest ex­ploit. to make himself Lord of the Roman State (the which was Lady and Mistresse of the grea­test and most habitable part of the world) and of all that shee had subdued during the space of 700 yeers: for, so long it was from the first foundation of Rome, vntill that IVLIVS CAESAR seized vpon the gouernment of the Common-weal: whereof there were 240 yeers vnder the The time from Romes founda­tion to Caesar's vsurpation. absolute command of Kings, and the rest vnder the gouernment of Consuls, who were chosen by the people; except some fewe yeers, in which the Tribunes and Decemuiri bare the sway. Doubtlesse, a short time to raise and get so great an Empire as the Romans had obtained; when­as CAESAR, of a free State, made it subject to the command of One; whose Empire without doubt exceeded all others both for continuance, extent and power: the which is confirmed by many approued Writers. Wherefore, omitting all other Kingdoms and Common-weals, w^ch Dio. Halicar. c. 1. Strabo c. 6 Appian in the first of his tri­umphs. are not to bee paralleld with this, I will make mention onely of the greatest and most famous which at the first were called Monarchies; namely, the Assyrians, Persians and Macedonians: all which the Roman Empire did far exceed. As for the Assyrians and Babylonians, which is the most antient of all Monarchies, during the space of 1240 yeers (for, so long it continued, according to the computation of Saint AVGVSTINE) it neuer extended it self out of the bounds of Asia, nor had any footing in Affrick or Europe. Neither were the Medes more S. Aug. de ciui. Dei. Tit. Liuius, Plinie, Soly­nus in their com parisons of Mo­narchies. powerfull: of which Kingdome ARBATVS was the first Founder; by the ruine and death of SARDANAPALVS King of the Assyrians, ouerthrowing the first Monarchie. Then the Per­sians extinguished the Medes by the powerfull hand of CYRVS; and this shall bee accounted the second Monarchie: who although they made some irruption into Europe (as that of XER­XES and others) and in Asia grew more powerfull than those which had gone before, yet it continued not aboue 200 and odde yeers; and they were ruined, with DARIVS their King, by ALEXANDER, the Great, King of Macedon. We cannot deny, but that his Empire was of a greater extent than any of the aboue-named: for, he had vnder his obedience a great part of Europe, and hee subdued in a manner all Asia: and this is held for the third Monarchie; but it was like a flash of lightning, burning all it encounters, and is soon extinct: for, with the death of ALEXANDER, his power decaied. Then grew factions, and diuerse Kingdoms were erected; so as it is apparant, that the Roman Empire exceeded them all both in time, greatnes and power. The Monarchie of the Macedo­nians decaied with the death of Alexander. In time, being not much lesse than 2300 yeers since Rome was built, and yet the name of the Ro­man Empire continueth vnto this day. For the space of 1300 yeers it still increased, and hath e­uer since been held the most predominant power of all others. In extent of dominions & pow­er; for, it is most certain, that, vniting whatsoeuer the others held, it will scarce equall the one half of the Roman Empire. For, laying aside whatsoeuer the Emperours did adde vnto it, before that IVLIVS CAESAR did seize vpon the State, they had subdued the best part of the world. In Europe they were Masters of all Italie, and Gallia Cisalpina or Lombardie, Austria and Illiricum, The greatnes of the Roman Em­pire. now called Sclauonia; and they extended themselues as farre as the riuer of Danubius: they had subdued all Greece (some yeelding voluntarily; others, by force) the States of Athens, Lacede­mon, Thebes, Corinth, and all Peloponesus, now called Morea, with their Territories; the King­doms of Macedon, & Epirus now Albania, and in like maner Thracia. They held the Ilands of Sicilie, Sardynia, Crete or Candie, Cypres, Rhodes, Euboea, now Negropont, with many other Ilands in the Me­diterranean Sea. They also subdued Spain (but with more difficulty and opposition than any of the rest) and in like manner all France, with that part of Germanie which lies on this side the Rhine, called the Lower, or Gallia Belgica, which was the work of CAESAR himself; and in like maner that of Britannie, vnder which are comprehended England and Scotland. They were Masters of all Affrick (which is the third part of the world) that is to say, of the fruitfullest and most habi­table parts, hauing ruined proud Carthage. In Asia they had subdued the greatest and best Pro­uinces, and made them their Subjects and Tributaries: among the which were Syria called So­ria, Phenicia, Palestina, Iudaea, Phrygia, Caria, Cilicia, and Bithinia by the last will and testament of King NICOMED [...]S. The Kings of Egypt and Cappadocia were their friends and confede­rates; and they had a commanding power in Armenia, Colchos, and other Prouinces. Albania, [Page 3] Iberia, and some other Countries, did them homage, and paied them tribute: which Countries had been vanquished by them, and many Kings and valiant Captains slain. Finally, they were Lords of so many Cities and Prouinces, as it were an endlesse labour to set them down in parti­cular; and their power was so great, as no forces but their owne were able to annoy them. But afterwards, discord and ambition creeping into this State which was so free and powerfull, what The Roma [...] vanquished themselues. forren force could not effect, they wrought with their owne Arms, and triumphed ouer them­selues. The cause of all this grew through the discord between POMPEY and IVLIVS CAESAR, which two were at that time the most eminent and powerfull men in Rome; and yet at the same Instant there were other Citizens of great esteem. But, the root of this hatred grew from a further cause, that is, from the factions and ciuill war between SCILLA and MARI­VS: in which, MARIVS being slain, SCILLA made himself Dictator, and seized vpon Rome; yet before his death hee gaue it ouer, and left the City at liberty. POMPEY had followed SCILLAS faction, and done braue exploits for him: but CAESAR had sided with MARI­VS, being his kinfman, and at that time very young. This was the seed from whence sprung the ciuill war between them. But, it shall be needfull to relate some former matters, for the better vnderstanding of the occasions which went before, and the success which followed; the which wee will describe briefly after this manner: The warre and power of SCILLA beeing ended, Competency be­twixt Pompey and Crassus. GNEIVS POMPEIVS and MARCVS CRASSVS (who had also followed that partie) remaining in great reputation, the one sought to supplant the other, so as there grew some jarrs between them, which began during the life of SCILLA. CRASSVS grew very powerfull: The reasons of their greatnes. for, besides his Wisdome, Nobility and Eloquence, he was very rich beyond all the other Ci­tizens of his time. POMPEY also became famous and much esteemed, besides the succession he had by SCILLA, for his great victories and valiant exploits in Arms performed in SCIL­LAS time and since, both by sea and land, in Affrick, Spain and Asia; the which are so many and so great, as I dare not relate them. The deeds of these two eminent Persons being growne to this height, and their quarrels increasing daily as the heads of factions (and yet at the same time there were others of great note within the City, as CATO, CICERO, LENTVLVS, and others) during these alterations, IVLIVS CAESAR returned to Rome from his Pretorship in Spain with great reputation, yet his ambitious thoughts aimed at greater matters, both in re­gard of the greatnes of his house (for, by the fathers side, hee was of a Noble and very antient Caesars familie and vertues. Family; and by the mother hee descended from the Kings of Rome, who were extracted from AENEAS of Troy) and for his many allies and friends; being also very witty and eloquent. He had also purchased great credit and authority in the managing of those charges which had been committed vnto him. He had bin Questor in Spain, Tribune of the souldiers, Aedile, high-priest and Pretor; hauing gotten victories in Spain against the Inhabitants of Galitia and Portugal; ad­ding to all this, his merits and vertues, being bountifull, wise and learned in all good Arts, most actiue in the managing of Arms both on foot and horse-back; very valiant and strong, whereof he made great proofs before he had any command in the wars of Asia, vnder the Pretor MAR­CVS TERMO, and SERVILIVS the Proconsul; where hee obtained a Ciuicall Crowne. He was, moreouer, of a good constitution of body, tall of stature, fair, strong of his members, and very patient of labour. For all which considerations and many others, hee was in great e­steem; but neither by his authority nor place able to equall MARCVS CRASSVS or POM­PEY, for that the roots of their greatnes had been of long continuance.

CAESAR being comn to Rome, with a secret intent to make himself greater than either of Caesars policy and practice. them; CRASSVS and POMPEY affected his friendship, by whose help they might supplant one another. But CAESAR, being discreet and wise, would not follow any party, nor tie him­self to defend their actions; but, carrying himself indifferently, he laboured to reconcile them; hauing a conceit, that, if he carried himself as a Neuter, they would both yeeld vnto his will: and this his cunning practice (as PLVTARCH reports) was onely discouered by M. CATO. In the end, by his endeauours a peace was concluded between them, beeing both bound vnto A league be­twixt Caesar, Crassus and Pompey. him: yet, being still jealous one of another, and fearing to lose CAESAR, they both sought to gratifie him: and in this sort he made himself equall to either of them; and that power which two had formerly vsurped, was now diuided between three; and in the end wee shall see who got the sole command. This league and attonement beeing made, CAESAR demanded, the Caesar made consul. Consulship, which is the greatest ordinary dignity. He carried himself in this charge with such reputation, as his fellow Consul BIBVLVS neuer accompani'd him, but kept himself retired du­ring his Consulship. CAESAR, the better to maintain the credit and authority w^ch he had got, [Page 4] and to attain to the greatnes whereunto he aspired, he himself took to wife CALPHVRNIA, the daughter of LVCIVS PISO, who was to succeed him in the Consulate; and hee gaue Caesars and Pompey's ma­riage. IVLIA his daughter in mariage to POMPEY, rejecting her former spouse SERVILIVS CEPIO, by whose help he had a little before crost his Collegue BIBVLVS. CAESARS con­sulship being ended, these three Confederates being equally greedy of honour, they easily made a match to inuade the Common-weal. CAESAR made choise of Gaul or France for his Prouince; CRASSVS, of Asia; and POMPEY, of Spain: whither they went with three puis­sant Caesar goes with an armie into France. Armies. And thus the whole world was to be held by three Princes in partnership. The exploits of CAESAR in his Prouince, what battels he fought, what victories he won, what ci­ties and people he subdued, what stratagems, policy and valour he vsed (this warre continuing little lesse than ten yeers) I cannot relate, my meaning being to obserue breuity. He left excel­lent Commentaries of his owne deeds, and full of truth; the which were approued by his very enemies, and much commended by CICERO. Yet ASINIVS POLLIO (enuying CAE­SARS vertues) doth in some things tax him. They are also written by PLVTARCH, SVE­TONIVS, APPIANVS, ALEXANDRINVS, LVCAN, PAVLVS OROSIVS, LVCIVS FLORVS, EVTROPIVS, and many other: to whom I refer the Reader. CAESAR got such reputation in this war, as he was held the greatest Captain of his time, yea, or of those that were in former Ages. He subdued all France, from the Pyrene Mountains vnto the Alps, and all the re­mainder Caesars con­quests. vnto the riuer of Rhine. Hee first vanquished the Suissers and Tigurins, who (as PLV­TARCH affirms) were 300000 men, whereof 190000 were well trained vp in Arms. He con­quered the Germains, with ARIOVISTVS their Leader, who had inuaded France, from whence he expelled them. He subdued the Belgij, the Ambiani and Neruij, with other warlike people of France, and he spilt more bloud than euer was in any wars in the world. Then, passing the Rhine vpon a bridge of wood which he built, he subdued the Germains to the Roman Em­pire; and, finding no more opposition there, hee past with his Army into Brittanie, which was inhabited by a fierce Nation, not till that time knowne by any traffick or commerce: these hee forced to subject themselues to the Roman State. During the continuance of these warres, in which CAESAR got great spoils and wealth, he neuer left to purchase to himself friends, both in Rome and in all other places, both by letters and gifts, and in like manner with the Kings and Cities of Asia, Greece, and other Countries; sending them aids of men, without any leaue or au­thority from the Senate: the which he might safely do, as long as the league continued betwixt The boldnes & policy of Caesar him, POMPEY and CRASSVS. He won men vnto him, and was much beloued of his soul­diers, giuing these double pay, and bestowing honours vpon others: by which means (POM­PEY not foreseeing it) he grew to such power and reputation, as he began to fear him when he was not able to suppresse him. But now that strict league of friendship, which had been betwixt Pompey grows ielous of Caesar these two, began to dissolue, for that the pawn which maintained it was taken away; so as there grew a mutuall fear & jealousie betwixt them; first, by the death of IVLIA, CAESARS daugh­ter, who marrying to POMPEY entertained concord between the son and the father-in-law, by the league of nuptiall loue; secondly, by the death of MARCVS CRASSVS, the third man in this company, who was slain by the Parthians in Asia, whither he went to make war (as some write) more to heap vp riches, than to win honour; whose reputation notwithstanding was a support to their good agreement. So as the chief causes, wherupon their friendship was groun­ded, being taken away, their emulation presently brake forth. POMPEY was jealous of CAE­SARS greatnes; and CAESAR hardly endured POMPEY'S supereminency: the one brookt no equall; the other, no superiour. Whereupon they fell to warre, which was the greatest and Their forces in the ciuill war. most generall that euer was: for, in it there were engaged the Senate, all the Roman Legions, all their friends and subjects, Kings and Cities, for the one or the other partie. On the one side were eleuen Legions, on the other eighteen; all Roman and Italian souldiers, with all the for­ces of Rome, besides the aids of their confederates. This war was managed in Italie, France, Spain, Epirus, Thessalie, Egypt, Asia and Affrick, by themselues or their Lieutenants; and in the end, after fiue yeers, it died in Spain. Some Authors set down the causes of this ciuill war, although they vary in some points: but the truth is, the chief reasons were enuy, ambition, and desire of com­mand, The causes of the ciuill war. wherewith they were both infected: and the one jealous of the others greatnes (as if the Roman Empire had not been sufficient for them two) the one sought to ruine the other. That POMPEY had any intent to vsurp the State, and become a Tyrant, it doth not appear: but it is apparant, he would not haue CAESAR attain to that dignity wherein he was. Of CAESAR some write, that being forced through fear he came to Arms, lest he should see himself called in [Page 5] question, and condemned: for, CATO had threatned to accuse him whensoeuer hee should giue-ouer his Prouince. Others object, that he had alwaies a desire to vsurp the State; and ther­fore, balancing his power with POMPEY'S, he thought it behoouefull to entertain friendship and contract an alliance with him. CICERO saith, that he had alwaies in his mouth that verse of EVRIPIDES, that If it were lawfull to infringe the lawes, it was for a Kingdome; and that CAESAR, being greedy of command, could not endure to be without an Army: but, in my o­pinion, the reasons were such as haue been related; and these, the occasions.

This being the last of the second fiue yeers of CAESARS gouernment in France, LENTV­LVS and MARCELLVS being Consuls, and of POMPEY'S faction; it was propounded in the Senate, to send a Successor to CAESAR, and that hee should giue-ouer his gouernment and the Army; and if he would (as he had written) demand the Consulship, he should com to Rome in person. CAESAR demanded, that his command in the war might be prolonged, and the go­uernment which he had, and that he might demand the Consulate being absent, before he gaue­ouer Lawes for de­manding the consulship. his Armie; which honor ten Tribunes had formerly granted him, with POMPEY'S good liking. But now POMPEY would not yeeld vnto it, as being against the lawes, which did not allow any man to demand the Consulship but present; forgetting, that he had been made Con­sul before he came to lawfull age, and had attained to other dignities, contrary to the ordinarie course of law. But it is the common condition of men, To blame that in another which they allow in themselues.

This being denied to CAESAR, he made another proposition; that hee would leaue his Ar­my, and come to Rome as a priuate man, so as POMPEY would giue-ouer his which he held in Spain. This was put to the question, and did cause a great distraction in the Senate. CICERO Cicero seeks to reconcile Cae­sar & Pompey interposed himself, labouring to reconcile them, and to conclude their jars with peace. POM­PEY would haue been tractable, had not those of his faction, being of the prime men of Rome, stood proudly vpon tearms; who (notwithstanding any just and reasonable conditions propoun­ded by CAESAR) were inflexible. It was therefore decreed in Senate, that CAESAR, by a A decree of the Senat against Caesar. certain time prefixed, should leaue his Army, and that hee should not passe it ouer the riuer of Rubicon, which did bound-in his Prouince; declaring him an enemy to the Roman State if he did otherwise. LVCIVS ANTONIVS and QVINTVS CVRIO, Tribunes of the peo­ple, fauouring CAESAR, opposed themselues to this decree: but they were disgraced, ill-in­treated, and thrust out of the Senate. Whereupon, they fled out of Rome, and went to CAE­SAR: the which was a great help to him to win the hearts of his souldiers, for that the office of the Tribunes was held sacred and inuiolable.

CAESAR hearing how matters had past, seeing himself depriued of all future hope of peace, he marcht speedily from Rauenna, onely with 5000 foot, and 300 horse, commanding his Legi­ons to follow presently after, and to joyn with him. Comming afterwards to Rubicon (which if he should passe, there would be no hope of peace remaining) some say that he staid there a good space; considering with himself, of what importance this passage was, and what miseries would ensue. PLVTARCH writes, that he discoursed thereof with ASINIVS POLLIO, and other his friends which did accompany him. APPIANVS ALEXANDRINVS reports, that hee v­sed these words, Doubtlesse, if I forbear to passe this riuer, it will be the beginning of my ruine; Caesars words when he past Rubicon. if I passe it, the ruine will be generall. And SVETONIVS writes, that turning towards the ri­uer, he said, It is yet in our power to turn back; but, passing the riuer, wee must make our way with our weapons. He writes, moreouer, that CAESAR standing thus doubtfull and irreso­lute, he was animated by the apparition of a man of an extraordinary stature & shape, sitting neer vnto his Army, piping vpon a reed. Besides the shepheards and heardsmen, many souldiers left their guards, and went down to hear him, and with them some Trumpetters; so as hee caught hould of one of their trumpets, and leapt forth to the riuer, beginning with a mighty blast to sound the battell, and so went on his pase to the bank on the other side. Then, with a furious re­solution, CAESAR cried out, Let vs go whither the gods, and the injurious dealings of our e­nemies, do call vs: The dice are cast. I haue set vp my Rest, come what will of it. After which words, he set spurs to his horse, and past the riuer, the whole Army following him. In this ma­ner he resolued: which was the beginning of the ciuill wars, and of Romes seruitude, and the first step to a Monarchy and the soueraigne command of one, as I will briefly set it down.

Whoso desires to haue a full view of this History, let him read APPIANVS ALEXANDRI­NVS, SVETONIVS, PLVTARCH in the liues of CAESAR, CATO, and CICERO; Saint AVGVSTINE lib. 3. de ciuit. Dei, IVLIVS CAESAR himself in his Commentaries, LVCIVS [Page 6] FLORVS, hist. 4. TITVS LIVIVS his Abbreuiats, PAVLVS OROSIVS, EVTROPIVS, 6. hist. LVCAN, PLINIE de viris illustribus, VALERIVS MAXIMVS, with diuerse others.

CAESAR hauing past the riuer, and drawn his whole Army together, where (as SVETO­NIVS writes) the Tribunes of the Commons came vnto him, in base and dishonourable gar­ments, with the which they had fledde from Rome; there hee made an excellent Oration to his fouldiers; shedding some tears, and tearing his garment down the brest, laying before them the equity of his cause, and crauing their helps and assistance. To whom hauing with a generall ap­plause and consent made answer, that they were ready to obey his will, he parted presently, and the next day came to Ariminum, whereon he seized: the like hee did to all the Towns and Ca­stles The beginning of the ciuill war. where he past. DOMITIVS, who in a factious tumult had been nominated his Successour in Gaul, held Corfinium with a garrison of 30 Cohorts: which being taken, he pardoned the soul­diers and inhabitants, and intreated DOMITIVS kindly, giuing him leaue to depart (who went presently to POMPEY) which was an act of a Noble and generous minde: the which, CAESAR obserued in all his victories during the ciuill war; by which clemency he purchased to himself as great honour, as by his victories.

CAESARS resolution being knowne at Rome, it troubled POMPEY, amazed the Senat, and terrified the common people; and it would bee tedious to relate what prouisions they made. POMPEY was much deceiued, for that hee could not beleeue that CAESAR would thrust Pompey's er­ror, presuming too much of him self. himself into so great a danger, or that hee should bee able to raise sufficient forces to resist him: but the success proued otherwise. For, notwithstanding that he had authority from the Consuls and Senate to leuie souldiers, to call home the legions, and to send Captains for the defense of diuerse cities of Italie whereas CAESAR should passe, yet all this was not sufficient to resist CAESARS fury, and the power he brought with him. The fame of his coming increasing dai­ly, POMPEY with the whole Senat abandoned Rome, going to Capua, and from thence to Brun­dusium, a sea-town vpon the confines of Italie, seated at the mouth of the gulf of Venice: where he gaue order, the Consuls should passe to Dirrachium, now called Durrazzo, a sea-town of Macedo­nie (whereof a great part is now called Albania) to vnite all their forces; beeing out of hope to be able to resist CAESAR in Italie, who had already taken Corfinium, as I haue formerly said: where, hauing drawn DOMITIVS Cohorts to serue him, hee marcht on; and, hearing that POMPEY and the Consuls were together at Brundusium, he went towards them with his Legi­ons with all the speed hee could. But POMPEY had fortified himself sufficiently to make de­fense; yet vpon CAESARS approach, beginning to inuest the Town, he imbarkt himself in the night time, and so past ouer to Dirrachium, where the Consuls attended him. And thus CAE­SAR remained in Italie without resistance; being very doubtfull what to resolue: for, although he would gladly haue followed POMPEY, yet he had no prouision of ships: and, by reason that it was winter, shipping could not come so soon as was requisite; and considering withall, how much it imported, not to leaue any enemy behinde him, which might cause any alteration in France or Italie by his absence, he resolued to deferre the pursuit of POMPEY, and to take his way towards Spain, which held for POMPEY: where he had his best legions, and two captains, PETREIVS and AFRANIVS. SVETONIVS TRANQVILLVS saith, that when hee had thus resolued, he said to his friends, Let vs first go against an Army which is without a Captain; and afterwards let vs return against the Captain that hath neuer an Army: for, the souldiers that POMPEY had in Spain were valiant, and had been long trained vp in Arms; but their Com­manders, PETREIVS and AFRANIVS, were not held for politick or expert in the wars. And, on the contrary, POMPEY was most wise, and a very valiant Captain: but the souldiers which he had with him were newly leuied, and of small experience.

Returning from Brundusium, in sixty daies, without bloudshed or battell, CAESAR becam Caesar seized on Rome and all Italie. Lord of all Italie; and coming to Rome, they were in very great fear, remembring the cruelties committed in the time of SYLLA: But CAESAR, vsing his accustomed clemency, did hurt no man of any degree, high or lowe; but called to the Senate those Senators which remained, and which came with him, comforting euery one with milde and good words, and laying the whole fault vpon POMPEY, in accusing him of all things which had hapned, and of this dis­cord. He sought by all means to justifie his owne cause, and declared how much he did then and euer had desired peace, and therewith requested that Embassadors might be sent to POMPEY to procure the same; and, causing himself to be presently chosen Consul, he opened the Roman Caesar, Consul by force. Treasury, notwithstanding that METELLVS, one of the Tribunes of the people, was desirous and went about to hinder the same. The treasure which he took from thence he diuided among [Page 7] his souldiers: which, as PLINIE in his three and thirtith Book reports, was very great; the which LVCAN also affirmeth. These things being ended, and CAESAR desirous to go from Rome into Spain (like a wise and discreet Captain) first took order aswell for the ciuill gouern­ment, as for the wars; and, making choice of the legions which were to go with him, hee left part of his troops in Brundusium and Otranto, and in other strong places vpon the Sea side, to keep POMPEY from landing if he sought to return into Italie. He also nominated HORTENSIVS and DOLABELLA for his Captains, to make prouision of shipping to be brought to the port of Brundusium, there to bee in a readinesse against his return from his journey. QVINTTVS VALERIVS hee sent with a legion to Sardinia against MARGVS COTTA, which held the same for POMPEY. To Sicilia he sent CVRIVS against MARCVS CATO, with direction, that hauing taken the same, hee should passe ouer into Africa. LEPIDVS hee left in Rome, as Prefect thereof; and MARCVS ANTONIVS, for Gouernor of all Italie: and, determining to leaue LICINIVS CRASSVS in France, with his accustomed celerity he went on his journy, and found no resistance, neither in Italie, nor in France, but onely at Marselles, which held for POMPEY: who (in my opinion) more like bould and aduenturous friends, than wise men, would not receiue nor lodge him in their city, but put themselues in Arms against him for their defense. CAESAR coming thither besieged the City; and, to auoid losse of time, left DECI­VS BRVTVS and CAIVS TREBONIVS with sufficient forces, who continued the siege, and endured much: he himself followed his way into Spain, where his comming was alreadie Caesars going into Spain a­gainst Petreius and Afranius. knowne; and AFRANIVS and PETREIVS attended him, with the aid of their friends, and foure Roman legions; between which and CAESAR the warres continued many daies, and chiefly neer the city of Lerida. In the beginning, CAESAR was in great danger and much di­stressed, aswell through want of victuals, as by reason of the winter being com, which annoyed him with the swelling of riuers: before and after which, there passed many great skirmishes and conflicts between the two Armies, and other accidents and aduentures too long to bee recoun­ted. Finally, CAESAR knew how to make war in such sort, as, without giuing them oportuni­ty to come to a battell, he brought his aduersaries to such extremity and distresse, as perishing with hunger they came to a composition; which was, that to the legions (who now were able neither to offend nor defend) should be granted liberty to depart & to go whither they would: which was performed accordingly; and PETREIVS and AFRANIVS went to POMPEY: and part of the legions, which would not abide with CAESAR, had leaue to do as they listed; CAESAR still perseuering in his clemency and mildnes.

This war being ended, and the spring come (not to leaue any thing in Spain to be subdued) he passed forwards, and came into the prouince of Betica, now called Andaluzia, with part of his forces, leauing commandement with the Armie to march whither hee had appointed, and there to stay for him, because that MARCVS VARRO, being POMPEY'S Lieutenant in that pro­uince, held it for him, with one legion of good souldiers: but not daring to oppose himself a­gainst CAESAR, he peaceably yeelded vp vnto him both the countrey and the legion; and so Caesar subdued all Spain. all was pacified, and at his command. Thence hee went to Cordoua, where hee called a parlia­ment, and an assembly of all the estates of that prouince: wherein, among other things which there were treated of, he highly commending the Cordoueses and Seuillians which had taken his part (as himself writeth) marched forwards, and visiting the prouince he came to the Isle and city of Cales; and, prouiding there certain necessaries, hee took the shippes and gallies which MARCVS VARRO had there in a readinesse, and such other as hee could get, and embarked himself. And, leauing QVINTVS CASSIVS with foure legions in that prouince, he took his passage by sea to Taragona, sending commandement by land to his legions to march thither: where hauing in few daies taken order for that prouince, hee departed with his Army towards Narbona, and from thence to Marselles: which yeelded vnto him, hauing in the siege and assaults The taking of Marselles, and Caesars return to Rome. endured many calamities. CAESAR, nothing respecting the small regard and ingratitude of that city, but the antiquity and fame therof, would not permit any violence to be offred to the citizens & inhabitants; but, leauing a sufficient garrison to guard the same, he commanded his le­gions by appointed journies to march towards Italie: himself, with a necessary guard for his person, and others in his company, took passage for Rome; all things succeeding prosperously with him, although that some of his Captains had ill successe. For, CAIVS ANTONIVS, whom (we said) he left with DOLABELLA for Captain of his Nauie, was ouerthrowne and taken prisoner in the gulf of Venice by OCTAVIVS, POMPEY'S Lieutenant. At this ouer­throwe there was an Act don worthy to be recommended with honour to posterity. ANTHO­NTE [Page 8] was constrained to ship his souldiers in long boats for want of seruiceable ships; the which were taken by a stratagem as in a toil, by the Pompeians, who tied ropes vnder the water. One of them, which carried almost a thousand Opitergins, young men and valiant, was intangled in this snare, and was assaulted by the power of the whole Armie, they making resistance from morning vntill night: but, in the end being opprest by the multitudes of their enemies, and see­ing no means to escape by their valour, by the incouragement of VVLTHIVS their Colonel they slue one another. And DOLABELLA was likewise ouercome neer to the Ile of Cocyra, now called Corfu; and CVRIVS, who (according to CAESARS commandement) went in­to Africa with two legions, hauing in the beginning good successe, was afterwards ouerthrown, and the most part of his people slain by POMPEY'S friend, IVBA King of Mauritania, which is now the Kingdom of Fez: hee might haue fled away, but shame perswaded him to dy with that Armie which his rashnes had cast away.

CAESAR being comn to Rome, and made Dictator (as PLVTARCH and APPIANVS te­stifie) new Consuls were chosen; and he, being one of them, deposed himself from his Dicta­torship, and so, changing and prouiding Pretors for the prouinces at his pleasure, sending MAR­CVS LEPIDVS into Spain, and AVLVS ALBINVS into Sicilia, SEXTVS PEDVCEIVS into Sardinia, and DECIVS BRVTVS into France, and taking such further order as he thought good, he departed from Rome in the moneth of December towards Brundusium: whither hee commanded all his Forces to march, there to take passage for Macedonia, the greatest part where­of (as I said) is now called Albania; where he knew that POMPEY staid with his Armie. Who, all one whole yeer, which CAESAR spent in his journey into Spain, busied himself in proui­ding a Nauie to return into Italie, and in gathering treasure, and in leuying souldiers for that pur­pose, and had made ready a wonderfull great prouision of all things. For, there came vnto him ships, mony and men, from many kingdoms, prouinces and cities of Asia and Graecia, from Syria, Pompey's peo­ple & prouision. Pontus, Bithynia, Cilicia, Phoenicia, Cappadocia, Pamphilia, Armenia the lesse, Egypt, Graecia, Thessalia, Boëtia, Achaia, Epire, Athens, Lacedemonia, and the Iles of Creta, Rhodes, and many other parts and countries: there came also to his aid, in person, the Kings, DEIOTARVS and ARIOBARZA­NES. Of which people, and of those which he brought with him from Italie, POMPEY had drawne together a great Armie by land, and an exceeding great number of ships and gallies by sea; which I do not set down, by reason of the diuersity of opinions between Authors touching the number of his souldiers and of CAESARS: for certain, they were very mighty Armies, but the greatest number were of POMPEY'S side. Who imagining (because that it was in the hart of winter) that CAESAR should not be able, nor haue time, commodiously to passe the seas; and hauing (as indeed he had) aduertisement that CAESAR was in Rome, he diuided and lod­ged his people in Macedonia and Thessalia, retiring himself from the sea, commanding and char­ging his Captains by sea (of which, MARCVS BIBVLVS was chiefe) that they should guard and defend the coast. But CAESAR knowing, that in the speedy execution consisted the prin­cipall point of his victory, and that occasion once let slip is seldome recouered; being departed Oportunity lost is seldom reco­uered. from Rome, and arriued at Brundusium (as we haue before said) notwithstanding that all his legi­ons were not yet come, yet he embarked aboord those ships which hee had there in readinesse, so many as they could contain, which were seuen legions of his choise men (as he himself recor­deth) and sent commandement to those which were comming, to make haste, to the end they should join with the rest which there remained, whom he would speedily send for. And so hee departed from Brundusium, now called Brindez, in the beginning of Ianuarie: and, crossing the seas with prosperous weather, the third day after, he arriued vpon the coast of Macedonia, before Caesars passage to Gracia a­gainst Pompey that POMPEY, had any intelligence of his embarking; and, setting his people on shore in the despite of POMPEY'S Captains, hee commanded the ships and gallies presently to returne to Brundusium to fetch the rest of his Armie which hee had there left and commanded to come. And the wars beginning, hee presently seized vpon the cities of Apollonia, which is now called Bellona, and Erico; driuing from thence LVCIVS TORQVATVS and LVCIVS STRABE­RIVS, which held the same for POMPEY: who as soon as he was aduertised of CAESARS landing, with the greatest speed possible sending for his troops (such as were neerest hand) hee marched towards Dirrachium, where lay all his victuall, munition, and prouision for the warres, doubting that CAESAR would come to surprise the same, as in truth he did; but in vain: for, the situation thereof made it inexpugnable.

POMPEY being come, their Camps were lodged within few forlongs one of the other, a ri­uer Caesar and [...] Pompey lodge running between them: there passed many aduentures, skirmishes, and also some treaties of [Page 9] peace which CAESAR offred; the which were not accepted by POMPEY, so much he assu­red neer vnto Dyr­rachium. himself of his power: and CAESAR daily expecting the coming of his other legions, who staied longer than he thought they ought to haue done, without the which he thought it no wis­dome to come to a battell; beeing much grieued, and very carefull for the same, hee resolued in person, with three confident seruants onely, secretly to embark himself in a Brigandine, and to passe that streight of the sea to fetch them, thinking to bee able to perform the same without the knowledge of any. And, putting it in execution accordingly, he passed down the riuer to the sea, which he found so troubled and tempestuous, as the Master of the Brigandine (not knowing whom he carried) nor daring to passe any further, would haue returned. Then CAESAR, dis­couering his face, as it is reported, said, Be not afraid, Friend: for, thou carriest with thee CAE­SAR and all his fortune. The Master, heerwith encouraged, striued to hould-on his voyage: but, at length, the force of the tempest was so great, and the winde so contrary, that (notwith­standing The rash aduen­ture of Caesar. CAESARS courageous words) they were constrained to return, vnable to passe anie further forwards. Which being vnderstood in his Armie, they much wondred, grieued, and murmured thereat; praising him more for a valiant Knight, than a wise Captain: and so VA­LERIVS MAXIMVS recounts it for a rash aduenture; which, in my opinion, was the occasi­on why IVLIVS CAESAR records it not in his Commentaries.

This being past, within fewe daies after, ANTONIVS arriued with foure of those legions which were left behinde in Italie, presently returning the ships back again for the rest: and (after some aduentures which hapned) joyning with CAESARS Armie, and all things set in good order (and the like being done on POMPEY'S side) there passed some things between them, which for breuity I omit, vntill that neer to the city of Dyrrachium (whither CAESAR went, with a determination to haue surprised the same, and POMPEY to relieue it) the two Armies lodged themselues the one so neer the other, as there were daily skirmishes and slaughters of men of either partie; and that one day the skirmish waxing hot, and rescues coming from either Armie, i [...] came to a battell: wherein the successe was such, that CAESARS troops began to A battell be­twixt Caesar and Pompey, neer to Dyrra­chium. flee, and could not bee made to stand by any intreaties or threats, till they came to their camp which they had fortified; and yet some abandoned the same, and durst not defend it. But POM­PEY, either for that (as some think) hee imagined their flight to bee fained, and that there was some deceit or ambush, or that he supposed there was no more to be done, and that CAESAR had been ouerthrowne with small toil, so as he should bee no more able to recouer himself, did not prosecute the victorie, neither followed the charge, but rather caused a retreit to bee soun­ded, without assailing his enemies camp. Whither when CAESAR came, he took such order as was most conuenient, being no lesse courageous and politick in time of aduersity, than of pro­sperity: and it is reported that he said to his friends, Truely, this day had ended our warres, if our enemies had had a Captain which had knowne how to haue ouercome. This day, IVLIVS CAESAR lost a great number of his souldiers, amongst which were foure hundred Romane Knights, ten Tribunes, and two and thirty Centurions; and his enemies took from him two and thirty Ensignes. This battell ended, POMPEY sent the newes thereof to diuerse parts of the Pompey's va­nity. world, houlding himself for absolutely victorious: And IVLIVS CAESAR hauing blamed some of his Captains and Ensigne-bearers (notwithstanding that his whole Armie grieued, and were ashamed of their late loss) again desired the battell; yet he would not then fight, his Armie being timorous, against those which were in-heart & victorious, but rather took a new course: and, sending his sick and hurt men to the city of Apollonia, hee departed by night, with the grea­test silence that could be, from the place where he was, and took his way towards Thessalia, with intent to refresh and encourage his Armie, and to draw his enemie further from the sea-coast, where his chief force lay, and where his camp was fortified and victualled; or, at the least, to go to meet and ouerthrowe SCIPIO, who (as hee was aduertised) came to join with POMPEY.

POMPEY, seeing CAESARS departure, after that hee had followed him some fewe dayes, took counsell, and (as APPIANVS testifieth) was determined (leauing so sufficient a Nauie at sea, as CAESAR should not be able to make any benefit thereof) to passe into Italie, and to reco­uer the same, with France and Spain, and then afterwards to return against CAESAR: but, bee­importuned and ouer-ruled by the Roman Lords which came with him, he altered his determi­nation, and presently departed to pursue CAESAR, who made a stay in the fields of Pharsalia, which are in Thessalia (making his retreit with such discretion and in so good order, as in all oc­casions that were offred he had euer the better) vntill that at length, seeing his men full of reso­lution, force and courage, he resolued no longer to forbear the Fight; and therefore cared not [Page 10] any more to refuse the battell, but rather daily presented the same to POMPEY. Who know­ing (as indeed it was true) that CAESAR began to want victuals, and that his Armie began to weaken and diminish, he deferred the same, and would not fight; and, as a wise and well-experi­mented Captain, would haue prolonged the war, defeating his enemie without putting his own Armie in hazard: and although that POMPEY had thus resolued; yet the opinions, murmu­rings, and importunity of those which were with him preuailed so much (as LVCAN, PLV­TARCH, and CAESAR himself, report) that they made him yeeld to giue battell, euen con­trary to his owne opinion and will: wherein joined, of the one side and the other, all the flower Pompey fought contrary to his owne opinion. and force of Rome. And although that CAESARS Forces were fewer in number (for, all Wri­ters affirm, that POMPEY'S Armie was twice as great) yet his men were more actiue, and bet­ter trained. How many there were of the one side and the other, I cannot certifie; the Authors doo so much differ among themselues therein. APPIANVS setteth down the diuerse opinions which are held thereof. Some raise the number to three hundred thousand men, whereof LV­CIVS FLORVS was one; others, to threescore and ten thousand: and some set down some­what lesse, among which is PLVTARCH; who saith, that POMPEY brought to this battell 45000 men, whereof 7000 were on horseback; and IVLIVS CAESAR, two & twenty thou­sand Foot, and of horse fewe more than one thousand. But APPIANVS vnderstandeth, that this lesser number of these Armies was to be vnderstood of Romans onely, who were the force and hope of both these Generals: for, it is not likely, that of all nations there should be so small a number in a war so long prepensed, and of such importance: and, in my opinion, this is most likely to be true. But, howsoeuer it was, this battell was between the best captains and best soul­diers, aswell for experience, as for force and valour, that euer were in the world; and yet being so, it was not much fought, neither did it long continue. So strange and variable are the aduen­tures which happen in wars and battels: for, where there seemeth to be the greatest force and assurance, oftentimes is found the greatest weaknes; and that which is least feared, doth some­times annoy most. Before the battell there were many signes of an eminent downfall; The run­ning away of beasts appointed for the sacrifice, swarms of Bees, the sky darkned in the day time, Ominous signes before the battel POMPEY'S fearfull dream ouer night of mourning in his Theatre at Rome; and in the morning early he was seen in the head of his main battell in a black Robe.

Either of these two great Commanders, hauing resolued to giue battell, ordered his battali­ons and squadrons as to him seemed most expedient, making speeches and orations to animate their souldiers; and, the accustomed signe being giuen, the battell presently beganne on either side: In the beginning whereof, POMPEY'S horse-men (wherein he reposed his greatest hope) who were all of the Roman Nobility, and of the Order of Knighthood, and who alwaies had the better; began to come where CAESAR'S Cauallery was, and forced them to forsake the Field. Which, CAESAR perceiuing (losing nothing by ouersight) he made a signe to a batta­lion, which for that purpose he had left a-part from the other squadrons, to charge POMPEY'S The battell of Pharsalia, wher in Pompey was ouercomn by Caesar. Cauallery: who charged them with such fury, wounding them (according to CAESAR'S di­rection) no where but in the face; that POMPEY'S horse-men either vnable or vnwilling to en­dure it, began to retire, in such sort, as from that part whence POMPEY thought to haue ob­tained the victory, from thence sprang the beginning of his ouerthrowe. For, notwithstanding that they had broken the first squadron, and were entred into the second, and the other battali­ous continued still fighting, and that they maintained the same with great resolution; yet, seeing that POMPEY'S Cauallery fled, and that CAESAR'S came to charge them afresh, they all did the like; in such manner, as in short space the victory plainly appeared for CAESAR: and POM­PEY, hauing lost all hope to preuail, fled to his camp, leauing the field and victory to his enemy. Happy had POMPEY been in this misery, if he had runne the same fortune with his slaughte­red Armie: but he out-liued his owne glory, that with dishonour he might flee for life through Thessalie, be chased from Larissa, and vpon a forlorn rock of Cilicia studie whether to flee; to Par­thia, Affrick, or Egypt: Finally, that vpon the Pelusian shoar, by the command of a most vnwor­thie treacherous King, by the councell of gelded men, he should be murdered by the sword of SEPTIMIVS his Fugitiue, in the view of his sorrowfull wife and children. CAESAR, letting slip no occasion, seeing that hee found no resistance in the field, assembled his Forces to assaile POMPEY'S camp, which with small difficulty hee entred: which POMPEY perceiuing, lea­uing his ensignes and robes of Generall, and putting on other apparall, vpon the first horse that he could get, with foure on horse-back onely that accompanied him, which (as VELLEIVS PATERCVLVS saith) were his son SEXTVS POMPEIVS, and the two LENTVLI, and [Page 11] FAVONIVS of the Pretorian order: he fled so fast as he could, as you haue heard, and neuer Pompey's slight. staied vntill he cam to the citie of Larissa; where ioyning with some thirtie other horse, which had fled, without any stay he continued his slight, vntill he came vnto the shore-side of the E­gean sea; where, finding a certaine Merchants ship of Rome, he embarked himselfe therein, and sailed to the Isle of Lesbos, which is in that sea which now is called Archipelago, to the citie of Mytilene in that Iland: For, in that citie were his wife and familie, which he tooke with him: and, gathering together such ships and men as he was able, he departed from thence very doubt­full, and not able to resolue whither to go. Some counselled him to sail into Africa, for that King IVBA was his friend, and very mighty. Others were of opinion, that hee should retire himself to the Parthians. Finally, he resolued to go into Egypt, for the friendship which hee held with King PTOLOMY, father of that PTOLOMY then raigning; and did so. Hauing first touched in the prouince of Cilicia in Asia, and in the Ile of Cyprus, sailing into Egypt, and arriuing at the city of Alexandria, he had such an end as we will presently declare.

IVLIVS CAESAR hauing obtained so great a victory, as is aforesaid, vsed therein his accu­stomed The clemencie of Caesar. clemency, not suffering any Romane to be either slaine or hurt after the battaile vvas ended, and pardoning all those which vvere taken therein, or found in the Campe; among which was MARCVS TVLLIVS CICERO. And although that in the battaile were slaine of POM­PEIES side fifteen thousand men, and of the Conquerors lesse then two thousand, as CAESAR himselfe writeth: yet vnderstanding which vvay POMPEY fled, to the end to giue him no place or meanes to returne and repaire himselfe; without losing any time, he pursued him with the lightest and svviftest of his Army. And comming to the Sea side, bringing to his obedience in his way all the Cities whereby he passed, and gathering together such Ships and Gallies as hee then could, together with those which CASSIVS had, who was at this time receiued to his grace and seruice, he therein shipped such troupes as he was able, and passed into Asia the lesse; where being aduertised that POMPEY had been in Cyprus, he presumed that he tooke his way towards Egypt. For which cause he tooke the same course, taking with him two vvhole legi­ons Caesar pursued Pompey. of old souldiers only; and arriuing in safety at Alexandria in Egypt (where we said that POM­PEY had lately taken port) he vnderstood that POMPEY was arriued there: who presuming of the benefits and good entertainment which this King PTOLOMIES father had receiued in his house, he sent to request PTOLOMY to harbour and assist him. But as with men which are fallen from a high fortune, few men hold faith and friendship; and in their aduersities, the bene­fits and good turnes receiued are commonly forgotten: so this King sent him his promise to perform what he required: and comming vpon safe conduct, in a small boat towards the shore, hee was murdered before he came to land by the Kings commandement, by the hands of one The death of Pompey. called SEPTIMIVS, and another ACHILA; thinking by meanes hereof to winne CAESARS friendship. This was done by the perswasion and counsell of FOTINVS an Eunuch, vvho vvas of great authority in the Court, and by whom the King was much ruled. He vnderstood also that CORNELIA, POMPEIES wife, and his sonne SEXTVS POMPEIVS were fled from that port in the same ship, wherein they came. CAESAR being landed and receiued into the City, they presently brought him for a present, the great POMPEIES head; which hee would not see: and his ring and seale of Armes being presented vnto him, he vvept for pity, Caesar wept for the death of Pompey. considering the end and successe of the great aduentures and prosperities of POMPEY, vvho with such honour and fame had three times triumphed, and bin so many times Consul in Rome, and had gouerned the same, and had been the most eminent man there for so many yeers, and had in like sort obtained many victories and dignities.

When IVLIVS CAESAR landed in Egypt, he found the countrey infested with ciuill wars, and great discord between yong King PTOLOMY and his sister, the fair CLEOPATRA, a­bout the diuision and inheritance of that Kingdome: wherein IVLIVS CAESAR (as a Ro­man Consul) took vpon him to intermeddle. For which cause (as CAESAR himself writeth) or because that their guilty conscience, for the treacherous murder of POMPEY, made them to fear, as PLVTARCH affirmes; the before named FOTINVS which had been the practiser of this murder, and ACHILA who had been the actor thereof (both which were in great au­thority in Court and with the King) imagining that CAESAR inclined to fauour CLEOPA­TRA'S faction, sent for the Armie which the King had neer the city, consisting of 20000 good men, purposing to do by IVLIVS CAESAR as they had done by POMPEY: and so within few daies there beganne between CAESAR and the small forces which he brought with him, Caesars war in Egypt. both within the city and in the harbour, between the ships and gallies, the most cruell war and [Page 12] incounters that he euer had; which I cannot distinctly set down, for the many aduentures that passed. But let this suffice, that IVLIVS CAESAR fought therein many times in his owne per­son, both within the city (whereof his enemies held the greatest part) and also in the harbour with his ships; and was sometimes in such perill and danger, as he was driuen to leap out of the boat wherein hee was, into the water, and by swimming to flee into one of his gallies: and, as SVETONIVS writes, he carried his Commentaries in the one hand out of the water, lest they should bee wet; and his Robe in his teeth, to the end it should not fall into his enemies hands. But at length his forces and aid being comn from Asia and other parts, he at the end of nine mo­neths (for, so long lasted these wars) remained victorious, as in all others hee had been; and the yong King PTOLOMY was slain in Fight. In this warre CAESAR did such exploits, and The death of Ptolomy King of Egypt. shewed such valour and wisdome, that for the same onely hee did well deserue the fame and re­nowm of a most excellent Captain.

CAESAR hauing tamed the pride of the Egyptians, and put to death the murtherers of POMPEY, and established CLEOPATRA for Queen and Gouernesse in that Kingdome, Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, had a sonne by Caesar. whom during his staie there he entertained for his friend, and she conceiued and had a sonne by him, called CAESARIO; all things being quietly settled, he departed from Egypt towards A­sia, trauelling through Syria, now Soria, by reason that he was giuen to vnderstand, that while he was busied in the warres of Egypt, King PHARNACES, sonne of the mighty King MITHRI­DATES, thought it now a fit time (seeing the ciuill discord between the Romans) to recouer that which his father had lost: and hauing ouerthrowne DOMITIVS, whom CAESAR had sent to gouern those parts, and also hauing taken by force of Arms the prouinces of Bithynia and Cappadocia, expelling thence King ARIOBARZANES, a friend and subiect to Rome, and be­ginning to do the like in Armenia the lesse, which King DEIOTARVS had made subject to the Romans: IVLIVS CAESAR coming with his Armie sooner than King PHARNACES i­magined, although hee had expected him, and had intelligence of his approach; within fewe daies they came to a battell: in which (without any great resistance) the King was ouerthrowne and put to flight, with great slaughter of his people, from which hee escaped by flight. Great Caesars victory against Phar­naces King of Pontus. was the joy CAESAR conceiued of this victory, for the desire he had to return to Rome, where he knew that many scandals and insolencies were committed, by reason of his absence: he knew also, that POMPEY'S eldest son had seized on a great part of Spain, and had raised great forces of those which M. VARRO had there left, and of his fathers troops. Hee also vnderstood, that in Africa many principall Romans, which had escaped from the battell at Pharsalia, were gathered together, wherof M. CATO (called VTICENSIS, because that in Vtica he slue him­self) was the chief, and SCIPIO, POMPEY'S father-in-law; and that these went thither with a great part of the gallies and ships of POMPEY'S Nauie, and with the greatest power they were able to leuie; joyning with IVBA King of Mauritania, they had subdued all that countrey, and had a great Armie in readinesse against CAESAR, hauing chosen SCIPIO for their Generall, because that CATO would not take that charge vpon him, and for that the name of SCIPIO was very fortunate in Africa. CAESAR, hauing intelligence of all these things, within fewe daies, with great celerity and diligence, recouered all that which PHARNACES had vsurped: and, chasing him out of Pontus, he recouered all those countries: and leauing CELIVS MI­NVCIVS for Generall, with two legions to guard that prouince, pacifying the contentions and controuersies in the rest, rewarding the Kings & Tetrarchs which had continued firm in league and amity with Rome; without any longer aboad he departed from Asia, and in short space pas­sing into Italie, came to Rome: within little more than a yeer after that, he departed from thence, a short time in truth, for the performance of so great matters and so long a journey.

Within few daies after his comming to Rome, he made himselfe to be chosen the third time Consul, and reforming (the best that he could in so short a time) all disorders in Rome, being grieued and not able to endure that his enemies should possesse Africa, with great expedition he prepared all things necessary, and from Rome tooke his way thitherward, commanding his forces to follow him. First he went into Sicilia, and there shipped himselfe, and thence passed into Africa: and notwithstanding that neither his Nauie nor Armie arriued with him; trusting in the valour and goodnesse of his souldiers, and his owne good fortune, he tooke land with those small forces which he brought with him, neere vnto the citie of Adrumentum in Africa; and from thence marched to another citie called Leptis, where he was receiued: and after some conflicts which passed, his legions being come, and certaine troopes both on foote and horse­back; Caesars war in Africa against Scipio. he began the warre, which lasted foure moneths, viz. from the beginning of Ianuarie [Page 13] till the end of Aprill, beginning first against PETREIVS and LABIENVS: afterwards it was continued against SCIPIO and King IVBA, which assisted the contrary faction with 8000, men, the one halfe whereof were horsemen, whereof the prouince of Africa did then, and to this day doth abound; among all which were leuied against CAESAR eight legions of foote­men and 20000. horse: In this warre were many encounters, skirmishes and battailes, which HYR [...]IVS in his Commentaries, PLVTARCH, LVCAN, LVCIVS FLORVS & others write of at large, in which CAESAR was in great danger: but at the last with his force and good Hyrcius lib. 3. Appian lib 2. Lucan lib. 3. Lucius Florus lib. 4. Titus Liuius lib. 114. Plutarch in his liues. The strange death of King Iuba and Afra­nius. fortune, he ouercame them all in a great battaile; wherein, of the enemies, were slaine 10000. men, and CAESAR remained master of the field, and in few daies after of all the Countrie. SCI­PIO and all the principall Captaines which were his aduersaries, died sundrie deaths within few daies; and king IVBA by flight escaping from the battaile, and finding no place of refuge, in despaire, he and AFRANIVS determined to die fighting; the one against the other, till they were both slain, in which combat King IVBA being of greater strength then AFRANIVS, slew him; and afterwards commanded aslaue of his own, to kill himself, and so he died desperately.

The good MARCVS CATO who was in the citie of Vtica, knowing that CAESAR marched thitherwards, and although he knew that he would not put him to death, but had rather a desire to pardon him, and to doe him honor; yet to the end that he would receiue neither life nor ho­nor from his enemie, he slue himselfe: in whose death passed many notable accidents recorded Cato V [...]icensis slew himselfe. S. Aug. in his booke de ciuit. dei. 1. Scipio slew and drownd himself. Lactantius Eirmianus, Aulus Gellius in his twelfth booke. Cicero in the 3. of his offices. Valerius Ma­ximus eap. 3. Caesars tri­umphs. by many authors both christian and heathen. CICERO did write in commendation of the death of CATO, against the which CAESAR did write another discourse: both which are lost. And FLORVS writes his death after this manner; Hearing of the decease of his partners, hee dallyed not at all, but (as it became a wise man) did ioyfully hasten his owne death: for after he had imbraced his sonne and friends and bid them good night; he rested a while vpon his bed, hauing perused PLATOES booke of the immortalitie of the Soule; then about the first relie­uing of the watch, he drew his sword, and thrust himselfe into the bodie: After which the Phy­sitians sought to wrong this resolute man, by applying some salues, the which he endured vntill they were out of the roome; but then he pulled them away: and, the blood following abun­dantly, he left his dying hand in the very wound. SCIPIO, who had been Generall in this warre, escaped from the battaile by slight, and shipping himselfe in certaine galleyes, wherein he fled, was met withall by GAESARS nauie; who, to the end hee would not be taken, giuing himselfe some wounds, cast himselfe into the sea, and so was drowned. CAESAR, hauing ob­tained so great and absolute a victory, spending some fewe dayes in ordering the prouinces of Africa, reducing the kingdome of king IVBA into a prouince, hee came to the citie of Vtica, where he imbarked himselfe the third of Iune, and came to the Isle of Sardinia, wherein he stay­ed some few dayes, and arriued at Rome the fiue and twentith day of Iuly. At his comming (as SVETONIVS, APPIANVS, and PLVTARCH record) there were granted vnto him foure triumphs. The first triumph was for his conquest and victories in France, where were set the por­traitures of the riuers of Rodanus and the Rhine, wrought in gold: and in the second triumph of Egypt, and of King PTOLOMEY, were set the riuer of Nilus and the Pharus of Alexandria burning. The third triumph was of the prouince of Pontus and of King PHARNACES, wherein for the speede wherewith he prosecuted the victorie, was placed a briefe writing which signified as much; which was, veni, vidi, vici, which is to say, I came, I saw, I ouercame. The fourth tri­umph Veni, vidi, vici. was of the prouince of Africa, wherein was placed King I [...]his sonne, as a captiue: and in this triumph (as SVETONIVS writeth) were giuen iewels and armes to OCTAVIVS, CAESARS Nephew, who afterwards was Emperor, as we will declare, notwithstanding that Caesar would not triumph for his victorie a­gainst Pompey. he was not present in those warres by reason of his yong age: for he was not then fully sixteene yeares old. As for the battaile which CAESAR wanne against POMPEY, he would not triumph for it, because it was against Citizens of Rome.

These triumphs being ended, giuing great rewards to his souldiers, and entertayning the Ro­mane people, with feasts, gifts and other great bountie, hee caused himselfe to be chosen the fourth time Consul; and to the end that there should be no place in the world wherein he would not be obeyed, he resolued to goe into Spaine, where he vnderstood that GNEVS POMPEIVS (POMPEIVS sonne) with the remainder of the armie which had escaped out of Africa, was gone to ioyne with his brother SEXTVS POMPEIVS, who already was there, as I haue said, and was in possession of a great part of Spaine, with the cities of Seuill and Cordoua, and many o­thers in that coast, and many Spaniards were come to their ayde. CAESAR, departing, carried with him his most experienced and chosen souldiers, and made so good speede, as within few [Page 14] dayes he arriued in Spaine, and in this iourney (as SVETONIVS and VELLEIVS PATER­CVLVS recorde) his Nephew OCTAVIVS followed him.

CAESAR, being entred Spaine, came into the prouince of Betica, which is Andaluzia, where SEXTVS POMPEIVS and his brother GNEIVS POMPEIVS were with such legions and Caesars going into Spaine a­gainst Pompy's [...]. Betica, Anda­luzia. souldiers as they had gathered together; and so there began betweene them a cruell and bloudie warre. The end whereof was, that neere to the citie of Munda, CAESAR and GNEIVS POMPEI­VS (for SEXTVS POMPEIVS was in Cordoua) ioyned battaile; which was one of the most ob­stinate and cruell, that euer was in the world. For CAESAR being the most excellent Captaine, and the souldiers which he brought with him, the most valiant and accustomed to ouercome; the resolution and courage of POMPEY and his men was such, and they fought in such man­ner, as CAESARS esquadrons began to giue ground and were ready to forsake the field, and at the very point to haue been wholly ouerthrowne: And the matter came to this issue, that (as SVETONIVS and EVTROPIVS do write) CAESAR was about to haue killed himselfe, be­cause he would not see himselfe ouercome; and that he took á target from one of his souldiers and rushed in among his enemies, saying with a loud voice (as PLVTARCH reporteth) If you be not ashamed, leaue me and deliuer me into the hands of these boyes: for this shall be the last day of my life and of your honour. With which words, and his example, his souldiers took heart in such manner, that, recouering the ground which they had lost, the battell becam equal, Caesars cruell battaile and victorie against Pompeies sons. which (as APPIANVS affirmeth) lasted the most part of one whole day, without any signe of victory; sometimes seeming to incline to one partie, and sometimes to the other, vntill that at length CAESAR and his men did so great exploits, as the euening being come his enemies be­came faint, and began to flee, and the victory was apparantly CAESARS. There died of his enemies aboue 30000 men in this fight: and of CAESARS part, were slaine a thousand men of account, besides many other of lesser note. CAESAR esteemed this victorie so much, and so glo­ried in the danger wherein he had been, that after the victorie he vsed to say, that only that day he fought for his life, and in all other battailes euer for honor and victorie. He then remayning master of the field, his aduersarie POMPEY, who in nothing had failed of the office of a valiant and good captaine (after that he saw no other hope) escaped by flight, and wandring through many places was afterwards taken and slaine by CAESARS friends, whose head was brought vn­to him; the like hapned vnto LABIENVS. His second brother SEXTVS POMPEIVS fled form Cordoua, & in the end forsook Spain: hereafter more mention shall be made of him. I. CAE­SAR recouered the cities of Seuill and Cordoua, & all the rest; and disposing of all things in Spaine at his pleasure, returned to Rome, & entred in triumph for the warres in Spaine, which was his fift Caesars triumph for his victories in Spaine. and last triumph: in this place LVC. FLORVS and PATERCVLVS speak of all his triumphs.

CAESAR came to be the most mightie, the most redoubted, and most highly esteemed man that euer had been in the world, hauing subdued and conquered the greatest part thereof, with an Armie and by force, in as little time, as it might seeme that another man might be able to trauail those countries by reasonable iourneys. All which being in subiection vnto him, he made himselfe perpetuall Dictator of Rome; and so without contradiction he finished the making of himselfe soueraigne Lord and Monarch of the Romane Empire, within little lesse then fiue yeeres after that he began the same. And this was the originall and beginning of the Romane The beginning of the Romane Empire. Emperours: for IVLIVS CAESAR would not be called King (for the name of King was odi­ous to the Romans aboue all things, ener since the Kings were chased from Rome) but contented himselfe to be called perpetuall Dictator and also Emperor; although not with a name of such power and dignitie as his successors haue done since; but as by a name w^ch signified he had been a conqueror in the warres, which in this sense was giuen to the Romane Captaines, when they The originall of the name of Em­peror. had obtained any notable victorie: but after IVLIVS CAESAR, all his successors took that name, glorying to be called Emperors, which was held for the highest title and dignitie in the world.

IVLIVS CAESAR hauing attained to that absolute power which he so much desired, he shew­ed in all things great clemency and magnanimitie, honouring and rewarding his friends, and ea­sily forgiuing, and very cheerefully pardoning all those which had been his aduersaries; and so he not only pardoned BRVTVS and CASSIVS, CICERO, MARCELLVS, and many others: but also some of them he admitted to his companie and priuate familiaritie, and to offices and dignities. It is certaine that among all the many vertues wherewith CAESAR was endued, his The clemency and bountie of Caesar. clemencie and liberalitie were most glorious. But this sufficed not to quench the desire of their lost libertie, neither to asswage the hatred and malice conceiued against him by his aduersaries, as in time did appeare.

[Page 15] And notwithstanding that many were grieued: yet some for the loue which they bare him; others for feare and dissimulation; the Senate and people of Rome, and finally all, gaue him names, preheminencies and titles of honour, such as neuer had been giuen to any other; neither ought he to haue accepted the same, as PLVTARCH, APPIAN and others doe report: But CAESARS minde and ambition was such, and his thoughts so eleuated and so high; as he held nothing so great, but he was worthie thereof and had deserued the same: and so he not only ac­cepted that which they offered him; but many more were offered, because they knew that he desired the same. Whereupon they gaue him the name of Emperour, Father, restorer and pre­seruer The names and high titles which were gi­uen to Caesar. of his countrey: He was created perpetuall Dictator, and Consul for ten yeeres, and per­petuall Censor of their customes. His statue and image was erected among the Kings of Rome, and a chayre and throne of Iuorie in the Temples and Senate, and a high pulpit and throne in the Theatre, and in the place where the Senators did vse to sit, his pictures and statues were set vp in all the Temples and publike places. I passe ouer some titles which they gaue him, and he accepted, which only, to those whom they held for God, ought to haue been attributed. The moneth which they called Quintil, they called IVLIVS after his name, as March of their god MARS, and Iune after the goddesse IVNO: they did also consecrate and build Temples vnto him, as vnto IVPITER, and their other gods: and gaue him certaine honours which they held particularly for their gods, which they call Thensas: and so they did many other things to his honour, which exceeded all measure.

IVLIVS CAESAR enioying such honour and power, so as he had no equall or second in the world with whom he might contend; it seemeth that he would contend with himselfe, and at­tempt something wherein he might excell himselfe: for he was not contented with all the vi­ctories which he had obtained, neither (as PLINIE, SOLINVS and other report) to haue fought in fiftie seuerall battailes (in all which he ouer came) sauing in that one at Dyrrachium a­gainst POMPEY; where, as we haue alreadie said, he was not wholly ouerthrowne, neither (according to the same authors) to haue slaine in the warres and battailes which hee fought, a million, ninetie and odde thousand men; and yet they say that they reckon not those which died in the ciuill warres: but that as he was of a most haughtie minde, he sought to doe greater mat­ters, if greater might be. For, first he resolued to passe into the East, there to conquer and sub­due the fierce nation of the Parthians, and to reuenge the death of MARCAS CRASSVS, and The high thoughts and purposes of Cae­sar. to passe through Hircania and other countries, vntill he should come to the Caspian sea, and so through all the prouinces of Scythia Asiatica; and passing the riuer Tanais, to returne through Scy­thia in Europe, and in this retreit to come into Germany, and other prouinces bordering there­upon, conquering and subduing them all to the Romane Empire; for the which conquest hee presently caused to be leuied in sundrie places, ten thousand horsemen, and sixteene legions of chosen footmen, and appointing the time wherein he thought to depart, he commanded them to march towards their Rendeuous. And besides all this, he sought not only to subdue all the nations of the world, but to correct and reforme nature it selfe: for he purposed to haue made an Iland of Peloponesus, which now is called Morea, by cutting the neck of the land which is be­tweene the Egean and the Ionian Seas.

Of the Riuer Tiber and the Riuer Anien (as PLVTARCH saith) he purposed to haue altered the courses, and to haue opened new chanels, through which they should run into the Sea, ma­king them to leaue their naturall course, and capeable to bear great ships. He commanded, and already began to dig down and make plain many hils and high mountains in Italie, and to dry vp and dreine some of the great lakes and marishes which are therein: and, in this manner, hee thought to haue done other things more than a man, which seemed to bee possible to none but to God alone. He corrected (as many Authors affirm) the computation of the yeer, conforming it with the course of the Sun, and brought it to that rule which is yet held: for, before that time Caesar correct­ed the computa­tion of the yeere. Suetonius, Plutarch, Censorinus. it was much out of order. He did the like in the course of the Moon, and the conjunctions and oppositions of her and the Sun: and this was attributed to him for tyrannie, by those which did hate him. For, one day, in a discourse in the presence of CICERO, it was said, that the next day there should be an Eclipse of the Sun; yea, quoth he, it is so: for, CAESAR hath so com­manded. Many other things CAESAR began, which were very great, in reforming the lawes, customes and offices, which for breuity I omit: among which, the reedifying of the ruined city of Carthage by SCIPIO (as all the world knoweth) was one, and he sent thither Colonies and Carthage repeo­pled by Caesar. Roman citizens to inhabite: the like hee did by Corinth. But all these works and these so high conceits and resolutions were abbridged by death, which within fewe daies ensued: and this [Page 16] man, whom no force could resist, a fewe men (yea, and those disarmed) were of power to be­reaue of life; as heerafter we will declare. Fiue moneths onely hee liued a soueraigne Lord in peace (as VELLEIVS PATERCVLVS hath noted) when those, in whom he reposed greatest trust, conspired his death.

Some write, that CAESAR was counselled to haue had a guard alwaies about him: where­to he answered, that he would haue none; for, he would rather dy once, than liue continually in jealousie and fear. Many set down the causes wherefore they desired to kill him. Some say, The causes of the conspiracies a­gainst Caesar. that it was for the hatred they had long born him: some others say, that it was for the desire of liberty, houlding him for a tyrant. But the most part are of opinion, that it was for suspicion that hee would haue made himself King of Rome; a thing in the highest degree hatefull to the Ro­mans: whereof he gaue many signes and causes to suspect; which PLVTARCH and others do write at large. Heerunto was added, that he began to haue men in contempt, and all other things: whereby he became hatefull to many. For, he vsed to say, that the Common-wealth was but a voice and a name without a body or substance; and that it well appeared, that CORNELIVS SYLLA had no learning, seeing that hee resigned the perpetuall Dictatorship. All the whole Senate, coming one day into the Temple of Venus wherein he was, he attended their comming, sitting still, and rose not as he was wont to doo, notwithstanding (as some say) that CORNE­LIVS BALBVS counselled him to rise: which was a thing much noted, and odious to the Common-wealth. His friends and fauourites began also to say and to publish, that in the books of the Sibyls (which in Rome were held in great veneration, and for a true prophecy) it was writ­ten, that the Parthians could neuer bee ouercome but by a man which should haue the title of king; and they practised that CAESAR should take this name, for that conquest, whither he had determined to goe: and although that he made shew to be much moued thereat, yet they sus­pected the contrary. Which suspicion encreased (besides that which is already said) for that the Tribunes of the people commanded a man to be apprehended, which had set a Diadem (which is the ensigne of a King) vpon the head of one of CAESARS statues: Whereat CAESAR was so highly offended with the Tribunes, that he deposed them from their offices, making shew that he did it, because they gaue him cause of offence, in this, that they would make the world beleeue that there was cause of suspicion, that he would make himself a Tyrant-king. The like in a manner passed, when MARCVS ANTONIVS, who was a great fauourite of his, and (that yeere) his fellow and companion in the Consulship, being at certaine publike games, came to CAESAR and put a Diademe vpon his head: and although that he cast it downe, yet they all i­magined, that MARCVS ANTONIVS would not haue presumed to haue done it without his consent or liking, and that he did this to proue what liking the people had thereto, and how they would take it: so as these, and such other like things as passed, gaue them occasion to desire and to procure his death; as some of them did. This did also encourage them, and made them attempt to do it; for that in sundry publick places certain Writings were set vp, which did in­cite and animate them to conspire against him: as, vpon the statue of BRVTVS, who in antient time chased the Kings out of Rome, were written these words; Would to God thou wert now liuing, Brutus: And vpon the image of MARCVS BRVTVS, who then was Pretor, and descended from the other BRVTVS, these words; Thou sleepest long, Brutus: truely thou art not Brutus. And, as APPIAN recounteth, at other times they set vp others, which imported, Thou art dead, Bru­tus: would to God thou wert liuing: thou art vnworthy of the succession from the Bruti: surely thou art not descended from that good Brutus. And other such like things were set vpon these statues, and in o­ther places: So as for all these reasons, and for other added heerunto, there were seuenty of the most eminent men in Rome which conspired to murder him; one alluring another, vntill they grew to that number: of which, the principall Heads were DECIVS, MARCVS BRVTVS, The conspiracie against Iulius Caesar. CAIVS CASSIVS; yet MARCVS BRVTVS was held for CAESAR'S son: for, his mo­ther was suspected by him, and had receiued from him great honours and good entertainments. With these were GAIVS CASCA, ATTILIVS CIMBER, SERVIVS GALBA, QVIN­TVS LIGARIVS, MARCVS SPVRIVS, and many other men of account: which, after som consultations, concluded to kill him vpon the Ides of March, which is the fifteenth day of that Month, in the Temple where the Senators were to sit that day: which was agreed vpon, and kept so secret, that (notwithstanding their great number) there was not any one found that did discouer the same. But there were so many signes and prodigies, and to himself there hapned so many auguries and forewarnings, that, without knowing any cause, all men were of opinion, that CAESAR'S death was neer at hand. The which, among many other which recite the same, [Page 17] OVID doth most excellently set down in his Metamorphoses, which for breuity I omit: but chiefly SPVRINA, who was his diuiner or soothsaier, forwarned him, that he should look to Lib. 14 himself vntill the Ides of March were past; for, his life was in great danger: and CAESAR'S owne wife entreated him vpon her knees, that hee would not that day go forth to the Senate; for, she had dreamt, that he lay dead in her lap. Finally, CAESAR was so many waies forewar­ned, and put in such fear of some great danger, as he was about to send to MARCVS ANTO­NIVS to make his excuse, and to deferre the Senat vntill another day. But (as it was Gods will he should dy so) MARCVS BRVTVS, being in place when this matter was in question (who, as we haue already said, was one of the conspirators) counselled CAESAR, that in no cas [...] hee should make shewe of any such fear: whereupon he resolued to go.

Some (as SVETONIVS and PLVTARCH) write, that CAESAR made small account of death, and that he suspected he should dy in this manner: for he said, that hee did not so much esteem his owne life, as the danger whereinto the Common-wealth would fall by losing him: For, as for him, he had wonne power, fame and glory enough for himself; and that hee in no time could dy with greater honour. It gaue also cause of this suspicion, that some discoursing in his presence, the night before his death, what kinde of death was best: euen, quoth hee, the sudden, and that which is not prepensed. Whether this be true or no, I knowe not: but, the fif­teenth of March, he went from his house in a Litter towards the Senate; and, passing along the street, there was a petition deliuered vnto him, which (some say) ARTEMIDORVS, his Ma­ster A petition giuen Caesar. in the Greek Tongue, gaue him: others say, that it was giuen him by another, and that AR­TEMIDORVS could not come so neer to him as to aduise him: but, whosoeuer hee were that gaue it, therein was giuen him (in writing) all that which was concluded in this conspiracie, and he which gaue it desired him to reade it presently; which he began to doo: but there came so many to speak to him, that he could but begin to reade it; for, it was found in his hand when he was dead. And, passing so along the street, hee also met with SPVRINA, who had giuen him warning to look to himself vntill the Ides of March were past: and as CAESAR saw him, very pleasant and jesting he said, Dost thou not knowe, SPVRINA, that the Ides of March are come? Yea, answered SPVRINA, and I knowe that they are not yet past. Being comn to the Temple where the Senate was to sit that day, he cam down from his Litter, and entred therein; and, hauing first done sacrifice (as then was the custome) which all, according to their supersti­tious ceremonies of that time, presaged to be fatall and infortunate, he sate down in the Senate in his chair: and BRVTVS ALBINVS, entertaining MARCVS ANTONIVS at the door of the Temple, or (after some others) TREBONIVS; as it was decreed, one of the conspira­tors (whose name was CELER) came to CAESAR vnder colour to intreat him to be pleased to release a brother of his from banishment, and presently all the rest of the conspirators drew neer to his chair. Which when CAESAR perceiued, thinking that they had all come for the same purpose, it is written that he said vnto them, What force is this? And at that Instant one of them, whose name was CASCA, beginning, they all drew their poiniards and swords, which they had brought in secret for that purpose vnder their gowns, and began to wound him. The first blowe he receiued, they say, CASCA gaue him in the throat: at which wound CAESAR spake aloud; saying, What dost thou, Traitor CASCA? and, wresting the poiniard out of his hands, he arose and stabbed CASCA through the arm: and beeing about to strike him the se­cond time, he was preuented by the other wounds which they gaue him; with great force and courage leaping from one side to the other to defend himself. But, when hee saw MARCVS BRVTVS (whose authority and reputation was great) with his sword drawn in his hand, wher­with he had already wounded him in the thigh, they write, that hee was much amazed thereat, and said in the Greek Tongue (which the Romans did then vnderstand and vsually speak) Why how now, sonne BRVTVS? and thou also? And hauing said so, and seeing so many weapons bent against him, and that no body came to his rescue (for, there was so great a tumult in the Se­nate, as they all thought to haue died; and, being in despair, none durst attempt to defend him) he remembred to keep the honour of his person, and with his right hand couered his head with part of his robe, and with his left hand hee girt himself, and settled his clothes about him; and, Caesar was sl [...] in the Senate, & d [...]d at Pom­pey's feet. The excellenci [...]s of Iul. Caesar. being so couered, he fell dead to the ground, wounded with three and twenty wounds: and his fortune was to fall at the foot of the seat or base whereupon POMPEY'S starue stood; which was noted for the judgement and permission of God. And so in this maner died the most migh­ty, the most worthy, valiant, wise, and fortunate Prince and Captain, that without all doubt be­fore him hath been in the world; and I knowe not if after him in valor and humane power there [Page 18] hath been the like. For, his excellencies, graces and abilities; his inuincible minde, his incom­parable force and courage; the battailes and victories which he obtained; the prouinces, Kings and nations, which he ouercame and subdued; his counsels, stratagems, policies, and bold at­tempts; his magnanimitie, clemencie and bountie to the conquered and conquerors; the great designes he had propounded when he was slaine; being all well weighed and considered: it will plainely appeare, that in none of these things aforesaid, neither in many other more which may be said of him, there hath beene any King or Captaine that hath excelled him, but that he in the most hath excelled all others, and had fewer imperfections and vices then any other. For, setting apart his ambition and desire to raigne (which he held for no vice, and might alledge that he was compelled thereto) he was only noted and blamed, as too much giuen to women; as for the rest, wherewith he was charged, it doth rather appeare to be the murmuring and slan­dering of his aduersaries, than any truth.

CAESAR was slaine in the six and fiftieth yeere of his age, foure yeeres and a little more (according to PLVTARCHS computation) after the death of POMPEY; in the seuen hun­dred The time where­in Caesar died. and tenth yeere (according to OROSIVS) after the foundation of Rome; and according to the Hebrew truth, in the three thousand and tenth yeere from the creation of the world; and according to the greater account of the seuentie interpreters, fiue thousand, one hundred, fif­tie and seuen yeeres; in the hundred, eightie and fourth Olympiad; and fortie and two yeers before the birth of Christ our Redeemer: But I would haue the reader to vnderstand, that in this account of yeeres, there sometimes happeneth difference betweene the authors.

CAESAR had neither sonne nor daughter legitimate, at the time of his death; for notwith­standing that he was married foure seuerall times, yet he had but one only daughter, named IV­LIA, which (as I haue said) was married to POMPEY, and died: Wherefore he adopted for sonne by his last will, and made him his heire in the Dodrant, which are nine parts of the twelue Iulius Caesar adopted Octa­uianus his Ne­phew for his son. Octauianus hi [...] parentage. of his goods, his Nephew OCTAVIVS CAESAR; which afterwards was called OCTAVIA­NVS AVGVSTVS, who was nephew to his sister IVLIA and of ACIVS BALEVS, and sonne of ACIA his neece, and of OCTAVIVS Pretor in Macedonia, who died sodainely. OCTAVI­VS was at this time by the commandement of his vncle, in the citie of Apollonia in the prouince of Epire, where he gaue himselfe to studie; staying for him there, thence to goe with him to the warres of the Parthians, being then of the age of seuenteene yeeres.

CAESAR being dead in the manner as I haue said (as it happeneth in great accidents) the newes presently ranne ouer all the citie; and the tumult and alteration therein was so great, as no man knew what to doe or say: all offices ceased, the temples were shut vp, there was no man but was amazed: CAESARS friends were afraid of those which slew him; and they, of his friends. It would be a long discourse to recite what succeeded, but I will briefly set down that which shall be most to my purpose. BRVTVS and CASSIVS and all the conspirators, and o­thers which were willing to ioyn with them, hauing murthered him, seeing the great tumult a­mong the people (and as PLVTARCH writes) for feare of MARCVS ANTONIVS and LE­PIDVS, whereof the one was Consul, and the other Master of the horsemen, durst not goe to their houses, neither doe such other things as they had pretended; but presently from thence went to seize vpon the Capitoll, and cryed by the way as they went, Libertie, libertie, implo­ring the assistance and fauour of the people. The rest of that day and all the next night, MARCVS ANTONIVS & LEPIDVS who took CAESARS part, were in arms, and there passed treaties & messages from the one to the other; wherin it was agreed the Senat should sit, whither BRVTVS & CASSIVS cam, M. ANTONIVS sons (by the perswasion of CICERO, a great louer of the libertie) remaining hostages for them; where they treated of peace & concord, and all that w^ch was past should be buried in perpetuall silence and obliuion. Wherunto M. ANTONIVS (who was Consul) and all the whole Senate agreed: and all the prouinces being diuided, there The determina­tion of the Se­nate. was a great likelyhood of peace; for the Senate approued and commended the fact, and the peo­ple dissembled it: for on the one part, the authoritie of BRVTVS and CASSIVS, and the name of libertie, seemed to giue them some contentment; and of the other side, the greatnes of the fact, and loue which they bare vnto CAESAR, did moue and incite them to hate the mur­therers, and so it rested indeterminate. But MARCVS ANTONIVS, as one who also thought to become a tyrant, euer sought meanes to incense the people against them; and matters passed in such sort, that among other things which were done, CAESARS testament was opened; wherein (besides the adopting of his Nephew OCTAVIVS for his son, and appointing him for Caesars will and testament. his chiefe heire, among other bequests which he made) he bequeathed to the people of Rome [Page 19] certaine gardens and heritages neere the riuer of Tiber, and to euery citizen of Rome a certaine sum of money, to be diuided among them; which being knowne, did much renew their olde loue, and [...]ade his death farre more pittifull. And hauing agreed vpon his funerall, which was, with great solemnity to burne his body in the field of Mars, putting it in effect, MARCVS AN­TONIVS, who that day made a funerall oration in his praise, and with the intent aforesaid, took the robe wherein CAESAR was slaine; which being all bloody, he shewed to the people, vsing some speeches which prouoked them both to wrath and pittie. So as before the solemnitie of the funerall was throughly ended, they all departed in great furie, with the brands of the same fire which was made for CAESARS bodie in their hands, and went to burne the houses of BRV­TVS and CASSIVS, running vp and downe the streetes of Rome seeking them and the rest of the conspirators to haue slaine them; and in that furie they vnaduisedly slew ELIVS CINNA, by mistaking him to haue been CORNELIVS CINNA, who was one of the conspirators. This tumult put BRVTVS and CASSIVS and their confederats, in such feare, as they all fled from The murderers o [...] Caesar fled from Rome. Rome to sundry other parts; and MARCVS ANTONIVS not obseruing what was decreed, thinking to inherit CAESARS power and authoritie, sought their destruction in all that he might: And notwithstanding that the Senate (hauing appeased the tumult of the people) would haue inflicted punishment vpon some of the seditious, and some were already impriso­ned, yet BRVTVS and CASSIVS durst not returne to Rome, but after a while went into Grae­cia to gouerne those prouinces, which CAESAR (whom they had slaine) had consigned vnto them; which were Macedonia to BRVTVS, and Syria to CASSIVS, and so all the rest of the The death of those which con­spired against Caesar. conspirators absented themselues. Surely it was a wonderfull thing that within the space of three yeers, they all died, and not one of them a naturall death.

At this time CAIVS OCTAVIVS, who (as is aforesaid) was afterwards called OCTAVI­ANVS AVGVSTVS, came to Rome from Apollonia, being aduertised of CAESARS death, and sent for by his mother and other his kindred, all continuing in the confusion aforesaid. After the death of Caesar, Mar­cus Antonius became the mightiest man in Rome. For MARCVS ANTONIVS was now very mightie: for his brother LVCIVS ANTONIVS was Tribune of the people, and other his friends and kinsmen were in offices and dignities, many of which he procured for them, saying; that IVLIVS CAESAR had so ordained it in his Com­mentaries: and in this season came OCTAVIVS to Rome, whose storie we will now begin.

IF in the Historie and life of IVLIVS CAESAR it behooued me to be briefe in the relation thereof; I haue now no lesse neede to do the like in the Historie of his Nephew OCTA­VIVS CAESAR, which afterwards was called OCTAVI­ANVS AVGVSTVS, his sonne by adoption, as by that Octauius Ne­phew to Caesar and his sonne by adoption. which is before written may appeare: aswell for the great accidents which happened in his time, as for the multitude thereof, which cannot be repeated but by a long discourse. But we will doe herein what we shall be able, notwithstan­ding that his raigne was long (for it was fiftie and odde yeares) that in reason we may spend somewhat more time, then in the actions of those which were of lesse continu­ance. The father and grandfather of OCTAVIVS, I haue already said, who they were. His linage and familie of his fathers side, was of the OCTAVII, and was of great antiquitie in Rome, from the time of TARQVIN their king, and in the begin­ning The Linage of Octauianus. they were Patricij (as SVETONIVS recordeth in his life) although that afterwards the order altred, reducing it to the people by adoption, or some other cause: and in processe of time many of the OCTAVII, obtaining offices and Magistracies, continued in the order of Knight­hood, which was in the middle degree betweene the Patricij and the Plebeians, vntill the time of OCTAVIVS the father of OCTAVIANVS, who was a Senator, and a Pretor in Macedonia. [Page 21] Of his mothers side (as it was said of IVLIVS CAESAR) hee descended from the Kings of Rome. And yet notwithstanding all this, as OCTAVIANVS had many enemies and emula­tors, it was said to his reproach, that his grand-father (the father of his father) had been a mony­changer, and that his great grand-father was a Libertine; which is as much as to say, a man that had been a slaue. But it seems to me vnlikely, that the son of such parents should haue been ad­mitted into the Senat, and made Pretor; and that IVLIVS CAESAR, whose place & thoughts were so high, would haue married him to his Niece. And so SVETONIVS treats thereof, as a matter which he houlds for vntrue.

OCTAVIVS then vnderstanding of the death of his Vncle IVLIVS CAESAR, being ad­uertised and sent for by his mother (as I haue said) departed from Apollonia, and with the best speed he could make came to Rome, accompanied with some of CAESAR'S friends and some Octauianus his coming to Rome. men of warre, of those which in Epire and Macedonia attended the enterprise and wars of Asia, as it was decreed: and, arriuing at Brundusium, he found there certain legions, which by CAE­SARS commandement were comn thither to haue been embarked for the warre pretended; by whom he was receiued with the greatest loue and affection that could be. And (as saith APPI­ANVS) he was there called and took vpon him the name of CAESAR, by the adoption of his vn­cle; and, leauing off to bee called OCTAVIVS the son of OCTAVIVS, was called CAIVS Octauianus took vpon him the name of Caesar. CAESAR, son of CAIVS CAESAR; and commonly he was called CAESAR OCTAVIANVS: wherein he preserued the memory of his naturall father, with the name of his adoptiue father: like as PAVLVS EMILIVS son of PAVLVS EMILIVS, being adopted by SCIPIO, the son of SCIPIO the Great, was called SCIPIO EMILIANVS; SCIPIO by his adoptiue father, and EMILIANVS by his naturall father; a matter vsuall among the Romans. So was OCTAVIVS called CAESAR OCTAVIANVS: and so from thenceforth we will call him.

OCTAVIANVS CAESAR departed from Brundusium towards Rome, accompanied with the ould souldiers: and by the way many more joined with him, with many of his vncle and father CAESAR'S friends, and of his faction, and entred into the city with great shew & pomp. But, as MARCVS ANTONIVS was of great power, and therewith very proud, and took in ill part that OCTAVIANVS was preferred before him, as PLVTARCH recordeth, hee went not to receiue him: which was much noted, and was the first signe of the discord which afterwards ensued between them. OCTAVIANVS had a resolution and great desire to re­uenge the death of IVLIVS CAESAR. But, by his mother, and PHILIP his father-in-law, with whom she was married, he was counselled to dissemble his purpose for a season: for, on the one side, they saw that the Senate had approued the death of IVLIVS CAESAR; and, on the other, MARCVS ANTONIVS, who was to bee their principall fauourer heerin, did not shewe himself a friend to OCTAVIANVS. Wherefore he, following their wise counsell, ad­uisedly concealed his thoughts for a time: and, to justifie himself, and to hould correspondence, and temporize with ANTONIE, he went presently to his house to visit him. And, vnderstan­ding that ANTONIE had in his custodie all the treasure which IVLIVS CAESAR had left, after discourse of some other matters, he desired him to command it to bee deliuered vnto him, therewith to satisfie his debts, and to distribute it as CAESAR had ordained by his Will. To this, and all the rest which OCTAVIANVS required, hee was answered by MARCVS ANTONIVS with greater haughtinesse and grauity than the minde and thoughts of OGTA­VIANVS were able to bear, denying to him what he required, yea, and reprouing him for his demands. Whereupon presently contentions and discord arose between them; OCTAVIA­NVS Octauianus and Marcus Antonius fell at variance. aiding himself with the counsell of MARCVS TVLLIVS CICERO, a great enemy to ANTONIVS: whose authority at that time, by reason of his wisdome and eloquence, was ve­ry great. The hatred encreasing, although that friends of either side passed between them to bring them to some conformity, and to haue reconciled them, yet in the end it brake out. And OCTAVIANVS his power encreasing, principally (as I said) through the fauour and assistance of CICERO, MARCVS ANTONIVS left Rome, and began to raise forces in Italie, and so leuied foure legions of ould souldiers against him. And because that DECIVS BRVTVS, who commanded Gallia Cisalpina (which is now called Lombardie) was opposite vnto him, pro­cured thereto by CICERO his counsell and letters, MARCVS ANTONIVS went to be­siege him in the city of Mutina, now called Modena. This being knowne in Rome, CICERO his credit and authority in the Senate was such, as, after much contention, MARCVS ANTONI­VS M. Antonie de­clared an enemie to the commen­weal. was declared an enemy to the State: and the new Consuls HIRCIVS and PANSA were sent against him, and with them OCTAVIANVS, with ensignes of Consul and title of Propre­tor, [Page 22] with part of the Armie, hauing been first receiued into the Senate (notwithstanding that he was not yet eighteen yeers ould) by the procurement of CICERO, although that afterwards he did ill requite it.

There were also assigned vnto MARCVS BRVTVS the prouinces of Illyricum or Sclauonia, and Macedonia, with the Armies therein; and to CASSIVS, the prouince of Syria in Asia, with the Armie also. This and other things beeing granted by the Senate, OCTAVIANVS and the Consuls with their Armies drew neer to MARCVS ANTONIVS, MARCVS TVL­LIVS CICERO remaining for chief in all matters in Rome. After some skirmishes and in­counters, The battell a­gainst Marcus Antonius, wherein Octa­uianus and the consuls had the victorie. which passed between the two Armies, they came to battell, or (as some record) bat­tels, which are declared in sundry manners; but in effect they all agree: and the truth is, that the Consuls and CAESAR had the victory, and one of the Consuls (which was HIRCIVS) was slain in the battell, and PANSA the other Consul came wounded from it, and died shortly af­ter: and so OCTAVIANVS remaining with the whole Armie, DECIVS BRVTVS was freed from the siege; and MARCVS ANTONIVS, with part of his people, escaped by flight. In this seruice, OCTAVIANVS made maruellous proof of himself (as SVETONIVS repor­teth) not onely as a Captain, but also as a priuate souldier: and, among other things which hee did, one was, that seeing him which bare the standard to bee sore wounded and ready to fall, with the Eagle, the ensigne of his legion, which were the Armes of Rome; OCTAVIANVS took the same, and bare it a great while, vntill that he put it in safety: yet for all this, some of his enemies forbare not to defame him; saying, that, being in the battell, he himself slue the Con­sull HIRCIVS; and that afterwards he caused poison to be put into the medicines applied to the Consul PANSA, and that thereof he died.

MARCVS ANTONIVS, being escaped from the battell, gathering together the remainder of his Armie, passed the Alps and went into France, solliciting the friendshippe of LEPIDVS, who remained there with an Armie since the death of IVLIVS CAESAR: with whom, af­ter some treaties and matters which succeeded, he concluded to be his friend. And OCTAVI­ANVS, after the battell and victory obtained, seeing himself at liberty from the authority of the Consuls, began to put in effect the high designes which he did inherit with the goods and name of CAESAR, and presently sent to the Senate to require triumph for the victory; and also the Consulship for the rest of the time which remained to the dead Consuls, with succession in their charge, and command of the souldiers succeeding them in dignity. But his demands were not so pleasing to the Senate as he desired: for, the kinsmen and friends of the conspirators which slue CAESAR, began to stand in fear of him, and they grieued to see him so powerfull. Wher­fore (as APPIANVS ALEXANDRINVS and VELLEIVS PATERCVLVS distinctly set down) they vsed a mean to protract and delay that which he required; and in the end they resolued to assigne the Armie vnto DECIVS BRVTVS: and temporizing with OCTAVIA­NVS, they granted him the triumph, without admitting him to the Consulship. Whereat hee shewed himself much discontented, and took occasion thereby to attempt that which perad­uenture he had before projected: which was this; He had secret treaties & practices of friend­ship with MARCVS ANTONIVS, and hauing drawne vnto him the hearts and good will of the Armie, imitating IVLIVS CAESAR; accompanied therewith, he took his way to Rome: and approaching neer vnto the city, in despite of the Senate hee made himself to bee chosen Consull, being then not fully twenty yeers ould. Wherein hee presently entred: and, discoue­ring Octauianus made himself to be chosen con­sul. Those which murdered Cae­sar, accused & condemned. his desire and resolution, he made accusations to be exhibited against BRVTVS and CAS­SIVS, and the rest of the conspirators, which was declared against them all: and as there were none to defend their cause, and they absent, not daring to appear, they were condemned. This being done, he again departed from the city; and, with the Armie which he brought, returned to draw neer to the camps of LEPIDVS and MARCVS ANTONIVS, who were already en­tred Italie.

DECIVS BRVTVS, being aduertised of the treaties and league betwixt OCTAVIANVS, LEPIDVS and MARCVS ANTONIVS, not daring to stay in that countrey, departed with his people: by which, seeing himself abandoned, part whereof going to CAESAR, and part to MARCVS ANTONIVS, he fled into sundry parts; and in the end was taken and brought to MARCVS ANTONIVS, and put to death by his commandement, and (his head beeing brought vnto him, hee caused him presently to bee buried. The Armies of these Captains ap­proaching neer together, with which ASINIVS POLLIO and PLANCVS, with the legi­ [...]ns which they commanded, were joined; the league was made, and friendship concluded be­tweene [Page 23] these three, to wit, OCTAVIANVS CAESAR, MARCVS ANTONIVS, and LEPI­DVS, all three meeting to that effect three daies together, at an appointed place in the fields be­tweene The Triumvirat and league be­tweene Octa­vianus, Marcus Antonius, and Lepidus. Bologna and Perugia, as APPIANVS recordeth, which was an Iland, which the River La­vinum which passeth thereby, maketh, where they concluded their accursed peace. And either of these firebrands of sedition entred into that accursed Triumvirat, with a several designe & intent. LEPIDVS was covetous of riches, the hope wherof consisted in troubling the State. ANTHO­NIE by nature an enemie to peace, and troublesome to the common weale, desired to be reven­ged of such as had declared him an enemie to the State. And OCTAVIVS, for the death of his adopted father, upon BRVTVS and CASSIVS, whose lives were offensive to his unrevenged ghost. After which, OCTAVIANVS, putting away SERVILIVS daughter, to whom hee was married, contracted himselfe to CLAVDIA, ANTONIVS daughter in law, daughter to his wife FVLVIA, which was then a childe; from whom he was also divorced afterwards, with­out touching her, by reason of the discord which arose, as shall bee declared. In this proscrip­tion and league which they made, besides the dividing of the Empyre and Provinces, as hereaf­ter shall bee declared, they concluded each of them to kill his enemies, and the one delivered The cruell pro­scription mad [...] by Octavianus and Marcus Antonius. Cicero delive­red to his ene­mie. them into the others hands, having more respect and care to bee revenged of an enemie, then to the saving of a friend; and so was made the most cruell and in humane proscription and butche­rie that ever was seene or heard of, giving and exchanging friends and kinsmen, for enemies and adversaries. For MARCVS ANTONIVS gave his fathers brother; and LEPIDVS, LV­CIVS PAVLVS, his owne brother; and OCTAVIANVS, MARCVS TVLLIVS CICERO, whom hee called father, and by whom hee had beene intreated and honoured as a sonne. Be-, sides these, they proscribed and condemned to dye, three hundred other principal men of Rome, as PLVTARCH setteth downe in their lives, although LVCIVS FLORVS, and TITVS LI­VIVS doe but briefely set downe the number of the Senatours: of which one saith, there were put to death 130, and the other 140. But if wee shall beleeve APPIANVS, a most diligent and grave Author, there died of the Senators in a manner 300 (therin agreeing with PLVTARCH) and neere 2000 Romans of the order of Knighthood: so great power had ambition & hatred in the hearts of these three Citizens.

Having made their agreement, and resolved what they would doe, they all three (newly re­conciled) went to Rome, where they tooke upon them the governement of the Common-wealth, by the name of a Triumvirat, for that they were three, the time being appointed for five yeares, although they never meant to leave the same. And presently those which by them were con­demned and proscript, were by their commandement put to death, being sought out in all parts and places, ransaking their houses and confisking their goods: In the execution whereof there was so great confusion, sorrow and heavinesse in the cittie of Rome, and almost in all Italie, as the like was never seene nor heard of by man. And although APPIANVS ALEXANDRINVS ve­ry eloquently recounteth the cruell death of many, it shal be sufficient for us to describe the mur­dering of CICERO onely: who understanding that his name was in the catalogue of those which were proscript, onely for that he had beene a lover of the Romane libertie, fled towards the Sea, where imbarking himselfe, hee had so cruell fortune, as hee was forced to returne to the shore: and comming to certaine his possessions neere to Capua, not far from the sea, sleeping, hee was awakened by Crowes, which with their bills pluckt the cloathes from his backe. His servants moved with this evill presage, tooke him and put him in his Litter, and againe carried him towards the Sea; but hee was overtaken by the executioners, which smote off his head, and right hand, wherewith hee had written the orations against MARCVS ANTONIVS called PHILIPPICKS, imitating those which DEMOSTHENES made against PHILIP, father to ALEXANDER the great: and so CICERO was slaine by one whom hee had defended and delivered from death. And his hand being ioyfullie beheld by MARCVS ANTONIVS, was by his order nayled up in the place where hee was wont to plead; whither repaired all the Romane people to behold so miserable and sorrowfull a spectacle: whereof there was not anie one but was heartily sorie for the death of so great a personage, and so fervent a lover of the Common-wealth.

These Princes having done their wils in Rome, and knowing that BRVTVS and CASSIVS had a great and mightie Armie in Graecia, able both to defend, and offend, & called themselves deli­verers of their Countrey, and gave it out publikely, that they would goe to set Rome at libertie from oppression; CASSIVS having before overthrowne and slaine DOLABELLA in Syria, who was made Consul in the place of IVLIVS CAESAR when he was slaine; and in the time [Page 24] that CICERO bare sway, was adjudged for an enemie to his Countrey: and being certified that they had (with the assistance of the Kings and provinces of Asia, and such people as they could levie) drawn together 18 legions: This (I say) being knowne, MARCVS ANTONIVS and OCTAVIANVS resolved to goe against them with the greatest Armie they were able to levie, which they had of expert and old soldiers, and that LEPIDVS should remaine behinde to guard Rome. Being departed from thence, and arrived in Graecia, dividing their Armie, for the more commodious marching thereof, they drew neere to the place where BRVTVS and CAS­SIVS were encamped, which was in Macedonia, in the fields called Phillippicks, for that they were neere the Citty Philippos. Before the Armies came to joyne, there were apparent signes of an inevitable overthrow; for those birds which used to gorge themselves with Carion, hovered about BRVTVS Campe, as if it had beene their owne alreadie: as they marcht out to battel, a blacke Moore met them, which was an eminent signe of ominous successe: and BRVTVS him­selfe being alone in his tent at night in meditation, a man sad and gastly appeared unto him; and being demanded by him, what he was? he answered, I am thy evill spirit; and so vanished out of his sight. In Caesars Campe, all presages were as good as the others bad, birds and beasts promising all fayre fortune. These contrarie Armies being so neere together; after some en­counters and skirmishes, they came to a battaile, where the victorie was divided after a strange manner: for either partie having ranged their Armie into two squadrons, or battailes, the right wing of BRVTVS his Armie, joyned with the left wing which OCTAVIANVS commanded; and the right, whereof MARCVS ANTONIVS was leader, with the left which CASSIVS governed: where wounding and cruelly slaying one another, BRVTVS his Battalion was of such power, as that it brake and put to rout OCTAVIVS CAESARS Battalion; who, as AP­PIANVS Brutus puts his enemies to rout. ALEXANDRINVS, PLVTARCH, and LVCIVS FLORVS report, was not in the battaile, for that hee was then very sicke; neither durst he abide in his Tent in the Campe, for a certaine augurie or dreame of one who was his Phisition, who (they say) advised him, that he should not abide in his Tent in the Campe; for if hee did, hee would be slaine by his enemies. Yet SVETONIVS, VELLEIVS PATERCVLVS, and PAVLVS OROSIVS affirme that he was there, & that being overcome, he retyred to ANTONIVS battaile. And although that this be diversly reported (as it usually happeneth in great exploites and adventures) the truth wher­in all agree, is, that his people being overthrowne, and his Campe entred by his enemies, ima­gining that he had beene in his bed, there were many thrusts and stabs given thorough the cur­taines, and into the bed, and it was published abroad that hee was dead. And while as BRVTVS followed this victorie, his companion CASSIVS was overthrowne by MARCVS ANTO­NIVS, Cassius desea­ted by Antonie notwithstanding that hee performed all that was possible for him to defend his people; so as there was victorie on either side, whereof the cloudes and dust of that day were a great oc­casion; for the one could not see nor understand the other: and CASSIVS seing his people o­verthrowne and scattered, retired himselfe to a high ground, where hee had pitched his Tent, whereinto he could not come, for that the enemie had alreadie possessed it: And so standing and looking about, hee saw BRVTVS troopes come to his ayde, and to relieve him: but hee imagining they came flying, or that they were his enemies, as he had before resolved (so great was his griefe and sorrow) so commanded hee a slave of his, whom hee had made free (named PINDARVS) to kill him, who performed it presently, and so he died foolishly, yet bound by The death of Cassius. necessitie, believing that which was not.

OCTAVIANVS his people escaped by flight, & retired to MARCVS ANTONIVS campe, whose forces returned to him with victorie: although their General MARCVS ANTONIVS, as some write, did not that day discharge the part of a good Captaine but rather affirme, that the battaile being begunne, hee left it, and went into a lake which was thereby, where he re­mained untill that hee certainely understood, that the victorie remained on his side: which tru­ly is hardly to bee beleeved in so valiant a man, and of such experience as he was; so as there was a great broile and a confusion. But PLVTARCH affirmeth, that if BRVTVS his people had not that day busied themselves in ransacking and pillaging of OCTAVIANVS his Campe & Tents, his partie had obtained an entire victorie: for they might in sufficient time have rescued CAS­SIVS, and both being joyned together, might easilie have broken MARCVS ANTONIVS his battaile. But the victorie divided in such manner as I have told you, the Captaines of either par­tie gathered together their forces, where of BRVTVS part were slaine 8000 men; and of his adversaries a far greater number: and BRVTVS did his best to comfort the soldiers and gen­tlemen which followed CASSIVS. And although the next day there were some shew between [Page 25] the two Armies of a desire to fight, and that they were neere the one to the other, yet they came to no battaile: but within few daies after (during the which, there past some skirmishes of smal importance) it was tried betweene them; whereto BRVTVS was forced by his soldiers. For he would willingly have delayed and prolonged the warre: being advertised [...]his enemies wanted victuals, and many necessaries, and also for that he repose [...] [...] [...]ust in CASSIVS forces; for he found that they were growne fearefull, by mea [...] [...]that which was past, and were ill to command: but being come to the encounter, [...] [...]roughly discharge all the of­fices which to a good Captaine and valiant knight did [...]. But in the end, his men unable The Battaile a­gainst Brutus. to endure the force of OCTAVIANVS and MARCV [...] [...]TONIVS, were by them broken and overcome: And BRVTVS, after that hee had done all that which was possible to gather his troopes together, being out of hope to be able to make any resistance, the night being come, he was counselled by some which joyned themselves with him, to flie, to whom hee answered, that he was resolved to doe so, not with his fecte, but with his hands: and having spoken these words, hee tooke a sword from a servant of his, named STRATVS, and slew himselfe. Brutus slew himselfe. Some affirme, that this STRATVS killed him by his commandement. And so DRVSVS LIVIVS and QVINTILIVS VARRO and some others of the conspiracie slew them­selves, besides many others which died fighting in the battaile. And in this manner were OCTAVIANVS CAESAR and MARCVS ANTONIVS Lords and Masters of the field, and all things succeeded unto CAESAR according to his desire: for whom alone, God in his secret judgment, had reserved the sole Monarchie, which then was divided and shared between three.

This exploit being atchieved, and BRVTVS and CASSIVS legions being reduced to their obedience (saving those which flying sundrie waies went to SEXTVS POMPEIVS, sonne of the great POMPEY, who in these troubles and confusions seised on the Ile of Sicilia, and was ve­ry mightie by Sea) OCTAVIANVS, and MARCVS ANTONIVS agreed together, that ANTONIVS should remaine in the Provinces of Graecia and Asia, LEPIDVS should goe in­to Africa, and OCTAVIANVS should returne to Rome, whither with some difficultie he came, through want of his health; and MARCVS ANTONIVS went into Asia, & afterwards gave himselfe to sensualitie, delights and pleasures in Egypt, with Queene CLEOPATRA, of whom Marcus Anto­nius fell in love with Cleopa­tra Queene of Egypt. wee have spoken in the life of CAESAR.

Within few daies after that OCTAVIANVS came to Rome, there arose new warres and trou­bles: for although that he were in peace with LEPIDVS, to whom was given the Province of Africa, OCTAVIANVS remaining with the rest of Spaine, France, and part of Germany, Italie and Illyricum: LVCIVS ANTONIVS, who at that time was Consul, incited thereto by his Sister in law FVLVIA, wife to MARCVS ANTONIVS, began to oppose himselfe against LEPI­DVS and OCTAVIANVS, attempting to defeat the Triumvirat, and the league and governe­ment Lucius Anto­nius opposeth himself against Octavius. of three; which began about the division of the fields, which OCTAVIANVS CAESAR had made to the men of warre which had served him. APPIANVS writeth, that FVLVIA did this with an intent to disturbe Italie, and so to procure her husband MARCVS ANTONI­VS to come unto her, for that she was iealous, hearing of his familiaritie and companie keeping with CLEOPATRA, the Queene of Egypt. The discord in Rome grew to that height, as they came to Armes: and LVCIVS ANTONIVS departed from thence, and Ievied an Armie a­gainst OCTAVIANVS, who marched towards him with his power: but LVCIVS durst not joyne battaile with him, but rather suffered himselfe to be shut up in the Citie of Perugia, where CAESAR besieged him, and at that time divorced himselfe from CLAVDIA, the daughter of FVLVIA, to whom he was contracted (as isaforesaid) without ever touching her, and was married the third time with SCRI [...]ONIA, by whom hee had one daughter. Perugia was so Lucius besieged in Perugia, yeelds. strictlie besiedged (OCTAVIVS being then 23 years old) that LVCIVS ANTONIVS, and the rest which were besieged with him, endured so great hunger, as it grew to a proverbe, to say, The Perugian hunger; wherewith LVCIVS ANTONIVS oppressed and forced, yeelded himself to OCTAVIANVS, who pardoned him, & used him wel, & those which were with him: and so this warre was ended without shedding of blood, and he came victorious to Rome, & was The beginning of Octavius his Empire. ever after Lord thereof. Wherefore many account the beginning of his Empire from this time, which might be about some 4 years after the death of his uncle CAESAR: & the account which is commonly called CAESARS computation, agreeth with this time: foure yeares (as I said) af­ter the death of CAESAR, and thirtie and eight yeares before the birth of Christ.

CAESAR being in this quietnes (the which cannot long continue in the course of this life) [Page 26] presently without any delay, FVLVIA with letters and false perswasions, sought by all means to set MARCVS ANTONIVS and OCTAVIAN at variance, seeing that LVCIVS AN­TONIVS his attemptes tooke no better effect: and with this resolution shee went out of Italie, by OCTAVIVS permission, and tooke her way towards her husband, in hope to perswade him to come into Italie against OCTAVIVS, as he did. When shee parted from Italie, MARCVS ANTONIVS parted from Alexandria in Egypt: and comming to the Ile of Rhodes, he was en­formed of all that happened to his brother; and arriving in Graecia at the city of Athens, he found his wife FVLVIA there sicke, but sound and constant in her determination against OCTAVI­VS: whom hee there leaving by her owne good will and consent, hee came with two hundred Gallies into Italie; and landing neere unto Brundusium, now B [...]indez, the warres began between him and OCTAVIANVS his forces, who then was in Rome. SEXTVS POMPEIVS (as I said) held Sicilia, and was in such sort Lord of the Sea, as he caused a great scarcity and want Sextus Pom­peius in Sicilia. of corne in Italie. But as this warre was not through OCTAVIANVS his fault, or by his will, so MARCVS ANTONIVS, by the relation of sundrie persons, understood it to be so; and therefore there were some friends which interposed themselves to reconcile them and make them friends: and it was agreed there should be arbitrators which should compound the diffe­rences betweene them: whereto were nominated of OCTAVIANVS side, his great and pri­vate friend MECENAS, chanted by VIRGIL, HORACE, and other Poets; and for MAR­CVS ANTONIVS, was ASINIVS POLLIO. And in this time, newes came that FVL­VIA The death of Fulvia wife of Marcus Anto­nius. the wife of MARCVS ANTONIVS was dead: whereby a great obstacle to the peace was taken away. MECENAS then, and ASINIVS POLLIO, set downe the agreement betweene them; the principal points whereof were, to renew the league and Triumvirat for o­ther five yeeres, and to share the Romane Empyre betweene them, as they before had done. To MARCVS ANTONIVS was assigned all the East from Italy, from the beginning of the Ioniane Sea, which is the entrie into the gulfe of Venice, unto the River Euphrates in Asia, wher­in were included all the Provinces of Graecia and Asia, and the Ilands contained betweene these two limits. To OCTAVIVS was alotted from the said Ionian Sea to the westerne Sea (which wee call the Spanish Sea) Italie France, the provinces of Spaine, Germanie, Britannie, with their Ilands and bounds. And to LEPIDVS was confirmed Africa wherein hee then was, and all the provinces therein conteined, subject to the Empire. And for the better corroborating of this league of friendship, it was agreed that MARCVS ANTONIVS, who was a widdower, should marrie with OCTAVIA, who was sister to OCTAVIANVS by his fathers side, and lately the widdow of MARCVS MARCELLVS, with whom shee had bin married, and had by him Marcus Anto­nius married Octavia sister to Octavianus. one sonne called MARCELLVS, whom hee much loved, and OCTAVIAN adopted him for his sonne, of whom VIRGIL maketh much mention. This marriage was made by dispensa­tion of the Senate, because that in Rome it was not permitted for widdowes to marrie, untill they had lived ten months in widdowhood.

This being concluded, OCTAVIANVS and MARCVS ANTONIVS went to Rome: where the wedding was solemnized, and they returned againe good friends. But this peace was great­ly disquieted, by meanes of the ill neighbourhood of SEXTVS POMPEIVS: for hee com­manded the Sea from Sicilia where hee lived, and with his ships and Pirats (for he had many in his service) he disquieted CAESARS part (relying on the friendship of MARCVS ANTO­NIVS) and OCTAVIANVS had determined to make warre and to ruine him: but at the en­treatie of the Senate, and of MARCVS ANTONIVS, hee gave eare to a peace, and by the mediation of some which were friends to them both, it tooke effect in this manner: That all matters past being forgotten, they should become good neighbours and friends, and that SEX­TVS POMPEIVS should enioy Sicilia, Sardinia, and Corsica, which hee had in possession; and that he should cleere the seas from danger, for Merchants and passengers; and that hee should furnish Rome yeerely with a certaine quantitie of corne. This being concluded, they agreed up­on a meeting betweene them three, ANTONIVS, OCTAVIANVS, and POMPEY, upon the Seaside, in the streight of Messina, in a Fortresse built for that purpose, which reached into the water, whither SEXTVS POMPEIVS might come with his gallies, and might be in safety on all parts: which was performed with great joy and solemnitie, and afterwards POMPEY fea­sted them in his gallies, and they him like wise by land: and from thence he returned to Sicilia, and OCTAVIAN and ANTONY to Rome, where they remained certaine daies in very friend­ly manner. And MARCVS ANTONIVS, making preparation for his journey into the East, [Page 27] sent VENTIDIVS away before with a great Armie against the Parthians, against whom he had resolved to make war, as hee did. VENTIDIVS had so good successe in his journey, as hee o­vercame and defeated PACORVS, the Kings sonne of the Parthians, and slew of them twenty thousand men: so as he sufficiently revenged the death of MARCVS CRASSVS: for the which, after his returne to Rome, he triumphed. Ventidius tri­tumphed of the Parthians.

MARCVS ANTONIVS departed Rome towards the East with his new wife, with whom he wintered in Graecia in the Citie of Athens, & from thence he continued his journey. Within a while after, as OCTAVIVS (remayning in Rome) grew mightie, and in great estimation, so like­wise hee became pensive: and as the companie and neighbourhood of SEXTVS POMPEIVS in Sicilia was displeasing unto him, so he attended an occasion to warre against him: which ha­ving resolved, he prepared a great fleet for that purpose, under pretext that POMPEY with his gallies and ships hindred the comming of prouision of corne into Italie. These warres of Sicilia were long (resting sometimes) and continued certaine yeeres. In the beginning whereof OC­TAVIVS had ill successe, more through tempests and foule weather at Sea, then the force of The first wars betweene Octa­vian & Sextus Pompeius. his enemies, although there were some fights betweene the ships of either partie; but by tem­pest and shipwrack OCTAVIVS lost sundry fleetes. And if SEXTVS POMPEIVS had beene as able to offend and conquer as he was to defend himselfe, and overthrow his enemie; and as he was valiant, if he had beene wise and politicke, most authors affirme, that he might have greatly distressed OCTAVIAN in all matters concerning Italie. But the matter was so handled, that in this warre MARCVS ANTONIVS came twice out of Graecia into Italie, whither hee came from the East at OCTAVIANVS request; in one of which journeyes hee came to Brun­dusium: and not finding him there according to his appointment, and as he had sent him word, he returned vvithout seeing him, upon some suspicions and jealousies vvhich grevve betvvene them. Wherefore OCTAVIANVS having lost the most and best part of his Navie in a storme, he sent MECENAS his private friend unto him; at whose intreatie, MARCVS ANTONIVS returned againe into Italie with three hundred sayle of ships and gallies, giving it out, that hee came to CAESARS ayde: And notwithstanding that there were some differences & jealousies betweene them, yet in the end OCTAVIA, who came thither (being wife to the one, and sister to the other) prevailed so much as she reconciled them, so as they met together in the mouth Octauius and Antonie parle and agree by the means of Octauia. of a River neere to Tarentum, where MARCVS ANTONIVS gave to OCTAVIAN one hun­dred and twentie gallies for the warres: and OCTAVIAN gave to him certaine troupes of I­talian trained souldiers; and they renewed their Triumvirat for other five yeeres then begun: MARCVS ANTONIVS returned towards the East, to the warre which he had begun against the Parthians (which concerne not mee to write) his wife OCTAVIA and her children re­mayning in Rome.

ANTONIE being gone; OCTAVIANVS, who was resolved to prosecute the warres with all his forces against SEXTVS POMPEIVS (whom it seemed fortune and the winds did fa­vour) was not contented with the arming of two navies (AGRIPPA being Captaine of the one, and himself of the other) but he earnestly intreated LEPIDVS, a Triumvir & his companion, to come from Africa to his aide: who came with such power, as APPIANVS affirmeth, that he brought with him a thousand ships little and great, and fourescore gallies, wherin hee trans­ported five thousand horse, and twelve legions of foote. SEXTVS POMPEIVS, whose pow­er by Sea was very strong, seeing so great preparations made against him, did marvailously for­tifie all places upon the Sea side in Sicilia; and on the frontiers of Africa, neere unto Lilybaeum, he placed a very good Captaine called PLINIVS, with good troupes of souldiers: his whole fleet by Sea (whereof he was aboundantly provided) he drew together in the port at Messina, where he purposed to follow the warres with his shippes and gallies, for by land he was neither Octauian [...] his second warre with Sex­tus Pompeius. of such experience nor power; and in this order hee stood ready to prosecute it, which APPIANVS, TITVS LIVIVS, and LVCIVS FLORVS write at large. The summe whereof is, that LEPIDVS parting with his whole fleete from Africa, was overtaken with a tempest, wherein with great losse of his Shippes, hee landed at Lilybaeum; and having taken certaine places in those parts, he might have done much hurt: but being of small judgement and little experience in the wars, hee managed it with greater cost and out­ward shew, then to any effect or profit.

And the very same day that he was in that tempest, OCTAVIVS also was at sea, & lost thirty gal­lies, besides Foists & Brigandines, & with much difficulty returned into Italie: and TAVRVS, who [Page 28] had the command of the gallies, which MARCVS ANTONIVS left with him, the same day tooke land at Tarentum, with great losse and danger; so as it seemed that the winds and weather tooke part with POMPEY. Wherewith OCTAVIANVS was so much grieved, as he was in doubt to have given over the warre for that yeere: but altering his determination, hee repai­red his Navies and Armies, and commanded AGRIPPA with a great fleet to passe into Sicilia, and there to make warre by Sea and Land: and hee with all the rest afterwards did the like.

In this time, or a little before (as it seemeth by SVETONIVS) OCTAVIANVS divor­ced himselfe from SCRIBONIA, notwithstanding that hee had by her one daughter, called Octavianus puts away his wife Scribonia, and married Livia. LIVIA, and married LIVYA DRVSILLA: wherefore TIBERIVS NERO, to whom she was married, and by him had a sonne called TIBERIVS as his father, was dri­ven to leave her, which hee unwillingly did, to please OCTAVIANVS, she being with child of a son. This LIVIA he much loved, and continued with her til his death. But returning to our history of the war; I say, that AGRIPPA assaulted & tooke certaine places upon the coast of Si­cilia: which when POMPEY understood, hee departed from Messina, to relieve them; at which time hee had of his owne, and of Pirats which served him, one hundred seventy and five Galleys.

It is a wonderfull thing to consider the great Fleets that were put to sea in those dayes. A­GRIPPA being advertised of his comming; put his Galleys, being almost equall in number, in a readinesse to encounter him; & so they joyned battaile: wherin, although at first the victory was doubtful, yet in a short space it plainely appeared, that AGRIPPA had the better: which POM­PEY perceiving, fled, before he would be wholly overthrowne; and his gallies and foysts with­drew Ab [...]tuile by Sea. themselves to some places and Rivers neere at hand. But AGRIPPA, for that his Gal­lies were greater, could not follow the chase, nor come so neere the shore as he would: but yet notwithstanding, POMPEY lost thirtie of his Gallies. AGRIPPA the next day went to a citie called Tindaria, which he thought to get by reasō of certain secret intelligence he had with those of the Citie: and POMPEY, in the darke of the night, giving secret advice to his whole fleet, tooke his course toward Messina. And OCTAVIAN, to lose no occasion, embarked abord his ships and gallies a great part of his armie; and passing over into Sicilia, set them on shore, ap­pointing CORNIFICIVS for their Commander, little thinking that POMPEY had beene so neere; of whom he was in great danger, if hee had beene sodainely charged by him: so as if POMPEY had then given him battaile, hee had defeated him. But hee losing that oportunity, OCTAVIAN embarked himselfe againe, with intent to determine the quarrell by a battaile at Sea, leaving CORNIFICIVS with his land souldiers fortified on land: and POMPEY, with the same desire, after some accidents which happened, sailed out of Messina with all his whole fleete: and neither partie refusing it, they came to fight; in which conflict (although the histo­ries recite it with some difference) OCTAVIANVS CAESAR was overcome, and all his Octavianus Caesar over­come in a battell at sea by Sex­tus Pompeius. great Fleet scatered and lost, and hee driven to flie into Italy in a Brigandine, where hee escaped many dangers; and in the end arrived where his Armie was; whereof MESALLA was Gene­ral: & being nothing discouraged with this losse, he presently tooke order for all that was neede­full. To Rome he sent in hast his familiar friend MECENAS, to foresee that these newes should breed no alteration: and by a Brigandine he presently sent direction to AGRIPPA, who (as is said) was Admiral of his other fleete, that with the greatest speede that might bee, hee should goe to succour CORNIFICIVS, who remained in Sieilia with his Armie by land: and to LEPIDVS he sent word, that (all matters set aside) hee should make his present repaire to the Isle of Lipari, which is betweene Sicilia and Calabria; whither hee should come so soone as hee might possibly.

With these provisions, and the diligence and good order which hee tooke, hee so much prevailed, as within a short time, being holpen with the wars which LEPIDVS and A­GRIPPA made (in despite of POMPEY) he passed overall his forces into Sicilia. And joyning himself with LEPIDVS, he encamped neer to the citie of Messina, where the war began to be most cruell both by sea and land: which truely was admirable, to consider the power and sufficiency of POMPEY, to know how to defend himselfe against so great enemies. Who seeing himselfe oppressed, (notwithstanding that hee had well fortified the land, and wanted no forces for his defence by sea) he sent a challenge to OCTAVIANVS CAESAR, with this message; that to avoide the effusion of blood, and to make an end of the warre; although hee Pompey doth challenge Octavianus. [Page 29] were well provided and furnished with singular good Gallies, and well trayned souldiers; yet that hee would come to a battaile by Sea, so manie against so manie Shippes and Galleys; whereunto were made many answers and delaies, but in the end they agreed to doe so. And appointing the number, which were three hundred Ships and Galleys of either side; and the time and place set downe, eyther of these Commanders prepared himselfe as strongly as hee could for the battaile: and OCTAVIANVS, leaving LEPIDVS with his Armie by land, embarked himselfe in his Fleet; and POMPEY doing the like, they joyned battaile; A battell by Sea. which, without doubt was one of the most cruell that ever was, considering the Com­maunders and power of either part: wherein, after that POMPEY had done all that which to a good and valiant Captaine did appertaine, and after the death of much people of ei­ther Octavianus Caesar over­threw Sextus Pompeius. side, he was overcome by OCTAVIANVS, and all his Fleete was taken, burnt, or sunke, sa­ving xvi Sayles which escaped by flight, and hee in one of them; and so hee entred into the ha­ven at Messina: The which though it were sufficiently fortified; & that he knew, PLINIVS, a Captaine of his (as is aforesaid) came to his rescue: yet, acknowledging that all sufficed not to defend him from such powerfull enemies, in a darke night he imbarked himselfe in a Galley; and with the other xvj which escaped, abandoning Sicilia, he fled towards the East, and sayled to MARCVS ANTONIVS, in hope to have found some reliefe with him; but it happened contrary to his expectation: for being arrived; after some great toyle and accidents that hap­pened (which for brevity I omit) hee was slaine at the command of MARCVS ANTO­NIVS, The death of Sextus Pom­peius. by the hands of one named TICIVS. And so ended the power of SEXTVS POM­PEIVS (which truly was very great) and in him the house and memorie of his father the Great POMPEY.

It is a great example, and a fayre document of the inconstancie of all things in this life, to see and read the changes in the Historie which wee are now to relate. For when it seemeth that matters succeede in such sort as quietnesse and peace may ensue, then begin new altera­tions, and greater troubles; as wee have seene hitherto, and shall see hereafter in the processe of this discourse.

SEVTONIVS writes, that at the very instant of this naval Battaile, OCTAVIVS was in such a sound sleepe, as his friends were faine to waken him, and to rayse him from his bed to give the signal; wherewith ANTONY did afterwards repro ach him, that hee could not with his eyes see his battaile arranged, but lay like a senslesse corp [...] on his backe, looking up unto the skie, and that hee never came in sight of his soldiers, untill that M. AGRIPPA had put twelve of his enemies shippes to flight.

Hee escaped many dangers in this warre. For having transported part of his Armie into Sicilie, and sayling backe againe to conduct the rest from the firme Land; hee was at un­awares surprized by DEMOCHARES, and APOLAPHANES, Lievetenants and Admirals to POMPEY: from whom, with great difficultie hee escaped with one onely Barke. In like sort, travailing by land to Rhegium, neere to Locris, seeing a farre off, certaine of POMPYES Gallies neere the shore; and supposing them to bee his owne, hee went downe, and was in danger to have beene taken by them: And even then seeking to escape away by unknowne passages, a Bond-slave of AEMILIVS PAV­LVS his familiar friend; grieving that his masters Father PAVLVS had in times past beene proscribed by him: he imbraced this oportunitie of revenge, and attempted to kill him.

OCTAVIANVS, having obtained so great a victorie (although not without great losse) going to land with his Shippes, and the Armie; hee commanded AGRIPPA pre­sently to joyne with LEPIDVS and goe to Messina, whither PLINIVS POMPEIES Captaine had retyred himselfe (after POMPEYES flight) with all his troupes; who, for that he would not stand upon his defence, yeelded himselfe to LEPIDVS, with all his Legions: whereof LEPIDVS grew so proud, that coveting to have all Sicilia for himselfe, hee presumed to contend with OCTAVIAN: And entring into the citie of Messina (notwith­standing that AGRIPPA requested him to stay for OCTAVIANVS) hee placed a Garrison therein to his owne use, and did the like in many other places in that Iland. And OCTAVIAN being come, hee sent the next day to speake with him, greatly complay­ning of his proceedings.

But as in rule and command, equalitie is intolerable; so either of them coveting the Ile of Si­cilia particularly for himselfe, they fell at variance, and OCTAVIANVS made his Navie to draw neere the shore: both Armies beganne to stand upon their guard, the one [Page 30] against the other, and many messages and complaints passed betweene them: in the end al­though they met and spake together, yet they could not agree. But as OCTAVIAN was much Discord be­tweene Lepi­dus and Octa­vianus. more beloved and better esteemed by the men of warre for his many vertues and nobilitie, and for the names sake and remembrance of IVLIVS CAESAR, this dissension did much grieve them all, and both the one part and the other laid all the fault on LEPIDVS. Which when OC­TAVIAN understood; before that they would fall so farre out as to take armes, he practised se­cretly with sundrie in LEPIDVS his Armie, and with gifts and promises drew them to his will: so as having well effected this device, hee one day with a great troope of horsemen roade neere to LEPIDVS his Campe: and singling himselfe from his companie, hee began to parley with his souldiers, complaining of him, and laying the fault of all that was like to ensue, upon LEPIDVS: which being heard by them, many of them began to come over to his side. LE­PIDVS, advertised hereof, commanded the alarme to be given, and to sally out against him; so as they skirmished, where in the beginning, OCTAVIAN was in some danger, but it continu­ed not long: for the most part of LEPIDVS troupes passed over to OCTAVIAN, whom LE­PIDVS could not containe; but, seing himselfe in danger to be abandoned by his whole armie, for his last refuge, he yeelded himselfe into CAESARS power; and putting off his robe of Ge­neral, went out of his Tent, and submitted himselfe unto OCTAVIANVS, humbly intreating him to pardon him: whom OCTAVIAN received, as if he had never offended him, very cour­teously and honourably, but he restored him neither to his estate nor power, but sent him to Rome well accompanied, and entertained, but without Magistracy or office, with the dignity of highest Priest onely, which he had ever held from the death of IVLIVS CAESAR, whose it was: and so this quarrell was ended without battaile or bloodshed, which some feared would have brought both danger and ruine.

OCTAVIANVS CAESAR remained Lord of Sicilia: and, depriving LEPIDVS of the Tri­umvirat, he appropriated to himselfe the province of Africa, and remained General of the three Armies, viz. that which was LEPIDVS armie, POMPEIES, and his owne, wherein AP­PIANVS Lepidus depri­ved of his pro­vince of Africa affirmeth, were 45 Legions of footmen, and 25000 horse, well armed; besides many other light horsemen and Numidians: which seemeth not incredible to him that considereth how great a part of the world they commanded which levied the same. He affirmeth also, that An exceeding great assembly of men of war. there were then at sea, and upon the coast 600 Gallies, and a greater number of Ships, Foists, & Brigandines: And although that OCTAVIANVS had these great forces, yet would hee not pursue or send after POMPEY, who (as we have said) fled, which he did (as some did suspect) supposing that MARCVS ANTONIVS would have harboured and succoured him, being glad that occasion might be offered to quarrell with him, for that now there was no other man living that was an eye-sore unto him: or else he did it, as he himselfe said afterwards, for that POMPEY was none of those which conspired CAESARS death. And purposing now to dis­perse his forces, and to returne to Rome, he paid his souldiers, giving Coronets, and other ho­nours and armes to those which had performed any notable exploits in the warres: and having given many gifts, and made many fayre promises to his legions, pardoning the Captaines and souldiers which had followed POMPEY, and in the best manner that he could, paying and con­tenting LEPIDVS his companies, he sent them home to their houses; notwithstanding that there were some scandals and mutinies: but he pacified and brought all in good order. Leaving in Sicilie: and sending into Africa, Pretors & Governors, he tooke his way towards Rome, where he was received with ovation (which was little lesse then a tryumph) with incredible joy and ho­nour, and began to be so beloved and esteemed, as in many places they erected Temples and Al­tars unto him, as to their gods; and hee reformed all things which by reason of the wars and troubles were corrupted and out of order. It would be a long discourse to relate the particulars of all things which he did in Rome and in the provinces, as well concerning the governement & justice, as the decency and beautifying thereof.

At this time, MARCVS ANTONIVS, who was in the East; although that in the Parthian warre hee had no prosperous successe: yet neverthelesse he was still of great power, very rich, and greatly obeyed in all the provinces of Gracia, Asia, Egypt, and in all the rest of his govern­ments. But he was so much blinded and besotted with the love and companie of CLEOPA­TRA Queene of Egypt, as he thought of nothing but how to satisfie her humor, being unable Antony capti­vated by Cle­opatra. to leave her, or to have any regard or remembrance of his wife OCTAVIA, sister to OCTAVI­ANVS, who in beautie and wisdome was nothing inferior to her, and in vertue and goodnesse did farre excell her.

[Page 31] And so the Monarchie of the world was divided betweene these two, the one in the East, and the other in the West: and as the desire and grediness to raigne is endlesse, and the thirst with continuance encreaseth; as though that each of them had not had enough to his share, both of them bethought themselves how they might be able to obtaine the whole. Principally OC­TAVIAN seeing that ANTONY cared not for his sister, neither sent for her after that hee had left her in Rome, he therefore continually advised and urged her to goe to her husband, to have (as I conceive) occasion to fall out with him (as PLVTARCH observes in the life of ANTO­NY) if she were not well entertained. And she not understanding this device, with an intent to prevent all controversies that might arise betweene her husband and her brother, departed from Rome, bearing with her many jewels and presents, which she had gathered together to present them to MARCVS ANTONIVS, as VELLEIVS PATERCVLVS reportes. But he who had fixed his heart upon CLOPATRA wrote to her upon the way, that shee should stay in Graecia in the citie of Athens, untill he should returne from the journey which he intended a­gainst the Parthians; the which he never performed, CLEOPATRA hindring the same. Finally, to be briefe (for otherwaies there were much to say) OCTAVIA sent all those things which shee brought with her, to her husband; and this nothing availing, shee returned to Rome sor­rowfull, and forsaken. Whereunpon OCTAVIAN began openly to complaine of MARCVS ANTONIVS, and to shew himselfe his enemy: and MARCVS ANTONIVS (who had the same desire) entred into league and amity with the King of the Medes in Asia, causing CLEO­PATRA (besides the title of Egypt) to be called Queene of Syria, Lybin, and Cyprus; and joynt­ly with her a sonne of hers named CAESARION, of vvhom (as we haue already said) IVLIVS Caesarion the sonne of [...]Caesar. CAESAR left her with child vvhen he was in Egypt; and to two sonnes which he had by her, the one named PTOLOMY, and the other ALEXANDER, he gave titles of kings: to ALEX­ANDER, of Armenia and Parthinia, which he meant to conquer; and to PTOLOMY, of Cilicia and Phoenicia: for which and many other causes which vvere offered, the hatred betvveene him and OCTAVIAN was apparant; but the warre was yet deferred, for that OCTAVIAN was hindred by the wars in Illyricū & Dalmatia, now called Slavonia. The people of which countries, seeing the civil warres of the Romans, rebelled, with other nations which conspired with them, and did assist them, although not subjects as they were, to wit, the two Pannoniae: the upper, which is now Austria; and the lower, which is Hungary, and Noricum, which is now part of Bavaria, with other their borderers [...]d neighbours. Which war OCTAVIAN undertooke of purpose, and The wars which Octavianus made in Illyr [...]. followed it in his owne person, the which was very cruell and dangerous: wherin he was twice wounded, and made marveilous proofe of his person, both for valour and wisdome: wherein there passed great and famous actions, which require a large field to relate. APPIANVS, in his sixt booke which he calleth Illyricus, writeth thereof at large: and also VELLEIVS PATER­CVLVS, although more briefly LVCIVS FLORVS, and TITVS LIVIVS abbreviated by him and some others. The end thereof was, that OCTAVIAN not onely subdued and tamed Illiricum, and sundrie Nations contained under that name, but also the Pannonia's, and the rest which had conspired with those of Illyricum, partly by himselfe in person, and partly by his Captaines.

These victories being obtained, OCTAVIANVS CAESAR came victorious to Rome: and Octavianus refuseth to try­umph after his victory. notwithstanding that the triumph was granted unto him, yet he would not tryumph as then; so great was the desire he had to make war against MARCVS ANTONIVS, who was no better affected unto him: but he levied soldiers, procured friends and armes against him, and promi­sed his friend CLEOPATRA, to bring her triumphing into Rome. LVCIVS FLORVS, wri­teth, that she requested of him the rule and Empyre of Rome, and he promised it her: as though the Romans had beene more easie to subdue then the Parthians. And matters standing on these tearmes, MARCVS ANTONIVS sent to his Wife OCTAVIA, sister to OCTAVIANVS, a divorcement and renunciation of his marriage, in such manner as then was accustomed; com­maunding her to goe out of his house, wherein she dwelt in Rome: All which, with many other indignities OCTAVIAN imparted to the Senate, complaining against him, and in his orations and speeches to the people, accusing him, that the second five years of his Triumvirat & league being expired, without comming to Rome, or respecting the authority of the Senate, he exerci­sed Octauianus complaines of Antonie. the same, and held the possession of Gracia and the provinces of the East, and so used many speeches against MARCVS ANTONIVS to incense the people against him.

MARCVS ANTONIVS on the other side, complained by messengers and letters, alleaging that OCTAVIAN had often broken the peace, and had cast SEXTVS POMPEIVS out of Sicilia, [Page 32] retayning those provinces and others which he held; and that therein he had no respect of him, neither had he given him any part thereof; and that hee detained the gallies which hee lent him Antonie com­plaines of Octa­uius. for that Warre: and besides this, that he had practised meanes to deprive LEPIDVS, and so held all the prouinces of Africa, and all the Legions which vvere his, vvithout imparting any thing thereof vnto him; and that he had giuen the lands of all Italy to his Souldiers, not contri­buting any part thereof vnto his. And in this manner the one accused the other, and either of them made shew, that he vvas vrged and enforced to vndertake this vvarre. But the truth is, they both desired to be Lords of the whole: and in my opinion, vaine-glorie, ambition, coue­tousnesse, The causes of the warre be­tweene Octaui­anus and Marcus An­tonius, and the beginning thereof. and enuie, moued them thereto, each of them putting his determination in effect, & cal­ling diuers Nations to their aydes; so as the vvhole vvorld in a manner, either of the one side or other, was in armes: those of the West in the behalfe of OCTAVIAN, and those of the East in fauour of MARCVS ANTONIVS; at the least, the best and most choise men of all, although not so many as they might haue leuied: for the Romanes neuer vsed to make warres with such huge multitudes and excessiue armies as they should not be well able to maintaine and rule, as the Persians and other barbarous nations did.

ANTONY was first in field, and came with great troupes to the famous citie of Ephesus, which was in Ionia a prouince in Asia the lesse, whither he had sent for his ships and Nauie, to passe into Europe, and had there in readiness 800. galleys and ships of burthen; 200 whereof CLEOPATRA gaue to him with all the munition and victuals necessarie for the fleete; and her selfe he caried with him, contrarie to the opinion of all those which were of his councell: And herewith sayled to the Ile of Samos, whither he had appointed to come by a prefixed day, all the Kings, Tetrarchs and people of those cities which serued him in this warre, and from thence he Samos an Ile in the Ionian Sea ouer against E­phesus. The people and preparation of Marcus Anto­nius. went to Athens. PLVTARCH sets downe the Kings which came with him, and those which sent forces to his aide, part whereof were friends and allies to the Empire, and others vassals and sub­iects; to which were giuen the title and gouernment of prouinces: of which he names TAR­CONDEMVS of the vpper Cilicia, and ARCHELAVS of Cappadocia, PHILADELPHVS of Paphlagonia, and MITHRIDATES of Comagena, with others; besides those which sent their forces, as HERODES king of Iudea, AMYNTAS of Lycaonia, and the king of Arabia, the king of the Medes, and PALEMON king of Pontus, with some others: wherein (it was said) he brought 100000 good and well trained footmen, and 22000. horse: and according to the same PLVTARCH, besides this armie by land, his Nauie by Sea consisted of fiue hundred galleys, besides the ships of burthen which carried the munition and victuals.

Although that in the number of Ships and Gallies Authors doe varie, yet it should not di­minish the credit of the History; sithence that in actions which passe now adaies the vvhich vve see vvith our eyes, vve can hardly know the certaine number of Ships and Armies. MARCVS ANTONIVS came with such power, as Historiographers affirme, that if he had presently taken his passage for Italy, he had put OCTAVIAN to his shifts, and in great hazard: for he had not then sufficient forces leuied to haue fought with him, neither had he necessary prouision for the vvarres. And so MARCVS ANTONIVS delaying the time, he was taxed with want of dis­cretion, knowledge and foresight of the good fortune which was offred him. For he spent so much time in Athens, that OCTAVIAN had leasure to prouide all things wanting, from Italy, France, Spaine, and other prouinces vnder his subiection: and leuying 80000. choise and vvell trained Souldiers, and aboue 20000. horse, seeing that ANTONIE stayed so long, he sent him word, that for as much as he had Ships & prouision fit, he should draw neere to Italie, where he staied in field to giue him battaile, promising to giue him free Ports and Hauens, where hee might safely take landing without any interruption, to the end that he might the more commo­diously order and prouide all things thereto necessarie. Whereto ANTONY answered, that it would be more honourable, if he would determine this quarrell in person against him bodie to body, vvhich he vvould vvillingly accept; notwithstanding that he vvas now old and crazed, and the other young and lusty: and if he liked not hereof, he would stay for him vvith his Army in the fields of Pharsalia, in the same place where his father IVLIVS CAESAR fought vvith GNEVS POMPEIVS.

These Embassies and messages passing betweene them, vvithout effect; ANTONY drew his Army by land, and his Nauy by Sea, towards the coast of Italy, and OCTAVIAN, drawing his Ships to Brundusium, embarked his legions, and crossing the Sea came to a place called Torma, in the prouince of Epire, vvhich is now called Romania. After certaine notable exploits which [...]pire, Romania. passed, the two Armies drew neere, and the like did the Nauies by Sea. OCTAVIANVS Na­vie [Page 33] (as PLVTARCH affirmeth) consisted of 250. galleys, but better appointed and swifter, then MARCVS ANTONIVS his galleys were, which were more in number, although (as I haue said) Authors, in this matter, agree not: but the most common opinion is, as I have said. But howsoeuer it were, MARCVS ANTONIVS, perswaded by CLEOPATRA (who euen in this also was the cause of his ruine) would needes trie his fortune in a battaile at Sea, notwithstanding that in his armie by land hee had the aduantage. CLEOPATRA did this (as some write, and as it after appeared) thereby to haue the better meanes to flie if the battaile should be lost. ANTONY chusing 22000. men out of his armie, put them aboord his fleet, vvhich was neere at hand: and OCTAVIAN, who refused not to fight at sea, made his prouision also for the battaile; and shipping himselfe aboord the galleys, committed the charge of his armie by land, to TAVRVS: and ANTONY doing the like left his forces with CANIDIVS; in sight of both which, these two most powerfull Captaines with the best troupes and Nauies of the world, tooke the Seas, where they fought for no lesse then the Empire and Monarchie of The battaile at Sea betweene Octauianus and Marcus Antonius. the world: The which was deferred for three daies space in despite of both parties, the Seas swelling so high as they could not gouerne their vessels. The fourth day they came to encoun­ter at a Cape called Accius, which is in Epire, not far from whence were their armies by land. The battaile was one of the most cruell that hat'h beene written of: for it lasted tenne houres before that OCTAVIAN, who was the victor, did wholly obtaine the victorie, although that ANTONY staied not so long in the fight: for as CLEOPATRA knew better how to mollifie and soften mens harts, then to encourage them; in the hottest and greatest furie of the battaile, with a feminine hart vnable to endure the sight of so furious a spectacle, she fled away in her galley, whome 70 of her other galleyes followed; which is not to be woundred at, but how she durst stay so long. But the vnfortunate MARCVS ANTONIVS, who all his life time had been The shamefull slight of Mar­cus Antonius. a valiant and worthie Captaine, that day metamorphosed into CLEOPATRA, seeing her galley flie, whereon he had fixed his heart & eyes, went out of his (for that it seemed too heauy) and embarking himselfe in another more swift (desiring rather to flie with CLEOPATRA) then to conquer without her) followed her, without respect of his Armies by land or sea: and, ouertaking her, he went aboord the same galley wherein she was; wherein hee sailed three daies without seeing or speaking to her, for shame (as it is most likely) for the great weakenes which he had shewed. And after some wandring, hee arrived in the Port at Alexandria in Egypt, Octauianus his victorie. where hee afterwards ended his life, as we will declare.

His Armie which he left fighting, although without a captaine, made resistance as I haue said, whereof there were slaine about fiue thousand men: but in the end it was wholly ouerthrowne, more through want of a captaine, then through any force of the enemie: although some write, that the lightnes and swiftnes of OCTAVIANS gallies was a great help vnto him, and so he re­mained conqueror, and graunted life and pardon to the conquered, and had in his power three hundred of their gallies. In the armie by land there wanted neither constancie, nor faith to their generall ANTONIE, although abandoned by him; who continued seuen dayes in their campe readie to giue battaile, without accepting any composition or offer, made vnto them by OC­TAVIAN (with a shew that they would yet haue stayed longer) if CANIDIVS, whom ANTO­NIE left in his place, had not abused his charge, as he who had giuen him that charge had done. For it happened after seuen dayes that he fled secretly in the night from the campe to seeke ANTONIE, and abandoned the armie: which being forsaken, yeelded to the enemie; and OCTAVIAN vsed his victorie with great clemencie: which being obtained, he either thought it not good, or could not at that time pursue ANTONIE, but tooke his way towards the citie of Athens, where taking order for all matters in Graecia; by reason of some mutinies of his souldi­ars in Italie (as SVETONIVS writs) he returned thither, where he stayed somewhat longer then he would haue done, aswell by reason of the former letts, as the euill weather to saile in, which followed.

After all this, OCTAVIANVS hauing set all things necessarie in a readiness, he sailed with Octauius goes into Egypt against Anto­nie. great forces into Egypt, with a resolution to make an end with MARCVS ANTONIVS (as indeede he did) and arriued neere to the citie of Alexandria: where ANTONIE (recouering courage, and Queene CLEOPATRA making great preparation for the warres, in the time of OCTAVIANVS his stay) had leuied great forces, both of foote and horse for their defence. They had also a great nauie by sea, as well of CLEOPATRA'S, as of those which came from other places: and MARCVS ANTONIVS with his old courage, which now too late and to no Antonie raise [...] a new arm [...] purpose he recouered, tooke the field and entertaining a skirmish with CAESARS horsmen, [Page 34] which were then landed and strongly entrenched, he vsed such skill, and charged them with such dexteritie, as he made them flie to their strength: and being returned to the citie, he againe sent to challenge OCTAVIANVS to fight with him body to body. Whereto CAESAR answe­red, that MARCVS ANTONIVS had other waies and meanes enough in a readiness to die, Antonie chal­lengeth Octa­uius, and his an­swere. without dying by his hands.

ANTONIE receiuing this answere, determined to die fighting, although it happened other­wise. The next day in the morning he againe salied forth with an intent to fight; and standing vpon a high ground, looking towards the sea, hee sawe that his nauie and gallies moued, and made towards OCTAVIAN his fleete; which he thought they had done, with a resolution to fight: and staying a little to see the sequell, within a while, he saw them ioyne together in com­panie, by meanes of a secret practice past betweene them. Which when hee saw, and fearing the like in those which he brought with him to field, he returned to the cittie, suspecting and affirming that CLEOPATRA had betraied him, although that in truth she was blameless therein: and she being aduertised of what ANTONIE had said, stoode in feare of him; and withdrew hir selfe into a strong temple or sepulcher: and commaunding the doores thereof to be shut and fortified, she sent some fainedly to tell him that she had slaine her selfe with her owne hands. Which MARCVS ANTONIVS beleeued as firmely as though he had seene it, and refusing to liue any longer, without stay to die fighting; after he had vttered certaine spee­ches, he stabbed his poiniard into his owne brest, and so (deadly wounded) he fell downe Antonie kills himselfe. vpon a bed in a swoune. And within a while comming againe to himself, being aduertised that CLEOPATRA was yet liuing, he made himselfe to be carried thither where she was: who re­ceiued him with so many teares and such pitifull complaints, as he being so neere death, began to comfort her, saying, that she ought not lament for him, neither to hold him for vnfortunate, fith hee accounted not himselfe so, for he had been a great captaine and very powerfull, and in the end died ouercome by the Romans. He counselled her to yeeld to the mercie of OCTAVI­ANVS CAESAR, and speaking these words (his strength failing within alittle while after) he dyed: and so ended the power and life of MARCVS ANTONIVS. Who in truth for matters of war was very famous: and if his excellent wit and courageous mind had not been captiuated with the loue of CLEOPATRA, after IVLIVS CAESAR he was in election to haue obtained the monarchie of the world: but it appeared plainely that the stars and the diuine powers were inclined to fauour OCTAVIVS.

OCTAVIANVS hauing intelligence hereof, and of the bad order and guard of the city, ma [...] ­ched thither with his forces and entred the same, sending to comfort CLEOPATRA, and to make great offers vnto her, to the end she should not kill her selfe; and going to see her in person, he did the like: but all his care little auailed. For she being aduertised, that he would send her to Rome, and would carrie her and her sonnes in his triumph, chose rather to dye, then that he should triumph ouer her: and some say, that she tooke poison which shee had prouided for that purpose, wherewith she killed her selfe. Others (and this is the most common) that she put an Aspicque to her arme (which is a certaine kinde of Serpent or venemous Adder) to the end that it should sting her, which was brought to her in a basket of flowers; so as shee was found The death of Cleopatra. dead without any signe of blow or wound, but as if she had bin asleep. Whereat OCTAVIAN was much grieued (not without great admiration at the resolution and courage of that woman) and he commanded her to be buried in the same Sepulchre wherein she had entombed her self; together with MARCVS ANTONIVS, with whom she had liued andraigned 14. yeares, she being 39. yeares old when she dyed, and MARCVS ANTONIVS 56, or (after some) 53. He commaunded the tombe which they had begun, to be finished.

OCTAVIANVS easily pardoned all those which had serued or sent succours to MARCVS ANTONIVS, and also his children, which were seauen, by three women, FVLVIA, OCTA­VIA The Clemencie of Octauius to Antonies children. sister to OCTAVIANVS, and CLEOPATRA; sauing the eldest, which he commanded to be slaine, and the like he did by CAESARION CLEOPATRAS sonne by IVLIVS CAESAR, of whom we haue alreadie made mention: the eldest (they say) he slue vpon particular displeasure which he conceiued against him; and CESARION, by the counsell of ARRIVS a Philosopher, who told him that it would not do well to haue many CAESARS; an vsuall thing among Princes to secure their estates.

This business touching MARCVS ANTONIVS being ended, and the kingdome of Egypt made a tributarie prouince, that it might bee fit to yeeld corne and victuals for the Citie of Rome; he viewed the tombe with the bodie of ALEXANDER the great, taken newly out of [Page 35] the vault or secret Chappell where it had beene layd, hee set a coronet of gold vpon it, and strewing flowers theron worshipped it; and being demanded if he would looke vpon the PTOLOMIES, he answered that his desire was to see a King, and not the dead.

Afterwards passing through Syria and Asia the lesse, leauing all quiet and in peace; he passed into Gracia, and there doing the like, he came into Italy: where hauing ended all ciuill warres, and the whole Empire being subiect to himselfe alone; he entred into Rome in triumph, with the greatest feasts and solemnities of the Senat and the people of all Italy, that could be deuised or imagined. It was granted unto him to triumph three times, to wit, for the victorie in Illiri­cum, and for the victorie in his battaile by Sea, and the overthrow of MARCVS ANTONIVS, the conquest of the Kingdome of Egypt, and Queene CLEOPATRA, whose statue was placed in his triumph, with the Aspicques set to the veines of her armes.

And so OCTAVIANVS finished the building, and erected the Monarchie which his Vncle IVLIVS CAESAR had begun and founded: which (at it seemeth by PAVLVS OROSIVS his computation) was sixteene yeeres after the death of IVLIVS CAESAR. And although that hee obtained it by meanes hardly justifiable, yet truely, he afterwards governed it most just­ly Octavianus an excellent Prince and wisely, and was one of the best Princes that ever was in the world; gentle, mercifull, li­beral, just, valiant; indued with many vertues and excellencies, most happie and fortunate in all his affaires, and beloved above measure of all men.

As there was no man to contend with OCTAVIANVS CAESAR, and he so beloved of all men (as is aforesaid) the people & Senate of Rome gave him a new name, which before that time was never heard of, AVGVSTVS; & so he was afterwards called CAESAR AVGVSTVS: a name which they held for holy, venerable, of great majestie, and which appertained to the Gods and Titles given to Octavius. their temples; as wee finde it used by CICERO, VIRGIL, OVID, and other authors; al­though that some derive it from the Verbe augeo, in Latine, to increase, because that OCTAVI­AN enlarged and increased the Empire: and some others give it other derivations; but whether­soever be the most certaine, it was given him for the most honourable name of al others: they al­so called him father of his Countrey, & gave him all the other titles & names they could devise.

CAESAR AVGVSTVS (for this name henceforth we sometimes give him) seeing himselfe now in such quiet, & without war with any person or nation in the world, commanded the tem­ple of IANVS to be shut, which they religiously observed that during the warres it should stand open; and never had beene shut but twise from the foundation of Rome, according to TITVS LIVIVS, LVCIVS FLORVS, and PLVTARCH, and other Authors: once in the time of NV­MA How many times the temple of Ianus was shut. POMPILIVS, second King thereof; and the other after the end of the second Punick warres, which they waged with Carthage, whenas TITVS MANLIVS was Consul. I know that some Authors set this shutting up of IANVS temple by OCTAVIAN to be a great while after, at the time of the birth of Christ our Saviour. But in this place I follow the authority of PAVLVS OROSIVS, a Christian Author, who used great diligence and truth, and is of 1200 yeeres antiquitie; who reckoneth, that CAESAR AVGVSTVS shut this temple three times, whereof this was the first; and I hold his opinion for certaine: for hee is assisted by the authori­ty of TITVS LIVIVS, who in his first booke affirmeth, that AVGVSTVS did shut this tem­ple after the warres with ANTONY: and LVCIVS FLORVS, and other Authors set downe, that this temple was shut after that. And hereby it appeareth, that OCTAVIANVS CAESAR did shut the temple of IANVS more then once, and every one sheweth his time when; and PAVLVS OROSIVS all, which was thrise, setting downe the time to every one of them, as he noteth; which is also drawne out of SVETONIVS TRANQVILLVS, following the letter, as PHILIPPVS BEROALDVS followeth. I have a desire to set this downe here (al­though Note the saying of the Author. it little importeth) to the end that the varietie and difference which the Reader shall finde among Authors shall not offend him; and that hee may know that I have an approved Au­thor whom I follow, though I name him not, if he shall finde ought written by me contrary to that which he hath read. OCTAVIANVS CAESAR, living in this peace and tranquillitie, omit­ted no part of his care for the governement of the Romane Common-wealth, and Provinces thereof; sending thither Pretors, Proconsuls, and other Governours, which were excellent men, to rule and governe; and himselfe gave direction, and was very diligent in all things touching justice, customes, religion, and publike buildings: so as in all things his raigne was most happie, peaceable, and quiet; and so it continued during his life.

VELLEIVS PATERCVLVS, speaking like a Gentile, doth so extoll his raigne, that he saith, Paterculus commendation of Octavius. men could not desire or aske any thing of the gods, neither thinke nor imagine ought; neither [Page 36] could the gods give that to men which OCTAVIANVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS, after his vi­ctories and returne to Rome, did bring and give to the Romane people, and the whole Empire. Notwithstanding that this was common to them all (as great minds naturally affect libertie) yet in that so prosperous a time, some people and nations were so presumptuous as to shake off the Romane yoke, and to molest and disquiet the Empire; as the Spaniards, the nations of Illyricum and the Pannonians. In Spaine the Cantabrians, which are the Alaveses and Biskains, the A­sturians, and part of Gallicia were not onely unwilling to obey; but passing their limits, began to make warre against the subjects of the Empire. OCTAVIANVS CAESAR knowing this, hol­ding it to be a doubtfull warre, and of importance, commanded (as PAVLVS OROSVS writes) the temple of IANVS to bee opened, and determined to goe thither in person, and to send o­ther Captaines to follow the other warres. The time of these warres, which were first or last, the Authors doe handle very confusedly, so as I cannot bring it to light: whereof it might bee that divers of these things did concurre at one time. But OCTAVIANVS AVGVSTVS tooke Augustus goes into Spaine to make war. his journey into Spaine, and began the warre with three armies against the people before named, which rebelled; which warre was very doubtfull and desperate, and lasted five yeares. During this time passed many conflicts: and although that AVGVSTVS did suppresse the Cantabrians and Asturians, and drave them to the rockes and mountaines; yet they did so defend themselves, as it behooved him before hee could subdue them, to raise a great Navy on the coast of France, to invade the sea coast of Cantabria, Asturia, and Gallicia: at which time he drave the people of those countries to such extreamities by land, as he compelled them to yeelde and submit them­selves to his obedience; His great favorite AGRIPPA, serving him well and faithfully in this warre (as in all the rest) whom hee married to his daughter IVLIA, who then was the widdow of his nephew MARCELLVS, sonne to his sister OCTAVIA, with whom she had beene ma­ried. And so AVGVSTVS finished the full subjection of all Spaine, above two hundred yeeres after that the Romans began to make their first warre there: so as no province cost the Romans more blood, more toyle, and more time, then Spaine. And this long and doubtfull conquest being finished, PAVLVS OROSIVS saith, that OCTAVIAN esteemed the same so much, as having established peace in Spaine, in signe therof, he againe commanded the doores of IANVS Temple to be shut, and came to Rome in great triumph. But this Temple continued not long shut, for some Nations of the Germanes rebelled (although at divers times) so as it was againe opened to make warre against them which were the Inhabitants of Noricum, which is Warre in Ger­manie & Hun garie. now Bavaria, and the Pannonies, which are Austrich and Hungary, as is aforesaid, and the two Missias, which are Bulgaria and Servia, and also Illyricum, which is Slavonia, although at another time tamed by him; and the Province of Dacia, which now is Transilvania & Walachia, and some others also. Against all these Nations this most fortunate Emperor CAESAR AVGVSTVS sent his Captaines and armies: among which were his sonnes in law, the sonnes of his wife LIVIA, TIBERIVS NERO, who succeeded him in the Empyre, and his brother DRVSVS NE­RO, of whom LIVIA was with childe when OCTAVIAN married her: and these two bro­thers (although the warre lasted somewhat long) vanquished those Nations, and obtained great victories in Germanie, and the confines thereof; especially TIBERIVS (as SVETONIVS writeth in his life, and PAVLVS OROSIVS in his histories) who in three yeeres space sub­dued the Pannonies, Illyricum, and Dalmatia: for which victories he afterwards entred into Rome in ovatian triumph, with great honour and pompe. And another Captaine, whose name was MARCVS CRASSVS (as LVCIVS FLORVS, and TIT [...]S LIVIVS report) over­came and put the Missians to flight in their owne Countrey, a nation which had never seene the Romans; which (as LVCIVS FLORVS recordeth) being readie to give battaile, in man­ner of justification, said to the Romane Armie: Tell us who you are that seeke to molest us? Whereto they were answered: Wee are Romans, the Lords of Nations. Whereupon they re­plied: It shall be so if wee bee overcome. And so they were afterwards, both they, and those also which conspired with them. But OCTAVIAN had not these victories without some cros­ses: for in this warre died his sonne in law DRVSVS, who was highly extolled and esteemed for his great acts and victories, for whom hee and the Empresse LIVIA his mother were very sorie. But that was farre greater without comparison, which hee conceived for the mishap whch be fell to QVINTILIVVS VARRO, who was Captaine of three legions in Germanie, and be­ing carelesse, was surprised by the Almanes, and himselfe and all his legions, and the Auxilia­ries slaine, and two Standards with the Imperiall Eagles taken: wherewith he was so wonder­fully Augustus sor­row for the losse of his Legions. grieved, as they write, that hee cryed out very unadvisedly, and knocked his head against [Page 37] the walles, saying: QVINTILIVS VARRO, give mee my legions againe. For certaine months together he suffered the haire of his head and beard to grow carelesly: And the verie Augustus sor­row for the losse of his Legions. day of this unfortunate accident hee did every yeare observe mournefully, with sorrow and la­mentation.

Of his sonne in law DRVSVS, there remained two sonnes, called GERMANICVS and CLAVDIVS, which he had by ANTONIA, OCTAVIANS neece, & daughter of his sister OCTAVIA and of MARCVS ANTONIVS: of which, CLAVDIVS was Emperour: and this GERMANICVS which married with AGRIPPINA, the daughter of IVLIA which was OCTAVIANS daughter, was father to CAIVS CALIGVLA, who afterwards was also Emperour. But these losses confirmed the victories which his sonne in law TIBERIVS obtained: Wherefore OCTAVIAN married him to his daughter IVLIA, who was a wi­dow by the death of AGRIPPA, causing him to put away AGRIPPINA the daughter of the same AGRIPPA, by his first mariage, by whome he had one sonne named DRVSVS: so as after many notable victories, and subduing sometime one nation, and sometime another, which were compelled to sue for peace, OCTAVIAN againe commaunded the Temple of Ia­nus to be shut, and from thence foorth all things succeeded vnto him most prosperously.

He was carefull to haue martiall discipline obserued: he dismist all the tenth legion with ig­nominie vpon a mutinie and vnwillingnes to obey. Whole bands and Cohorts, if they gaue ground and recoyled before the enemie, he decimated, and to the rest he allowed barley in steed of wheat to feed on. A Romane Knight, hauing cutt off the thombes of two young men his Sonnes to auoide the militarie oth and seruice of warre, he set him and all his goods to open sale: but seeing the Publicans bidde freely for him, he deliuered him to his owne freed man; that being confined and sent awaie vnto his liuing in the Countrie, he might suffer him to liue free.

The subiects of the Empire were very obedient vnto him, and all others sent him ambassades seeking his fauour and friendship, offering him their seruice: the Indians (a people of the re­motest part of the East) and also the Scythians which inhabit in the North, and the Parthians (a people most fierce and vntamed) sent their Ambassadours to him, giuing securitie to keepe the The greatnes of the Romane Emperors. peace, and deliuered the Standards and Eagles taken in battaile, when MARCVS CRASSVS was slaine. There came also Kings, friends and subiects to the Empire, to Rome, to doe him ho­nour, as his familiar friends, laying aside their Ensignes and royall Robes; and many of them built cities to his name, for his honour, calling them Caesareas in remembrance of him: so did HERODE in Palestina, IVBA in Mauritania, and others.

The world continued in this quietnes and generall peace, fortie and two yeeres being fullie expired since that OCTAVIAN, after the death of IVLIVS CAESAR, came to Rome, from which time is commonly accounted his Empire. In this generall peace was borne ISSVS CHRIST our Lord and Sauiour in Bethlem, of the holie womb of the blessed Ladie the Virgin MARY (HERODE being King of Ierusalem, placed there by the Romanes, he who slew the innocent children) comming to the world in humane forme and nature, to saue and redeeme mankinde with his blessed death and passion: whose most holie life, mysteries and infinite mira­cles ought not to be mixed with prophane Histories, and therefore I will not intermeddle to treate thereof. But returning to my purpose, I say, that OCTAVIAN enioying so great prospe­ritie and good fortune, was not altered in his naturall condition, as in other Princes it hath hap­pened, but rather became more milde, iust, and affable, more curteous, more liberall and more temperate. He established wonderfull good orders and lawes, for the reformation of abuses and euill customes: he erected in Rome and without it, great and sumptuous edifices, and bestowed great gifts and fauours vpon all sorts of people: hee delighted the people with feasts and playes in diuers manners, going himselfe in person, to honour them, and sent Colonies and inhabitants to sundrie parts and prouinces: he made an excellent good order for the gouernment and go­uernours of the whole Empire. The like hee did for the warre and martiall discipline; he shew­ed himselfe louing and sociable to his familiars and friends, and honoured and loued them much. Some conspiracies which were discouered against him, he punished without rigour, giuing more pardon then punishment and correction. Of murmurings and defamatorie libels The vertues and qualities of Octauianus. he neuer sought nor desired to know the authors, but with great grauitie answered, giuing sa­tisfaction, and purging himselfe of those things which were imputed vnto him. He was much giuen and affected to letters and learning, and was very learned and eloquent, and compiled bookes and notable workes: He did much honour and reward the wise and learned men of [Page 38] his time, wherein were many very learned in all Arts. But for all these vertues and perfe­ctions, and other which for breuitie I write not, yet he escaped not to be noted of some vices, growing through humane weakenes and great liberty, especially to be much giuen to women; although that in eating, drinking, in his apparell and ornaments, he vvas very modest and tem­perate: he gaue himselfe also excessiuely to play at dice, and other games then accustomed. But SVETONIVS sayth, that the most part thereof was vpon ceremonious and festiuall dayes, which ought well to be noted for a shame and example to our time, wherin Christianity is pro­fessed. For that is accounted by many for brauery and valour, which to OCTAVIAN being an Heathen and vnbeleeuing Prince, was imputed for vice. Wherefore, to conclude and make an end of his History, as is reason; I say, that although that in many things hee was happy and fortunate, yet besides all his troubles and dangers, he was vnhappy and vnfortunate in his chil­dren and succession: for by foure wiues, with which he was maried, onely by SCRIBONIA, which was his third wife, he had one daughter named IVLIA; and yet this one scarcely pro­ued honest of her body: so as for want of sonnes to succeed him, he first adopted his Nephew MARCELLVS, his sister OCTAVIAS son aforenamed, to whom he first maried his daugh­ter IVLIA: and MARCELLVS dying without issue, he maried her to his fauourite AGRIP­PA, who also left her a widow, as is aboue sayd: but he left by her, three sonnes and two daugh­ters, the daughters prouing no honester then their mother, and two of his sonnes dyed in OC­TAVIANS time, hauing bin first by him adopted. Wherefore, desiring to ouercome the cros­ses which he had herein, he adopted the third, who was called AGRIPPA as his father vvas, the which adoption he afterward reuoked for some displeasure conceiued against him: and ta­king this care for his succession, he adopted and made his sonne in law TIBERIVS NERO, his sonne, whom, as is aforesaid, he married to his daughter IVLIA, who, as I said, was AGRIP­PA his widow. But hee commaunded TIBERIVS when he adopted him, that he (notwith­standing that he had a son called DRVSVS) should adopt his Nephew GERMANICVS, sonne to his brother DRVSVS, who died in Germāie, for that he had married his neece AGRIPPINA the daughter of IVLIA: and by this meanes came TIBERIVS to be OCTAVIANVS suc­cessor, more through the diligence of his mother, then any good liking that his father in law had to him; who rather was, and seemed to be very sorrie, that he should succeede him.

All things standing in this state, OCTAVIAN being now seauentie and sixe yeeres old and odde dayes, hauing raigned aboue fiftie and sixe yeeares, and being the best beloued and most obeyed Prince, that euer was in the world, death ouertooke him: the cause thereof was a flux which held him for certaine dayes, whereof in the end he died in the citie of Nola (whither he The death of Octauianus Caesar Au­gustus. came sicke from Naples) a quiet and peacefull death, in the fifteenth yeere after the birth of Christ our Redeemer.

TACITVS writes, that it was suspected his death was hastned by the lewd practices of his wife, for that it had been bruited abroad, that AVOVSTVS accompanied only with FABI­VS MAXIMVS had been in the Iland of PLANATIA to visit his Nephew AGRIPPA, both weeping when they met, wherevpon there was some hope that the young man should be recal­led to his Grandfathers house. This secret FABIVS disclosed to his wife, by whose means it came to LIVIA and to TIBERIVS: which made them to practise all the means they could to preuent this reconciliation.

His death was generally lamented, and there was an vniuersall sorrow and heauines ouer the whole Empire for him: for he did wisely and vprightly gouerne that, which by force and cun­ning he had gotten. OCTAVIAN was of a meane stature, and of a very good shape and propor­tion Octauian his proportion of body. of his body, exceeding faire of face mixed with modestie and grauitie, his eyes were excee­ding cleere and bright, he was very aduised, and loued to speake quicke and briefly. His last will and testament was written a yeare and foure months before he died, and left in the custodie of the Vestall Virgins. It was then produced, & in open Senate read: the contents whereof you maie reade in SVETONIVS.

AFter the good and valiant Emperor OCTAVIAN, succeeded his sonne in law, and adopted son, the wicked and cruell TIBERIVS NERO, vnworthy of his succession and of the Empire: for he was one of the most cruell and wicked men that euer was: yet in OCTAVIAN his time, both in Germanie and in other parts he did many great and nota­ble feats in armes. In the beginning of his Empire he made shew of a good prince, and did many good deedes, but afterwards (as this was but counterfeit) he discouered his malice, and gouerned cruelly, coue­tously, and dishonestly. This TIBERIVS (as I haue said) was the sonne of TIBERIVS NERO and LIVIA, whom OCTAVIAN afterwards tooke to wife, of both sides descended of the auncient family of the CLAVDII: whose grandfather by his fathers side was TIBERIVS CLAVDIVS NERO; and by his mothers side he descended from APPIVS CLAVDIVS PVLCHER, and by adoption he likewise descended from the The linage and corporall con­stitution of Ti­berius. LIVII, a worthie family (although but Plebeian) for Consulships, censures, and triumphs. He was of a tall and strong body, and had a large brest and broade shoulders, whereto all parts of his body were answerable: he had a faire face, and great eyes; and so cleere, as they affirme a strange thing of him, which is, that awaking in the night, for a good space he cleerely saw the place wherein he lay, and al things therein aswel as if he had had a light. He was a man of great strength, and had the vse of both his hands alike; whereas commonly euery man vseth the right hand with greater dexteritie then the left, and he had so great strength in his fingers, that with a fillip he would (as often as he listed) breake a pages or a young mans head, as SVETONIVS reporteth. He was very learned both in Greeke and Latin, delighted chiefly in poesie, and made many verses in both tongues, which truely was ill imployed in him, seeing he so little pro­fited Tiberius [...]learning. thereby. When OCTAVIVS AVGVSTVS fell sicke, TIBERIVS was gone towards the prouince of Illyricum or Slauonia: and his mother LIVIA seeing that his sicknes encreased, sent in great haste for him, and he happily arriued at the citie of Nola, CAESAR AVGVSTVS being euen neere his end, but yet in such case as he could speake, and (as SVETONIVS repor­teth) he conferred with him a great while in secret: Although CORNELIVS TACITVS [Page 40] saith, that it is not certainely knowne whether he found him aliue at his comming or no, for his mother the Emperesse had set so many gards as the death of OCTAVIAN was not knowne, vntill that all had consented that TIBERIVS should rule, and succeede him. At that time was Posthumus AGRIPPA Nephew to OCTAVIAN, and sonne of his daughter IVLIA by AGRIPPA her second husband, slaine by the hand of a Tribune of soldiers who had him in keeping (as it was thought) by the commaundement of his father in law TIBERIVS, and by the counsell of his mother LIVIA, to the end that hee should bee assured of the succession.

But yet he gaue it out that it was done by AVGVSTVS commandement, who (as he said) had giuen charge to the Tribune or Centurion which had him in gard, to make him awaie as soone as he should haue notice of his death: but it is not credible, that to assure the state to his wiues sonne, he would seeke the bloud of his owne Nephew. The Centurion bringing word that he had fullfilled his commandement, he answered presently that he had commanded him no such thing, and that he should answer it before the Senat. CRISPVS SALVSTIVS who was acquainted with Tiberius greatest secrets hearing hereof, hauing sent the Centurion letters to proceede in the business, fearing his owne danger aduised LIVIA not to diuulge the secrets of her house, the counsell of friends, nor the seruices of soldiers; & that TIBERIVS should haue a care not to weaken his power of soueraigntie, by referring all to the Senate, and so this business was past ouer in silence.

In Rome libertie now was so forgotten, and the Monarchie so settled by thy custome of many yeeres continuance, vnder the raigne of OCTAVIANVS, that notwithstanding that there were Consuls, Pretors, Tribunes, and other names of dignitie and magistracie; yet ther was in a man­ner no man in Rome that did remember and vnderstand the manner of the old gouernment, which was before that IVLIVS CAESAR suppressed the Common-wealth; and the death of OCTAVIAN being knowne, there was no man that durst name or speake of libertie, but when as TIBERIVS came to Rome, they presently gaue the gouernment and administration of the Common-wealth vnto him. And he was the first Emperor that did quietly and peaceably inhe­rit the Empire, so as he was not forced to make a conquest thereof, as IVLIVS CAESAR and OCTAVIAN had done. And notwithstanding that before he would accept thereof he cau­sed himselfe to be much intreated, and made great shew to haue no desire to the Empire, yet afterwards it appeared plainely that he did but counterfet, to the end he might discouer euery mans affection towards him: For to all those which yeelded to accept of his excuses, and did not importune him, he bare a perpetuall hatred; for although that one way he excused him­selfe, yet in many other things he began to vse the authoritie of an Emperor, taking a guarde, and mustering the armies, as Emperor.

Hauing accepted the Empire, there were some accidents which put him in great feare: the first was, that the armies in Pannonia or Hungarie, mutined, and reuolted from IVLIVS BLE­SVS their Commander, a captaine called PERCENIVS being principall of this mutinie, and they sent to require many excessiue things: against whome TIBERIVS sent his son DRVSVS, whom he had by AGRIPPINA, with whom he was married before he espoused IVLIA. The which was pacified with much danger and difficultie; PERCENIVS and VI­BVLENVS, with some other ringleaders of this mutinie being put to death.

It happened also that the legions which were by the riuer of Rhine, as the custome was, did the like, through the absence of GERMANICVS their Generall before named, adopted sonne and Nephew to TIBERIVS: And those of Pannonia were not onely discontented with the paies and exemptions which they required, but they presumed to chuse a new Emperor against TIBERIVS, nominating their generall GERMANICVS, who (as is before said) was TI­BERIVS Nephew and adopted sonne, and preferred before his naturall sonne, by the com­maundement of OCTAVIAN. But GERMANICVS was so loyall, that when these newes were brought vnto him, he not onely refused their offer, but with great danger and hazard of his life, and with much trouble, pacified those alterations.

TIBERIVS was another way disquieted, being aduertised that LVCIVS SCRIBONI­VS an eminent man, and one which bare great sway in the common-wealth, had some secret practices against him: but he freed himselfe from all these troubles, and they were pacified, though not without great difficultie. For his son DRVSVS on the one side (after some treaties) reduced the legions of Pannonia to his obedience, and did iustice on PERCENIVS. And GER­MANICVS (as I said) after some great difficulties (which CORNELIVS TACITVS rela­teth at large) made those of Germanie to obey: and not therewith content, he passed the riuer of [Page 41] Rhine (which commonly was the bounds of the Romane Empire on that part) and made war within the countrie of Germanie, with good successe. While these matters were a-doing, & for some space after, TIBERIVS did cloake and conceale his vvicked inclination and vices; and What good Ti­berius did in the beginning. (as I sayd in the beginning) performed many parts of a good, discreet and mild Prince, vvhere­with he deceiued the people, especially those vvhich did not inwardly know him; vvhereof (al­though they be recited before their time) it shall not be amisse to set downe some, to the end that (as of a venemous Beast) that which is profitable and medicinall, may be taken. First, ma­ny of the names and titles of Honor which were offered him by the Senate, and other Honors and Ceremonies, he refused, and would not consent that they should erect or build any Tem­ples vnto him; and forbad them to set vp his Statues and Images without his expresse comman­dement: and if sometime he did permit it, it was vpon condition that they should not place them among the Images of the gods.

He seemed also to grieve to heare himselfe praised, crossing and interrupting them in speeches which did it. One in a discourse called him Lord, whom hee commanded to vse that word no more: but insolencie and presumption since that time hath so encreased, as that which in those dayes seemed pride in an Emperour, there is not any now (bee hee never so base) but presumeth he deserveth the same. The like discretion did TIBERIVS shew in other words, which were also proper to the gods, & the things to them appertaining. He fained also patience and meeke­nesse; for although that in the Senate there passed some matters contrary to his will & opinion, and that in other affaires they gaine said him, yet he seemed not any way to be displeased or of­fended therewith. And understanding that some spake ill of him, and murmuring, used reproachfull speeches against him, hee shewed no discontentment or alteration thereat: but said, that in a free Citie mens tongues ought to bee free, and men might lawfully speake freely. And wheras the Senate would have exhibited an information, and have proceeded against those which had written defamatorie libells against him, he would not consent thereto; saying, that he had not so little imployment as to lose time about such matters: affirming that hee would doe nothing against them which spake ill of him, but trouble them with keeping account of what hee said and did; and if that were not sufficient, it should satisfie him, to love them as little as they loved him.

At first, TIBERIVS shewed great respect to the Senate, & gave them so great authority in all things, as he did nothing without their counsell, willing that all should bee done by their advice and consent. In execution of justice and governement hee made many good beginnings, taking care and order that there should be no theeves nor robbers by the high wayes side in all Italie, but that men might travell in safetie: and that justice should bee executed in Townes and Villages. The Ensignes, and pretorian Cohorts, which in Rome were the Emperors guard (to The pretorian cohorts were the Emperors guard The fained ver­tues of Tiberi­us. ease the citizens of their guests and other troubles) he made to encampe and lodge without the citie in the fields, where they should continue and abide: which although it then seemed pro­fitable, yet afterwards it bred great inconvenience and prejudice. By these meanes he not one­ly dissembled and covered his crueltie, pride, and ambition; but hee was so double and false hearted, that even his avarice and covetousnesse (which of all other seemeth to bee the most ap­parant passion) and his incontinencie and loosenesse he could so maske for a time, as he seemed to bee no way touched with those vices. So as when some governours of Provinces gave him notice of meanes how to encrease his rents and revenues; hee answered, that a good shepheard The speeches of a good pastor, and the minde of a Wolfe. ought to sheare his flocke, but not flay them: & so he abated some tributes, and shewed favours to certaine particular persons. His loose life he sought to cover, by ordaining a publike infor­mer against dishonest and adulterous Matrons of Rome, which he did (as it afterwards appeared) to the end there should be no other adulterer but himselfe. He did other things (which for bre­vitie I omit) which seemed to spring from a good roote and intent: but it failed in the end; for he fauned, to bite; and drew backe, to charge againe with the greater force: As wee will hereaf­ter declare in part, for the whole cannot bee related as it was, nor mentioned for the filthinesse thereof, which is the occasion why that order and stile cannot be observed which is fitting; for certainely, disordered and obscure lives cannot bee cleerely and orderly written. And besides this, he used his wife IVLIA cruelly and disgracefully, forgetting that by her as for her dow­rie, he enjoyed the Romane Empire: for hee never lived nor kept company with her after the death of OCTAVIAN.

One of the first signes hee shewed of an evill Prince and governour, was; that notwithstan­ding there came great complaints against the Proconsuls, Pretors, and Prefects, sent into Pro­vinces; [Page 42] yet he would not remove them: which was contrary to the order and custome of Rome, and his predecessor OCTAVIAN: which some atrributed to his carelesnesse; others held it to proceed of malice and an ill disposition, to the end that many men should not enjoy the honor and profit which grew in such charges. After this he began to envie and malice GERMANI­CVS, for that he was preferred before his sonne DRVSVS, and it grieved him to see his good successe in the warres of Germanie. Wherefore to finde occasion to remoove him from that charge, hee dissemblingly caused the Triumph to be granted unto him, for the victories which he had obtained, and wrote to him many times to come to tryumph: but GERMANICVS understanding his evill intent, deferred his comming. It happened within a while after, that the King of the Parthians tooke armes and made warre against the Romane Empire, breaking the peace confirmed in the time of OCTAVIAN, entring into the Province of Armenia, the King whereof was inuested there by the Romanes: wherewith TIBERIVS was nothing displeased, supposing thereby to haue the better occasion to draw GERMANICVS from his charge and gouernment of Germanie, vnder colour to send him to the Parthian Warres, as he did: And so GERMANICVS being sent for, came for this purpose, hauing few daies before wonne a great Germanicus sent against the Parthians. battaile, & slaine tenne thousand of his enemies, & so he entred into Rome in a solemne triumph, and (as CORNELIVS TACITVS reporteth) hee brought thither with him the ensignes which QVINTILIVS VARRO had lost, and presently began to prepare for the warre against the Parthians.

A little before GERMANICVS his triumph, there arose a man in Italie, called CLEMENS, a bondslaue to AGRIPPA, who named himself AGRIPPA, nephew to OCTAVIAN (whom we haue said to be slaine by TIBERIVS his order) which action seemed of some importance: for much loose and seditious people ioyned with him, which caused a great tumult i [...] Italie; this man pretending that he ought of right to be Emperor, and not TIBERIVS: But as hee had a weake foundation, so was he soone overthrowne, taken prisoner, brought to TIBERIVS, and finally executed although secretly. And about the same time TIBERIVS committed a fowle and perfidious act of cruelty: for hauing with gracious and kind words allured ARCHELAVS King of Cappadocia to come to Rome (vvho vvas a friend and vassall to the Romane Empire) for fained and vniust causes he made him to be accused and committed; where afterwards this mise­rable King died in prison, and his countrie vvas made a tributarie prouince. In the like maner he Cappadocia made a pro­uince. dealt vvith many Princes and great men of Spaine, France, Gracia, and other parts. The expediti­on which TIBERIVS had intended against the Parthians, was much hastned by reason of the death of ANTIOCHVS King of Comagena, and of PHILOPATER King of Cilicia in Asia, vassals to the Empire: by meanes of whose deaths some alterations grew in those prouinces; for some would haue a King, and others would be gouerned by the Empire.

GERMANICVS being prepared for his Easterne Iorney (as he was commanded) departed from Rome, carrying his wife AGRIPPINA and his children with him: betweene whom and LIVIA the mother of TIBERIVS was great emulation. There was also at this time great con­trouersie and parts-taking, both in words and affections in TIBERIVS his Court; some taking part with GERMANICVS, who (as we haue said) was his adopted sonne and nephew: others adhered to DRVSVS, his sonne legitimate. TIBERIVS and his mother LIVIA euer sought to aduance the reputation of DRVSVS, and in secret to disgrace GERMANICVS: for which occasion he gaue the charge of all the legions of Illyricum to his sonne DRVSVS. And to the end, that GERMANICVS should not be too powerfull in the East whither he went, he made GNEVS PISO captaine of the prouince and legions of Syria (who was an eminent man, great­ly allied in Rome, and of a good house) for that he held with DRVSVS; and dispossest CRETI­ [...]VS SYLLANVS of that charge, being a friend to GERMANICVS. This PISO was married to a Romane Matrone called PLANCINA, of the same condition, but of an hautier spirit then her husband; to the which husband and wife the Emperour TIBERIVS and his mother LI­VIA gaue in charge, to procure hatred and dislike against GERMANICVS; yea and his death also: as it after appeared. And with this resolution they departed from Rome towards the East: where PISO presently, with gifts and flatterie, began to draw to himselfe the loue and good Piso animated by Tyberius against Ger­manicus. liking of the armie against GERMANICVS, and to murmure and speake ill of him: who, while as PISO practised these things, tooke so good order in the warre and gouernment, as hee placed a King in the prouince of Armenia, who was a friend and subiect to the Romanes; and the kingdomes of Comagena and Cilicia being voide by the death of their Kings, he reduced into prouinces, and placed in them Pretors and gouernours. In Comagena QVINCIVS SERVIVS, [Page 43] and in Cilicia QVINTVS VERANIVS; moderating in them both the royall subsidies and tri­butes. And after this he tooke so good order, as he compelled the King of Parthia to sue for peace and friendship: which he graunted and concluded, to the honour of the Empire. Being thus busied about these things, PISO and his wife neuer left to murmure against him, and to taxe him openly: the which he dissembled, knowing from whence it did proceed. And hauing made an end of the Parthian warre, hee departed from thence to visit the prouince of Egypt: and in his absence (although it were not long) his competitor PISO plotted such matters against him, as when he vnderstood of his return, he departed out of that prouince. But as he had practi­sed his death, he went not far off, but remained some daies in an Iland: during which time, GERMANICVS comming on his way, was poysoned by the practice of PISO, but by the di­rection and counsell of TIBERIVS (as it was thought) whereof he dyed suddenly, leauing be­hind Germanicus poysoned by Piso. him sonnes and daughters; among which was CAIVS CALIGVLA, who was after­wards Emperour. For which cause it hath been very expedient to make such mention of his father GERMANICVS, who if he had liued had been Emperour and successor to TIBERIVS.

Before his death he complained much vnto his friends of the leud practices of PISO and PLANCINA his wife, by whose fraud he was brought to an vntimely death, intreating them to prosecute reuenge. And turning to his wife, he conjured her by all the bonds of nuptiall loue, to submit her courage to the frownes of fortune; least at her returne to the Cittie, by emulation of greatnes she should purchase to herselfe two powerfull enemies.

The worthie and valiant Captaine GERMANICVS being dead in this manner, as is said, his wife AGRIPPINA came to Rome with her children, and brought with her the ashes of her deceased husband. The Emperour TIBERIVS made shew of great sorrow (though coun­terfet) for the death of GERMANICVS (the like did LIVIA and her sonne DRVSVS, who then was come to Rome) but in truth was very glad therof: for by the death of GERMANICVS he did assuredly hope to succeede in the Empire. But true and vnfained was the sorrow which all the people of Rome conceiued for the death of GERMANICVS; and great were the fauours and loue which they shewed to AGRIPPINA and her children: and great was the hatred they bare against PISO, whom they openly charged to haue murdered him; who presuming on TIBERIVS his fauour (being altogether shamelesse) came to Rome: where, in the behalfe of AGRIPPINA and her friends, he was accused before the Senate for hatred to GERMANI­CVS; that he had corrupted the common soldiers with licentiousnes and done wrong to the Confederats; that he was called father of the Legions by the leudest sort; that hee had beene cruell to all good men, and that he had poysoned GERMANICVS, and borne armes against the State. To most hee answered weakely, onely the poysoning could not bee well verefied. Which, TIBERIVS dissembling, (as one who was not to loue him any better then the rest) he was driuen to such an extremitie in the accusation, as before that the cause was determined, hee was found dead in his bed (as it was thought) by his owne hands; although (as CORNE­LIVS TACITVS saith) it was neuer certainely knowne: but there were many opinions con­cerning the same. Who also writeth that a powerfull man named TACFARINAS rebelled in Africa in the prouince of Numidia; and leuying great forces, ouerthrew certaine Romane cohorts, thinking to haue been able to possesse the countrie: against whom went the Proconsul LVCIVS ASTRONICVS with an armie: and comming to a battaile he ouercame him and put him to flight, to his great losse. Which (as it seemeth) happened in the seuenth yeere of the raigne of TIBERIVS; although afterwards the same TACFARINAS was againe ouer­throwne, by the Proconsul BLESVS, in a second rebellion.

The yeere following, the Emperour TIBERIVS made himselfe to be chosen Consul, and his sonne DRVSVS his Companion, as at other times hee had done: and faining that it behooued him for his health, hee vvent forth of Rome, to the end hee might settle and establish DRVSVS in the gouernment of the Empire; for of his brother CLAVDIVS vn­till then he made small account: but God disposed of all in another manner. In the same yeere many cities in France rebelled, being vnable to endure the intolerable tributes and exactions which TIBERIVS imposed vpon them. The captaines and authors of this rebellion, were two hardy men, the one called FLORVS, and the other SACROBIS, which did so much trouble the countrey, as they put Rome it selfe in great feare, much more being there reported then was true. But this did nothing trouble TIBERIVS; so much had hee forgotten all ver­tue and goodnes, giuing himselfe wholly ouer to vice and sensualitie in his old age. But CAIVS [Page 44] SILIVS, who was Captaine of those parts, did soone suppresse the troubles of France, who with his legions came against those which rebelled, put them to flight in a battaile, and slew a great number of them: and so he pacified that countrey, and his sonne DRVSVS did principally employ himselfe in the gouernment. TIBERIVS passing the most part of the time in Campania, betweene whom and his mother LIVIA began some secret (vvhich grew to publike) quarrels and dislikes, he being very vnreuerent and vndutifull; and she much dis­contented with his manner of gouernment, and chiefly for the priuate familiaritie betweene him and ELIVS SEIANVS, whom he fauoured so much as he made him captaine of the Pretorian cohorts, and gaue him many other dignities: and finally made him so great, as he presumed to contend with his sonne DRVSVS: and his presumption was such, as by wicked practices and deuices, he allured to his dishonest lust the wife of the said DRVSVS, daughter in law to TIBERIVS, whose name was LIVIA, the daughter of GERMANICVS. Com­mitting this adulterie (with a conceit to succeed in the place of DRVSVS) he practised his The Insolencies of Seianus death, and found meanes by an Eunuch his seruant, to poyson him: which tooke effect, and DRVSVS died thereof, and left one sonne named TIBEIVS, as his grandfather; but it was not then knowne who was the cause of his death. Whereof arose great murmuring in Rome, al­though The death of Drusus, Tibe­rius sonne. it little grieued the greatest part: for they deemed that GERMANICVS his three sonnes should haue succeeded in his place, whome they much respected for their fathers sake: whose names were CLAVDIVS NERO, CAIVS CALIGVLA, and DRVSVS. This happe­ned in the ninth yeere of the raigne of TIBERIVS, which was a beginning of his misfortunes: we may say the like of the Common-wealth; for from that time forwards, all his actions and resolutions had ill successe, his detestable vices discouered themselues, and the subiects endured infinite cruelties, robberies, outrages and oppressions: as also in this same yeere, TACFARI­NAS rebelled againe in Africa, who in his last rebellion escaped by flight: and hauing leuied much people, in the end was the third time ouerthrowne in battaile, and wholly defeated by PVBLIVS DOLABELLA the Proconsul.

In Rome the wicked SEIANVS (TIBERIVS fauorite) although that in the beginning he made shew publikely to fauour GERMANICVS sonnes, which (as hath been said, and it was thought) should haue been TIBERIVS successors: yet afterwards all his studie and practice was to disgrace and ruine them, and to that end, procured false accusations to be made against all such as tooke their, or AGRIPPINA their mothers part. And to bring this and other his wicked deuices to effect, he procured TIBERIVS to depart from Rome whither he was come: who following the others counsell, aswell for this, as the more freely to giue himselfe to his detestable vices, went into the Ile of Capra, which lieth vpon the coast of Naples, where he remained for a time; and being returned into Italie, making his progresse into diuers places, neuer came any more to Rome: neither in the rest of his life is there any more to be spoken, but of his vices and cruelties, whereof in summe we will make a briefe relation. Before which it is requisit that all men vnderstand, that during this peregrination of the Emperour TIBERIVS in the eighteenth yeere of his raigne, our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ true God and man suffered The passion of Christ our redee­mer. Iosephus in his antiquities n [...] his 15. 16. 17. and 18. booker, and in his first and second of the warres of the Iewes Saint Ierom vpon the second chapter of S. Matthew. The Herodes how many they were. Herodes Asca­lonita. Saint Mathew the second chapter, I. his death and passion, PONTIVS PILATE being president or gouernor of Ierusalem in the prouince of Iudaea. And to the end that it may be the better knowne and vnderstoode how PILATE came to concur with one of the HERODES, and how many there were of the HERODEs, of whom mention is made in the holy Scriptures, (which is a matter whereof some haue made a doubt) in few words I will here set downe: which was in this manner, as the Euangelist testifieth, and as out of Saint IERO [...] and IOSEPHVS it is gathred. HERODE the great, sonne of ANTIPATER, who was called HERODE ASCALONITA, was placed there by the Romanes: and hauing raigned many yeeres, was the same to whom the three Kings came from the East guided by a Starre, and he who murthered so many innocent children, and some of his owne children also, when Christ was borne; who within short space after died, and by his death, his sonne, whose name was ARCHELAVS, had the kingdomes of Iudaea, and Idu­mea; and to his other two sonnes (for the other three died before their father) were giuen certaine Tetrarchies, whereof to this HERODE ANTIPAS (which was one of them) was allotted the Tetrarchie of Galile, and by this meanes he is called Tetrarch▪ & this was he which put Saint IOHN BAPTIST to death, and he, to whom PILATE sent Christ, who disdained him. And to PHILIP his other sonne was giuen the Tetrarchie of Thrach [...]nitis: and the other brother, who (as I said) had the title of a King, was accused to OCTAVIAN, and by him de­priued and banished into France, to the citie of Vienna, by meanes whereof PILATE was sent to [Page 45] gouerne that prouince; and by this meanes it happened that Christ died in the time of PILATE and of HERODE ANTIPAS the Tetrarch, from whom the Tetrarchie afterwards was ta­ken by CAIVS CALIGVLA, and he died banished in Lions in France, and his Nephew the Herodes An­tipas. Saint Luke chapter 2. Herodes Agrippa. sonne of his brother ARISTOBVLVS, who was one of the three which their father slew in his life time. HERODE AGRIPPA was hee, to whom CAIVS CALIGVLA, restor'd the kingdome of Iudea. And afterwards the Emperor CLAVDIVS gaue the Tetrarchie of Galile to his Vncle: and this was he, who put Saint IAMES to death, who beginnning to persecute the Apostles, died striken by an Angell, as Saint LVKE beareth record.

Christ being put to death by the sentence of PILATE, and he knowing afterwards that The acts of the Apostles chap. 12. Christ was risen againe, by the report of those which he himselfe had set to watch his bodie, be­ing also informed of the many miracles which he did in his life time (notwithstanding that he was an idolater and a wicked iudge, and had adiudged him to die) yet TERTVLLIAN and EVSEBIVS in his ecclesiasticall historie, and PAVLVS OROSIVS in his seuenth booke, Pilate made re­lation of the miracles which Christ wrought to the Emperor Tiberius. most ancient and true authors, doe recorde, that by his letters, he aduertised the Emperor TI­BERIVS thereof, to the end that he should aduise and determine, whether Christ should be held for a God or no; and TIBERIVS sent to the Senate to consult thereof, he giuing his opi­nion that he ought to be so: but the Senators, as the diuels schollers, counselled TIBERIVS that he should not doe it. Which (as these authors affirme) was for that he had not first made the Senate acquainted therewith, which pretended by an ancient law which they had, to haue the superintendence in all matters of religion: yet TIBERIVS notwithstanding that the Se­nate consented not to his opinion, commaunded that the christians should be free from perse­cution; but he neither embraced the faith of Christ as he ought, neither left his sinne and vices.

First he gaue himselfe to his old vice of excessiue gluttonie and drunkennes, for which cause from his youth (in steede of TIBERIVS NERO) they called him BIBERIVS MERO, which signifieth a drinker of the best: and euen in this his old age, he hath beene often knowne to sit a whole night, & part of the day, at a bāket, giuing gifts & rewards to such as drank most, and in fauour thereof he instituted a new office and magistracie; as, master of delights and sports. Af­ter this, his chiefest time was spent in abominable luxury and incontinencie, which was such and so abominable as christian eares can hardly endure the hearing thereof, nor a christian hand write the same, wherefore I will passe most of thē ouer in silence. Let this suffice, that it was horrible and detestable: and not contented to commit it himselfe, he induced and drew others thereto, and gaue iewels and rewards to those which inuented and committed most filthines.

For during his priuate abode in Caprea, (as SVETONIVS writes) he deuised a roome with seates in it of purpose for his secret wanton lusts. For the furnishing whereof he drew from all parts a number of young strumpets, and stale Catamites or baudes, and such also as inuented monstrous kindes of libidinous filthines, whome he tearmed Spintrie, who being in three rankes linked together, should pollute one anothers bodie before his face, that by the sight there of he might stirre vp his owne colde courage and fainting lust, with manie other such shamefull deui­ces, as are not to be mentioned, for the which men did vsually tearme him CAPRINEVS after the name of the Iland.

This wicked old Emperor, perseuering in his libidinous sinne, forgot not his crueltie and co­uetousnes, whereto he was no lesse addicted: for hee encreased his subsidies and tributes in such manner, that the prouinces became ruinate and desolate; and committed many other extorti­ons of the like qualitie.

As for his crueltie, all the examples cannot be repeated, they did so exceede: for he con­demned the principall and best men in Rome to death, and confiscated their goods, for very light causes, and most of them forged. One he put iustly to death, and with great reason caused him to be slaine, which was his great fauorite SEIANVS, for many sinnes which he had lear­ned of him (as DION COCEIVS recordeth:) but for the rest, it is a matter ridiculous, and otherwise lamentable, for what causes they were accused and condemned. One he caused to be slaine, because that commending BRVTVS and CASSIVS, he said, they were the last Romanes: another he caused to be flaine, because that in a tragedie which he had compiled, he spake ill of AGAMEMNON: another Romane Knight he commaunded to be slaine, because that in a garden he had taken vp a Capon: and for other such like matters as these, he put to death sixteene, of twētie ancient noble mē; whome he had chosen for his counsellors. And he forbare not to execute these cruelties vpon his allies and kinsfolkes: for besides that which is alreadie [Page 46] related, he commaunded his Nephew GERMANICVS to be slaine, and afterwards the three sonnes which he left, seeing them to growe in estimation; the two elder of them he caused to be accused by false witnesses, and he himselfe wrote such things to Rome against them, that in the end they were condemned to death: the one of them desperately killed himselfe, and he cau­sed the other to pine to death with hunger, as SVETONIVS reporteth. It was a maruell that he had not done the like by the third, whose name was CAIVA CALIGVLA, and by their Vncle CLAVDIVS: but it is likely he would haue done it, if he had liued a while longer. These executions hee thus commaunded to be done, to the end that his crueltie might attaine to the highest degree, which were not ordinarie: for before their death, they suffered hunger, torments, and disgraces, to qualifie them. Finally, to conclude, they were so many and so feare­full, that many which were condemned, slew themselues, some with poyson, and some with the sword, for feare; for TIBERIVS did execute his furie with such crueltie, as hee ac­counted it a deede of charitie, to put them to an ordinarie kinde of death: so as, for that one had killed himselfe before that he could execute his rage vpon him, he cryed out; Oh how hath CORNELIVS escaped me? for so was that mans name: and to another, which entreated him that he would not deferre his death; TIBERIVS answered, I am not so much thy friend, as to hasten it. And imploying himselfe in these dinelish exercises, wherein he continued vntill his death; ARTABANVS King of Parthia, breaking the peace and league which he had contra­cted with GERMANICVS, presumed to enter into Armenia, and the limits of the Empire, and also the Sarmates inuaded the prouinces; for which TIBERIVS tooke no care, neither leuied any new armie; but they defended themselues with their ordinarie legions and armies the best they could.

Now, forasmuch as in many places of this historie, mention is made of legions and armies, which the Romanes ordinarily entertained in their prouinces, in time of peace & warre, I hold it fit to declare what they were, for the better vnderstanding of what is alreadie, and shall be said hereafter. Which is a great argument, to proue how great the wealth and power of the Ro­manes was: and although that some Authors do treate thereof, I will onely set downe what CORNELIVS TACITVS writer [...] in the fourth book of his histories, an historiographer of great authoritie. He first saith, that in the two seas, of the one and other side of Italie, to wit, in the Adriatike sea, now the gulf of Venice, and in the Sicilian sea called Mediterranean, they main­tained Na [...]ies and fleets maintai­ned by the Ro­manes in sun­drie places and prouinces. two great nauies of gallies and shippes for their guard and securitie, and for the safe pas­sage of Merchants, and such other necessarie occasions. Another great nauie they maintained vpon the coast of France, between Spaine and Italie; besides those which they had in a readiness and caused to be built when any occasion of warre was offered. Their armies by land were di­uided in manner following: vpon the Rhines side on the frontiers of France, they maintained eight legions, to keepe those countries which they possessed in Germanie, and to resist the Ger­manes and other northerly nations, and these ordinarily were the most experienced and best souldiers. And although that the number of a legion did increase and diminish vpon diuers oc­casions, yet the ordinarie in the time of the Emperors was (after VEGECIVS and MODES­TVS) that euery legion should containe sixe thousand and one hundred footemen, and seuen A legion, of how many foote and horse it consisted. hundred twentie and sixe horsemen. Of these they held, in Spaine, three ordinarie legions; and in Africa, in the prouince of Carthage, two; and in Mauritania one; and two for the guarde of the kingdome of Egypt; and in the prouinces of Mesopotamia and Syria (to wit) in the countries contained betweene the Syrian sea, the furthest end of the Leuant sea, and the riuer Euphrates, which were (for a long time) the bounds of the Romane Empire, they held foure legions. And heere in Europe (besides those which I haue alreadie mentioned) they had other sixe legions, in this manner: in Austria and Hungarie they had two; in Seruia and Bulgaria, as many; and other two in Slauonia; and neere vnto the citie of Rome, were alwayes lodged twelue Cohorts, nine of which were called Pretorian, and the other three Vrbane, which by turne did guarde the Emperors palace. Of all these Cohorts (according to the same authors) the first and chiefe Pretorian and Vrban Cohorts. of them contained one thousand, one hundred and fiue footmen, and one hundred thirtie two horse; and the others equally each of them fiue hundred and fiftie footemen, and threescore and six horse. Besides all which, they had in diuers cities and prouinces, companies of horse­men, which were friends and subiects to the Empire; and also other companies of footemen, which werere called Auxiliaries, which were not trained after the Romane order and disci­pline: so as they continually entertayned & paied fiue and twentie legions, besides those which Auxiliarie for­ces. were payed by their friends. And this was in time of peace, for the authoritie and guarde of the [Page 47] Empire; for when there happened any warres (according as neede required) they reinforced their armies, and encreased the number of their legious.

With the force of these great garrisons the Romane Empire maintained & defended it selfe, notwithstanding the want of care and diligence in some Emperors, as in TIBERIVS, of whom we now discourse; who (as is said) spent the rest of his life vntill his death, in wicked practices: which being much wished for by all the world, ouertooke him in a house of pleasure neere to Naples, hauing raigned twentie and three yeeares Emperor, in the seuentie and eight yeere of his age, and thirtie, and nine yeeres after the birth of Christ. In what manner he died, authors agree not, for some say that hee was poysoned, by his Nephew and successor CAIVS CALI­GVLA: others write that being sicke (as it was thought) mortally, and seeing that he made some shew of recouerie; for feare that hee should mend, CALIGVLA smothered him with a pillow, or with the couering of the bed, he hauing ordained him for his successor; Notwithstan­ding that by reasō of a certaine prophecie which hee held, he had resolued to make his Nephew TIBERIVS the sonne of DRVSVS his heire, whom DION COCCEIVS in his histories saith, he would not name, because he was not assured that he was his sonnes sonne, for the suspi­cion which he held of his mother; and also because that the Mathematicians and Astrologians, to whom he was much affected and gaue credit, had told him, that he should liue but a little while, and that CALIGVLA should kill him: and so vpon a time being very much offended, he said to CALIGVLA, thou wilt kill me, and another shall kill thee. It is also imagined, that TIBERIVS chose CALIGVLA for his successor, for that ke knew his euill and wicked in­clination, hoping that with his vices, he would deface and blot his wickednes out of remem­brance; and also for that he beleeued, that he would extinguish the Romane nobilitie; for he was so wicked and cruell as he desired that all the world might end with his life, and so hewas sometimes wont to say, that hee wished, that when hee should die, then the heauen and earth might be dissolued: but he deserued not to see the heauens; and all the earth reioyced and was glad when he died; as all Authors write: and this was the end of TIBERIVS. SVETONI­VS writes, that the people rejoyced much at his death: and some running up and downe, at the newes thereof cryed out Fling TIBERIVS into Tiber. Others besought the mother Earth, and the infernal gods to vouchsafe him no place but among impious wretches. And some threat­ned to drag his livelesse carcasse into the Gemoniae.

CALIGVLA the sonne of GERMANICVS succeeded TIBE­RIVS in the Empire, who during the time of his raigne, was in the highest degree of all kinde of wickednes most abominable: Caligula in the highest degree abominable. and his words and deedes were so odious and detestable, as in truth it is a shameful & vnworthie thing, hauing written the liues of so worthie men, as were IVLIVS, and OCTAVIANVS CAESARS, & their heroicall acts; now to descend to the sinke of the villanie, crueltie, and ribauldrie of CALIGVLA. For al­though there wanted not in TIBERIVS cause to be abhorred & blamed, yet some part of his raigne was good, and he in former times had been an excellent Captaine, and had enlarged the do­minions of the Empire, for which cause his euil cōditions might be somewhat the better tolerated: but this wanting in CAIVS CALIGVLA, who was a man of no such valour (although in the beginning he deceiued the world with an apparance of some good deedes) yet it maketh the remembrance of him the more detestable, and his hand that shall write the same, the more heauie. But because I am not to make choise of Emperours, In Caligula wa [...] nothing that was g [...]od. of whom I am to treate at my pleasure, but to continue the course of my historie, wherein my chiefe foundation is, to obserue the truth, and cleauing thereto, to continue my troublesome iourney; Let him which shall reade it consider how detestable and odious his actions were, and how small time his Empire indured (which attained not to foure yeeres complete) and the end which he made; to the end that he may flie and abhorre them, & may do the like by some others which followed, like to him, or worse.

After the death of TIBERIVS CAESAR (as I said) the ioy which the Senate and people of Rome conceiued was incredible, and therewith they accepted and approoued the Empire of CAIVS CALIGVLA (whom before his death TIBERIVS had adopted and nominated for his successour) for the loue and goodwill which they bare to his father GERMANICVS, and for the pittie and commiseration which they conceiued for his death, and the afliction and wrong done to his house. For these causes was he accepted by all the Prouinces, and prouinciall armies: for his father being Generall in Germanie, and in the East, he was bred vp among them, and this name of CALIGVLA was giuen him for a certaine kinde of hose, called Caliga, vsed Wherfore he was called Caligula. among men of warre, which hee did vse to weare. Comming from the place where TIBERIVS died, to Rome, a great number of the principall men of all estates went foorth to entertaine him vpon the way, with exceeding ioy, notwithstanding that he came mourning with the dead bo­die of TIBERIVS, which the souldiers brought to be burnt at Rome, according to the man­ner of that time. And comming with great solemnity to Rome, he was obeyed with vnspeakeable gladnes and ioy, they giuing him new names and Epithetes, shewing great reuerence and loue.

CALIGVLA was a man tall of stature, great boned and corpulent; but his necke and legges Caligula his gesture and dis­position of bodie, were very small and slender, deformed and vnsutable to the rest of his bodie; his countenance was horrible and vgly: being Emperor, he tooke pleasure to terrifie people with his lookes; and to this effect it is written, that beholding himselfe in a glasse, he would studie what countenance to set, to seeme more fierce and terrible. His eyes were very hollow, his forehead broad, his complexion yellow, his head very bald, and in those parts of his head where he had any haire, it was very thinne, all the rest of his bodie being marueilously hairy. He was very vnsound and vn­healthy, and in his youth was troubled with falling sicknes and other diseases, and afterwards (as we will presently shew) he was ill disposed both in bodie and minde, changing his conditions with the Empire: for before that time, he was euer held for good. Wherefore it is said of him, that he had been the best seruant, and was the worst and most wicked Lord in the world. The first thing he did after he came to be Prince, was to disannull & make void the testament of TI­BERIVS, which he had made two yeeres before, wherein he made him & his nephew TI­BERIVS [Page 49] his coheirs: whereto the Senate did willingly agree, & euerie man deuised & plotted how to gratifie him and doe him seruice, with such loue as within few daies after he was confir­med in the Empire. Going foorth of Rome to recreate himselfe vpon the Sea at the Ile of Caprea; and in other Ilands vpon that coast, they made vows and sacrifices for his health and returne: and writers affirme, that there were slaine 170000. beasts, according to the rites and cere­monies then vsed: And then making shew of a man, and not of a beast (as his deedes did after­wards make manifest) he presently commaunded the ashes of his mother and brethren to be brought to Rome, and there to be sumptuously buried. He then tooke for his companion in the Consulship, which hee would execute, his vncle CLAVDIVS, brother to GERMANICVS, who in the time of TIBERIVS liued priuate and in disgrace; and young TIBERIVS, (which was nephew to TIBERIVS the Emperour) faining to loue, and affect him: to doe him ho­nour, he made him captaine and prince of all the Romane youth. Seeking by counterfeit good­nes and bountie, to draw to himselfe the goodwill of the people; he did twice giue vnto euery bodie (excepting none) a certaine donatiue of money, which they called Congiarius; and to all the Senate, and to all those of the order of Knighthood (which was a degree betweene the communaltie and the Nobilitie) he made a most solemne banquet. And faining also that he meant to gouerne with iustice, he commaunded OCTAVIANVS CAESAR his Institutions to be sought out, which TIBERIVS interrupted and brought out of vse. He commaunded also great playes and feasts to be made in Rome of Sword-plaiers, who were men which to shew pleasure to the beholders, fought and killed one another; and certaine men on horseback which they called Troians. He also appointed certaine huntings, wherein were slaine a great number of Lions, Panthers, Boares, Beares, and other wilde beasts; and besides this, Comedies and other shewes which were made in the Theater, & other kinds of sports and pleasures to delight the people, whose loue and grace he then affected. And besides that which is alreadie said (as SVETONIVS reciteth) principally in the beginning of his Empire, ARTABANVS King of Parthia, who rebelled and was an enemie, came to a conference with the Generall of the Romanes which commaunded the legions in Syria, and fearing the new Emperour whom he yet knew not, made a peace with him; and passing the riuer Euphrates, which was the bound of Peace with the king of Parthia. the Romane Empire, came in person to adore and to doe reuerence to the Emperours statue, and to the Imperiall standard and Eagle: so as the little, vntill this time, may be reported of CALIGVLA, as of a wise and discreete prince; and the remainder seemeth to be of a senselesse man and a brute and sauage beast. The beginning whereof was one of the greatest fooleries or vanities that euer was seene, which was to make such a feast as was neuer heard of, to shew his greatnes and vanitie, and to be able to walke and treade on the Sea as well as vpon the land▪ Or (as others say) because he would imitate King XERXES, who passed his armie aut of Asia into Europe ouer the streight of Hellespont vpon a wooden bridge, he commaunded to be brought to­gether, and to be new built all the ships he could get, which were infinite; & in a bay or a creeke A wonderfull bridge made by Caligula. which the Sea maketh neere to the hauen of Baias in Campania, from one point of the land to the other side of the Bay, which is about three miles distant, hee commaunded a bridge to be made vpon the said ships, set in two rankes, fastned and moared together with anchors, chaines and ca­bles, which made them to stand fix and firme: he commanded this bridge to be made of boords, so strong and eeuen, and to lay so much earth vpon the same, as it seemed to be firme ground, and one of the streets of Rome. And bringing for this worke a great number of Artificers and labou­rers, with an infinite charge; he also caused houses and lodgings to be built vpon the bridge, as writeth DION, who relateth this worke more at large then all the rest.

This being finished, and hee with all the Court going thither, with an infinite number of people which from all parts came to see this worke; hee proudly attired in robes of gold and pearle, with a crowne of Oaken boughes vpon his head (which was called Ciuica) on horse­backe, accompanied with men of warre, and all the Nobles and gentlemen of Rome, entred at the one end of the bridge and road to the other; and lying one night vpon it, the next day hee returned, riding in a Chairot drawne by most excellent faire horses, in manner of a triumph. DION writeth, that the night when he lay vpon the bridge, he caused such an infinite number of Torches, Lant-hornes, and other lights to be lighted and set vp, as the cleerenes thereof did exceed the darknes of the night, of all that side of the mountaines neere adioyning; CALIGV­LA bosting that he had made of the night, day; and of the Sea, land. And spending herein two whole daies (in all which time the Sea happened to be still and calme) he said; that Neptune (whom they held for the god of the Seas) did it for feare, and to do him reuerence. The fruite [Page 50] which ensued of this strange follie, was great famine and scarcitie of corne, and other necessa­ries, for that the ships were staied about this bridge, to make the which there were imployed an incredible number. Such like benefits as this, did euer follow the actions of CALIGVLA. Wherefore before I speake of the rest, to say the truth, it is to be vnderstood, that many were of opinion, that to this man was giuen a certaine drinke by his wife, whose name was CESONIA, wherewith she made him mad and distract of his wits; shee giuing it him, to the end he should loue her: for hauing been at other times married he had put away his wiues; so as his crueltie and riots were by som attributed to his foolishnes & want of wit. Of this opinion is IOSEPHVS in the 18. booke of his Antiquities, and the Poet IVVENAL with SVETONIVS: and they say that after he had taken this drinke, CALIOVLA slept not by day nor night aboue three houres; and rising sometimes affrighted, it seemed to him that he saw apparitions and visions: adding this to his peruerse condition and nature, hee suffered himselfe to be led by her, and committed outrages without number or measure, which I know not how to set downe in any order: among which hee shewed himselfe so haughtie and vainglorious, as he despised all men.

In the end (besides that hee was the first of the Emperours which caused himselfe to be called Lord) he purposed to be honoured as a God, or to say better, a Diuell; and made himselfe to be adored, taking first vpon him names neuer thought nor heard of, calling himselfe father of Ar­mies, Diuelish pride. Optimus & maximus, with other epithetes, which they gaue to their god IVPITER only. And certaine Kings in his presence which came to visit him, and to doe him honour, being at contention among themselues about the antiquitie and nobilitie of their houses and linages, he interrupted, repeating a verse out of HOMER in the person of VLYSSES, which saith, That there neither is, nor ought to be, but one King and Lord; and had then taken a Crowne and Diademe of a King, but that he was giuen to vnderstand, that his owne was a more high estate and dignitie. Neuerthelesse, he determined with his pride and elation to vsurpe the dignitie which he held for diuine, and caused to be caried before him the statue of IVPITER, & some The images of the gods, with heads to be ta­ken off and on. others, which (as PLINIE recounteth) the Romanes vsed to haue with heads to be taken off and on, to the end they might serue for diuers gods; and taking away those heads which they had, he caused other heads to be set on, to his owne likenes: but in my opinion it had beene bet­ter they had cut off his head and set it thereon. Besides this, he caused a temple to be built, and tobe dedicated to his name and honor, and made his statue at Life to be set vp therin, which they called Iconium; and he instituted Priests to serue him: and this his image to be euery day clothed in such attire, as himselfe did weare. Also he caused Peacocks, Feasants, and an infinite number of other princely birds to be sacrificed in this Temple, as in other Temples of the gods of the Gentiles was vsed; with whom he sought to make himselfe equall: which truly was no great matter: for they all were diuels, Impostures and deceits.

But considering the opinion and conceit which they then held, it was a presumption ne­uer heard nor thought of, which came to bee accounted a ridiculous foolishnesse: for presu­ming much vpon his deitie, hee came foorth one night by Moonelight (shee being then at the full) and wooed and made loue to her, as if shee had beene a faire Ladie. Sometimes A ridiculous folly such as the like was neuer heard of. hee would also goe to the Temple of IVPITER; and ioyning himselfe close to the I­mage, hee made shew as though hee had spoken in his care: and sometimes hee layd his care to the Image, as though it should speake to him: and sometimes hee made as though hee were very angrie, chiding, and threatning to send it into Gracia: and afterwards hee would faine himselfe to bee pacified, and that he was contented that they two should dwell together: and in this manner hee proceeded to a thousand idle fooleries, although they were diuellish. And on the other side, this man which presumed to displace the gods and to make himselfe one of them, shewed his enuie to men; grieuing to see their statues and memories honored, commaunding many of them to be ouerthrowne, and defaced. He practised and was desirous to disgrace the poems of HOMER and of VIRGIL, and in like manner the histories of the excellent historiographer TITVS LIVIVS, and commaunded his image to be taken out of the Libraries in Rome, where they vsed to keepe the Images and pictures of great and ex­cellent learned men. Of VIRGIL he said, that he was a man without any wit, and lesse lear­ning; and TITVS LIVIVS he reprooued for a man of many words, and negligent; of SE­NECA (who in that time was much esteemed, and with great reason) he sayd that hee was sand without lime, and a vvorke made without mixture: and so did he taxe the most sublime and excellent wittes. Besides vvich, hee tooke from many Patricij and Noblemen of Rome the Armes and Ornaments which they bare of their Linages and Families: and his enuy yet de­scended [Page 51] to lighter and meaner matters then these; so as there was no man (were he neuer so base) whom he enuied not for any prosperity or good successe that might happen vnto him; as to make men to be shauen, if he saw they had yellow or faire coloured haire.

Now for matters of lasciuiousnesse and dishonestie, truly there is so much to be sayd, as a man may not, neither ought to make the whole relation thereof; to the end that his filthinesse doe not soyle and corrupt our Historie: for it is certaine that he was as filthy and abominable, as his predecessor TIBERIVS, if not more. Hee was so shamelesse in his incontinencie and lust, as he respected neither persons nor place. He abused all his Sisters: of which (it is thought) he deslowred DRVSILLA being a Virgine, himselfe but a very boy. Shee being afterwards maried to LVCIVS CASSIVS LONGINVS, a man of Confular degree, he tooke her from him and kept her openly, as if she had been his lawfull wife, and being sicke he made her heire of all his goods, and his successor in the Empire: but she dying he sorrowed with impatiencie. His other Sisters LIVIA and AGRIPPINA, he neither loued nor respected, but would of­ten prostitute them to his owne stale Catamits. And in the end he condemned them to exile with AEMILIVS LEPIDVS, as Adultresses and priuy to treasons against, his person. Nei­ther was any Roman Matron (how honorable or vertuous soeuer) free from his pollution. He would vsually inuite them with their husbands to supper: and if any one liked him, he would rise from the table, and call her to him into an other roome, and there abuse her, and then pre­sently returne againe and bragge of his fowle fact.

In other vices he was beyond all measure passionate, being extreame in extremities, the one The abominable vices of Cali­gula. against the other: for he was greedie and couetous in extreame manner; and of the other side, prodigall and a spender aboue all measure. To glut his greedy couetousnes he inuented meanes to gather wealth, and to rob the land and the people: so as there was no kinde of tribute or im­position to be deuised which he put not in practice; euen amongst common & dishonest women; His extreame auarice. and of all suites in law, hee had the fortith part of any sum that was recouered; and if the parties agreed before sentence giuen, he had a certaine portion: and so in all matters wherein any thing was to be gotten, he tooke a share, euen of those which were porters and got money by carrying of burthens vpon their shoulders. And hauing amassed together an infinite sum, by direct and indirect meanes; he would lie downe and tumble vpon it, recrea [...]ing himselfe in his couetousnes: wherein he shewed great simplicitie, seeing how little he did otherwaies esteeme it, and his la­uish expences, as the most prodigall man that euer was, which a man may easily iudge by these few examples following. Into the bathes wherein they did vse to to bathe, he caused most pre­cious and sweete smelling oyntments to be cast which were of exceeding great price, that they might bathe in them, hot and cold, as in other water. In the feasts and bankets which he made, Caligula his prodigal [...]ies. he commaunded most precious pearles and iewels to be dissolued in most strong vinegar, and to be put into their meate, because the cost should be inestimable: and he commaunded that all the seruices in steede of meat, bread, flesh, fish, and fruites, should be of fine golde for his guests. Besides this, he sometimes cast among the people great summes of money: whereby it seemeth they had reason, which attribute the doings of this man to foolishnes, aswell as to his ill disposi­tion. The inconstan [...]t and variety [...]h [...] doings and behauior. There was so great varietie in his actions, affections and desires, as may be gathred by that which is alreadie said, and the rest which we will declare; as on the one side he contemned the gods, and presumed himselfe to be one of them, and yet he was so afeard of a thunder clap that he ranne and hid himselfe vnder a bed. Sometimes he was very familiar, and called men to con­uerse with him, seeming to be much delighted with their companie and conuersation: at other times he shunned them, and retired himselfe to his workes. He sometimes dispatched matters with such expedition and diligence, as he seemed to be the most quicke and actiue man in the world, and at other times, with such slacknes and leasure, as he seemed not to be the man which he was before. Many which committed hainous crimes, he punished not: and others he com­maunded to be slaine, which had done no offence. He would this day praise one thing: and the next day, he would peraduenture cause him to be slaine which spake well thereof. Finally, he was so variable that (as DION reporteth) men knew not what to doe, nor say, his conditions were so doubtfull. The like he did in his apparell, in his exercises, and in all his other actions: for procuring one thing, he would doe cleane contrarie; as we said in robbing and heaping treasure together, he would spend so prodigally that those treasures should not suffice for his expences. Besides what is already said, authors affirme that he cōmaunded certaine ships to be built, which were the greatest and most costly that euer were seene, of which all the timber was of Cedar, and Ships of incre­dible cost a [...] greatnes. the poupes and sternes of Iuorie set with gold and precious stones, and all the sailes and tackling [Page 52] were of silke of diuers colours: they were so great, as they had in them halles and gardens, wherein were many trees and flowers: in one of these shippes, he sailed along the coast of Na­ples one whole day, to disport himselfe. He also began certaine buildings and workes against all reason and humane discretion, and such as seemed impossible. For in the sea he commanded Proud buil­dings. huge pillers and towers to be built, and by land he raised certaine valleyes, & made them equall with the mountaines, heaping vp rockes and earth in them, vntill they were euen therewith. And in other places, he began to digge downe mountaines to make them leuell with the mea­dowes, presuming to correct the workes of nature.

As CAIVS CALIGVLA was so variable and inconstant, as we haue said; so in crueltie onely he was constant, vsing it indifferently to all without respect of parentage or friendship: in the like manner he vsed his grandmother ANTONIA daughter to GERMANICVS, so as she being in despaire, tooke poison whereof she died. And the yong TIBERIVS Nephew to the Emperor TIBERIVS, and sonne to DRVSVS (as I haue said) he making shew to loue him, liuing secure and without feare, he sent to kill him by the hands of a Tribune, for no other cause, The cruelties of Caligula. but for that he vsed a certaine kinde of confection of sweete sauours for his delight: CALIGV­LA saying, that he did it, for feare to be poisoned. And SILLANVS, (who had beene his father in law,) he forced to kill himselfe, onely for that he went not one day to sea, with him. Which SILANVS did forbeare, because the sea made him sicke. And PTOLOMIE the sonne of IVBA King of Mauritania, to whom he was neere allied, and MARCO which had holpen him to get the Empire, and others with whom he was in great league and friendship, in requitall of their deserts he caused them to be cruelly put to death. To all men generally, both in word & deede he vsed such crueltie, as it would seeme incredible, had not so many and such authors written the same: for he commaunded wild beasts which hee kept for feasts and triumphs, to be fatted with the bodies of liuing men, condemned to death. And sometimes causing some to be execu­ted, he commaunded their parents and kinred to be present at their execution, and then inuited them to eate with him, and compelled them to discourse of pleasant matters. He also qualified his cruelties, with sundrie kindes of deaths which he inflicted; prolonging it, to the end that the torment should be the greater: So as they stoode in so great feare of this man, that many (if they had oportunitie) slew themselues rather then they would stay for his sentence: among which the accursed PONTIVS PILATE, who condemned to death the giuer of life IESVS CHRIST our Redeemer, was one; who being accused and banished, slew himselfe with his owne hands.

This wretched CALIGVLA was so nusled in bloud, as he much desired and wished that all the Romane people had had but one head, to the end that he might cut off that heade at one blowe. He also held the time of his raigne infortunate, & complained of the infelicitie thereof, for that in his daies there was no pestilence, famine, earthquakes, deluges, spoiles by fire or other misfortunes.

There came by chance one day into his presence, a man who had been banished by the Em­peror TIBERIVS, of whom hee asked what life hee led in his exile? the other to flatter him, answered, that he spent his time in praying for the death of TIBERIVS, to the end he should be Emperor: which when CALIGVLA heard (as he had banished a great number of men) he beleeued that they all made the like prayer for him, & therefore commaunded so many of them as could be found, to be sought out and slaine. Vsing these cruelties and such like, or greater, he made himselfe within few dayes so hatefull, as his death was generally desired, and practised by some: but the conspiracies against him being discouered, it deferred his death, although but for a small time, which was as he deserued, as we will presently declare. But first we will speake of the warrs & conquests which he made, wherin he shewed no lesse vanitie then in all the rest. For vpon a sodaine at the end of the third yeere of his raigne, he caused a great number of men of warre to be leuied, wherewith he departed from Rome, giuing it out that he went to make warre in Germanie whither he tooke his iourney: whereto he added the ordinarie legions, which were in those parts, and with a shew and appearance to doe some great exploite with his armie, he passed the riuer of Rhine: and he began to make warre at such time as it seemed to all men (con­sidering The conquests and vaine war of Caligula, his great number of men, and the resolution wherewith he came) that he would haue ouerrunne the world, and haue made some great conquest; but he contented himselfe with this, that the Kings son of Batauia (which is now called Holland) being in disgrace with his father, came Batauia, Holland. to his seruice, and herewith hauing done some small harme in that countrie, he returned, and passed the riuer: And after he had giuen some alarmes, he tooke his way with his armie towards [Page 53] the sea; and in memorie of his victorie, he there commaunded a tower to be built, and all his souldiers to gather abundance of cockle shelles, as the spoyles of his enemies: and then calling his armie together, in such manner as captaines vse to doe after some notable victorie, he made a long oration vnto them, and commended them all; and afterwards he commaunded a great some of money to be distributed amongst them, ouer and aboue their pay.

Returning to Rome, he sent before, to commaund that there should be prepared a most so­lemne triumph; carrying with him to that effect, certaine Barbarians his enemies, such as he could get: but afterwards he altered his determinatiō, deferring the triumph vntil another time, and entred into Rome in ouacian triumph, and there began againe to execute some of his ac­customed cruelties, purposing to haue done greater. Which the world being vnable to endure, many conspired against him: he which did most therein, and the first that began to practise, was a Tribune of the Pretorian Cohorts, whose name was CHEREA: he died of thirtie wounds Caligula mur­thered, and in what manner. which they gaue him, in a vault or secret gallerie, wherein he vsed to passe vnseene, from his palace to certaine bathes, hauing most vnworthily raigned three yeeres and ten moneths, in the nine and twentith yeere of his age.

The manner of his death, besides SVETONIVS, DION and others, is written by the true Historiographer IOSEPHVS: to whom I referre the curious reader to make an end of so bru­tish a monster, as was CAIVS CALIGVLA.

This happened in the three and fortith yeere of CHRIST our Lord. After that he was dead, there died the same day CESONIA his wife, and one only daughter which he had: and notwithstanding that the Almaines which were of his guarde fell to armes, & would haue slaine the conspirators, and did kill some of them, yet in the end all was pacified, and his death was ge­nerally approued, as of a Tyrant and most cruel Prince; in like maner as the death of such Kings and Princes is vsually approued & pleasing, whose liues haue been detestable and odious. It is certainely knowne, that when CALIGVLA was slain, he had purposed to haue put many to death: for in his closet or priuy chamber, were found two bookes; whereof the one was called the poiniard, and the other the sword, wherein were written the names of a great number of Se­nators and Knights of Rome: whom he had condemned to death.

There was also found a chest full of diuers kindes of poysons, such were the relickes and iewels of this wicked man. In this short time wherein CAIVS CALIGVLA raigned, the name and faith of CHRIST was published and preached in a great part of the world, the holy Apostles Saint PETER and Saint PAVL preaching the same; and particularly in Iudea Saint MATTHEVV, who first of all wrote the Gospell.

BY the death of CAIVS CALIGVLA, his Vncle CLAVDIVS, and brother to his father the good GERMANICVS sonne of DRVSVS and sonne in law to OCTAVIANVS, had the Em­pire. But the manner how hee attained thereto was very strange, and therefore worthie to be related. The sodaine death of CA­LIGVLA caused great alteration and confusion in the cittie of Rome, as soone as it was published. Some would not beleeue it, seeing it was done in a secret place, imagining that it was a mat­ter fained by him, thereby to discouer euery mans affection to­wards him. The conspirators, as they did not practice his death to the end that any of them should aspire to the Empire, neither for any other man, but onely to free the common-wealth from so cruell a Tyrant, had more care for their owne safeties then to make choise of a new Emperor. The Consuls as soone as they were certified of his death, assembled the Senate; and being ter­rified with the miseries past, resolued to reduce the cittie of Rome to her auncient libertie, and to extinguish the name of CAESARS and the Monarchie; and perseuering in this determination, The Senat sought to re­duce the cittie to her auncient libertie. they seised on the Capitoll, with some of the Cohorts of the citie, which had the guarde of the palace, who were also of their opinion. But herein were diuers opinions in the citie: for the common people would haue a head and an Emperor, for the hatred which they euer bare to the Senate, and for that the least part of the euills and cruelties committed by the Emperors, fell vpon them; and also for that they enioyed and tasted of the feasts and largess which the Empe­rors The common people and men of warre would haue an Empe­ror. vsed to make. The men of war of the pretorian Cohorts which were lodged hard by Rome, desired there should be an Emperor; because they were in hope to make choyse of him at their pleasure; and in regard of the rewards and priuileges which they inioyed from the Emperors. But the matter remaining in this cōfusiō, neither the one nor the other knew whō to nominate.

It happened that CALIGVLA being dead, CLAVDIVS was in so great feare of his life, as he dared not goe foorth of the Imperiall palace, neither openly to shew himselfe. But being amazed and in this feare, he went to hide himselfe in the most secret place he could finde; but certaine souldiers running vp and downe to take what they could finde, it chaunced that one of them found him, seeing his feete: who to the end hee might know who he was, vncouered him, and knew him. And CLAVDIVS imagining himselfe to bee sought for to bee slaine, cast himselfe at the souldiers feete, desiring him to saue his life: whereof the souldier assu­red him, & presently resolued to name him Emperor: who gathring together those which came with him, they all did the like: and taking him vpon their shoulders, they carried him in a litter to their Campe; where (trembling in great feare) he knew not to what issue this would come. But he was well intreated in the Camp, & the souldiers agreed to make him Emperour. The Cō ­suls and Senate hearing he was carried to the Campe, in such manner as aforesaid, sent to him requiring him by a tribune of the people, to come to the Senate, and there to treate of such mat­ters as should bee for the common good. Whereto he answered, that hee was there detained by force and could not come. It chanced that at this time, HERODE AGRIPPA King of Iudea, was in Rome: whom (as is aboue said) CAIVS CALIGVLA had restored to the Kingdome, which in right had belonged to his vncle ARCHELAVS, & to his grandfather HERODE, which slew the Innocents.

[Page 55] This HERODE shewing himselfe a newter, began to mediate an agreement betweene CLAVDIVS and the Senate; although that secretly he fauored CLAVDIVS, counselling Claudius as­sistest by Hero­de Agrippa. him to be resolute, and not to submit himselfe to the Senate. One whole day and a night was spent without any resolution, during which time CLAVDIVS wauered betweene hope and feare: the next day the people began openly to demande an Emperor, and many abandoned the Senate and Consuls; so as there followed much trouble (which IOSEPHVS noteth.) But at Lib. 19. c. 30. length, seeing that the succession in the Empire more rightly appertained to CLAVDIVS, then to any other, they all agreed to make him Emperour: and the Senate went vnto him, and the Cohorts tooke the oath, and did their accustomed homage, hee making many large promises; and so the Senate accepted and confirmed him. And thus he obtained the Empire of the world, who but a day before knew not where to find a place to hide himselfe, for the safety of his life.

When CLAVDIVS attained to the Empire, he was fiftie yeeres old, hauing euer liued poorely and little esteemed, notwithstanding that hee was neer of kinne to the Emperours, and had passed great daungers and perils, without any office or dignitie; sauing some few moneths the Consulship, wherein by CAIVS CALIGVLA he was admitted for his companion. He was a man of a tall stature, neither fat nor leane, of a faire and pleasing countenance; and whe­ther he sate or stood, he euer shewed a greatnes, representing maiestie: whereto his faire gray Claudius his gesture and bo­dily disposi­tion. haires were a great ornament. He had so little strength in his knees as he went weakly, and as though he were carelesse. And when he was angrie, he was so much altred therewith, as the teares would fall from his eyes, and he stammered in his speech; besides all which, his head did euer shake. He was a sickly man: but being once Emperor, he was cured of his infirmities, except the paine of the stomacke, which sometimes troubled him very much. He was learned both in Claudius was learned in the Greeke and Latin tongues. the Greek and Latin tongues, and wrote bookes and histories. He also tooke vpon him to adde three letters to the Latin Alpabet: but as a matter superfluous they continued not.

CLAVDIVS is numbred among the bad Emperours, for his vices and the great cruelties which he committed, suffering himselfe to be gouerned by certaine enfranchised men which were his fauorites: yet he did many things befitting a worthie Prince, which were profitable, so as PAVLVS OROSIVS in some sort seemeth to defend his actions.

Beginning to take the gouernment vpon him, notwithstanding that there were diuers opi­nions, & many both attempted and spake much against him; The first thing he did, was to giue a generall pardon, and to commaund all things past to be buried in perpetuall silence and obliui­on: yet for example, and to feare others to attempt the like, he commaunded iustice to be done on CHEREA the captaine of the cōspirators & vpon some of the rest; who suffered death with Cherea died courageously. great courage, and resolution, making mention of BRVTVS and CASSIVS, who slew IV­LIVS CAESAR; CHEREA desiring that he might be slaine with the same sword wherewith he had slaine CALIGVLA. CLAVDIVS shewed himselfe mercifull to all which had offen­ded him, and were opposites in his election: and disannulled all the cruel edicts made by CALI­GVLA. He also commaunded to be deliuered out of prison, & to be released from banishment, all those which vniustly, or for small causes did endure the same: among which he released from banishment CALIGVLA'S sisters and neeces. And to HERODE AGRIPPA King of Iudea (in requitall of them eanes he vsed to aduance him to the Empire) he gaue the Tetrarchie of Galile, which CAIVS CALIGVLA had taken from his vncle HERODE ANTIPAS, Herode Anti­pas which put S. Iohn Baptist to death, died miserably in exile at Lions in France. Herode A­grippa a great persecutor of the Gospell, was striken by the Angell of God. Chap. 1 [...]. Three Herodes. Herode Asca­lonita was he which murde­red the Inno­cents, died of death naturall. who had put S. IOHN BAPTIST to death, and was an actor in the death of our Sauiour. This HEROD AGRIPPA was of great state, and honoured in Ierusalem: where putting S. IAMES to death, and persecuting the Apostles and Primitiue Church, he was striken by the Angell of God, and died as S. LVKE reciteth in the Acts of the Apostles. And so these three HERODS died an euill death. Of this AGRIPPA, & his vncle HERODE Tetrarcha, called ANTIPAS (who put Saint IOHN to death, and in whose time our Sauiour died; and the other HE­RODE the great, who slew the Innocents, in whose time CHRIST was borne) I haue twice made mention, because these HERODES commonly breed a confusion in reading of the Scriptures, not distinguishing the one from the other.

Returning to the Emperor CLAVDIVS (I say) that touching the ceremonies, names and titles, which for honour the Romanes were wont to giue to their Emperours, he shewed him­selfe very discreet and temperate, & would not accept of many of them: and forbad vpon great penalties, that none should do sacrifice to him, as they had done to CAIVS CALIGVLA: and so in the beginning of his Empire, he did these and such like as a good Prince. Among which, one was, that he had an especiall care that Rome should be continually well prouided of [Page 56] wheat and graine, warranting the Merchants against all daungers and pirats by Sea: and here­in (although afterwards he committed many errours) he was euer diligent and carefull during his life. CLAVDIVS was also a great louer of sumptuous buildings: among which there were The wonderfull buildings of Claudius. three so proud and stately, that it seemeth they excelled the most of all that euer were in the world; and for such, PLINIE, SVETONIVS, and most authors doe account them. The one was a marueilous Conduit or Aqueduct of water, which after his name was called Claudia, Plin. lib. 36. cap. 15. with which none of the Conduits in Rome could compare, either for abundance of water, or for cost and excellencie of the workmanship: for it was brought fortie miles from Rome, by mines and passages thorough mountaines; and in low valleys, by erecting most high Arches of a wonderful charge; and so was it caried & mounted to the top of the highest hils in Rome. The other worke was a Hauen of the Sea made by hand, in the citie of Ostia, the which was capable of a great number of ships, made in the firm land; and afterwards he let the Sea into it (as DION reporteth) hauing first fortified and made firme the bottome thereof: in truth a marueilous worke, and such as his posteritie and those which succeeded him were not able to maintaine. His third worke (although lesse profitable, yet most costly of all the rest;) was to drein and laie drie a great Lake called Fucinus, in the countrey of the Marsi, a people neere to Rome, which was the greatest Lake in all Italie: the which he did (as some say) to bring that water into the Riuer of Tiber, to make it greater with the current thereof, and to drie vp and lay open the fields, which that water couered, to the end they might be tilled. Which to effect, among other difficulties and infinit toile, he mined through a very high mountaine of flint, three miles in length; a worke which seemed impossible, being (as I said) a mine thorough a rock. Finally; how great and admirable this worke was, may appeare by the time which it continued, and the labourers which wrought therein, which (as som authors affirme) were 30000. men, which la­boured eleuen yeeres without ceasing; a matter which seemeth incredible: so as besides the rest, A wonderfull worke. if EVSEBIVS (a most Christian and true author) had not written it, I durst not report nor beleeue it. What end this worke and labour had, shall be related in his place: for (as I sayd) although it began in the beginning of his raigne, it was ended eleuen yeeres after. I also forbeare to speake of other his buildings, which although they were excellent, yet not comparable to the aboue named.

Hauing begun and continued these workes, he was not carelesse for the reformation of euill customes and abuses within Rome, and abroad, and in some other matters: wherein if he had per­seuered, he had bin worthily held for an excellent Prince. But afterwards by reason of his great liberty, and wickednes of his fauorites and such as were inward with him, (by whom he was much ouerruled) he became so dissolute, that it defaced and stained all his former actions, as hereafter shall be declared. Besides that which is already spoken, this made the beginning of his raigne the more famous, that in the first, second or third yeeres thereof (as EVSEBIVS, PAVLVS OROSIVS, BEDA, and S. ISIDORE report) S. PETER the Apostle came to Rome, and there seated himselfe, after he had preached in diuers parts, but principally had re­mained in Antioch eleuen yeeres: and being come thither, remained there twentie fiue yeeres, vntill the end of the Emperour Nero, as shall be specified: they also affirme, that with S. PETER came the Euangelist S. MARKE, and being by him informed, and enspired with the holie Ghost, he wrote the Gospell, by whose direction he returned to preach CHRIST in Alexan­dria; of whom, and of the other holie Apostles and Disciples of CHRIST, of their miracles, martyrdomes, & what successe they had, I make little mention, because (as I haue said) in a pro­phane historie, as this is, I hold it not fit to insert diuine and holy matters, although that in briefe there shall be mention made of that which shall be most conuenient for the light of this historie and the generall good.

To returne to our discourse of CLAVDIVS, it passed in this manner, that in the fourth yeer of his raigne, notwithstanding that the Emperors power was then so great and so much re­doubted, as no Nation of the world durst beare armes against him: yet the inhabitants of the Iland of Britaine, which IVLIVS CAESAR had subdued, did boldly rise in armes, and denie their obedience and vassalage: which the Emperour CLAVDIVS tooke so ill, as he resolued The Emperour Claudius his comming into England. in person to vndertake the enterprise to subdue and pacifie them. For which action (besides the ordinarie legions) he assembled a great Nauie by Sea, and a great armie by land; and purposing to goe by Sea, he embarked the same in the Port of Ostia, notwithstanding that the passage was farre about: but in the beginning of his voyage he was so ouertaken with a tempest, as he was in daunger to haue been cast away. Wherefore he disembarked his forces in the citie of Marselles [Page 57] in France; and altering his determination, crossed through France, & shipping himself againe right ouer against England, he passed into the Iland with so great a power, that he easily pacified all: The Brittaines rebelled against Claudius. yet (as DION testifieth) he came to a battaile with the Britains, wherin he ouercame them. But the common opinion is as I say, and so doth GILDAS, an ancient true English Historiographer of 960. yeeres continuance, record. The iourney into Britannie being ended to his content, he sent his Nauy into the Ilands called Orcades, which lie to the North of Scotland, & are now subiect to the King of great Britanny, which within few daies he subdued & made subiect to the Empire: which vntill that time were vnknowne to the Romanes, as EVSEBIVS and OROSIVS record. Hauing performed all these things in the space of sixe months, he returned towards Rome, where he entred triumphing with the greatest solemnitie that could be, & to him was giuen the name of BRITANNICVS, for subduing the Ile of Britanny. To the solemnity of this triūph, SVETONIVS TRANQVILLVS reporteth, that he not only suffered the Gouernours & Prefects of prouin­ces to come to Rome, but also he releast many others who liued in exile, from their banishment.

For this victorie, he caused a crownenauall to be made, which was vsed to be giuen for victo­ries by sea, which crowne was of gold wrought with the prowes of gallies and ships, and placed A Crow [...] nauall. ouer the gate of the imperiall palace, hard by that which ordinarily did stand there made of oken boughs, called Ciuica; and for the same reason he commaunded that a sonne of his, which hee had by his wife MESSALINA, whose name was GERMANICVS, should be called BRITANNICVS: And in this triumph he began to honor with armes & other fauours some of his libertines, which had been slaues and were enfranchised and set at libertie, and did them so great honor, as men began to murmure against him, and thereby he made himselfe ill beloued. For they committed many insolencies and wrongs, by meanes of their great riches and autho­ritie: of which the chiefest and most spoken of, were sixe or seauen, one named DIODONES, to whom he gaue for his armes, the triumph aforesaid: another, whose name was FELIX, he made gouernour and prefect of Iudea, Samaria, and Galile, by meanes of the death of HERODE AGRIPPA, before which FELIX we reade in the acts of the Apostles that Saint PAVL was brought prisoner. Another called CALIXTVS, of whom PLINY, SENBCA, and CONELIVS TACITVS make mention. Another was POLYBIVS, who was a learned man, whom CLAVDIVS himselfe held for his companion, and as it were maister of his studies, to whom SENECA wrote a consolatorie epistle for the death of his brother. Another named NARCISSVS, whom hee made his Secretarie, whom SVETONIVS preferreth before all the rest. Another was PALANTE, a man also very famous: to all which he did such fauours and gaue so excessiue gifts, as they attained to such riches, that CLAVDIVS vpon a time complai­ning that his treasurie & exchequer was poore, he was answered, That it would be rich enough, if his freed men NARCISSVS and PALANTE would accompany him, and share with him in their trade and stocke. Within short space he made himselfe so subiect, and was so much ouerruled by these Libertines, and his adulterous and dishonest wife MESSALINA, to whom he was now married (after other wiues which he had had) that by their directions and counsels he committed many disorders, follies and wrongs, more like their slaue and subiect, then their Prince and Soueraigne, and suffered others to commit the like; pardoning such grieuous offen­ces and committing such cruelties, as it would be long and displeasing to right them all. But by that which he committed against his owne bloud, which I will declare, the rest may be con­iectured which I passe in silence. One of the first and most notable, was the death of APPIVS SILANVS a worthie noble Romane, who sometimes had been gouernour of Spaine, and mar­ried with his owne mother in law, whose death was plotted by his wife MESSALINA, and his enfranchised NARCISSVS. DION writeth, that hauing no cause whereof to accufe him, it sufficed to cōmaund him to be slaine, for that NARCISSVS in a morning came into CLAV­DIVS chamber before he was vp, faining great haste and feare, perswading him to stand vpon his guard, and to take heed of APPIVS SILANVS: for he dreamt that night he was slaine, and that SILANVS onely had killed him. The Emperor well pleased with the matter, went to the Senate, acquainting the Senators therewith; much commending & extolling the loyal­tie The strange crueltie of Claudius. of NARCISSVS, that he euen sleeping had care of his life and health. After SILANVS, he also put to death his two sonnes in law, LVCIVS SILANVS and POMPEY, and two of his owne neeces called LIVIAE, one of which was the daughter of DRVSVS, and the other of GERMANICVS; no man knowing any cause wherefore he did it, nor admitting their defence. And so were a great number of others put to death, all by the counsell and practice of MESSA­LINA and his freed men, who bare such sway in the gouernment and counsel of estate, as they [Page 58] sold offices, Captainships & dignities; and that which was worse, tooke money for absolutions, penalties, punishments and banishments: finally, all was to be sold for money. And the most part hereof was put in practice (as some authors affirme) without the priuitie of CLAVDIVS, or being acquainted therewith: so great was their power and authoritie. And in the like manner did hee put some to death, being abused, to please and content these his fauorites; so subiect was he to be gouerned by them.

By meanes of the great disorders, murders, and grievances, which CLAVDIVS by the counsel and practice of his libertines and his wife MESSLINA committed, he made himselfe to be hated of many, and principally of the better sort; so as some practised his death, and con­spired against him: although that for his other good deeds, before repeated, hee was beloved and much esteemed of others. But as those which hated him were more, and boulder in cou­rage: so they feared not to practise his death which they wished him; chiefly two Romane Knights resolved to kill him, and STACIVS CORVINVS and GALLVS ASINIVS, two principal Romanes conspired against him. But the one and the other being discovered, it was brought to light, and he prevented the danger by executing new cruelties upon the said parties, and upon such as had consented & participated with them: and seeing himselfe freed from this danger, he continued in his evill purposes and cruell courses. In like manner the hatred encrea­sing against him, it happened that FVRIVS CAMILLVS SCRIBONIANVS, who was Lieutenant, and Governor of Dalmatia (incited by many principal men of Rome) openly rebel­led against him: and the legious of that Province consenting with him, he called himselfe Em­perour. This put CLAVDIVS into such a feare and amazement, as hee was much dejected and base minded: and as sinne and an evill conscience is one of the chiefest causes that maketh men cowardly and fearefull, hee was so daunted, that CAMILLVS (who rebelled) writing vnto him, and perswading him to leaue the Empire and to liue priuate, he remained doubtfull what to Furius Ca­millus rebelled against Clau­dius. do; and caused certaine principall men to consult thereof: So as if the matter had gone forwards, it seemeth that he would haue had small courage to haue defended the Empire. But as CAMILLVS had no more right thereto then he, & as his purpose was not to redresse the Empire and reforme the euils committed by CLAVDIVS, but to make himselfe lord & tyrant, and peraduenture do as ill or worse, God would not suffer it to take effect according to his desire: for it happened that the same legions which had raised & chosen him, repenting of what they had done, the fift day after slue him. Some Authors (among which are SVETONIVS, and PAVLVS ORO­SIVS) Furius Ca­milus sla [...]e by the Legions. report, that herein hapned a strange accident: for the Ensigne-bearers comming to giue their oath and obedience to the new Emperour by his commaundement, were not able to re­moue the Ensignes with the Eagles from the place where they were set; so as moued by this prodigious spectacle, they all concluded to submit themselues to CLAVDIVS deuotion, and to slay CAMILLVS. And so was CLAVDIVS deliuered from this danger, but not from feare and jealousie, but liued euer after in continuall disquiet and feare; insomuch as being one day in the temple offering his sacrifices (as then was the custome) and by chance finding a sword, which some man peraduenture without any ill intent had brought thither, and there forgotten it, he as a man which knew that he had deserued death, fearing all men, thinking that it was brought thither to effect some treason against him, was in such a perplexitie and feare, as presently in great haste he commanded the Senate to be assembled; and with teares in his eyes, he complai­ned vnto them, publishing himselfe to be a man of most miserable condition and vnhappie, and that he was at no time nor in any place assured, but in danger; and so held himselfe many dayes retyred, and came not abroad.

By meanes of these things which were attempted against CLAVDIVS, MESSALINA his wife and her fauourites and confederates, tooke occasion to put many men to death, and The wickednes of Messalina. to confiscate their goodes, vsing other cruelties to all manner of people, alleadging that they were guilty of the conspiracies aforesayd, or of some of them; and this in a most wicked maner: for many vpon suspicion without any tryall or proofe, were cōdemned and put to death; and to the contrarie, others which were guiltie, by bribes and gifts were freed: wherein al­though that for the most part CLAVDIVS was abused by those he most trusted, yet the blame was layd vpon him, and the world hated him for it. For besides the remisse forgetfulnes which he had of all things, and the trust which he reposed in such wicked people, he shewed himselfe cruell and bloudie; for oftentimes he would be present when torments were inflicted, and at the execution of these cruelties: a thing vnworthie of the state & dignitie which he held. He would sometimes also sodainely be in such a rage, as hee seemed to be out of his wits: and so SVETO­NIVS [Page 59] accounteth his furie for follie and madnes; notwithstanding that CORNELIVS TA­CITVS writeth of him, that he was naturallie inclined to pitie and clemencie: so as in truth it is a strange thing to consider of the contrarietie of this mans minde. After all this (as IOSEPHVS, EVSEBIVS, and SVETONIVS affirme) in the ninth yeare of his raigne, he commaunded all the Iewes to be cast out of Rome, whereof Saint Luke maketh mention in the Acts of the Apo­stles: and PAVLVS OROSIVS writing the same, maketh a doubt whether they were cast out for their discord with the Christians, or whether the Christians were expelled in the like manner: for SVETONIVS saith, that they were cast out for that there was some tumult about the Christian religion. The next yeare following there was a most grieuous famine in Rome, and A generall fa­mine. almost generally in all the world; whereof besides other Authors, Saint Luke maketh mention in the Acts of the Apostles.

CLAVDIVS hauing now raigned nine or tenne yeares, & matters passing there in such man­ner, as I haue said; yet the state and greatnes of the Romane Empire was not empaired in his dayes (for hereof it seemeth both he and those which gouerned were carefull) but it defended, and in part enlarged itselfe: For besides the pacifying of the Ile of Brittanny, Mauritania also in The two Mau­ritanies made tributarie Pro­uinces. his time rebelling (which is a Prouince in Africa, where there raigned Kings, friends and con­federates with the people of Rome,) he made warres there by his Captaines SVETONIVS PAVLINVS, & GNEVS SIDIVS GETA, as DION witnesseth. Those countries were subdued and diuided into two tributarie Prouinces: the one was called Mauritania Caesariensis, Mauritania Ca­sariensis, the kingdom of Fez. Mauritania Tingitana, the kingdome of Marocco. which for the most part is this day the kingdome of Fez, but it extended it selfe so farre as Ar­giers, Tunes, and Oran; and the other Mauritania Tingitana, which is much of that which we call Marocco, and Barbaria, and the coast of Zale and A [...]amor, euen vnto Arzil and Tanzar. At that time the Prouince of Numidia was infested by certaine barbarous Africans, which were ouer­come by the ordinarie legions. In like manner the Imperiall authoritie was vpheld in the Pro­uinces of the East, CLAVDIVS placing therin Kings & Tetrarches at his pleasure, as DION recordeth. But besides all this, in all parts (as well as in Rome) they indured great vexations and oppressions, and the disorders which his fauorites and libertines committed, and commanded to be committed were very great: of the greatest part whereof his wife was the chiefe instru­ment, who was so incontinent and dishonest, as she was not only a common adultresse, but she also procured and brought many others to be so: and she her selfe would pray, and euen en­force men, and was of such credit with her husband the Emperour, and had such power ouer him, as no man durst make it knowne, or giue him intelligence thereof.

The dishonestie of this woman mounted to so high a pitch, that iudging (as it seemed) open Messalina mar­rieth with Cai­us Silius du­ring the life of Claudius. adulterie to be but a light sinne, she deuised a wickednes neuer heard nor thought of before in such manner as she did it, which was to be married with another, euen as she was to the Empe­ror; and putting it in effect, CLAVDIVS being gone forth of Rome to Ostia to doe certaine sa­crifices, she married in forme and with the solemnities accustomed, with a Romane, whose name was CAIVS SILIVS, whom they affirme to haue been the fairest and properest yong man of his time.

The loue which CLAVDIVS bare to MESSALINA was so great, and the power she had ouer him such, as she thought that this might also passe in silence, or that he should dissemble it as he had done many other great abuses. But it now pleased God that she should receiue punish­ment for al her misdeedes; as he oftentimes permitteth wicked men after some great sinnes, to commit other greater, to the end at once to be punished for all. And it was so, that his great friend and fauorite NARCISSVS, a libertine before named, discouered this infamous act to CLAVDIVS, with a multitude of other villanies committed by her: who awaking in some sort out of his drousie slumber and forgetfulnes, notwithstanding that this action had put him in great feare; yet after that he was well enformed of the truth, he came to Rome, sending first be­fore him LVCIVS GETA, who was captaine of the pretorian Cohorts, to confirme them in his seruice; and being arriued, he caused his wife MESSALINA to be apprehended, and ma­ny others which were guiltie of this action: and by the diligent industrie of NARCISSVS iustice was done both vpon her and them. And so they were put to death by his direction before The death of Messalina. that CLAVDIVS commaunded the same, notwithstanding that he had so resolued; He fea­ring that she with her counterfeit flatterings would so mollifie the heart of CLAVDIVS, as she might obtaine pardon, or that of himselfe he would alter his resolution, whereof he made some shew, as CORNELIVS TACITVS reporteth. It is a maruellous thing to thinke of the neg­lect and forgetfulnes of this CLAVDIVS: for although they came and told him that MESSA­LINA [Page 60] was dead, he neuer spake word, neither asked by whom, nor how she died; neither then nor after that time seemed he to reioyce or to be sorrowfull for it; neither spake word good nor Claudius his monstrous for­getfulnes. bad. SVETONIVS TRANQVILLVS addeth another thing to this forgetfulnes, which see­meth incredible (but he and others of great authoritiy affirme the same) vvhich is, that the next day after that MESSALINA was put to death, sitting downe at the table to eate, he asked how it chanced that MESSALINA came not to dinner? The like hapned at other times concerning those which he had condemned and commanded to be slaine, that hauing put them to death one day, the next day he vvas so forgetfull, as he hath sent for them and called them to his counsell, and others to come to play with him, as they had vsed to doe.

The Emperor CLAVDIVS remaining a widdower after the death of his wife MESSALI­NA, by whom he had one son cald first GERMANICVS, & afterward BRITANNICVS, and one daughter whose name was OCTAVIA, hee resolved and gave it out that he would marry no more, for that hee had beene very infortunate in his wives: and therefore now in his old age hee would not try any more hazards; wherein hee spake the truth: for in his youth he had beene twice married, first with EMILIA LEPIDA, who was great grandchild to the Empe­ror OCTAVIANVS AVGVSTVS; and the second time, with LIVIA MEDVLLINA CA­MILLA, of the ancient linage of the CAMILLI: the first wife, before his marriage tooke effect, hee put away; and the second died of an infirmitie the same day which was appointed for their wedding: and afterwards he married with PLAVTINA HERCVLANA; whom, after that he had by her one sonne named DRVSVS (who died a child) hee forsooke, as dishonest and an adultresse: and married the fourth time with ELIA PETINA, of the familie of the TVBE­RONES, from whom, for some causes and discontents he was also divorced, notwithstanding that he had by her one daughter called ANTONIA. All these marriages he had before hee was Emperour; and when hee tooke upon him the Empire, hee was married to MESSALINA, whose death wee now made an end to relate: and although (as I said) that hee remained a wid­dower, and had protested that he would marry no more, adding thereto that if he did, he gave them leave to kill him: yet afterwards forgetting himselfe (as in former time, of other matters) by the counsell of his libertine and favourite PALANTE, hee lastly married with IVLIA A­GRIPPINA, who was exceeding beautifull, being his Neece, and daughter to his brother GERMANICVS, who was the widdow of DOMICIVS NERO ENOBARBVS, by whom she had a sonne named DOMICIVS NERO, as his father. And for that the marriage with his Neece within this degree of consanguinitie was prohibited and detestable among the Ro­manes, he procured that a law should be made whereby it should be lawfull: and his new wife tooke such order with her old husband and uncle, that within few daies after that she was mar­ried, she obtained of him that he should marrie his daughter OCTAVIA, with her sonne DOMICIVS NERO; and that he should adopt him and make him his sonne, preferring him Claudius mar­ries his daugh­ter Octavia to Domicius Ne­ro his sonne in Law. before his owne sonne BRITANNICVS; and that in stead of DOMICIVS NERO he should be called CLAVDIVS NERO, which was performed accordingly. And not content here­with, she procured the death of certaine Romane Ladies, which had beene her rivalls for her marriage with CLAVDIVS (notwithstanding that they were favoured by NARCISSVS and CALIXTVS, his freed men) the better to maintaine her greatnes.

Having in this time finished that great worke of undermining the mountaines, & making those great Caves and Mines to draw the water out of the lake Fucinus, wherein (as I said) thirtie thou­sand men had wrought eleven yeares; the Emperor CLAVDIVS decreed, that in memorie thereof, there should be in the same Lake a Naval battaile before that the water should bee let out, which did so much resemble a battaile in earnest, as therein were 24 Galleys, which were built there hard by for that purpose (DION writes there were fifty) which is not very unlike­ly; considering, the number therein, which, as CORNELIVS TACITVS reporteth, were 19000 men; many of which were slaves, or men condemned to death or banishment; the Em­perour promising those which should preuaile and vanquish, life and liberty, and so they vvere commanded to fight to the vttermost: and to that purpose the Gallies and men were diuided into equall battailions; and their apparell, ensignes, banners, flagges and streamers were of diuers colours: the one part of them were called Sicilians, and the other Rhodians, as though the warres had been between Sicilia and Rhodes. To see this spectacle, there came an infinite num­ber of people from all parts of Italy, and from out of Italy, which couered all the hils and moun­taines neere to the sayd Lake, and the bankes thereof. CLAVDIVS with his wife AGRIP­PINA, and NERO CLAVDIVS his adopted sonne and Nephew were most richly attired [Page 61] in gold, stone and pearle: and so the battaile began, and was maintained betweene them most cruel and bloudie, the poore men endeuoring of either part to haue the victorie, thereby to win life, libertie and honour: and so it was obstinately fought & continued a great part of the day, the one killing and wounding the other; and most miserably vntill at last the one part ouer came A wonderfull pastime, but cruell. the other; and so was ended that most cruell and horrible sport. Which being ended, presently the next day CLAVDIVS commaunded the passage of the Lake to be opened: and the water beginning to issue out, it brake foorth with so great force and vehemencie, as it seemed that the earth would haue sunk; & it was so violent, as it did much harme in all the borders thereabout; and in like manner great was the feare and amazement of CLAVDIVS and his wife AGRIP­PINA, who were there by, notwithstanding that they were vpon sure ground & in safetie. This was the end of this costly vanitie.

These things being past in such sort as we haue written, AGRIPPINA seeing her selfe much made of, & beloued by the Emperour CLAVDIVS, being growne prowd of the power and fauour wherein she saw her selfe (which are two things which few men can enioy and vse moderately) she became so proud, hauty & ambitious (following the footsteps of MESSALI­NA) as she would commaund alone and beare all the sway in euery thing: whereupon she pre­sently grew to be hated and enuied by some of CLAVDIVS his fauourites, yea and by him­selfe; so as he began to be sorrie that euer he married her, or that euer he adopted his sonne in law NERO. Which AGRIPPINA soone discouered, as well for that he began to make much of his yong son BRITANNICVS, as for words which he spake to the same effect: for vpon a day he said, That it was true he had euer been infortunate in his wiues; but none of them had es­caped vnpunished: with other speeches to the same effect. Whereat AGRIPPINA grew in­to such feare and suspicion, as to assure her owne life, and the succession to her sonne, she deter­mined to procure her husbands death by poyson, and there wanted no ministers nor meanes to accomplish the same. For although that Historiographers agree not herein, yet they all con­curre that poyson was giuen him, such as killed him: & the most part write, that it was in a Mu­shrump, which was a meate he vsed to eat with great appetite.

It was the iust iudgement of God that CLAVDIVS shoold die by eating: for he was so gluttonous and insatiable in eating and drinking (among his other vices) as hee thought no time nor place sufficient thereto, and did euer eate so immoderately, that most cōmonly surfet­ting, he vsed vomits to discharge his stomacke, putting a feather into his throate, a remedy which some gluttonous men doe vse, eating vpon assurance thereof, and carrying themselues more fil­thily, then if they fell sicke. In which feather some authors affirme that the poyson was giuen The Emperour Claudius poy­soned by his wife Agrippi­na. him. He died in the sixt & fiftith yeer after the birth of CHRIST our Sauiour, in the 14. yeere of his raigne, and the 74. of his age, the 13. day of October about the breake of day, and his wife AGRIPPINA concealed his death the most part of that day: and pretending that he mended, she caused certaine vowes to be made for his health, vntill she had confirmed the Em­pire to her sonne NERO, according to his adoption, which (seeing they then thought CLAV­DIVS to be liuing) was no hard matter to be effected.

In the time of this Emperour CLAVDIVS the Christian faith was preached, and did much preuaile in the world, the Apostle S. PETER then preaching in Rome from the beginning of his raigne, although with great contradiction and difficultie. There happened also in his time a thing which all authors affirme, and chiefly EVSEBIVS, to be very straunge and wonderfull, which was, that betweene the Ile Thera and Therasia in the Egean Sea, there was discouered a new Iland of three hundred furlongs in length, where before was nothing but water of an or­dinarie A new Iland in the Sea. depth, and no signe of any Iland.

SVch a successor had the Emperour CLAVDIVS, as hee deser­ued and made choise of; and this was NERO, the most famous man for crueltie that euer was: for although that otherwise he he was very wicked, yet in crueltie he so exceeded all measure, as you shall neuer heare any man pronounce NERO, but you shall also heare an addition thereto of Cruell; notwithstanding that he had the most wise and vertuous Schoolmaster of his time, which was SENECA, of whom in his youth he learned the liberall Sciences, wanting no capacitie; whose counsell & precepts were of force, for a time, to suppresse his bad inclina­tion, and were the occasion that in the beginning of his raigne, he performed many parts of a good Prince, in such sort as TRAIANE (as many write of him) afterwards said, that for Nero in his first fiue yeeres wa [...] a good Em­perour. the first fiue yeeres, NERO was peerelesse. But after that time, setting all shame aside, occasions [Page 63] with his power and libertie encreasing, he did things which did so much staine and blemish his good deeds past, as there remained no signe or spark of any goodnes in him. Yet there wanted not some authors, who in part to excuse his actions affirme, that of enuie and malice writers made his vices and faults seeme so odious, among which was IOSEPHVS in his booke of An­ti quities; Lib. 20. after that he himselfe had laid open many of his cruelties and parricides. I will write what I shall finde written by most approued authors, & in the order and progresse of things and time will follow CORNELIVS TACITVS, who in my opinion excelleth the rest. CLAVDI­VS being dead, through the treason of his wife AGRIPPINA, as wee haue mentioned, after that she had by her authoritie and cunning gotten the peoples good will, and taken away all oc­casions that might hinder her sonne in attaining to the Empire, she published his death, which vntill then she had commaunded to be concealed. At which time NERO came foorth of the Imperiall Palace, accompanied with BVRRVS the Prefect of the Pretorian Cohorts, who was very priuate with AGRIPPINA, and also had the commaund of that Cohort which had the Burrus the P [...] ­fect of the Pre­torian Co­hort [...]. ordinarie guard of the Palace; and proclaiming him Emperour, they carried him to the Campe, where by all the Cohorts, he was ioyfully receiued: and hauing made a speech, and promising great donatiues to the souldiers, he was by them presently carried backe to the Senat, where all the Senators, conforming themselues to the will of the men of warre, obeyed and receiued him for Emperour with the ordinarie and accustomed solemnities, giuing him names and titles of great maiestie: among which, he refused the name of Pater patriae, because he was of opinion Nero was Em­perour at se­uenteene yeeres of age. that that title agreed not with his yong yeeres, being then but seuenteene yeeres old. And so NERO obtained the Empire, which he ought not to haue had; and there wanted not some which murmured, that an adopted son should be preferred before a legitimate and naturall son, and would haue had GERMANICVS called also BRITANNICVS, and not him: But th [...]se men were not of power to withstand him: for as he was obeied in Rome, so was he in like man­ner in all the prouinces of the Empire. He then presently commanded the obsequies of CLAV­DIVS to be solemnized, (as the custome was) with great pompe; and according to the super­stitions of that time, they canonized him among the gods.

Great was the ioy wherewith NERO began his raigne, aswell for the discontentment of the gouernment past, as for that change and innouations are euer pleasing, and desire common­ly bringeth good hopes, which were confirmed by his outward shew and apparances in the be­ginning. First he promised to gouerne according to the rules and institutions of AVGVSTVS CAESAR, and began both in word and deede to shew himselfe, or (to say better) to faine him­selfe, to be liberall, pitifull, iust, milde, and tractable; doing fauours, and moderating the im­positions and tributes of the prouinces, diuiding amongst the people of Rome, and the pretorian T [...] counter­feit vertu [...]s of Nero. souldiers, a huge sum of money and corne, bestowing other donatiues vpon them: and to the Senators which were poore, he assigned pensions out of his eschequer; vsing all men with such humanitie and courtesie, as it seemed there was no reason to feare any thing of that which after­wards ensued. He likewise shewed great clemencie & pitie, in the execution of iustice and pu­nishments; so as one day, a warrant being brought to him to signe, for the putting of one to death, he making shew to be verie sorrie for it, said, I would to God that I could not write: which words as though they had proceeded from a pittifull inclination, his maister SENECA In his second booke of clemen­cie. doth highly praise and extol. He entertained in like manner all men louingly and friendly, and in his disports and exercises, he permitted any to be present: so as it seemed that God had sent them such a prince as they desired. And aboue all in the beginning of his raigne, he honored & bare great respect to his mother, and gaue her greater power and command in the gouernment, then indeede he ought or was fit: for the truth is, she was a cruell woman, proude and hautie: who through the counsell of PALANTE (one of CLAVDIVS enfranchised men before na­med) without the consent of NERO, she caused IVNIVS SILANVS Proconsul in Asia, to Agrippina cau­sed Silanus and Narciss [...] to be slaine through the [...]of Pala­nte a [...]crime. be slaine, l for the hatred she bare him; the like she did by NARCISSVS another famous Libertine, whom she also greatly hated. And her crueltie had extended further, but that SE­NECA and the Prefect BVRRVS, and another eminent man whose name was AFRANIVS (by whom NERO in the beginning of his raigne was much ruled) did oppose & crosse AGRIP­PINA in her wicked practices, as farre as in them [...]ay: but she had such authoritie in all causes, and ouer them which had the managing thereof, as it could hardly be done, as long as she con­tinued in good grace with her sonne.

The state standing in these tearms, newes came to Rome, that VOLOGESVS King of the Warres with the K [...]ng of the Parthians. Parthians leuied forces to make war against the Empire, practising to make his brother King of [Page 64] Armenia, in which prouince from the time of AVGVSTVS CAESAR, the Romans had autho­ritie to place Kings at their pleasure: so as vpon this occasion the warres began in the second yeere of the raigne of the Emperor NERO; who sent VINIDIVS with new legions thither, beside the ordinarie legions which were in Asia, vnder the commaund of DOMICIVS COR­BVLVS. But the war as then continued but a while; for a peace was concluded, VOLOGESVS Peace with the Parthians. desisting from his attempts & giuing certaine principall men in pledge for the keeping thereof, which we commonly cal hostages. About this time began NERO to shew himselfe somwhat alienated from his mother, and desirous to abate her great power and authoritie, beginning to shew her lesse obedience then formerly he had done: for he then fell in loue with a base enfran­chised woman, (but she was very faire) whose name was AETA; notwithstanding that his wife OCTAVIA was verie faire and a vertuous ladie. And herein to haue his will, against the will and liking of his mother (who sought to crosse him in his loue, to the end that he should not be free from her power) he began to take into his fauor OTHO a Noble man, of whose fa­mily [...] and [...]udius Phe­nicius, Nero his fauourites. there had bin Consuls, and CLAVDIVS PHENICIVS, the sonne of one of the most powerfull enfranchised men in Rome; and these wrought means for him to obtaine his beloued AETA, which opened a passage to many other accidents which followed, whereby he began to be disobedient to his mother, who had had so great power ouer him and all others. And he commaunded the enfranchised PALANTE, (who was a great fauorite of hers) to be deposed from all gouernment in the Emperiall estate.

AGRIPPINA seeing this, she attempted by al meanes possible, to recouer the grace which she had lost with her son: sometimes by giuing him counsell; at other times by entreaties and flatteries, accompanied with threatnings and feares: among which one was to do great honor, and to bestow many fauours vpon BRITANNICVS, who was the Emperor CLAVDIVS his son, and then about 14. yeeres old: imagining that through feare and suspicion of this man, NERO would returne to her obedience: but his wicked minde freed him not from that danger, by those meanes which she conceiued, for he deliuered himselfe thereof, by giuing him poison; whereof the poore BRITANNICVS died. Whereat AGRIPPINA was much amazed: but The death of Britannicus. being either vnable or vnwilling to suppresse her pride, she perseuerd in this controuersie with her son, and presumed to contend with him (although vpon vnequall tearmes). Whereupon NERO setting all shame and respect apart, commaunded her guard of Germanes to be ta­ken from her, and she to be lodged out of the palace, doing her other open disgraces, forbid­ding certaine persons to haue recourse vnto her, or to visit her: and he himselfe went very sel­dome to see her, and that very coldly, and with little respect. And being thus out of fauour (as few keepe true friendship with such as are dejected and in disgrace) the most of her friends for­sook her: and one, a great Matrone whose name was IVLIA SILLANA, vpon a priuate grudge Open contention betweene Nero and his mother Agrippina. (producing false witnesses) wrongfully accused her to haue conspir'd against her son the Empe­ror, and that she practiced to haue made RVBELIVS PLAVTVS, Emperor; who by his mo­ther: descended from the Emperor AVGVSTVS CAESAR. And the matter was so handled, that AGRIPPINA was in some danger, vntill the accusation was found to be forged and the witnesses suborned, and this IVLIA the twister of this web, escaped with light punishment which was but banishment. This gaue encouragement to a wicked fellow called PETVS, to accuse PALANTE also falsely (a libertine many times before named) and BVRRVS the Pre­fect, who were seruants and fauorites to AGRIPPINA, alledging that they practised to de­pose NERO, and to make CORNELIVS SILLA Emperor: but this also was discouered to be forged and false, and for this offence PETVS and his false witnesses were only banished. All which passed in the third yeere of NERO his raigne, Saint PAVL the Apostle being then pri­soner in Rome, who alittle before was sent thither by the commaundement of FESTVS, gouer­nour of Iudea, who succeeded FELIX aforenamed: In which imprisonment (although he went abroad at libertie) he was detained two yeeres.

As the Emperor NERO grew in yeeres, so began he to waxe more vaine and vicious, and to discouer his bad inclination: for by night he would goe disguised vp and downe the streetes in Rome, and would hurt and abuse such as he met, comming out of their houses; wherein he committed many notable insolencies, and offended many: and he himselfe being vpon a time vnknowne, was in danger to haue been slaine, being sore wounded. And as the vices and defects of Princes, although that in their absence thy are condemned and men murmur at them; yet in their presence they are most commonly excused, and sometimes applauded: So NERO his fauourites did not secke to withdraw him from this dangerous vice and insolencie; but they ad­uised [Page 65] him to goe no more abroade without a guard, whereby they were the occasion of farre greater riots and disorders, then before: And some dissolute yong men (faining themselues to be the Emperor) tooke occasion to doe the like, so as there were infinite violences committed by him and them, by meanes whereof there was no small scandall & tumult in the cittie, although that in the rest, vntill then there was indifferent good order in all things, and iustice was admi­nistred orderly in Rome and in the prouinces; and the people did dissemble or had patience with the lightnes & insolencies of NERO, by reason of the distribution of money and other things, which he made generally to all, and for certaine taxes and impositions which he commaunded to be abolished.

The fift yeere of his raigne being come, which as it seemed would haue prooued prosperous and peaceable both in particular and generall; VOLOGESVS King of the Parthians began anew to arme against the Empire, for the same reason and cause concerning the kingdome of Armenia before spoken of. And CORBVLVS, who was Proconsul in Asia, sent to intreate the Emperor that the ordinarie armie which he had, might be reinforced and increased, for that by reason of the long peace, his legions were growne more slothfull & lesse seruiceable then was needfull for so dangerous a warre; and were also diminished, some by death, and many souldi­ers were waxen old: for which NERO tooke order, that new companies should be leuied, and sent vnto him, and with them one of the legions of Germanie, which were euer held for the best and most experienced, as those which lay on the frontiers against the most fierce and valiant enemies. And so began the warres with the Parthians, wherein after some great encounters, and skirmishes which passed, fortune and victorie being variable, and winter being come, CORBV­LVS sent a captaine whose name was PACTIVS ORPHITVS, who with a good part of the armie had the guarde of certaine straights and passages, whereby the enemie might enter the countrie, whom he cōmaunded that in any case he should not giue them battaile: and he lodged himselfe in the Plaines with the rest of the armie. But ORPHITVS, quite contrarie to that Warres with the Parthi [...]. which was commaunded him, by the enemies prouocation ioyned battaile with them, and was therein ouercome with great losse to the Romanes: for which, CORNELIVS was exceeding sorrowfull, and it was no lesse grieued at in Rome. Whereupon CORBVLVS, reinforcing his legions, tooke the field before the ordinarie time, & v [...]y resolutely followed that warre: where­in passed many things which CORNELIVS TACITVS reciteth, and I for breuitie omit, to returne to NERO; of whom from henceforth there is no good to be spoken. I say then that while as his captaines made warre against the Parchians, he gaue himselfe ouer to sensualitie without contradiction in Rome, falling in loue with the wife of his great fauorite OTHO, who in time came to be Emperor, called POPPEA SABINA, and by some POPPEIA, a most beautifull woman & of high parentage, endowed with many graces & good parts, but dishonest and incontinent; and to the end that NERO without any obstacle might haue her wholly to himselfe, giuing to her husband OTHO this reward in requirall of all his good seruices, he Poppea Sabi­na Nero his friend. sent him into Spaine to be gouernor of Lusitania now called Portugall, and he freely gaue himselfe ouer vnto this POPPEA, forgetting and abhorring his owne wife OCTAVIA, and his other aboue named friend; AETA a Libertine whom he had much loued. Wherewith this POPPEA became so proude, that she taking scorne to be his friend, very instantly entreated and desired the Emperor, that diuorcing himselfe from OCTAVIA, he should marrie her: and seeing that AGRIPPINA NERO'S mother, who supported and defended OCTAVIA, was a great let hereto, she endeuoured all she might, to encrease the discord begun betweene the mother and the sonne. Against which, AGRIPPINA vsed all the meanes that she possibly could deuise to recouer the good will of her sonne, as to procure him to commit most detestable incest with her owne selfe, from which he was withdrawne by the meanes of SENECA, as CORNELLVS TACITVS reporteth: yet SVETONIVS saith, that the onely feare of his mothers power and presumptuous boldnes withheld him from it, although other authors doe not wholy cleere him from this sinne. Howsoeuer it was, by POPPEAS great practices and his owne wickednes, he so much abhorred his mother, as he determined to kill her: but as it was a matter most odi­ous, so he would haue it done couertly: and first he attempted & practised it with poison thrice: which taking no effect and perceiuing that she was defended by Antidotes and preseruatiues; he prouided a bedchamber for her with such an arched roofe, as being easily vnioynted, the frame might fall in peeces in the night vpon her being asleep. When this dessigne could not be kept close, but was reuealed by some priuie thereunto, he then deuised a ship so artificially made as it should sodenly split in sunder, that either by the wracke or the fall of the fore-deck [Page 66] she might perish: This was contriued by the direction and counsell of one of his sea captaines whose name was NICETVS: and the plot was laid that shee should bee drowned in the sea on the coast of Calabria: whither NERO (faining a reconciliation with her) caused her to goe; Nicetus tooke vpon him the charge to kill Agrippina. and vnder color to doe certaine sacrifices, he himselfe went thither also. But this plot taking no effect, wherein certaine of her company were drowned, and she with great daunger escaping, he seeing that secret practices auailed not, he resolued to put her to death openly: and to that end (through the counsell of the said NICETVS) he caused it to be bruted abroade that one by whom she had sent him word of the shipwracke and daunger wherein she had been at sea, would haue killed him; & for this purpose there was a poiniard let fall at his feete, he which brought it faining, that by his mothers commaundement he came to haue slaine him. Vnder this false pretex [...] onely, he commaunded eertaine Tribunes, of which this NICETVS was chiefe, to kill Nero put his [...]other to death by the h [...] of Ni [...]tus. her: who being come where AGRIPPINA was, she presently vnderstoode the cause of their comming: and seeing them vnsheath their swords, authors write, that shewing them her belly, she said, strike me here first; for this part hath deserued it, seeing it conceiued and brought forth such a monster as NERO: and so she died soone of the many wounds which were giuen her. And NERO who was in a place there by, came to see his dead mother, and stood beholding her naked body as if it had been the body of a beast; praising and dispraising her parts and members. Te horrible crueltie of the so [...]e, and di­ue [...]h ambition of the mother. And thus did the wicked sonne murther his wicked mother, who cannot be excused, but that she for her wickednes deserued the death which she died: And it cannot be denied, but that herein NERO shewed most abominable crueltie; for nature doth abhor that a sonne should punish & be executioner to his owne mother, moued thereto by his owne wicked & euill disposition.

Doubtlesse, it is a strange thing to thinke of the loue vvhich this woman bare to her sonne: for it is written of her, that before he vvas Emperour, it was foretold her by an Astrologer, that he should be Emperour, and that he should kill his owne mother: whereto she answered; Let him haue the Empire, and then kill her and spare not. So great was her pride and ambition, that to the end she might be mother to the Emperour, she would put it in hazard to be slaine by her owne sonne: and so both the one and the other were accomplished. Notwithstanding that the Souldiers, Senate and people, applauded him for this foule and odious Matricide, yet was he euer after terrified with the sting of Conscience for so fo [...]le a fact; and as he often confessed, was haunted with the apparition of his Mothers Ghost, and tormented by the Furies. To this of his Mother, he added the murther of DOMITIA, his Aunt by the fathers side: who be­ing an aged vvoman, and lying sicke of a costiuenesse, comming to visit her, and she vsing lo­uing speeches vnto him; he commanded the Physicians to plie her still with stronger purga­tiues: so he before she was fully dead, seized vpon her goods, and supprest her last will, that he might enioy the whole.

The Emperour NERO having performed so great an exploit as the murdering of his mo­ther (so much are Princes blinded with flattery & adulation, that notwithstanding all the world Princes are euer abused by flatterers. did see and understand the matter, and how all had passed; yet most men in his presence appro­ved and applauded the same: and there were many vowes and sacrifices made to their gods, for that he had escaped such a treason, and for the discovery thereof, making him beleeve that they held it for truth) cloaking his wickednes under this colour, he cam to Rome: where seeing him­self at liberty, and free from the controulement of his mother (whose authority was ever great) he began to abandon all shame, giving the reins to his beastly appetite, and to all kinde of filthi­nesse and most abominable luxurie; which was such and so horrible, that, to keep such honest decorum in our History as is requisite, and not to offend the ears of chaste Readers, I purpose to passe it over in silence. Wherein he spending great part of the time, all the rest he employed in lascivious Comedies and other libidinous exercises, and oftentimes in banquets and feasting, which lasted all the day and the night also. He was prodigall in all things, especially in his rich and sumptuous attire. The ornaments of his Palace, and his expenses and prodigalities were such, as the like had never been seen. In Comedies and publike Shewes (most of which were most vile and dishonest) hee acted a Part in Person; and would that the Noble young men of Rome, and some of the principall yong Ladies, should be present to hear and see the same. And, above all, he was so inclined to Musick, and so much affected it, as, besides that hee was skilfull in that Art, he gloried so much in singing, as many times he refused to eat for hurting his voice; and to cleer it and make it better, he purged himself, and used other remedies and medicines. Some write of him, that to that effect he wore a plaister or sheet of lead upon his breast.

[Page 67] Finally, NERO forgetting the dignitie and maiesty of his estate, gaue himselfe ouer to base and vile exercises and vices, the which for that they were so filthy, are not at all described, and which afterwards brought him to the sinke of all sinne and cruelty, as we will declare. And as the Subiects, for the most part, do imitate the fashions and behauiour of their Princes & Lords; so presently in Rome and out of it, they began to practise and follow their vices and follies, wher­in the Emperour spent his time; and the Lawes, good customes, Arts and Sciences began to be corrupted and forgotten. Wherefore, he made himselfe an enemy, and odious to all good men, although then there were but few, as if it often happeneth.

While-as hee busied himself in these base actions, the warres which his Generall CORBV­LVS Wars with the Parthians. beganne with the Parthians, about the Title of the Kingdome of Armenia, never ceased. In which, after sundry exploits of war, the Romans prevailing, the Parthians were wholly dri­ven out of the Province of Armenia: and NERO nominated and sent thither for King thereof (as a Subject to the Empire) TIGRANES, who was nephew to ARCHELAVS sometime King of Cappadocia, having a long time continued in Rome in base and poor estate. This man was by some of the countrey received and entertained with good approbation; and others, which held for the King of Parthia, repined thereat, as commonly it useth to happen in such cases. Wherefore there was given unto him an ordinary guard of foot and horsemen, and some of the Roman Cohorts to aid him to defend that Kingdome. CORBVLVS beeing victorious came with his legions into Syria: which hapned in the seventh yeer of the Raign of NERO. About this time there was so great an Earthquake in many parts of the world, as many great Buildings fell; and the City of Laodicea was therewith wholly ruined and laid waste.

Within fewe daies after, the Ile of England and Scotland, then called Britannie, rebelled against Rebellion in Bri­tanny. the Roman Empire, being unable to endure the insolencies and oppressions of the Roman Le­gions lying there in garrison, PAVLINVS SVETONIVS being their Generall: for, from the diseases and vices of the Head, Rome, did flowe disorder and corruption through all the Pro­vinces which were members thereof. The cause of the insurrection in this Iland proceeded from hence: PAVLINVS being desirous to win honour, and envying the fame which COR­BVLVS had gotten in the East, who was daily victorious in the war against the Parthians, hee wanting neither courage nor discretion to doo the like, but matter and occasion; and seeing, that in the Ile of Britannie there was neither time nor hope for his purpose, leaving such troops and garrisons there as hee thought sufficient, he went from thence with a great Fleet to make warre in an Iland neer to England, then called Mona, and now Man, which was inhabited by a fierce Nation. And notwithstanding that all succeeded well in that journey, yet, during his im­ploiment The Ile of Man. there, the Britains, chusing among themselves a Captain, a man of great account and reputation, called PHRASVRATVS or PRASVTAGVS, with the Title of a King, as they ordinarily had in that Iland, although it were subject; they rebelled for their liberty, killing all the Roman souldiers they could finde, who had shut themselves up in a Temple: and, after­wards The Romans [...]t in pieces by the Britan [...]. overthrowing a Legion which came to their aid, they slue the greatest part thereof, and compelled PETVS, who had the command in the absence of PAVLINVS SVETONIVS, to flee to their Camp: where they presently besieged him, and so were Masters of the Field, CALPVS (who, for the Emperour, was then Governer of the Iland) seeing himself unable to defend the same, with the greatest speed that possibly he could fled into France, and abandoned the Iland. And the Britains took such order, and used such expedition in this warre against the Romans and their Adherents, as within fewe daies in diverse places there were slain 70000 men. PAVLINVS, being advertised of this great disaster, having effected that which hee had attempted of his own authority, with all speed possible returned into the Iland with his troops: where he assembled together those which had continued constant in the Emperor's service, and the remainder of the Roman souldiers which were left; and, reprehending some, and encoura­ging others, without any longer delay hee went to seek his enemies, and their Captain PRA­SVTAGVS; who were now growne so hardy, as they cam to seek him; and did so assure them­selves of the victory, as they brought their wives in Wagons and Cars, to see the battell which they meant to fight. Which, PAVLINVS SVETONIVS refused not; but, like an expert cap­tain, took such advantage of the ground, and marshalled his men in such sort, and in the battell A great battell, fought so valiantly, as hee obtained the victory; yet was it one of the most fierce battels, and fought with the greatest obstinacy, that ever was seen: for, of the Conquerers there died a great number; but of the conquered (as CORNELIVS TACITVS reports) there were slain fewe lesse than fourescore thousand men. But GILDAS, an antient Historian born in the [Page 68] same Iland, sets down a far lesse number; who saith, that there were slain but thirty thousand. With this great victory, and with the new supply which NERO sent, the Romans prevailed in that Ile; so as from thenceforth it remained in peace.

While these things were in action, NERO daily increased in his vices and wickednes: and besides the above-named he began to put in practice many new cruelties, commanding many to be slain upon light occasions, and some without any; notwithstanding that his School-ma­ster SENECA, and BVRRVS the Prefect of the Pretorian Cohorts, did hinder and mitigate the same all they might. But in the ninth yeer of his Raign BVRRVS died; and SENECA, being brought into suspicion with NERO (besides that vertue is ever hatefull to the wicked) began to withdraw himself from intermeddling with the affairs of the government: and as the Physician leaveth to apply medicines to the Patient, of whose recovery there is no hope; so did he forbear to converse with NERO, or give him any counsell, faining his old age and want of health to be the cause thereof. And in like manner (as saith CORNELIVS TACITVS) o­thers, which had any spark of antient Romans in them, withdrew themselves; being unable to endure the sight of what passed, and NERO committed. At this time NERO commanded PVBLIVS SYLLA to be slain in France, who was one of the most famous men of his time; and another whose name was RABELLIVS PLAVTVS, a worthy and eminent man; in whom was found no other fault, or cause wherefore he should be slain, but that hee was vertu­ous, and therefore beloved of all men: and, being such, upon a time when NERO was so sick as it was thought he would have died, the people of Rome fixt their eies upon this man, naming him for NERO'S Successor. Vpon which occasion, NERO banished him from Rome, and then resolved to release him from banishment by causing him to be slain. And after this maner he slue in those daies a great number of other Romans, which these Authors doo name, and I leave out as a matter odious; putting them to death through cruelty and envy, without any o­ther cause.

A little after this, growing impudent through his customarie sinning, he diuorced himselfe from his wife OCTAVIA; and not content to put her away, he took another mans wife, & pre­sently married POPPEA, whom (as we said) he held for his friend, hauing first taken her from OTHO who was her husband: and not contented to put a way his good and vertuous wife, he caused her to be falsely accused of adulterie, hauing plotted with NICETVS, his Sea-captain Nero put away his wife, and maried another mans. (who murdered his mother AGRIPPINA, who as it should seeme was a man fit for such ser­uices) that he should confesse himselfe to be the man which had committed adulterie with her. And notwithstāding that this was plainely discouered to be a fiction, he for a colour banished NICETVS, and OCTAVIA was also banished, and afterwards slaine by his commaunde­ment: so as to the innocent was giuen an vniust punishment, and to the traitor a fained corecti­on. At that time he also commaunded the famous Libertine PALANTE to be slaine, for the desi [...]e he had to his estate: for in the time of NERO it was more daungerous to be rich, then to commit offences; and many were slaine because they were rich, and few were punished for their euill deeds.

NERO committing these and many other such like enormities; VOLOGESVS King of Parthia, taking it in scorn that his Brother TYRIDATES should be dispossest of the Kingdom of Armenia, and that it should by the Romans be given to TIGRANES, beganne to levie his Forces: and, determining to renew the warre, he sent his Brother to recover that Kingdome; the which he soon effected, and seized upon many countries and parts thereof. Against whom, CORBVLVS (who was Lieutenant in the East, and had made the last warre) with all expedi­tion sent two Legions for a supply to King TIGRANES: and, the warre beginning very hot­ly on either side, the Emperour, at the earnest sute of CORBVLVS, sent new Troops to re­inforce the Armie against the Parthians, and CESONIVS PETVS for their Leader; who, with the greatest speed he could, with many companies and great preparation for the warres, New war with the Parthians. departed Italie; and, following his journey, came where CORBVLVS attended his coming: who dividing his Troops with CORBVLVS, each of them by himself followed the warre a­part. In processe whereof, CORBVLVS governed so valiantly and with such discretion, as he not onely defended the limits of the Empire in that part which fell to his lot, but passed the Ri­ver Euphrates, and surprized some houlds in his enemies Country. And SESONIVS PETVS with lesse judgement or experience, but more vain-glory, promising great matters of himself, began the warre. In the beginning whereof, with appearance of good successe, he entred Ar­menia; and, extending his power farther than he ought to have done, passed the Mountain Tau­rus, [Page 69] taking some townes without consideration whether he were able to hold the same or no, and sent of his troupes into diuers places with a desire to get and to doe more then he was able to accomplish, or was fit to be done: So that (as CORNELIVS TACITVS writeth (he gouerned himselfe so ill, that when as VOLOGESVS came against him, there fell so many dis­graces vpon him, and he so vnaduisedly encamped himselfe, as he was besieged by VOLOGE­SVS in his camp; in such sort as being vnable to stay for the succours which came from COR­BVLVS vnto him, wanting both courage and discretion to defend himselfe, hee came to a shamefull and dishonorable composition for the Romane reputation, with the King of Parthia: which was, That the King giuing him leaue to depart out of the countrie with his armie, he should abandon the prouince of Armenia, & deliuer vp all such holds as he had taken: all which was performed accordingly, and he very shamefully went out of Armenia, in great disgrace, and with no small losse of his Armie. The Emperor being aduertised hereof, sent for him to come to Rome, and to leaue his legions with CORBVLVS: and when hee was come, he infli­cted no other punishment, but in a word or two called him dastard and coward; adding, that he would speedily pardon him, least the feare of punishment should kill him.

CORBVLVS remaining Generall alone (notwithstanding that the Parthians were growne proud by reason of their late victorie) prosecuted the warre in such manner, as they motioned treaties of peace, and sent Ambassadors to Rome, where after sundrie Embassies and some truce taken, in the end a peace was concluded, profitable to the Parthians, although in shew and ce­remonies Peace with the parthians. honorable to the Romanes: which was, That TYRIDATES should remaine in possession of Armenia, but should giue ouer the title and royall ensignes, vntill he had been at Rome, and there personally receiue the same at the hands of the Emperor NERO. To confirme this agreement, he came into the Romanes campe, and in presence of all the armie, humbled, and prostrated himselfe vpon the earth before NERO his image, and taking the crowne from his head, he set it at NEROES feete: and afterwards being solemnly entertained and feasted, appointing a time for his comming to Rome, he left a daughter which he had, for assurance thereof; and so departed to visit his brothers, VOLOGESVS King of the Parthians, and PA­CORVS King of the Medes, and to prepare all things necessarie for his iourney. Which although it were not so soone performed as it was appointed, and that there passed some things in the meane season, as we will presently specifie, yet to the end that we leaue not this matter vnper­fect, it shall be fit (although somewhat afore the time) to speak of TYRIDATES his comming to Rome, for it was a solemne matter and worthy to be remembred▪ which was thus.

As NERO was a man desirous of fame and vaine glory, so by Letters and great promises he inuited TYRIDATES to come to Rome; which he performed, being greatly accompanied, and was most honorably entertained: NERO attended his comming with sumptuous prouisi­on made by the Senate and people, set vpon a high throne, with all the shew of maiestie and greatnes that could be deuised: at one end whereof, were all the Pretorian Cohorts and men of warre, armed with faire and rich armor. TYRIDATES comming to the place where the Em­perour NERO was, being alighted from his horse, he mounted vp the staires to the scaffold where he sate, and comming neere him, fell at his feet; but NERO taking him by the right Tyridates crowned in Rome by the Emperour, Ne­ro, with great solemnity. hand, raised him, and tooke from his head an ornament which he ware, and did put thereon a diadem or crown of a King; vsing herein other stately ceremonies. TYRIDATES being crow­ned with this solemnitie, after certaine feasts which were made in Rome, hauing remained there some dayes, departed towards his countrie, carryi [...]g with him, an incredible masse of money, which the Emperour gaue him for his Iourney. A peace with the Parthians being confirmed in this manner, NERO gaue himselfe more to his old vices then he did before; and to doe the same more freely, and to be at more liberty and farther off from the authority of the Senate, he departed from Rome, with the most solemne and magnificent court and attendance that euer was seene; although the greatest number vvere conformable to his conditions. The report of this iourney vvas, that he vvent into Graecia, to cut the necke of a land in Achaia, vvhich is a Nero his iour­ney into Graecia. narrow passage betweene the Egean and Ionian Seas, vvhich makes Peloponesus, now called Mo­rea to be as it vvere an Iland. And in his iourney, in Naples and in other parts, without shame, he shewed himselfe on the Theaters and Stages, and acted a part in Comedies, as one of the Actors or Players, and sung Tragedies and Fables, and wanne many prises and crownes, which were rewards giuen in those controuersies. Being come into Graecia, in this great action for which he came, he did no more but appoint a day to begin his vvork: and hauing made a speech to his people, he tooke a toole in his hand vvhere with he began to digge the earth, and making [Page 70] this beginning, he suddenly (no man knowing any cause) left off what hee had begun, without order for doing any more; and presently returned to Rome. Wherein he entred in triumph, as if he had wonne some great battell, demanding it for the victory above-written: wherein hee came mounted upon the same chariot wherein OCTAVIVS AVGVSTVS had triumphed, compassed about with Musicians and Plaiers, such as represented fables and tragedies upon sta­ges, being brought from all parts of the world for that purpose. And within fewe daies after this, he pretended another journey into the Kingdome of Egypt; and, all things beeing in a rea­dinesse for that purpose, through a certain divination he gave over his journey. NERO, beeing comn to the beginning of the eleventh yeer of his Raign, became so impudent, giving himself wholly over to sensuality, that he did any thing without blushing or changing colour, and gave leave to an infinit number of others to doo the like: and his wickednes mounted to so high a degree, that SVETONIVS testifieth of him thus;

Super ingeniorum paragogia, & n [...]ptarum concubinatus, vestali virgini Rubriae vim intulit. Acten libertam paulùm abfuit, quin iusto matrimonio sibi coniungeret, summissis consularibus viris, qui regio ge­nere ortam peierarent. Puerū Sporū, exsect is testibus etiam in muliebrē naturam transfigurare conatus est, cum dote & flamm [...]o persolenni nuptiarum celeberrimo officio deductum adse, pro uxore habuit. Ext [...]t (que) cuiusdam non inscitus iocus, bene agipotuisse cumrebus humanis, si Domitius Neronis pater talem habuisset uxorem. Hunc Sporum Augustarum ornamentis excultum, lecticaque vectum, & circa conventus merca­tusque Gracia, ac mox Romae circa Sigillaria comitatus est, identidem exosculans. Nam matr is concubitum appetisse, & ab obtrectatoribus eius, ne ferox atque impotens mulier, & hoc gratiae genere praevaleret, deter­ritum nemo dubitavit, utique postquam meretricem, quam fama erat Agrippinae simillimam, inter con­cubinas recepit. Olim etiam, quoties lectica cum matre veher [...]ur, libidinatum incestè ac maculis vest is pro­ditum affirmant. That is to say,

Besides his unnaturall abusing of boies free-born, and the keeping of mens wives as his con­cubines, he deflowred RV [...]RIA a Vestall Virgin. Hee would have married ACTE or AE­TA, a freed woman; suborning some, who had been Consuls, to swear, that she was roially des­cended. There was a Boy called SPORVS, whose genitories he cut off, trying to transforme him into the nature of woman. Him he caused to be brought unto him as a Bride, with a Dow­ry and a yellow Vail, after the solemn manner of marriage, and a goodly Train attending on him; whom he maintained as his wife: whereupon one said pleasantly, that it had been happy for mankinde if DOMITIVS his father had wedded such a wife. This SPORVS, adorned with the ornaments of an Empresse, hee accompanied in a Litter through all the Cities and Towns of Greece, and afterwards at Rome, up and down the streets; SIOILLARIA kissing him often. He had a desire to lie with his owne mother; but was terrified from it by some which hated her, lest that proud and insolent woman should by this favour growe too mighty, wher­of no man ever made doubt; and the rather, for that afterwards he entertained a harlot among his concubines, very like (as it was reported) to AGRIPPINA. It is also said, that in former times, as often as he rode in a Litter with his Mother, he used her incestuously: the which did appear by the spots upon her garment.

Amongst all his dishonest and filthy pollutions, hee never forgat the fiercenes and cruelty of his minde, shedding bloud, and killing an infinite number of men, and made boast and vaunted thereof, saying, that none of his Predecessors in the Empire, did ever knowe their owne power, but he. And when One in his presence said, as a by-word, When I am dead let the world bee burned: Nay, quoth he, let it be before I die. Of so ill and envious an inclination was this man to all mankinde: which did fully appear by that which he did within a little while after, which was, to set the City of Rome on fire; as SVETONIVS, EVSEBIVS, EVTROPIVS, PAV­LVS OROSIVS, and ISIDORE, affirm: yet CORNELIVS TACITVS maketh some Rome set on fire by Nero. doubt thereof, whether it were done by chance, or by his commandement; and yet himself saith, that no man durst quench the fire for fear of him: and all affirm, that it lasted six daies and seven nights, and that NERO went up to the top of a high Tower to behould this spectacle, which was very pleasing to his sight: where he stood singing certain verses of HOMER, which contained the burning of the City of Troy. And the fire did consume so much in the City of Rome, as TACITVS writeth, that of foureteen great quarters which were in the City, onely Foure escaped free; and of the ten, three were wholly consumed and burnt to the ground; and in the seven there was never a house, whereof the greatest part was not burnt, and many wholly consumed. Finally, they were innumerable, and not to bee imagined, the houses, tempes, ri­ches, the spoils of victories, the clothes and merchandizes, and other things, which this fire [Page 71] confirmed▪ and to the end that the Reader may the better vnderstand it, he must consider that Rome▪ was then the greatest and most populous cittie in the world, much frequented by strange Nations, and the most rich and beautifull that euer was, the which in that time did draw unto it and swallow vp all the mony and riches of all the prouinces subiect vnto it, by takes, tributes, impositions, briberie, and tyrannies.

This lamentable desolation being ended, there was not left in him any pittie, but all men held him to be the author thereof, although they durst not say so; and that he desired to haue the ruines; for the stones, pillars, and other things, which escaped the fire, he would not suffer to be carried away by the owners, but took them for the building of his owne palace and houses, which some daies before he had built: and part therof being bur [...]ed with this fire, he afterwards reedified and made without comparison fairer & greater then before; so as it seemeth an incre­dible matter, what PLINY, SVETONIVS, and CORNELIVS TACITVS write of the greatnes thereof, to whom I refer the Reader for the particular description of that Palace, be­cause A description of Nero his Palace. it is a matter wonderfull, and which onely was sufficient to shew the riches of Rome. For it stretched from Mount Palatine to Mount Esquiline, which, as it seemeth, were distant a good deale more then a mile in bredth; it contained in it ponds of water so great, as they seemed to bee gulfes of the Sea, compassed round about with buildings and lodgings, It had in it also, be­sides gardens and orchards, excellent hils and woods, wherein were all manner of wild beasts. Moreouer the halles and dining chambers, besides being built of Marble, Alablaster, Iaspers, Topaces, and other excellent stones; the timber-workes thereof and the seelings were inlaid with gold and Iuorie, and mother of Pearle, and some stones of price. And some of these high places and chambers were round, and made with such art, as the floore remaining firme & fixt, the roofe & vaults thereof went continually round like the skie, in such sort as some bird-ca [...]es are made; and some of these roomes were wrought with such art, as there were in them certaine ventals and alimbiques of gold and Iuorie, which at certaine times did cast our sweete flowers, waters, and precious oyles. This house likewise had bathes of sundry waters hot and cold, and other ornaments and excellencies, such and so many as vvould be tedious to recite; wherein, and in other buildings vvhich he made, he spent an inestimable treasure, and in other vvhich he began, which were strange and maruellous, the vvhich for breuity I omit. And although (as is sayd) he had commanded the Citie of Rome to be set on fire, yet being thus burnt, he vsed all diligence to reedifie it againe, in better for me then it was before, and had determined to alter the name thereof, and to call it Neroniana after his owne name. But this his care sufficed not to cleere him of the infamy vvhich he had purchased among the people, for commanding it to be set on fire.

After all this, the Emperour NERO by the instigation of the diuell, in whose power re­mained his sinnes (the number of Christians in Rome then encreasing, through the preaching of the Apostles, S. PETER and S. PAVL, who then were there) he and his like being grieued with the holines and purenes of the Primitiue Church, resolued to persecute the same: and put­ting it in execution a great number of Christians, both within and without it, were put to death by his cōmaundement. And this was the first generall persecution which the Church suffered. The first persecu [...] of the primitiue Church. And although that after the death of CHRIST there wanted no persecutors (yet was it neuer persecuted by the Emperours publike edict vntill this time. Wherein, how great the constancie of the Martyrs was, & what sundrie kindes of martyrdome they endured, CORNELIVS TA­CITVS an infidel Historiographer, and an enemie to Christians, yet true in his historie, besides other Christian authors, shall beare witnes: who (like a Gentile murmuring at them) reciteth the persecution of the Emperour NERO: whereof SVETONIVS also making mention saith, that a verie great number of Christian men and women were put to death: And among other cruelties, burnings, crosses and other kindes of death, he reporteth that they were throwne to the dogges, to be torne in pieces: and to the end that dogges should be the more eager against them, they couered them with the skinnes of Beares and other wild beasts. This persecution of the church SVETONIVS and CORNELIVS TACITVS set downe in this place after the burning of Rome, in the eleuenth yeere of the Emperour NEROES raigne; yet EVSEBIVS and other authors note it to bee in the last yeere of his Empire, wherein died the blessed Apo­stles S. PETER and S. PAVL by his commandement. But it may be, & so I beleeue, that this persecution lasted till then, which was little more then three yeeres; or whether i. were only at this time, it pleased God to preserue his holie Apostles vntill the time aboue said.

After that the Emperour NERO had executed this crueltie against the Christians, which [Page 72] was the greatest that he ever used, there followed in Rome, and in the marches thereof, one of the greatest pl [...]gues of pestilence that ever was in the world; by the permission of God▪ as it is to be beleeued▪ for his cruelty used against the Christians. But there was no amendment in him, neither any repentance of that, or of his other villanie [...]: but▪ waxing worse, he again began his intolerable extortions in all the Provinces, which were such and so many, as they became un­peopled, and many places were wholly ruinated and desolate. For, the ordinary Rents (though the summe were incredible) being insufficient to maintain his prodigalities and immense ex­penses▪ The excessive prodigality of Nero. because they cannot be related at large, it shall suffice to make some brief mention ther­of, the better t [...] [...]of the rest. Besides what, without measure, hee consumed in his Buildings and va [...]works; and in the curious work manship of his famous house, which was a matter [...]nestimable; in all the rest, his disorder and excesse was incredible. First, he apparelled himself with most rich attire, and ordinarily consumed at dice and at other games great summs of money. When he went a-fishing (whereto he was much affected) and for his pleasure went to the sea or any river, he commanded the nets to be made of gold-thread, and the cords of most excellent fine silk. In his progresses which he made out of Rome (which were many) besides an infinite number of people of his Court which followed him, he never had lesse than a thousand Wagons drawne with Mules for his Wardrobe, excellently wrought and garnished; and those which led and governed them were apparelled in rich at [...]ire, of gold, silver, cloth of gold and silk; even unto the Mules shooes, which were of silver. Then the games and plaies which hee presented were such and so many, as it cannot bee valued what they might cost: for, besides those which in Rome were ordinary, as, the Sword plaiers, combats, huntings of Lions, Ele­phants, Bears, Panthers, Tigers, and other beasts; the Comedies and Tragedies which in the Theaters and Amphithea [...]ers were represented, and the sports on horseback, and with chariots of diverse forms, in the circuits and places of Rome, which were many and more frequent, and with greater magnificence than ever theretofore; he invented new sports with chariots drawn with Camels, and Elephants with Castles on their backs, with other new inventions & strange devices; which to bring to passe, it behooved a man to compasse the world: as was his Nauma­chie, a fight with Gallies upon the water; making a Lake for that purpose by hand, which they also called Naumachia, drawing water from the Sea to fill the same; and therewith fishes to swim therein, because it should be more naturall and at life. Then, in the donatives which hee threw to the people, for him which could first catch them (which they call'd Missilia) he would Gift [...] given by Nero. not give such as were ordinary, as other Emperours did, of money, birds, and other things of small value: but therewith he commanded rich apparell, gold, silver, rich stones and pearls to be given; and, to increase this in all superfluity, of things which could not be throwne abroad in their kinde, he caused certain Tables to be cast, wherein was set down what hee should have into whose hands they came, in wheat, heards, or slaves; which extended so far as to give he­ritages, fields, houses, ilands, and other matters of great price. By all that which hath bin said, he that will may see his prodigality, and may imagine what his expenses might amount to in o­ther matters. So as this accursed man had no vice wherein hee would not bee extreme; and so would he be in spending and wasting as he was in robbing and spoiling the people: Which his prodigality as it was gratefull and pleasing to the vulgar sort, so I presume it was the cause why they so long endured his tyrannie and wicked disposition.

But, as these things were intolerable, after the eleventh yeer of his Raign many of the prime Noble men of Rome conspired against him: the head and chief whereof was CAIVS PISO (the most Noble man by birth, parentage and vertue, which at that time was in Rome) and, ac­cording Piso conspired against Nero. to his name, this conspiracy was called Pisoniana. But it was discovered before it took effect; and, in stead of the remedy which was hoped for, it opened the way to the Emperours cruelty: for, upon this occasion he put to death so many, and of all sorts, noble and ignoble, as well those which were guilty, as those which he would hould for suspected, as they were with­out number: among whom, died the witty and excellent Poet LVCAN, and his Master SE­NECA; albeit he had sworn to him very devoutly (when-as he often made sute for leave to de­part the Court, and yeelded therewithall his goods into NERO'S hands) that he had no cause to suspect him, and that he would rather lose his owne life, than do him any harm. And fear and flattery were of such power (which things commonly concurre) that the Senate determined to The Senate did sacrifice for the health of Nero. doo sacrifice, and to give solemn thanks unto the gods, for the health and safety of NERO, and his delivery from this conspiracy; and they ordained feasts to be made therefore, and that the Moneth of April should lose his name, and be called NERO; and that there should be a new [Page 73] temple erected to the God of health, and other such like things. After this there was another conspiracie, the captain whereof was a Romane Knight, whose name was VINDEX or VI­NICIVS: but as the diuel would help and support his seruant NERO; so it was also discoue­red, & the confederats were by him brought to their death; and many other vpon that occasion, The Conspirators had their tryall, and pleaded bound in chaines, some freely confessed it; and others added that he was beholding vnto them for it, being impossible to cure him by any other meanes (infected as he was and dishonored with all kinde of impieties) but by death: The children of the condemned were expelled the Citie, and afterward poisoned or starued. After which he grew so fearefull, and therewith so cruell, as from thenceforth his greatest studie and practice was to put men to death, vpon any occasion whether forged or true, according to his phantasie. And so he slew a great number of noble men (as SVETONIVS, and more at large CORNELIVS TACITVS reports.) Being nusled in these cruelties, he forgat not his other vices and lewd exercises; among which one was to come personally into the Theater, and there to contend and striue for the prizes which were giuen to him that best could recite or sing verses and tragedies, and for other rewards of Musicke which were giuen in that time, as if hee had been the poorest Musition or singing man in Rome. And comming one day very merry for a victorie which he had obtained in these Theatrall Iusts and contentions, he took some dis­pleasure against his beloued wife POPPEA: and as he was very proude and ill conditioned, he gaue her a spurne on the bellie, whereof being with childe she fell so sicke as she died; and Nero killed his wife Poppe [...]. he, who was the cause of her death, was exceeding sorry for it. There was no kinde of Alli­ance or Consanguinitie, how neere soeuer, but it felt the waight of his bloudie hand. ANTO­NIA the daughter of CLAVDIVS, refusing after the death of POPPEA to be his wife, hee slue, vnder colour that she went about to conspire against him; and to alter the state. Hee also murthered all others that were in any sort allied vnto him: Among the which, A. PLANCI­VS was one: whose bodie hauing by force filthily abused against kinde before his death, Let my mother now, said he, kisse my successours sweete lips; giuing it out that hee was her deere darling, and that she incouraged him to aspire to the Empire. His sonne in law RV [...]I­NVS CRISPINVS, sonne of POPPEA, being yet very yong; for that it was reported of him, that in game he would play for great places of commande and dukedomes; he gaue charge to drowne him in the Sea, when he should be there fishing. After all this, in the thirteenth yeere of his raigne, the prouinces being no longer able to endure his tyranny, and much lesse the ar­mies which were in them, they began to mutine and to thinke vpon meanes how they [...]ight re­bell against him; as within short space some of them did, which was in the 13. yeere of his raigne. Moued vpon the like occasion; the Iewes rebelled against the Empire, God permit­ting The Iewes re­belled against Nero. that they should be the first, and should continue in their rebellion, for a publike and eui­dent punishment which should be inflicted vpon them, for the putting of our Sauior CHRIST to death. For this warre which was begun against the Iewes, VESPASIAN was appointed Generall, a man very famous both in peace and warre, and who afterwards was made Emperor: he had for his lieutenant (which is the second place after the Generall) his sonne TITVS, who in processe of time was also Emperor. VESPASIAN began this war very resolutely, and it was afterwards one of the most famous that euer was in the world; wherein as shall be declared, the citie of Ierusalem was wholly destroyed. This historie is excellently well written by IOSE­PHVS a Iewish historiographer, who serued in that warre, and was taken prisoner by VESPA­SIAN: and by EGESIPPVS a Iew by birth, but a christian by profession; besides many o­ther authors which treate and write thereof.

VESPASIAN hauing taken some Cities in Iudea; the enuie and hatred daily encreasing a­gainst NERO, with the causes which he gaue of the same, all Nations conspiring to rebell a­gainst him; the prouinces of France, and the legions which were there, began, first chusing IV­LIVS VINDEX for their captain. The newes hereof came to NERO being then in the citie of Naples, whither he went for his vertuous recreations, such as he was accustomed to vse: whereat he seemed not to be much moued, and (as it was surmised) it offended him not, because that thereby he might haue occasion to rob and spoile all the prouinces of France. But the news still encreasing, he began to stand in some doubt, and came to Rome, where he was certified that a part of Spaine called Tarragona, was also risen against him, vvith SERGIVS GALBA proclai­ming himselfe Emperour; vvho vvas a man very famous for hisnoble linage, charges and dig­nities Insurr [...]ction a­gainst Nero. vvhich he had vvorthily executed. Which he did, as some vvrite, being persvvaded thereto by letters from IVLIVS VINDEX vvho (as I novv said) vvas in armes in France.

[Page 74] With these newes of Spaine, the Emperor NRRO was so much troubled, as after that hee had lien a good while (as though he had been dead) without speaking any one word, he rose vp as a man desperate; and tearing his clothes, he knocked his head against the walles, not de­manding, nor receiuing counsell or comfort from those which would haue giuen it him. And this furie being past, he began to take order for the leuying of forces, and to require succors and aides: but he was so much hated of all the world, as no man came very willingly to his seruice; rather perswading one another to the contrarie: Things standing in this state, as NERO busi­ed himselfe about leuying an army, discoursing in himselfe what cruelties and punishments hee might inflict, there came certaine newes vnto him, that the legions which lay vpon the fron­tiers of high Germanie whose captaine was RVFVS VIRGINIVS, were also in armes against him, as well as those of France and Spaine. With this newes NERO lost all courage and hope to defend himselfe: and the Senate and people of Rome were therewith so much troubled, as without any leader, but only of their own meere motion by common consent, they determi­ned Nero despaires of himselfe. to abandon NERO, and refuse to yeeld him any obedience: whereof ensued his death which was shamefull and vile, as he deserued; which was in this manner.

SVETONIVS writeth, that when the newes came of the insurrection of the legions, NERO was at dinner; and that presently when he heard it, he threw the table to the ground, and in de­spair to defend himselfe, taking certaine poison in a boxe of gold, he withdrew himselfe to cer­tain gardens which he had, where he deuised sundrie waies and meanes to escape this present calamitie; sometime thinking to flie out of Italie to the King of Parthia, with whom he was in a great league of friendship euer [...]nce the coronation of his brother TIRIDATES King of Ar­menia; otherwhiles he thought to yeeld himselfe to SERGIVS GALBA, and to craue mercy at his hands: but finding no helpe nor remedie in either (for few were they which repaired vn­him, or came at his calling) he was of opinion to goe forth into the publike places of assembly in Rome, clad in mourning attire, and there to craue pardon for his ill forepassed life; and if they should not grant him to continue in the Empire, yet at the least that they would bestow vpon Nero brought into extreame miserie. him the gouernment of the kingdome of Egypt: and to this effect, were found certain orations already drawne in his closet; but he durst not put this deuice in practise, fearing to be slaine by the people; so great already was the tumult in the Citie. Passing that day and part of the night in these doubts and feares, he laid himselfe vpon his bed, although hee tooke little rest, deter­mining with himselfe the next day to put in execution that counsell which should seeme most profitable. And hauing slept a little, he awoke about midnight, and was giuen to vnderstand that the Cohorts which had the guard of the palace were gone, and had forsaken him. A­mazed at so great an alteration, he sent for certaine of his best and most confident friends to their houses: but as betweene wicked men there is no true friendship, neither was there any due to him, neither had he deserued any, so from none of them hee receiued any good answere: wherfore with some of his seruants, and those very few (protected by the darkenes of the night) he went forth of his palace, and in person went to many of their houses, at none of which they would open the doores, neither giue him any answere: so as hee who within few daies before was feared and adored of all the world; returned sorrowfull, despised, and in feare of all men. And returning to the lodging from whence he came, he found it ransackt and spoil'd euen to the very boxe of poison which he had reserued for his last refuge. Which when he saw, in despair of his life, and desiring to die, he began in great hast to call for a certain sword player which serued him, whose name was SPICILLVS MIRMILON, and commanded him to kill him. And as neither this man, neither any other would doe it, he cried out with a loud voice, saying, Now I perceiue that I haue neither friend nor enemie. And in this furie, he went with a determination to drowne himself in the Riuer Tiber: and making a stand, he asked of those which were with him, where he might hide himself, vntill that he had bethought him what to doe. Presently an enfranchised man of his, named FAON, offered to keepe him secretly hidden in a farme which he had 4 miles from Rome. And so NERO taking this for his last refuge, mounting on horsback, being barefooted and in his shirt and wastcoate, with an old sullied ouerworne cloake cast vp­on him, and so holding a handkerchief before his face, in the darke of the night hee went out of Rome with foure men only, which did beare him company, in the most couert and disgui­sed manner that possibly he could: And with great feare and trouble came to the village vvhither they carried him; and leauing his horsehidden among certaine trees, he vvent co­uertly through certaine Canes and Reedes; and before that hee came to the house vvhither hee vvas to goe, the same FAON vvhich brought him, counselled him to goe into a Caue [Page 75] which was there, where they vsed to dig sand: whereto he answered, that hee would not burie himselfe aliue; in the end he went into the house, creeping in on all foure at a hole which they made through the wall; and coming into a chamber, he cast himselfe vpon a poore bed which was there, and being both hungrie and thirstie, he desired to haue something to eate: but there was nothing to be had but a peece of browne bread and a little water; the bread he would not eate, but he dranke of the water with wonderfull feare and sorrow to see himselfe in that place.

As these things passed with NERO (as I haue said) as soone as it was day, his flight was pre­sently discouered, and the Senate assembled, and by their common consent hee was adiudged an enemy vnto his countrie; and being condemned to die, was commanded to be sought for e­uery The Senate send to seeke out Nero. where: to the execution whereof, the men of war of the Pretorian and Vrban Cohorts, consented by perswasions and promises which were made vnto them. With which newes, the determination of the Senate being published, a seruant to the said FAON which brought NERO to his farme, went out of Rome, to giue him to vnderstand thereof: for he knew the se­cret way. And being come where the Emperour was, hee found him making preparation to kill himself, through the perswasion of those which came with him, seeing that there was no o­ther meanes for him to escape. He hearing the sorrowfull newes of his doome giuen by the Senate, To be an enemy to the State, and that he should be punished More Maiorum, hereupon he demanded what kinde of punishment that More Maiorum was? And when hee vnderstood that a man so condemned was to be stript naked, his head set fast in the stocks, and his bodie scourged with rods to death: He was so terrified therewith, as hee took the poiniards which he had brought thither, and feeling their points and edges, hee made shew to doe that which they had counselled him: but growing fearefull and a coward, hee put them againe into their sheaths, faining that his fatall houre was not yet come. And sometimes he prayed and intrea­ted some one of those which were with him, to kill himself, to the end that he might follow his example: At other times he would reproue himself for his base minde and want of courage, vntill at last hearing the noise of certain horsemen, which by the commandement of the Se­nate came to seeke him, he set a poinyard to his throate, wherewith, with the helpe of one of his seruants, he wounded himselfe, of which wound within a little while after, hee died; ma­king Nero slew him­selfe. such gestures and countenances, as made all those which were present amazed thereat. And so ended the enemy of mankinde, the venom and poison of the earth (for so PLINY cal­leth him) after that he had ruled the Empire fourteene yeeres, and being of the age of two and thirtie yeeres, in the seuentith yeere after the birth of IESVSCHRIST. This NERO was a man of a goodly constitution, neither high nor low, of a faire countenance though somewhat wanton; his eyes greenish, a round visage, reddish haire, with a thick and full neck, he had a great belly and little legges, and was of a sound complexion: for not­withstanding that he was giuen to all vice and excesse, yet in fourteene yeeres that hee raigned, he was neuer but thrise sick.

His death being known in Rome, the ioy which the Senate & people conceiued, was incredi­ble; and all came forth into the streetes to congratulate one with another, with bonnets vpon their heads, which was a signe of libertie; for so did slaues vse to weare vvhen their masters made them free. But vvith all this (as NERO had been a great feaster, a spender, a giuer, and vvas subiect to other vices, vvhich many men loued more then other mens vertues) yet there vvere some vvhich for a long time honored his sepulchre and did ordinarily set flovvers vpon it. And the King of Parthia sent his Ambassadours aftervvards to Rome to confirme the peace and amitie: vvho vvith great instance, earnestly desired that the remembrance of NERO might be held in honour and reuerence. And as vaine and idle people vse to sovve false re­ports; many beleeued that NERO vvas not dead, but that he lay hidden and should returne againe to the Empire, as though he had been enchaunted. Saint AVGVSTINE also in his booke deciuitate Dei saith, that some vvere of opinion that NERO vvas antichrist: vvhich vanity gaue occasion that tvventy yeeres after there rose a man in Asia, naming himselfe NERO, vvhich caused great trouble and alteration, being assisted by the Parthians: although that in truth there remained no house of NERO, neither son nor daughter, adopted or naturall, and he vvas the last Emperor of the house and familie of the CAESARS, founders of the Empire; so In Nero was ended and ex­tinguished the linage of the Caesars. in him ended his linage, notvvithstanding that the name continueth vnto this day.

SVETONIVS writes, that there were many signes fore-shewing the fall and end of CAE­SARS house in NERO, but among the rest there were two most euident: As LIVIA soone [Page 76] after her marriage with AVGVSTVS went to see a farme house of hers, an Eagle soaring ouer her head, let fall a white Hen into her lap, holding in her bill a Laurel branch. And thinking it fit to haue both the fowle kept, and the Laurel set in the ground, behold, of the one there came many chickens all white which multiplied daily; so as the verie house was called Ad Gallinas: And of the other there sprang so faire a row of Bay-trees, as all the CAESARS when they did ride in triumph, gathered from thence their Garlands: and the manner was, when they had tri­umphed, presently to prick downe others in the same place; and it was obserued, that a little before the death of euery one, the tree, by him planted, did also die. But in the last yeere of NERO both bay-trees withered at the roote, and all the Hens died. And soone after the Temple of the CAESARS being strooken with lightning, the heads of all their statues fell downe at once, and AVGVSTVS scepter was shaken out of his hand.

NERO being dead in such manner as we haue declared, to the great ioy (and with a generall consent) of all men, SERGIVS GALBA was created Emperour; who in the time of NERO was nominated and proclaimed by the Armie which was in Spaine; and hee was the first that receiued the Empire from the hands of the Armie, the Senate consenting thereto and approouing the same; hauing no Affinitie or Alliance with the House and Family of the CAESARS, neither by Blood, nor yet by Adoption: For, alwaies vntill this time the Empire succeeded by inheritance and succession from one to another, being either kinsmen by Nature, or else by Adoption. Now to declare the life and fortunes of [Page 77] SERGIVS GALBA before he was Emperour, would require a large discourse; for he came to it at the age of 72. yeers, and enioyed it not one whole yeer: so as seeing that I write an Impe­riall historie, I will not for so short a discourse (as was his raigne) make so long a preamble. Let it suffice for him, and so much as shall appertaine to our historie, to know, that SERGIVS GALBA was of a most noble familie in Rome, descended from the SVLPITII; by surname GAL­BAE, and from other noble and ancient families; wherof, although men speake diuersly, yet he was wont to boast, that by his father he was descended from IVPITER, and by his mother from The Image of Sergius Gal­ba. PASIPHAE, wife to MINOS king of Creta; of whom is reported that notable fable of a Bull. And you shall also know that in his life time he had obtained many Magistracies and dignities in Rome and abroad, whereby he wonne great credit both in peace and warre: for being borne about the 40. yeer of the raign of OCTAVIANVS AVGVSTVS, or within little more or lesse, he liued after in the times of TIBERIVS, CALIGVLA, CLAVDIVS and NERO, and was well knowne and honoured by them all; which could not be, without great wisedome and valour, to support and increase his honour in times of such confusion, and vnder so ty­rannous Princes; although imitating them, he eschued not some of their vices, for which hee was noted and defamed. So as speaking indifferently of this Emperour, we may say, that hee was betweene good and bad, and so it seemeth that CORNELIVS TACITVS noteth him; yet PLVTARCH, who writeth his life grauely and at large, amongst other defects in his raign, saieth the fault vpon the time, and the euill conditions of men in that age, and of GALBA hee treateth as of a good Emperour. And he and others write, that he was learned in the liberall Sciences, and much inclined and giuen to learning and knowledge, particularly in the lawes and Galba, learned in the liberall Arts. customes. He was but once married, and then with a Gentle-woman, whose name was LEPI­DA: who being dead, and two sons which he had by her, he would neuer marrie any more. And this shall suffice for the notice of the person and qualities of GALBA. Now let vs speake of his raigne, which although it were short, yet it was not so in the accidents which happened.

After that GALBA had rebelled in Spaine, in such manner as is said, and that the title of Em­perour was giuen him, and by him accepted; in the meane space vntill NERO died, and a lit­tle before he knew of his death, he was in great trouble and danger: for although that present­ly in the beginning all went well with him, and he tooke a house and held the state of an Empe­rour, taking a guard, and chusing for his councell, with whom he might conferre and consult of matters of importance, certaine of the principall and wisest men of the legion whereof hee had the charge, and had giuen offices and dignities, and the inhabitants of the prouince made their repaire to him to doe him seruice: yet vpon a sodain all was in combustion; for part of the Co­horts began to repent them of what they had done, and were ready to haue abandoned him. And it also happened that a certaine seruant to one of NERO his enfranchised men, hauing been procured thereto, resolued, and mist but a little to haue slaine him, in a passage as he was going to certaine bathes. And aboue all, the death of IVLIVS VINDEX, which then ensued, Newes which put Galba into despaire. troubled him most; who, as we said, rebelled in France, and had induced him to make himselfe Emperor, which VINDEX slew himself, for that his troupes had fought with RVFVS VIRGI­NIVS his forces, who was captain of the legions in Germany which also rebelled; which bat­taile was against the will of both the commanders, and IVLIVS VINDEX his forces being ouercome, and of them 22000 slaine, he therfore killed himselfe.

These newes, being added to the former, did so trouble GALBA, as he was in despair both of the Empire, and of his life. But about this time (for, it was in a manner all at one instant) newes came from Rome of the death of NERO, with certain notice, that the Senate and Pre­torian Cohorts had chosen and accepted of GALBA for Emperor. Which news one ICEL­ [...]VS a Libertine brought him; for which he afterwards did him many favours: and, messen­gers increasing, much people with these tidings repairing to his service, he took his way toward Rome, accompanied with men of warre. And upon the way VIRGINIVS RVFVS, Cap­tain of the Legions in Germanie, sent to yeeld him his obedience, who untill then had shewed himself neutrall, attending the will of the Senate, notwithstanding that he had declared himself against NERO. This old (although new) Emperour, travelling towards Rome (as it common­ly hapneth in things that are done with little consideration) his coming to Rome was nothing so pleasing as his election: for, before him there came certain newes, which gave occasion of dis­contentment, that he was not onely cruell, but also covetous; as Princes are much noted both in their doings and sayings. And it was also reported, that such Cities of Spain and France as had not in time repaired unto him to offer their service and obedience, hee had condemned [Page 78] in great summes of money, and had charged them with great tributes, and that of some of them hee had commanded the wals to bee throwne down, and the Governours to bee put to death. Which reports of his cruelty and covetousnes were confirmed and augmented at his first en­trance into Rome: for, when he would have forced the mariners and sea-men (whom NERO had inrouled in a Legion, and made lawfull souldiers) to return again to their former estate and condition, and they (making refusall) called insolently for their Eagle and other military En­signes; he not onely sent a troop of horsemen among them, who trod them under their feet, but also executed every tenth man. In like manner the Cohort of the Germans, which in former times had been ordained for the guard of CAESAR'S person, and had been alwaies found very trusty and faithfull, he discharged, and sent them home into their Country, without any recom­pense for their service; pretending that they were better affected to CNEIVS DOLABEL­LA, than to him.

Being in Rome, with this secret discontentment, although with publike joy and solemnity, he began to take upon him the administration and government of the Empire, and did some things as a wise and worthy Prince, and took good order to assure himself against those which had re­belled: for, in Africa he caused CLODIVS MACER to be slain, because hee practised to make a combustion in that Country, by the means of TREBONIVS GRATIANVS; and for the same cause he commanded to be slain, in the Frontiers of Germanie, FONTEIVS a cap­tain, whom VALENS FA [...]IVS and CORNELIVS AQVINVS, Lieutenants to the Le­gions in Germanie, slue. And in Rome NEVFIDVS SABINVS, a Prefect, was put to death: who, after NERO was dead, practised to make himself Emperour. Which executions al­though they were not to be blamed, yet they did discontent and grieve many. Also the com­mon people, being affected to the feasts and dissolute sports of NERO, and being accustomed thereto, loved better those his vices, than the antient vertues of GALBA.

The Pretorian and Vrbane Cohorts, seeing that the Emperor GALBA did not performe the promises which were made vnto them, began likewise to murmure; yea and to repent them to haue yeelded him their obedience. They were also much discontented, for that he had brought with him a legion of Spaniards, and lodged them certaine daies in the cittie; where­with they held themselues wronged. But that which made him to be hated and abhorred of all men, were his fauorites, which principally were three; vnequall in conditions and behauiour, Galba hated, and the reason. but equall in power and credit with him: the one of them was called TITVS IVNIVS, and had bin his Lieutenant in Spaine, and then was Consul; the other was CORNELIVS LA­CVS, an infamous man and ill beloued, whom he made Pretorian Prefect, which was the grea­test dignitie and authoritie next to the Emperours; the third was ICELLVS MARCIANVS, who had brought the newes into Spaine of the death of NERO. By the counsell of these men he was gouerned, the short time that his raigne endured. And this was such, as without any constancie or resolute staiednes (as became a Prince) he did things many times one contrarie to the other, according to the will of some of them: so as sometimes he shewed himselfe seuere and rigorous; and at other times slow, remisse and negligent, condemning some vnheard, and pardoning others without any reason, at the instance of those men. And as they for their deserts were ill beloued; so commonly with the Prince which is gouerned, all those which haue not the like authoritie with him, are discontented; by this reason he made himselfe ill beloued. Whereto this was a helpe, that hee sought to moderate and diminish the excessiue gifts and re­wards which NERO was wont to giue without measure or reason, seeking to applie it to his owne benefit, allowing but a tenth part out of it; and with this strict condition, That if any actors vpon the stage, wrestlers or other Champions had sold any such donations formerly giuen vnto them, the same should be taken from the buiers, seeing that the parties who had sold the same, had spent the money, and were not able to repaie it. And to encrease the peoples hatred and discontent, when as they called on him for Iustice, and to haue HALOTVS and TI­GELLINVS executed, the onely men of al NEROS Instruments who wrought most mischief, he saued them from danger, aduancing HALOTVS to a Procuratorship, and rebuking the people for their crueltie against TIGELLINVS.

And besides what is alreadie said, his vnwieldie old age began to be had in contempt, so as euery man durst presume to murmure at him, and to doe any thing against his authoritie. Mat­ters standing vpon these tearms in Rome, those abroade were in as little rest: for seeing that the Armie and prouince of Spaine had made an Insurrection and chosen an Emperour either of en­uie or discontentment, there were in most parts mutinies, factions and desire of alteration, and [Page 79] principally in the Romane armie which was in high Germanie, the captaine whereof was RV­FVS VIRGINIVS before named: for these legions waxing proud, by reason of the victorie which they had obtained against the armie of IVLIVS VINDEX, and making no ac­count of ORDEONIVS FLACCVS, who was their Commaunder, and Lieutenant to VIR­GINIVS; holding themselues for suspected, and in disgrace with the Emperour GALBA, be­cause they were the last that came to his seruice, they determined to bee the first that should leaue the same. And the first day of Ianuarie being come, wherein they did vse to sweare, and to doe homage of fidelitie to the Emperour, they refused to doe it to him, but to the Senate; and The legions in Germany re­fused to doe homage to Galba. sent to the Pretorian Cohorts at Rome, to let them vnderstand, that they would not obey that Emperor who was created in Spain; & that the Senat should chuse such a one whom they thoght fit; whereto they remitted them selues: Yet SVETONIVS saith, they referer this choise to the same Cohorts. The legions in Germanie standing vpon these tearmes, those in low Germanie were as little obedient, whose captaine was VITELLIVS: who hauing sounded the good wil of the souldiers (notwithstanding that hee was sent thither by GALBA, & had receiued that charge from him) through a desire to raigne violating his faith (as IVLIVS CAESAR was wont to say, that for rule it was lawfull to breake any faith) he practised to get the Empire to himselfe. And for as much as he afterwards came to be Emperour, it shall not not be amisse to giue the rea­der to vnderstand what hee was. This VITELLIVS was a man of great reputation and autho­ritie; which hee had gotten in the offices and Magistracies which he had held in Rome, and abroad, in the time of the Emperours CAIVS CALIGVLA, CLAVDIVS and NERO, with all which he had been very priuate, more for his vices, and some abilities of his person, then for any vertues. With CALIGVLA he was in grace, for that he was a great Auriga; for so were they called which had the charge and rule of chariots and waggons: with CLAVDI­VS, for that he was a great gamester: with NERO, for the same, and such like qualities. And besides this, as he was very subtill and cunning, so hee obtained in those times great dignities and offices, of Prefect, of priesthood, and also to be Viceconsul in Africa, which hee wisely ex­ecuted: and in the end GALBA gaue him this command in Germanie; where succeeded that which we will declare. His principall descent was from the familie of the VITELIII; where­of because there are sundrie opinions, some making it very ancient, and others to be of later time, I will make no question thereof: the same happened to his fathers and ancestors; for some said that he was of meane degree. SVETONIVS in his life treateth thereof more at large, to whom I referre the curious reader: for, what is spoken, sufficeth for my purpose, thereby to vn­derstand what shall be said hereafter.

The Emperour GALBA being aduertised of all that had passed in the armies of Germanie' and knowing that besides his age, he was not respected, for that he had neuer a sonne that might succeed him, hee resolued to put in execution what he sometimes before had proiected, which was to adopt and chuse for his sonne, some personage of such age & authoritie, as might be suffi­cient Galba resolues to adopt one to succeede him. and capable of the Empire, & who in his lifetime might protect him, & after his decease succeede him. His fauorites, & such as were priuate with him, vnderstanding this his determi­nation, each of them apart pretended to giue him a sonne of his chusing, so as there arose strife and contention amongst them vpon this occasion. OTHO gaped after it and thought to haue obtained this adoption (it was he, from whom we said, that NERO tooke his wife POP­PEA and sent him into Spaine) alleaging for his desert, that presently after GALBA'S rebellion against NERO, he was the first that came to his seruice. A great part also of the Pretorian and Vrban Cohorts fauoured him (which Historiographers indifferently call the Armie which lay neere to Rome) and most of all TITVS IVNIVS assisted him, who was one of GALBA his fauourits, and was Consul with him that yeere: so as OTHO did assure himselfe that no other should be adopted but hee. But GALBA being fully resolued to that which was most expedi­ent for the good of the common-wealth, without any other respect; and likewise disliking the disposition of OTHO (which sented of NERO'S conditions) he took no regard of what was said vnto him; but vpon a day when no man thought of any such matter, being in the Se­nate, hee tooke PISO LVCINIANVS by the hand, who was a man both wise and vertuous, and in whom did concurre all the qualities and good conditions that might seeme fit and requi­site Piso adopted by Galba for his sonne and suc­ [...]or. for an Emperour: and calling him sonne he adopted him, after the manner then accustomed; and with a great traine, in great pompe, he went with him to the Campe, and made the Armie to sweare obedience vnto him, and to receiue him for CAESAR: which hee did without giuing any rewards to the souldiers, or promising them ought, whereto they were accustomed; but [Page 80] onely made a grave oration with great majesty, after the antient manner: and so it was coldly accepted among them, they performing more with silence, than with any signe of gladnes ey­ther in countenance or in speeches; and with the like coldnes he was accepted by the Senate: for, now Rome was not capable of equity, or the antient integrity. GALBA, having made this adoption, conceived that it would have been the mean to haue preserved and protected his life: but it proved in effect to be the occasion of his confusion and utter ruine. For, OTHO, seeing himself deceived in his hope of adoption, and finding the souldiers well-affected towards him, for the hatred they had conceived against GALBA, resolved to effect his purposes by force and treason: which hee presently practised by all means possible with the Pretorian souldiers, by Otho incites the pretorian Bands against Galba. great gifts, and greater promises which he made unto them. And he so cunningly handled the matter (for, so little faith and loyalty was used in those daies) that in lesse than eight daies hee had plotted his treason; and it was concluded, that they should rebell, and create him Emperor (as they did) with the death of poor old GALBA, which was performed in this manner:

GALBA being with certaine his priuate friends in his palace doing sacrifice; this OTHO being there with him, he stole secretly away from him to a place appointed, where a number of souldiers of the Pretorian Cohorts attended his comming; who took him vpon their shoul­ders, calling him Emperour, and drawing their swords (to giue the greater terror to the peo­ple) went with him towards their campe. This being related vnto GALBA, who doubted not any such matter, it extreamely perplexed him; and as his counsels were sudden, so were they in­constant & variable. For some were of opinion that his best course was to put himselfe in arms, and to go publikely abroad; for with his presence he might haue staid the tumult from procee­ding any further; others, that it were best for him to fortifie himself in the Capitoll, and there to stay till he should see to what issue the matter would grow. The poor old man wavered, and was doubtfull what resolution to take, the messages which were brought him were so diverse: for, some made the matter nothing; and others, very dangerous. In the end, deceived by a false report which they brought him (that the Army had not only refused to receive OTHO for Emperour, but had slain him) he rode armed with his guard, and some others which repaired unto him, even unto the principall place in Rome; where all the people were assembled to see what would be the end of so great a combustion. At that Instant there entred on the other side a great troop of horsemen which OTHO had sent from the Camp (where he was chosen Em­perour) against GALBA, to kill him: who although they cam with that resolution and charge, yet coming within his sight, and knowing him, they stood amazed a pretty while, as doubting what they should doo. At this time was GALBA most perplexed, not knowing whereon to resolve; and the multitude and prease of people was so great about him, as they swaid him som­time to one side, and sometime to the other: and, as it commonly hapneth in such accidents and tumults, that then the counsell is praised and approved when the time is past wherein it might have been put in execution; and, standing irresolute whether he should return to the Palace, or shut himself up in the Capitoll, having had sufficient time for either; now, when he would have done the one or the other, hee could not: For, beeing abandoned by the greatest part of those which did accompany him, they who were sent by OTHO, set upon him, after they had stood a good space doubtfull (as I said) and there slue him. PLVTARCH writes (although some o­thers report it after another manner) that when as those which came to kill him drew neer unto Galba was slain by the direction of Otho, and his head presen­ted unto him up­on the point of a Lance. him, he thrust out his head, to the end they should cut it off; willing them to doo it, if so it were expedient for the Good of the Common-wealth, and of the Roman people. And so it was stricken off, and set on the point of a Lance, and presented to OTHO, and from him was cari­ed up and down the Camp; and his body remained in the place without a head, for any man to tread upon, untill at last it was buried by a bondman of his. And the same day, by OTHO his commandement, was PISO LVCINIANVS put to death, whom GALBA (as I said) had a­dopted for his sonne and successor: and so was TITVS VINIVS also, who was Consul; and others of his Favourites, whose heads were all carried to the Camp to OTHO, whom all men now obeyed for Emperor: and, being laid together with GALBA'S head, every one gloried to have embrued his hands in their bloud. No mans death did OTHO so much rejoyce at, no mans head did hee view and review so unsatiably, as PISO'S; whether hee thought himself then freed from fear and care, PISO being his enemie & concurrent; or that the remembrance of Majesty in GALBA, or acquaintance with VINIVS, had moved him to compassion.

And so ended the life of the Emperor GALBA, having held the Empire onely seven months. His death was in the yeer of our Saviour IESVS CHRIST 71, and 73 of his age. Hee was a [Page 81] man of a good constitution of body, greenish eyed, hauke nosed, very balde: and by reason of the great paine of the gowt wherewith he was afflicted, his fingers and toes were vveake and crooked; he was a great feeder, very incontinent, and giuen to women.

THE Raigne of GALBA (of whom we haue now ended our dis­course) of OTHO, and VITELLIVS his successors, of which we are to treate, were so short, so turbulent, so confused, & got­ten by such wicked and vnlawfull means, as more properly they might be called Tyrants, then Emperours, and so some writers tearme them: neither do they put them in the catalogue of Em­perours; of which are Saint ISIDORH and BEDA. And the great Magician APOLLONIVS THIANEVS, who liued in that time vsed to say, that GALBA, OTHO and VITELLI­VS Galba, Otho, and Vitelliu [...], called Theban [...] Emperours, and compared to Kings vpon a [...]in a [...]ra­gedie. were Thebane Emperours: and the reason was, for that the Thebanes held the Empire a verie small time, and so did these as little the Empire of Rome. PLVTARCH in the life of GALBA, compareth them to Kings in a Tragedie, which last no longer then the time that they are re­presented vpon the Stage. But howsoeuer it was, they obtained the names of Emperours; whe­ther the Senate gaue it them for feare or flattery, I vvill not decide: But passing on with PLV­TARCH; CORNELIVS TACITVS, and the rest which write of them, I say that the same day wherein GALBA was slaine, there vvas no man of any account which went not to the Campe where OTHO was, to yeeld him obedience and to flatter him, as their soueraigne Lord and Emperour, commending the Cohorts, and Army for that which they had done, in putting GALBA to death, and for the election of OTHO.

OTHO was a man very valiant and witty, and was the sonne of LVCIVS OTHO who had bin Consul, of an ancient and honorable familie; and was so like vnto TIBERIVS in his ge­sture Otho his descent. and countenance, that some held him for his sonne. His mother also was of a noble house, and so were her progenitors and auncestors. Hereof writeth SVETONIVS, and PLVTARCH in the life of him: by which and by CORNELIVS TACITVS may be vnderstood what was the course of his life before he came to the Empire, or had the name of Emperour; which in briefe I haue before declared, & therefore hold it needlesse to make repetition thereof. OTHO besides the occasions which he had to rise against GALBA, they write that he had this for one, [Page 82] which was, that an Astrologer which he carried with him when he was sent by NERO into Spaine, did foretell and assure him that he should be Emperour of Rome. Being in the Camp in such manner as before is recited, compassed about with Senators & the principall men of Rome, he came to the Senate; hauing first commanded the Pretorian Prefect of the cittie to assemble the same: where besides the ordinarie blessings and applauses, they gaue him the name of AV­GVSTVS, and all the other titles and preheminences which the other Emperours desired to haue. And hauing there made a briefe Oration, wherein he let them vnderstand that he was com­pelled and forced to take vpon him the charge of the Empire, promising to gouerne the same by the counsell and aduise of the Senate, he went from thence through the middest of the place (which was all bloudie and full of dead bodies) to IVPITERS Capitoll, and thence to the Imperiall Palace: and so was OTHO aduanced to the Empire; who was the first that by the Otho was the first that was made Emperour by the Pretorian Cohorts. Cohorts (which were the Army lodged too neer the City of Rome) was chosen and made Em­perour, and from whom came the custome to create Emperors, after they had forsaken GAL­BA: before which time they were ever the Emperours ordinary guard. This was an accursed and most pernicious introduction for the Roman Empire, and for the Emperours themselves, as experience did afterwards make manifest.

OTHO, to perform his promises, and to make a good beginning and shew of a good Prince, hee commanded much confiscated goods to bee restored to their owners, and to such men as NERO had banished; and did other things in like manner, which were exceeding pleasing to all the people, in such sort, as they took such love and liking to him, that they continued ever­more faithfull unto him untill his dying day, although in truth his life continued but a short time after. While these matters passed in Rome, the Legions and Army, which both in high & lowe Germanie (as I have said) were disobedient to GALBA, their Captain VITELLIVS having by gifts and promises purchased their favour and good will, after some treaties (which TACITVS and PLVTARCH describe at large) concluded to create him Emperour, and Vitellius made Emperour by the Legions in Germany. (without attending the will and pleasure of the Senate) they made him so: so as in a manner, at one instant, OTHO was advertised thereof, and VITELLIVS knew what passed in Rome.

The German Legions, presuming that VITELLIVS (whom they had chosen) should con­tinue Emperour, pretending that they had as great authority to create an Emperour as the Le­gions in Spaine; the Senate in like manner, the Cohorts, and army at Rome pretended to haue the supreme power, & that in them rested the absolute authoritie to choose and create the Em­perour, which was OTHO only. And although that OTHO by this meanes seemed to haue the greatest interest and best title: yet whether his guiltie conscience did put him in feare, or that it grieued him to thinke of the euils which were likely to ensue (as he afterwards shewed) he sought meanes by letters & messengers to come to a composition and agreement with VITEL­LIVS; but nothing was concluded: and the dissension daily increasing betweene them, either partie made preparation for the warres. And certaine tidings being brought that VITELLI­VS his forces came marching towards Italy, vnder the conduct of two Captaines, whose names were VALENS and CECINNA (VITELLIVS remaining behind them attending more aid) OTHO departed from Rome with a faire and well ordered army, of all the Romane No­bilitie, the Pretorian Cohorts, and the Legions which were in the Nauies by sea vpon the coast of Italy, which he sent for to that effect, and such others as he then could leuie: and in this ma­ner he marched from Rome verie mightie in number of men, though not much accustom'd or train'd vp to the warres, leauing FLAVIVS SABINVS, brother to VESPASIAN, for gouer­nour, who (as is said) followed the warres against the Iewes, and so he continued his iourney against VITELLIVS, whose forces were alreadie come to the Alpes, to the number of 70000 men, whereof fortie thousand were commaunded by VALENS, and the rest by CECINNA, VITELLIVS remaining in France expecting the remainder of those in Germany, and the Legi­ons of Britanny which also came to do him seruice. These two Armies drawing neere the one to the other, the ciuill war began betwene them, and was very cruell in many parts: or to say better, that warre was prosecuted which was begun betweene GALBA and NERO▪ Rome for a good Warre be­tweene Otho and Vitellius. space had not bin infested with any ciuill dissensions, although it escaped not free from sundrie calamities, by reason of the wicked Princes which raigned there; by which meanes the present miseries which were very great, brought the battailes fought betweene MARIVS and SILLA, IVLIVS CAESAR and POMPEY, AVGVSTVS and MARCVS ANTONIVS, and others which depended thereon, into remembrance; with which these whereof we now treate may well make comparison, both for alteration in estates, for number of men, and effusion of bloud; [Page 83] I cannot say whether for continuance of time, in countries and prouinces, or no: for after these warres began, there died by the sword foure Emperours (as it hath bin, and shall be declared) Foure Emperors slain in the civill wars. which which were NERO, GALBA, OTHO and VITELLIVS, besides VINDEX, and other Noble-men which were slain; and besides VINDEX Legions, which (as we said) were overthrowne in France, there were great encounters and battels fought, and extreme cruelties committed. And these warres lasted untill VESPASIAN came to bee Emperour, no part of the Empire remaining free from this fury; whereof I can set down but the summe and most no­table accidents which hapned therein.

OTHO, coming to the City of Brixellum, upon the side of the River Po, remained there, sen­ding his Forces before him, under the conduct of good Captains; who were ill obeyed by their souldiers, being growne proud for that they had made an Emperour; imagining, that no man ought to have the command of them. The like want of obedience was in VITELLIVS Ar­my, and for the same reason: and, the warres waxing cruell between these two Commanders Battels betwixt Otho and Vi­tellius. and their Armies, they made such haste, as leaving apart the great skirmishes and other encoun­ters, there were within fewe daies space two or three notable battels fought betwixt them: one of which was neer to the City of Placentia; the other, neer to Cremona; and the third neer to a place called Castor, in which were slain a very great number of men: and in all these three bat­tels OTHO his Captains and the Romans had the better, although that of either side the word was, Rome and the Empire.

After which, VALENS and CECINNA, who were VITELLIVS Lieutenants (which untill then had made warres apart) joined their Forces together, reinforcing their Armies with new souldiers and supplies; determining to set up their whole rest in one battell, if the enemie would give it them. At that time (as PLVTARCH reporteth) OTHO, very joyfull for the victories obtained by his Captains, came to his Army at Bebriacum (where then it lay) neer unto Cremona; and, seeing that his enemies (notwithstanding they had been put to the worse, and were routed) made shew to desire to fight again, took counsel whether that of his part he should doo the like or no. The greatest part, and wisest men, were of opinion, that he should prosecute the warres without hazarding any battell; for that his enemy endured want of many things, and with their losses past had likewise lost much reputation; and many Countries were revolted from VITELLIVS, and held for OTHO: besides that, VITELLIVS could send them little relief; and, on the contrary, his Army was well provided of all things necessary, and Rome and all Italie were wholly at his devotion. And, besides all this, the Provinces of the East stood firm for him; and the Legions in Servia, Bulgaria, Hungarie, and Austria, were upon the way coming to his aid: so as he had no reason so often to tempt his fortune, and therefore hee ought to weary his enemy by delaies, or else to stay for greater power; wherein there was no doubt of victory. But those which were haughty, and desirous to fight, alleaged many reasons to the con­trary; that he ought not to lose the occasion, and the good successe of fortune, neither to suffer VITELLIVS to come to his Army, and to free it from the fear wherein it was; with many other reasons, to the end a battell might be given. And OTHO, being inclined thereto, appro­ved it, and commanded the same to be put in execution: for, in truth, hee did so much abhorre the war, as he held it for a lesse evill to lose the victory, than long to stand in suspense. And be­ing resolved upon this counsell, he returned to Brixelle: for, it was agreed, that hee should not personally bee in the battell; and so his Army went to seek VITELLIVS his Forces, which were not farre off. And, as of either party they were desirous to fight, so they came to a battell; where, in the beginning, OTHO his Army was deceived by a shew of peace which his enemies made: whereupon they gave the charge very slowely, and Authors report the manner thereof very diversly, as it useth to happen in the like accidents: but all affirm, that both the one and the other fought valiantly, saving the Pretorian Cohorts, which were those in whom OTHO re­posed his chiefest trust; through whose default and cowardise, OTHO lost the battell, and VITELLIVS was Victor, and (with great slaughter of his adversaries) became Master of the Field.

OTHO his Captaines with such others as by flight escaped from the battaile, retired them­selues to their campe, and fortified the same, in hope to haue been relieued by their Emperour; notwithstanding that many fled to sundry parts: but he, hearing the newes of the ouerthrow of his Armie, brought by those which fled vnto him: And among the first that brought this disastrous newes was a common Souldier, who when he reported the ouerthrow of the Army, and could purchase no credit, but was taxed with vntruth, and that he had runne away through [Page 84] feare and cowardise, he fell vpon his owne sword, at OTHOES feete: at which sight he cried out: That he would no more draw such valiant souldiers, and so well deseruing, into danger. Notwithstanding he knew that in the campe there were sufficient forces, and that he had opor­tunitie to temporize, and to stay for the legions which came out of Missia, Hungary, Austria and Dalmatia to his aid, and were neere at hand: yet he regarded not any of those helps, but with his owne hand resolued to end the ciuill warres, which as it passed (for that it is a notable acti­on, although I shall be somwhat tedious) I will declare as PLVTARCH and TACITVS write it, and SVETONIVS TRANQVILLVS also after the report of his owne father, who was then present, which was thus. The heauie tidings of this ouerthrow being published, all thosewhich were in the citie) which were many and very good men, and the greatest part of the Senate of Rome) came to OTHO his lodging, fearing and suspecting that which afterwards ensued, by reason of that which they had vnderstood by him before: all which with shew of great courage offered to die for his seruice, and endeuoured to animate and comfort him: but all this (notwithstanding that he knew a great part of his armie yet remained, and that more forces were comming vnto him, and that there wanted neither courage in his souldiers, nor meanes to continue the warres) sufficed not to alter his resolutions; so much did he abhorre ci­uill discord and contention. And giuing answere to all the reasons & perswasions which they vsed vnto him, he made vnto them a very notable Oration, signifying, that hee would neuer Otho his Oration. haue begun the warres against VITELLIVS, but in hope of peace, which he had sought and procured before he took Arms; and that he had no use for those legions and forces which they said came to his aid, seeing that his enemy was neither HANNIBAL nor PYRRHVS, or any other common enemy to the people of Rome; but Romans themselves, and the Lords thereof: so as the Conquerers and Conquered did wrong their Countrey if they contended any longer, seeing that the joy of the victory was to the losse and prejudice thereof: And that hee could no way so much advance the Roman Empire by winning battels in war and contention, as by ma­king a sacrifice of himself for the peace thereof, seeing that by his death onely a generall union and concord would ensue: wherefore he was content that VITELLIVS should bee Empe­ror without any more bloudshed, and he desired no revenge nor rule, to the ruine of his Citi­zens, neither to diminish the Common-wealth by the losse of such Armies; and that as others had purchased honour and fame by well-governing and supporting the Empire, so hee would likewise procure himself a good name by leaving it resolutely, to the end hee would not damni­fie it. And, finally speaking these words, and giving other good reasons, permitting and per­swading all those which were with him to go and serve VITELLIVS; night being come, he retired himself to his chamber: where he commanded all his money and jewels to be taken out, which he divided among his servants and friends. Which although they would not accept, yet Otho diuided his money and Iewels amongst his seruants and friends. he commanded them to go to their rest: and he did the like, laying first the sharpest of two Ra­piers which he had, under his beds head: and, being laid in his bed, he slept part of the night, in presence of those which were in his chamber, the door standing open; and, awaking about the break of the day, and seeing one of his servants remaining, hee commanded him to goe forth. And, then presently taking the Rapier in his hand, he thrust himself under the left side with such force as the wound was mortall, giuing one only groane, which was heard by his seruants, who hastily ran vnto him, and found him striuing with death, and died presently vnder their hands. By Otho slew himselfe. those which were present, & such as presently repaired thither from all parts of the citie to him, there was so great lamentation made for him, as it semed the heauens had rent asunder: so much was this man beloued in so few daies. And his bodie was presently burned, according as the custome then was. And so ended the Emperour OTHO manfully and resolutely, according to the opinion and law of the Romanes: scarcely foure moneths after that he had vsurped the Em­pire, in the 38. yeere of his age, and the 71. after the birth of CHRIST, leauing after him neither sonne nor daughter. He was a man but of a small stature, and had crooked feet; but he was so neat and curious in attiring himselfe, as the care which he tooke therein, was more besee­ming a woman then a man. He euer ware a periwig, and suffered no iot of his beard to grow, shauing it euery day, and so vsed such other eff [...]inate toyes, much dissonant from the manly resolution which he shewed at his death. Manie of his soldiers which were about him, when with abundance of teares they had kissed his hands and feet as he lay dead, and commended him for a valiant man, and the onely Emperors that euer was, presently slew themselues neere vnto his funerall fire. And manie which were absent, hearing of his end, (opprest with greefe) slew one another. Finally, manie who in his life cursed and detested him, being now dead, highly [Page 85] commended him, so as it was an ordinarie speech, That GAL [...]A was not slaine by him for that he affected Soueraigntie, but because he desired to restore the Common-wealth to her lost libertie.

The newes of his death & of the victorie was brought to his enemie VITELLIVS in France: who hauing intelligence of the losses which his captaines had receiued, was comming with all the forces that he was able to make, to ioyne with them, and to reinforce the armie. In those daies, LINVS who was S. PETERS successor, held the chiefe seate in the Church of Rome, where there was a Church and congregation of Christians, which made their prayers to God for those vvhich persecuted them.

AS the contention for the Title of Emperor continued betwixt OTHO and VITELLIVS, as by that which is already said may be understood; OTHO being dead, all yeelded to VI­TELLIVS: which hapned in this manner; The great la­mentation made for the death of OTHO being ended, all the men of warre, both Legionarie and Pretorian, with all the rest, made repair to the lodging of VIRGINIVS, who had been Commander of the German Legions, who fought against VINDEX his Army when they both made a muti­nie against NERO. And, being all assembled together, they entreated him to take upon him the name of Emperour; of­fering him their service, and to die in the action; and if that hee pleased not to accept thereof, yet at the least that hee would be their Ambassador to VALENS and CECINNA, and obtaine their pardon of them. VIRGINIVS RVFVS, who was a wise and valiant man answered them vvith the best vvords he could deuise, alleaging that to him it seemed follie to accept of the Empire from the hands of those which were ouercome, hauing refused the same of the Germane Legions, which now were victors, when in the life of NERO they had offe­red it him. And as concerning the ambassade which they requested him to performe for them, he gaue them a doubtfull and vncertaine answere, still putting them in hope, vntill that he was gotten into his lodging, and out againe at a backe dore, and so retyred to a secret place where hee hid himselfe vntill that furie was past. But a certain man of note whose name was RVERIVS [Page 86] GALLVS, afterwards accepting of that iourney, went to VITELLIVS his Captaines to treate thereof; and peace and pardon was graunted, as well to these men as to the armie ouer­come neere Bebriaco, and so all came to the obedience of VITELLIVS in his absence. The like was done by part of the Senate which came with OTHO, and was then in Modena. And in Rome, when as the death of OTHO was known, FLAVIVS SABINVS (being Prefect of the citie) assembled the Senate, who conforming themselues to the time (which was now to pro­fer seruice and to flatter) with the accustomed solemnity proclaimed VITELLIVS for Em­peror, giuing him the title of AVGVSTVS, and Pater patriae, with other honourable titles and Vitellius con­firmed Empe­rour by the Se­nate. Epithetes, resoluing to giue great thanks, and to commend the Armie for that which was done. The newes of all this came to the new Emperor VITELLIVS in France vpon the coast of I­taly: which how pleasing it was to him, may easily be imagined; wherwith he hastened his way with admirable pompe and pride, his soldiers in all the cities as they passed, committing many disorders and insolencies.

The German Legions which were in Italy, grown proud through the victorie which they had obtained, and for that they vvere the Authors of VITELLIVS his Empire, committed outrages neuer seene nor heard of in that countrie before, vvhereof the spoils and losse vvhich the people sustained vvas inestimable, as TACITVS and SVETONIVS report: And VI­TELLIVS, coming full of pride for his victorie into Italy, either could not, or vvould not reme­die these disorders. And that in some sort he might seem to doe iustice and shevv himselfe a Iusticer, he caused all the Pretorian Cohorts, vvhich had been actors about the death of GAL­BA, and making of OTHO Emperour, to be disarmed and depriued of the name and honor of Souldiers, and commaunded their armes to bee taken from them, and one hundred and twentie of the most guiltie he condemned to death; and being sought and found out, a iust sen­tence was executed vpon them, if it had proceeded from a iust Iudge. VITELLIVS, thus mar­ching towards Rome, desired to see the place where his Captaines obtained the victorie against OTHO his Armie: and being but fortie daies after the same, the fields lay full of dead bodies which were yet vnburied; and as many of those which were with him could not endure the euill smell thereof, the cruell tyrant reprooued them, saying, That there was no sweeter sent in the world, then the smell of an enemie when he is dead, and especially of a citizen: A The cruell speech of Vitellius. speech doubtlesse very inhumane and cruell; the which is written to be abhorred, and ought to be read with the like affection.

VITELLIVS being come to Rome, as vpon the way many scandals and outrages were cō ­mitted by the sundrie nations which came with him, with infinite robberies and spoiles done in the countrey; so was his entry into the citie fearefull and terrible: for he entred into it as into an enemies countrey which had beene conquered, mounted vpon a great horse, clad in militarie and warlike habiliments; the Senate and people of Rome going before him as though that he had Vitellius his entrie into Rome. triumphed ouer them; compassed about with standards, with the Eagles, and sundrie other en­signes, and his whole Army both of foot and horse, armed in the best armour and furniture that could be gotten. In this manner he went to the Capitoll to make his prayers to IVPITER, and afterwards he went in the same manner to his Palace: and the next day commanding the Senate to be assembled, he came thither; where he made a fit speech, magnifying with little wit or dis­cretion his acts and aduentures, and promising great goodnes of himselfe; and by them was humblie answered, obeyed and honoured as Emperour, and their soueraine Lord.

Departing from the Senate and taking his way towards his palace, all the people of Rome (being accustomed to flatter and to make offers of their seruice) met him, making shew of great ioy, applauding and blessing him: and as new accidents euer bring good hopes, so all were of opinion that▪ VITELLIVS would proue a good Emperour. These first solemnities being ended, he made himself presently to be chosen high Priest, and perpetuall Consul; and took to himself certain dignities, such as he thought good, and commanded that Magistrates should be chosen for ten yeers before hand: so absolutely and tyrannously purposed he to have usurped all things, if time would have suffred him. And, thinking by his industry to have prolonged his life, he banished out of Rome and all Italie all the Iudiciall Astrologers called Mathematicians, because they had said, that his Raign should not continue one yeer compleat. And hee was so Vitellius banished the Mathematicians from Rome. incensed against them, as, if Information were made against any one, hee presently put him to death without hearing the Partie. Presently after the making of his Edict for their banishment by the first of October, there was a Writing set vp in the open market place, to this effect: Wee give warning by these Presents unto VITELLIVS GERMANICVS, that by the Calends [Page 87] of the said October, he be not extant in any place wheresoever. After this, falling to his old hu­mors and licentious inclination, he began to giue himself to the practices and vices of NERO, and such like; which were plaies and dishonest sports upon Theatres, with publike feasts: wher­in he consumed an infinite treasure, desiring to make the beginning of his Empire acceptable and pleasing. In which time he made so great banquets, as never any Emperour had done the like before him: at which, was given to his guests (which were a great number of people) such things as never were thought or heard of; wherein he spent in estimable summes. SVETONI­VS writes, that he sometimes commanded one, and sometimes another, to invite him: in which feasts they spent at the least ten thousand crowns. But, above all others, one supper was most stately, made by his Brother the day he entred into Rome; at which there were two thousand choice Fishes, and seven thousand Fowle. At which supper, to make it more magnificent, hee did consecrate a Charger of a huge capacity, and called it MINERVA'S Shield: in the which were the Livers, Brains, and Tongues, of rare Fowles; with the spawn of Mullets, which hee had caused to be fisht from the Carpathian Sea to that of Spain.

During these pleasures (and afterwards) hee executed great cruelties; in such sort, as, if his Raign had lasted long, he would have made himself equall with NERO, whom hee did imi­tate: for, he did put many to death contrary to all law and equity, seeking forgeries and false accusations against them; with some of which he had held strict friendship and familiarity: one of which, coming to visit him being sick, and calling for a little water to drink, he with his own hand cast poison into the cold water, and poisoned him. At another time he commanded two yong men being brothers to be slain, for no other cause, but because they came to intreat him to pardon their father, whom hee had condemned to die. And on a time a Roman Knight be­ing Cruelties com­mitted by Vi­tellius. caried by his commandment toward the place of execution, he commanded him to be staid, because he said he had nominated him for his heir by his Will and Testament: and seeing his Will, and finding that jointly with him he had made a bondman of his, whom hee had enfran­chised, his heir with him, he commanded him to be slain, and the poor Libertine also, without any other occasion. An Vsurer, coming to salute him, and to doo his duty, he delivered him to the executioner to be put to death; and presently called for him back again: But when-as the standers-by commended him for his clemency, hee commanded the Partie to bee slain before his face; saying, that he would feed his eyes. Hee also used the like cruelties upon some poor and mean people; of which upon a time he commanded a great number to be slain, for no other occasion, but for that in certain sports which were used on horseback, and in chariots (wherein were sundry men apparelled in sundry colours) they took part with those which were clad in green, which was called the Prasian faction; hee being affected to the contrary colour, which they called Venetian, which was grey: which two colours and factions (although there were white and red also) were the chief among all the rest. And amongst these colours the good li­king and favour of the Roman people was so diuided, as this affection extended it self euen to the Emperours themselves: as, now to VITELLIVS, who fauoured the grey colour; as NE­RO and CALIGVLA before him had affected the green: and sometime (as it shall be heeraf­ter declared) about these vanities there followed great riots and murthers.

These and other such like cruelties and tyrannies committed VITELLIVS in Rome, and some of his Captains and Fauourites did no lesse: for, hauing obtained the victory, euery one reuenged himself on him whom he hated; and sometime they fained displeasures, thereby to haue a colour under which they might rob and spoil the innocent: such are the fruits of ciuill war. Besides this, the violences and opressions which were committed in Rome were very great, and in the marches thereof by the men of war which he brought with him, and were lodged in the Country, staying to see him settled in the Empire.

While-as VITELLIVS made so ill a beginning in the City of Rome, suffering himself to be led and governed by Libertines, and such as were odious to all men; after that Italie, Spain, France and Africa, were come to his obedience; in the East the Legions which were there for the defence thereof, although that in the beginning they refused not his Command, yet they presently did beginne to mutine, and very shortly after resolued to make VESPASIAN their Emperour, who at this time (as is aforesayd) made warre against the Iewes, which began about the end of the raigne of NERO; They hauing rebelled, beeing abused with an olde fa­bulous Prophecie, which they did constantly beleeue, That by the appointment of the destinies about such a time ther should come some out of Iurie, who should be Lords of the whole world: but the euent did shew it was meant by the Roman Empire. The issue therof passed in such manner as followeth. [Page 88] VESPASIAN, who for his worthy acts in his life past, was much esteemed, in this war gained greater estimation: for he obtained many victories, and besieged and took many cities in Iudea, and PALESTINA; vntill that at last being readie to besiege the cittie of Ierusalem, the Empe­ror NERO died: and vnderstanding of his death, and being doubtfull what would ensue, he continued the warre for a space, vntill he might see who should succeede in the Empire: and knowing that GALBA preuailed, he took no care to proceede any further or to oppresse the cittie, but preserued what he had gotten, & kept the enemie in awe, obseruing what course the new Emperor would take: and so he sent his sonne TITVS to Rome, to treate of this busi­nes, and to offer him his obedience. Who being hindred by contrarie weather, when he came to the coast of Achaia in Gracia, he was aduertised that GALBA was slaine by the direction of OTHO; wherefore he held it for his best course to returne to his father, and so he did: and as OTHO his raigne continued but foure moneths as is aboue said, and in the same followed the ciuill warres betweene him and VITELLIVS, VESPASIAN continued as nowter al­though that he acknowledged OTHO for Emperor, vntill that VITELLIVS obtained the victorie, and OTHO was slaine; which was nothing pleasing to him, neither to the Captaines in the East, neither to their armies, for the dislike they had that so vicious a man as VITEL­LIVVS should be Emperour: and so that day wherein they sware fealtie to their new Empe­ror, with the accustomed solemnitie, in presence of VESPASIAN (CORNELIVS TACI­TVS writeth) that the Legions performed it with great silence and heauines. And VESPASI­AN prosecuting the warre with great honour and fame, and hauing now resolued to besiege the citie of Ierusalem; the murmuring and discontentment so much increased against the new Em­perour VITELLIVS, aswell in the armie which VESPASIAN commaunded, as in those in Syria, in Egypt, and other ordinarie Legions in the East; as they all fixed their eies vpon VES­PASIAN, resoluing to create him Emperour against VITELLIVS: whereto was a great helpe, the certaine newes which came that the Legions in Mysia and Pannonia, had the same re­solution: for (as is before related) they came to the aide of OTHO when his armie was de­feated, and he slew himselfe: and continuing in the same resolution, they disobeied VITEL­LIVS, desiring and nominating VESPASIAN for Emperor. In such sort as vpon these moti­ons, there passed some messages and letters betweene TIBERIVS ALEXANDER, who was gouernour of Egypt, and LICINIVS MVCIANVS gouernour of Syria; who conclu­ded that VESPASIAN should be Emperour, although that he refused it. And this matter being begun by TIBERIVS ALEXANDER, who was gouernour of Egypt, in the citie of Alexandria; VESPASIAN was in his absence proclaimed Emperor, and al the Army confirmed the same with great applause, doing their accustomed homage: which happened the first day of Iuly in the seauentie and two yeere after the birth of CHRIST. And this was accounted Vespasian made Emperor, which [...]e re [...]ling, was com­pelled to accept thereof by whom and in what manner. for the beginning of the raigne of VESPASIAN; and within eight daies or little more or lesse his Armie did the like, entreating him first to accept thereof: and he refusing and gainesaying it (as EGESIPPVS and IOSEPHVS doetestifie) they forced and compelled him with their drawne swords threatning to kill him if he refused the same. Hauing accepted thereof and per­formed all the solemnities requisite in so great an accident, VESPASIAN as a valiant and ex­cellent prince, with the like wisedome and valour as he had liued being a subiect, began to shew himselfe a Lord; and to prouide for all things with great authoritie and iudgement, sending Ambassadors, and writing letters to all parts of the world.

And within few daies after this, all the armies and prouinces of the East came to his obedi­ence and seruice; and the like in Europe did those of Mysia, Bulgaria, Seruia, and those of Hungarie and Austria then called Pannonia; and also those in Slauonia, then called Dalmatia and Illiricum, whose auncient names I will sometime vse vntill such time as they shall lose the same. The like I haue done and will doe in most of the prouinces of the Empire. All things happening so pros­perous and luckily to VESPASIANVS, hauing resolued with MVCIANVS gouernour of Syria, TIBERIVS ALEXANDER gouernour of Egypt, and with his owne sonne TITVS what was best to bee done, it was decreed that TITVS should continue the warres against the Iewes; that MVCIANVS with the greatest part of the Legions, should with all speede take his iourney for Italie; and that VESPASIAN should goe to Alexandria in Egypt to make proui­sion Antonie cap­taine of the Legions in Sla­uonia came into Italie against Vitellius. from all parts, and with a greater power passe ouer into Italie, there to make an end of the warre, if it were not before hand finished by MVCIANVS. This being concluded, it was commanded to bee presently put in execution. But while as LICINIVS MVCIANVS was trauelling towards Italie, ANTONIE, who was Generall of the Legions in Illyricum and Dal­matia, [Page 89] hauing intelligence of what had passed, desiring to doe VESPASIAN some great ser­uice, and to shew the hatred which he bare against VITELLIVS, marched in great hast with his Leigons, and such as he could leuie in Mysia and Pannonia, and came to make warre in Italy against the Emperour VITELLIVS, who was in armes.

Of the election of VESPASIAN and of other things (as we haue said) and of euery parti­cular which had passed, within few daies VITELLIVS had aduertisement, who spent his time in Rome in banketting and riot, although that he could not long enioy the same. And desi­rous to make resistance against so great forces, he began to leuie the greatest power he was able, besides those which he had alreadie, the which he yet had not discharged: and knowing with what haste and resolution ANTONY commander of Illiricum came forwards; without staying for LLCINIVS MVCIANVS, who came with as great speede, he sent VALENS and CE­GINNA his Captaines before named, who had serued him in the warre against OTHO, with so great an armie and power, as seemed sufficient to make head both against him and LICINI­VS MVCIANVS. He also prouided extraordinarie fleets and Captaines for the Seas. Thus the warre begun, but it would be too long to repeate all the particular accidents which happened: the effect was, that the two armies approching the one neere to the other, there grew a iealousie that CECINNA one of VITELLIVS Captaines practised some agreement with VESPA­SIANS Commanders: which being knowne in the armie, he was slaine by the old souldiers▪ ANTONY hearing this, as he had a great desire to fight before that MVCIANVS should come (after sundry great encounters and skirmishes, which hapned betweene them) came to a maine battaile with the Vitellians, neere to the Citie Cremona: which was fought with such furie, and was so bloudy and cruell, that of ANTONY his side vvho vvas Conqueror, there vvere slaine A cruell bat­taile. 4500. men, and of the Vitellians, vvho vvere ouercome aboue 30000.

This great victorie being obtained, Italy, which vntill then had been vvholly at the deuotion of VITELLIVS and took his part, vvas suddenly diuided, and many Cities sided vvith VES­PASIAN. It is an admirable thing, and vvorthy of an excellent History, to recite the acci­dents which hapned within few dayes, and the cruell vvarre vvhich CORNELIVS TACI­TVS vvriteth more at large then any other, the vvhich I cannot relate for breuities sake, which I obserue. But the issue vvas, that VITELLIVS Captaines, vvho vvere ouercom & escap't from the battaile, reinforcing their Army, and gathering together their Souldiers, made what resi­stance against VESPASIANS Captaines they vvere able, although they vvere not of force to stop their passage to Rome, as hereafter shall be declared. For, ANTONY being Victor, with the same greatnes of mind, and expedition vvherwith he began the war, endeuoured to obtaine the victory, seeking means to put it in execution. As soone as VITELLIVS, being in Rome, was giuen to vnderstand of the ouerthrow of his armie, affrighted with such newes (although that hee neuer gaue ouer his vices and beastly courses) he made election of new Captaines, which were IVLIVS PRISCVS and ALPHENVS VARRO, who with thirteene Cohorts should guard the passage of the Appennine mountaines; & should also seeke to stop ANTONY his passage for Rome, and MVCIANVS also, who as it as is said, was alreadie arriued in Italy. And of the rest of his forces which he held for the guard of the cittie, he made his brother LV­CIVS VITELLIVS Generall, and vsed all possible meanes to leuie men of all sorts. But the successe was such, as feare made VITELLIVS desire to come to some composition and agree­meent howsouer: And being offered by letters from ANTONY, who was victor, and also from MVCIANVS that if he would quietly resigne the Empire, his life should be graunted him, and a place with meanes sufficient for his maintenance; thereto he gaue eare and took A compositio [...] offered to [...], co [...] ­nally that he should resigne the Empire. counsell thereupon, with FLAVIVS SABINVS, VESPASIAN his brother, who in all these troubles remained in Rome, and neuer withdrew himselfe from VITELLIVS, hauing also with him DOMITIANVS, VESPASIANS youngest sonne, who afterwards was Empe­ror: and it was concluded in the temple of IVNO; where he sware and promised to renounce the Empire, and would presently haue put it in effect, as he twice protested openly: so great was his feare. But those which were of greatest authoritie about him did so much oppose it, and chiefly the Pretorian Cohorts, as hee took heart againe, and altred his determination.

Which when FLAVIVS SABINVS vnderstood (to whose house were drawne together a great number of the chiefest noble men of Rome, as to his brother whom they made account should be Emperor) he was much moued therewith. And knowing that in the behalfe of VI­TELLIVS there came some to murther him in his house, being induced thereto by those which were with him, he went forth of his house with strong hand, although with lesse power [Page 90] then was requisite for so great an action, and retyred to the Capitoll (which was the chiefest strength of Rome) and seised on the same, where he was presently besieged by VITELLIVS his friends. And as it commonly happeneth, Many will giue honourable and graue counsell, but there are few will thrust themselues into danger, neither lend their hand to put it in execu­tion: so, few of those which had perswaded him to enter into this action, came to his aide, or made any repaire vnto him. The next morning he was assaulted with great furie; in the defence whereof was no good order, but rather little agreement: and as in such misfortunes and disa­sters it happeneth, all will direct and command, but few will execute; so as by the meanes of ill fighting and worse direction, the Capitoll was by force entred and burned, and all those which were therein, slaine, and FLAVIVS SABINVS taken prisoner, who within a little while after was put to death by the commandement of VITELLIVS; and yong DOMI­TIANVS his nephew and sonne to VESPASIAN, escaped by flight, and so might SABI­NVS haue done that night (as CORNELIVS TACITVS reporteth) if he would haue come forth of the Capitoll: for there was no sufficient guard to haue hindred him: but he with too little iudgement, and too much presumption was lost, as is said.

After the death of SABINVS, VITELLIVS hearing that ANTONY drew neer to Rome with his forces, he again began to seek some agreement; and to that end sent letters and messen­gers unto him: and he grew so fearfull and dejected, as hee sent the vestall virgins, who were virgins enclosed like Nuns in a Cloister; which was the most religious and most ceremoniously guarded of any thing in Rome. But ANTONY, beeing incensed for the death of SABINVS, would give no ear to their words, neither come to any composition; but kept on his way untill he came neer Rome, where VITELLVS his Forces attended him, resolutely determining to defend themselves. So there being, both without and within, a very great number of the best souldiers in the world, ANTONY assailed it in three parts, and VITELLIVS his people sal­lied out against him in as many; and there began at each of them one of the most cruell fights in the world: which CORNELIVS TACITVS describes excellently well; affirming, that it lasted the greatest part of the day. And, in the end, that City (which was the Head and Lady of the world) was taken by those which were her owne natural Subjects; and they which were Rome entred, taken, and sack­ed, and by whom subdued endured that which in like cases hapneth, and much more; as, slaughters, spoilings, violences, and extreme disgraces, as against enemies whom they deadly hated for the death of SABINVS, for that he was their Lords Brother, and for the obstinacy and fury wherwith they had fought.

When VITELLIVS saw that the City was entred, thinking to escape by flight, hee went forth of his Palace; and, finding no safe way (I knowe not with what hope) he returned thither again; and, finding it abandoned without guard or defense, in the best manner he could he hid himself in a secret place: where he staid not long before he was found by a Tribune. And bee­ing taken by him, without attending any further determination or counsell, they bound his hands behinde him, and cast a rope about his neck: and, tearing his clothes from his back, half naked they led him through the streets of Rome, untill they brought him to the principal place; where by the way they did him an infinite number of indignities and disgraces; pulling his hair behinde him, as they used to malefactors; and, setting a dagger under his chin, that hee might be seen of all men, some casting dirt and filth in his face, others calling him Incendiarie & glut­ton; and some reproaching him with the defects of his body: and there hee was slain by the The death of Vi­tellius. souldiers (no man being able to aver for certain, who either began or ended) and cast into Tiber. And this was the end of this tyrannous Emperor, and with him died his brother LVCIVS VITELLIVS, and one only son which he had at his death. He had not been Emperor much aboue eight moneths, as most authors affirme, although that SVETONIVS setteth downe a longer time: for he maketh his account that VESPASIAN was chosen Emperor in the East, in the eight moneth of VITELLIVS his raigne, which was some moneths before his death, which was in the 57. yeere of his age, and the 72. yeere after the birth of our SAVIOVR. Anno Dom. 7 [...]. What hapned after his death shall be referred to the historie of VESPASIAN, seeing that it was in his time. VITELLIVS was so tall, and so corpulent of body, as he was therewith de­formed. His face was verie red, by reason of the much wine which hee dranke, and was very corpulent: he went lame of one leg, through a bruise which he had receiued by a wagon.

AS fair weather cometh after tempests and storms: so was the Raign of VESPASIAN after the troublesome and stormy times of the detestable Emperors TIBERIVS, CALIGVLA, NERO, and the tyrannies and civill warres of GALBA, OTHO, and VITELLIVS: wherewith the Roman Empire was so divided and shaken, as it was ready to come to ruine, if VESPASIAN had not upheld and supported the same by his goodnes, valor and wisdome. VESPASIAN was of the Family of the FLAVII, Vespasians [...] nage. mean and lowe, and not honoured with any titles and dignities. Hee had, long before these civill combustions, tokens presaging Soveraignty. First, within a Countrey Farm belonging to the FLAVII, there stood an old Oak consecrated to MARS, which at three child-births of VES­PASIA, sodainly put forth a bough at every birth. The first was small, and withered soon (for, a daughter then born died within one yeer): the second grew & continued long: but the third came to the bignes of a Tree. Whereupon SABINVS (Father to VESPASIAN) tould his owne mother, that she had a Nephew born which should be CAESAR. Being in Achaia, hee dream't that he and his should prosper, when-as NERO had a tooth drawne: and it hapned, that the day following a Barber shewed him a tooth of NERO'S, newly drawn. And IOSE­PHVS, being taken in the Iewish Wars, and cast into prison, maintained constantly, that hee should be shortly set at liberty by him, but he should be Emperour first. These, with many o­ther presages, confirmed his hopes to obtain the Empire. He was 59 yeers ould when hee was chosen Emperour; and came to be knowne, and to winne reputation and credit in the times of CLAVDIVS, CALIGVLA, and NERO; and he obtained offices and dignities in the wars, and in the government of Cities. In Thracia he was Tribune of the souldiers; and, beeing Que­stor Vespasians of­fices & dignitie [...] or Treasurer, the Ile of Creta (now Candia) fell to his lot. He was Edil and Pretor in Rome, and afterwards was Lieutenant to the Legions in Germanie: and from thence he was sent to bee [Page 92] Governour and Generall in Britanny when it rebelled, where (as EVTROPIVS and SVETO­NIVS report) he fought above thirty times in battels and skirmishes, in his owne person: so as for his desert there were Arms and triumphant ornaments given him, such as they did use to give to such as did triumph. After all which, he was Consul in Rome two months in the end of a yeer, and was afterward Proconsul in Asia in the time of NERO; and in the end was sent thi­ther by him to that warre against them: the which he followed when-as he was chosen Empe­rour against VITELLIVS, his Army compelling him thereto, as it is already observed. He had at that time two sonnes, the one called TITVS who was with him, the other DOMITI­ANVS who was in Rome: both which he had by FLAVIA DOMICILLA his lawfull wife, daughter to FLAVIVS LI [...]ERALIS; by whom hee had had a daughter which was dead, whose name was DOMICILLA also.

And this is the summe of his life before he came to the Empire. But, returning to our Hi­story, it passed in this manner: VITELLIVS being so reproachfully and ignominiously slain in Rome; although with his death the warre ceased, yet the fruits and effects thereof were not ended: for, the Conquerors committed so many slaughters and spoils upon those which had taken VITELLIVS part, as there was no part of Rome wherein was not effusion of bloud; so as that City endured (by means of this battell) the like or greater misery, than in the wars and proscriptions of MARIVS and SILLA, or any other whatsoever in times past. But, as soon as MVCIANVS came to Rome, who was the chief Commander sent by VHSPASIAN, and that DOMITIANVS was returned, who ever since the death of his Vncle SABINVS, and the burning of the Capitoll, lay hidden; these murders and revenges ceased, and there beganne some order to be taken in the Common-wealth.

The Senate was assembled, and the government of VESPASIAN was accepted and ap­prooved, and there were given unto him the names and titles which were usually given to other Emperors, and messengers with all diligence were sent unto him, to advertise him of the victo­ry, and to yeeld obedience in the behalfe of the Senate. And for that (being absent) he could not take order and prouide for the estate of Rome, his sonne DOMITIANVS, MVCIANVS and ANTONIE which then were of greatest power, began to manage the gouernment, not without confusion and emulation betweene them, vntill the comming of VESPASIAN, which by reason of the dangerous sailing in the winter time was deferred. The only thing he wanted (being as it were a new vnexpected Prince) was countenance and authoritie, and a kind of royal Maiestie, which also followed suddainly vpon this occasion: Being in Alexandria (at­tending a seasonable time for his passage to Rome) there was a certaine man of meane qualitie starke blinde, and another lame, both which cam together when as he sate on his Tribunall, crauing help for their infirmities, it beeing foretold them by SERAPIS in their dreames, that If VESPASIAN did but spet in the blinde mans eyes, hee should recover his sight; and the others leg should be made strong, if he would but touch it with his heel. He doubted much of the successe, and therefore durst not put it in practice: yet in the end, by the perswasion and importunity of his friends, before the whole Assembly he tried both the means; and they were both cured, as SVETONIVS writes.

DOMITIANVS was called CAESAR, and made Pretor of Rome with Consulary authori­ty; and, because he was the Emperors son, had the preeminence and chief place in all matters, although he proved not afterwards to be such as he ought to have been: for, besides that hee was vitious, he was disloyall aand disobedient to his Father. The Senates Embassadors, and o­thers which were sent from Rome, found VESPASIAN in the City of Alexandria in Egypt, with his Legions and men of warre ready to passe into Italie against VITELLIVS (knowing nothing, that he was dead) and staied there with the King of Parthia's Embassadors, which offe­red him 40000 horsemen. In like manner, there were Ambassadors from other Kings and Te­trarchs of the East (some subject to the Empire, and some free) which came to the like intent: but, seeing there was no such need to draw so great Forces to Rome, he gave great thanks to the King of Parthia's Legats, and the rest of the Kings for their offers, and resolved to take his pas­sage as soon as conveniently he might: And so, as a wise Emperour, forgat not to take order for the defense and extent of the bounds of the Empire; resolving to send his son TITVS to make an end of the warres begun by him against the Iewes and the holy City of Ierusalem: to whom besides the ordinary Legions, he gave three other Legions; wherewith TITVS continued the warres with great resolution: and, by Gods permission, the Iews were in his time, by the hands of the Romans, and through their owne civill dissension, vanquished even to their totall con­fusion, [Page 93] as hereafter in briefe shall be declared. VESPASIAN could not so soone depart from Alexandria as he desired, by reason of the stormie and vnseasonable wearther by Sea, vnfit for Nauigation, in which time there arose in Rome great troubles, emulations, enuie, and conten­tions betweene MVCIANVS and ANTONY, each seeking to be preferred before other: Tumult in Rome MVCIANVS, for that he was the chiefe commander sent by VESPASIAN, and had borne great sway in his election; and the other, for the great victories which he had gotten in his ser­uice against VITELLIVS and his Captaines. The bad practices of DOMITIANVS were also partly cause of these tumults, who could not be easily restrained, considering who he was. But the reuolts and insurrections which then were in Germany and part of France, did much more trouble them that swayed the gouernment: for all was in combustion, and in Armes a­gainst the Empire, which had a former originall in the time of VITELLIVS, although that then wee could not relate it. The originall and occasion thereof was in manner as followeth.

In the prouince of Battauia, now called Holland (a prouince in low Germanie, which the Rhine An in [...] [...]in Holland. diuiding it selfe maketh an Iland) there was an audacious man, of great credit among them, whose name was CLAVDIVS CIVILIS, who vnder colour of taking part with VESPA­SIAN against VITELLIVS, when the warre began between them, leuied some forces of that countrie, and induced the Frieslanders and their captaine, whose name was B [...]INO, to do the like: and being thus in armes, they assailed those of the Romane legions which held for VITELLIVS; and taking them at vnawares, slew many of them, being left weake by reason that VITELLIVS withdrew the greatest part of the forces from thence when hee went a­gainst OTHO as before hath been mentioned: So as they draue all the Roman garri­sons out of that prouince, and there happened afterwards many encounters and skirmishes of eyther side, vntill that VESPASIAN preuailing in Italy, FLACCVS HORDHONIVS, be­ing for VITELLIVS captain of those legions in Germany, was slaine by his owne souldiers, proclaiming VESPASIAN; & so the legions remained without order of commander. CLAV­DIVS CIVILIS with the forces of Holland and Friesland, ioyning with another captaine cal­led CLASSICVS, imagined that in the confusion of those troublesome times, they might free their countries; or to say better, make themselues Lords thereof, as many haue done: and drawing to their faction certaine of the legions which remained firme for VITHLLIVS, they made an insurrection against VESPASIAN, publishing that he was dead; in such sort as with­in few daies, some cities in France reuol [...]ed, so as it was feared that some great alteration would haue ensued in the Empire. Which, as I said, put MVCIANVS and ANTONIE in great doubt; for DOMITIANVS who should haue had the greatest care, spent his time in his vices and pleasures. After many counsels and consultations held about this businesse, QVINTI­LIVS CERIALIS was sent for Generall into those parts: who both valiantly and wisely fol­lowed the warres, and reduced those legions to the seruice of the Empire, who being abused, had ioyned with CLAVDIVS CIVILIS; and obtained notable victories although hardly gotten and very bloudie, which CORNELIVS TACITVS sets downe at large. Being in the heare of this warre, holding it to be of great importance, MVCIANVS and DOMITIANVS departed from Rome, with the greatest power they could raise, to giue reliefe and ayde where neede should require; who being come to the Alps, they had intelligence that CERIALIS had obtained another famous victorie in a great battaile: by meanes whereof, and of the fame of their comming, all those countries yeelded their obedience, and the Germaines laying downe their armes, desired peace. Notwithstanding this, DOMITIAN, although there were no Domitia [...] suspected. neede, had a desire to march forwards, and to take the gouernment and forces which CERI­ALIS held and commanded, and wrote sundrie letters to him requesting the same: whereup­on he was suspected, that his intent was to rebell against his father, and so writeth CORNE­LIVS TACITVS. Others suspect that he did it of enuie against his brother TITVS, and to make himselfe equall with him: But his practices, whatsoeuer they were, took no effect. For, CERIALIS dissembled and would not yeeld his command and gouernment vnto him, and MVCIANVS hindred his passage from going any further: for CERIALIS within few dayes had pacified the countrie, and DOMITIANVS returned to Rome to receiue his father, who (he knew) was comming, and within few daies came, hauing sayled from Alexandria to Vespa [...] comming to Rome. Rhodes in ships, and from thence in gallies; and passing all along the coast of Graecia, visited all the cities thereof which were in his way, till his arriuall in Italy, and so came to Rome, where he was most solemnly receiued (which IOSEPHVS most elegantly relateth.) For, as his comming [Page 94] had been long desired and wished for; so was it very gratefull and pleasing to all men, and he presently began to do things conformable to the desire and hope which they had conceiued of him, in ministring iustice, in reforming the lavves and customes of Rome, revvarding those vvhich had serued him, and pardoning and punishing vvith singular clemencie those vvhich vvere his aduersaries: in conclusion, he made a good and laudable beginning of his Empire, and perseuered and ended therein, as shall appeare.

In the meane time while as the Emperor VESPASIAN parted from Alexandria and came to Rome, his sonne TITVS prosecuting the warres against the Iewes, hauing subdued the coun­trey round about, he came and besieged the Citie of Ierusalem, at such time as from all parts of the world an incredible number of Iewes were come into the Citie, to celebrate the feast of the Paschall Lambe. Of the siege and destruction thereof, because it was a matter of great mo­ment, and prophecied of before, and was famous afterwards, it shall not be amisse in few words to declare the end thereof; and for as much, as in truth, it was the most strictly and obsti­nately besieged, and best defended Citie that euer was in the world, the Iewes persisting in their obstinacy and rebellion, by Gods permission, in reuenge of the death and passion of his only Ierusalem be­sieged by Titus. sonne IESVS CHRIST our Sauiour God and man: all which IOSEPHVS, EGE­SIPPVS and CORNELIVS TACITVS write at large, to which I remit the curious reader, besides many others which are more briefe: being by TITVS besieged in such manner, as no man could sallie forth, or enter into it. For the effecting whereof, not contenting himselfe with the multitude of his men of warre and prouision, within fewe dayes he compassed it round a­bout with trenches and ramparts, such as were sufficient, making the souldiers of his army set their hands to the work: so as he besieged it in this manner the space of fiue moneths; in which time there were so many assaults, skirmishes and slaughters, as by the numbers of the dead, which we will set downe, may appeare: and such as I neuer read or heard that the like had pas­sed before any Citie; with such obstinacy and resolution the besiegers assayled it, and the besie­ged defended themselues. In all which TITVS performed the dutie of a most excellent Captaine and a valiant Knight; sometime giuing direction and commanding, and also when neede required fighting, that, as IOSEPHVS testifieth, in this conquest he slew twelue Iews with his owne hands. The hunger which afflicted the Citie of Ierusalem in this siege, is won­derfull to reade: for, all ordinary sustenance being spent, although they made the greatest spare thereof that was possible, they gaue themselues to eate all things that might yeelde any taste, without any difference, good or bad, eating the flesh of horses, asses, dogs, cats, rats, snakes, ad­ders, and other vncleane and strange things, as it seemeth incredible to all humane reason: But The extreme fa­mine in the citie of Ierusalem when it was be­sieged. A mother kil­led and ate her owne sonne. Ierusalem ta­ken by Titus. this giueth it the more credit, for that all writers both Christian and Heathen affirme, that there was a mother which killed and ate her owne sonne, whom she had at her breast. Finally, after the death of an infinite number by sword and famine, vpon the eight day of September (hauing been besieged about fiue moneths, and aboue foure yeeres after the warre was begun by VES­PASIAN in the raigne of NERO) the Citie of Ierusalem was entred by force, and a great number of those which were therein slaine: and so had they all been, but that TITVS, mo­ued with compassion, commanded the execution vpon women, and such as bare no armes, to cease. But although that this slaughter was stayed, yet in the prouince and the citie there died of hunger and the sword (as EVSEBIVS, PAVLVS OROSIVS and other authors affirme) sixe hundred thousand men able to beare armes. And if we shall giue credit to IOSEPHVS, who was an eye-witnesse to most part thereof, there died eleuen hundred thousand; and there were Captiues which were sold, nintie seuen thousand. EGESIPPVS, who is of no lesse cre­dit and authoritie, agreeth with him in the number of the captiues; but in the number of the dead, he setteth downe 100000. lesse, which seemeth to bee an error but in the letter: both which doe yeeld the reason of so great mortalitie to be, as is said; for that so great a number was gathered together in Ierusalem to the feast at Easter, and had retired thither as to the head of all that prouince, there to die or defend the same. Also that famous Temple was burnt, and those strong and stately walles of the famous Temple of SALOMON were throwne downe, Salomons temple de­stroyed. and all the Citie laid waste, desolate and wholly ruined, as sundry Prophets had before prophe­cied.

And this iust and deserued destruction of Ierusalem happened in the second yeere of the Em­peror VESPASIAN, and the fortith yeere after the death of CHRIST our Lord, and the seuentie theee after his birth, being (according to EVSEBIVS and PAVLVS OROS [...] one thousand one hundred and two yeers after that the Temple was first built by SALOMO [...] [Page 95] and fiue hundred nintie & one yeer after that it was reedified in the time of K. DARIVS, hauing been destroied by the Babylonians. In this account I follow EVSEBIVS his computation, to auoid disputation about the difference which is among Writers. All affirm, and it doth plainly appear by PLINY and CORNELIVS TACITVS, that Ierusalem had never been so rich, Ierusalem de­stroyed and laid waste, so that there remained not one stone vpon another, An. Dom. 40 nor so populous, nor so sumptuous in wals, temples and buildings, as at the time of CHRIST his passion, and when it was destroied. And so that City and the holy Temple were ouerthrown and laid euen with the ground, not one stone remaining upon another; according as our Savi­our CHRIST had tould his Disciples, they shewing it to him, and extolling the greatnes and building of that Temple, as the holy Euangelist reciteth more at large: and so it lay untill the Emperor ADRIAN began to reedifie it, although not in the same place, neither such as it was before; as heerafter shall be declared. And so that Prouince, which had been gouerned by the Romans as their friends, and in a manner free, was made captiue and tributarie; and the The Iewes taken in Ierusalem, sold and disper­sed ouer the world. Iewes being captiues were fould and dispersed through all parts of the world.

This warre being ended by TITVS in such manner as is specified, his Father and all Rome greatly rejoyced thereat, and to both them the triumph was granted by the Senate, because they both had followed that warre. And TITVS, leauing all things in good order in the East, came victorious to Rome. And, within fewe daies after, both the Father and the Sonne entred triumphing with one of the most solemn and stately triumphs that euer was seen in Rome. The Vespasian and Titus came to Rome in triūph for the wars of of the Iewes. which he that will see more at large, shall finde it written by IOSEPHVS in his seventh book of the wars of the Iewes.

While-as TITVS was busied about the siege of the City of Ierusalem, the Alanes, a people of Scythia (of whom heerafter we shall speak much) had their abode aboue the lake Meotis, neer the River Tanais: who in very great numbers abandoned their Country, it being barren and vn­fruitfull, or for that it was not sufficient to sustaine them, and came into the Territory of the Medes, robbing and spoiling that Country; and marching forwards came into Armenia, where Tiridates King of Armenia o­uerthrowne and put to flight by the Alanes. they did the like. TIRIDATES, King therof, fought a battell with them; wherein he was o­uercome, and by great good fortune escaped by flight. Which when TITVS understood, ha­uing then fully ended his enterprize against Ierusalem, he marched with his Forces to the relief of TIRIDATES, to assist a King who was vassall and friend to the Empire; and came to the City of Antioch, as EGESIPPVS writeth: but the Alanes, vpon the onely report of his co­ming, returned to their Country, contented with what they had gotten by theft. VESPASI­AN being in Rome, enjoying the Empire in peace, had his son TITVS continually with him, having had good experience of his wisdome and milde disposition: he did most matters by his counsell, and after his opinion, and in all things held him for his companion in the Empire, and made him his fellow in office in the Censurie and Tribunate; and afterwards in seuen Consul­ships together.

VESPASIAN, continuing as he had begun the whole course of his life, neuer omitted any thing that was fit for a good and excellent Emperour, as well in preseruing and inlarging the The good deeds of Vespasian. Empire, as in beautifying and reforming the same; in correcting the abuses and euill customes, as in execution of Iustice and other vertues: and chiefly he took great care for the publike edifi­ces and buildings, wherein he spent much treasure; and made the Capitol which VITELLI­VS had burnt (when his brother SABINVS was slain) to bee reedified and new built, farre more stately and beautifull than euer it had been. Hee also repaired the City of Rome of those ruines which yet remained since it was burnt in the time of NERO, as in his life wee have de­clared. Besides this, he built a most stately Temple to the goddesse PALLAS; the workman­ship whereof was so rich, so exquisite, and so excellent, as the like had neuer been seen in Rome. For, touching the painting, caruing, and inlaying, all the most excellent workmen of the world (these Arts being then at the highest) shewed their skill, and left memorials of their handwork­ing, as PLINIVS writes; and IOSEPHVS (who was an ey-witnes) affirms, that men came from all parts of the world to see the riches and excellencie of this Temple. VESPASIAN also built an Amphitheatre, of singular and most rare workmanship; which is yet at this day to be seen in Rome, although ruined and defaced: which is a building of marvellous and sumptu­ous greatnes, round in form, as if two Theatres were joined together like to half circles: in the middest of which were represented the plaies, shewes, wrestlings, fightings with wilde beasts, and also combats of sword-plaiers: And euery thing was wrought and framed in such manner, as by means of their seats it was capable of an infinite number of people, without any hindrance one to the other; which we may comprehend by the Theatre which OCTAVIANVS CAE­SAR [Page 96] built in remembrance of his Nephew MARCELLVS, of which we reade that there were seates for foure score thousand persons. And VESPASIAN did not only consume great trea­sure in building (whereto he was much affected) but he also bestowed great gifts and pensions vpon such as were masters and excellent workmen; and no lesse but rather greater, vpon learned men, and such as were expert in arts: and to the Rhetoricians and masters in eloquence, both in Greeke and Latin, he gaue great fees and pensions out of his Exchequer; & also vpon Poets and other excellent learned men, he bestowed notable fauours and rewards: so as it is certain that he not only shewed himselfe liberall in these things aforesaid, but to all persons and in all places. And in the Prouinces where he knew that any publike buildings were ruined or decayed, by reason of the ill gouernment in times past, he commanded them to be reedified and repaired at his own charges out of the subsidies and tributes. The like care he took for some Cities, which in his time were defaced by earth-quakes. And for that he would not forget to repaire and a­mend the liuing bodies aswell as the dead, he endeuoured to reforme and order the multipli­citie and tediousnes of sutes and pleas in law, chusing new iudges and Arbitrators, which should take order, and set agreement between the parties contending, and within few daies should de­cide and determine controuersies and pleas in sute: and he ordained and established most excel­lent lawes and statutes.

After that the good Emperor VESPASIAN had taken such good order in all his actions, as he made the time of his raigne most happy, he was still carefull to continue and increase the same. We also reade that he made many Prouinces subiect and tributaries, which vntill then were in a manner as friends and obedient, but yeelded no tributes, or did other seruices: A­mong which in Asia the lesse were the Prouinces of Lycia, Pamphilia, and Cilicia; and in Asia the great, Comagena, which lieth Eastwards from Cilicia; and here in Europe, the Prouince of Thra­cia, and the Citie of Byzantium which is now called Constantinople, with the Iles of Rhodes and Sa­mos, Prouinces brought into subiection by Vespasian. and other Countries and Prouinces which he also made tributaries. For what cause or reason he did so, I finde it not written: but duly considering the acts and proceedings of this Emperor, I presume that he did it not without iust occasion in them all. IOSEPHVS setteth downe the cause thereof in the Prouince of Comagena only, and in what sort it was made tribu­tary, and how that ANTIOCHVS the King thereof being ouercome and taken in battaile Comagena made a tributarie pro­uince by Ves­pasian. by CESONIVS PETO Gouernour of Syria for the Empire, was sent by the same CESO­NIVS, prisoner to Rome. But VESPASIAN remembring himselfe that he held friendship with this King when he liued in the East, and although that he held it fit and requisite to dispos­sesse him of his countrie, yet he would not deale seuerely with his person: for, being vpon the way, he sent commandement that he should not be brought to Rome, but commanded him to be carried to the citie of Lacedaemonia in Gracia, and that he should liue there, and that sufficient pro­uision should be made to maintaine him and his children in royall estate: and so that King led his life afterwards in that Citie, and the Prouince of Comagena remained tributarie to the Em­pire. What else happened in the time of VESPASIAN, the Authors which I follow, haue not written, peraduenture because they were of small importance. But as concerning his ver­tue, bountie, and good gouernment, they haue written more at large then I haue done, such and so many were they: and because I will not be too sparing and briefe in this subiect, I will say somewhat for a remembrance and an example to good Emperors. First, the manner and course of his life after that he came to the Empire was this. He awoke euery morning before day, and in his bed did reade and heare letters and instructions of diuers affaires; and then he comman­ded The life and maners of Vespasian after that he was Emperor. the door to be set open for his friends and such others as would come into his chamber: in whose presence he arose and made himselfe ready, without any page or seruant to helpe him, but to bring his clothes to his hands; and then he stood a good space giuing audience to such as he had to deale withall, prouiding for all things, and making therein such dispatch as was con­uenient: then he went into his litter or chariot, as the manner then was, and for his exercise went into the field of MARS or to some other place, and sometimes he went on foote. After all this, he retired himselfe to his Palace, to his exercises and pastimes: after which he vsed the bathes, whereto men in those dayes were much addicted: which being ended, he returned to his businesse, and to prouide for all thing necessarie; wherein he spent the greatest part of the day. He was very moderate and temperate in his diet, and after supper was very pleasant and merri­ly disposed, delighting much to vse quick and briefe speeches, whereof SVETONIVS reci­teth some. He was a Prince of great modestie, patience, and singular clemency, enduring and dissembling with those which did murmure and speake ill of him, pardoning and forgetting [Page 97] injuries and offenses: the examples whereof (which were many) I omitte because of breuity. VESPASIAN was noted and taxed for being ouercouetous: true it is, that he caused his rents Vespasian no­ted of couetous­nes. to be collected rigorously, imposing new taxes and seruices, seeking extraordinary and strange means to get money: vvhereof AVR [...]LIVS VICTOR and other Authors excuse him; al­leaging, that he was forced thereto, for that hee found his Exchequer poor, and the Imperiall Treasure wasted and exhausted: so as for the maintenance of his State it was very requisite to raise it to some good proportion. Which makes it seem to be true, seeing hee was very bounti­full and liberall to all men, and spent and freely parted with that which hee so gathered. Final­ly, howsoeuer it was, he is reckoned in the number of good Emperors; for, with singular wise­dome and valour he gouerned the Empire nine yeers: at the end whereof (beeing seuentie and nine yeers old) a Flux took him, and hee died in peace in the yeer of our Lord 81. Hee was a man of a middle stature, well compact in his lims, and of a good complexion, and liued euer sound and in good health: for the preseruation wherof, he ordinarily vsed frictions on his arms and legs; and euery month fasted one whole day, without eating any thing.

AS soon as the Emperour VESPASIAN was dead, his el­dest Sonne TITVS (called by his surname VESPASIA­NVS) without any contradiction was receiued and obeyed for Emperor; as wel for that his Father in his life-time had made him his companion in the Empire (and that, as some Authors say, he did participate with him, and that he gaue him the name of Emperor) as also for that in his Testament and last Will hee appointed him his Successor: yet his bro­ther DOMITIANVS proudly maintained, that his Father had nominated him, and not his Brother TITVS, and that his Fathers Will was falsified. TITVS was an excellent Emperor, but his Raign was short; for, it lasted little more Titus was en­dued with noble vertues. than two yeers: so as, for his naturall bounty and noble dis­position, he was called The loue and delight of mankinde, although before hee was Emperour he was taxed vpon some occasions; some imagining, that hee would haue proued wicked and peruerse. But truth and vertue, although for a time they may bee suppressed, yet at length they will preuail, and ouercome enuy and slander: and as the cleer Sun disperseth the dark clouds; [Page 98] so did TITVS cleer himself of the suspicions conceiued against him, with the brightnes of his vertues and worthy actions. He came to the Empire at the age of 39 yeers, and somewhat less; in which he followed the warres, and gat great experience both in peace and war. First, in his infancy he was brought up in learning and other vertuous exercises, and therby grew to be very learned both in Greek and Latin, and expert in many Arts. He was a very good horseman, and most skilfull in Musick; a very good Singer, an eloquent Orator, and could make verses with wonderfull ease and facility. He had a singular memory, and was endued with an excellent wit; and was so speedie in writing in ciphers and abbreuiations, as he excelled all his Secretaries and Notaries; and would so well counterfeit any mans hand and writing, as it was said of him, that he might haue been a notable counterfeiter or forger.

Being endued with these graces and sufficiencies in his youth, before his Father came to the Empire he bore Arms in the wars, and was Tribune both in Germany and Britanny, and purcha­sed the reputation of wise and valiant. After which, being comne to Rome, hee used to plead and defend causes and actions (which was then the exercise of the most eminent men); and af­terwards in time he was made Questor or Treasurer. In processe of which time hee married twice: the first, with ARRICIDIA the daughter of a Roman Knight whose name was TER­TVLLVS, who had been Prefect of the Pretorian Legions; and, after her death beeing a wi­dower, hauing neuer a childe, he married the second time with a woman of great bloud, whose name was MARTIA FVLVIA, whom hee afterwards put away, hauing first had a daughter by her.

The warres beginning against the Iewes, he went thither with his father, hauing the com­mand and charge of a Legion: and matters succeding in such manner as is alreadie said, he made a finall end thereof. And although that some practiced to bring him in suspicion with his father, falsely suggesting that he would haue rebelled against him; yet after those victories he came into Italy, sufficiently cleered himselfe, and triumphed of the Iewes; and (as wee haue said) obtained so much grace with his father, as hee made him his companion, and in a manner equall with him in the Empire. In his fathers life time hee purchased dislike vpon some occasi­ons: whereof one was, that they charged him with the couetousnes and auarice of his father, for the new impositions which he laid vpon the subiects of the Empire: whereof although that he might well haue purged himselfe, yet he would not make manifest his innocencie, for that the fault should not be imputed to his father. The other was, for that he had caused AVLVS CINNA and certaine others of great note to be put to death, although hee had iust occasion to doe it; as SVETONIVS sheweth in AVLVS CINNA: and other authors, in others.

TITVS also discredited himselfe for bringing of Queene VERONICE from Iudea with him for his friend or concubine, whom hee so dee [...]ly loued, as hee entertained her in a manner as his wife: and there is an author which affirmeth that he slew AVLVS CINNA, through iealousie of her. All which being laid together, when by the death of his father hee came to the Empire, they doubted that hee would haue prooued wicked and cruell: but his clemencie and other vertues did presently disperse all those clowdes of suspicion. The first, and happely the greatest conquest was, the forcing of his will and bridling his desires and affections by with­drawing himselfe from the company of VERONICE, for the which he was taxed with infa­mie, although that he loued her exceedingly, and was by her beloued in the same degree. Hee also gaue ouer his other pastimes, which he held vnfit and vnbeseeming an Emperour, and be­gan to liue and carrie himselfe very modestly and honourably, and to shew his liberalitie, cle­mencie, and singular curtesie. Whereof I hold it requisite (although I keepe not order, seeing his time was so short) to make some mention; that seeing his bountie, clemencie and wisdome made his Empire voide of ciuill mutinies, warres and alterations, which vsually please the rea­ders, yet they may speake of the vertues & greatnes of this Emperour. First for a shew & ostenta­tion to the world (which great Princes sometimes should make, because that thereby they do in som sort purchase the loue of the cōmon people) he repaired & made som new great buildings, and he also presented games and sports, wherein (according to EVSEBIVS, EVTROPIVS, and SVETONIVS) were slaine 5000. wild beasts, and therein also fought a great number of Sword-players. He caused also to be represented a Naual battaile in one of the auncient Nau­machias, whereof mention hath been made heretofore. And as he was by nature most noble and liberall, all the fauours, graces and rewards, which his Predecessors had giuen and granted (which none of them would confirm, but they granted some new) hee confirmed by a decree. And, moreouer, to any petition made vnto him he neuer gaue vnpleasing answer, neither suffred [Page 99] any to depart from him discontented, or without hope to obtain his demand. And being repro­ued by some of his Councell, for promising more than it seemed hee was able to perform: hee answered them, that It vvas not fit nor vvorthy, that any man should depart from him sorrovv­full & discontent vvith his entertainment. He vvas naturally so desirous to do good and to help others, as one night after supper remembring himself, that that day he had giuen nothing, with a sad and heauie countenance he turned towards those which were in his company, and said: My Friends, I haue lost this day; which were speeches worthy to bee noted and engraven in the mindes of all great Princes. Hee was also so desirous to pleasure and giue contentment to all men (houlding alwaies his grauity and authority) as in all his speeches and discourses with any people whatsoeuer, he alwaies shewed himself affable, pleasant, courteous and tractable.

In some sinister accidents which in his time hapned in Rome, as one was (as saith PAVLVS OROSIVS) a great fire, wherewith were burned a great number of houses, and also a great plague; he not onely vsed the diligence of a carefull Prince, but also shewed the loue and affe­ction of a pitifull Father; helping with his owne rents to repair and new-build that which the fire had consumed, and causing those which were wounded to bee cured with great diligence; and those which died of the pestilence, to be buried. The clemency and mildnes of this Prince extended to so high a degree, as he not onely pardoned many, and moderated the rigour of the lawes in cases of ordinary crimes; but two great men of Rome hauing conspired against him, and being thereof conuict, so as they could not deny the fact, he would make no other inquisition, nor put them to any torments, or otherwise punish them, but onely aduised them in secret that they should alter their euill purposes; willing them to consider, that the Empire was giuen by Gods prouidence and ordinance, and by the fates, and not by any humane industry; and if they desired any other thing, it should be more fit to sue to him, and he would not deny it: and say­ing this, he pardoned them, and used them louingly, and afterwards entertained them with o­ther complements, which SVETONIVS writeth; so as he took such order, that they did re­pent and reform themselues: whereby he did better assure his life, than if hee had put them to death. For, therein he should haue had greater cause of fear, and more would haue hated him. The like temperance he held with his Brother DOMITIANVS; who neuer left to lay snares Snares laid [...] [...] [...]ther T [...]. to intrap him, and to ly in wait for his life, and to practice his death, and to incense the Legions and Cohorts against him: yet for all this he would not put him to death, as he might justly haue done, neither seclude him from him, neither diminish his reputation and authority wherein he liued; but made him his companion in the Empire, and proclaimed him for his successor. And the better to reclaim him, sometimes retiring him into a secret chamber alone, with tears in his eies he would admonish and require him, not to attempt that by treason and fratricide, which he shortly should haue voluntarily, and that which hee already enjoyed with him by his good will. And, for conclusion, this excellent Prince TITVS, in the short time that he raigned, go­uerned with such wisdome and in such manner, as he was through the whole Empire extreme­ly beloued, and generally obeyed and serued by all men: So as during his whole Raign there were no contempts, insurrections, warres, rebellions, nor contentions. But as men for their sinnes were not worthy of so good a Prince, so by Gods secret judgement hee was taken away from among them: for, beeing taken with a strong burning Feuer, within fewe daies hee died The death of Titu [...] therof in the same village wherin his Father died, neer Rome, being of the age of one and fortie yeers, two moneths and twenty daies, although EVTROPIVS sets down some months lesse, which may be through error in a letter.

As soon as his death was knowne, there was the greatest lamentation and sorrow that euer was seen in Rome: and, the Senat being assembled, there was more spoken to his honor & com­mendation, being dead, than was of any man that euer liued before him, or was euer, spoken in his presence in his life-time: which hapned in the yeer of our Lord 83.

TO the good Emperour TITVS, his brother and suc­cessor DOMITIANVS was farre vnlike; for this Empe­rour D [...]itianus was wicked, and farre vn­like to his bro­ther Titus. was wicked and lewde, although that in the begin­ning of his raigne hee did some things which were plea­sing, and gouerned the Common-wealth reasonable vp­rightly; vsing clemencie, humilitie, and liberalitie, decei­uing the world with fained bountie, cleane contrarie to fu­ture actions. When he came to the Empire, he was of the age of thirtie yeeres (little more or lesse) in his younger yeeres, he liued in meane estate, and in euill fame, for the dishonestie of his person. His father being Emperour, in his absence he was called CAESAR, and to him was giuen the greatest dignitie and authoritie in Rome, which hee vsed li­centiously and dishonestly, committing adulteries, with other vices and insolencies: vpon one day, he deposed twentie seuerall persons from their charges and gouernments, and gaue them to others: so as his father (when he vnderstood thereof) said, that he maruelled, that his sonne DOMITIANVS had not sent one, to haue succeeded him also: and warres then growing in Batauia, he attempted that which we haue related. But when his father was come to Rome, to dissemble and cloke his wicked practices he gaue himself to study, and to the exercise of poesie, although with little affection: for before that time he neuer regarded it, or any other learning, and so afterwards abhorred it according to that flattering age. For the small time which hee [Page 101] spent in poesie, SILIVS ITALICVS, QVINTILIAN, and PLINIE in the proem of his naturall historie, commend him: and MARTIAL forgetteth him not in his Epigrammes. And much lesse did DOMITIANVS giue himselfe to the practice and exercise of armes, but was much affected to shooting with bowe and arrowes; wherein hee was so skilfull, as he would oftentimes for his glorie cause a Page to spread his hand open for a marke against a butte, and he standing a good distance off, would sticke his arrowes betweene the boies fingers without hur­ting him; and in like manner would doe many other strange things, which SVETONIVS reporteth as an eie-witnes, wherein and in dicing was his principall delight and pastime. After the death of his father and brother, for whose sakes he came to be Emperour, without any con­tradiction, he gouerned the same contrarie to his naturall inclination, as may appeare by that which he did afterwards. But because we will not depriue him of the commendation, which his good deedes deserued; before that we will speake of his accursed cruelties, wee will first speake of that which was good and commendable, seeing hee liued in such manner, as his acti­ons were intermixt with some blemishes of euill: wherein I cannot obserue any order or time, as I alwaies desire to doe, because the authors which I follow write it so confusedly and out of order.

First, he made great shew of liberalitie, and iointlie therewith of clemencie, iustice, and Domitianus his good deedes equitie, of either of which we will produce some examples. He shewed himselfe so free from couetousnes, and so willing to giue, that he refused certaine heritages which certaine free per­sonages would haue giuen him; and gaue ordinarilie gifts and rewards, and forgaue penalties and tributes, and erected certaine pillers and publike buildings, which were verie excellent, and of wonderfull great cost, among which this was one: He repaired and new built the Capitoll, which againe had bin burnt, wherein he caused a sumptuous Temple to be built to his god IV­PITER, and other Temples and wonderfull buildings. And to obtaine the loue and applause of the people, he ordeined so many shewes and games which were so rare and costly, as it is wonderfull to reade, and tedious to write them. Frst he made a Lake, for a Naumachia or bat­taile by sea, wrought all by mans hand, which was so great as it was sufficient to conteine many galleyes, wherein vvere such battailes, as they vvanted nothing to proue them to be in good ear­nest and not counterfeit. He had also a verie great number of Svvord-players, and great revvards for those which did runne with chariots. He had turneyes and battailes of horsemen and foote­men, and huntings of an infinite number of wilde beasts, in such sort as other Emperours had don, and more then any other: for he had also women which like men fought with wild beasts, whereof SVETONIVS, IVVENAL, and MARTIAL, make mention. He also made games and feasts which they called secular, represented but euery hundreth yeare, which vvere the Secular games made but once in a hundred yeeres. most solemne of al others: for then were accomplished a hundred yeeres since the time that OCTAVIVS AVGVSTVS had celebrated them, although that the Emperour CLAVDIVS at another time commanded them to be made, without obseruing any order or time, wherein he made the addition of the two new colours, which the horsemen did before vse to weare, whereof before hath been made mention, which were purple, and gold colour. And besides all this abouesaid, he caused disputations and arguments to be held, wherein great rewards were Gifts giuen by Domitiants. diuided betweene Poets and Orators both Greeke and Latin, and all kind of Musick. There were also Comedies, dumb shewes, tragedies, and wrestling games. In conclusion, there were made by his commandement all those feasts, games and reuels that euer had been seene or knowne in Rome vntill that time, besides many which were newly inuented. Among all which he made a distribution among all the Romane people, which they called Congiarij, of 300. deneers to euery person: and during the time of these reuels (which was not short) he made many banquets and publike feastes, and there were throwne to the common people all kinds of coines, and clothes, with other things which were cast from out the windowes, this was called Missilia. I will not herewith forget one pleasant thing, whereof SVETONIVS writeth, which was, that in the beginning of his Empire he was wont euery day one houre to be in some Domitianus delighted much in catching of flyes. chamber or secret place alone, wherin he did nothing at all but catch flies, which he afterwards filed vp vpon a stiletto or long sharp needle: So as vpon a day one asking whether any bodie where within with DOMITIANVS, answere was made, that there was not so much as a flye with him; meaning, that he had killed and th [...]vne them all avvay.

DOMITIANVS did not only those things which were pleasing to the people; as making of feasts and sports, but in all other things he took good order, shewing himselfe diligent in hea­ring complaints, and doing iustice, and particularly in punishing such iudges as receiued bribes [Page 102] and rewards, as well the Roman Magistrates, as the Presidents and Gouernors of Prouinces. And herein concerning Iudges he perseuered, not only before that he discouered his cruelty and wickednesse, but euen afterwards: and though that he were euill of himselfe, yet he for­bare not to punish euill Gouernors: and so SVETONIVS affirmeth, that Gouernors were ne­uer so temperate, iust and vpright at any time as in his. He also caused himselfe to be chosen Censor, wherein he endeuoured to reforme and correct the abuses and euill manners of the Ro­mans, The Iustice of Domitian. as though that his owne conditions had been good; and so he made many other good or­ders, and did iustice in all things: and of the other side shewing himselfe mercifull and pitifull, in such sort that if he had perseuered in that manner of gouernment which he began, he had this day been held for a very good Emperor. But neuer any man fell from good to euill so notably, nor made so strange an alteration as he did, whereof in that which we haue before said, he gaue some indice and forewarning. For in those good things which he did, he vsed such pride and [...]lation, and shewed himselfe so vaine-glorious, that a man of any iudgement might well per­ceiue, that what he did, proceeded not from any good mind, or from his naturall inclination; which he manifested in some of his words and speeches: chiefely when he was made Emperour (without shame or blushing) he vaunted in the Senate, that hee had giuen the Empire to his father and to his brother, which they had now restored vnto him; this being as false, as by the historie before doth appeare. And those his statues which they commaunded to bee set vp in the Capitoll, he would not consent that they should be made of any other thing, then of cleane Domitianus had his statues of pure gold. gold, and so in other things hee shewed extreme pride. But hee did one thing which was so accursed and abominable, as to make mention thereof onely, is a sufficient proofe of the incom­parable pride of this man: for he commaunded by a publike Edict, that in all Letters and Edicts they should write our Lord and God, which both the christian and heathen authors doe af­firme: For which sinne and wickednesse it pleased God to suffer him to fall into those abomi­nations which he afterwards incurred, as couetousnesse, crueltie, and other wicked actions: whereof before that we discourse, it shall not be amisse, to treate of the warres which happened in the time of his wickednesse, although hee prosecuted them not in his owne person, which were three or foure with strange nations, and one ciuill warre.

The first warres abroade were against the Sarmates in Europe, which inuaded the Empire, with whom and also with those of Asia, there ioyned many of the auncient Scythians. That Prouince is situate in the north of Germany, and stretcheth to the sea called Mare Sarmaticum. On Sarmatia what countries it contained. the East it is bounded with the riuer of Tanais, and the lake Meotis: and on the West with the riuer Vistula. Vnder this Prouince are now conteined Muscouia, Russia, Polonia, Lituania, and some other Prouinces. This warre was cruell and dangerous, and in the beginning it went ill with the Romanes: for in a battaile were slaine the Generall of the Romanes, and one whole legion: but DOMITIANVS afterwards reenforcing his armies, the Sarmates were ouer­throwne and constrained with losse of many of their people to retire themselues. He had twise warres with the inhabitants of the great prouince of Dacia, the inhabitants whereof (as Plinie affirmeth) were called by the Greekes, Get [...]. That prouince contained all that which is now called Walachia, and Transsyluania, and other countries. Of this warre SVETONIVS, EV­TROPIVS, and PAVLVS OROSIVS make mention, but none of them reporteth how it Dacia how it is called at this day. passed, neither for what cause it was vndertaken, although they affirme that it was very costly to the Romanes: for in the first warre wherein OPPIVS SA [...]IENVS was Generall, who had beene Consul, whom EVTROPIVS calleth APPIVS, he was ouercome, and the grea­test part of his armie slaine.

And, in the second, CORNELIVS FVSCVS, Commander of the Pretorian Cohorts, had the like fortune; whom DOMITIANVS made Generall of that warre. In both the one and the other were great encounters and battels; wherein was spilt much of the Romans bloud, as PAVLVS OROSIVS relateth; and hee saith, that CORNELIVS TAC [...]TVS treateth thereof very largely and copiously in his Histories: but that perished with the rest of that Au­thors works, whereby we knowe not the discourse of those wars, but they all write, that DO­MITIANVS triumphed of that Prouince. And hee also triumphed of a people in Germany, which they called Catti, with whom he also had a doubtfull warre. During the time of these warres, wholly discouering his wicked inclination, DOMITIANVS neuer ceased to commit murders, robberies, violences, and other vices, as heerafter you shall hear. Wherefore, hauing freed himself from the warres aforesaid, therearose a ciuill warre more dangerous: which was, that LVOIVS ANTONIVS (called also SATVRNINVS) being Generall in Germanie, re­belled [Page 103] against DOMITIANVS, vsurping the name of Emperor; making profit of this occasi­on, that DOMITIANVS for his euill life was ill-beloued: against which SATVRNINVS, DOMITIANVS sent APPIVS NORMANDVS for his Generall. This war was very doubt­full and much feared: but, coming afterwards to a battell, LVCIVS ANTONIVS was slain, and APPIVS remained Victor. And heerin hapned a most strange and wonderfull Accident; which was, that the same day wherein this battell was fought in Germanie, it was known in Rome how euery thing particularly did passe: and DOMITIANVS, that same day seeking to knowe the Author of those newes, could not finde him, and therefore beleeued that it was false; so as preparing himself to goe to those warres in person, messengers came which brought certaine newes of the victory, and they auouched that it was at the same instant according to the newes then in Rome.

After the warres were ended (as we haue recited) and during the time thereof, DOMITIA­NVS Domitianus did put many Noble-men to death; with the causes. put to death many eminent men, Senators, and such as had been Consuls, for so light and fained causes, as thereby he cleerly manifested the cruelty of his minde. ELIVS LAMIA he commanded to be slain, for that he used pleasant speeches and iests: which although hee suspe­cted, yet were they offensiue to none. He commanded SALVIVS CO [...]EIANVS also to be slain, because he celebrated the birth-day of his Vncle, the Emperor OTHO; and METI­VS POMPOSIANVS, for that he heard that his constellation did prognosticate vnto him Im­periall dignity, and because he had giuen to some of his slaves the names of HANNIBAL and MAGO: And, in like manner, SALVSTIVS LVCVLLVS, for that he caused certain lances to be made of a new fashion, which (according to his owne name) he called Luculleian. He put IVNIVS RVSTICVS to death, because hee published a Treatise in praise of PETVS TRA­SEA, and of VI [...]IVS PRISCVS, very wise men; who had been of a faction contrary to his Father.

How little loue this tyrannous Emperour bare unto learning, may well appear by that which SVETONIVS and other Authors write of him: for, he cōmanded to be banisht out of all Italy the Philosophers, and with them (as EVSEBIVS writes) the Astrologers; of w^ch banishmēt, Domitian ba­nished Philoso­phhers and A­stronomers out of Italie. AVLVS GELLIVS and PHILOSTRATVS make mention: PHILOSTRATVS saith, that some fled into Spain, and others into the deserts of Libya and Scythia. And, hauing expelled the Philosophers and Wise-men, proceeding in his cruelty, hee slue an infinite number of peo­ple (as SVETONIVS reports) forvery ridiculous causes: and his fury was such, that some whom he purposed to put to death the next day, he entertained ouer night in his chamber, and shewed them many fauours with a cheerfull countenance. And, among these his cruelties, he gaue himself to luxurie and incontinency, and other dishonest exercises, cōuersing and keeping ordinary company with dishonest women; and heerwith committed many robberies & strange extortions, seising vpon mens wares and goods for fained crimes; and those so light, as they de­serue The cruelty and incontinency of Domitian. not to bee mentioned. He would fain himself to be heir to those which were dead, seising vpon their goods, and suborning some to depose that they had heard the deceased in their life­time say, that they meant to leaue him for their heir. With which deuices, and as many more as he could imagine or inuent, he neuer left robbing and spoiling men, as well in Rome and Italy, as in other Provinces subiect to the Empire. But, amongst all other nations, those which endured the greatest oppression and tyranny were the Iewes, by Gods permission for their sinnes: for, all those which were of that religion, or liued after their manner and custome, although they were not so, he made them pay a certain new and rigorous imposition and tribute by the head, ouer and aboue all that any other nation paid. And SVETONIVS and EVSEBIVS write, that as HEROD when CHRIST was born, so was he in fear, that out of the stock of DAVID The fear of Do­mitian. one should come, which would bereaue him of the Empire: for, hee was informed that it was written, that from DAVID should descend a man who should rule and command the whole world. Wherefore he commanded with all diligence all those among the Iewes, which were of the linage of DAVID, to be fought out and slain: yet EVSEBIVS writeth, that hee pardoned two which were of that linage. And, to set his seal to all his wicked deeds, beeing induced by the diuell or some of his angels, hee gaue himself to the persecuting of the Catholick Church, The second per­secution of the primitiue church and by his Letters and Edicts, both in Rome and out of it, an infinite number of Christians were banished and put to death: vpon whom hee executed horrible kindes of cruelties; written by EVSEBIVS, PAVLVS OROSIVS, and other Catholike Authors. And this was the second generall persecution of the Primitiue Church; in which Saint IOHN the Euangelist was bani­shed into the Ile of Pathmos, where he saw the Vision of the Apocalypse. How long this perse­cution [Page 104] endured, I cannot say: but by EVSEEIVS it seemeth, that it lasted little more than two yeers; for afterwards, in the thirteenth Chapter of his third Book, hee saith, that DOMITIA­NVS did moderate this persecution, and commanded it to cease. So as by that which is writ­ten and hath been seen, DOMITIAN was one of the worst Princes that euer was in the world; and so bad, as he used to say, The vice of the flesh was but a kinde of honest recreation: and such were those wherein he used to passe his time.

For these causes, and many other which I omit, wherein DOMITIANVS spent foureteen yeers of his Raign, he came to be extremely hated and abhorred of all men. And as now it was growne to a custome in Rome, Not to endure wicked Emperors long; and as God also permit­teth, that sometime wicked Princes com to euil ends: so those which were most priuate and nee­rest about him conspired against him; the Chiefe & Captain of which was STEPHANVS, who was steward to his wife and Emperesse DOMICILLA, whom they affirm to haue been parta­ker in the conspiracy and practice to murder him: and they afterwards slue him in such manner as I will tell you.

During the time this conspiracie was a plotting, there appeared certaine signes in the skies, whereof all men conceited and prognosticated, that the death of DOMITIANVS was at Signes progno­sticating the death of Domi­tian. hand: and hee also stood in extreame feare thereof, as he which took great heede to auguries and signes, and presumed much to be an Astrologer and Diuiner. And amongst other signes which then were seene, there appeared for many daies together round about the Sunne a great bright shining Crowne that did compasse it about, which resembled the Raine-bow against foule weather; but that it was a whole Crowne and did compasse the Sunne in such manner, as it bereaued and eclipsed the same of his brightnes: Which signe all men did interpret to signifie a chaunge and alteration in the Empire, with the death of DOMITIANVS. And for as much as STEPHANVS in Greeke signifieth a Crowne, there were some which conceiued that the said STEPHANVS should kill him, notwithstanding they knew nothing of the practice. By meanes whereof, and of other things which then were seene, DOMITIANVS was in such feare and despaire, that as vpon a day there was a great tempest, and there happened certaine flashes of lightning, which hee and all others did presage to be against him: and he being very angrie, they write that he said, Let IVPITER then smite whom hee will. Whereof, the feare which I tolde you of, was the principall cause: for euen then was the time accomplished which the Astrologers, casting his constellation, had told him that he should die. But one thing aboue all the rest made him most amazed, which in truth was very strange, and for such (although it be of small importance) I will declare it, which was this: that he liuing in this feare, sent for an Astrologer, who at that time was very famous, and asked him many questions thereupon: who An Astrologer foretold Domi­tian of his death, and of his owne also. answerd him, that by his art he found that his death was neere at hand. Wherewith DOMI­TIAN was so wroth, that hauing determined to command this Astrologer to bee slaine, hee asked him, if hee knew what end hee himselfe should haue. The Astrologer answered him, that by his constellation hee knew, that hee should shortly be torne in pieces by dogges. And DO­MITIAN thinking to make him a lier in that which hee had foretould, and that, what hee had prophecied of his owne death, should not come to passe, commanded him presently to bee slaine, and his bodie to be burnt, and his ashes to be buried, to the end that dogges should not teare him. And hauing begun to burne his bodie, there fell such a tempest & raine as quenched and dispersed the fire; and the body of the poore Astrologer remaining half vnburnt, there came certaine dogges which tare it in pieces, as he had prognosticated. Which (I thinke) was, by Gods permission, a practice of the diuel, as he which knew the secrecie of the conspiracie, which then was in hand to kill him. Now STEPHANVS and his consorts hauing agreed vpon the day, wherein they determined to giue DOMITIANVS his deserued death, one morning this STEPHEN came into his chamber, bringing a poiniard hidden vnder his arme, which for that purpose he had some daies before fained to before, and carried it bound: and comming to the Emperour (who was suspicious enough and verie fearefull) hauing oportunitie to come to his presence, by reason of his office, with much dissimulation he told him that he had brought him certaine intelligence of a conspiracie against him. Which when DOMITIANVS heard, as he was very iealous thereof, and beleeuing his words to be true, without any further considerati­on, he withdrew himselfe apart to talke with him about this matter: and standing in that manner, the rest which were of the same confederacie, being all his ordinarie seruants, and at hand, this STEPHEN gaue gim a memoriall, such as he had deuised; wherein he discouered a conspira­cie, naming therein such at hee thought good. And DOMITIANVS beginning to reade it [Page 105] with great attention, STEPHEN at his pleasure stabbed him into the groyne; and the Empe­rour feeling himselfe wounded, began to call and to cry out aloud: and as he was very strong and valiant, before that STEPHEN could giue him another wound, hee closed with him and threwe him to the ground, and striuing to take the poiniard from him, he cut and mangled his owne fingers: And by this time before that any succour could come to him, there ranne vpon him SATVRNINVS, CLODIVS, PARTHENIVS, MAXIMVS, and others which were of that conspiracie, being all his owne seruants: and there giuing him many wounds, they The death of Domitianus. slew him. And so had DOMITIANVS such an end as his deedes deserued, which happened in the yeere of our Lord 98. in the fiue and fortith of his age, and the fifteenth of his raigne, lea­uing no sonne to succeede him: for althought that in his fathers time, hee had a sonne by his lawfull wife, named DOMICILLA, that sonne died being a childe. DOMITIANVS was a man tall of stature, and in his youth of a good constitution, and pleasing countenance, great eyes, and somewhat redde: but comming to age, he lost his proportion and good grace, by rea­son of a long sicknes, so as his legges became little and slender, and afterwards hee had a great gorebelly, and a very bald head. His death was taken in Rome in diuers manners, for it grieued the Pretorian souldiers very much: so as if that daie they had had any Captaine that would haue but made the motion, they would haue slaine all the conspirators. The common people took it indifferently, shewing neither ioy nor sorrow. The Senate was not onely well content The Senate glad for the death of Domitia [...]. therevvith, but conceiued exceeding ioy thereat: and assembling themselues that same day, they caused all his statues to be throvvne dovvne, and all the inscriptions and memorials of him to cancelled and defaced.

THE death of the Emperour DOMITIAN was not onely profitable for the Empire, being freed and deliuered from his crueltie and tyrannie, but for that it gaue meanes to NERVA to succeede him: and that afterwards TRAIAN and ADRIAN should raigne, who were most excellent Emperours, and honored and enlarged the Empire. And although that NERVA raigned but a while, yet hee did many good things: but the best that he did was, in that hee made TRAIAN his successour, as when time serueth, shall be declared. The death of DOMITIAN, as I haue said, did not grieue nor ioy the Roman people, but pleased the Senate exceedingly: who hauing commanded the remem­brance of him to be cancelled, they presently tooke order to giue him a successour, before that any one should be cho­sen [Page 106] by the armie. COCCEIVS NERVA, being at that time for his many vertues, wisdome, experience, and age, a man of the greatest reputation and authoritie in Rome, was by the Se­nate chosen Emperour, hauing beene fauoured and assisted therein by PETRONIVS SECVN­DVS, Captaine of the Pretorian Cohorts, & PARTHENIVS, who was one of those which kil­led Nerua chosen Emperour by the Senate of Rome. DOMITIAN. This NERVA was of a noble family, borne in the citie of Narnia in the prouince of Vmbria in Italie, his fathers name was also NERVA. Saint IEIDORE onely saith, that he was borne in Spaine, I know no ground for it; neither haue I read it in any other auncient authour. Being receiued in the Senate and accepted to the Empire, vpon a sodaine without knowing who was the author, it was told him that DOMITIAN was liuing, and that the re­port of his death was vntrue. This newes did so much trouble NERVA, that all the colour went out of his face: and being vnable to speake, he had much a doe to stand vpon his seete, vn­till that PARTHENIVS did encourage him, assuring him of the trueth. Whereupon he came againe to himselfe, and set a good countenance vpon the matter: presently they all came to him to doe him reuerence, and to receiue him for their Lord and Emperour, shewing great ioy, in hope of good successe. Onely ARRIVS ANTONIVS, who was a very wise and iust man and had bin his familiar friend, spake vnto him in a more strange manner then any of the rest: therefore I will relate it. Truely NERVA, in that thou art aduanced to this high degree, I will attribute the benefit and happinesse thereof vnto the Senate and people of Rome, and generally to the whole Empire (for such hath beene their good fortune) but not vnto thee. For thou hauing es­caped Speeches used by Antonius to Nerva. with such honor and reputation by meanes of thy vertue, and wisedome, from the in­jurie of those wicked Princes past, art now made subject to infinite troubles and daungers; and above all, to the infamie and hatred of thy enemies, and as much or more of thy friends: for they will presume that they have deserved all favour, in respect of the ancient friendship which they held with thee; and if thou shalt deny them anie thing they shall aske, although it be never so unjust, they will become greater and more cruell enemies unto thee, then those which open­ly shew themselves to bee such. Now, as the solemnities and accustomed ceremonies for the new Emperour were ended, in the beginning of his Empyre hee began to doe most noble and excellent workes, whereof in summe wee will make a breefe relation, without distinction of time, seeing his Empire was so short, as in a manner not to be divided. And one of the best and first was, in releasing from banishment all the Christians, which from Rome and other Cities were banished in the time of the Emperour DOMITIAN, and to permit and give liberty to Nerva his good deeds. every man to hould what faith and religion he would: and in this time (according to EVSEBY­VS, and other Catholike historiographers) Saint IOHN the Evangelist came from the Ile of Pathmos (whither hee was bannished) to the citie of Ephesus in Asia. The like humanitie did NERVA use in all other matters: First hee released and discharged all the cities of the Em­pire from the new impositions, which VESPASIAN and DOMITIAN had laid upon them. And to many which by DOMITIANVS were unjustly disposessed of their goods, hee com­manded their possessors to be restored to all their moveables, which could bee found in the imperial palaces. And he not onely shewed himselfe liberal to those which were oppressed: but to all poore men which had sonnes, hee made them to bee bred up at his charges. Hee made also a distribution among all the people of Rome in greater measure then was usually done by a­ny others. And to some poore Citizens of Rome which he knew had no wealth, hee made cer­taine possessions, which hee bought for that purpose, to be divided among them. And above all he did great favours, and bestowed great gifts upon those which had bin his friends and allied unto him: and his liberalitie was so great, as DION writeth, that in the beginning and first comming to the Empire, hee was constrayned by necessity to sell his gold and silver plate, and other moveables of his house, to performe those his favours and good deeds. And in this manner hee did many deeds of charitie and pietie; for it is written for certaine, that hee sware that no Senatour of Rome should by his commandement be put to death, which hee afterwards performed, although there were those which deserved the contrary. He also forbad many slan­ders and accusations used in those times; desiring, all men should live contented and at liberty.

Athough that NERVA was so good a man (as we haue said) and vsed so milde a kinde of gouernment, so as there was nothing in him to be reprooued; yet there wanted not some which murmured against him, as wicked men vse to doe against the good, alleaging that so great hu­militie and mildnesse in a Prince was not profitable: so as FRONTON a principall man in Rome presumed to say openly, that it was an euil thing to have such an one for Emperor, which would suffer no man to doe any thing that he desired; but it was a worse matter to haue such an one [Page 107] vnder whom euery man might doe what hee listed. When NERVA was aduertised thereof, he was not angry, but forbad some things, which had giuen him cause to say so: and he desired so much to gouerne vprightly, as he did nothing of his owne head; but had alwayes about him, and sent for wise and good men, such as were of the greatest experience in Rome, by whose counsell hee provided, ordained & dispatched all matters. He also made during the small time of his Empire some very good lawes & ordinances; among which, he sharpely forbad an abuse of those times, which was, to geld men & to make them Eunuches. He also forbad that any man should marry his neece, or brothers daughter; and many other things which wanted reforma­tion. To conclude, this Emperor had in his short time al those parts a good prince ought to have; and so cleere a conscience, that he oftentimes said, he remembred not to have done any thing (albeit he gave over the Empire) why he should not live secure, and without feare of any body. And, though all this was true, (as to the wicked, the yoke & scepter of the just is a heavie burthē, and Rome had then got such a custome, that it could neither indure an evill Emperor, nor obey him that was good) yet there wanted not some which practised his death, and conspired against him: the motor & head therof was CRASSVS CALPHVRINIVS; but it pleased God that it tooke no effect, but was revealed to the good Emperor; who without any rigor or bloodshed was freed therof, contenting himselfe only (as SEXTVS AVRELIVS writeth) with the banishment of those which were culpable, though the senate would have inflicted a more rigorous punishmēt.

All these things being passed (as I have said) and all things succeeding well and prosperously both in Rome, and all the Provinces subject thereto, it hapned that ELIANVS CASPERIVS, who at that time was Prefect, & Captain of the Pretorian Cohorts, incited the souldiers to re­venge the death of the Emperor DOMITIAN, & to put all those to death which had bin con­federates therein; which they determined to put in execution, though NERVA gave them no leave. This motion was sodaine, & NERVA was much troubled, & would have hindred it, and have defended those from whose hands he received the Empire, or have died in the quarrel; and so he said & published openly: but the matter came to such issue, as the old Emperor was not a­ble to resist or prevent it: & so PARTHENIVS & PETRONIVS were slain, & all those which CASPERIVS would require or nominate of those which were culpable. With this contempt NERVA was so grieved & offended, that he was very sorrowful he could not punish it as the case required; for by reason of his old age & infirmities he was not regarded by the souldiers. Wher­fore to redresse the present, & provide for that to come, he determined to adopt & make TRA­IAN his successor, who was then Captain & Governour in the neather Germanie, & was at that time in the city of Colen; which charg he had executed with great honor & fame, & was the most excellent man then living, as well in peace as war: to whom he was no way allied, being a Spani­are, & a stranger to Rome & Italy. And although NERVA wanted not allies & kinsmen, yet hee chose TRAIAN, having more respect to the publike good, then to his owne house & posterity: wherin how justly he made his choise, this history wil hereafter manifest. Having put this his de­termination Traiane adop­ted and inuested in the Empire by Nerua. in executiō, & the accustomed solemnities performed, & adopted him in the Capi­tol, & made him CAESAR in the Senate, he presently sent him Ambassadors with the Ensignes & Armes of the Empire, & they invested him in the Empyre: & herewith he sent him a verse in la­tine, Teli [...] Phoebe tuis lachrymas vlciscere [...]o­stras. wherein he briefly exhorted him to come & succour him. The adoption of TRAIAN was so great a bridle to the mutinies which were feared, as all remained still & obedient. But it plea­sed not God that NERVA should long enjoy his good resolution: for as SEXTVS AVRELIVS writeth, hee lived onely three months after: in which time they write not that there passed any notable matter, neither is it understood by the histories that TRAIAN came to Rome before his death, which happened (in a manner) sodainely, through anger and displeasure which he conceived against a Senator, whose name was REGVLVS: for as hee was old and feeble, hee gave a great shout, and was taken with so great a sweat, that being unable to en­dure it, he died thereof. The same day there was a great Eclipse of the Sunne, which might The death of Cocceius Ner­ua at the Eclipse of the sun, An, Dom, 100. be (in part) cause of his death; which was in the 100 yeer of CHRIST. He raigned 1 yeer, 4 months and odde daies; according to SEXTVS AVRELIVS, EVTROPIVS, and BEDA. About the time of his age there is some difference among Authors: for, some say, hee was 71 yeers old; others, 76. But as it imports little, so I mean not to spend much time about contrari­eties of so small moment: and heerin I hold decorum with my curious Reader, to the end he con­demn me not of negligence, if he finde me to differ from that which he shall reade elsewhere.

AFter the wise and good Emperour NERVA, succeeded TRA­IAN, as he had ordained in his life time; who was the flower of all the heathen Emperours, and in his time was the Romane Em­pire at the greatest height: for neuer, either before or after, was it so great, so much feared or esteemed. The valour, vertues and excellencies of TRAIAN were so many & so great, that as SEX­TVS The vertues of Traian. AVRELIVS affimeth, the best writers of those times were hardlie able to expresse and declare the same. For although that I would exceede in the historie of this excellent Prince, for the loue of my countrey, of whence I might say that TRAIAN wa [...] (as presentlie shall appeare) yet I could not doe it according to my desire and his deserts, for the breuitie of those authors which we haue at this day which wrote of him: wherefore I hold it for a better course to obserue the stile and forme alreadie begun, then by breaking it, to be notwithstanding too briefe and de­fectiue. I say then that TRAIAN was by nature and birth a Spaniard, whereof there is no doubt: for so do all auncient true authors affirme. EVTROPIVS in the life of him, and EVSE­BIVS in his Chronicle, say, that he was borne in the towne of Italica, which is subiect and neere to Seuil: the which is also affirmed by SEXTVS AVRELIVS, although he name it not; and ANTONY LEBRISHA, whom we may alleage among the auncient authors, calleth Italica The place of Traians birth. TRAIANS countrey: wherefore I cannot coniecture by what authoritie he did it, which wrote that TRAIAN was borne in Cales. This towne of Italica (according to PLINIE in his third booke) was in that time in subiection, and within the iurisdiction of Seuil: and ANTONY in his perambulation saith, that it was sixteene miles from thence: the same in a manner is ga­thered [Page 109] by PTOLOMIE his geographie, and that it lay Northwest from Seuil: but at what time it was ruinated, or where about it was, I could neuer certainely vnderstand: so as Seuil may glorie and vaurt it selfe to be TRAIAN his countrey: for although that he were not borne in it, yet he was borne in a place subiect and neere vnto it. TRAIAN was also of noble bloud and linage, although not very famous for any great dignities. His fathers name was also TRAIAN. When he came to the Empire, he was 42. yeares old, but not fullie compleate, and married to a woman of great account, whose name was PLOTINA. For the certaine knowledge they had in Rome of his goodnes and valour, he was by generall consent ioyfullie receiued and obey­ed: and he presently beganne to put his great vertues in practice, shewing himselfe both in word and deed, good, affable, milde, mercifull, very wise, and a louer of truth and equitie, and of all other vertues; wherein he perseuered vntill the end: it shall not be amisse if I recite part thereof in the beginning, seeing that all historiographers which write of him do the like.

TRAIAN, taking vpon him the gouernment of the Empire, first endeuoured to reforme the lawes, and to cause them to be obserued, and that equitie and iustice should be vsed in all things. In publike charges and offices he tooke care to preferre noble and vertuous men; and such as Traian his good deedes. were not so, he reformed and reclaimed with gentlenes and clemencie, and not with rigour and extremitie. He did so moderate and represse his wrath and choler, as he was neuer knowne to be ouercome therewith; and was most abstinent from other mens goods, and free from coue­tousnes. His liberalitie and bountie did exceede, bestowing benefits and fauours vpon all men, greatly relieuing the poore and needie, imitating and excelling his adopted father NERVA. His liberalitie. Hee bestowed much cost and took great care for the bringing vp & instructing of poore mens children in Rome and in all Italy. He was a great builder of publike and necessarie Edifices; and also made an infinite number of bridges, gates and temples, and repaired high waies & causeies; as yet is to be seene in many places in Spaine; wherof one (as saith S. ISIDORE) is the bridge at Alcantara. In all his buildings hee neuer made benefit of any mans goods or labour; as some of his predecessors had done. He was to the multitude and common people milde and courteous, and the principal personages he honoured and entertained with loue and familiari­tie; and chiefly those which deserued it, he admitted to priuate conuersation: whereof being vpon a time reprooued, he answered, that he desired to be such an Emperour towards his sub­iects, as he would wish they should be to him, if he were not so. In Arts and Sciences he was not very learned, by reason of his great affaires but he neuer left to practice when hee had time; hauing for his master the excellent Philosopher and Historiographer PLVTARCH, whom, Plutarch wa [...] Traians m [...] ­ster. and others for their excellent wits, he loued and honoured much, as IVVENAL testifieth; be­sides other writers.

To conclude, this Prince had all the good parts and conditions which an excellent King ought to haue: in peace he was vpright and iust, and in warre (whereto he was so affected as hereafter shall be declared) he was valiant; and in both the one and the other very wise and prudent. And for that wee will not conceale the truth, of two vices and passions he was noted; and accused: the one was, that he did eate and drinke much, and that very sumptuously; and the other, that he was much giuen to the vice of the flesh: the cause whereof was the want of faith, together with his great power and libertie; but it was neuer knowne that wine ouer­came his wits, or that by meanes thereof he committed ought that might seeme vnfit; neither through the other passion, that he euer vsed violence, or forced any woman, or offended any.

With these conditions he began his raigne and Empire, gouerning it most happily for some s [...]ce. As he was a most excellent and valiant Captaine, and addicted to the wars, desirous of ho­nour and fame aboue all his predecessors, he resolued to extend and enlarge the bounds of the Empire by armes. His first enterprise was against the King and inhabitants of the prouince of Dacia, a very great and spacious countrey; [...]wherein are now included Walacia, and Transiluania, and other prouinces, taking the occasion for the warres and spoiles which that nation had done to the Romane Empire, in the time of the Emperour DOMITIAN. TRAIAN went to this Warres made by Traian a­gainst the King of Dacia. warre with an exceeding great Army, and the King of Dacia, named DECEVALVS, had leuied for his defence all his force and power, being very great: so as this war was very cruel. But the King of Dacia, being no other way able to defend himselfe, determined to come to a battaile (as he did) wherein TRAIANE had the victorie, with exceeding great losse to his enemies, and not a little to the Romanes, for the battaile was very cruell and bloudie. This victorie being obtained, and TRAIAN following the chase of his enemies, he pursued them so hard, that Deceualus de­mands peace of Traian. DECEVALVS, being in despaire, sent to him, humbly desiring peace, offering to accept any [Page 110] conditions he should prescribe. And TRAIAN (who took as great glory in pardoning the humble and meeke, as in taming and subduing the proud and hautie) notwithstanding that hee had taken almost all his countrie, was contented to admit him to his grace and fauour, sending certaine conditions to be performed: which were, that he should presently deliuer vp all his Conditions pre­scribed to De­ [...]ualus. instruments and engines of warre, and the enginers and masters thereof, together with all fugitiues that were within his dominion, which were Romans, or their confederats, and ranne to the enemy. And that out of all the Castles an [...] fortresses within his dominions, hee should withdraw the garrisons, and should throw downe such as should be appointed: and before all these things, that he should surrender certain lands which he held within the bounds of the Em­pire; and that he should euer hold for friends and enemies, those which the Senate of Rome held for such.

These articles and conditions the King of Dacia accepted and promised to accomplish, more through necessitie then for any good will; and hauing sworne to obserue them, he came to the Campe to the Emperor; where prostrating himselfe vpon the earth before him, he confessed himselfe to be ouercome, and to be his vassall. This solemnity being ended, and other things done which were expedient, TRAIAN returned victorious to Rome, where hee entred in tri­umph, as saith EVSEBIVS hauing raigned two yeeres, and brought with him the Ambassa­dors Traian came into Rome in triumph. of the King of Dacia, to whom was giuen audience in the Senate; and the peace, which TRAIAN had granted, was there confirmed. And he for his victorie was called Dacicus, for that he had subdued the countrie of Dacia, as the Romans in former time had vsually done to some other excellent Captaines.

When TRAIAN had ordered all things in the prouince of Dacia in this maner, for ioy & honor of this victorie, and to please the Roman people, he made all manner of sports and games, which of custome were wont to be obserued by the Emperors (as is aboue said) adding thereto such other things as he thought good. But these games and sports did not withdraw him from do­ing iustice, neither from care of the gouernment: but rather so long as they lasted, he spent the greatest part of his time in dispatching of busines, and doing iustice, going himselfe in person to the Tribunal and publike audience, to iudge and determine many causes: which he did most iustly and wisely. Passing sometime in good quiet, rest, and generall peace, the King of Dacia being as vnable to endure subiection and seruitude, as his predecessors, began some combusti­ons and alterations; first secretly, and afterwards publikely: repayring and fortifying his Ca­stles, The king of Da­cia rebels a­gainst the Em­pire. prouiding armes and engines, and leuying his neighbour forces against the Empire: wher­of as soone as TRAIAN and the Senate had intelligence, he was adiudged the second time, an enemy to the Empire. And so with an equall armie, but much more incensed then for­merly, TRAIAN went this second time to the warres in person: in which the King of Dacia taking warning by that which was past, refused to come to battaile, and vsed policies, strata­gems and trecheries against TRAIAN; which were such and so many, as the Emperor was in danger to haue been either slaine or taken: and by trecherie (vpon a safe conduct) they took a singular good Captaine and a great fauorite of the Emperors called LONGINVS. The King of Dacia hauing so good a pawne, sent to TRAIAN to entreate a pardon, and to treate of peace, threatning that except he might obtaine the same, he would put the said LONGINVS to death. Whereto TRAIAN gaue such an answere, as the King vnderstood, that he preferred his honour and the publike good before any particular perill, and prosecuted the warres by all waies and meanes possible: During the which, within a very short space he built a bridge ouer the riuer Danubius, beyond which (parting from Italy) lieth the countrie of Dacia, which was one of the most stately bridges that euer was made in the world, all of squared stone of mar­ueilous A bridg ouer the riuer Da­nubius. beautie. This bridge contained twentie Arches; each of which was one hundred and fiftie foote high, besides the foundation, and sixtie foote broad; the one Arch was distant from the other one hundred and sixtie foote, which was the compasse of the Arches of the bridge: which truely was a wonderfull worke, as well for the greatnesse thereof, as for the many difficulties, and the short space wherein it was made: Which among other things is an argument of the wealth and greatnesse of the Romane Emperours. Which bridge this Emperour made, to hold a free passage for his Armies to passe the riuer Danubius, against those barbarous nations: And ADRIAN his successor being of a contrarie opinion, to bereaue the barbarous of the like passage (as some say) commanded it to be broken. This bridge being finished, TRAIAN continuing the warre, did many things, wherein he shewed himselfe to be a valiant and excellent Captaine: and so oppressed the enemie (notwithstanding [Page 111] that the countrie was great, and the people very fierce and hardie) that he conquered and sub­dued it all, and put their King DECEVALVS to such a straight, that to escape taking, being The death of the King of Dacia. in great danger thereof, he slew himselfe; and his head was caried to Rome, and the countrie of Dacia was made subiect and tributarie to the Romane Empire: the greatest part whereof at this time (for our sinnes) is subiect to the Turke. After this, taking such order for all things in those parts as was requisite, TRAIAN came to Rome with great honour, bringing with him an ex­ceeding great summe of money and wealth taken from that King and countrie, being now (as EVSEBIVS testifieth) the fift yeere of his raigne. And his name and bountie was so famous through the world, that vpon the way Ambassadours met him from the East Indies, and diuers other parts to sue for peace, and to acknowledge him for their Lord. Being come to Rome, hee entred in great triumph: and afterwards there were made great shewes and feasts for ioy of his Victorie and Returne; which did laste 120 daies, which were foure whole moneths: A feast of one hundred and twenty dayes continuance. which being ended, he applied himselfe to the administration of iustice, and the tranquillitie of the Empire. Remaining in Rome busied in these exercises, hee made many bridges, causeies, and other publike edifices both within Italy and without. About this time there died a great The death of Su­ra Li [...]ius la­mented by Tra­ian. friend and fauorite of his, whose name was SVRA LICINIVS, whose death he took heauily and honoured his memoriall with publike statues, which he commaunded to be erected to him, and other honors then vsed. This SVRA was so good a man, and TRAIAN reposed such trust in him, that being told one day for certaine, that SVRA meant to kill him, hee went that night to sup at his house; and commanding his guard to returne, remained there alone a­mongst SVRA his friends and companions, and commanded his Barber to shaue his beard with a rasor, which the Emperors then held for a custome, vntill the time of his successour ADRIAN, who wore his beard somewhat long: and hauing so much trusted and tried this SVRA LICINIVS, he returned to his Palace; and calling those vnto him which had told him thereof, he said to them, that he had made tryall of LICINIVS loyaltie, and that they should no more hold him in suspicion: and so he euer after loued him both aliue & dead, as I haue said.

TRAIAN liuing in this prosperitie without blemish or disorder in any thing that might de­serue reproofe, being deluded by the diuell, or some of his ministers, he resolued to persecute the Christians, and made edicts and decrees against them, commanding them to adore his Idols; so as an infinite number of them were put to death vpon that occasion. This was the third ge­nerall persecution of the Christians, wherof EVSEBIVS treating saith, that it was in the tenth The third gene­rall persecution of the primitiue Church. yeere of his raigne, and so doth OROSIVS and other Christian authors. Which persecu­tion TRAIAN commaunded afterwards to cease, as it appeareth by some histories, and by the Letters written by PLINIE to TRAIAN, and from TRAIAN to PLINIE, which are extant to this day: Wherein he commaunded, that if the Christians were not accused of a­ny other crimes, they should be suffered to liue at libertie, and according to their lawes. In these and other things, and in doing iustice, TRAIAN, busied himselfe in Rome, vntill that moued with desire of fame and glorie, he resolued to make war against the King of Parthia, and against the King of Armenia, making this his occasion; that the King of Armenia had receiued the crown and ensignes of a King, from the hands of the King of Parthia (acknowledging him for his superior and soueraigne) and not from the Emperour of Rome, as he was bound to haue done, as appeareth by that which is already said. And hauing ordered his troupes, and made such prouision, as for so great an enterprise was requisite: he parted from Rome, with a very great ar­my Traian made warre against the Parthians. both by sea and land; and arriuing in Asia, he inuaded Armenia, where the fame of his com­ming was such, and there was so great a feare ouer all the Countrie, that but in very few pla­ces he found any resistance, aswell in Armenia as in countries adioyning. And the greatest part of the Kings, Nobles and Gouernors of the prouinces bordering thereupon, came peace­ably to him, humbly confessing themselues to be his subiects, and him to be their soueraigne Lord, and bringing him many presents they made great shew of subiection. Among many o­ther things of great price which they presented vnto him, there was brought him a horse, in greatnes, colour and shape, one of the most faire in the world: which being taught before hand, A horse giuen to Traian. as soone as he came in the Emperours presence, kneeled downe vpon both his knees, and bow­ed downe his head to the earth; which although it were knowne to be artificiall, yet it made a very good shewe, and did greatly delight the beholders, being a thing rare and vnthought of.

TRAIAN hauing in short time subdued Armenia, and gotten the King thereof into his po­wer, PARTAMITASITES by name, who had submitted himself, he seised all into his hand.

[Page 112] And so (as EVTROPIVS and SEXTVS RVFVS testifie) the countrie of Armenia was made a tributary prouince, and at that time he gratified and gaue gifts and rewards to those Kings and Tetrarchs, which had serued him in those wars, and to many others. And others he condem­ned in great sums of money, according as each one had deserued. And setting all things in good order, leauing sufficient garrisons to defend the same, he marched forward with his Armie; con­quering Armenia and Mesopotamia made tributarie to the Empire. the dominions of the King of Parthia, and particularly entred into the fertile country of Mesopotamia, and took the citie of Nisibe, and other places there, and made that prouince, like Armenia, tributary and subiect to the Empire; the King of Parthia being no way able to hinder the same, therein happening many skirmishes, encounters, assaults of cities, and feates of arms, TRAIAN shewing himselfe in all things an excellent Captain, as well in trauailes and dangers, as in directing his armie, in lodging it, in marshalling his men, and marching with them accor­ding to militarie gouernment and discipline. For whom the Senate (being aduertised of his great victories and good successe) commanded great sacrifices to be made, after the manner of the Gentiles; and sent him new titles and names, signifying his victories, calling him Optimus, Armenicus, Parthicus, and other titles, for the conquest of Armenia, and other coun­tries Newe titles giuē to Trajan by the Senate. of the Parthians. Hauing had in all things good successe, encreasing and enlarging the Romane Empire, desiring, for some respects, to repose himselfe for some fewe dayes, hee came to passe the winter in the Prouince of Soria; where dispersing his Armie in those marches, he lodged himselfe in the Citie of Antioch, whither came Ambassadours from ma­ny parts of the East: And being there in great prosperitie and at rest, with a full determination to returne to the wars as afterwards he did, the whol citie being full of his Court, and of Am­bassadors and Princes which came to see him, and to follow their suits vnto him, there happe­ned an earth-quake which was in a manner generall, which in that citie and in a great part of Asia (but chiefly in those quarters) was the greatest that euer was seen or heard of, which began after this manner. On the 22 of October there did rise so furious and violent a winde, as it [...]are and turned vp trees, made the birds fall to the earth, vncouered the roofes, and made the hou­ses An horrible and fearefull Earthquake in the citie of An­tioch. shake: then followed lightning and thunder, in such abundance, as being yet night, it seemed noone day; after which there fell from heauen such fearefull thunderbolts, as with their vio­lence they brake downe stately buildings, and slue many men, so as it seemed the world had been set on fire, and that the earth had opened. The Sea was also wonderfully troubled; after all which there was such a violent heate, as, not able to endure it, men stript themselues, and hid them vnder ground; and the skie was so darke, and the dust so great, as one could not see a­nother, but shocking together fell downe dead: But he that will know the wonders which pas­sed therein, let him reade DION, and COCCEIVS in the life of TRAIAN; for many ci­ties were ruinated, much people perished; many mountains and hils sunke and became plaine; many riuers were dried vp; and many fountaines and waters sprang where neuer had been any before. And in the Citie of Antioch, almost all the houses and buildings thereof fell to the ground; and the Emperour TRAIAN, escaped by flight, and was driuen to leape out at a window into the fields, seeing that all his palaces fell downe: in which fieldes hee remained many dayes in Tents, vntill the earth-quake was past; so great feare possessed him for that which was already happened. This misfortune being past, and this Citie and others, which en­dured the like calamitie, being repaired by TRAIAN, and sommer being come, gathering together all his forces, he parted from Antioch to proceede in the warre which he had begun, directing his iourney towards the East, to make a conquest of Assyria and Chaldea, with the great Citie of Babylon, head of the ancient monarchy of the Assyrians. And being to passe the riuer Euphrates, at a great turning which it maketh, he vnderwent many difficulties and dangers; for the Parthians with all their whole power endeuoured to stoppe his passage: But TRAIAN knew so well how to vse such industrie, and to proceede so warily, as making boates and bring­ing A bridge ouer the riuer Eu­phrates. them in carts, from the mountaines neerest at hand, he made a bridge, and passed his Ar­my in despite of his enemies, although not without great slaughter and daunger to both parts: And hauing passed the riuer, he marched forwards, conquering Cities and Castles on euery side, and among other the great Citie of Arbela in Assyria, which MARCELLINVS cal­leth Arbela. Gandabela, in whose fields ALEXANDER the Great, ouerthrew King DARIVS. And from thence he went and took other countries, wherein neuer had any Romane ensignes been displayed: And from thence without finding any that durst to giue him battaile in his Babylon and Thesiphonte taken by Tra­jan. march, he came to the famous Citie of Babylon, of whose greatnesse and power we read maruels; and taking it by force of armes, he did the like by all the borders: and from thence he marched [Page 113] by land to the riuer Tigris, and assaulted and took by force the great citie of Thesiphonte, which is in Persia, and other townes in those parts. But in what manner TRAIAN took this Citie, and what happened in the many assaults and battailes giuen, and how long this warre continued, we finde it not written: for those authors which are come to our hands treate thereof succinct­l [...]; and the bookes of his life and famous exploites which FLAVIVS MARCELLVS and A [...]VRELIVS VERVS wrote at large and copiously, are perished, with other notable works, w [...]ich time hath consumed and wasted; by which meanes the acts of this Emperor are vn­knowne. Neither is he compared with ALEXANDER the Great, or the greatest captaines of the world; notwithstanding that he was no lesse, considering the countries, the Seas, and Na­tions, which he trauelled, tamed and subdued, with his armie, his minde, his wisedome and bou [...]ty.

TRAIAN hauing made himselfe Lord of all those Countries, both on this side, and beyond the riuers Tigris and Euphrates, to wit, Syria, Babylon, Chaldea, and other countries and prouinces, thereto adioyning; DION writeth that he went downe the riuer Tigris, towards the Persian. Sea, to subdue a mightie King, named ATHA [...]ILVS, who liued in an Iland (which that riuer maketh, diuiding it selfe into two arms) & comming to that countrie, the King and inhabitants of those countries not daring to make any resistance, yeelded all those places into his hands. But here he was in the greatest trouble and danger of all others: for, winter comming on, there fell so much raine, and there were such tempests, and the riuer Tigris made such inundations, as hee was in danger to haue lost the greatest part of his armie. After which, these authors affirme, that he rigged vp a great fleete, wherewith sayling along the Persian Sea, he came into the maine O­cean, Traian made warre in Persia and the Indies. conquering euen to the Indies, and subduing them to the Roman Empire: and finding by chance certain Merchants ships which sailed to the Indies, on this side the riuer Ganges, they write, that he informed himselfe thereof, and discoursed with such as were in those ships of all matters concerning those parts. And he sometimes said, that had it pleased God that hee had been a little yonger, and had more strength & health, he would not haue staied vntil that he had attained to the vttermost and most remote ends of the world: and that he accounted ALEX­ander the Great for very happy, in that he began to raigne when he was but yong; yet he pur­posed to passe further then he had done. And so he wrote from those Seas to the Senat of Rome, and sent them the relation and names of all the Nations which he had conquered and subdued; the number whereof was so great, as they could hardly be reckoned and knowne. Vpon which newes, there were made in Rome great ioys, new sacrifices, and many other things to his honor; among which was a most sumptuous Arch. But this attempt and enterprise of the Indies prospe­red not with TRAIAN, according to his expectation: for as those countries, which he left be­hinde him in the East, were newly conquered; while as he continued his Nauigation and con­quest by Sea, many of those countries reuolted, and thrust out the Roman garrisons which were left in them. Besides this (whereof he was aduertised) he found not in those coasts and countries where he came, such fertilitie and abundance of victuals as he expected; neither were they an­swerable to the reports of writers, which fabled thereof: for he found there great scarcitie and want of many necessaries, and the enterprise seemed vnworthy of so great a Prince: for which causes, and for that that he was now old and vnwieldie, he resolued to return with his fleete to the place from whence he came.

TRAIAN returning in this manner by the Persian gulfe, and taking land neere to the riuer Tigris, he speedily took order for the punishing of those which reuolted, and the recouerie of those countries which had rebelled, whither he sent two Captaines called LVCIVS and MA­XIMVS, with two good armies, which in the beginning prospered ill; for MAXIMVS in a battaile against the Parthians was ouerthrowne and slaine: but LVCIVS afterwards reinfor­cing and relieuing his armie, obtained some victories against the enemie, wherein he repaired the losses receiued, and recouered againe by force of armes the citie of Nisibe in Mesopotamia, and others which had rebelled; and did the like by the citie of Edesta in the same prouince, which he set on fire and wholly ruined. While as LVCIVS was busie about these things, TRAIAN his other Captaines and Lieutenants, named EVRICIVS and CLARIVS, made warre in other parts against such as had reuolted, and took by force the citie of Seleucia, which standeth vpon the riuer Tigris, and other cities which the Parthians had recouered in those quarters: so as in short space TRAIAN not only recouered all those countries which had rebelled, but also con­quered many other cities and prouinces: so as he was Lord of the greatest and best parts of Asia. His wisedome and valour was so great, that during all the time that hee followed these [Page 114] warres and conquests, so remote and farre from Rome, yet there was not any tumult or disor­der in the Citie.

But this sage and wise Emperour seeing himselfe now old and tired, and knowing how great the Romane Empire was, and that it seemed impossible (as indeed it was true) well to gouerne a state so large and great, chiefly those prouinces which hee had conquered from the Parthians, who were so hard to be tamed and kept vnder; he resolued to settle a King in Parthia and Persia of his choosing, and in some other countries which hee had taken from the Parthians, which King should rule and gouerne the same, as before they were ruled, yet as a King which should be subiect and a vassall to the Romane Empire, reseruing to himselfe the supreame iurisdiction and soueraigntie. And with this resolution he came to the great citie of Thesiponte, which is in Traian in Persia. Persia: and calling thither the principall men of the Parthians, hee conferred with them con­cerning the making them a King of their owne stocke and nation; they giuing him great securi­tie to serue and obey the Romane Empire. This being concluded, he placed and established, in the royall throne with great solemnitie, a great man of the royall house of the Parthians, whose name was PARTHENASPATES. And afterwards (as SEXTVS AVRELIVS and EVTROPIVS record) he did the like in the prouince of Albania in Asia, neere to the Caspian Sea, seating there a King to gouerne the same: and placing gouernours and Presidents in the other prouinces, he enlarged and extended the bounds & limits of the Romane Empire beyond the riuer Tigris, where before his time the name of Romane had scarcely been heard of. And hauing ended all things in good sort in the East, with great glorie and honour (for no place could defend it selfe against him, sauing one little citie in Arabia deserta, which the Agarenes had taken, which could not long be besieged for the great sterilitie and want of water in all the fields and marches thereabout) hee resolued to direct his iourney towards Italy, and so to Rome, with greater honour and triumph, then any of his predecessors had euer obtained.

While as TRAIAN made prouision for his iourney towards Italy, it happened that the Iewes which inhabited the prouince of Cyrene, which is in Africa, to the East of Syrtis Magna, con­spired The Iewes re­belled against the Romanes. and rebelled against the Romanes and Greekes which liued in that prouince, and slew most of them. The like did those Iewes which dwelled in Egypt, and both the one and the other committed such cruelties, as were neuer seene or heard of: So as PAVLVS OROSIVS wri­teth, that they left the land in a manner dispeopled; and that Nation was euer so readie and apt to rebell; as those Iewes which dwelt in the Ile of Cyprus, knowing what had passed in the pro­uince of Cyrene, and in Egypt, rebelled also, and committed greater crueltie and excesse, then the The crueltie of the Iewes. others had done: so as DIDON saith (although it seemeth incredible) that there were slaine by them 200000. persons, which inhabited that Iland. Which is confirmed and made credible by that which EVSEBIVS and PAVLVS OROSIVS report, who affirme, that they slew all those which dwelt in the citie of Salamina, which is in that Iland: vpon which occasion there was afterwards an Imperiall law made, that no Iew vpon paine of death should come within the Ile of Cyprus, vpon what occasion soeuer. This law was afterwards so seuerly executed, that if any of them came thither, although through mischance or fowle-weather at sea, they were pre­sently put to death.

When the Emperour TRAIAN vnderstood of this great rebellion and crueltie (being vpon his way toward Italie) as a iust prince willing and desiring to giue condigne punishment, according to the qualitie of the crime, he sent Captaines with sufficient troupes of souldiers in­to diuers parts, to put to death all the Iewes they should finde in those countries before named, or in any other wheresoeuer: which they affirme, was the greatest execution and punishment that euer was done in the world, God permitting the same for their stubbornness, and obstina­cy. A iust punish­ment inflected by Traian vp­on the Iewes. This great slaughter & punishment being executed, taking the best order that might be for matters in Asia, the good Emperour began his iourney towards Italie, leauing his Nephew AELIVS ADRIANVS, who was afterward Emperor, for General of the Armies in the East, and so continued his iourney with infinite honour and ioy; there being in Rome the greatest tri­umph and the most solemne reception prepared for him, that had euer beene made. Comming into the prouince of Cilicia which is in Asia the lesse, as he was old and somewhat sickely, his disease increased vpon him in such sort, as staying in the citie of Seleucia, within few daies after, he died there, of a naturall sicknes, although that some suspected that he was poisoned. And so The death of the Emperor Tra­ian. ended this excellent Emperor, hauing raigned nineteene yeeres and a half, and liued sixtie and three, in the yeere of our Lord 119. leauing neither son nor daughter by his wife PLOTINA, with whom he was married; neither would he adopt or name anie one that should succeed him, [Page 115] which hee did in some mens opinion (as SPARCIANVS writes) to imitate ALEXANDER the Great, whom he euer sought to excell in honour and renown. TRAIAN'S ashes were af­terwards brought to Rome, and set vpon the top of a Pillar, which he had commanded to bee e­rected in the market-place: which Pillar was of one whole piece, containing one hundreth and forty foot in height. This Prince subdued many Countries and Prouinces, and held the grea­ter part of the world in subiection; or, to say better, was the greatest and mightiest Prince that euer was in the world, either before or after him; as he which is curious may finde by this our History. True it is, that discoursing indifferently touching valour in Armes, and many other parts, he was not to be paralleld in greatnes with IVLIVS CAESAR. He gouerned the Em­pire with such authority and so much iustice, and his vertues were so many, as he therein excel­led all those which had not the light of our faith: for, therein is no comparison. And this was held for a custome in Rome after him, that, when they poured out their blessing vpon their new­chosen Emperours, they would pray that he might be as fortunate as AVGVSTVS CAESAR, and as good as TRAIAN; accounting him to haue attained to the height of all goodnes.

It is great pity To think that so excellent a man should be lost and damned, as doubtlesse hee was: for, hee not onely was an Idolater, and held not our Christian faith (without the which there is no saluation) neither did hee confesse or professe it; but, persecuted and oppressed the Christians. And some men, being moued more with pity and compassion, than with any wit or vnderstanding, fained a fable and jest; saying, that, through the praiers of S^t. GREGORY, TRAIAN'S soule was released out of hell (from whence is no redemption) and carried to Pa­radise: whereof, besides that our faith doth controul it, there is no Historiographer either anti­ent or modern, of any authority that euer I saw, that makes any mention thereof in their Trea­tises of TRAIAN, and of S. GREGORIE: whereby it is cleer, that those which maintain it bear false witnes both against heauen and hell. TRAIAN was of a bigge stature, of a swarth complexion, and had thin hair on his head and beard; and likewise had a hook nose, great broad shoulders, and long hands; and, aboue all, had a very louing aspect with his eyes. He was born the one and twentith day of May, in the second yeer of the Raign of the Emperor NERO.

[Page 116] THe death of the good Emperor TRAIAN was much la­mented and grieuously taken through all the Empire; beeing for his bounty and goodnes much beloued of all the people and nations subject to the Empire. And, as he neuer had any son, either naturall or adopted, that might succeed him, and seeing his Nephew ADRIAN for his vertues, great wisdome, and the affinity between them, was much beloued and esteemed; PLOTINA, the Em­presse, wife to TRAIAN, who was with him at his de­cease, for the great loue she bare vnto ADRIAN, sought means to aduance him to the Empire. To bring which her deuice to passe, she agreed with ADRIAN (who al­ready was a man of great power, and had been very fami­liar with TRAIAN, and was his countriman) and took such order, that his death was concealed vntill hee had sounded the good will of the Army which he led, and of such other great Personages as were in the Emperors Court; faining (after some Writers) that TRAIAN had adopted him for his sonne, shewing a counterfeit instru­ment or Writing to that effect. Finally, the matter was so cunningly handled, that it took such effect as they desired, and the Army presently sware obedience and did homage to ADRIAN; notwithstanding that he was absent, in the City of Antioch in Syria, where he was left (as is said) Generall. Who being aduertised heerof, and the Legions whereof he was Generall consenting Adrian being in Antioch, was chosen Empe­rour. therereto, he presently wrote to the Senate, entreating to be confirmed in the Empire. When the Senate had receiued his Letters, and vnderstood what passed, his request was easily granted, and so was he of all men obeyed and held for Emperor.

ADRIAN was TRAIAN'S Nephew, as some say, by his mother; and some say, by his father: it may be that he was his kinsman of both sides, and so both the one and other may say the truth. He was also a Spaniard both by linage and birth, and according to EVTROPIVS and EVSEBIVS, was borne in the same citie of Italica: yet SPARTIANVS inferreth that his father in Rome was called ADRIAN as He was, but was borne in Italica, and his mother DO­MITIA Adrian nephew to Traian and a Spaniard. PAVLINA, was also natiue of Spaine, and borne in the citie of Cales. He was married to SABINA TRAIANS sisters daughter (as DION writeth.) And was a tall man of stature, of a good constitution and countenance; and of a very cleane strength, which he much exerci­sed. He is reckoned among the good and excellent Emperours; and with great reason, conside­ring his many vertues and excellencies, his knowledge and wisedome wherewith he gouerned, and the peace and iustice wherein he maintained the Empire two and twentie yeeres, that he li­ued therein; whereof for that all authors write briefly, I also purpose to treat therof in summe, seeing I spent so much time in the last, so as except I vse more breuitie then hitherto I haue done, the volume of this my booke will growe to a greater proportion then I purposed, or is conueni­ent. Wherefore I will doe, as he which within a lymited time hath determined to trauell a long iourney, and hauing taken leasure in the beginning, deeming that trauelling in this maner, he shall not bee able to attaine to that place at the time appointed, hasteneth his way with grea­ter speede, vntill that he know that he may come to his iourneis end before the time be expi­red: So will I do from henceforth. At the least when I am past ADRIAN, I purpose to proceede with greater expedition then heretofore, vntill I come so farre on my way, that I may safely di­uide the processe of this historie, and hold the proportion which I haue determined, presuming rather to make this inequalitie in the stile, then to make a worke so tedious and wearisome.

I say then, that when-as the barbarous nations vnderstood that TRAIAN was dead, not­withstanding they also knew of the election of his Nephew ADRIAN; the Parthians chiefly, The Parthians and other na­tions lately subdued, be a ring of Tra­ians death, rebelled. and other nations which were lately subdued, began to mutine and rebell: and there were also some alterations in Britanny, and in some other parts. All which, ADRIAN might easily haue pacified and subdued by force of Arms, and wanted neither courage nor means thereto: but he would not seek it by the extremity of warre and rigor. For, truely, albeit these two Princes were both very valiant and excellent Captains and Gouerners, yet heerin they did much differ: for, TRAIAN, being greedy of honour and fame, desired by conquests and wars to increase and inlarge the Empire; but ADRIA'S care was To preserue the antient limits without any greater ambition, and rather he diminished a great part thereof: and so presently in the begin­ning of his Raign, to the end he might liue in peace, he left to the Parthians, and to other Prin­ces [Page 117] of the East, all those Prouinces beyond the Riuer of Euphrates vnto the Indies which TRA­IAN had conquered; nothing regarding Armenia, Media, Assyria, Persia, Mesopotamia, nor all the rest; and he set his bound and placed his Legions at the Riuer Euphrates. Some thought and also wrote, that he did it of purpose, enuying TRAIAN'S honour: but I truely attribute it to that he held it for the better and most assured course. And hauing taken such order in the East (as is said) and left CATILLIVS SEVERVS for Gouernor of Syria, and pacified the troubles lately raised by the Iewes; he took his way by land towards Italy, and sent the ashes of Adrian sent Traians ashes to Rome. TRAIAN by sea: and, coming neer to Rome, hee was aduertised that they had prepared a tri­umph for him in the same manner as it was prouided for his Vncle TRAIAN, for that hee was in the same wars and conquests with him. But he would not accept therof, cōmanding that the same triumph and entertainment should bee made and giuen to TRAIAN'S Image, and so it A triumph giuen to Tra­ians statue af­ter his death. was done; and he (as far as I haue read) was the onely man that euer triumphed after that hee was dead. And ADRIAN was receiued and obeyed with the greatest loue and applause that could be, and presently performed many parts of an excellent Prince, conformable to the course of his life past, and the hope conceiued of him for the time to com; so as all were glad and well satisfied with his gouernment, with his manners and conditions: and truely with great reason, for he deserued no lesse. And because that the graces and excellencies of this Emperour were in the highest degree, besides the vertues and wisdome wherewith hee was adorned, I hould it fit in this place to speak thereof, to the end that they may serue for an example to other Princes; whereby they may make themselues the more respected by his imitation.

First, he was naturally enclined to learne all such sciences as apperteined to wit, and to the ex­ercise both of mind and bodie, aswell in learning, as in the exercise of armes and other vertues, wherein he sought to excell all men. It is a wonderfull matter to consider how God endued this Prince with wit and vnderstanding, capable to comprehend whatsoeuer he desired, with skill, Adrian was expert in all faculties. strength and abilitie in all exercises: whereby he grew very learned in both the tongues, Greek and Latine, and compiled excellentlie well, both in verse and in prose. He pleaded causes and exercised himselfe in the art Oratorie; and so much affected the stile & phrase of auncient times, that he preferred CATO before CICERO, E [...]NIVS before VIRGIL, and CELIVS before SALVST. He was as skilfull in other arts as herein: for he was a singular Mathemati­cian, Arithmetician, Geometrician, and a great Astronomer, and took great delight in iudiciall Astrologie, and would giue his iudgement: so as SPARCIANVS writeth, that the first day of the yeere he would cast the reuolution of the whole, and foretold what would ensue, and did so by the same yeere wherein he died. Hee was very skilfull in Physick, and knew the vertues and properties of hearbs and stones. Hee was expert and very politick in warres and militarie discipline, and was very strong, able and skilfull in armes both on foot and horseback: And be­sides all this, he could play on instruments, and sing maruelouslie well. He coulde draw and paint, aswell as the skilfullest maister workeman in that art. Finally, in all things he had so great skill, as any man could haue in any one thing particularly: wherein, besides his deepe vnderstan­ding, his exceeding memorie did much help him: for they affirme, that he forgat not any thing that he had either read or hard. He was of such capacitie (as SPARCIANVS writeth) that he would both endite, write, and confer of busines all at one instant, and had a singular grace & promptnes in vsing quick speeches and quips, either in earnest or in iest; and the like in answe­ring vpon the sodain, if he were toucht by any. Of his quick and sharp speeches which they write of him, I will recite one, as fitting this time, although it be none of the sharpest and sub­tillest of them, which was thus: A certaine Romane Knight came to intreate a fauour at his hands, who (according to his age) had a gray beard, and full of white haires: and failing of that which he desired, within few dayes after he came againe with a new petition to the same effect. But in the meane season (it seemeth that men were then as skilfull in painting as now they are) he had dyed his beard, and looked yong againe: which was noted by the Emperour; who to guird him therewith, answered to his request, I would be very glad to do you the pleasure which you require, but a few dayes past I denied it to your father who desired the same; where­fore it seemeth to me a matter vniust, to grant that to the sonne which I would not yeeld to the Father: and so the olde man departed with shame, and in this manner he vsed many such like iests. Besides all that is spoken of him, he was very strong, and able to endure any labour; and was so actiue of his body, as he ordinarily went the greatest part of his way on foote, and bare headed, in the sunne, in the raine and mists. He was much addicted to the chace, and was a great Hunter, and excellent therein: so as with his owne hands he killed Lions, Beares, wild Boares, [Page 118] and other most fierce Beasts; he was oftentimes in great danger, falling once vnawares from a rock; where he put one of his shoulders out of joint, and brake one of his legs, with some of his ribs. Finally, there was nothing wherein the Emperor ADRIAN was not excellent and very able, and in all things presumed to excell the wisest; as truely he did in the most. And al­though hee were a great reprouer of Masters in all Arts, and did often put them to their shifts with his questions and arguments, yet he did much honour them, and bestowed many gifts and rewards vpon them; and had about him Philosophers, Astronomers, Poets, Rhetoricians, Grammarians, Musicians, Arithmeticians, Geometricians, and excellent Painters and Carvers: with all which he might compare, and the most of them he did farre excell; and did vse to say, that He had not forborn to learn any thing more than other men did, that might be needfull in peace or warre, either for an Emperour, or a man of any other condition whatsoeuer.

Being endued with these qualities aboue mentioned, he was not void of other vertues & gifts of the mind, which he shewed and put in practice during the time of his raigne, more, and bet­ter then before; although in the beginning he was noted of crueltie, for that some speciall men, by his commandement and permission, were put to death. There were also some vices and bad Adrian taxed for cruelty. inclinations noted to be in him: but they all affirm he did suppresse and dissemble them, and was so much master of himself, as he easily masterd his naturall euill inclination; which well appeard in his manner of gouerning the Empire, and the good vsage of his subjects, bestowing fauors vp­on all men; abating the tributes and subsidies through all the Empire; ministring justice with in­differency; doing all things by the aduice and counsell of the Senate, and of wise men which he kept about him, and caried with him whithersoeuer he went: for, he not only loued to be coun­selled, but also to be reproued and aduised. Hee entertained all men mildely and courteously: and although to the common sort he shewed greatnes and majesty, yet men of note he honou­red much, and visited them in their sicknes, and inuited them, and went to them when they in­uited him. And although he euer loued and procured peace, yet all his life-time he had excee­ding great care of martiall discipline; punishing the liberty and vices of men of warre; refor­ming errors past, and prescribing rules for time to come. In this maner (as I haue said) he had liued when he was priuate, and followed the same course after he was Emperor.

ADRIAN hauing remained some space in Rome, gouerning the Empire in good form and Northern natio [...] rose against the Empire. order, many northern Nations rebelled against the Empire, to weet, the Alanes and Scythians of Europe; and the Sarmates, which are now the Inhabitants of Russia, Muscouia, and Poland, and other Countries thereto adjoyning; which, with intent to make war in the Empire, came down into the Prouinces of the vpper Missia (now called Servia) and the lower Bulgaria, both which at this day are in subjection to the great Turk. Against which nations, the Emperor ADRIAN parted from Rome with a mighty Army: but, coming neer to those Prouinces where the ene­mies were, there were certain treaties of peace propounded; and ADRIAN, who was addic­ted thereto, granted the same: and, making his abode for some daies in those Quarters, hee re­turned to Rome, leauing MARCIVS TVRBO for Lieutenant and Gouernor of Pannonia and Dacia. In this journey ther was a certain conspiracy against him; which being discouerd, foure principall men which had been Consuls (being guilty thereof) were put to death: which exe­cution the Emperor ADRIAN afterwards denied to haue been done by his will or consent. Being comn to Rome to purge himself of the infamy and enuy thereof, he made a great congia­rie or distribution of money among the people, bestowing many graces and fauours vpon all men; and commanded also infinite games and sports to bee made, such as were accustomed in Rome; not forgetting (neuerthelesse) the execution of iustice in his gouernment. Staying at this time a lesser space in Rome than at the first, he departed with a great Court and Army to vi­sit France and the Prouinces neer adioining; vpon the Cities whereof, hee bestowed many gra­ces and fauours. And from thence he went to visit the Legions and Armies in Germanie; wher­in hee set good order in many things concerning militarie discipline: and, hauing remained a­while in those parts, hauing resolued to visit the whole Empire (as afterwards he did) he direc­ted Adrian visited the Empire. his iourney into Flanders, and from thence into Britanny; where hee reformed many things, and reconciled the Inhabitants, and the Romans which liued there; as well the garrisons, as the Inhabitants and Colonies. And, for their better quietnes and security, SPARCIANVS saith, that he caused a strong wall of fourescore miles long to be built, to make a diuision of the lands of the one from the other; which was a maruellous great work. And, hauing made such proui­sion for all things in that Iland as he thought needfull, he return'd into France: where he erected some singular Buildings, and bestowed other graces and fauours in that Countrey.

[Page 119] After that the Emperour ADRIAN had visited France and the borders thereof, and the Ile of Britannie, he directed his iourney for Spaine; where he was ioyfully receiued, as a man natiue and borne in that countrie: and after that he had visited some places, he went to winter in the cittie of Tarragona, where he called a parliament of all the prouinces, and ordained many things for the publike good thereof. After that the furie of winter was past, he trauelled through all He comes into Spaine, and delt many fauours to his Countrie. Spaine, visiting the cities, and bestowing benefits vpon them: principally vnto his owne coun­trie Italica and Seuil, he graunted many priuiledges and exemptions, and did many great fauours, as DION writeth; but would not come thither, notwithstanding that he was in the matches thereof. Thus hauing visited all Spaine, he returned towards Rome, & at this time he set downe the limits and bounds of the Empire, from the barbarous Nations: where there were no riuers, to diuide them with notable markes of stone, pillars, trees, and other things; and his authori­tie & reputation at that time was so great, that to the high Germanes who were free, he appoin­ted a King: and at that time some tumults were punished in Africa.

The Emperour ADRIAN liuing now in peace, being the seauenth yeere of his raigne, the Parthians a fierce and turbulent nation, began to arme and to make warres against the Empire; and ADRIAN making prouision for all things accordingly, passed into the East, with a suffici­ent Armie to follow that warre in person: but seeing that he managed it himselfe, they pro­pounded certaine treaties of peace; which being concluded, he trauelled peaceably through all the Easterne prouinces, and came into Asia the lesse, and from thence into Graecia, where he did many fauours to the Athenians, and other cities, where he remained some space. From thence he took his passage into the Ile of Sicilia, and visited the principall places of that Iland, and desired to see mount Etna, which is so famous for the fire which it continually casteth out. Setting all things in Sicilia in such order as he thought good, being very ioyfull he returned to Rome, now the fourth time after that he was Emperour. After his last comming, he staied not long: for he had vndertaken (for the better gouernment thereof) to visit the whole Empire in person; and to that purpose preparing shippes and gallies he passed into Africa: where the ioy Adrian in A­frica. is incredible that was conceiued for his comming. For besides that ADRIAN was very much beloued, it happened (as SPARCIANVS and others doe write) that Africa for fiue yeeres space had endured great want of raine, and by consequence hunger and famine; but as soone as he was arriued in that Countrie, raine fell plentifully: which made his comming most ioyfull. And the time that he was in that countrie, he spent in reforming of the gouernment, in ending controuersies, and commanding certaine publike buildings to be erected: among which was the reedifying of a great part of the citie of Carthage, which (according to my author) he com­manded Carthage re­edified by Adri­an. should be called Adrianopolis, after his owne name.

And all matters being ended in Africa at his pleasure, and hauing staied there so long as to him seemed good, he returned prosperously to Rome, where hee prouided for all other matters of the Empire: yet the time was not long that he staied there; and when euery man thought least of any iourney, hee againe prouided for his passage into the East. And within short space he went into Graecia; and trauailing through it, staied in some cities, and made those buildings & temples to be finished, which before he had commanded to be begun, and enioyned others to be built: and so continuing his iourney he went into Asia the lesse, and did there as he had done in other prouinces where he had trauailed. Being come into Syria, by letters and messen­gers he inuited the Kings and Tetrarchs, as well those which were friends and subiects, as others which were neighbours and strangers, to come to see & speake with him. Among which; one was the King of Parthia, to whom he freely sent his daughter, whom the Emperor TRA­IAN in the former wars had taken prisoner; for which generous act, manie came to his Court to visit him and to doe him honour: all which he so friendly and courteously entertained, as such which came not did exceedingly enuie those which came, grieuing very much that they had not done the like. These meetings and feasts being ended (which in truth were very great and memorable) ADRIAN took his way towards Syria, and came into Palestina and Iudea, vi­siting the principall cities thereof; and from thence went forwards, and did the like in Arabia. After which, he presently went into Egypt; where he remained longer than in any other part, and there commanded a most sumptuous Sepulchre to be built ouer the great POMPEY, for A Sepulcher made by A drian ouer the great Pompey. that his Tomb was ruined and decaied. He also caused a City to bee founded to the name and memoriall of a most fair young youth which died there, whom hee deerly loued. And at the same time he permitted and also commanded, that the holy City Ierusalem, which (as is before said) was destroyed & laid desolate, should be reedified & new built; which was presently done [Page 120] with admirable expedition, principally by the Iewes; and commanded, that (leauing the first name) it should be called Aelia Adria Capitolina: so great was then the power and wealth of the The power of the Roman Empe­rors. Roman Emperors, that it was as easie a matter for them then to build Cities, as now houses, or things of lesser moment. And although the Iewes did greatly reioyce for the new-building and restoring of Ierusalem, yet afterwards they took it very grieuously, that the Gentils should ioint­ly dwell there with them; who built Temples to their gods and idols, not suffering the Christi­ans freely to vse their rites and ceremonies. And this is the cause of the rebellion which after­wards ensued.

Truely, it is a thing much to be noted in this Nation; which became so stiffe-necked, that when they were bound to keep and obserue their law, being good and holy; for very light oc­casions they would forsake it, and take strange religions, and become idolaters: but after that it was abolished, and ought no longer to be obserued, they would neuer leaue it, neither receiue The peruerse perfidy of the ob­ [...]matt Iewes. the holy Catholike faith; and yet, vntill this day, some of that generation in sundry parts of the world obstinately perseuere therein.

These and many other things being ended by ADRIAN in the time of his abode in Asia and in Egypt, he returned into Europe: and, arriuing in Gracia, he staied with his whole Court in the City of Athens. Being there (which was in the eighteenth yeer of his Raign) all the Iewes rebelled, and cast the Roman garrisons out of their Prouinces of Iudea, Galile, and the rest; kil­ling as many of them as they could, with a very great number of Christians. This was a very dangerous warre: for, with them did conspire all the Iewes that dwelt in any other Prouinces, which were very many. ADRIAN considering the importance of this accident, prouided a new Army, whereof he made IVLIVS SEVERVS Generall against the Iewes, causing him to come from Britanny, where hee commanded the Army; who came with great power, and passed into Syria, and made most cruell warre: wherein, after the shedding of much bloud on both sides, the Iewes were ouercomn and destroied, and the whole Countrey left in a manner desolate. So (as writeth DION) there were fifty excellent strong Castles and Fortresses laied The Iewes ouer­thrown and de­stroied by Iulius Seuerus and banisht from the new Ierusalem by Adrian. euen with the ground; and nine hundred, fourescore and fiue Townes and populous Villages burnt; and there were slain in skirmishes and battels fifty thousand fighting men, besides those which without number died of hunger, sicknes, and misery of the warre: and so was performed the subduing, and (in a manner) the totall destruction of the Iewish Nation. And ADRIAN gaue commandement and made an edict, that the Iewes should be perpetually banished from the new Ierusalem, and prohibited to inhabite there.

Within few daies after the war against the Iewes was ended, the Alanes and Masagets, which are barbarous and fierce Nations of Scythia Asiatica, came with great fury, and entred into Me­dia making war, and afterwards into Armenia, and came as far as Cappadocia (where FLAVIVS ARRIANVS was Generall for the Empire) putting all the Countries therabouts in great fear. But ADRIAN (who euer loued peace) vsed such means, as through the gifts which hee sent to their King VOLOGESVS by his Ambassadors, they returned peaceably to their houses, loaden with spoils and riches which they got in other barbarous Countries.

ADRIAN, hauing ended all matters to his best liking; after he had bestowed many gifts and fauours vpon the Cities of Gracia, came in the end to Rome, hauing (as I haue said) trauelled a long time through the world; where his coming was very gratefull to all estates in that City: and although he were now old and vnwieldy, yet he failed not to prouide and take as good or­der for all things then, as when hee was of greatest strength. But, considering his age, which was now aboue threescore yeers, that he had not any sonne, and that a disease he ordinarily had, which was much bleeding at the nose, did now more oppresse him than euer; hee took great care who should bee his Successor, and therefore determined to adopt some excellent man to succeed him in the Empire; and heerupon took much counsell, and made many doubts before he would resolue. In the end, contrary to the liking of most of his Councell, hee adopted one LVCIVS CECINIVS COMMODVS, intituling him CAESAR, and nominated him for Lucius Ceci­nius adopted by Adrian to be his successor. his Successor; which (as SPARCIANVS reporteth) had not been vsed to be done in that ma­ner vntill then: and changing his name, after his new Father he was called AELIVS VERVS. The same day he did this, he commanded SEVERIANVS to bee slain (who was a great man in Rome) and FVSCVS which was his nephew, for certain euident signes and suspicions which he discouerd, that they practised to tyrannize & vsurp the Empire: and so likewise he comman­ded some others to be put to death, and made away. After this election and adoption, and great feasting for the same, this new-adopted CAESAR was ouertaken with an infirmity, which was so [Page 121] grieuous, and of so long continuance, as ADRIAN found himselfe deceiued: and seeing that now he could not liue long, he repented that he should leaue so weake and feeble a successor. It is written, that he often said, he leaned to a rotten wall. But it so happened that within few daies, he was eased of that care: for this LVCIVS CECINIVS, whom he had adopted and called AELIVS VERVS, died. And notwithstanding that this man left sonnes behinde him, yet ADRIAN presently adopted ANTONINVS or ANTONIVS (for I finde him writ­ten after both names) who was afterwards surnamed PIVS; vpon condition that he should also adopt a sonne of the sayd AELIVS VERVS, who was called LVCIVS VERVS AN­TONINVS, and MARCVS AVRELIVS also; but in the first place ANTONINVS, of whose linage hereafter mention shall be made, who were Noble, and verie excellent and ver­tuous men. This being done to the good liking, and with the consent of the Senate, and of all the principall men in Rome, ADRIANS infirmitie encreasing, he made himselfe to be caried to the citie of Baias: where his griefe so extremely tormented him, and therewithall came so many passions and convulsions, as he oftentimes desired to die, and procured his owne death; and with gifts and flatteries, and sometime with threatnings prouoked some to kill him: and seeing that no man would doe it, and that he wanted strengthto doe it himselfe, for the last re­medie of his infirmitie, by the aduice of some of his Physicians (for he had many about him) he The death of the Emperour Adrian. resolued to forbeare either to eate or drink, and so he died in the yeere of our Lord 140. vsing the common saying, Turba Medicorum interfecit Regem: which is, Amultitude of Physicians killed the King.

ADRIAN at the time of his death was sixtie two yeeres old and fiue moneths, & had raigned twentie one yeeres and eleuen moneths: he neither left behinde him, or euer had any sonne; he was but once married, and then with a woman whose name was SABINA; and after her death, he married no more. He was a man tall of stature and of a good presence, and did weare his beard and haire long, and took delight therein. Hee was as excellent a Prince as euer was any, although that he had some vices, which with his wisedome he couered and kept secret. As concerning the Christian faith, although in the beginning (as an Infidell) he did hate it, and was an enemie to it, yet afterwards he shewed himselfe more temperate towards the Christi­ans: foras EVSEBIVS and others doe write, QVADRATVS a disciple of the Apostles, and ARISTIDES a Philosopher of Athens and a Christian, did compile certaine notable bookes in defence of our faith: wherewith ADRIAN being moued, wrote to MINV­CIVS FVNDANVS who was Proconsul in Asia, and to other parts, that no Christian should be compelled to renounce his faith, neither punished, except he were accused for some other offence. So as the Christian faith was taught and preached freely, a great part of the raigne of the Emperour ADRIAN.

ADRIAN was not onely wise and fortunate in gouerning and ruling the Empire, the time that he held it; but he was al­so, in the successor whom he chose and left there: for hee prooued to be such, and so good, that after he had ended his daies, ADRIAN was not more praised and remembred for his wisedome and good gouernment, then for the suc­cession which he left, by adopting ANTONINVS: who what he was we will presently tell you. The death of A­DRIAN being knowne (which was greatly lamented) ANTONINVS PIVS, his adopted sonne, was presently without any contradiction admitted and obeyed for Em­perour, accordingly as he had appointed by the consent of all the Senate, as in his life we haue written. This ANTO­NINVS Antoninus his descent. was the sonne of AVRELIVS FVLVIVS, and Nephew of TITVS AVRELIVS FVLVIVS, who had been Consuls and had held other offices and dignities, and were Noble men and of an auncient Family, whose originall was in Gallia Cisalpina, now called Lombardie. His mothers name was ARRIA FATIDILLA, the daughter of ARRIVS ANTONINVS a Noble gentleman and twise Consul. This Emperour ANTONINVS was one of the most excellent princes in vertue and bountie, that euer was in the world; and who with greatest authoritie, iustice, liberalitie, and clemencie gouerned the Empire. Hee had a good aspect, was tall, and of a good constitution of body, of an excellent witte, mild of condition, moderate in eating and drinking, well learned, and singularly eloquent, very bountifull, and willing to giue of his owne, and very abstinent from taking from others. He was a great louer of husban­drie, and delighted much in hunting; and he was so free from all manner of vices, as therein neither TRAIAN, ADRIAN, nor any of his predeeessors could compare with him: Where­fore Antoninus compared with Numa Pom­pilius. the wisemen of his time compared him with NVMA POMPILIVS, who was second King of Rome, and deserued to bee called PIVS, for which they shew many reasons. Before that he was Emperor he had bin Questor, Pretor, and Consul, and had held some other charges and magistracies. In his time their was little warre, or at least little spoken of; and those trou­bles which were, he easily pacified by his Captaines: and therefore the most that Historiogra­phers write of him, is of his good conditions and bountie: and so will I; although it will not be so pleasing to the Reader as to discourse of warres; yet to follow the truth, and principally to shew the fruite which is to be gathred out of this historie, which are examples to liue well: as for the rest there will bee sufficiently enough found in the processe of this booke, and that is not a little which is alreadie written.

ANTONINVS, as soone as he began to rule, he presently made shew of his naturall good­nesse: for he remoued not any of those from their offices and charges, which he found placed and established by ADRIAN; but rather confirmed them therein: and euer held it best, to suffer those which prooued good Gouernours to continue long in their charges and gouern­ments. He commanded also his rents and seruices (besides that they should be moderated) to be fauorably and temperately collected. He presently did so many fauours, and gaue so many gifts of his owne goods which he had before, that his wife ANIA FAVSTINA daughter to ANIVS VERVS reprooued him for it: to whom he made answere that she knew not what Antoninus answere to Faustine. she said, and therefore he did let her know, that at what time he attained the Empire, he had lost all that which before he enioyed liuing priuate. In matters of equitie and gouernment, he was as vigilant, and took as good order as ADRIAN did. He resolued neuer to depart from Rome during his raigne, except it were to recreate himselfe, and sometime to hunt, being herein contrarie in opinion to his Predecessor ADRIAN: for he sayd that the Court and people, which trauelled with the Emperour, were troublesome and preiudiciall to the Countries and Cities by which they passed: and that in visiting some parts, he was far from others; and there­fore the most fit and conuenient place for the Emperor to stay and make his abode in, was in [Page 123] Rome, which was the Lady and head of the Empire, and in the midst thereof, and most fit to re­ceiue Ambassadours and messages from all parts. So as following this counsell (which indeed prooued not ill) the Warres and Insurrections which happened, he suppressed and pacified by his Captaines; as the Britaines, which rebelling in part of that Iland, the Rebels were de­feated by his Captaines, and the Iland brought to subiection.

And within a little afterwards, the like happened in the Country of Dacia, and also in Ger­manie, which tooke Arms; but through the victory of his Legions, peace was established: wher­by he wanne so great reputation, that during the rest of his raigne, there hapned no dangerous warre, and all men feared and honoured him for his goodnesse; and therewith he was so much beloued, as he was held and esteemed, for Father, Lord and Emperor. The barbarous Nations which were vnknowne to the Romanes, did so much loue and esteeme him, as in contentions and matters in controuersie which fell out betweene them, they chose him for their Iudge and Arbitrator, submitting themselues to his censure. And so those of Hircania, (which is a Pro­uince of Asia, neere to the Caspian Sea) and the Bactrians which are more to the Eastwards, and both very farre and remote; and also the East Indians sent to him their Ambassadors, offering Ambassadours and princes from [...]ar coun­tries came to see Antoninus▪ amity and obedience. And from other Countries which were exceeding far, there came some Kings to doe him honour: among which, they make mention of STANGORVS from India, and of King PHARASMANES, and others. And in other Countries, he settled Kings at his pleasure: whereto the Inhabitants did consent, notwithstanding that they were not subiect to the Empire. And the King of Parthia resoluing to make warre, being with a great power en­tred into Armenia, one Letter from the Emperor sufficed to make him retire and to discharge his Armie.

ANTONINVS being in this manner beloued and feared by Strangers, was no lesse estee­med and beloued by his Subiects and Vassals, but rather without comparison farre more; as by those which knew and enioyed his goodnesse and equity: and seeing that he was such, he was by the whole Senate intituled, Father of his Countrie, which he much refused, but yet in the end hee accepted thereof, with great courtesie and humility: for hee was naturally milde, and Noble of condition; and therewith so courteous, as he entertained the Senators and principall men gently and louingly, with great honour and courtesie; and neuer did any thing of importance, without their counsell and consent, and towards all men generally he sought to moderate the state and maiesty of an Emperor, shewing himselfe affable and pleasant. And a­boue all, he tooke order that no man should make benefit of his fauour to another; neither take bribes from such as were Suters vnto him: for he gaue audience and answere to all men him­selfe in person, and in this he knew the quality and difference betweene men, vsing herein some­time the opinion of others when need required. Whereto, besides the ordinary counsell of the Senate, and his owne skill and knowledge in the lawes, he had alwaies some excellent Lawyers neere vnto him, as VLPIANVS, MARCELLVS, IABOLENVS and others: By which meanes and such others as shall be declared, the Prouinces and Cities in his time florished and grew rich, which he relieued with his owne rents towards the buildings thereof, aswell such as were necessary as others, to beautifie and adorne the same. And when any misfortune or cala­mity hapned, he repaired and reedefied it with mony out of his Eschequer: as, a great fire which hapned in Rome, wherewith were burnt three hundred and forty principall houses, and a great part of the Citie of Narbone in France, and the Citie of Antioch in Asia, with the Market-place Great harme done by fire in seuerall places. in the City of Carthage. In time of great famine which was in Rome, hee prouided for their vvants, and maintained the people with bread and wine, the most of the time that the famine lasted, making Victuals to be brought from all parts, paying for the same at his proper cost: so as generally through the whole Empire, all men were well content vvith him; for he maintain­ned them in peace, quietnesse and equity.

And doubtlesse in this place there is to be obserued (as touching the power and gouern­ment of humane things) how great and potent the Romane Empire then was; and how con­tentedly, A wonderfull obedience, and vniuersall peace. and at what liberty the Subiect liued in the time of ANTONINVS, TRAIAN, A­DRIAN, and other good Emperours; and to see the greatnesse and riches of that Court fre­quented by the worthiest and best men in the world: and to obserue the greatnes, buildings & wealth of that most populous Citie of Rome, beautified with the goodliest Statues and Pictures that euer Eye had seene; so as at this day her ruines are more esteemed then all the stately buil­dings in the world: and to consider the liberty and security wherin men might trauaile, through the world, no man being tyed to obey more then one Lord and King, and he good and iust, [Page 124] without feare of warres, theeues by Sea or Land, vvithout finding euery where new Lawes, new Lords, Kings and Tyrants, needing no security or safe Conducts, without being taken pri­soners, and made Captiues, or ill vsed by enemies, strangers and vnknowne persons, but vsing all men as friends and neighbours in the greatest and best parts of the World, which as a little Kingdome was quietly and iustly gouerned. One Countrey vvas furnished from another, with such things as in the one did abound, and the other wanted; Merchandize and Trafficke passing through the World without so many Impositions, molestations and troubles, as we see now adayes, all liuing then vnder one lawe; being in the best and most habitable parts of the Earth in vnion and peace: which they more perfectly enioyed, after that the Emperours were Christians, as hereafter shall be declared. But as this was but humane power, so could it not continue long without alteration and change: for such is the condition of this world; nothing can continue long in one estate.

But returning to our ANTONINVS, among his other vertues wherwith he made the time of his raigne happie and pleasing, one was his clemencie; wherewith he greatly moderated the rigor of the lawes, punishing offences with pitie, or pardoning them, euer desiring and procu­ring peace: So as to such as sometimes discoursed with him of the valour of IVLIVS CAE­SAR and HANNIBALL, he did commmonly answere with that saying of SCIPIO, that he more desired the preseruation of one friends or subiects life, then the death of an hundred ene­mies. This Emperour ANTONINVS was a great friend to Learning, and much honoured learned men, giuing them great rewards and pensions, drawing them from all the parts of the world; among which he caused to come from Chalcide a great Philosopher which was a Stoick, whose name was APOLLONIVS, whom he sent for to be Maister to his adopted sonne MARCVS ANTONINVS, who afterwards was Emperor. This Philosopher being come to Proud speeches of Apollonius [...]Philosopher, with Antoni­nus his answer. Rome, ANTONINVS sent for him to come to see him, seeing that he staied long ere he did it of himselfe: whereto the Philosopher made answere, that with greater reason the scholler ought to come to the maister, then the maister to the scholler. This arrogancie did nothing offend ANTONINVS: but laughing thereat, he said to those which were with him, that he maruel­led that APOLLONIVS should deeme it a shorter way from Chalcide to Rome, then from his lodging in Rome to his Palace. This Emperour, among the waightie affaires and matters of im­portance, forgot not to please and recreate the people; but (as the custome then was in Rome) at certaine times caused feasts and solemne sports to be made. In conclusion, he was an excel­lent Prince, and left nothing vndone, that was behouefull for the good gouernment of the Em­pire: and hauing ruled the same 23. yeeres, being aboue threescore and ten yeeres old, he was The death of Antoninus Pius. taken with a burning feauer, whereof within three dayes he died in peace and rest; first recom­mending the Empire to MARCVS ANTONINVS, who was his sonne in law, and married to his daughter FAVSTINA, and is commonly called MARCVS AVRELIVS, commaunding that the image of FORTVNE which the Emperours did vse to haue in their chambers, should be caried to ANTONINVS chamber, which hapned in the yeere of our Lord 163. Some time before he dyed, being a man of great stature, and by reason of his age vnable to goe vp­right, A [...]i. Dom. 163. but stooping, he ware vpon his breast certaine thinne boords, whereupon he made fast his clothes with such art, that it couered the defect of nature. His death was generally lamen­ted, and the Romanes did him great honour, and made sacrifices vnto him, canonizing him for a god, and builded a Temple also vnto him, as they did to the vanitie of their other super­stitious gods.

WHen as the Emperour ANTONINVS PIVS was dead, MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS VERVS, with­out any contradiction succeeded him, who was called the Marcus Aure­lius called the Philosopher. Philosopher, whom (as we haue said) ANTONINVS PI­VS had adopted for his sonne in the time of the Emperour ADRIAN, and afterwards married him to his daughter FAVSTINA. This man when as he was confirmed in the Empire, and began to gouerne, took for his companion and equall, LVCIVS VERVS COMMODVS ANTONI­NVS: who together with him, was adopted, by ANTO­NINVS, by the cōmandement of the Emperour ADRI­AN, being the sonne of LVCIVS CECONIVS COM­MODVS, Lucius Com­modus takē by Marcus Au­relius for his companion in the Empire. whom ADRIAN had first adopted, but died be­fore him. These two were the first that euer ruled in Rome together with equall power. This excellent Emperour MARCVS ANTONINVS was also called AVRELIVS ANTONI­NVS. I would that the Reader should vnderstand, that this confusion and varietie of names is caused by reason of the adoptions which then were made: for the Romanes did vse to haue Adoption in what manner. three names, a forename, a name, and a surname. And to declare it more plainely, when any one was adopted for a sonne, he receiued the name and surname, and sometime changed all the three names. Sometime they held one, and changed the rest, to continue the memorie of both fathers: and from hence grew so many names, which obscure the historie, and oftentimes de­ceiue the Reader. To be eased of this trouble, I will call this excellent Emperour, MARCVS AVRELIVS; and his brother and companion, LVCIVS VERVS, giuing to them both sometime the surname of ANTONINVS.

[Page 126] MARCVS AVRELIVS was the naturall and true sonne of ELIVS VERVS, who died Pretor. And his Grandfathers name was ELIVS VERVS, who had been twise Consul and The origine of Marcus Aure­lius. Prefect in Rome, and was enobled and made Patrician by the Emperour VESPASIAN, as IVLIVS CAPITOLINVS relateth. His mothers name was DOMITIA CAMILLA and was the daughter of CALVISIVS TVLLVS, who had been twice Consul. By his fa­thers side he was of so ancient a linage, as it was reported that he was descended from NVMA POMPILIVS the second King of the Romanes. This Emperor was indued with so many vertues, good qualities, and rare parts, as there will not any be found that hath excelled him, and hardly any to be compared vnto him. In his time there were such dangerous warres, and so many calamities, as there was great neede of his vertue, wisedome and valour, to resist so ma­ny perils, and to preuent so may ill fortunes. He was so addicted to the studie of Philosophie, and all Arts and Sciences, as he was surnamed the Philosopher, and he did honour and greatly enrich wise and learned men. His chief masters in Philosophie amongst others, were APO­LIONIVS CHALCIDONENSIS; in the Greek tongue, SEXTVS CHERONENSIS, nephew to PLVTARCH; and in Rhetorick, FRONTO an excellent Orator in that time, by whose instructions he greatly profited. And beginning to gouerne in companie of his adopted brother L. VERVS ANTONINVS, as he did in all things farre excell him, so (in a manner) he had the administration of all matters: for which cause, of him chiefest mention is made; as also for that he liued longer, and remained alone in the Empire; gouerning them with the good li­king and contentment of the whole Senate and people of Rome, for the great experience they had of his vertue and bountie. In the beginning of his raigne, there happened so great an in­undation and ouerflowing of the riuer Tiber, as it ouerthrew many buildings in Rome, and drow­ned The ouerflowing of Tier. many people, with a great number of cattell; and spoiling the fields caused an extreame dearth and famine. Which, MARCVS AVRELIVS through his great liberalitie, with the consent of his brother LVCIVS VERVS, sufficiently repaired, relieuing and victualling the Citie at their owne proper cost and charges, making prouision of corne to be brought from all parts.

After this, in the third yeere of his raigne, followed the dangerous warre against the Parthi­ans (a nation which the Romans euer feared) which warre was raised by their king VOLOGE­SVS; Warre with the Parthians. who, leuying an exceeding huge Armie, came against the ordinary legions in Syria, where ATIODIVS CORNELIANVS was Captaine, and gouerned that countrie for the Empire: who hauing no sufficient Armie to make head against the Parthians, was driuen to retire, and VOLOGESVS took some Prouinces. At that time also rebelled a certaine people in the Ile of Britanny, and in Germany in like manner: and northern people called Catti, inuaded the bor­ders of the Empire, against all which MARCVS AVRELIVS made speedie prouision. Into Britanny was sent CALPHVRNIVS AGRICOLA with new supplies; who ioyning with the ordinary legions of that Iland, pacified those troubles. Against the Catti, was sent AVEIDI­VS VICTORINVS for Generall. To the warre against the Parthians, because it was im­portant and more dangerous, it seemed requisite to the Emperors and to the Senate, that one of them two should goe, and it was concluded that LVCIVS VERVS ANTONINVS should vndertake the charge, because that MARCVS AVRELIVS could not be spared: for his presence was very needefull in Rome for the generall gouernment, and to prouide for all occur­rents. And so LVCIVS VERVS with great prouision, and a great Court, departed, whom MARCVS AVRELIVS accompanied to the Citie of Capua: but LVCIVS fell sick by the Lucius Verus against the Par­thians. way (as some write) through his disorders, riot, & surfetting; by reason wherof and his long lin­gering, the Roman legions were put to the worse, and were ouerthrowne by the Parthians, and their Generall slaine in a battaile which was fought betweene them. But LVCIVS VERVS being arriued with his great Armie, the warre was managed with apparant aduantage to the Romanes; not by the endeuour of LVCIVS VERVS, but of his Captaines ESTACIVS PRISCVS, AVIDIVS CASSIVS, and MARCIVS VERVS, valiant commanders; he gi­uing himselfe to his pleasures and pastimes; in Summer, in the Citie of Antioch; and in winter, in Laodicea, for foure yeeeres space, that these warres continued: wherein passed many great conflicts, skirmishes and battailes betweene the said Captaines, and the King and Nation of the Parthians. But succeeding prosperously with the Romanes, they obtained many victories in diuers parts: so as recouering what was lost in Syria, they did the like in Armenia, and entred the prouince of Media: finally, being masters of the field, they came with their Ensignes dis­played, euen to the Citie of Babylon. While as these things were in action, the Emperor MAR­CVS [Page 127] AVRELIVS continued in Rome, applying himself with great care to the good gouern­ment, prouiding all things necessary for the warres, with great wisdome and foresight; dissem­bling and with patience enduring the vices and neglect of his Companion LVCIVS VERVS, to whom at that time he sent his daughter LVCILLA to bee married vnto him in Syria, where he then was; which he did, the better to confirm the friendship and brotherhood betwixt them. And, during the time of these warres with the Parthians, EVSEBIVS and PAVLVS ORO­SIVS The fourth per­secution of the primitiue church write, that the Christians were persecuted by the commandement of the Emperour, chiefly in Asia where LVCIVS VERVS was: which was the fourth persecution the Church endured. Wherefore (as it is to be supposed) God sent a generall pestilence, and other calami­ties, which afterwards ensued.

Hauing obtained so many victories against the Parthians, LVCIVS VERVS ANTONI­NVS resolued to come to Rome; leauing that Countrey quiet and in subiection: and, setting the affairs of Asia in good order, he diuided the Kingdoms among those which to him seemed to haue most right, leauing them as subjects and vassals to the Empire; and in other Prouinces and Countries hee made the Officers of his House and Court, Gouerners; which were called Comites or Earles: from whence the title and dignity of Earles now-adaies might haue the Ori­ginall. Being comn into Italie, with the new surname of PARTHICVS, for the victory attai­ned against the Parthians, which was also giuen to MARCVS AVRELIVS, with the tri­umph, they both together triumphed with great solemnity: and so this enterprise was happily atchieued and ended. And although this coming of LVCIVS VERVS from the East was very joyfull, by reason of the many victories obtained by his Armies, yet was it otherwise the cause of much sorrow and heauinesse: for, when he came out of Syria, the plague was very sore there, and he dispersed the same into sundry places by the way as hee came; so as many of his Souldiers, and of his Court and Company, died thereof: and, doing the like in Italie and Rome, he infected the whole Country; in such sort, that it was the greatest and most furious pestilence A great plague in Rome and all Italie. that euer was seen vntill that day. For remedy whereof, MARCVS AVRELIVS vsed all care and diligence possible, as well in preseruing those which were infected, and auoiding fur­ther infection, as in curing the liuing, and burying the dead; to his great cost and hazard of his life. This calamitie being past, before it, and whil'st it continued, he omitted no time nor care that was necessary for the gouernment and good of the common-wealth; hearing and dispat­ching all causes in generall; seeing in person what was done in the Senate; without whose opi­nion (and of the principall and wisest men) hee did nothing: for, hee vsed to say, that there was greater reason he should follow the counsell of so many and so good friends, than that so many and so wise men should do after his will alone. At the meetings wherein Magistrates were cho­sen, he was euer present; and in all things caused the antient order and liberty to bee obserued. In Courts and Iudgements he encreased the number of the Iudges and the judiciall daies. Hee also increased the alms and rewards of his Palace; and, in a time of famine and want of corn, he spent an infinite treasure, prouiding for many Cities a sufficient quantity of grain. And in Spain Marcus Aure­lius relieued many cities with corn in time of scarsity. (being more fruitfull than the rest) where his Predecessors had too much gleaned, he mitigated great part of the tributes, releasing many taxes and seruices.

And heerin hee was so temperate and pitifull towards his subjects, that whatsoeuer briberies and extortions were committed by his Collecters and Receiuers, hee most seuerely punished: yet in all other crimes and offenses he euer vsed great clemency, and euer inflicted lesse punish­ment than the lawes commanded. This Emperor not onely tasted of aduersities (as wee haue said) as, famine and pestilence, with inundations and earthquakes; but within his owne house he endured a greater plague with his wife FAVSTINA, who was (as all Writers affirm) disho­nest Faustina, Mar­cus Aurelius wife, dishonest and dissolute. and wonderfull dissolute; which hee sought by all means possible to reclaim, although not by such rigorous punishment as she deserued. And, being by some perswaded to put her away, and to diuorce himself from her, seeing that he would not put her to death; he remembring, she was ANTONINVS PIVS his daughter, who had left him the Empire, they write that he an­swered them in this manner:

If We put away FAVSTINA, We are also bound to leaue the Empire; which was the dow­rie We had with her at our mariage.

There ensued so many calamities after that LVCIVS VERVS ANTONINVS cam from the East, as well by means of the generall and cruell pestilence, as by earthquakes, famine, inun­dations, and caterpillers, not onely in Italie, but in other Prouinces of the Empire; as that all Writers affirm, that if it had not hapned that MARCVS AVRELIVS had been so diligent, so [Page 128] wise, and worthie an Emperour as he was, the Romane Empire had been ruined and rent in sunder, and barbarous Nations had subdued the greatest part thereof. For taking occasion of that which is aforesaide, seeing the Countries wasted and vnpeopled, many northren Nations conspired against it, as the Sarmates, Vandales, Marcomans, Sueuians, and in a manner all Ger­many Northerly nati­ons conspired a­gainst the Em­pire. who seised vpon the Prouinces of Pannonia, which were Austria, Hungary and other countries, threatning Italy and France. Whereto the Emperour MARCVS AVRELIVS desirous to yeeld redresse, thought it not sufficient to send thither his companion, and much lesse durst he leaue him in Rome, he was so retchlesse and vicious, and therefore resolued that they would both go togither: Which putting in execution, with all prouision necessarie, it hap­pened that vpon the way, LVCIVS VERVS ANTONINVS was taken with an Apoplexie, The death of Lueius Verus. whereof he died suddainly, hauing raigned abount nine or ten yeeres in company with his bro­ther. And so MARCVS AVRELIVS remained alone in the Empire, who only was worthy thereof, prosecuting his iourney with his Armie, and began the warre with great courage and iudgement: in which, the infection did greater harme to his Army, then the force of his ene­mies; although it passed not without many battailes and encounters. And so with great difficul­tie by reason of the pestilence, he maintained this warre three yeeres: and wanting money to pay his souldiers (for the Prouinces, by reason of the miseries past, could not pay their taxes) he was constrained to sell all his iewels, vessels of gold and siluer, the furniture of his chamber, and his owne proper possessions, therewith to pay his Armie, which was greatly diminished of the chief commanders and valiantest men which died of the plague, whereby it receiued much more harm then by the enemie: Wherfore he was often counselled to leaue the wars and to re­turne. But he, willing rather to die then to lose any iot of his honour, continued it with a very great resolution, vntill that (after many great perils and extremities, which were such that Historiogriphers describe this warre to be as dangerous as the warres of Hannibal) he obtained the victorie, which he throughly accomplished in a great battaile. Wherein (as it was thought) through the praiers of the Christians which were in his Armie, vnto which he recommended himselfe, God shewed a most euident miracle; which was, That he and his people being ready to perish through want of water (the passages being on euery side stopt by his enemies) there A most manifest miracle. fell such abundance of raine from heauen, that his Armie was sufficiently relieued with drinke: and therewith there fell such lightning and so cruell a tempest amongst his enemies, that he then setting vpon them ouerthrew and slew a great number; as EVSEBIVS and IVLIVS CA­PITOLINVS report. And this being past, he recouered the Pannonies, and the rest which they had vsurped; and had done much more, but that at that instant AVIDIVS CASSIVS, be­fore named, who was Captaine and Gouernour in the East, rose against MARCVS AVRE­LIVS, proclayming himselfe Emperour, taking occasion for that he was so much troubled in A rebellion a­gainst Marcus Aurelius. so doubtfull a warre: Wherefore the Emperour was constrained to leaue the best order hee could, concerning Germanie, and to returne into Italy, from thence to take his way towards AVIDIVS CASSIVS; whereupon he came to Rome, and he entred in triumph for the Ger­mans, and ioyntly with him his sonne COMMODVS, whom he had made CAESAR, and no­minated for his successor.

The triumph being ended, and leauing in Rome such order for the gouernment as was most expedient, with part of his victorious Armie which he brought with him out of Germanie, and with other forces which he had newly leuied, he departed towards the East, against AVIDIVS CASSIVS; where being arriued, the matter went so well of his side, as before that hee came to any conflict or battaile, the same Legions which AVIDIVS CASSIVS commanded, re­belled against him, and slew him, without the commandement or knowledge of MARCVS AVRELIVS: For, he was rather displeased therewith then otherwise; so milde and noble he was. And his head being brought vnto him, he commanded it to be honorably buried, and therewith seemed to be very sorrowfull, saying, That they had bereaued him of all meanes to shew him mercie; and that he much desired to haue had him in his power aliue, to haue gi­uen Marcus Aure­lius pitty to­wards Cassius a rebell. him his life, and to haue reprooued him of his ingratitude. And those Cities which had conspired with him, he easily pardoned, and commanded that they should not be rigorously dealt withall. And of their goods, which the Senate had commanded to be confiscated, and put into his Exchequer, he would not receiue any part; but commanded that they should bee put into the publike treasurie of Rome. And being by one of the Councell reprooued, for shew­ing such clemency in a crime so notorious, telling him that he ought not to haue done so, and that AVIDIVV CASSIVS would not haue dealt so by him if he had been ouercome, he an­swered [Page 129] with great constancy and assurance, that AVIDIVS had not so well serued the gods, nor liued in such sort, as to be able to haue ouerthrowne him.

BVLGACIVS GALLICANVS, who is an Author very antient, and liued in the time of the Emperor DIOCLESIAN, in the life which hee wrote of this AVIDIVS CASSIVS, reporteth, that the Emperor commanded to be giuen to his sonnes and daughters the one half of their fathers goods, and that there should not any injury or disgrace be done vnto them; and that they should be admitted to magistracies and dignities, if they were thereto chosen: and so to others which were guilty, he vsed the like clemency and grace.

This rebellion being pacified, MARCVS AVRELIVS withdrew himself to the City of Antioch in Syria, now called Soria; whither came vnto him many Kings and Ambassadors from the East; where, treating of peace & amity, and concluding the same with them, he was great­ly esteemed and beloued of all men. And, setting all matters of the East in good order, beeing now old and wearied, hee made his return into Italie; and by the way, his wife the Emperesse FAVSTINA died, whom he buried sumptuously and with great honour. Beeing comme to Faustina the Empresse dies. Rome, hee entred in triumph for the victory obtained against AVIDIVS; and returned to his accustomed goodnes, and vpright gouernment of the Empire, as he was wont to doo. When he thought he should now haue rested from his former toils, there began new alterations and insurrections in Germanie: which he fearing (as was reason: for, that Nation had alwaies been feared & doubted) determined in person to go to that war, and did so with a very great power, and prosecuted the same for the space of three yeers together; wherein were done many Feats of Arms on either side, and he obtained some notable victories. But, being ready to haue fully concluded his conquests (they being as it were in his hand) hee was taken with a grieuous pesti­lent Feuer; which perceiuing to be mortall, he commanded all the principall men which were with him to come before him: to whom he made a notable speech, which HERODIANVS reciteth: wherein hee recommended vnto them the Roman Common-wealth, and his onely son COMMODVS, whom he left for his Successor; and him hee charged very effectually to end that warre which he left in so good tearms; concluding, that he should not suffer the ene­my which was brought lowe, and well-nigh to confusion, to recouer force and courage. And The death of Marcus Aure­lius, Anno Do­mini 182. then, being no longer able to resist his sicknes, hee died, hauing raigned eighteen yeers, in the yeer of our Lord (as EVSEBIVS reconneth) one hundred, fourescore and two, being three­score and one yeer old. Yet SEXTVS AVRELIVS saith, two yeers lesse.

His death was extremely lamented and bewailed through the whole Army, and afterwards in Rome, and generally through all the Prouinces of the Empire: for, in them all hee was infi­nitely well beloued. MARCVS AVRELIVS had had another son, whose name was AN­TONINVS or VERISIMVS, who died yong; and one daughter named LVCILLA, who married with a great and mighty man called POMPEIANVS.

THE good MARCVS AVRELIVS beeing dead, his Son COMMODVS was by the whole Armie obeyed and acknowledged for their Lord and Em­peror; and so he was afterwards by the Senate and people of Rome, and likewise by all the Prouinces: for, no man would deny obedience to the Sonne of so good a Father. But hee proued so lewd and wic­ked, as he seemed not to be his sonne: and, conside­ring the adultery of his mother FAVSTINA, hee Commodus suspected to be a bastard. was suspected to bee the sonne of some base fellow. The antient Authors which write of him (which are many) in a manner treat of nothing else but of his abominable vices and cruelties; which were so great, as it seemeth he exercised himself in no other thing, neither left any other memory behinde him. He came to the Empire being of the age of nineteen yeers, and was of a good constitution of body, of a very fair complexion, cleer-eied, and had a flaxen hair; all (in truth) ill bestowed vpon him, seeing that these gifts and such exquisite cor­porall beauty, he imploied so filthily & dishonestly; being a Gamester, incontinent, negligent, slothfull, a glutton, a drunkeard, and (aboue all) cruell.

Within some fewe daies after his Father was dead, hee came to the Camp where the Armie lay, accompanied with all the Roman Nobility; and made a good speech to the souldiers, pro­mising a good hope of him, and matters clean contrary to that which followed; and hee gaue such donatiues to the souldiers as the new Emperors were accustomed to giue.

In these good beginnings hee continued some few daies: which being expired, through the the counsell of some lewd persons, he resolued to leaue the warres, and to return to Rome. And the aduice and counsell of POMPEIANVS, being his brother-in-law, a man of great authori­ty, could no way perswade him to stay, neither other wise men and his loyall seruants; who were of opinion that he ought to stay, and to see an end of the war.

With this resolution he presently wrot to Rome, aduertising them of his coming; making such a truce or peace with his enemies, as was rather to their aduantage than his. HERODIANVS writes, that he bought it with mony: yet onely EVTROPIVS affirms, that he first wan a great battell. He then, leauing Captains on the Frontiers of Germany, held on his way towards Rome; and in all the Cities through which he passed, was receiued with incredible joy and solemnity, [...]odus, [...] [...]ars [...]Germany, re­turned to Rome. for the great loue they bare to his father, and for the hope they conceiued of him; not yet know­ing his conditions. In Rome hee was receiued with exceeding great joy, triumph and blessings, generally of all men; they strewing the wayes with flowers where he went, making all the de­monstratiues of [...]oy that were possible; hoping and assuring themselues that they should haue a good Prince, being the sonne of MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS, and nephew to ANTONINVS PIVS; who were good and excellent Emperors. But it was not long before he put them out of doubt, making frustrate their good hope: for, hee openly gaue himself to vice and incontinency, going by night with others of his condition (as there neuer want those which will imitate the prince, although in doing euill) to brothell houses, and publike tauerns; spending also whole daies and nights in banqueting, feasting, bathings and most abominable luxurie. And as wicked men neuer loue any, but such as are like themselues; so hee sent for Gouernors into the Prouinces, such as were his companions in his villanies: whereto he was so much addicted, and spent so much time in them, as he took no care for the gouernment; leauing all to the disposition of a Fauourite of his, whose name was PERENIVS (whom he afterward made Pretorian Prefect, which is, Captain of the Pretorian Cohorts) who was a most cove­tous, vitious, and cruell man; yet very expert in the wars. This man gouerning all things, the accursed Emperor COMMODVS encreased so much in his vices and lewd life, as they write he kept three hundred Concubines, and as many boyes, for detestable vses: for which cause he Commodus his concubines. [Page 131] grew to be so odious, that certaine eminent men conspired against him, resoluing secretly to haue slaine him, his sister LVCILLA who was wife to POMPEIANVS being a partaker in the action: Whereby it may well be imagined what he was; seeing that his owne sister held Lucilla, Com­modus his own sister, conspired against him. him worthie of death.

All being concluded how it should be done, and the charge of the execution being giuen to one, whose name was QVINCIANVS (as HERODIANVS reporteth) yet LAMPRI­DIVS saith, that the charge was giuen to POMPEIANVS, that he should first strike him, and should haue beene seconded by the rest of the conspirators; It happened that this man, as he was very bold and hardy, fayled in the action: for hauing had sufficient oportunitie to haue slain him, and being come neere, he would not so dispatch him, but in a brauing manner, being somwhat farre from him, he set his hand vpon his poiniard; and going towards him, said, here COMMODVS, the Senate hath sent thee this poiniard; and for any haste that he could make to stab him, with greater haste he was preuented by some of the Emperors guard, and by them was taken; so as the conspiracie was presently discouered, and a great way laid open to COM­MODVS his cruelties. For after that all such as were guiltie, had been executed, together with his own sister LVCILLA, and her husband POMPEIANVS, by the hand and direction of PERENIVS, many Senators and a great number of other Noble and prime men, were also put to death, and their goods seized vpon, by producing false witnesses, which were suborned to accuse them: Wherewith PERENIVS became so rich, as he practised, and was in hope to haue made himselfe Emperour. But COMMODVS being aduertised of these and other his Commodus slew his fauorite Perenius and his sonne. treacheries, made him and a sonne of his to be slaine. After which he suffered himselfe to bee gouerned by another fauorite, named CLEANDER; who was so wicked and extreme in cru­eltie, rapine, and briberie, that he surpassed PERENIVS. And this fellow did so exceede, as the people of Rome vnable to endure him, took Arms, and in a tumult, went to a house of plea­sure in Rome, where the Emperour was, and required to haue CLEANDERS head; and not­withstanding that the Emperors guard began to make resistance, yet the matter came to such is­sue, Cleander slain by the people. that COMMODVS was constrained in despite of himselfe to deliuer him, and so were both he and his two sonnes slaine.

This tumult being pacified, which COMMODVS durst not punish, he was so incensed and therewith so fearefull, that from thenceforth he trusted no man: but as a Swine drawne out of the mire, so returned he to his abominable vices, taking care for no other thing. Within a while after, according to his accustomed manner, he suffered himselfe to be abused by another fauorite, whose name was IVLIANVS, and another called REGILIVS, both which he af­terwards caused to be put to death, with other his fauorites which succeeded them; together with a multitude of great men, which LAMPRIDIVS reciteth: and all things were so farre out of order, that magistracies and the gouernements of Prouinces were sold for money; and they which bought them were oftentimes slaine. Matters being thus managed by the Empe­rour, and by those which ruled him, he spent his time only in vices, and most dishonest and ef­feminate pleasures; colouring his hayre, and often bathing himselfe in company of others of his condition: whom he called by most dishonest names, to the end they should be conforma­ble to their liues and actions. And he was not ashamed (notwithstanding these his vicious and abominable courses) to take the name and habit of a man who was a great enemy to those vi­ces, which was HERCVLES: so as for COMMODVS ANTONINVS, sonne to MARCVS Commodus changed his name. AVRELIVS ANTONINVS, he commanded himselfe to be called HERCVLES the sonne of IVPITER; and cladding himselfe in a most ridiculous manner with the skin of a Lion, and a club in his hand, like HERCVLES, he so vsed to goe abroade; whereat some laughed, and others murmured. And sometimes he went cloathed like an Amazon woman, which was more correspondent to his condition: which he did for the loue of one of his Concubines Commodus attired like an Amazon. whom he much loued, whose name was MARTIA, whose picture he ware, drawne at life, vp­on that habit. After this, as if he had as well deserued it as AVGVSTVS CAESAR, he com­manded the moneth of August should be called Commodus; and September Hercules; for he had taken that name: and December Amazonius, after the name of an Amazon: But this was obserued no longer then he liued.

This accursed man, among his vitious parts, had a strange abilitie of body, which was, to cast or hurle a dart or a launce, better then any man of his time: he was a most certaine shooter, ey­ther in crosse-bow, or long bow; and so skilfull, that (in certaine feasts and huntings, which ac­cording to the custome were then made in Rome, whither came an infinite number of people [Page 132] to behold the same) he commanded a gallerie to be made round about the Amphitheater; within which he might runne freely and in safety; and there running round about with excee­ding swiftnesse, hurling his darts or iauelins, he killed almost all the Stagges and Harts that were let loose, without missing one throw, or needing any more then one shotte; he was so sure to strike them, eyther in the heart, in the forehead, or any other part whersoeuer he would: and he did the like by Lions, Panthers, and Ounces, which to that end, were brought thither that day. With his bowe and arrowes he would kill birds flying in the ayre, and did such other actiue ex­ercises, as in truth were very strange: Whereby it appeareth that this man wanted not witte and abilitie to haue applied himselfe to goodnesse, as well as to sinne and wickednesse. And as crueltie was the thing wherein he did principally delight, so it pleased the most mercifull King The crueltie of Commodus was the cause of his death. of heauen, that the same was the cause of his death. For it happened, that hauing resolued to put a great number of the best reputed Cittizens to death, he wrote a memoriall of those which he purposed should die, amongst which was his louing friend MARCIA, and AELIVS LE­TVS Captaine of the Pretorian Cohorts: it happened that this his beloued MARCIA vpon some occasion came to the sight of this note; who seeing her selfe condemned to death, deter­mined with her selfe to assure her life by the death of COMMODVS. And taking counsell with AELIVS LETVS, and with another whose name was ALECTVS, who was also condem­ned, Commodus poisoned by his friend Marcia. concerning the contents, they agreed among themselues to poyson him, which as speedi­ly as might be, was giuen him by the same MARCIA in a cuppe of mingled wine which hee did vse to drinke: and being presently taken with a heauie slumber, MARCIA commanded all the company to goe forth of the chamber, vnder colour to suffer him to take his rest. This being done, within a little while after he awoke, extremely vomiting; and MARCIA and the rest fearing that he would again haue cast vp the poyson, in all haste called in a valiant yong man named NARCISSVS, shewing him the note, and how the Emperor would haue put him to death also; and making him large promises, they concluded that he should goe in and kill him, which he did: and so this vnhappy and wretched COMMODVS vomiting and strangely tor­mented with the poison, was by this NARCISSVS stabd and slaine, to the good liking of the Roman people, and generally of all the world. When his death was knowne, there was o Commodus slaine by Nar­cissus. man but did commend and approue the fact. He died, being of the age of 32 yeeres, and in the yeere of our Lord 194. hauing raigned twelue yeeres and eight moneths. The ioy which after­wards was conceiued in Rome when his death was published, was incredible: and although that An. Dom. 194. at the present it was not certainly knowne, but that he died sodainly of an Apoplexie, which EVTROPIVS affirmeth in his life; They ran vp and downe the streetes that night, crying and calling one to another with ioy, and went to the Temples to render thanks to the gods for so Ioy conceiued by the Romans for the death of Commodus. great a benefit: and others went to the Palace to behold his dead carcasse. The Senate and Ro­man Nobilitie conceiued no lesse ioy then did the people, which may sufficiently appeare by the number of cursings which the Senate gaue him, when PERTINAX was chosen Empe­ror, and his successor: which M. MAXIMVS writeth, and AELIVS LAMPRIDIVS maketh relation thereof, which is a pleasing thing to reade.

THE good and valiant PVBLIVS AELIVS PER­TINAX succeeded the wicked and tyrannous Em­peror COMMODVS, being almost threescore and ten yeers old; and held the same but three months. The manner how he attain'd therto, I will presently shew you, when we shall briefly haue declared the wars, the offices and troubles, which he first passed: for, they were such and so diuerse, as he was there­fore called The wheel of Fortune. Truely this Em­peror Pertinax called the wheel of Fortune. was a notable example of humane changes. He was the sonne of a Libertine, which had been a slaue and made free, called AELIVS; and being a childe was taught to write and reade, and cast ac­count; which his father did, to the end hee should help him in his poor Mercery-shop. Afterwards hee came to learne the Greek and Latine Gammar; so as he came to be a Master, and to keep a school in Rome. After this he gaue himself to the stu­dy of the Lawes; and, by the intercession of LOLIANVS AVITVS who had been Consul, and his fathers master, he obtained liberty to plead, and to defend mens causes; which hee did for some space. But, being naturally a man of strength and courage, and more inclined to Arms than Letters, he gaue ouer that exercise, and went to the wars; wherin he caried himself so well, as within few daies he was made Captain of a Cohort in Syria against the Parthians: and, increa­sing in credit or estimation, he was sent to the wars in Britanny, and afterwards to the warres of Missia, and was made a Captain of horsemen in the wars which MARCVS AVRELIVS wa­ged against the Germans; and afterwards was Admirall of a Fleet in the Flemish Seas: and, that charge being ended, he continued in the warres of Dacia; where through sinister informations he was depriued of the charge hee held, by MARCVS AVRELIVS: although afterwards Pertinax depo­sed from his charge by Mar­cus Aurelius. he returned into grace by the intercession of POMPEIANVS the Emperors sonne-in-law, and was made a Senator, but then he vsed it not: and, in recompense of the disgrace past, the Empe­rour made him Colonel of a Legion; so as in the warres which were in the time of MARCVS AVRELIVS he performed many notable feats of Arms, as well against strange and barbarous nations, as against AVIDIVS CASSIVS; who (as wee said) rebelled against MARCVS AVRELIVS. His valiant acts were so many and such, that hee was many times publiquely praised by him, and made Consul of Rome. After that, hee had the gouernment of both the Pertinax made Consul by Mar­cus Aurelius. Missias; and of Dacia: in all which charges he caried himself so valiantly, and with such equity, as the same Emperor honored him with the gouernment of all Syria & Asia; which was the grea­test charge the Emperors gaue. And, MARCVS AVRELIVS being dead, and the time of his office expired; he came to Rome, after that he had gouerned foure consulary Prouinces, and had himself bin Consul; besides other cōmands, gouernments, and charges of greater quality, with great renown and fame of bounty and valour. But, comming to Rome during the Raign of the wicked Emperor COMMODVS; by the instigation of a certain fauourite of his, he was banisht from Rome. But, hee being dead who was the causer of his banishment, COMMODVS sent Pertinax bani­shed from Rome by Cōmodus. him into the Ile of Britanny, to reform the abuses of an Army and certain Legions which were there: whither he went, and settled all in good order; but he was first in great danger, and hard­ly escaped with his life: for, a Legion being in mutinie slue some of his people, and vsed him in such manner that hee was left for dead in the field among the dead: and, hauing escaped this danger, he resolutely punished the offenders, and pacified the Legions. At his especiall request there was one sent to succeed him, and hee was sent Proconsul into the Prouince of Africa: wherein he likewise passed many dangers in mutinies, in seditions of the people, and of the or­dinary Pertinax Pro­consul in Africa Legions; for, as long as COMMODVS was Emperor, there was no such order in any place as was conuenient. And Writers affirm, that had it not bin for PERTINAX & such other Captains as liued after the death of his father M. AVRELIVS, the Roman Empire had bin ex­posed [Page 134] to great daunger. But hauing performed his charge in Africa with honour, although not without much trouble & difficultie, being now old and spent, he came to Rome, and COM­MODVS made him Prefect thereof; being in this estate, death seised vpon COMMODVS by reason of his cruelties, PERTINAX dayly expecting when COMMODVS would haue berea­ued Pertinax made Prefect o [...] Rome by Commodus. him of life. This valiant man ly [...]ng one night careleslie sleeping in his bed when COM­MODVS was dead; MARTIA, his friend, which had plotted his death, and AELIVS LE­TVS Captaine of the Pretorian Cohorts, and those which conspired with them, agreed toge­ther to cause PERTINAX to be chosen Emperour. And to this effect about midnight, before that the death of COMMODVS was published, the said Captaine AELIVS LETVS with some of his souldiers of the Cohorts, came to the house of PERTINAX, who (as I said) lay secure in his bed; and in great haste causing the dore to be opened, went vp into his chamber: whom when he saw, yea and before, when he but vnderstood that he was comming vp, he assu­red himselfe that by COMMODVS his commandement he came to kill him, not knowing him to be dead: and resoluing to suffer death with courage and patience, he lay still, without any shew to be moued thereat, but said vnto AELIVS LETVS; I haue for manie daies expected to end my life in this manner, and I marueiled that COMMODVS hath deferred it so long: and The speeche and great cou­rage of Perti­nax. seeing it is so, why stand you still? Make an end with me, and do that which you are commanded.

Whereto AELIVS LETVS answered, perswading him to put away all such feare, and not to thinke that he came to kill him, but to desire safetie of his owne life, for that the tyran­nous Emperour COMMODVS was dead, and that they came to offer the Empire vnto him, who was onely worthie thereof. PERTINAX could hardlie belieue what he heard with his eares: but in the end the matter being declared vnto him more at large, and the occasion which induced them to kill the Emperour, he accepted of their offer; and was carried by them to the Cohorts Camp: where the souldiers being assembled, their Captaine made a speech vnto them, conteining the wickednes and vices of the Emperour COMMODVS, and how that he by meanes of his excesse was dead of an Apoplexy; and reciting the vertues and excellencies of PERTINAX, counselled them to make him Emperour. Which they presently performed ioyfullie, and calling him AVGVSTVS, sware to him as the custome was; yet PERTINAX remained still doubtfull; and accepted thereof with feare, and against his will.

This being ended, and the day comming on, they came with him into the citie: and assem­bling the Senate, this old new Emperour came thither, vnwilling they should beare before him the Imperiall Ensignes, neither the fire, as the custome was; vntill such time as the Senate had agreed and giuen their consent. But when as he came into the Senate house, all the Senators saluted him Emperour, CAESAR AVGVSTVS, and with great acclamations and blessings Pertinax after many chaunges of fortune is made Empe­ror. sware and yeelded to him obedience: which he still withstood, saying, that he deserued it not, alleaging his old age, and nominating others, which hee said were more worthie of that dignity. But in the end being ouercome and forced by them, he sate downe in the Imperiall chaire, and made vnto them a solemne oration (which HERO DIANVS writeth). His oration being ended, he went forth of the Senate house (accompanied with all the Senators and Romane Nobilitie, with an infinite number of others, to the exceeding ioy of all men) to the Tem­ples, as the custome was, and from thence to the Imperiall Palace. And so he began his raigne and obtained the Empire, to the generall good liking and contentment of all men, and was obey­ed in like manner in all the prouinces of the Empire, in all which he was well knowne: and truly they had not been deceiued in their opinion and great hope which they had of him, if the wickednes of the Pretorian Souldiers had not hindred his good thoughts and resolutions.

The first thing he attempted in the gouernment of the Empire, was to bridle the licentious­nes of the Pretorian Cohorts, and the insolencies and wrongs which they did to the citizens and people of Rome; by meanes of the fauour and loose life of COMMODVS. The like he also performed in all other disorders and abuses which in his time were tolerated; seeking to reduce all things to that forme and manner of gouernment which was vsed in the time of his father MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS. He entertained all men honourably and louingly, which had any occasion to negotiate with him: and he diuided the fields of Rome, and of the prouinces which lay vntilled and waste, granting that for tenne yeeres space no rent or tribute should be paid for the same. With these and such other things, this excellent and gracious Emperour so wanne the harts and loue of the common people, that al men held them­selues happie in such an Emperour: for which occasion, besides the [...]o nourable titles which were giuen him by the consent of the Senate, the same Senate intituled his son, CAESAR, and [Page 135] to his wife LICINIA was added the name of AVGVSTA: the good Emperour said, That his wiues name hee did accept, because her vertue was worthie thereof: But for his The Senate made Perti­nax his sonne Caesar, and his wise Augusta. sonnes name, hee would that it should rest vntill that he had better deserued it. Perseue­ring in his good workes, all the goods and moueables, which COMMODVS had escheated and taken, he made to be restored to their owners, for which they should pay some small matter in exchange.

Euery day when the Senate did ordinarily sit, he went thither; and in his house he neuer re­fused to giue audience to any person at what time soeuer. When as the barbarous Nations and enemies to the Roman Empire had intelligence, and did certainly know that he was Em­perour, they laid downe their Armes, and ceased to make warre against the Empire; and many sent Ambassadors vnto him (if they had found him liuing) to treate of peace and friendship: so as the small time he raigned, was to the generall good liking and contentment of all the world, Pertinax hated by the Pretorian Cohorts. excepting the men of warre, principally of the Pretorian Cohorts which lay about Rome; who presently began to abhorre him for that he kept them in quiet, bridling them with iustice, not suffering them to commit such riots, abuses and outrages as they did in the time of COMMO­DVS: and in like manner he was not beloued by the officers and ministers of the Imperiall Pa­lace, for the like reasons. The shamelesse audaciousnesse of the souldiers grew to this height, that one day they would haue taken a Senator of a very Noble & ancient house, named T [...]LA­RIVS Triarius Ma­ternus, not to yeeld to the will of the soul­diers which would haue made him Em­peror, fled to Pertinax, and so from Rome. MATERNVS, and haue carried him to the Campe to haue made him Emperor, to the end he should haue rebelled against PERTINAX: But this MA [...]NVS (as a good and loyall seruant) escaping out of their hands, came to PERTINAX, and thence fled from Rome: which put the Emperor in great feare and amazement. And to content and pacifie them, hee made donatiues and distributions amongst them. But that li [...]ailed: for they esteemed it not, but sought meanes to liue dissolutely at their libertie.

PERTINAX raigned about three moneths: in which small time he had set all things in so good order, as the state of the Empire seemed to be changed, and not the same. And although he were so good, yet was there one whose name was FALCO, which practised his death, with a conceite to haue been Emperor: which being discouered to him, he came to the Senate, and would not endure they should proceede against him as against a tyrant. And notwithstanding that the proofes were so plaine and manifest, as the offence was apparant; yet he pardoned him: but iustice was done vpon certain souldiers which had practised this treason; which the soul­diers took so ill (their hatred and presumption daily increasing) as they concluded to kill him; and being so resolued, they cared not to conspire, or to vse any cunning or deceite: But o­penly a great troupe of them went from their lodgings in a tumult with their Swordes drawn, and with Halberds and other weapons, and came into Rome, and without resistance (as the matter was suddaine) they entred the Palace.

The Emperor being aduertised hereof, sent AELIVS LETVS to stay and pacifie them; The wickednesse of Aelius [...]us who forgetting that he had made PERTINAX Emperour, cared not to performe his comman­dement; but rather approuing the fact, being (as some say) a partaker in the action, went forth another way to his owne lodging, at such time as the souldiers came into the Palace, where there was no meanes to make any resistance, being taken sodainly and disarmed. Wherfore the greatest part abandoned the Emperor and fled; and those which remained counselled him to The high minde of Pertinax be­ing assailed by [...] flie, which he might easily haue done, and the people would haue defended him. But notwith­standing that he knew their counsell to be good and profitable, and that they spake the truth; yet would he not follow the same, alleaging it to be vnworthy the maiestie of an Emperor and his acts and life past, to saue his life by flight, or by hiding himselfe: and so he resolued to goe forth vnto them; conceiuing, that with his presence they would be ashamed, and so returne. And truely this conceite was ready to haue taken effect: for, comming forth of his chamber, and meeting with a multitude of them in the Court, they made a stand, and gaue him place to speake vnto them; which he did with great courage, without any shew of alteration; First, asking them what might bee the occasion of their comming in such a tumult, and with­out any respect? And afterward (without shew of any humilitie or fearefulnesse, but with as great grauitie and authoritie, as best fitted the dignity of his person) he began to say to them:

Souldiers and companions, if you come to kill me, and doe put in execution what you haue Speeches vsed by Pertinax to the Souldiers. determined, you shall performe no act that is valiant, great, or commendable; neither very grieuous vnto me, which am now so old, and haue gotten so much honour and fame, that I re­gard not my life: for euery mans life hath an end. But you to whom belongeth the guard and [Page 136] defence of my Person, seeing your charge is to free and deliuer the Emperour from perils and treason, and shall be the first to lay your hands vpon him; consider, that for the present, it will be shamefull and odious, and hereafter in time to come, dangerous, and preiudiciall: For I haue done you no displeasure nor iniurie. If the death of COMMODVS offend you, it was no new matter to dye, seeing that he was a man: if you suspect that he was murthered, I am guiltlesse thereof; and you know that I am free from all suspicion in this case: vvhat then passed, you knew before me; if there be any suspicion of his death, it concerneth others, and not me. But I say this, and assure you, that by reason of his death, there shall nothing be taken from you that you shall require, or that shall seeme necessary for you; requiring such things as are honest and possible; and not by force and violence.

PERTINAX herevvith ending his speech, some of them began to alter their mindes and to depart, mooued thereto by his vvords and grauitie: but the furie of those which came behind them was so great, as they could not doe it nor defend him; so as one of them called TRVCIVS charged him and vvounded him in the breast with a Launce: and hee seeing The miserable death of Perti­nax. their determination, couered his head with his Robe, suffering himselfe to bee wounded by them all; and so they slew the poore and innocent Emperour. And ELIVS LETVS, who had been one of the chiefest in making him Emperour, going about to help to defend him, was also slaine; hauing first with great courage and resolution slaine two souldiers: and so they also flew some others which were his chamberlaines and other officers. A sonne and a daughter of his escaped, for that they were not lodged in the palace.

This Prince in his gesture, shewed great grace and maiestie: his stature and constitution did well represent his state and dignitie. Hee ware his beard long, and his haire curled, his brest was large and full of flesh, and he was indifferently eloquent, vsing smooth and louing speeches. This Accident was so sudden, that he was slain before the people knew of any mutinie, or the coming of the souldiers: and the souldiers fearing the people, who they knew would take it grieuously, returned with as much or greater haste than they cam; and, fortifying their Camp, they set out sentinels, and held guards in the Bulwarks and Towers, fearing to be assaulted.

As soon as the death of the Emperour was knowne in the City, the sorrow and lamentation which was made for him was extreme; the people running vp and down the streets with incre­dible wrath and fury, seeking the murderers to be reuenged of his death. Thus they went vn­aduisedly, without any certain knowledge of what passed, doing nothing but weep and com­plain one to another. But, when they vnderstood what hapned, they saw they neither could or durst proceed any further.

This Emperor died in the yeer of our Lord 195: some say lesse. Hee gouerned the Empire (according to EVSEBIVS) six months: IVLIVS CAPITOLINVS in his life saith, 85 daies, and no more; with whom agrees SEXTVS AVRELIVS VICTOR. All which write, that his Successor IVLIANVS was of counsell and accessary to his death.

AFter the good ould PERTINAX, IVLIANVS succeeded in the Empire; hauing obtained the same for money from those souldiers which slue the Emperor PERTINAX. This IVLI­ANVS The line of Didius Iulia­nus. was natiue of Milan by his Fathers linage, who was called PETRONIVS DIDIVS SEVERVS: his mothers name was CLARA EMILIA: his grandfathers name was SAL­VIVS IVLIANVS, who had been Prefect of Rome, and twice Consul; which did enoble his house. This IVLIANVS was brought vp in the house and seruice of DOMICIA LVCILLA, mother to MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS the Phi­losopher; by whose fauour he attained to offices, and was made Questor, Edil and Pretor, in Rome. Afterwards hee followed the warres, and prooued a good Captain, performing many notable exploits, which in the time of MARCVS AVRELIVS were in Germany and other parts. Hee was in the beginning Captain of a Legion, and after­wards with an Army he had the charge and gouernment of Dalmatia, and then of lowe Germa­ny; and, after that, he was made Gouerner of Bithynia in Asia, although in this gouernment hee did not bear himself with so good fame as in the rest. Hee was joyntly Consul with PERTI­NAX, and afterwards Proconsul in Africa; and, hauing executed these charges and offices, was now growne old, and very rich by means of his possessions and money which hee had in Rome.

When PERTINAX was dead, hee obtained the Empire in such manner as was shamefull, and vnbefitting the greatnes of Rome. For, after that the souldiers had murdered the Emperor PERTINAX (as is said) they fortified their camp and lodgings for fear of the people: and the people durst not assail them, for that they were too strongly defensed with great bulwarks and turrets. The Senatours and Nobility knew not what to doo in this so cruell an Accident; but retired themselues to their houses, wherein they fortified themselues; and many of them went to their Castles and Possessions in the Country, holding themselues not very safe in Rome: [Page 138] and so they passed that day, and the next after PERTINAX death.

The Pretorian Souldiers (as writeth HERODIANVS) seeing no man durst attempt to of­fend them, became yet more audacious: for, some of them, standing vpon the Ramparts of their Camp, cried out with loud exclamations, that they would giue the Empire to whosoeuer would buy the same, and pay best for it. This sale was presently published in the City, and this Proclamation was so odious and full of scandall and reproach, and also there were so few rich men left in Rome by reason of COMMODVS his cruelty and tyranny, that ther were but two merchants to be found to buy the Empire that was to be sould. The one was SVLPITIANVS at that time Prefect of Rome, a man who had been Consul, and was sonne-in-law to the late Em­peror PERTINAX; and the other was DIDIVS IVLIANVS, of whom wee now speak. Truely, it is a matter worthy of great consideration, and a notable example for Princes: wher­by it plainly appeares, how little constancy there is in their greatnes, and generally in all things in this life; and how little they ought to esteem the power, the kingdoms and dominions of this world, and all those other things called goods which are gotten in this world. For, consi­dering that a Roman Emperor, being a wise old man, redoubted, beloued, and knowne to bee good and valiant by long experience, who (as we may say) was Lord of all the world (for, hee peaceably gouerned (in a manner) all that which the Kings in Christendome hould in Europe, and the Infidels in Africa, and as much as the great Turk possesseth in Asia, Graecia, and Egypt, and many other Princes and Lords besides) onely three hundred, or fewe more souldiers, suffi­ced to bereaue him of his life & dominion; being in Rome it self, which was the head & strength of all the Empire; and that they should escape free without any punishment, no man then see­king any reuenge of his death.

Who would regard or greatly esteem the riches and dominions of this world, or account the dignities, estates, and riches thereof to be great, and lose his owne life, and pawne his soule to get them; seeing that a Throne, and so great a power and majesty as was the Roman Empire, was set to sale at an Outcry; and there were but onely two that came to buy it, and it was sould for a little money? Truely, in my judgement, it was handled as it deserued.

And this may suffice for a warning and example to vs, that there is nothing in this world that is ought-worth, and to bee held of price; nor ought to bee gotten and held with the danger of the soule: and therefore men ought lightly to regard the losing or winning of the goods of this world, so as they may encrease the riches of the soule, and liue vertuously as Christians ought to doo. He that can attaine heerto, is rich and mighty: and all the rest without this are misera­ble, beggerly and vnhappy, although they command and raign ouer the whole world.

To return to our History: HERODIANVS writeth, that the same of the souldiers procla­mation cam to the house of DIDIVS IVLIANVS, being held the richest man in Rome: who with his wife and daughter sitting at dinner, very merry and pleasant in the midst of his fauou­rites and pleasant company, was by them all counselled, that, seeing hee had more money than any other man in Rome, he should not let slip so good a bargain, and so precious a Iewell as was the Roman Empire; but that he should go to the Camp to conferre with the souldiers, and to procure himself to be chosen and sworn Emperor: Who, presently arising from the table, went thither accompanied with his friends and seruants. ELIVS SPARCIANVS (who wrote Didius Iulia­nus went to buy the Empire. his life) saith, that the first which perswaded him heerto, were PVBLIVS FLORIANVS, and VECTIVS APER, Tribunes. But, whosoeuer were his counsellers, they all agree, that when he came thither he found SVLPICIANVS the Prefect of Rome there before him, sol­liciting the soldiers to make him Emperor; promising them a great sum of mony, with other fa­uours and rewards: And the reason why his offers were not accepted, was, for that he was son-in-law to PERTINAX whom they had slain, and therefore they suspected him. Whereof, DIDIVS IVLIANVS put them also in minde; willing them to take heed that they made not choice of one who another day would reuenge the death of PERTINAX; Hee promi­sing to giue them an infinite summe of money which he had in a readinesse; and that hee would restore all things to that order and form wherein COMMODVS had left the same, and would presently bring them a great summe of money to be diuided among them. His offer at last was accepted by the souldiers, and hee with ladders was receiued into the Fort, where they sware obedience vnto him: and, there hauing done certain ordinary ceremonies and sacrifices, hee went into the City, accompanied with the Pretorian Cohorts in Arms; ranged in so good or­der, as if they had been going to a battell: for, they were in great fear of the people. And so Iulianus being made Emperour caeme into Rome. IVLIANVS entred the City, all the souldiers proclaiming his name, and calling him Empe­ror: [Page 139] the citizens durst not make any resistance, neither did they approue his election, as they v­sed to do by other Emperors, but cursed him and threw stones at him.

IVLIANVS then went to the Senate: where assembling such Senators as were present, by their decree he was proclaimed Emperor, and they presently made his sonne in law CORNE­LIVS REPENTINVS Prefect of Rome, putting SVLPITIANVS out of that office: and from thence he was carried to the Imperiall Palace, and held for Emperor, more through force, then the good will of any honest men. And he as though that the Empire had descended to him by inheritance from his father, and that he had peaceably obtained the same with the good will of all men, gaue himselfe to riot and pleasures, shewing himself negligent and retchlesse in mat­ters of gouernment. And notwithstanding that he was milde and affable, and did no harme to any man in all the time of his raigne; yet he presently began to be hated of the souldiers, for that Iulianus gene­rally hated. he did not performe that which he had promised. The people of Rome hated him, because he was chosen and made Emperor by those which murthered PERTINAX whom all the world loued; and they were of opinion that he was guiltie and accessarie to his death. So as when­soeuer he went out of his Palace, the people openly powred out their curses against him; which he patiently endured, sometimes with laughter, beckening with his hand that they should come to him, making shew of loue and goodwill vnto them: yet it little auailed him, but rather in­creased their hatred; in such manner, as standing one day to behold certaine games and sports, the people of Rome proclaymed PESCENIVS NIGER who was Proconsul, and Gouernor Pescenius Ni­ger proclaimed Emperor in Sy­ria. of Syria, which was the greatest charge and gouernment of the Empire, calling to him that hee should come to their rescue and to procure their libertie; of all which insolencies, IVLIANVS made little reckoning. And it hapned that as soone as the Armies which were on the fron­tiers of Germany and in Syria, vnderstood how ill IVLIANVS was beloued in Rome, and how carelesly he gouerned, each of these Armies presumed to make their Generall, Emperour. In Syria PESCENIVS NIGER was Gouernor, who was a man of good yeeres, and had held great commands and gouernments, and had done very many notable feates of Armes: it was reported of him, that he was milde and wise, and seemed to imitate the life and gouernment of the Emperor PERTINAX. This man knowing the goodwill which was borne him in Rome, and that his Armie and souldiers loued him, determined to proclaime himselfe Emperor, and presently took the ensignes thereof: and all those nations, Kings and Potentates of Asia, yeel­ding obedience, came or sent Ambassadors vnto him. The Army in Germany held for their Generall SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS, borne in Africa, a man of great courage and counsell, Septimius Se­uerus a valiant Captain of great experience, pre­tended title to the Empire. and aboue all, very double and subrile, and of great experience, who had had many gouern­ments, magistracies, and commands, and had been Consul in Rome, and Proconsul in the go­uernments of Sicilia, Africa, and the Pannonies, and was also very well beloued of his souldiers, by whom he was importuned: and seeing the occasion and oportunitie, he resolued also to pro­claime himselfe Emperour, taking vpon him the state and ensignes thereof: and publishing that he would reuenge the death of the Emperour PERTINAX, he made himselfe beloued of the men of warre in Germany, and of the Romane people: so as there were at one time three Em­perours, or to say more properly, three tyrants. IVLIANVS (who was Emperour in Rome) notwithstanding that he knew what passed in Syria, when it first began, made no great account thereof, holding it sufficient to send to kill him: but knowing what SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS did in Germany, it troubled him very much; and he dealt with the Senate to proclaime him re­bell, and that they should send certaine principall men Ambassadors to procure the Army to a­bandon SEVERVS, and to hold him for Emperour whom the Senate had approued, which was himselfe: and he sent VALERIVS CATVLINVS to further the businesse, and to suc­ceede SEVERVS in his gouernment. But SEVERVS had taken so good order, that this did little profit him: for he had already obtained their obedience, and had assured vnto himselfe the loue of all that countrie and the marches thereof; resoluing to march with his Army to­wards Rome, where he knew that IVLIANVS was not beloued. Now PESCENIVS NI­GER who was called Emperour in Asia, was not so circumspect as he might haue beene: for, seeing himselfe serued by Kings, rich in gold and siluer, mightie in Armies and men of warre, confidently trusting in the loue of the people of Rome; he gaue himselfe to feasting and banqueting in Antioch.

When it was knowne in Rome that SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS came thitherwards, IVLI­ANVS awakened from his drowsie sleep, began to put himselfe in Arms, and applied himselfe wholly to make prouision for the warres; and, mustering his Troops, took the Fields with the [Page 140] Pretorian Army which had made him Emperor; which he found very feeble, as well for want of experience and exercise in Arms, as for that they were ill paid by him: and the people of Rome repaired also vnto him with a very ill will, for that he was made Emperor against their li­king: and the Cities of Italy had a long time liued in quiet and peace, and were not accustomed to the wars.

In this manner all went ill with IVLIANVS; and well with his enemy: and IVLIANVS was generally ill obeyed; whom his friends counselled, that, with the best forces he could be able to leuie, he should meet SEVERVS vpon the way, and stoppe his passage ouer the Alps: but either he would not, or durst not do so, but made the best prouision in Rome he could; and, before he was aware, he vnderstood that SEVERVS was already entred Italie, and that the most part of the Cities had receiued him, and yeelded him their obedience. The people of Rome seeing this, and that PESCENIVS NIGER whom they desired remained in Asia, began to like of SEVERVS his coming.

IVLIANVS, seeing himself driuen to this streight, obtained of the Senate to write and to send Ambassadors to SEVERVS, offering to make him equall and companion in the Empire with IVLIANVS. But SEVERVS, not contented with part, but with the whole, would not Seuerus refu­seth to be part­ner in the Em­pire with Iulia­nus. accept thereof, holding himself to bee of greater power than IVLIANVS, notwithstanding that vntill then the Senate held with him: but they, seeing the little counsell and lesse strength of IVLIANVS, beganne to abandon him. And although hee desired that the Vestall Virgins (which was the most precious and highly-esteemed thing in their vain religion) should be sent to pacifie SEVERVS, and to work some means of peace; yet the Senate would not yeeld thereto, alleaging that he was vnworthy to rule, who durst not defend the Empire by force of Arms. And the matter came to this passe, that disguised persons daily came into Rome from SEVERVS, and others went from thence to him; and IVLIANVS, void of all reliefe and suc­cours, remained in his Palace generally abandoned, sauing of a very few souldiers.

The Senate was assembled, and by the common consent of all the Senators it was decreed, The Senate a­bandons Iuli­anus. that IVLIANVS should be depriued of the Empire, and SEVERVS proclaimed Emperour; and there were of the principall of the Senators sent to SEVERVS in ambassage, to yeeld to him their obedience, with the ensignes of Emperour, CAESAR, AVGVSTVS: and spreading a rumour abroad that IVLIANVS had poisoned himselfe, they commaunded him to be slaine in his Palace, where the infortunate Emperour was found disarmed, and with som few of his friends weeping like a child. And so was IVLIANVS slaine at the age of 57. yeeres, hauing Iulianus slaine by the Sena­tors. raigned only seauen moneths, in the yeere of our Lord 195.

AFter IVLIANVS, SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS succeeded in the Empire, who onely among all the Emperours was borne in Africa, in a citie The linage of Seuerus. called Leptis. His fathers name was GETA, and his mothers FVL­VIA PIA. He had two Vncles by his mothers side, which were Consuls in Rome; his grandfathers name by his mother was MACER; and by his fathers side, FVLVIVS APIVS. IVLIANVS being dead insuch manner as we haue declared, and SEVERVS marching with his Armie towards Rome, as against his enemies; vpon the way certaine Ambassadours met him, which in the name of the Senate and people of Rome yeelded to him their obedience, and gaue him the title and ensignes of Emperour, cer­tifying him of the death of IVLLANVS. He receiued this Ambassage in presence of the Armie, being marshalled and in Armes, and gaue gifts to the Ambassadours; and entertaining them with great honour, continued his iourney towards Rome: where aswell the Pretorian souldiers stoode in feare of him, for that they had slaine the Emperour PERTINAX whom they knew he loued, as also all the Romane people, for the desire they had that PESCENIVS NIGER should haue been Emperour; who in the East (as is said) was called so. SEVERVS, when he came neere to Rome, sent cōmandement that all the Pretorian Souldiers should come forth to receiue him, clad in shew of peace, leauing their armes in their campe; which they did, hoping thereby to haue pleased and pacified him by ioyfully obeying his commandement. And he conealing what he purposed to doe, hauing only acquainted some of his fauorites and captaines therewith, attended their comming, in field, in a place which he had chosen for that purpose; where they comming to doe him reuerence, were compassed about by his The punishment of the Pretoriax souldiers which slew Pertinax. Armie: and making a short speech vnto them, he reproched them with the crueltie and trea­son which they had vsed in killing the Emperour PERTINAX: Which being ended, he made them to put off the clothes and apparell which they ware, and to put away their daggers and poiniards from them (for other weapons they had none) and then he pronounced sentence against them; wherein he depriued them of the honour of souldiers, and banished them from Rome and a hundred miles about. He presently sent to their Campe to take their armes from them, and the imperiall ensignes; and so they were punished and disgraced, although not so much as they deserued, for the cruell murther which they had committed, and the selling of the Empire.

This being done, SEVERVS entred into Rome, with his whole Armie, with their Ensignes Seuerus entred Rome with en­signes displaied. displaied, and his souldiers in armes, appparelled in the best and most solemne manner they could. The number of his men was so great, that it was a most faire and stately spectacle to behold. The Senate went to the gates of the citie to receiue him, and there saluted him after the accustomed manner: and the people receiued him with blessings and applauses; notwit­standing that it was odious vnto them to see him come armed, and in warlike manner. Hauing performed the solemnities, and visited the Temples, as the manner then was, he went to his lodging in the Imperiall palace: and the next day he commanded the Senate to be assembled, whither he also went accompanied with armed men; wherein (as he was a wise man and well aduised) hee made a very smooth speech, giuing them great hope of good gouernment, and excusing himselfe for taking vpon him the name and authoritie of Emperour, without their His speech to the Senate. consent and good liking first obtained; pretending that he did it, to reuenge the death of PER­TINAX, and to free them from the tyrannie of IVLIANVS: for that it was a thing vnworthie the Romane Empire, he should liue which had bought it with money. In conclusion, his words were of such efficacie, as the Senat went thence satisfied and wel content: yet some of the old Senators which better knew his condition, gaue little credit to his words; for they held him for a man that was very double, subtil and a great dissembler: and notwitstanding that he was so, yet in truth he was a most sufficient man in any thing, very valiant in armes, and before The valour and learning of Se­uerus. that he was Emperour had gouerned great prouinces, and attained to be Questor, Tribune, Pre­tor, Proconsul, and Consul; and had held Commands and charges, wherein he purchased the [Page 142] name and reputation of a valiant, wise, and excellent Captaine. And if a man well consider how the Empire was then diuided betweene three Lords, and with what valour hee subdued the whole, with the other warres and accidents which happened in his time; he may well bee esteemed for a very valiant Emperour and excellent Captaine, and may be compared with a­ny of those in ancient time. Besides all which, he was very learned, and a great Mathematician, a good Orator and Philosopher. But his prowesse in Armes was so great, as it cannot be writ­ten by me (considering the breuitie which I vse) but cursorily, and so to expresse such things as are most cleere, although in haste: yet will they glister in their sight which shall behold the same.

After that he had taken vpon him the gouernment of the Empire, he set speedie order for the reformation of abuses in the Citie, by reason of the dissensions and tumults passed. He also presently honoured and buried the Emperor PERTINAX: and in remembrance of that good old man, he took to himselfe his surname, calling himselfe SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS PER­TINAX. He paid and gaue gifts and rewards to his men of warre, and also to the people of Rome; and as the custome of the new Emperors was, he made distributions and gaue large do­natiues. He also married two daughters which he had, with two principall men, one called PROBVS, and the other ECIVS: and after that he had giuen great dowries with them, he v­sed such meanes that they were both chosen Consuls. And whereas at that time there was great scarcitie of corne in Rome, he took such order, and that with such expedition, as the Citie was sufficiently prouided for and furnished: which course he held euer during all the time of his raigne, in such sort as there was neuer any want. All these things and other, concerning the gouernment of the Empire, he performed with such expedition, in thirtie dayes only that hee remained there: for from the first day that he was Emperour, hee determined to addresse his iourney towards the East with his Armie against PESCENIVS NIGER, who (as is said) was Seuerus goes a­gainst Pesceni­us. called Emperor, and was very powerfull, and an excellent Captaine. Hauing made preparati­on for his iourney, he sent a Captaine and new legions into the Prouince of Africa, to guard the same; to the end that by the way of Egypt and Libya, PESCENIVS NIGER should not make any profit of that Prouince. And the better to leaue all things in safety behinde him in the West (for he was in feare of CLODIVS ALEINVS a Nobleman and a Senator of Rome, who was Captaine of the Legions in Britanny, and was a man of a great parentage, rich, and well beloued, he bethought himselfe how he might compasse him and make him his friend, by gi­uing him the name and title of CAESAR and his successor, whereof hee aduertised him with very louing and gracious speeches: by which meanes for that time he remained in quiet and in peace.

This being done, leauing the best order in Rome he could, and such as was most expedient (nominating and choosing companies and Pretorian Cohorts to remaine in the Citie, in the Seuerus against Niger. place of those which he had cassiered and degraded from the honour of bearing Armes) he de­parted thence, continuing his iourney with the best and greatest force he was able to leuie. PESCENIVS NIGER being aduertised of the comming of his enemie, as vntill then he had liued idle and carelesse; so now with great diligence & expedition he leuied soldiers: and beside Pescenius le­uies what for [...] he can. the ordinary Armie which he had, he sent some Captaines speedily to stop the passages out of Europe into Asia the lesse; and also sent to craue aide of the Kings of Parthia, Armenia, and o­ther Kings and Tetrarchs of the East; from whom, and from the Prouinces which were vnder his obedience, there came great power and reliefe vnto him: and so the world was diuided into two factions; so as there began one of the most cruell warres that euer had been, as well for the valour of the Captaines, as for the power and multitude of souldiers; which warre was conti­nued in many parts, both by sea and land. SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS passed out of Europe into Asia the lesse, but with great trouble and difficultie, hauing many skirmishes, and being of­ten assailed by PESCENIVS his troupes, who sent against him an excellent Roman Captaine called EMILIANVS, who was Generall of all his forces. This EMILIANVS hauing drawn together all the power which PESCENIVS sent him, and all the rest that he was able to leuie out of Cappadocia, Galatia, Bithynia, and other Prouinces of Asia the lesse, took the fielde, in the way where SEVERVS was to passe: where followed many great skirmishes and encounters, and in the end a most cruell and terrible battaile, wherein EMILIANVS was ouerthrowne. After this battaile, the conquered troupes which escaped, went to PESCENIVS NIGER, Emilianus o­uerthrowne by Seuerus. who with all his power was in the Citie of Antioch in Syria; from whence he departed to meete with SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS vpon the way as he was comming: and marching towards [Page 143] him (after some matters of lesser importance which passed) the two Armies drew neere the one to the other in a great Plaine by the Sea side in the countrie of Cilicia (as HERODIANVS re­porteth, A battaile be­tweene Septi­mius Seuerus and Pescenius Niger. yet SPARCIANVS and EVTROPIVS differ therein) in the same place where DARIVS was the first time ouerthrowne by ALEXANDER the Great; where (by the con­sent of both the Generals) they came to a battaile with the greatest numbers and best souldiers that then were in the world; which by reason of the experience, valour, and wisedome of the Captaines, was most cruell. For, fighting the greatest part of the day without any apparant aduantage, the number of the slaine and wounded was so great, that the streames of waterwhich ranne through the fields, were so full, and died with the bloud of men and horses, as there see­med to be no water therein; A great number of disarmed people of the inhabitants therea­bouts, standing vpon the tops of the hils to behold the battaile, and to see whether partie should haue the victorie. Which when either partie by all means possible had endeuoured to obtaine, in the later end of the day PESCENIVS NIGER was ouerthrowne, without failing in any point in what he ought, and was most expedient for a good Captain to haue done: for in truth SEVERVS his souldiers were more expert and better trained in the warres; and seeing there Pescenius Ni­ger ouerthrown and slaine. was no other remedie, he fled, but was followed and afterwards found by SEVERVS his soul­diers, who smote off his head, and carried it through the Campe vpon the point of a Launce. This PESCENIVS NIGER was a man of meane parentage; yet some say that he was No­ble The linage of Pescenius Ni­ger. and auncient: his fathers name was ANIVS FVSCVS, and his mother was called LAM­PRIDIA. He was a man indifferently well learned, and obtained great riches. He was sharpe and quick witted, euer followed the warres, and was an excellent souldier; and afterwards per­formed the charge committed to him, with great discretion and courage: for, they write of him, that he was a valiant and much commended Tribune; a very singular and excellent Cap­taine; The wisedome and valour of Pescenius. a most seuere and vpright Lieutenant Generall; a most wise and prudent Consul; and in all things happy and fortunate, but only infortunate in being Emperor, not knowing how to gouern himselfe therein. So as it plainly appeareth, that men doe often times desire and pur­chase to themselues shame and perdition, by presuming to attaine to honour and great­nesse.

SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS, hauing obtained so notable a victorie, with all speede aduerti­sed the Roman Senate thereof, and as a conqueror did his will vpon the conquered, cruelly killing many of those which had taken part with NIGER: and principally he ruined the Citie of Antioch, by reason that it (more then any other) had aided and assisted his aduersarie, whose wife and children he commanded to be banished from Rome. And to the contrary, hee gaue gifts and rewards to those which had done him seruice and assisted him; and repaired the harmes and damages which some Cities, which held with him, had receiued by NIGERS souldiers. For in truth this man was very cruell in punishing offences, and in persecuting his enemies; and very liberall and gratefull to his friends, and most bountifull in rewarding those which had done him any seruice. In all the Prouinces of the East, after this victorie, he found no resistance, sauing among the Parthians, the Persians, and the Adiabenians, very mightie Na­tions: who for the loue they bare vnto NIGER, and the ancient hatred to the Romane name, presently took Armes against SEVERVS; and hee in person went against them, and had many battailes and incounters, and obtained great victories, which I haue no time to relate: so as hee inlarged the Empire and the Romane name, and pacified the Prouinces.

SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS hauing brought all his purposes to so good and prosperous estate, The fift persecu­tion of the Pri­mitiue Church. being seduced by the diuel, he resolued to persecute the Catholike Christian Church, so as an infinite number of the faithfull were put to death; and this was the fift persecution of the Church. For which occasion (as PAVLVS OROSIVS noteth) God would not permit that he should long enioy the Empire in peace: for he was aduertised from Rome how that AL­BINVS, who (as we said) was Captaine in great Britannie, and whom he made CAESAR when he went for the East, was risen in Armes, and proclaimed himselfe Emperor; and that he was Albinus in Armes against Seuerus. of very great power, and much beloued of the Romane Nobilitie: for he was natiue of Rome, and of a great and Noble Familie. But he being of a hautie minde little regarded those diffi­culties: and setting all things in order in the East, with his Armie, took his way towards Rome, to the end he might goe against ALBINVS, as against a tyrant and a rebell. And passing from Asia into Europe ouer the streight at Byzantium, which is now called Constantinople, he wholly ruined that Citty; for that when he went towards Asia, that Citie would not receiue him; and so he left it leuell with the ground (which was one of the most famous Cities in the world) and [Page 144] it remained so desolate vntill the time of CONSTANTINE the Great; as in his time we will declare.

SEVERVS trauelling thus towards Rome, his Aduersary ALBINVS being aduertised thereof, came out of Britanny into France, where he raised a mighty Armie; part whereof hee sent to keepe the passages of the Alpes, thereby to hinder him, who was arriued at Rome, and was now vpon his way comming to meete him: before which time he put PESCENIVS NIGERS children to death, thereby wholly to extinguish all remembrance of him. And going to the warres, he appointed his sonne BASSIANVS ANTONINVS for his successor, Seuerus put to death Nigers children. and intituled him CAESAR; and changing his name, he commanded him to be called, AV­RELIVS ANTONINVS. Drawing neere to his enemies, the warres began in a most cruell manner betweene them; where in the beginning in some encounters, SEVERVS his Cap­taines were ouerthrowne by those of ALBINVS his partie.

But after that he had passed the Alpes, and was entred into France, the warre was kindled in many parts; and in many conflicts and skirmishes fortune shewed her selfe variable, the vi­ctorie inclining sometimes to one side, and sometime to the other; vntill at last neere vnto the Citie of Lions, (wherein ALBINVS was) either partie drawing together his whole power, they fought one of the most bloudy battailes that euer was written of: which continued the A great bat­taile betweene Seuerus and Albinus. greatest part of the day without any apparance of aduantage. First, the victory seemed to bee of ALBINVS his side: for his Battalions were of such force, as they forced SEVERVS Troupes to retire; in such sort, as his Souldiers began to flye: and it so happened that SEVE­RVS horse fell with him, and euery man held him for dead; and ALBINVS his Souldiers began to crie Victorie, victorie; taking no care but to follow the execution. Then LEON, one of SEVERVS his Captaines, who vntill then had neuer charged; with a very great Troup of armed men which he brought with him, renued the fight in such sort, as SEVERVS was The valour of Leon, one of Seuerus Cap­taines. rescued: and being remounted vpon another horse, charged with such fury, as he tooke the victorie out of ALBINVS his Souldiers hands, who accounting themselues Victors, obser­ued no order: and the matter was so handled, that ALBINVS his Troupes were driuen to turne their backes; and SEVERVS followed the execution, killing them euen to the gates of the Citie of Lions.

The number of those which were slaine and wounded, was infinite: and the citie was pre­sently entred, and ALBINVS taken; and his head being striken off, was brought to SEVERVS. A man may well beleeue that he was not a little ioyfull when he saw it, considering that a little before he was wounded and cast to the ground, and by all men accounted for dead, and his ene­mies victorious; but escaping all this, he now saw himselfe an absolute Lord, and his enemies confounded. Wherefore let euery Christian reader consider how inconstant all things are in this life; and that a man neither can, or ought to repose his assured confidence in any thing in this world. Great were the cruelties which SEVERVS committed after that he had obtai­ned this victorie: and truly if this Prince had not been so cruell and greedie of bloudie euents The crueltie of Seuerus. both in warre and gouernment as he was, I am of opinion that no man either before or after him, had excelled him; considering the actions and enterprises which he brought to an end, whereof I write but the summe.

These things being past, SEVERVS presently wrote to the Senate and people of Rome, aduertising them of his victorie, and sending them ALBINVS his head, which he commanded should be set vpon the end of a pole in the publike place: and all those Senators which of ALBI­NVS his partie were slaine in this battaile, he commanded to be quartered; and those which were taken aliue, he commanded to be slaine. He was so cruell and vindicatiue (as some write) that he mounted vpon a verie furious great horse, and rode manytimes ouer the dead bodie of ALBINVS: which is not much to be maruelled at, considering from how cruell and barba­rous a Nation he was descended. Some write, that he first caused his body to be torne in many pieces, and to be throwne into the Riuer Rhodanus. And SPARCIANVS sayth, that hee commanded his wife and children to be slaine, and did by them as he had done by ALBINVS: and so he made a number of his kinsmen and friends which were found with him in Lions to be slaine, and with them other principall Noble men of France and Spaine. He concluded the victorie which he gat neere Lions onely in Rome, there to make an end of the warre: and after this victorie he presentlie assaulted certaine cities and holds which continued friends to AL­BINVS; which he subdued, not without great trouble and danger. And as he was busie in these matters, newes was brought him that one of those Legions which he had left in Arabia, [Page 145] did mutine, and took part with ALEINVS before this battaile: and so he leauing France and Germany in peace and quiet, and sending into Britanny the ordinarie Captaines, to keepe the in­habitants in subiection and peace, he came triumphing to Rome, bringing his Armie with him; Seuerus came triumphing into Rome. where he was most solemnly receiued, with great shew of ioy and contentment, although that in truth they stood in great feare of him: whither when he came, hee paid his souldiers with larger allowance, then euer had been seene; and the first day that he went to the Senate, in disgrace and despite thereof he renewed the titles and memory of the wicked Emperor COM­MODVS, and made him to be canonized, and adored as a God. He also condemned to death, and confiscated the goods of a great number of Noble Personages of Rome which had beene Pretors, Consuls, and Senators, for that he found they had been friends to ALEINVS, and of his faction, shewing letters which he said were written by them, wherein they had offered their persons and goods to ALBINVS seruice; alleaging other reasons and proofes, which perad­uenture were forged. Finally, he vsed great crueltie, and put many to death; whereby hee ex­tremely enriched himselfe in treasure, whereof some he distributed and gaue to others: but principally he enriched and and aduanced in the highest degree, one whose name was PLAN­CIVS, a great fauorite of his, who also was an Africane, and his countrie-man, whom he made Plancius [...]great fauorite of Seuerus. Prefect of the Pretorian Cohorts: and afterwards he married his son BASSIANVS ANTO­NINVS, whom he had made CAESAR, with his daughter, whose name was PLAVTINA; and then he made him his companion and equall, and made the Senate to giue him the ensignes and prerogatiue of the Empire; by reason whereof PLANCIVS grew yet more proude and insolent. Matters standing in this estate, the cruell SEVERVS stayed but a small time in Rome: in which space he executed many cruelties vpon those which had been friends to NIGER and ALBINVS, putting to death a great number of Noble Personages most cruelly, together with many Matrons, and Romane Ladies: and to the contrary, he shewed himselfe very libe­rall and bountifull, and bestowed many fauours vpon others, and became also very popular, and sought to be pleasing and acceptable to all men, and to that end made the greatest and most costly feasts and games that euer were made in Rome, and diuided money amongst the people. But he stayed but a little while there, as I said: for knowing that matters were in no securitie in Asia, principally that the Parthians infested the bounds and frontires of the Empire, and desirous to be reuenged of certaine Kings, which had assisted his enimie NIGER; as hee was most valiant and desirous of honour, although olde and gowtie: yet with his accusto­med celeritie hee departed towards the East; and being come into Asia sooner then any man expected him, he presently beganne the warre in Armenia, marching against BARZENIVS, King of the Atrenores, who had been PESCENIVS NIGER'S friend: The King of Ar­menia durst not make any resistance, but sent him presents, suing for peace, and gaue him such ho­stages as he required. Whereupon finding no resistance, this valiant Emperour returned a­gainst Arabia felix, wherein there was a mutinie, and there took and sacked some Cities: And Seuerus his en­terprises. Tesiphonte with the King of Par­thiaes children taken by Se­uerus. from thence returned to the frontires of the Atrenores, and besieged the Citie of Atras, or A­tramas. But being vnable to take it, for that it was very strong and well furnished, in great fury he went against the Parthians, and the Persians, and besieged the famous Citie of Tesiphonte, wherein King ARTABANVS lay with all his power and houshold: and after many assaults, en­counters, and slaughters of men of either side, he entred the Citie by force of Armes; and the King escaping by flight, his children and treasure fell into the hands of SSVERVS, which was held for a very great victorie: for the Romans stood in greater feare of the Parthians, then of any other nation of the world.

SEVERVS presently wrote to Rome, aduertising them of his victories and good successe, and sent them the description of the countries, cities, riuers, battailes, and assaults which hee past, drawne and painted in tables.

When he had ended all things at his pleasure, he bountifully paied his souldiers: and coming into Palestina, and from thence into Egypt, he was desirous to see the Pyramides, and other great and ancient monuments in that countrie: And from thence he returned to Rome in great triumph, loaden with the spoiles and riches gotten by his victories in the East. At this his returne hee married his eldest sonne to PLAVTINA, daughter of his great fauorite PLAN­CIVS, which marriage BASSIANVS ANTONINVS solemnized much against his will; and so would not conuerse or keep companie with her. Whereupon there began great dislike and dissension betweene PLANCIVS and BASSIANVS: PLANCIVS knowing himselfe the richest and most mightie man of the Empire; and seeing that SEVERVS was now [Page 146] old (with whom he was in great fauor) and fearing that if BASSIANVS should succeed him and inherit the Empire, he should be ill intreated at his hands; hee resolued to kill both the fa­ther and the son, and to make himself Emperor, making choice (for the effecting this exploit) of a Tribune of the Pretorian Cohorts, whereof hee himself was Commander. But it pleased God that this his treason was discouered by the same Tribune. SEVERVS held this in a ma­ner incredible, conceiuing it to be some practice of his sons, who loued not PLANCIVS. But being assured thereof by the Tribune, it was concluded, that hee should go and bring him into the Emperors chamber. The Tribune, coming to PLANCIVS, tould him that he had slain SEVERVS and BASSIANVS; and that if he would go with him, hee should see them dead: which hauing deliuered, hee made a reuerence as to the Emperour. As PLANCIVS desired their deaths, so he easily gaue credit to his words, and went with him. The Tribune (it being late in the night) brought him to the Emperors chamber; where he found him and his sonne liuing, amongst many of their confident friends, the chamber beeing full of torches. Which PLANCIVS seeing, he was much amazed: and being demanded by the Emperor what hee did there at so vnseasonable a time; not knowing what to answer, but confessing his error, and crauing pardon, he was slain by BASSIANVS.

After that SEVERVS had escaped this danger, hee spent his time in visiting some Cities in Italie, in hearing complaints and doing justice, and in most sumptuous Works and Buildings in Rome, and other Cities; and, seeking to bring vp his sonnes vertuously, and (by abating their pride) to reconcile them, and make vnity between them; for, they did ill agree, and were very vnquiet and ill-affected the one to the other. He desired to establish peace and amity between them, hauing determined that after his death the Empire should bee diuided between them; and to that end inuested them both therein. And so this poor old Emperor laboured in vain to reform the bad inclination of his sonnes. And, liuing in rest from warre, although not without domesticall care, he receiued Letters, importing, that the Inhabitants of great Britanny were in Arms and rebelled, in such sort, that his Legions there were in such danger, as they were at the point either to be ouercome and lost, or at least to flee and abandon the Countrey; wherewith he was much displeased. And to the end that the Empire in his daies should not be diminished by the losse of that Iland (it being of such importance) hee determined to go thither himself in person to pacifie the same. And, without any delaying of time, he went thithervvards vvith all his forces. Being arriued in Britauny, the Inhabitants conceiued such fear, by reason of his sud­den coming vpon them, that, as he was a warrior, if he had been inclined to peace, they would haue comn to any reasonable composition: but he, rather desiring to punish them, made cruell war against them: which was both tedious and dangerous, by reason of the lakes and many ill passages for his men in seuerall places of that Countrey; so as he was constrained to make ma­ny bridges and other deuices, with wood and timber, for his souldiers to passe. And so he ob­tained many victories, and subdued the Inhabitants. And to the end that his Legions from The Britans sub­dued by Seue­rus. thenceforth might liue in greater safety, and that the Picts and Scots should not so freely passe their bounds (as SEXTVS AVRELIVS VICTOR and EVTROPIVS report) hee com­manded a strong wall to be made, which did crosse the Ile from sea to sea; which wall was two and thirty miles in length; wherein (as I conceiue) hee did but finish or repair that wall which the Emperour ADRIAN had made before: which truely was a work worthy the greatnes of SEVERVS his minde, and the mighty wealth of Rome. Which when hee at his pleasure had ended in like manner as he had done all his other enterprises, his old grief did so much torment him, that he desired and sought means to end his ovvne life: and, hauing raigned 18 yeers and ten months, he died in the same Ile of Britanny. The death of Seuerus.

This Emperor was one of those which fought as many battels, and obtained as many victo­ries, as any other that euer ruled the Roman Empire: for, he ouerthrew and brought to confu­sion three Roman Emperors, and many other Kings, and subdued an infinite number of Pro­uinces and Cities. He took so good order for the preseruation of his treasure, and was so coue­tous and greedy in gathering the same together, that, notwithstanding his great expenses, and the infinite great gifts and rewards which he bestowed, yet he left more ready money and trea­sure in his Treasury and Exchequer than any other Emperor of his Predecessors. He paied and maintained so many Legions of souldiers, as there was no cause to fear any King or Nation in the world. Hee left in Rome so great aboundance of wheat, wine and oile, as was sufficient (as SPARCIANVS writeth) to maintain and victuall the same for fiue yeers. He erected wonder­full works and Buildings in Rome and in other parts, and in many things performed the part of a [Page 147] good gouernour, and of a wise and prudent Prince: So as the Romans vsed to say of him (no­ting his cruelties and couetousnes; and afterwards his prouisions and victories) That it had been good that this Emperour had neuer been borne, or that he should neuer haue died: and so after his death he was highly extolled and commended. He left for his equall successors in the Em­pire his two sonnes, the one called BASSIANVS, and the other GETA; and when he lay a dying, the last words he spake to those which were with him were these: When I took vpon me the gouernement of the Empire, I found it tyrannized and out of order; and now being olde The words of Seuerus at his death. and gowtie, leaue it in peace and subiection to my sonnes (if they prooue good) a firme and set­led Empire: but if they prooue euill; feeble, and without force, and ready to fall. This good Prince was so temperate and spare in his diet, that he did seldome eate any flesh: for his com­mon foode was salades, pulse and fruits of his countrie; but he vsed to drinke somewhat deepe: yet neuer so that he was at any time distempered therewith. He was of a very comely perso­nage, representing authoritie and maiestie, and was tall of stature, and vsed to weare a long white beard; his hayre was curled and gray, and he spake with a deepe sounding voice. Final­ly, his personage and minde were fitting for an Emperor. He liued (as SEXTVS AVRELI­VS VICTOR and others do testifie) seuentie yeeres, and died in the yeere of our Lord, two hundred and three.

SEVERVS being dead, his two sonnes, which he had by seuerall women, ac­cording as he had ordained, remained Emperours. One of them hee had by MARTIA, which was his first wife; and the other by IVLIA, as is already said. The eldest had to name BASSIANVS ANTONINVS, and the other GETA; both very yong men, and in vertue farre vnlike to their father, chiefly BASSIANVS CARACALLA which was the el­dest: Bassianus at the first vertuous and beloued. Although that in his youth being but a childe, hee seemed to make better shewe of himselfe, to be of a milde condition, and of a good witte; hee profited very much in learning (as SPARCIANVS writeth) and therefore was much beloued and great­ly [Page 148] accounted of: but afterwards, with his yeeres, and the Empire, he altred his condition, and in crueltie not only surpassed his father, but any other cruell Prince of all that euer were; as if he had been borne at one birth with NERO.

As soone as hee was sworne Emperour in England, where he then was (for his father carried both his sonnes with him, and his wife IVLIA also, which was mother to the second sonne) ANTONINVS CARACALLA practised with the Armie to chuse him Emperor alone, and to disinherit his brother GETA. But the men of warre would not consent thereto, because that GETA was chosen CAESAR and successor to his father by them; and BASSIANVS ANTONINVS was nominated by his father SEVERVS. Whereupon being out of hope to bring his purpose to effect, accompanied with his brother and mother in law, they agreed to come to Rome, and brought with them the bodie or ashes of their father SEVERVS. But there presently grew so many iealousies betweene the two brothers, that it was daily feared the one would kill the other; notwithstanding that IVLIA (as though she had been mother to Inmity between Bassianus and his brother Geta. them both) vsed all possible meanes to haue pacified them, and to haue brought them to liue louingly and like brothers together: which she could neuer bring to passe, and so vpon the way either of them did lodge and eate apart; and either of them stood vpon his guard, for feare of the other. Being come to Rome, they were receiued with great solemnitie, tri­umph and ioy; but in their palaces they tooke their lodgings apart, and each of them had his guard and particular officers from the other: and they neuer visited, saw, or spake the one to the other, except when they went to the Senate: so great was the hatred which the one bare to the other.

The first thing they did after their comming to Rome, was to burie their father, whom they canonized for a Saint, placing him among the Gods, as the custome was to doe by those which were good Emperors. And seeing that occasion will often be giuen to reade of some Emperors which haue been deified; in my opinion it shall not be amisse, in this place to recite the ceremo­nies which were then vsed therein. The order which they held (the Emperor being dead) was In what man­ner the Romans deified their Emperors. to assemble the Senate, to consider whether such an Emperour had deserued or were worthie to be placed among the Gods or no: and finding him to haue been wicked, the Senate would not be present at the ceremonies vsed at his funerall: but if he had beene a good Prince, they all went in mourning attire to doe him honour at his consecration. The manner to consecrate him, was first to burie him without any ceremonies; then they made his image of wood, which resembled a pale sickly weake man, which they placed vpon a high scaffold ouer the entring in­to the Palace; which image was clothed in rich attire; and on the one side thereof, sate the Senate, and on the other side the Roman Matrons, where they continued from the Sunne rising vntill the euening, doing nothing but groane and sigh. This order they obserued the space of se­uen The follie of the antient. daies, in which the Physicians came and felt the pulses of this Statue, saying, that the Empe­ror would surely die: at which words, they lamented and scrieched out. The sixt day the Phy­sicians said that he was dead: then the most ancient men carried the image on horseback in a beere to a place which was called the old place; passing through that way which was called Via Sacra. In this place was erected an edifice after the fashion of a throne, with staires round a­bout it, and vpon this throne they placed the Image: on the one side of the staires were many children, which were gentlemens sonnes of Rome; and on the other, a number of yong Roman damsels which sung some heauie and sorrowfull songs and ditties; and the boyes sung hymns in prayse of the dead Emperor. From thence they carried the Image with the beere to the field of Mars, where was another scaffold made of most drie wood, vpon which they placed this Image. Vpon that day people came from all parts of Italy to Rome to see the solemnitie: and euery one there present, was bound to cast vpon the staires, certain precious odors of sundrie sorts. After this the Senators made shew of a skirmish on horseback; and after them the two Consuls gaue a turne vpon their chariots richly adorned, being followed by the most ancient men in Rome, and those which had been Captains in the wars, on foote: all which after they had gone round about this scaffold, making sundrie shoutes and exclamations, fell to the ground. Then came he which did inherit and succeede in the Empire, and with a burning torch gaue fire to this throne or scaffold; which, for that it was made of most drie wood, in short space was set all on fire.

But before any of these ceremonies were performed, the Senat prouided a great Eagle: which being set on that side where the Image of the dead Emperor was, while as this image did burn, the Eagle was very cunningly let loose; which, according to her nature, mounting aloft into the [Page 149] aire, the people said that it was the Emperors soule which flew to heauen, there to dwell amongst the gods▪ which HERODIANVS doth write at large in the historie of these two Emperours. GETA the younger brother was of a more gentle nature: for shewing himselfe milde and courteous, he began to be generally well beloued of all men. ANTONINVS CA­RACALLA was sowre, and would be obeied for feare. Enuying the loue which he saw al men beare to his brother GETA, and the reputation wherein he was held, he deuised with himselfe how he might secretly kill him with poison, or otherwise howsoeuer: he also sought to get the good will of the Pretorian Souldiers, giuing them many gifts, doing them many fauours, and Bassianus sought meanes to put his bro­ther Geta to death. giuing them leaue to do what they listed. So as it was easily perceiued, what manner of gouern­ment there would be in the Empire, where were two Emperours with equall power and autho­ritie, and so contrarie in condition each to other, that being brothers they practised and de­sired each others death; and in matters of iustice and gouernment were euer contrarie in opi­nion; and for Captaines and gouernours which were to be made, each sought to preferre his friends and fauorites, and did the like in chusing of Consuls and other Magistrates: And so all things went by fauour and in contention. There were committed intolerable disorders, and wrongs, either of them persecuting the contrarie faction, without daring to punish those which were of their own partie, for feare to make them their enemies: whereof grew an vniuersall preiudice to all the prouinces, and generally to the whole Empire. Wherefore to auoide these troubles and inconueniences, some practised to make a diuision of the Empire; and that AN­TONINVS BASSIANVS should remaine in Rome and gouerne the West; and that GETA should gouerne Asia & all the East. But this took as little effect: for IVLIA, mother to GETA, hindred it, thinking to draw them to some composition and make them friends: and when she thought herselfe to be in the right way to haue brought them to concord and agreement, BAS­SIANVS CARACALLA (who was more proud and presumptuous, and who in truth did scorne his brother, as well for that he was his younger, as for that he gaue himselfe more to his book & to ciuill discipline, then to Armes and chiualrie; hauing alwaies about him honest and learned men) resolued to kill him in what manner soeuer; which he had till then attempted to do by secret and coloured meanes, thinking with himselfe that he was and ought to be sole Em­perour, and could not endure any riuall or companion in command. And with this cruell deter­mination, as they were lodged both in one palace, GETA being one day with his mother, no­thing suspecting any open violence, although he mistrusted secret practices; BASSIANVS iust Bassianus slew his brother Ge­ta in his mothers armes▪ at the time when euery bodie was at dinner, suddenly entred his brothers lodging, and with the aide of those which came with him, slew his brother in his mothers Armes, before that he was able to put himselfe in defence, or could be rescued. And hauing committed this detestable murder; with the like furie and haste as he had done this fact, he went forth at his palace gates, compassed about with his friends and seruants; and shewing great amazement, cried out, that his brother would haue slaine him, and he said to those which saw him, that he had escaped an extreame danger of death, but his innocencie had preserued him. And calling to his guard, he commanded them to conuay him to his Pretorian Cohorts, where he might remaine in safetie; for whilest he continued within the citie he stood in feare of his life.

Those which heard him, not knowing what had passed, beleeued what he said: and both those which heard him, and heard him not, followed him; and the people began to be much troubled to see their Emperour, so out of season, and in such haste and manner go to the Camp. When he came to his Camp, where in truth by reason of his former practices, he was better be­loued then his brother, the first thing that he did was to go to a place apart, where their ensignes and banners were, which they held for religious and sacred; and then he began with great ex­clamation to say, That he gaue infinite thanks to the gods for deliuering him from such and so imminent a danger. And the souldiers flocking about him, maruelling at his so vnseasonable comming, he put himselfe in the middest of them, and with a huge voice began to implore their aid and succour, telling them that his brother would haue slaine him; and being assailed by him, was rescued, and had fought, and God had giuen him the victorie, although vvith great difficul­tie; and that he now fled vnto them from the furie of those which would haue slaine him. He spake and fained the matter with such efficacie, as the souldiers beleeued him: and notwithstan­ding that he expressed not so much, yet they plainely perceiued that he had slaine his brother, as he gaue them to vnderstād: and incōtinentlie he promised them, seeing he remained sole Em­perour, that he would bestow vpon them the accustomed fauours, gifts & rewards; and presen­tlie sending for a mass of money which remained of his fathers treasure, he diuided it among [Page 150] them: wherewith hauing got their good wils, although som were hard to be perswaded, and did contradict it, yet in the end they proclaimed himsole Emperor, and approued the death of his Brother GETA, pronouncing him a rebell, and an enemy to the Roman Common-wealth.

BASSIANVS, remaining all that night in the Camp among the souldiers, the next day compassed with men of warre, returned into Rome: and, assembling the Senate, he went thither, and brought in his guard with him, wherein he made a set Oration (which HERODIANVS writeth at large) excusing himself, and grieuously accusing his Brother, affirming, that he was openly assailed by him; but being rescued, in defending himself, he had slain his Brother. The Senators, some for that they were his Fauourites, and others for fear; approued his death: and he, to justifie his wickednes with greater cruelty, began to proceed against men of all estates, as though they all had been guilty, and had practised his death, committing infinite murders and cruelties. First, he commanded all his Brothers seruants to be slain, together with many Sena­tors Cruelty vsed by Bassianus, in putting many great men to death. and Roman Knights, which had taken his Brothers part. He also made PLAVTINA, the daughter of PLANCIVS, which had been his wife, to be put to death. He slue POMPEIA­NVS, nephew to the Emperor MARCVS AVRELIVS the Philosopher, and sonne to LV­CILLA and POMPEIANVS. He caused all the Gouerners and Captains to slain, which his Brother had placed in the Prouinces. To conclude, hee murdered an infinite number of men of quality; so as in all parts of Rome most horrible murders and cruelties were committed: for which he is accounted one of the worst and most cruell Emperors that euer gouerned the Ro­man Empire; and was generally hated and abhorred of all men, sauing of the Pretorian Souldi­ers onely, whose loue and good will hee bought with his money, and therewith did continue them for his friends (by suffering and enduring them, and giuing them liberty in all things) permitting them to commit whatsoeuer outrage or insolency they would.

Hauing exercised himself in these abominable cruelties, his owne conscience accusing him, and knowing how much he was abhorred in Rome, hee resolued to depart from thence, and to go and visit all the Prouinces of the Empire, which he did, and in his journey plaied many mad pranks, some of which in truth were very ridiculous. Purposing to go into Germany, where-as Bassianus tra­uels & fashions Rome euer maintained great Armies against the northerly nations, who could neuer be brought to any perfect subjection; he gaue it out in speeches, that hee went to reform the Legions, and to visit the Prouinces: and, taking his way towards the Riuer Danubius, where (to winne the hearts of that Countrey-people) he followed the fashions vsed in that Countrey, hunting and killing wilde beasts, and apparelling himself like a German, praising and esteeming their fashi­ons better than the fashions of the Romans he chose such of the German Souldiers as seemed to be most strong and actiue, for his guard. Hee sought also to win the good will of other men of warre, shewing himself very affable and sociable, helping them in person in their bodily ex­ercises; eating and drinking with them such things as they did, and dooing many other things like a souldier and a man of warre: whereby hee made himself beloued both of the one and the other, although he forbare not to commit sundry cruelties, killing certain eminent men among them.

Hauing set all matters in such order as hee thought good in Germany, taking his way towards Thracia, he passed through Macedonia, where a notable folly possessed him: for, heer hee made shew to be much affected to ALEXANDER the Great, and to publish his Noble acts; sen­ding commandement to erect his statue in many parts of Rome: amongst which hee set vp one with two faces; the one resembling ALEXANDER, and the other himself, desiring to make others beleeue (himself being so perswaded) that he did very much resemble him; and, because he had read that ALEXANDER'S neck stood a little awry towards one shoulder, he counter­feited the like: and so within fewe daies, of an Almain, he was becomn a Macedonian in appa­rell, behauiour and fashion; and one squadron of his Army he commanded to bee called Pha­lanx (for so were they called in that Kingdome) and some of his Captains hee caused to bee cal­led by the names of some of ALEXANDER'S Captains. Hauing made this shew in Graecia, he took his way towards Asia; where he desired to see the ruines of Troy: and, seeing the Sepul­chre of ACHILLES, another humour took him, which was, to resemble ACHILLES; so as hee seemed to trauell the Countries like a Player, with Comedies and making shewes: at which his lightnes and in constancy, the Romans which were with him, laughing to themselues, were much discontented and ashamed.

Trauelling through Asia the lesse, and thence into Soria, he went into Egypt (as he said) to see the City of Alexandria, because ALEXANDER the Great was Founder thereof: where he [Page 151] was most solemnly receiued, and with great ioy; for which hee ill requited them: for although that he shewed them a pleasant countenance, yet secretly he was much displeased with them: for he vnderstood that they had vsed quips and iests of him behinde his back, and gaue him nick-names conformable to his vices, and the cruelties which he committed; Matters, in truth, not so hainous as could deserue so cruell punishment, as that which he inflicted, which was: that the people being vpon a day assembled together to see certain publike pastimes, he made them to bee compassed about by his souldiers, and an infinite number of them of all ages, Extreme cruel­tie executed by Bassianus vpon the citizens of Alexandria. conditions, and degrees to bee slaine, to the great feare, griefe, and terror of the whole Citie.

After this his great inhumanitie done in Egypt, he returned by Palestina: and trauelling to­wards the East with a very mightie Armie, of his fathers old souldiers, he inuaded the Parthi­ans countrie, which suspected no such matter; and did great spoile there (as SPARCIANVS SEXTVS AVRELIVS VICTOR, and HERODIANVS doe write) for vpon safe con­duct and assurance of peace which he made to the Parthians, he obtained some victories, decei­ning their King ARTABANVS, giuing him to vnderstand that he came of purpose to marrie with his daughter; and the other comming to receiue him in peaceable manner, was sodainly set vpon. But the King (by great hap) escaped by flight. And although that this his victorie wereof small importance, yet he made great boast, writing to Rome tedious and proud letters thereof; and in all these actions he forbare not to be cruell: but to gouerne vprightly, and to do iustice, as he ought to haue done, he took no care. He was very gluttonous, and vnmeasurably giuen to wine, luxurie and dishonestie of life, so as he married with his owne mother in law, Gluttony and incontinency of Bassianus. IVLIA: yet HERODIANVS maketh no mention thereof, but seemeth to be of a contrary o­pinion; for he euer speaketh of IVLIA, as though she had been mother both to BASSIANVS and GETA: But SEXTVS AVRELIVS writeth it; and also EVSEBIVS, EVTROPI­VS and SPARCIANVS say, that it passed in this manner. IVLIA was a verie faire woman: and vpon a day, the mother and the sonne in law standing talking together, she carelessy or dis­honestly, as it afterwards appeared, letting fall a vaile which she ware, discouered part of her brest, which when BASSIANVS saw, he said, If it were lawfull, I would haue that which I see: she, forgetting all honestie, and that she was mother to GETA whom BASSIANVS had staine, answered, To thee any thing that thou desirest is lawfull: dost thou not know, that the A monstrous fact. Emperor maketh lawes and is subiect to none. When he heard her say so, setting aside all du­tie and loyaltie which he ought to his dead father, and his liuing mother in law, he resolued to marrie her, and celebrated his nuptials with the mother of his brother, whom he had bereaued of life.

But to returne to the Historie of his life, it passed in this manner; That comming from his inuasion against the Parthians, he stayed some daies in Mesopotamia: For, that countrey was very pleasant and commodious for hunting & other sports; where, within fewe daies hauing raigned full sixe yeeres, he was slaine by treason. The manner whereof HERODIANVS wri­teth, saying that he was much addicted to Mathematicians and Astrologians, and gaue great credit vnto them; and in all matters vsed their opinions and iudgements, and had in Rome and with him all the Astrologers that he could get; wherein he resembled his father SEVERVS, who did the like. Being fearefull of conspiracies, knowing what he had deserued; hee sent to MATERNVS who was the greatest and most confident friend he had, whom he left gouernor of Rome, commanding him secretly to assemble all the best Astrologers he could get, and de­mand of them what death he should die; and procure them to giue their opinions, whether any conspired or practized his death or no. MATERNVS did what the Emperor commanded in the foote of his letter, and with great haste answered him (either faining it, or being so ad­uertised by the Astrologers) that MACRINVS which was his Prefect, and with him in Meso­potamia, went about to kill him, and therefore he should in any case presently dispatch him; for so did the Astrologers aduise him. Which letter he sent sealed, and made it vp amongst other letters, to be the more secretly conueyed. The whole packet was deliuered to the Emperor as he was going into his chariot, to runne for a wager with other chariots; which was a kind of sport, wherein he took much pleasure, and was greatly vsed in those dayes. And hee, for that he would not giue ouer that which he had pretended, gaue his letters to the said MACRINVS to reade, and afterwards to make relation to him of the contents thereof. MACRINVS rea­ding all these letters, met with that wherein BASSIANVS was counselled to put him to death: whereat he was much astonished; and concealing that letter, made relation to the Emperor of [Page 152] all the rest. And considering with himself, that hee which wrote that Letter would doubtlesse write another, and that length he should surely dy; he resolued first to murther the Emperour: and, ruminating vpon the matter, he bethought himself of a [...]stie strong fellow, a Centurion of the Emperors guard, called MARTIALL; who, being discontented, murmured against the Emperor, and secretly hated him, for that he had caused a Brother of his to be flain, and he him self was ill-intreated and disgraced. MACRINVS, conceiuing this man to bee fit for his pur­pose, after some other discourse tould him, that seeing he had oportunity to kill the Emperor, being euer neer vnto him hauing charge of his Person, hee ought to reuenge the death of his Brother, and then flee to him; who, with others of his faction, would protect and defend him against all such as might seek to offend him.

Some daies after MACRINVS had laid this plot, it hapned that the Emperor, comming from a Temple wherein he had been, neer to a City called Carras, and riding smally accompa­nied towards the City, withdrew himself out of the way behinde a bush, to doo such things as nature required; with one Page with him to hould his horse, the rest for manners sake beeing withdrawn. Which when MARTIALL perceiued, being one of them, faining that the Em­peror had called him vpon some necessary occasion, he ran hastily vnto him; and, before he was perceiued, stabbed him in behinde, whereof hee presently fell down dead. SPARCIANVS saith, that, coming to help the Emperor to horse, hee stabd him in with his poiniard; and that MARTIALL, returning to take horse from which hee was alighted, by little and little with­drew The death of Bassianus Ca­racalla. himself from the company: but the Page bringing newes of the Emperors death, he be­gan to flee so fast as his horse could runne; but could not make such speed, but that hee was o­uertaken by the Germane horsemen of the Emperors guard; who presently slue him.

The death of BASSIANVS being vnderstood by those which accompanied him, there grew a great tumult among them, not knowing with whom to be angry: for, as then it was vn­knowne by whose order hee was slain. And, they approaching to the dead body of the Empe­ror, the first that came to haue aided him, was MACRINVS; who, weeping and lamenting, seemed to bee very sorrowfull; no man suspecting him or any other, all men conceiuing that MARTIALL had murdered BASSIANVS vpon passion, and for some priuate reuenge. Taking the Emperours dead body they burnt it, according to the custome then; and, putting his ashes into a pot, they sent them to his wife and mother-in-law IVLIA, who was in Anti­och; who being in despair poisoned her self: and so they both had such ends as they deserued. BASSIANVS at the time of his death was full three and forty yeers ould, hauing raigned six Iulia poisons her self. yeers Emperour. He left one sonne very yong, whose name was ANTONINVS HELIO­GABALVS, by his wife whose name was SEMIRA, as SPARCIANVS writeth. AVRE­IVS VICTOR calles her SEMEA, a very dishonest woman, and his cosen German; who liued like a strumpet. ANTONINVS BASSIANVS was by his surname called CARA­CALLA, for a certain kinde of apparell which he gaue to the people of Rome. Hee died in the yeer of our Lord 219.

BASSIANVS being dead, a councell was held in the Armie concerning the election of a new Emperor: for there was little account made of his son ANTONINVS HELI­OGABALVS; aswell for that he was but a child, as also for that his mother led such a life, as it was doubted whe­ther he were the sonne of BASSIANVS or no. In the Army, besides MACRINVS which was Pretorian Pre­fect, was AVDENTIVS, a man of good sort and of yeeres, very expert in the warres, and an excellent Cap­taine: of these two they were in great doubt whether they should choose, and in this doubt they continued two daies: and in the end they resolued to chuse AVDENTI­VS, Audentius re­fused the Em­pire. who was a discreet old man, and little regarded the Empire; who considering the perils and disorders, would not accept thereof, excusing himselfe by reason of his great age, alleaging, that he was not able to gouerne the Empire as it ought to be, a thing seldome seene that any man would refuse the Empire of the world. The men of warre perceiuing that AVDENTIVS would not accept of the Empire, presently made choise of MACRINVS, who was the author of the murther Opilius Ma­crinus chosen Emperour. and death of BASSIANVS; and so was chosen, and he gladly accepted of their election. This MACRINVS was of a very base stock and parentage, who with small deserts, and by way of fauour attained to the office of Pretorian Prefect. As soone as he was chosen Emperour, he [Page 154] made a notable flattering Oration to the Army, and payed the Souldiers, and distributed much money among them, thereby to purchase their loue and good will, and addressed himselfe with all haste against ARTABANVS King of Parthia, who came with great power against the Ro­manes, to be reuenged of the iniurie which BASSIANVS had done them, knowing nothing of his death. He also presentlie nominated and chose a sonne of his for his companion in the Em­pire whose name was DIADVMENVS, whom he made to be called ANTONINVS, aswell to takeaway the suspicion of the death of ANTONINVS BASSIANVS, as for that the name of ANTONINVS was very acceptable to the Romanes, in remembrance of the good Empe­rours ANTONINVS PIVS, and MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS: for all these Emperours did leaue their owne names, or together with them did take the name of ANTO­NINI, vntill that for the abominable and execrable life of ANTONINVS HELIOGABA­LVS, they left it, as we will presentlie declare. He also wrote long letters to the Senate and people of Rome, reciting the manner of his election, and desiring them to approue the same, with many solemne oathes that he was not guiltie of the death of BASSIANVS. The Senate be­ing certified of the death of BASSIANVS, approued the election of MACRINVS, and the election and companie of his sonne in the Empire.

This new Emperour MACRINVS, and his sonne DIADVMENVS, going against ARTA­BANVS and the Parthians, who came very strong both in foote and horsemen, and also brought many camels with them, the two Armies came to a most cruell battaile which continued two daies, wherein both the Romanes and the Parthians fought so valiantlie, as in both daies the A cruell battell betweene Ma­crinus and Ar­tabanus. darke night parted the fray, and either partie cried Victorie, victorie, although that in truth there was none: for the slaughter and number of the dead and wounded was equall.

MACRINVS, knowing that ARTABANVS came greatly enraged by reason of the iniurie done him by BASSIANVS, sent him Heraulds and Ambassadors, certifying him of the death of BASSIANVS: and moreouer, that if he desired the friendship of the Romanes, he would graunt it ARTABANVS, being aduertised of the death of his enemie BASSIANVS, was very ioyfully of the newes: for vntill then he had no intelligence thereof, and was also glad of the peace offered him, which he accepted, vpon condition that all such prisoners as were taken Peace betweene Macrinus and Artabanus, vpon conditions. by BASSIANVS through treacherie in time of truce, should be restored; which was accor­dinglie performed, and they concluded a peace; and the King of Parthia returned home to his countrey; and MACRINVS, to Antioch in Soria: Where he gaue himselfe ouer to lust & sensu­alitie, forgetting the gouernment of the Empire, delaying his going to Rome, whither by letters from thence he was dayly sollicited to come; wherein he committed a very great errour: for if he had left his Army, and had gon to Rome, and there settled himselfe in the gouernment of the Empire, without all doubt both his raigne and life had lasted longer; but he taking no care of that which he ought to haue done, and which most concerned him, gaue himselfe in Antioch to [...]ot, pleasures, and banketting: whereat the Romane souldiers began much to murmure, The causes of the death of Macrinus. and to make little account of him, moued thereto through their desire to returne into their countrey. They also much abhorred him for that he did most cruellie punish them: for in those times loyaltie was so out of vse, and men of war had such libertie, were so audacious, and had taken such a custome to make Emperours, as they presentlie began to repine and murmure, yea and boldlie to speake ill of MACRINVS, and to wish his death, within alittle more then one yeare after they had giuen him the Empire, and within few dayes after plotted the same in in this manner. In a citie of Phoenicia called Emesa, was yong ANTONINVS HELIOGA­BALVS, who had there a Grandmother, sister to IVLIA wife to SEPTIMVS SEVERVS, which afterwards married with her sonne in law BASSIANVS, sonne of the same SEVERVS. This his Grandmother, whose name was MESA, had there another nephew called ALEXIA­NVS, of whom more shall be said hereafter, and she also had in her companie SIMIAMIRA, mother of the said ANTONINVS, and another which was sister to ALEXIANVS.

This MESA was a very rich woman both in iewels and money: for she had been mother in lawe to two Emperours, the father and the sonne: and it is to be beleeued that in their life time there were infinite bribes & gifts bestowed vpon her, and so she remained there after the death of BASSIANVS with her daughters and nephewes. These two cosins, her nephewes, ME­SA made Priests in a most sumptuous Temple which she built and consecrated to the Sunne; from whence it grew that this ANTONINVS was called HELIOGABALVS, which is as much to say, as a Priest of the Sunne: for the Phoenicians did call the Sun HELIOGABALVS, to which Temple for their vaine deuotions sake came many Romane souldiers of the Legions [Page 155] which lay there in garison, and many from MACRINVS his camp also; whom this MESA, Grandmother to these youths, enterteined very courteouslie, bestowing many gifts vpon them; and shewing them her nephew HELIOGABALVS, shee vsed to tell them that this her ne­phew was sonne to their Emperour BASSIANVS, whom MACRINVS had slaine by trea­son. With these and such like effectuall speeches, she brought the matter to such passe, that what The policie of Mesa to make Heliogabalus Emperour. with the courtesie which she vsed towards them, and also for that the boy was a most fine child, they generallie began to affect him, some by seeing him, and others by report of him; so as the whole Armie loued him, and desired that he might be their Lord and Emperour. And to the contrarie, MACRINVS being generallie hated of all men, some Coronels and Captaines moued by the gifts and large promises made by this MESA vnto them, the greatest part agreed that she should send ANTONINVS to their Camp, and then they would proclaime him Em­perour. The good old woman, who had bin accustomed to Emperors Courts, setting all other matters apart, tooke her nephew by the hand & went with him to the Camp, and he presentlie was receiued for Emperour, and they sware obedience vnto him (as writeth HERODIANVS). Heliogabalus made Empe­rour. But IVLIVS CAPITOLINVS saith, that certaine of MACRINVS Legions being in a mutinie came to seeke HELIOGABALVS. But howsoeuer, as both the one and the other might be, HELIOGABALVS accepted of the Empire, being but fifteene yeeres old: and the matter being published abroad, the newes thereof caused great alteration in mens minds; and al men began to affect him, for that he was both sonne & nephew to Emperours, and for the names sake of ANTONINVS, which they held for sacred and happie. MACRINVS presently vn­derstood these newes in Antioch, where hee then was, and made lesse account thereof then he ought to haue done, iesting at HELIOGABALVS, for that he was but a childe, and at his mo­ther and grandmother; deeming it sufficient to send a Captaine of his whose name was IVLIA­NVS, with certaine Legions to besiege, and so to ruine him: which (as it was thought) hee might easily haue effected, if he had himselfe gone presently in person. When IVLIANVS with his troupes came, HELIOGABALVS forces were not of sufficient power to giue him battaile; but being in their Camp, which was well forttfied and victualled, they suffered themselues to bee besieged: but the souldiers of the one side conferring with those of the other; and those of the Campe shewing young HELIOGABALVS to IVLIANVS his souldiers, putting them in minde of his father, perswaded them to follow him. Whereof it insued, that they not onely Iulianus, a cap­taine sent by Macrinus, slaine by his owne souldiers. did so; but apprehending their Captaine IVLIANVS, smote off his head, and went ouer to HELIOGABALVS; and the one and the other made such such an Armie, as MACRINVS resolued with his whole power to make head against HELIOGABALVS. Doing so, they ioy­ned battell in the confines of Syria and Phoenicia; in which, conscience and feare made HELIO­GABALVS souldiers to fight valiantly; and of MACRINVS side only the Pretorian souldi­ers fought wel, but al the rest of his Armie fought faintly; and a great part thereof abādoning him A battaile where Helio­gabalus had the victorie, and Macrinus fled. went ouer to HELIOGABALVS: wherefore he accounting himselfe lost and forelorne, fled from the battaile, and so HELIOGABALVS had the victorie. MACRINVS and his sonne, with certaine of their friends which would not forsake him, trauailed with the greatest speed they could make, secretly, through the citie of Asia the lesse, and came into Bithynia, with a de­termination to get to Rome; where MACRINVS knew that his comming was much desired. But falling grieuously sick in the city of Chalcedonia, those which HELIOGABALVS sent to Macrinus fal­len sicke in Chalcedonia, be­ing ouertaken by such as Heli­ogabalus sent after him, was by them slaine. pursue him, found him there; and bringing letters and commandement to the citie, through the fame of HELIOGABALVS his victorie they were obeyed; and MACRINVS lying sicke, void of all fauour and friendship, together with his sonne, was there put to death, within one yeere and two moneths after that he had been chosen Emperour. And being dead, all men fixed theis eyes and thoughts vpon HELIOGABALVS.

Surely, it is a pitifull thing to consider of the infelicitie and miserie of those times, to see how many Emperours were murthred, and how wicked and vicious the most part of them were, and how little time they raigned; and that which maketh me most to admire, is, to think how lightly they were slaine, notwithstanding that they were Lords of the whole world; And how easie a matter it was for a Captaine, hauing the fauour and friendship of fiue or sixe Legions, to make himselfe to be obeyed. So as it seemeth that he which first had intelligence of the Emperors death, and was any thing friended, and therewith durst aduenture, was commonly chosen for his successor, as we said of IVLIANVS: And that which is worse, that he which murdered the last Emperour commonly became his heire; as wee see in MACRINVS and others. And touching him of whom wee now discourse, one feeble old woman, and childe of fourteene or [Page 156] fifteene yeeres old were sufficient to ouerthrow and ruine him, being an ancient, wise and mighty Emperor, and to bereaue him both of his life and Empire, and quietly and in peace to enjoy the same, if the contentment and rule of the wicked may be called peace and quietnes.

By this aforesaid it appears more cleer than the light, how variable and inconstant all things are in this world: and that there is no other firm and stable dominion or kingdome, but the ser­uice of God: whereof the faithfull Christians in those daies had especiall care, and sought no The seruice of God the surest command. worldly dominion, Magistracies nor Empire, but to liue holily and vprightly; and so, contem­ning the world, attained the euerlasting Kingdome of heauen. But these vnhappy Infidels for­bare not to commit any cruelty or treason whatsoeuer, so as thereby they might gette the su­preme gouernment and command, although it were but for three daies. God for their sinnes permitted (for the example of others) that by the same means whereby they obtained it, by the self same they commonly lost it; being either put to death by the sword, or else by treason, as they had done by others. And, that which is worst of all, together with their bodies they lost their miserable soules: in such sort, as is said, it hapned to the Emperor MACRINVS, who died in the yeer of yeer of our Lord 220.

MACRINVS dying as he deserued, ANTONINVS HE­LIOGABALVS, without any contradiction, was made Emperor: who in truth proued to be such, that in Histo­ries there ought no memoriall to bee held of him, nor mention to be made of his life; to the end, that if it were possible, none should knowe that such a monster had e­uer attained to the Majesty of the Romane Empire, if we had not already written the liues of CALIGVLA, NERO, VITELLIVS, COMMODVS, and such o­thers. But as one and the same ground commonly pro­duceth vnholsome hearbs full of poyson, and which kill; and likewise good and holesome, which heale, and feedeth both sheepe and serpents: So in our Historie, in recompence of these wicked Princes, we will oppose OCTAVIAN, VESPASIAN, TITVS, TRAIAN, ADRIAN, ANTONINVS PI­VS, [Page 157] M. AVRELIVS, and (in part) SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS; who were singular Emperors, and gouerned the Empire with great wisdome and equity. And so the vices of the one are to be laied open, as well as the vertues of the other; to the end, that if any Prince of our time shall read their liues, he may see how abominable and detestable their actions were; and so, eschew­ing the euil, and making choice of the good, may follow the same; and may consider how short a time those cruell and vitious Emperors raigned, and what shamefull and fatall ends they had; and how that the good liued and gouerned longer time, and ended their daies in peace and qui­et, dying their naturall death: except some which were murdered by traitors, to vsurp the Em­pire.

But, coming to HELIOGABALVS: when he had obtained the victory, and that MACRI­NVS was slain, and he chosen Emperor, hee wrote the most louing and kinde Letters to Rome that could be deuised. But the Senate and people of Rome did hardly digest the newes; for, they would rather haue had MACRINVS: but, daring to do nothing to the contrary, they yeelded obedience to HELIOGABALVS; of whom they presently conceiued a good hope, for that which they heard of his gallant feature, and of the good constitution of his body, and for the names sake of ANTONINVS, which in Rome was exceedingly much beloued and respected. In the beginning of his Raign (by reason of his yong age) all things were ordered by the coun­sell Mesa grand­mother and go­uernesse [...] He­liogabalus. and direction of his grandmother MESA, and her fauourites: who, taking order for all mat­ters in the East, determined to come speedily to Rome with the yong Emperor, which shee put in execution; but was driuen to stay longer than shee purposed, by reason of the winter which was very tempestuous. Wherefore she wintred in Bithynia; where he began to discouer his wic­ked inclination, giuing himself to most odious luxurie: and apparelling himself in such attire as was far vnfit for an Emperor, and feeding on most delicious fare, he gaue himself ouer to all sen­suality: which faults his prudent old grandmother endeuoured by speech and good admonish­ment to reform and amend; but she preuailed nothing. Being comn to Rome, hee was most so­lemnly receiued; where he spent the whole time of his Raign in such manner, as wee haue no­thing else to write of this Emperor, but of his abominable vices: which were such, that I nei­ther can nor will describe them for the filthinesse thereof. The first thing he took in hand after his coming to Rome, was, To build a Temple to his god the Sun, or HELIOGABALVS, whose Heliogabalus built a temple in Rome, and dedicated the same to the Sunne. Priest hee had been in Phoenicia. Hee procured that the Christians (whose number at that time was infinit) should also hould that for a Temple, and therein should vse their ceremonies, make their prayers, and doo their deuotion to CHRIST. But it pleased not God to permit, that the Sun, being a creature, should in worship be made equall to the Creator. He shewed him­self so effeminate, and so addicted to women, that the first time he went to the Senate, he caried his mother SYMIAMIRA with him, and took order that her opinion should be demanded in all causes; and that from thenceforth shee should bee present when any matters of importance were determined: a thing neuer seen, that any woman vntill then had any voice in the Senate of Rome. After this, hee made a Chapter-house or Senate apart; where women should meet A Senate of women made in Rome by Heliogabalus. and consult, what apparell and attire the Roman Matrones should wear. And, proceeding to a far more shamefull practice, he commanded certain Stews to be made in his Palaces, of com­mon women, for his friends and fauourites. And, delighting himself so much in the company of such, he commanded vpon a day all the women that could be found of that name and life, to be assembled together; and hee, clad in womens attire, came into the place where they were, and made a very set and studied Oration vnto them, calling them Commilitones; a word vsed by Captains to their souldiers when they would doo them honour, by calling them their fellows and companions in Arms. The matters which there were treated of, were inuentions & means how to practise their filthinesse and abomination: and thither he brought with him ruffians and bawds, which were his Brokers in those detestable actions and assemblies. In truth, this HE­LIOGABALVS was so detestable in all manner of vices, that it cannot be sufficiently expres­sed. He was so great a spender, and so prodigall in his attire, and in the furniture of his house, in his fare and diet, and his other follies, as that which is written of him seems incredible. HE­RODIANVS and AELIVS LAMPRIDIVS write his life; wherein they recount most strange matters, besides what other Authors report of him. All his study and care was, To de­uise The prodigalitie of Heliogaba­lus. how he might spend excessiuely, and to finde out such dainties and delicates as neuer had bin thought of. He neuer sate but among sweet-smelling flowrs, mixed with Amber, Musk, and other most exquisite sweet odors; neither would he eat any thing but should be of an excessiue price, and sought means to make all those things which he did eat to be most costly; and vsed to [Page 158] say, that that meate had no taste, which was not deare bought. He attired himselfe in cloath of gold and purple, set with pearles and most precious stones: and euen on his shooes he wore stones of inestimable value. The chamber wherein he lay and all his palace, was furnished with cloath of gold, siluer, and of silke,; and his beds were of cloath of gold, of siluer, and of silke, coueted with Roses and sweete flowers; among which were strawed many iewels and pearles: And all the way whereupon hee should set his feet, betweene his chamber and the place where he took horse or coach, when he would ride abroad, he made to be couered with the powder of gold & siluer: for he disdained to tread vpon the earth, as other men did. All his tables, chests, chaires, and vessels of seruice for his chamber, euen to the basest offices, as close stooles, cham­ber-pots, and such like, were all of fine gold. He made no account of wax light, but had in his hall and chambers great lamps, which in steed of oile burned most excellent Balsame, brought from Iudea and Arabia: and euen his very vrinals were made of Onyx and other most precious stones. His expences were so infinite and so excessiue, as no Kings reuenewes in the world were sufficient to defray the charge thereof, but his onely: for he deuoured all the reuenewes of Spaine, France, Africa, part of Germanie, Italie, England, Sicilia, Grecia, Asia, Syria, Egypt, Ara­bia, and of all the Ilands and prouinces of the world; and yet all this was not sufficient but that he endured want, by reason of his prodigious expences: for he neuer ware any one sute of ap­parell twice, being such as wee haue said. His fingers were euer full of rings; and those which he had had once put off, he neuer ware any more: and so in plate of gold or siluer, he would ne­uer drinke twice of one cup: which hee gaue to him that serued and attended on him that day. And the very Bathes wherein hee did vse to bathe himselfe, must be nevv built, and furnished vvith perfumes, and most precious odours; and after once bathing they vvere to be throvvne dovvne: so as they built new Bathes continually. His matteresses and beds vvere neither of wooll, flocks, nor feathers; but of the downe growing vnder the wings of Partriges. He made certaine feasts in Rome, which were the greatest and most sumptuous that euer were: and hee gaue to the citizens and souldiers a donatiue and distribution of money and corne, to an infinit value. After the feasts and sacrifices were ended, he gaue to the people (as HERODIANVS reporteth) great store of plate, gold, siluer, and other iewels; which truly was the cause why they endured this detestable man the the little time he liued in the Empire, for the desire of of those gifts and benefits which they enioyed by him; as also for that his grandmother, being a most wise and discreete woman, sought by all meanes to reforme his voluptuous sensualitie and rioting, and to procure a good order in the gouernment. But there were great oppressions in the prouinces; and the barbarous nations inuaded the frontiers of the Empire. For he gaue all offices and places of charge vnto wicked men, which did accompanie him in his abominations, and by their counsell he was gouerned: for, depriuing all good and vertuous men from all charge, he sent them into exile. Among which his fauorites, one whose name was ZOTI­CVS was so priuate, and in such fauour with him, that he was held as a Lord ouer all the rest. Zoticus a fa­uorite of Helio­gabalus, This mans counsell was as a law vnto him, and by his direction all offices and Magistracies were sold; and he made Consuls such as were the sonnes of slaues, and men of most base condition.

The like order he obserued in the chusing of Generals and Lieutenants, giuing those charges vnto base and simple men: for which and his other vices, notwithstanding that they made be­nefit of his prodigality, yet both the people & soldiers began to wish his death, so as he was of­tentimes in great danger. Which when his mother & grandmother perceiued, they perswaded him to adopt his cosin germane ALEXIANVS, and to make him his companion in the Empire, who was the son of MAMEA his mothers sister, which he performed accordingly, and ALEX­IANVS Alexander Se­uerus chosen by Heliogabalus for his compani­on in the Em­pire. was called ALEXANDER SEVERVS; ALEXANDER after the name of the great ALEXANDER K. of Macedonia; and SEVERVS after SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS, grandfa­ther to HELIOGABLVS.

This young man was so vvell inclined, and so vvell bred, that during the time his Cosen led a vvicked and infamous life, hee spent his time in learning, conuersing vvith learned men, and such as vvere good and honest, and exercising himselfe in Armes and in such other The creditt of Alexander Se­uerus. practices, as vvere fit for a Knight and a vertuous Gentleman, and sought excellent ma­sters to instruct him in all those faculties. Wherefore, all men, conceiuing good hope of him, began to loue and affect him; and the hatred vvhich they bare against HELIOGABA­LVS dayly encreased. Which hee perceiuing, sought meanes to kill ALEXIANVS, or at the least to depriue him of the name of CAESAR, and his successor: But he could not ef­fect it, by reason of the diligence vsed by his Grandmother in protecting him: and also for [Page 159] that the men of warre deerely loued him; but vpon a time they would haue slaine HELIO­GABALVS for that cause, as he was walking in a garden: where he escaped by hiding himselfe in a corner, so as he was not seene; and through the entreatie of ANTIOCHIANVS who was his Pretorian Prefect, the souldiers returned to their Campe, where remaining in a tumult and mutining, they threatned him; and vpon composition, they required that HELIOGABALVS should put from him, certaine vicious and wicked persons which were very priuate with him, and which sold and gaue offices for bribes; and after this manner dispatched the business which men had with the Emperour. They also required that certaine of their companies might haue the particular guard of ALEXANDER SEVERVS, to the end that HELIOGABALVS should not kill him; and that his fauorites and familiars should not conuerse with him, for corrupting him with their euill conditions: all which demaunds were presently put in exe­cution.

But after that the furie of the Cohorts was pacified, HELIOGABALVS returned to his former abominable vices, gluttonies, and incredible expenses. First when he went forth of Heliogabalus his progresse. Rome (as sometimes he did) he had with him six hundred chariots and horselitters: the prin­cipall carriage was most dishonest young boies and wenches, with bawdes and their interpre­ters, and all was little enough, considering his insatiable beastliness: for as he was most luxuri­ous, so did he account it for a greatnes, to haue the companie of one woman but once; except her two whom he was married, and that one he neither loued nor regarded. For as HERO­DIANVS Heliogabalus his wiues. reporteth, he fitst married a Romane Ladie, of a Noble house, to whom he gaue the name of AVGVSTA, and other titles; and within a while after he forsook her and depriued her both of her name & honour; and married himselfe to a Vestall virgin: which in the vanitie of the Gentiles was held for a matter so religious, that she which had carnall knowledge of a man, was buried aliue. And so he left her and took another; behauing himselfe as a most beastly barbarous man.

And amongst other matters, he did one thing which the diuell himselfe would neuer haue Heliogabalus turned the day into night, and the night into day. imagined, which was, he cōmanded that all businesses to be done by day, should be dispatched by night; and those that were to be done by night; should be done by day; and so he arose from his bed at the sun setting, and was then saluted as other Emperouts were in the morning: and he laid him to sleepe about day breaking, so as it seemed that the world went backwards. All his studie was to finde meanes to spend excessiuely, in his diet, and in all other things. That sup­per Heliogabalus his dyet. which was of least price did commonly cost thirtie pound waight of gold, which after our computation, might amount to the value of aboue a thousand pounds starling; and there were some which did cost threescore thousand crownes. Sometimes he promised to giue his guests a Phenix to eate, whereof (they say) there is but one in the world, or else he would giue them a great quantitie of gold for it: which he afterwards performed. When he was neere to the sea, he would neuer eate any fish, but land fowle, and other flesh which should be brought from farre. And when he was farre from the sea, he would eate nothing but fish, which by Posts was brought fresh and aliue, to the end that it should be deere and costly. And for the same reason he would eate such things as were neuer thought of, and had a great quantitie of euery thing: as, of the combes of Cockes, the tongues of Peacockes and of Nightingales. To all his whole Court (which was without number) he made ordinarily to be giuen to eat, certaine great beasts, stuffed or farced with puddings, made of the liuers and lights of Peacockes, of small birds braines, Partriges [...]gges, Parrots, and Phesants heads. He also kept certaine dogs and hounds, which did eate nothing but the soules of Geese: and his Lions (which were many) vvere fed with Phesants and other costly birds, for this was all his studie. Truly▪ vvho shall vvell consider of this mans expences▪ may coniecture what the charge might be; and hovv hard they were to be gottten. He also spent infinite summes of money in keeping of all kinds of the most fietce wild beasts in the world, which were brought from farre countries, as Lions, Panthers, Ounces, Tigres, Hippotames, Crocodiles and many other such like. And if he were by the sea side, hee accounted it a speciall greatnes of minde, to sinke such shipping as he should finde there la­den with merchandise, paying afterwards the worth both of shippe and goods. And being vpon a time reprooued thereof by a friend, who asked him what he ment to waste and con­sume so much, warning him to take heede that he stood not in neede hereafter; he ansvvered vvhat better thing can there be, then for a man to be heire to himselfe liuing: And said more­ouer, that he desired not to haue any children, for that they peraduenture through desire to rule vvould conspire against him.

[Page 160] Finally, the vices and leud conditions of this wicked Emperour were such; as in that kinde, none either before or after him was to be compared with him: wherefore I will not spend any longer time in so bad a subiect; for the rest of his doings were so filthie and abominable, as they neither may well be written, neither ought to be published; and so could not long be endured: neither were the meanes vsed by his grandmother MESA sufficient to protect him; nor to pa­cifie the wrath & rage the people had conceiued against him. Hauing (according to HERODI­ANVS) raigned six yeeres (yet AVRELIVS VICTOR, and EVTROPIVS say, that he raig­ned but two yeeres and eight monthes) the Pretorian Souldiers conspired against him. And as AELIVS LAMPRIDIVS reporteth, they came one day armed from their Camp; and ha­uing slaine most of his seruants, and such as were his companions in his beastly actions, they The vitupera­ble death of Heliogabalus. killed him in this manner. First they haled him out of a Priuie, wherein he (flying from them) had hidden himselfe; and then drawing him from thence, they threw him into a most filthie sink: from whence (for that therein was not roome enough for him) they trailed him like a dogge through the principall places of Rome, and threw him into the riuer Tiber, and tied great stones and waights about him, to the end that his body should neuer be found againe, and so want buriall. All this was done to the good liking and contentment of the people; and the Senate also approoued the same, and commanded that he should no more be called ANTONI­NVS; and that in detestation of him, no other Emperour should euer afterwards be called by that name; and that he should be called TIE [...]RINVS, according to the manner of his death. HERODIANVS writeth, that he was slaine in the Campe out of Rome, whither he went with his cosen ALEXANDER SEVERVS: and that they killed his mother also, who went with them. Wheresoeuer it was, it was in this manner, and he died according to his deserts, and conformable to the life which he had led: for it is the will of God, that wicked princes make euill ends. For being by his diuine prouidence made lords to gouerne and giue good ex­ample to their people, to minister iustice and equitie, and to correct and punish the wicked and malefactors, these by their owne euill example hurt and corrupt others; and protect and sup­port the wicked. Let Kings and great Lords and Princes know, that as they haue greater power then others, so haue they lesse libertie to sinne and to commit wickednes; and so God inflicteth greater shame and punishment vpon them, then vpon other men. HELIOGABA­LVS, after the opinion of HERODIANVS, died at the age of twentie yeeres: for he saith that he raigned six yeeres; and all agree that at the age of fourteene yeeres, he came to the Empire. AVRELIVS VICTOR saith, that he died in the seuenteenth yeere of his age, and is of opi­nion that he raigned not fully three yeeres; which (according to EVSEBIVS) was in the yeere of our Lord 224. whereby it appeareth that this Emperour raigned not aboue foure yeeres, and so the same EVSEBIVS affirmeth in his ecclesiasticall Historie. Ann. dom. 225.

AFter the darke clowdes of the forepassed miseries and sor­rowes which miserable Rome had endured, it pleased God to send them ioy, and contentment: for when this accur­sed HELIOGABALVS was dead; by the common con­sent of the Senate, and of the Romane people, and of all the men of warre, his cosin german ALEXANDER SE­VERVS, was sworne and obeyed for Emperour, who was the sonne of HELIOGABALVS mothers sister called MAMMEA; and his fathers name was VARIVS, borne in Mammea was Seuerus his mother. Syria, in a citie called Auersa. He came to the Empire be­ing of the age of 16. yeeres, and gouerned the same little more then 13. yeeres, with such wisedome and integritie, that he is accounted one of the best Emperours that euer hath bin in the world: whereto was a great help the discretion and good aduice of his mother, who was a good and discreet woman, vnto whom her sonne was most obedient. AELIVS LAMPRIDIVS, and HERODIANVS report so many excellencies of this Emperour, that of necessitie I must needes make some little stay, as on a pleasing subiect. First, he was much affected to learning; and hauing excellent men for his maisters and tutors, he was very skilfull in all the liberall sciences: for he was a good Mathematician, and did prefectlie vnderstand the rules of Geometrie. He was much delighted with Musick, and could paint and carue very well, and had good skill in Song: but he neuer sung but in secret, in the hearing of some of his cham­ber. He was a very good Poet, and wrote some workes in verse, and could play on the viol, the organs & the flute, more then indifferentlie well: but after he was Emperor, no man euer saw him do it. Vnspeakeable was the ioy which was in Rome vpon the day of his election, and comming to the Empire; and infinite were the blessings which by the Senate & people of Rome were pow­red vpō him that day. Beginning his raigne with the loue and good will of all men, he gouerned the same with such discretion, as he rather semed a wise old man then a youth: and by the aduice & counsel of his wise mother, he chose the wisest, best, and most experienced men that could be found for his counsellers: and he neither did, nor decreed any thing without their opinion and aduice; notwithstanding that of himselfe he was of singular iudgement, and so wise, as no man could deceiue him. He had euer neere vnto him DOMICIVS VLPIANVS, a wise man and excellent Lawyer, and of a good & holie life, by whose counsel he did chiefely dispose of all Wise and learned men, Alexander Seuerus his Counsellor [...]. matters in his gouernment: although that at that time there were of his counsell FABIVS SABINVS a iust and vpright man, who was called the CATO of his time; and with these, POMPONIVS and ALEPHENVS, AFRICANVS, VENVLEIVS, MODESTINVS, IVLIVS PAVLVS, MEGIANVS, CELSVS, PROCVLVS, MARTIANVS, CALISTRA­TVS FLORENTINVS; all noble, vertuous and learned men in the lawes, and which had bin schollers to the great PAPINIANVS: vnto which he ioined other most noble men; as his kinse­man CATILIVS SEVERVS, CAIVS MARCELLVS, AELIVS SERENIANVS, which were good and vpright men, and others whom he found out, to the end he might in all things follow their directions & aduice as he euer did; by reason whereof, his gouernment was highlie extolled and pleasing, and there was a sodaine alteration in all things: for in the time of HELI­OGAEALVS, and of his father BASSIANVS, many insolencies and disorders were committed and tolerated.

Wherefore the first thing that ALEXANDER SEVERVS did, was, To reform all the Alexander first reformed his owne house. offices and magistracies in his owne House and Imperiall Palace, displacing and discharging all those vitious and dishonest persons which HELIOGABALVS had established there; neither would he admit any man to his seruice, or to any office in his house, that was not an honest man, and of good fame and behauiour. The like hee did by all the Iudges which HELIOGABA­LVS had made; and also, in the Senate and in the order of Knighthood, hee restored to their offices and dignities those which vnjustly had been depriued. He obserued so good a rule and order in his gouernment, that all matters of justice were to bee determined by men learned in [Page 162] the lawes: and matters concerning the warres were managed by wise men, and such as had ex­perience therein; and by such wise old men as were well read in Antiquities and in antient Hi­stories. Finally, hee neuer gaue any charge to any man either for fauour or reward, but for de­sert and sufficiency onely; being thereto chosen by him and the Senate.

He held another custome which in my opinion was very commendable; that when hee re­solued to send to any City or Prouince a new Gouerner, hee gaue them to vnderstand thereof, making his name knowne to them before hand; to the end, that if any man could except against him why he ought not to be preferred, another might be prouided; but the allegation must be just and true: otherwise, they were grieuously punished who did falsely slander or defame him. This custome it may bee he learned of the Christians of that time, who chose their Priests and Bishops by voices, for their vertues and good works; and in no case he would permit, that any office of justice, of what kinde soeuer, should be bought or sould; and he made diligent inqui­ry thereof, and did rigorously punish the offenders: for, said he, He that buyeth his office, must The sayings of Alexander. sell justice; and I cannot endure merchants of charges and offices: for, if I tolerate them, I can­not afterwards condemn their doings; and I shall be ashamed to punish him that bought, seeing I permitted him to buy.

Besides all this, he was a most seuere punisher of such Iudges as took bribes; and vsed to say, that he alwaies had his finger in a readinesse to pull out that Iudges eies which was partiall, or a receiuer of bribes & rewards; wherein he was so extreme, that, among other Senators, one co­ming to do him reuerence who had bin accused thereof, he cried out aloud, that ARABINV [...] (for, so was his name) did not onely liue, but hould him for senselesse and of no worth, seeing he dared to appear in his presence. Also they write of him, that he, seeing an vnjust Iudge, was so troubled therewith, and choler did so much abound and ouercome him, that it made him to vomit. To the contrary, he did greatly honour those Gouerners and Iudges which were good; and, when he passed through their Prouinces, he took them into his litter or chariot with him, and bestowed many fauours and rewards vpon them; and, the better to vnderstand the truth concerning these men, he vsed singular diligence and care, the manner whereof was this: Hee had certain secret and vnknowne chosen honest men, which diligently looked into the dealings of Magistrates, and sought to knowe the truth of all that passed in all the Prouinces of the Em­pire. Which care I would to God the Princes of our time had; for, besides that justice should then be duely executed, they should knowe the good from the bad: and then they should bee informed of many injuries done in secret, which for fear are concealed by those which endure them; so as the truth neuer comes to light, and the errors and abuses are seldome punished.

SEVERVS desired also that good Iudges, Gouerners and Magistrates, should remain long in their offices and charges; and did vse to say, that it was not a sufficient punishment to depriue an euill Gouerner of his charge, but to giue him most seuere punishment; yea euen to bereaue him of life. When hee sent any one to succeed in the place where had been a good Iudge, hee sent to him to giue him thanks in the name and behalf of the whole Common-wealth, and be­stowed rewards vpon him; as, possessions, heards of cattell, and corn, with many other things. As for money, he gaue but little: for, this Prince although he was very liberall, yet was he no­thing Alexander li­berall, but not prodigall. prodigall; and the gifts which he gaue were for the most part such goods as fell to him by confiscation, and by order of law and justice, and such things as became void by some mens death which died without issue or heirs, and so fell to him. But of his money he was euer very sparing: for, he vsed to say, that the publique rents and reuenewes ought not to be spent, but in publique Buildings, in the warres, and in publique occasions; and not vpon the Princes Fauo­rites and Familiars: and so both within and without Rome he built most sumptuous and stately edifices of Palaces, Baths, Theatres, Courts of Audience, and many other. He abated the or­dinary charges of his house, and reduced it to a conuenient order, abolishing the superfluous Expenses of his Predecessors. He apparelled himself decently, but not costly, and neuer ware any precious stones or jewels, neither would he haue any in his chamber; houlding it for a va­nity, that a thing of so small a quantity should be of so great a price. His diet was ordinary, nei­ther delicious nor costly. He was a great feeder: for, he had a good stomach, not that he took any delight therein. In drinking he was very temperate, and neuer exceeded mediocrity. And although he were very carefull of his publique Rents, and the Reuenues of his Exchequer, yet he neuer increased the same, neither inuented any new impositions; but rather mitigated and limited those which HELIOGABALVS had imposed: so as in his time the third part of the tribute was not paid, as was in the time of his Predecessors. He also reformed the coins of gold [Page 163] and siluer, and the value thereof; so as, although it cannot be denied but that he was most care­full in augmenting his treasure, and in preseruing the same, he cannot be charged to haue wron­ged or endamaged any man. He punished all offenses ordinarily, but without cruelty: and a­boue all he was most seuere against theeues: vpon whom he had no mercy; but was very liberal to such as he knew to be poor, to the end they should haue no occasion to steal, or to couet o­ther mens goods.

In all other actions hee was very mercifull, and shewed great clemency; in such sort, that in his time time there was nor any Senator put to death, neither any other man, but that his accu­sation was throughly heard, and his offense sufficiently proued. Hee neuer gaue any office, or charge of gouernment, for fauour, or in reward of seruice done him, but for desert; and vsed to say, that offices and places of charge were not to be giuen to such as sought or laboured to haue them, but to those which refused them. He neuer chose any Senator, but by the voice and con­sent of the whole Senate: much lesse made he any man a Knight that was the sonne of a bond­man, or of base condition, as other Emperors had done. Besides all this, he was so affable and milde in condition, that he admitted any man to his presence, and heard him willingly. He lo­uingly visited all men of esteem in time of their sicknes, and permitted any man to inform him in person of his affairs: and, hauing vnderstood the demands to bee reasonable, hee performed their requests; if otherwise, hee debated the matter with them, and made them to see their er­rour. Being sometimes reproued by his mother and wife, who was the daughter of SVLPI­TIVS (a man worthy to haue been, and had been Consul) alleaging, that hee beeing so priuate and familiar made his Raign of lesse authority and reputation: hee answered, that it was true; but yet it was thereby the more firm and durable.

Among all his vertues he had one which did excell; whereby it is to beleeued, that although he were an Infidell, yet God gaue him the grace to gouern well: which was, that he permitted all those that would, to become Christians; so as in all his time there was no persecution, neither were the Christians grieued: and in his Temples he had the image and picture of CHRIST, and of ABRAHAM. But, as a blinde man without knowledge, he accounted him among his Alexander [...]the image of Christ and of Abraham in his temples. other gods; and would haue acknowledged and adored CHRIST for a God, and haue built him a Temple a-part, if hee had not been disswaded by his Priests. Notwithstanding all these good conditions wherewith this Prince was adorned, the people did not forbear to murmur a­gainst him; complaining, that he was too much ruled by his mother, who was reported to bee a most couetous woman, although in all other matters she was held for excellently wise, and ve­ry honest and vertuous.

ALEXANDER, houlding so good a form and rule of gouernment in time of peace, failed not to doo the like in time of war, and in the exercise of military discipline; so as in the warres which hapned he throughly performed the office & duty of a good and most valiant Captain, especially in those which were most dangerous, as in brief I will declare; particularly in that which he had against the Persians, wherein hee obtained most noble victories: and although HERODIANVS writeth otherwise, yet in this place he is not to bee beleeued; for, all other Writers affirm the contrary. And this his notable victorie against ARTAXERXES the mighty King of the Persians, is recited by AELIVS LAMPRIDIVS, EVTROPIVS, SEX­TVS AVRELIVS VICTOR, EVSEBIVS, PAVLVS OROSIVS, and other antient Au­thors: so as HERODIANVS onely writeth this war after another manner, to the dishonour of ALEXANDER, being deceiued by false information or report; or otherwise of malice, or vpon some particular occasion.

To the end that the Reader may the better vnderstand this war which ALEXANDER had with the Persians, it shall be requisite he call to memory, that in antient time, when the mighty King CYRVS translated the Monarchie from the Medes to the Persians, ouercoming King ASTYAGES: this their Monarchie and power lasted 200 and odde yeeres, and they grew verie rich and powerfull; vntill, in the time of DARIVS, who gouerned infinite Nations and The originall, succession, and continuance of the kingdom & monarchie of the Persians. prouinces, ALEXANDER the Great took Arms against him and entred Asia: where com­ming to a battaile with him, DARIVS was ouerthrowne and slaine, and ALEXANDER made himselfe Lord of Asia; and so the Monarchie of the Persians ended, passing to the Grecians: and the kingdomes of Asia remained for some space vnder the successors of ALEXANDER the Great; vntill that a valiant man whose name was AR [...]ACES, borne in the countrie of the Parthians, arose and made himselfe King; whereby the dominion of the descendents and linage of the Greekes, was transported to the Parthians, and it became a most famous kingdome, and [Page 164] greatly feared during the time of his successors, which lasted aboue foure hundred yeeres; and the most of them (after his name) were called ARSACIDES. With this Nation of the Parthians, the Romanes had often very daungerous warres, and they euer stood in feare of them.

ARTABANVS being King of the Parthians, of whom in the life of BASSIANVS and of MACRINVS we made mention; a Persian borne, being a man of base linage, but of great courage and very politike, whose name was ARTAXERXES, took Armes and rebelled, and by Artabanus the last king of the Persians. little and little grew to be very powerfull; and comming to a battaile with ARTABANVS, he ouerthrew and slew him, and made him selfe a mightie King. And so he againe restored the Kingdome of the Persians, and defeated the kingdome of the Parthians: Which the Romans were neuer able to doe. And he gaue it out, that he would restore the kingdome of the Persi­ans to their ancient power and greatnesse: and not content herewith, he began to inuade the borders of the Romane Empire, infesting the countries of Syria and Mesopotamia. These newes being brought to ALEXANDER, who was then in Rome, and had therein raigned three yeers in peace, exceedingly beloued of all men; and hauing intelligence of the power and forces of this King: duly considering thereof, and holding the action to be very honourable, he presently with all expedition made preparation for this warre, and went himselfe in person into Asia with an infinite number of men of warre. HERODIANVS writeth, that he first sent his Am­bassadors vnto ARTAXERXES, requiring him to containe himselfe without the bounds of the Empire, and to liue in peace with him. Which request ARTAXERXES (seeing him­selfe rich in treasure and very mightie) would not performe; perswading himselfe that it was an easie matter for him to become Lord of all Asia. SEVERVS being come into Syria, the wars began on either side to be very cruel and bloudie. In which warre he obserued so good order and discipline, that it hath not been read or heard, that any other excellent Captaine hath shew­ed Warres with the Persians. greater iudgement, or vsed greater diligence. First, he maintained such iustice in his Army, and so seuerely punished theft, robberies, violences, iniuries and misdemeanors committed by his souldiers, that his Campe seemed to be a very well gouerned Citie. He was very care­full The singular good orders and prouision for the Armie. concerning munition and victuals, as well to prouide them, as to preserue them; and that no man should robbe or defraude any man: so as if any Captaine or Corronel detained neuer so small a quantitie of his souldiers allowance in any thing, he was condemned to die. And in other things he was very diligent and carefull, principally in curing those which were sick or wounded in the Armie. He endeuoured that all his souldiers should alwaies bee in very good order, well apparelled, and well armed, and their horses very ready and well furnished, their Ensignes and Tents very neate and good: He behaued himselfe very familiarly with his souldi­ers, and when he was at dinner or supper, his Pauilion stood euer open, and he sate in the view and sight of all men, hauing no other meate, but such as all the rest did eate. Besides all this, he Note the marti­all discipline of Alexander Seuerus. paied his souldiers with aduantage, and bestowed many rewards vpon them: and otherwise he was very seuere in punishing offences; so as if his Armie marched among gardens and orchards, they did not any thing that might deserue to be reprehended; and he that did otherwise, was whipped with rods of iron. But if he were a man of worth and qualitie, he reproued him with The pietie of A­lexander. sharpe and reproachfull speeches; hauing these words euer in his mouth, Doe not that to ano­ther, which thou wouldst not another should doe vnto thee: which he learned (as hee said) of the Christians. Other more hainous offences or mutinies, he punished with such rigor, that sometimes he tithed whole legions; which was, to put to death the tenth man of all the legion. He did as little endure that any Captaine or Coronell should wrong a souldier, or that hee What it is to tithe a Legion. should diminish the least part of a souldiers pay, or allowance. And if he saw that a souldier was poore and out of apparell, he relieued him with what he thought necessarie for him: for (quoth he) how can that souldier liue vnder due command, which hath not clothes on his back, and money in his purse? for hunger and penurie will put him in despaire, and make him aduen­ture to doe that which he ought not. For these and such like matters, which would bee long to relate, this Emperour was infinitely beloued, and feared by all his men of warre: and in his time souldiers were better ordered, gouerned and trained then in the time of any other Emperor.

Returning to the Persian warre; during the time it lasted, there passed betweene the Armies of the one and other partie, many great skirmishes and encounters; wherein were many nota­ble feates of Armes, vntill that at the last they came to a battaile wherein they ioyned with all their whole forces; ARTAXERXES bringing in his Armie an innumerable company of foot­men, [Page 165] and 130000 horsemen (a proud and bold nation, for the victories which they had lately 130000 horse­men in one army obtained against the Parthians) and had moreouer in his Armie seuen hundred Elephants, and one thousand and eight hundred Chariots armed with sithes, which the Persians then vsed in the wars. The Emperor of the other side brought so many men, both of foot and horse, as hee who was Lord and Commander of the Roman Empire might be able to leuie. SEVERVS, in this battell performing the office of an excellent Captain, visiting euery squadron, incouraging the souldiers with most kinde speeches, calling them by their proper names, promising them A most great battell fought between the Ro­mans and the Persians. great rewards, and fighting in person a great part of the day like a valiant Knight; in the eue­ning (for, so long did the Fight continue) hee wanne one of the most fierce and cruell battels that euer was fought in the world. King ARTAXERXES escaped by flight; and there were slain in that battell ten thousand horsemen, and so many footmen that they could not be num­bred: as it appeareth by the Oration which SEVERVS made in the Senate after his return to Rome; which is recited by LAMPRIDIVS. And by the same it appeareth, that there were slain by the Romans two hundred Elephants, and that three hundred were taken, with one thousand armed chariots, and a great number of Persians; which afterwards were ransomed for a great summe of money. So as after this victory, the Emperor, without any resistance, recoue­red those Countries which ARTAXERXES had taken: and, passing through Mesopotamia, he enlarged the bounds of the Empire; and, leauing therein such a guard as he thought fit, hee re­turned to the City of Antioch. Being in that City (according to the custom of the Roman Gene­rals) hee paid his souldiers, and gaue them great rewards, diuiding the spoils of the victory a­mong them; so-as they remained infinitely joyfull and well contented.

And so, leauing all parts of the East in peace and quiet, he returned to Rome; where hee en­tred in triumph with greater solemnity and pomp than euer any had triumphed before him; Alexāder came into Rome in triumph. his chariot being drawn (to the wonder of the behoulders) by Elephants which he had taken: and all the people and Senate of Rome blessed him, and receiued him with vnspeakeable joy. At that Instant, FVRIVS CELSVS obtained a great victory against the Mauritanians and The victory of Furius Celsus in Africa. Tingitanians in Africa, which rebelled. And, in Germany, VARIVS MACRINVS had very good successe: and, from Armenia, IVNIVS PALMATVS returned with victory.

After this triumph was ended, SEVERVS made the accustomed donatiue and distribution among the souldiers and people of Rome, with the feasts and ordinary huntings; remaining in Rome certain yeers, in hearing causes and dooing justice. And in such sort hee diuided the houres, as there was no jot of time lost, and the time of leasure he spent in reading of excellent books; principally, PLATO'S Common-wealth, and TVLLIE'S Offices: and he did often vse to reade HORACE and VIRGIL.

He liuing thus in peace and tranquillity, deerly beloued of the Romans, and by all the Pro­uinces subject to the Empire; it being about the thirteenth yeer of his raign, the high Germans and other northerly Nations, with such fury and such infinite numbers of men (as in former time they had vsed to doo) took Arms against the Empire; so-as, hauing past the riuers of Da­nubie and the Rhine, they put all Italie in great fear. By reason whereof, the good Emperour A­LEXANDER SEVERVS with all haste departed from Rome, with the greatest forces hee then could leuie: which was not done without great grief and heauinesse of the Roman peo­ple; Wars between Seuerus and the Germans. so deerly was he generally beloued. And then the warres began between his forces and the Germans; wherein, notwithstanding his enemies were very mighty, yet through his great diligence and valour he suppressed their fury, in such sort that they were daily put to the worse in all skirmishes and encounters. But the ordinary Legions which lay there in garrison, accu­stomed to rapine and other disorders permitted in the time of HELIOGABALVS; the Em­peror was neither able to endure their insolencie, neither they his equity: for, vertue and vice cannot dwell together. Wherupon, they conspired among themselues to kill him, and to chuse one MAXIMINVS, a most valiant old souldier, for Emperor; whom SEVERVS had made a Captain of Tyrones (for, so did they call new souldiers) w^ch their conspiracy they afterwards put in execution. Others write, that the cause of his death was, for that following his mothers counsell in gathering of treasure, he was not so liberall to his men of war and others, as he ought to haue been; and also for that he had determined in his councell to leaue the wars of Germany, and to go into the East: for which cause the souldiers conceiued great hatred against him. But Alexander Se­uerus slain by his German sol­diers, together with his mother Mammea. I hould the first for the most certain cause: of which opinion were LAMPRIDIVS and IV­LIVS CAPITOLINVS, writing his life, and the life of MAXIMINVS. Finally, whatsoe­uer the occasion were, the Legions of Germany slue him; the good Emperor being in his Tent, [Page 166] void of all fear and suspicion, neer to the City of Maguntia or Mentz. And, together with him, they slue his mother MAMMEA; which they did by the counsell and aduice of the accursed MAXIMINVS, who was afterwards his Successor. HERODIANVS and AVRELIVS VICTOT write, that before they murdered him they made the other Emperor.

SEVERVS was twentie nine yeeres, three moneths and seuen daies old when he was mur­thered, and had raigned thirteene yeeres and nine daies. His death was more lamented in Rome, then euer was any Emperours before him; and all the Cities and Prouinces of the Empire were extremely grieued thereat. In this manner was this most excellent and vertuous Prince slaine by treason, who neuer had commanded any man to be slaine, in the yeere of our Lord 237. And although that we reade that he was married, yet we reade not of any children that he left behinde him.

HOw great good, a good Prince bringeth to the world, and how preiudiciall and hurtfull it is to lofe him; the death of ALE­XANDER SEVERVS did sufficiently manifest to the Ro­mane Empire; which (during his life time) enioyed all the contentment that could be desired, for his equitie, clemency, and iustice: but he dying, and that cruell monster MAXIMINVS succeeding (who raigned but three yeeres) in exchange of these and other blessings, there ensued discord, ciuill warres, insolen­cies, robberies, cruelties, seditions and other calamities. Wher­fore, in my opinion, men ought more earnestly and with grea­ter instancy pray to God to send them a good King and gouer­nor, then for health, wealth, or long life: for in the raigne of a wicked and vniust Prince, vices [Page 167] abound, which corrupt good customes and manners, and vertue is suppressed, and men liue in danger both of life and goods. And in the time of a good Prince and Gouernor, all these de­fects are repaired: for, the iust raigning, the wicked amend and become vertuous. For (as the Philosophers say) Such as is the Prince, such will be the subiects: so he which prayeth for a good king, may be iustly said to pray for the benefit of the whole kingdome: For it doth often times plainly appeare, that the diligence and industrie of a good husbandman doth more auaile, then the fertilitie of the soile: and so we see that some places which are barren, doe abound with necessaries to the vse of mans life; and to the contrarie, other places which are most fer­til, through euill gouernment, become wild and ouergrown with weedes, yeelding little profit. And so histories, and experience doe teach vs, that in time of good and peaceable Kings, men grow rich and mount to estates and dignities: And in time of troubles and calamities which happen when the Gouernement is in the handes of Tyrants, many men lose their estates and liues, and sometime their Soules, by their meanes, and all things goe to confusion and out of order.

But comming to our History, the good Emperour SEVERVS being dead: as he had neither sonne nor brother that might challenge the Empire; and MAXIMINVS being the chiefe man in the Army, and of greater power then any other, they all agreed to choose and sweare him Maximinus chosen Emperor Emperour, willingly yeelding obedience vnto him, which they ought not to haue done: for hee proued wicked, cruell, and couetous; notwithstanding that he was old and loden with yeers. And because that this man was of a goodly stature, and came to the Empire by great aduenture, I will briefly declare the successe of his life, which I presume will be a pleasing Historie.

This MAXIMINVS was the sonne of a man whose name was NICEA, borne in Gotland, Maximinus hi linage. and his mothers name was ABABA, of the nation of the Alanes, which liued in a village in Thracia; so as of either side he descended of barbarous nations: and he afterwards grew to be so tall of stature, as he seemed to be a Giant: for (as IVLIVS CAPITOLINVS reporteth) he was eight and a halfe Geometricall foote high; which is two foote and a halfe more then we The stature of Maximinus. see any man ordinarily to be in these daies. And as he had a great bodie, so had he all parts ther­of proportionable to his greatnesse: for he had a good face and was very faire, with great full eyes; and was so extremely strong, that a cart heauily laden, and which two oxen could hardly moue, he would easily draw and turne at his pleasure; and with his fist he brake a horses leg: and (as IVLIVS CAPITOLINVS saith) striking a horse in the chap with his fist he brake out all The force and bodily strength of Maximinus: his teeth; and with a spurne with his foote, he split him in pieces: also with his fist hee brake a stone, and with his hands cleft a tree, and did many other things, which were they not recor­ded by very true authors, would be accounted fables. And besides all this, he was of so great courage, that he was neuer knowne to stand in feare of any thing, and was naturally fierce, prowd and presumptuous, and made no account of any man. His bringing vp when he was a boy, was in keeping of beasts (for his parents were poore, and liued in the countrey) and after­wards his minde increasing with the strength of his bodie, he came to the Romane Armie to seeke entertainment to be a souldier, and to follow the warres: where by reason of his great­nesse of body and his extreme strength, he was soone knowne, and admired of all men, which was in the raigne of SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS, who was father to BASSIANVS and GE­TA. CAPITOLINVS writeth, that SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS being in Soria with his Maximinus be­gan first to fol­low the wars in the time of Sep­timius Seuerus Armie, celebrating the birth day of his sonne GETA, with many sports (which was a thing much vsed in ancient time) and giuing the winners for reward iewels, collars, bracelets, souldi­ers girdles, and such like things; MAXIMINVS, who was but newly come to the Army, and could scarcely speake the Latine tongue (which was then the vulgar Romane speech) came before the Emperour, and intreated him to giue him leaue to try himselfe in those exercises. The Emperor meruailing at the vnmeasurable proportion of his person, and seeing him so faire and well proportioned, granted his request; but vpon condition, that he should not encounter & contend with any Roman souldier, but with such as were water-bearers, and seruitors of the Camp, among which were many very valiant and strong men. MAXIMINVS comming to handy gripes with them, ouercame 16 of them which were of greatest strength, and sought out for that purpose, without resting, or once taking any breath, not being moued by any of them: for which victorie, the Emperor caused some iewels of small price to be giuen him, but not any such as were vsually giuen to the souldiers; and commanded also that he should receiue pay; and be entered in the muster role to serue as a souldier.

[Page 168] Vpon a day the Emperor riding to view his Camp, hee saw this MAXIMINVS (who was yet but a raw souldier) out of order; wherefore he willed a Coronell to call him into his rank, and to instruct him in the duty that he ought to obserue in the wars: and MAXIMINVS, ima­gining that the Emperor spake of him, came before him, and kneeled down at his feet. The Emperor, desiring for his pastime to see whether he could runne well or no, spurred his horse, and gaue sundry turns in the field; and seeing that MAXIMINVS euer kept euen with him, and that his horse was tired, and he running afoot shewed no signe of wearinesse, hee rained his The footeman­ship of Maximi­nus. horse, and asked of MAXIMINVS whether he could wrestle: whereto he answered, that he would wrestle so long as it should please his Majesty. The Emperor, maruelling at his strength, made choice of certain of the strongest men in all his Army to wrestle with him; and MAXI­MINVS, without breathing or any resting, ouercame seuen of them. Whereupon, SEPTI­MIVS SEVERVS commanded a collar of gold to bee giuen vnto him, and certain peeces of siluer, and made him one of his guard, and commanded that hee should attend in the Palace: and by this means he came to be much esteemed among the Coronels and men of warre. And he daily increased both in stature and strength: for, when he came to the Camp hee was but a boy; and sometime in wrestling he would ouerthrowe twenty or thirty of the strongest men in the Army: and in battels and encounters he euer bare away the prize and chiefest honour, per­forming strange things. Wherfore SEVERVS fauoured him very much, and gaue him good places and charges in the wars. He did eat and drink according to the proportion of his body, or rather more: for, CAPITOLINVS writes, that he did daily vse to eat 40 pound waight of Maximinus his diet. flesh, and to drink a measure of wine which contains about 6 gallons of our English measure.

SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS dying in England, as we haue said, he serued his sonne ANTO­NINVS BASSIANVS, and was a Coronell, and had other offices and dignities in the wars. And, after the death of BASSIANVS in Syria, he would not serue MACRINVS, because he held him guilty of the death of his Lord: but, returning to the village wherein he was born, he there purchased certain possessions, and liued there some time in rest, vntill MACRINVS was dead, and that the yong vitious HELIOGABALVS came to the Empire. At which time he came to Rome, as to the son of BASSIANVS, and nephew to SEVERVS, both which had bin his Lords; imagining, that he should haue been as much respected by him, as hee had been by them. But HELIOGABALVS more regarding lasciuious and dishonest men, than such as were of worth and valorous, he found with him no such entertainment as hee expected. For, when hee came to kisse his hand, HELIOGABALVS said vnto him; MAXIMINVS, it is The dishonest speeches vsed by Heliogaba­lus to Maximi­nus. tould me that in wrestling thou art too hard for twenty or thirty men: I would gladly knowe, whether thou darest in amorous assaults encounter as many women. Which speeches did so much displease MAXIMINVS, that he would presently haue abandoned the Court; but that certain of HELIOGABALVS friends (for his honors sake) staid him: for, they held it a shame to him, that one which was held to be the most valiant and strongest man of his time (and who for that cause was by some called ACHILLES, and by others AIAX) should not be entertai­ned in his pay to serue in his Army. And so there was giuen him by HELIOGABALVS the leading of certain footmen. But MAXIMINVS, abhorring and not able to endure the beha­uiour of this effeminate Emperor, in all the time of his Raign after that time, neuer came into his presence; somtimes faining himself to be sick, and othertimes seeking occasion and means to absent himself; vntill the good ALEXANDER SEVERVS was made Emperor after the death of HELIOGABALVS; and then hee returned to Rome: where SEVERVS receiued him very gladly, commending him highly in the Senate; and made him a Coronell and Com­mander of the fourth Legion, which he had raised of new souldiers. MAXIMINVS accepted Offices giuen by Seuerus to Maximinus. the charge, and performed his duty singularly well in the wars of Germany, where hee shewed great prowesse: by means whereof, and of the gifts which he vsed to bestowe vpon his souldi­ers, and of the Emperors fauor, he wan such honour and reputation with all men, that ALEX­ANDER (as we haue said) being slain by his souldiers, he was by them created Emperour: and some write, that he was one of those which conspired his death. Of such force is the desire of rule, that men forgetting the duty and loyalty they owe, and the benefits they haue receiued, practise notable villanies, and commit horrible treasons, to the end they may raign and com­mand; not remembring, that by what means they obtain rule and dominion, by the self same they commonly lose their gouernments, and are throwne down by the same means that they mounted.

After that MAXIMINVS saw himself an Emperor; as he was naturally proud and fierce, [Page 169] and as base of condition as he was high of stature; so was he of opinion, that his best course was to make himself obeyed rather for fear, than for loue; and presently beganne to shew himself most cruell. His election being knowne in Rome (after they had lamented the death of ALEX­ANDER Maximin [...] [...]lection g [...] disliked in Ro [...] SEVERVS) was generally displeasing to all men: and, vpon report of his cruelty, they stood in great fear of him; insomuch that both men and women made vowes and praiers to their gods, to the end he might neuer come to Rome.

The first cruelty this fierce Barbarian committed, was, To put to death all those which had serued and been familiar with ALEXANDER SEVERVS: and then he banished an infinit number of others, and would not suffer that in the Army there should be any Captain, or in the Senate any Senator, that had been aduanced by him. And, for as much as hee was ashamed of the basenes of his owne parentage, hee commanded all those which were neer about him, and had knowne his parents, to bee slain: among which were many who in time of their pouertie had relieued them, of compassion and in charity. And to all these his cruelties he added a grea­ter: for, he persecuted the Christians which were fauoured by ALEXANDER; and by his The sixt persecu­tion of Christians commandement was the sixt persecution of the Church of God: principally those were perse­cuted which had the charge and gouernment of others; wherein he vsed strange kindes of cru­elties, and new deuices in putting people to death; reposing such confidence in his own strength and courage, that he held no man able to kill him. Wherefore, as CAPITOLINVS reports, he held himself for immortall: yet one day in his presence vpon the Theatre these verses were recited in the Greek Tongue;

The cruelty of MAXIMINVS did principally extend it self against such as were rich, and in high degree and authority; whom hee intreated very ill, and for very slight occasions put them to death, and confiscated their goods; which the common people little regarded: for, the rich are commonly odious and hatefull to the baser sort, and to such as are poor. On the o­ther side, he cunningly held himself in the loue and good liking of the men of war; for, besides their ordinary paies, he gaue them many pensions and rewards, and prouided all things neces­sary for them; and took as great pains as any ordinary souldier, with incredible courage and di­ligence: and as he was a strong man, and had a very able body; so he euer went armed, and vp­on all occasions was as ready as any souldier in the Army, and had alwaies valiant men about him, although of base degree and condition. Finally, the effect of all his actions was, To bee feared and to command like a tyrant: which was the occasion that a noble Roman Gentleman called MAXIMVS, who had bin Consul, conspired against him, and practised with the ould A conspiracy a­gainst Maximi­nus. souldiers which had serued SEVERVS, and with some others (to whom, MAXIMINVS be­hauiour and conditions were nothing pleasing) that whereas hee with his Army was to passe a Riuer vpon a wooden Bridge, as soon as hee should bee comn to the further end thereof, the Bridge behinde him should be broken or drawn away, and so he abandoned to his enemies. But this was reuealed to him: or else (as some surmised) it was a matter fained by him, thereby to haue the better colour to shadow his cruelties; which he executed in so high degree, that hee caused 3000 persons to be slain, which he said were guilty of that treason.

After this, a great multitude of SEVERVS old souldiers mutined; and, withdrawing them­selues from the Camp, proclaimed one QVARCIANVS for Emperor (as HERODIANVS writeth): but CAPITOLINVS saith, his name was TICVS, and it may be he was called by the one and the other; who, for that hee was a man of great account, was by MAXIMINVS Quarcianus proclaimed Em­peror, and then murdered in his bed. deposed from the charge which he held. And the souldiers (against his will) forced him to ac­cept the Empire; which he not without great reason refused: for, one MACEDONIVS, who seemed to bee his great friend, and was one of those which had aduanced him to that dignity, within fewe daies after murdered him as he lay sleeping vpon his bed; and, hauing stricken off his head, carried the same to MAXIMINVS: who greatly rejoiced to see himself freed from so great a danger. And although hee then gaue him a good countenance which brought it, yet he afterwards put him to a cruell death, as for his treacherie he had deserued: first, for murde­ring his Soueraign; secondly, for being a traitor to his friend.

[Page 170] With these two good fortunes, the tyranny and cruelty of MAXIMINVS encreased. But following the wars he went out of Hungarie into Germanie; and, making most cruell war against the Germans (hauing in his Army those souldiers which ALEXANDER SEVERVS had left, being many, very well trained, and of great experience) the number hee increased; so as with them he wan many battels, putting all to fire and sword where hee came, spoiling all that was in that Country: and in all the encounters that euer hapned, he euer fought in person: and performed more in Fight than any man in the whole Army.

Hauing pacified all matters in Germanie, so as he found no more resistance; by reason of win­ter which then came on, he returned into Hungarie: from whence hee wrote to the Senate, ex­tolling his victories; and sent vnto them all his battels and skirmishes painted in Tables. I can­not particularly set down the murders and cruell slaughters of men which hee commanded to Executions don in Rome by Ma­ximinus order. be executed in Rome at this time, they were so many: for, he did put to death many men which had been Consuls, and confiscated their goods, vsing infinite other tyrannies against the noblest and of most esteem; presuming onely vpon his owne personall strength, and the power of his Army; to which he gaue many great gifts. And yet among his men of warre he forbare not to execute notable cruelties: for, he more desired to bee feared, than any thing else. Wherefore both in Rome, and in diuerse parts of the Empire, they studied how they might bee rid of him, and to finde out some other man fit to be Emperor; which began in Africa, and passed after this manner:

In the Prouince of Africa MAXIMINVS had a Procurator, who with great rigor and au­thority gathered his Rents and Tributes; and, being of his masters conditions, committed in­credible extortions and outrages, robbing and pilling the Countrey, doing wrong to all men: and not content therewith, but as he spoiled many of their goods, so he bereaued them of their liues. And he continued so in his rapine and cruelty, that the people could no longer endure his oppression: wherefore the chief among them concluded to kill him, and did so. Afterwards Maximinus his rent-gatherer slain in Africa. considering with themselues how great and how dangerous a crime they had committed, they resolued to commit yet a greater, which was, To create an Emperor. Wherefore, conferring with the souldiers of those Legions which lay in Africa, who detested MAXIMINVS for his cruelty, they all agreed to chuse GORDIANVS, a Noble-man, who was Proconsul of Africa, and to make him Emperor, being a man welnie fourescore yeers old. Gordianus chosen Emperor

GORDIANVS (as I said) was of a Noble house, by his fathers side descended from the GRACCHI; and, by his mother, from the most excellent Emperor TRAIAN. He had been Aedil, Questor, Pretor, and Consul, in Rome; and had held many other offices & dignities, and had been Commander and gouernour of many countries and prouinces, which he had gouer­ned with great wisedome and authoritie; and at that time was Viceconsull in Africa, by the ap­pointment of ALEXANDER SEVERVS, who was MAXIMINVS his Predecessor; by whom, for his deserts and vertues, hee was greatly honoured and esteemed: for, GORDIA­NVS was a vertuous and most temperate man in all his actions. He was a man of a tall stature, rather inclining to be fat than lean, and of a goodly presence. His face was high-coloured, re­presenting great authority. He was in his fare and diet (as in all other matters) very temperate; and was learned, and much giuen to the study of Philosophie. He was married to the daughter of SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS, and by her had sonnes and daughters, and by chance had with him when he was chosen Emperor a son, whose name was also GORDIANVS; who had bin Consul, and was held in great honour and reputation: whom they also chose Emperor together with his Father.

The souldiers and the country-people being assembled together (wherof, one MAVRICE, a Decurion was chief & first motiue of the matter) they entred tumultuously into GORDIA­NVS house: who, not thinking of any such thing, in the beginning was in great fear and trouble, conceiuing that they came to haue slain him: but after that hee vnderstood wherefore they came (for, they tould it him) he vtterly refused their offer, excusing himself by reason of his old Gordianus re­fused the empire age. But they came so resolute, that notwithstanding his opposition, yet hee could not other­wise chuse, but he must accept of the Ensigns, and title of Emperor; which they gaue him, toge­ther with his son. GORDIANVS, although he were therto compelled, and accepted thereof against his will: yet he presently wrote with all speed, giuing the Senate aduertisement of his election, and how he had consented thereto, and accepted of the Empire, that he might free the same from the cruelty of MAXIMINVS. Hauing publisht the same in the city of Tisdro, where hee was chosen Emperor, hee took his way towards Carthage, with the magnificence, Ensignes, [Page 171] and officers of the Empire, where he was with great ioy receiued. From thence he sent his Am­bassadors to Rome with particular letters to many his friends and kinsmen; and likewise took or­der that VALERIANVS the Pretorian Prefect of the Legions & companies which lay neere Rome should be slaine: whom HERODIANVS calleth VATALIANVS (who was a most cruell man) a fauorite and great friend of MAXIMINVS. These letters were receiued with incredible ioy and gladnes, for the great hatred they bare against MAXIMINVS: and VITA­LIANVS or VALERIANVS was slain accordingly, by those w^ch were sent for that purpose.

The Senate and people of Rome approued the election of GORDIANVS and his sonne: and MAXIMINVS and his sonne (who was alreadie made CAESAR, and named his successor) were adiudged enemies and rebels; and the people with great furie tare in pieces many mini­sters Maximinus and his sonne adiudged for re­bels and ene­mies to the Romane com­mon wealth. of MAXIMINVS his crueltie, among which were some which were not culpable. They also slew SABINVS the Prefect of the citie, for that he labored to haue hindered the approba­tion of GORDIANVS: and the Senate elected for CAESAR a yong man whose name also was GORDIANVS, who was nephew to old GORDIANVS: and so there was a sodaine altera­tion in all things, for there was a generall feare and confusion.

The Senate considering then in how great danger the citie was, and what might ensue by reason of the great power of MAXIMINVS, they made great preparation, writing their let­ters into all the Prouinces, commanding that al those gouernours which were placed by MAX­IMINVS, should be displaced, and therewith also they proclaimed GORDIANVS for Em­perour. This order and direction (as HERODIANVS writeth) in the most part of all the Prouinces was obeyed, and in the most of them they slew the gouernors set there by MAXIMI­NVS. And in some places they did the contrarie, killing or apprehending the messengers; so as euery where was bloudshed: for the crueltie of the Emperour had made al men cruell. When as the newes of that which happened in Rome and Africa came to MAXIMINVS (CAPI­TOLINVS writeth) he was therewith so troubled and enraged, that he cried out like a man distempered: and running his head against the wals, he tumbled in the floore, rent his cloaths, and made many other shewes of furie and passion.

This Fit being past, the next day he assembled his whole Armie, whereto he made a speech, complaining to them of the treacherie of the Africanes, and of the lightnes and inconstancie of the Romanes, prouoking them all he could to be reuenged; and making great promises, assured them that they should possesse the goods of all those which had offended. And when he had ended his oration, he presentlie gaue them their ordinarie pay with great aduantage, shewing himselfe very bountifull: so as they all promised to serue him faithfullie, notwithstanding that many among them hated him deadlie. In this manner vsing all possible diligence, MAXIMI­NVS directed his iourney towards Rome, with the best souldiers, and the greatest prouision of munition he could, with intent to asswage his wrath, by the execution of his extreme crueltie: and so he began to march; not so fast as he would, for the great number of men, of cariages, and baggage which went with him, and want of victuals: for all the cities (being risen against him) had put all the victuals and fruites of the earth in safe keeping.

While as these things passed in Germany and Rome, CAPELIANVS, who was Gouernour of the Prouinces of Numidia, and Mauritania in Africa, rebelled against GORDIANVS, aswell for that they were auncient enemies, as for that CAPELIANVS was a very great friend vn­to MAXIMINVS, and had been settled there by him: who, as soone as he heard that the GORDIANS were chosen Emperours, put those Legions which were vnder his command in order, leuying thereto the greatest forces he could, and took his way towards Carthage; against whom came yong GORDIANVS, with all the forces he could leuie (the old man remaining in the citie in great care and feare of that which afterwards followed) and these two Armies ioyning battaile (which was very bloudie) CAPELIANVS in the end had the victorie, and GORDIANVS was ouerthrowne and slaine: for the greatest part of his people were Bisonious, Young Gor­dianus slaine in a batiaile. or raw souldiers, and not accustomed to the warres. The father hearing of the death of his sonne, and of the losse of the battaile, seeing no hope of reliefe, and the victorious enemie at the gates of the citie, with the girdle which he ware hung himselfe: and so died he with reproach & And old Gor­dianus hung himselfe in [...]is girdle. dishonorably (hauing a few daies enioyed the name of Emperor) who had liued fourescore yeeres very honourably & in great reputation. And CAPELIANVS following his victorie en­tred Carthage: where he slew the principal of those which escaped from the battaile; and robbed many houses & temples, shewing great crueltie both within the citie, & abroad in the countrie; robbing & sacking towns & villages, in colour of reuenge for the wrong don to MAXIMINVS, [Page 172] seeking by all meanes possible to please his souldiers, with a desire to make himselfe Emperor.

The fame of this aduenture came speedily to Rome: wherewith the Romanes were incredi­bly troubled and perplexed, to see themselues depriued of the fauour and succour which they hoped for from GORDIANVS and his sonne. And knowing that MAXIMINVS came like an enraged lion against them (for redresse and remedie against so great a daunger) the Se­nate assembled in the Temple of IVPITER; and after many cousultations held betweene the principal & best experienced men of the citie, they chose MAXIMVS PVPIENVS, and CLO­DIVS BALBINVS for Emperours; both which had held great offices, and had been valiant Captaines and gouernours, and liued with great fame. And to please the people which con­sented Maximus Pu­pienus and Claudius Bal­binus chosen Emperours, and Gordianus the nephew of old Gordianus made Caesar. not to this election, the Senate named young GORDIANVS, nephew to that GOR­DIANVS who hanged himselfe in Carthage, CAESAR, who was his daughters sonne, and of the age of eleuen yeeres.

These two being created and sworne Emperours, and hauing taken the Imperiall robes and ensignes, they leuied the greatest forces that in Rome and the borders thereof they were able, MAXIMVS PVPIENVS, who was the wiser and more sufficient man, left the citie, to make head against MAXIMINVS; who with great haste and furie came towards Italy, and had con­ceiued incredible ioy, for that he was giuen to vnderstand of the death of GORDIANVS and of his son, and of the victorie which CAPELIANVS had obtained against them: but after that he knew of the election of the new Emperours in Rome, his rage and wrath redoubled. And vnderstanding that PVPIENVS came against him with a sufficient Armie, he put his troupes in order; and hauing passed the Alpes, entring into Italy, where he thought to haue found great Maximinus entred Italy. plentie of victuals, he found all cleane contrarie: for all sustenance was carried away, and those places and townes which were not fortified, and able to defend themselues, were abandoned and left desert: wherefore the souldiers for the hunger and want which they endured, began to murmure and to speake ill of MAXIMINVS; and he punishing some of them for it, grew hate­full to all.

Drawing neere to the citie of Aquileia, which hee made account to enter without difficulty, he found very great resistance: for besides that the citie was very populous and rich, there were within it for the defence thereof, two Romane gentlemen, which had been Consuls; the one was called CRISPINVS, and the other MENEFILVS: who had in such sort furnished the citie with men and munition, that MAXIMINVS with great difficultie passing the riuer, and encamping himselfe before it, gaue a very cruell assault, in which much people died of either side: but those which were within, defended themselues so valiantly, as he was enforced to al­ter his determination, to raise his siege, and to retire. While as MAXIMINVS lay before Aquileia, and PVPIENVS with his Army marcht toward him, Rome endured a great affliction: for there grew a contention betweene the Pretorian souldiers and the people of Rome, about two souldiers which had beene slaine by two Senatours, whose names were GALLICANVS and MECENAS. And both parties taking Armes, there were slaughters and cruelties commit­ted, the like whereof haue bin seldom heard of: for the city was set on fire, & a great part there­of burnt, the new Emperour BALBINVS not being able to quench or stay it: who seeing that he could not redresse so great an inconuenience, retired himselfe to his palace. So as whosoe­euer shal wel consider hereof, shall finde that the three yeeres tyrannous gouernment of MAX­IMINVS (for so long it lasted) was the cause that the citie of Rome and the whole Romane Empire were neuer free from warres, tumults, robberies, murthers, and all manner of calami­ties. And he (as I haue said) lying before Aquileia, preuailing little by the assaults which he gaue, by reason of the great resistance made by the besieged, and wanting victuals (for PV­PIENVS, and the Senate had commaunded all to be carried away out of that territorie, and the borders and marches thereabouts) and ioyntly herewith his souldiers daily hearing that all the East had reuolted and rebelled against him, by letters sent from the Senate of Rome: With this feare and for the secret hatred which the old Romane Souldiers bare against him, they agreed to mutine and to kil him; seeing that Rome (wherein were their parents, their wiues, children and kinsfolkes) and also that all Italy was enemie vnto them, and had proclaimed them rebels. It happened that MAXIMINVS and his sonne one day about noone reposing them­selues in his Tent, the souldiers and many others with them, came very boldly to his pauilion, and without any resistance slew him: the like they did by his sonne, saying, That of an euill fire Maximinus and his sonne slaine in his Tent. could neuer prooue good whelpe; when he had raigned three yeeres, and was sixtie and odde yeeres old; and his sonne nineteene, and somewhat more. His death was approoued by all the [Page 173] Army: and as soon as it was knowne in the City of Aquileia, they opened the ports, and be­came all friends. They sent the heads of this tyrannous Emperor and his sons, to Rome; where with vnspeakeable joy they were receiued: and by the way they carried them to PVPIENVS; who was in Rauenna. This hapned in the yeer of our Lord 240.

AFter the death of MAXIMINVS; MAXIMVS PVPIENVS & CLODIVS BALBINVS, without any contradiction continued Emperors; which (as I said) were so already created: and PV­PIENVS, who then was in Rauenna, with all speed went to A­quileia, to content the Army which MAXIMINVS had left there; where, by those of the City and of the Army, he was with great joy receiued, sworn, and obeyed: and he paied the souldi­ers, and gaue them great rewards, and afterwards dispatched and sent the Legions very well contented to their Prouinces and pla­ces where they vsed to remain. And himself came to Rome with some companies of Germans for his guard, by reason of the dis­cord between the Pretorian souldiers and the Citizens; who, vnderstanding of the death of MAXIMINVS, pacified themselues, and went with the Senate to receiue BALBINVS into the Empire, and GORDIANVS for CAESAR, as is aforesaid: and so they were most solemn­ly entertained. And being comn into the Senate, besides the ordinary acclamations, blessings and applauses, in remembrance that these Emperors were created by the Senators, they vsed such like speeches: Princes, wisely chosen, rule accordingly; and those which are chosen by Speeches vsed by the Senate. vnwise men, and such as knowe little, in like manner end their daies: wherein they seemed to note the men of warre, who made choice of MAXIMINVS. Which speeches the Pretorian souldiers took in so ill part, that they presently began to missike and to be discontented with the Raign of PVPIENVS and BALBINVS; and they held themselues for scorned and disgra­ced, in that the Senate should seem to triumph ouer them, and to haue taken from them the au­thority to make Emperours: so great was their pride and ambition, that from thence-foorth they not onely wished, but practised the death of them both, who gouerned all things most ex­cellently and prudently, and made very good and profitable lawes and ordinances; and into all the Prouinces where need required, sent ordinary Legions, doing justice to all men indifferent­ly, greatly honouring the Senate; and generally to all men shewed themselues gentle and cur­teous. But all this sufficed not to get the good will of the souldiers: for, vertue and goodnes do not pacifie the hatred of the wicked; and by so much their enuy & malice the more increaseth, by how much they see those whom they hate, exercise themselues in vertuous and good acti­ons: In such sort, that as those accursed men in time of peace were not so much esteemed, nei­ther had the liberty to liue so dissolutely and licentiously, as in the time of warres; all their care and studie therefore was (although they did dissemble it, and keep it secret) how they might without any danger to themselues, kill those two vertuous and honourable ould Princes, PV­PIENVS and BALBINVS. Whereto, the emulation, jealousie and contention, between [Page 174] these Emperours, although in secret, opened the way to their determination; for BALBINVS held himselfe for farre more Noble and of a more ancient house and family, then PVPIE­NVS: For it was three hundred yeeres or little lesse since that his ancestors came from the Isle of Cales in Spaine, with the great POMPEY; and being made citizens of Rome had liued euer Emulation be­tweene Bal­binus and Pup­ienus. honorably and richly: and therefore as PVPIENVS was but of a new risen family, hee made account to be more regarded then he, and disdained him. And PVPIENVS notwithstanding that he was a newer citizen and lately risen: yet was he of greater courage, very graue and se­uere, and had held many offices and magistracies; which with great valour and wisedome he had discharged; and therefore was of opinion that in true nobilitie, which wholly consisteth in the vertue of the person, he did farre excell BALBINVS. And thus their vaine presumption cost them both their liues. Notwithstanding that they stood vpon these points; yet they no way forgat ought that might concerne the good gouernment of the Empire. These two wise Emperors agreed betweene themselues, to goe the one into the East against the Parthi­ans; or to say better, the Persians, which ruled in the East, as I haue already declared, andby meanes of the ciuil discords past, had entred the bounds of the Empire, and taken certain Ci­ties: And the other to the warres of Germanie. And as one day all the whole Citie was busie in beholding certain games and pastimes which were made, with them was also the greatest part of the Emperors guard and houshould; so as they remained in their Palaces smally accom­panied, without any mistrust or suspicion of any trecherie. Whereof the Pretorian souldiers being aduertised, they came with great furie fully armed in order of battaile, towards the Em­perors Palace: Which when PVPIENVS vnderstood, and that they came to kill him, hee commanded in great haste the companies of Germanes which were his guard, to be called: the which truely had beene sufficient to haue defended them. And he also gaue BALBINVS to vnderstand thereof, desiring him to doe the like. But BALBINVS entring into a fond sus­picion, that PVPIENVS sent for his guard to haue done some thing against him, did not only leaue that vndone which was requested at his hands, but hindred it, so as the guard was not called. By which meanes the Pretorian souldiers had oportunitie to enter the Imperiall Pa­lace in safety: and there finding none to resist their furie, they took both the Emperors and dispoyling them of their Imperial robes, vsed the poore princes with all kinde of villany, as if The Emperors Balbinus and Pupienus slaine by the Pretorian souldiers. they had been two theeues; carrying them through the midst of the Citty towardes their Camp: But hearing that the Almaines came to rescue them, they slew them vpon the way; leauing their dead bodies in the streetes. And the yong GORDIANVS meeting them by chance (who, as we haue said before, at the request of the people was chosen CAESAR) was by them hailed AVGVSTVS and Emperour. And they crying to the people said, that see­ing those two Emperors were dead, which in despite of them were chosen by the Senate; they should now receiue GORDIANVS for Emperor, which they themselues had desired Gordianus Ne­phew of the old Gordianus proclaimed Em­perour [...] to be made CAESAR; and so they went to their lodging leading the youth with them, who yet was not fully fourteen yeeres old.

The Almaines after they vnderstood of the death of PVPIENVS and BALBINVS, seeing there was no hope to rescue them, returned to their lodgings, which was in the fields [...]eere to Rome. And so these two good Emperors ended their liues, hauing raigned two yeeres: and in rewarde for pacifying the Empire and deliuering the same from the tyranny of MAXIMI­NVS, these base rascalls murthered them, which PVPIENVS (as saith IVLIVS CAPITO­LINVS) The words of Pupienus to Balbinus when they were cho­sen Emperours. did before Prognosticate: for when they were chosen, he said to BALBINVS; Tell me BALBINVS, what good shall we reape, if we kill this accursed cruell beast MAXIMI­NVS? BALBINVS answered; We shall win the loue of the Senat & of the people of Rome, and generally of all the world. It is true quoth PVPIENVS, but I feare me we shall incurre the hatred of the men of warre, and that it will cost vs our liues. Which hapned as we haue decla­red, in the yeere of our Lord 242.

AFter the death of these two good Emperors PVPIENVS and BALBINVS; GORDIANVS being chosen by the This Gordi­anus was Ne­phew of the old Gordianus who died in A­frica. Pretorian souldiers (who in their life time was CAESAR) the Senate and people of Rome, seeing no other remedie, willingly approued his election; for he was generally well beloued of all men for the deserts of his Vncle and grand­father: and through this election ensued concord and a­greement betweene the souldiers and the citizens; and so he began his gouernment in good order and had good suc­cesse. The first thing he did, was to make many feasts, games and shewes, and to giue many donatiues and rewards both to the citizens and souldiers; whereby he made him­selfe exceedingly well beloued. This hapned, by reason that this yong Prince followed the counsell of wise men. Presently in the beginning of his raigne a certain Captain named SABINIANVS rebelled in Africa: and it succeeded so well, that the Gouernor of Mauritania by the commandement of GORDIANVS, comming against him; those which conspired with him, tooke him prisoner, and crauing pardon for their offence, brought him to Carthage; and there deliuered him into the hands of GORDIANVS his Captaines. Who beeing freed from this care, there remai­ned yet another, which was for the warres against the Persians, who (as we haue said) vsurped certaine Lands of the Empire; against which it was concluded that the Emperor GORDIA­NVS should goe himselfe in person: and notwithstanding that he was then very yong, hauing married the daughter of a most learned and eloquent Gentleman, whose name was MISI­THEVS, whom he presently made Prefect; the authoritie and counsell of the father in law made the raigne of the yong Emperor GORDIANVS very fortunate, and much esteemed. For, notwithstanding that MISITHEVS was but of a meane parentage, yet he was a man of Misitheus fa­ther-in-law to Gordianus. much vertue; and so discreete and considerat in all his actions, as, notwithstanding that GOR­DIANVS was but a childe and very yong, and somewhat inclined to vice and sensualitie, yet he made him an excellent Prince and Gouernor, both in peace and warre. Whereby it plain­ly appeareth, that the principall and most necessary thing that appertaineth to any King or Prince to make him good, is, to haue good and wise men for his Counsellors, and that his Court be replenished with honest men, and of good conuersation: Which the same GORDI­ANVS apparantly manifested in a letter written by him to his father in law, in answere to ano­ther written by him, wherein he had counselled him what he ought to doe, and had reproued him for some thing that he had done, in this manner:

[Page 176] The Emperor GORDIANVS AVGVSTVS, to his Father, and Pretorian Prefect, greeting. If the Almightie Gods had not defended and protected the Roman Empire, I had truely by this A Letter written by Gordianus to his father in law Misitheus. time been deceiued, and sold by these wicked and dishonest men: for I now know, and do very well comprehend, that I ought not to haue giuen the charge of the Roman Cohorts to FE­LIX, neither to SERAPIO of the fourth legion: And because I will not recite all my errors, I acknowledge that I haue done many things that I ought not. But thanks be to the Gods, that thou guiding and instructing me, which dost nothing for couetousnes or reward, I haue learned and vnderstood many things, which being shut vp in my palace with my seruants, I should ne­uer haue learned, neither was it possible for me to haue knowne. For consider a little I pray thee what I could do, being blinded, and sold by MAVRVS, who was confederat with GVNDIA­NVS, REVERENDVS and MONTANVS; so as whatsoeuer they commended or reproued, trusting to their iudgement, I presentlie accepted and allowed. The truth is,