The key of historie. Or, A most methodicall abridgement of the foure chiefe monarchies, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome Being a generall and compendious chronicle from the Flood. Digested into three bookes. Whereunto is added a marginall chronologie of euery Roman emperors raigne, and of all the most memorable persons and accidents. Together with briefe illustrations vpon the more obscure names, places, and offices. With a directory table for the more profitable reading of history. Written by that excellent and most learned man Iohn Sleidan. De quatuor summis imperiis. English. Abridgments Sleidanus, Johannes, 1506-1556. 1627 Approx. 394 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 203 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2014-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2). A09569 STC 19850 ESTC S114662 99849887 99849887 15059

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Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A09569) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 15059) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1213:8) The key of historie. Or, A most methodicall abridgement of the foure chiefe monarchies, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome Being a generall and compendious chronicle from the Flood. Digested into three bookes. Whereunto is added a marginall chronologie of euery Roman emperors raigne, and of all the most memorable persons and accidents. Together with briefe illustrations vpon the more obscure names, places, and offices. With a directory table for the more profitable reading of history. Written by that excellent and most learned man Iohn Sleidan. De quatuor summis imperiis. English. Abridgments Sleidanus, Johannes, 1506-1556. Darcie, Abraham, fl. 1625. [52], 377, [5] p., folded table Printed by M. Flesher, for William Sheeres, and are to be sould at his shop neere Grayes Inne at the signe of the Bucke, London : 1627. A translation and abridgement of: De quatuor summis imperiis. With an additional double-page engraved title page: The key of history. Translator's dedications variously signed (1) "A.D.", (2) "Ab. Darcie", or (3) "Abraham Darcie". Variant: dedications cancelled. Includes index. The last two leaves are blank. Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.

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eng History, Ancient -- Early works to 1800. 2020-09-21 Content of 'availability' element changed when EEBO Phase 2 texts came into the public domain 2013-08 Assigned for keying and markup 2013-08 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2013-10 Sampled and proofread 2013-10 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2014-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE Key of Hiſtorie. OR, A moſt methodicall Abridgement of the foure chiefe Monarchies, Babylon, Perſia, Greece, and Rome.

Being a generall and compendious Chronicle from the Flood.

Digeſted into three bookes.

Whereunto is added a marginall Chronologie of euery Roman Emperors Raigne, and of all the moſt memorable perſons and accidents.

Together with briefe illuſtrations vpon the more obſcute names, places, and Offices. With a directory t ble for the more profitable reading of Hiſtory.

Written by that excellent and moſt learned man IOHN SLEIDAN.

LONDON, Printed by M. Fleſher, for William Sheeres, and are to be ſould at his ſhop neere Grayes Inne at the Signe of the Bucke, 1627.

The Tranſlator to the indifferent Reader.

THE praiſe of Hiſtory in generall, or this Generall Hiſtorie, being but tralatitious, eſpecially both ſpeaking their owne worth, may be my Apologie for both; either to excuſe me from the vſuall encomions in the preface to moſt Hiſtories, or diſmiſſe mee with Saluſts ſpeech concerning Carthage, 'Tis better to ſpeake nothing, then not to ſpeake home. For the firſt therefore, Ciceroes fiue moſt ſignificant, and ſeuerally volume-worthy Epithetes, ſhall ſuffice: Hiſtory is Times euidence, Antiquities Herald, Truths light, memories life, & lifes Mistreſſe: And for the other, (this Chronicall Hiſtory following) beſides the Authors own admired and approued knowledge in hiſtory: the large Commentaries, & explication of the originall Authors, ſet forth by the accurate inveſtigation of two reuerend Diuines, and a famous Poet, warrant it. His maine drift, as thou maiſt eaſily perceiue, was to bee ſuccinct & cloſe, but withall perſpicuous, by which he hath made himſelfe the Prince of Epitomiſts: and, by this tranſcendent delineation of the foure chiefe Monarchies chiefe Monarch of all Hiſtorians in this kind. For he hath attain'd to ſuch a height of perfection, that, as Polybius would haue it, a man may at the firſt view, behold the whole body of Hiſtorie, and euery mēber ſo pourtraied to life, that ſcarce any man of eminencie, or act of excellency, either in Church or Common-wealth, is omitted: being withall ſo exactly and methodically coucht together, that thy eye may run in a line, from the beginning to the end. Hee hath made it a common key to euerie doore, and a little Perſpicill to cary thy ſight all the world ouer: the worke it ſelfe, being the very marrow and quinteſſence (pardon the metaphors) of all hiſtorie. The conſideration hereof inuited me (one moſt vnfit) to aduenture the tranſplantation of this pretious exoticke root, into our owne ſoile. Wherein my care to the Authors meaning was religious, which (as I ſuppos'd) would bee the chiefeſt thing aim'd at, eſpecially in an old mans laſt worke (for hee ended this booke & his life both in one yeere) where wee muſt not looke for a Panegyricall ſtile, or lofty words (which I might haue perform'd and perhaps with more eaſe) but, as it is a plaine, facile, and methodicall narration beſt ſuiting with the tender capacity of younger Incipients, for whom the Author intended it, well knowing that oftentimes yong wits dote more vpon frothie words, then ſolid matter. Plainneſſe is my ambition, elſe needed not theſe little marginall illuſtrations only to ſatisfie a meere Engliſh Reader. In ſome places, (if thou conſidereſt not my reaſons) I maſeeme to ſwerue from the Authors meaning.

As in the word Caeſar, with the Author vſes for Emperor, almoſt throughout the booke. But after Nero I call them all Emperors (onely for more plainneſſe) becauſe the line of the Caeſars was extinct in him.

France I call Gallia, till about Honorius his time, when (after the French Germans had ſeated themſelues there) it fell into their name. I haue taken the ſame courſe too, touching other Countries & Cities, till they chang'd their names: except ſuch, as ſtill (with very little alteration of the ancient idiem) reteind their names, as Veſontio now Beſanſon, Sueſsions now Soiſſons, &c. Some may thinke, that Iulius Caeſar would haue ſounded better then Caius Caeſar, (by which name the the Authour calls him in euery place) becauſe that compellatiō is more commonly knowne: but queſtionleſſe the Authors meaning therein, was to auoid all doubts; for wee read of more of the Caeſars beſide him, that had the nomen Iulius, as Lucius Iulius Caeſar, & Sextꝰ Iulius Caeſar, but neuer any other call'd Caius, that euer I heard of.

For my well-meaning preſumption, in adding the times of each more memorable accident, and of the ſeuerall raignes of all the Emperors; I hope I ſhall find pardon, ſith it may ſerue for a little Chronologie.

Though I cannot be ſo ambitious to deſire a freedome from euery openmouth'd Ardelio, when the beſt deſeruing men could neuer yet obtaine it; yet I both wiſh and entreat that euery indifferent eye would make a charitable conſtruction of (if I may ſo call them) my good endeauors, ballancing all veniall errours, with my young experience, and inconuenience of ſtudy, and to accept of the Diamond though not ſet in its deſerued foile: the one may encourage, the other cannot daunt mee, for I haue ſet vp my reſolution, in old Mimnermus his Diſtich: Oblectes animum, plebs eſt moroſa legendo, Ille benè de te dicet, & ille malè.

Farewell.
TO THE MOST Illuſtrious Prince, Eberard, Duke of Wittenberg and Leck, Count in Mumpelgart; Iohn Sleidan wiſheth all health, &c.

LIterature being the greateſt ornament of your dignitie, (Princely Eberard) though it be but indifferent; yet that eſpecially, which comprehends in it the Acts of all ages, ſuits beſt to your Condition: And amongſt vs that profeſſe the name of Chriſt; the holy Scriptures challenge the higheſt place in this kinde, which both ſet forth the originall of mankinde, ſhew vs Gods will, & affoord vs many examples both of his mercy and wrath. Next to them wee ought to know, what is deliuered to memorie concerning other Nations. For ſcarce can that accident happen, whereof there is not ſome patterne extant, and in ſormer times practiſed. In which behalfe, thoſe that gouerne a Common-wealth, haue an exceeding great helpe and furtherance, if they neglect not this kinde of learning. Now that way is moſt commodious, which diuides the whole courſe of this world into foure Monarchies. As concerning the firſt of them, we want Books neceſſary, hauing beſides the Scripture, almoſt nothing credit-worthie, or whereupon we may relie. That age queſtionleſſe was altogether heroicall & moſt illuſtrious, for ſurpaſsing and memorable exploits. But what part thereof came to our hands? Semiramis, Babylon, and Sardanapalus are memorized, and almoſt nothing elſe. But for that dreadfull, and neuer yet paralleld, terrible, and dire ſpectacle ſeene in any one man, which Nabuchodonozer relates of himſelfe, as Daniel hath it; who euer toucht vpon it? that a King of ſuch puiſſance, ſhould bee brutified, caſt out of his Kingdome, baniſhed from his ancient habitation, thruſt out of doores, excluded from all humane ſociety, haue his nature metamorphoſed, and feed with other bruit beaſts, and be quite degenerated into a beaſt. This is there related plainely; but with what aſtoniſhment think we, were they ſtrucken, that beheld this lamentable example of Gods Maieſtie and furie? Therefore I haue briefly runne ouer the Aſſyrian or Babylonian Monarchie, becauſe it muſt be wholly bounded within the compaſſe of holy Scriptures; but the other three that follow, are very famous by many Authors workes; eſpecially the Greek and Roman. Amongſt which writers, thoſe (of the Greeks) challenge the firſt rank, Herodotus, Thucidides, Zenophon and Polybius: for thoſe other that Cicero mentions, Pherecides, Hellanicus, Acufilas, Phylliſtus, Agathoclis, Theopompus, Ephorus, Caliſthenes, Timaeus, Clitarchus, Silenus, are loſt: as alſo thoſe Latines that wrote the ancient Romane hiſtorie, whom the ſame Cicero nominates, viz. the Pontifies Annals, Fabius Pictor, Marcus Portius Cato, Lucius Piſo, Caelius Antipater, Caius Vannius, Vennonius, Clodius, Aſiſo, Accius, Lucius Siſenna. And thoſe indeed were the Authors, out of whom, Titus Liuius, who is better halfe diſmembred, and before him, Saluſt, imperfect alſo, collected their workes. Cicero indeed vſed not this kind of writing, but was moſt ſtudiouſly verſt in it, as his Bookes witneſſe, which are euery where beſprinkled and inameled with remembrances of all antiquitie: but hee was a moſt diligent obſeruer of the courſe of times, ſo as by him, one may attaine to the orderly knowledge both of perſons, ages, and the times of accidents. For otherwiſe all writings are obſcure: and becauſe hee was wont to ſay, that the writings of hiſtories (eſpecially after the Greek faſhion) was very much Oratoricall: therefore Pomponius Atticus counſailed him to this kinde of writing, complaining that hiſtorie ſtood in need of the Latine tongue: and alledging, that hee was able to effect that, which, euen in this kinde of writing alſo, would make Rome not inferiour to Greece. So hee writ a Commentarie of his Conſulſhip in Greeke, and begunne another in Latine, as he ſaith himſelfe. For hee was very deſirous to haue that yeare, wherein hee was Conſull, celebrated by other mens pennes: inſomuch that he profeſſed, that if they forbare him, he would not forbeare himſelfe, but would write concerning himſelfe. Caius Caeſar onely, writes of his own exploits, and borrowed nothing from any of thoſe before him. Then alſo flouriſht Diodorus of Sicilia, and a little after, Dionyſius of Halicarnaſſus: then Plutarch, Suetonius, Cornelius Tacitus, Appianus, Herodianus, Trogus Pompeius, Aelianus, Quintus Curtius: but many of thoſe are either wholly, or the greater part of them loſt. After thoſe, many more followed, who (each one continuing the hiſtorie of his time, or of his Country) held on, euen till within our memorie. And we muſt be ſeene in all thoſe, or at leaſt a good part of them, to furniſh our ſelues with that abilitie which is required. Some alſo we muſt read for the matter it ſelfe; others, for the matter, together with the ſtile and form of ſpeech. In which ranke, Caius Caeſar alone, iuſtly challenges precedency among the Latines: for none are more pure, none more elegant then his: who for a delectable ſtyle, farre excelled not only thoſe that came not long after him, but alſo all of his time. Beſides thoſe before mentioned, we muſt likewiſe turne ouer ſuch Eccleſiaſticall Authors, as treat of the conuerſion of Religion, the afflictions of the godly, or the lawes and decrees of Councels and Biſhops. And becauſe the holy Scriptures foreſhew the Papall kingdome, wee muſt ſearch out the beginning, together with the progreſſe and increaſe thereof; thereby to inable our ſelues, to compare it with thoſe marks and ſigns which the Scripture hath chalkt out. But becauſe this large argument which wee haue propounded, is various, manifold, and comberſome, and this field ſo exceeding ſpacious, not to bee gone ouer in any ſhort time: ſome nearer way muſt be taken, by a methodicall courſe, for the help of yonger Students: as for thoſe of deeper experience, they may well enough by themſelues, as they ſay, ſwim ouer the whole ſtreame of Writers. And for this end haue I vndertaken this task, that the Neoterie may haue a tract and path-way leading to their further learning, by which in the meane time they may trace, as by a line, till they bee growne riper ſchollers, and come to that proficiency, as to bee able to caſt away and deſpiſe thoſe rudiments. For I haue not writ this, that they ſhould be content with, or confine themſelues to theſe bounds, but to giue them a taſt of their future reading: when being inuited by variety of matter, they may bee more ſpurred on, hereafter to perluſtrate the Authors and Bookes themſelues, from whence theſe are culled. But this kinde of ſtudie properly appertaining to thoſe, that are appointed to the gouernment of a people, as I ſaid before, I ſuppoſe (moſt Noble Duke) I ſhall not miſapply, to your age and condition, in offring vp thoſe my ſmall watch work s to your Highneſſe: ſo that by you, and through your hands as I may ſo ſay, the reſidue of yonger Students may receiue ſome fruit thereof, if any may redound from thence. And albeit, thoſe moſt worthy men, your Tutors, Iohn Sigiſmund and Sebaſtian Cox, vſe their beſt diligence about your inſtruction and erudition: yet as in the culture of a little garden plot, which we deſire to haue exquiſite and arraied with all kind of flowers, we ſcorne not any little plants & herbs brought vs from another ground; ſo likewiſe I hope this ſmall preſent of mine, ſent to the manuring of the ſeed-plot of your learning, will not be inacceptable, being but onely offred vp for a time, tilyou your ſelf, hauing gotten ſtrength, as I ſaid before, be able to walke abroad, and courſe vp & down theſe open fields & flowrie meads. For which courſe, you haue that moſt renowned Prince, your Fathers vertue, for a reſplendent patterne: who by his elegant learning, added no ſmall ornament and luſtre to his Noble birth; and that which is all in all, hee made right vſe of this his facultie: to wit, that the name of God ſhould bee celebrated, Churches & Schools well ordered, godly teachers prouided for, and a competencie allowed for maintenance of Schollers. For this dutie God chiefly requires at the hands of you Princes; and as he ſeuerely puniſheth the neglect thereof, ſo alſo he remunerates, thoſe with moſt bountiful rewards, that ſhew themſelues faithfull Stewards herein. Thoſe examples of your illuſtrious Fathers pietie, conſtancie, and fortitude, might bee mentioned by name: but you will read them in good time hereafter, imblazoned at large, & ſhall know the proper ornaments of Nobilitie. For hee that is benigne to good wits, how can it be, that hee ſhould not at one time or other, be repaied by them, with the deſcrued fruits of gratitude, and bee celebrated to poſteritie? Therefore vnderſtanding both the dignitie of his place, and the charge laid vpon him by God; hee made it his chiefe care to haue your minde trained vp to godlineſſe and learning, euen from your young and tender yeeres. And that which is the feeling pulſe of a Fathers loue, nothing euer ioyd him more, then to ſee his expectation bettered by your induſtrie. And I doubt not of your owne voluntary propenſion that way (as much as your age can beare) and your Tutors their diligent vigilancie. Wherefore Illuſtrious Prince, proceed auſpiciouſly, and as you are borne to the gouernement of a Commonwealth, ſo furniſh your ſelfe with ſuch ammunition, as is both perpetuall, and will affoord infallible aid: and not onely extenuate the labour, which you muſt ſometimes vndergoe in gouerning an ancient Prouince, but alſo make it eaſie and pleaſant.

From Strasburg, Anno Dom. 1556.
IOHN SLEIDAN of the foure chiefe Mōnarchies. OR, The key of Hiſtory. The firſt Booke.

BEfore I treat of the foure chiefe and principall Monarchies of the world, Babylon, Perſia, Greece and Rome: I muſt ſpeake a word or two of the great difference, about computation of yeeres from the beginning of the world; for the Hebrewes, Euſebius, S. Auſtin; Alphonſus, and Mirandula, doe exceedingly vary amongſt themſelues. But becauſe almoſt all the learned men of our times, doe in this point follow the account of the Hebrewes: I alſo (ſeeing the caſe ſo ſtands) will tread in their ſteppes. And firſt of all, that I may come to my purpoſe, I meane the firſt Monarchie, (paſſing by thoſe occurrents which happened in the Gen. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6, chap. firſt age of all, as alſo the narration of the Flood, ſit hence all thoſe are contained in holy Scriptures, and cannot be better expreſt,) Ile take ſtart at that time, when the race of mankinde being reduced to a very ſmall number, begunne (after that the Moles. maſſie multirude of waters was againe diſperſed, and the earth made drie) to increaſe anew. The time of the Flood is referred to the yeere of the world, 1656. and Gen 5. Mathuſalah the ſeuenth from Adam, died at that very time, being 969. yeeres of age. Gen 7. Noah Mathuſalah his Nepos. Grandchild by his ſonne Lamech, (being then 600. yeeres of age, and by Gods eſpeciall fauour, preſerued together with his familie,) now when the number of men begunne to multiplie by little and little, was the firſt that cauſed his children and poſteritie, by remoouing into ſeuerall Countries, to inhabite the earth, and build themſelues cities: and afterwards (about the hundreth yeere after the Flood) allotted to each of them his proper Prouince.

At which time, Nimrod Noahs Grand-childes ſonne, together with his retinue, inhabited the land of the Chaldees, but at length (the multitude of men ſtill multiplying,) many were neceſſarily inforced to remoue and ſeeke out new ſeats and Colonies. They before their departure, deſirous to leaue their perpetuall memoriall behinde them, did thereupon ( Gen. 11. It is credible that hereupon the Poets took occaſion to make that fiction of the Giants, who beaping moantaine vpon mountain, went about to ouerthrow the gods. Michael Glycas writes, that there were forty yeers ſpent about building of this Tower. Nimrod being their Chief-taine) beginne to build a Citie, and within that, a Tower of tranſcendent height: And forgetting Gods wrath, which had ſo lately ſwallowed vp the whole Globe of the earth, & whereof Noah without all doubt, had very much, very often, and diligently preached to them: intended to extend the fame of their owne names, by vaineglorious and ambitious workes. But God herewith offended, made fruſtrate theſe their enterpriſes, ſending amongſt them a confuſion of tongues: whereas before that time, there was but one and the ſame kinde of language all the world ouer. Thus being conſtrained to ſurceaſe their begunne worke, they departed into ſeuerall parts of the world. From this confuſion of tongues, the citie called Babell, took the name: & frō ye time, I mean frō the 131. yeer after the Flood, or therabouts, the kingdome of the Chaldees & Babylonians took the beginnings. The firſt King thereof was Nimrod, before ſpoken of, who as it is written, ruled 56. yeeres. The Scripture ſtiles him the Gen. 10. 1 Chron. 5. Mich 5. The land of Babylon is called the land of Nimrod. mightie Hunter, and attributes to him ſtrength and puiſſance. Others call him Saturne, and report, that in the 45. yeere of his raign, he ſent away certaine Princes of Colonies, hither and thither, as Aſſur, Madas, Magog, and Moſech. Thoſe erected kingdomes after their owne names, as Aſſyria, Media, Suidas writes, that the Perſians were ſo called, but Melanctho think them to be the now Turks. Magog, and Moſco, the two firſt whereof doe wholly belong to Aſia, and the third and laſt to Aſia and Europe. The Scripture makes mention of this Aſſur. Gen. 10. Belus. Aſſur, and that Niniue was by him builded. Iupiter Belus ſucceeded his Father Nimrod, who (as hiſtorie ſpeakes) poſſeſſed all the Country from the ſunne-ſerting to Sarmatia in Europe, and afterwards made warre againſt Sabbatius King of Saga, whom not he, by reaſon hee was preuented by death, Ninus the firſt Monarch, about 1905. of the world. but his ſonne Ninus ſubdued: who extending his dominions farre and wide, was the firſt that euer tooke vpon him a Monarchie. Noah died 350. yeeres after the Flood, and about the 18, yeere after his death, Gen. 11. Abraham the tenth from Noah (ſo commanded by God) left his Country, being then 75 yeers of age, and in Gen. 17. 24 yeere after that, God made a couenant with him, by ordaining the circumciſion. In the Gen. 21. 100 yeere of his age, his ſonne Iſaac was borne vnto him: hee liued after that, 75. yeeres, for the tearme of mans life was now much ſhortened. The manner of his Grand-childe Gen. 37. Iacobs life, and vpon what occaſion he went downe into Egypt, and there dyed: how afterwards his poſteritie remained in Egypt for ſome ages, oppreſſed with moſt grieuous bondage, and by Gods fauour brought out and ſet at libertie by his ſeruant Moſes, the holy From the 30, ch. of Gen. to the 14. of Exod. Scriptures declare. This departing of the children of Iſrael out of Egypt, is referred to the yeere of the world, 2454. that is, 430 yeeres after the promiſe made to Abraham, as Gal. 3. S. Paul hath it. After Moſes, the children of Iſrael were gouerned by Iudges, till the daies of Saul, whom Dauid, (another King of the ſame people) ſucceeded. Now let vs returne to the Empire of Babylon; Ninus being dead, his wife Semiramis ſucceeded him in his Empire: Semiramis. who in riches, victories, and triumphs, was inferiour to no mortall Prince. She inlarged the towne of Babylon; and made it a citie of ſufficient greatneſſe, adorning it with diuers faire buildings, and inuironing it with a wall. Shee ſubdued Aethiopia, and made warre alſo in India. Her ſonne Zameis the fifth King, Zameis. performed nothing worthy of memorie; Arius. but Arius, who next ſucceeded him, conioyned the Bactrians and Caſpians to his Empire. It is written, that Aralius his ſucceſſor was renowned for his wit and proweſſe, Aralius. but what he atchieued, is not committed to writing. The next to him, Baleus. Baleus, ſubdued many Nations, extending his dominions euen vnto Iudea, and was therefore ſirnamed Xerxes, that is, a conquerour, and triumpher, or warriour. Armatrites the ninth, Armatrites. was altogether giuen ouer to pleaſure and idleneſſe. There is nothing written of Belochus the tenth, Belochus. but that hee applied himſelfe to the ſtudie of ſoothſaying and diuining. Baleus the eleuenth, paralleld Semiramis, in renown for his prowes, and militarie induſtrie, and hath the fame, to haue beene highly extolled in ſundry learned mens workes. Altadas. Altadas the twelfth, of him it is recorded, that he followed his eaſe and tranquilitie of life, accounting it a point of folly, to be wearied with multiplicitie of labours, and fettered with varietie of cares, about inlarging the bounds of his kingdome, becauſe it tended not to the weale and commoditie of any men, but rather to their endammagement & ſeruitude. His ſucceſſour Mamitus the thirteenth, Mamitus. ſtirred vp his ſubiects on freſh againe, to diligence and induſtry in military affaires, and his puiſance gaue cauſe of ſuſpition to the Syrians and Egyptians. For Mancaleus the fourteenth, Mancaleus. his actions afford not argument worth the diſcourſe. Spharus. Sphaerus the fifteenth is commended for his great vertue and wiſedome. There is no mention in writing of any memorable act performed by Mamelus the ſixteenth. Mamelus. Sparetus. In Sparetus the ſeuenteenth his raigne hiſtories report, that wōdrous accidents hapned euery where. Aſcatades. Aſcatades the eighteenth brought all Syria vnder his ſubiection. And thus farre the ſuppos'd Beroſus, of whoſe writings almoſt all men make a doubt, & thinke them counterfeit: but becauſe we haue no other records extant, they follow this order. See their names at the end of the Booke. Others reckon 20 Kings more together with Sardanapalus, making him the eight and thirtieth King of the Aſſyrians. This King as without all compare the moſt effeminate of men, continually ſitting amongſt harlots, ſpining and carding with them, and ſo totally plunged in voluptuouſneſſe, that he would ſcarce euer ſhew himſelfe in publike. For this cauſe two of his Rulers, Belochus of Babylon, & Arbaces of the Medes, alienating their affection from him, after they had emblazon'd his filthineſſe and laſciuiouſneſſe vp and downe amongſt the vulgar: made warre againſt him. Hee with his womaniſh troopes, hauing ſcarce ioyn'd battell (ſuch was his bad ſucceſſe) fled to his palace, and here cauſing a great fire to be made, threw himſelfe and all his goods into it. In this deed only, The Monarchy diuided, as a certaine writer ſaith, ſhewing himſelfe a man. Afterwards theſe two rulers diuided the Monarchy betwixt them, Belochus was made King of Babylon, and Arbaces of the Medes. After is had ſtood 1300 years Thus Sardanapalus was the laſt king in that courſe when that Monarchy had ſtood 1300. yeares, for almoſt all their Kings liued exceeding long.

Belochus the nine & thirtieth, Belochus. 2 King. 15. 1 Chron. 5. or if it ſeeme better, the firſt King of the Aſſyrians in the new Monarchy, compelled Manaſſes King of Iſrael to pay him Tribute: the Scripture calls him not Belochus but Phul. Phul Aſſur. 2 King. 15. 2 Chro. 28. Phul Aſſur, ſurnamed Tiglath Pileſer, ſucceeded him. He tooke ſome certaine Cities in Iudea, and caried away the people captiue into Aſſyria. Achas King of Iuda, in whoſe time the Prophet Iſaias liued, deſir'd aid from this Tiglath againſt the King of Syria, Salmanaſſar. and ſent him preſents. After Tiglath followed Salmanaſſar, who after three yeares ſiege, tooke the Citie of Samaria, and caried away captiue Hoſea King of Iſrael, and his people, and allowed them a dwelling place in his owne Dominions euen amongſt the Medes as the Scripture ſaith, 2 King. 18. whereupon ſome gather that hee rul'd alſo ouer the Medes. His ſucceſſor Senacherib kept his Court in the City of Niniuie: Senacherib. 2 King. 18. Hee made Ezekiah King of Iuda tributary to him, and ſoone after beſieged Ieruſalem with a mighty Army, and by his Ambaſſadors exhorting the people to make a reuolt: 2 King. 19. and ſcoffed at their King, who hoped for helpe from his God. But he eſcaped not vnpuniſht, for God by his Angell in one night ſlew 185000. of his men, as a little before he had confirmed it to Ezekias by his Prophet Iſaiah. Iſa. 37. After his returne home, hee was ſlaine by his owne ſonnes. Tob. 1. Till this time, the Babylonians after Sardanapalus his ouerthrow, were in ſubiection to the Aſſyrians. Senacherib, as we ſaid before, hauing receiu'd ſuch a deſtruction at Ieruſalem, and not long after ſlaine by his owne ſons: there folowed a great change in the State of the Kingdome, which was then diuided. For the two brothers Adramalech, and Sarazar, who had committed the parricide fled. Notwithſtanding they leuied forces, and prepared Armes againſt their brother Aſſaradon, Aſſaradon. 2 King. 19. who after his fathers death had ſeized vpon the Kingdome: hauing formerly gouern'd the Common-wealth in his fathers Iſa. 37. Merodach. abſence. Merodach Gouernour of Babylon taking hold on this faire occaſion, 2 Kings 20. 2 Chro. 32. for his own good ſucceſſe: reuolted, proclaiming warre: and hauing by degrees, partly by fauour, partly by force, drawne in the neighbouring countries round about him, to his party, and ouercome Aſſaradon in the 12. year of his raigne: annexed the whole Empire of the Aſſyrians, to the Babylonians, and raigned Iſai. 39. & 50. Be •• nerodach. Nabuchodonozor, 1. forty yeares after. Many reckon, next after him, Benmerodach, and Nabuchodonozor the firſt of that name: but ſeeing the holy Scripture diſcouers nothing hereabouts: nor can we raſhly giue credit to others, weele rancke that Nabuchodonozor whom the Scripture makes much mention of, Nabuchodonozor the Great. next in order after Merodach. Hee therefore within few yeeres after his entrance, made warre with the Kings 24. Ierem. 46. Aegyptians: and tooke from them the whole Countrey therefrom Euphrates to Suidas cals this Peleuſiuns, the Key of Egypt, It is now called Damietta. Peleuſium, made tributary to him 2 K n. 24. Ioachim King of Iuda, and in the eight yeare of his raigne caried away captiue to Babylon his ſonne Iechonias, together with his chiefe men, and artificers, not onely of the City of Ieruſalem, but alſo of the whole Countrey. In the eighteenth yeare of his raigne he tooke Kings 15. 2 Chro. 36 Ieruſalem, after two yeares ſiege, & within a while after Ierem. 52 ſackt, burnt it, & broke downe the walls, caried away moſt part of the people, putting out king Zedekias his eies; and killing his ſons, and Noblemen. Ierem. 25. The Prophet Ieremy, had foretold this calamity in the firſt yeare of Nabuchodonozors raigne: and from this time we muſt reckon the 70. yeares captiuity of Babylon. Nabuchodonozor, about the foure and twentieth yeare of his raigne hauing ouercome the kings of the Ier. 46. Ammonites, and Moabites) paſſed into Aegypt with an army: where hauing got poſſeſſion of all that Countrey, afterwards begun his Monarchy. In the ſecond yeare of his Monarchy, as the learned of our times collect, he ſaw in his dreame a great Image, whoſe head was of gold, the breſt and armes of ſiluer, the belly and thighes of braſſe, the legges of iron, the feet part of iron, part of clay. When hee awakt, and could not call to mind what he had dreamt, but yet remain'd mightily aſtoniſht, calling together his Magicians and ſoothſayers, charged them vnder paine of death to interpret his dreame. Daniel a yong man. Captiue with the reſt of his Nation, brought thither from Ieruſalem, ſignified that he could ſatisfie the kings deſire: being brought forth, firſt hee ſhewed what the dreame was, and afterwards interpreted the meaning therof. The Image ſaid hee, ſignifies the foure chiefe Monarchies of the world, which are to ſucceed in order, and turning his ſpeech to the King himſelfe; Thou, ſaid hee, whom God hath inueſted with ſupreame power and glory, to whom he hath giuen rule ouer all men, beaſts of the field, fowles of the ayre; Thou I ſay art the Golden Head of that Image. After thee another kingdome of ſiluer ſhall ariſe, worſe then this of thine: afterwards the third kingdome of braſſe wch ſhall beare rule farre and wide: but the fourth kingdome ſhall be of iron, for as yron breaketh in peeces and ſubdueth all things, ſo alſo ſhall the fourth and laſt, breake in peeces all the reſt, and bring them in ſubiection to it. This therefore is the firſt and formerly neuer heard of propheſie, of the four Monarchies, which God reuealed to vs by his Prophet Daniel. A thing truly worthy to bee committed to memory, becauſe in a few words it compriſes the hiſtorie of all ages, vntill the end of the world: as afterwards I am to ſpeake of. Now it ſufficeth how at this time firſt of all, God hath diſcouered to vs, the order and ſucceſſiue courſe of the Monarchies. Dan. 4. That place in Daniel alſo; manifeſts more clearly of what great puiſſance this Nabuchodonozor was: where the Scripture compares him to a Tree, whoſe height reached to heauen, which, as it were, oue ſhaddowed the whole earth: whoſe leaues were very faire, and moſt abundantly loaden with fruit, whereby all creatures were fed and fatned: in whoſe brāches & boughes, all manner of fowle dwelt and made their neſts. This therfore is the firſt Monarchy: wch, as it was exceedingly amplified in this Kings raigne & hoiſted vp to the very higheſt ſteppe. So alſo it fell away and in his Nephewes time was quite extinguiſhed euen as God had denounced by Daniel, and other of his Prophets. This Nabuchodonozor raigned three & forty yeares. It would quite the coſt if all mortall men, eſpecially Kings and Princes, would read & diligently conſider, with how dreadfull a ſpectacle and example; God (as Daniel ſets it downe) reuenged his pride: Dan. 4. and 5. that ſo they might the more reuerence Gods diuine Maieſtie, Euilmerodach. 2 King. 25. Ierem. 51. and performe that office to the people, wch is committed to them. His ſon Euilmerodach ſucceded him, he raigned 30 yeares, Aſſur. Labaſſardach. and his ſucceſſor Aſſur three yeares. Labaſſardach, who raigned Metaſthener and others ſay but 6. euen yeares, ſucceeded him. After him Balthaſar bore rule •• ue yeares: Many reckon them after this manner, but the learned of our time, omitting two of them, Balthazar. put Balthaſar next after his father Euilmerodach, & write that he raign'd 14. y. wch is very neceſſary to make the perfect number of 70. yeares, during which ſpace the Iewes were in captiuity to the Babylonians: ſithence their captiuity begun in the nineteenth yeare of Nabuchodonozors raigne. Thoſe who obſerue this order and leaue out the two Kings before ſpoken of follow the Tract of Scripture, and eſpecially the Prophet Ieremie s teſtimony, Ierem. 25. who propheſied that the Iewes ſhould ſerue the King of Babell, his ſon, and his ſons ſon, but in this point let euery man haue his iudgement free to himſelfe. Howbeit Balthazar, as the Scripture mentions, was the laſt King of the Babylonians, Dan. 5. and in this all Writers agree. As for the manner of the taking of Babylon, many Authors deſcribe it. Dan. 5. Daniel alſo mentions how God denounced to this King, his imminent and euen preſent calamitie, and relates how the gouernement of the Monarchie, after that King was ſlaine, was tranſlated to Darius the Mede, Darius. then 62. yeeres of age. Many Writers call this Darius, Cyarxes, who was the ſon of Aſtiages, eight King of the Medes, whom Daniel cals Aſſuerus, Dan. 9. who hauing no iſſue male, beſtowed his daughter in mariage vpon Cyrus the King of Perſia's ſiſter ſonne: and being prouokt to enter into a warre with the King of the Aſſyrians, ſent for aid to Cyrus, who leading his forces thither, and being made Generall of the whole armie, returned conquerour, hauing taken that moſt powerfull Babylon. Dan. 9. Citie. It is recorded that Darius liued not aboue a yeere after this victorie. And then, when Darius was yet liuing after the taking of Babylon, and the children of Iſrael, Ier. 25. and 29. Dan. 9. had by this time, remained captiue in Babylon, almoſt 70. yeeres: God reuealed in more ample manner to Daniel, according to his praiers in that behalf, who made knowne the ſame to the Prophet Ieremie, foreſhewer of the captiuitie: Cyrùs founder of the ſecond Monarchy of the Perſians, when the firſt of the Aſſyrians, had ſtood about 1538. yeeres, this was about 3434. and did not onely confirme the nearnes of their freedome, but alſo ſhewed what time the Meſſias ſhould come, who ſhould ſatisfie for the ſinnes of men.

After Darius his death, the ſway of gouernment was committed to his ſonne in law Cyrus, and this is the beginning of the ſecond Monarchie; for now Cyrus alone held in his owne hands, Aſſyria, Media and Perſia, euen to the Ionian ſea, as Thucidides hath it, hauing before his winning of Babylon, taken Craeſus that moſt puiſſant King of Lydia. So this Cyrus is firſt King of the Perſians, and founder of the ſecond Monarchie. This moſt renowned Prince, hauing vanquiſht the Babylonians, made warre with the Scythians, whether going with his armie, and at length intrapped and inuironed by his enemies, was there ſlaine. In the beginning of his raigne, after the taking of Babylon, hee permitted the Iewes to returne home againe out of captiuitie, 2 Chro. 16. that they might reedifie the Temple, and the Citie of Ieruſalem, and to that purpoſe beſtowed very liberally out of his own Treaſurie. Iſai. 44. and 45. God by his Prophet Iſai, had foretold him by name, ſome ages before he was born. Xenophon brings him in, diſcourſing with his ſons before his death, about the immortalitie of the ſoule, as Cicero hath it, who interprets that place, as all others, very elegantly. Cyrus reached the 70. yeere of his age, and raigned 30 yeers, being 40. yeeres old at the beginning of his raigne. His ſonnes name was Cambyſes, Cambyſes. whom, when hee went from home to the Scythian warre, he ſet ouer his Kingdome. He (his Father being abſent and in imploiments) tooke Egypt. In warre indeed hee was renowned, but otherwiſe vitious, and did not repreſent his Fathers vertues. Among the reſt of his filthie and ſauage deeds, he commanded his own brother to be ſlain trecherouſly. Plato in his bookes, which he writ of the Lawes, reports how Cyrus was very much to blame, for that he brought vp his ſons effiminately, amongſt women: who, when they grew into riper yeeres, being corrupted by flatterers, for the moſt part abuſing their cares; did, after their Fathers deceaſe, Darius the ſonne of Hiſtaſpis. indanger one anothers life.

Darius the ſonne of Hyſtaſpis ſucceeded Cambyces, ſecond King of the Perſians, who ſuruiued his Father but a ſhort ſpace. And by reaſon that many of his ſubiects, & together with the reſt, the Babylonians did, (after Cyrus his death, and ſo great an ouerthrow of his armie) reuolt from the kingdome of Perſia: Hee tooke armes at the firſt ſteppe of his raigne, and reunited them to his Empire, hauing after a long ſiege, taken Babylon alſo by helpe of He mangled himſelfe, cutting off his cares, noſe, and lippes, faigning that Darius had ſo pu •• iſht him, for ſpeaking in the Babylonians behalfe, whe eupon they receiued him, and by that policie, hee got the Citie for Darias. Zopyrus. Within a while after, he made warre againſt the Athenians, who vpon a ſodaine, muſtering vp their forces, not expecting any aid from the Lacedemonians, did at Marathon, with about 10000. men, Miltiades being their Leader, ouercome his huge It conſiſted of 600000. men. armie. Darius was aminded to renew the warre, but death preuented him, in his very firſt attempt: whoſe ſonne and ſucceſſor, Xerxes. Xerxes in the tenth yeer after the battell at Marathon, as Thucidides relates, came with an Some confine it to 1000000 but Juſtine extends it to 2000000 and Herodotus to more. innumerable armie, with intent to ſubdue all Greece. Hereupon the chiefe managing of theſe warres, was by common conſent committed to the Lacedemonians, becauſe they bore greateſt ſway all ouer Greece: but the Athenians followed Themiſtocles his counſaile, quitting their Citie, leauing their wiues and children in one place or other, betooke themſelues to their ſhippes, and ioyning battell with the enemie at Salamina, ouercame him. That victorie was very commodious to all Greece in generall, for Xerxes being alſo expelled their Country, did by an infortunate and a diſhonourable flight, In a little Fiſhers boate. returne home, and the Grecians likewiſe after his departure. But the Athenians hauing a Nauie of 400. ſaile, or thereabouts, coaſting on further, and purſuing their enemies, tooke the towne of Seſtos vpon Helleſpont, which the Perſians held: and there wintring, afterwards returned home, gathered together their diſperſed wiues and children, and repaired the walls of their Citie (which the enemie burnt when hee tooke it) and fortified the Port. This warre of the Perſians, or (as Thucidides calls it) of the Medes, happened, as Cicero writes, almoſt at the very ſame time, with the Volſcian warre, where the exild Romane Coriolanus was Generall: Xerxes his warre, An. Mund. 3488 and that was in the 266. yeere after the building of Rome. Herodotus, before Thucidides, writ of this Perſian warre. Cicero calls him the Father of hiſtorie, but reports that his writings are ſtuft with an infinite companie of fables, The Lacedemonians were ſore offended at this fortification of the Athenians, but ſith they could not tell how to amend themſelues, buried all in murmuring ſilence: and both they, as alſo the reſt of the Grecians, together with the Athenians, ioyning forces, tooke the Ile of Cyprus, and the Citie Now called Conſtantinople. Byzantium, which the Perſians held.

Among the reſt of the Lacedemonian Captaines in this warre, Pauſanias was one, who (being condemned of treaſon) after he was returned home, and lay beſieged in a certaine Sanctuarie, was famiſhed to death with hunger. Themiſtocles alſo (being in like manner accuſed) fled. Soone after this, Greece was toſſed vp and downe with ſundry wars and diſſentions, partly forraigne and partly domeſticall, which Thucidides pithily relates. But at length, in the fiftieth yeere after Xerxes departure out of Greece, as Cicero reports it after Thucidides, that cruell warre ſprung out when the whole Country of Now called Morea. Peloponneſus, conſpired againſt the Athenians; Pericles, Anaxagoras his ſcholler, being their Leader in that warre; who, as Ariſtophanes reports, lightned, thundred, and ſet all Greece on fire with his tongue. For theſe in times paſt, were the maſterpieces of proweſſe and eloquence. On the other part, Archidamus King of the Lacedemonians had ſupreame command. Thucidides who writ of this warre, was both equall to, and emulous of Pericles. Sophocles the tragicall Poet, was, as Cicero writes, Pericles his collegue, in the Generalſhip.

Now let vs returne to Xerxes. He, by reaſon of ſuch his bad ſucceſſe, being growne into contempt, was ſlain by his own ſubiects. Artaxerxes Long-hand. His ſonne Artaxerxes Long-hand ſucceeded him. To him fled the exiled Themiſtocles, whom we ſpake of a little before, and there Poyſoned himſelfe, becauſe he would not goe with Artaxerxes to ſight agai ſt his owne Country. Darius Nothus. ended his life, & was buried at Magneſia. After Long-hand, Darius Nothus raigned, who married his owne ſiſter. In the beginning of this Kings raigne, happened the aforeſaid Peloponneſian warre. And the Athenians, though they had remora's enough beſides, yet in the fourth yeere of this warre, as Thucidides recites in his third booke, they ſent a Nauie into Sicilie, vnder pretence to aid the Leontinians, againſt the Syracuſans, but their intent was to bring that Iland vnder their ſubiection, that ſo they might more conueniently ſubdue Greece, and afterwards when they were returned, and foſtered their owne factions, Hermocrates of Syracuſa, was the firſt that moued the Sicilians to liue in peace, laying aſide all grudges, for the Athenians had laid ſnares of bondage, to intrappe the libertie of their whole country, & his perſwaſion tooke effect. This was in the ſeuenth yeere of this warre.

Three yeeres after this, the Athenians and Peloponneſians, concluded a truce for fifty yeeres, but it held not full ſeauen: for euen then many outrages were broached, and though the peace were not quite aboliſhed, and gappes of offences committed, were euer anon ſtopt vp againe by truces; yet in the 17 yeere, they burſt forth againe into open warre with full forces, & this ſecond warre continued tenne yeeres. Then the Athenians ſend ouer againe their Nauie, moſt exquiſitely furniſhed, into Sicilie. The chiefe Commanders, whereof among the reſt, were Alcibiades and Nicias. Nicias very earneſtly (declaiming certaine Orations to that purpoſe) diſſwaded them from this voiage: but Alcibiades perſwaded the contrarie. The Peloponneſians gaue aid to the Sicilians: at length, the Athenians incounter with their enemies in the Port of Syracuſa: but after a doubtfull and dangerous battell, were all of them put to flight and ſlaine. In the meane time, the Lacedemonians and their confederates, conclude a league againſt the Athenians with Darius King of Perſia. Tiſſaphernes was Darius his Ambaſſadour. Next after, Codrus, Polydor of Sparta, and Ariſtomenes of Meſſene: theſe following are for the moſt part reputed the chiefe and moſt renowned Captaines of the Greekes: ſome whereof performed worthy ſeruice for the whole Country of Greece, and euery one for his owne country at the leaſt: as, Miltiades, Leonidas, Themiſtocles, Pericles, Ariſtides, Pauſanias, Xantippus, Leotychidas, Cimon, Conon, Epaminondas, Leoſthenes, Aratus of Sicyon, Philopoemen. Moſt of theſe were at length baniſhed their countries. Cicero deſcribes the Port of Syracuſa, and reports how the Athenian Nauie onely, which conſiſted of 300. ſhips, did within mans memorie, inuade it, and was vanquiſhed and ouerthrowne within the ſame, by reaſon of the aduantage in the ſcituation and nature of the place, and port it ſelfe: and then firſt of all was the puiſſance of that Citie borne down, abated and ouerwhelmed, and ſhipwracke was made of Nobilitie, Gouernement and Glory. Thucidides relates, that the circuit of Sicilie is as much as a great veſſell can ſaile round about in eight daies ſpace: and that the Iland is diſtant from the Continent, about twenty Two miles and a ha e. furlongs.

Darius had two ſonnes Artaxerxes Mnemon, and Cyrus; Artaxerxes Mnemon. the firſt whereof ſucceeded his father, and Cyrus gouerned lonia: but not being content with his owne ſhare, made war vpon the King his brother, & was there ouerthrown and ſlaine. Marcus Portius Cato, as Cicero hath it, cals this Cyrus the yonger King of Perſia, a man of an excellent wit, and the glory of his Kingdome. He commends him alſo for his delight in husbādry, as Xenophon writes of him: for this Xenophon was one of his ſouldiers, and very familiar with him, and for that cauſe was afterwards driuen into exile by the Athenians who were in league & amity with Mnemon. Ochus. Darius. After Mnemon raigned Ochus, his third and youngeſt ſonne. Darius the laſt of all ſucceeded. Againſt him, Alexander King Philip of Macedon his ſonne, made warre: who, after hee had ſubdued Thebes and pacified Greece, ſet forward into Aſia, & in three battels ouerthrew Darius, taking his mother, wife and daughters, priſoners. Darius offered him very large conditions, & part of his kingdome to the riuer of Euphrates: but he refuſed both, and ceaſed not, till hee had ouerthrowne him: for when Darius ſaw that hee could not make his peace vpon theſe conditions, hee renewes the war the third time, and comming againſt him with a moſt puiſſant Army was the third time ouerthrowne, and as he fled, ſlaine by his owne men: when, together with him, the Monarchy of Perſia, which had ſtood 200. yeares was extinguiſhed.

Alexander by theſe famous victories, brought vnder his ſubiection almoſt all the countries lying Eaſtward, The third Monarchie of the Greekes founded by Alexander the Great about 3609. after the Perſian Monarchie had ſtood about 200. yeares. tranſlated the Imperiall feat out of Aſia, into Europe, and founded the third Monarchie. After this, he made warres in India, but, ſuch is the weakeneſſe of mortall men, thoſe blaſts of ful-handed and indulgent fortune, could not breath vpon him, but muſt needes puffe him vp with ambition: when hauing plaied many inſolent prankes, and in a manner commanded diuine worſhip to be giuen him: comming to Babylon there died of a feuer, or (as many write) of poiſon, being 33 years of age, and hauing raigned 12 yeares. Calanus an Indian, as Cicero relates, foretold him of his death, whom, as he was going to be He cauſed himſelfe to be burnt following the ancient cuſtome of the chiefemen of his Nation. burnt, Alexāder asked if he had any thing to ſay, Oyes, quoth he, I ſhall ſee thee re it be long. Within a few dayes after Alexander breathed his laſt, which was (as it is commonly taken) in the hundred & fourteenth Games in honor of Iupiter celebrated euery fift yeere: they begun An. mund. 3186 〈◊〉 Moſt authors (as Meibomius notes) agree that he dyed in the 429 y. after the building of Rome. Olympian, & in the foure hundred and ninth yeare after the building of the City of Rome, which is 322. yeares before the birth of Chriſt. He was a very deuout louer of good Arts, & moſt liberall towards learned men: & is therefore highly extold in many of their workes. He delighted much in Homers Poems, and though we read that hee was neuer without many learned men about him to record his acts: yet when hee ſtood before Achilles his tomb in Sigeum. O happy young man, ſaid he, that haſt found ſuch an Herald as Homer to proclaime thy vertues. For as hee would (rather then any others) haue Apelles his Painter. Pictor, and Lyſippus his Statuiſt. Fictor: ſo would hee haue his worth extold and commended to the memorie of poſterity, by ſuch, as in ſetting forth his glory, could purchaſe renowne to their owne wits. He imployed his Tutor Ariſtotle, about deſcribing the nature of all liuing creatures, and for that purpoſe procured certaine thouſands of men, throughout Greece & Aſia: as Graſiers, Huntſmen, Fiſhermen, Fiſhmongers, Fowlers, & many more ſuch like, to giue him information of each creature. Its written that hee gaue to the Author himſelfe in recompence of his labour, 800 Talents, which amounts as the learned of our times collect to 1480. Crownes. He ſent Xenocrates the Philoſopher 50 Talents, by his Ambaſſador, which comes to 1030 Crownes, which when hee refuſed and ſent him word back again by his Ambaſſadors that he hath no need of ſo much money. What, ſaid he, has he no friend, whō he may benefit by thē?

In his tender yeares, when he was Ariſtotles ſcholler, hee was, as Cicero writes, endued with a moſt excellent wit, and exceeding great modeſty, but afterwards aduanced with the title of King. He grew proud, cruell and deboiſt. Hiſtoriographers tell wondrous ſtories of Darius his gorgeous pomp, delicious paſtimes, and riotous exeſſe: For hee kept within his Tents Cookes of all kinds, Huckſters, crammers of fowle, Artificers, clerks of his kitchin, and Confectioners: leſt hee ſhould bee vnprouided of any meanes that might encreaſe his bodily pleaſure. Many writers ſpeake of the Kings of Perſia their ſolemnities and ſumptuous prouiſion in their daily banquets elſewhere. They were wont to keep many wiues, as Cicero writes, and to thoſe they gaue certaine cities, that ſuch a citie ſhould find ſuch a woman with all manner of attire for her head, and ſuch a City with this or that apparell. Such was Darius his end, as I formerly recited, who as he fled from Alexander, drinking foule water polluted with dead corpes: denyed that euer in al his life he drunk a more pleaſant draught: for he neuer drunke when hee was a thirſt, before that time.

After Alexanders death, his ſpacious Empire was diuided amongſt his Nobles, Ptolomeus, Laomedō, Antigonus, Caſſander, Leonatus, Eumenes, Python, Lyſimachus, Antipater, Meleager, Seleucus, but the chiefe of thoſe was Seleucus, afterwards made King of Syria, as alſo Ptolomeus of Egypt, Antigonus of the leſſer Aſia, and Caſſander of the Macedons & Greece, hauing quite cut off all Alexanders alliance. This Lyſimachus is he, whom Alexander being on a time angry with, cauſed to be ſhut vp wth a Lyon: but whē he heard how hee had killed the beaſt, highly eſteemed of him. Now moſt grieuous warres, as it is common, aroſe betwixt thoſe forenamed ſucceſſors and their ſonnes and Nephewes: for the mind once corrupted wth ambition can admit no reſt, but plots how to augment its own power, by committing iniury vpon other men. And all theſe Countries being moſt miſerably afflicted with thoſe wars, by reaſon they were continuall, by little and little grew into ſubiection to the Romanes, who extending their dominions farre and wide, made vp the fourth and laſt Monarchy, whereof I am now to ſpeake.

But amongſt Alexanders ſucceſſours in this Kingdome of Aegypt, Ptolomeus Philodelphus was one, a moſt laudable Prince: For he, as much as in his lay, kept peace with all, ſtirred vp the liberall ſciences, appointing ſtipends for ſchollers, erected a moſt copious Library and commanded the books of Moſes, and the Prophets, to be tranſlated into the Greeke tongue.

The beginning of the city of Rome therefore, was at that time when Salmanaſſar before mentioned, raigned in Aſſyria, that is in the firſt yeare of the ſeuenth Olympiad, according to Plutarch, and of the world, 3212. when as, almoſt 400. yeares before, Rome built 3212. Aeneas had begun his raigne in A part of Italy. Latium, after the Troian warres, which Homer left to the memory of poſterity: of whoſe Herodotus, Dion: Halicarnaſſ. Solinus, and Gellius (as Meibomius notes) writeth of his time. time, as likewiſe of his Gellius alſo writes of his Countrey. country, there is no certainty extant: onely Cicero writes that many years before the building of Rome, and Romulus: there was ſuch a man. Howſoeuer there is no prophane writing of more antiquitie then his Poem: for as Horace ſaith; Many braue worthies flouriſht ere thoſe daies, When Agamemnon ſhin'd, whoſe bootleſſe praiſe Hath not the force t'attract one liquid eie: For laſting night with blacke obſcuritie, In ignorance inuelopt hath their names, Wanting no Herald to proclaime their fames.

Cicero alſo ſignifies as much, who writes that there was not the tract of an Orator to bee ſeene before Homers time.

As for the originall of Rome, it was but meane and in a manner contemptible, but becauſe God hath ſo ordained as afterwards it ſhall be declared: it grew vp to the height of potency. In their firſt beginning ſeuen Kings raigned ouer them, 244. yeares. And in Seruius Tullus the ſixt Kings raigne, Solon and Piſiſtratus flouriſht in Athens, and Pythagoras in Italy, as Cicero writes. At what time Tarquinius the proud was expell'd. He writes alſo that in this Seruius Tullus his raigne, Athens had then ſtood about 700. yeares. Hauing expell'd their Kings, the gouernment of their State was tranſlated to two Conſuls, whoſe office was annuall. The firſt was Lucius Iunius Brutus, one no leſſe vehement and diligent about expulſion of the Kings, and ſetting vp the liberty of his Countrey: then vigilant and valiant in preſeruation thereof. For when his owne two ſonnes, Titus and Tiberius, amongſt other Noblemens ſonnes of Rome, had commun'd together in priuate conſultations, about calling in againe of the Tarquins: after the matter was openly diſcloſed, he put them to open death Hee alſo abrogated his Collegue Tarquinius Collatinus his authority, who was his aſſociate in expelling of the Kings, as alſo coadiutor in his Councells. Cicero defends this fact as iuſt, and ſaith it was no leſſe profitable then honourable to his Country, that thereby both the name of the Tarquins, and the remembrance of the Kingdome might bee extinguiſhed. But in this variable fortune of the Romans, when all Tuſcanie. Hetruria had conſpired againſt them, three hundred of the 306. as Liuie, Florus, Ouid, &c. Fabies marched out of the Citie againſt the enemie, and were all ſlaine, ſauing a childe which was left at home, and ſo left aliue: who afterwards raiſed the houſe againe: this happened in the thirty three yeere after the expulſion of the Kings. By reaſon of the troubleſome ſtate of the Common-wealth, Ambaſſadours were ſent into Greece, in the three hundred yeere after the building of the Citie, to fetch from thence, the lawes, which the Citie of Rome ſhould vſe. After their returne the forme of gouernement of the Common-wealth, was changed, and the Tenne Noblemen appointed to gouerne in ſtead of Conſuls. Decemvirs were put in authoritie with the gouernement therof, but this order held not full three yeeres: for Appius Claudius, one of the Decemvirs, by his lewdneſſe in violently carrying away a Virgin, daughter to Lucius Virginius, a Citizen of Rome, to ſerue his luſt: gaue occaſion to the people wholly to ſubuert this order. So the gouernement returned to the Conſuls, but thoſe two, held it but a few yeeres: and then two Much like our Knight Marſhals at this day. Tribunes of the Soldiers were conſtituted with Conſular authoritie: but they before their yeere was out, left off their office, and made roome againe for the Conſuls: and at this time, which was in the three hundred & fifteenth yeer of Rome built, Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus the Dictator, cauſed Caius Seruilius Hala, maſter of the Cauallery, to kill Spurius Melius, & alſo pluckt downe his houſe, becauſe hee indeauoured by his lauiſh liberalitie of corne in the Citie, to procure the Kingdome. Two yeeres after this, the gouernement was reduced to the Tribunes of the Soldiers, who afterwards were not bipartite, but more were created at one and the ſame time, as the people pleaſed, and the ſtate of the Common-wealth required.

This kinde of gouernment continued almoſt 70. yeeres, and among the reſt in this office, flouriſht, Marcus Furius Camillus, inferiour to none for valour: who, though hee had done worthy ſeruice for the Common-weale, yet his ingratefull country, thruſt him out into baniſhment, after hee had beene Tribune of the Soldiers the fourth time: but after hee had recouered the Citio out of the hands of the Inhabiting in and about Sons in Gallia. Galliſenons, who had taken it, and vanquiſht the enemie, was reſtored to his former dignity, and within two yeeres after made He had power regall, and was neuer choſen, but when the Commonwealth was in great danger, and could not hold his place aboue half a yeere. Dictator. A few yeeres after this, Marcus Manlius, he that defended the Capitoll againſt the Gaules, being ſuſpected of affecting ſoueraigntie, was pitcht headlong from the top of the hill Tarpeium, and a law made, that no man deſcending from the ſtocke of any Senatour of the houſe of the Manlies, ſhould bee called Marcus. After this, Camillus was the ſeuenth time created Tribune of the Soldiers, and being very old, ended his life in the 389. yeere after the building of Rome: the gouernment being a yeere before his death, againe reduced to the Conſuls. The firſt whereof was a One of the Commeueltie. Plebeian. In thoſe times flouriſht the moſt renowned Captaines of warre in that Citie, ſuch as were, Marcus Valerius Corvinus, Titus Manlius Torquatus, Caius Martius Rutilius, Publius Decius Mus, Papirius Curſor, Publius Philo, Lucius Volumninus, and others.

One of which, namely, Titus Manlius Torquatus, one of the Conſuls, beheaded his owne ſonne, for that he (contrary to his command, and out of his ranke) had encountred his enemie in a ſingle combat, although hee got the vpperhand. Publius Decius Alus the other Conſull, in the battell againſt the Latines, deuow'd and bequeathed himſelfe to death for the Romano Armie: when violently ruſhing into the thickeſt troopes of his enemies, by his death, re-eſtabliſhed the tottering ſtate of Rome. His ſonne, of his owne name, foure times Conſull, performed the like againſt the Galli-Senones, forty foure yeers after that. At the ſame beforementioned time, in the Moſt Authors agree of 10. or 12. yeers before, viz. Anno Mundi, 3620. or 22. 420. yeere of Rome built, Alexander the great, founder of the third Monarchie, as we haue aboue declared, flouriſhed and made his warres. Titus Liuius compares Lucius Papyrius Curſor with him, and extending his diſcourſe as well for his owne as his Readers recreation, ſhews that he was able to haue reſiſted Alexander, if happily hee had led his forces into Europe, after his conqueſt of Aſia, and made warre vpon the Romanes. This before-recited Papyrius Curſor, was indued with the very quinteſſence of valour: for, omitting other his valiant acts, when Titus Ʋeturius Caluinus, and Spurius Poſthumius Albinus the two Conſuls, together with the whole armie at the Made of ſpeares or iauelings ſtucke in the ground vnder which the conquered were to paſſe in diſhonour. Forks of Caudium, were compelled by the Lamnits, to goe ignobly vnder the yoke, and had made a diſhonourable peace with the enemie: Hee (being created Conſull) vanquiſht the late conquering enemie, and put him to flight; as alſo when hee was Dictator, made his owne Maſter of the Cauallery an example to teach what ſtrict obſeruance ought to bee had in militarie diſcipline. In this age alſo, and a little vpwards, Greece brought forth men of tranſcendent learning; for then flouriſhed Socrates, and from him, as from a certaine fountaine, Ariſtippus, Plato, Antiſthenes, Speuſippus, Ariſtotle, Di aearchus, Xenocrates, Heraclides, Theophraſtus, Polemo, and Strabo; all of them Phyſiologers, and as Cicero cals them, Speculators and hunters of Nature. Then alſo flouriſhed moſt famous Oratours, as Gorgias, Protagoras, Prodicus, Hippias, Iſoerates, Lyſias, Demoſtenes, Hyperides, Aeſchines, Phalerius, Demetrius. And Hiſtoriographers chiefly, Xenophon, whom Cicero cals a Socratiſt, and Caliſthenes, Alexander the great his companion.

In this age liued Dionyſius the Spracuſan Tirant, to whom when Plato came and ſpoke freely concerning the dutie of a Prince, he put him in great danger of his life, as Cicero relates. This was hee who committed not the guard of his body, to his allies, but to certaine ſtrangers, and ſauage and barbarous people: hee who taught his daughters how to cut their haire, that they ſhould not aduenture their neckes vnder the Barbers hands: who ſuffered them not to vſe any manner of edgetoole, after they were come to yeeres, but made them cindge his head and beard with redhot Walnut-ſhels: who reſorted to his wiues often times by night, but firſt made ſure to ſuruey and prie into all places: who not daring to ſhew himſelfe in the common Pulpits, was wont to ſpeake to the people out of a Tower: who ſhewed Damocles one of his Parraſites, what manner of felicitie that of his was, which he had boaſted of: for as hee ſate in the middeſt of his choiſeſt delicates, with abundance and ſuperfluitie of all manner of pleaſures; he cauſed a glittering ſword, hanging by a briſtle of a horſes vpper lip, to be let downe, that it might hang ouer his necke.

About forty two yeeres after Alexanders death, Pyrrhus King of the Epirotes came into Italie, and made warre with the Romanes. In his ſecond yeeres warre, he ſolicited the Senate about concluding of a peace and a league. But Appius Claudius both old and blinde, who, as Cicero writes, had beene twice Conſull before that, came into the Court; and diſſwaded the Senate inclining to peace, from making any league with him; for, euen in that caſe, wherein he then was, he had ſo much courage, as not to ſhrinke from any either priuate or publike ſeruice. The Oration which hee then pronounced concerning Pyrrhus, when hee broke off the peace, was extant in Ciceroes daies, as hee himſelfe witneſſeth. At this time, Cains Fabritius Luſcinus, performed a worthy piece of ſeruice for the Common-wealth, who being ſolicited by Pyrrhus, to reuolt, contemned his moſt ample gifts, and large proffers: nor onely ſo, but alſo ſent him backe againe, a certaine captiued runne-away, who had certified, that hee could take away the Kings life by poiſon. Cicero compares him with Ariſtides the Athenian. Mannius Curius Dentatus, gaue Pyrrhus an vtter ouerthrow, at his ſecond inuaſion of Italie, and triumphed ouer him. This Pyrrhus was the firſt that euer brought Elephants into Lucania. And till this time, (being almoſt fiue hundred yeeres continuance) the Romans were in warres with the inhabitants of Italie onely, amongſt whom the Latines, Veientes, Aequies, Faliſcians, Samnites, Hetrucians, reſiſted very ſtoutly, ſometimes conquered, ſometimes conquering: who being at length ſubdued, and a peace ſetled; that moſt bloody warre againſt the Carthaginians ſprung vp: the Ioſephus writes that it was built within 143 yeeres after Solomons Temple. The firſt Punicke or Carthaginian warre beganne Anno mandi 3697. originall of which Citie, is by euident teſtimonie, prooued to be farre more Ioſephus writes that it was built within 143 yeeres after Solomons Temple. The firſt Punicke or Carthaginian warre beganne Anno mandi 3697. ancient then Rome. This warre begunne in the foure hundred eighty fift yeere of Rome built: In which, that noble act, which hath report of performance by Marcus Attilius Regulus deſerues ſingular commemoration, who, being taken priſoner by the Carthaginians, and ſent by them to Rome, to treate of a peace and exchange of priſoners, with condition (except hee preuailed) to returne to his bondage: Hee, when hee came thither, perſwaded the Senate the quite contrary way, & ſhewed that it was repugnant to the cuſtom of the Common-wealth: but yet holding it a point of honour, to hold promiſe with his enemie, returned to Carthage, where hee was put to death with the moſt cruell kinde of puniſhment: his eye-lids being cut away, and ſo bound faſt in an engine, conſumed to death by waking. This warre proceeding, the Romans had their firſt and fortunate ſea-fight in Sicilie, againſt Hanno, Publius Duillius Conſul: Cicero rankes this Duillius, Mannius Curius, and Caius Fabritius; as alſo Attilius Calatinus, Cneius and Publius, both Scipioes, Aphricanus, Marcellus, and Fabius Maximus, within the liſt of the moſt renowned Conſuls of Rome. The yeere following, Lucius Cornelius Scipio, Conſull, took the Ilands of Corſiea and Sardinia. The Carthaginian warre, after it had laſted three and twenty yeeres, Held 23. yeeres. was at laſt appeaſed, Quintus Luctatius, Catulus Cercus, and Aulus Manlius, Conſulls. Two yeeres before this, was Ennius borne. Hee was elder then Marcus Portius Cato, (who cals him his familiar conſort) by fiue yeeres. And Rome was now againe intrapt with new wars againſt the Of Tuſcame. Faliſcians, Of Tuſcame vpon the Seacoaſt. Lygurians, Sclauonians. Illyrians, Of Gallia, now France. Galles, Bohemians. Boies, Of now Lumbardie. The ſecond warre which the Carthaginians begun, Anno Mundi 3751. Inſubrians, whom hauing at length ouercome, the ſecond Punicke or Carthaginian warre burſt forth, in the twenty fourth yeere after the concluſion of peace. Publius Cornelius Scipio, and Titus Sempronius Longus, then Conſuls. Hannibal was Captaine Generall in this warre, who ſack't the Citie of Saguntum, and bending his courſe through Spaine towards Gallia, and from thence to Italie, in three ſeuerall battels, at Now Pauie. Ticinum, the Riuer Trebia, and the Lake Thraſimine, ouercame the Romanes. But Quintus Fabius Maximus being created Dictator, and marching forth againſt the enemie, by ſubtle and dilatorie withdrawing from him, weakened and tooke off the edge of his force and furie. This was that very Fabius, whoſe fame Ennius celebrating, ſaith thus of him.

One mans delay, our ſafety hath regained.

Cicero accounts him a great Politician, and ſaies, that hee could conceale, keepe ſilence, diſſemble, inſnare, and preuent his enemies in their conſultations. But after this, the Romans receiued a very great ouerthrow at A towne of Apulia in Italie. Canna, which ſtrucke ſuch an horrid feare in the Citie, that many of the abler ſort purpoſed to flie and forſake the Citie, but were reanimated and withdrawne from their intents, by Publius Cornelius Scipio Publius his ſonne, a magnanimous yong Gentleman, and then ſcarce foure and twenty complete. The fourth yeere following, Claudius Marcellus tooke Syracuſa after a long continuing ſiege. In the ſacking of which Citie, the famous Mathematitian Archimides was ſlaine: who was drawing certaine Aſtronomicall figures in duſt, not dreaming of the conqueſt of his country. Marcellus hauing notice hereof, tooke his death wonderfull heauily, and commanded his body to bee buried: not onely ſuffering the conquered Citie to remaine in ſafetie, as Cicero writes, but alſo left it ſo furniſhed, that it ſhould ſtand for a Monument of victorie, humanitie, and clemency. Moreouer, as he ſpeakes vpon Verres, the Much like our Lord chiefe Iuſtices at this day. Praetors arriuall there; in this victory of Marcellus, there were fewer men, then gods ſlaine: but Liuie reports, that many abhominable examples of wrath, enuy, and auarice, were then and there ſhewed. Cicero when he was Much like our office of Lord Treaſurer. Queſtor of Sicilia hauing by ſome deſcription found out the place of Archimedes buriall, ſhewed his tomb to the Senate of Syracuſa, 137 y. afterwards, though it was quite worne out of memory, grown ouer with bryars and brambles, and vnknowne to the very Citizens themſelues. He further reports that this City of Syracuſa, was the greateſt & moſt beautifull city in Greece, and that it was compact of foure very great Cities: the Iſland, where was the fountaine of Arethuſa, hauing great ſtore of fiſh: Acradania where the market place Porticus. The publike walking place for pleaſure, recreation or exerciſe. Prado, and Curia. Senatehouſe ſtood: Tyche, where the Temple of Fortune ſtood: Neapolis built laſt of all, where the moſt ſpacious Theater was erected. Moreouer, this, of any forraigne Nation, was the firſt, that entred into amity and allegiance with the Romans, and was their firſt prouince, as the ſame Cicero teſtifies: Annibal, ſoone after his victory, compelled all Campania to bee yeelded vp to him: but his Army wintering at Capua with ſuperfluity of victualls and riot, became wholy disjoynted and broken. The third yeare after the ouerthow of Syracuſa, Capua was ſurrendred into the hands of the Romans: and it was long and much demurred vpon, whether or no, they ſhould quite deſtroy the City: at length they agreed to preſerue it, yet leſt it ſhould at any time afterwards, bee able to raiſe any rebellion, their fields were quite taken away, all manner of authority both of Magiſtrates and Senatours abrogated, as alſo the Councell of Eſtate, no image of a Common-wealth left, but was appointed to bee a ſtorehouſe for fruit, the plowmens rendezuous, the Countreymens market town, and the common Garner and Cornhouſe for the countrey of Campania. Within two yeares after this, Aſdrubal brought ouer new Auxiliary Forces into Italy: but was ſlain at the riuer of Metaurum by Marcus Liuius Salinator, & Caius Claudius Nero Conſulls. In the meane while Publius Corneſius Scipio had good ſucceſſe in Spaine, after his father & his vncle had loſt their liues there. He hauing recouered the whole prouince, returnes to Rome, and being made Conſull, deſired to be authorized ouer Africa, that he might make war there. But Quintus Fabius Maximus, an aged graue Senator withſtood him very earneſtly: and vrged that it was not fit to paſſe into Africa, but to ioyne battell with Hannibal. Scipio contrariwiſe, that if warre were made with the Carthaginians within their own Quarters, they muſt of neceſſity, be conſtrained to call home Hannibal out of Italy, in whō they ſetled their chiefe hopes and helpes. After much diſpute the Senate grants Scipio the Prouince of Sicilie, and permits him, if it might be commodious to the Commonwealth, to paſſe ouer into Africa. He therefore at length ſets forward out of Sicilie into Africa: where, what hee had foretold the Senate by word, he confirmed by deed. For the Carthiginians hauing receiued ſome ouerthrowes by him, and being much endammaged, call backe Hannibal. Thus he who for ſixteene yeeres together, had raged vp and downe Italy, and pickt out a place vnder the verie walles of Rome, where to pitch his Tents, was compelled to returne home, though ſore againſt his will and to his great griefe: where at length in his owne country quarrell, Hannibal vanquiſhed An. mund. 3797. hee was vanquiſhed by Scipio, who ſoone after, by decree of the Senate, concluded a peace with the Enemie. Hereupon came his ſurname of Africanus.

But here we muſt conſider, after what manner the Romans creptout of theſe moſt intricate ſtraights, for all their fortune now hung by a moſt ſlender threed; yet ſo it was deſtined, that they ſhould ouerſway all force and trouble, and become Lords of the whole earth. Some report that Hannibal foreſaw this, when hee heard of his brother Aſdrubals ouerthrow. The words which hee then vs'd, Horace ſets them downe, in that Ode, Horace l. 4. Ode 4. wherein he celebrates the fame of Druſus and his houſe; which being moſt learned & elegant, worthily, amongſt other matters, deſerues commemoration by all of the yonger ſort. Thus the Romanes being at peace with the Carthaginians: beſides thoſe warres wherein they were employed, in Italy, Iſtria, and Luſitania: The Roman warre with Philip King of Macedonia, 3770. made ſharpe warre againſt Philip King of Macedonia, who infeſted the Countrey of Greece. In this warre Titus Quintus Flaminius was Generall, who at length, getting the vpper hand of the Enemy, did by decree of the Senate reſtore Greece, to its former liberty: and amongſt other iniunctions prohibited King Philip from making war in any place, out of his owne Territories, without decree of the Senate. The Roman wars with Antiochus King of Syria, 3777. To this warre another ſucceeded, againſt Antiochus King of Syria, who paſſing ouer into Europe, was ouerthrowne and expelled Greece, by Mannius Glabrio, Philip King of Macedon aiding the Romanes in that warre. Thoſe before recited Kings of Aſia, Syria, and Macedonia, deſcended from their poſterity, who, as wee haue aboue related, diuided the prouinces amongſt them after Alexander the Great his death. For Carthage being pacified, and all Italy brought vnder ſubiection; the Romanes hauing ſubdued their neighbouring Countries of Europe both by ſea and land, were now grown to that height, that Kings and people farre remote implored their patronage.

After this manner the Egyptians (whoſe King Ptolomy Epiphanes was, a very young Prince, and not of ability by reaſon of his non-age to gouerne them) being brought into imminent danger by Antiochus the Great, ſent ouer their Ambaſſadors to Rome, petitioning the Senate to vndertake the tuition of their young King. Hereupon the Senate enioyned Antiochus to forbeare Egypt: Hee hereat incenſed, but more eſpecially when Hannibal who was fled to him and remained his gueſt very earneſtly perſwaded him to the warre: ſtrucke ouer with a Nauie into Greece, and there, as wee reported before, was put to flight. Whereupon the Romans ſetting forth with an Armado, purſue him, and ſtriking ouer into Aſia, ouerthrew in a maine battell, and beat him backe beyond the Mountaine Taurus. Cicero relates, how after this ouerthrow he was wont to ſay, that the Romans had done him a very good turne, for now (being freed from too exceeding great gouernment) hee would conteine himſelfe within the moderate bounds of a Kingdome. Lucius Cornelius Scipio, Publius Scipio Africanus his brother, was Captaine Generall in this warre, thereupon ſurnamed Aſiaticus.

After this, Marcus Fuluius Nobilior, vanquiſhed the A certaine people of Greece. Aetolians, and triumphed ouer them. And Publius Scipio Africanus, after his returne home out of Aſia, (whither he was ſent in Ambaſſage to his brother in time of this warre) being croſt by the Officers appointed for protection of the Commons againſt the Nobles. Tribunes of the Commons: withdrew himſelfe into his village of Liternum, and there, this man of tranſcendent worth, ended his life: being, as many write, 52. yeares old, of the ſame age with Marcus Portius Cato. In that Dialogue, Sleidan (as Meibomius notes) miſtakes Africanus, for Quintus Fabius Cunctator whom Cicero ſpeaks of. which Cicero writ of old age, hee brings in Cato ſpeaking very affectionately and honorably both of his age and ſtudies, but moſt eſpecially extolling his magnanimity: howbeit Liuie writes, that Cato was his enemy, and was wont much to diſquiet himſelfe with the odious enuie, that he bore againſt him for his fortitude. Cicero commends him for his dexterous celeritie in diſpatch of buſineſſe.

At this time flouriſht thoſe Poets, Ennius, Plautus, and Neuius.

After Antiochur his ouerthrow, Hannibal fled to Pruſias King of Bythinia: and (when the Romanes deſired to haue him deliuered into their hand) by a draught of poiſon finiſhed his life. Hannibal poiſoneth himſelfe. An. 3786.

To Antiochus, his ſonne Antiochus Epiphanes ſucceeded, who likewiſe practiſed by treachery to haue ſeized vpon the Kingdome of Egypt, for that he was vncle to Ptolomie Philometer King of Egypt, who ſucceeded after his fathers death; hereupon, profeſſing himſelfe to be the yong Kings Tutor, purpoſed to diſpatch him, and ſo transferre the ſway of gouernement into his own hands, but his plot being diſcouered, the Romans (whom the Egyptians had againe ſolicited for aide) ſent ouer to him in Ambaſſage Caius Popilius Laenas, who comming to conference with Antiochus, commanded him in the name of the Romans to depart from Alexandria, which hee then beſieged: who deſiring time to deliberate vpon it; Laenas with a little rod drew a circle round about him in the place where hee ſtood, and in flat termes charged him to giue his anſwer what he would doe, before hee ſtirred out of that Ring. Hee, hereat diſmaid, and not being ignorant of the puiſance of the Romans, promiſed peace.

Thoſe paſſages are onely for this purpoſe mentioned, that it may appeare how the Romans, from theſe ſmall beginnings gathered ground ſtep by ſtep, and climbed vp to the higheſt branch of gouernment. For now their puiſſance hauing outſtript the bounds of Italy, made an impreſſion into ſeuerall Quarters of the world: but a great part of their labour yet remained towards the keeping in together the ponderous burthen of this their Empire, whoſe circuit contained the chiefeſt part of the whole world, as hereafter though briefly, Ile declare in order.

Philip King of Macedon, he whom I formerly ſpoke of, taking it very hainouſly that the Romanes had put him to ſuch a ſtraight: was aminded to renew the warre; but being preuented by death, his ſonne and ſucceſſor Perſeus, hauing beene long before that incenſed againſt the Romanes, vndertooke this warre as it were a part of his inheritage: but Lucius Aemilius Paulus, the ſecond time Conſull, Perſeus K. of Macedonia, with his wife, mother & Children led in triumph at Rome, by Aemilius Paulus, 3802. at length ouerthrew him in battell, tooke him, together with his wife, mother, and Children, and led them in triumph, for this cauſe ſurnamed Macedonicus: and from that time Macedonia became one of the Prouinces of the Romanes. The yeare next before this, dyed Ennius, aged 70. yeares, as Cicero hath it. Within a few yeares following, Publius Cornelius Naſica, ſubdued Dalmatia, and not long after the third Punicke or Carthaginian warre begunne. The third Punick or Carthiginian warre, 3819. For the Carthaginians being impatient of peace and eaſe, offer violence and hoſtility to the reſt of their neighbours, but more eſpecially to Maſſiniſſa King of Numidia, a confederate and friend of the Romanes. The Romans being requeſted for their aid, decreed to make warre in the 604. yeere of Rome built: but herein they differed in their opinions, whether it were better to raze the Citie, or preſerue it ſafe: ſome were of opinion, that it ſhould not bee deſtroyed, for that, ſaid they, Carthage being taken away, they ſhould fall into ciuill warres and diſſentions amongſt themſelues: but Marcus Portius Cato, vrging the contrarie, ſhewed what danger might hang ouer the Common-wealth of Rome, by reaſon of that Citie, vnleſſe it were quite deſtroyed, and this his opinion carried it, he himſelfe departing his life in the time of this deliberation, hauing attained to the eighty fift yeere of his age. Cicero rankes him amongſt the ancient Orators, and places him next after Marcus Cornelius Cethegus, whom Ennius (as he reports) extolled. Hee alſo further relates, that there were a hundred and fifty of Catoes Orations extant, ſtuft with excellent words and matter: and reprehends thoſe of his time for their too much niceneſſe, in not diligently peruſing them. He compares him with Lyſias the Athenian Writer.

In this third Punicke warre, Publius Scipio Aemilianus, Publius Macedonicus his ſonne, and Publius Scipio Aphricanus his nephew by adoption: was at length made Captaine Generall. He, in the fourth yeere of his warre, begunne by others, after a ſharpe ſiege continuing for certaine daies, tooke the Citie of Carthage, ſackt it, burnt it, and laid it leuell with the ground, Carthage deſtroyed, 3822. thereupon gaining his ſirname, likewiſe ſtiled Aphricanus, as hee was, that ouerthrew Hannibal, as aforeſaid. And this was the period of this moſt puiſſant Citie, which by originall was more ancient then Rome, and for worthineſſe of Captaines, ſcarce inferiour to it, hauing borne rule farre and wide. Cicero writes, that Publius Scipio after hee had taken Carthage, reſtored to the Sicilians, thoſe Enſignes & ornaments which the Carthaginians had taken from them ſome yeers before: as alſo to the Agrigentines, that famous brazen Bull, which is reported to bee Phalaris the Tyrants, wherein hee was wont, for puniſhment, to incloſe men aliue, and then to ſet it on fire. This Phalaris loſt not his life by trechery, as many other Tyrants did, but the whole multitude of the Agrigentines fell vpon him. Cicero calls Affrica the tower of all Prouinces. Much about this time, the Romans made warre with the Achaians a certaine people of Greece, for offring iniurie to their Ambaſſadours. Lucius Mummius Conſul, was Captaine Generall in this warre, who getting the vpperhand in battell, forced all Achaia to be yeelded vp to him, and by decree of the Senate, ſet fire on Corinth the chiefe Citie, and vtterly ſubuerted it: leſt at any time hereafter, being repaired, it might ariſe and lift vp head againe. Mummius hereupon was ſirnamed Achaicus. About this time alſo one Viriathus, (who from a Shepheard grew to be a Hunter, from a Hunter, to a Highway-thiefe, and afterward, leader of a ſtrong Armie) kept the Country of Now Portugal in Spaine. Luſitania in poſſeſſion; who for ſome certaine yeeres holding play with the Romans, and very oft putting them to the foile, was at length trecherouſly ſlaine: and ſoone after, Decius Iunius Brutus, ſubdued all Luſitania, euen to the Ocean. In the mean time the Romans receiued a great ouerthrow from the Numantines a people of Spaine: for, refuſing to accept of the peace made by Mummius the Conſull, in regard it was diſhonourable, of a new create Publius Scipio Aemilianus Aphricanus, Conſull, contrarie to the ordinarie courſe, and to him commit the charge of the warre: who marching forth with an armie, hauing recalled the ſoldiers, growne more effiminate and impatient of labour, to obſeruance of ſtrict militarie diſcipline, after hee had beſieged the citie of Numantia ſome certaine daies, Numantia deſtroied, 3832. tooke and ſubuerted it, in the fourteenth yeere after the ſubuerſion of Carthage, and of Rome built, ſixe hundred and twenty. Cicero cals Carthage and Numantia, the two terrours of the Roman Empire.

At this time there aroſe an vproare of the bond-ſlaues in Sicilie: who hauing gathered together great forces, were at length with much adoe repreſſed by Caius Fuluius the Conſull. After this, the Romans had warre with Ariſtomius in Aſia: for Attalus King of Pergamos, had by his teſtament made the Romanes his heires, but Ariſtomius being allied to him, ſeized vpon that part of Aſia, and defrauded the Romans of the benefit of his Teſtament. Him, Marcus Peperua, Conſull, vanquiſhed, and at length tooke priſoner. The yeere following, which was the 625. yeere of Rome built, Scipio Aphricanus murthered 3837. Scipio Aphricanus lying at his owne houſe, was in the night-time murthered by his owne kinsfolkes, as it was ſuppoſed. Cicero makes relation of his moſt fluent eloquence, his fidelitie and integritie: and writes, that albeit the whole Citie was plunged in depth of ſorrow for his death, yet no man opened his mouth about the cauſe therof. He reports alſo, that in this yeere, the ſunne was twice doubled. Thus this moſt renowned Commander ended his daies, aged 56. yeers, which, as Cicero in a moſt ſweet fictitious inuention faignes, Aphricanus the elder had forewarned him of. In this age liued Lucilius, Terence, Pacuuius, Accius, Licinius, Caecilius, Afranius. Caius Laelius, one moſt intimate with Aphricanus, calls this Pacuuius his friend, but Terence his familiar conſort. After this, Fabius Maximus Conſul, in a maine battell, ouerthrew the Of Sauoy. Allobroges, About the Riuer L ire. Aruerni, and About Rhodes. Ruteni, people of Gallia. At the ſame time, Caius Gracebus, Tribune of the ſoldiers, an eloquent man, and defender of the Agrarian law, was ſlaine at Rome, his brother Tiberius Gracchus hauing twelue yeers before loſt his life for the like cauſe. Cicero giues both of them commendations for their eloquence: and writes, that Tiberius his Orations were not very beautifully ſet forth in words, but were acute and full of wiſedome: and Caius his brothers, were fitteſt to be peruſed by thoſe of the yonger ſort, as ſeruing not onely to whet on, but alſo to nouriſh the wit, and hee ſtiles him the moſt wittie and moſt eloquent of all the Romans. Gracchus dream't that he heard his brother Tiberius telling him that hee ſhould die of the ſame death wherof he did: and as Cicero reports, he told it to many before hee was created Tribune of the Commons. Their lawes are extant, about prouiſion of corne, replantation of Colonies, The warre with Jugurth King of Numidia begunne •• Anno Mundi, 3857. ſoldiers rewards for their ſeruice, gouernement of the Prouince, the peopls ſuffrages about election of Magiſtrates, and of letting to farme King Attalus his lands, and the country of Aſia. After theſe Tribunician diſſentions followed that war, which the Romans had with Iugurtha King of Numidia. It was begunne by Lucius Calphurnius Beſtia, Conſull; continued by Quintus Coecilius Metellus: Ended, 3859. and ended by Caius Marius the Conſull, who ſerued in the warres with Publius Scipio: For Bacchus King of Mauritania, Iugurtha's confederate, not willing any longer to vndergoe the hazard of warre, deliuered vp Iugurtha bound, into Sylla's hands, who was ſent ouer to him for that purpoſe by Marius. And at this very time, which was in the ſixe hundred forty ſeuenth yeere of Rome built, was Marcus Tullius Cicero borne, Cicero borne 38. being eight yeeres after the birth of that moſt famous Oratour Quintus Hortenſius. In the time of this Iugurthine warre, the Danes. Cimbrians and Germanes vanquiſhed by Caius Marius, 3867. Teutons, pierce ſome into Italie, ſome into Gallia; where hauing very much annoied the Romans, and in certaine battels, ſometimes ouercomming the Proconſuls, ſometimes their Lieutenants, were at length ouerthrowne and put to the ſword by Caius Marius, the fourth time Conſull: the Teutons at Aix. Aquenſis, and the Cimbrians on the marches of Lombardie Inſubria.

To this felicitie ſucceeded a new tumult: for certaine people of Italie, as the Samnites, Pelignians, Marſians, The Sociall war, 3877. Veſtinians, Maruſinians, Vmbrians, Picentines, Lucanians, reuolted from the Romans. At diuers battels, at length they were reduced to ſubiection. In the necke of this, followes another miſchiefe, and a dangerous one to the Commonwealth: The war with Mithridates, 3880. for Mithridates, King of Pontus, expelied Ariobarzanes King of Cappadocia, and Nichomedes King of Bythinia, (both friends and confederates with the Romanes) out of their dominions: and ſeizing vpon Phrygia a Prouince of the Romanes, broke into Aſia. Hereupon the Senate decreed to remedie it by the ſword: but iuſt in the nicke, ſprung vp a faction, ſome requiring Lucius Sylla a man of Noble parentage, others Caius Marius for their Generall. Publius Sulpitius Tribune of the commons, aided Marius his partie, but Sylla hauing command ouer the armie, expelled Marius the Citie; who thus exiled, and lurking in the mariſhes about Minturnae, not without very imminent danger of his life, in a little Barke, ſtrucke ouer into Affrica. In Sylla's abſence, in the warres of Aſia, Lucius Cornelius Cinna, Conſull, begunne to raiſe an vproare, and practiſe new ſeditions: who, after hee was baniſhed by his collegue, Cneius Octauius, and expelled the Citie, makes freſh head againe, and ioynes with Caius Marius, who vpon that occaſion was returned from Affrica. Cinna and Marius beſiege and take Rome, 3882. Thus hauing contracted their forces, they ioyntly beſiege the Citie of Rome, on that ſide where the village of Ianiculum ſtood: when many of the Citie, ſhewing themſelues not ſo much cowards, as perfidious wretches (no meanes for reſiſtance being left) giuing them entrance, they made all places flow with blood and deſtruction, and forthwith reproclaiming thē ſelues Conſuls, in that their office, exerciſe much crueltie: among the reſt Lucius Cinna committed that famous orator Marcus Antonius to the ſword, and Caius Marius, did the like for Quintus Catulus. Lucius Sylla hearing of thoſe hurly-burlies, hauing in a manner recouered all that he warred for, concluding a peace with Mithridates returnes into Italy, but Marius, ſeuenth time Conſull, dyed before his arriuall. Lucius Cinna had for his Collegue Cneius Papirius Carbo on their partie: who although they oppoſed Sylla with might and maine, were, together with Marius his ſon put to flight: and Sylla being now ſole Commander, purſued his aduerſaries very ſharpely, hung out a writ of proſcription, ſels the proſcripts goods, and disinabled their children of all priviledge and right of bearing honours in the Commonwealth: and then making himſelfe Dictator, caried all matters according to his owne will, and enfringed the Tribunes authority: and when he ſould the Citizens goods, declared in the publike aſſemblies, that he ſold nothing but his owne prey. Briefly, it came to that paſſe, that no man without his conſent, could hold either goods, country or life: and with ſuch bitter hatred was he incenſt againſt Caius Marius, that he cauſed the reliques of his body to bee ſcattered and ſtrewed vp and downe the riuer Teueron. Anio: and hee himſelfe was the firſt of any Nobleman of the houſe of the Cornelioes, that deſired to be burnt by fire: it may be fearing leſt the ſame accident ſhold befall his owne dead bodie. Cicero relates that Marius was ſtrong and valiant, and conſtant in his wrath: but hee taxes Sylla of vehemency, and Lucius Cinna of cruelty. Hee further ſtiles Marius the terror of his Enemies, and the hope and helpe of his Country. Lucius Sylla made foure new lawes, againſt forgery, parricide, murther and iniuries. In the time of his Dictatorſhip, Marcus Cicero aged 26 yeeres, came into the Court, and pleaded Sextus Roſſius his cauſe in publicke. Before him, theſe Orators were moſt famous, Quintus Catulus, Caius Iulius, Marcus Antonius, Lucius Craſſus. In which age, ſaith Cicero, the Latine tongue was growne to full perfection in a manner. This age indeede, wherein Cicero liued, did moſt of all excell in learning. For to let paſſe ſo many and ſo worthy Orators, there were famous Lawiers, and amongſt the reſt Caius Aquilius Gallus, Lucius Lucilius Balbus, Caius Iuventius Sextus Papirius, who were Quintus Mutius Scaeuola the Chiefe Prieſt about the ſacrifices. Pontifies Auditors, to whom Cicero alſo in his youth, was a retainer. Publius Seruius Sulpitius was well neere Ciceroes equall, hee was Auditor of the aboue named men: and Aulus Oſſilius, Publius Alphenus Varus, Caius Titus Decius, the two Aufidioes, Caius Atteius Pacuvius, Flauius Priſcus, Cinna, and Publius Caecilius were his ſchollers. At the ſame time, with Sulpitius, flouriſht Caius Trebatius whoſe ſcholler Antiſteus Labeo was. Cicero extolling the deceaſed Sulpitius in moſt ample words, ſaith, That if all who euer in any age profeſſed the law in this Citie, were gathered together into one place, they were not to bee compared with Seruius Sulpitius; for he was experienct in point of aequity, as well as ſtrict law.

Amongſt thoſe who were proſcribed Quintus Sertorius was one, a man renown'd both for his couragious valour and experience in military affaires. He begun a moſt fierce warre in the further parts of Spaine, Sertorius his warre, 3890. where ouerthrowing certaine Roman Generalls, brought many Cities into ſubiection. Hereupon the guidance of this warre, was at length committed to Cneius Pompeius: when after many battels, with diuerſity of fortune on both ſides, at length Sertorius was treacherouſly ſlaine; and afterwards Pompey, being almoſt the tenth yeare after the beginning of the warre, recouered Spaine. About this time Nichomedes King of Bythinia, departing this life, made the Romanes his heires: But Mithridates King of Pontus, who formerly in that faction betwixt Marius and Sylla had ſtrucke a league with Sertorius, ſeizing vpon Bythinia, with maine forces renewes the war. Againſt him Lucius Lucullus was ſent with an Army, who when hee was Confull, had good ſucceſſe in his battells of horſemen; and afterwards being Proconful, defeating his forces, and recouering Bythinia, cauſed him to retire into Pontus: and there to Mithridates receiuing an ouerthrow in a maine battell, fled to Tigranes King of Armenia: yet Lucullus ſtill following and purſuing him, in ſome few battailes defeated both their forces: but the mutinous diſſentions among the ſouldiers, by ſome craftily rais'd, hindered him from fully finiſhing the warre, and bringing home the wiſht ſucceſſe and honour of his victory. For within a while after Lucullus being called home, Cneius Pompey was made Captaine Generall in that warre: to which ſeruice Marcus Cicero alſo was a motioner, hauing made a very elegant Oration to the people in Pompeyes commendation. Lucullus thus recalled, held his triumph neuertheleſſe, and beſtowed a very ſumptuous banquet vpon the Romans: ſoone after this, leauing his Offices in the Common wealth, hee liued at home privately ſtudiing Philoſophie, and erected a moſt copiouſly furniſht Library. In his ordinary table, he was (as at all times els) very ſumptuous and magnificent. Cicero makes mention of this Library, and ſayes, that he was wont to come thither to cull forth bookes: Pompey put Mithridates to flight, and purſu'd him very farre. He caus'd King Tigranes to yeeld himſelfe ouer into his hands, and ſeeing him abaſed and forlorne in his campe, aduanced him, as Cicero writes, and placing the Inſigne regium. Diadem vpon his head again which he had taken from him, vnder certaine cautions commanded him to raigne againe. At length Mithridates being beſieged by his owne ſonne Pharnaces, ſlew himſelfe. That warre which Pompey made againſt the Pyrates (which was before hee went againſt Mithridates) wonne him much authority.

This warre thus appeaſed, preſently another ciuill broile is broached: for Lucius Catilina with many more, conſpired the ruine of the Common wealth, but by Ciceroes ſingular induſtry, (who was then Conſull) his villany was diſcouered, he expelled the City, and hauing gathered together certaine bands and troopes of abiect fellowes in Hetruria, was in battell by Caius Antonius Conſul Ciceroes Collegue ouerthrowne and ſlaine. Cicero euery where amongſt his workes, ſpeakes much of the ſeruice which he then performed for the Common wealth, and makes relation not onely of the firebrands then ſeene in the night time, the flaming of the elements, lightnings and earthquakes: but alſo applies thoſe wondrous prodigies, which hapned when Lucius Cotta and Torquatus were Conſulls, (being two yeares before his Conſulſhip) to this time: when many Turrets in the Capitoll were ſtrucke downe, the Images of the gods ouerthrowne, the ſtatues of the ancient Heroes beat down, the brazen tables of the Law melted, as alſo the ſtatue of Romes builder, Romulus in forme of an Infant, gaping and ſucking at the teats of a wolfe, was ſmitten. Cicero deſcribing Catilines nature and qualities, ſaies, that there neuer was ſuch another Monſter as hee vpon the face of the Earth, compoſed of ſuch contrary different and mutually antipathizing appetites and diſpoſitions of nature.

In the time of Ciceroes Conſulſhip was Caius Octauius borne, Caius Octauius borne. 3906. and Iudaea made Tributary to the Romanes, after Cnelius Pompey had ſurprized the City of Ieruſalem. The fift yeare following, Lucius Piſo and Aulus Gabinius Conſuls, the Now called Switzers. Heluetians changed their habitation, and leuying maine forces intended to paſſe thorow the Prouince of Gallia into the further parts thereof, and there to ſeat themſelues in regard of the fertility of the ſoile. But Caius Iulius Caeſar who was ſixe yeares younger then Cicero hauing notice hereof preparing an Armie (the Senate hauing authoriz'd him ouer that Prouince) marcht thither and in pitcht battell vanquiſhed the Enemy, and afterwards going out againſt Arionistus King of the Germanes, who had annoyed the Country of Gallia That part of France betwixt the Riuer of Seine & Garonne. Celtica, but more eſpecially the Now Walloons. Heduies confederates with the Romanes, ouerthrew him at Beſanſon, a Towne of the burgundians inhabiting about the riuer Seine. Sequans, not farre from the Rhyne. Soone after he brought the whole Countrey of Gallia in ſubiection to the Romanes, and forthwith ſtriking ouer the ſea into Brittaine, conquered it.

Cicero reports that Caeſar writ to him out of Brittaine on the firſt day of September, and the Letters came to his hands the eight & twentieth day of the ſame moneth. When Caeſar went into Gallia, Cicero being moleſted by Publius Clodius Tribune of the Commons departed into exile, firſt making an oration to the Gentry and Commons, wherin he commended his children and family to their care: and within a few moneths after being called backe by the Senate, (with exceeding great congratulation of the prople) made another Oration to the Romanes, wherein he rendered thanks to his friends. Afterwards, hee laid the blame on Lucius Piſo, and Aulus Gabinius Conſuls, for his baniſhment, and ſhewed that by them hee was betrayed, declaiming certaine Orations againſt each of them, in one whereof, hee counſail'd the Senate to take from them the Prouinces of Syria and Macedonia, and not to call backe Caius Caeſar, hauing moſt happy ſucceſſe in his wares in Gallia, but to continue his authority, whereby he might fully finiſh the warre. Meane while Ptolomie Auletes King of Aegypt (for his ſlothfulneſſe and cruelty thruſt out of his kingdome) came to Rome, and the Senate, at Cneius Pompeyes entreaty, reſtor'd him by Aulus Gabinius, expelling Archelaus whom the people had ordained to be their king. At length Gabinus was adiudged to pay into the common treaſury 10000 Talents, or as ſome of our times ſuppoſe 6000000. Euery Talent amounteth to 176 pound ſterling. becauſe hee had receiued ſo much from Ptolomie. And Marcus Craſſus, (who had in charge the managing of the Parthian warre) hauing paſt ouer the Riuer of Euphrates, was ouerthrowne, and ſoone after ſlaine at an enterview vpon Truce. This was he, who was wont to ſay, that no man was rich, except hee could maintaine an An Army conſiſted of 2400 foot, and 20000 horſe. Army at his owne charge. About this time was Publius Clodius ſlaine by Titus Anaio Milo; Cicero defended Milo (Cneius Pompey being then the third time and alone Conſull) yet at length he was commanded to go into exile.

The warres with the Galles being ended, which was about the eight yeare thereof, that ciuill warre of Caius Caeſars, The ciuill warre betwixt Caeſar and Pompey begunne 3916. with his ſonne in law Pompey, burſt forth. The occaſion whereof was, becauſe Caeſar was to be depriu'd of his Conſulſhip, except hee would firſt diſmiſſe his forces, and ſurrender his Prouince, but hee was aduiſed that it could no waies ſtand with his ſafety, to part from his Army: yet hee condeſcended deſcended vpon condition, that Pompey as well as hee, ſhould yeeld vp his forces: but when that was refuſed, marching out with his forces with incredible celeritie, hee left Gallia and came into Italy, where entring into the Country of Flaminia, he tooke many townes ſome by force, Now Romandi la. o herſome by dedition. Vpon notice hereof, Pompey and the two Conſulls Caius Marcellus, and Lucius Lentulus flye from Rome to Brunduſiū, a Sea coaſt Towne in Puell. Apulia: thither marcht Caeſar, but before his arriuall, the Conſuls had ſtruck ouer the Seas to Durachium: Durace in Macedonia. and not long after Pompey followes them. Now Caeſar being preuented by time, not hauing a Nauie in readineſſe could not purſue them, but returnes to Rome, where calling together the Senate, he makes complaint of his iniuries, and alſo propounded certaine conditions of peace: but being ſleighted off by the Senate, he marches to Marſiles in France. Maſſilia, where the gates were ſhut againſt him: hereupon rigging his Nauie, he beſieges it both by ſea and land, and there leauing his Deputies, ſets forward into Spaine, where at length hee compels Petreius and Africanius two of Pompeyes Captaines, together with the whole Armie, to yeeld. Then he returns to Maſſilia, which City deſpairing of all ayde, preſently yeelds to his power: and after he was made Dictator in his abſence by Marcus Lepidus the Praetor, repaires to Rome, calls an aſſemblie, and is created Conſull together with Publius Seruilius Iſauricus: ſoone after hauing ſetled the affaires of the City, hee ſtrikes ouer into Greece, and at length ouerthrew Pompey in Theſſaly in a maine battell, Pompey ouerthrowne 3921. and disbanded him, though his Army farre exceeded Caeſars. Pompey thus put to flight, arriues in Egypt, Ptolomy Dionyſius, Ptolomy Auletes ſon, being then King thereof: which Auletes, (when he was expelled his Kingdome) Pompey had reſtored by Aulus Gabinius, as aforeſaid. In regard of which benefit, hee expected aid and protection from that Countrey: but the King being a child, his Nobles (either deſpiſing Pompeyes fortune, or elſe fearing ſome troubles) treacherouſly kill him. And ſlaine. Caeſar purſuing Pompey, arriues at Alexandria with 3200 men, and there firſt of all had notice of Pompeyes death. Cicero paſſing his cenſure vpon both of thē, If in the laſt war, ſaith he, Pompey had abated ſomewhat from his auſtere grauity, and and Caeſar much from his ambition, wee ſhould haue had both a firme peace, and ſome Common wealth left vs.

The King of Aegypt was then in warres with his ſiſter Cleopatra. Hereupon Caeſar being at Alexandria, would haue their controuerſies rather decided by courſe of law before himſelfe, then by ciuill warres amongſt themſelues: becauſe hee was Conſull of Rome, and ſome yeares before there was a cōfederacy agreed vpon with Ptolomy the Kings father by decree and conſent of the Senate. But the States tooke this moſt hainouſly complaining that their Kings Royall Maieſty was ecclipſed, in calling him to ſit in iudgement vpon their controuerſies. Thus incenſed in minde they prepare to make warre againſt Caeſar, but he after much danger getting the vpper hand, did not reduce it into the forme of a Prouince: but tollerated Cleopatra, and her yonger brother (the King being ſlaine) to hold the Kingdome. From thence marching into Syria, and afterwards into Pontus, hee put to flight King Pharnaces, Mithridates his ſonne, and ſetled peace in Cappadocia, Armenia, Gallo-Greece, Pontus, and Bythinia. Forthwith returning into I talie, and ſo to Rome about the middle of Winter, at the Winter Solſtitium. Sun-ſted, he ſtrikes ouer from A towne and promontory in Sicilie. Lilybeum, into Africa, though warned by a chiefe Soothſayer, not to take his voyage before the end of Winter. Scipio and Cato, Marcus Portius Catoes Nephewes ſonnes were fled thither from the battell at Where Pompey was ouer hrowne. Pharſalia, and hauing gathered together a great Army, drew King King of •• a •• it nia Iuba, into confederacy with them. Ceſar marching thither, ouerthrew and deſtroied them all; but Cato, (leſt hee ſhould fall into his hands) killed himſelfe at Now called Biſerta in Barbarie. Vtica; which fact Cicero defends and ſaith, that it was better for him (whom nature had indued with incredible grauitie) ſo to doe, then to behold the face of a Tyrant. This Cato was of the ſect of the Stoickes, and would oftentimes maintaine ſtrange opinions in the Senate, as though he were verſed in Platoes politickes, as Cicero ſaith, and not in the refuſe off-ſpring of Romulus. Afterward Ceſar repaires to Rome, and hauing triumphed ouer Gallia, Egypt, Pontus, and Affrica, ſet forward to Spaine, where he warred againſt, and ſubdued Sextus Pompeius. Thus hauing vanquiſhed all his aduerſaries, and ſetled a peace in many Nations farre and wide: in the fift yeere after the beginning of his ciuill warres, The fourth Monarchie begun by Caius Ceſar, An. 3925. being 300. yeeres and odde after Alexander the Great. he returns to Rome, where after hee had triumphed ouer Hiſpaine, hee aſſumed the offred title and authoritie of perpetuall Dictator, and ſwaied the Senate according to his owne will: hee, in a manner hauing the ſole beſtowing of all honours, and publike offices, conferring them vpon whom he pleaſed, thereby incurring many mens ill-will.

And now the ſtate of the Common-wealth being altered, and the ſupreame gouernment thereof reduced to one mans principalitie, thoſe conſpiracies then in brewing againſt him, were at length, broached: For, in the fift moneth after his returne to Rome, Caius Ceſar ſlaine. hee was ſlaine in Pompeys Curia. Court-houſe, on the Ides of March, and by thoſe very men, whom by his late ſhewed kindneſſe, hee had obliged to him, as alſo pardoned them for ſeruing againſt him in the Pompeian warre. Thoſe were Marcus, and Decius Brutus, Caius Caſſius, Cneius, Domitius, Caius Trebonius, Quintus Tullius Cimber, two of the Sernilioes, Caſea, Hala, and many more. Marcus Antonius the Conſull, Ceſars Collegue, indicted Cicero alſo before the Senate, as guilty of the murther: for that Marcus Brutus preſently after Ceſar was ſlain, (holding vp his dagger on high) ſhouted aloud, and nominated him, congratulating him for recouerie of their libertie.

Many report that Caius Ceſar ſpake to Marcus Brutus in Greeke, as hee ruſhed vpon him, and called him ſonne, how they take it, I know not; but it is euident out of Cicero, that Brutus was fifteene yeers yonger then he.

Caius Ceſar made diuers lawes, ſome whereof when he was Conſull, and other ſome when he was Dictator, which after his name were called the Iulian lawes: as, about diſtribution of lands, concerning violence, Maieſtie, extortion, Prieſt-ſhips, vſurie. Others lawes there were, which goe vnder his name, but were made by Octauius. All commend him for his clemency, and Cicero giues him praiſe for his wit, quickneſſe, reaſon, memorie, learning, prouidence, diligence: but hee ſtormed grieuouſly at his authoritie, yet ſecretly and in an Epiſtle to Atticus, Thou ſhalt perceiue, ſaith he, that this kingdome can ſcarce hold halfe a yeere together. But in al thoſe proceedings, Cicero carried himſelfe very wauering and inconſtantly: for during the warre, he followed Pompeyes partie, and his camp, although hee reprehended his diſcouragement of minde and cowardiſe, and in his Epiſtles to his friends, hee cals Ceſar a war-waging Tyrant and monſter. But after Pompey was put to flight, and ſlaine, and Ceſar had pardoned many of his aduerſaries, he changes his ſtile, and in three ſet Orations extolled him with praiſes to the very heauens. Further, when Ceſar heard that there was treaſon plotted againſt him, and would often ſay, that hee had liued long enough; he beſeeches and requeſts him to reiect that opinion: for although hee was full fraught with glory, and in that regard, for himſelfe, had liued long enough, yet hee had not liued long enough for the Common-wealth, which could not be without his aid and protection: as concerning any danger, he need not trouble himſelfe. For all of vs, ſaith he, doe not onely promiſe to watch about and guard Thee, but alſo to interpoſe our owne ſides and bodies. But for all this, after Ceſars death, hee reioyced wonderfully, and boaſted, that they who had ſlaine him, had obtained that glory, which could ſcarce bee contained within the heauens.

This therefore is the fourth and laſt Monarchy: in which place we muſt note, how this citie which was built by Shepheards: from moſt ſlender beginnings, by little and little increaſed to the height of potencie, and grew to bee Empreſſe of the whole world. Now hereafter, I will briefly, as farre as I may, declare, after what manner it fell off by degrees from this moſt high eſtate, vnto ruine.

The end of the firſt Booke.
IOHN SLEID AN of the foure chiefe Monarchies. OR, The key of Hiſtory. The ſecond Booke.

CEſar being ſlain, Octauius Ceſar begun his raigue, Anno mundi, 3925. and raigned An. 57. his ſiſters ſonne Caius Octauius (hauing drawn about the militarie bands to his partie) perſecuted the murtherers moſt bitterly. And at firſt, ſeemed to take armes in defence of the Commō-wealth againſt Marcus Antonius: but afterward diuding the Empire with him, and Marcus Ledipus ordained a Gouernment by three. Cicero put to death, An. 3926. Triumuirat, in which Marcus Cicero was by Marcus Antonius (whom he had very vehemently oppoſed) put to death, being ſixty three yeers of age, which was eight yeeres after Quintus Hortenſius his death, who was ſo many yeers elder then hee, as aboueſaid. Cicero directly ouerſhot himſelfe in his owne policies: for when Marcus Antonius moleſted the Common-wealth, after Caius Ceſars death, he with exceeding great praiſes commended to the Senate, Caius Octauius, Ceſars kinſman, a yong Gentleman of twenty yeeres of age, and begunne to vrge to haue him created Conſull, without any regard had to his age, producing examples of ancient times, how it might be done, and refuting ſuch obiections as might ſeeme dangerous: profeſſing to be bound to the Senate vpon his honour, that he ſhould alwaies couernue ſuch a Common-wealths man, as he then was, and ſuch an one, as they ought chiefly, to wiſh and deſire him to be: but afterwards, forſaken by him, hee fell into Marcus Antonius his hands. Marcus Brutus reprehends him ſharpely for ſuch his flatterie.

Then as it is common, certaine grudges ariſing in emulation of the Empire, when as Marens Lepidus for conſpiracie againſt Octauius, was formerly remoued out of the Triumuirat, and baniſhed: Octauius made warre againſt Antonius his other Collegue: and after his victorie at A town in Epirus. Actium, ouerthrew both him and Cleopatra beforementioned, at Alexandria, forcing them both to kill themſelues, and made Egypt a Romane Prouince. Authors report, that in Ptolomie, Auletes raigne the yeerely reuenues of Egypt, came to 12500. talents, which ſumme the learned of our times reckon to 7500000. crownes: but when it came in ſubiection to the Romans, they iudged it to be farre more rich, in regard of the traffique with India and Aethiopia. Antonius thus ouerthrowne and cut off, Octauius alone gouerned the Common-wealth forty foure yeeres, and in 29. yeere of his Empire, and of the world, 3954. Chriſt born An. mundi, 3954. as moſt account, was our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST borne. Herod, ſirnamed the Great, hauing ſeuen yeeres before, moſt ſumptuouſly re-edified the demoliſhed Temple of Ieruſalem.

Marcus Antonius was married to Caius Octauius his ſiſter, but afterward (being intangled with Cleopatra's loue) forſooke his wife, and married her, which partly was cauſe of the warre. Both of them were exceeding riotous, and Authors relate almoſt incredible ſtories of their banquets, delights, and pleaſures: but ſuch as I before ſet downe, was the vp-ſhot and end of their liues: This Marcus Antonius, was that moſt famous Oratour before-mentioned, Marcus Antonius his Nephew.

In Caius Octauius his raign, the Romans had their firſt war in Germanie, within their own territories. Caius Iulius Ceſar indeed ouerthrew the Germanes twice, but it was in Gallia, to wit, Ariouiſtus in the Country of the Celts, and afterwards at the meeting together of the Riuer Maze, and the Rhyne. After this victorie, he built a bridge, and paſt ouer the Rhyne, but reſting there a few daies, brought backe his Armie into Gallia, and broke downe the bridge. Two yeers after, he paſſed again ouer the Rhyne on his ſecond bridge, a little aboue that place where hee formerly had led ouer his Armie, and then fully intended to haue gone againſt the Now of Pomerania in Germanie. Sueuians, but being certified by his Scouts of all affaires, and fearing much difficultie and ſcarcitie of prouiſion, returnes into Gallia, breakes downe ſome part of the bridge, and in the other part, built a Tower and a Caſtle, and fortified it with Cittadels, that hee might not altogether free his enemies from the feare of his returne. And this was all that Ceſar did againſt the Germans, as he himſelf writes. But Octauius by the two brothers, Tiberius and Druſus, made warre againſt the Germanes bordering on the Alpes. Rhaetians and Vandals. Vindelicians, and with People about Colen. Vbian forces, (who were confederates with the Romanes) Quintilius Ʋarus being their Captaine Generall, inuaded that part of Germanie, now called Weſtphalia: howbeit Arminius Chiefe-taine of the Germanes neere the riuer Elbe. Cheruſcans, almoſt vtterly ouerthrew him, betwixt the Riuer Ems. Amaſia, and Necchar. Horat. lib. 1 Ode 24. Lupia. Horaee in a moſt elegant Ode, comforts Virgil, lamenting his death. Druſus died in Germanie, leauing behinde him two ſonnes, Germanicus a moſt worthy ſoldier, and Claudius. Horace in another moſt elegant Ode, as wee ſaid before, Horat. lib. 4 Ode 4. extols him, and deriues his pedegree from Caius Claudius Nero, who when hee was the ſecond time Conſull, together with Marcus Liuius Saelinator, ſlew Aſdrubal, Annibals brother, at the Riuer of Metanrum, as he was bringing ouer a ſupply of forces. Octauius ſo ſtiled, in honour, as much as Soueraign at this day. Auguſtus alſo ſubdued the Of Biſcay in Spaine. Cantabrians, Of Aquitane in Gallia. Aquitanians, Hungars. Pannonians, Inhabiting Wendenland in ſome parts. Dalmatians, Of Sclauonia alſo or Wendenlond. Illyrians, Inhabiting neere Lombardie. Salaſſians, and inhabitants of the Alpes. It is reported, that he often intended, to lay off the weightie charge of the Empire: but againe conſidering with himſelfe that it would be raſhly committed to many mens authority, changes his minde. In the thirty third yeere of his raigne, deceaſed Herod the Great: whom hee, and Marcus Antonius in the third yeere of their Triumuirate, had made King of Iudaea: and in the eight yeere after his death, his ſonne and ſucceſſor Archelaus was baniſhed to Vienna a Towne in Gallia. It is written, that Octauius maintained forty foure legions of ſoldiers in protection of the Prouinces of the Empire. In Egypt, there were three, as many in Hiſpaine, and eight in Germanie. The yeerly expence (as many in their computation reckon) amounts to 2100000. crownes, ſo as they may diſtribute amongſt euery legion, 272000. crownes yeerely. A legion as they hold, conſiſts of 6000. footmen, and 500. horſemen.

Octauius is very much commended for his loue and liberalitie towards men renowned for their learning. The moſt famous Poets which then flouriſhed, were Varius, Ʋirgil, Plotius, Ʋalgius, Fuſous, the two Viſcoes, Pollio, Meſſala, the Bibulies, Seruius, Furnius, and Horace, who deſired that his workes might haue approbation frō them, not regarding other mens cenſures of thē. But the moſt famous wits of Reme, flouriſht in a certaine continuall order from Marcus Portius Cato, and Aphricanus the elder, vntill this time. For this age wherein Auguſtus liued, was in a manner the laſt that retained that genuine ſenſe, and pure vigour of the Latine tongue; for afterwards by little and little, it grew more and more corrupt, till it degenerated into meere barbariſme, which continued euen till within our memorie. The Poets borne at Citie of Betica in Spaine. Corduba, vſed as Tully ſaith, a kinde of groſſe and vncouth garbe: but what thinke wee, would hee haue iudged of them, who liued after him aboue a hundred yeeres, not onely thoſe who were borne and brought vp at Corduba, but thoſe of Rome alſo.

Now Tiberius Auguſtus his wiues ſonne, Tiberius An. Dom. 16. an. 23. m. d. 26. as alſo his ſonne in law, and by adoption, did (but vtterly againſt his will, at leaſtwiſe hee pretended ſo, being with much adoe at laſt perſwaded to it by the Senates entreaty) take vpon him the Empire, and at his firſt entrance, vndertooke nothing of himſelfe alone, but communicated with the Senate in all matters of importance: notwithſtanding within a little while after quite neglecting the affaires of the commonwealth wholly gaue ouer himſelfe to his pleaſures. In his raigne the Parthians bereft him of A menia, and the Dacians and Sarmatians of Moeſia, the Germanes forraged Gallia: but all thoſe loſſes nothing at all mooued him.

Many writers, (and thoſe, men of great eſteeme in point of Diuinity) record that in the fifteenth yeare of his raign our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST was crucified, Chriſt crucified, An. etatis 34. Luk. cap. 3. but Saint Luke writes, that in that ſame yeare he was baptiz'd by Iohn Baptiſt.

At that time flouriſht thoſe Lawiers, Marcus Coccius Nerna, the father and ſonne, and Caſsius Longinus. Tiberius Nero who ſerued in the warre at Alexandria with Caius Caeſar, was this Tiberius his Father. To him Caius Caeſar Caligula ſucceeded, Caius Caligula, An. om. 38. an. 3. m. 8. d. 8. the moſt wicked ſonne and direct monſter of Germanicus his moſt worthie father. Its recorded that Tiberius in thoſe twentie three yeares which he raigned, had gathered together an infinite Maſſe of gold: which Caligula out of hand in the very firſt yeare conſumed. About the ſecond yeare of his raigne Herod Antipa, Herod the Great his Sonne, he who beheaded Iohn the Baptiſt, was ſent in baniſhment to Lyons in France. Lugdunum: to whom Herod Agrippa ſucceeded, who beheaded Iames the Apoſtle.

After Caligula was ſlaine, Claudius his vncle was broght in. Claudius, 42. an. 13. m. 8. d. 20. He hearing that Brittaine had reuolted, went thither, and after hee had ſubdued part of the Iland, returned home. In his raigne happened that great generall dearth, which Agabus foretold, Acts 11. as the Euangeliſt Saint Luke mentions.

Claudius Nero, Nero 56. An. 13. this Claudius his ſucceſſor, openly ſignified, that at ſome time or other, hee would quite abrogate the order of the Senatours. In his raigne Brittaine gaue him a great ouerthrow, maſſacring the Roman Citizens and confederates there: the Legions alſo in Armenia were compelled to goe reprochfully vnder the yoke: with much difficulty Syria was held in: Gallia reuolted by the meanes of Iulius Vindex Gouernour of that prouince: as afterwards Spaine, Galba 68. m. 7. d. 7. Sergius Galba being their Leader. And whilſt he was caſting about how to recouer thoſe loſſes, Othom. 4. Vitellius m. 8. and making ready his iourney into Gallia, the reſt of his forces which lay diſperſed in other prouinces, rebelled. Hiſtories relate what a loathſome and outragious Monſter he was: and thereupon being condemned by the Senate, as an enemy to the Commonwealth, by the helpe of one of his ſeruants, he killed himſelfe. Beſides Seneca theſe Poets thē floriſhed, Lucan, Perſius, and Silius Italicus: the laſt whereof was Confull in the laſt yeare of Neroes raigne. From that time the State of the Common wealth was brought to that paſſe, that the Creation of the Emperours lay within the power of the Armies and legions of the Romanes. After this manner was Veſpatian made Emperour. Ʋeſpatian 69. an 9. m. 11. d. 24. For thoſe bands which lay in Maſia, Pannonia, Iudaea, and Syria reuolted from Aul s Vitellius, and ſwore fealtie to Veſpaſian. Hee ſubdued Achaia, Lycia, Rhodes, Byzantium, Samos, Thracia, Cilicia, and Comagena, making them Roman Prouinces, and vtterly ſubuerted Ieruſalem, Titus. 79. an. 2. m. 2. d. 20. Domitiaen 81. an. 15. which warre his ſon Titus mannaged. Flauius Domitian, made warre againſt the Now of the Lantzgraue of Heſſens Countrey. Nerua 96, an. 1. m. 1. Trajane 97 an. 19. m. 6. d. 15. Chatties, Dacians, and Sarmatians, and triumphed ouer them. Then liued thoſe Poets, Statius, Iuuenal, and Martial. Vlpius Trajane (adopted by Cocceus Nerua, and afterwards made Emperour) ſubdued the Dacians, twice rebelling, bringing them in ſubiection to the Romans, and planting Colonies there, marching with an Army againſt Armenia, and the Parthians, vpon dedition and fauour brought them into his partie, thereupon gaining his ſirname of Parthicus, but almoſt all thoſe Countries by him ſubdued at length rebelled, eſpecially the Armenians and Meſopotamians, and the Parthians reiected the King whom hee had aſſigned them, as ſoon as his backe was turned homewards towards Italy. Aelius Adrianus ſubdued I daea then rebelling: Adrianus 116. an. 19. m. 6. d. 15. the occaſion of this warre, was becauſe he had erected a Temple at Ieruſalem (which City he ſuffered to bee inhabited againe) to Iupiter Olympius: which fact the Iewes tooke moſt hainouſly. Hee likewiſe viſited the Gallia's, Germany, Brittaine, and the Hiſpaines, as afterwards Mauritania, the Parthians, Aſia and Greece: & returning home through Sicilie, from thence went againe into Africa: and after his returne to Rome, ſets forward againe into Greece, and from thence paſſed into Arabia, and afterward to Egypt.

Aſſembling the Senate, Antoninus Pius, 151. an. 22. m. 7. d. 26. hee commended to them Antoninus Pius, who being made Emperor after him, maintain'd peace, endeauoring to obtaine all mens good will, and by his letters and courteous demeanure, kept forreine Kings and people within their obedience. In his time flouriſht thoſe Lawiers, Alburnius Valens, Tuſcianus, Vindius, Ʋerus, Ʋlpius, Marcellus, Arrianus, Tertullianus, Saluius, Iulianus, Lucius Voluſius, Metianus.

To Antonius Pius his ſonne Marcus Antoninus ſurnamed the Philoſopher, ſucceeded: Antoninus the Philoſopher 160 an. 19. m. 0. d. 11. He tooke his Carien calls him his brotuer kinſman Lucius Aurelius Verus to be his Aſſociate in the Empire. By him hee had happy ſucceſſe in his warres in Parthia, hee himſelfe looking to the affaires of the Common-wealth at home, and in the City: but ſoone after Verus dying he raigned alone, and ouercame in his warre againſt the Germaues, ouerthrowing alſo the Now Morauians. Marcomannes. Sarmatians, Vandalls, and Inhabitants in and about Sileſia. Quadies, who had inuaded the Vpper & lower Hungaria. Pannonia's. For at this time almoſt all the nations from Illyricum to Gallia, had conſpired againſt the name of the Romanes.

Commodus Antoninus the moſt lewd ſonne of this moſt laudable Prince, Commodus Anteninus 79. an. 12. m. 8. d. 15. by his Leiutenants ouerthrew the Of Mauritania or Moriſco in Barbary. Pertinax. m. 3. Didius Iulianus m. 7. Septimius Seuerus 192. ca. 17. m. 8. . 5. Moores and Dacians, quieted the Pannoniaes, Germanie and Britanie, which Countries caſt off their ſubiection: He himſelfe in the meane while, wallowing in all manner of filthineſſe and crueltie.

Septimius Seuerus had ciu ll warres with Niger and Albinus who procured Aſia and Gallia to make a reuolt: he had good ſucceſſe in his warres againſt the Parthians, vanqu ſhed the Iewes throughout Syria, ſubdued Abagatus King of the Perſians, and compelled the Arabians to come to compoſition. He fortified Brittanie, with a wall croſſe ouertwart the Iland, reaching to the Ocean on both ſides: and hauing ſubdued thoſe people that annoyed the Country dyed at Yorke.

His ſon Antoninus Baſſianus Caracalla, Caracalla 210. an. 6. m. 2. d. 5. made warre againſt the Parthians and Armenians. This was hee that commanded Pupinianus, Prafectū praetorij, Gouernor of the pretorian Cohort. Captaine of the Guard, to bee put to death, for refuſing to defend his For Caracalla ſlew his brother Geta. fratricide. In his time flouriſht many Lawyers, and moſt of them Pupinianus his Auditors, as Tarruntius, Paternus Macer, Papirius Fronto, Anthius, Maximus, Hermogenianus, Africanus, Florentinus, Triphoninus, Iuſhts, Calliſtratus, Venuleius Celſus.

After Caracalla was ſlaine, Macrinus ſucceeded, Macrinus 216. An. 1. m. 1. d. 28. who, hauing bad ſucceſſe in his warres againſt Artabanus King of the Parthians, and perceiuing the legions encline to Heliogabulus Baſſianus his ſon, Heliogabulus 217. an. 3 m. 9. d. 4. Alexander Senerus 221. an. 13. m. 0. d. 9. concluded a peace.

Alexander Seuerus a ſtout ſouldier, ſucceſſor to Heliogabulus that moſt brutiſh of men: ouerthrew Artaxerxes King of the Perſians in maine battle: and recouered Meſopotamia, which was loſt by Heliogabulus. Hee made warre by his Lieutenants in Mauritania, Illyricum, and Armenia, and had good ſucceſſe: but afterwards in his expedition againſt the Germanes, who had forraged the Countrey of Gallia, was murthered by certaine of his owne ſouldiers. Ʋlpianus the Lawyer, Pupinianus his ſcholler was very intimate with him, and in his time liued Paulus Pomponius, and Modeſtinus.

To this Alexander Maximinus ſucceeded: Maximinus 234. An. 2. Hee with maine forces marches into Germanie: his Army conſiſting not onely of Roman ſouldiers, but alſo of Moores, Oſdronians, and Parthians, who had ſerued vnder Alexander. He burnt the Dorps in Germany farre and wide, put very many of his enemies to the ſword, and tooke many more priſoners, returning with a wealthy Army: Germany being at peace he marches to Syrmium, and was purpoſed to haue made warre againſt the Sarmatians, not onely ſo, but his further intent was, to haue brought all thoſe Countries which lye northward euen to the Ocean, in ſubiection to the Roman Empire: but his ſouldiers not enduring his cruelty, Gordianus 236. m. 1. d. 6. created Gordianus their Captaine Generall, which the Senate (bearing no good will neither towards Maximinus) ratified and proclaimed the other enemie to the Common-wealth. He, going about to reuenge this fact, firſt made an Oration to the armie, and then ſet forwards towards Rome: the Senate vpon notice hereof proclaime Pupienus and Balbinus their Emperours: Pupienus, Balbinus 236. an. 1. ſome moneths. and to Pupienus was committed the charge of the warre againſt Maximinus, who, together with his ſonne, was at the ſiege of A Citie in Italie. Aquileia ſlaine by his owne ſoldiers as hee lay aſleepe in his Tent.

After this, Pupienus and Balbinus being both ſlaine in a mutinie amongſt the ſoldiers in the ſecond yeere of their raigne, the gouernement of the Empire was committed to Gordianus a yong Gentleman. Gordianus iunior, 237 Ann. 6. He in the fourth yeere of his raigne, marched through Moeſia and Thracia againſt the Perſians, & in thoſe countries ſubdued the enemies of the Romans; from thence, ſtriking through Syria, came to Antiochia, which was then held by the Perſians. There he fought diuers battels, in ſo much as hee compelled the Perſians, who were in a manner accounted the terror of Italie, to containe themſelues in their own limits. At length, in the ſixth yeere of his Empire, hee was ſlaine, being betraied by Philip Captaine of the G ard, Philip, 243. An. 5. who had raiſed a mutinie amongſt the ſoldiers. And this Philip alſo, who ſent ouer his Lieutenants with an armie againſt the Scythians that were vp in armes againſt the confederates of the Romans and their free-boroughs, came to the He was ſlaine by his owne ſoldiers at Verona. Decius, 248. An. 2. like end: Decius ſucceeded him, who being created Emperour by the Legions of Illyricum, and afterwards by cōſent of the Senate; firſt of all appeaſed the troubles in Gallia. Afterwards commending the care of the Common-wealth to the Senate, Hee, together with his ſonne, whom hee had made his Collegue in the Empire, ſets forwards, (hauing the Senates conſent thereunto) on his expedition againſt the Scythians, who both by ſea and land forraged the country of Thracia and other dominions of the Empire: from whence (after ſome battels, hauing got the vpper-hand, and drawne the enemie into a narrow ſtraight place) he had returned with complete victorie, had not Gallus Hoſtilianus Gouernour of the furtheſt parts of Moeſia, reuealed his counſell to the enemie; whereupon it came to paſſe, vpon ioyning battell, that both hee and his ſonne (by trecherie circumuented) were ſlaine.

After this, Gallus 250. An. 1. m. 6. Gallus made Emperour by one of the Legions, and the remainder of the furuiuing ſoldiers, concluded a peace with the Scythians, to the diſhonour and ignominie of the Romans, in that he promiſed to pay them tribute, neuer heard of before, and altogether vnworthy the Maieſty of ſo renowned a State. The Scythians hereupon growne more fierce, broke the league, ouer-runne Dardania, Thrace, Theſſalie, Macedonia, not reſting there, but Aſia alſo ouerthrowing and ſubuerting very many Cities. At length, many other Countries, after the example of the Scythians, turned enemies to the Romans, and many rebelled. The Parthians broke into Syria, and ſeized vpon Armenia, putting their King Tyridates to flight. And ſuch was the inſolencie of the Seythians, that they threatned Italie alſo, and were likely to haue done much miſchiefe, had not Aemilianus Gouernour of Moeſia vpon the coaſt of Sarmatia, encouraging his ſoldiers with faire promiſes, and hope of rewards, giuen them an ouerthrow, and purſuing them very farre, Aemilianus, 252. m. 4. tooke from them their owne Territories: for this cauſe the ſoldiers proclaime him Emperour: and Gallus vpon notice hereof, marching forth to reſiſt them, was ſlaine, together with his ſonne Voluſianus his Collegue in the Empire.

In this age flouriſhed Cyprian Biſhop of Carthage, certaine of whoſe Epiſtles to Lucius Biſhop of Rome, whom hee calls his brother and collegue, are amongſt diuers others, yet extant: and many more of his to Cornelius, where amongſt other matters, hee complaines of thoſe, who being for their offences condemned by the Biſhops of Affrica, and degraded from their Prieſthood, had appealed to Rome: for it is fit ſaith hee, that where the crime is committed, there the cauſe ſhould bee diſcuſſed. Sithence euery Paſtor hath a certaine portion of a flocke committed to his charge, whereof he muſt render an account to the Lord: therefore the concord of Biſhops is not to bee abrogated, Valerianus 252. An. 7. nor their decree to be annihilated, who had alreadie giuen ſentence in the cauſe, in Affrica.

In the meane ſpace, another armie, lying in the Alpes, creates Valerianus Emperour, a man of Noble parentage, which when it came to the cares of Aemilians ſoldiers, they, to ſhake off all danger from themſelues, kill their owne Emperour, and flie to Valerianus his partie. This Aemilianus, when hee was made Emperour, ſent his letters to the Senate, wherein hee promiſed to deliuer Thracia and Meſopotamia from the enemy, to recouer Armenia, and on euery ſide to repel the enemies of the Roman State. Valerianus making warre againſt the Perſians, was by fault of one of his Captaines, taken priſoner, by Sapor King of Perſia, whom the neighbouring Princes, and confederate Nations, counſelled (but all in vaine) to haue diſmiſſed. For it was the deſtinie of the Romans to grow more valiant in reſiſtance, after they were conquered.

Valerianus thus taken priſoner, Gallienus 295. An. 8. his ſonne Gallienus ſucceeded. He wholly gaue himſelfe to his pleaſures, neglecting the Common-wealth, inſomuch as the armies which lay diſperſed in the Prouinces, elected euery one a new Emperour; as in Gallia, Spaine, the Pannonia's, Illyricum, Egypt, Affrica, and the reſt: but partly by him, partly by ciuill diſſentions amongſt themſelues, all thoſe were ouerthrown. In his raigne, the Gothes ſeize vpon Thracia, forrage Macedonia, and beſiege Theſſalonica: the Scythians inuade Bythinia, Cappadocia, and Aſia, and ſtriking through the Which parteth Europe and Aſia. Euxine ſea into A Riuer in Jllyricum, which begins in Germany, and is there called Danubius or Danow. Iſther, offer hoſtilitie againſt the free-borroughs of the Romans, but ſo exceſſiue was his rechleſneſſe, then when theſe newes of the Prouinces reuolt, and publike calamitie came to his eares, his reply was in deriſion and ſcorne: as though all this could not hinder the ſubſiſtance of the Commonwealth, or the preſeruation of the dignitie thereof, or the ſtate thereof bee any whit impaired thereby. Thus by this diſhonourable courſe of life, growne into contempt, as well at home as abroad, hee got himſelfe many enemies in the Common-wealth, the Scythians and Gothes mixt together with other Nations, being about 320000. ſtrong, were then vp in armes, and had conſpired the deſtruction of the Romans: Flauius Claudius 167. An. 1. m. 9. Aurelianus 269. An. 6. but Flauius Claudius (who ſucceeded after Gallienus was ſlaine,) with much adoe vanquiſhed all thoſe in Moeſia and other places.

Hee was a man of great proweſſe, and worthie of a longer life. After Claudius, followed Aurelianus, becauſe his worth was eminent, hauing made euident proofe thereof in Claudius his raigne, againſt the enemie in many places. He made warres in Inſubria, and with the Marcomannes: at the beginning indeed with much hazard and ieopardie, but at length, (after the Sibylla's bookes, by his command, were peruſed, and the Senate had purged Religion) with happy ſucceſſe. After his returne from thence to Rome, (where hee inflicted a penaltie vpon thoſe, who in his abſence had raiſed an inſurrection;) he made warre for recouerie of thoſe Prouinces which lay eaſtward, and in Syria, which Zenobia held, (a puiſſant and magnanimous Queene, and her owne childrens Tutrix) being left to her by her husband Odeuatus, who in Gallienus his time, behaued himſelfe very couragiouſly and ſtoutly in thoſe parts.

Whereſoeuer this Emperour ſet his foot, there he ouerthrew the enemies of the Romans, as in Illyricum, Thracia, and the reſt: and at length arriuing in the Syria. enemies country, after no leſſe doubtfull then dangerous battell, ouerthrew and tooke the Zenobia. Queen; who, relying vpon the Armenian and Perſian auxiliars, moſt valiantly reſiſted him. The chiefe Citie in that Country, (which he ſubdued,) was Palmyra: the Citizens whereof, vpon the Emperours returne out of Aſia into Europe, rebelled, killing their Gouernour, and maintaining a Garriſon for their defence. But the Emperour making another expedition thither, demoliſhed the conquered Citie, put all to the ſword, not ſparing any age or ſexe. After this, he recouered Egypt, which then had reuolted, and of a new reduced the Gallia's into the Roman ſubiection. Then hee triumphed at Rome, and from thence marching through Illyricum, proclaimed warre againſt the Perſians: but in his iourney, was ſlaine by his owne familiar friends. After his death, there was a Jnterregnum. vacancie for a For ſixe moneths. Tacitus 275 m. 6. ſpace, which had neuer happened before ſince Romulus his deceaſe. At length, Tacitus ſucceeded, who, continuing Emperour but a few moneths, atchieued no memorable exploit; him the Senate requeſted, that he would not ordain his children his ſucceſſors after him in the Empire, Florianus, m. 2. Probus 276 an. 6. m. 4. but ſome man of approued worth and integritie: which was, Probus, who being confirmed, as well by the Legions as the Senate, recouered Gallia, and in diuers battels ouerthrew the Inhabiting Franconia, now called Frankenlandt. French, a people of Germanie, who had gotten poſſeſſion thereof. He vanquiſhed the Sarmatians, and other Nations in Illyricum; and coaſting through Thracia, with the very terrour of the name of the Romans, and the greatneſſe of his noble exploits, obliged the barbarous people to his ſubiection: In Aſia hee ſetled a peace, and the fame onely of his name, made the Parthian King ſue for peace. Hee concluded a peace with the Perſians, and from thence returned into Thracia, and tranſplanted thoſe forraigne nations whom he had ſubdued into the Roman territories; ſome whereof, continued in ſubiection, but others contrariwiſe, notwithſtanding afterwards hee vanquiſhed all or the greateſt part of them: and hauing compoſed the rebellions in Gallia, Hiſpaine, and Britaine, in his iourney through Illyricum, towards his intended warre againſt the Perſians, was trecherouſly ſlaine, by his owne ſoldiers. At this time the Commonwealth flouriſhed, peace being ſetled in all nations on euery ſide farre and neere; in ſo much as Probus would ſometimes ſay, that the world would come to that paſſe ſhortly, that there would be no need of Legions and garriſons: but the ſouldiers offended at this his ſpeech, thought it beſt to cut him off.

After him, followed Carus: Carus 282. An. 1. and ſome moneths together with his ſonnes, Corinus & Numerianus. hee ſubdued the Sarneatians, who now, after Probus his death, were growne more inſolent, and menaced euen Italie it ſelfe: then making an expedition againſt the Perſians, tooke Meſopotamia, and marching on further, died. His yonger ſonne Numerianus ſerued in the warres with him: his other ſonne Carinus hee had ſet ouer the Gallia's. Numerianus was ſlaine by his Arius Aper. Diocletian, 284. an. 20. wiues father, and in his place, came Diocletian: with whom Carinus had diuers conflicts about obtaining the Empire, but was ouerthrowne and ſlaine. Diocletian in regard of the troubles and ſeditions in many places kindling, tooke to him for his Collegue, Maximianus. He quiered the country of Gallia then in commotion, as alſo Affrica; and Diocletian Egypt putting the Authors of theſe broiles to death. He recouered Britaina alſo in the tenth yeer after the reuolt: and to the end that the ſtate of the Common-wealth might be more firme, and to auoid new commotions about ſucceſſion, hee adopted Galerius, and Maximianus, Conſtantius Chlorius. Galerius being ſent by Diocletian, againſt Narſes King of the Parthians, had ill fortune in that warre, loſing the major part of his armie: but afterwards commanded to renew the warre, he ouerthrew the enemie in maine battell, and marching on further in thoſe places, then any other Emperour, except Trajan, tooke Cteſiphon, ſubdued all Aſſyria, and recouered the fiue Prouinces, lying beyond the riuer Running through Armenia. Tigris, which had reuolted in Trajan the Emperours time.

Diocletian hauing ſetled the affaires of Aſia, returned into Europe, where the Scythians, Sarmatians, Almaines, lying betwixt the Alpes and Ments, as Carion ſuppoſes. Alans, People of Sarmatia. Baſtarnans, welling about the Riuer Carpis in Scythia. Conſtantius Galerius, 304. an. 2 m 3. an. 7. m. 5. Carpies, Chatties, and Quadies, were then all in peace. Afterwards both hee, as alſo Maximianus reſigning their Soueraigntie, inueſt their Collegues before mentioned, with the title of Emperours: Conſtantius of the Gallia's, Britaine, the Hiſpaines, Italie, and Affrica; and Galerius, of Illyricum, Greece, and Aſia: Marcellus was then Biſhop of Rome, whoſe decree is extant, prohibiting Biſhops from calling a Synode, without the authority of the Sea of Rome, as alſo to condemne any Biſhop who ſhould appeale to Rome. But Maxentius the Emperour perſecuting him, his eſtate as others before him, was both meane and miſerable. Whereupon it may eaſily bee coniectured, whether or no, he (in thoſe perplexities and lurking corners) could take ſo much vpon him, as to eſtabliſh ſuch manner of decrees.

At length Conſtantius dying at Yorke, Galerius adopted Severus and Maximianus. In the meane ſpace, the Preterian ſouldiers at Rome, elect Maxentius their Emperour. After Seuerus was ſlaine, Maximianus made choice of Licinius for his Collegue in the Empire. Among thoſe aroſe great troubles: whereupon the Nobles of Rome call home Conſtantine, Conſtantius his ſonne, then imploied in the Gallia's, to reſcue their Citie from the tyranny of Maxentius. Conſtantine the Great, 306. an. 30. m. 9. d. 27. Hee marching forward into Italie, with part of his armie, in pitcht field, got the victorie, and afterwards quite defeated Maxentius his forces at the Citie of Rome. After this, hee fought againſt Licinius, who being ouerthrowne in battell, and almoſt growne into hatred with all men, was at length ſlaine by his own ſouldiers. Many write that the cauſe of this warre was, for that Licinius did bitterly perſecute the profeſſors of Chriſtianitie, although he had been very often intreated and admoniſhed to the contrary by Conſtantine. For from the time of the reſurrection of Chriſt, vntill this age, (almoſt three hundred yeeres) the profeſſors of Chriſt were diuerſly puniſhed; omitting thoſe whereof the Scripture makes mention, as of Acts 7. Stephen, Acts 11. Iames the brother of Iohn, Acts 9. Peters impriſonment and inlargement by the Angel; paſſing ouer in ſilence Paul likewiſe, who grieuouſly perſecuted the Church of God, but after his conuerſion, eſcaped no kinde of puniſhment for Chriſts cauſe: the Roman Emperours alſo, as Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Septimius Seuerus, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian, Diocletian, and Maximian, committed moſt horrible and outragious maſfacres. But Conſtantine comming to the Empire, and imbracing the true Religion, affoorded harbour and refuge to the Chriſtians. Then firſt of all beganne the Biſhops of Rome to liue in ſafe ie; for till then, almoſt all of them, (who from Peter, whom they will haue to be their firſt, are reckoned to thirty three) were tormented with perſecutions. Their decrees are inſerted in the bookes of the Councels, but the greateſt part of them are ſo ſleight, triuiall, & quite different from the ſacred Scriptures, as makes it credible that they were a long time after forged by ſome others. But if they bee true, and proceeded from them, then indeed that which Paul by propheſie foretold, 2 Theſ. 2. ſeemes moſt rightly to bee applied to this place, that then that ſonne of perdition and man of ſinne beganne to worke the myſterie of iniquity. That decree yet extant goes vnder Anacletus his name, the fourth from Peter, as they reckon; wherein he ordaineth the Church of Rome to be (by Chriſts command and inſtitution) the head of other Churches.

To Alexander the next after him, is that decree attributed, where he commands, that the water ſhould be conſecrated with ſalt, to purge the people, and to auoid the ſnares of the Deuill. But iudge I pray you how far thoſe differ from that Maieſtie of the Apoſtles, how farre from the writings of S. S. Ierom writes that he dyed in the 68 yere after the paſſion. Suidas ſays that he liued 120 yeares. Iohn the Euangeliſt who almoſt liued till this very time. I haue onely ſet downe theſe two decrees, that by them wee may iudge of the reſt, for they are almoſt of the ſame molde, and cary open colour of ambition, and not onely the ſpeech wants the grace, but alſo the matter it ſelfe hath no ſalt in it, Coloſ. 4. both which Paul requires in the Miniſters of the Church.

And to this place alſo appertaines, that decree of Conſtantine the Emperor, which they haue inſerted into their books, for the foundation and bulwarke of their power. For the cauſe and occaſion of his exceſſiue In conferring (as they imagine) the City of Rome the Empire of the Weſt &c. vpon he Popes. liberality, which is there ſet downe, may out of hiſtory, be diſproued and conuicted of falſhood. Further, bee it granted that the Emperor was thus moſt exceedingly profuſe; perhaps for himſelfe onely, hee might herein abate of his own right, but could not doe it, for his ſucceſſors, authorized with coequal power, and Protectors of the Common-wealth. For hee who damnifies the freedome and liberties of his Empire, ought not to haue the title of Father of his Countrey, nor can he ordaine another to ſhare with him in equality of authority or preiudice the ſame.

By Conſtantine the Emperors appointment, The firſt Councell of Nice held in An. 325. continued 3. yeares. a moſt populous Counſell was called and aſſembled at Nice a City in Bythinia, wherein the hereſie of Arrius, denying Chriſt to be coequall in ſubſtance with his father, was condemned. Its recorded that many Biſhops, not onely out of Europe and Aſia, but alſo out of Egypt and Lybia, met together there. Amongſt other, one decree was, that through Egypt, Lybia and Pontapolis; the ancient cuſtome ſhould be maintained, that is, all the Biſhops there, ſhould remaine vnder ſuperiority of the Biſhop of Alexandria, notwithſtanding the vſurpation and withholding therof by the Biſhop of Rome: as alſo that the Church of Antioch and other Prouinces and Churches ſhould each one entirely retaine their peculiar priuiledges. After this Councell, certaine Iewd opinions were vented, (one Euſtathius being Author) about ſhunning of mariage, In monaſticall manner, and ſome women artired in mens habite. about a new and vnuſuall kind of habit, about forbearance to eate fleſh, and forſaking propriety of poſſeſſions. And hereupon (many husbands procuring a diuorce, and ſeruants leauing their maſters, betaking themſelues to this new and religious habite, as they call it; women likewiſe taking the ſame courſe, forſaking their husbands: and thoſe who fed vpon fleſh, as alſo the Miniſters of the Church that were maried being publikely contemned, as perſons impure and vnacceptable to God;) a Counſell was aſſembled at Gangra a town in Paphlagonia, wherein thoſe were condemned, who either taught or held that opinion.

Conſtantine (for reeſtabliſhing a peace in the Common-wealth) being with moſt generall acclamation, confumed both by the Senate and people of Rome, turned himſelfe wholy to forraine warres, and after many battels ouerthrew the G thes and Sarmatians, then forraging the Countrey of Thracia; afterwards being ſtrucken in yeares, he proclaimed warre againſt the Perſians, who waſted the Country of Meſopotamia: and in Aſia, where he was arriued with his Army, (after receipt of a medicine for recouery of his health) breathed his laſt, not without ſuſpition of poiſon. This is he by ſurname, ſtiled the Great: who named Byzantium a City of Thrace after his owne His deſire was to haue it called New Rome, but vſe preuailed and altered it to Conſtantinople. name, and thither tranſlated the Imperiall Seat. He began his At Rome, but hee raigned 6. yeares before in Brittaine and elſewhere. raigne about the three hundred and twelfth yeare after the birth of Chriſt. It is written that Comets of wonderfull greatneſſe, were ſeene before his death. Hee left three ſonnes, Conſtantine, Conſtantius, and Conſtans, amongſt thoſe was the body of the Empire diuided, to Conſtantine part of the Alpes, Gallia, Hiſpaine, Brittaine The Iland of Orkney lying neer and belonging to Scotland. the Orcades, Ireland, and Now called Iſland lying beyond Scotland, as ſome ſay, others Hitland. Conſtantine, 337. An. 3. Conſtantius 337. An. 24 Conſlaus 337. An. 1 Thyle, were allotted: to Conſtans, Italy, Africa, with the Iſlands, Illyricum, Macedonia, Achaia, Peloponneſus, and Greece: to Conſtantius, Aſia, and Thrace.

Conſtantine not ſatisfied with this diuiſion made warre vpon his brother Conſtans, and at Aquileia (whither he was then come) ioyning battell with Conſtans his forces: loſt both his Army and his life. Conſtans who in the meane time, was vp in Armes againſt the The ſame who were afterwards called Gothes. Carion. Getes and Sarmatians in Dacia, returnes into Italie, and hauing gotten the Alpes, inuaded Gallia, and in two yeares ſpace won all his deceaſed brothers dominions: but was ſlaine within a while after by the treachery and crafty dealing of Magnentius. Him, the ſouldiers (before hand allured and inueigled with rewards) elected Emperour. Conſtantius the onely ſuruiuing brother of the three, vpon notice hereof, (deputing Gallus his vncles ſonne, and ſiſters husband, his Vice-gerent ouer Aſia) marches with a ſtrong Army into Italy, and ſo into Gallia, where in maine battell he ouerthrew the Enemy. But Magnentius eſcaping, ſends his Ambaſſadors to ſue for peace. Whoſe ſuit the Conqueror rejecting, he on a freſh wages battell again, but with ill ſucceſſe: thereupon flying to Lyons, where perceiuing his owne friends to conſpire his deſtruction, and not hauing any corner where to hide himſelfe, became his owne executioner. Afterwards Conſtantius commanded Gallus his Coſin germane, and Vicegerent for Aſia as aboueſaid, (who abuſed his authority and power) to bee put to death, when he could not otherwiſe remedy it. After this he returnes into Aſia, with intent to proſecute the warre in Perſia, which, by reaſon of Magnentius his faction abouementioned, he had broken off. And in regard the Germanes about this time, making an inroad into Gallia, forraged the Countrey there, hee adopted his other Coſin germane Iulianus, Gallus his brother, and to him committed the protection of Gallia. Iulianus, (hauing had proſperous ſucceſſe in his deſignes, and in many battels gotten the vpper hand) beat backe the Enemy beyond the Rhyne, tooke many priſoners, and reſcued many Roman ſouldiers out of priſon, and at Strasburg in Germany Argentine almoſt quite cut off the Enemies whole Army. Hereupon the ſouldiers proclaime him not onely Caeſar, but alſo Auguſtus, and ſet a Diadem vpon his head, but againſt his will as hee pretended. For in his letters to Conſtantius he indeauoured to remoue the envie of the fact frō himſelfe. But Conſtantius hereat greiuouſly offended, ceaſing his warre in Perſia, and liberally and kindly entreating the neighbouring nations, that they might continue their allegiance, ſets forward on his iourney to reduce Iulianus to his duty; but on the way whilſt hee was yet in Aſia, being taken with a feuer, ended his life, firſt ordaining Iulianus his ſucceſſor.

During Iulianus his raigne the enemies contained themſelues within their owne bounds not raiſing any commotion in any place. Julianus 361. an. 1. m. 7. d. 23. He himſelfe went out againſt the Perſians, and forraging Aſſyria (hauing put the Enemies forces to flight) marched forwards as farre as Cteſiphon. At length returning home with his forces, the enemy ſet vpon him in the rere, where, fighting in the midſt of his ſouldiers in the maine battalia, hee receiued a wound, whereof, within a while after, he died, an enemy to the name of Chriſt. The ſouldiers hauing thus loſt their Leader, Iouinianus, 363. m. 7. d. 22. being plunged in great diſtreſſe, create Iouinianus Emperor: at what time Iulius the firſt of that name was Biſhop of Rome: certaine of whoſe Epiſtles to the Biſhops of the Eaſt, are yet extant, in which he often preſſes it, that to Him alone, as Biſhop, ſaith he, of the chiefe See, by a certaine ſingular priuiledge and diuine ordinance, belongeth the right of conuocating Generall Councells. But it may ſeeme wonderfull, with what face hee could write thus, or they ſo boaſt of it, when as before him, Conſtantin had cal'd the Councell of Nice; and after him, a hundred yeares full, Martianus the Emperor called the Councell of Chalcedon. To Him alſo alone, as Primate of that City, ſaith hee, appertaines the cognizance of Epiſcopall cauſes, and other matters of that kinde of more weighty importance. This his arrogancy the Biſhops could not endure. But aſſembling at Antiech, boldly reply: That it was not fit, that the ſentence by them paſſed ſhould bee repealed by him, for that they were poſſeſſed of the ſame degree of dignity, whereof hee was, and the doctrine of Chriſt, came from their Countries to Rome Tandem. at the ſecond hand, by the paines and miniſtery of the Apoſtles. Wherefore in caſe he ſhould proceed, and make new decrees, they would not obey them, neither haue communion with him, but would take ſuch a courſe as the matter it ſelfe ſhould require. And in another Councell in the ſame City (of greater concourſe then the former) amongſt other decrees, They limit the office of a Biſhop, as alſo of a Metropolitane, about diſcuſſing matters of more weighty importance. For they decreed, that in caſe the Biſhops concurre not, the Metropalitane of the next adioyning prouince, ſhall delegate certaine Iudges to determine the cauſe. But if any Biſhop bee condemned for an offence by common decree of the reſt of the Biſhops, they ordaine that their ſentence ſhall ſtand firme, and not bee repealed by another. They further eſtabliſh that the Biſhop, ſhall faithfully diſpence the Bona ſacra. goods of the Church, and diſtribute them to the vſe of the poore, and that hee himſelfe if need require, may take from thence as much as ſhall bee neceſſary for naturall ſuſtentation. For St. Paul ſaith, 1 Tim. 6.8. We ought to bee content with food and raiment. Which goods if the Biſhop ſay they, ſhall perchance conuert into his owne or his friends priuate commodity, or commit the adminiſtration thereof to his kindred, he is to be reſtrained by a Councell.

At length Ioninianus (the enemy being at his backe) concluded a diſhonourable peace, redeliuering thoſe fiue Prouinces beyond Tigris, (wonne by Galerius, as aboue mentioned) as alſo part of Meſopotamia: and afterwards couenanted that the Romanes ſhould lend no ayde, to the King of Armenia their friend and confederate. Marching forth with his Army, as hee was returning home dyed vpon the borders of Bythinia. The ſoldiers forthwith create Valentinianus Emperour, who ſoone after his comming to Conſtantinople, Valentinianus 364. An. 11. m. 8. d. 32. together with his brother Valens tooke his brother Valens to be his Collegue in the Empire, and commending thoſe Of the Eaſt. Countries to his care, marched into Germanie, where hee ſubdued the Saxons bordering vpon the Ocean, and ſoone after he had beene in Gallia, In Pannonia falling into a feuer by an exceſſiue ſtraining of his voice in an angry reply againſt ſome offenders. dyed as it is written vpon a vehement paſſion of anger. By this time his brother Valens was arriued in Aſia, to repreſſe the Parthians forraging the Country of Armenia, and the King of Perſia, who breaking the league, was falne into open hoſtility: But after the Hunnes or Tartars, and Scythians had ouer-runne Pannonia, Epirus, and Theſſaly, he returnes into Europe, where in pitcht battell being ouerthrowne, and as he fled wounded and carried into a little cottage, which the Enemy ſetting on fire, hee there dyed. That Edict of Valentinianus the Emperor, and of Valens, is yet extant, wherein it is prouided, That thoſe who betake themſelues to a monaſticall life and ſolitarineſſe, and in that regard eſcape warfare and publike impoſitions, ſhall bee drawne out of their cells, and either ſerue for their Country, or elſe forfeit all thoſe benefits, afterwards conferred vpon them, that vndergoe both paines and perill for the Common-wealth.

The Enemies not long after (appeaſed by the Emperours gift and mony) departed from Conſtantinople which they then beſiged. Saxony being at peace, Ʋalentinian the Emperour choſe his ſonne Gratianus for his Collegue: Gratian 375. an. 7. m. 9. d 9. With his ſon Valen i tan the I . who, after his father and vncle Valens their deceaſe, ſucceeded them both, both. But he (the Common-wealth being toſſed with diuers billowes of troubles) aſſumed Theodoſius a worthy Commander in warre, and ſent him into the Eaſterne Countries. There at Conſtantinople, he vāquiſhed the Huns, and Gothes, and chaſed them out of the Coaſts of Thrace. After this, Gratianus was treacherouſly ſlaine in Gallia, by Maximus one of his Coronels who affected the Empire. Auſonius of Burdeaux (certaine of whoſe Poems are yetextāt, was his Tutor for literature, whom afterwards he aduanced to the dignity of a Conſull. His ſon Valentinianus alſo died in manner of the ſame death, by the treachery of his familiar friend Arbogaſtus. But the murtherers eſcapt not ſcot-free, for both of them were ſlaine by Theodoſius the Emperour. Maximus was taken and put to death at Aquileia, and the other acted that part himſelfe.

Thoſe Tyrants thus cut off, Theodoſius 378. an. 16. d. 12. Theodoſius poſſeſt of the Empire, ordaines his two ſons Honorius and Arcadius his Collegues: to whom by reaſon of their nonage hee appointed Protectors, or as it were Gouernors: to Arcadius he aſſigned Ruffinus, and to Honorius, Siilico; sand not long after departed hi life. The ſecond Councell of Conſtantinople, An. 381. By his command a Councell was held at Conſtantinople, wherein the hereſie of Macedonius, who derogated from the Diuinity of the holy Ghoſt, was condemned. The Fathers there aſſembled, being as it is recorded, 150 in number, ordained Biſhops, both there as alſo at Antiochia, which they ſtile the elder and truely Catholike Church, & at Ieruſalem which they call the Mother of all Churches. They tranſmitted thoſe their proceedings to Darsaſus Biſhop of Rome, who endeauoured to call them to Rome. Saint Hierom when he was yong, was familiar with this Damaſus. Hee was the Author of that memorable ſaying. Whereſoeuer the Biſhop is, be it at Rome, Engubiū, Conſtantinople, Rhegium, or Alexandria, he is of the ſame demerit and Prieſthood. Theodoſius hath the fame for a very godly Prince, who being reprehended by St. Ambroſe Biſhop of Millane, and prohibited entrance into the church tooke it patiently.

Arcadius gouerned in the Eaſt at Conſtantinople, Arcad us 395 a . 13. m. 3 d. 15. Together with Honorius, who raigned about 15. yeares after the death of Arcadius. and Honorius at Rome. But Ruffinus with intent to tranſlate the Empire to himſelf, vnderhand incited the King of the Gothes to make warre againſt Arcadius: whoſe treachery being diſcloſed, he was ſlaine by the ſouldiers.

Innocent the firſt of that name excommunicated Arcadius the Emperor, for that hee gaue conſent to haue Saint Iohn Chryſostome expelled out of his Church, as it is related in the Papall Law. At this time flouriſht Saint Auguſtine alſo, Biſhop of Hippo, who was preſent at the third and fourth Counſell of Carthage, where amongſt others, thoſe decrees paſſed, That the Biſhop ſhould haue a little manſion houſe neere to his Church.

That his houſholdſtuffe ſhould be meane, his table and prouiſion poore, and by his vprightneſſe and integrity of life, ſhould get himſelfe authority. That he ſhould vſe the vtenſils of the Church, as things committed to his charge, and not as his owne.

This Innocent the firſt writ alſo to Saint Auſtine, and to Aurelius Biſhop of Carthage, where exhorting them to mutuall prayers, he cals them brothers, and fellow-prieſts. After Innocent followed Zozimus, who commending the decrees of the Fathers, and of antiquity, ſaith that it is not lawfull, no not for the See of Rome, as they call it, to make any alteration therein, or any contradictory decree. Hee alſo reprehends & corrects the cuſtome of his time, that many men of no learning, aſpired to the order of Prieſthood. Boniface the firſt ſucceeded Zozimus, in whoſe time the ſixt Councell of Carthage was aſſembled, whereto there was great concourſe, wherein Saint Auſtine alſo was preſent. Boniface ſending his Legates thither, declared that the Councell of Nice had granted ſuch priuiledge to the See of Rome, that all Prouinces euery where, ſhould appeale thither: and therfore requeſted the Fathers there aſſembled, to eſtabliſh and confirme the ſame. Their anſwer was, that as far as they knew, there was not any ſuch decree at Nice, but, that the certaine truth might be ſifted out and knowne, they were agreed to ſend for a true copy of the Councell, from the Churches of Alexandria and Conſtantinople; which being at length produced, the decree was found quite contrary: to wit, each Prouince ſhould haue the cognizance of their owne cauſes, and that an appeale ſhould lye from the Biſhops to the Councells of the Prouince, or elſe to the Oecumenicall Councell, as they call it. St. Cyril was then Biſhop of Alexandria. Boniface died before the copy came, and his ſucceſſor Celeſtinus vrging the ſame, had his anſwer according to the tenor of that decree.

Arcadius dying, his ſonne Theodoſius the II. ſucceeded, Theodoſ. II. 408. an. 42. m. 2. d. 28. in whoſe raigne, and by whoſe command, a Councel was held at Epheſus, in which Neſtorius was condemned, who denyed that Chriſt was borne God of the Virgin Mary, and at this time dyed St. Auguſtine. On the other ſide Stilico Honorius his Protector dealt no leſſe perfidiouſly then Ruffinus: For hee not onely gaue the Gothes leaue to inhabite and ſeat themſelues in Gallia, but alſo inſtigated them to march into Italy, with their Leader Alaricus, and took the City of Rome, which happened in the yeare of Rome built 1162, and of our Lord 412.

The Gothes keeping their Rendezuous at Rome for a while, and harrazing the Countrey till they came to A ſeacoaſt towne in Italy, now called Reggio, oppoſite to Sicilie. Rhegium, from thence ſayld ouer into Sicily, where they ſuffered ſhipwracke, and loſt their King. But Stilico ſtill continuing his villainous and treacherous practices, with intent to tranſlate the ſway of gouernment into his owne ſonne Eucherius his hands: was (vpon diſcouery of his plot) taken, and by Honorius his command put to death. King Alaricus thus diſpatcht, the Gothes elected his kinſman Adolphus their King, and vnder his leading marcht backe againe to Rome, where, what remained, they ſpoile. He being ſlaine, Genſericus raigned, after whoſe death followed Wallis, with whem Conſtantine Honorius. his ſiſters husband and Leiutenant for the Gallia's, as afterwards Collegue in the Empire: entered into amitie and league, granting them Aquitania a part of Gallia to inhabite.

At the ſame time the Scots and Picts. infeſted Brittaine, but were put to flight by the auxiliary forces ſent from Honorius the Emperour, likewiſe the Vandals and Alans, with their chiefetaine, Genſe ricus pillaged vp and downe Hiſpaine.

After Honorius his deceaſe at Rome, his ſiſters ſonne Ʋalentinianus ſucceeded him in the Weſt and at Rome. Theodoſius Arcadius his ſonne, as aboue recited, in the meane ſpace gouerned the other part of the world at Conſtantinople.

About this time the Vandalls and Alans (prouoked by the diſſentions and factions of the Roman Captaines in Africa) breake forth out of the Hiſpaines into Africa, and waſted the country wth fire & ſword. After with deſtruction, a certaine part of Africa was giuen them to inhabite.

The Gothes (who by Honorius his permiſſion and conſent as a little abouementioned, inhabited Aquitane in Gallia) not ſatisfied with their owne bounds, offred violence and injury to their neighbours: and wearied Narbon with their ſiege. But Litorius being diſpatcht thither with forces, raiſed the ſiege, ſet the Town at liberty, brought in prouiſion, and giuing them battell, at the firſt ſped well, but afterwards was taken with the loſſe almoſt of his whole Army: ſo great was this ouerthrow that the Romans were forced to ſue for peace. In like manner Genſericus King of the Vandalls, breaking the league made with the Romans in Africa, as before mentioned, on a ſudden ſurprizes Carthage, where he exerciſed much cruelty: which City had then continued in ſubiection to the Romans, for 585. yeares. Thus hauing got poſſeſſion of Carthage, hee ſtrikes ouer into Sicilia, which hee made flow with blood. Hereupon Theodoſius the Emperour rigging a Nauie, prepares for warre againſt the Vandals, but by reaſon the Hunnes forraged Thrace and Illyricum, the Armie was recalled out of Sicilie, to defend thoſe parts. The Scots & Picts then againe make an irruption into Britaine, and the inhabitants deſpairing of aid from the Romans, deſire helpe from the Engliſh, The Saxons inuade Britaine, about 448. a people of Saxonie: who being allured with the beautifulneſſe of the country, by little and little conueying ouer more forces (oppreſſing the Britaines) brought the greateſt part of the Iland into their ſubiection. Not long after this, Theodoſius the ſecond, died at Conſtentinople; in whoſe raigne, as it is written, the Sunne was doubled, and a comet appeared almoſt from the Ides of Iuly, till the moneth of September.

Martianus ſucceeded Theodoſius in the Eaſt. Martianus 450. an. 6. m. 6. Wee haue aboue mentioned Genſericus, with whom Valentinianus concluded a peace, diuiding Affrica betwixt them. About this time, Athila King of the Huns, hauing got Ducia and Pannonia, moſt cruelly harrazed the neighbouring Countries, Macedonia, Myſia, Thracia, intending to conquer the Eaſterne part of the Romane Empire. But perceiuing that the warre would be extreame difficult, in regard the Gothes, (who then were in league with the Romans, and inhabited part of Gallia, as aboueſaid) aided the Romans, therefore by his Ambaſſadours, hee requires their amitie and confederacie, but Aetius Valentinianus the Emperours Lieutenant preuented that; who corroborating the league with Theodoricus king of the Gothes, wholly bent himſelfe to the warre. Athila neuertheleſſe proceeds, and in the Downes of Chaalons, (which part of France in regard of the plaines, is Champaigne) was this moſt diſmall battell fought, in which as it is recorded, 180000. men were ſlaine. And Athila loſing the day, determined to kill himſelfe, leſt he ſhould fall aliue into the hands of his enemies. Howbeit king Theodoricus his ſonne, following Aetius the Lieutenants counſaile, returned home with his forces, to ſucceed his deceaſed Father: whereby Athila getting time to recollect himſelfe, retires into Pannonia, and leaying new forces, marches, full ſwoln with reuenge, into Itali : where at length, winning the Citie of Aquilleia, (firſt wearied out with a long-continuing ſiege) ſackt and burnt it. Then forthwith he takes Concordia, Padua, Vicentia, Verona, Breſcia, Bergamo, Millaine and Pauie: and ſo pillaging vp and downe Romandiola. Flaminia, incamped at the meeting of the Riuer of Mencius and Po: where deliberating about his paſſage to Rome with his Armie, Leo the firſt of that name, Biſhop of Rome, comes to him, and ſo farre preuailed, that altering his intent, he not onely ſurceaſed his expedition to Rome, but alſo quite remouing out of Italie, returned into Pannonia, where within a while after he ended his daies.

This was that Leo, many of whoſe Epiſtles to Theodoſius the ſecond, and Martianus the Emperour, are extant, wherein he partly apologizes for his abſence from the Councels by them conuocated, and intreats them not to bee offended for ſending thither of his Legates; and partly alſo requeſts, that they would deſigne ſome place in Italie, rather then in Aſia, for the celebrating of Councels: but he obtained nothing.

Whileſt Athila thus raged vp and downe Italie, the Citie of Venice was builded; Venice begunne to be built, An. 430. when many of the abler ſort, leauing the adioyning places, betooke themſelues to thoſe ſea-ſands, little Iſlelands, and hillockes, as into ſome harbour. Thus meane and in a manner deſperate and miſerable, was the beginning of this Citie, which now, as we ſee, is growne to a wonderfull greatneſſe. They reckon 805. Dukes till this time; the firſt whereof was Some Authors call him Paulutius Anafeſtus, and write of his beginning in Anno Dom. 697. and after their Citie built, 282. Paulus Anazatus, in the yeere of grace, 706. being 252. yeeres after the beginning of the building of their Citie.

Afterwards when Valentinianus was ſlaine, Genſericus King of the Vandals, ſailing ouer with a Nauie from Affrica into Italie, marches with an exceeding great armie (being aided by the Moores) towards Rome, and takes the Citie, in a manner left quite deſolate: but at the earneſt requeſt of Leo the Biſhop, who alſo, as aforeſaid, appeaſed Athila: hee forbore fire and ſword: The Citie-ſackt, captiues were tranſported to Carthage in great troopes. The enemies after this, infeſt Campania with grieuous outrages, raſe Capua, Nola, Naples, and other Cities: thoſe who ſuruiue the ſword, they condemne to the irons, and growne rich with the wealth of Italie, returne into Affrica.

Martianus, Emperour of the Eaſt, a Prince of a calme nature, inioyed peace: hee was wont to ſay: That it was not ſitting for a Prince to take armes, as long as he might liue in peace. In his raigne, The fourth Councell at Chalcedon in Bythinia. and by his command, a very great Councell was aſſembled at Chalcedon, wherein Eutyches who confounded the two natures in Chriſt, was condemned.

There, amongſt the reſt, it was decreed, that no Clerke, as they call them, ſhould bee admitted to the Churches of two Cities. Pluralitie of liuings, as wee tearme it, was not then heard of, which now is growne ſo ordinarie, as nothing is more common. And almoſt within our memorie, that cuſtome crept in amongſt other blemiſhes of the Church, that the Pope may conferre two Biſhoprickes vpon one man. If now therefore he would reſtore the cuſtome in this behalfe, which was held in the next precedent age; hee ſhould doe his dutie, but ſeeing that cannot be, can we ſuppoſe it euer to be granted, that matters ſhall be amended according to the holy Scriptures, and decrees of the Apoſtles and primitiue times? No, they toile in vaine, that ballance the deedes of the Popes, with the rules of ancient Religion.

Martianus dying in the ſeuenth yeere of his Empire, Leo, 457. an. 17. Leo ſucceeded him: and Auitus, (when Genſericus after the taking of Rome, was returned into Affrica) ſucceeded Valentinianus at Rome, and in the Weſt, next to him, Majoranus, then Seuerus, and after him, Anthemius: after thoſe followed others, but nothing eminent, who periſhed in their mutuall maſſacres and treacheries, and raigned but a while, inſomuch that now the other part of the Roman Empire in the Weſt, ſtood in great danger.

Nothing memorable is recorded of Leo the Emperour, but that he entred into amitie and league with the Gothes, then waſting Illyricum, and an Epiſtle or two of Leo the Biſhop of Romes to him, Zeno 474. an. 17. m. 2. d. 7. are extant. Zeno Called Iſauricus, becauſe he was borne in Iſaurica in Cicilia. Iſauricus was his ſucceſſor. Among ſtthoſe alſo, who ruled in Rome, after Ʋalentinianus his death, Auguſtulus was one, in whoſe raigne, Odoacer with a maine armie of Herulians and Syrians, out of Pannonia, inuades Italie, takes Oreſtes, a Nobleman of Rome, who was fled to Pauie with his forces) puts him to death, ſackes and burnes the Citie: and marching on, takes in the whole Country as far as Rome. Auguſtulus deiected in minde, voluntarily reſignes his Empire: Odoacer enters the Citie, and obtaining the kingdome of Italie, gouerned without reſiſtance fourteene yeeres. But at length, Theodorieus King of the Eaſt-Gothes, ſent by Zeno the Emperour: marching from Conſtantinople, ouerthrew the Part of the Gothes. Gepides and Bulgarians, oppoſing him; and ſo making his way through Myſia, and Pannonia, arriues in Italie, and incampes himſelfe not farre from Aquileta: whither Odoacer afterwards repairing, a ſharpe battell inſued. Odoacer loſing the day, fled; but recollecting his forces, ioynes battell on freſh, and is againe ouerthrown, moſt part of his armie loſt: ſome whereof periſhed in battell, others in A Riuer running through Verona. Atheſis. Hee flies amaine towards Rome, where ſhut out, he ſpoiles the Country about, and comes to Rauenna: there at length, after three yeeres ſiege, vpon the Cities yeelding, ſhe was taken and put to death.

Odoacer thus cut off, Theodoricus became Lord of Italie, marches to Rome, where hee aſſembled two Councels of Biſhops, whom hee called together out of ſundry Prouinces of Italie, to ſit vpon Pope of Rome. Symmachus his cauſe, whom the greateſt part refuſed, as one vnworthy, and falſly created. This Theodoricus was an Arian, as the Papall bookes haue it. His ſirname was Becauſe of his victory at Verona. Veronenſis, and was deſcended from that Theodoricus abouementioned, who was ſlaine in the battell againſt Athila King of the Hunnes. Odoacer was a Of Rugerland in Pomerania. Rugian, a people of Germanie, vpon the Daniſh ſea. Theodoricus thereby to ſtrengthen himſelfe, obliged the Kings of the Vandals, Viſigothes, and Burgundians to him by affinitie.

Whileſt the ſquares went thus in Italie, great troubles were on foot, throughout Thrace, Affrica, and Britaine, where at length, the Saxons got the vpperhand.

Zeno dying at Conſtantinople, Anaſtatius, 491. an. 27. m. 3. d. 3. Anaſtatius ſucceeds him. Hee fauoured many of thoſe, who allowed of Eutyches his opinion: wherupon a diſſention grew betwixt him and Gelaſius Biſhop of Rome: who by tedious letters dehorts him, as their bookes haue it, from vndertaking the protection of them: for there were two things ſaith he, whereby principally this world ſhould bee gouerned; the ſacred authoritie of Biſhops and regall power: and ſo much the more charge lies vpon the Prieſts, for that they, euen for other men, muſt render an account to the Lord: but he was to gouerne for ciuill policie, yet ſo, as to bee ſubiect to the Miniſters of God, and to depend vpon their iudgement: and ſeeing that Prieſts doe obey the lawes politicall, it is likewiſe iuſt, that hee himſelfe ſhould not refuſe thoſe conſtitutions, which the Steerſ-men in matters diuine eſtabliſh: therefore ſithence this honour ought to be giuen to all Miniſters of the Church, the cauſe it ſelfe requires, that to him moſt eſpecially it ſhould bee attributed, whom God by his owne word, as alſo the conſent of the Church, would haue to rule ouer the whole order of Prieſts. Let him leaue off therfore, and rather heare him an excuſer in this life, then finde him an accuſer in the other. After this, his decree concerning the holy Bible is annexed, in which he grants ſuperiority to the Sea of Rome, as they call it, then to Alexandria, & the third place to Antiochia.

In Anaſtatius his raigne, Sicilie was toſſed with troubles and hoſtile inſurrections, which were quenched by the Authors death. Then alſo the Hunnes waſted Armenia, and Cappadocia: the Getes, Macedonia, Theſſalie, and Epirus: from both which the Emperour was enforced to buy his peace by gifts, and no ſmall loſſes.

Much about this time, which was in the yeere of Grace, 500. Clodoueus King the French, firſt of all imbraced the Chriſtian Religion, hauing beene very oft and earneſtly ſolicited thereunto, as alſo to forſake his Idols and ſuperſtition: by his wife who was of the houſe of Burgundie. The Councell of Orleans in his raigne eſtabliſhed, which conſiſted of thirty three French Biſhops, is extant: wherein amongſt the reſt it is decreed, that if the rauiſher of a Virgin ſhall flie to a Church, though hee haue offered violence to the Virgin, yet hee ſhall not come within danger of death: but ſhall either bee as a bondſlaue, or elſe redeeme himſelfe from her.

Anaſtatius ſlaine by lightening, or as the papall law ſpeakes, dying vpon an Sleidan (as. Meibomius notes) here miſtakes the Emperour, for Pope Anaſtatius. Iuſtine, 518 an. 9. d. 24. eruption of his bowels: Iuſtinus ſucceeded, a man of obſcure parentage, and from a ſwine-heard made a ſouldier, as it is written. He was at diſſention with Theodoricus King of the Gothes, Lord of Italie, about diuerſitie of Religion, but yet they held off from blowes: Theodoricus dying, Alaricus his Grand-child by his ſonne, ſucceeded, to the great ioy and contentment of the Gothes. Iohn the firſt of that name, was then Biſhop of Rome. He with other more, was ſent in Ambaſſage, by the aforementioned King Theodoricus, to Conſtantinople; where, as their bookes relate, hee was moſt honourably entertained, not onely by the people, but alſo by the Emperour himſelfe. For they, ſay they, were exceeding ioyous, that it was their fortune, now at length to ſee and entertaine the bleſſed S. Peters Vicar, as they tearme him, in Greece; which had neuer befallen them before ſince Conſtantines time the Great, and Sylueſters. But it is ſtrange, that they ſhould pra e thus of Sylueſter, who came not into Greece, as it is manifeſt: For, then when it was moſt be oofefull, as alſo needfull, I meane at the Councell of Nice, he ſtirred not, but ſent thither his Legates, Victor and Vincent: and afterwards as they relate, he himſelfe aſſembled another Councell at Rome, wherein he confirmed the decrees of the Councell of Nice. There is extant alſo, a conſolatorie Epiſtle of this Iohn the firſt to the Biſhops of Italie, wherein hee exhorts them, that albeit King Theodoricus polluted with Arian hereſie, threatned deſtruction to them, and to all Italie, yet they ſhould not deſiſt from their purpoſe, but reſolutely proceed.

After Iuſtine, Iuſtinianus, 527. an. 38. m. 3. d. 13. his ſiſters ſon Iuſtinianus was made Emperour: Hee wholly bent himſelfe to the reſtoring of the Common-wealth, and at his firſt entrance, ſet ouer the whole charge of gouernment to Beliſarius, who by many great battels, ouercame the Perſians, tranſgreſſing their bounds, and offring violence to the Romane dominions: ſet free Illyricum, waſted by the Gepidaes and Bulgarians, reduced the Parthians being vp in armes, to amitie: ouerthrew the Vandals moſt powerfull forces in Affrica, recouered Carthage; and from thence ſtriking ouer into Sicilie, where hauing notice of the rebellion in Affrica, he returnes thither, and ſpeedes well. Then at length marching into Italie, takes Naples, ſackes it, ouerthrowes the Gothes, whoſe King Theodatus then was. After this, he repaires to Rome, where he was kindly and honourably entertained by all, remouing from thence, takes in the townes and forts euery where, and amongſt the reſt, Perouſa: after this, he beſieges Rauenna, where Vitigis, King of the Gothes giuing him battell loſeth his Armie, is taken priſoner, and carried away by Beliſarius to Conſtantinople. The Gothes renewing their forces in the country beyond Po, elect Hildebrand their king. To him, two ſucceeded, and after them, Totilas. He in Beliſarius his abſence, ouer-running all Italie, takes Rome, after a ſiege, ſackes and ſets fire on it. Beliſarius hereupon recalled, hauing finiſhed the warre againſt the Parthians, who againe forraged Syria, returnes into Italie, and recouers the Citie in a manner left deſolate: and then incountring with the enemy, had a happy battell: but ſailing into Sicilie for prouiſion, is called backe by Iuſtinianus, which affoorded occaſion to Totilas, to renew his forces, & returne to Rome. The Emperour forthwith ordaines Narſes the Eunuch, Generall in the Italian warre: hee expelled the Gothes quite out of Italie, which was ſo much the eaſilier effected, they hauing loſt their King Totilas, who died of a wound. That warre with the Gothes, laſted eighteene yeeres. And Iuſtinianus thus recouering Italie, and Affricke, after he had aſſumed his Grandchild by his daughter, for his Collegue in the Empire, departed this life. Some write, that hee was a Prince of a dull nature, and ouerſwaied by his wife Theodora. Tribonianus the Lawyer was in high eſteeme with him: he who (abrogating the writings and diſputations of the Ancients) gathered out of them an hotchpotch of the lawes, and left vs the fragments onely, which now goe vnder the name of the Pandects: But he had certaine helpers in that worke, whoſe names are mentioned all ouer. He did the like alſo in the references and lawes of the Emperours, which being comprehended in three bookes, the Gregorian, Hermogenian, and Theodoſian: he contracted into one volume, naming it Iuſtinians Code, vſing other mens helpes therein, whoſe names the Emperour reckons vp in the preface to his booke. There are Authors that report, how this Tribonianus was a couetous man, and for gaine, Virgil 6. Aenoad. (as the Poet ſaith) made and marred lawes. In the Code before mentioned, there are many of Iuſtinians lawes, which contradict the former. There was added alſo, a peculiar worke, of new conſtitutions, which throughout beare the name and title of Iuſtinian.

The Emperour intreated Beliſarius, whom I ſpoke of, (him by whoſe proweſſe hee had obtained ſo many and ſo glorious victories) moſt ignominiouſly: and in his extreame old age, cauſed his eyes to bee put out. In his raigne, ſome Councels were aſſembled at Conſtantinople, wherein Menna, Patriarch of that Citie, ſate Preſident: who, as their bookes haue it, is ſtiled the moſt holy, moſt bleſſed, and oecumenicall. In the beginning of the Code, an Epiſtle of the Emperour to the Archbiſhop of the Citie of Rome, is ſet downe, wherein he calls him, the Head of all Churches, and ſubiects all to him. Furthermore, although the learned are of opinion, that it was forged, yet grant it be true, it is certaine, that this controuerſie continued many yeers after, til at length the Biſhops of Rome, amplified with abilities, preuailed: and in the poſſeſſion of the Church, would erect to themſelues a Tower, which, whether reared by the hands of men, or fauour of Princes, now carries the name, as though it were founded by power diuine. We haue formerly mentioned how the ſixth Councell of Carthage was held in S. Auſtines time, wherein Pope Boniface the firſt, and Pope Caeleſtines fallacies were vnmaſked, when they alledged how it was decreed at Nice, that all Prouinces ſhould appeale to them. And in Iuſtinians time, Boniface the ſecond was Biſhop of Rome, whoſe Epiſtle is extant, wherein he ſharpely reprehends Aurelius Biſhop of Carthage in the before-mentioned Councell, and ſaies, that he with his fellowes, did by the deuils inſtigation reſiſt the Church of Rome: as alſo, giues God thankes, that in his time, Eulalius, Aurelius his ſucceſſor, was reconciled to the Church of Rome, and after that, rehearſes the words of Eulalius, wherein he profeſſes, that hee condemnes both his predeceſſors and ſucceſſors whoſoeuer they bee, that goe about to weaken the priuiledges of the holy and Apoſtolicall Church of Rome.

Agapetus the next to Boniface, remoued Anthemius Patriarch of Conſtantinople out of his place, for denying the two natures in Chriſt. Theodora the Empreſſe, tooke this very hainouſly, and by Beliſarius, admoniſhed Siluirius Agapetus his ſucceſſor, to reſtore him: and Beliſarius (certaine other accuſations alſo being laid to his charge) turnes him out of his place, and ſends him into baniſhment, ſubſtituting Vigilius, who likewiſe called to Conſtantinople, and refuſing to recall Anthemius, was condemned to the like puniſhment: whereby it ſufficiently appeares, in what manner the Biſhops of Rome were then ſubiect to the power of the Emperour.

Iuſtine the II. Iuſtine I I. 565. an. 10. m. 10. d. 20. being Emperor, the Perſian war was renued, which miſcarying, Archelaus the Emperors Lieutenant, of a new concludes a peace,

Narſes the Emperors Lieutenant throughout Italy, (after the Gothes were expulſt, and Totilas dead) held Italy almoſt ſixteene yeares: afterwards called home by the Emperour from whom receiuing certain vnwelcome letters, and therein perceiuing his ingratitude, he not onely ſtayes ſtill, but ſurther for reuenge, (ſending away his Ambaſſadours) inſtigates the Lombards then ſeated in Pannonia, proffering them very large rewards, to depart from Pannonia and come into Italy, the moſt pleaſant and fruitfull of all Countries. Thereupon they tooke that part of Italy, which till this day, retaines the name from them. This Iuſtine as it is written, conſtituted an Exarch, Gouernour throughout Italy: hee was as it were the Emperors Vicar or Deputy: His chiefe ſeat was at Rauenna, neglecting Rome, and in each City and towne ordaining ſome Gouernour. The Italian writers report that this new ordinance, was the bane of Italy, and Rome. Narſes ſoone after dyed at Rome.

Tiberius not long before adopted and made Collegue in the Empire, Tiberius II. 576. an. 6. m. 10. d. 8. was Iuſtines ſucceſſor. He got two happie victories againſt the Perſians: and eſtabliſhed a peace with the Lombards, whoſe Kingdome then reached from the Samnites vnto the Alpes, the City of Rome onely expected, which after they had for a ſpace ſharply beſieged, at length (conſtrained by force of tempeſt and raine) raiſed their ſiege. Mauritius 582. an. 19. m. 3. d. 11. Mauritius, Tiberius his ſonne in law, being created Emperor, in ſome certaine battels by his Lieutenants, ouerthrew the Perſians, and at length concluded a peace with them: recalling his Army, he expelled the Scythians out of Myſia, repreſſed the Lombards throughout Italy: chaſed the Hunnes out of Pannonia: but being hated of the ſouldiers for his couetouſneſſe, was enforced (vpon a mutinie ariſen) to flie to Chalcedon, & there at length was ſlain, together with his wife, children, Phocas 603. an. 8. m. 4. d. 9. and whole race, by Phocas the Centurion, who afterwards throgh ſedition, was proclaimed Emperor.

It is written that in Mauritius his raigne, a Comet appeared for ſixe moneths ſpace, and then alſo was Mahomet borne, whom we will ſpeake of hereafter.

At that time, Iohn Biſhop of Conſtantinople, ſtiled himſelfe the vniuerſall Patriarch: but Pelagius the ſecond, Biſhop of Rome, vehemently reſiſted him, and pronounced his decrees void. His ſucceſſor Gregory, the firſt ſharply reprehends him for this, and indeed confeſſes, that in the Councell of Chalcedon, this title and honour was giuen to his predeceſſors, but none of them vſed it. As alſo he exhorts Mauritius the Emperour by his Letters, to reſtraine him, for that alſo appertained to his authority, which he (in arrogating ſuch a kinde of power) did much impaire. It is recorded that the next after Gregory, Boniface the III obtained the primacie from Phocas, certaine Edicts and charters being publiſht in that behalfe.

In Phocas his raigne the Perſians very greiuouſly annoyed the Common-wealth: ſeizing vpon Meſopotamia, and Aſſyria, and marching on euen vnto the leſſer Aſia, ſuch was the negligence of this Prince. Germany alſo, together with Gallia, and a great part of Italy reuolted. The Saracens waſted Aegypt: and he himſelfe being ſlaine for his cruelty and neglect of the Commonwealth, Heraclius ſucceeded. Then againe the Perſians marching on very farre through Aegypt, inuade Africa, which they bring vnder their ſubiection. The Scythians diuerſly diſmember Europe. Heraclius at length marching into Aſia, when hee could not make his peace, though propounding certaine conditions, little tending to the honour of the Romanes, almoſt by meere conſtraint encountred with the Perſians, (who now alſo forraged Iudaea) and in a battell or two diſcomfited them. Then marching on beyond the Riuer Tigris, and ranſaking Perſia farre and wide (entring at length into amity with Sirochus the Coſroes. King of Perſia's ſon, who hauing ſlaine his father, ſet vpon the Kingdome) recouered Africa, and Aegypt, and whatſoeuer elſe the Perſians had taken, and it was couenanted that the Riuer Tigris ſhould deuide the Perſian and Roman dominions. At this time alſo the Saracens ſeruing in the warres vnder Heraclius, being defrauded of their pay, reuolt in huge troopes, and pillaging vp and downe Syria, (Mahomet being their Chieftaine) took Damaſcus, forraged Aegypt, ſubdued Arabia, and gaue the Perſians ſome ouerthrowes. This Mahomet was by parentage obſcure, but ſubtle and aduenturous, as alſo afterwards enriched by mariage: and by reaſon of his prompt wit carying great ſway he propounds a new kind of doctrine (to reaſon indeed very delectable, but for the moſt part ridiculous and fooliſh) whereby hee might more and more oblige the mindes of men, and more firmly poſſeſſe himſelfe with ſoueraigntie. And though this flame might at firſt haue eaſily beene quenched, yet being neglected, in ſhort ſpace grew to a maine height: and ſo from that time the Maieſtie and Empire of the Romans in the Eaſt, decayed more and more, Nations reuolting one after another.

In Heraclius his raigne, the fourth Councell of Toledo was celebrated, where, becauſe moſt part of the Prieſts throughout Spaine, did not euery day (but onely vpon that day which wee call Sunday) vſe that prayer which Chriſt himſelfe taught vs: amongſt other matters, a reformation therein was decreed, as alſo that the Apocalyps of S. Iohn, as they ſay ſhould bee read in the Church from Eaſter to Whitſontide.

The Gothes then raigned in Hiſpain, when as the Spaniards (growne weary, as it is common, of forraign gouernment) attempting an innovation, this Councell vnder a ſeuere penalty prohibited the practizing of any conſpiracy againſt their King or the Gothiſh Nation: and that after the Kings deceaſe, the States and Clergie of the whole Nation, Conſtantine the III. raigned 2. moneths, and Heraclian two yeares. ſhould by common conſent appoint the ſucceſſor. The ſame decree was alſo renued in ſome other of their aſſemblies. The ſinging of the Hebrew Allelujah in the Church, in time of Lent was likewiſe forbidden, Conſtans the II. 642. an. 27. m. 8. d. 10. for that it was a time of ſorrow and not of reioycing. To Heraclius, Conſtans ſucceeded, who was his grandchild by his ſonne Conſtantine. He had an infortunate ſea-fight with the Saracens, who getting the victory, tooke Rhodes, and without doubt had proceeded further, had not the factions kindled amongſt them procured a two yeares truce with the Romanes. The Emperour hauing this time to pauſe, marches with an Army into Italy, thereby, as he boaſted, to reſcue it out of the Enemies hands: and arriuing at Tarento, beſieged Luceria, and other places of Apulia belonging to the Lombards: but in his iourney towards Naples, his rereguard was cut off by the Lombards. Entring Rome peaceably, at length hee diſrobes the City of all its ornaments, and there ſtaying a few dayes ſtrucke ouer into Sicily, where afterwards he was murthered in a Bath: and ſome diſſenſion ariſing after his death about ſucceſſion, the Sarazens (laying hold on this opportunity) with a great Nauy inuaded Sicilie, commit a horrible maſſacre of the Iſlanders, take Syracuſe and carry away with them all Conſtans his ſpoiles taken from Rome. Conſtantine the IIII, or Bearded, 669. an. 16. d. 7. To Conſtans, Conſtantine the IIII. ſucceeded, commonly called the Bearded. He for certain yeeres encountring with the Sarazens, at length vanquiſht them inſomuch as they ſued for peace, and for a thirty yeares Truce: as alſo condeſcended to pay a yearely Tribute: and the Romanes Enemies in the Eaſt herewith ſhaken implore a peace. But the Bulgars, tranſpaſſing their bounds waſt Thrace, with them a peace was at length concluded, and both the Now Burſia in Aſia. Myſia's yeelded vp to them: but afterwards (when they perceiued the Romanes negligence) breaking the league, flye out againe, and extenuate the forces of the Empire. This Emperour as it is recorded, was the firſt, that ordained, that whom the Clergy and people of Rome together with the ſouldiers, had created Biſhop of that City, hee ſhould obtaine full power: for till this time the dignity of Biſhop of Rome depended vpon the confirmation either of the Emperour, or of his Deputy for Italy. There is a long Epiſtle extant of Pope Leo the II, to Conſtantine, wherein hee condemnes all manner of heretiques, and highly extolls him for his loue to, and protection of Religion, as alſo for his liberality and munificence: adding, that the Church hauing gotten ſuch a Defender, moſt ioyfully triumphed. The ſixth Councel at Conſtantinople, 680.

The ſixth Counſell at Conſtantinople was held in his raign which conſiſted of 150. Biſhops. Wherein, about the end thereof, mention is made (but in obſcure words) of thoſe Canons ſtiled the Apoſtles. But Gratianus reckons vp the contrary opinions, for he auerres, that there be thoſe that can affirme, that they were compiled by heretiques, reiected by the Primitiue Church, and accounted among the Apocrypha's. Yet it is written that Zepherinus B. of Rome, in order the ſixteenth approued them: as alſo, after him, this Councell before mentioned, which (as they report) was ended in Iuſtine the II. his time, Conſtantine the IIII. his ſonne. In briefe, all flotes vpon incertaine grounds, neither doe they agree in the number of the Canons, for ſome hold 50. others 60. others 84. in which number indeed they are extant. Whereby it may eaſily be coniectured that more were added by degrees, and afterwards (though proceeding from many) comprehended vnder one title. It is written that then alſo the Archbiſhop of Rauenna, ſubiected himſelfe to the Biſhop of Rome, who before that (but moſt eſpecially after the tranſlation thither of the Exarchy) would yeeld nothing at all to him.

To Conſtantine, Iuſtinian, II 686. an. 10. Iuſtinianus his ſon ſucceeded; he by reaſon of his nonage and inexperience, miſgouerned the Common-wealth, and breaking the league which his father had made with the Sarazens and Bulgars, was brought to that pinch, as he himſelfe was conſtrained to ſue for peace to both of them. At length, being thruſt out for his crueltie, an baniſht with his noſe cut off, Leontius ſucceeded, Leontius, 696 an 3. hauing beene priſoner two yeares vpon ſuſpition of affecting the Empire. In the time of thoſe broiles, the Sarazens inuade Africa, but were within two yeares after chaſed out thence by force of armes. The Roman ſouldiers forſaking the garriſon in Africa, ſith the Emperour ſleighted ouer all affaires with negligence and careleſſeneſſe, and fearing leſt they ſhould againe bee expelled by the Sarazens, Tiberius Apſimarus 699. an 7. who were then exceeding ſtrong: create one Tiberius Emperour. He marches with his forces to Conſtantinople, where winning the City, takes Leontius, cuts off his noſe, caſt him into priſon, and conſtitutes a new Exarch in Italy. And whilſt all matters were caried after this boiſterous manner, the Sarazens laying hold on this fit opportunity, march out of Egypt, with an huge Army: and againe ſurpriſe Africa, and Lybia, and welnigh all Hiſpaine.

Iuſtinianus (hee whom I aboue ſpoke of, Iuſtinian the II. againe, 706. An. 6. expeld and banniſht by Leontius,) by helpe of Tribellius King of Bulgaria, at length takes Conſtantinople, and therein Leontius, and Tiberius, whom hee put to death: Firſt cauſing them to be caried vp and downe the city bound in cords, then trampling vpon their necks and laſtly beheading them. Philippius Bardanes, 712. an. 2. m. 9. d. 7. after which hee raigned ſixe yeares cruelly, prouing alſo ingratefull to King Tribellius, and at length ioyning battle with Philippicus Bardanes, to whom the ſouldiers had reuolted, both he and his ſonne Tiberius were there ſlaine. Pope Conſtantine pronounced this Philippicus (for difference in Religion) a Schiſmatick, whoſe eyes being afterwards pluckt out by his owne ſeruants, Anaſtatius the II. was his ſucceſſor. Anaſtatius the II. 715. an. 1. m. 3.

Hee ſent a ſtrong Nauie to the Rhodes to make warre with the Sarazens, conſtituting an eccleſiaſticall perſon Generall thereof: whom the ſouldiers refuſing to obey, a mutinie aroſe and one Theodoſius of obſcure parentage was created Emperour, Theodoſius Adramittenus, 716. m. 7. d. 16. who changing the voyage, marches to Conſtantinople, takes the City, and confines Anaſtaſius (whō he ouerthrew in battaile) to a Monaſtery: but not long after being expulſt by Leo Lieutenant of his forces, Leo Conon, 717. an. 24. m. 2. d. 25. hee alſo betakes himſelfe to a Monaſticall life. About this time which was in the yeare of Grace 717. the Moores with their whole powers breake into Spaine, and ſubdue it, Rodericke being then King of the Hiſpaines, whom the Gothes had elected. The Sarazens in Leo's raigne, hauing ouerrunne Thrace, beſiege Conſtantinople both by ſea and land for three yeares ſpace; but at length (being well nigh deſtroyed by the plague) were conſtrained to retire home. This Leo was a mortall aduerſary to Gregory the II. Biſhop of Rome: and charged his Vicar or Exarch in Italy, by all meanes to cut him off: but the Lombards defended the Pope, not for any loue they bare him, but to the end, that by theſe diſſenſions, they might enlarge their owne Territories. For vpon this occaſion they ſurpriſed many townes belonging to the Exarchie-Certaine of this Gregories Epiſtles to the Clergy and Laity of Thuringia, A part of Saxony, where the City Erford ſtands. are extant, whereby he admoniſhes them more and more to encreaſe in the knowledge of God: as alſo to the Saxons ſharply deterring them from worſhipping of Idolls, in which employment hee vſed one An Engliſhman borne in Deuonſhire. Boniface his helpe, whom he had ſent into Germany.

The Emperour Leo throwes all ſtatues & Images of Saints, out of Churches, and enioynes the Pope alſo to doe the like: but hee not onely diſobeyes, but alſo denounces ſharpe puniſhment againſt him perſeuering in his purpoſe. Conſtantine the V. 741. an. 35. m. 1. d. 27. To Leo, his ſon Conſtantine of that name the V. ſucceeded, ſurnamed Copronymos, of the ſame Religion with his father. He, ſetting forth with a great Nauie againſt the Sarazens, for recouery of Alexandria in Egypt. vnderſtanding by a meſſenger of the inſurrections hatched at home, and of Artabaſtus the new elected Emperour retires to Conſtantinople, takes the City by force, and puts out Artabaſtus his eies. He alſo, as his father Leo, liued in vehement diſcord with Gregory the III. Biſhop of Rome, who forthwith ſending his Nuntio's, excommunicates him: and they being caſt in priſon, hee made a decree in the Councell thereupon aſſembled: That, whoſoeuer ſhould hereafter demoliſh the Images of Saints, or contumeliouſly abuſe them, ſhould be vtterly excluded from the Communion of the Church: after this, with all diligence and endeauour he erected Images in diuers Churches, and as farre as he could, ſumptuouſly adorned them.

After Gregory the III. Zacharias ſucceeded. An Epiſtle of his is extant to one Boniface a Biſhop in Germany; the ſame man, as it appeares, whoſe helpe Gregory the II. vſed, as a little aboue mentioned. Zacharias ſatisfied his requeſts and permitted Biſhopricks at Merburgh, Bamberg, and Erphord; and alſo gaue him leaue to goe to Charlemaine, Charles Martel his ſonne, who was deſirous to haue a Councell held in ſome City of the French Kingdome: and that he might diligently reforme the abuſes of the Church, but moſt eſpecially remoue adulterers, and thoſe that had many wiues from the order of Prieſthood: for ſithence after the vndertaking of the holy Miniſtery, they ought not to haue or touch ſo much as one wife, much leſſe at one and the ſame time, they ſhould haue more, for Pauls words, that a Biſhop ſhould bee the husband of one wife, is to bee vnderſtood not of the time preſent, but paſt, to wit, that hee who deſires to be admitted into the miniſteriall function, ſhould haue no more wiues then one. To this Epiſtle Charlemaines Edict (who ſtiles himſelfe Duke of the French) is annexed: wherein hee ordaines that a Councell ſhould be held euery yeare in his preſence: and commands that adulterous Prieſts, and whoremongers ſhould be remoued out of their places: and likewiſe prohibits them from hunting and hawking, and charges them not to maintaine any whore at home: but concerning wiues not a word.

From this time Aiſtulphus King of the Lombards required a tribute from the Romans, ſharply menacing them in caſe of non-payment. Stephen the II. of that name, then Biſhop of Rome, ſeeing hee could not ſtop his mouth neither with flatteries nor rewards ſues to Conſtantine the Emperour for ayde, but no helpe comming from him, hee ſollicites Pipin, lately (as we below ſhall mention) made king of the French; to lend him his hand. He marching with an Army into Italy beſieges Pauie, and compells Aiſtulphus to come to compoſition, but the Enemy, after Pipins returne home, growne more kene, againe takes armes: whereupon Pipin, againe ſolicited, marches into Italy; then at length Aiſtulphus ſurrenders the Exarchie to Pipin, in which Country thoſe Cities are of chiefe account, Rauenna, Fauentia, Caeſena, Forli, Forlimpopoli, Bologna, Reggio, Parma, and Placentia.

It is written that Pipin deliuered all this Countrey into the Popes hands, though the Emperor firſt required him to reſtore them to him, as belonging to the Empire, not to the Church of Rome.

To Conſtantine, •• o the IIII 775. an. 4. m. 11. d. 26. his ſon Leo the IIII. ſucceeded: He vndertooke one only expedition into Againſt the Sarazeni. Syria, where diſcomfited, he retires home, and not long after dyed, of the ſame religion with his father, leauing behind him his ſon Conſtantine the VI. who by reaſon of his nonage, not of ability to raigne, his mother Irene gouerned the Common-wealth, but he, waxen warmer in 20 yeares of age. yeares, depoſing his mother, tooke the Empire vpon himſelfe, with no leſſe inſolency then cruelty: whereupon certaine conſpiracies being practized againſt him: he ſet a mulct, amongſt others, vpon his vncle Nicephorus, and put out his eyes. And at length he himſelfe by the meanes of his mother, was ſerued with the ſame ſauce, within a while after dying of griefe; and thereupon the ſway of gouernment returned into her hands. Irene the Empreſſe 797. an. 4. Who afterwards in the fourth yeere of her Empire was depoſed and ſent into exile, Nicephorus whom we before mentioned, was her ſucceſſor.

In the meane time whileſt matters were thus tumultuouſly caryed at Conſtantinople, the name of Charles King of the French, grew famous. For he hauing finiſhed the warre in Aquitania, at the requeſt of Adrian Biſhop of Rome, marches into Italy, and as his Father Pipin repreſſed Aiſtulphus King of the Lombards, as aboueſaid: ſo he, after a long ſiege tooke Deſiderius, Aiſtulphus his ſucceſſor, a heauy foe to Italy, and Adrian the I. As alſo excluded his ſonne Adalgiſius out of the Kingdome, and chaſed him quite out of Italy. For the Emperours of Rome, by reaſon of their farre remote abſence (I meane at Conſtantinople) euer ſince Conſtantine the Great, and being likewiſe hindered, not onely with forraigne wars, but alſo with ciuill & domeſticall diſſenſions, in a manner neglected Italy, or at leaſtwiſe could not conueniently protect it, eſpecially the Lombards raigning there: Furthermore, moſt of them alſo, being at deadly diſſention with the Biſhops of Rome, as we haue formerly ſpecified, out of their hatred towards them, were not moued at this proſperous eſtate of the Lombards. For this cauſe the Popes prouided forraigne defence, and becauſe no houſe was in thoſe times, of more renowne and puiſſance, then that of the French Kings, in regard of the greatneſſe of their noble exploits, to them they flie, as to a harbour in time of trouble. And after this manner, Adrian dying, Leo the third, who ſucceeded him, hauing many aduerſaries at Rome, Charles the Great, 801. an. 13. m. 1. d 4. ſued to Charles, Pipins ſon: who, at his fourth acceſſion to the Citie, was by the Pope and all the people proclaimed Emperour, which happened at the ſame time, when nought but factions ſwarmed at Conſtantinople, inſomuch as the very time it ſelfe, and ſtate of the Common-wealth, ſeemed to adminiſter the cauſe and occaſion of this change.

Thus therefore the Empire of the Weſt, came to the Germanes: for without all doubt, Pipin and Charles were Germanes. This was in the eight hundred and firſt yeere after Chriſts birth.

Now, Nicephorus was ouercome and ſlaineby the Bulgars, and his ſcull made a drinking bowle by Crumnus King of the Bulgars. after Nicephorus, the Emperours of the Eaſt were toſſed with continuall warres; for at firſt, the Bulgars often incountred them, then the Sarazens iſſuing out of Affrica, tooke the Ile of Candie, as afterwards Sicilie, and made hauocke in Aſia farre and wide: and laſt of all the Turks, a people of Scythia.

The Emperours of Greece, from Nicephorus to Conſtantine Palaeologus the laſt, are reckoned to 50, ſome whereof were women: but moſt of thoſe were ſloathfull. And in Conſtātine Monomachus his raign, the Turkes from a baſe originall, by degrees getting ground more and more, began to waſt Aſia, and daily increaſing their power, at length made vp a Monarchie, but no new or fifth one, but ſprouted out of that part of the Romane Empire, lying in the Eaſt. Ottoman firſt Monarch of the Turkes, an. 1300. Of which Monarchie, Ottoman was the head, about the yeere of Chriſt, 1300.

Afterwards, Ma hom et of that name the ſecond, great Grandfather to Solyman, who now ſwaies the Empire, taking Conſtantinople, & putting Conſtantine Palaeologus the Emperour before mentioned, together with his whole family, to the ſword, vtterly extinguiſht the n me, and ſucceſſion of Emperours of our Religion, in thoſe parts. And the Turkes to this day hold Aſia, Syria, Egypt, Meſopotamia, Iudea, the Rhodes, all Greece, Thracia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Illyricum, both the Myſia's, and of late, almoſt the other part of Hungary, and ſome part of Affrica.

In former times, the Churches of Ieruſalem, Antioch, Conſtantinople, and Rome, contended amongſt themſelues for primacie, but eſpecially the two laſt, as wee formerly ſhewed: but the Turke ended that controuerſie, and ſet ſuch a confuſion in thoſe Hierus, Antioch, Conſtantinople. three places, that there is not a tract remaining of a Church or Chriſtian Congregation: and the matter it ſelfe ſhewes, of what colour the face, and what the ſtate is of that Rome. Church now remaining, which now (thoſe Aemulis. riuals or eye-ſores being remoued) alone triumphs.

Therefore hauing ſhewne after what manner the other part of the Roman Empires body, lying in the Eaſt, vtterly decaied and fell into the hands of ſtrangers: it remaines that we ſhould alſo briefly vnfold, how that part in the weſt, quite periſhed, and found new Lords. But here by the way, let vs conſider, after what a wonderfull kinde of mockerie of fortune, that maieſticall glory and ſublimitie of the Empire, was from thoſe Romans and ancient families, brought into the hands of ſtrangers, and ſome of them of baſe degrees: ſome being Spaniards, others originally of Pannonia, Dacia, Dardania, Dalmatia, Gallia, Thrace, Cappadocia.

But chiefly it is worth obſeruance, how doubtfull and miſerable the eſtate of theſe Emperours was: for their dignitie and ſafetie conſiſted not in the power of the Senate, or people, but of the Legions and ſouldiers: ſo that it may ſtand for a great wonder, that any would vndertake this charge ſo dangerous and obuious to iniuries: For from Caius Caeſar, (who was murthered in the face of the Senate) till Charles the Great, about thirty of them were ſlaine, foure whereof killed themſelues: alwaies ſomething was wanting in them, which the ſouldiers deſired, who could abide the good no more then the wicked: but vpon the leaſt occaſion, raiſing a tumult, cut off thoſe, whom ſometimes they had drawne vp to that height of honour againſt their wills, as for example, it was Aelius Pertinax his caſe. The Senate ſtood in feare of the Emperour, but the Emperour himſelfe was ſwaied by the will, and in a manner, the becke of the raſcall ſouldiers. And this preſumption they tooke vpon them after Caius Caeſars death, eſpecially thoſe veterane bands, which he had imploied in Gallia, Hiſpaine, and Affrica.

Hereupon Cicero deploring this: Couragious they are indeed, ſaith hee, but in regard of the memory of thoſe exploits, which they atchieued for the liberty of the Romans, and the dignitie of the Common-wealth too fierce, and recall all our Councell to their violence.

The end of the ſecond Booke.
IOHN SLEIDAN of the foure chiefe Monarchies. OR, The key of Hiſtory. The third Booke.

BEfore wee ſpeake of Charles the Great, (to whō I told you the Empire of the Weſt was befallen) ſome thing muſt be vnfolded concerning the Germanes, from whom hee deriues his originall. And firſt of all it is manifeſt, beyond all doubt, that the Germanes very oft paſſed ouer the Rhyne, and entred the Gallia's, there to ſeat themſelues in regard of the goodneſſe of the ſoile. For the Teuthons broke into the Prouince of Gallia, and were put to flight by Caius Marius the Conſull. Afterwards the Aruernes and Heduies quarrelling about principality, the Germanes (hired with pay from the Aruernes and Sequans) marched thither at firſt indeed but with indifferent forces, but increaſing by degrees, in Arcouiſtus their Kings raigne, poſſeſſed a good part of the country: but them Caius Caeſar ouerthrew it battell: and ſome yeeres after, when he made warre againſt the Inhabiting L ke be ond Brabant. Eburons, a people of Gallia Belgica, the Germanes againe march ouer the Rhyne, with intent to beat backe the Roman Armie, but were by him diſcomfi ed, at the meeting of the Ri er Maze and the Rhyne. Many yeers following, they contained themſelues within their owne bounds, becauſe the Roman Emperours held them in play by warres: yet as oft as they could lay hold on fitting opportunity, ſlackt not their owne commoditie, but continually waſted Gallia. After this manner, Gallienus being Emperour, one no leſſe careleſſe then voluptuous, they made an inroade, and by little and little, ſprung vp to that potencie, that the Emperour Probus had much adoe to repell them. Iulianus alſo, Conſtantius his Lieutenant, made warre againſt them. Afterwards, when Honorius was Emperour, the Gothes broke into Gallia, to whom the Emperour (detained by ſundry warres) granted the Country of Aquitania to inhabite. On the other ſide, the Of Frankenlandt, then Franconia in Germany. French-Germanes, making their way through Holland. Belgia, vanquiſhing the In and about Triers Treuires, Of Iuliers or Gulicke. Menapians, Eburons, Part in Flanders, part in Picardie. Morines, Of Turnay. Neruians, of Picardy. The beginning of the French Kingdome in Gallia, about 421. Amtians, of Picardy. The beginning of the French Kingdome in Gallia, about 421. Bellouacans, of Picardy. The beginning of the French Kingdome in Gallia, about 421. Soiſſons, ſeated themſelues in that part of Gallia, which retaines their name, and is called France, in which Country, Paris is the chiefe Citie, and not farre from thence ſtands San-Denis, afterwards conſecrated for the Sepulture of the Kings of France to this day. After this manner inlarged, hauing formerly poſſeſſion of a good part of Germany, euen all the Country betwixt the Riuer Maine, and the Rhyne: they eaſily repelled not onely offred hoſtilitie, but alſo made warre vpon others. Beſides, the Roman Empire in Aſia and Affrica, daily more and more ſliding away, and the Lombards waſting Italy, they almoſt extended their dominions quite through Gallia: and after many of their Kings had raigned there in ſucceſſiue courſe, at length the Crowne came to Pipin alſo, and to his ſonne Charles. Charles Martel Pipins Father, who was not king himſelfe, but onely one of the Nobles and Gouernour of the Pallace, or as they are commonly called, Majors of the houſe: vanquiſhed the Bauarians, and Sueuians. For as the writers of the French Annals deliuer it, the Kings there, for ſome yeers together, had nothing at all beſides their title, the principalitie of gouernement belonging to the Gouernour of the Kings houſe. For thoſe Kings degenerated from the worth of their Predeceſſors, and gaue themſelues ouer to pleaſure, reiecting the care of the Common-wealth: whereupon the Gouernour of the Pallace bore all ſway, and by how much greater the kings negligence was, ſo much more hee augmented his authoritie. At length vpon this occaſion, Pipin who was Gouernour in Childrickes raigne, (when the cauſe, as they ſay, came to canuaſing before Pope Zacharie) got the Kingdome. Hereof is mention made in that decree which they name Gratians, to wit, that it is lawfull for the Pope to depriue Kings of their principalitie: but the title and inſcription of that place is falſe, ſeeing there were two Anaſtatio' Emperours, and it cannot be referred to either of them; for the former raigned about 200. and the other, 37. yeeres, before this happened: as alſo there was no Pope Gelaſius in the later Emperors time.

I thought good to adde this for the Readers aduertizement, that they may wiſely and warily peruſe the Papall records: for it is not one place alone which diſcouers this to be their prime practice, ſo to faſten an opinion of antiquitie vpon their lawes, that they may carry the more weight and authority.

Pipin, (beſides his repreſſion of the Lombards in Italie, at the Popes requeſt, as before mentioned) commenced war alſo againſt the Saxons, and afterwards againſt the Aquitanians, whoſe Chieferaine he tooke and put to death: not long after, departing his life, they forthwith rebelled, and King Charles his ſonne with much difficultie and infinite toile, at length made an end of that double warre. For he was in armes againſt the Saxons, full thirty three yeeres; during which warre, hee made other alſo: Bauaria likewiſe with their Chiefetaine Taſſilo, hee brought vnder his ſubiection, and in two expeditions againſt the Lombards, marching into Campania, ſubdued all Italie, and ſetled it with lawes; and reduced into ſubiection thoſe Cities of Gallia, lying vpon the Ocean, which Caius Caeſar cals Armorica, but now goe vnder the name of little Brittaine, which refuſed any longer to pay yeerely tribute to the Kings of France. In Hiſpaine alſo whither hee made an expedition with an Armie againſt the Saracens, victorie attended him: but in his returne vpon the Pyrene Mountaines, by a ſtratagem receiued a fore ouerthrow from the Of Gaſcoigne. Vaſcones, a people of Aquitane; notwithſtanding at laſt, after eight yeeres warre, hee ouerthrew the Hunnes, then in poſſeſſion of Pannonia, and likewiſe by his Lieutenants compoſed Bohemia. And his laſt warre was againſt the Danes or For the Normans originally inhabited Norway. Normans, then with a great Nauie forraging the maritime coaſts of Germanie and France. By the atchieuement of thoſe ſo famous exploits, he gained his ſirname, the Great. For, whereas before him, the French Kings onely held that part of Germanie, lying betwixt Saxonie, and the Riuer Danow, and betwixt the Rhyne, and the Riuer Sala: to this he added Sueuia, and Ba arta; all Saxonie, afterwards both the Pannonia's, Dacia, Iſtria, Ireland, and the midland Country of Dalmatia: whereas alſo the French Kings had onely that part of Gallia, lying betwixt the Rhyne and the Riuer Loire, betwixt the Ocean and the Againſt the Ilands o Maiorq e and Minuerque. Balearique Sea: hee added all Aquitania, all the top of the Pyrene mountaines, to the Riuer Iber, and (which ſhould haue beene named firſt) all Italie from the Alpes to the furtheſt part of Calabria. And this done, hee ſets forward to Rome the fourth time, where hee was proclaimed Emperour Auguſtus, by Leo the Third, and all the people: after he had raigned thirty three yeeres.

Thus the Romane Empire in the Weſt, rent almoſt into peece-meales, eſpecially from that time when the Emperours made choice of Conſtantinople for their Court and ſeat (as appeares out of that which we haue before mentioned:) was by the Emperour Charles redintigrated, and as it were a new bodie, re-aſſumed beautie and feature, after ſo many and ſo great Prouinces were reduced into one mans principalitie.

Nicephorus the other Emperour in the Eaſt, was much diſpleaſed hereat, but Charles by his humanitie and kindeneſſe, appeaſed him, and interchanging preſents, both of them liued in amitie: and the certaine bounds of each Empire were ſet out.

Beſides other aſſemblies, he had a Councell at Rhemes, wherin amongſt many others, one decree was, that Biſhops ſhould diligently peruſe the holy Scriptures, and Preach the Word of God. There was a Councell alſo held at Mentz the yeere before his death: and others, ſome yeeres before, at Tours, Chaalons, and Arles, about reformation of the Church, as they deliuer it, that liued in thoſe times. Then conſtituting his ſonne Lewis, heire of his kingdome and of the Empire, died at Aix, a towne in Gallia Belgica, aged, ſeuenty yeeres, in the yeere after Chriſts birth, eight hundred and fourteene, after hee had beene Emperour almoſt fourteene yeeres, the firſt of any Germane aduanced to that dignitie. In his time, there were onely one and twenty Metropolitane Cities, as they call them, throughout Italie, Germanie, and France: as Rome, Rauenna, Millaine, Friuly, Grado, Cullen, Mentz, Saltzburgh, Triers, Roane, Sens, Beſanſon, Lyons, Rhemes, Orleans, Vienna, Monſtier, Iuerdun, Burdeaux, Tours, and Burges in Berry.

Pipin his Father committed the Exarchat, taken from the Lombards, into the Biſhops of Romes hands, as aboue ſaid, which indeed is ſo deliuered to memorie, and it is reported that hee directly gaue it to them, but that very many call into queſtion.

Eginardus one very familiar with Charles. him, and his ſworne Scribe, writes, that hee more dearely eſteemed of that Church, which they call S. Peters in Rome, then any other, and that a great maſſe of gold, ſiluer, and iewels, was tranſported thither, and very many gifts ſent from him to the Popes: for herein he vſed extraordinary diligence, that by his meanes and procurement, the Citie of Rome might inioy her ancient authoritie, and S. Peters Church might not onely remaine ſafe and ſecured vnder his patronage, but alſo flouriſh in wealth aboue other Churches: Thus much onely he writes, but of the donation of ſo many and ſuch potent Cities, within the bounds of the Empire, not a word: nay, it is written, that after his fourth comming into Italie, when hee was created Emperour, he ordered not onely the publike affaires, but alſo both eccleſiaſticall and priuate, concerning the Pope, the Citie of Rome, and all Italie. For when he was not yet Emperour, but onely King of France, hauing vanquiſhed Deſiderius King of the Lombards, as aboue faid: he came to Rome, and had a Councell, in which (as their bookes relate) Adrian the firſt together with the whole Councell, granted him the right and power of electing the Pope, as alſo diſpoſing of the ſea Apoſtolique, as they tearme it, and confirming Biſhops.

Eginardus attributes to this Charles, many vertues worthie of a Prince, as, temperance, modeſtie, frugalitie, loue to religion, learning, eloquence, and knowledge, not onely of the Latine, but alſo of the Greeke tongue: withall, his exceeding care and diligence in educating and nurturing vp his children to the ſame courſe. He alſo, as it is written, founded the Academie of Paris, as well of his owne accord, as alſo by the inſtigation of Commonly called Alcoinus, an Engliſh man, ſo Bede and others. Albinus his Tutor for learning of the arts, as Eginardus reports. He alſo gaue Germane names to the twelue moneths, and to the windes, which they now vſe, whereas before that time, as the ſame writer relates, the French vſed partly Latine, partly barbarous names.

And thus farre in Prefacewiſe touching the Germanes, and the Emperour Charles: henceforward ile briefly run ouer and ſhew, after what manner this part of the Romane Empire in the Weſt, hard and ſharpe reſtored and recollected by Charles: againe decaied, which being diuided, fell into many mens dominions, who held the ſame, as their proper right, not acknowledging the fountaine from whence they flowed: Inſomuch, as that Maieſticall and ſo much renowned ſublimitie of the Romane Empire, is nothing elſe at this day, then a certaine ſlender ſhadow of a great bodie, after it was ſhrunk from ſuch an huge maſſe, to Germanie one onely particle of Europe. Laſt of all, ile briefly explaine, how Daniel foretold this interchangeable courſe of Monarchies, and fall of the Romane Empire.

Now Lewis, Charles his ſon, Lewis l. 814 an. 26. m. 14. d. 24. another Germane Emperour, renewed amitie with Leo Armenius, Emperour of Greece: and Pope Leo dying in the third yeere of his raigne, his ſucceſſor Stephen the IIII. comming into France, conſecrated Emperour. him at Rhemes To this Pope, Paſchalis ſucceeded, who, (by reaſon the Emperour interpoſed not his authoritie) diligently and earneſtly excuſing the fact, alledged, that the Papacie was obtruded vpon him, altogether againſt his will. The Papall bookes haue it, that this Lewis the Emperour, confirmed to this Paſchalis, and to the reſt after him, both the poſſeſſion of goods, and alſo permitted a free election, that whomſoeuer all the Romans ſhould iudge fit for that dignitie, he ſhould be accounted Pope. But I ſee not what credence can be giuen to ſuch kinde of writings as theſe: for they ſo iarre amongſt themſelues, and are ſo patcht together without all method, that it cannot bee vnderſtood what ſhould follow.

Lewis had three ſonnes, Lotharius whom hee elected Collegue in the Empire and his Kingdome: Charles (who ſucceded his deceaſed brother In France Pipin) he ſet ouer Aquitania: and Lewis ouer Bauaria. Vpon a rebellion raiſed, The Emperour Lewis depoſed by his owne ſonnes. an. 833. hee being taken by his ſonnes, and depoſed from his Kingdome, was confined to a Monaſticall life at Compeigne a towne of the S iſſons. The French Annall writers report, that the eccleſiaſticall Prelates (whoſe hautineſſe and riot hee deſired to reſtraine) conuocating ſome aſſemblies at Aix, ſtirred vp thoſe broyles againſt him, and prouokt his ſonnes to put in practice this ſo impious a fact. Reſtored the ſixt moneth following. But being ſet at liberty the ſixt moneth following, to the great contentment of the people, hee recouered his Kingdome and all more.

Becauſe the place ſerues, let vs by the way, take a view of the many Nationall Synods held in France; for next after that beforementioned at Aix there was another at Troy in Champaigne: after that at Rhemes, Tours, Digion, Paris, Lyons, Vienna, Auinion, Ʋierron, Orleans, and many more in the ſame places, for when the affaires of the Commonwealth ſo required, the Kings themſelues conuocated aſwell the States Eccleſiaſticall as others, for reforming of publike enormities. In like manner Lewis the twelth, at bitter enmity wi h Iulius the ſecond; aſſembled a Councell of his owne people at Tours and Lyons, in the yeare of Grace, 1510. and 1511.

Now to the purpoſe, Lotharius 840. an. 15. m. 3. d. 10. Lewis dying was buried at Metz and Lotharius (then vp in Armes againſt his brothers) ſucceeded; which warre at length quenched, and a new diuiſion made, Germanie fell to Lewis, and part of France, from the Riuer Maze to the Rhyne: to Charles, France, from the Brittiſh Ocean, and Pyrene Mountaines to Maze: Lotharius (beſides that he was Emperour) held Italy, and the Prouince of Narbon.

To him his ſonne Lewis the II. ſucceeded, Lewis II. 855. an. 19. m. 10. who repreſſed the Sarazens breaking into Italy. In his raigne amongſt others, Adrian the II. was Pope, created (as their bookes haue it) contrary to the Emperours aſſent, by the Romane Nobility, Citizens and Clergy as they call them. For although the Emperours Deputies were in the City, yet were they not called to the Election: who taking it in ill and diſcontented part, receiued their anſwer, that it was not done in any contempt againſt the Emperour: but in caution for future times, leſt that cuſtome of expecting the Emperours Deputies at the Popes Creation, ſhould grow vp as neceſſary. They report that with this anſwer, they were not onely well pleaſed, but alſo in reuerēce humbly ſaluted the Pope. Now here we may ſee a certaine wonderfull varietie and inconſtancy in their writings: for if Lewis the I. granted them a free election, as they boaſt, and as it is mentioned a little about, why did Lewis the II. his grand-child take this for an iniury offered him? But howſoeuer the caſe ſtands, the title of that decree which is in Gratians Centons, is euidently falſe, for it is attributed to Gregory the IIII. whereas hee departed his life, twenty and two yeares before Adrian the II. was made Pope. Did he write a hiſtory when hee was dead of thoſe things which happened afterwards?

Nicholas the I. was the next before Adrian. A very long Epiſtle of his to Michael Emperour of Greece, concerning his power ouer all Churches: is extant. For Ignatius was remoued from his Biſhopricke at Conſtantinople, and Photius placed, without the Biſhop of Romes conſent: as alſo the Images were throwne downe. He therefore with all the vehemency hee could exclaimes againſt this. Many of his decrees alſo are extant full of Papall Maieſtie.

Charles King of France, as aboueſaid (notwithſtanding his other elder brother Lewis the King of Germanies reſiſtance) marches in all haſt into Italy, and is conſecrated by Iohn the eight Pope of Rome. In his ſecond expedition into Italy at the Popes requeſt, Charles the Bald, 875. an, 2. m. 2. for repreſſion of the Sarazens who had againe inuaded Campania: he dyed at Poiſoned by Zedechias a Iew. Mantua. His ſon Lewis ſurnamed the Stammerer was his ſucceſſour, Lewis the Stammerer, 877. an. 2. m. 6. d. 5. Charles the Groſſe, 879. an. 8. m. 7. but he raigned onely two yeares. After him the gouernment of the Empire came to Charles the Groſſe, ſon of Lewis King of Germany, who (his two brothers being dead) held all Germany, Italy, and France, and chaſed out the Sarazens, who infeſted Italy: The Normans firſt comming into Normandy in France. for a while alſo making war againſt the Normans, a people of Lower Germanie, then annoying Belgia: at length granted them that part of France, which to this day retaines their name. Next after him Arnulphus his brothers ſonne was Emperour, Arnulphus 887. an. 12. m. 1. d. 19. a worthy Prince. He marching into Italy to ſet Pope Formoſus at liberty from his aduerſaries: takes Rome, and tooke reuenge vpon the Authors of that ſedition.

In the time of his raigne, the Hunnes being chaſed out of Scythia, breake into Pannonia, and marching into Germanie, (Lewis the III. Arnolphus his ſon being then Emperour) got a notable victory not far from the Riuer Laech: and then ouerran Bauaria, Sueuia, In Germany betwixt Sueuia and Haſſia. Francia, and Saxony, with bloodſhed, robberies and fire.

Arnolplus Emperor, a Councell of two and twenty Germane Biſhops, was held at Triburia ſometimes a towne vpon the banke of the Riuer Maine, where amongſt many other, one decree was, That no man ſhould ſell a burying place for the dead, and that no Layman, as they call them, ſhould bee buried within the Church.

About this time a mighty vproare, burſt-forth throughout Italy: For Berengarius and certaine other Nobles of Italy, loaden with multiplicity of fauours from Charles the Bald, conſpired againſt France, at what time Charles the Groſſe raigned: but their attempts there, prouing fruſtrate, they bend their minds for Italy, which (by long and mutuall conflict, as it is common) they harraze with mercileſſe outrages. At length the victorie falling to Berengarius, hee got the Kingdome of Italie, where after hee had taken Lewis the Emperour he put out his eyes, as hiſtories relate. About this time alſo (that no parcell of calamity might be wanting) the Sarazens, Africans, and Hungars, moſt outragiouſly ouerrunne Italy.

Thus whilſt the ſtate of moſt beautifull Religion, vnder the Berengarians, Hugo, Rudolphus, Lotharius, Albertus, and certaine others, was ſo dolefull and miſerable, and Lewis the Emperor dying in the time of thoſe broiles; the Germanes, but more eſpecially the Saxons, and Francons, proclaime Otho Prince of the Saxons, and Thuringes Emperour, but hee, ſtrucken in yeares, perſwades them to take Conradus Duke of Franconia, Conrade I. 911. an. 7. m. 6. who being created Emperour, ordered all affaires according to Othoes direction: and ſoone after Othoes death, when he himſelfe was very dangerouſly ſicke, calling together his prime Nobility, requeſted them to acknowledge Othoes ſon Henry then abſent, for Emperour. This was that Henry vulgarly called Henry the Becauſe of his great delight in haw ing. Falconer. Henry the Falconer, 919. an. 17. Thus, wee ſee after what manner the Imperiall ſplendor and dignity, fell from the French, and Charles the Great his lineage, to the houſe of Saxony.

Theſe two Emperours, Conradus and Henry, were not conſecrated, as they call it, by the Biſhop of Rome, and for that cauſe are left out by many: moreouer it is written, that this Henry neglected the Popes offered ceremony of conſecration, and that hee ſhould ſay, that hee was content with the acceptance and ſuffrages of good men.

Within a while after this, Arnolphus the Euill Duke of Bauaria, intended to bring about the ſway of gouernment into his owne hands: whereupon forces being muſtered vp on both parts, when both the Armies ſtood in battell ray at Ratisbon, the Emperour calls him out to priuate parley, putting him in mind how he was created Emperour by the moſt part of the people of Germany, and dehorting him from ieoparding the liues of ſo many thouſand men, moſt whereof were innocent and ignorant of the cauſe of the warre: changed his intention, and ſo broke off the battell.

In like manner Burchardas Duke of Suenia, rebelled, but (ſhaken with the Emperours puiſſance) came to compoſition.

The Hungars againe ſpoile Saxony: but after their chieftaine was taken, make a nine yeares truce. The Emperour after this, trayning vp his ſubiects in feats of Armes, vanquiſhes the Dalmenincians, takes the City of Prague, together with Wenceſlaus Duke of Bohemia, making that countrey tributary to him. In maine battell he ouerthrew the Hungars then againe (after the truce ended) breaking into Saxony: and diſtributed the tribute which the Saxons paid them, amongſt the poore.

He intended to haue gone to Rome, Otho the Great, 936. an 36. m. 10 d. 6. but hindered by ſickneſſe, conſtitutes his elder ſon Otho heire of the Empire. He commenced wars many yeares together againſt the Bohemians, then in rebellion: as alſo vanguiſht and put to flight the Hungars, who then alſo ſtriking ouer the Rhyne in the Vangions Countrey, Of Wor •• bs. had made an inroad into Franconia, with intent to march on from thēce and pillage in Saxony. Hee brought Burgundy vnder his ſubiection, and afterward marching with a great Army into Italy, and vanquiſhing the Berengarians: there maried his ſecond wife Aditheida. Luitholdus his ſonne hereat diſpleaſed, practiſes treacherie againſt him, hauing Coadiutors euery where in readineſſe to ſerue his plots, and amongſt the reſt Conradus Duke of Sueuia his ſiſters husband. But his father beſieging him at Ratisbon, he (firſt brought into diſtreſſe) humbly craues and obtaines pardon.

After this the Hungars, hauing forraged France, breake into Germany in greater multitudes then at any time before, and encampe themſelues neere Auſpurgh, on that place, which takes name from the Riuer Lych. The Emperor marching thither with the Saxons, Franks, Sueuians, Bauarians, and Bohemians; after a doubtfull and long battle put almoſt all the enemies forces to the ſword, and cauſed ſome of their Chieftaines to bee hanged. Then returning into Saxony, after he had ſetled the affaires there, makes a new expedition into Italy: but before his iourney conſtituted his ſonne Otho Collegue in the Empire. At length arriuing at Rome, he aſſembles a Councel, where hee ſate Preſident, and depoſed Pope Iohn the XII. for his offences, in whoſe place he appointed Leo, of that name the VIII. A decree of his is extant incerted in the Papall Law, where he ſayes, that hee conferres to Otho the Emperor and to his ſucceſſors for euer, the authority of chooſing Popes, diſpoſing of the See Apoſtolike, and confirming of Biſhops: as alſo pronounces a moſt ſeuere puniſhment againſt thoſe, who (not expecting the Emperors approbation) conſecrate Biſhops. See here another Decree, contrary to ſome other before. After this there is the forme of an oath added, by which (as they report) the Emperor Otho bound himſelfe to Pope Iohn, but its not added who this Pope Iohn was, nor of what numb r n name either this Iohn or Otho were. And ſurely it is wonderfull that matters of ſuch importance and moment, ſhould be ſo negligently put into writing.

Now if Otho the I. tooke this oath, then this obiection may hold againſt him. That whereas in this forme beforementioned, amongſt other things, he ſweares not to procure any danger to the Popes life, nor to abrogate his honor and dignity: but how can this appeare, when as he, as we ſaid before, remoued Iohn out of his place, and ordained another? Let him that can reconcile this.

Otho, by reaſon of the new broiles, marches againe into Italy, where hauing ſetled the affaires, and returning home dyed about the beginning of May, and was buried at Maidenburg, in the yeare of Grace, 974. In regard of his noble exploits, and ſurpaſſing proweſſe, Hee's ſtil'd the Great.

Henry D. of Bauaria, rebelled againſt Otho the II. Otho II, 973. an. 10. m 7. d. 2. but the ſword reduc'd him to his duty. Lotharius was then King of France, whoſe brother Charles was by the Emperour created Duke of Lorraine, vnder condition that hee ſhould bee a Beaeſiciarius. Leige-man of the Empire. Henry the Emperour (as the Annals report) got this Prouince from Charles the Simple King of France, and entailed it to his ſucceſſours in order. But Lotharius diſpleaſed hereat, on a ſudden leauying an Army, ſpeedily meets him at Aix, and had almoſt diſcomfited the Emperour before hee was aware. The Emperour to reuenge this affront, muſters vp forces, & marching on as far as Paris, at length (not without great blood-ſhed on both ſides) concludes a peace, Returning home, and from thēce making an expedition to Rome, hee commenced warre againſt the Greekes, who held Calabria and Apulia: where, after his Army was defeated, he was intercepted by Pyrats, as he fled by ſea, but not being knowne who he was, they diſmiſt him vpon a ſumme of money paid in hand: and ſo returning to Rome, beſieges Beneuento with the remainder of his forces, takes and ſets fire on it. And not long after, wounded with a dart in a battle againſt the Greekes and Sarazens, departed his life, and was buried at Rome.

To him his ſonne Otho ſucceeded by conſent of the Nobility, Otho I I. 983. an. 17. m. 1. d. 21. and was conſecrated at Aix. He created one Bruno a Germane Pope, afterwards called Gregory the fift. But Creſcentius a Conſull of Rome, ſet vp Iohn Biſhop of Placentia in oppoſition to him. The Emperour therefore comming to Rome inflicts a heauy and ignominious puniſhment vpon Creſcentius and his Complices, and cauſed Iohn of that name the XVII. his eyes to be put out.

The Emperour in regard of the perpetuall diſſenſions about ſucceſſion in the Empire, ordained with the Popes help: That certaine of the prime Nobility in Germanie ſhould bee authoriſed with right and power of electing the Emperours: leſt that any man hereafter ſhould ſet vpon that dignity as hereditary. The Electorall Princes of Germany, conſtituted 〈◊〉 the yo •• of Chriſt 1000. This Decree was made about a thouſand yeares after Chriſts birth.

Robert then raigned in France, a Prince that loued peace and learning. The Annalls ex oll him for building many Churches and amply endowing them, as alſo going in pilgrimage to Rome.

This Emperor Otho granted to B leſlaus Duke of Polonia, regall dignity and immunity, The beginning of the kingdome of Polonia, 9 . as their Annalls haue it. This therefore is the beginning of that Kingdome. Otho, after this, returning out of Italy He was poiſoned by a paire of gloues giuen him by Creſentius (aforeſaid) his widow. Henry II. or the Lome, 1001 an. 23. m. 5. d. 16. dyed. The next Emperour after him, was Henry, of that name the II. Duke of Bauaria, kinſman to Otho the great D. of Saxony, and Emperour. He, hauing ſetled a peace in Germany, and drawne on ſome of his aduerſaries into amity by his extraordinary kindneſſe, and ſubdued other ſome: marched into Italy, there reſtoring Apulia to the Empire, which the Sarazens had taken. Then, after his conſecration by Benedict the VII. ſending away his Army into Germany, He himſelfe, taking his iourney through the Sequans Countrey, came to an enterueiw with Robert the French King, where a confirmation of amity was eſtabliſhed on both ſides. This Emperour was greatly loued of the Clergie, for hee was very liberall towards them.

After Henries deceaſe, when the Electorall Princes could not agree, there was an interreigne or vacancy a For two yeares. Conradus to 24. an. 14. m. 10. d. 12. while. At length Conradus Duke of Franconia ſucceeded. He enforced Stephen King of Hungary to conditions of peace. And hauing ſetled the affaires of Germany, makes ſpeed into Italy, which was almoſt all ready to rebell; And at firſt he laies ſiege to Millaine, then going to Rome, where conſecrated by Iohn the XVIII. hee's proclaimed Auguſtus, with the peoples acclamation. Then impo ing a mulct vpon thoſe that attempted the innouation, he compoſed Italy, and returned into Germany. But new troubles againe kindling in Italy, hee marches thither and puniſhes the Authors of that Conſpiracy, the Archbiſhop of Millaine being one amongſt the reſt, neither deſiſted hee till hee had brought it all vnder his ſubiection. Hauing diſpatcht there, hee returnes home, and dyed at Vtrecht, a Towne vpon the frontiers of Holland. Batauia. His ſon Henry of that name the III. ſucceeded him, by conſent of the Electorall Princes. Hee ſuppreſt the Bohemians then rebelling, and made them tributary: re-inthronized Peter King of Hungary, once or twice depoſed by his owne ſubiects: and quieted the whole Countrey, though not without great loſſe of his own men.

At this time hapned an exceeding great vpr a e at Rome, for Three contended for the Papacy, and what they attempted was all by ſiniſter practices: thoſe were, Benedict the IX. Silueſter the III. and Gregory the VI.

The Emperour hereupon marching thither, hauing after a ſiege, taken the City, he calls a Synod, and conſtitutes Suitgerus Biſhop of Bamberg Pope: who changing his name, was called Clement the II. from whom, ſoone after the Pope receiued conſecration.

Then againe the Citizens tooke oath not any wayes to meddle with the Popes Creation, without the Emperours aſſent. Italy, thus ſet at peace againe, ſoone after the Emperours returne into Germany, Pope Clement dyed, and was buryed at Bambergh. The Emperor vpon notice hereof creates Boppo Biſhop of Friſingen, Pope.

This was Damaſus the II. who holding the place but 23 dayes, Leo the IX. Biſhop of Tull, ſupplied the deceaſeds place. A certaine parcell of an Epiſtle of his is extant, wherin he ſaies, it is not lawfull for a Biſhop, Prieſt or Deacon, to forſake his wife for Religion ſake, but it is fit they ſhould find her with ſuch neceſſaries as belong to naturall ſuſtentation: notwithſtanding, in caſe ſhe vſe carnall copulation, it is not lawfull: ſithence Paul ſaies, He had power aſwell as the other Apoſtles, to lead about a wife; 1 Cor. 9. which place he thus interprets. That the Apoſtles had their wiues alwayes with them for this intent, that they ſhould be maintained, together with them, by thoſe, whom their husbands inſtructed, in the Chriſtian Religion and faith: and not that they ſhould exerciſe the office of wedlocke, or lye together: therefore Saint Paul thought fit to vſe the word lead about, and not lye with.

In the yeare 1050, Leo going from Rome, aſſembled a Councell of 42. Biſhops, at Mentz, wherein the Emperor ſare Preſident. He dying within three yeares after, Gebehardus Biſhop of Aiſten, by the Emperours aſſent, ſucceeded him: this was Victor the II.

The Emperour marching into Italy, after hee had ſetled the affaires there, returnes into Germanie comes to treaty with Henry, the firſt of that name, King of France, dyes in Saxonie, and was buried at Spire, the Pope and many other Nobles being preſent at his death. He had a ſonne called Henry, very Seuen yeares old. Henry IIII 1056. An. 49. m. 10. d. 3. yong, but was conſtituted Emperour a little before: notwithſtanding, his Mother and the Biſhop of Auſpurge gouerned the Empire. Within a while after Pope Victor the II. dyes, after hee had held the Papacy little aboue two yeares. To him, Fredericke of the houſe of Lorraine, called Stephen the IX. ſucceeded. Hee alſo within few moneths after dying at Florence: One Benedict, of that name the X. by helpe of his friends, and without the Emperours aſſent, ſets vpon the Papacie. The Romans liked not well of this prancke, who, to acquit themſelues, diſpatching their Ambaſſadour to the Emperour, proffer the ſame fidelitie to him, which they had performed to his Father, and intreat him to conſtitute a lawfull Pope; Benedict hereupon depriued, the Emperour gaue them Gerhardus Biſhop of Florence, this was Nicholas the II.

The Princes of Germanie grudged much, that the Common-wealth ſhould be gouerned by a woman, the Emperou s mother, as aboue ſaid: vpon which occaſion, a meane was inuented to draw away her ſonne from her: whereupon the Archbiſhop of Mentz and Cullen had the prime managing of all affaires: to them the Archbiſhop of Bremen, one in exceeding great fauour with the young Prince, was now and then conioyned, who alone ouer-ruling him, diſpoſes of Eccleſiaſticall promotions to himſelfe and his friends, eſpecially Abbeies: and to keepe the flame of enuy lower, perſwades the Emperour to conferre them likewiſe vpon other Princes. In the meane ſpace, Nicholas the II. dies, in whoſe place the Emperour conſtitutes the Biſhop of Parma: but hauing not at all acquainted the Senate of Rome herewith, and in that regard ſome troubles likely to inſue: Alexander the II. Biſhop of Luca was elected. Betwixt thoſe two, a ſharpe controuerſie followed, but Alexander hauing the longer ſword, carried it.

The Archbiſhop of Bremen onely bearing all ſway with the Emperour, incenſed his fellow Biſhops againſt him, by whom at length he was depriued: and though ſhortly after reſtored to his place, yet hee long ſuruiued it not. And the Emperour, (neceſſity conſtraining him) ſith all in a manner complained of the ſtate of the Common-wealth: requeſted Anno Archbiſhop of Cullen, to vndertake the Gouernement. But he, ſeeing inſolencie and iniquitie, bore great ſway, excuſing his age and ſicklineſſe, afterwards reſignes vp his office to him. This young Emperour now grown to two and twenty, being by nature prone to vice, beganne to increaſe his laſciuiouſneſſe, and deſpiſing his wife Bertha, kept many Concubines. Then raiſing Caſtles all ouer Saxony, intended to bring them into ſeruitude, and reſtrained not his officers, who vſed much exceſſe and inſolencie.

Hereupon the Saxons, as well the Nobilitie as Clergie, knitting a league, betooke themſelues to Armes, in vindication of their libertie: which, after much adoe, and long interceſſion, they lay downe againe, he firſt ſatisfying their demands, and making a narrow eſcape by flight in the night time. Alexander the II. dying, the Romane Nobilitie, without the Emperours aſſent, ſet vp Hildebrand, called Gregory, of that name the VII.

The Emperour vpon notice hereof, expoſtulates with them by his Ambaſſadours, and withall admoniſhes the Pope to giue him ſatisfaction herein. Hee makes anſwer, that hee was drawne to it againſt his will, and when hee neuer dreamt of it, and that he would not haue beene inaugurated before Hee, and the reſt of the Princes of Germany had approued of his election. Thus hee appeaſed the Emperour, and was afterward by his conſent, confirmed. Then diſpatching his Legates into Germanie to certaine Biſhops, willed them to aſſemble in Councell: but they refuſed it, alledging, that it was contrary to the cuſtome and priuiledge of their Nation.

This deſigne miſcarying, He in ſome certaine Councels held in Italy, decrees, That Maſſing Prieſts ſhall haue no wiues but ſhall diſmiſſe them, or elſe leaue their places; ſending this his decree to the Biſhops in Germanie, vrges earneſtly, vnder a penalty denounced, to haue it eſtabliſhed: but the Clergy, as they call them, and whole ſtreame of Maſſing-Prieſts, ſtiffely reclaime calling him an heritike, that propounds ſuch doctrine; ſithence Chriſts words are, That all ſhould not receiue this word. Mat. 20. And Paul ſaith, They that cannot containe let them marrie: 1 Cor. 7. But this Pope not regarding Chriſts word, and contemning Pauls authority, would conſtraine men, to reiect the vſe of mariage, which is lawfull and ordained by God: and to burne in moſt filthy flames of luſt, and ruſh into manifeſt lewdneſſe, but they would rather leaue their Miniſtery then matrimony.

He neuertheleſſe, as before, ſending his agents, preſſing it on, and ſtanding ſtiffely vpon it, the Archbiſhop of Mentz began to hearken to him; who at firſt gently admoniſhes thoſe in his inriſdiction, and afterwards aſſembling a Councell at Erphord, would flatly inioyne them, but an vproare ariſing, he eſcaped death very narrowly.

The Emperour in the mean time, to reuenge the ignominie, recei ed the precedent yeare, when, beſieged by the Saxons, hee wrought out his ſafety by flight in the night time: makes readie for warre, and violating the league, which he had made the yeere before, muſters vp all the forces hee could poſſibly make, and in the moneth of Iuly, ſetting vpon the Saxons (who by their frequent Ambaſſadours had, but in vaine, ſolicited him for peace) diſcomfits them in many battels, not without great l ſſe of his owne men, no ſmall number of the prime Nobilitie being then ſlaine. Purſuing his victorie, hee harrazes their country faire and wide, and by his Ambaſſadors, exhorts them to yeeld: willing them to hope for all fauour from his benignitie: but that failed, though a certaine few obeied. Bucco Biſhop of Halberſtadt, and Otho Duke of Bauaria, baniſhed by the Emperour, had the chiefe mannaging of this warre.

The Archbiſhop of Mentz againe ſolicited by Gregory the VII. aſſembles another Councell, and makes a new propoſall about the Clergies not marrying: but was entertained in like manner as before, and ſtood in great hazard of his life, whereupon he thought it his beſt courſe, vtterly to lay off this deſigne.

The Saxons thus put to flight, the Emperour diſmiſſes his forces, and the auxiliarie Princes: but vpon condition, that they ſhould againe preſent themſelues in armes before him, on the two and twentieth day of October following. When that day came, a great many appeared, and amongſt them, many Biſhops, but not ſo many in number as before. There againe the Saxons ſend their Ambaſſadours for peace, in camping themſelues at Northauſen. The Emperour ſends them anſwer, that one way to peace, was to yeeld themſelues: ſo they, though ſeeming rather to doe any thing then this, yet certaine Princes (which were ſent as Interceſſors and Ambaſſadors from the Emperour) promiſing them very largely, that they ſhould not thereby incurre any indammagement either of liberty or goods: at length aſſented, and the Biſhop of Maidenburgh, and Halberſtadt, Otho Duke of Bauaria, Magnus Duke of Saxony, and Fredericke Count Palatine, yeelded themſelues into his hands: and likewiſe, ſoone after, many of the reſt of the Nobilitie.

The Emperour at firſt commits them to cuſtodie, not without fauour: but afterwards flying from his promiſe, cauſed them to be carried into ſeuerall places, how bee it, not long after, hee ſet Duke Otho not onely at liberty, but alſo intreated him very familiarly, but for the reſt, both kept them priſoners, and gaue their goods for a prey to others. Then raiſing new Caſtles and Forts, wholly bends himſelfe againſt the ſafetie and libertie of the Saxons, and in his abſence committed the whole charge of gouernement to Otho Duke of Bauaria, by parentage deſcended from the Saxons. After this, hee conftituted a Biſhop at Bambergh, as alſo at Cullen, and an Abbot at Fulden. Now a little before this, hee was accuſed to the Pope, and moſt eſpecially for ſelling Eccleſiaſticall promotions. Whereupon the Pope, by his Legate, cites him to make his appearance at Rome, within a certaine time, and to giue his anſwer in the cauſe. But he cals a Synod of Biſhops and Abbots at Wormbs: there it is decreed, that the Pope, for that he came to the Papacie by ſiniſter meanes, ſhould bee depriued of his place, & forthwith publiſhes this at Rome, by his Ambaſſadors. Henry the IIII. excommunicated by Gregory the VII. alias Hildebrand an. 1076. But the Pope not a whit moued hereat, both excommunicates him, and alſo more eſpecially, the Biſhops of Mentz, Vtrecht, and Bambergh, hauing formerly excommunicated certaine of his familiar friends, by whoſe counſell hee ſuppoſed him to haue beene drawne on to this practiſe. Furthermore, the Princes of Germany decpely offended at the Emperours demeanour and diſpoſition: eſpecially for that, contrary to his promiſe, hee perſecuted the Saxons with ſo obſtinate hatred, conſpire againſt him, and ſo much the rather, becauſe he was interdicted the Church. Whereupon they diſmiſſe the ſurrendred priſoners, (the cuſtodie whereof was committed to them by the Emperour) iudging them not to bee tied to him in any bond of allegiance.

At the ſame time certaine Nobles in Saxonie, ſtirring vp, and drawing on others into their partie, ſurpriſe thoſe Caſtles euery where raiſed, ſome by force and command, other ſome by dedition; and diſmiſſe the Gariſons in ſafetie, firſt binding them by oath, neuer after to beare Armes againſt Saxonie.

The Emperour vpon notice hereof, in ſubtle policie, ſets at libertie the reſt of the impriſoned Princes, to the end that they, returning into Saxonie, might doe him faithfull ſeruice in puniſhing the Rebels: for hee ſaw there was no other meanes to bring about his wiſhed ſucceſſe, with more facilitie, then by kindling factions amongſt them, and renting one from another, but the euent was not correſpondent: for they, after their returne home, well acquainted with his qualities, with ioynt mindes & might reſolued to fight for the common liehrtie; and Duke Otho alſo, forſaking him, did the like: yet the Emperour was full fraught with good hope, hauing broken through Bohemia, into the Country of Campania aided with Bohemian forces: but when he was certified of the Saxons coniunction, and their Armie in readineſſe, deſpairing victory, retires.

Then at length the Princes of Germanie, appointing the day, met together in great abundance: thither alſo repaires the Popes Legate, who vnfolding the cauſes of the Emperours excommunication, exhorted them to create another, which otherwiſe they were about to doe of their owne accord: for, making a rehearſall of his life, euen from his tender yeeres, they pronounced him to be the blemiſh, diſhonour, and reproach of the Empire; and decreed, that (in regard he had afflicted the Common-wealth with moſt grieuous calamities) hee ſhould bee depriued of his gouernement. He, brought into theſe ſtraights, beganne to deprecate and intreat by his Ambaſſadours, when after much adoe this condition was propoſed. That he ſhould ſtand to iudgement, and ſubiect himſelfe to the Popes cognizance, whom they would ſend for to Auſpurge againſt the firſt day of February. That hee ſhould procure his abſolution within a yeere after the date of the excommunication, wherein if he failed, the whole cauſe ſhould fall: diſmiſſe his forces: In the mean time liue at Spire, as a priuate man, with a ſmall traine: not meddle in any publike affaires, nor aſſume the Bundles of rods vſed in antient time to be carried before the Roman Conſuls. faſces, or Imperiall Ornaments, till the controuerſie were lawfully decided. Hee accepts the conditions, and whileſt he liued at Spire, bethought himſelfe of going downe into Italie, to worke his mature peace with the Pope. Taking his iourney together with his wife and little ſonne, through Burgundie and Sauoy, in a moſt ſharpe winter, not without extreame difficultie and danger of life: at length arriues in Italie, where he was kindely enter ained, by the Nobles and Biſhops of that Country, they thinking that he came thither, incenſt with anger againſt the Pope. The Pope in the interim, at the requeſt of the Germane Princes, began his iourney, comming on ſome part, till hee vnderſtood of the Emperours arriuall. Whereupon hee ſtaies to acquaint himſelfe with the ſtate of the cauſe. The Emperour forthwith ſending a ſumptuous Embaſſie, wherein were ſome gallant Ladies, amongſt which, one was accounted ſomewhat too obſequious to the Pope: makes ſuite to the Pope for his abſolution: at firſt he ſeemed very loath, and ſaid hee could doe nothing therein, except the accuſers were preſent: but after much adoe, ouercommed at length with intreaties, hee refuſed not. Howbeit the Emperour before hee came into the Popes preſence, ſtaied full three daies in the lower roomes, court yard, and without the gates, where the Pope then was: being clad in meane and ſimple apparrell, without any regall ornaments, bare foot, and faſting from morne to night. The fourth day hauing admittance, the Pope propounds to him theſe conditions: that hee ſhould ſtand to his iudgement, anſwer the Princes their accuſation, and if conuicted, leaue his Empire, and neuer afterwards attempt any reuenge: in the meane time liue as a priuate man, and not meddle in any publike affaires, releaſe his ſubiects from their loyaltie and oath: remoue from him his Councellors and familiars: in caſe hee ſhall doe any thing to the contrary, that benefit now granted him to become void, and the Princes to haue free libertie, preſently thereupon to chooſe them another. When the Emperour had approoued of theſe conditions, the Pope ſaies Maſſe, and to purge himſelfe from all pretended crime, takes the vnleauened bread, which they call the Lords Body, inuocating fearefull execrations vpon his owne head and eſtate, if all theſe troubles were not wrought by his aduerſaries: and then he exhorts the Emperour (if he thought the crimes obiected againſt him by the Princes, were falſe, or any iniury offered him) to doe the like, and take the other part of the conſecrated bread: but hee excuſed himſelfe, ſhewing that hee could not conueniently doe it, and the Pope vrged him no further, but entertained him with a banquet, and ſo courteouſly diſmiſt him. The Nobles of Italie vnderſtanding of thoſe proceedings, were vehemently vext, that hee ſhould ſubmit himſelfe ſo baſely and ignobly to him, who by moſt lewd practices had ſet vpō the Papacie, who had polluted all places with bloodſhed and adultery. In him (being the Patron of Iuſtice, the Altar and Bulwarke of lawes) they had grounded all their hopes, and had not onely contemned the excommunication, but alſo for his ſake affronted the Pope in bitter enmitie: and now, for him, by this, directly the moſt diſhonourable of examples, to brand the Empire to all poſterity, with this ſo deepe and indelible infamie, and come in fauour againe with him, the publike enemie both to Church & Common-wealth. Thus, and much more after this manner they chafed, and were minded to elect the Emperours little ſonne, carry him to Rome, and depoſe the Pope.

The Emperour herewith acquainted, ſaw no meanes likelier to pacifie them, then by fleeing from the league, and ioyning with them; which fact quite confounded the Popes plots, inſomuch as hee was inforced to breake off his intended iourney into Germanie. And which was next to be done, by his Legates, ſignifies to the Princes of Germanie; how matters ſtood, and withal exhorts them to haue a care of the Common-wealth. This was in the yeere, 1077.

They therefore create Rudolphus, Duke of Sueuia, Emperour, whom the Archbiſhop of Mentz conſecrates. But Henry returning into Germanie, muſters vp forces: Rudolphus doth the like, who chiefly relied vpon and from the Saxons; but in the third conflict receiuing a deadly His right hand was ſtrucke off in battell, and being brought to him, lying vpon his death bed, he cried out, ſaying; This is the hand wherwith J confirmed my promiſed loyaltie to the Emperour, &c. wound, departed his life.

Preſently after this victory, the Emperour cals a Diet at Breſcia: there a decree paſſed by the Biſhops then preſent, as well Italians as Germanes, that Gregory was not lawful Biſhop of Rome: whereupon Victor the II. Archbiſhop of Rauenna, was appointed in his place: vpon this decree the Emperour haſtens to Rome, beſieges Gregory, who at length eſcapes by flight: and then confirmes Victor the II. by whom he is conſecrated.

Gregory the next Pope after him, dying, Vrbane the II. at Gergoie, a towne of the Aruernes, vulgarly called Claremont, where there was a meeting of many Princes: perſwades Philip, of that name the firſt, then King of France, to the Sarazen warre: of which, afterwards, Godfrey. Duke of Bulloigne, went Leader, who had much happy ſucceſſe, and recouered Ieruſalem. Paſchal the II. Vrbans ſucceſſor, was troubleſome alſo to the Emperour, who for that cauſe intending to goe downe into Italie, firſt aſſignes his ſonne for his ſucceſſor. But he, prickt forward by others, and forgetting that dutie ingrafted in vs by nature, droue his Father into extreame diſtreſſe; hauing the Pope and very many Princes of Germanie, his Complices, both in councell and in the fact. And hereupon hee was created Emperour, of that name the V. his Father afterwards dying miſerably at Leige. Henry the V. 1106. an. 18. m. 8. d. 16.

Some few yeeres after, hee marches into Italie with a great Armie, to make an end of the controuerſie, betwixt the Common-wealth of the Empire and the Papacie, and hewing out his way with his ſword, at length, arriues at Rome.

Now from Conſtantines time, the Emperours had the collation of Eccleſiaſticall honours and dignities: but the Popes growne more wealthie, at length greatly repined hereat, as a thing vnmeet; and from this fountaine iſſued almoſt all the iarres betwixt them. Now this Emperour ſtanding vpon his owne right and power, a great tumult aroſe at Rome, in ſo much as the Emperour raiſed vp in the night, was conſtrained to aide his owne men, who fell by the ſword, all the Citie ouer. But theſe factious perſons once ſuppreſt, he takes Paſchal the II. and diſmiſt him not, till he had giuen him ſatisfaction by entring into a league: but after the Emperour was returned into Germanie, the Pope flies off from the league, Henry the V. excommunicated by Paſchal the II. 1115. whereto he had ſworn in moſt ſacred words, and excommunicates the Emperour, which ſtirred vp many of the Germane Princes to rebellion, and amongſt the reſt, more eſpecially the Archbiſhop of Mentz. The Emperour marching downe into Italie, ſends his Ambaſſadours to the Pope, about a peace. But whileſt the matter was in hand, the Pope dies: To him, Gelaſius the II. ſucceedes. The Emperour, for that he was not called to the election, marches to Rome, and ſets vp another. Gelaſius thus depoſed, excommunicates both him, as alſo the Pope by him conſtituted: and the Emperour in regard the Popes Legates ſolicited the Germanes to reuolt, was conſtrained to retire home. But Gelaſius dying in the interim, the Romans chooſe Calixtus the II. Hee thruſt him out of his place, whom the Emperor in hatred to Gelaſius, had created, and after much intereſſion, compounds with the Emperour.

To Henry the V. Lotharius, Lotharus II. 1125. an. 13. d. 18. of the houſe of Saxony, of that name the II. ſucceeded. Him Conradus Duke of Sueuia oppoſed, ſtorming that the ſway of gouernment, was falne againe into the Saxons hands: who marching into Italy, to ſettle himſelfe in that Kingdome, (whilſt Lotharius in the interim held Germany faſt) deſtitute of aide, returned home, and made his peace with the Emperour.

Innocent the II. was then Pope of Rome. Him Anacletus reſiſted: to whom, becauſe he was deſcended from noble parentage, Innocent was forced to yeeld, but imploring the Emperors ayde, was reſtored.

The Emperour returnes into Germany, where hauing ſe led the affaires, hee marches downe againe into Italy with a mighty Army, ſubdues ſome Cities then in rebellion, and amongſt the reſt Ancona and Spoleti, chaſed Roger King of Sicilie out of Apulia and Campania, and (as fame ſpeakes of him) ſcarce any Emperor ſince Charles the Great, archieued more worthy exploits throughout Italy. It is written that then alſo, the ciuill law which as we mentioned, was collected by Iuſtinian the Emperors command, hauing been borne downe by ſtormes of warre, was brought to light againe.

Conradus D. of Suenia, ſucceeded him: Conradus III. 1139. an 12. m. 10. d. 15. at what time Henry ſirnamed the Proud, was Duke of Bauaria, and by mariage with the Emperour Lotharius his daughter, Duke of Saxony alſo: who affecting the Empire, and plotting much miſchiefe againſt the Emperour, was proſcribed and his lands giuen to others. But Duke Henry, hauing recouered Saxony; as hee was marching into Bavaria, dyed, leauing behind him his ſonne: in fauour of whom, the Saxons roſe vp in rebellion againſt the Emperour, and not ſo onely, but Welpho alſo, brother to the deceaſed Duke Henry; by force of Arms challenged Bauaria, excluding Ludolphus, vpō whom the Emperour had conferred that Prouince. A little aboue wee mentioned how the Emperour expelled Roger King of Sicilie: but whilſt Germanie was thus turmoiled, King Roger laying hold on the opportunity, inuades Sicilie, and chaſes out the Emperours Deputie: and then ſpurres on Welpho with large promiſes to proceed and hold the Emperour in play: The King of Hungarie too, tooke the ſame courſe, who alſo ſtood in feare of the Emperour.

At length the Emperour marching out againſt the Sarazens, loſt his army, and returnes home: from whence intending to goe downe into Italy, hauing all in readineſſe, dyed at Bamberg. Commonly called Barbaroſſa. Frederick Barbaroſſa 1152. an. 38. m. 3. d. 7 Frederick Aenobarb or Red-beard, Duke of Sueiua, of that name the firſt, ſucceeded him, a man of heroicke ſpirit. He in the beginning of his raigne, made a peace among the Princes of Germanie, and ended the controuerſie about Saxony and Bauaria, afterwards with a maine Army, marches downe into Italy: ſets a mulct vpon the Veroneſſes, who had contemned him: and for example ſake hangs ſome of the chiefe vpon gallowes. He commanded a Court of Guard to bee kept about him neare Placentia, by all the Leige-Princes of the Empire: beſieges Millaine, raſes Aſta, and layes Deitona leuell with the ground. Going to Rome is conſecrated by Adrian the IIII. ſuppreſſes the rebellious Citizens, ſubuerts Spoleti, and made a great ſlaughter: ſubdues the Lombards, and hauing broken the ſnares laid for him by the Veroneſſes, returnes into Germany, inflict an ignominious mulct vpon the Prince Palatine, who in his abſcence had raiſed ſome commotions: The beginning of the Kingdome of Bohemia. about 1 00. and after that he made the Duke of Bohemia King.

In the meane ſpace the Millanois, practiſed many inſolent outrages againſt their neighbours, and againe reared vp Deitona, demollſhed by the Emperour: whereupon hee, returning with a ſtrong army, ſacks Millaine, by the ayde of the Cremoneſſes, Pauians and Nouarians. The City thus taken, the multitude, at the Princes of Germanie their interceſſion (to whom they had petitioned) was ſpared. All Lombardy was reduced into his ſubiection: from hence (hauing ſetled the City with Lawes) hee remoues to other people thereabouts. After his returne they rebell, contemne the Lawes by him eſtabliſhed, and demoliſh the Forts by him raiſed: whereupon againe marching thither; he harrazes the whole Country, and raſes all places within their Dominions.

In the meane ſpace, mortall conſpiracies were in hatching againſt him all Italy ouer: in which Pope Adrian beforementioned, was one: who, as ſoone as hee had abſolutely reſolued to excommunicate him Drinking of water wherein a flie were drowned. dyed.

The Emperour marching into Italy the third time vtterly euerts Millaine, puts the Author of the rebellion to death, and compells the reſt of the multitude to goe into exile: then beſieging the City of Rome, loſt a great part of his Army by contagious ſicknes. For that cauſe raiſing his ſiege, and placing gariſons throughout Hetruria: ſetting ouer at Spoleti, Ancona, and Rauenna, ſuch as hee pleaſed ſhould gouerne the Common-wealth, he returnes into Germany.

Pope Adrian dying, two contend for the Papacy, Victor and Alexander the III. the Emperour being abſent, who indeed enclined more to Victor: but Alexander firſt excommunicates his Competitour, and afterwards (the diſſention increaſing) the Afterwards whē the Emperour came to him to Venice for his abſolution, the Pope trode vpon his necke, and cauſed that place in the Pſalmiſt to bee ſung; Thou ſhalt tread vpon the Aſpe and Baſilisk, &c. The Emperour exclaiming that he did not this honour to him but to S. Peter, the Pope replied, To me and to Peter too. Emperour alſo.

The Millanois perceiuing this occaſion breake into rebellion, and in many places in Italy expell the Emperous Deputies, hanging ſome of them vpon gallowes. The Emperour hereupon returning into Italy fought a hazardous battle with them. The Pope was Copartner in the warre, who fled to Ʋenice. At length when peace was concluded by truce, he makes an expedition into Aſia, againſt the Enemies of the Chriſtian Religion, where going into a Riuer to waſh himſelfe, was by force of the ſtreame ouerwhelmed and drowned.

His ſonne Henry, Henry VI. 1190. an. 8. m. 2. d. 22. of that name the VI. was his ſucceſſor. He (after William the ſonne of Roger King of Sicilies death) hauing beene twice in Italy, conquered Apulia, and Calabria, and taken Naples, ſubdues Sicily, placing ſtrong garriſons there, in regard of the inconſtant diſpoſition of that Nation. Then hee conſtitutes certaine Nobles ouer Rauenna, and Ancona, and throughout Apulia and Hetruria: ſoone after, hauing aſſigned his ſon Fredericke, as then an Infant, for his ſucceſſour in the Empire: hee went into Sicily by conſent of the Princes of Germany, and there ended his Falling into a burning feuer by a poyſoned potion, giuen him (as it was ſuppoſed) by his wife. life. Fredericke his ſon, being as aforeſaid, in reſpect of his age, but a Childe, all men in a manner deemed it fitter to take his vncle Philip: but Innocent the III. Pope of Rome, moſt vehemently withſtood that. Howbeit the Princes diſagreeing in their choice, when ſome would create Philip, others Otho Duke of Saxony, a great vproare thereupon enſued, eſpecially about the coaſt of the Rhyne: But Philip partly by force of Armes, partly by his exceeding humanity, drew on his aduerſaries into ſubiection, and forthwith made his peace with the Pope whom by experience he had found a bitter Enemy. Not long after, Otho IIII. 1208. an. 4. he was murthered in his Chamber, and Otho Duke of Saxony beforementioned was his ſucceſſour: who incurred the Popes diſpleaſure, (being formerly his moſt entire friend) and was at length excommunicated by him: whereupon a Diet aſſembled, the Electorall Princes ſolicited by the Pope to create another, call home out of Sicilie, Frederick the King thereof, Henry the VI. his ſonne, to whom, (as a little aboue it is mentioned) they had giuen allegiance, being then an Infant. Him the Emperour Otho meets with an Army at the Rhyne to ſtop his paſſage, but was diſcomfited, and returning into Saxony, dyed, as it was ſuppoſed, of griefe. Fredericke the II. 1212. an. 11 And thus was Frederick made Emperour of that name the II. Grandchild to Frederick Aenobarb or Red-Beard, by his ſonne.

Innocent the III. before ſpoken of, had a Councell at Rome, called the Laterane, there amongſt others, thoſe decrees paſſed.

That the Chriſme and Euchariſt, which they call the Hoaſt, ſhould bee kept vnder Locke and Key.

That a priuate confeſſion of ſinnes ſhould bee made once euery yeare.

That an election made by the ciuill Magiſtrate, in ſpirituall promotions, ſhould be of no force.

That thoſe of Eccleſiaſticall Order ſhould not, without cauſe, promiſe fealtie to thoſe that are called Lay-men.

That the Lawes made by Princes ſhould not preiudice Churches.

That Eccleſiaſticall perſons ſhould bee exempted from all contribution.

That Tribute ſhould not be paid before Tenths.

That the Reliques of Saints, ſhould not be ſhowne forth of a Casket.

About theſe Decrees there followed a great diſſention, betwixt the Greekes and Latines. for the Greekes would not touch thoſe Altars whereon the Latines had offered vp the Hoaſt, till they had waſhed and expiated them, as alſo of a new baptized thoſe whom the Latines had baptized. Hereupon it was decreed that they ſhold returne to their mother Church of Rome, whereby there might be one Fold, and one Shepheard: in caſe they obeyed not, to bee (after excommunication) degraded from their Order.

The Emperor goes to Rome, and is conſecrated by Honorius the third. Hee ſubdued thoſe Rebells, which were ſpred all ouer Italy, and proſcribes ſome of them. Many whereof fled to Rome, and implored the Popes ayde. This gaue occaon of great diſcord, for the Emperour tooke it moſt hainouſly that his aduerſaries ſhould haue their harbour and habitation there. The rancor raging hotter, Hee by conſent of the Princes, aſſignes his ſonne Henry his ſucceſſour in the Empire; and ſummons the Princes to a Diet at Cremona: but being hindered entrance there, by the Pope, and the Lombards factions, returnes into Apulia: and within a while after the Pope dyes, to whom Gregory the IX. Frederick the II. excommunicated by Gregory the IX. three times. ſucceeds, who excōmunicates the Emperour for not performing his expedition againſt the Turkes, whereto he had bound himſelfe by vow.

The Emperour deprecating this offence and purging himſelfe; when nothing could preuaile, hee marches to Rome, depoſes the Pope and inflicts a heauy mulct vpon his Complices: then calling another Diet at Rauenna; is hindered by the fugitiue Pope, who had ſtirred vp enemies againſt him in euery place. At length the Emperour, after his wife was dead, that he might performe his promiſe, and prouide for the Common-wealth, ſets forward on his expedition into Aſia: But the Pope whilſt he was abſent, makes warre, and ſeizes vpon Apulia. The Emperour hauing good ſucceſſe, recouering many places, and amongſt the reſt Hieruſalem: being certified of the ſtate of Italy, concluding a ten yeares truce with the enemy, returnes with his Army, and recouers his owne Countries. The Pope fortifies himſelfe by a new league, with theſe Nobles of Italy, on whō the Emperour had ſet a mulct, and then againe excommunicates him for entering into truce with the enemy. The Emperour louing quietneſſe, by his Ambaſſadours treats for peace, which with much a doe he obtained, and ſo hee returned into Germany. But the Pope not able to leaue his old guiſe, diſmantling Viterbo, againe excommunicates the Emperour, who hereat incenſed beyond meaſure, poſts into Italy, in raging and wrathfull manner, and puniſhes all the Rebels throughout Hetruria, Vmbria, Lombardy, and the Countrey bordering vpon Po: whereupon the Pope ingeminates his excommunication, and conioynes in league with the Ʋenetians. The Emperour coaſting through Italy, hauing in a manner reduced it all into his ſubiection, layes ſiege to Rome, and not long after, Pope Gregory dyes, hauing firſt ſummoned a Councell of his owne adherents, at Rauenna, whither notwithſtanding they could not haue acceſſe, all paſſages being blockt vp by the Emperour, inſomuch as certaine of them were taken.

This was the Pope that patcht together the Decretall Epiſtles, as they call them, which are a great part of the Pontificiall Law, loaden with multiplicity of Commentaries: wherein it may ſeeme wonderfull, that ſuch men there ſhould bee that will take ſo much paines as to adhere to thoſe, not onely inconuenient, triuiall, fooliſh, but alſo ridiculous workes, as faſt as if they were a kinde of Oracle: and ſpend all their labour and time in interpreting, explaining and garniſhing them: as though they were hired to that end, to defend other mens folly and error, with their beſt vigilancy and induſtry, and to loſe the reputation of their owne modeſtie, in other mens impudency. That decree, which goes vnder Gratians name, in diuers places, amongſt other paſſages, hath theſe:

The Rule of the Church of Rome, which is the bleſſed Apoſtle S. Peters ſeat: muſt bee followed.

It is not lawfull to hold a Councell without permiſſion of the Biſhop of Rome.

The Lawes of the Church Rome, are to bee obſerued, as pronounced by Peters owne mouth.

What yoke the Church of Rome impoſes, though it be not tolerable, it muſt be endured.

The Miniſters of the Church ought to vow chaſtity, that is, they ſhould not mary.

It is lawfull for him, that hath not a wife, to haue a Concubine.

If the Pope bee negligent and remiſſe in his office, hee may hurt indeed, aſwell himſelfe as others: notwithſtanding he cannot bee iudged by any man, becauſe he himſelfe is to iudge all men.

The Emperour ought to be ruled by, and not rule ouer the Pope.

All mortall men beſides, may be iudged by men, but the Pope, Peters ſucceſſour by God alone.

It is lawfull for the Pope to releaſe ſubiects, from their loyalty and oath, whereby they are bound to their Prince.

In Gregories Decretall Epiſtles, and in Boniface his ſixt booke of Decretalls, the Clementines, and Extrauagants as they call them: it is ſet down there amongſt other things; That the Popes authority is not ſubiect to the Decrees of Councells.

It belongs to the Pope to approue of the elected Emperor, or to reiect him, if hee bee not fit.

There are two great lights which gouerne the world, the Sunne and the Moone: The Pope is in ſtead of the Sunne, and the Emperour, of the Moone. Biſhops may deale more mildly with thoſe, that haue offended by adulterie, and other ſuch crimes, as being of lower nature.

The Pope onely, hath cognizance concerning the priuiledges of the Church of Rome.

The bones of excommunicate perſons already buried, ought to bee digged vp and throwne away.

The Pope may depoſe the Emperour from his place and Magiſtracy.

The Emperour is bound to performe allegiance and fealty to the Pope, by oath.

It is iuſt, that Eccleſiaſticall perſons, ſhould be exempt and free from all coſt, moleſtation and charge.

A man may bee declared an Heretique after his death, and his goods be confiſcated.

The ſonnes of heretiques ought not to bee admitted to any place of gouernment either ciuill or eccleſiaſticall.

It is neceſſary to ſaluation, that all men bee ſubiect to the Pope of Rome.

Thoſe few places onely are drawne out of an immenſe heape: and what kind of ſtuffe they are, theres no man that is well in his wits, but may perceiue.

The Law is, that men of deepeſt learning ſhould define the ſame. Soueraigne reaſon is grafted in Nature, which commands thoſe things that are to bee done, and forbids thoſe that are contrary. And all lawes ought to haue reference to the common good. And the Law-maker ought to haue the like affection towards the people and Common-wealth, that the father hath towards his owne Children: but what likelihood hereof is there in any the beforementioned places? but for them, not onely to excuſe thoſe fopperies, but alſo to garniſh, adorne, and illuſtrate them, with new Commentaries, and rather to babble out any thing, then ſuffer their dignity to bee impeached, I pray you what groſſe impudencie is this? but •• e ſting no deeper.

If pride, auarice, ambition of bearing rule, and ignorance of learning drew them on, to make ſuch decrees: if they themſelues vary in opinions, nor will one bee tyed to anothers lawes, becauſe endued with equality of power: pray thee, why doeſt thou macerate thy ſelfe in ſtraightning thoſe crooked and contrarizing decrees? I omit that Ocean, or rather ſincke, I meane that part of the Papall law, containing the ſale of benefices as they cal them, and conſecrated goods: for who is able to reckon vp their deceipts and colluſions? no not they themſelues, that haue beene factors many yeares together in this kind of trafficke, do ſufficiently vnderſtand and know all the trickes: when new ones are daily inuented. But this argument requires both another time, and a booke of purpoſe: now therefore let vs returne to our purpoſe.

As Frederick the Emperour, ſo alſo Lewis the IX. King of France inuaded Syria and Aegypt with an Army, who afterwards Of the plague. dyed at the ſiege of In Africa, where formerly (as ſome ſay) Carthage ſtood. Tunis City, in the yeare of Grace, 1270.

In his raigne, William Biſhop of Paris raiſed a queſtion about Eccleſiaſticall Benefices: which cauſe being publikely diſcuſt, his opinion tooke place, that it was not lawfull for any man to hold more then one; but it is ſufficient to haue ſpoken onely, and writ down ſuch decrees as thoſe.

To Gregory, Innocent the IIII ſucceeded, vpon whom, as it were by hereditary ſucceſſion, the Emperours diſpleaſure fell. Wherupon calling a Councel at Lyons, he ſummons the Emperour, excommunicates him for not appearing, depriues him of his dignity, exhorting the Princes of Germany, to chooſe another, and this his decree (which amongſt others is in priuate) as alſo certaine of the Emperours Epiſtles, to ſeuerall Kings are extant, wherein he demonſtrates at large, the Popes iniquitie, and his owne innocencie.

The Emperour was minded to goe to Lyons, and trie his fortunes: but a new rebellion breaking forth throughout Italie, turnes all his forces that way: where, good ſucceſſe failing him, he returning into Puel, began to languiſh, and at length died. Some ſay hee was poiſoned, others, ſtrangled by his baſtard ſonne Manfred, who afterwards inuaded Italie.

At that time liued the famous Lawier, Azo, after whom, the whole ſtreame of Writers followed; who violating that ſharpe and ſeuere edict of the Emperour Commanding his Code onely (into which as aboueſaid the whole law was contracied) to be bſerued. Iuſtinian, filled the world with an innumerable companie of Books; from whence we muſt now ſeeke thoſe points, which thoſe Ancients handled moſt copiouſly and learnedly. For one man compiles anothers workes, ſo that there is no end or meaſure of writing: and all ouerflowes in contrary opinions, in ſo much as the old mans ſaying may properly take place here; who hauing asked three Lawyers their aduiſe; you haue done brauely, ſaith he; I am a great deale further to ſeeke then before. I omit the quiddities which are daily deuiſed in abundance; for the Comedians ſaying falls right here; that craft ſtarts one miſchiefe in the necke of another. Cicero complaines, that many worthy ordinances were ſetled by lawes, but thoſe for the moſt part were corrupted and depraued by Lawyers inuentions. What if hee were now liuing, and ſaw thoſe Pyramides of bookes, and our moderne practice, and that ſacred repoſitorie of the lawes, thus filthily polluted, & miſerably contaminated? Howbeit, as God indeed hath within our memorie, brought all other Arts to light againe, ſo hath he raiſed vp many men, who being furniſhed with the help of good learning thinke thoſe paines taken in this behalfe, not to be repented of, being to reſtore this ſubiect moſt beautifull, and altogether neceſſary for the ſocietie of mankinde; yea, this gift, euen heauenly, drawne out and conuaied from the mid-fountaines of Philoſophie, to it's former ſplendor and equitie; which their indeauours merit not onely publike commendation, but alſo remuneration.

After his death, there was a vacancie for almoſt 22. yeeres: A vacancie in the Empire for the ſpace of 22. yeers after Fredericke the II. his deceaſe. firſt one, then another being elected, who notwithſtanding, held not the ſway of gouernement in thoſe troubleſome times. In the meane time the Kingdome of Naples fell from the Emperour Frederickes houſe into the hands of the French, and afterwards Sicilie alſo. For the Popes relied vpon the French power, though ſoone after moſt cruell warres inſued about thoſe Kingdomes betwixt the houſe of Arragon, and the houſe of Angiers in France, but that appertaines not to this place.

When the Commonwealth had floated in this ſtate, as aforeſaid, for ſo many yeers together, Rudolphus Habspurgh, 1273. an. 17. m. 9. d. 16. Rudolphus Habspurgh is created Emperour. He in the beginning of his raign, appeaſed thoſe commotions ſpread throughout Germanie. And after ſome Diets ended, marches out againſt Ottacar King of Bohemia, then in rebellion, whom he inforced to conditions of peace, which he notwithſtanding (by his wiues inſtigation) not long after, breakes, and marching the ſecond time into Auſtria, is ſlaine in battell. Ladiſlaus Cunus King of Hungary, aided the Emperour Rudolphus.

At length a peace being concluded with the Bohemians by Iutta the Emperous daughter was married to Wenciſlaus King of Bohemia, Ottacars ſonne. marriage, the Emperour gaue Auſtria, which the King of Bohemia had held many yeeres together, to Albertus his ſonne: and being hindred by diuers buſineſſes in Germany, went not downe into Italie, neither was he inclined much that way howſoeuer: for it is reported of him, that hee would ſometimes merrily tell a tale of the Foxe that would not viſit the Lyon, lying counterfeitly ſicke in a certaine denne, becauſe hee was affrighted with the footſteps of other beaſts, of which none had returned: notwithſtanding he deputed a Gouernour in Italie, in manner of Vice-Emperour; and as it is written, confirmed the often mentioned Countrey of Flaminiae, and the Exarchie to the Church of Rome; when hee ſaw very ſmall commoditie returne to him from thoſe parts: For the Emperours wearied with perpetuall diſſention and variance with the Popes, became more remiſſe: neither would the Popes euer bee at quiet, till they had remoued them forth of the Coaſts of Italie: and therefore in a manner ſhelrring themſelues vnder the wings of the French Kings, and foſtering their factions by the Biſhops of Germany, at length effected their owne wiſhed deſires.

But here by the way let vs call to minde the interchangeable courſe of eſtates, when as they (who were ſecure, had their being, and held their place and dignitie by fauour of the Emperours) were inriched by their goods and liberalities, both arrogated dominion ouer them, and alſo defrauded them of their patrimony. For they keepe to themſelues, not onely a good part of Italie, but haue alſo ſtrictly obliged the Kings of Sicilie and Naples, to their partie: which two kings, both pay thē yeerely tribute, and alſo are forbidden to vndertake the imperiall dignitie without their permiſſion: and when they receiue poſſeſſion from them, amongſt other clauſes, that is one part of their oath.

That memorable maſſacre of the French, through out Sicilie, happened in Rudolphus the Emperours time. For they being in poſſeſſion of that Country, where, after ſoldiers faſhion, playing many inſolent and outragious prankes, were by ſecret conſpiracie, after a ſigne giuen, all put to the ſword, when the Bell rung to euening prayers. This Maſſacre is cōmonly called the Sicilian Veſpers: The Sicilian Veſpers, 1281. which was committed vpon Eaſter day, in the yeere 1281. Rudolphus vpon a ſumme of money paid, infranchiſed and ſet charge-free many Cities in Italie belonging to the Empire, as the Bononians, Florentines, Genowaies, Lucans, and others.

After this, aſſembling the Princes at Franckeford, he deſired, but in vaine, to haue his ſonne Albert aſſigned his ſucceſſor. Rudolphus dying, Adolphus of Naſſaw, 1292. an. 6. m 5. d. 7. Adolphus, of the houſe of Naſſaw ſucceeded, who not long after, beganne to picke quarrels with Albertus Arch-duke of Auſtria: and moreouer offending the Princes of Germanie by his demeanour, as alſo the Archbiſhop of Mentz, by whoſe helpe hee was made Emperour, is depoſed, and Albertus Arch-duke of Auſtria, Rudolphus his ſonne, is elected: who, vniting his forces, hauing the Princes aid, makes forward toward Adolphus, when giuing him battell in the Biſhopricke of Spire, Adolphus being grieuouſly wounded by Albertus, was ſoone after ſlaine by the reſt of the ſouldiers.

After this victorie, Albertus, 1298 an. 9. m 9. d. 5. Albertus to confirme his owne title, leſt any might report that his former election was vniuſt, deſired to bee ſolemnly created Emperour; which done, Pope Boniface the VIII. reclaimed; denying to ratifie what the reſt of the Princes had done: but within a while after, when Philip the Faire, King of France, and hee fell into bitter diſſention: hee approoued of Albertus, and ſpoke much in praiſe of his progenitours. At length, Albertus was ſlaine by his owne kinſmen, as hee was marching into Bohemia, hauing all in readineſſe, to intrude his ſonne Fredericke into that kingdome. This Pope Boniface added a ſixth Booke, to Gregory the IX. his decretall Epiſtles, which are contained in fiue Bookes. Amongſt the reſt, he made a decree, that it might be lawfull for the Pope to diſpoſſeſſe himſelfe of the Papacie; for is written, that he himſelfe by ſiniſter meanes, perſwaded Caeleſtine the V. thereunto, whom hee ſucceded.

After Albertus, Henry, Henry the VII. 1308. an. 4. m. 9. of that name the VII. of the houſe of Luxemburgh, is created Emperour. He, hauing by marriage made his ſonne King of Bohemia, goe downe into Italie; the eſtate whereof was at that time moſt miſerable. For euer ſince Fredericke the II. his deceaſe, about 57. yeers, the Emperour neglected Italie, which cauſed the ſundry dilacerations therof from them, by the greater Nobles, eſpecially by the Two Noble families in Sueuia, which afterwards remoued into Italie. Guelphs and Gibelines, which two factions haue many retainers in thoſe parts.

He therefore firſt of all conſtitutes Gouernours ouer the Cities, and free burroughs throughout Lombardie, and ſwore the inhabitants to his ſubiection: then reſting a while at Millaine, indeauouring, but all in vaine, to reconcile the before-mentioned factions: where when Turianus, Gouernour of the Citie, had complotted to aſſaile him vnawares: after diſcouerie of the conſpiracie, and ſuppreſſion of his aduerſaries; hee commits the gouernement of the Citie to a Vicount. All the Cities in that Country yeelded into his power and protection, onely Breſcia rebelled, the walles whereof (hauing after a long ſiege taken it) hee demoliſht. Then marching through Genua, and ſo ſtriking ouer to Piſa, arriued at Rome: and was crowned by ſome of the Cardinals, becauſe Pope Clement the V. hauing left the Citie, was remoued into France, and kept his Court at Auinion.

When the Cardinals required the oath of him, which they ſaid was to bee giuen to the Pope: hee refuſed it, and would not haue any ſuch kind of oath, to be thereby bound to the Pope: vpon notice hereof, the Pope, to inlarge his owne power, expounded that generall forme of the oath at large, and annexed it to the reſt of his decrees now extant. For he himſelfe alſo preferred many lawes, which retaine their name from him, and are called the Clementines. The knights of the Temple ſuppreſt about 1308.

Now alſo thoſe Knights called the Templars, being very puiſſant, were by the ſame violence put to death, and made away in diuers places. Philip the Faire, King of France, by the Popes permiſſion, ſeized vpon a great part of their Reuenues. Soone after, the name and memorie of them was condemned: and by the French nationall Synod, at Vienna, their lands were giuen to thoſe, called the Knights of the Rhodes. At this time alſo the Vniuerſitie of Orleans was founded by King Philip, and Pope Clements authoritie. After the Emperour Henries He was poiſoned by a Monk with a cup of Wine in the Communion. deceaſe and buriall at Piſa, being poiſoned as it was ſtrongly ſuſpected: there followed moſt bitter contentions about the election: for Fredericke Archduke of Auſtria the Emperour Alberts ſonne, Lewis 1314 an. 32. m. 11. d. 24. Fredericke of Auſtria oppoſeth him, and is elected Emperour alſo. and Lewis Duke of Bauaria, were competitors for the Empire. The Archbiſhop of Mentz crowned Lewis at Aix: and the Archbiſhop of Cullen, Fredericke at Bena: and Pope Iohn the XXIII. proclaimed them both Emperours, but of the two was more inclined to Fredericke, which proclamation increaſed the flame of diſcord. Forces being muſtered vpon both ſides, a ſharpe battell was fought at Eſling a towne in Sueuia, but in a manner with equall fortune: and ſoone after another in Bauaria with ſtronger forces, Fredericke the other Emperour taken priſoner. 1323. in which the Archduke Fredericke was taken priſoner, loſing a good part of his Armie, afterwards he was ſee at libertie, and returning home, died within a few yeeres after.

Lewis the Emperour hauing thus compaſt the Empire, marches downe into Italie, in deſpight of the Pope, conſtitutes Gouernors ouer al the Cities & free-burroughes, and is crowned at Millaine by the Archbiſhop there, from whence (hauing ſent his Ambaſſadours to the Pope at Auinion, againe and againe, about his ſolemne inauguration, and there failing) he goes to Rome, after he had ſetled the affaires of Millaine. At Rome hee was entertained with exceeding great ioy, and crowned by one or two of the Cardinals: but the Pope ingeminating his excommunication, he, by the aduiſe of his Nobles, creates another Pope, and after this faſhion continued theſe moſt deadly flames of hatred betwixt them, not without moſt ſcandalous criminations caſt forth on both ſides.

The French Annall-writers report that Charles the Faire, King Philips ſonne, was the firſt that granted Pope Iohn Tenths of Eccleſiaſticall goods in France, and ſhared the prey betwixt themſelues, but the Popes chiefe aime in procuring this, was to furniſh himſelfe with money againſt the Emperour.

After the Emperour was returned into Germany, the Pope dies, and his ſucceſſor Benedict the XII. both excommunicated and depriued him of his dignitie. Whereupon the Emperour conuening the Princes at Franckeford in a ſolemne ſpeech, complaines of the Popes iniuries, explaines the reaſons of his allegiance, produces and declares the ancient lawes of the Empire: withall ſhewing, that the Biſhop of Rome had nothing to doe with the Commonwealth of the Empire: For he, who is elected by the Princes conſent, is truely Emperour, without any aſſent, conſent or conſecration from the Pope, all that being but a ceremonie, which by little and little crept vp, and now is growne too high, to the great diſhonour and indammagement of the Empire.

After this, Pope Benedict dying, Clement the VI. ſucceeded, one farre more violent then any before him: who in vehement manner propounded certaine ignominious conditions, vpon refuſall whereof, hee grew a great deale more furious, ſharpely admoniſhing the Princes to chooſe another Emperour, within a certaine time by him limited, which if they would not dae, hee would take care that the Church ſhould not want a Patrone and Aduocate any longer. Whileſt the Common-wealth was thus toſſed, the Emperour Lewis departed this life, and Charles King Iohn his ſonne, Henry the VII. his Nephew was elected King of Bohemia.

A little before this, began the occaſion of that cruell war betwixt the French and Engliſh, When Charles the Faire, King of France, dying without iſſue male, which was in the yeere, 1327. Edward king of England, of that name the III. being ſonne to Iſabel, King Charles his ſiſter, challenged the Kingdome as due to him; but the Eſtates of France, which are called the Peeres, ſet the crowne vpon Philip of Valeis, cozen germane to the deceaſed King Charles: excluding not onely King Edward the ſiſters ſonne, but alſo King Charles his poſthume daughter; alledging, that the inheritance of that kingdom did in no wiſe appertaine to daughters: hereupon inſued that bloody warre ſcarce yet quenched.

The beginning of the Emperour Charles the IIII. Charles the IIII. 1346. an. 32. m. 7. d. 14. his raigne was troubleſome, and the Imperiall dignitie was offred to Edward the third King of England: but hee, as it was reported, refuſed it, being hindered by the French wars.

After the quenching of ſundry combuſtions in Germany, the Emperour Charles goes downe into Italie, and by conſent of Pope Innocent the VI. then being in France, is crowned at Rome by ſome Cardinals, vpon condition not to ſtay any longer, either at Rome, or in Italie. Hee returnes to Millaine, and granted the office of perpetuall Vice-Emperour for Lombardie, to the houſe of the Viſcounts, who then bore great ſway in Millaine; in reſpect of which honour, they gaue him an huge maſſe of money, and not they onely, but others alſo vpon whom hee had beſtowed any thing: which act much extenuated the Emperours authority in that Country.

After his returne out of Italie, he ſummoned a Diet of the Princes, and there preferred that decree of the Empire, called the Containing the lawes and rites to be obſerued in the election of the Emp: as alſo the dignitie and office of each Elector, and other Princes and Nobles. Golden bull: laſtly, he aſſignes his ſonne Wenceſlaus his ſucceſſor in the Empire; which, as it is wri ten, he procured with great difficultie, though with large rewards: and not long after died.

In his raigne, Iohn King of France Philip of Valois his ſonne, together with his yongeſt ſonne Philip, afterwards Duke of Burgundie, ſirnamed the Stout, or the Bold; was, in pitcht field, neere Poictiers, taken priſoner by the Engliſh, who were then in poſſeſſion of a good part of Aquitaine, and the Citie of Burdeaux. Many of the prime Nobilitie were ſlaine in that battell. The Annall-Writers record, that the Engliſh were not aboue 7000. when the French made againſt them with many forces, about 60000 ſtrong. This was in the yeere, 1356. the XII. of the Kalends of October. The King was carried priſoner into England, and died the feuenth yeere after.

Wenceſtaus being (as hiſtorie ſpeakes of him) both by nature and courſe of life, Wenceſlaus, 1379 an. 2. m. 5. d. 28. very vicious, quite neglected the Common-wealth. Hee for a ſumme of money, created Iohn Galeas, of the houſe of the Viſcounts, (a man both couetous and cruell) Duke of Millaine and Lombardie.

In his raigne, Iagello Duke of Lithuania or Luten, was, after King Lewis his death, created King of Polonia, by conſent of the Nobles: This King was great Grandfather to Sigiſmund, the moderne King there, and was the firſt that receiued Baptiſme, changing his name to Vladiſlaus.

Sigiſmund King of Hungarie was ouerthrowne in battell at Nieopolis by Baiazet Emperour of the Turkes, the third of the kalends of October. Charls the VI. K. of France, ſent a goodly troope of horſe for aid into Hungarie, vnder conduct of Iohn, ſonne of Philip the bold Duke of Burgundie, which Iohn was taken in that battell, and carried priſoner to the Turke, where he ſtood at the next doore to death, but yet eſcaped, which (as the French Writers relate) happened thus: There was a certaine Phyſiognomer (one of that packe that profeſſe to know the diſpoſitions and natures of men, by their body, eyes, countenance and face) familiar with Baiazet; who viewing the priſoner, willed and perſwaded the Emperour to diſmiſſe him in ſafetie. For hee ſhould bee the man, that after his returne home, ſhould kindle a moſt violent combuſtion, which ſhould ſet a good part, either of Europe, or of the Chriſtian world, on fire. Vpon this perſwaſion, the Turke diſmiſſes him, and the reſt of the Nobilitie, that were priſoners, after they had paid 20000. crownes for their ranſome. After his returne into France, hee began to quarrell with Lewis Duke of Orleans, the Kings brother. For he by reaſon of the Kings ſickneſſe, which was in a manner deſperate, deſired to gouerne the Common-wealth, being neareſt of kindred to the king. But the Duke of Burgundie, for that he was couſin-germane to the King, and elder then the other, challenged the gouernment (his Father Philip being dead) rather to belong to him. This ſore euery day more and more feſtering, at length the Duke of Orleans was murthered in Paris in the night time, as hee was going home from ſupper. The murtherers were ſent priuily by the Duke of Burgundie, who was ſo farre from denying the fact, that he maintained it. This was in the yeere 1407. the ninth of the kalends of December

The XII. yeare following, the Duke of Burgundy comming to a place appointed, about a pacification in this cauſe, was entrapped by treachery and murthered by certaine of the Duke of Orleans his friends that had ſworne his death: Charles the Dolphin, the Kings ſonne, who was iudge in that controuerſie being preſent at the fact.

This is the head-ſpring of the warre betwixt thoſe two houſes, which hath ſo often broke forth euer ſince that time, till within our memory.

Wenceſlaus, by reaſon of his negligence growne into contempt: Robert 14 0. an. 9 m 8. d. 22. the Princes depriue him of the gouernment, and elect Robert Duke of Bauaria, Count Palatine. He preſently applied himſelfe about reformation of Wenceſlaus his miſgouernment: and would not ratifie the grant made by him to Iohn Galeas, but contriued a new, how to reduce Lombardy into the Imperiall dominions: for which, and other ſuch like cauſes, marching downe into Italy, the ſaid Galeas hindered and repelled him. The State of Italy, was in thoſe times very troubleſome, cheifly by the Emperour Charles and Wenceſlaus their default, being too indulgent ouer that Nation: For ouer and beſides Galeas lately made Duke of Millaine: The Venetians, Florentines, & Genowaies, made war vpon their neighbours: and all right was ſwayed by the ſword and violence. Furthermore by reaſon of the Popes continuall abſence, nothing but factions, and thoſe dangerous ones, ſwarmed at Rome. Then alſo Galeas D. of Millaine made warre vpon the Florentines, who to worke their owne reuenge ſolicite the Emperor by large proffers, to march downe againe into Italy: but when the Emperor was come to Padua, Hee (at requeſt of the Venetians, who likewiſe hated Gal •• a, and withall perceiuing that their prouiſion was not anſwerable to their great promiſes) retires into Germanie, caſting off all care of Italy, whoſe eſtate afterwards grew more weake, by its owne ciuill broyles.

To the Emperour Robert, Sigiſmund 14 •• . an. 26. m. 8. Sigiſmund the Emperour Wenceſt us his brother King of Hungary ſucceeds. At this time there were three Popes, Iohn the XXXIII. Gregory the XII. and Benedict the XIII. inſomuch as by their factions, almoſt all the Prouinces of Europe, were at oddes. For there was not one publike Councel, at any time ſince Innocent the III. as their bookes teſtifie, being 200. yeares, and the ſtate of the Clergie was moſt corrupt, a kinde of bottomleſſe ſincke of vices and maladies hauing made an inundation, which in a manner ſcorned to be ſtopped. For Boniface the VIII. was Pope in the interim, who tooke vpon him both the Papall and Imperiall authority. Then the next after him, Clement the V. of Burdeaux, at Philip the Faire the French Kings requeſt (forſaking Rome) remoued his Court into France: and after his death the Cardinalls falling into ſharpe diſſentions amongſt themſelues, made a vacancie for ſome yeares: but at length Iohn the XXII. of Aquitaine, was created Pope at Lyons. The fifth Pope after him, which was Gregory the XI. (when the Popes had kept their Court in France then for 71. yeares together) returnes to Rome; but after his death Vrbane the VI. a Neapolitan, and Clement the VI. a Sauoyſin, contended for the Papacy. The firſt whereof vpheld himſelfe by the Italian partie, and liued at Rome, the other by the French, and liued at Auinion. After thoſe two were dead, the other there before mentioned, were by ſeuerall factions choſen in their places, the Papall Monſter hauing then three heads.

At what time many worthy men both Italians and French, deplored the State of the Church, inueighing bitterly enough againſt the corruptions and vices of thoſe times, as farre as they could ſee in thoſe dayes of darkneſſe. Amongſt the reſt, Petrarch was one, who when the Popes and Cardinals lay at Auinion, called that City the whore of Babylon.

Whereupon to determine that Controuerſie, a Councell was aſſembled at Conſtance in Germanie, by order whereof thoſe Three were depoſed, and Martin the V. elected. At this Councell Iohn H •• and Hierome of Prague were burnt for hereſie, though they came thither vnder ſafe conduct from the Emperour Sigiſmund: the Emperour is much commended, for that He, to benefit the Common-wealth went almoſt to all the Kings in Chriſtendome, to exhort them to haue a care of the common good.

After the affaires were ſetled in Germany, hee goes downe into Italy, at what time the Venetians and Florentines were vp in Armes both by ſea & land, againſt Philip Maria, Iohn Galeas his ſon, Duke of Millaine, and ſo forward to Rome, being there conſecrated by Eugenius the IIII. and returned by Baſil, where then there was another Councell held.

Albertus Archduke of Auſtria, Albertus II. 1437. an. 1. m. 9. d. 27. King of Hungary and Bohemia, was his ſucceſſour: whom the ciuill warres at home, and forraigne abroad held backe from Italy.

About this time, thoſe wits were rouzed vp againe, which beganne to poliſh the liberall ſciences, language, and good letters, the Italians indeed gaue the onſet, who were furthered by helpe of the Graecians, and then after followed the Germanes, French, and other Nations: and further, when the inuention of Printing w s inuented in Germany in the yeare 1440 So Pollydor Virgill, and others affirme. Printing came to light, ſo immenſe was the profit thereof, that it is incredible what a happy and ioyfull progreſſe enſued. For now, this courſe of ſtudie hauing beene conſtantly continued euer ſince that time; It is aduanced ſo high, that this our age may enter into compariſon, with the moſt learned ages in time paſt, and in this regard is bleſſed aboue all the reſt, in that it hath pleaſed God to illuminate this knowledge of the beſt Arts and languages with the true knowledge of Him: Whereas thoſe Ancients, furniſhed onely with the helpe of learning, though men moſt eloquent, yet they were plunged in depth of darknes, and ſearcht in vaine, after that quinteſſence of goodneſſe, whereof they writ ſo much.

To Albertus, Frederick III. 1440. an. 53. m. 7. d. 19. Fredericke the III. Archduke of Auſtria, ſucceeded, hee paſſed quietly to Rome, and receiued conſecration from Pope Nicholas the V. ſo returning home without drawing a ſword in Italy. In the fourth yeare of his raigne Vladiſlaus, Vladiſlaus his ſonne King of Polonia and Hungary, hauing by Pope Eugenius the III. his inſtigation, broke the Truce, was ouerthrowne in battell, and ſlaine at Varna, or Dionyſiopolis, the XI. of Nouember, by Amurath the II. Emperour of the Turkes. The IX. yeare after this, Mahomet Amuraths ſonne, Conſtantinople taken by Amurath the II. 1453. The Turkiſh Army at the ſiege thereof conſiſted of 400000. men. tooke the City of Conſtantinople by force of Armes, which his ſucceſſors haue now held this From 1453. when it was taken, till 1556. when Sleidan writ this booke. Maximilian 1493. an. 25 m. 4. d. 25. The Moors chaſed cut of Granado in Spaine, 1487. Charles the V. 1519. an. 38. m. 6. d. 27. 103. yeares, keeping their Imperiall Court there. Caſimi , Vladiſlaus his brother ſucceeded him in the Kingdome of Polonia: and Ladiſlaus, the Emperor Albert the II. his poſthume ſonne, in Hungary.

To Fredericke the Emperor his ſon Maximilian ſucceeded. A little before the death of this Emperour Fredericke, Ferdinando King of Spaine, chaſing out the Moores, annexed Betica, commonly called the Kingdome of Granado, to his owne Crowne.

Maximilian (as he did many more) made warre alſo vpon the Venetians. Him the moſt puiſſant Emperor Charles (being his grandchild by his ſon Archd. of Auſtria. Philip) ſucceeded, who now ſwayes the Scepter.

Thus out of that which we haue mentioned, it clearly appeares, after what manner the Romane Empire, then which, none euer was or will be, more potent: is now in a manner cruſht in peeces. For throughout Aſia we haue not ſo much as a foot, or a nailes breadth, as the prouerbe is. The Turkes, Scythians, and other Enemies of our Religon, hold all there. Wee haue loſt all Africa, but what hath beene recouered of late yeares, by Charles the V. when hee wonne Tunis from Aenobarbe the Turkiſh Lieutenant, archieuing a glorious victory, and made the King there tributary to him: as alſo the fifteenth yeare following, beſieged and tooke the Town of Aphricke.

Portugal, Spaine, France, Britaine, Denmarke, Sarmatia, Pannonia, Illyricum, all Greece, with the adiacent Countries are torne away: as alſo the Ilands of Sicilie, Sardinia, Corſica, Maiorique and Minorique, and Sauoy, which Prouinces haue their peculiar Lords, who hold full power in all matters, and are not at a penny charge about any affaires of the Empire.

Now let vs looke vpon Italy, the old, ancient, and firſt patrimony of the Romane Empire: but wherein doth it participate with vs? The Kings of Spaine, by ancient ſucceſſion hold Calabria, Apulia, Campania, and Naples. The Popes keepe in their hands the City of Rome, formerly the Emperours Palace and Court Imperi ll, together with Marca de Ancona, Romandiola, and part of Tuſcane, who are ſo farre from acknowledging ſubiection to the Emperour, that they hold the Emperours and their Deputies to bee bound to them.

Thoſe Cities there of any ſtrength, either haue their proper Lords, or elſe are ſwayed by factions, and hauing nothing at all to doe with vs. Now for the Venetians what a company hold they, not onely of goodly Cities, and freeburrowes, but alſo Prouinces: they themſelues in the interim, being an abſolute freeſtate, and quite ſeparated from the Romane Empire. As for Inſubria, commonly called Lombardy, that indeed belongs ſomewhat nearer to vs: but it totters too, neither receiue wee any certaine profit from thence. For after that our Emperours had, as aboueſaid, firſt conſtituted Viſcounts there, as they call them, and afterwards Dukes, how miſerably was it rent to peeces, and euer ſince that time how little did it benefit vs? For our Emperours neglecting it in time of the warres there, the houſe of the Sfortia's diſpoſſeſſing the Vicounts, ſeized vpon it, whom afterwards Lewis the XII. and Francis the I. Kings of France, excluded; the latter whereof held it for ſixe yeeres, till the Emperour Charles the V. recouered it.

Thus you ſee, no reuenues come from any part of Italie, for they neither repaire to our Diets, nor contribute any thing at all to any publike vſe or neceſſitie, but what they doe voluntarily, or in fauour to the Emperour: onely Germanie remaines, which alwaies repugned the Romane Empire, ſcarce euer free from rebellion, as before appears, till at length it was gathered together by the Emperour Charles the Great, and reduced into one body: after which time, when the power of electing the Emperours, was committed to the ſeuen Electors, as we haue formerly ſhewed, it became the Emperours Court and Manſion place. And here too wee muſt conſider, with what difficultie this little diminitiue body of the Empire, congealed in Germanie, could incorporate it ſelf: for when were we euer free from iarres and ciuill broiles? So now whatſoeuer goes vnder the name of the Empire, is incuded within the bounds of Germany, for all forraigne places, and thoſe without the compaſſe thereof, are fallen away. Howbeit we ſee there are many, euen within thoſe ſmall compaſt limits, that flie backe, and as much as they can, withdraw themſelues and their countries forth of the iuriſdiction of the Empire. I paſſe ouer in ſilence thoſe neighbouring Kings and other Princes, that day by day catch & ſnatch away, as much as they can from this feeble and ſapleſſe little body, which ſcarce cleaues to the bones: ſtriuing to bring that into their owne dominions, which belonged to the Commonwealth.

But to come to an end in ſome time, let vs lend our attention to Daniels prophecie, concerning all that is ſpoken. We haue treated of the Image that Nabuchodonozar ſaw in his dreame, whereto wee will returne againe; but in the interim, take a view of ſome other places. In his VII. Chap. he deſcribes the foure beaſts, which in a dream he ſaw cōming out of the Sea: A Lyon, a Beare, a Leopard, and the fourth and laſt, he ſaies, was terrible and dreadfull to behold. The Lyon ſignifies the kingdome of Aſſyria, the two wings which he had, are as it were the two members of that Empire, Babylon and Aſſyria. By the Beare is vnderſtood the kingdome of Perſia, by which Babylon was conquered: the three ribs which hee ſaies were in his mouth betwixt his teeth, are the three chiefe Kings of that Monarchie, Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, who were more famous then the reſt, and eate much fleſh as he ſpeakes, that is, brought many nations into their ſubiection.

The Leopard is Alexander the Great, or the Greeke Empire; his foure wings & heads, are the foure kingdomes which riſe out of that Monarchy, after Alexanders death. The fourth and laſt Beaſt is the Romane Empire: the tenne hornes are his members or Prouinces, ſuch as were Syria, Aegypt, Aſia, Greece, Affricke, Spaine, Gallia, Italie, Germanie, Brittaine: for all thoſe they held.

Now a certaine little horne, grew vp and ſhot forth amongſt the tenne hornes, which pluckt away three hornes from thoſe ten. This notifies the kingdome of Mahomet or the Turke, which from a ſmall beginning, budding forth of the Romane Monarchy, ſeized vpon three of the chiefeſt parts thereof, Egypt, Aſia, and Greece. Further this little horne hath eyes, and was reproachfull againſt God: For Mahomet vented a new kinde of doctrine, which was well liked of by his followers, as carrying ſome ſhew of wiſedome in it. Thoſe are the eyes, but indeed hee blaſphemes God. For hee aboliſhes the Bookes of the Prophets and Apoſtles, and acknowledges no benefit by Chriſt, but reproachfully railes againſt all doctrine concerning Chriſt. Further, that little horne, ſaith he, ſhall make warre with the Saints, and ſore afflict them, till the Ancient of daies ſhall come to iudgement, who hath neither beginning nor end: whereby it clearely appeares, that within the time of this Empire, the tearme of this world ſhall haue an end, and ſhall neuer be againe: but after the diſſolution of all earthly Principalities, then ſhall follow that perpetual kingdome, whereof Chriſt ſhall be Prince and Head.

In his eight chapter, the Prophet Daniel deſcribes the Ramme and the Goat, which the Angell afterwards plainely interprets, ſaying, the Ram with two hornes, betokens the Kings of the Medes and Perſians: and the Goat, the Greeke Empire, and the great horne in his forehead, the firſt king of that Empire: and that foure hornes ſucceeded after that horne was broken; it ſignifies, ſaith he, that foure kingdomes ſhall riſe out of that Empire, but not to bee compared to that firſt King for ſtrength and puiſſance.

Here we may ſee how properly and infallibly the Prophet Daniel portraies Alexander the Great, two hundred yeeres and more before his raigne. For it ſhall ſo fall out, ſaith hee, that the Goat ſhall not touch the earth; that is, he ſhould runne ouer his warres with exceeding celeritie, and no man ſhould be able to deliuer the Ramme out of his hand: for Alexander raigned onely twelue yeeres, in which little inch of time, hee almoſt ſubdued all Aſia, as wee haue aboue ſhewed. And though the Medes and Perſians were of incredible ſtrength, yet in three ſet battels, Darius was ouerthrowne, and loſt his life and his Empire both at once.

Many write, that when Alexander came to Ieruſalem, the High-Prieſt read that place of Daniel to him, which exceedingly reioyced him.

Againe, that another horne ſhould riſe from amongſt thoſe foure hornes, at firſt but ſmall, but afterwards very powerfull, which ſhould grieuouſly oppreſſe the Sanctuary: herely ſaith hee, hee foretells thoſe moſt bitter perſecutions which the Iewes ſhould ſuffer vnder Alexander the Great his ſucceſſors, the Kings of Egypt and Syria, betwixt whom the Country of Iudea lies: For the Iewes haue felt that horne which roſe out of the foure hornes, in Antiochus Epiphanes King of Syria, that moſt cruell deſtroier.

Hither alſo, we muſt apply the eleuenth chapter, wherein he ſpeakes againe of Alexander the Great, and ſo copiouſly and properly, that it may rather ſeeme an Hiſtorie, then a Prophecie.

But now again let vs return to Nabuchodonozors Image, whereof, vpon occaſion, wee ſpoke in our firſt booke; as for the interpretation thereof, concerning the three firſt Monarchies, I will not repeat it, becauſe it is both perſpicuous, as alſo made good by the times themſelues, onely we will ſpeake ſomething of the fourth, becauſe it both properly appertaines vnto vs, who liue in it, and is more exactly deſcribed by Daniel: It ſhall be of iron, ſaith he, which ſhall breake in pieces, and bring all the reſt of the Monarchies in ſubiection to it: there needs not many words in explanation hereof; for the matter it ſelfe ſpeakes, and it manifeſtly appeares out of the hiſtorie of thoſe Monarchs which wee haue reckoned vp.

But the Images feet, and the toes of the feet, are part of iron, part of potters clay. As the foot of a mans body is diuided into toes, ſo the Romane Empire, after it hath for a while continued ſtrong, being ſupported by iron legges, and incircled the whole world in its circumference; ſhall fall into toes, and that maſſie body ſhall be diſſolued. This alſo is plainely effected, and needs no explication: for at this day, what is more diuided then the body of that moſt ſpacious Empire? And though the caſe thus ſtand, yet becauſe the ſole of the foot is of iron, the foundation ſhall remaine, and ſhall neuer bee extinguiſhed, but the reliques, title, and dignitie thereof ſhall endere till Chriſt at his comming ſhall ſet a period to all humane things, but it is cleare as noone day, and beyond all doubt, that it is now at the loweſt ebbe.

That goodly tree is fallen, but the root ſtickes faſt, and remaines yet, not hauing any ſappe, and therefore vnable to grow vp, and increaſe againe: but quite dead and withered, yet no force of man ſhall bee able vtterly to extirpate this roote, and foot-ſoale of iron nature, but it ſhall ſticke faſt grounded in the earth, till the whole world ſhall be deſtroied. Hereof alſo wee haue had experience, for many haue often attempted the ſubuerſion of this ſmall and ſlender parcel of the Empire, as the Popes of Rome, and laſtly the Turkes: who though they haue done great matters, and it may bee promiſe greater to themſelues; yet they ſhall not make vp ſuch a maſſie bodie, as may hold compariſon with the puiſſance of the Romanes: nether ſhall they ſubuert this ſeedplot of the Empire which remaines, though it be both drie and withered: nor can any fift Monarchie be raiſed.

Though Germanie onely hath the title and poſſeſſion of the Empire, yet if it would ioyne hearts and hands, it might eaſily expell all forraign force, as may be prooued by many arguments.

The Turkes of late yeeres haue runne in very farre vpon vs, and after the winning of The ſtreight wherupon Conſtantinople ſtands in that part diuiding Europe and Aſia, being not aboue 7. miles •• oad. Boſphoros, or Bogazin in Thrace, raged vp and downe farre and wide in Europe, whoſe terr •• o ies are now directly bordering vpon Germanie, which ſeemes expoſed to the greateſt danger, as alſo Italie, by reaſon of the neereneſſe. But if wee looke a little nearer into Daniel, it is to bee hoped, that their power and greatneſſe is now at its full height. For Daniel giues them onely three hornes, as wee haue before recited, which they now haue, being firſt of all made Lords of all Aſia, then of Greece and Egypt. Vnder the name of Greece, may be comprehended all thoſe Countries almoſt as farre as Sclauonia or Wendenland. And though at this preſent they are in poſſeſſion of a good part of Hungarie, and be it granted, that ſo it may fall out; as they may infeſt Germanie, or other adiacent Countries: yet becauſe their dominions muſt be confined to certaine bounds, and muſt not extend to compariſon with the Romane potencie, as we haue formerly ſhewed: it is credible that thoſe Prouinces ſhall not fall into their ſubiection, as thoſe three are at this day, Greece, Egypt, and Aſia.

They ſhall make warre with the Saints, and rage with extremitie of crueltie, againſt the Profeſſors of the name of Chriſt, and this their furie ſhall endure till the end of the world as Daniel clearly teſtifies. And this is the maine cauſe of his Prophecie, that wee being hereby admoniſhed and aſcertained of the calamities and miſeries of the laſt daies, ſhould not bee deiected in minde, but looke for a freedome by the comming of Chriſt our Sauiour: who will preſently, as hee himſelfe ſpeakes, take off theſe afflictions, and tranſport his ſeruants into a fi me and peaceable ſtation, and wipe all teares from their eies.

Certaine places in Daniel, Dan 9. doe properly appertaine to the Iewes, wherein their deliuerance from captiuitie is foretold, and likewiſe the certaine time (which is there ſet down and expreſſed) of the comming of the Meſſias promiſed to the Fathers. The reſt of his Prophecies belong to the worlds laſt age of all, and to thoſe that ſhall then liue: when alſo that little horne, Mahomets poſteritie, ſhall make warre with the Saints: and when that man of ſinne and wickedneſſe ſhall bee reuealed and diſcloſed; who ſits in the Temple of God, vaunting himſelfe as though he were God: for Daniel alſo preſignified his tyrannies, 2 Theſ. 2. as Paul in his Epiſtles expreſly interprets.

Sathan, whom Chriſt himſelfe cals the Prince of this world, who at all times elſe, but eſpecially in the laſt age of this fading world, ſhall rage moſt of all, letting looſe the raines of all his wrath and furie, and ſhall ſtirre vp enemies againſt Chriſt; who ſhall not onely tyrannize by force of Armes, but alſo by falſe doctrine ſeduce men into deceit and errour, inſomuch that the very elect ſhall ſcarce eſcape their ſnares, Mat. 24.

Surely this is the very time which Daniel in his twelfth chapter points at: being ſo full fraught with affliction and calamitie, as neuer was before, or euer ſhall be hereafter. For he promiſes vs no ioy, but denounces moſt cruell perſecutions, when he ſaies, that thoſe calamities which hee ſpeakes of, Dan. 12.7. ſhall indure till the ſcattering of the power of the holy people bee accompliſhed.

Therefore Gods ſeruants ſhall bee perſecuted all the world ouer, and the godly ſhall be afflicted in diuers places, till the end of the world: which teſtimony of the Prophet, or rather of the Angell, bereaues vs of all hope of reconciliation and aggregation. For he ſpeakes of a perpetuall ſcattering and diſſipation; and after that diſſentions haue ariſen about doctrine and Religion, then at length he mentions the end, when CHRIST himſelfe ſhall appeare.

But to comfort, chear vp, and ſuſtaine thoſe, that ſhall then liue, preſently after thoſe miſeries, he places the reſurrection of the dead, which that we may finde to our ioy and comfort, wee ought with ſeruent prayers to beſeech God. And Chriſt himſelfe warrants vs for the credence wee ought to giue to Daniel, who in his ſermon rehearſes a place taken out from thence, Mat. 24. Mar. 13. and commends it to his Auditors.

Thus therefore, theſe our times, being the moſt miſerable, we ought conſiderately to ponderate and diligently look into this Prophet, who preaches to vs now acting the laſt ſcene vpon this worlds ſtage: that we may fortifie our ſelues, both in time of theſe preſent afflictions, as alſo againſt all imminent ſtormes and tempeſts, with true and aſſured conſolation, as with a certaine rampire and bulwarke.

The Names of thoſe Kings of Aſſyria from Aſcatades to Sardanapalus, which Sleidan mentions in the beginning of his firſt Booke, but names them not. Amyntas. Belochus. Bellopares. Lamprides. Sozares. Lampares. Pannias. Soſarmus. Mitreus. Tautannes. Teuteus. Timaeus. Dercilus. Eupales. Laoſthenes. Pirithidias. Ofrateus. Ofragineus. Aſcrazapes. FINIS.