Analecta Caesarum Romanorum, or, Select observations of all the Roman emperors illustrated with their several effigies according to their coins / the first eighteen by Edward Leigh ... ; the others added by his son Henry Leigh ... : also certain choice French proverbs ; alphabetically disposed and Englished, added by the same Edward Leigh.

Analecta Caesarum Romanorum, or, Select observations of all the Roman emperors illustrated with their several effigies according to their coins / the first eighteen by Edward Leigh ... ; the others added by his son Henry Leigh ... : also certain choice French proverbs ; alphabetically disposed and Englished, added by the same Edward Leigh.

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TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL and his loving Father HENRY LEIGH Esquire.

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AN ADVERTISEMENT TO THE READER.

A FURTHER ADVERTISEMENT.

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Of the 30 Tyrants contemporary with Valerian and Gallienus.

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Select and Choice FRENCH PROVERBS, Some of which were collected out of Gruterus, de la Noue, Meurier and other Authors, divers observed by my self when I was in France, Alphabetically disposed and englished, and compared also sometimes with the Refranes or Spanish.

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These two, viz. Diadumenianus and Maximus being very comely persons, for the Readers satisfaction, are more exactly here presented to his view.

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Analecta Caesarum Romanorum. OR, SELECT OBSERVATIONS Of all the ROMAN EMPERORS.

Illustrated with their several Effigies, according to their Coins.

The first Eighteen by EDWARD LEIGH, Esq The others added by his Son HENRY LEIGH,— Masters of Art of both Universities.

Also certain Choice FRENCH PROVERBS Alphabetically disposed and Englished, added by the same Edward Leigh.

The Fourth Edition, Corrected and much Enlarged.

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LONDON, Printed by R. D. for Iohn Williams, at the Crown and Globe in S. Paul's Church-yard. M DC LX IV.

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL and his loving Father HENRY LEIGH Esquire.

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Loving Father:

HOW much I am obliged unto you both for my being and well-being, I desire now to testifie unto the world; for though to requite your love and bounty be not within the sphear of my Activity, yet since the Apostle Quicquid est, quod dat Patri Filius, utique minus est, quia hanc ipsam dandi facultatem Patri debet. Seneca lib. 3. de Beneficiis. Patribus & Diis non possumus retribuere aequalia Arist. 8. Ethic. [...] 1 Tim. 5.4. commandeth Children to learn to requite their Parents, [Page] and Nature it self hath taught the unreasonable The Fowl which teacheth children to requite their Parents is the Stoak from [...] natural affection, and she is called [...]; hence cometh [...] when children study to requite theire Parents Creatures this lesson; I shall endeavour, (God assisting me with his grace) to pay that three-fold debt, of reverence, obedience, and gratitude, which all children owe to their Parents: As Aeschines therefore, when he saw his fellow-Scholars give great gifts to Socrates (being poor, and have nothing else to bestow) did give himself to Socrates, professing to be wholly devoted unto him: so I shall ever devote my self unto your service, to whom (next under God) I owe my self, and those abilities I have, both natural, and which through Gods blessing upon your liberal education, by a double apprentiship in two Magdalen-Hall in Oxford, and the Middle Temple in London. famous and flourishing Societies I have acquired. To expresse [Page] therefore my due observance, and gratefull recognition of your former care, and cost, and withal to give you some account of the fruitful spending of my time, I here present unto you some Choice Observations concerning the twelve first Caesars, Emperors of Rome. A work (as I conceive) both delightful, and useful, and therefore to you (I hope) not unwelcome; as Geographers express the whole world in a little Map, so have I laboured Graphically to describe these great Monarchs of the world in a little model, neither strictly tying my self to any one Historian, nor relating all the passages of their lives, but excerping out of the most principal Tertul. Euseb Eccles. Hist Iosephus. Plutarch. Taciti Hist. & Annal. Aurel. Vict. Eutropius, Pliny, Solinus, Seneca, Macrob. Saturn. Suetonius, with Casaub. Animadvers. Eras. Apotheg. & Chiliad. Authors, such things of them as were most memorable. Amongst all which Writers [Page] (though I confess Tacitus his stile is elegant, & full of wise sententious Est oratio Taciti mirum in modum arguta, & prudentiae plena. Bodin. l. 4. de Method. Hist. Apophtheg.) I have chiefly followed Suet. 1. because my worthy Mr. William Pemble.Tutor (whose memory I shall ever honour) made choice especially (of that History) to read to his Pupils. 2 Because his Phrase is pure and polite, and himself a faithful Historian: Of whom it is recorded (as I think) by Erasmus, that he wrote the lives of the Romane Emperors, prorsus ea libertate, qua ipsi vixerunt, with the same freedom that they lived. Alex. ab Alex. Genial. dier. lib. 1. c. 1. calleth him sincerissimum scriptorem, and Ludov. Suetonius Tranquillus Graecorum & Latinorum scriptorum diligentissimus, at (que) incorruptissimus, res duodecim Caesarum videtur mihi integerrimè exponere; qui in optimis Principibus nec vitia, nec suspiciones vitiorum tacet: in pessimis vero colores virtutum non dissimulat. Ludov. Vives de tradend. Discipl. lib. 5. Tranquillè & aequaliter fluit, rebusque unicè addictus orationis ornamenta non negligens, sed securus praeterit, & tamen hunc ipsum ornatum velut umbram non id agens trahit. Famian Strada. lib. 2. Prolus. Histor. Vives, incorruptissimum. And I desire to write as freely and unpartially of them, since I may say of them all, as Tacitus doth of some of [Page] them, that they were Mihi nec beneficio nec injuria cogniti; only I shall herein fail, that I write not of these Emperors, Stylo Imperatorio, with a high and lofty stile. Iulius Caesar is here placed in the forefront, he being the first Emperor. Ab Imperio dictus Imperator, cui commissa erat belli adminstratio. Vt perpetuum Imperatoris nomen alicui assignaretur, id ab Julio Caesare originem traxit, quem Suetonius tradit praenomen id perpetuum a Senatu accepisse. A Julio Imperatoris appellatio ad successores derivata. Vossii etymologicon linguae latinae. For this title was at the first given unto him, that had fought valiantly for his Country, and slain many enemies; Iulius Nature meant Caesar for a Conqueror, when she gave him both such courage, and such courtesie, both which put Marius into amaze. They which durst speak to him, (said he) were ignorant of his greatness; and the [...] which du [...]st not, were so of his goodn [...]ss. Caesar (having brought the greatest part of the then known world into the subjection [Page] of the Romans) was the first that was saluted by the title of absolute Emperor, and all the Emperors succeeding were called Imperatores & Caesares from him, Mat. 22.21. Yet because he ruled but a few months, and because the monarchical Government was in its vigour under Augustus, others make Augustus the first of the Romane Emperors, and Augustus the last. Dunbar in his fifth Century of Epigrams hath these verses of Iulius Caesars and Pope Gregories reforming the Kalendar.

Caesar Gregoriusque annum dum jure reformant,

Deformant regni res sine jure, sui:

Scilicet antiqui facies a Caesare regni

Versa est, a Papa Pristina religio:

Malo reformari civilem a Caesare flammam,

[Page]Maloreformatam Gregorii (que) fidem.

The Emperors after Iulius Caesar were called Augusti, Imperatores omnes ad Vitellium praecipuè Caesarum genus, adeo literis exculti fuerunt, ut nicunctis vitiis Augusto excepto nimii fuessent, tant aedotes minora flagitiae texissent Aurel. Victor. in Vitellio. Vide Grotii Epist. Principi Condaeo, Martiano Capellae De nuptiis Philologiae & Mercurii praefixam. from Octavius, the second Roman Caesar, who revived the good laws, and reformed the bad. But the Emperors succeeding him, having more care to be great than good, rather raged than reigned, and the decrees of some of them viz. Tiberius and Caligula, are wittily termed furores non judicia. Quatuor Principes ferro interempti, (saith Tacitus in his History) four of these Emperors were slain with the Sword, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Domitian: which three first Plutarch compareth (in regard of their short reign) to Kings in a Tragedy, which last no longer than the time that they are represented on the stage. Iulius Caesar, and Caligula [Page] were also slain, Claudius, and Titus were poisoned, Nero slew himself, Augustus Caesar died in a complement; Livia, conjugii nostri memor, vive, & vale. Tiberius in dissimulation; as Tacitus saith of him. Iam Tiberium vires & corpus, non dissimulatio, deserebant. Vespasian in a Jest, sitting upon the stool, Vt puto Deus fio. Galba with a sentence, Feri, si ex re sit Populi Romani; holding forth his Neck. Bacons last Essayes in 4. Augustus dyed in a complement, Tiberius in dissimulation, Galba with a sentence, Vespasian with a jest, yet he died peaceably in his Bed, which no Emperor since Augustus ever did. The Macrob. lib. 1. in somn. Scipion. Timeo incustoditos aditus, timeo & ipsos custodes. Heathens shadowed the sting of conscience by the Eagle or Vulture that fed upon the heart of Prometheus, and by the three Virgins which they called Furies, following men in a hideous form, with burning torches in their hands, which some of the worst of these Heathen Emperors really felt after their bloody cruelties, and verified that old Maxime;‘he must needs fear many, whom many fear.’ See in the Book of him, and Domitian. Caligula (though he contemned the gods as they called them) yet at the [Page] least thundering and lightening would run under his bed, an cover his head. Dion in Nerone. Our English Chronicles report of King Richard the third, that having imbrued his hands in the Blood of two Orient Princes, he never after had quiet in his mind, his body was privily fenced, his hand ever upon his Dagger, his countenance grim & gastly, his sleep unquiet, for he rather slumbred than slept. The night before the Battel fought in Bosworth-Field, he dreamed a terrible dream. Credo non erat somnium, sed Conscientia scelerum. Polyd. Virgil. Nero that monster of Mankind having killed his Mother Agrippina, could never after endure the worm and sting of conscience for his foul fact, but confessed that he was often haunted with the apparition of his mothers Ghost, and tormented also with scourges, and burning torches of the Furies. We may take notice of many Moral vertues also in the best of these Heathens. Iulius Caesar, Augustus, Vespasian, and Titus that mirror of humanity, and see in them the truth of that old Maxime, Magistratus virum indicat ‘a place sheweth the man; and it sheweth some to be better, some to be worse.’ It was said of Caligula, that there was never better servant and [Page] worse Master: Omnium consensu capax Imperii, nisi imperasset, saith Tacitus of Galba: but of Vespasian he saith, Solus Imperatorum Vespasianus mutatus in melius. But lest I shall be upbraded, with the City of Myndus, for making my Porch too big, here will I cast Anchor, ever remaining

Your dutiful Son to command, EDWARD LEIGH.

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Caesar was War; Augustus Peace: impure

Tiberius was; Caligula past cure.

Claudius was Dotard; Nero beastly mad:

Galba stale; Otho trim; Vitellius Swad.

Vespatian's shrewd and base; Titus more good

Than bad: Domitian is Pride, Lust, and Blood.

Dr. Holiday's Survey of the World, Lib. 8.

Iulius Caesar.

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THe Iulii were so called (saith Alex. ab Alex.) à prima barbae lanugine, Gen. dier lib. 1. c. 9. [...] in Gr. (saith he) signifieth Primam in mento lanuginem. from the first wooll or down of the beard. Others think the name of the Iulii came from Iulus Ascanius, the Son of Aeneas.

At puer Ascanius, cui nunc cognomen Iulo. Virg. lib. 2. Aeneid. He reformed the Kalendar which was then confused,Annum ad cursum Solis accommodavit. and framed the whole year just unto the course of the Sun, that it should contain 365 daies, and appointed that every fourth year a whole day should be inserted.Sueton. Therefore we call our year Annum Iulianum, and the Kalendar which we use Calendarium Iulianum; and that Month which was by them called Quintilis, He was born in that month Macrob. Saturn. cap. 12. because it was the fifth Month, is now called Iuly in honour of him.

[Page]For his other name Caesar, there are different opinions of the original of it. Some derive it à caesiis oculis, from his grey eies. But Suetonius Sueton. describes him to have been, Nigris vegetisque oculis micantibus, of a black quick sparkling eie. refutes that, and saith he had black eies. Others say he was so called à Caesarie, from a bush of hair with which he was born. Some say he was Primus Caesar, à Caeso Matris utero dictus.cut out of his Mothers womb: although Festus Pompeius thinks such are rather to be called Caesones, and Casaubon Animadvers. in Sueton. Alex. ab Alex. Gen. dier. l. 1. c. 9. Beckman de Orig. Ling. Latin. vide Christiani Matth. Theatr. Histor. Theor. Pract. in Iul. Caes. cap. 1. Et Commentar. Schild. in Suetonium. rejecteth that Etymologie. Postellus in his introduction, in Chaldaic. Ling. &c. saith the first Caesar could not be denominated, à Caeso matris utero, cum id nomen ante illum Caesarem, qui secta matre in lucem prodiit; pro Rege jam diu usurpatum sit. Caesonis nomine insignes plures extiterunt, é quibus Caeso Fabius, Caeso Quintius. Dictos autem Caesones à Caeso matris utero, qui necatis matribus nati sunt, tradunt. Plin. Hist. Nat. l. 7. c. 9. Et Valer. Prob. Vnde et Caesaris nomen ortum sumpsisse sunt qui opinentur, ut Ael. Spartian in Ael. Vero et Serv. in Aen. 10. aliis tamen in alia euntibus. Gatak. Annotat. in Lib. 4. Marci Antonini Imperatoris. Others derive it à Caeso Elephanto, from his Grand-fathers killing an Elephant, which in the Carthaginian tongue is called Caesar. Sigonius speaks much of it, but so that it should seem to be ambiguae fidei, and therefore I shall leave it undetermined.

He was tall Forma omnium civium excellentissimus, vigore animi acerrimus, munificentiae effusissimus. Paterculus. of stature, white and clear of complexion, somewhat full-faced, his limbs were well trussed, & in good plight, [Page] his eies black, lively, and quick. He was also very healthful, saving that in his latter daies he was given to faint, and swoon suddenly.Seu inter res gerendas. i. e. cum aciem ordinaret. Plutarch. Comitiali quoque morbo bis inter res agendas correptus est, saith Suetonius, twice in the midst of his Martial affairs, he was surprized with the falling sickness, which he stileth Morbum comitialem, Whiles he was setting his Army in battel aray. Fuchs. Instit. Medic. l. 3. Sect. 1. c. 11. Plato morbum divinum appellat, quia occupat in nobis divinae particulam aurae. Alii morbum sacrum, vel quia detestandus est, vel quia divinitus immittitur. Dicitur etiam Herculeus, quia Hercules eo laboravit; item vulgo caducus. Lipsius. either because it chiefly invadeth, and seizeth on men in Comitiis, in popular Assemblies; or because their Comitia, their Parliaments or Assemblies were dissolved, and broke up by occasion thereof, if any chanced to fall sick of that disease, they reputing such an accident to be a sinister presage.

Est Morbi species subiti cui nomen ab illo est,

Quod fieri nobis suffragia justa recusant.

Saepe etenim membris acri languore caducis,

Concilium populi labes horrenda diremit.

In Eloquence and warlike feats together,See Plinies Natural Hist. l. 7. c. 25. he either equalled, or excelled the glory of the very best.

Eloquentia attigit summorum gloriam: re militari excessit. Lipsius.

Caesar qui ne scait moins bien faire, Imperatoriam Majestatem non solum armis decoratam, sed etiam legibus oportet esse armatam, ut utrumque tempus & bellorum, & pacis recte possit gubernari. Justinian. Prooem. Institut. que bien dire.

Caesar who knows as well to write, as fight.

He held a Sword in one hand, and a Book in the other, with this Motto, Ex utroque Caesar, Emperor by both.

[Page]He was counted the second man for Eloquence in his time, and gave place to the first;Summis Oratoribus aemulus. Tacit. He was Cicero's rival in Eloquence. because he would be the first and chiefest man of war, and Authority. Iulius Caesar, Scaliger writeth thus of him: Duae sunt aquilae solae in natura rerum, altera bellicae laudis, altera literariae; illa potentiae, haec sapientiae; Caesar & Aristoteles. Exercit. 94. Sect. 2.

Paterculus reckoning up the famous wits of those times, saith, Et proximum Ciceroni Caesarem. Nay Cicero himself in his Catalogue of Orators to Brutus, Illum omnium fere Oratorum latinè loqui elegantissimè, saith Atticus there of him. Caesar quotidiano sermoni egregiè utilissimus, cui Cicero laudem tribuit puri & incorrupti sermonis Latini. Ludov. Viv. l. 3. de tradend. Discipl. saith, He cannot see any to whom Caesar might give place, and he highly commends him in his Oration pro Marcello. Est ejus viri pura oratio, sine fuco ac calamistris ornata, vel Romanis, vel Atticis Musis dignissima. Lipsius. Aulus Gellius scribit Caesarem sermonis fuisse praeter alios suae aetatis castissimi.

He left Commentaries of his own Acts, touching the Gaul war, and the Civil war between Pompey and him. Commentaries (saith B. De Vigenere in his annotations on Caesars Comment. of the Gaul war) are little particular memories which one makes either for himself, or for another, containing only the principal heads of the deeds and acts, of which he will after write a History at his better leisure: Caesars Commentaries, (Sr. Francis Bacon Advance of Learn. [...]. l. 2. Commentarios quosdam scripsit rerum suarum valde quidem probandos; nudi enim sunt, recti, & venusti: sanos quidem homines à scribendo de-terruit. Cicero de Clar. Orat. saith) is the best History of the world. King Iames exhorting his Son to [Page] the study of History, above all prophane Writers, commendeth this Book of Caesars to his reading, both for the sweet flowing of the stile, and the worthiness of the matter it self. Qui non minor rerum suarum praeco fuerit quàm earundem actor; saith Grotius in his Epistle to the Prince of Condee, prefixed to Martianus Capella. He saith there also that he wrote excellent Tragedies, and most large commendations of Hercules, of Grammar, and his own journies most elegantly, and highly commends his Anticatones.

He was a famous Mathematician, and diligent in that study, as Lucan writes of him.

— Media inter proelta semper

Stellarum, coelique plagis superisque vacavi.

Scribere & legere simul, dictare, & audire accepimus: Epistolas vero tantarum rerum quaternas pariter librariis dictare, aut, si nihil aliud ageret, septenas. Pliny's Natural Hist. l. 7. c. 25.

He could at one time read and write, hear and indite, and if he did nothing else, he could dictate to 7 Actuaries or Penmen at once.

We ought to admire two things in him, which he had to perfection, and which render a Commander excellent; viz. that he forecast and provided for all things which might either further or hinder his design before he undertook it; and that in the very execution he failed not to take his advantage when occasion presented it, or to remedy upon the instant such unexpected accidents as befel; wherein he hath been inimitable. The Duke of Rohan's Observ. upon Caesars Comment. L. 6.

[Page] Anthony De Bandole hath parallel'd Caesar and Henry the fourth King of France. Both had (saith he) very high conceptions, a solid judgment, resolute execution; both were valiant, provident, firm to their designs, undertaking with confidence, guiding it with dexterity, overcoming all with valour. See more there.

In his Enterprizes he was both valiant and fortunate, and therefore singled out for an Idea or pattern of an absolute General, especially for four military properties very resplendent in him. First, laboriousness in his affairs. Secondly, courage in his dangers.Speed Chron. Thirdly, industrious contriving of what he undertook. Fourthly, quick dispatch in accomplishing what he had once begun.

— Nam Caesar in omnia praeceps,

Nil actum credens, si quid superesset agendum.

Quintus Curtius speaking of Alexander the Great,Lucan. saith, Nullam virtutem Regis istius magis quàm celeritatem laud a verim. I can commend no vertue more in this King than speed.

In eleven daies he marched with his army six hundred miles.

Suetonius affirmeth, that Caesar did ever march formost before his troops, and most commonly bare-headed, and on foot, whether the Sun shined, or it rained. Tully reports of him, that he was never heard to say to his Soldiers, Ite illuc, go forth thither, as they should go forth [Page] upon service, and he tarry behind in his Tent; but As you see me do, so do ye. Iudg. 7.17. One saith the like of Trajan, that in all hazards and perils he never said unto his Captains Go, but let us go: Do, but let us do. Venite huc, Come ye hither.

—Ignave, venireNote: Lucan. l. 5. v. 487.

Te Caesar, non ire jubet.

Pertinax was wont to say to his Soldiers Militemus; and Severus Septimius, The two principal men of the world, Alexander and Caesar, have slain each of them (as Pliny reporteth) more than a million of men. Laboremus: Livy bringeth in Valerius Corvinus thus speaking; Facta mea, non dicta vos milites sequi volo, nec disciplinam modo, sed exemplum etiam à me petere.

Under his conduct were slain eleven hundred fourscore and two thousand enemies. He fought in pitched field two and fifty times, saith Solinus, fifty saith Pliny, Signis collatis quinquagies dimicavit. and never was so much as in any hazard save only twice.

He conquered all France, Germany, Plin. Natural. Hist. lib. 7. c. 25. He took 1000 Towns, conquered 300 Nations. discovered us Britains, and made us Tributary; and triumphed five times in Rome with unspeakable admiration.

It is observable, that in all his wars he hath alwaies been inferiour to his enemies in number, for which cause he hath alwaies helped himself by fortifications, more than ever any other hath done; which he made much the better, when he found himself not sufficiently strong to give battel, as he was a long time in Africa: insomuch that Scipio wondred at his [Page] coldness; nevertheless he alwaies continued his Soldiers in exercise, and himself exercised new levyed men, and entred them by small skirmishes, wherein by his industry for the most part he had the best, and alwaies attempted something upon his enemy. The Duke of Rohan's Observ. on Caesars Comm. L. 5.

Suetonius. Nec vana de se praedicatio est Caesaris, ante victum hostem esse quam visum. L. Flor. Tam celer in agendo & consulta exequendo, ut persaepe nuntios de se praevenerit. He is renowned for his celerity in doing, and preventing the very report of his coming.

Caesar hath made himself as much redoubted and admired by the great works which he caused his Soldiers to make, as by his great Battels. The Duke of Rohan's treatise of Modern War. c. 4.

Having overcome King Pharnaces, and being desirous to advertise one of his friends of his quick expedition in dispatching that war, he only wrote three words unto Anitius at Rome, Veni, vidi, vici, I came, I saw, I overcame.

Charles the fift Emperor of Germany said, Veni, vidi, Deus vicit. Surius in bello Germanico.

He never put enemy to flight but he discamped him,Suetonius. and drave him out of the field: By this means he gave them whom he had once discomfited no time to bethink themselves.

[Page]In any doubtful and dangerous service,Suotonius. So William the Conqueror at his arrival into England, burnt the ships which transported his Army. his manner was to send away the Horses, and his own with the first, to the end that when all means of flight were gone, they might of necessity be forced the rather to stand to it, and abide to the last.

Lucan seemeth to have alluded to this:

Bellorum o socii, qui mille pericula mortis.

He called not his Soldiers Augustus did much reprove this humour in his Uncle, saying, Dum affectat carior fieri, auctoritatem Principis emolliverat. Aurel. Vict. Milites, but Commilitones: not plain Soldiers, but by a more pleasing name, Fellow-soldiers. He maintained them so trim and brave, that he stuck not to set them out in polished Armour, damasked with silver and gold, as well for goodly shew, as because they should in Suetonius. Battel keep the same more surely for fear of damage and loss.

He loved them so affectionately, that when he heard of Tiberius his overthrow,It is reported of Alexander, that he infused such courage into his Souldiers. Vt illo praesente, nullius hostium arma vel inermes timuerint. Justin. l. 12. c. ult. Caesars eye made his Souldiers prodigal of their blood. Plutarchs Lives. and the Legions with him: he suffered the hair of his head and beard to grow long, and would not cut the same before he had revenged their death. By which means he both had his Soldiers most devoted unto him, and also made them truly valiant.

He was so entirely beloved of his Soldiers, that to do him service (whereas otherwise they were but like other men in any other private quarrel) if Caesars honour [Page] were touched, they were invincible, and would so desperately, and with such fury venture themselves, that no man was able to abide them.

A private Soldier of his fought so valiantly in Britain, that by his means he saved the Captains, which otherwise were in great danger to have been cast away (being driven into a Bogg;) then marching with great pain through the mire and dirt, half swimming, and half a foot, in the end he got to the other side, but left his shield behind him:Plutarch. Caesar wondering at his noble courage, ran to him with joy to embrace him: but the poor Soldier hanging down his head, the water standing in his eyes, fell down at Caesars feet, and besought him to pardon him for leaving his Target behind him.

Petronius being taken by Scipio, he said he would give him his life; but he answered him again, that Caesars Soldiers did not use to have their lives given them, but to give others their lives; and with these words he drew his sword and thrust himself through.

Caesar at Alexandria being busie about the assault and winning of a Bridge, was driven by a sudden sally of the enemies to take a Boat, and many besides making hast to get into the same,Plutarchs Lives. he leapt into the sea, and by swimming almost a quarter of a mile recovered the next ship, bearing up his left hand all the while, for [Page] fear the writings he held therein should take wet,Paludamentum mordicus trahens, ne spolio potiretur hostis. Sueton. Milites erant sagati, Imperatores paludati. and drawing his rich coat-armour after him by the teeth, because the enemy should not have it as a spoil.

Beholding advisedly the Image or portraicture of Alexander the Great in the Temple of Hercules at Cales, at the sight thereof he fetched a deep sigh,Plutarch and Suetonius in C. Iulio. c. 7. i. e. 33. as being ashamed that he had yet performed no memorable act at those years, wherein Alexander had conquered the whole world.Saepe audivi Q. Maximum, P. Scipionem, praeterea civitatis nostrae praeclaros viros solitos ita dicere, cum majorum imagines intuerentur, vehementissimè sibi animum ad virtutem accendi; scilicet non ceram illam, neque figuram, tantam vim in sese habere; sed memoria rerum gestarum eam flammam egregiis viris in pectore crescere, neque prius sedari, quàm virtus eorum famam atque gloriam adaequaverit. Salust. in Bello Iugurthino.

He was very much disquieted and dismayed with a dream the very night before, (for he imagined in his sleep that he had carnal company with his Mother:) the Diviners and Wizards incited him to the hopes of most glorious achievements,Suetonius ubi supra. making this exposition of his dream,Ita visum interpretari vanissimae artis auctoribus vanissimis. that thereby was portended unto him the soveraignty of the whole World; for his Mother whom he saw under him, betokened the subjection of the Earth,Casaubon. Animadvers. which is counted the mother of all things.

There were two Factions in Rome at that time, Sylla was the chief of the one, and Marius of the other; Marius stood for the people, and Sylla defended the Nobles. [Page] Marius and all his Confederates were proclaimed Traitors, and enemies to the Common-wealth. Sylla determining to kill Caesar, Plutarch. Suetonius. some of his friends told him, that it was to no purpose to put so young a Boy as he was so death: but Sylla answered again, Caesari multos Marios inesse, that there were many Marii in that one Boy; implying, that he would be a great enemy unto their State. When the day of Election for summus Pontifex came, he told his Mother (kissing him) that that day she should see her Son chief Bishop of Rome, or banished from Rome.

He said, he had rather be the chiefest man in a poor Village, than the second person in Rome.

Lucan.

Nec quenquam jam ferre potest Caesarve priorem,

Pompejusve parem. —

He did extreamly affect the name of King, and some were set on, as he passed by, in popular acclamation to salute him King; whereupon finding the cry weak and poor, he put it off thus in a kinde of jest, as if they had mistaken his sur-name, Non Rex sum, sed Caesar.

He often used these verses of Euripides, which he himself thus translated.

Nam si violandum est jus, Imperii causa

Violandum est, aliis rebus pietatem colas.

He alone managed all the affairs of State: his Collegue or Fellow-Consul did nothing, in so much as divers Citizens pleasantly [Page] conceited, whensoever they signed, subscribed, or dated any writings to stand upon records, would merrily put it down thus; Such a thing was done not when Caesar and Bibulus, but when Iulius and Caesar were Consuls; setting down one & the same man twice by his name and surname; yea, and soon after these verses were commonly currant.

Non Bibulo quidquam nuper, sed Caesare factum est:

Nam Bibulo fieri Consule nil memini.

Caesar of late did many things, but Bibulus not one:

For nought by Consul Bibulus can I remember done.

He was such an excellent Rider of a Horse from his youth,Equitandi usus Caesari a pueritia facilis adeo extitit ut reflexis in tergum manibus, equum velocissimis concitare cursibus saepe consueverit. Plutarch. Solinus. Suetonius. that holding his hands behind him, he would gallop his Horse upon the spur. The Horse he used to ride upon was strangely marked, with feet resembling very near a mans, and the hoofs cloven like toes. Like to Alexanders Bucephalus. Plutarch. The Beast would abide no man else to ride him, and he himself was the first that backed him.

When one brought him his Horse to get upon, which he used in Battel, he said unto him;Solinus. When I have overcome mine enemies I will get upon him to follow the chase, but now let us give them charge.He gloried in nothing so much (saith Aust. 5. Ep.) as in pardoning his enemies, and gratifying his friends.

Benignitate adeo praeditus, ut quos armis subegerat, clementia magis vicerit. He was of so good a nature, that such as he subdued by Battel, he more overcame with gentleness.

[Page] He held neuters for his friends, contrary to Pompey, who held them for enemies. Aurel. Vict.He said the greatest pleasure he took of his victories was, that he daily saved the lives of some of his country-men that bare arms against him.

Caesar dando, sublevando, ignoscendo, gloriam adeptus est. Salust. in bel. Catilin.

When Pompey's head was presented to him, Vberrimas lachrymas profudit, he wept bitterly, and caused him to be honourably buried,Idem dixit, non mihi placet vindicta, sed victoria. saying; Ego Pompeii casum deploro, & meam fortunam metuo: I lament Pompey's fall, and fear mine own fortune.

When he found many Letters in Pompey's coffers,Dion. King Cotis having received for a Present many beautiful and rich Vessels, yet frail and easie to be broken, brake them all; that he might not be stirred to choler when they should happen to be broken. wherein divers testified their good will unto Pompey, and their hatred towards him, he neither read them, nor copied them out; but presently burnt them, lest being exasperated by them, he should have been forced to have committed some greater evil.

When Pompey's Images had been thrown down, he caused them to be set up again, and Plutarch in Tullies life. Pompeii statas erigendo suas confirmavit. Cicero thereupon used this speech, that Caesar in setting up Pompey's Images again, made his own to stand surer.

He accounted his conquest of the two Pompeys (Sons to Pompey the great) in Andaluzia in Spain, the most glorious of all his victories; for he would often say afterwards, that at other times he fought for Fame and Victory, but that day he fought [Page] for his life, which he had never fought for before.

When some of his friends did counsel him to have a Guard for the safety of his Person,Mori satius est semel, quàm timore semper torqueri. and some also did offer themselves to serve him, he would never consent unto it; but said, It was better to dye once, than alwaies to be afraid of death.Plutarch.

He said also, Mori se quam timeri malle, Sueton. saith Paterculus, when some advised him to keep by Armes what he had got by Armes.

When he was hindered by one of the Tribunes from taking some of the common Treasure out of Saturns Temple, and told that it was against the Law, Tush,Silent leges inter Arma. said he, Time of Warre and Law are two things.

That speech of his was compounded both of terrour and clemency, to Metellus the Tribune; for Caesar entring into the inner Treasury of Rome to take the money there kept, Metellus forbad him; whereto Caesar said, That if he did not desist, he would lay him dead in the place;Adolescent difficilius est mihi hoc dicere, quàm facere. and presently taking himself up, he added, young man, it is harder for me to speak it, than do it.

Magno illi Alexandro, sed sobrio, neque iracundo simillimus; qui semper & somno & cibo in vitam, non in voluptatem uteretur. Paterculus. Plut. Sueton. He was a spare drinker of Wine, as his very enemies confessed, whence arose that Apophthegm of Cato, That of all that ever were, Caesar alone came sober to the overthrow of the State.

[Page]He was the first that devised the way for friends to talk together by writing Cyphers in letters, when he had no leisure to speak with them for his urgent business, and for the great distance from Rome.

He said, Caesars wife ought not only to be without fault, but also without all suspition of fault.

Plutarch. in Apophtheg.Being certified that Cato had slain himself with his own hands, he seemed to be very sorry for it,Dixit invidere se Catoni mortem, quando sibi salutem invidisset. and said, O Cato, I envy thy death, because thou didst envy my glory to save thy life.

Cicero wrote a book in commendation of Cato, Plutar. in the life of Cato. to justifie that action, which Caesar answered with another, which he called Anti-Cato, both which are lost. Schildius out of Beroaldus saith, Cicero wrote a book intituled Cato, in commendation of him, which vexed Caesar, because he conceived the commendation of the other tended to his dispraise, and therefore he wrote two books against Cato, discovering his crimes, called Anti-Catones.

Being in a Pinnace or small Boat in a great storm, he said to the Master of it: Fellow, be of good cheer, for thou hast Caesar and his fortune with thee. Caesarem vehis, & fortunam ejus.

So Charles the fifth taking his Horse to rush into the main battel, was requested to forbear; but he answered, An Emperor was never shot through with a bullet.

[Page]So William the second of England, coming to imbark at Portsmouth, the Master told him the weather was rough, and there was no passing without imminent danger, Tush, said he, set forward, I never yet heard of a King that was drowned. Dan. Hist.

Yet I may say of him as our Chronicler doth of one of our English Kings, Inerant illi confuso quodam temperamento, Cambd. in Annal. De Henrico 8. Iulian the Emperour in his Satyr upon the Roman Emperours Taxeth his ambition. virtutes magnae & vitia non minora.

Suetonius and others, speak of his unnatural uncleannesse and prodigious prodigality. He stole out of the Capitol 108000 pounds (reduced to our money) in gold at once, gave to Servilia a Jewel which cost him 46875 pounds, owed 1953125 pounds more than he was worth by his own confession.Plin. Lib. 7. c. 25. His shews and publick Donations in costlinesse are almost in valuable.

About the trimming of his body he was over curious,Circa corporis curam morosior, ut non solum tonderetur diligenter, ac raderetur sed velleretur etiam Suetonius. so as he would not only be shaven very precisely, but also have his hair plucked.

The chiefest cause that made him mortally hated, was his excessive desire of honour, and his slighting the Senators.

When his friends complained unto him of Antonius and Dolabella, that they intended some mischief towards him, he answered them again, As for these fat men, and smooth-combed-heads, quoth he, I never reckon of them, but those pale-visaged, Odi pallidos & macilentos. & carrion lean people, I fear them most; meaning Brutus and Cassius.

[Page]He never refused to fight but in his latter daies being then of this opinion, that the oftner he had gotten victory, the lesse he was to venture, and make trial of fortune: also that a victory could gain him nothing so much as some disastrous calamity might take from him.

There conspired against him more than threescore, the heads of which conspiracy were Cassius and Brutus. He had fair warning of his death before it came, by many evident prodigies; Fires were seen in the Element, & spirits running up and down in the night, and solitary Birds at noonday sitting in the great Market-place; as the Bird Regaliolus did flye with a little branch of Lawrel into the Court of Pompeius, Or Regaviolus quasi Rex avium. Casaub. Animadvers. a sort of other Birds of divers kinds from out of the Grove hard by pursued after, and there pulled it in pieces.

Nec centum victimis perlitare poterat. Florus, l. 4. Hist. Rom. c. 2. Caesar sacrificing to the gods, found that one of the Beasts which was sacrificed, had no heart, and that was a strange thing in Nature, how a Beast could live without a heart.

Eo ipso die dum ad senatumiret, libelli conjurationem & conjuratorum nomina indicantes, inmanus ipsi traditi.There was a certain South-sayer that had given Caesar warning long before, to take heed of the day of the Ides of March (which is the fifteenth of the Month,) for on that day he should be in a great danger. That day being come, Caesar going unto the Senate-house, and speaking merrily to the South-sayer, told him, The Ides of March were come: So they be, softly answered the [Page] South-sayer, but yet they are not past.

[Christianus Matthias Theat. Histor. Theoret. Pract. in Iul. Cap. 3. hath an elegant and memorable parallel history.Plutarch. Suetonius.

Henry the 4. King of France was disswaded from going abroad that day he was slain, by some, as a day mark't out by Astrologers to portend danger to his person: yet he, a second Caesar as well in the course of his life as of his death, was little sway'd therewith, but like a King, and a Christian replyed; that it was an offence to God to give credit to these Prognostiques, & that having God to his guard, he feared no man. The Life and death of Henry the 4.]

The night before this Discourse had with the South-sayer, all the windows and doors of his chamber did flye open, and his Wife Calphurnia dreamed that Caesar was slain, & that she had him in her arms.

He was stabbed with 23 wounds; he onely gave one groan at the first thrust,Sueton. He was slain in Pompes Court. Tribus & viginti vulneribus ad terram datus est; sic ille qui terrarum orbem civili sanguine impleverat, tandem ipse sanguine suo curiam implevit. Luc. Flo. l. 4. Hist. Rom. c. 2. without uttering any words. Some say, That as M. Brutus came running upon him, he said, [...]; And thou my Son?

All men are of opinion, that such a death befel unto him as he desired; for when he had read in Xenophon how Cyrus being at the point of death, gave order for his Funeral, he seting light by so slow & lingering a kind of death, wished to dye quickly and of a sudden.

The very day before he was killed, in a certain discourse moved at super in Marcus[Page]Lepidus his house, upon that point, which was the best end of a mans life? He perferred that which was sudden and unlooked for.In the 8. Septenarie. Plutarch. Sueton. Deum honor principi non ante habetur quam agere inter homines desierat.

He dyed in the 56. year of his age; Et in Deorum numerum relatus est, he was made a god after death (which could not defend himself from death, from cruel murther) and that N [...]n Sueton. Of this Ceremony of the Apotheosis or deifying their Emperors, see Dr. Hackwels Apology of Gods providence. l. 4. Sect. 2. ore modo decernentium, sed & persuasione vulgi, Not only by their voyce which decreed such honour unto him,Tacit. but also by perswasion of the common people.

A Comet shined then for seven dayes together, arising about the eleventh hour of the day, and it was believed by those blind Heathen to be Caesars soul, who had been a Comet of combustion to the world.

—Micat inter omnes

Iulium sidus, velutinter ignes

Luna minores.

Horace lib. 1. Ode 12. Percussorum autem fere neque triennio quisquam amplius supervix. it, neque sua morte defunctus est. Sueton. Bellares est (Inquit Seneca) mori sua morte.Also upon his Image there is a Star set to the very crown of his head.

Of these Murtherers there was not one that either survived him above three years, or dyed a natural death.

All stood condemned, and by one mishap or other perished;A notable judgement of God upon the unnatural murderers of their Soveraign. some by shipwrack, others by battel, and some again shortned their own dayes with the very same dagger wherewith they had wounded Caesar: Cassius as Plutarch reporteth, and Brutus according to Dion.

Octavius Augustus.

[Page]

HE was stiled by the name of Augustus, Vel. ab augurio, vel ab augendo dictus. Cujus vitam mira quadam diligentia et arte contexuit Suetonius: quasi in uno hoc libro voluerit singulare specimen dare, in quod perfectionis fastigium posset cura scribendi vitas eniti. Boecleri dissertatio politica in Suetonii C. Octavium Caesarem Augustum. Although all the other lives excel with a wonderful concinnity; yet Suetonius in this seems to have exceeded himself. i. e. worshipful or sacred, which they thought to be a name of reverence and Majesty, because all consecrated and hallowed places were called Loca Augusta. That Moneth which was by them called Sextilis, because it was their sixth Month, is called Augustus in honour of him, and things of greatest splendor are called Augustissima. Iulius Caesar was his great Uncle, but his Father by adoption. He was called Octavius from his Father, and Augustus from his victory.

A man most nobly descended; for [Page] riches, honour, friends, Empire, fortunate victories, almost adored; for bodily good things, of comly stature, Forma eximia, Suetonies. & per omnes aetatis gradus venustissima. Oculorum acies clarissimorum syderum modo vibrans. Corpore toto pulcher, sed oculis magis. Aurel. Vict. Of most amiable visage, and that also majestical by his bright and shining eies, Quibus etiam existintari volebat inesse quiddam divini vigoris. Wherein also (as he would have men believe) was seated a kind of Divine vigor: and he joyed much, if a man looking wishly upon him, held down his face,Sueton. as it were against the brightness of the Sun; therefore a certain Soldier turning away his eies from beholding his face, and he demanding the reason why he did so, he answered; Quia fulmen oculorum tuorum ferre non possum. Aurel. Vict.

Knolles in the Turkish Hist. saith of Tamerlane. In his eies sate such a rare majestie as a man could hardly endure to behold them without closing his own. p. 235.

His hair was somewhat yellow, and his body freckled with spots, which his flatterers would have the world believe were in form like stars.

He was indeed somewhat low, nevertheless of a comely stature,Sueton. five foot and nine inches,His shooes were underlaid somewhat with the highest, that he might seem taller than he was. Calciamentis altiusculis utebatur, ut procerior quam erat videretur. Suetonius. Tertul. Apol. c. 34. the just measure saith one of our late famous Queen Elizabeth, who as she matched that Roman Emperor in happiness, and duration of Reign, so did [Page] she likewise in the stature of her body. Cities were called Caesareae in honour of him, so in honour of our Virgin Queen was there a Country called Virginia.

Augustus Imperii formator, ne dominum quidem dici se volebat. Augustus the founder of the the Roman Empire (for his Father Caesar was but Metator rather than Imperator, the chalker of it out, than the setter of it up) This great man would not be called Lord.Orosius lib. 7. c. 2. Upon the same day that our Saviour was born, he forbad them by Edict to call him Lord, that all Lordship might be ascribed to him.Orosius. The Princes which followed him (though good) refused not that title.

In his time our Saviour was born, Imperante Augustꝰ natus est Christus, Imperante Tiberio crucifixus. He consulting with the Oracle of Delphos about his Successor, received this answer:

Hebraeus puer injungit, Divum dominator,

Hacce domo fugere, et rursum me inferna subire.

Ergo tacens aris posthac discedito nostris.

Whereupon Augustus coming home, in the Capitol erected an Altar, and thereon in capital letters caused this inscription to be engraven, Haec est Ara Primogeniti Dei. Totus orbis) ad verbum, Tota habitabilis, ita ut subaudias Terra, A Hyperbolical speech.

He is mentioned in the Scripture, Luke 2.1. There came an Edict from Augustus Caesar that all the world should be taxed, i. e. all the Provinces subject to the Roman [Page] Empire, for the Romans called themselves Lords of the whole world.

He made not war upon any people without just and necessary causes;Nulli Genti sine justis & necessariis causis bellum intulit. his saying was, That neither battel nor war was to be undertaken, unless there might be evidently seen more hope of gain than fear of damage. He likened such who sought after small commodities with great danger,Suetonius. Bellum est Iustum, quod necessarium est; & arma sunt pia, quibus nulla nisi in armis relinquitur. spes. Livie Decad. 1. Lib. 9. unto those that Angle with a golden hook, which if it be broken off, no draught of Fish whatsoever is able to make amends for the loss. [That was prudent advice of Henry the fourth K. of France, to Henry the third his Brother, who would needs with those small forces they had, salley out of Tours upon the great Army of Charles Duke of Mayen; Sire (quoth he) N'hazardons pas un double Henry, contre un Carolus, i. e. Let us not venture a double Ducket for a single penny.] He was so troubled and astonished at the Relation of a Foil and overthrow of Varus, that for certain months together he let the hair of his head and beard grow still, and wore it long, yea, and otherwhiles would run his head against the doors, crying out Quintilius Varus, deliver up my Legions again. Suetonius.

He deemed nothing less beseeming a perfect and accomplish'd Capt. than temerity,Aurel. Vict. or rashness: using this speech, Satis celeriter fieri, Sueton. quicquid commodè geritur, that is done soon enough, which is done well enough.

[Page]He was so exceedingly delighted with that proverbial saying, Festina lente, Aul. Gel. l. 10. c. 11. Macrob. Saturn. lib. 6. Eras. Adag. that he would not onely use it frequently in his daily Colloquies, but would insert it often in his Epistles; admonishing by these two words, that to effect any enterprise, both the speedinesse of Industry, and the slownesse of diligence should concur.

The City being not adorned according to the Majesty of such an Empire,Vrbem lateritiam accepi, relinquo vobis marmoream. and subject to the casualties of Deluges and fires, he beautified and set out so, as justly he made his boast,Aurel. Vict. that whereas he found it built of brick, he left it all of Marble.Sueton. Macrob.

Augusto profluens & quae Principem deceret, Eloquentia fuit. Tacit. Liberalibus studiis, praesertim eloquentiae in tantum incumbens, ut nullus ne in procinctu quidem laberetur dies, quin legeret, scriberet, declamaret. Aurel. Vict. He had a ready, fluent, and eloquent speech, such as well became a Prince.

Grotius in his Epistle to the Prince of Con [...]ee prefixed to Martianus Capella, saith, he eloquently composed Sicilie, Epigrams, Achilles, some Geographical things.

Seeing upon a time a number of Citizens clad all in black, assembled to hear a publick speech, he with great indignation cryed out, Behold, ‘Romanos rerum Doimnos, gentem (que) togatam.’

The Romans, Lords of all the world, and long rob'd Nation.

[Page] Suetonius.He never recommended his sons unto the people, but with this clause added thereto, If they shall deserve.

Si merebuntur.He gave charge to the Praetors of Rome, Ne paterentur nomen suum obsolefieri, Not to suffer his name to be worn threadbare.

He would never lye awake in the Nisi aliquo assidente, nunquam tenebris evigilavit. Sueton. lib. 2. c. 5. dark without one sitting by his bed side.

The Senate and people of Rome joyntly saluting him by the name of Pater Patriae, he with tears standing in his eies made answer unto them in these few words; Now that I have (mine honourable Lords) attained to the height of all my vowes and wishes, what remaineth else for me to crave of the immortal Gods, but that I may carry with me this universal consent of yours unto my lives end? Macrobius writes of him, that he carried such an entire and fatherly affection to the Common-wealth, that he called it Filiam suam, his own Daughter; and therefore refused to be called Dominus, the Lord or Master of his Countrey, and would onely be called Pater Patriae, the Father of his Country, because he governed it not per timorem, sed per amorem, not by fear, but by love.

Heraldus on Tertullians Apology, speaking of Augustus and Tiberius his refusing the title of Lord, saith; Profesto existimarim non sine numine id iis in mentem venisse, ut vel hac ratione Chricto omnium gentium vero Domino gloria sua servaretur illibata.

He would not lightly depart forth of the City, or any Town, nor enter into any place but in the evening, or by night, for [Page] disquieting any person in doing him honour by way of dutiful attendance. Suet.

The beginning of friendship between him and Cinna was strange; Cinna had conspired against his life: After Augustus had discovered to him all his conspiracy which he knew, he said, ‘I have given thee thy life twice; first as an enemy, then a Rebel, and now I give thee the Consulship. Let us now be friends, and henceforth strive, whether I have with a better faith given thee thy life, or thou owest it to me.’ Augustus (saith Sueton. in vita Aug.) had not thenceforward in all Rome a greater friend than Cinna while he lived, and when he died, Cinna made him sole heir. vide Senec. l. 1. de clement. c. 9.

This was duly observed, that how often soever he entred Rome, no punishment that day was inflicted upon any person.

Qui cum triste aliquid statuit, fit tristis & ipse;

Seneca said of him, Poenas dat, dum poenas exigit. lib▪ 1. De Clem. cap. 10.

Cui (que) fere poenam sumere, poena sua est.

He was grieved himself when he pronounced a grievous sentence, and he thought himself punished when he punished others.Damnatorum poenas interdum acrius ferebat, quam qui plectebantur. Senec. lib. de Ira.

Qui (que) dolet, quoties cogitur esse ferox.

Aurelius. Victor.

Rarus quidem ad recipiendas amicitias, ad retinendas constantissimus.

[Page] His special friends were Mecoenas, Agrippa, Virgil, Propertius.He would not suddenly entertain a league of friendship with any, but was a constant friend to those he loved.

— amare

Nec cito desisto, nec temere incipio.

Late ere I love, as long ere I leave.

Dion reporteth of him, that when he gave commandment to take tribute of the Iews, He permitted the Jews to use their liberties. he would not suffer it to be taken from them on their Sabbath, but caused them to delay it till the next day.

He slept but upon a low bed, and the same but meanly spread,Ne toro quidem cubuisse ajunt, nisi humili & modice instrato. Veste non temere alia usus est, quam domestica ab uxore & sorore, filia, neptibusque confecta. Sueton. He termed sumptuous garments, Vexillum superbiae, nidumque luxuriae, the banner of pride, and nest of lechery. and laid with coverlets. He seldome wore any apparel but huswives cloath, made within the house by his Wife, his Sister, and Daughter.

He was a man of very little meat, and fed for the most part on cheat bread and small fishes.

He caused the bones of Thallus (who had opened a Letter committed to his trust) to be broken, to the terror of such untrusty attendants. Sueton.

By one speech he did appease a tumultuous Army.Plutarch in Apoph. Audite juvenes senem, quem juvenem senes audiverunt. Ye young men hearken to me now old, whom old men have hearkened unto when young.

[Page]He had a special care to expresse his mind and meaning most plainly, and reprehended Marcus Antonius for writing such things, that men did rather wonder at than understand.

It was elegantly said of him,Suetonius. I hate alike as departing from the mean, both Antiquaries, Cacozelos & antiquarios, ut diverso genere vitiosos, pari fastidio sprevit. and affectors of novelties.

He did not so much observe Orthography, i. e. the form and precise rule of writing set down by Grammarians, but seemed to follow their opinion who think men should write according as they speak.

He could not away so much as with the Winter Sun-shine, and therefore at home he never walked up and down in the Air, without a broad-brim'd hat upon his head.

In general Salutations he admitted the very Commons, entertaining the suits and desires of all commers with so great humanity,Putas te assem Elephanto dare? Macrob. lib. 2. Sat. c. 4. Quasi Elephanto stipem. Sueton. as that he rebuked one of them merrily, because in reaching unto him a supplication, he did it so timorously, as if he had been reaching meat to an Elephant.

Augustus militem donis, populum annona, cunctos dulcedine otii pellexit. Tacit. lib. 1. Annal. He won the Soldiers with gifts, the people with provision of victuals, and all with the sweetnesse of rest and peace.

He said of Tiberius, Miserum populum Romanum, qui sub tam lentis maxillis erit, O unhappy people of Rome, that shall be [Page] under such a [...]low pair of jawes. By this Enigmatical speech he compared the state of the people of Rome unto the miserable case of one, whom some savage and cruel beast hath gotten between his teeth, not devouring and dispatching him at once, but there holdeth & cheweth him a long while in exceeding pain; alluding to the secret malice and dreaming nature withal of Tiberius.

To expresse the speedy expedition of a thing done hastily, he used this proverb, Citius quam asparagi coquantur. Sparages soon sodden, see Eras. Adag. Quicker (would he say) than Sparages can be sodden.

Beholding certain rich strangers and forreigners at Rome carrying whelps of Dogs and Apes in their bosoms,Plutarch in the life of Pericles saith no more than Caesar, but Eras. in his Apothegmes took it to be meant of Augustus. & making much of them, he did ask, Whether women brought not forth children in their countries? Hereby giving a worthy and Princely admonition to them who do consume and waste upon Beasts, the natural affection and love due to men.

When he purposed never to do what he was requested, he was wont by way of Proverb to say, That he would do it, ad calendas Graecas, Suetonius. i. e. in our English Proverb,The Greeks had no Calends. See Eras. Adag. at later Lammas, never.

He was so much afraid of Thunder and Lightning, that he ever carried about with him for a preservative remedy a Seales [Page] Or of a Seacalf, which as Pliny writeth checketh all lightnings. Tonitrua & fulgura paulo infirmius expavescebat, ut semper & ubique pellem vituli marini circumferret pro remedio, at que ad omnem majoris tempestatis suspicionem, in abditum & concameratum locum se reciperet. Sueton. skin; yea, and whensoever he suspected there would be any extraordinary storm or tempest, he would retire himself into a close secret room under ground, and vaulted above head.

In his time Wars ceased,Aurel. Vict. and Learning chiefly flourished.In the time of War the Temple was open. The Temple of Ianus was then shut in Rome, peace being general through the whole world.

Ianum Quirini clausit: Et ordinem

Horace lib. 4. Carminum.

Rectum, & vaganti fraena licentiae

Injecit, emovitque culpas,

Et veteres revocavit artes.

Our Saviour was born in the 42 year of his reign say Epiphanius and Eusebius, 41. say Tertullian, and Iraeneus.

Receiving a challenge from Anthony, he returned him this answer,He bid Gatullus the railing Poet to supper, to shew that he had forgiven him. That if Anthony had a disposition to dye, or were weary of life, there were wayes enough else to death besides that. Thus the challenge was rejected, and yet his Honour untainted.

Affectabat jocos, Macrob. Saturn. l. 2. salvo tamen Majestatis pudorisque respectu. He was very pleasant, and had both an excellent dexterity in breaking of Jests,Seneca de Ira. and was very patient likewise in bearing of flouts. Vide Christ: Math. Theat. Hist. in Aug: p. 55, 56. Convitia si irascare, agnita videntur; spreta exolescunt. Tacitus. Probrosis in se dictis arrisit. He made himself merry [Page] with reproachful speeches touching himself, therein manifesting his clemency, and also his wisdom.

When he had by Proclamation promised a great sum of money to him that should bring in that famous Pirate Corocota, and put him in his power; He knowing the Emperors mild and temperate vein, took the boldnesse to come himself, and told him that he was Corocota which came to submit himself, and demanded the summ promised to him that should bring him in; Augustus both pardoned him, and gave him the money. Dion.

Macrobius reporteth of him, that when he heard that at the commandment of Herod, l. 2. Saturn. cap. 4. Mat. 2.16. For his Jewish devotion prohibited him to deal with swine, but not Religion, nor reason, nor nature could protect those Innocents from slaughter. all the children of Syria under two years old were slain, and that in the stirre his own son was also slain; Melius est (inquit ille) Herodus porcum esse quam puerum. I had rather (saith he) be Herods swine than his son.

He commanded Herennius a dissolute young man to depart out of the Camp; and when he submissively intreated him not to send him home,Macrob. ib. Quoniam pudebat adolescentem fateri quibus ipse Caesari displicuisset, Caesar permisit ut sermonem inverteret, & culpam in ipsum conferret. Eras. Apotheg. Macrob. ubi supra. alledging that he could not tell what to say to his Father, he answered, Dic me [...]ibi displicuisse, say, that I displeased thee.

[Page]When Pacuvius did petere ab eo congiarium, and said, That it was commonly spoken among men, that he had given him a great deal of money, Sed tu, inquit, noli credere.

Galba, who had a crooked back pleading before him, and often saying, Corrige in me si quid reprehendis, If you finde any fault in me correct it; Augustus answered, Ego te monere possum, corrigere non possum, I can but admonish thee,Macrob. Saturn. I cannot correct thee.

Being entertained by one at a Banquet very meanly and sparingly, after all was finished he departed, and at his farewel only whispered this in his ear, Non putabam me tibi tam familiarem, I did not think we had been so familiar.

When one tilled the place where his Father was buried, he said,Id. Ib. Hoc vere est monumentum Patris colere.

He was cholerick by nature,This counsel was given him, that when the object and occasions of Choler were in his eye, he should not be moved before he had pronounced over the letters of the Alphabet. but his patience in bearing of bitter Jests deserved much to be commended. A certain countryman came to Rome, who did much resemble him in outward feature, insomuch that all mens eyes were cast upon him, and Augustus hearing of it, caused him to be brought before him, asking him this question, Whether his Mother had ever been at Rome; the young man answered, No but his Father had oftentimes.

He sitting between Virgil & Horace, being asked by one what he did? answered, [Page] Sedeo inter suspiria & lachrymas; per suspiria intelligens Virgilium suspirabundum, & per lachrymas Horatium lippientem.

Habenda est ad somnum culcitra, in qua ille cum tantum deberet, dormire potuit, Macr. Sat. l. 2. c. 4.He hearing that a certain Gentleman of Rome (who was deeply indebted) did sleep most securely, desired to buy the Bed whereupon he rested; it seeming a matter of much marvel to him, that one fallen into so deep arrerages could take his rest so well.

When a Soldier bragged too much of a great scar in his forehead,At tu cum fugisti, nunquam post te respexeris? he asked him if he did not get it when he looked back as he fled.

He wrote a Tragedy called Ajax, which afterwards (because it displeased him) he blotted out with a spunge.Illius Ajax utinam ne in spongiam incubuisset, haberemus profecto quod insubidis illis opponeremus, qui principum felicissima ingenia ab humaniorum ortium studio tanquam indigno, summo rerum publicarum damno avertunt. Therefore when Lucius a writer of Tragedies, asked him what his Ajax did? Caesar very wittily answered, In spongiam incubuit, alluding to the argument of the Fable, in which Ajax when he knew what things he had spoken and done in his madness, lying upon his sword kill'd himself. Besides the pretty allusion unto the fabulous History of Ajax, Torrentius hath observed in the word Spongia a double signification, viz. a Spunge called deletilis, which Writers had at hand, either to wipe and wash out what misliked them, or to blur and blot the same;Grotius Principi Condaeo. whereupon Martial saith of it, Vtiles haec quoties scripta novare voles: and also a Sword, which addeth the better grace unto the conceit, considering that Ajax fell upon his own sword.

[Page]Having conquered his enemy, and returning home victorious, amongst others that came to congratulate his happy conquest, there was one holding a Crow, which he had taught to say, Ave Caesar, Victor, Imperator, Macrob. Satur. God save the Emperor and Conqueror. He wondering to see the Bird so officious, gave a great sum of money for him. His fellow workman to whom none of that liberality came, affirmed that he had at home another Crow for Caesar, which he intreated he might bring; being brought, he expressed the words which he had learned, Ave victor, Imperator Antoni. The Emperor being nothing provoked therewith, thought it sufficient to bid him divide the donative with the other: being saluted in like manner of a Pazret, he caused him to be bought. This example allured a poor Cobler to try whether he could teach a Crow to use the like salutation, but he being at great expences in vain, was wont often to say, Opera & impensa periit, All my pains and charge is lost; but at the last the Crow began to utter the same salutation, which Augustus once hearing as he passed by, he answered, Satis domi salutatorum talium habeo, I have such saluters enough at home.

The Crow remembred to adde that which he had heard his Master complaining say, Opera & impensa periit, at which Caesar laughed, and gave more for [Page] him than any of the rest that he had bought.

Quis expedivit Psittaco suum [...]?

Corvos quis olim concavum salutare,

Picasque docuit verba nostra conari?

Persius.

Magister artis, ingenique largitor

Venter, negatas Artifex sequi voces.

He wrote a bitter Satyre against a Poet, but he wiped his lips and replyed not, saying, Periculosum est in eum scribere qui potest proscribere.

Suetonius writeth of him, that he loved the expressions of the good will of his friends, and especially such as appeared by some Legacy given at their death; but yet whatsoever it was he would return it at one time or other to their children with advantage.

Non tamen vir tantus vitiis caruit; fuit enim paululum impatiens, levitur iracundus, occultè invidus, palam factiosus, dominandi supra quàm aestimari potest avidissimus, studiosissimus aleae lusor. Aurel. Vict.He wished three things to his Son, the favour of Pompey, the boldness of Alexander, and his own fortune.

He was not without his vices, being very impatient, secretly envious, and openly factious, very desirous to rule, and much given to dicing.

Quibusdum non caruit vitiis, vitorum severus ultor.

Emanvelis Thesauri Caesares.

Though he was a man severe enough, yet he did not know the exceeding wantonness of Iulia his own daughter, and her open and audacious boldness; but Suetonius seems to be of a contrary opinion, for he saith, that he was much ashamed of [Page] her,Lex Iulia (which punisheth Adulterers with death) was not made by Iulius, but by him. and that once he thought to put her to death. And when a freed woman of his named Phoebe, one that was privy to Iulia's lewdness, knit her own neck in a halter, and so ended her daies, he gave it out, That he wisht with all his heart he had been Phoebe's Father.

Out of great indignation against his two Daughters, and Posthun [...]us Agrippa his Grand-child, whereof the first two were Heroum filii noxae. infamous, and the last otherwise unworthy, he would say, that they were not his seed, but some impostume broken from him, and he used this verse of them, ‘O utinam aut coelebs mansissem, aut prole carerem!’

He was almost peerless in his Government,Solinus. yet there are to be found so many misfortunes in his life, that a man cannot easily discern whether he was more miserable, or more happy.Nam fere quoties audisset, cito, aut nullo cruciatu defunctum quempiam, sibi & suis [...] similem (hoc enim & verbo uti solebat) precabatur.

Bonam mortem putabat celerem & insperatam, quae nulla aegritudine pulsaret fores: So often as he heard of a man that had a quick passage with little sense of grief, he wished for himself and his such Euthanasy, such an easy death. He being at the point to die, thus addressed himself; called for his looking-glass,Suetonius. commanded to have his hair and beard combed,Suetonius. Et malas labentes corrigi, his riveled cheeks smoothed up;Vita nostra sicut fabula, nec refert quam diu, sed quam bene acta sit. then asking his friends if he had acted his part well, Cum ita responderint, vos omnes igitur, inquit Plaudite.

[Page] l. 15. c. 7. The Climacterical year is fatal. Aulus Gellius mentioneth, that he sent a letter unto his step-son to this effect, ‘Rejoice with me my Son, for I have past over that deadly year & enemy to old age, threescore and three, in which number the sevenths and ninths do concur.’

He lived fifteen years after Christ was born, and dyed in his 76. year.

He was beloved of his people, for they erected a statue to M [...]sas the Physitian who in a sickness recovered him, and placed it by Aesculapius: and the Senate much honoured him being dead, by consecrating Temples to him at Rome, and in other famous Cities, and all the people much lamented his death, using that speech, Vtinam aut non nasceretur, aut non moreretur, Aurel. Vict. Would he had never been born or never dyed.

Paterculus said of the Roman Empire after Augustus death, when there was such hope of enemies, fear of friends, expectation of trouble in all, Tanta fuit unius viri Majestas, ut nec bonis, neque contra malos opus armis foret: Such was the Majesty of one man, that his very presence took away all use of Arms.

Tyberius Caesar.

[Page]

LIVIA his Mother, whiles she went with child of him,Tiberius dictus à fluvio Tibere, quod juxta Tiberim natus esset. among many and sundry experiments which she made, and signs that she observed (and all to know whether she should bring forth a man-child or no) took closely an Egg from under a Hen that was sitting,Suetonius. and kept it warm, sometime in her own, otherwhiles in her womans hands by turns one after another, so long until there was hatched a Cock-chicken with a notable comb upon the head. And when he was but a very babe, Scribonius the Astrologer gave out and warranted great matters of him, and namely, that he should one day reign as Monarch, but yet without the Royal Ensigns, for as yet the Sovereign power of [Page] the Caesars was unknown.

He was of Personage tall, corpulent, big set and strong, of stature above the ordinary, broad between the shoulders, and large brested, fair of complexion, great goggle-ey'd, whereby he saw so clearly as is incredible to report. He used both hands alike;Suetonius. Nullius manus vel ad feriendum vel ad impellendum fortiores fuerunt, quum in digitis nervos videretur habuisse non venas; nam & carra venientia digito salutari repulisse dicitur, & fortissimos quosque uno digito sic afflixisse, ut quasi ligni vel ferri obtusioris ictu percussi dolerent. Multa duorum digitorum allisione contrivit. Trebel. Pollio. de triginta Tyrannis in Mario.his joints were so firm, that with his finger he was able to bore through a green and sound table, with a fillop also to break the head of a good big boy; his speech was exceeding slow, not without a certain wan on gesticulation and fumbling with his fingers.

He refused the Empire a long time, putting on a most impudent and shameless mind, and seeming to rebuke his friends encouraging him thereto, as those who knew not what a monstrous and untaimed beast an Empire was.Tiberio suspensa semper, & obscura verba. He also held the Senate in suspence by ambiguous answers, and crafty delaies, when they besought him to take it upon him,Tacitus. yea & humbly debased themselves before his knees, insomuch as some of them could endure him no longer, & one among the rest in that tumult cry'd out aloud, Let him either do it at once, or else give over quite; and another openly to his face upbraided him in these words, Caeteri, quod pollicentur tardè[Page]praestant, tu quod praestas tardè polliceris. Aut agat, aut desistat. Eras. Apophtheg. Simile est Ciceronis istud de Epicureis 2. de fin. Caeteri (inquit) existimantur dicere melius quàm facere, hi mihi videntur facere melius quàm dicere. ‘Whereas other men be slack in doing & performing that which they have promised, thou art slack in promising that which thou performest.’ In the end, as if he had been compelled, and complaining withall that there was imposed upon his shoulders a miserable and burdensome servitude, he took the Empire upon him.

The cause of this holding off and delay that he made, was the fear of imminent dangers on every side, insomuch as he would often say, Lupum se auribus tenere, Dicitur in eos qui ejusmodi negotio involvuntur, quod nequerelinquere sit integrum, neque tolerari possit Eras. Adag. Eras. in Apoph. & alii. he held a Wolf by the ears.

He knowing excellent well how to conceal his own private passions, made himself known to be an excellent Doctor in the cunning Art of discovering other mens thoughts, by which he may be said to set the roof over the Roman Monarchy. Advertisements from Parnassus by Bocalini. Century 2. Advertis. 33. See more there.

He was very patient when any bad rumours or slanderous Libels were cast out, either of himself or those about him, and was wont to say (how wisely I determine not) In civitate libera linguam mentemque liberas esse debere, That in a free State men ought to have both tongue and thought free.

He taxed the indiscretion of the Ilienses comforting him long after the deathSueton. [Page] of his Son, with this answer, That he also was very sorry for them, because they had lost that worthy Citizen Hector, Sueton. one dead many hundred years before.

He was mild and gracious at the first, and seemed to be enclined to the good of the Common-wealth: when the Presidents and Governors abroad gave him councel to burden the Provinces with heavy Tributes and Taxes;Et Alexand. Magnus solitus erat dicere, se odisse olitorem qui herbas radicitus convelleret. he wrote back unto them, Boni Pastoris est tondere pecus, non deglubere, That it was the part of a good shepherd to shear his sheep, and not to flea them.

He held it good policy not to change his Officers often, lest new ones succeeding should oppress the people too much; whereas the old having means to enrich themselves, would not so fleece them in the latter end as at the beginning, making hast to do it, lest they were removed before they could feather their nests well. See Montagues Acts and Monum. of the Church. c. 5. p. 37.

Et ut parsimoniam publicam exemplo quoque juvaret solennibus ipse coenis pridiana saepe at semesa opsonia apposuit, dimidiatumque aprum, affirmans omnia eadem habere quae totum.That by his own Example he might put forward the publick frugality, he himself at his solemn and festival suppers, caused oftentimes to be served up to the Board viands dressed the day before, and those half eaten, saying, That the side of a wild Boar had in it the same of the whole.

[Page]One there was who called him Dominus, that is, Sir, but he gave him warning not to name him any more by way of contumely. Another chanced to say, His sacred business; and a third again, That he went into the Senate, Auctore se, that is, by his warrant or authority. He caused them both to change those words, and for auctore to say suasore, that is, By his advice and councel; and instead of sacred, to put in laborious and painful.

Quotidiana oscula prohibuit edicto, item strenarum commercium. He forbad expresly by Edict the usual and daily kisses commonly given and taken, likewise the entercourse of New-years gifts to and fro.

Suetonius writeth of him, that he did Iura omnibus ferè asylis adimere, take away the priviledge of almost all their Sanctuaries, because he observed the licentious abuse of them.

At length he discovered those vices, which with much ado for a long time he had cloaked and concealed.

He was very cruel, covetous, and libidinous.Noctem continuumque biduum epulando potandoque consumpsit. He was wont to adorn his chambers with most lascivious pictures, ut ita aspectu deficientes libidines excitaret. vide Sueton.Sueton. in ejus vita. He spent with Flaccus Pomponius and L. Piso, a whole night and two daies outright in nothing else but eating and drinking; giving the Province of Syria into the Government of the first, and conferring the Provostship of Rome [Page] on the other; professing even in all his Letters, that they were Iucundissimi, & omnium horarum amici, his most pleasant Companions, and friends at all Assaies. Propter nimiam vini aviditatem, for his excessive love of wine and hot waters,Suetonius. or because he loved to drink wine hot, which is delicate, Elegans Paranomasia. So some played upon the name of Epiphanes, and called him Epimanes, or mad man. See Iunius on 8. Dan. Others call the Duke of Lorrain the Duke des Larrons. he was for Tiberius named Biberius, for Claudius, Caldius, for Nero, Mero.

Le Theatre du monde. l. 2. See after in Caligula and Titus. Pliny l. 14. of Natural Hist. Not the thrice gallant Knight. Athenaeus memorat de Xenocrate, illum scilicet uno haustu sorpsisse vini congium. Gassend. de vita Epicuri. lib. 6. c. 6.One gives this reason of his drunkenness, because his Nurse that gave him suck would drink exceedingly her self, and nourished him with sops soaked in wine.

A Lombard, for drinking in his presence three gallons of wine at one draught, and before he took his breath again, was dubbed Knight by him, and sirnamed Tricongius, The three gallon Knight.

It is reported, that in his time there was invented Glass of that temper, that it would abide the hammer, and be beaten in length or breadth like lead, and pliable to bend every way like paper; and that the Inventor hereof was put to death by him. See Peacham's Valley of varieties. c. 17.

[Page]He erected a new Office, à voluptatibus, Nero had an Officer about him (to wit Petronius) who was called Arbiter Neronianae libidinis, Tacit. Annal. l. 16▪ for the devising of new pleasures, wherein he placed Priscus a Gentleman of Rome, and one who had been Censor.

He advanced Sejanus to the highest place of Authority, not so much for any good will, as to be his instrument for the accomplishing his wicked purposes.

He put to death a Soldier one of his own Guard,Latinis abstracta pro concretis simpliciter posita intendunt id quod dicitur; plus enim quam vel sordidum designat, vel sanguineum, eximie nimirum talem. Mentitur qui te vitiosum, Zoile, dixit. Non vitiosus homo es, Zoile, sed vitium. Heins. Exercit. Sac. for stealing a Peacock out of a Garden.

Theodorus Gadareus his Master observing his bloudy disposition, called him, Lutum sanguine maceratum, A lump of clay soaked in blood; these verses were cast out of him:

Fastidit vinum, quia jam sitit iste cruorem;

Tam bibit hunc avidè, quàm bibit antè merum.

He loatheth wine, and now he after blood doth thirst;

Drinks this as greedily as wine he drank at first.

He thought simple death so light a punishment, that when he heard that Carnulius one of the Prisoners had laid violent hands on himself, he cryed out,Sueton. Carnulius me evasit, Carnulius hath escaped my hands.Sueton.

His saying was, Oderint dum probent, Let them hate me so long as they suffer my proceedings to pass.

Nullus à poena hominum cessavit dies, ne religiosus quidem ac sacer.

There passed not a day over his head, no not so much as any festival and Religious Holy-day, without execution and [Page] punishment of some: many were accused and condemned, together with their Children and Wives. Straight commandment was given, that the near kinsfolks of such persons as were condemned to die should not mourn and lament for them. No Informer and Promoter was discredited, but his Presentment taken, and every crime and trespass was accounted capital.

He said to one that requested death rather than long imprisonment, Nondum tecum redii in gratiam, Thou art not yet reconciled to me that I should shew thee such favour.Suetonius.

Because Virgins by a received custom were not to be strangled;Tacitus he caused the Hangman first to deflour a Virgin,Suetonius. and then to strangle her.

Boeclerus in his political dissertations, observes, that he had two instruments of his wickedness, by which he cloaked his vilest actions.

1. Sermonis artificium, his ambiguous speeches. 2. Inanis quidam color juris, as here in that example of the Virgins last mentioned.

Among other kind of torments he devised,Suetonius. that when men had drunk largely of strong wine, their privy parts should be fast bound with Lute-strings, that so for want of means to avoid their Urine, they might endure intollerable pain.

Foelicem Priamum vocabat, quod superstes omnium suorum extitisset. Suetonius. He called Priamus [Page] happy, in that he over-lived all his Sons and Daughters.

He feared Thunder exceedingly,See the like in Augustus his life. and when the air or weather was any thing troubled, he ever carried a Chaplet or wreath of Lawrel about his neck, because that (as Pliny reporteth) is never blasted with Lightning.

He loved liberal Sciences most affectionately,Ingenio ad repentina longè ceriore. he would do things better of a sudden, extempore, than upon study and premeditation, Repentivis responsionibus, Aurel. Vict. aut consiliis melior, qvàm meditatis. He wrote a most eloquent complaint of the death of Iulius Caesar. Scribit Plutarchus in Apophthegmatis, Augustum dicere solitum, se Romani Imperii successorem eum esse relicturum, qui nunquam bis de eadem re consultasset; Tiberium significare volebat. Josephus lib. 18. of the Antiquity of the Jews. c. 8.

He was much addicted to Astrological predictions, and such curious Arts, so that the greater part of those things which he executed in all his life time was ordered thereby; he gave the more credit to Divination, because in certain things he had found the conjectures correspondent to truth.

His usual Companions were Magicians and Sooth-sayers. The principal of these was Thrasyllus; whom Tiberius intending on a time, to thrust down from a Cliff as they walked together, in that he had failed in a former prediction; & perceiving by his looks that he was troubled in mind, demanded the cause. Who replyed, that by his Art he foresaw some hardly to be avoided [Page] danger to be neer him: whereat Tiberius amazed, altered his purpose.

Tu quoque Galba degustabis imperium.He seeing Galba one day coming towards him, spake thus of him to certain of his familiars, Behold the man that shall be one day honoured with the Roman Empire.Tacit. l. 4. Annal.

He made a Law called Lex Papia, Lipsius in his Commentaries on the third book of Tacitus, Annal. treats largely of this Lex Papia. by which he forbad such men as were past sixty, or women past fifty to marry, as thinking them insufficient for generation; to which Lactantius seems to allude, thus jesting at the Heathen touching their great god Iupiter; How cometh it to pass that in your Poets, salacious Iupiter begets no more children? is he past sixty, and restrained by the Papian Law?

Certè Iuliam legem Papia fuisse auctam atque extensam satis constat. Sed quid sit adjectum, non ita constat Heraldi Commentarius. in Ap loget. Tertul.

Many of the Roman Caesars have been transported with self-admiration, they have shared the Months of the year among them;Vide Tacit. l. 16. Annal. c. 12. April must be Neroneus, May Claudius, Domitian will have October, November is for Tiberias, by the same token that when it was tendered to him, he askt the Senate wittily (as Xiphiline reports it) What they would do when they should have more than twelve Caesars?

It is called the Sea of Tiberius, Iohn 6.1. from a City on the bank of it, of that name, built by Herod, in honour of Tiberius[Page]Caesar, as Iosephus writeth in the 18. Book of his Jewish Antiquities.

Livie and Ovid dyed in the fourth year of Tiberius. Eusebius

Pilate by Letters signified unto him the Miracles of our Saviour Christ,The word Christians was first known to the world in his reign as Tertullian witnesseth in his Apology Tiberius ergo, cujus tempore nomen Christianum in seculum introjvit. his Resurrection, and that he was supposed of many to bee God. The Romans had a Law, forbidding any Emperor to consecrate or set up any god which was not first approved by the Senate; for Tiberius Caesar hearing of Christs fame, by vertue of that Law moved the Senate to promulgate and relate Christ among the number of their gods, who rejected him because he would be God alone, or because contrary to the Law of the Romans he was consecrated for God, before the Senate of Rome had so declared and approved him; whose folly Tertullian thus scoffeth; In Apologet. They refused to do it, saith Eusebius. l. 2. Hist. Eccles. c. 2. that the wisedome and Divine power of God in the Doctrine of salvation might not need the allowance and commendation of men. Apud vos de humano arbitrio divinitas pensitatur, nisi homini Deus placuerit, Deus non erit, homo jam Deo propitius esse debedit. God should be God if man would let him.

Iosephus a Jew, and an enemy to Christ, in his 8. Book of Antiquities, c. 4. speaks the same things of Christ that Matthew doth; that he was a most worthy man, if it be lawful to call him a man (said he,) that he wrought many Miracles, & that he rose from the dead. Tacitus and Suetonius speak of his Miracles, Tacitus l. 15. Annal. c. [Page] 10. affirms that he was crucified under Pilate in the time of Tiberius, Christus Tiberio imperante, per Procuratorem Pontium Pilatum supplicio affectus eras. & that Teberius would have put him in the number of his gods. Plutar. De interitu Orac. reports, that under the Reign of Tiberius all the Oracles of the world ceased, of which the Poets bear witness, — cessant oracula Delphis. Iuv. Sat. 6.

Plutarch also in the same book reports, that in the later years of the reign of Tiberius, a strange voice and exceeding horrible clamours, with hideous cries, screetches and howlings were heard by many in the Grecian Sea, complaining that the great god Pan was now departed. And this was brought before the Emperor, who marvelled greatly thereat, and could not by all his Diviners and Southsayers whom he called to that consultation, be able to gather out any reasonable meaning of this wonderful accident: but Christians may perswade themselves, that by the death of their great god Pan (which signifies all) was imported the utter overthrow of all wicked spirits. Iohn 12.13.

Our Lord was crucified in the 15. year of his reign, say Lib. adversus Iudaeos. Tertullian and Lib. 4. de vera sapientia c. 10. Lactantius.

But Luke the Evangelist, 3. c. 1. v. maketh his Baptism to fall in the 15. year of Tiberius his reign. So then his Passion must be in the 18. or 19. for three years he preached salvation.Vide Vossium de tempore. Dominicae passionis. Sect. 3. Ierome and Eusebius.

The fear of losing his Office under Tiberius[Page]Caesar, (whose Deputy he was over the Province of Iudaea,) made Pilate condemn Christ, Iohn 19.12, 13. but not long after, he lost his Deputy-ship and Caesars favour, and fled to Vienna, where living in banishment he killed himself; Euseb. Hist. l. 2. c. 7.

Iohn Baptist also suffered in his time.

Matth. 22.21. Our Saviour saith, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars. Romani Caesares imaginem suam imprimebant monetae tam aureae quam argenteae

The money declared the subjection of their Nation; as if he should have said, If you think it absurd to pay Tribute, be not subject to the Roman Empire; but the money declareth that Caesar reigneth over you,Drusius. & your own secret allowance declareth that the liberty which you pretend, is lost and taken away. Ierome on the place doth well observe, that the name of Caesar is not proper, but appellative, because from the first Emperor Iulius Caesar all the rest were so called. Yet saith Gerhard in his Harmony, Christ properly understands Tiberius who then ruled, whose Image the money did bear; to that wicked Emperor Tribute was due; so that charge 1 Tim. 2.2. was given by Paul, even then when Caesar was a persecutor of the Christian Religion.

Austin tells us, He that gave Soveraignty to Augustius, gave it also to Nero; he that gave it to the Vespatians Father and Son, sweetest Emperors, gave it also to Domitian that bloody monster, De civit. Dei. l. 5. c. 21.

[Page] Tiberius approved of the Christians Opinions, and threatned Death to them which accused them: This came to pass (saith l. 2. Eccles. Hist. c. 2. He with-held a Legacy from the people of Rome, which his predecessor Augustus had lately given; and perceiving a fellow round a dead Corpse in the ear, we would needs know wherefore he did so, the fellow replyed, that he wished the departed soul to signifie to Augustus, the Commons of Rome were yet unpaid: for this bitter jest the Emperor caused him forthwith to be slain, & carry the news himself. Eusebius) by Divine providence, that the Doctrine of the Gospel having no rub at the first, might run over the whole world.

He made Capreae by his cruelty and lusts, but infamous and unhappy: Who withdrawing thither from the affairs of the Common wealth, because the Island was unaccessible on all sides, by reason of the upright Clifts, except only at one place, no man being suffered to land, but upon especial admittance, hence sent his mandates of death. In the mean-time making it a very stew of incredible beastliness. Insomuch that Capreae was stiled the Island of secret lusts, and he Capreneus, Sandys Travels. l. 4. p. 197. Capraeis marcescens Romae aderat ferro, si non consilio. Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

Dion writes, that a Phoenix was seen before the last year of Tiberius, which bird is an Emblem of the Resurrection, and signifieth that at that time Christ rose from the dead, and that the Gospel was then spread abroad, which affirmeth that the Dead shall rise again. Carion. Chron.

He dyed in the 78. year of his age, say Suetonius, Tacitus, and Aurel. Vict. 83. saith Eutropius. It was thought he was poysoned.

He raigned 23 years, say Eutropius, Suetonius, Orosius. 24 saith Aurel. Vict. 22 years, 7 months, and 20 dayes, Tertull. [Page] 22 years, Clem. Alexand. 22 years, 7 months, and so many dayes, saith Dion, 22 years and six months, Iosephus.

He raigned 22 years and 7 moneths;Doctor Willet on the Rom. 22. years, 11 months, 14 days, saith Euseb. as Doctor Willet sheweth in his Hexapla on Dan. where the account differs from this certain months, because he followeth Euseb. computation there. but the reason of the different computation, why some give unto him but 22 years, some 24, some but 23 is, because some count only the full years, some the moneths of his first and last year for whole years, some put the odde months together, and make one year of them.

He raigned after our Saviours Passion 4 years, 11 months, and 18 dayes.

The people joyed so much at his death, that running up and down at the first tidings thereof, some cryed out in this note, Tiberium in Tiberim, Let Tiberius be cast into Tiber; some offered sacrifices when they heard of it, and one meeting with his Master in some publick place, told him in the Hebrew Tongue, The Lion was dead.

Caius Caligula.

[Page]

SOme say this name of Caligula was given him, for a certain kind of shooe called Caliga, used among men of warr, and worn by him; or he got it by occasion of a merry word taken up in the Camp,Suetonius. because he was brought up there in the habit of an ordinary and common soldier among the rest.Quia natus in exercitu fuerat, cognomentum calceamenti militaris, i. e. Caligulae fortitus est.

Cajus, cognomen Caligae cui castra dederunt.

Ausonius.

He carried himself well before he was Emperor, so that it was said of him, Nec servum meliorem ullum, Aurel. Vict. nec deteriorem Dominum fuisse. There was never a better servant, and a worse Master.

He was very tall of stature, pale and wan-coloured, of body somewhat gross [Page] and unfashionable, his eies sunk in his head, and his Temples were hollow, his forehead was broad, the hair of his head grew thin, in all parts else he was hairy and shagged, and therefore it was a capital offence, either to look upon him as he passed by, from an higher place, or once but to name a Suetonius. Goat upon any occasion whatsoever.It was held crimen laesae Majestatis, against his Imperial person. His face and visage being naturally stern and grim, he made of purpose more crabbed and hideous, composing and dressing it in a looking-glass, all manner of waies to seem more terrible, and to strike greater fear.Speed. Vultus horridus. Being clad oftentimes with a cloak of needle-work, and embroidered with divers colours,Sueton. and the same set out with precious stones;Torserat per omnia quae in rerum natura tristissima sunt, fidiculis, Eculeo, igne, vultu suo. Seneca. lib. 3. de Ira. in a coat also with long sleeves, and wearing bracelets withall, he would come abroad into the City.

In omnia fuit ei pro ratione impetus, sive ad cupiendum aliquid ingens et incredibile, se incitasset, sive ad patranda immania exarsisset. Boecleri Dissertatio Polit. in Calig. He said that he did approve of nothing so much in his nature as his immodesty.

On a time esteeming it a thing correspondent to his greatness who was Emperor, to exact that superiority on the Sea, which was answerable to his Soveraignty on the Land, being to cross the Sea between Puteoli a City in Campania, and Misenum another maritime town,Sueton. he caused a Bridge to be built betwixt one Cape of the Sea unto another,Novum & inauditum spectaculi genus. for the space of three miles and more, on which he commanded [Page] himself to be drawn in a Chariot, as if it were answerable to his Dignity.

Some are of opinion that he invented such a kind of Bridge in emulation of Xerxes, who not without the wonder of the world, made a Bridge of planks over Hellespont an arm of the Sea, somewhat narrower than this: Others, that by a bruit blazed abroad of some huge and monstrous piece of work, he might terrifie Germany and Britain, upon which Countries he meant to make war. See Sandys Travels l. 4. p. 214.

He maintained his reputation with his Grand-father Tiberius, by no means but this; he shadowed his cruel mind with subtil modesty, and shewed not discontent either for the condemnation of his Mother, or the banishment of his Brethren, Pari habitu semper cum Tiberio, haud multum distantibus verbis, He did imitate him in his apparel, in his words, in all things as near as possibly he could.

He succeeded Tiberius in the Empire, but in cruelty far exceeded him.Tacit. lib. 6. Annal. Thus far forth as of a Prince (saith Suetonius,) relate we must as of a Monster.

Sueton.He usurped the name of god, commanding his subjects to dignifie him with more than human honours;Aurel. Vict. In his Temple stood an Idol of fine gold, of himself; which was daily cloathed and adorned with the like garments which he then wore. Cuffe of Affectation. and ascending the Capitol, which among all the Temples in Rome is most religiously honoured, he was [Page] so bold as to salute Iupiter, and to call him brother.

— Divumque sibi poscebat honores.

He sent Petronius with an Army to Ierusalem, commanding him to set his statue in the Temple, and if the Jews refused to receive it, that those who withstood him he should put to the sword, and lead the rest captive;Joseph. l. 18. Antiq. c. 11. & 2. de bello Iudaic. c. 9. but partly by Petronius his prudence, and through Aristobulus his intercession with him, and King Agrippa's with Caligula, it was hindered.

The like is in the 21. lib. of Tacitus, where he thus writeth of the Jews, Sub Tiberio quies, deinde jussi a Caio Caesare effigiem ejus in Templo locare, arma potius sumpsere; quem motum mors Caesaris diremit.

He gave it out openly, that his own Mother was begotten by Incest which Augustus committed with his own daughter Iulia. Suetonius.

He caused his Brother Tiberius to be slain,Suetonius. and reserved his Uncle Claudius (who was his Successor in the Empire) for nothing else, but to make him his laughing-stock.

Many of honorable rank were by him put to death, and sawed asunder in the midst, because they had no good opinion of his shews, or had not sworn by his Genius.

[Page] Per Genium Principis Romanos jurare solitos, testes sunt Iurisconsulti nostri, quemadmodum & per salutem Principis, & per Principis venerationem. An ordinary thing it was at Rome to swear by the Genius, as also by the Fortune, and the health of their Emperors. And what a devout Oath was this, Per Genium, that is, the spirit or superintendent Angel of the Prince? which I take to be as much as his own good self, as appeareth by Tertullian, Citius apud vos per omnes Deos, quam per Genium principis, pejeratur, Schildius in Calig.Doct. Holland in Annotat. in Sueton. Dio (as Heraldus upon Tertullians Apologie observes) saith,Apologet. c. 28 that Augustus a most wise and moderate Prince, not only pardoned, but also suppressed this kind of Oath.

Suetonius.He forced Parents to be present at the execution of their own Children.

And when one Father excused himself by reason of sickness, he sent a Litter for him. Another of them immediately after the heavy spectacle of his Son put to death, he invited to his own board, made him great cheer,Suetonius. and by all manner of courtesie provoked him to jocondness & mirth.

When his Grand-mother Antonia seemed to give him some admonition, Momento, ait, omnia mihi in omnes licere.

When he had at one time condemned a sort of Frenchmen and Greeks together, he made his boast, That he had subdued Gallo-Graecia, a Nation mixt of French and Greeks.

After he had well drunk and eaten, he took pleasure to cast his friends into the [Page] Sea, from on high, from a Bridge which he built at Puteoli before mentioned, and caused many to be drowned which sought to save them. Dion. lib. 50. of his Hist. Suetonius in Calig. cap. 32.

He would not permit any to suffer death, but after many strokes given, and those very softly.Ita in bello civili Mariano, Marius quidam particulatim amputatus, diu vivere vel potius diu mori coactus est, ut inquit eleganter Augustin. lib. 3. de civ. Dei. His Command being generally and commonly known, Ita feri ut se mori sentiat, Strike so, that they may feel themselves dying, and endure the pains of an enduring death.

He executed on a time one whom he had not appointed to die, by error only and mistaking his name, but it makes no matter, quoth he, for even he also hath deserved death.

A certain Citizen of Praetors degree,Schildius. desired oftentimes from the retiring place where he was at Anticyra (into which Isle he went for his healths sake) to have his Licence continued;Hellebore that groweth in the Isle Anticyra, is of most effectual operation; the root is that whereof is made our sneesing powder, it purgeth extremely by vomit; thereupon ariseth the Proverb, Naviget Anticyram, that is, Let him sail to Anticyra; applyed to one that is melancholick in the highest degree, and little better than mad. See Pliny's natural Hist. l. c. 342. but he gave order he should be killed outright, adding these words therewith, That blood-letting was necessary for him who in so long time had found no good by Hellebore, that is, by purging.

Being highly displeased upon a time with the multitude, for favouring the contrary faction to his, would God [Page] (quoth he) that the people of Rome had but one neck,At tu (inquit) unam cervicem habes, nos vero manus multas. meaning to chop them off at one blow; Vox carnifice quàm Imperatore dignior. Xiphil. A speech fitter for an Hangman than an Emperor: Over whom, being kild by Chaereas, the people of Rome afterward insulted.

He was wont openly to complain of the unhappy condition of the time wherein he lived,Queri de conditione temporum suorum solebat, quod nullis calamitatibus publicis insignirentur. as not renowned by any publick calamities; that his Government was like to be forgotten by the calm and prosperous current of all things, and therefore he would often wish for the overthrow of his Armies, Famine, Pestilence, Fire, Earthquakes,Sueton. and the like.

Nonnunquam horreis praeclusis populo famem indixit. He proclaimed a famine without scarcity. Suetonius.

While he was at his recreations and disports, he practised the same cruelty both in word and deed; oftentimes as he sate at dinner, some were examined upon the Rack in his presence, and others had their heads struck off.

His saying was, Oderint dunt metuant, Let them hate me, so they fear me.

Being one day very free at a great feast, he suddenly brake forth into a great laughter, and the Consuls who were next him demanding whereat he laughed so, his answer was, Quid nisi uno meo nutu jugulari utrumque vestrum statim posse? At what else (quoth he) but this, that with one nod [Page] of my head I can have both your throats cut immediately?

As oft as he kissed the neck of his Wife or Concubine, he would commonly adde, Tam bona cervix, simulac jussero, demetur. As fair and lovely a neck as this is,Sueton off it shall go if I do but speak the word.Dirissimae immanitatis dictum; sed in Historia Turcarum factum legimus hoc etiam dicto crudelius.

He complained of the iniquity of the time, that one doubting to be poysoned of him did take counterpoyson, or a remedy against it; what sayes he, Antidotum adversus Caesarem? Is there any Antidote against Caesar?Casaub. in Calig.

His cruelty (as Dion saith) was not imputed to his Father or Mother,Vide plura ibid. but to his Nurse, which was a most cruel woman her self, and used to rub her breast nipple with blood, causing him to suck it; which he practised also afterwards, for he did not only delight in the committing of many Murders, but through insatiable desire of blood, would with his tongue suck and lick off the blood that stuck upon his sword or dagger.

Videtur Natura edidisse, (saith Seneca) ut ostenderet quid summa vitia in summa fortuna possent. De Cons. ad Helviam. c. 9. Nature seemed to have brought him forth, to shew what effects the greatest vice joyned with the greatest fortune could produce.

And it may justly be verified of his times, what Senecca saith in another place, Res humanas sub illo in eum statum decidisse, In his Preface to his fourth book of natural questions. ut inter misericordiae opera baberetur occidi. Under [Page] him things were brought to that pass, as it was reckoned amongst the works of mercy to be slain.

De quo nescio an decuerit memoriae prodi, nisi forte quia juvat de Principibus nosse omnia, Aurel. Vict. ut improbi saltem famae metu talia declinent.

Concerning whom (saith Aurel. Victor.) I know not whether it shall be meet to have recorded any thing, but that peradventure it is expedient to know all things of Princes, that wicked men at least with fear of the report may decline such things.

He was very expert in the Greek, and vulgar Roman Tongues. He was also of a fluent speech, and if he had been to plead and declaim against one, when he was angry once, he had both words and sentences at will: when he was about to make an Oration, his manner was to threaten in these terms,Peroraturus stricturum se lucubrationis suae telum minabatur. Sueton. viz. That he would draw forth and let drive at his adversary, the keen weapon and dart of his night-study by Candle-light.

He would have removed the writings of Virgil and Livie out of all Libraries; he said, Virgil was a man of no wit, and very mean learning, and taxed Livie of verbosity, and negligence in penning his History.

He said, Seneca's works were Arena sine calce, Minutissimis sententiis rerum fregit pondera, saith Quintilian of Seneca. Sueton. Sand without Lime, because he often spoke short sentences, having no connextion amongst themselves.

Nepotinis sumptibus omnium prodigorum ingenia superavit, In riotous & wastful expences [Page] he exceeded the wits and inventions of all the prodigal spend-thrifts that ever were,Commentus portentosissima genera ciborum atque coenarum. inventing most monstrous kinds of meats, and making sumptuous Feasts. He would drink off most precious and costly Pearls dissolved in Vinegar.Sueton. Luxus fuit portentosi, ut qui etiam panes deauratos habuerit. He spent in one year two Millions, and 700000 of Sestertiums. He would set before his Guests loaves of Bread and other viands all of Which had a glorious sight to look on, yet there was nothing for the contentation of Nature: so the Papists set their glittering service of Hebrew, Greek, and Latine before the people, a goodly shew to gaze on, and wonder at. Bish. Iewel. Cael. Rhodig. Suetonius. Gold, saying commonly withall, Aut frugi hominem esse oportere, aut Caesarem, That a man must either be frugall, or else Caesar.

He held the wills of great men as void and of no effect,Hic non toto vertente anno sex millia septingenta & quinquaginta myriadum aureorum prodegit. in case any person would come forth and say, That they purposed and intended at their death to make Caesar their Heir; he declared also by an Edict, that he would receive New-years gifts, & so he stood the first day of Ianuary in the entry of his house,Cael. Rhod. lect. Antiq. l. 20. c. 14. ready to take what pieces of money soever came, which the multitude of all sects and degrees, with full hands and bosoms powred out before him; nay,Contrectandae pecuniae cupidine incensus. Saepe super immensos aureorum acervos patentissimo diffusos loco, & nudis pedibus spatiatus, & toto corpore aliquandiu volutatus est. Sueton. he took such delight in handling of money, that oftentimes he would both walk bare-footed up and down, yea, and [Page] wallow also a good while with his whole body upon huge heaps of coined pieces of gold spread here and there in a most large open place.

There were in his secret Cabinet found two Books, bearing divers titles. The one had for the inscription,These things were found after his death. Gladius, the Sword; the other, Pugio, Pugio à pungendo, quia Punctim potius quam caesim vulnerat. i.e. the Dagger, or Rapier; They contained both of them the marks and names of such as were appointed unto death. There was found besides, a big chest full of divers poisons, which soon after being by Claudius drowned in the Sea,Sueton. infected and poisoned the same, and many Fishes were killed therewith, which the Tide cast into the next shores.

He set light by the gods, and threatned the Aire if it rained upon his Game-players, Quanta dementia fuit? putavit aut sibi noceri ne a Iove quidem posse, aut se nocere & Iovi posse. Senec. de Ira. lib. 1. cap. 16. How great madness was it to think that either Iupiter could not hurt him,See before in the life of Augustus and Tiberius. or that himself could hurt Iupiter? Yet notwithstanding at the least thunder and lightning he used to wink close with both eyes, to enwrap also and cover his whole head; but if the same were greater and somewhat extraordinary, he would start out of his Bed, and hide himself under the Bed-sted.

Dion reporteth of two, that when the Emperor was sick, thinking to get much as a reward for their great love to the Emperor, [Page] vowed, that on condition he might live, they themselves would dye to excuse him; he recovering, afterward took them at their word, and put them to death, lest they should break their vow, and prove perjured persons.

Having recalled one from exile which had been long banished, he demanded of him, What he was wont to do there? Who made answer thus by way of flattery, I prayed (quoth he) to the gods alwayes, that Tiberius (as now it is come to pass) might perish, and you become Emperor. Hereupon Caligula thinking that those whom he had banished prayed likewise for his death, sent about into the Islands to kill them every one. Sueton.

In taking the review of Goals, & Prisoners therein, as they were sorted to their offences, he without once looking upon the title and cause of their imprisonment, standing only within a Gallery; commanded that all in the midst, à calvo ad calvum, that is, from one bald pate to another, should be led forth to execution. Sueton.

He was murthered at last himself,Only 28 years 4 moneths, and 24 dayes, Casaubon. who had put so many to death. He lived 29 years saith Suetonius, 39 Eutropius. He reigned three years, ten months, & eight dayes,There is a great difference among Chronographers, about the computation of his years. Three years, ten moneths, and eightteen dayes, saith Euseb. Doctor Willet on the Epist. to the Rom. say Suetonius and Eutropius; four years say Clemens, Tacitus, and Sextus Aurel. four years, ten months, and eight dayes, saith [Page] Beda; three years, nine moneths, 28 dayes, saith Dion; three years, eight moneths, and thirteen dayes, saith Tertullian; three years, six moneths, Iosephus; three years, nine moneths, 22 dayes, saith Epiphanius: but the whole time of his reign was three years, ten moneths, and eight dayes. They which give to him full four years, count the odde moneths and dayes for a whole year.

Valerius Asiaticus, who had been Consul, came forth among the people, who were in an uproar because of the rumors of the Emperors death,Ioseph. l. 19. of the Antiq. of the Jews c. 1. and supposing it a strange matter that no man knew who had slain the Emperor, whilst every one enquired who it was that had done the deed,Vtinam ego cum intefecissem Xiphilin. O, saith he, would it had been I that had done it!

His death concerned the security of the Lawes, and the safety of all men; and had he not been speedily cut off, Our Nation (saith Iosephus) almost had been utterly exterminated.

His monies were all melted by the decree of the Senate; as King Richard the thirds Cognizance the white Bore was torn from every signe, that his Monument might perish. Speed.

Claudius Caesar.

[Page]

AFter the death of Caligula, certain Soldiers in a hurry going to plunder the Pallace, one perceiving the feet of a man hidden in a hole, plucks him out by the heeles; this proves to be Claudius, who falling on his knees, and desiring his life might be spared, the Soldiers lift him on their shoulders, and proclaim him Emperor; This took so with the multitude, that the Senate for their own safety were fain to give way unto it.

In the fiftieth year of his Age he attained to the Empire,Primus Caesarum fidem militis praemio pignorarus. and he was the first of all the Caesars that obliged unto him the Soldiers fealty by a fee and reward.

His Mother Antonia was wont to call him,Sueton. Portentum hominis, The Monster, and fantasticall shape of a man,Nec absolutum à Natura, sed inchoatum. as if he had not [Page] been finished, but only begun by Nature; and if she reproved any one for his foolishness, she would say, He was more sottish than her Son Claudius.

Ante Imperium sine fama fuit, quia latuit,

In Imperio infamis, quia non latuit.

[...]larior erat, fi fuisset obscurior.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

Triump havit semel, pugnavit nunquam,

saith he also of him. And again, ‘Omnia in imperio habuit praeter Imperium.’

He was personable, and carried a presence not without Authority and Majesty. His countenance was lively, his gray hairs beautiful, which became him well, with a good fat and round neck under them; yet many things disgraced him, viz. undecent laughter, and unseemly anger, by reason that he would froth and slaver at the mouth, and had evermore his nose dropping, his head continually shaking, somewhat stammering in his speech.

He was inhumane towards strangers, & made an Edict forbidding all strangers, Romanorum gentilitia nomina ferre, to be called by the Roman names. Sueton.

He commanded all Jewes to depart from Rome, Act 18.2.

The Jewes (saith Suetonius) who by instigation of one This some think is to be understood of Christians, whom we find in the Ecclesiastical writers to be misnamed by the Ethnick Infidels Christians, like as Christ himself Chrestus in scorn. Chrestus, were evermore tumultuous, he banished Rome.

Acts 11.28. there is mention made of a great Dearth throughout all the World, [Page] which came to pass in the dayes of Claudius Caesar, of which famine Eusebius, Lib 20. Antiq. c. 2. Iosephus, Lib. 12. of his Annals. Tacitus, & Suetonius likewise speak.

There was a woman that would not acknowledge her own son, and when by evidences and arguments alledged pro & contra on both sides, the question rested in equall ballance doubtful, he awarded that she should be wedded to the young man; and so forced her to confess the truth, and to take him for her child.

One cryed out upon a forger of writings, and required that both his hands might be cut off; he made no more ado, but forthwith called instantly to have the Hangman sent for,Sueton. with his chopping-knife and Butchers block to do the deed.

The Lawyers were wont to abuse his Patience so much, that as he was going down from the Judgement Seat, they would not only call upon him to come back again, but also take hold of his Gownlappet and skirt, yea and some while catch him by the foot, and so hold him still with them; one of the Graecian Lawyers pleading before him, in earnest altercation used these words, [...], Et tu senex es & stultus. Thou art both old and fool besides.

Stultus prudentibus, prudens stultis visus,

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

Claudius invisae privato in tempore vitae,

In regno specimen prodidit ingenii.

Ausonius.

[Page]Libertina ferens nuptarum (que) improba facta,

Non faciendo nocens, sed patiendo fuit.

He gave this counsel to a libidinous young man Si non castè, tamen cautè. And his Symbol, was, Generis virtus nobilitas.

Idem planè accidit Herodi Magno, cum uxorem Mariamnem occidisset.He was very forgetful; when Messalina was (by his own commandment) killed, within a while after he asked, Cur Domina non veniret? Why his Lady came not to him? Many of those whom he had condemned,Josephus Orig. lib. 10. c. 11. Casaubonus. the very morrow immediately after he sent for, to bear him company at dice-play.

One of his Guests, who was thought to have closely stollen away a cup of Gold the day before,Sueton. he re-invited again the morrow, and then set before him a stone-pot to drink in.

It is reported that he meant to set forth an Edict,Sueton. Quo veniam daret flatum crepitumque ventris in convivio emittendi, wherein he would give folk leave to break wind downward, and let it go even with crack at the very board; having certain intelligence, that there was one who for manners and modesty sake, by holding it in endangered his life.

Hence the Epigram,

Edicto vetuit crepitus ructusque moveri

Claudius; o medici Principis Ingenium!

Suetonius.He played at Dice most earnestly, (concerning the Art and skill whereof he published also a little book) being wont to ply the Game even whiles he was carried up and down, having his Caroch and Diceboard [Page] so fitted, as there might be no confusion nor shufling at all in play.

He was very timorous and pusillanimous at his first coming to the Empire;Erat Natura performidolosus. Aurel. Vict. he durst not for certain dayes go to any feast, without Pensioners standing about him with their Spears and Javelins,Sueton. & his Soldiers waiting at the table; neither visited he any sick person, unless the Bed-chamber where the party lay was first searched: He would scarce suffer Attendants and Clarks to carry their Pen-sheaths, and Pen-knife-cases.

He concealed not his foolishness, but gave it out, and protested in certain short Orations, that he counterfeited himself a fool for the nonce during Caius dayes, because otherwise he would not have escaped, nor attained to the Imperial place which he aimed at, and was then entred upon.

He sailed beyond Britain, and subdued the Orcades, Claudius Caesar, tumultuantem Britanniam perdomuit; ab eo Claudio cestrium oppidum, quod nunc Glocestrium dicunt. added them to the Roman Empire, and called his Sons name, Eutropius. Britannicus.

He was not uneloquent, nor unlearned, but was rather a great student in the Liberal Sciences. He wrote Histories, Livie being his Tutor. He had good skill in the Greek Tongue, professing as any occasion was offered, his affectionate love to it, and the excellency thereof. When a certain Barbarian discoursed in Greek and Latine; See you be skilfull (quoth he) in both our Languages. Vtroque sermone nostro sis peritus.

[Page] Extant & in ipsa imperii Claudiani administratione, quaedam Principis non mali documenta. Boeclerus.

It was generally thought that he was killed by poison; and it was a just Judgement of God upon him, for he was so gluttonous and insatiable in eating and drinking, that he thought no time or place sufficient thereto; & ever did eat so much, that most commonly surfeiting, he used Vomits to discharge his stomack,Others say, Agrippina his Wife tempered the poison in the meat which he most delighted in, viz. a Mushrome, Infusum delectabili cibo boletorum venenum Tacit. Annal. Boletum medicatum avidissimo ciborum talium obtulit. Sueton. Whence Martial. Boletum, qualem Claudius edit, edas. putting a feather into his throat; in which feather some Authors affirm that poison was given him.

The Virgin Mary dyed in his time, in the 59. year of her age, saith Nicephorus.

He lived 64 years, say some: 63 years, 2 months, and 13 dayes, saith Casaubon.

He reigned 13 years, 8 moneths, and 20 dayes,13 years, 9 moneths, and 7 dayes, saith Tertul. say Dio, and Iosephus. He reigned 14 years, according to Tacitus, Suetonius, Clem. Alexand. Eutrop. Orosius; 13 years 8 moneths, and 20 dayes after Eusebius. 14 years, 7 moneths, and 28 dayes after Beda. Doct. Willet. But the whole time of his reign was 13 years, 8 moneths, and 20 dayes. They which do give unto him 14 years, do count the odde moneths for a whole year.

Nero Caesar.

[Page]

NERO was a proper Name (which noted Vertue and Fortitude,Alex. ab Alex. Gen. dier. l. 1. c. 9. Gell. l. 11. of that Greek word [...] the sinews, being the conjunction and strength of the members) and such persons also were of the Romans called Neroes, as excelled others in the most egregious Fortitude and Noble Vertues. Afterward when this Tyrant Nero (who descended of the Claudii which were Sabines) had degenerated from all the Heroicall vertues of his Ancestors, and became so bloody and cruel, he gave occasion to posterity to change that proper name into a name Appellative, so that they called them that were cruel Nerones, and those that were more cruel Neroniores.

[Page]When Domitius his friends by way of gratulation wished him joy of his Son new born,Suetonius. Mali corvi malum ovum. See the like of Tiberius, and of Caligula in. Suetonius. c. 11. he said, That of himself and Agrippina there could nothing come into the world but accursed, detestable, and to the hurt of the weal Publick.

Of stature he was indifferent, within a little of 6 foot; his body full of speckles, and freckles, and foul of skin besides. The hair of his head somewhat yellow, his countenance and visage rather fair than lovely and well-favoured. His eyes gray and dim, his neck full and fat, his body bearing out, and his legs slender and small.

He began his reign with a glorious shew of piety and kindness. Those Tributes and Taxes which were any thing heavy, he either quite, abolished or abated. Whensoever he was put in mind to subscribe, & set his hand to a warrant for the execution of any person condemned to dye,Suetonius. he would say,Lib 2. de Clementia. Quàm vellem nescire literas! O that I knew not one letter of the book! Seneca his Tutor did much extoll that speech of his, as if it had proceeded from a pitiful heart.Factus Natura, & consuetudine exercitus velare odium fallacibus blanditiis.

He was framed by Nature, and practised by custom (saith Tacitus) to cloak hatred with flattering speeches.

Many times he saluted all the degrees of the City one after another,Tacitus by rote and without book.Annal. 14. When the Senate upon a time gave him thanks,Sueton. he answered, Cum meruero, Imitatur illam Augusti vocem, Si merebuntur. Do so when I shall deserve.

[Page]Within the first twelve moneths of his Government, he poisoned Britannicus, who was his Cozen-german, his adoptive Brother and Testamentary partner in the Empire. Boltons Nero Caesar.

His quinquennium or first five years were such, that Trajan himself is said to have admired, using this speech, Procul differre cunctos Principes Neronis quinquennio. Aurel. Vict. But it is thought that it was rather the reign of his Governors Seneca and Burrhus, than properly his.

Neronis initia, si demas parricidium, Claudii, cujus etsi non auctor, conscius tamen fuit, itemque Britannici jus inter versum, de caetero valde speciosa fuerunt: Abdetis adhuc vitiis, & praevalentibus bonarum rerum auctoribus. Boecleri Dissertatio Politica.

He delighted exceedingly in Musick,Suetonius. and would shew his skill upon the open stage, often using the Greek Proverb, That hidden Musick was nought worth. All the while he was singing, it was not lawful for any person to depart out of the Theatre, were the cause never so necessary. It is reported, that some great-bellied woman falling into travel,Suetonius. were delivered upon the very Scaffolds; yea,He not only commanded all the Statues and Images of the most excellent Musitians to be defaced, and his own to be erected in lieu of them; but also put many of them under hand to death, by emulation of their fame. Sueton. & Bapt. Fulg l. 8. & many men besides weary of tedious hearing, & praysing him, when the Town gates were shut, either by stealth lept down from the Walls, or counterfeiting [Page] themselves dead, were carried forth as Corpses to be buried. But how timorously, with what thought and anguish of mind, with what emulation of his concurrents, and fear of the Umpire he strove for Mastery, it is almost incredible. He never durst once spit and reach up flegm, and he wiped away the very sweat of his forhead with his arm only.

There was a boy named Sporus, whose genitories he cut off, and assayed thereby to transform him into the nature of a woman:Sueton. then he caused him to be brought unto him, as a Bride without a dowry, in a fine yellow vail after the solemn manner of Marriage, not without a goodly train attending upon him, whom he maintained as a wife; whereupon one brake this witty jest, That it would have been happy for the world, if Domitius (his Father) had wedded such a wife.

He said jestingly of Claudius, That he left morari inter homines, Suetonius. with a long syllable, meaning that he spent his dayes foolishly.

Epulas à medio die ad mediam noctem protrahebat.

Sueton.

He held out his Feasts from noon-day till mid-night.

Divitiarum ac pecuniae fructum non alium putabat quàm profusionem. Nero quadragenis in punctum Sestertiis aleam lusit. Coel. Rhod. l. 20. c. 24.He was very profuse and prodigal in expences, he never put on the same Garment twice; when he played at hazard, he ventured no lesse than 3125 pounds at a cast, upon every point or prick of the [Page] chance. He fished with a golden Net, drawn and knit with cords twisted of purple, and crimson silk in grain. When he made any journey, he never had under 1000 Caroches in his train, his Mules were shod with silver,Suetonius. but in no one thing was he more wastful than in building.Bis & vicies mille sestertium donationibus Nero effuderat. See Sueton. and Tacitus of this house, Annal. 15. c. 10. It is reported also of Heliogabalus, that his apparel was rich, and most extream costly, and yet he would never wear one garment twice; his shooes were embellished with Pearls and Diamons; his seat strewed with musk and amber; his bed covered with gold and purple, and beset with most costly jewels; his way strewed with the powder of gold and silver; his vessels (even of basest use) all gold; his diet so profuse, that at every supper in his Court was usually spent 1000 l. sterling. His house was so large that it contained three Galleries of a mile a piece in length, & a standing Pool like unto a Sea, & the same inclosed round about with buildings in form of Cities.Tacit. l. 1. Hist. c. 6. It was laid all over with gold,He most lavishly gave away two and twenty hundred millions of Sesterces. garnished with precious stones, and mother of pearl. He said, He now at length began to live like a man: and himself named it, Domum auream, a golden house. His Mother Agrippina being with Child with him, went to consult with the Chaldeans or South-sayers about her Son; they answered her, That he should reign, but kill his Mother; but she being very ambitious, slighted that, saying, Occidat modo imperit, Let him kill me so he may be King.

[Page] Neque tamen sceleris conscientiam, aut statim aut unquam post ferre potuit; saepe confessus exagitari se materna specie, verberibus furiarum, ac taedis ardentibus.This was accomplished afterwards, for he caused his Mother to be murdered, and not only so, but (which was more horrible) he took an exact view of her dead body, and beheld it Crowner-like, saying, He did not think he had had so fair a Mother.

The sentence nevertheless doth in part acquit him from her incestuous familiaritie. For how was it strange to him that his Mother should be so handsome, if she had been his Concubine? Boltons Nero Caesar. Suetonius.

His Father he poisoned, he slew his Brother Germanicus, and his Sister Antonia, and both his wives Poppaea and Octavia, Eutropius. his Aunt Domitia, Sueton. Aurel. Vict. Orosius. his son in law Rufinus, and his Instructers, Seneca and Lucan.

There was no kind of affinity, and consanguinity, were it never so near, but it felt the weight of his deadly hands.

The first persecution was under him in the 13. year of his reign.In Apologet. cap. 5. Primus Nero in hanc sectam cum maximè Romae orientem Caesariano gladio ferociit. Tertullian calls him, Dedicator damnationis nostrae, i. e. the first that made a Law to condemn Christians to death.

Tertullian, Hist. Eccles. l. 2. c. 25. Eusebius, L. 13. de vera Sap. c. 21. Lactantius, Aret. Probl. Pet. du Moul. Def. of the Cathol. Faith l. ubi supra. and others say, that he put Peter and Paul to death.

Paulus à Nerone (saith Eusebius) Romae capite truncatus, & Petrus palo affixus scribuntur; & Historia huic fidem facit, quod illic coemeteria habentur in quibus Petri & Pauli nuncupatio ad hunc usque diem obtinet.

[Page] Chrys. and Theophyl. upon the fourth Chapter of the second to Timonhy, alledge this to be the cause wherefore he put Paul to death, because Paul had converted to the Christian Faith Nero's Butler, whom he made great account of; thereunto he commanded him to be beheaded: others say, it was because he converted one of Nero his Concubines, which afterward refused to company with him; but we need assigne no other cause of Nero's rage against the Apostle,Though Nero were so wicked, yet Paul maketh mention of some Saints in his Court. Phil. 4.22. than that which Eusebius and Ierom both do touch, the cruelty of that bloody Tyrant joyned with a wicked detestation of the Christian Faith.

His cruelty is by Paul compared to the mouth of a Lion, 2. Tim. 4.17. but here then ariseth an objection, how Paul should suffer under him, when he saith there, that he was delivered? Therefore Paul was his prisoner twice, he was set at liberty after his first imprisonment at Rome, Phil. 1.25. Philem. 22. Heb. 13.23. 2 Tim. 4.16, 17. The reason is thus alledged by Eusebius; Neronem in principio Imperii mitiorem fuisse, That Nero in the beginning of his Empire was more gentle and mild, but afterward when Paul was taken again,Euseb. in Chron. & Hieron. lib. de Script. Eccles. Nero then being become a most cruel Tyrant, caused him to be put to death. He dyed in the 14. year of Nero's reign, and the 37. year after the Passion of Christ.

Seneca disswaded him from killing some, with this speech, Licèt (saith he) quam plurimos[Page]occidas, Yet Seneca was the Author of Agrippinas death, upon the suppossition of necessity. tamen non pates successorem tuum occidore. Xiphiline. Although thou killest very many, yet thou canst not kill thy Successor.

The Tyrannous rage of this Emperor was so fierce against the Christians (as Eusebius reporteth) usque adeo ut videret repletas humanis corporibus civitates, Hist. Eccles. l. 2. c. 24, 25, 26. jacentes mortuos simul cum parvulis senes, Nero subdidit reos, & quaesitissimis poenis affecit eos, quos per flagitia invisos, vulgus Christianos appellabat; Auctor ejus nominis Christus. foeminarumque absque ulla sexus reverentia in publico rejecta starent cadavere: i. e. Insomuch that a man might then see Cities lye full of mens bodies, the old lying there with the young, and the dead bodies of women cast out naked, without all reverence of that Sex, in the open streets.

In this persecution also Iames the greater,Tacit. 15. Annal. and the lesse, Philip, Bartholomew, Barnabas, Mark, suffered.

Addita pereuntibus ludibria, ut ferarum tergoribus contecti, canum laniatu interirent, aut crucibus affixi, aut flammandi; & ubi dies defecisset, in usum nocturni luminis urerentur.Christians were covered in wild beasts skins, and torn in pieces with Dogs, or fastned on crosses, or burn in fire; and when the day failed, they were burnt in the night, to make them serve as torches to give light. They put a pitched coat upon the Christians to make them burn the better, called Tunica molesta, a troublesome coat.

Sulpitius Severus observes this of Nero (in the 3. book of his History) that it was his own bad life which made him hate Christians; for he still thought they censured him;Tacit. l. 1. Annal. and could not but expect, what they knew he deserved.Sueton. in Claud.

[Page]He caused Rome to be set on fire in twelve places together, that he might the better conceive the flames of Troy, singing unto it Homer's verses, and being a pleasant Spectator thereof, as at a Feude-joy. Ad levandam sceleris atrocitatem (saith Polyd. Lib. 8. de Invent. rerum cap. 6. Tacitus calleth them, hated for their wickedness, guilty, and worthy of utmost punishment, and their Religion a pestilent and pernicious superstition. See 15. of his Annal. c. 10. Virgil) to avoid the infamy thereof, he laid the fault on the innocent, and suborned some falsly to accuse the Christians as Authors of that fire; whereupon he put many of them to death: but Tacitus will clear them, who yet was their enemy. Non perinde (saith he) crimine incendii, quàm odio humani generis convicti sunt.

Suetonius (being no Christian) calleth the Christians men of new and pernicious superstition: Afflicti suppliciis Christiani, Sub Nerone saeva & infesta Virtutibus tempora. Non nisi grande aliquod bonum à Nerone damnatum. Tertul. Apol. adversus Gentes. Nero virtutem ipsam exscindere concupivit. Tacit. Annal. l. 16. (saith he) genus hominum superstitionis novae & maleficae.

Under Nero to do ill was not alwaies safe, alwaies unsafe to do well. He was so hateful an adversary to all righteousness, that Eusebius following the example and words of Tertullian, affirmeth, that if the Gospel had not been an excellent thing, it had not been condemned by Nero. He was (as Augustine Lib. 20. c. 19. De Civit: Dei. In his time, Amnes retro fluere visi sunt. Plin. l. 2. c. 103 witnesseth) commonly reputed Antichrist. He came into the world an Agrippa, or born with his feet forward, and turned the world upside down before he went out of it. In him alone all the corruptions which had been ingendred in Rome, from [Page] the birth of Rome till his own daies, seemed drawn together into one impostume or boyl.

When one in common talk upon a time chanced to say,

[...].

When vital breath is fled from me,

Sueton.

Let earth with fire mingled be.

Nay rather, quoth he, [...], whiles vital spirit remains in me.

Erat ei aeternitatis perpetuaeque famae cupido, sed inconsulta.He had a desire (though it were foolish and inconsiderate) of eternity and perpetual fame, and therefore abolishing the old names of many things and places, he did put upon them new after his own.Suetonius. He called the Month April Neroneus, Which thing in him Commodus the Emperor imitated, calling Rome Commodiana. he meant also to have named Rome, Neropolis, Nero's City.

He pronounced an oration composed by Seneca: Tacit. l. 13. of Annal. It was observed, that he was the first Emperor that needed another mans Eloquence; for Iulius Caesar was equal with the famous Orators: and Augustus had a ready, fluent, and eloquent speech, such as well became a Prince; Tiberius had great skill in weighing his words; yea, Caligula's troubled mind hindered not his eloquence; neither wanted Claudius elegancy, when he had premeditated.

Post Tacitum scripsit, eumque interdum tacitè redarguit. Famian. Strad. Prolus. Hist. l. 1.The study of Nero was Versification, which Tacitus thinks he borrowed, having no gift therein at all; but Suetonius (who often doth disagree with Tacitus, [Page] unnamed) both proves he had, and proves it well: it was one of his exercises to translate Greek Tragedies into Latine, who made true Tragedies in blood,Being admonished by Astrologers that he should once be cast out of the Empire, he is reported to have used this speech to himself, Artem quaevis terrà alit; nimirum intelligens citharistiam, principi gratam, privato necessariam, quam excercere eum non puduit. Deductus (Nero) in forum tyro, populo congidrium, Militi Donativum proposuit. such as even the Greeks never feigned.

Nothing netled him more than when he was blamed by Vindex for an unskilful Musitian: he said of himself a little before his death, Qualis Artifex pereo? What an excellent Artisan do I dye? meaning of his skill in playing of Tragedies; as indeed his whole life and death was all but one Tragedy.

Vespasian asked Apollonius, what was Nero's overthrow? he answered, Nero could touch and tune the Harp well, but in Government sometimes he used to wind the pins too high, and sometimes to let them down too low; thereby intimating, that he applyed Corrosives where gentle Lenitives would have served the turn, and again he applyed Lenitives where Corrosives were needful.

Additum nomine Neronis Donativum Militi, congiarium plebi. Tacit. 12. Annal.

The Princes liberalities to the Soldiers were called Donativa, Sueton. (which they bestowed upon some great victory,Imperatoris munus quod populo dabatu [...] congiarium dictum est, quod vero Militibus, Donativum. Alex. ab Alex. Gendier. l. 5. c. 24. or rather extraordinary occasions;) to the people, or otherwise to his friends, Congiaria; doubtless because at the first certain measures called Congii, of wine or oyl were bestowed, and afterwards other things were given, yet the ancient name remained.

[Page] Mos erat principibus Romanis, ut simulatque Augusti à militibus nuncupati erant, donativum eis erogarent, quo militum benevolentiam conciliarent sibi. Valesius in Marcellini. lib. 26.

Vindex first stirred the stone, which rowling tumbled Nero out of his seat.Sir Henry Savil on Tacit. Nec adhuc erat damnati Principis exemplum.

When it was told Iulius Vindex, that Nero by publick Edict had prized his head at 10000 thousand Sesterces, (that is above fourscore thousand pounds in our coin,Neither was there ever before a President of any Prince by publick sentence deposed. Tacit. l. 1. Hist.) Well, quoth he again, and he that kils Nero, and brings me his head, shall have mine in exchange. Qui Neronem interfecerit, & ad me caput ejus attulerit, is meum accipiet caput in mercedis loco. Xiphilin.

Sueton. Nero consulting the Delphick (or rather divellish) Oracle,He entreated that some one of those that were with him, would kill himself first, and by his example help him to take his death. Itaque nec amicum habeo, nec inimicum; dedecorose vixi, turpius peream. he received this answer, That he should take heed of th [...] year 73 which he supposing to be meant of his own age, rested secure, being far short of it; but he was deluded by the ambiguous construction of those words, and so fell into the hands of Galba, a man indeed of those years.

At last the Senate proclaiming him a publick enemy unto Mankind, condemned him to be drawn through the City, and to be whipped to death; which sentence when he heard of, finding no man to strike him,Aurel. Vict. and exclaiming against them all, ‘What, have I neither friend nor foe? (said he) I have lived dishonorably, let [Page] me dye shamefully;Defecit que extantibus rigentibusque oculis, ad horrorem formidinemque visentium. and then he strake himself throagh with his own sword, and was a hor [...]ible spectacle to all beholders.’

Romae demum vitam reddit cum suam projecit:

Injustus aliis Iudex, justus sibi.

Sueton.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

He dyed in the 32 year of his age, saith Suetonius; and 14 year of his reign, say Tacitus, Clem. Alexand. Eusebius, and Eutropius, the very day of the year on which he had murdered his wife Octavia; and by his death brought so great joy unto the people generally, that the Commons wore caps to testifie their freedom recovered, and ran sporting up and down throughout the City.

Some say that Nero is yet alive (saith Baronius out of Sueton. & Severus) although he did thrust himself through with a sword yet some think that his wounds were healed,Vide Boxhornii Hist. Vnivers. à Christi tempore. p. 125, 126, 127. and that he survived according to that in the Rev. 13.3. and that he shall be Antichrist; but Bellarmine himself saith, It is a persumptuous folly to say that Nero shall be revived and received as Antichrist; and Suarez calls it, Anilem fabulam, a foolish Fable.

Sulpitius Galba.

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SOme think his name Galba came by occasion of a Town in Spain, Progenies Caesarum in Nerone defecit, saith Sueton. Est certum & omnes Historici notant, saith Casaubon upon him. In Nero the majestical tree of the Caesars withered. Bolton's Nero Caesar c. l. 5. See more there. which after it had been a long time in vain assaulted, he at length set on fire with burning brands besmeared all over with Galbanum: others, because in a long sickness which he had, he used continually Galbeum, i. e. remedies wrapped in wooll: some again because he seemed very fat, and such a one the French doth name Galba: or contrariwise because he was slender, as certain little worms are called Galbae. Sueton.

[Page]He succeeded Nero, Ipsa aetas Galbae & irrisui & fastido erat assuetis juventae Neronis, & Imperatores forma ac decore corporis (ut est mos vulgi) comparantibus. Tacit. l. 1. Hist. Statura fuit justa, capite praecalvo, oculis caeruleis, adunco naso, manibus pedibusque articulari morbo distortissimis: ut neque calceum perpeti, neque libellos evolvere aut tenere omnino valeret. Suetonius. Ingenium Galbae malè habitat. Both Suetonius and Tacitus accurately describe him, and his age being much despised, there was great licentiousness and confusion; whereupon a Senator said in full Senate, It were better to live where nothing is lawful, than where all things are lawful.

He was of full stature, his head bald, his eies gray, and his nose hooked; his hands and feet by reason of the Gout exceeding crooked, insomuch as he was not able to abide shooes on the one, or to hold his books with the other.

There was an excrescence or bunch of flesh in the right side of his body, and it hung downward so much, as it could hardly be tyed up with a truss or swathing band: yet he had a great wit, though a deformed body, like a good instrument in a bad case.

Being with general applause and great good liking placed in state, he behaved himself under expectation, and though in most points he shewed himself a vertuous Prince,Suetonius. Sir Henry Savil on Tacit. yet his good Acts were not so memorable, as those were odious and displeasant wherein he did amiss.

He obtained the Empire with greater favour and authority than he managed it when he was therein; so that he overcame [Page] Nero by his good name,Plutarch. and the good opinion men had of him, and not through his own force and power.

Major privato visus dum privatus fuit, & omnium consensu capax Imperii nisi imperasset. Tacitus, l. 1. Hist. He seemed more than a private man whilest he was private, and by all mens opinions capable of the Empire, had he never been Emperor.

His verbis claudit Tacitus descriptionem Galbae, qua more Historicis usitato; suprema ejus pro sequitur. Boecleri. Dissertatio. Historica.

Auson. Epigr.

Spem frustrate senex, privatus sceptra mereri

Visus es, Imperio proditus inferior:

Fama tibi melior juveni, sed justior ordo est,

Complacuisse dehinc, displicuisse prius.

He lived in honourable fame and estimation in the reign of five Emperors,Tacitus, l. 1. Hist. Alieno Imperio faelicior quam suo. He was in greater prosperity,Vetus in familia Nobilitas, magnae opes. Tacitus. and lived more happily under the Empire of others than in his own. His house was of ancient Nobility and great wealth, He neither neglected his fame,Famae nec incuriosus, nec venditator: Pecuniae alienae non appetens, suae parcus, publicae avarus. nor yet was ambitiously careful of it: of other mens money he was not greedy, sparing of his own, of the common a niggard.

As he sacrificed within a publick Temple, a Boy among other Ministers holding the Censer,Tacitus. l. 1. Hist. suddenly had all the hair of his head turned gray. Some made this interpretation of it,Suetonius. that thereby was signified a change in the State,Plutarch. Aurel. Vict. Eutropius. and that an [Page] old man should succeed a young, even himself in Nero's stead.

He was of a middle temperature, neither to be admired nor contemned; Ipsi medium ingenium, magis extr [...] vitia, Tacitus l. 1. Hist. quàm cum virtutibus, rather void of ill parts,The same saith Hayward of our Henry the fourth. than furnished with good.

In the Palace, Iulius Atticus, one of the bill-men met him, holding out a bloody sword in his hand, with which he cryed aloud, he had slain Otho; My friend, Hujus breve Imperium fuit, & quod bona haberet exordia, nisi ad severitatem promptior videretur. Eutropius. quoth Galba, who bad thee? A man of rare vertue (saith Tacitus) to keep in awe a licentious Soldier; whom neither threats could terrifie, nor flattering speech corrupt and abuse: thence it was a usual speech through the Camp.

Disce Miles militare,

Galba est, non Getulicus.

Learn Soldiers service valorous,

Galba is here, and not Getulicus.

For eight years space (before he was Emperor) he governed a Province of Spain variably, and with an uneven hand; at first sharp, severe, violent, afterward he grew to be slochful, careless, idle.

Being entreated for a Gentleman condemned,The Delinquent pleaded that he was a Roman Citizen, and therefore not to be crucified. that he might not die the death of ordinary Malefactors, he commanded that the Gallows should be dealbata, whited, or coloured for him; Quasi solatio & honore poenam levaturus, as if the painted Gibbet might add solace and honour to his death.

[Page]When there was a question made of an heifer before him, whose it should be, arguments and witnesses being brought on both sides; he so decreed it, that she should be led with her head covered to the place where she was wont to be watered, and there being uncovered, he judged her his to whom she went of her own accord.

Among the liberal Sciences he gave himself to the study of the Civil Law.

Laudata olim, & militari fama celebrata severitas ejus angebat coaspernantes veterem disciplinam, atque ita 14. annis à Nerone assuefactos, ut haud minus vitia Principum amarent, quàm olim virtutes verebantur.He cryed to his Soldiers, Ego vester, & vos mei; I am wholly devoted unto you, and you are wholly devoted unto me.

His severity which was wont to be highly commended by the voice of the Soldiers, was now displeasant to them who were generally weary of the ancient Discipline, and so trained up by Nero 14 years, that now they loved their Emperors no less for their vices, than once they reverenced them for their vertues.

His hardness towards his Soldiers caused him to fall; for a large Donative being promised to them in Galba's name, and they requiring if not so much,Tacit. l. 1. Hist. yet so much at least as they were wont to receive, he wholly refused the suit, adding withall,Cornel. Tacitus. l. 1. Hist. Legi à se militem, non emi, That his manner had ever been to choose, and not to buy his Soldiers.

Vox pro republica honesta, ipsi anceps; A saying no doubt fit for a great Prince in a more vertuous age,Tacit. lib. 1. Hist. not so in those seasons [Page] for him, who suffered himself to be sold every hour, and abused to all purposes.

He was killed by the wiles of Otho, Eutropius. in the Market-place; the Soldiers flying upon him, and giving him many wounds,Plutarch. he held out his neck unto them, and bad them strike hardly, if it were to do their Country good.

He dyed in the 73. year of his age,Suetonius. Eutropius. 7 Months, 6 daies, Tertul. 7 Months 2 daies, Eusebius. and seventh month of his Empire.

He reigned seven months, and so many daies. Aurel. Vict.

Salvius Otho.

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GALBA rather received the Empire offered to him, than took it from another. But Otho being stirred up with an ardent desire of ruling, used ill means to compass his design. A Galba beneficium respublica, ab Othone perniciem expectabat, saith Boeclerus in his Political dissertation. Vtrumque (saith he) brevitas temporis & infoelicitas exitus, similes facit: nisi quod Galba alieno scelere; Otho autem suo, periere.

Tacitus and Suetonius observe, that his Father was so like unto Tiberius, that most men held him to be his own Son.

[Page] Tam non absimilis facie Tiberio principi fuit, Sueton. ut plerique procreatum ex eo crederent.

He was of a mean and low stature, he had feeble feet, and crooked shanks.Galericulus capiti propter raritatem capillorum adaptatus. He wore by reason of his thin hair a perruck or counterfeit cap of false hair, so fitted and fastned to his head, that any man would have taken it for his own.Sueton. He was wont to shave, and besmear his face all over with soaked bread; this bread was made of bean and rice flower, of the finest wheat also; a depilatory to keep hair from growing, especially being wet and soaked in some juyce or liquor appropriate thereto, as the blood of Bats, Frogs, or the Tunie-fish: to this effeminacy of Otho alludeth the Satyrical Poet in this Verse, ‘Et pressum in faciem digitis extender [...] panem.Iuvenal.’

Which devise he took to at first, when the down began to bud forth, because he would never have a beard.

He was of a noble house (saith Plutarch) but ever given to sensuality and pleasure from his Cradle:His Mothers side was more noble than his Fathers. Vita omni turpis, maximè adolescentia. insomuch as his Father swinged him and soundly for it. He used night-walking, and as he met any one either feeble or cupshotten, he would catch hold of him, lay him upon a Soldiers Gabardine,Aurel. Vict. and so tosse and hoist him up in the air.Suetonius.

Pueritiam incuriose, Tacit. l. 1. Hist. adolescentiam petulanter egerat. He spent his tender years [Page] without regard of his honour, his youth afterwards in all dissolute dissorder.

Suetonius.He repaired often to his Glass to see his face, that he might keep it clean.

Similitudo morum parit amicitiam, likeness is the cause of liking.He was one of Nero's chief Minions and Favourites, such was the congruence of their humours and dispositions.

Gratus Neroni aemulatione luxus.

He was in grace with Nero through emulation of vice.Tacit. l. 1. Hist.

Neroni criminose familiaris, He was sinfully familiar with Nero. Aurel. Vict. Otho flagrantissimus in amicitia Neronis habebatur. Tacit. Annal. l. 13. He was privy and party to all his Counsels and secret designs; to avert all manner of suspicion, that very day which Nero had appointed for the murthering of his Mother, he entertained them both at supper with most exquisite Dainties,Sueton. and the kindest welcome that might be.

Suetonius.He subscribed Nero's name unto his Letters Patents,Plutarch. till the Noble men of Rome misliked it.

Frustrà moritur Nero, si Otho vivit.

Tacitus Hist. lib. 1.He strove by gifts, and all other means to oblige the Soldiers unto him before he was Emperor,Adorare vulgus, jacere oscula, & omnia serviliter pro Imperio. Tacit. Hist. lib. 1. and to win their hearts by fair promises; he protested before them all assembled together, that himself would have and hold no more than just that which they would leave for him. One calleth him the Roman Absalom. Hee worshipped the people, dispensed frequently his courtesies and plausibilities, crouched and accommodated himself to the basest routs, that thereby he might c [...]eep into an usurped honour. Tacit. l. 2. Hist.

[Page] Cui uni apud Militem fides, Plutarch. dum & ipse non nisi Militibus credit. The Soldiers only trusted him, because he trusted none else.

All of them together put up a petition to him, and besought him to command their persons, whilst they had one drop of blood left in their bodies to do him service. But amongst others, there was a poor Soldier drawing out his sword, said unto him, ‘Know, O Caesar, that all my Companions are determined to dye in this sort for thee; and so slew himself.’

Rebus prosperis incertus, Tacitus. & inter adversa melior.

A man in prosperity uncertainly carriried, and governing himself in adversity.

At the same time that he was created Emperor in the City of Rome, Vitellius was proclaimed Emperor in Germany.

Duo omnium mortalium impudicitia, Tacitus l. 1. Hist. ignavia, luxuria deterrimi, velut ad perdendum Imperium fataliter electi, saith Tacitus of Otho and Vitellius.

Two of all mortal men the most detestable creatures in slothfulness, incontinency, and wastful life, fatally elected to ruine the Empire.

But though in the first book of Tacitus his History they are both compared as like in opposition to a good Prince; yet in his second book they are opposed the one to the other as unlike, with notes of [Page] distinction. Vitellii ignavae voluptates, Othonis flagrantissimae libidines. Vitellius ventre & gula sibi ipsi bostis; Otho luxu, saevitià, audacia, Vitellius a Drunkard and Glutton, Otho a wanton and licentious liver. Reipublicae exitiosior ducebatur; of the one side, an ill mind in a man of nothing, and of the other, an ill mind joyned with courage and edge.

The drowsie Pleasures of Vitellius were feared lesse than the burning lusts of Otho. Plutarch. Vitellius in excesse of Belly-chear was an enemy to himself; Otho in riot, cruelty, audaciousness, reputed more dangerous to the state.

Plutarch.It was hard to judge which of them two was most licentiously given, most effeminate, least skilful, poorer or most indebted, before he was Emperor.

Tacitus l. 2. Hist. Magna & misera civitas eodem anno Othonem Vitelliumque passa. A great and miserable City, which in the same year supported an Otho and a Vitellius.

We may learn by Otho (said Sir Henry Savil) that the fortune of a rash man is Torrenti similis, which a riseth at an instant, and falls in a moment.

Tacitus l. 2. Hist. Alii diutius Imperium tenuerunt, nemo tam fortiter reliquet; it was his own speech, Others have kept the Empire longer, none hath ever so valiantly left it.

Tacitus l. 2. Hist. Plura de extremis loqui pars ignaviae est.

Irent propere, ne remorando iram victoris exasperarent. Tacitus Hist. l. 2. He thought it a part of dastardy to speak too much of death.

When he saw his side the weaker and going to the walls, he counselled his Soldiers [Page] to provide for their safety by hying them to the winner.

Martial made this witty Epigram of his death, l. 6. Epig. 32.

Cum dubitaret adhuc belli civilis Enyo,

Forsitan & posset vincere mollis Otho:

Damnavit multo staturum sanguine Martem,

Et fodit certa pectora nuda manu.

Sit Cato, dum vivit, sane vel Caesare major,

Dum moritur, numquid major Othone fuit?

He slew himself with his own hands,Plutarch reporteth the like of Cato. but slept so soundly the night before, that the Grooms of his Chamber heard him snort.

Many of his Soldiers who were present about him,Plutarch. Suetonius. Aurel. Vict. when with plentiful tears they had kissed his hands and feet as he lay dead, and commended him withall for a most valiant man, and the only Emperor that ever was; presently in the place, and not far from the funeral fire killed themselves. Many of them also who were absent, hearing of the news of his end, for very grief of heart ran with their weapons one at another to death.

Most men who in his life time cursed and detested him,He lived not much more honestly than Nero, but dyed far more honourably. when he was dead highly praised him; so as it was a common and rife speech, that Galba was by him slain, not so much for that he affected to be Sovereign Ruler, as because he desired to recover the state of the Republick, and the freedom that was lost.

[Page]His saying was, Melius est unum pro multis, quam pro uno multos mori; an excellent and worthy speech of an Emperor, preferring the publick good before his own private. Sic imperium quod maximo scelere invaserat, maxima virtute deposuit, as Xiphilinus noteth out of Dion.

More suo Tranquillus annum inchoatum pro pleno numerat. Nam alii 37. solum vixisse aiunt. Casaub. Animadvers. in Sueton.He dyed but 37 years old saith Plutarch; 38 say Eutropius, and Suetonius; and was Emperor but three months, Plutarch; three months and five daies, Tertullian; four months, Aurelius Victor. He dyed in the 59. day of his Empire, saith Eutropius; 95. saith Suetonius.

Aulus Vitellius.

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HE was beyond measure tall; he had a red face,Familia honorata magis quam nobili. occasioned by swilling in wine,Eutropius. and a great fat paunch besides, & somewhat limped upon one leg, by a hurt formerly received.

He was stained with all manner of reprochable villanies; he was familiar with Caius for his love to Chariot-running, and with Claudius for his affection to Dice-play, but he was in greater favour with Nero for his wicked conditions likewise; for he attended and followed him as he did sing, not by compulsion, as many a good man, but selling his honour [Page] to nourish his Riot, and feed his belly, to which he enthralled himself.

He found some supplications that were exhibited unto Otho, by such as claimed reward for their good service in killing Galba, and gave command that they should be sought out and executed every one. A worthy and magnificent beginning, such as might give good hope of an excellent Prince, had he not managed all matters else according to his own natural disposition, and the course of his former life, rather than respecting the Majesty of an Emperor.

When he came into the field where a battel was fought, and some of his train loathed and abhorred the putrified corruption of the dead bodies, he stuck not to hearten and encourage them with this cursed speech, Optimè olere occisum hostem, & melius civem, That an enemy slain had a very good smell, but a Citizen far better.

[That was also a wicked speech of Charles the ninth of France, at the Parisian massacre, when beholding the dead carcasses, he said that the smell of a dead enemy was good.]

He banished from Rome and Italy all the judicial Astrologers called Mathematicians, because they had said, that his reign should not endure one year to an end.

Nulla re contemtiorem se fecit Vitellius, quam ignavia & luxuria. Boecleri Dissertatio Politica.

[Page]If he could have forborn his riotous living, or used any moderation therein,Prorsus si luxuriam temperaret, avaritiam non timeres. Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Homo profuridae gulae. covetousness was a crime in him not to be feared, but he was shamefully given to his belly without all order or measure; Epularum foeda & inexplebilis libido, saith Tacitus: for which purpose there were daily brought out of Rome and Italy, Sueton. Irritamenta Gulae, Ad vos deinde transeo, quorum profunda & insatiabilis gula, hinc maria scrutatur, hinc terras. all provocations of Gluttony. The high-waies from both the Seas sounded of nothing else but of Caterers, and Purveyors; the greatest men in the City were spent and consumed in providing of Cates for the banquets;Seneca Ep. 89. the Cities themselves were wasted.

The Soldiers grew worse, and degenerated from labour and vertue, partly by turning themselves to pleasures, and partly through the contemptibleness of the Commander.

He would eat four meals a day,5 Saith Eutropius. breakfast, Dinner, Supper, and Rere-banquet, or after Supper; being able to bear them all very well: he used to vomit It was an ordinary practise among them. ordinarily. His manner was to send word that he would break his fast with one friend, dine with another, and all in one day;Epulas quas toto orbe conquirunt, nec concoquere dignantur. and every one of those refections when it stood them least, cost them 3235 l. sterling. But the most notorious and memorable supper above all other,Note: Seneca. was that which his brother made for a welcome at his first coming to Rome;Suetonius calls it an Adventitious Supper. at which were served up at the Table before him two thousand [Page] several dishes of Fish, the most dainty and choicest that could be had,Eutropius. and seven thousand fowl.Sueton.

His meats were not touched in gross, but an eye only of this bird, or a tongue of that Fish were tasted, that the spoils of many might be taken at one meal. Phoenicopterus is a water fowl haunting lakes and fens, and the river Nilus, as Hesiod writeth. The feathers be of colour red, or purple, whereof it taketh the name, and the tongue is a most dainty and pleasant morsel.Yet himself surpassed this sumptuous feast at the dedication of the platter, which for its huge capacity he used to call the Target of Minerva. In this he blended together the Livers of Guilt-heads, the delicate brains of Pheasants and Peacocks, the tongues of Phoenicopters, the tender small guts of Sea-Lampires sent as far as from the Carpathian Sea, and the straights of Spain, by his Captains over Gallies.

For the making of this Charger there was a furnace built of purpose in the field. Mucianus (after the death of Vitellius) alluding to this monstrous platter,All gluttons to this day pass under his name. and ripping up his whole life, upbraided the memorial of him in these very terms, calling his excess that way, Patinarum paludes, Platters as broad as Pools or Ponds.

Nunquam ita ad curas intentus, ut voluptatis oblivisceretur. Tacitus l. 2. Hist. He was never so intentively addicted to serious affairs, that he would forget his pastimes.

[Page]In his Train all was disorderly and full of drunkenness,Apud Vitellium omnia indisposita, temulenta, pervigiliis ac Bacchanalibus, quam disciplinae & castris propiora. more like to Wakes and Feasts of Bacchus, than to a Camp where Discipline should be.

He was forward enough to put to death any man; he killed Noble men, and his School-fellows. He delivered Blaesus over to the Executioner to suffer death, but straightwaies called him back again;Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Iste mente crudelis, avarus (que) cum profusione. and when all that were by praised him for his Clemency, he commanded the said party to be killed before his face, saying withall, Velle se pascere oculos, Aurel. Vict. Audita est saevissima Vitellii vox, qui se pavisse oculos spectata inimici morte jactavit. that he would feed his eies with seeing his death. At the execution of another he caused two of his Sons to bear him company, because they presumed to entreat for their Fathers sake.

A Gentleman of Rome being haled away to take his death,Tacit. Hist. l. 3. he cryed aloud unto him, Sir, I have made you heir; then he compelled him to bring forth his writing-Tables concerning his last Will, and so soon as he read therein,Sueton. that a freed man of the Testators was nominated fellow-heir with him, he commanded both Master and man to be killed.

He was suspected also to have consented to his own Mothers death.

Impar curis gravioribus, saith Tacitus of him, he was unmeet to weild weighty affairs.

[Page]The Empire was conferred upon him by those that knew him not, and yet never man found so constant good will of his Soldiers by vertuous means, as he did with all his cowardly sloth.

Tanta torpedo invaserat animum, ut si Principem eum fuisse caeteri non meminissent, Tacit. l. 3. Hist. ipse oblivisceretur.

So great a sencelesness did possess his mind, that if other men had not remembred that he had been a Prince, (and therefore was not to look for security in a private estate) he himself would quickly have forgotten it.

Tacit. l. 2. Hist. A contumelia quàm à laude propius fuerit, post Vitellium eligi.

It was more a disgrace than a praise, to be chosen after Vitellius.

He used no other defences against the ruine which approched him, but only to keep out the memory and report of it with fortification of mirth and fottishness, that so he might be delivered from the pains of preserving himself. Praeterita, instantia, futura, pari oblivione dimiserat; mirum apud ipsum de bello silentium, prohibiti per civitatem sermones, &c. Tacit. Hist. lib. 3.Tacit. l. 3. Hist.

Ita formatae Principis aures, ut aspera quae utilia, nec quidquam nisi jucundum & laesurum acciperet.

The Princes ears were so framed, that he accounted all sharp that was wholsome, and liked of nothing but that [Page] which was presently pleasant, and afterwards hurtful.

Amicitias dum magnitudine munerum, Tacit. l. 3. Hist. non constantia morum continere putat, meruit magis quàm habuit.

He deserved rather than found faithful friends, because he sought them more by great gifts than vertuous behaviour.

Statim privatus Imperio, qui privatus semper fuit non Princeps.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

At the last he was slain in an ignominious manner, having many scornful indignities offered unto him both in deed and word;Suetonius. they drew his head backward by the bush of the hair (as condemned Malefactors are wont to be served) and a swords point was set under his chin,He was killed by Vespasians Soldiers upon the stairs Gemoniae, where he suffered Vespasians brother to be slain. to the end he might shew his face, and not hold it down while some pelted him with dung and dirty mire: others called him with open mouth, Incendiary or Firebrand, because he burnt the Capitol; and Patinarium or Platter-Knight, for his Gormandizing, and great Platter; and some of the common sort twitted him with the deformities of his body: being all mangled with many small strokes, he was killed in the end. Numerosis ictibus confossus interiit.

He was slain Aurel. Vict. in the 57. year of his age, when he had reigned eight months and five daies, say l. 5. of the wars of the Jews, c. 13. Iosephus, Tacitus. Suetonius. Eutropius. and Chron. Eusebius; eight months and ten daies, saith [Page] Lib. adversus Iudaeos Tertullian. Hist. 2.27. Ipse abundè ratus si praesentibus frueretur, nec in longum consultans, novies mille sestertium paucissimis mensibus intervertisse creditur. Tacitus reporteth, that in those few months wherein he reigned, he had wasted nine hundred millions of Sesterces, which amounteth to seven millions thirty one thousand two hundred and fifty pounds sterling; and Iosephus Octo menses ac dies quinque potitus Imperio, jugulatur in media Vrbe; quem si vivere diutius contigisset, ejus Luxuriae satis esse Imperium non potuisset. Joseph. de Bello Iudaico. thinketh if he had lived longer, the whole revenues of the Empire had not been sufficient to have maintained his Gluttony.

Flavius Vespasianus.

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GEntis Flaviae in rem Romanam merita tam prosperos habuere successus, ut duodecimum intra annum Vespasiani & Titi industria concussum undique & turbatum impe [...]ii cor in meliorem statum convaluerit. Boeclerus.

Tertius Divus, Secundus Augustus, primus pius.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

Princeps per omnia fortunae, Eutropius. & humani actus morisque argumenta, vel jactatus vel exercitus. Boecleri Dissertatio Politica. Princeps obscurè quidem natus, sed optimis comparandus, privata vita illustris.

[Page]He was of a middle stature, well set, his limbs compact and strongly made, vultu veluti nitentis, Suetonius. That saying of Martial agreeth with this. Nam faciem duram Phoebe cacantis habes. Vir multorum salium. Lodovic. Viv. he looked still as if he strained hard for a stool, whereupon a Buffon brake a pretty jest on him; for when Vespasian seemed to request him to say something of him as well as of others in the company, Dicam, inquit, cum ventrem exonerare desieris. I will let you alone, saith he, till you have done your business.

He was very pleasant and facetious himself; for being advertised by Florus to pronounce A word in Lat. that signifies Carts or Wains. Plaustra rather than Plostra, Convitiorum plaustra. he saluted him the next morning by the name of Flaurus.

When the apparition of a Comet or blazing starr was thought to portend his death, he replyed merrily, that the bushy star (Stella Crinita) noted not him but the Parthian King,Sueton. Aurel. Vict. Ipse enim comatus est, ego vero calvus; for, he weareth bushy locks, but I am bald. But he dyed a little while after,System. Phys. l. 6. and by his example (saith Keckerman) warned men to forbare jesting at Gods great work [...] and Prodigies.

A presignification of his advancement. Being elected Emperor, it is reported of him, that he cured one desperately blind by spitting upon his eyes Tacit Hist. l. 4.

Flava haec Caesaries Flavi, est tibi noxia Caesar,

Odit enim rufum Stella Comata caput.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

An Oxe having cast off his yoke, ran furiously into the room where he sate at Supper, where affrighting his attendants from him, he straight prostrates himself before his feet, as if he had been weary, offering his neck to his clemency. Suetonius. Suetonius.

[Page]When he came to the Empire, the Exchequer was so impoverished, that he protested in open Senate, that he wanted to settle the Common-wealth 40 Millions of Sestertiums; which protestations (saith Suetonius) seemed probable, Quia & malè partis optimè usus est.

He fought 30 Battels in Britain, took 20 Townes, and adjoyned the Isle of Wight to the obedience of the Roman Empire.

When a certain gallant youth smelling hot of sweet balms and perfumes, came unto him to give thanks for an office obtained at his hands, after a strange countenance shewing his dislike of him, he gave him also in words a most bitter check,Maluissem allium oboluisses. saying, I would rather thou hadst stunk of Garlick; and so revoked his Letters Patents for the grant.Suetonius.

He never carried in his mind, nor revenged displeasures done unto him. He married the daughter of Vitellius, his enemy, into a most noble house, gave unto her a rich Dowry withall, and furniture accordingly.

He was made Totus ex clementia (as the Historian tells us) yet for all that,Suetonius. Placidissimae bonitatis. Machinationes nefariorum assiduas expertus est, He found daily treacheries attempted against him.Eutropius.

Iustis etiam suppliciis illachrymavit & ingemuit. Sueton.

He was so compassionate a Prince, that [Page] he was wont to sigh and weep, even for them that were condignly punished.

Eutropius.An innocent person was not punished but when he was absent, and not aware thereof, or at leastwise unwilling thereto, and deceived.

But he was severe towards Iulius Sabinus, who in tims past said he was Caesar; and taking up arms, was at last conquered and brought to Rome. His wife spake to Vespasian in his behalf, pleading that he had two sons of her; and supplicating to him for mercy to her husband and her self, used these words, Ego, o Caesar, hos in monumento peperi aluique, ut plures tibi supplices essemus: By which speech, although she drew tears from him and those that were present, yet she could not procure her Husbands pardon. Dion.

The Soldiers elected him Emperor, and requested him to preserve the Empire being in great danger to be lost.Iosephus, l. 5. of the wars of the Jews, c. 10. Yet he (though he had been alwaies careful for the good of the Common-wealth) refused to be Emperor, deeming himself indeed to have deserved it, but rather chusing to live a private life, wherein was security, than in the height of fortune and honour with perpetual danger. The Captains were most earnest because he refused it, and the Soldiers flocked about him with drawn swords, threatning his death except he would consent to live as he deserved; yet he strove a long time to avert [Page] their determination, being loth to be Emperor; at last seeing he could not avoid it, he accepted their offer.

Solus ad Imperium evasit, non invasit,

Solus è vita discessit, non fugit.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

Dignitatem Imperio dedit cum accepit.

Id. ibid.

He comforted his Soldiers with these and such like speeches,Iosephus, l. 4. of the wars of the Jews, c. 2. I will expose my self to all dangers with you, and go first to fight, and come last from fight.Tacitus l. 2. Hist.

Ipse Vespasianus milites adire, hortari, bonos laude, segnes exemplo incitare saepius quam coercere; vitia magis amicorum quam virtutes dissimulans.

He would go in his own person, and encourage the Soldiers, inciting the good by praise, the slow by example rather than correction; he was more ready to conceal the Vices of his friends, than the vertues.

It was a worthy report which Pliny gave of him, if he flattered him not, to whom being Emperor he wrote thus; Nec quicquam in te mutavit fortunae amplitudo, nisi ut prodesse tantundem posses & velles. Greatnesse and Majesty have changed nothing in you but this, that your power to do good should be answerable to your will.

Solus omnium ante se Principum, in melius mutatus est. Tacit. l. 1. Hist.

The only Prince before his time which changed to the better; for after him, Titus his Son changed also the same way.

[Page] Prorsus si avaritia abesset, antiquis ducibus par. Tacitus.

A vigilant Warrior, and in all respects, set avarice aside, comparable to the Commanders of ancient time.

Sueton, Homo turpiter avidus. Sola est in quo merito culpetur pecuniae cupiditas.

Eras. Adag.The only thing for which he might worthily be blamed was covetousness.

He not only called for arrerages due in Galba's time, but raised new Tributes, and laid upon the Provinces more grievous impositions, doubling them in some places.

Suetonius. Negotiationes vel privato pudendas propalam exercuit.

He did negotiate and deal in certain Trades, which it was a shame for a private person to use: buying up and engrossing some Commodities at a cheap hand, that afterwards he might vend them at higher rates. Neither did he spare to sell Honours to such as sued for them, or absolutions to such as were accused, whether they proved guilty or not.Suetonius. He was thought of set purpose to have made choice of the most greedy proling Officers he could any where find out,Not unlike to this was that speech of Diogenes, Dixit Dionysium amicis uti pro vasculis, quae dum plena sunt evacuat, & abjicit vacua. and to have advanced them to the highest place, that being thereby grown rich, he might condemn their persons, and confiscate their goods. And it was commonly said, that he used these men as spunges, Quod quasi & siccos madefaceret, & exprimeret humentes; because he did wet them well when they [Page] were dry, and presse them hard when they were wet.

Some write that he was by nature most covetous, and an old neat-herd upbraided him once therewith; who being at his hands denied freedom without paying for it (which he humbly craved of him now invested in the Empire) cried out with aloud voyce, Vulpem pilum mutare non mores, Suetonius. Quicquid infixum & ingenitum est, leniri potest arte, non vinci. that the Fox might change his hair but not his qualities.

He laid an imposition upon urine, and being by his Son Titus put in mind of the baseness of it,Seneca. he took a piece of money received for the use, and putting it to his Sons nose, demanded of him whether he was offended with the smell or no,Sueton. Atqui (inquit è lotio est, and yet (quoth he) it cometh of urine: Vnde Juvenalis,

— Lucri bonus est odor è re Qualibet.

Sat. 14.

Adquod alludens etiam Ammian. Marcel. dixit,

Et lucrum ex omni odorantes occasione.

There are some of a contrary opinion,Infirmus, ut quidam pravè putant, adversus pecuniam cum satis constet aerarii inopia & clade urbium, ne que novas eum, neque postea habitas vectigalium pensiones exquisivisse, Aurel. Vict. that he was driven to spoyl, to pill and poll of necessity, even for extream want, both in the common Treasury, and also in his own Exchequer; whereof he gave some testimony in the beginning of his Empire, professing (as was said before) that there was need of forty millions to set the State upright again: which opinion (saith Suetonius) seems to sound more near unto the truth, because the money [Page] by him ill gotten he used and bestowed very well, for he was most liberal to all sorts of men.

Restitutionem Capitolii aggressus, ruderibus purgandis manus primus admovit, ac suo collo quaedam extulit. Suetonius.

In the third building of the Capitol, Vespasian carried the first basket of earth, after him the Nobility did the like, to make the people more forward in the service; and perhaps the custom of laying the first stone in a building,Sueton. hath from hence, if not beginning,Aurel. Vict. yet growth.

Oportet Episcopum concionantem mori. Jewel.It was his speech, Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori, An Emperor ought to dye standing. And likewise he said at his death, Vt puto Deus fio, id est, morior; nam post mortem Caesares referebantur in numerum deorum. Me thinks (quoth he) I am a deifying,Aurel. Vict. and growing to be a god.

Annum agens vitae absque uno septuagesimum interiit. Sueton.

He lived threescore and 9 years, 7 months, and 7 daies over.

He reigned 2 years, saith Eusebius.

Titus Vespasianus.

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FOR his natural goodness and noble disposition,Speed saith as much of Henry the 5th, whom he compareth to Titus. Edgar Etheling, Englands darling. he was called Amor & deliciae humani generis, The lovely darling, and delightful joy of mankind. Tantum illi ad promerendam omnium voluntatem, vel ingenii, vel artis, vel fortunae superfuit. Sueton.

So fully was he either endued with good nature and disposition, or enriched with skill and cunning, or else graced with fortunes favour.

Augustin De Civit. Dei. lib. 5. cap. 21. calls him Suavissimum Principem, a most sweet Prince.

He was learned in the Greek and Latine tongues, and in most excellent writing.

[Page]Yet God made him a terrible scourge to the Nation of the Jews, who forsook the Lord Jesus, and preferred Caesar; for as our Saviour prophesied concerning Ierusalem, that a stone should not be left upon a stone, Matth. 24.2. So it was fulfilled forty years after his Ascension, by Vespasian the Emperor, and his Son Titus, say Eusebius and Iosephus. And by that which followeth in the same Ch. 21. v. he meaneth the tribulation the Jews were to endure at the siege,Dr. Sclat. and surprisal of Ierusalem by Vespasian and Titus. In the time of which siege the Jews were oppressed with a grievous famine, in which their food was old shooes,Mr. Perkins. old leather, old hay, and the dung of beasts. There dyed partly of the sword,Vespasian brake into their City at Cedron, where they took Christ, on the same feast day that Christ was taken, he whipped them where they whipped Christ, he sold twenty Jews for a penny, as they sold Christ for thirty pence. B. Andr. Cat. and partly of the famine, eleven hundred thousand of the poorer sort; two thousand in one night were embowelled, six thousand were burned in a Porch of the Temple. The whole City was sacked and burnt, and laid level to the ground; and ninety seven thousand taken captives, and applyed to base and miserable service.

Suum scripsit nomen cum urbem delevit.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

So many of the Jews were crucifyed, that by relation of their own Iosephus de bello Iudaico lib. 6. c. 12.) there remained no more space to set crosses in, nor any more crosses to crucify bodies upon.

[Page]At the very first, even in his child-hood there shone forth in him gifts both of body and mind, and the same more and more still by degrees, as he grew in years.

He was therefore sickly, because his Nurse was so.

Ingenium quantaecunque fortunae capax, Tacitus l. 2. Hist. decor oris cum quadam Majestate.

A person capable of any dignity,Forma egregia, & cui non minus auctoritatis inesset quam gratiae. were it never so great; of a goodly presence and countenance, wherein was seated no less Majesty than favour and beauty.

His stature was not tall, and his belly bare out somewhat with the most.Sueton. He had a singular memory,Facundissimus, bellicosissimus, moderatissimus. Eutropius. and was very docible; he was most skilful in handling his weapon, and withall a passing good Horseman. He was facilis ad extemporalitatem usque. He was of a prompt and ready wit,Sueton. and would have spoken well ex tempore; He was also skilful in Musick; he could write with cyphers, and by artificial characters, both very fast and very fair, striving by way of sport and mirth with his own Clerks, whether he or they could write fastest:Sueton. He was able to express and imitate what hand soever he had seen, and would often say, that he could have been a notable forger and counterfeiter of writings.

Suo quàm Patris Imperio modestior.

Tacit. l. 2. Hist.

Whiles he was a private person, he behaved [Page] himself not altogether so well as when he was Emperor.

Exuit animum cum purpuram induit.

Lupus invasit regnum, evasit Pastor.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

His youthful affections were settled somewhat upon Berenice the Queen of Iewry;Berenice. Dion. & Joseph. notwithstanding in no such degree that it was any hinderance to his honourable actions.

Suetonius.The Feasts which he made were pleasant merriments rather than lavish and sumptuous.Convivia instituit jucunda magis quam profusa.

No gross vice could be found in him, but many excellent vertues.Suetonius.

Neminem à se dimisit tristem.

He never dismissed any Petitioner with a tear in his eye, or a heavy heart; and when his Domestical servants about his Person would seem to tell him that he promised more than he was able to perform;Sueton: his saying was, Non oportet quenquam à sermone Principis tristem discedere. Hadrianus Caesar said, it was troublesome to him if he saw any sad. No man ought to depart from the speech of a Prince, sad and discontented.

Calling to mind one time as he sate at Supper,Aurel. Vict. that he had done nothing for any man that day,Sueton. he uttered this memorable and praise-worthy Apophthegm,Eutropius. Amici, diem perdidi. Or rather it must be read (saith Casa [...]b) Amici, hodie diem perdidi. My Friends, I have lost a day.

If he had not bestowed some benefit upon one or other, he was wont to say (saith M [...]llerus) Hodie non imperavi quia nemini benefeci.

[Page]His Rule and Government was merciful, he received no accusation against those who were reported to have spoken evil of him, saying, Ego cum nihil faciam dignum propter quod contumelia afficiar, mendacia nihil curo. When I shall do nothing worthy of blame, I care not for lies.

He said,Periturum se potius quam perditurum adjurans. he would rather die himself than put others to death. He proceeded no further against two noblemen convicted for affecting and aspiring to the Empire,Sueton. than to admonish them to desist and give over, saying,Suetonius. Eutropius. Aurel. Vict. that Sovereign Power was the gift of Destiny and Divine providence; if they were Petitioners for any thing else, he promised to give it unto them.

He would not endure to kill, or sequester and confine his Brother Domitian (though he never ceased to lay wait for his life) but still made him partner with him in his Sovereign Government,Aurel. Vict. Suetonius. and often with tears exhorted him to mutual love.

There fell out in his daies some heavy accidents; a fire in the City of Rome, which lasted three daies and three nights;Tacitus. Sueton. Aurel. Vict. and a grievous Pestilence, wherein there dyed ten thousand a day; and Vesuvius a mountain in Campania flamed with great horrour; Pliny the natural Historian then Admiral of the Roman Navie, desirous to discover the reason, was suffocated with the smoak thereof, as his Nephew witnesseth [Page] in an Epistle of his to Cornelius Tacitus. Pliny. l. 6. Epist. 16. Am: Marcellinus observeth, that the ashes thereof transported in the Air, obscured all Europe; others say, that they darkned the Sun.

He was a valiant Soldier; going once to espy the enemy,Ioseph. l. 6. c. 2 of the Wars of the Jews. From his wonderful escape at the walls of Ierusalem, Iosephus collects, Imperatorum pericula Deum curare; That God takes care of Princes in their danger. Ibid. and not to fight, notwithstanding that an infinite number of darts and arrows were shot at him, and he had no Armour at all, yet received he not one wound, but all past him, as though upon purpose every one had strove to have mist him. And he with his sword made way, and cut many upon the face that opposed themselves against him, and so they falling down, he with his horse past over them. The Jews seeing Titus his valour, exhorted one another to set upon him, but whither soever he turned, the Jews fled and would not abide by it.

In the last assault of Jerusalem, he slew twelve enemies that defended the wall,Suetonius. Eutropius. with just so many arrows shot, and won the City with great joy, and favourable applause of all his Soldiers.

He being to see that executed which Christ foretold should happen to Jerusalem,Iosephus de Bell. Iud. l. 6. c. 14.7. & 10. stretched forth his hands, and called Heaven and Earth to witness in great bitterness, that he was not to blame that the Jews perished in such sort, but they themselves; and would not by any means that fire should be set on the Temple. Comparing the desolation of Jerusalem [Page] with the beauty and goodly buildings that were before it was destroyed,L. 7. of the wars of the Jews. c. 24. he lamented and pittied the overthrow thereof, saith Iosephus.

It is likely that he would have carried a milder hand upon the Jews his Prisoners, after his sacking the City of Jerusalem, than to east so many thousand of them to the Lions, and other beasts to be devoured,Illud adagium Festina lentè, arridebat du [...]bus Imperatoribus Romanis, omnium facilè laudatissimis, Augusto & Tito; quorum utrique singularis quaedam aderat animi magnitudo, cum incredibili quadam lenitate facilitateque conjuncta. Eras. in Adag. as he did on the birth-day of his Brother Domitian, but that the heavy curse of God which boiled against that Nation, did urge his gentle and calm nature to bring them to destruction.

He did stamp in his Coin a Dolphin and an Anchor, with this Impress, Sat cito si sat bene. A Dolphin out-strips the ship, that's soon enough; an Anchor stayeth the ship, that's well enough. A Dolphin and Anchor, Soon enough if well enough.

It was said of him, Abstinuit alieno, ut si quis unquam. If ever any man abstained from that which was not his own, he was the man.

Though he was the mirrour of men among the Heathen,Suetonius. yet he was loth to depart out of this world;Multum conquestus, eripi sibi vitam immerenti, neque enim extare ullum suum factum poenitendum, excepto duntaxat uno. for being carried in his Horse-litter, and knowing that he must die, he looked upwards towards Heaven, and complained very pitiously, that his life should be taken from him who had not deserved to die, for he knew not (he said) of any sin that ever he committed but only one.

[Page] Suetonius writes as if he had dyed of a natural death,Whether his over familiar acquaintance with his Brothers wife Domitia, as Sueton. or with the Queen Berenice, as Speed, is uncertain. Senatus tantas mortuo gratias egit, laudesque congessit, quantas ne vivo quidem unquam atque praesenti. but Aurel. Vict. saith, he was poysoned by his Brother Domitian, Titus à Domitiano leporis marini vi peremptus. Cael. Rhod. Lect. Antiq. l. 6. c. 30.

Morte praeventus est, majore hominum damno quam suo.

He was cut short and prevented by death, to the greater loss of Mankind than of himself, saith Suetonius.

The Senate gave him more thanks being dead, than ever they did living and present.

His death was much lamented, so that they call'd him generally, Delicias publicas; and wept for him as if the world had been deprived of a perpetual Protector.Suetonius. Tantus luctus eo mortuo publicus fuit, Aurel. Vict. ut omnes tanquam in propria doluerint orbitate. Eutropius. He lived 39 years five months, 25 daies, saith Carion.

He dyed in the 42. year of his age, saith Suetonius, 41 say Aurel. Victor. and Eutropius.

When he had reigned two years, two months and twenty daies, say Suetonius, Aurel. Vict. Carion; eight months, saith Eutropius.

Flavius Domitianus.

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HE was called Domitian from his Mother Domitilla, as Titus (his Brother) was called Vespasian from his Father.Titus cognomine paterno dictus Vespasianus, alter frater cognomine materno à Domitilla Domitianus est appellatus.

He was Associate to his Brother Titus in government during his life, and after his death was his Successor.Casaub.

Perceiving many of his Predecessors to be hated, asked one, how he might so rule as not to be hated? the Party answered, Tu fac contra, Do thou contrary to that they have done.

Yet he neither resembled his Father Vespasian nor his Brother Titus. Neroni, Eutropius: [Page] aut Caligulae, Licet patris fratrisque dissimilis memoriam nominis sui in expiabili detestatione perfudit, tamen receptissima inclaruit lege, qua minaciter interdixerat, ne intra terminos jurisdictionis Romanae Castraret quisquam puerum quod ni contigisset, quis eorum ferret examina, quorum paucitas difficilè toleratur? Am: Marcel: l. 15. qut Tiberio similior, quam Patri vel Fratri suo.

He was tall of stature, his countenance modest, and given much to redness; his eyes full and great, but his sight very dim. He was fair and of comely presence, especially in his youth; all his body was well shaped throughout, excepting his feet, the toes whereof were of the shortest; afterwards he became disfigured, and blemished with baldness, with a fat grand panch, and slender shanks.

In the beginning of his Empire his manner was to retire himself daily into a secret place for one hour, and there to do nothing else but cratch flyes, and with the sharp point of a bodkin prick them through; in so much as when one enquired whether any body were with Caesar within? Crispus made answer not impertinently, Ne Musca quidam, No, not so much as a Flye.Stylis ridicule remotis omnibus, muscarum agmina persequebatur.

Terribili armatus ferula volitantia Caesar

Agmina muscarum provocat, urget, agit.

Emanuelis Thesauri Caesares.

Aurel. Vict.

Hostibus musca, muscis Hostis ad fuit.

Hippocrates reckons up this for one sign of Melancholy, when men catch flyes;And because he commanded the Vines to be cut down, he addes,

Scilicet humano se post quam sanguine Caesar

Proluit, ista sitit pocula, vina fugit.

In the Administration of the Empire, he behaved himself for a good while variable as one made of an equal mixture and temper of Vice and Vertues,Muscas captare atrae bilis indicium. Sueton. until at [Page] length he turned his vertues also into vices.

He neglected all Liberal Studies in the beginning of his Empire, albeit he took order to repair the Libraries consumed with fire, sending as far as At Alexandria in Egypt was that famous Library of King Ptolomeus Philadelphus, & the other Ptolomies Progenitors, containing the number well near of 700000 Books, Aul. Gel. Noct. Attic. l. 7. c. 1. Alexandria for copies of Books.

His ordinary speech was not unelegant,Vellem tam formosus esse quàm Metius sibi videtur. sometimes he would deliver Apophthegms; as for example, he wished, That he had been as fair and well-favoured as Metius did think himself to be: another time he said,Conditionem Principum miserrimam aiebat, quibus de conjuratione comperta non crederetur, nisi occisis. That the condition of Princes was most miserable, who could not be credited touching a Conspiracy plainly detected, unless they were first slain.

This speech was used also by Adrian, Misera conditio Imperatorum, quibus, de affectata tyrandine, Sueton. nisi occisis non potest credi. Vulcat. Gallic. in Avidio Cassio.

He had no affection to bear Arms, or wield weapons,Sagittarum tam doctus fuit, ut inter patentes digitos extentae manus viri procul posite spicula ejus transvolarent. but delighted especially to shoot Arrows. He would drive his Arrows point blank, so just against the Palm of a mans right hand, standing a far off, and holding it forth stretched open for a mark, as they should all directly passe through the voyd spaces between the fingers, and do him no harm at all.Aurel. Vict. Suetonius.

[Page] Simile quid audivi à fide dignis & [...] fact umde duce Brundewizensi, qui suis pedissequis ac pueris honorariis imperavit, inter digitorum extensorum intervalla retinerent dalerum Imperialem, quem sumpto selopo minore, è patentibus digitis globulo innoxiè exemit. Paulus Voetius in Herodiani Marcum & Commodum. p. 178. & 179.During his abode at Alba, many have seen him shoot at an hundred wild beasts at a time, and purposely so to hit some of them in the head, that his shafts appeared there like a pair of horns.

It was rumoured abroad, that in his Infancy Dragons were found about him in manner of a Guard, which is but a Fable; for he himself,Tacitus. l. 11. Annal. who never derogated from himself, was wont to report but of one Serpent which was seen in his Chamber.

When he was mounted once to the Imperial state, he made his boast in the very Senate,Suetonius. that it was he who had given unto his Father and Brother both the Empire, and they had but delivered it up to him again.

Martial writeth thus to him in his Epigrams.

Magna licet toties tribuas, majora daturus

Dona, Ducum victor, victor & ipse tui:

Diligeris populo non propter premia, Caesar;

Propter te populus, praemia, Caesar, amat.

He was precise and industrious in ministring Justice, he reserved many times definitive sentences given for favour, and obtained by flattery; he did so chastise those that were faulty in that kind, that the Officers were never more temperate, or just in their places.

[Page]He repressed false informations, and sharply punished such informers, using this saying, Princeps qui delatores non castigat, irritat. The Prince that chastened not Promoters, setteth them on to promote.

At the first he so abhorred all Bloodshed and slaughter, that he purposed to publish an Edict, forbidding to kill and sacrifice any Oxe; and he scarce gave the least suspicion of Covetousness. But he continued not long in this strain, but fell after both to Cruelty and Avarice.

He was not only cruel, but very subtil and crafty in cloking of his cruelty.

Nunquam tristiorem sententiam sine praefatione clementiae pronuntiabit, Suetonius. ut non aliud jam certius atrocis exitus signum esset, quam Principis lenitas. He never pronounced any heavy bloody Sentence without some preamble and preface of clemency, so that there was not now a surer signe of some horrible end and conclusion, than a mild beginning and gentle Exordium.

It is reported of him, that, Eum se impensissimè diligere simulabat, quem maximè interemptum vellet. He would seem to love them most, whom he willed least should live.

It was sufficient, if any deed or word whatsoever was objected against any one, to make it high Treason against the Prince. Inheritances (though they belonged to the greatest strangers) were held confiscate, and adjudged to the Emperors [Page] Coffers, in case but one would come forth & depose, that he heard the party deceased say whiles he lived,Sue [...]onius. that Caesar was his heir.

Primus Domitianus Dominum se & Deum appellari jussit.He was the first Emperor who commanded himself to be called Lord, and God. He sent out his writs in this form, Dominus & Deus noster fic fieri jubet, Our Lord and God thus commandeth.Eusebius in Chronicis. Whereupon afterward this order was taken up, that neither in the writing or speech of any man,Sueton. he should be otherwise called.Eutropius.

Aurel. Vict. Edictum Domini Deique nostri. Martial.

Virgil called Augustus God, Deus nobis haec etia fecit.A true fore-runner of his successor the Pope, who in the Extravagants (and well it deserves to be put there) is styled Dominus Deus noster Papa, and his Decrees are styled Oracles.Vnde institutum posthac, ut ne scripto quidem nec sermone eujusquam appellaretur aliter. Suetonius. An Oracle signifieth the answer of God. Rom. 3.2.

Dominus meus Vnus est, Deus, omnipotens & aeternus. Qui pater patriae est, quomodo Dominus est? Sed & gratius nomen est pictatis quam potestatis; etiam familiae magis patres, quam Domini vocantur: tanto abest, ut Imperator Deus debeat dici, quod non potest credi non modo turpissima sed & perniciosa adulatione Tertul. Apol. 35.Euseb. Eccle. Hist. l. 3. c. 15.

Portio Neronis de crudelitate; for his cruelty a piece of Nero. Tertul. He was reproachfully called by the people bald Nero, because he was like him in cruelty but bald. Et calvo serviret Roma Neroni. Juvenal.The second persecution was under him in the twelth year of his reign; he most cruelly persecuted the Christians, because [Page] they would not give the Title of Lord to any but Christ,Nec omitti debet in maximis ejus facinoribus, Christianorum vexatio afflictioque. nor worship any but God. In this second great persecution, the beloved Disciple of Christ, the Evangelist Iohn (when he taught the Church of Ephesus) was banished to the Isle of Patmos for the Word of God;Boeclerus. where he wrote the Revelation.

Cletus, Nicomedes, Pontia, Theodora, Domicilla were then famous Martyrs.

There were many learned Scholars in his time; Iuvenal, Martial, Valerius Flaccus, Silius Italicus, Poets: Epictetus the Philosopher, and Apollonius Tyanaeus a famous Magician: Cornelius Tacitus the Historian, Iulius Solinus, Quintilian, Iosephus the Writer of Jewish Antiquities.

Boeclerus in his Political Dissertation saith, He was an enemy to learning, punishing Historians for their most true praises of great men. He thought that wise men above others observed and disliked the hainous offences of Tyrants, and would record them.

He was proud like Nero, and persecuted innocent Christians as he did.

Tertullian called him Neronis portionem, In vita Agricolae. Praecipua sub Domitiano miseriarum pars erat, videre & aspici. Eusebius, haeredem; the one a part, the other, the Heir of Nero:Nero tantum subtraxit oculos, jussitque scelera, non spectavit. and Tacitus puts only this difference between them, that Nero indeed commanded cruel murders, but Domitian not only commanded them, [Page] but beheld them himself; and so he was Bis Parricida (as Valerius L. 9. c. 11. Maximus saith of another) Concilio prius, iterum spectaculo.

He caused the line of David to be diligently sought out, and extinguished, for fear lest he were yet to come out of the House of David which should enjoy the Kingdom.

He was so fearful, that he walked almost continually in his Gallery,Valde solicitus, quod sciret ultimum vitae diem, saith Suetonius. He was much tortured in mind, because he fore-knew his end. Sueton. which he caused to be set with the stone Phengites, that by the brightness thereof as in a glass, (Plin. l. 36. c. 22.) he might see what was done behind him.

That is admirable which Writers have related concerning Apollonius Tyanaeus, a Pythagorick Philosopher, and famous Magician, who suddenly, as amazed, cried out at Ephesus when Domitian was slain, O Stephen, strike the Tyrant: and a little after he said, It is well, thou hast struck him, thou hast wounded him, thou hast killed him.

Nactus est tandem Domitianus exitum suis facinoribus dignum. Boeclerus. He saith also, Qui hanc Historiam cum exitu Commodi Imperatoris comparaverit, non ovum ovo similius reperiet, quam utriusque tyranni casum.

As his life was like unto the life of Nero, so was he not unlike him in his death; for his own Wife Domitia and friends conspired against him,Suetonius. Aurel. Vict. Carion. and slew him: his Body was carried to the grave by Porters, and buried without honour; the Senate of [Page] Rome also decreed, that his name should be rased, that all his Acts should be rescinded, and his memorial abolished quite for ever.

He perished in the 54th year of his life,Aurel. Vict. & Eutropius. Carion. Chron. about the 15th of his reign.

With whom both Tacitus and Suetonius end their History.

AN ADVERTISEMENT TO THE READER.

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READER, I know Books have their doom according to thy capacity, and that such are usually most free in censuring other mens works, which are least able to publish any of their own. But as the Poet saith, Carpere vel noli nostra, vel ede tua: Many Carps are expected when curious eies go a fishing, and Books are pressed to the war as well as men; Ad praelum tanquam ad proelium. I neither deserve that favour from thee nor desire it, that thou shouldest respect my toies, as Pliny said to Vespasian, Tu soles nostras esse aliquid putare nugas: and yet if thou be such a one, that Augustus-like thou art ready to tax all the world, I know no reason why I should regard thy censure; the French [Page] Proverb saith, De fol juge brieve sentence, & Nihil facilius quam reprehendere alium. However, I shall say now with Julius Caesar, Jacta est alea, I have put it to the hazard; thy applause shall not much tickle me, nor thy rash sentence discourage me. I have taken notice of a witty allusion used by divers of these Emperors, and others concerning them, which I thought fit to commend to thy observation, viz. a descanting as it were upon the double signification of the word, as first, that of Julius Caesars Soldiers.

Gallias Caesar subegit, Nicomedes Caesarem:

Ecce Caesar nunc triumphat, qui subegit Gallias;

Nicomedes non triumphat, qui subegit Caesarem.

Caesar did subdue the Gauls, and him hath Nicomede:

Behold now Caesar doth triumph, who did the Gauls subdue;

But Nicomede triumpheth not, who Caesar hath subdu'd.

Subegit carrieth a double sence, the one signifieth the conquering of a Nation, and so it is taken in the former place, as it is applyed to Gaul; the other, the wanton abuse of the body, in which acceptation it is to be understood in reference to Caesar abused by Nicomedes.

So in the History of Augustus, Suetonius saith, Quasi alii se puerum, alii ornandum tollendumque jactassent; ne aut sibi aut veteranis par gratia referretur. The grace lieth in the ambiguity of the Latine word tollendum, [Page] which in one signification, is in a manner equivalent with laudandum & ornandum, and betokeneth to be advanced, extolled, or lifted up, and so it is to be taken in good part; but in another, it is all one with tollendum de medio or occidendum, that is, to be dispatched out of life or killed, in which sence Augustus took it; much like to that you shall read of Nero in Martial,

Quis neget Aeneae magni de stirpe Neronem?

Sustulit hic matrem, sustulit ille patrem.

The like appeareth in some of Augustus his witty speeches, as that to Galba; Ego te monere possum, corrigere non possum. Jocatus est ambiguo verbo, corrigitur quod reprehenditur, corrigitur quod ex distorto sit rectum. Eras. Apophtheg. Hoc vere est monumentum Patris colere; Colimus ea quae veneramur, & colitur ager aut aliud fimile. Gemina fuisset amphibologia, si pro monumento dixiffet memoriam, quod ab illo dictum arbitror; siquidem eorum memoria nobis sacrosancta dicitur, quos vita defunctos veneramur, & memorias ad Graecorum imitationem vocamus defunctorum monumenta. Erasm. in Apophth.

Nero said jestingly of Claudius, That he left morari inter homines; in which Verb morari there is couched a double sense, which gives the grace unto this pleasant scoff; for being a [Page] meer Latine word, and having the first syllable by nature short, it signifieth to stay, or to make long abode, and taking it thus, Nero might be thought to imply thus much; that Claudius was now departed out of the company of mortal men: but take the same word as Nero spake it, derived of [...] in Greek, which signifieth a Fool, and hath the first syllable long, it importeth, that Claudius played the fool no longer here in the world among men. In the time of the two first Caesars, which had the Art of Government in greatest perfection, there lived the best Poet, Virgilius Maro; the best Historiographer, Titus Livius; the best Antiquary, Marcus Varro; and the best or second Orator, Marcus Cicero, that to the memory of man are known. The time that the Roman Monarchy seemed to be at his [...] was (saith Carion) from Julius Caesar to the end of Antoninus the Philosopher his reign,

Afterward, many filthy Monsters reigned, and many seditions and civil wars followed; therefore I have not only enlarged the former Treatise, by inserting here and there some other special observations, but have made an addition also of six more Emperors since, (as Sir Francis Bacon also saith in his advancement of Learning) the six next Princes were all learned, or singular favourers and advancers [Page] of Learning: which age (as he also saith) for temporal respects, was the most happy and flourishing that ever the Roman Empire (which then was a Model of the world) enjoyed: a matter revealed and prefigured unto Domitian in a dream, the night before he was slain; for he thought there was grown behind upon his shoulders a neck and a head of Gold, which came accordingly to pass, in those golden times which succeeded. Fulk in his Book of Meteors observeth, not long before the contention of Galba, Otho and Vitellius, for the Empire of Rome, there appeared three Suns, as it were pointing out the strife which followed soon after between them three for the Imperial Diadem; of threescore and thirteen Roman Emperors (that perished within the narrow compass of one hundred years) only three died a natural death in their Beds, the rest were cut off by their lusts.

It was a heavy time then with Christians, when they groned under the Persecuting Emperors three hundred years together, yet in that time they had many Lucida intervalla, many breathing spaces under Princes not altogether so bloody: there were two principal Persecutors of the Church, Dioclesian, and Julian, but the last was the most pestilent. Jerome justly styled him Canem rabidum; and it is remarkable [Page] what is observed of him, that going forth to the Persian War, he asked in scoffing manner, What the Carpenters Son (meaning Christ) was doing? To whom it was answered by a good Christian, Loculum fabricatur, He is making a Coffin for Julian; which Prophetical speech was indeed verified by the event; for Julian was strangely wounded and slain in that War, and as in his life time he had blasphemed Christ, so he died blaspheming Christ, and casting up his blood towards Heaven, he cried, Vicisti o Galilaee, Thou hast overcome O Galilean.

This may suffice to have spoken of some of the chief Persecutors in general, since I purpose not to enlarge this Treatise any more, because there is little said of many of the Roman Emperors, and the *Mexia translated by Grimston. History of them altogether is already written in our Mother tongue: but I intended only at the first, Analecta, some choice and pithy observations of them, if these therefore may benefit thee, summam votorum attigi, I have attained the end of my desires, and so I rest

Thy Wel-wisher, EDWARD LEIGH.

A FURTHER ADVERTISEMENT.

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REader, I had held my former resolution of not enlarging this Treatise, but that the Book-seller intending a re-impression of the whole, with Cuts and Pictures of the Emperors, sent me my part with paper between the leaves, and therein intimated a desire, that I should insert some memorable things by way of Addition. I have to gratifie him, and I hope therein the publick, both corrected and augmented my Observations; having (by my interest in a learned Gentleman) procured the use of Boeclerus his Political Dissertations, upon the twelve first Caesars; from that, and some other learned men, I have collected such things as I hope may be useful and beneficial to others,

Thine E. L.

Coccejus Nerva.

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DOmitian thus made away,He was 76 years old when he was Emperor. Carion. Coccejus Nerva a prudent, honourable, and aged person was elected Emperor by the Senate;He was the first of all the Emperors not born in Rome, as after him there were few born in it. his birth was noble, and of Italy, in the City Narnia, and of the Province Vmbria, ruling so well, as he may be esteemed too good a Prince long to continue in so bad an age; who reformed many enormities, and remitted many grievous tributes and exactions; also he recalled from banishment the Christians severely dispersed, and [Page] suffered them to enjoy the freedom of their profession,Suidas. Nicephorus. at which time Iohn the Evangelist returned from Patmos (wherein he had been confined) unto Ephesus, a City in Asia the less, where after his return he lived four years. The excellent temper of his Government is by a glance in Cornelius Tacitus touched to the life, Postquam divus Nerva res olim insociabiles miscuisset, imperium & libertatem. In vita Agricolae. Dion writeth of him, that he was so good a Prince, that he once uttered this speech, Nihil se fecisse quo minus possit deposito imperio privatus tuto vivere, He remembreth not to have done any thing why he should not live securely, and without fear of any body, although he gave over the Empire. His symbole was, Mens bona regnum possidet. He discharged the City of the new impositions which Vespasian and Domitian had laid upon them, and commanded that goods unjustly taken should be restored to the owners.

He was very eloquent, and a good Poet, as Martial testifies of him, ‘Quanta quies placidi, tanta est facundia Nervae.’

See Martial's Epigram of him, lib. 11. epig. 6.

Herodes Atticus found a great treasure in his house, but fearing calumnies, he wrote to Nerva, and discovered it. He wrote back again; Vtere, use it. But he being not so secure, wrote again; At enim thesaurus privati hominis conditionem[Page]superat, But the treasure exceeds the condition of a private man: Nerva again nobly replied, Ergo abutere. Lips. in Plin. Paneg.

On a reverse of Nerva is found a team of horses let loose, with this inscription, Vehiculatione per Italiam remissa; whereby we learn (which no Historian remembers) that the Roman Emperors commanded all the carriages of the Country; that Nerva remitted that burden; and that the grievance was so heavy, that coins were stamped in remembrance of this Emperors goodness that eased them of it. See the coins in L. Hulsius, and Speed's Chronicle.

Sextus Aurel. Victor writeth thus; Quid Nerva prudentius aut moderatius? quid Trajano divinius? Quid praestantius Hadriano?

Having reigned only one year, four months and nine daies, he dyed of a passionate anger conceived against a Senator, in the year of Christ his Incarnation ninety nine,Dion Cassius. the twenty seventh day of January, and seventy sixth of his own age.

Vlpius Trajanus.

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UNto Nerva succeeded Vlpius Trajanus into the Roman Empire,Speed Chron. Trajanus Tudernino Hispaniae oppido oriundus est, in quo nihil praeter unum Trajanum est quod commendemus. Opes nec exiguae, supra privatum modum evectae. Corpore valido, & forma quae digna imperio videbatur, erat. in the 42. year of his age, who was born near unto Sevil in the Territories of Spain, of a Noble Family, but was much more ennobled in himself for his Princely endowments; which moved Nerva in his life time to adopt him into so high a calling, and the whole Senate after his death joyfully to confirm his Election, and so often to honour him with the title of the most excellent Prince in publick Dedications. He raised the Roman Empire unto the very highest pitch of glory,Boxhorn. orat. de vita & moribus Trajani. and spread the power of their command [Page] into the largest circuit that ever before or since hath been possessed.

Dr. Heylin in his Cosmography in Tartaria, saith Cremam or Crim, the ancient feat of the Chams, or Princes of the Tartars, was held impregnable. But Florus saith, it was taken by some of the Roman Emperors, and so most likely to be Trajan; the first that ever extended the Roman Empire beyond Danubius and the Euxine.

Caput non diadema sed galea ornabat; & qua manu sceptrum domi, eadem gladium bello tenebat.He subdued Dacia, made subject Armenia, Parthia and Mesopotomia, conquered Assyria, Persia, and Babylon; passed Tigris, and stretched the confines of the Roman Empire unto the remotest Dominions of the Indies, which never before that time had heard of the Roman name.Boxhorn. For his person,Praesens aderat non spectator tantum, sed & inter primos bellatorum; ut virtuti consiliis (que) ejus omnia deberentur. he was not very learned, yet he was a great admirer of, and Benefactor to Learning; a Founder of famous Libraries, a perpetual advancer of Learned men to Office, Eruditissimos, quamvis ipse parcae esset scientiae, moderateque eloquens, diligebat. Aurel. Vict. and a familiar Converser with learned Professors. Quem honorem dicendi Magistris? quam dignationem sapientiae doctoribus babes? ut sub te spiritum, & sanguinem, & patriam receperint studia, quae priorum temporum immanitas exiliis puniebat. Plin. Secund. Paneg.

Of stature he was big, of complexion swarthy, thin of hair both head and beard, he had a hooked nose, broad shoulders, long hands and a pleasant eye.Plutarch was his Master.

[Page]He stirred up the third persecution, wherein Ignatius, and Simon the Son of Cleophas, and many other worthy saints of God received the Crown of Martyrdom, in such cruel manner, as that his other vertues are much clouded by that Taxation; for mollification whereof,Eusebius. Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 30. he was entreated by Plinius Secundus, whose Epistles to that purpose are yet extant, viz. the 97. of his tenth Book, where he hath this passage to Trajan concerning them; Affirmabant hanc fuisse summam vel culpae suae, vel erroris, quod essent soliti stato die ante lucem convenire, carmenque Christo quasi Deo dicere secum invicem; seque Sacramento non in Scelus aliquid obstringere, sed ne furta, ne latrocinia, ne adulteria committerent, ne fidem fallerent, ne depositum appellati abnegarent, &c. to which Letter Trajan thus replyeth, Conquirendi non sunt; si deferantur & arguantur, puniendi sunt.

Whereupon Tertullian in his Apology hath this passage, O Sententiam necessitate confusam! negat inquirendos ut innocentes, & mandat puniendos ut nocentes. Parcit & saevit; dissimulat & animadvertit. Quid teipsum censura circumvenis? Si damnas cur non & inquiris? si non inquiris, Nemo supplici vultu, sed laeti & alacres non tam principem quam patrem agnoscebant. Boxhorn. Orat. cur non & absolvis?

He was affable and familiar even with his inferiors; of such carriage toward his subjects, as he himself would wish (he said) his Prince to use towards him, if he [Page] had been a subject. Aequus, clemens, patientissimus, atque in amicos perfidelis, saith Aurelius Victor of him.Accipe gladium quem pro me, si recte impero, sin minus, contra me distringe. He was a great observer of Justice, insomuch that when he invested any Pretor, he commanded him to use the same even against his own person, if he violated Law or equity.

He erected many famous buildings, and upon whatsoever he builded or repaired, would set up a glorious superscription in honour of himself; whence Constantine the Great called him Herbam Parietariam, the Wall-flower, because his name was upon so many walls. Alexander Severus is rather to be commended, who caused that precept of the Gospel to be engraved on the frontispiece of his Palace, Quod tibi fieri non vis, alteri ne feceris.

Dion reporteth this Apophthegm of him, Nullum se unquam virum bonum male habiturum, nedum occisurum. Dies ille triplici gaudio laetus (saith Pliny in a Panegyrick to him) qui principem abstulit pessimum, dedit optimum, meliorem optimo genuit.

In solo Plinio Trajanum habemus, in Trajano imaginem omnium magnarum virtutum. Qui ea libertate omnia scripsit, qua Trajanus fecit; adeo ut incomparabili principe opus dignissimum sit & ipsum incomparabile. Boxhorn. Orat.

Rara temporum foelicitas, ubi sentire quae velis, L. 1. Hist. & quae sentias dicere licet, saith Tacitus of his reign: a man so exceedingly [Page] wel-beloved of the Senate, & of the people of Rome, that after his daies, whensoever a new Emperor was elected, they wished unto him the good success of Augustus, and the uprightness of Trajan.

He died by a flux the seventh day of August, after he had reigned 19 years,Carion Chron. six months and 15 daies, and of his age 64.

Aelius Adrianus.

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It was his word, Non mihi sed populo, signifying that which he was often heard to say; Ita se rempublicam gesturum, ut sciret rem populi esse, non suam, AFTER the death of Trajan, his Nephew Aelius Adrianus by the consent of the Army, who swore to him obedience, was proclaimed Emperor; the Senate▪ likewise confirmed their choice, as being a man endued with gifts both of Art and Nature, answerable to the fortunes of his estate. His birth was of Spain, in the City Italica, near unto Sevil where Trajan was born; his Father Noble,Hic Graecis literis impensius eruditus, à pleris (que) Graeculus appellatus est. Aurel. Vict. and his Mother in Cales descended of an honourable stock. Bochartus De Phaenicum coloniis l. 1. c. 25. saith, that Adrian being a private man learned in [Page] Castalia, that he should be Emperor, by a prophesie written in a Laurel leaf which he cast into that fountain. Res est sine exemplo (saith Bochart) quaeque illum ita percussit, ut postquam ad imperium evectus est, fontem obstruxerit ingenti mole saxorum, ne quis ad capessendam Rempublicam eadem ratione impelleretur. He was a great Mathematician, skilful in Arithmetick, Geometry, and judicial Astrology, learned in the Greek and Latine Tongues, well seen in Physick, and knew the vertues of Herbs, Roots, Stones; a singular Musitian both for Theory and Practise, and could both limn and carve with approbation of the skilful;He said rightly, Testibus, non testimoniis credendum. but above all is the admirable report of his m [...]mory, who never (they say) forgot any thing that he had either read or heard.

If he discovered any man to have the like skill with him in all sciences (in the which he very much excelled) by whom there might be danger lest he were overcome, through envy and too greedy a desire of singularity, he caused him to be killed. Among the which was Apollodorus the Architect, a man beyond comparison excellent in that Art; for that the Emperor having sent unto him the plat-form of a great work which he had contrived, he by his efficacious reasons had proved, that in some place it was to be corrected. Cuffe of Affectation. He quotes Dion and Bapt. Fulg. l. 8.

[Page] Curiositatum omnium explorator. Tertul. Apol. He was the most curious man that lived, & the most universal enquirer, in so much as it was noted for an error in his mind, that he desired to comprehend all,Sir Francis Bacon Advanc. of Learn. and not reserve himself for the worthiest things; but it pleased God to use the curiosity of this Emperor as an inducement to the peace of the Church in those dayes: for having Christ in veneration, not as a God or Saviour, but as a wonder or novelty; and having his picture in his Gallery matched with Apollonius (with whom in his vain imgination he thought he had some conformity) yet it served the turn to allay the bitter hatred of those times against the Christian name, so as the Church had peace during his time.

He was a great favourer of learned men. In Adriani Principis aulam non viri tantum militares, sed innumerabiles Philosophorum greges, tanquam in Lycaeum aut veterem Academiam magnis de rebus disputaturi confluebant. Alphonsus Garcias Matamorus in narat. Apologet. de Acad. & viris literatis. t. 2. Piccartus Observat. Historico-polit. Dec. 17. c. 5. instanceth in K. Alphonsus and others, who delighted in the society of learned men.

He was minded (as Lampridius writeth) to have built a Temple to the service of Christ, had not some disswaded him therefrom.

He was of Personage tall and very strong, of a good complexion, and amiable [Page] countenance, wearing the hair of his head and beard long.

To shew that he counted hatred retained a base and unprincely disposition, as soon as he came to the Empire, he laid aside all his former enmities; Insomuch as that meeting with one who had been his capital enemy, he said unto him, Evasisti, Thou art now escaped from my displeasure. Spartianus in Adriano. videsis Casaubonum.

Valesius in his Annotat. in Cap. 18. Orat. Constantini Imp. ad sanctorum Caetum. saith the verses of the Sybils were feigned by idle men, and published for the Sybils about the time of this Emperor Adrian. Certe (saith he) nemo antiquior Iustino eorum mentionem fecit. Nam si Sibylla (saith he still) tam clarè de Christo praedixerat, cur Paulus in suis epistolis, & cum ad Athenienses verba faceret, ejus testimonio non est usus, maximè cum Aratum alios Gentilium poetas citare non dedignetur? Vide plura, ibid. Quid Pseudo sibyllina oracula, quae Christiani gentibus objiciebant, quum tamen è Christianorum officina prodiissent, in Gentium autem bibliothecis non reperirentur? Scal. in Opusc.

When a woman called to him passing by, saying, Audi me Caesar, Hear me Caesar, and he answered, Non est otium, I have no leasure, she cryed out, Noli ergo imperare, then cease to Some say this was spoken to Philip of Macedon. reign; at that speech he being moved, staid and heard theDion laudat Adrianum, qui in causis cognoscendis fuerit & facillimus & diligentissimus, adeo ut uni causae cognoscendae & dijudicandae saepe dies undecim aut duodecim tribu eret, nonnunquam etiam noctes simul insumeret. woman. It was accounted discretion in him, that would not dispute his best with Adrian, [Page] sing himself, That it was reason to yeeld to him that commanded thirty legions.

Though he was famous for his industry, wit, memory, and fortunate successe, and could in his fatal sickness command others to be slain, yet death denyed subjection to him. His servant which undertook it fled, his adopted Son pretended piety, his own hand was prevented by attendants, his solicited Physician slew himself that he might not slay the Emperor, who yet complained at his death, Many Physicians have slain the Emperor. Turba medicorum Caesarem perdidit. He sported at death with these Verses:

Animula, vagula, blandula,

Hospes, comesque Corporis,

Quae nunc abibis in loca?

Pallidula, rigida, nudula,

Nec ut soles, dabis jocos.

My fleeting fond poor darling,

Bodies Guest and equal,

Where now must be thy lodging?

Pale, and stark, and stript of all,

And put from wonted sporting.

When he had reigned in great honour and love the space of one and twenty years, five months and fifteen daies, and lived fifty two years, he dyed the eighth or tenth day of Iuly of a Dropsie, which malady so tormented him, that willingly he refused all sustenance, and languished away through faintnesse.

Antoninus Pius.

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UNto Adrianus succeeded Antoninus Pius, Hunc ferè nullae vitiorum labes maculavit. Aurelius Victor. Vixit ingenti honestate privatus, majori in imperio; Pius propter clementiam dictus est. Eutropius. who was for his many vertues, or rather piety toward the Gods, Sur-named Pius; for piety (to speak properly) is the true worship of God, as Austin shews in his 10. book de Civit. Dei c. 1. But he was not truly pious, because he knew not the true God.

He was compared for his peace and policy unto Numa Pompilius, the second King of Rome. His birth was in Lombardy, the Son of Aurelius Fulvius. He was a Prince excellently learned, and had the [Page] patient and subtile wit of a School-man, insomuch as in common speech (which leaves no vertue untaxed) he was called Cymini-Sector, a carver or divider of Cumin Seed, which is one of the least seeds; such a patience he had, and settled spirit to enter into the least and most exact differences of causes: he likewise approached a degree nearer unto Christianity, and became as Agrippa said to Paul, half a Christian; holding their religion and law in good opinion, and not only staying persecution, but giving way to the advancement of Christians. In his time Iustin Martyr wrote notable books of Apologie for the Christians,His Symbole was, Melius servare unum quaem occidere mille. which were preserved and read in the Senate of Rome, and mollified the Emperors mind towards them. He was favourable to all sorts of men, having that Apophthegm of Scipio Africanus rife in his mouth,Scipio Africanus was wont to say, Malle se unum civem servare quam mille hostes occidere. that ‘He had rather save one subjects life than kill a thousand enemies.’

He was of stature tall, of a seemly presence, in countenance majestical, in manners mild, of a singular wit, very learned and eloquent,Solus omnium principum sine civili sanguine fuit. a great lover of Husbandry, peaceable, merciful and bounteous; he neither in his youth did any thing rashly, nor in his age any thing negligently.Carion. In time of a great famine which was in Rome, he provided for their wants, and maintained the people with bread and wine, the most of the time the famine [Page] lasted; making victuals to be brought from all parts, and paying for the same at his own cost.

Having reigned twenty and two years,23 Saith Carion. seven months and twenty six daies, he dyed of a Fever at Porium the seventh of March, 70 Carion. the year of his life 75. and of Christ 162.

His death was generally lamented, and the Romans did him great honour, and made sacrifices to him, Canonizing him for a God, and building a Temple also to him.

Lucius Aelius Verus.

M. Aurelius Antoninus, Philosophus.

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This was the first time wherein the Roman Empire was governed by two Augusti; Domitian was Titus his Associate, yet was he not called or accounted Augustus until the death of his Brother Titus: but now two Emperors reigned at one and the self-same time. THere succeeded Antoninus the Divi fratres, the two adoptive Brethren, Lucius Aelius Verus, Son to Aelius Verus, (who delighted much in the softer kind of learning, and was wont to call the Poet Martial his Virgil) and Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, whereof the latter who obscured his Collegue, and survived him long, was named the Philosopher, who as he excelled all the rest in learning, so he excelled them likewise in perfection of all [Page] royal vertues. Betwixt their natures and conditions was as much odds as between day and night; the one very moderate, loving and industrious; the other proud, careless, and cruel; the fruits whereof the poor Christians felt, whose chiefest Pillars, Polycarpus Bishop of Smyrna, and Iustin Martyr an excellent Philosopher, with more were put to most cruel deaths.

Yet Heraldus on Tertullian, saith, they published no Laws nor Edicts against the Christians, but the Governors and Magistrates of many Provinces were cruel towards them, without any new command or Edict.

After his death the whole Government returned to Antoninus Philosophus only,Vir quem mirari facilius quis quam laudare possit; à principio vitae tranquillissimus, adeo ut in infantia quoque vultum nec ex gaudio nec ex maerore mutaret. whose Symbol was, Regni Clementia custos.

He wrote twelve books of his own affairs, on which both Mr. Gataker hath commented in Latine, and Dr. Merick Casaubon both in Latine and English.

He was sur-named The Philosopher, not only for his knowledge, but also practice of Philosophy;Eutropius. Studium Philosophiae constans, & indefessum nomen illi celeberrimum conciliavit. Gatak. Annotat. in lib. 1. Ant. He had often in his mouth that speech of Plato, Tune florent respublicae, quando vel Philosophus regit, vel Rex Philosophatur. Yet some say, that this inscription (of Philosopher) attributed to him, was not genuine. The Grecians call him only Marcus, or [Page] Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, without the addition of Philosopher. Notae P. Voet. in Marci & Commodi Imperatorum vitam. This good Emperor possessed the Seat of Majesty 19 years and 11 daies, wherein he alwaies approved himself in wit excellent, in life vertuous, very learned and eloquent, full of clemency, justice and temperance; Tantum Marco sapientiae, innocentiae, ac literarum fuit, ut is Marcomannos, cum filio Commodo quem Caesarem suffecerat, petiturus, Philosophorum obtestantium vi circumfunderetur; ne se expeditioni aut pugnae prius committeret, quàm sectarum ardua & occulta explanavisset. Aurel. Vict. nothing inferior to most of all the worthiest Emperors before him, nor matchable in qualities by many of the Monarchs that followed him.

He would not believe that Avidius Cassius could ever have deposed him; and his reason was, The Gods had greater care of him, than to let Cassius wrong him undeservedly. Vulc. Gallicanus in vita Avidii Cassii.

Iulian the Emperor in his Book entituled Caesares, being a Pasquil or Satyr to deride all his predecessors, feigned that they were all invited to a Banquet of the gods, and Silenus the Jester sate at the lower end of the Table, and bestowed a scoff on every one as they came in; but when Antoninus Philosophus entred, he was gravelled and out of countenance, not knowing where to carp at him, save at the last he gave a glance at his patience towards his wife.

[Page]When his Armies were even famished The Christian Legion was after that time called Fulminatrix. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 5. c. 5. though Valesius (in loc.) think it improbable, that the whole Legion of the Roman Soldiers at that time was Christians, (which yet Eusebius seems to affirm) and he would have it rather called Legio Fulminea, than Fulminatrix. Tertullian in the fifth Chapter of his Apologie mentions it; upon which saith Heraldus in his Commentary. Testata historia, sed quam profani scriptores quum divinam potentiam non intelligerent, interpolarunt, ac tantum tamque insigne Dei beneficium magicis incantationibus sacrilege tribuerunt. Istud Cassius, Arnuphis Aegyptii, vel Iuliani, ut apud Suidam alius nescio quis, magicis procurationibus, Marci ipsius precibus Capitolinus, moribus pietatique Claudianus, Christiano nomini iniquiores adscribant. Gatak. Annotat. in Lib. 1. Antonini Imperatoris. His Wife Faustina (by whose means partly he obtained the Empire) was a Princess, but a lewd and wanton woman; one counselled him to put her away, but he answered, Si uxorem dimittimus, reddamus & dotem; chusing rather to have his house defiled, than little. for want of Water, the Christians by their prayers procured rain from Heaven to their great refreshing, and the Barbarians were dashed with thunder and fire; whereupon he mitigated the rage against Christs Professors, and in his time the Church for the most part was in peace. He dyed the seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord 181. and of his own age fifty nine.

Lucius Aelius Aurel. Commdous.

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HIS name agreed not with his disposition, he being called Commodus, who (was according tol. 7. c. 16. Semper incommodus saith Vopisous in vita Taciti Imperatoris. c. 6. Paulus Orosius) cunctis incommodus.

Dion writeth yet, that he was not naturally malicious, but as innocent as any; only his too great simplicity and timorousness inslaved him to them he conversed with: through whose seduction he became debauched and cruel.

Concerning his birth there passeth this story or fiction; His mother Annia Valeria Faustina (daughter of Antoninus Pius, and wife of Antoninus Philosophus) when she saw certain Gladiators or sword-players going [Page] to fight, was monstrously inflamed with the love of one of them: upon whom she doted so extreamly, that her affection was almost grown to phrensy, languishing wherewith, she confessed her love-madness to her husband.See Iuvenal of Hippia Sat. 6. from verse 82. to the 114. He perceiving her distemper to increase, consulted with the Chaldeans or Sooth-sayers, what was best to be done in so desperate a case, for the saving of his wife's life, and the quenching of her unchast desires. They after long consideration determined, that there was left for her but one only remedy, as strange as the disease; viz. to cause the said Gladiator to be murdered secretly that she might not know of it, and that the next night her husband intended to lye with her, a cup full of his luke-warm blood changed into the likeness of water should be given her to drink, ut sese Nescio quis primus sublavaret hoc loco reposuit pro eo quod vetus editio & scripti codices habebant, sublevaret. Quam veram esse scripturam quovis pignore contendere sum paratus. Non dicit autem quomodo sublevaret se Faustina sanguine illius gladiatoris occisi. Quod de industria tacuit hic auctor, & modestis verbis mollivit horrendum medicationis genus. Non dubium certè est. pro remedio sanguinem illum ebibisse Faustinam, atque ita se sublevasse. Nam sublevare, subvenire, succurrere, juvare, verba sunt medelarum & medicamentorum propria apud illos qui de experimentis scripserunt. Salmasius in Historiam Augustam. p. 91. Sunt qui scribant, gladiatoris hujus quem Faustina deperibat, sanguinem, in aquae speciem mutatum, illi infaustae fuisse propinatum; cui reifingendae videtur vox ista sublevaret ansam praebuisse. Hoc tamen commentum secutus est ille suaviludius qui inscriptionem eam composuit quae a Faustina posita fingitur, amore isto liberata. Casaubonus in hunc Capitolini locum. Palatinus adhaeret vulgatis, sublevaret, quod tamen minus quadrat, saith Gruter on the place. sublevaret: which was performed accordingly, and she cured of her disease, but with [Page] this bad successe; for that night, as it is said, she was delivered of Commodus, who in qualities resembled that Gladiator upon this occasion, as some reported: which they ascribed to the power of her imagination, but others esteemed him a Bastard. Capitolinus in Marco Antonino. c. 17.

The conjecture that Commodus was born in adultery, is confirmed by the Extant tamen nummi multi in ejus honorem cusi, cum hac i [...]scriptione, PUDICITIA. Casaubonus in Hist. Aug. behavior of Faustina his mother at Cajeta, where she was wont want only to gaze on naked gladiators and mariners. Capitolinus ibid. Aurelius Victor.

When his mother was with child with him and his twin-brother Antoninus (who dyed when 4 months old) she dreamed that she brought forth two Serpents, one whereof, viz. Commodus, as the event proved, exceeded in fierceness. Lampridius in Commodo. c. 1.

Tiberius presaged of Caligula, that he would prove a very poysonous Serpent to the people of Rome, and a Phaethon to the whole earth; and so he did, shewing himself not only an enemy to vertue, but also to all that savoured of it. Suetonius in Caligula. c. 11.

Commodus was more noble by descent than any of the former Emperors, and the mostFuit revera Commodus forma corporis justa, ut Lampridius; sed ingenio moribusque planè distortissimis. Gatakerus in Antoninum. p. 45.beautiful person of his time. Herodianus. l. 1. c. ult.

He hath a place in Adrianus Barlandus his book among the Litterati urbis Romae Principes.

[Page] Iulius Pollux dedicateth his Onomasticon to him.

Valesius in Excerpta Peiresci thinks Solinus, Author of the Polyhistor, to be his contemporary, and that he was the Iulius Solon who being made Senator with other bankrupts, was said by way of reproach to he banisht into the Senate.

He was so excellent a marks-man, that he would hit with an arrow or dart whatsoever he [...]. aimed at, exceeding the most expert Parthian Archers, and Numidian Darters which he had about him. Herodianus l. 1. c. 15. editionis Boeclerianae.

He darted at wild beasts so dexterously, that he never threw the second time, nor gave them any wound but was mortal. Id. ibid. Nulli certior fuit manus & majore dexteritate praedita: nisi quam his in rebus nactus erat felicitatem, studiis foedissimis contaminasset.

—A nulla mors est incerta sagitta.

Lucanus de Parthis. lib. 8.

His skill is the more remarkable, he being left handed, as Dio writeth; who saith, he boasted thereof.

Once he shot forked arrows at Moresco Estriches, which were wonderful swift of foot, using their wings as sails in running. These he did hit so full in the neck, that though their heads were struck off with the furiousness of the blow, yet they ran awhile headless,Gladiator & luctator eximius, Iaculator certissimus. as if they had not been hurt. Herodianus ubi supra. Herodianus fine lib. 1. interprete Stephano.

[Fromondus writeth of an Eagle, whose head being chopt off by an angry Clown,Dietericus in Breviario historico. for quarreling with his dog, the Body flew [Page] over the barn near the place of this rude execution. This was done at Fromond his Fathers house; nor is the story improbable, if we consider what ordinarily happens in Pigeons and Ducks, when their heads are cut off. He mentions also a Malefactor beheaded at Antwerp, whose head, when it had given some few jumps into the crowd, and a Dog fell a licking the blood, caught the Dogs ear in its teeth, and held it so fast, that he being frighted ran away with the mans head hanging at his ear, to the great astonishment and confusion of the people. This was told Fromondus by an ey-witnesse of the fact. Dr. More of the Immortality of the Soul. lib. 3. c. 14.]

Another time a Panther having fastned upon a man, (who was brought into the lists) so that all thought she would instantly tear him in pieces; Commodus darted at her so happily, that he killed the beast & saved the man, preventing the [...]. Herodianus, l. 1. c. 15. impression of her teeth with the point of his dart.

[Alcon seeing his son Phalerus (one of the Argonauts) sleeping on the grasse, and a Serpent creeping on his breast, slew the Serpent, and saved his son.

— Non sic libravit in hostem

Spicula, qui nato Serpentis corpore cincto

Plus timuit dum succurrit; dum jactibus iisdem

Interitum vitamque daret; stabilemque teneret

Corde tremente manum; totamque exiret in artem

Spe propiore metus; dans inter membra duorum

Vnius mortem. —

[Page]Sidonius Apollinaris in paneg. Majoriani, videsis Servium in sextam Virgilii Eclogam.]

Commodus slew also 100 Lions with so many darts;Dio saith Bears. their bodies falling in such order, that they might easily be numbred (not one dart miscarrying.) Herodianus ubi supra.

[Celeberrimum illud est, Commodum Caesarem in solicitudinibus & aestuationibus theatricorum certaminum, quando ex superiore loco ursos jaculis impetebat: quod refert Dion, ingens poculum dulcis vini solitum haurire [...]. In quo a spectantibus id in conviviis frequens, succlamatum fuerit, [...], id est Vivas: sed amphibolice pronunciatum Grammatici contendunt, perinde ac dicatur; Compleas vivendi modum, id est, Morere. Rhodiginus Antiqu. Lectionum. l. 7. c. 26.]

He used to retain with him the children of them whom he sent to be Lieutenants of Provinces, as pledges of their Allegiance and fidelity. Herodianus l. 3. c. 2.

Commodus Imperii paterni, non & instituti haeres. Gatakerus in Ant. p. 4. resembled his Father in nothing, but that he also in person fought fortunately against the Germans. Eutropius l. 8.

He exceeded in lust, covetousness, and cruelty; was faithful to none: and most fierce against those whom he had before advanced to the greatest honours, and enriched with most vast rewards. Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

[Page]He and Heliogabalus conferred all the dignities of the Empire upon men for lust and licentiousness most like unto themselves.Patris virtutes spurcissimis vitiis expunxit, adeo difficilius est, filium probum gignere, quam eligere; felicibus ab usque Trajano adoptionibus, infelicissima in Marco sobole. Bussieres in Flosculis Hist. Walsinghams Manual.

Commodus was so monstrously debauched, that very often he encountred the Gladiators at their own weapons in the Amphitheatre. Victor's Epitome.

Gladiatoribus convixit, & gladiatorem se perfectum exhibuit: secutoribus cumprimis tam impense favens, ut (Dione auctore) eorum armatura uteretur. Gatakerus in Antoninum [...] p. 4.

He was the first Emperor that had been hitherto born in the time of his Fathers Empire. Dr. Heylin's Geography.

He was the first Roman Emperor who through covetousness sold offices for money; Vespasian had done it before him, but through necessity, finding the common-wealth in debt, and the treasure exhausted. Mariana and Turquet's History of Spain translated by Grimston.

He killed some though innocent, instead of others who were guilty, and did let offenders escape for money. Lampridius in Commodo. cap. 14.

If any one had an enemy of whom he would be revenged, he needed but to bargain with Commodus for a sum of money to kill him. Id. Ibid.

He pretended that he would go into Africk, that he might raise money for that feigned journey, which when he had gathered, [Page] he spent in banqueting and gaming. Id. ib.

He was so careless in serious matters that he wrote nothing more than Vale in many of his letters; and so serious in things of light or ill concernment, that he caused to be registred how often he frequented the fence-school, with all his cruelties and impurities. Id. ibid. c. 13 compared with the 11. and 15.

He encountred the Gladiators 735 times, saith Lampridius in his life, cap. 11. and 12. the same Author writeth that 365 of those fights were in his Fathers reign. On which place Casaubon observeth, Est digna res maxima admiratione, hanc filii sui insaniam tantum virum inhibere non potuisse.

He employed not himself in any thing which In his artifex, quae stationis imperatoriae non erant. Lampridius. cap. 1. became an Emperor; making glasses, dancing, singing, piping, playing the Buffoon and fencer: bathing seven or eight times in the day, eating in the Bath, drinking in the Theatre in womans habit; Homo furiosus putabat magnum facere, cum suos convivas ab esu ciborum quibus ipse delectaretur hac spurcitie averteret. Casaubonus. mingling human excrements with the daintiest fare, tasting them himself, thinking so to mock others. Id. Ibid.

He kept 300 Concubines, and so many Boyes which he used as women; whereof Saoterus was chief: like Commod. Imperator, qui natus est eo die quo Caligula; tanquam eundem haberet horoscopum, & ipse sorores constupravit, concubinas (que) suas sub oculis suis constuprari ab amicis jubebat. Beroald. in Suet. Caligulam habuit velut exemplar quod imitaretur. Id. Ibid. Caligula commanded women to be ravished [Page] in his sight, committed incest as he did with all his Sisters; and exceeded him (saith Tristan) in polluting the Temples with whoredom and human blood.

We read not of any Emperors which were more cruel, than those who were most fearful and effeminate; as Tiberius, Caligula, Nero, Commodus. B. Reynolds of the Passions. p. 152.

His natural incontinence was incredibly enflamed with divers sorts of ointments (used by him to preserve himself from the Pestilence, whilst it reigned throughout Italy) which were of so hot and subtile a quality, that they excited in him the unquenchable flames of extraordinary lasciviousness. Theodorus Metochita.

What names this beastly Monster, rather than Emperor, gave to his attendants, I dare not mention, lest I should offend chast ears, and modest minds. Camden in his Remains.

He was so cruel, that when he was but twelve years old, because the bath in which he washed was a little too warm, he commanded that the heater of it should be cast into a hot furnace: but his Tutor Pitholaus who was put upon the employment, burned a wethers skin instead of the man; ut fidem poenae de faetore nidoris impleret. Lampridius in Commodo. c. 1.

Dio lib. 71. reporteth that the Physitians poysoned his Father to gratify him.

[Page]He put to death his Wife Crispina, his eldest sister Lucilla soror Commodi, quae nupta fuerat Vero, post Veri mortem a Commodo commode tractata. Caeterum postquam Commodus uxorem duxit, coacta cedere imperatoris uxori, adeo id aegrè tulit, ut adversus fratrem occultam seditionem moverit. Ea cum malè cessisset, ingens Commodo in Senatum Romanum odium concitavit, ita ut inde Commodus nunquam bene commodarit urbi. Vnde Perennis occasionem nactus bona reorum piscandi, tantas congessit divitias, ut ad imperium occupandum aspirarit. Sed ut is oppressus, Cleander non minor tyrannus successit. Quo caeso, deinde caedes promiscuè durarunt, donec per concubinam Marciam ac alios conjuratos Commodus strangulatus est. Glareanus in Eutropium. Lucilla, and Annia Faustina his Fathers Cousin German, with 24 of the eminentest Personages of the Roman Empire.

Interfecit quamplurimos senatores, maximè quos animadvertit nobilitate industriaque excellere. P. Orosius l. 7. c. 16.

He commanded one to be cast to wild beasts, for reading the life of Caligula in Suetonius, because he had the same birthday with Caligula. August 31. Lampridius in Commod. c. 10.

Some for deferring to kill their Antagonists, he commanded to be tyed together with them, and so to fight all at once: which being done, they strove each against other, and killed divers of the Spectators, who were forced by the narrowness of the place, and multitude to press too near. Xiphilinus in Commodo.

His very jests were cruel; seeing one have white hairs among black ones, he set on his head a starling, which thinking it picked worms, made festers. Lampridius in Commodo. c. 10.

[Page]He cut a fat man off at the middle of the belly, that he might see his entrals drop out suddenly. Id. ibid. c. 10.

He called them Monopodios vocando, quibus singulos pedes fregisset Commodus, per jocum adludebat ad gentis illius appellationem; quibus a natura finguli tantum pedes, atque inde [...] & [...] dicebantur: nec mihi dubium est eo respexisse per jocum, cum illis appellationibus luderet in rebus tristissimi exempli saevissimus imperator. Salmasius. Quos luscos fecisset jocose appellabat Commodus Luscinios. Luscinii autem sunt Lusciniae; nam Luscinius & Luscinia dicebatur. Id. ibid. Monopodii and Luscinii whom he deprived of a foot or eye. Id. ib.

He made the Priests of Isis beat their breasts with Pine-apples to the mischieving of themselves; charged Bellona her worshippers to cut off their arm in earnest: and stained the service of Mithras with real homicide. Lampridius in Commodo. c. 9.

He imitated Chirurgions in letting blood, and Barbers in trimming; under which pretence he cut off ears and noses: wherefore such was his jealousy of all men, that he was forced to be his own Barber.

Commodus once gathered together all the sick men and cripples in Rome, to whose knees tying somewhat like the feet of Dragons, (such as Poets feign the Giants have) he killed them with his club, having first given them spunges to throw at him instead of stones, with seeming opposition. Quia dicitur Hercules cum monstris & gigantibus pugnasse, & vicisse, voluit & novus hic Hercules Romanus gigantes occidere. Vix credi possit tantus furor, nisi narraret qui praesens vidit omnia Dio. Casaubonus.

Having killed an Ostrich and cut off his head, he came where the Senators sate [Page] in the Theatre, and holding out the birds head in one hand, and a bloody sword in the other, said nothing: only nodded his head with a smiling countenance, to shew he would do as much for them. Which moving laughter, had occasioned the slaughter of many; had not Dio perswaded those who sate near him, to champ bay leaves (which he took out of his Chaplet) as himself did, by the constant motion of his mouth, to conceal the indicium of laughter.

Under a shew of fencing he often slew his Antagonists, who encountred him only with foils. Aurelius Victor.

Histories not only affirm that he played the Gladiator, but his statue in that fashion stark naked, with his drawn sword in his hand, is yet extant at Rome in the Farnesian Palace. See Sandys Travels l. 4.

He imitated Neronis insania Commodi turpitudini per omnes flagitii gradus [...] est, ideoque hic a nobis producta, egregium sc. par: princeps histrio & gladiator. Boeclerus in Herodianum. p. 380. Nero in driving of Chariots, and if Laetus had not deterred him, he would have burned Rome, as Nero did.

So exceeding great was the madness of this vile monster, that he sent a letter to the Senate with this style: Imperator Caesar Lucius, Aelius, Aurelius, Commodus, Antoninus, Augustus, Pius, Foelix, Sarmaticus, Germanicus maximus, Peireskius misit ad Cottonum ectypos variorum nummorum, ac nominatim Commodi, ob inusitatam scripturam vocis Britannia, per duplex T T, & simplex N. Gassendus de vita Peireskii. lib. 2. Britannicus, [Page]pacator orbis terrarum, Invictus, Romanus Cum quo jaculandi arte feras (que) occidendi industria certabat. Ferunt enim multas summa dexteritate necare, & uno quidem ictu solitum. Album item, quodcunque poneretur collineando ferire consuevisse, & vulnera, plagasque lethales dijudicavisse. Ant. Augustinus Dial. V. Antiq. Hercules, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunitiae potestatis, XVIII. Imperator, VIII. Consul, VII. Pater Patriae, &c. Xiphilinus in Commodo.

The former Emperors at pleasure sometimes took some few names to themselves, sometimes bestowed them on others. In latter times, vertue decaying, ambition in titles encreased. Yet Iustinian accounted as a sober Emperor, hath his style notwithstanding not much shorter. Imp. Caesar Flavius Justinianus, Alemannicus, Gothicus, Francicus, Germanicus, Anticus, Alanicus, Vandalicus, Africanus, Pius, Foelix, Inclytus victor, ac Triumphator semper Augustus. Sr. H. Savil on Tacitus's History. p. 36.

He called Rome after his name, and all the months after his sur-names, viz.

January,

Amazonius.

February,

Invictus.

March,

Faelix.

April,

Pius.

May,

Lucius.

June,

Aelius.

July,

Aurelius.

August.

Commodus.

September,

Augustus.

October,

Herculeus.

November,

Romanus.

December,

Exuperatorius.

[Page]Which titles through madness he often altered, except that of Amazonius, taken up out of love to Marcia his Concubine, whose picture he wore upon the outside of his garment; and of Exuperatorius, because he would have been thought to excel all men: as appeareth by his being sacrificed to as a God. Lampridius in Commodo. c. 11. & 9.

When his Favorite Perennis was dead, he repealed many things that were done by him; but persisted not above 30 dayes in his reformation, permitting Cleander to be more licencious than Perennis: He designing 25 Consuls for one year, wch was never done before, nor since; and changing the Pretorian Prefects daily and hourly: Martius Quartus holding the place only 5 dayes, Niger but 6 hours; and those whom Commodus himself made Prefects, lasted not 3 years. Lampridius in Commodo. c. 6. &. 15.

Yea to such dotage he was grown, [...]; Athenaeus lib. 12. c. 9. that he refused his fathers name, commanding himself, in stead of Commodus the son of Marcus, to be styl'd Hercules the son of Iupiter; and accordingly he forsook the Roman and Imperial habit, thrusting himself into a Lions skin, and carried a great club in his hand: and (which made him extremely ridiculous) he put on also purple Amazonian robes embroydered with [Page] gold; expressing in one and the same garb austerity and effeminateness: this was his daily attire.

Camden writeth in his Britannia that a statue of Commodus was digged out of an hill in Richmond-shire, called Burgh, where the Romans had a garrison. Tunc posita haec statua videatur, saith he, cum ille immodicus sui aestimator, eo vesaniae processerit, ut Herculem Romanum Iovis filium se dici jusserit. Est enim Herculis habitu efformata, & dextra clava armata, cui subest mutila, & lacunis interrupta inscriptio.

Fox in his Acts and Monuments saith, Commodus wore a Lions skin, that he might be counted King of men, as the Lion is of beasts.

He commanded many Statues of himself to be erected throughout the City, and one before the Senate-house in form of an Archer ready to shoot; that his very Images might strike terror into the beholders. Herodian. lib. 1. c. 14. Lampridius in Commodo. c. 9. Dio.

He was so mad that he purposed to forsake his palace, and live in a fence-school; and now being weary of the name of Hercules, he assumed the name of a famous sword-player deceased.

On New-years day he determined in great solemnity to issue forth of a fenceschool, from which Marcia, Laetus, and Electus disswaded him; but he incensed with them, commanded them to depart, [Page] and retiring into his bed-chamber, to repose himself at noon (as he was wont,) he wrote their names in a table-book, dooming them to death that night.De multis jugulandis cogitans, ipse jugulatur ultimo die anni. Cappellus. Having done this, he laid his table-book on the pallet, not imagining that any would enter into his chamber. His darling Philo-Commodus being sport-ful while Commodus was bathing entred the bed-chamber (as he used) and taking the book to play with, as he came forth again was met by Marcia; who took the book from him, lest he might spoil some weighty matter. As soon as she perceived it was Commodus his own hand, she greatly desired to read it. But finding the deadly contents, she discovered to Electus and Laetus the danger they were in, who all resolved to purchase their own security by Commodus his death, and concluded it most convenient to Et Commodum quidem primo occultatius veneno petivere, anno regni tertio ferè atque decimo: cujus vis frustrata per cibum quo se casu repleverat; cum tandem alvi dolorem causaretur, auctore medico principe factionis in palaestram perrexit. ibi per ministrum ungendi, (nam fortè is quo (que) è consilio erat) faucibus quasi arte exerciti [...] bracchiorum nodo validius pressis, exspiravit. Aurelius Vict. Schotti. dispatch him by poyson; which Marcia having given to him, it cast him into a slumber, out of which awaking he vomited extremely: the conspirators fearing fulness might expel the poyson, with great promises perswade Narcissus a bold young man to strangle him.

He lived 31 years 4 months, reigned 12 years, 9 months and 14 dayes. In him the Aelian together with the Aurelian family was extinguished, as the Iulian in Nero. Tristan.

How joyful his death was both to Senate and people, their assemblies in the [Page] Temples to give thanks for their deliverance, and their execrations pronounced against him, at large reported by Lampridius, do manifest.

He was counted an enemy of mankind, both while he lived and after his death. Orosius, Eutropius.

The Christians escaped Quoniam lege veteri in Christianos confitentes ac perseverantes capitalis poena fuerat constituta, M. Aurelius Princeps [...], sed hac quidem in re paulo superstitiosior & legum observantior, legem omnino tollere noluit, sed eam quo potuit modo enervavit & frustratus est, capitali poena in accusatores constituta. Atque haec est causa praecipua, propter quam imperante Commodo & usque ad edictum Severi Ecclesia tanta pace ac tranquillitate usa est. Heraldus in Apologet. Tertul. p. 46.47. persecution from him by the mediation of Marcia ▪ who favoured their doctrine. Dio.

Of all Emperors until Constantine he was most favourable unto Christians, whatsoever he was otherwise. Montague's Acts and Monuments of the Church. c. 7. paragr. 115.

In respect of much persecution before, those times were called Halcyonia sub Commodo Ecclesiae. Lloid's consent of time, p. 599.

Redintegrata adfulsit Imperante Commodo Britannis Lux Christiana. Seldeni Janus Anglor. lib. 1.

Anno a Christo Domino in salutem misso 183. Lucius primus Rex Christianus. Etenim [...] Eleutherius P P. & Commodus Aug. Ex quo plane fallit Beda, & fallitur in suo de hac re [...]. Idem in Chronologia ancillante ad finem Jani Angl. Britannorum inaccessa Romanis loca Christo [Page]subdita, scripsit hisce temporibus Tertullianus. Vsserius in Indice Chronologico Brit. Eccl. Primordiis subjuncto. p. 1079.

Silenus (in Iulian the Apostate's Satyre against the Emperors his Predecessors) passeth by Commodus in silence, as not worth a jest; but taxeth his Father for leaving such a plague after him to the Roman Empire, knowing what a one his Son was: having a Son-in-law Pompeianus worthier to rule than this Phaethon, and who was able to give better advice to him, than he could give to himself.

From the time of this wicked Emperor Commodus, to Gordian who was the 28. Emperor, greater were the troubles of the Roman Empire than before. Dr. Richard Reynolds the Physitian in his Chronicle of the Emperors, p. 161.

In his reign there died often on one day at Rome of the Pestilence, 2000. An innumerable company perished not only in the City, but also throughout all the Roman Empire almost, by infected needles cast upon them by malicious persons; an evil that happened in Domitian his time: but the people of Rome thought no pest so grievous as Commodus, saith Dio.

From hence the Roman story proceeds from the golden age to that of iron; such a change there was of affairs under Commodus. Xiphilinus in Marco Ant. Philos.

A Commodo in Constantinum Magnum, si [Page]unius & alterius principis tempora & merita excipimus, nihil aliud licet animad vertere, quam caedes assiduas principum, scelera atque prodigia tyrannidis, lanienas virorum illustrium, dedecora, vulnera, ruinas imperii; quas auspicato exortu Magnus ille Constantinus paulisper stitit ac sufflaminavit. Boeclerus in Epistola dedicatoria, praefixa Herodiano.

His Deputy in Britain, Vlpius Marcellus, was so vigilant that the Soldiers thought he never slept at night; and of such temperance, that he caused his bread to be brought to him into the Camp, from Rome, that for the staleness of it, he might eat no more than was needful. See Suidas in [...].

Commodus insequitur, pugnis maculosus arenae;

Threicio princeps bella movens gladio.

Eliso tandem persolvens gutture poenas,

Chriminibus fassus matris adulterium.

Ausonius.

P. Helvius Pertinax,

[Page]

WAS so called either for his reluctance in accepting the Empire, or Quod longè verisimilius est, saith Boeclerus in Herodianum. rather for his pertinacious resolution in his youth to be a Wood-monger, as his father was, when he would have made him a Scholar.

Yet at last he was perswaded by his Father to apply himself to learning,He is reckoned by Barlandus among the learned Roman Emperors. in which he was such a proficient, that he succeeded his Master Sulpitius Apollinaris in the teaching of Grammer: but gaining little thereby,Xiphilinus in Commodo saith, he was skilful in Greek. he served in the Camp with such proof of his valour, that upon the death of Commodus he was chosen Emperor. [Page] For the murther being done in the night, Laetus went in all hast to Pertinax, and saluted him with the unexpected name of Emperor; but he thought Laetus was sent from Commodus to kill him, till he was certified of Commodus his death, by one of his servants whom he sent to view his carkass.

So different was the opinion of all men concerning Pertinax and Commodus, that many hearing of Commodus his death, thought the report was raised by himself to try mens inclinations; wherefore many Governors of Provinces imprisoned those who related it, not because they would not have had the news to be true, but for that they thought it more dangerous to believe the death of Commodus, than not to come in to Pertinax, by whom every one was confident that they should be easily pardoned, whereas with Commodus innocence gave no security. Excerpta Peiresci. p. 728.

Iulian the Apostate in his Caesars feigneth that Pertinax was admitted into the Banquet of the Gods, where he complained of his Assasinates. Nemesis commiserating him, saith they shall have small joy thereof; yet charged him that he seemed to be conscious of Commodus his death, or at least to approve of it.

Pertinax was forced to accept the Empire by Laetus and Electus, when he was above 60 years old; yet admitted not [Page] any symbol of sovereignty, and declined so envious a Title, till compelled by the Senate.

He chiefly refused the Empire, because he was to succeed a Tyrant, who by his disorders had so impoverisht the State, and rendred the Soldiers so loose, that he saw 'twas impossible to avoid a publick odium, by the use of a necessary remedy. Tristan.

He would not let his Wife receive the title of Empress,Sufficere inquit, debet, quod ego ipse invitus regnavi, quum non mererer. nor his son be called Caesar, as the Senate had decreed, lest he should be corrupted, but deferred it till he might deserve it; not admitting him being a youth into the Court,Iornandes. but causing him to lead a private life.

He permitted not his Name to be stamped on the peculiar goods of the Emperors, saying,‘That the propriety thereof belonged to the State in general.’ Herodian. l. 2. c. 4.

He enacted that all the wast ground in Italy and other Countries (though of the Princes demesn) should be improved and freely given to them who would manur [...] it: to which purpose, he granted to husbandmen 10 years immunity from all taxes, and security from all further trouble during his reign. Herodian.

He banished informers, preserved the commoners from the injury of Soldiers, and released all Imposts exacted by Tyrants. Id.

[Page]He never could be induced to revenge an injury. S. A. Victoris Epitome.

He was too negligent of his Wife Flavia Titiana's chastity, who openly loved a In matronarum, etiam principum, amoribus, primas semper ferunt partes citharaedi; adeo per aures ad animum blandè influit vox duplex, oris fidiumque: capiunturque praterea oculi gesticulatione illa manuum irrequietarum. Gruterus. Fidler; he in the mean time being as ardently and infamously enamoured on his Concubine Cornificia. Capitolinus. c. 13.

He was called [...], a giver of good words, because he was rather a fawning than a kind Prince; promising well but performing ill.

Such was his Capitolinus negligentius dicam an sinisterius interdum de moribus ejus judicat. Boeclerus in Herodianum. p. 395. niggardliness, that he would set before his guests a Sallad of Lettuce divided into two parts; and except something were sent him, he would appoint nine pound weight of flesh unto three messes; and if any other dish happened to be presented to him, he caused it to be set up until the next day.Gruterus. He would send to his friends two morsels of meat, or part of a tripe, and for exceedings a leg or wing of a hen. Capitolinus in Pertinace. c. 12.

Tristan paralleleth him with Vespasian.

His strict discipline and short donatives displeased the Soldiers, who conspired against him, and elected Falco Emperor, whom the Senate sentenced, but Pertinax cryed out, ‘God forbid, that during my reign any Senator be put to death, though deservedly.’ Xiphiline.

Laetus pretending to punish this sedition, caused the death of divers Soldiers, that the rest might mutiny, which they did, [Page] two hundred entring the Palace with drawn swords, whom Pertinax was advised to fly from: but he indiscreetly rejecting that good councel, met them, thinking with his Majesty to make them afraid and leave off their enterprise, which fell out accordingly; for immediately they all retreated, except one Tausius a Tungrian, who Ter Consul, Commodi insidiis eripitur, ac diademate donatur, sed funesto, ut quo non totos tres menses potitus sit. Jac. Cappellus in cent. Eccles. Hist. p. 46. ran him into the breast, saying, Hunc tibi gladium milites mittunt.

Dio censureth him thus, Non norat homo multarum rerum peritus, multa simul tuto corrigi non posse: sed si quid aliud in rebus humanis, tum imprimis reipublicae constitutionem & tempus & sapientiam requirere.

He having endured all manner of labours, and being bandied from one extreme to another,P. Helvius Pertinax, iterum Consul, & adhuc privatus appellatur, Inscript. IV. p. 56. è qua simul convellitur id, quod aiunt, Pertinacem fuisse dictum, quod imperium Pertinaciter recusasset. was called the 'Tennisbal of fortune.

Pertinax, quamvis plerunque virtus militaris in agrestem feritatem, pacis industria in pusillanimitatem excedit, utra (que) laude praestabat, gravis bello, pace prudens. Et audaciam quidem cum virtute, adversus exteros & seditiosos: aequitatem vero cum justitia, erga populares & modestos adhibebat. Cumque provectus esset ad imperium orbis, non ita se imparem tali fastigio passus est deprehendi, ut modo humiliorem justo, modo insolentiorem se praeberet, Christ. Ad. Ruperti Observat. in minorem Besoldi Synopsin. p. 334. sed per omnia ab initio usque ad finem aequabili tenore usus, gravis fuit sine tristitia, comis sine humilitate, prudens sine calliditate, justus sine acerbitate,[Page]frugalis sine sorditie, magnanimus sine arrogantia. Excerpta Peiresci.

He lived 67 years lacking 4 months and 3 daies, and reigned 87 daies, saith Dio. lib. 73.

Hujusdem dignissima illa vox est, quae aureis literis scribatur in omnibus curiis ac palatiis: ‘Satius est inopem rempub. obtinere, quam ad divitiarum cumulum per discriminum atque dedecorum vestigia pervenire.’ Christoph. Ad. Rupertus in Besoldi synop. min. p. 335.

His greatest fault was his ill husbandry; for as trees in their first growth are defended by bryars, which afterwards uncut up, overthrow the flourishing of the tree: so an unlawful elected Prince seldome escapes pulling down, by those that set him up; for covetousness being the cause of their combination, nothing can serve their unsatiable desires, nor be thought a sufficient recompence. Sir W. Cornwallis the younger in his Encomium of Iulian the Apostate.

Pertinacis Principatus solo tempore minor est optimi cujusque Principis regimine, saith Boeclerus in his dedicatory Epistle prefixed to Herodian; adding, Id quod etiam de Maximo & Balbino potest affirmari.

Being dead, it was decreed he should be called Divus; in whose praise with ingeminated shouts, till they were hoarse again, the people cryed out: Pertinace imperante securi viximus: neminem timuimus.[Page]Patri pio, Patri Senatus, Patri omnium bonorum. Victor's Epitome.

Helvi judicio & consulto lecte Senatus,

Princeps decretis prodite, non studiis.

Quod docuit malefida cohors, errore probato,

Curia quod castris cesserat Imperio.

Ausonius.

Didius Iulianus.

[Page]

Mirè nugantur Georgius Monachus & Cedrenus, qui Didium [...] nuncupatum scribunt, quod magna pecuniae vi imperium esset mercatus. Christop. Adami Ruperti Observat. in mi norem Synopsin Besoldi, p. 337. SOLDIERS proclaiming the sale of the Empire, Iulian's wife and his daughters, with some Parasites, urged him to accept of the proffer, since he could exceed any in largesses. Herodian. l. 2. c. 6.

Sulpitian Father-in-law to Pertinax offered each Soldier 200 Crowns, but Iulian out-bidding him, and promising more than they demanded or expected, obtained the Empire of them; who feared lest Sulpitian might revenge Pertinax his death, as his Competitor suggested to them. Xiphiline.

[Page] Herodian justly complaineth of this Donative;Omittitur in serie Imperatorum a nonnullis Julianus, tum quia malo more imperium mercatus erat, tum quia statim res novae ipsum exceperunt, rectoribus provinciarum ejus imperium detrectantibus, donec rerum summa ad Severum pervenit. Intervallum ergo illud inter Pertinacis mortem, & Severi initia, certamina potius de Principatu, quàm Principatum habuit. Atque ita habemus causam cur & Julianus praetereatur, & Pertinacis imperio plures adjiciantur menses. Imperio, inquam, ejus nor vitae intervallum turbarum post mortem ejus exortarum contribuitur. Boeclerus in Herodianum p. 390. From this occasion and beginning, the Soldiers grew every day more shameless, and less regardful of their Prince: so that their covetousness encreasing, and the contempt they had of their Emperors waxing more and more, ended at last in their frequent shedding of their blood, in hope to have a better market of the next Successor.

Barlandus placeth Iulian among the learned Roman Princes.

He entered the City, all the Soldiers calling him Emperor, the Citizens neither daring to resist, nor yet approving the election by joyful acclamations, as the custome was to other Emperors; but cursing him and throwing stones at him. Herodian ubi suprà.

He being hated, Syria elected Niger, Germany chose Severus Emperor, who took Albinus as partner.

The rise of these 3 Commanders, with the fall of Iulian, was prognosticated by the appearance of 3 Stars about the Sun (while Iulian sacrificed) conspicuous to all but the flattering pur-blind Senators. Xiphiline.

A boy also divining by a looking-glass, saw Severus his advance and Iulian's departure. Spartian c. 7.

Severus hasting to Rome was met by Embassadors from Iulian with the offer of half the Empire; which he refused, and [Page] was by the Senate (who lately proclaimed him Traitor) declared Emperor.

Duo ingentia gravabant virum odia: alterum militum quod eis promissa dare non poterat; alterum populi, quod perfidus in optimum principem fuisse traderetur. Glareanus in Eutropium. Orosius, ab initio Pertinacis ad finem Iuliani, annum unum absumptum fuisse dicit, senis mensibus utriusque Imperio imputatis. Quod falsum est; vix enim dimidium anni inter initium Pertinacis & Severi interjectum est. Scaliger in Eusebium. Menses septem imperium tenuit, necem magno emercatus. Cappellus.The soldiers discontented because Iulian kept not his Covenant, and hoping to purchase favour with Severus, slew their Chapman in his palace; he thus expostulating with them, Quid rei gravis admisi? quem interfeci?

He was so penurious, that if any one had sent him a Pig or an Hare, it served 3 dayes; often supping only on pulse or herbs. Spartianus in Iuliano. c. 3.

He lived 60 years, 4 months, and so many dayes; and reigned 66 dayes. Dio.

Annus CXCV. tres Imperatores vidit, P. Helvium Pertinacem, M. Didium Iulianum, & L. Septimium Severum: priores duo paucorum mensium, posterior multorum annorum fuit. Marcus Velserus Rerum Augustae Vindelicorum l. 6. p. 136, 137.

He being old, honourable and rich, by the purchase of the Empire lessened his estate, impaired his credit, and lost his life.

Dii bene, quod spoliis Didius non gaudet opimis;

Et cito perjuro praemia dempta seni.

Tu (que) Severe pater titulum ne horresce novantis;

Non rapit Imperium vis tua, sed recipit.

Ausonius.

Usurpers.

• Pescennius Niger, , and • Clodius Albinus 

[effigy of emperor]

[Page]

ENGAGED both in the war against Septimius Severus, Miror Onuphrium Panvinium homi nem alioqui diligentem, adulterina quaedam secutum unmismata, in suis commentariis edidisse, C. PESCENNIUS. NIGERIUS. with like unfortunate event, being both conquered, and having their heads set upon a pole.

Niger had his name à nigra cervice, saith Spartian in his life c. 6. who writeth c. 1. that his Father was, called Annius Fuscus.

Albinus was so called, quod, exceptus utero, Vrsinus in Dionem. p. 1052. contra consuetudinem puerorum qui nascuntur, & solent rubere, esset candidissimus. Capitolinus in his life c. 4. who confirmeth his relation with this passage in an [Page] Epistle of Ceionius Posthumius (Father of Albinus) to Aelius Bassianus then Proconsul of Africk: Nigrum Albino adjunximus, quia ambo consortes belli fuerunt contra Severum; etiam Nominis, quod alter ab albedine corporis (qua, infans editus in lucem, caeteris infantibus rubedine obductis) alter a nigredine colli traxit; quin & exitu similes, nam utrorumque caput cruci affixum. Elenchus MS. Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodleiana. Filius mihi natus est, ita candidus statim toto corpore, ut linteamen quo exceptus est, vinceret. Quare susceptum eum Albinorum Familiae, quae mihi tecum communis est, dedi, Albini nomine imposito.

Fuit candore mirabili, & ut plerique putant, ex eo nomen accepit. Id. ibid. c. 13.

Niger his voice was so lowd and piercing, that it would be heard a mile, unless the wind stood cross, saith Spartian in Nigro. c. 6.

He would have his soldiers when they went to battel, carry neither gold nor silver in their purses, but leave it with the Common-wealth, that the fight being ended they might have it again: or if they dyed, their wives and children might enjoy it. Id. ibid. c. 10.

He was a great admirer of Annibal and Marius; for the Scipio's he thought them rather fortunate than valiant: there was no toil he commanded his soldiers, but himself would bear a part therein, even in carrying of burdens. And yet so far from vaunting, as that when one would have set forth his Acts, he bad him write of theirs who were dead; holding it a vanity to write of those, of whose favour or wrath the inditers stood in hope or fear. Id. ibid. c. 11, 12.

When his Soldiers mutinyed for want of wine, he said to them, ‘What need you [Page] wine,Spartianus operae pretium sanè fecit, in colligendis, quae de Nigro & Albino reperiri poteran; caeteri enim sparsim & carptim agunt. Boeclerus in Herodianum. p. 308. that have the River Nile to drink of?’ Spartianus ubi supra. c. 7.

That water is better than ours; (for it will feed a pace, and therefore the Egyptians would not let their calvish God Apis drink thereof.) Bp. Smith's Sermons, p. 28.

Idem ob unius gallinacei direptionem, decem commanipulones qui raptum ab uno comederant, securi percuti jussit; & fecisset, Praelia Severianorum eum Nigrianis per seriem annotavit Dio. Id. ibid. p. 410. nisi ab omni exercitu prope usque ad motum seditionis esset rogatus: & quum pepercisset, jussit ut denorum gallinaceorum precia provinciali redderent decem qui simul furto convixerant. Spartianus in Nigro. c. 10.

Vir domi forisque conspicuus, Non tantam illi conspicuitatem tribuit Dio, qui modice modesteque de illo loquitur. Salmasius. imperator infaelix. Id. ibid. c. 6.

Niger was overthrown at the first encounter of his party with Severus, through the treachery of Aemilianus his General, as it was thought; and the next fight in which he engaged personally, was totally defeated, near the Bay of Issus, where Alexander the Great vanquished Darius.

Severus having compelled Niger's Captains (whose children he kept as pledges) to betray their Masters affairs, when he had attained his ends, slew them & their children. Herodianus lib. 3. c. 2. &. 5.

Albinus warred with Severus, for withholding the copartner-ship promised him; whom Severus feared as a valiant Soldier, whereas he slighted Iulian & Niger, who were negligent and luxurious.

[Page] Armorum strenuus, prorsus ut non male sui temporis Catilina diceretur. Capitolinus in Albino. c. 3.Severus regnavit 18. annos, creatus hoc anno 3. Kalend. Octobr. frustra renitentibus Albino & Pescennio Nigro. Et Niger quidem hoc quoque periit anno. Albinum autem inescaturus Severus, ei partem imperii offert. Jac. Cappellus in Hist. Eccles. 5. Centuriis ad annum Christi. 193.

Albinus did eat so much, as humane reason cannot well comprehend, saith Capitolinus in his life. c. 11. In the morning fasting he dispatcht 500 dryed figs and an 100 Campanian peaches, 10 melons of Ostia, and 20 pound weight of Lavican grapes, besides an hundred gnatnappers and 40 Oisters.

Hoc tamen in eo laudandum, quod aversae Veneris semper fuerit ignarus. Christoph. Adamus Rupertus in Besoldi minorem historiae synopsin. p. 340.

Albinus with the choice Soldiery of Britain entred France and near Lyons took the fi [...]ld against Severus; but with no better success than Niger had done in Asia the less.

Severus taking Albinus prisoner, commanded him to be slain, caused his body to be laid before his palace, rode over him, & at last cast his mangled corps (the stench whereof could not be endured) into the river Rhosn, with the carkases of his wife and children.

Circa majestatem Imperatoris infamamur, tamen nunquam Albiniani, nec Nigriani, vel Cassiani inveniri potuerunt Christiani. Tertullianus ad Scapulam. cap. 2.

Of the possession of the East by Cassius first against Antonine, and then by Niger against Severus, and of the West by Albinus [Page] against the same Severus, and by their respective accomplices Tertullian saith; None of the Christians were ever found to be Albinians, Nigrians, or Cassians. That is, they none of them interested themselves in the causes of Albinus, Niger, or Cassius, or were partakers with, upholders of, or sticklers for them. Mr. Gee in The Magistrates Original illustrated & vindicated. ch. 10. Sect. 7.

L. Septimius Severus.

[Page]

HE was one of the 25 Consuls made in one year by Cleander, Commodus his favourite. Xiphilinus in Commodo.

He was an African, of so low birth, that, when he enrolled himself into the family of Marcus Aurelius, one Pollenius Sebennus is reported to have said, ‘O Caesar I congratulate thy fortune, that thou hast found a Father:’ as if he had not had a Father before, his original being so base and obscure; reflecting hereby also upon the chastity of his Mother. Tristan.

[Page]Having ascended from mean estate to the highest honour, he was wont to say; Omnia fui, nihil expedit: I have been all things, and am never the better. Spartianus in Severo c. 18.

In his childhood before he was taught Greek or Latine, he exercised himself in no other play but that which is called in Latine Ad judices, being a personating of Justice. Spartianus in Septimio Severo. cap. 1.

He dreamed that he saw in one of the market-places at Rome a horse to throw Pertinax, who had mounted on him,Magnus revera princeps Severus; qui (que) severitate sua reformavit multa in melius, teste imprimis Tertulliano in libello de pallio. quare etiam FVNDATOR IMPERII, in quadam inscriptione nominatur. Casaubonus in Historiam Augustam. and to suffer himself to back him; a brass Image of which dream remained in Herodian's time. Herodian, Xiphiline.

He would be called Pertinax, for the respect he had to Pertinax the Emperor slain by Iulian, saith Eutropius l. 9.

He was expert in the Mathematicks, a good Philosopher, and eloquent Orator.

He was sufficiently learned in the Latine, but was readier in the Punic tongue, as being born at Leptis within the Province of Africk. Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

Nothing is comparable to Severus his conflicts or conquests, either for multitude of forces, commotion of Countries, number of battels, length of journies, or speed in marches. Herodian l. 3. c. 7.

This was a gallant, brave and active man,

Yet in his mood of Spirit somewhat furious;

[Page]Austere of life, his visage pale and wan,

Of labour great, in travel nothing curious:

Of quick resolve and nimble apprehension,

To execute what e're was his intention.

Herodian in English verse. p. 61.

His Soldiers endured all difficulties cheerfully in emulation of him, who excited them to hardship by his own example.

He was so inured to continual action, that even at his last gasp he said; Is there any thing for me to do? Xiphiline.

Byzantium was of great strength in the flourish of the Roman Empire. The walls of a just height, every stone whereof was so joined with couplets of Brass, that the whole seemed but one entire piece; adorned besides with Turrets, Bulwarks, and other arts of Fortification. Siding with Niger in his war against Severus, it endured a siege of three years against all the forces of the Romans: during which time the people were so distressed by Famine, that men meeting in the streets, would draw and fight; the Conqueror feeding on the Vanquished. For want of Artillery to discharge on the Assailants, they cast down upon them whole Statues made of Brass, and the like curious imagery. Houses they pulled down to get timber for shipping; the women cutting off their hair to inch out their tackle: and having thus patched up a Navy of 500 Sail, lost it all by one tempest. Compelled [Page] to yield by this misfortune, the principal of the Nobility were put to the sword, the wealth of the Inhabitants given for a prey to the Soldiers; the walls thereof dismantled, the Town left in rubbish. Yet there appeared so much of majesty and beauty in the very ruines; Vt mireris utrum eorum qui primi extruxerunt, vel eorum qui deinceps sunt demoliti, vires sint potiores, as Herodian hath it.

Instead of punishing he entertained and rewarded Priscus an Engineer, who did him most mischief in his siege of Byzantium. Xiphiline.

Entring into Alexandria he found inscribed on the gate Domini Nigri est urbs; with which being offended, the inhabitants met him, crying: Novimus nos dixisse Domini Nigri esse urbem; tu enim es Nigri Dominus. For which ingenious interpretation of their ambiguous inscription he pardoned them. Suidas in [...].

When certain of his Officers went about to perswade him to rase out an Epigram made in commendation of Niger, (at the basis of whose statue it was engraved) he expressed his dislike by these words; Si talis fuit, sciant omnes qualem vicerimus: si talis non fuit, putent omnes nos vicisse talem: immo sic sit, quia fuit talis. Ingenuously and wisely confessing the worth of his enemy. Spartianus in Nigro c. 12.

The Nigrians possessed of the Cilician streights and entrances, couragiously [Page] withstood the Severian party; till at last a sudden tempest of rain and thunder continually darting in their faces (as if the very Heavens had been armed against them) they were fain to leave the passage, and therewith the victory to the adverse faction; having sold that at the loss of 20000 of their own lives, which Alexander had the happiness or the had to buy for nothing. Dr. Heylin's Geography.

When he was Lieutenant in Africk, one of his inferior acquaintance met him going in state with his bundle of rods carried before him, and embraced him familiarly as his quondam chamber-fellow; whom he caused to be beaten, the cryer proclaiming, ‘Embrace not rudely a Roman Lieutenant.’ From which time Lieutenants have not gone of foot. Spartian.

Plautian his favourite was so great with him, that one of Plautian's Officers being commanded by Severus, then at leisure, to plead a cause, refused, saying; He could not do it unless Plautian commanded him. Xiphiline.

Dio cumprimis diligenter describit Atr. obsidionis seriem casusque. Boeclerus in Herodianum. p. 419.At the siege of Atrae, when he had beaten down a great part of the wall, and his Soldiers were ready to enter, he commanded a retreat, hoping thereby to induce the Arabians to discover that great treasure there laid up. But his covetous design was miserably disappointed, [Page] for the besieged immediately made up their wall and kept him out. Xiphiline.

Being used to get the victory, he now reputed himself conquered, because he could not overcome. Herodian l. 3. c. 9.

When one who lived in Albinus his quarters, would have excused his forced assistance of him to Severus, demanding what he would have done if it had been his own case? Severus answered; Ea perferrem quae tu, I would suffer as you do. Aurelius Victor.

He boasted to the Senate of his clemency, although he slew at one time forty of the most illustrious personages of the Roman Empire, not hearing them in their defence, contrary to a law which himself first made; proving himself thereby truly to answer his name; being Imperator vere nominis sui, vere Pertinax, vere Severus: Spartianus in Sept. Sev. c. 14. so that Silenus might well say (in Iuliani Caesaribus) ‘I dare not speak against him, I am so terrified with his inexorable cruelty.’

Io. Antiochenus saith he was a great Soldier, but his covetousness transported him beyond his valour.

He was more covetous and cruel than any of his Predecessors. Tristan.

In his first British war he lost 50000 men, as Dio acknowledgeth.

Upon a second defection in Britain, he commanded an universal slaughter of his enemies, in these verses:

[Page]

— [...]

[...]

[...].

Let none escape your bloody rage,

With terror let all dye;

Spare not the Mother, nor the Babe

Which in her womb doth lie.

Having vanquished Albinus and Niger, he begun to make a great slaughter of those,Natura saevus, multis semper bellis lacessitus, fortissime quidem remp. sed laboriosissimè rexit. Orosius l. 7. c. 17. Of his vertues and vices, but especially his dissimulation, see Brochmands Ethica Hist. c. 3. which had taken part with them. As he was committing this slaughter, he said unto Bassianus and Geta his children; ‘I by this means shall ease you of your enemies; to which when Bassianus so farr consented, that he advised to have even their children put to death, Geta is reported to have demanded the number of them that were to be slain, which when his Father told him; he asked, Have they neither parents, nor friends?’ when it was answered by Severus, that they had many: Geta replyed, ‘Then more in the City will mourn, than rejoyce for our victory, and you will leave us more enemies than you take from us.’ This wise speech of this young prince touched so well the heart of Severus (although he was cruel) that he would needs cease from his slaughter, but that Plautian and other courtiers, which aimed at the enriching of themselves by confiscations incited him to continue. A Discourse against Machiavel [Page] translated into English. p. 272. out of Capitolinus in Geta. c. 4.

For his native severity, Septimius Afer was as well fitted to the impetuous disposition of the Roman Empire, when he undertook it, as any medicine can be to the malady, for which it is by art prepared. And yet his practise (though exactly answering to Machiavel's rules of reformation) found but the Mountebanks successe; be cured some present mischiefs, but procured more grievous secret and permanent inconveniences. The barbarous nations which longed most for Romes destruction, learned the use & art of making the Romans weapons and artillery, from the discontented Exiles, which his severity thrust upon them; nor did Constantine the great (though Leunclavius be willing to preferr the unsanctified Zosimus his bil against him, to Christian Princes) half so much weaken the Empire, by his largess towards Christians, as Septimius did wound it, by seeking to restore, or rather to intend the rigour of ancient discipline amongst modern dissolute Romans. Dr. Iackson of the divine Attributes. part 2. p. 282, 283.

He gained his sur-name Britannicus, by building, or at least repairing the Picts-wal between England and Scotland, 132 miles in length, against the incursions of the Scots and Picts. At every miles end was a tower, and pipes of brass (in the wall betwixt every tower) conveyed the [Page] least noise from garison to garison, without interruption; so news of an approching enemy was quickly spred over the borders, and occasional provision made for resistance. There were also resting places for the Areans, who were appointed by the Ancients (saith Amm. Marcellinus) to serve for foot-posts, to run as occurrents fell between the Officers, and carry them word of the least stirring. Since the wall is ruined, & that way of dispatch taken away, many inhabitants there-about hold land by a tenure in Cornage (as Lawyers speak) being bound by blowing a horn to discover the irruption of the enemy. Cambden's Britannia.

It is reported by Spartian, that in his passage to York a little before his death, a Black-Moor with a Cypresse garland on his head did meet Severus, (who bid him, as unfortunate, to be put out of his sight) and saluted him thus; Totum fuisti, totum vicisti, jam Deus esto victor. At his entrance into the City, he was by errour of a rustical Sooth-sayer (who guided him) brought into the Temple of Bellona: and black beasts, being appointed for sacrifice, did of themselves follow him to his palace. Which things, however they fell out accidentally, yet were interpreted as ominous by others in respect of the event.

While he lay sick of the gout at York, the soldiers saluting his son Bassianus Emperor, he arose and caused the principal [Page] of them to be brought before him, and when they prostrate craved pardon, he laying his hand on his head, said; Sentitisne tandem caput imperare, non pedes? Spartianus in Severo. c. 18.

Per quae verba affecti corporis impedimento animi magnitudinem atque prudentiam contulit. Quam severe igitur arbitrari possumus in alterius generis seditionem animadversurum fuisse, cum filii dignitatem, cujus post se cupidissimus erat, a militibus privatim procuratam tam acerbo supplicio ulcisci vellet? B. Fulgosus lib. 2. c. 2.

A little before his death he caused his Porphyry [...]urn to be brought before him, & taking it into his hand, said; ‘Thou shalt contain him whom the world could not.’ Xiphiline.

He said to his Sons on his death-bed, ‘Agree among your selves, enrich the consoldiers, & contemn all others.’ Id. ibid.

In relation to which union he bad them read in Salust. Micypsa's dying speech to his sons, in which there is this expression; Concordia res parvae crescunt, discordia magnae dilabuntur. Spartian. c. 21.

By his pernicious advice to his sons to study only the enriching of the soldiery, he made a breach in the impenetrable wall of the Roman power, as the Greek Epigrammatist calls it. For after Severus his reign, for 30 lawful Emperors, the Roman Empire saw in the space of 150 years, more than an 100 Tyrants. The discipline [Page] of the vertuous Emperors occasioning the wicked ones to mount on the throne. As the tragical ends of young G [...]rdian, of Alexander Severus, of Posthumus, Probus and Aurelian manifested. Tristan.

A Prince of indifferent worth, had not his vertue suffered ship-wrack by his affections; Erant ei filii multo chariores quam cives: which though a private man may confess whose Government is but a houshold, it is a shame for a Prince whose office as it resembles the gods in power, so it should in being free from partiality. Sr. William Cornwallis junior in his Encomium of Iulian the Apostate.

He ended his life with these words, Turbatam Rempublicam ubique accepi, pacatam etiam Britannis relinquo, senex & pedibus aeger, firmum Imperium Antoninis meis relinquens si boni erunt, imbecillum si mali. Spartian c. 23.

Before he dyed he was so pained in all his body, but especially in his feet, that not able to endure the torment, he called for poyson, which being denyed, he greedily glutted himself with gross meats, and not able to digest them, dyed of a surfet. Sextus Aurelius Victor's Epitome.

The imprecation of Plautius. Quintillus that he might not die when he would, having the like effect upon Severus, as that of Severianus had upon Adrian. Xiph.

Some say he dyed rather through grief for his son Caracalla's wickednesse, than of any other malady.

[Page]He lived 65 years 9 months and 52 days, and reigned 17 years, 8 months & 3 dayes.

He was buryed in a place near York, which to this day is called Severs-hill.

It was said of him by the Senate, that either he should not have been born, or not have dyed; having done so much mischief in pursuit of greatness, and so much good when he was established. Spartian. c. 18.

When he offered to make his Son-in-law Probus, Prefect of the City, Probus refused, saying; ‘It seemed less to him to be a Prefect, than to be Son-in-law to a Prince.’ Spartian. 1 Sam. 18.23.

He married Martia, and after her death Iulia Mater Caracallae fuit, non noverca, atque hinc ruit commentum illud quo dicitur Caracallus Juliam novercam suam uxorem duxisse: quod nec agnoscit Dio, nec Herodianus, qui inter pessimi perditissimique imperatoris probra non omisissent hoc incestum facinus referre. Quod ut minus facinorosum videretur, finxerunt authores isti, novercam illi Juliam, non matrem fuisse, ut sic daretur locus huic opinioni, quam matris nomen prorsus respuebat. Salmasius in Historiam Augustam p. 143. Domna, because he found by her nativity she should be matched with a King; though he foresaw not by his art his destiny to marry a whore: whom he yet bare with through excess of affection, though she was guilty of a conspiracy. Spartian. c. 3. and 18.

He was deifyed after his death by the Senate.

He was the most warlike of all the Emperors that were before him, quick of apprehension, persevering in all things which he determined; where he enclined to favour admirable and constant, diligent in seeking out friends, and liberal in rewarding them: equally vehement towards friends and foes. Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

[Page]He was the only Emperor created out of Africk, saith Eutropius lib. 8.

Severus might amongst the best shine bright,

But that he was th' eclipse of his own light.

Dr. Holyday's Survey of the world. lib. 8. p. 90.

He associated his Sons in the Sovereignty, and declared them Emperors. Herodian lib. 3. c. 9. editionis Boeclerianae.

Sed quae putabat Severus futura amoris vincula, fiebant irarum incitamenta, saith Iacobus Cappellus in his Historiae Ecclesiasticae centuriae.

In Severus his reign the world was so loose that 3000 were indicted for adultery.

When Iulia blamed the wife of Argentocoxus a Northern Britain, because her country people accompanied promiscuously (10 or 12 men having 2 or 3 Women common among them) she not ignorant of the Roman incontinency, replyed; ‘We accompany openly with the best, but vile persons defile you secretly.’ Xiphiline.

Dio writeth that in Severus his time it rained silver at Rome in Augustus's forum.

O pluviam salutarem, & supparem illi, qua Iupiter ad Danaen suam penetravit! sed nimis hic infrequentem inquies. Sed avaritiam tuam effervescentem infusa hac frigida confutabo. Rore illo argenteo, addit Dio, nummos aliquot aereos oblivi, mansit color 3 dies; 4to. quicquid oblitum fuerat, evanuit. Formondus Meteorolog. l. 5. c. 6. Art. 3. Severus caused the 5th. persecution.

[Page] Tertullian his book de corona militis acquainteth us with the occasion of the persecution of the Christians, in the reign of Severus. The Emperor ere he marched into the East (in that expedition wherein he overthew the Parthians) made his elder son his partner in the Tribunitial power, & by his liberality pleased the Quinta post Neronem, persecutione Christianos excruc [...]avi [...], plurimique per diversos provine [...] martyria c [...]nati [...]. Han [...] profanam in Christanos & Ecclesiam Dei praesumptionem Severi, coelestis ultio e vestigio acta subsequitur. Nam continuo rapitur, vel potius retrahitur in Galliam Severus, e Syria ad tertium civile bellum, Vnum jam enim Romae adversum Julianum, aliud in Syria contra Poscennium gesserat, tertium Clodius Albinus Juliani in occidendo Pertinace socius, qui se in Gallia Caesarem fecerat, suscitabat; cujus bello multum utrinque Romani sanguinis fusum est. Albinus tamen apud Lugdunum oppressus & interfectus est. Severus Victor in Britannias defectu penè omnium sociorum trahitur. Paulus Orosius lib. 7. c. 17. people formerly inraged with the many punishments he inflicted. By occasion of this liberality, as it seemeth; a Christian Soldier holding a certain garland or crown in his hand, as if it were wickedness for him to set it on his head as the rest did, was asked why he did so, and answered, that he was a Christian. This was the occasion of the Emperors rage. William Howel in his Institution of general History. lib. 4. ch. 5. p. 856, &c. Thomas Ford's Apophthegmes. p. 2.

Persequutio illa exorta est, ob eam sane praecipuè caussam quod contra Principis edicta Christiani coitiones inire viderentur: quapropter criminationem istam pluribus diluit Tertullianus hoc libro. Heraldus in Apologet. Tertul. p. 3.

Impiger egelido movet arma Severus ab Istro,

Vt parricidae regna adimat Didio.

Punica origo illi; sed qui virtute probaret

Non obstare locum, quum valet ingenium,

Ausonius.

Brethren

• Bassianus Caracalla. , and • Antoninus Geta. 

[effigy of emperor]

[Page]

Succedunt duo filii, nihil paternum habentes praeter ejus vitia, imprimis vero major. Iac. Cappellus. in 5 Centuriis Historiae Ecclesiasticae. p. 5. BAssianus was so called from Iulius Bassianus his Grandfather by the Mothers side, and his Father named him Antoninus, out of respect to the Antonini, whose memory was honoured by the Romans.

He was called Caracalla from a new fashioned cassock he wore, reaching down to his ancles.

He was a hopeful youth, and endeared himself to the people by weeping and turning away his eyes, when condemned persons were cast to wild beasts (which [Page] tenderness Baronius thinketh proceeded from his Christian Nurse Eubodia) yet after he was so changed he seemed not the same. Spartian c. 12.

He resembled his Father in conditions, but was somewhat sharper, and ful of threatning. Eutropius lib. 9.

Knowing well that he could not make himself seem more beautiful than he was, he would take the advantage to appear more terrible, affecting a cruel and furious countenance. Tristan in the 2. part of his Commentaries Historiques. See the 12.18.21.26.29.31. Meda [...]ls of him there.

He attempted to kill his Father; and put to death the Physicians for not hastning his death (as he commanded) slew his father in law Plautian, his wife Plautilla, and her brother Plautus, Antipater the famous Sophister of that age, Cilo his Tutor, and Euhodus his Foster-father: sparing not any who either honoured his Father, or was honoured by him.

When at the Circensian sports (where himself was a spectator) the people cast some scoff at a Chariotier which he favoured, he taking it as an affront to himself, suddenly commanded his Soldiers to rush among the multitude, and kill all who had scorned the Chariot-driver. Upon this command, it being impossible to find out the delinquents in so great a throng (none confessing himself guilty) the Soldiers spared none who they light upon, [Page] but either slew them, or took away what they had for a ransom. Herodianus lib. 4. cap. 6.

He put down Aristotles Schools, burnt his books, saying he conspired against Alexander. Xiphiline.

Having seen the body of Alexander the Great, he commanded his followers to call him Alexander and Antoninus Magnus; and by flatterers was brought to a fond conceit, that he walked like Alexander with an awful countenance, and bent his head to the left shoulder; and whatever he observed in the countenance of Alexander, he imitated to the life, and perswaded himself that he had the same lineaments and proportions. Sextus Aurelius Victor his Epitome.

— Simia Magni

Turpis Alexandri, cujus dum reddere vultus

Irarum plenos gestis, nihil acta moraris,

Acta quibus vaere meruit virtutis honorem.

Roberti Moore Diarium Historico-Poeticum. p. 9.

I have seen divers ridiculous Images, which had one entire body; and one head, which had two half-faces, to wit, Alexanders and Antonines; saith Herodian l. 4. c. 8.

He was excessively given to Adultery, while able,Caius & Augustus severissimas aliorum cupiditatibus leges statuerunt, quum ipsi interim, omnium, qua venerant, lectorum pressores dicerentur. Rivius in Justiniani Imp. Defensione, p. 99. yet most severely punished it in others. Excerpta Peiresci, p. 755.

[Page]Being unable to wear true armour through his weakness of body, he wore counterfeit harness that none might attempt to assassinate him, Excerpta Peiresci.

Ei cum caetera omnia, tum nummus adulterinus erat: nam pro argento, aurove quod nobis daret, plumbum argentatum, & aes inauratum parabat. Xiphilinus in Caracallo.

He would shew courtesie when he intended mischief; so that his kindness was more feared than his anger. Spartianus in Geta c. 7.

Having miserably impoverished the people, his mother reproved him, to whom he shewing his naked sword, replied; As long as I have this, I will not want, Xiphiline.

Where he wintered, or but intended to winter, he caused Amphitheatres and Cirques for publick games to be erected, and within a while to be taken down again. Id. ibid.

He learned the vices of three Nations, from whom he drew his original; of the French, vanity, timorousness, and idleness; of the Africans, roughness and wildness; of the Syrians, cunning and malice: partaking of none of their vertues. Boeclerus in Herodianum, p. 433.

He preferred Hannibal, Sylla and Tiberius, before other Commanders for their cruelty; in which he exceeded his Father, and all the preceding Emperors.

[Page]He confessed that in all his life he never learned to do good. Xiphiline.

He abstained not from killing of men on his very birth-day; and when a vanquished Gladiator sued to him for protection, his answer was: ‘Suppl [...]cate thy Antagonist, for I may not save thee.’ Whereupon the unhappy man was destroyed by his Adversary, who perhaps would not else have done it but for this expression, not daring to seem more clement than the Emperor. Xiphilinus in Caracallo.

He delighted more in Magicians and Juglers than in men of worth; for seeing himself hated, he told the Romans he could command his own security, though not their love; and therefore he less valued reproaches, or feared dangers by their disfavour. Xiphiline, Zonaras.

Vixit sub Antonino non Philosopho, quod in Eusebii Chronico Hieronymiano [...]erperam scriptum, sed Caracalla, cui & sua [...], vivo adhuc patre Severo, dicavit. Vossius de Poetis Graecis.Yet Oppian, who when banished by Severus wrote the Cynegeticks, and after his decease dedicated that work to Caracalla, was therefore called from exile, and received a piece of gold for every verse in his Poem.

Having negotiated a marriage with Arduwan or Artabanus (the King of Parthia) his daughter; and going to solemnize the Nuptials, he was met by the old King, with the flower of his Soldiers, People, and Nobles in their triumphal ornaments. No sooner was this honourable retinue come nigh Caracalla his Army, [Page] but the watch-word given,In Parthia quid gesserit, aliter Herodianus, aliter Dio narrat. Certum tamen est eum etiam illic perfidia truculenta potius quam virtute grassatum. Jacobus Cappellus in [...] Cent. Hist Ec. Paulo fusius desc [...]ibit Herodianus factum crudelitatis & perfidiae plenum: quod Dio & Spartianus brevissimè pe stringunt verius, quam narrant. Boeclerus in Herodianum, p. 433. the Roman Soldiers (according to their Emperors direction) put them all to the sword: the King himself hardly escaping wi [...]h life.

Antoninus Imperator, in toga prae [...]tans, & non iners, nec tutilis in bello, cum adversus Parthos armis exerceretur, visis cataphractis, adeo totus in metum venit, ut ultro ad regem conciliatrices literas daret. Q [...]as cum Rex immodicus animi respuisset, insolentia quidem barbari debellata est, sed patefactum est, in his tantam inesse violentiam, ut ea vincendus fideret, & superaturus timeret. Nazarii Panegyricus Constantino Magno dictus. Tristan inferreth that Caracalla is aimed at, though not named, no other Emperor surnamed Antoninus, ever having waged war with the Parthians. Non recordor id in historicis legere. Itaque fides sit penes auctorem, sai [...]h Livineius.

As Caligula having killed many French and Greeks, bragged that he had conquered Gallo-Graecia; so Caracalla having perfidiously slain a great number of G [...]rmans and Parthians, usurped the titles of Germanicus and Parthicus. Tristan in his parallel of Caracalla with Caligula.

Being incensed against the A [...]xandrians, who traduced him for his fratricide, and nick-named his mother Iocasta, he commanded the strongest of them to be listed for service; whom when he had enrolled, he killed, after the example of Ptolemeus Euergetes, the 8. of that name, [Page] called Physcon; giving moreover a signal to the Soldiers to kill their hosts.

A slaughter so great and universal, that the river Nilus coloured with the blood of the slain, might not improperly at that time be called a Red-sea. Dr. Heylin's Geography.

He restored all profligate persons who were exiled, to their liberty; and presently after filled the Islands where they were banished with more exiles. Xiphiline.

The Senate appointing a sacrifice to the Gods,Baronius produceth a Medail of Severus with Caracalla and Geta's heads on the reverse, & these words, Concordia perpetua. but especially to Concord, for their agreement; a beast was prepared for slaughter by the Priests of that Goddess, and the Consul went to perform the Rites. But neither could he find the Priests, nor they him, though almost the whole night was spent in seeking one another, so that then there could be no sacrifice: the next day two Wolves ascended into the Capitol, and were driven thence, one of which was taken in the Market-place, the other after was killed without the walls. This related to Antoninus and Geta, saith Dion, lib. 77.

He slew his brother Geta in his mothers arms, whom he forced to dissemble mirth; He consecrated the sword wherewith he killed him sequestred their goods in whose wills Geta's name was found, & slew 20000 persons related to him; spending whole nights in such tragical executions. Comdare Dion with Herodian.

[Page]To cloke which fratricide with shew of constraint, first to the Soldiers and then in the Senate, he accused his brother to have sought his death, and that in defence of himself he was forced to kill him; and thereupon fled to the Pretorian bands for safety of his life, as though further conspiracies had been intended against him in the City.

Haecque omnia, probabile est divinitus contigisse, in ultionem innocentis sanguinis Christiani; quem Severus Imperator, ac Senatus, populusque Romanus, paucos ante annos injustissime effudissent. Besoldus in majore Synopsi Hist. Univers. ex Baronio.

Notwithstanding his cruelty he arrogated to himself the name of Pius; and after his conquering the Germans, he was not ashamed of the title Erat res ridicula, Germanicum dici velle eum qui fratrem suum occidisset. debuitenim home sceleratus cogitare, multos sic cognomen interpretaturos, quasi de sublato fratre germano gloriaretur, non de victis Germaniae populis. Germanicus, though through the ambiguity of the word he might be thought to boast of his brothers murder. Hemelarius.

He allowed Geta a good funeral, buried him in a stately monument built by Severus, called Septizonium; wept as often as he saw his picture, or heard mention of his name: and being told that his Fratricide might be expiated in some degree by calling his brother a God, he answered; Sit Divus modo non sit vivus. Spartian in Geta, c. 3.

For the murther of his brother he was punished with madness by the Furies,Casaubonus. deservedly called Vltrice Deae.

[Page]Affrighted with the Ghost of his Father and Commodus, he prohibited any upon pain of death to name Geta; and broke the money stamped with his Effigies, and abolished all the playes instituted in honour of his birth-day.

By his Favourites the name of Geta was rased out of all Monuments and Imperial inscriptions, as we have seen some of them defaced upon some Altar stones found in Britain. Speeds Chron.

He slew Papinian the famous Lawyer,Ejusdem sceleris p [...]incip [...]s (que) f [...]it, fratrem Imperii consortem, mox jurisc [...]nsul [...]um Papin [...]anum licentiae adve [...]santem è medio tollere. Jac Gothofredi Vlpianus, p. 11. because sollicited by him to defend his Fratricide, he said; ‘It was a crime ea [...]lyer commi [...]ted than excused.’ Spartian, c. 8.

He did chide the Executioner, because he beheaded Papinian with an Ax, and not with a Sword. Spartian in Caracalla c. 4. and in Geta c. 6. Xiphiline.

When he ascribed to himself the titles of Germanicus, Arabicus, and Alemanicus, Sarmaticus Maximus, and Parthicus Maximus; Helvius Perti [...]ax son to the Emperor Pertinax jestingly said, Add if you please Geticus Maximus, because of his brother Geta's murther, and because the Gothes (whom he overcame in his passage to the East) are called Getae: which occasioned Pertinax his death. Spartian in Geta ubi suprà, & in Caracalla, c. 10.

Being in Mesopotamia he writes to Maternianus, to whom he committed command at Rome, to enquire of the Magicians [Page] (to whom he was so addicted) whether any intended to surprize the Empire. Maternianus writes back that Series historiae diligenter etiam a Dione est exposita; qui in aliquibus variat. Boeclerus in Herodianum, p. 434. Macrinus treacherously aspired to the Empire; which Letter with others Caracalla received while he was at his [...]port, and delivered them to Macrinus to give him an account of. Macrinus broke up the letters, and fell upon that which aimed at his destruction; wherefore finding his own danger, he reserved that letter to himself, acquainting Caracalla with the rest. But fearing lest Maternianus should write again of the same business, he resolved to prevent his imminent danger by this plot. He perswades Martialis a Centurion, and one of Caracalla's guard (whose brother the Emperor had slain a few daies before, upon an accusation without proof) to dispatch him; which he Rufus Festus in his Breviarium, saith he died propria morte, differing therein from other Historians, as Cuspinian upon Festus sheweth. did, whilest the Emperor was about to ease nature.

When he went out of a certain gate, he heeded not the detaining of him, and tearing his garment by a Lion, whom he used to play with, and named Acinaces; who held him as it were by an extraordinary instinct, as if he foreknew the misfortune ready to befal him. Dion.

It was but just, that he who had killed so many of his friends, should be slain by the treason of his enemies.

Both Caligula and Caracalla reigned but a little while. Both were killed by military Tribunes, the one by Cassius Chaerea, [Page] whom he was wonted to tax with effeminacy: and the other by Martialis, who was employed by Macrinus, whom Caracalla charged with the same fault. And which is wonderful, they both dyed being 29 years old, and both their Assassinates were slain after them. Tristan in his parallel of Caracalla with Caligula.

He reigned 6 years, 2 months and 2 daies.

Serapion an Egyptian a few daies before told him,Imperante illo Sarapion quidam Mathematicus Macrinum ostendit Antonino in Senatu, mox imperio potiturum. Verum is, postquam demonstratum minus recte observasset, pro Macrino alium e medio tolli jubet. that he should die shortly, and Macrinus should succeed him: for which he was cast to a Lion, and though the beast spared him, Macrinus would not. Xiphiline.

Both Nero and Caracalla dyed violent deaths, and both had for their Successors old men whom they loved not at all, and who reigned not long, being both slain by the practises of two effeminate persons, who were Otho and Heliogabalus. Tristan in his parallel of Caracalla with Nero.

Metochita. Tarantam vocabant eum, a cognomine cujusdam gladiatoris, & statura minimi, & forma faedissimi, & animo tum ferocissimi, tum maximè sanguinarii. Dio Leunclavii in octavo, p. 904.

When he was dead, it appeared that he procured as much poyson from the Inhabitants of upper Asia, as cost 220000 crowns, that he might poison several waies as many as he pleased. Xiphiline.

[Page] Excerpta Peiresci call him furiosum, ad omnia praecipitem, virtutis, & illustrium virorum hostem; bonis exitiosum, caedibus assiduè saevientem; prodigum in milites, [...], rapacem, nec a fraternis manibus abstinentem; vitiis suis gloriantem, omnibus denique terribilem; nisi Germanis & alis hostibus, qui stultum ridebant, pecunia emungebant, vel cladibus mulctabant.

It is to be admired, that a man so extremely wicked, tempered himself from slaughter of the Christians. R. B. his lives of all the Roman Emperors, p. 61.

His Wife Plautilla had as much for her dowry as would have served 50 Empresses.Diligenter descripsit ea quae ad Plautiani historiam pertinent, Dio. Baeclerus in Herodiadum. p. 421. Her Father Plautian made men Eunuchs, who were married and had children; and their children also were gelded, that she might have musick-masters who might teach her the better, and domesticks of this sort fitter to compose tunes for her.

When Caracalla and Geta would have entred into the assembly of the Gods, with Severus their Eather, Iulian feigneth that Minos forbad them, but better discerning one from the other, he admitted Geta the younger as lesse wicked, and sent back Caracalla to suffer the punishments he deserved. See Spanhem the Son's Remarques sur les Caesars, p. 246, 247.

Absorpsit Britannicas res abhinc, quae ad civilem aliquatenus pertinent administrationem,[Page]Lethe usque ad Probi tempora Imp. Seldeni Analecta Anglo Britannica. l. 1. c. 7.

Dissimilis virtute patri, & multo magis illi,

Cujus adoptivo nomine te perhibes;

Fratris morte nocens, punitas fine cruento,

In risu populi tu Caracalla jaces.

Ausonius.

Opilius Macrinus. and his Son Antoninus Diadumenus.

[effigy of emperor]

[Page]

MAcrinus was of so obscure parentage,Parentum origine tam ignobili; ut longè aptissimè illi asino, quem a genio deductum in Palatium diximus, assimilatus fuerit. Dio Leunclavii in octavo, p. 904. that according to the custom of the Moors, he had one of his ears bored through. Xiphiline.

He was made a Prefect by Caracallus omnium durissimus, & ut uno complectamur verbo, parricida & incest [...]s, patris, matris, fratris inimicus, a Macrino qui eum occidera [...], timore milium, ac maximè praetorianorum, inter deos relatus est. Spartianus in Caracallo, c. 11. Caracalla, after whose death he was elected Emperor by the Soldiers, who were ignorant of his treason, the suspicion whereof he escaped by a seeming sorrow.

[Page]The Romans were so glad of Caracalla's death, that they considered not whether Macrinus was good or bad; Macrini imperium lubentibus animis admittebant, non tam secum expendentes, cuinam servituri essent, quam quo tyranno essent liberati: & quemvis e vulgo putantes ipso futurum optabiliorem. Dio Leunclanii in octavo p. 908.

He made his son Diadumenus, Caesar; so Ferunt Diadematum puerum appellatum: sed ubi adoleverit, avi sui nomine materni, Diadumenum vocatum; quamvis non multum abhorruerit abillo signo diadematis nomen Diadumeni. Lampriaius. in Diadumeno. called either from his Grand-Father by the Mothers side, or because he was born with a Diadem on his head, like a bowstring. Lampridius in Diadumeno. c. 4.

They did nothing memorable by reason of the short time of their reign. Eutropius. lib. 8.

He commanded Diadumenus forthwith to be called Antoninus by the Soldiers; and assumed to himself the name of Severus, whose memory he pretended to reverence, that he might deface the suspicion of assasinating his Son, saith Tristan.

He imitated Marcus Aurelius in a slow pace and low voice, and Nero in a cruel life.

Instead of Macrinus he was by his own servants called Macellinus, as one would say Butcher, quod macelli specie domus ejus cruentaretur sanguine vernularum. Because his house was like a shamble of murthered men. Capitolinus in Macrino, c. 13.

He was named Mezentius, because like him, he joined live bodies to dead.

[Page]He commanded 2 Soldiers, who had ravished their hostesses maid, to be sewed up in the bellies of 2 great Oxen, their heads only left out that they might speak one to another.

He caused those Soldiers who committed adultery to be tyed to the women, and burnt alive; though his wife Nonia Celsa was insatiable that way.

He shut living men in seiled walls, where they dyed miserably.

Mothe le Vayer in his Opuscules, p. 27, &c. thinketh that one reason why Macrinus banished Lucius Priscillianus a valiant Captain into an Island where he dyed, was because he had the boldness to encounter 4 such fierce beasts, as a Bear, a Leopard, a Lyoness and a Lyon; though his cruel carriage under Caracalla who advanced him, afforded sufficient pretence for his punishment, as Dion informeth us, l. 78.

Macrinus said he was clement, when he punished but one Soldier in an hundred with capital punishment for a mutiny, when he thought they deserved to be decimated, or at least one in 20 to suffer.

Having written to the Senate, that he knew no body desired his death, Fulvius Diogenianus cryed out; Yes but we all do.

Having concluded a peace with Artabanus the Parthian King, he returned to Antioch in Syria, and there spent his time in sensual pleasures; being drenched so [Page] far therein, that the Army began to dislike his government, and to favour young Bassianus then at Emesa in Phoenicia, with Maesa his Grand-mother by his mothers side: who there had built a Temple to the Sun, and ordained him a Priest, for which he was called Helagabalus, in the Phoenician language, The Priest of the Sun. To this Temple resorted many of the Soldiers, and seeing his beauty, allured Maesa to bring him to their Camp; where reported to be the Son of Caracalla, the Soldiers proclaimed him Emperor, and maintained his right against Macrinus: who met him in the confines between Phoenicia and Syria, fought a bloudy battel, but being put to flight, hasted to Dio non in loco tantum caedis, sed in historia etiam Diadumeni variat. Boeclerus in Herodianum, p. 438. Chalcedon, fell sick, and was slain by the Soldiers (with his Son Diadumenus) because he contracted their pay, and suppressed their luxury. Victor's Epitome.

Macrinus a thing made by chance, and overthrown by chance; came from a base progeny, and was ruined by an Infant. Sir W. Cornwallis the younger in his Encomium of Iulian the Apostate.

His fate was foretold by the Oracle in these verses.

[...],

[...].

Est juvenum, miserande senex, tibi noxia pugna,

Nec tibi sunt vires, seniique gravis dolor instat.

[Page] Pater timidus & impudens fuit, Caesus est cum filio, nihil ex paterna claritate praeter immeritam mortem auferente. qui pacem emit a Parthis; honores dedit indignis. Sed nec in filio quicquam, praeter pulchritudinem, memorabile. Chr. Ad. Ruperti Observat. in Synop. Besoldi min. p. 348.

Macrinus's defeat arising from fear,Bussieres in Flosculis Historiarum. was ominously signified by a Dove flying to the Statue of Severus (whose name he assumed) when the Senate received his letters. Dio Leunclavii in octavo, p: 915, 916.

Laudem Macrinus supra mortales alios invenisset, si non pro se adpetivisset imperium; sed aliquem è Senatu delectum, qui Romanis praeesset rebus, imperatorem designasset. Hac nimirum sola ratione culpam paratarum Caracallo insidiarum (veluti qui suae tantummodo salutis causa, non imperii cupiditate adductus, earum fuisset auctor) evitasset. Nunc autem & infamiae notam sibimet ipse inussit, & seipsum ita perdidit; ut illa tam contumelia, quam calamitate, dignissimus fuerit. Nam qui regnum adfectavit id temporis, quo ne senatoris quidem nomen adhuc habebat: idem & celerimè pariter & non sine gravissimis aerumnis amisit. Id. ibid. p. 917.

He lived 54 years, reigned one year and 2 months.

Principis hic custos, sumptum pro Caesare ferrum

Vertit in auctorem caede Macrinus iners.

Mox cum prole ruit. Gravibus pulsare querelis

Cesset perfidiam. Quae patitur, meruit.

Ausonius.

Helagabalus.

[Page]

THE outward form is no small circumstance to induce the multitude to reverence; since as deformity in a Prince hath oftentime occasioned contempt even to deprivation: so on the contrary hath an amiable shape strengthened very weak pretentions, and in Antoninus Non satis possum mirari, quid impulerit hominem alioqui diligentem, & in veterum numismatum tractatione versatum, Onuphrium Panvinium, ut Alagabalum in suis commentariis ubique edendum curaverit, cum ut ipse testatur, in antiquis numismatibus ELAGABAL. incisum observaverit. Ursinus in Dionem, p. 1054. Helagabalus was sufficient title to an Empire, even in a military election. Habington's Edward the 4th p. 6, 7.

Quoniam tota stirps Helagabali & consobrini ejus Alexandri Severi, magnopere confusa est & obscura, eam hic proponam. Igitur Julius Bassianus è Phoenice oriundus filias habuit Juliam Domnam Augustam conjugem Severi, & Maesam. Juliae filius fuit Caracalla [Page] qui & Bassianus ex nomine avi materni dictus. Maesa Julium maritum habuit virum Consularem, ex quo duas filias peperit Sohaemiadem & Mamaeam. Quarum Sohaemias quidem Vario Marcello Senatorii loci viro nupta filium habuit Avitum, qui & Bassianus dictus est ex avi ac proavi materni nomine, ex paterno autem nomine Varius. Itaque fallitur Lampridius qui Helagabalum Varium dictum esse scribit ex aviae Variae nomine. Nec minus falli eundem puto, cum Alexandrum Severum Varii filium, Variae nepotem fuisse dicit. Neque enim credibile est patrem Helagabali & Alexandri uno eodemque appellatos nomine. Potius crediderim erravisse Lampridium, qui Alexandri patrem facit qui erat Helagabali. Et enim si Varium Helagabali patrem esse scisset, certè id in ojus vita retulisset, quo loco causas quaerit cur Helagabalus dictus est Varius. Ac duas quidem ejus appellationis ibi causas retulit, hanc quam dixi praetermisit. Proinde non dubito errorem illum in stirpe Alexandri Severi ex ignoratione Lampridii fluxisse. Nisi forte Varii filium interpretari placet, adoptatum ab Helagabalo qui & Varius est dictus. Caeterum naturalis Alexandri Severi pater ignoratur. Ab auctoribus autem Mamaeae filius ferè dici solet. Quod in gratiam Mamaeae a Senatu decretum fuisse credibile est, quemadmodum patres olim censuerant, ut Tiberius Augustus Liviae filius diceretur, teste Dione. Avus quidem ejus dictus est Alexianus, si credimus Herodiano, l. 5. idque initio[Page]nomen fuit Alexandro Severo. Valesius in Excerpta Peiresci, p. 111, 112.

This Monster had more names and surnames (saith Tristan) than Hydra had heads; for whilest he was a private man he was called Varius Avitus Lupus, Varius from his reputed Father Varius Marcellus Nec debuit Alagabalus deliciarum portentum alibi nasci quàm in Syria. P. Molinaeus in Epist. Greg. Nysseni De euntibus Hierosolymam, p. 26. a Syrian, Avitus Lupus from Iulius Avitus Lupus his Grand-father by the mothers side; after being presented to the Soldiers to obtain their favour, he was named Bassianus: by whom when he was received and proclaimed Emperor, they gave him the name of Antoninus. He was the last Emperor upon whom that name was conferred, which because he dishonoured, he was called Pseud-Antoninus. He was named Assyrius (saith Dion) because he was often seen in publick clothed with a barbarous habit, such as his Countrymen the Priests of Syria, Quod non minus insolens quàm si Iovis sacerdos aut dialis flamen ipsam Iovis appellationem sibi vindicasset. Casaubon. anciently called Assyria, used to wear. His debauchednesse made him to be sur-named the Roman Sardanapalus. He had the surname of Helagabalus given to him, Novo exemplo hic fanaticus, de nomine ejus dei cujus sacerdos fuit, se quoque dici voluit. because he was Priest of Helagabalus the peculiar god of the Emesenes; so strange a Deity, that Authors Mirè variant in hoc vocabulo libri veteres. Sylburgius in Indice rerum & verb. Notab. in Rom. Hist. syntagmate Graeco-Latino. agree not about the writing, or meaning of his name: though it be most probable that it signifieth the Sun.

[Page]He was the spurious issue of Caracalla and Symia Syra, which Scaliger rendreth Lunula Onychine.

Appellationes imponere a rebus, quae in amoribus & deliciis sunt, omnium nationum commune est, a floribus, ab arboribus, herbis, gemmis, mundo muliebri. Sed hoc Iudaeis, Aethiopibus, Syris, Arabibus tam frequens, tam vulgo usitatum, ut earum nationum proprium videri possit. Scaliger in Eusebium.

He had 6 Wives in the short time of his reign; the first of which was Annia Faustina, of Commodus his linage, for the enjoyment of whom he caused Pomponius Bassus her husband to be put to death, not permitting her to weep for him. Divorcing her,On a reverse of Annia Faustina is written Concordia: and on one of Paula's Concordia aeterna. he married Cornelia Paula a most Illustrious Roman Lady (That he might the sooner be a Father (said he) who was not able to be a man;) yet soon after only because she had a spot in her body, as he said, he put her away,Tristan. and stripping her of all honours, sequestred her to a private life. After pretending he was in love, he violently took out of Vesta her sacred Nunnery at Rome, Iulia Aquilia Severa a Vestal Virgin, and married her, which by the Heathens was held such a crime, that the Nun which had carnal knowledge of a man, was buried alive: writing to the Senate, who were grieved at his sacrilegious act, That she was a fit match for a Priest, and impudently affirmed he did it, That from himself a [Page]Priest and his Wife the chief Priestess of Vesta, there might be born issue worthy of the Gods. Yet he quickly turned away this Wife, for to espouse another, with 2 more whose names are unknown; it being difficult to determine whether he be to be blamed more for his frequent and illegal marriages, or his sudden and causeless divorces. And at last being possessed with a continual inconstancy (having changed 5 times in 4 years) he returned to Aquiliae Severa. compare Dion l. 79. with Herodian, l. 5. c. 6.

He so favoured Aurelius Zoticus, that himself commanded him to be taken (of all the chief Officers for the Emperors husband. Zoticus was supplanted by Hierocles, admitted to the same familiarity by Helagabalus, and styled his husband also.

Nor did he thus play at fast and loose with humane Matrimonies only, but now his God also wanted a Wife. Him he married first to Pallas, after (saying, His God liked not so martial a Wife) to Vrania, concluding it was fitter to match the Sun and Moon together, making his God almost as fickle as himself. Herodian, l. 5. c. 6.

He gave all the treasure in the Temple of Vrania to his God, for a portion with her.

He commanded all the people of Rome and Italy to use all publick and private feasts for joy of the wedding.

[Page]He erected in the suburbs a magnificent Temple,Is Deum suum circumferens ac reliquis omnibus praeferens & Coelesti Carthaginensium deae matrimonio copulans, Eponam etiam nescio quam deam obtrudens, nihil reliqui fecit ad summam proterviam. Jac. Cappellus in Eccl. Christ. cent. 2. p. 51. into which every year with great solemnity he brought his God, whom he preferred before Iupiter, and made an Edict that the Romans should pray to the new god Helagabalus before all other gods, who, he said, were servants of his God, spoiling their Temples to enrich that of his, nay would have had no other gods worshipped at Rome, saith Lampridius in Helagab. c. 3. Nec Romanas tantum voluit extinguere religiones, sed per orbem terrae unum studens ut Helagabalus deus unus ubique coleretur. Id. ib.

So inordinate was his concupiscence, that nature not permitting, what his desires prompted him unto; turning his lusts upon himself, he cut off his privities, consecrating himself to Cybele; and charged all to call him Bassiana, instead of Bassianus. Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

Ad ritum patrium, non temere, pudenda sacravit spurcissimus ille. Seldenus de Diis Syris, syntagmatis secundi capite primo, editionis L. B. p. 228.

He was a man for all women, and a woman for all men. Coeffeteau.

He so far differed from the manners of men,Non homo nominandus est, sed upupa faedissima, saith Benevenutus de Rambald is in his Augustalis. that modesty permitteth not to relate his greatest vices; the Devil in the form of an Hermaphrodite, not being able to act greater lewdness than he did, saith Tristan.

[Page] Lampridius thus beginneth the story of Helagabalus: ‘I would never have wrote the beastly life of Helagabalus, that it might not have been known, that he was a Roman Emperor, unless Caligula, Nero and Vitellius had before sate in the same throne.’

Boccaline feigneth that Lampridius was severely proceeded against by Apollo, and that by order of the whole Congregation of Parnassus, his Histories was turned back upon his hands, and he was freely told; ‘That he should go and teach those execrable lusts in the publick Classis, wherewith he had so delighted himself to fill his shameful papers, wherein he had written the lives of Helagabalus, Caracalla, and other lascivious Monsters of Nature.’ Parnassus cent. 1. advertisement 55.

It is questioned whether were greater his boundless Prodigality, Iuan Vasilowich sent to the City of Mosko to provide for him a colpack or measure full of live fleas for a medicine. They returned answer that the thing was impossible; and if they could get them, yet they could not measure them, for leaping out. Whereupon he beat out of their shins 7000 rubbels for a mulct. G. Fletchers History of Russia, cap. 12. p. 106. his stupendious Leachery, or his fantastical Foolery; the last of which his Imperial vertues he gave proof of, when he commanded his servants to bring him a thousand pound weight of Spiders offering them a reward, & received of them ten thousand pound weight, whereupon he said, That now he understood the greatnesse of Rome: at another time he [Page] caused to be gathered ten thousand Mice, a thousand Weazels, and a thousand Polecats, which he brought forth in a publick shew to the people, for some wise State-purpose, like the former, Speed's Chron.

He disfigured his fair face with foul tinctures; he slept in the day, transacted affairs in the night.

Being near the Sea, he never tasted fish; nor flesh when he was farthest in the Continent: he said, ‘That fare was best which cost most.’

In gluttony he exceeded Apicius and Vitellius. Lampridius in Helagabalo, c. 24.

He ridiculously wore Jewels, and those curiously engraved, on his feet; as if the rarity of the work could be discerned there. Lampridius in Helagab. c. 23.

His habit was betwixt the sacred long vestment of the Phoenicians, and the effeminate apparel of the Medes, for he scorned the Roman or Greek attire, as made of greasy wool. Herodianus, lib. 5. cap. 5.

That he might seem magnificent, he drowned Ships in the Haven; paying the owners for their fraught: and drew fishes out of his Ponds with Oxen. Lampridius ibid. c. 32, and 24.

He built stately Baths, which being but once used were plucked down. Lampridius c. 30.

[Page]He received the superfluous burden of his belly in vessels of Gold. Lampridius in Helagab. c. 32.

He said, ‘If he had an heir, he would teach him to do as he did.’

When he was but a private man, being reproved for his prodigality by a friend, who asked him, ‘Whether he did not fear want hereafter?’ he answered; ‘What can be better for me than to be heir to my self?’

In confesso est, Helagabalum Imperatorem triclinia, quandoque lectos & porticus, omni florum genere stravisse, ut Liliis, Violis, Hyacynthis & Narcissis, ac per eos ambulasse, seque unguentis omnium fragrantissimis nudum saepenumero perunxisse. Quem secuti Imperatores, prope nullam molliciem sibi non permiserunt, nullum voluptatis poculum reliquerunt ingustatum. Quod ego in Romanis principibus quamvis damnem plurimum: non tamen admodum miror, cum etiam apud eos abjectissimi homunculi idem sibi indulserint. Jac. Grasserus in Auctario ad Text. officin. p. 425.

He conferred honours on sordid persons, and put great persons upon mean employments, causing the entrails of the sacrifices to be born by Generals of Armies, and chief Officers of State.

He advanced his teachers and ministers of most lewd and wicked acts to honours, whiles in the mean time he thrust down, or murdered excellent persons. Holland in his Chronology, at the end of Amm. [Page]Marcellinus translated by him. Impuros & flagitiosos homines, item aurigas & histriones, facit Legatos, Consules, Duces. Dietericus in Breviario Historico.

In imitation of Apicius he would frequently eat Camels heels, the combs of Cocks newly cut, the tongues of Peacocks and Nightingales, with the entrails of Mullets, Partridges eggs, the heads of Parrats, Pheasants, and Peacocks, and the brains of Thrushes and Phoenicopters. Id. Ib. c. 20.

He had served in at a meal the heads of 600 Estridges, only that he might eat their brains. Id. Ib. c. 30.

He fed his horses with grapes, his dogs with The Goose is the trusty Centinel of the Roman Capitol, whom Helagabalus hated and the Romans honoured so much. Finch in his man transformed. 15th Character. Geese livers (a dainty then,) Lions and other beasts with Parrats and Pheasants. Id. Ib. c. 20. and 21.

He often changed his Pallets, and lay not on any couch unless it was stuffed with Hares fur, or the feathers under Plinius perdices promiscuè iniri fatetur. Forsan ideo libidinosissimus homo Helagabalus, in pulvinaribus culcitris (que) substerni sibi voluit perdicum plumas. Sim. Abbes Gabbema in Priapeia, annexa Petronio, p. 20. Partridges wings. Id. Ib. c. 19.

One day he would eat nothing but Pheasant, another day Chickens, on another this or that Fish, at one time Ostriches, at another Herbs, or Apples, otherwhiles sweet-meats, or white-meats only. Id. Ib.

One of his feasts was hardly ended in a day, the several messes being prepared, [Page] and eaten successively in the houses of his several friends, one dwelling in the Capitol, another on mount Caelius, a 3. beyond Tiber, &c. one staying for another, till the dishes went through all their houses. Lampridius, c. 30.

In parasitas tantum scelestus nebulo ingeniosus & justus fuisse videtur, saith Goulartius.He tyed his Parasites to a wheel, and turned them up and down in water, calling them his Ixionian friends. Id. ibid. cap. 24.

He thrust them also out of his diningrooms, which had deceitful floors, into chambers filled with roses, that smothered with them, they might meet with the bitterness of death in sweetness. Id. Ib. c. 21.

He Tantalized them with mock-feasts in wax, wood, ivory, marble, glass; sometimes what himself did eat was woven or wrought with a needle on their Napkins: otherwhiles so many dishes of meat as were provided for him, were painted upon their tables: only allowing them to drink. Id. Ib. c. 26 and 27.

At the 2. and 3. course he caused Bears, Pardals, Lyons and Leopards, which lacked their teeth and claws, to be brought in suddenly by their Keepers, to terrifie them who were ignorant of their inability to hurt. Lamprid. c. 21.

He shut them up when they were drunk, turning in upon them in the night these disarmed beasts, with the fear of which many dyed. Id. ib. c. 25.

[Page]Their yearly salaries were pitchers full of Frogs, Scorpions, Serpents and Flyes.Digna certè & domino & ministris stipendia. Jo. Cluverus in Hist. Epit. Id. Ib. c. 26.

Many times he kept them in their lodgings from night to morning with old Black-moor women, whereas he told them he had provided most beautiful ones for them. Id. ib. c. 30.

When the people had taken up their places before day in the Theatre to behold the sports, he caused Serpents to be thrown among them, whereby many of them were sore bitten and hurt by flight. Lampridius, c. 23.

He to gratifie his mother,Solus omnium imperatorum fuit, sub quo mulier quasi clarissima, loco viri senatum ingressa est. did fantastically set up a Parliament of Women, with sutable Orders, as how to attire, where take place, when salute; but after his death all Women were deprived of that priviledge by the Senate. Id. ib. c. 4. and 18.Lampridius.

He did drive Chariots drawn by Elephants in the Vatican, levelling the Tombs which stood in his way; he was also drawn by 4 Camels in the Circus, by 4 Mastives in the Palace, after he was Emperor; by 4 Stags in publick, sometimes by Lions he naming himself Magna Mater, also by Tigers counterfeiting Bacchus, unto whom through his excessive humour of drinking he was something more like: other whiles 4 naked Wenches drew him, he being also naked. Lampridius, c. 23, 28, 29.

[Page]He was addicted to divination by inspection of the bowels of young men sacrificed, chusing many fair Gentlemen throughout all Italy, whose Parents were living, that their sorrow might be the greater. Lamprid. c. 8.

By perswasion of Maesa his Grand-mother, who pretended to free him from cares of state, he proclaimeth Alexander Severus his Cousin-german Caesar; maketh him Consul with himself, and adopteth him for his Son: the Senate ridiculously voting what he commanded, viz. Alex. Severus who was 12 years old, to be the Son of Helagabalus that was but 16.

No more than 4 years 'twixt their Ages run,

Yet t'one must Father be, and t'other Son.

Herodian in english verse, p. 136.

He assaying in vain to draw his cousen to his unseemly courses, repented that he had made him his Collegue in the Empire; expelled all his Tutors from the Court, and put the chief of them to death: alledging ridiculously, ‘That the Pedants spoiled his Son, not suffering him to dance and revel, but teaching him to be modest and use manly exercises.’ Herodian, l. 5. c. 7. Lampridius, c 13.

That he revenged himself on none who mocked him upon the reading of Macrinus his letters against him at Rome: [Page]Tristan imputeth to the prudent moderation of Maesa and Eutychianus, by whose means chiefly he got the Empire, whom he yet put to death with cruel ingratitude, only because he was advised by him to reform.

The Syrian Priests having foretold him that he should die a violent death, he built a rich and stately Tower whence he might throw himself down; preparing also cords of crimson-silk and gold to strangle himself with; rich swords to thrust himself through; keeping poyson in boxes of Emeralds and Iacynth, that he might chuse a death according to his humour: saying, ‘That however he dyed, his death should be glorious in the eies of men, and such a one as none ever dyed.’ But he failed of his hope; though not of his desert; for the Soldiers of his own guard, whom he commanded to make away his Cousin-german and deface his Statues, for the love they bare to Alexander Severus, killed Helagabalus himself in a Privy, whither he fled to esape them.

His body was drawn by a Soldier through all the Streets of Rome, like the carkass of a dog, with this military proclamation: ‘The whelp of untamed and ravening lust.’ At last when the quantity of his body was greater than would enter into the stool of a Privy, (wherein for the last funeral ceremony it [Page] should have been buried) they drew it to Tiber, Hic finis Antoninorum nomini in rep. fuit, scientibus cunctis istum Antoninum tam vita falsum fuisse quàm nomine. Lampridius, c. 33. binding it to an heavy weight, and so cast it into the River, that it might neither float above water, nor be buried; he being the only Emperor who was ever so punished.

From these things that hapned unto him he was called Tiberinus & Tractitius.

They did also thrust stakes through the fundament of some of his lewd companions, that their death might be conformable to their life.

Brevem temporum seriem per generationes & regna primus ex nostris Julius Africanus sub Imperatore Marco Aurelio Antonino, simplici historiae stylo elicuit, inquit Isidorus, qui his verbis & quintum claudit Originum librum & Chronicon suum orditur. Non est autem hic intelligendus Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Philosophus, sed Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, qui dicebatur Helagabalus sive potius Elagabalus. Gerh. Ioh. Vossius de Histor. Graecis. l. 2. c. 15.

It is observable that notwithstanding he not only permitted, but also encouraged his subjects to live licentiously:Sir Thomas Elyot his Image of Govern. ch. 3. moreover was so liberal toward them, that he fed them with most delicate and exquisite meats, gave unto them abundance of money, and all the plate, were it of gold or silver, wherewith he was served, to them who dined or supped with him, and made many other sumptuous distributions to the people: yet the Roman nevertheless [Page] abhorring in him their own vices, or rather being satiated therewith, slew him, as is above mentioned, in the Victor in his Epit. saith he lived but 16 years. 21. year of his age, when he had reigned Herodian saith 6 years. 3 years 9 months and 4 daies.

Who does not Commodus and Bassian Loath?

Heliogabalus was Himself and Both!

Dr. Holyday his Survey of the World. p. 90.

Alexander Severus.

[Page]

HE was named Alexander, Longè aliter hujus nominis causam explicat Dio, quem vide. Casaub. because he was born in the Temple of Alexander the Great, and on that day that Alexander died; he had a Foster-father called Philip, and a nurse named Olympias, in allusion to Alexander the Great's Father and Mother. Lampridius in Alexandro Severo. c. 5, and 13. who reckoneth 14 omens of his coming to the Empire.

Of his pedigree, see Helagabalus in the beginning.He is called Alexander Mammaeae from his Mother Mammaea more known than his Father.

Though he was strict in his discipline, [Page] yet Cap. 12. But Heraldus in Apologet. Tertul. p. 40. saith, Ab animifirmitudine & constantia Alexander Mammaeae optimus Principum, Severi nomen meruit. Lampridius erroneously affirmeth that he was named Severus for his severity to the Soldiers. Tristan tom. 2. p. 385.

His Mother Iulia Mammaea (daughter of Maesa) was a Christian woman, and did send for Origen to instruct her son in the grounds of the Christian religion.

He was the first Emperor that favoured Christians.

He was the first who received at one time all ornaments and tokens of honour, which he purchased by his honest life and vertuous manners, whereby he obtained such favour of all men, that when his Cousin-german Helagabalus would have slain him, he could not for the Soldiers and Senates resistance: he proving himself worthy to be preserved by the Senate and Soldiers, and to be elected Emperor by the votes of all good men, when he was but 16 years old. Lamprid. c. 2.

He was then so modest, that when the Senate and people would have given to him the sur-names of Antonius and Quod ei quasi Alexandro est oblatum. Magnus as principal titles of Honour, he humbly refused them, saying openly unto the Senate; ‘It pleaseth me not to assume what belongeth to others, and I find my self overladen with your love, for these high names of honour are too burdensom to me.’ Whereupon (saith Lampridius in Alexander Severus c. 12.) he gained more honour, than if he had taken titles upon him, and from that time he [Page] had the repute of a moderate and wise man.

By the counsel of his wise and vertuous Mother, he purged his Palace, excluding out of his Court dishonest and infamous persons; and would suffer none in his houshold but of necessary use: binding himself by an oath, that he would not have a superfluous number of servants, lest he should burden the Common-wealth with his provision, saying; Malum pupillum esse Imperatorem qui ex visceribus provincialium homines non necessarios, nec reip. utiles pasceret. Lampridius. c. 15.

He was a most vertuous young man, and of necessary use to the Common-wealth. Lampridius in Helagabalo, c. 13. and in Alexandro Severo, c. 4.

No day passed, wherein he did not aliquid mansuetum, civile, pium; but in such manner that he consumed not the common Treasure. Id. Ib. c. 20.

He went usually betime in the morning to his devotion in his Closet, where were set the images of Apollonius, Christ, Abraham and Orpheus. Lampridius. c. 29.

He did read much the life of Alexander the Great, whom he imitated especially; labouring to be thought worthy of his name, and to excel him: yet abhorred his drunkeness and cruelty toward his friends (though the one and the other is extenuated by some good Authors, to whom he often gave credit.) Id. c. 50, and 30

[Page]He went oftentimes to hear Greek and Latine Rhetoricians and Poets; heard also Orators reciting causes, which they had pleaded before him, or the City-Prefects. Lampridius. c. 35.

He would not hear Orators or Poets speak any thing to his praise (counting it folly as Pescennius Niger did) but willingly heard Orations of the acts of other good Princes, or of famous Romans; and most gladly such as were made in praise of Alexander the Great. Id. Ib.

He had the picture of Virgil and Tully, with Achilles and other great persons in his lesser lararium; Alexander the Great among those he worshipped as Gods in his greater. Id. Ib. c. 31.

He was at first harsh, after favourable to Christians, thought to build a Temple to Christ, but was diverted by Vlpian and others, who having consulted their Heathen gods, received this answer (saith Lampridius c. 43.) that if that were suffered, all men would be Christians, and all other Temples desolate.

He delighted not in cloath of gold or silks, saying; Government consisted in vertue, and not in costly apparel. Lampridius. c. 33.

At his table he drunk not in cups of gold, & kept not above Hoc quis sine admiratione summa legat? nam per antiquissimas Romanorum leges. quae conviviis modum ponebant, centum tamen argenti libras convivio licuis inferre. Casaubonus. 200 pound weight of silver vessels in his house. Id. Ib. c. 34.

[Page] Lamprid. c. 31He sold Jewels that were given to him, counting it unfit for himself to possess such things, as he could neither give to his Soldiers, nor any man find profit in. Wherefore when an Embassador had given to the Empress 2 unions of wonderful greatness, he commanded them to be sold: and when none could be found who would give as much as they were prized at, lest any ill example should proceed from his Wife, if she wore that which no body could buy, he caused them to be hanged at the ears of the Image of Venus:Sir Tho. Eliot his Image of govern. thereby declaring that such things either for the inestimable price were fitter for gods than men; or for the unprofitable beauty thereof served only for persons of wanton dispositions, whereof Venus was goddess and patroness.

He would be saluted by his name; if any man bowed his head, or spoke any thing in flattery, he was repulsed if his quality admitted of it, or greatly derided. Lampridius in Alexandro Severo, c. 18.

He would not suffer any to come into his presence, but such as were honest and of good report, commanding that none should enter into his Palace, but only such who knew themselves to be free from vice: causing it to be proclaimed that no person knowing himself to be a Thief, should presume to salute him upon pain of capital punishment, saying moreover; Thieves only complain of poverty, seeking [Page] thereby to hide their mischievous living. Id. Ib.

He prohibited infamous women to salute his Wife or Mother. Id. ib. c. 25.

He ordered that condemnations should be rare, but reversed not those which passed. Id. ib. c. 21.

He was strict in his own manners, wherefore all noble men assayed to imitate him, and honourable Matrons followed the Empress her example. Id. ib. c. 41.

He caused the sinews of one of his Secretary's fingers to be cut through,Spectarunt hoc saepius. antiqui legum conditores, ut qua parte quis peccasset, eadem puniretur. so that he could never write after, and banished him, for forging a false bill in his Counsel. Id. Ib. c. 28. Videsis plura.

He commanded one of his own servants, (who had abused him by receiving 100 Crowns of a Soldier for a bribe) to be hanged in the high way,Casaubon. wherein his servants most frequently passed to his Mannors without the City. Id. ib. c. 23.

He used like severity toward Soldiers;Vix annos viginti natus in summa rerum affluentia, magnoque Imperio, & ipsè se egregium militaris disciplinae exemplum praestitit, & a militib us ut idem agerent, exegit. Neque enim alio quàm militari cibo utebatur, apertoque tentorio ut omnes conspicerent vescebatur. Fulgosius. l. 2. c. 2. for when he heard that one of them had wronged a poor old woman, he cashiered him and made him be bondslave to the woman, that he being a Carpenter might with his trade and labour maintain her: and when the Soldiers were grieved thereat, he perswaded them to be contented, and made them afraid to grudge at it. Id. ib. c. 51.

[Page]He said that a Soldier is never afraid, but when he is well appareled, and his purse furnished with money. Lampridius in Alex. Severo. c. 52.

He would in no case permit Offices to be sold; ‘For (said he) he who buyeth, must sell; I will not endure any merchandise of authority, which if I tolerate, I cannot afterwards condemn; and I shall be ashamed to punish him who sold what I permitted him to buy.’ Id. ib. c. 49.

He so abborred bribery, that if by chance he saw a Judge therewith corrupted, he was ready to scratch out his eies; and was so incensed at the sight of such Extortioners, that he would immediately vomit up choler, his face being as it were on fire, and he not able of a long time to speak a word. Id. ib. c. 17. out of Encolpius and Seprimius.

Prodiit ante annos ferme abhinc centum Londini, libellus Anglicanus Imago Gubernationis seu The Image of Governance dicius, quem in Epistola ad proceres Anglicanos dedicatoria, è Graeco sermone transtulisse se ait Thomas Eliotus eques auratus, atque celebris tunc inter liberatos nominis (de quo videsis Balaeum Cent. 8. script. 77. & Pitsaeum aetate 16, script. 969) atque exemplar Graecum commodato accepisse a Clarissimo quodam Neapolitano, cui nomen Pudericus. Autorem libelli asserit fuisse Encolpium Alex. Severo a Commentariis. Et Encolpium[Page]quidem scriptis mandasse res aliquas Alexandri illius scimus ex Lampridio qui vitam ejus contexens Encolpium semel & iterum adhibet autorem, quo & familiarissimo usum fuisse ait Alexandrum. Graecum puto nullibi jam extare. Sed capite libelli hujus vicesimo quinto, veluti ex Encolpii Graecis, narratur, Alexandrum, hortatu Mammaeae matris, Origenem (qui coaevus quidem erat) ex Aegypto accercivisse, ac literas ad episcopum Alexandriae datas, quibus ei jussum est ne Origenis iter impediret; praefixo qui ad hunc modum sonat titulo, Alex. Imp. Aug. &c. Alexandro Archiepiscopo Christianorum in magna civitate Alexandriae [...]. Graecum enim hoc vocabulum in margine apposuit Eliotus, ut sciret lector quid in Graecis responderet verbis suis Anglicanis Well to do. Dissertationes dein etiam addit aliquot Alexandri & Originis de rebus divinis. Sed nullus tune temporis planè episcopus Alexandriae, Alexander dictus est, nec ullus ante Constantinum. Neque aliud quàm Graeculi alicujus recentioris commentum libellum illum fuisse dubito, utcunque sanè Lampridio subinde satis concordem. Seldenus in Interserendis ad Eutychium, p. 174, 175.

When one Septimius Arabinus, who in the time of Helagabalus, was infamous for bribery, came in the company of Senators to salute him, he cryed out invocating his Syrian God with other Deities; O Marna, O Iupiter, O Dii immmortales, Arabinus non solum vivit, verum etiam in [Page]Senatum venit: fortassis etiam de me sperat; tam fatuum, tam stultum esse me judicat. Arabinus not only liveth, but cometh into the Senate, (alluding to Tully his speech against Catiline) perhaps to be presumeth on me, judging me to be an ignorant and foolish Prince. Id. ib.

He had a favourite named Vetronius Turinus, who used to be more familiar with him than others, which so blinded him, that he by lies confirmed the opinion of many, who thought the Emperor would do nothing without his advice. Which abuse the Emperor hearing of, used this plot to circumvent him. He caused one to desire something of him openly, and after to sue privily to Turinus to help him in his demand, and secretly to move the Emperor for him: which being done, Turinus promised his good will to the Petitioner, and soon after said that he had sollicited the Emperor therein, (whereas he spoke not a word thereof) and expected his answer; whereupon he received of the said person a great sum of money, which the Emperor knowing, caused him to call often on Turinus; who, as if he had other business in hand, only beckoned on him without speaking any thing to him, the Emperor in the interim having given to another that which this man sued for, who grudging thereat, discovered openly what Turinus had received of him: whereupon the Emperor commanded Turinus [Page] to be accused openly in his presence, and all things being proved by sufficient and credible Witnesses, in whose presence he had received bribes, and in whose hearing he had promised great matters: he was adjudged by the Emperor to be bound to a stake in the Market-place, and to be smothered to death with smoke of green sticks and wet stubble, the Bedel being commanded to cry the mean while, Fumo punitur qui vendidit fumum; He perisheth by smoke who had vented smoke instead of substance. Alexandrum Severum non laudo optimum alioquin principem, qui fumo ex stipulis & humidis lignis facto, eum puniit, qui vendiderat fumum. Casaubonus in Vulcatii Gallicani Avidium Cassium. cap. 4. But lest men should think the judgment was too rigorous for one offence, before he was condemned to die, the Emperor made diligent search, and found by evident proofs, that Turinus had often and in many causes received money of both parties, promising to promote their cause to the Emperor. Lampridius, c. 35. and 36.

He had in his chamber bills containing the number of his Soldiers, with their names, and what time they had served; and when he was alone, he perused their accounts, and the number of them with their dignities and wages, that he might be surely provided upon all occasions: wherefore when he had any thing to do with them, he could tell many of their names. When he was sollicited to promote any one, he marked his name, and then searched his books of Pittacia à [...], & [...]. remembrance, wherein were the names of them [Page] who served him, with the time of their service, also their reward, and at whose request they were promoted. Id. ib. c. 21.

His Soldiers marched like Senators to the Persian war, the Country loving them as brethren, and honouring him as a God. Lampridius in Alexandro Severo, cap. 50.

In his expedition if any Soldier going out of the way passed through another mans ground, he would cause him to be beaten with rods, or be drubbed in his sight: or if the dignity of the person freed him from such punishments, he would severely reprove him, saying; Visne hoc in agro tuo fieri, quod alteri facis? Lamprid. c. 51.

Sandys in his Travels lib. 1. writeth, that amongst the Turkish commandments this is one, drawn originally from our Saviours, Thou shalt not do, what thou wouldest not have done to thee: with which speech Alexander Severus was so delighted, that he caused it to be written on the wals of houses, and to be publickly proclaimed by a Cryer, that all might the better observe it. Camerarius in his Historical Meditations saith, Vlpian hence framed the constitution which is found in the Pandects under the title: Quod quisque juris in alterum statuerit, ut ipse eodem jure utatur.

[Page]When the Soldiers mutinyed at Antioch, Herodianus Alexandrum ut ignavum, matrem ejus Mammaeam ut impiam, traducit: sed videtur id facere, religionis Christianae, cui favebant, odio: cum Lampridius tot nominibus Alexandrum commendet ob frugalitatem, liberalitatem, integritatem, adeoque fortitudinem. Jac. Cappellus in Eccles. Christ. cent. 2. p. 52. because he exercised martial discipline upon some of them for debauchedness, he stilled them with these words; Quirites discedite, atque arma deponite. A wonderful example, they all putting off their arms and soldiers coats, departed to their several lodgings. Then the Emperors guard brought all the Standards into the Camp, and the people themselves brought all their armour to the Emperors Palace: yet that very Legion which he disbanded, being sued unto 30 daies before he went toward Persia, he received again, and by their valour especially, he overcame his enemies: notwithstanding ere he departed he put to death the Commanders of that Legion, because the Soldiers passed their time riotously at Daphne, through their negligence or connivence. Id. ib. c. 53, 54.

Herodian writeth that the Romans were vanquished in this War. But Lampridius, Eutropius, Orosius and Zosimus say, that Severus obtained the victory, took Ctesiphon with Babylon, and subdued also Arabia.

Fides Herodiani nutat in Alexandro & Maximino. Vossius de Histor. Graec.

He so heard the complaints of Soldiers against their Commanders, that if he found any Officer faulty, he punished him according to the quality of the offence, without purpose of pardon. Id. ib. c. 23.

[Page]He made one a Pretorian Prefect, who fled to avoid so arduous an employment, saying; Invitos, non ambientes in republica collocandos, They were fit to bear offices of state who shunned them, not those that sued for them. Id. ib. c. 19.

He never made a Senator without the counsel and approbation of the whole Senate, testimony of him being given by honourable persons; but if either the Senators who gave their suffrage, or the witnesses were found to have spoke untruly, they were put into the lowest places of esteem, being also condemned by the people as deceivers and forgers without hope of remission. Lampridius, c. 19.

Doctos reformidat, nihil enim acutius calamo rerum perito, is Goulartius his marginal note.He loved learned men, and feared them also very much, lest they should write any thing sharply of him. Lamprid. c. 3.

He feared less a hundred lances, then

Th' impetuous charges of a single pen.

Allen's History of Henry the 7. p. 85.

His Mother Mammaea and his Grandmother Maesa chose out of the Senate 16 grave and honourable Peers for his Counsellors and Assistants, without whose consent nothing was to pass as an Act of State. Herodian, l. 6. c. 1.

He transacted no weighty matter of judicature, without the advice of no less than 50 most learned and wise men, beside 20 Lawyers (18 whereof were Scholars [Page] of Papinian) of whom Ideo summus Imperator fuit, quod ejus consiliis praecipuè Rempublicam rexit. Vlpian was chief. Every mans opinion was heard, and what they said was written; a competent time being given each Counsellor to consider what they propounded, that they might not speak unadvisedly in matters of importance. Lampridius, Lampridius c. 51. See Aelians Various History, l. 3. c. 17. cap. 16. and 68.

In Law and business of state, intelligent, learned and eloquent men were of his Councel; in military affairs old Commanders, who had behaved themselves valiantly in several battels, and were expert in the situation of places, pitching of fields, and preparation of camps; in each matters he advised with the best Historians: asking them, what the Emperors of Rome or Princes of forreign countries in former times did in like cases as were then in debate. Id. ib. c. 16.

He said, they only should be advanced who could order the Common-wealth by themselves, and not by Deputies, adding thereto, that martial men had their administrations, and Scholars theirs: and therefore every one should do that whereof he had most knowledge. Lampridius in Alexandro Severo, c. 46.

When he appointed Governors of Provinces, he published their names, exhorting and encouraging the people to bring in what exception they could against them, and manifestly to prove the crime, if there was cause of accusation; provided, [Page] if they did not sufficiently prove their charge, and that their accusation proceeded from malice, the accuser should forthwith be beheaded: for, said he, Since Christians and Iews use this method in ordination of Priests, it is most reasonable that the like course should be taken in the choice of Rectors of Provinces, to whom are committed the lives and fortunes of those who are under them. Id. ib. c. 49.

When certain Hucksters and Cooks pretended they had right to a place which was consecrated by the Christians, and it was enquired what was his pleasure therein, he answered; It was better that God should be worshipped there after any sort, than that the places should be put to vain uses. Id. ib. c. 49.

Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History l. 6. saith, that there were many Christians in his family.

He freely sent of his Treasure to many poor men for the purchasing of lands, receiving his money from the rents thereof. Lampridius in Alex. Sev. c. 21.

To many Cities which were defaced by Earthquakes, he remitted the tribute for their reparation. Id. c. 44.

He wrote down so far as he could remember what he had given to any man, and if he found any to whom he had either given nothing, or that which was not equal to his merit, he called them unto him, saying; What is the cause thou askest [Page]nothing of me?It was more troublesome to him (saith one) to be asked nothing, than to give much. Wouldst thou have me be in thy debt? Ask something that thou mayest not complain of me for want of promotion. He gave such things as impaired not his honour; viz. goods of men attainted, not being in gold, silver or jewels: for that was put in the common treasury. Lampridius in Alex. Sev. c. 46.

When any one had exercised his office in the Common-wealth well, at the end of his term when there was a Successor appointed, he would say to him who departed out of his office; Gratias tibi agit Respublica: and would so reward him, that being a private person, he might according to his degree live in good fashion. His reward was in land, cattel, horses, grain, iron, stone, and other things necessary for Edifices. Id. Ibid. c. 32.

He allowed every Judge of a Province 20 pound weight in silver, 6 silver pots, 2 Mules, 2 Mulets, 2 Horses, a Horse-keeper and a Muletor, 2 Robes to sit in judgment, one honourable garment to wear in his house, one for his bath, one Cook, and 100 crowns; their employment being ended, they were bound to restore the Mules, Mulets, Horses, Muletors and Cooks: but might retain the residue if they had discharged their office well, otherwise they payed 4 times as much as they received. Id. Ib. c. 42.

He thought the safety of the State depended upon the Soldiers. Lampridius in Alex. Severo, c. 47.

[Page]He gave such lands as he won out of the Enemies hands to his Lords Marchers, and his Soldiers, that they should be theirs, and their heirs for ever, so they would be Soldiers, neither should they at any time come to the hands of private men, saying ‘They would more carefully serve, if they fought for their own lands.’ Lampridius in Alexandro Severo.

He did let no day pass without exercising himself in learning and martial affairs. Id. Ib. c. 3.

After publick affairs whether martial or civil, he employed himself most about the reading of Greek Authors, as Plato de republica. And when he would read any Latine books, he chiefly made use of Tully his Offices, and his tract De republica, not now extant. Sometime he read Orators and Poets, among whom was Serenus Sammonicus (whom he knew and favoured) and also Horace. Lampridius in Alex. Sev. c. 30.

‘When he dined or supped abroad, he had ever with him Vlpian or other learned men,In jocis Alexander dulcissimus fuit, in fabulis amabilis, in conviviis comis, ita ut quisque posceret quod vellet. Lampridius in Alexandro Severo, c. 4. that he might benefit himself by their discourse, with which he said; that he was both recreated and fed. Id. ib. c. 34.’

He delighted not so much in Latine eloquence, as in the Greek, in which he made elegant verses; inclined to Musick, was learned in the Mathematicks; and appointed [Page] the professors of those sciences openly to propose questions at Rome, for the information of those who were that way addicted. In divination he was so skilful, that he excelled the Augurs of Gascony, Spain, and Hungary. He painted excellently, sang very pleasantly, but never before any, except the Pages of his Privy-chamber. He wrote the lives of good Princes in verse, which he sung unto the Harp and Organs. Sir Thomas Eliot his Image of Govern. ex Lamprid. c. 3. & 27.

He never had any scenical sports at a feast, but delighted much in making whelps to play with young pigs, in the fighting of Partridges, and in little birds flying up and down. To lighten his publick cares, he had Aviaries of Peacocks, Pheasants, Ducks, Partridges, and Ringdoves; which he so extreamly liked, that he had about 20000 of them: for the feeding whereof his servants provided by sale of their Eggs and young ones. Lampridius in Alex. Sev. c. 41.

Every day also he did some good to others, in which (saith Tristan) he had an advantage of happiness above Titus, who could not express the like goodness above the space of a years in which he reigned.

Alexander Mammaeae satis copiosa expositione (quippe cum tredecim annis regnaverit) utique est ad praeclari imaginem imperii descriptus: adeo planè nihil desideratur eorum, quae vel ad educationem Principalis sobolis,[Page]vel ad normam imperatoriae virtutis, vel ad temperamentum singularis potestatis, vel ad disciplinam aulae, vel ad confilia publicae tranquillitatis creduntur pertinere. Boeclerus in Dedicatione, praefixa Herodiano.

If necessity required, he heard matters before day, staying till it was late; never seeming to be weary or troubled: but had all the time the same countenance, in all things appearing merry and pleasant. Lampridius, c. 29.

He was so courteous that he visited the meanest of his sick friends, desiring them to tell him their minds freely of every thing, and hearing them attentively; and when he had heard them throughly, whatsoever he found amiss he carefully amended: and when his Mother Mammaea and his Wife Memmia blamed him for his great civility, saying it made his authority contemptible, he answered; ‘But more secure and durable.’ Id. ibid. cap. 20.

He repaired most of the Bridges which were built by Trajan, leaving notwithstanding the name and honour thereof to Trajan. Id. ib. c: 26.

In all the time of his reign, which lasted 14 years, he suffered none to die, but those who were condemned by law; a rare vertue, and not practised by any since Marcus Aurelius: and there had been nothing wanting to have rendred him a [Page] most excellent Prince, had not his Mother who was (a good woman, but) Mulier sancta, sed avara. Lampridius, c. 14. too miserable, stained his honour by her sordid demeanor. Herodian, l. 6. c. 9.

Though duty binds, yet herein was his error,

He gave her too much sway, to others terror.

Herodian in english verse, p. 136.

When he was passing along in his expedition against the Germans through France, a Druid woman cryed out after him in the Gallick tongue, ‘Go thy way and look not for the victory, and trust not thy Soldiers.’ Purchas his Pilgrims the first part. l. 1. c. 12. p. 101.

Thrasybulus his friend foretelling that he should die by the hand of a Barbarian, he rejoiced, thinking that he should die a warlike death; but he was mistaken in his interpretation, dying not in war: for the Soldiers enraged with his discipline, and his Mother Mammaea's covetousness, slew them both near Mentz in Quod Lampridius Alexandrum occisum refert in Britannia vel in Gallia, videtur hinc natum, quod consilium in Britannia captum, & quidem hoc, ut videtur, anno, proxime sequente peractum est in Gallia. Jac. Cappellus in 5 Centuriis. ad an. Dom. 234. Germany, by the instigation of Maximinus a Muletor whom he had raised.

Herodianus VI. Maximinum ait imperium usurpasse primum: deinde Alexandrum cum matre sua necasse; in quo a Lampridio discrepat. Petavius De Doctrina Temporum, lib. 13. p. 699.

This end had both the Mother and the Son,

A gentle Prince of mild and temperate raign;

His edict was, none should to death be done,

Except the law did first inflict the pain:

[Page]His rule and he much longer might have lasted,

Had not his Mother thus his honour blasted.

Herodian in english verse p. 155.

S. Aurelius Victor saith that when Alexander saw himself forsaken of his guard, he cryed out upon her which gave him his life, as the cause of his death; adding that Mammaea had reduced her son to such an extremity by her sparing humor, who if never so little was left at their overfrugal table; reserved it till another time.

— Civilibus occidit armis,

Maternasque cadens incusat serius artes.

Diarium Historico-poet. l. 3. p. 32.

Verè Mammaeus à studio in matrem Mammaeam,Matris cultu plus quam pius. Aur. Vict. ex cujus arbitrio & consilio multa administrat infeliciter & cum proprio exitio. Dietericus in Breviario historico.

Iulian bringeth in Silenus, Iupiter's buffon, thus deriding him: O te hominem amentissimum, & nullius plane consilii! qui ad tantum dignitatis fastigium elatus, tuas res ex animi tui sententia non administrasti, sed tuas pecunias matri commisisti, neque tibi in mentem venit, longe satius & utilius esse eas amicis impartiri, quam sibi recondere.

He lived 29 years 11 months and 7 daies, and reigned (saith Lampridius) 13 years and 9 daies.

Quibus Consulibus natus sit Alexander, legisse me non memini, inter historices quidem [Page]omnes eum constat occisum fuisse anno Imperii tertio decimo: sed quoto aetatis anno ambiguum. Apud Lampridium enim invenies, an. 29, in Victoris vero Epitome 26, ex quibus tamen numeris, si tredecim annos imperii deduxeris, Alexandrum rerum potiri coepisse anno aetatis sexto decim [...] aut decimo tertio colliges: nisi & illi quoque numeri utrique falsi sint. Vinetus in Eutropium.

He found his real Sepulchre in Rome, but his empty grave in Gallia. Dr Brown's Urn-burial. p. 41.

He is the more to be honoured and admired, since being come of uncertain lineage, born far from Rome, and in so barbarous a Country as Syria, he so well governed the Roman Empire, which before his time was extremely corrupted with detestable vices. See Lamprid. c. 66, &c.

Dio was contemporary and Consul with Alexander, with whom he endeth his history, of which Bussieres in his Flosculi historici passeth this censure; Tunc Dio Cassius principi charus & fastis insertus, inauguravit literas trabea; Romanae Graecus scriptor historiae perquam accuratus, quam tamen negligentia temporum perdidit, dum studiosa brevitatis in Xiphilino, ignorantiam fovet, & umbram amans corpus amittit.

Dio Cassius Coccejanus historicus prudentissimus, & immerito a J. Lipsio in Catalogo prudentiae Doctorum [in not. ad polit.] praeteritus. Forstnerus ad Tacitum, p. 101.

[Page] Dio Cassius in Casaubons opinion, the most accurate Historian, saith Bolton in his Nero Caesar, p. 233.

Sub eodem principe floruit Herodianus, qui Graecè quoque scripsit historiam pauciorum quidem quàm Cassius annorum, sed admodum judiciosam & elegantem, a Commodo, qui regnare coepit anno V. C. 933. ad Maximinum, qui periit anno 990. Jac. Cappellus p. 8. praefationis, praefixae Centuriis quinque Ecclesiasticae Historiae.

Dioni & Tacito, non contextu tantum operis, sed pragmaticae gravitatis comparatione adjungendus. Boeclerus in Epistola Dedicatoria, praefixa Herodiano.

Sub eoque vixit Aelianus, qui de Varia Historia scripsit. Besoldus in majore Synopsi Historiae universae.

The Persian State Alexander o'rethrew;

Rome's Alexander did himself subdue.

Dr. Holyday's Survey of the world. lib. 8.

Maximinus and his Son Maximus.

[effigy of emperor]

[Page]

MAximinus spent his youth in keeping cattel, yet was advanced afterward for his Ego (ut [...], cui magna solet esse fides, testem faciam) Belgam (Antwerpianum se ferebat) in Galliis, Anno 1583. vidi novem pedes altitudine excedentem. stature which exceeded 8 foot by 6 fingers. Capitolinus in Maxim. c. 1. and in Maximino jun. c. 2. [Parsons by trade a Black-smith, the Kings Porter (anno 1624.) was found by just measure to be 7 foot and 2 inches. And I hear that a Welsh-man lately entertained by the Prince in the like place, outstrips the Smith in height by 5 inches, yet is still growing, so as in time he may well come unto 8 foot. Dr. Hakewil in his Apology,Merula Cosmographiae parte prima, l. 3. c. 14. l. 3. c. 3. sect. 3.]

His body was so great that his Wifes bracelet served him for a ring. Capitolinus in Maximino, c. 6.

[Page]His stomach was answerable; he eating daily 40, sometimes 60 pound weight of flesh; and drinking 6 gallons of wine. Id. Ibid. c. 4.

His strength was sutable; he being able to draw Wains loaden with his hands;Eodem tempore, quo Maximinus suae monstrosae fortitudinis opera hinc inde exercebat, ille admirandi r [...] boris gigas Starcatherus pugil Sueticus (cujus paulo ante meminimus) aliique quam plurimi, in prima Gothorum patria aditis ubique clarissimis & memorabilibus facinoribus viguerunt. Olaus Magnus fol. 445. to strike out the teeth of a horse with his fist, to break his thighs with a kick; to crumble tophy stones between his fingers, and to cleave young Trees: for which he was called Hercules, A [...]aeus, and Milo; as Achilles, Hector and Ajax, for his valour. Id. ib. c. 6. and 8.

Sept. Severus celebrating the birth-day of his Son Geta with military sports, gave the winners for a reward jewels, collars, bracelets, belts; Maximinus who was newly come to the army, and could scarce speak Latine came before him, entreating his leave that he might put forth himself in these exercises. Severus wondring at the greatness of his body, granted his request; but upon condition, that he should not encounter with any Soldier, Nequid à rudi homine militaribus viris veniret injuriae, saith Iornandes in Geticis, c. 15. but with such as were water-bearers and servitors of the Camp, among which were very strong and stout men. Maximinus overcame 16 of them before he rested, receiving so many smaller rewards, but not such as were given to the Soldiers; and was listed for service. Three daies after the Emperor riding to view his Camp, saw Maximinus (who was yet but a fresh water-soldier) out of order; wherefore [Page] he commanded a Colonel to call him into his rank, and to instruct him in the duty he was to observe in the Wars: Maximinus imagining the Emperor spake of him, kneeled down at his feet. The Emperor desiring to see whether he could run well or no, spurred his horse and took several turns in the field; and seeing Maximinus left not off running, old Severus being tired said to Maximinus, ‘Thracian, will you wrestle after your race?’ whereto he answered, ‘So long as it shall please your Majesty.’ Then the Emperor chusing 7 of the strongest men in his army, Maximinus overcame them without resting between. Whereupon Severus commanded a collar of gold to be given to him alone, with certain pieces of silver; made him one of his guard, and commanded that he should continually attend in the Palace: by which means he came to be esteemed by the Commanders and Soldiers, and to obtain what he desired of the Emperor. Id. Ib. c. 2, 3.

He was diligent as well after, as before his preferment, saying; Ego quo major fuero, tanto plus laborabo: and rather than his Soldiers should be out of action, he employed them in hunting.

Even in his old age he would throw down 5, 6, or 7 Soldiers (whom he wrestled with) one after another; and being challenged by a Tribune who envied him, when they met, Maximinus gave him such [Page] a blow on the brest with the palm of his hand, that he threw him flat upon his back, saying in sport; Date alium sed Tribunum. Id. ib. c. 6.

Caracallo made Maximinus a Centurion; (in Macrinus his reign he left the army out of hatred to the assasinate of his Sovereign;) even Helagabalus permitted him to be a Tribune: but Alexander Severus gave him the command of a Legion, whose death notwithstanding he disloyally practised (as is before mentioned;) whereupon he was elected Emperor by the Soldiers, without the consent of the Senate. Id. ibid. c. 4, 5, 7, 8.

It appeareth unquestionably that he committed this villany (notwithstanding the doubts of some) because he killed all Alexanders relations and friends. Tristan.

He arrogantly usurped the names of Cajus Iulius Verus, and the proud Epithets of Invictus, Fortissimus and Nobilissimus; notwithstanding his ignoble extraction. Tristan.

He suffered no noble person to be about him, and out of a desire to conceal the baseness of his birth, slew even the best of his friends who were conscious of it. Lampridius, c. 19.

His tyranny caused many to conspire against him, which he discovering, took an occasion to renew his cruelty.

Maximinus first thanked Macedonius, who treacherously slew Tycus that had rebelled [Page] against him, but afterward put him to death as a Traitor. Capitolinus, c. 11.

Praeclarum tyranni factum, & verè singulare, nam tota vita unicum hoc laude dignum. Elenchus MS Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodleiana.

He slew all of the faction of his adversary Magnus without any judicial process,Maximino imperium jam constabilitum obtinente, gravis omnes incessit poenitentia, quod acerbam tyrannidem moderato cum imperio commutassent. Zosimus, lib. 1. not satisfied with the slaughter of above 4000. Capitolinus, c. 10.

Maximus Pupienus (who made preparations at Ravenna to wage war against him by the Senates appointment) was exceedingly afraid of him, saying often; that he was not engaged against a man, but a Cyclops: and Balbinus (who was made his Collegue in the Empire by the Senate, and staid at Rome) trembled at the naming of him.

He was so feared at Rome, that when he was in Italy, the women with their children prayed solemnly in their Temples that he might never return; having heard that some were crucified by him, some inclosed in beasts newly killed, others cast to wild beasts, others bruised with clubs, without any regard to the quality of persons. Id. ibid. c. 8.

For his cruelty (which he thought necessary for his security) he was hated, and called Cyclops, Busiris, Scyron, Phalaris, Typhon, and Gyges. Id. ib. and c. 9.

He was so infatuated with the confidence of his own greatness & personal strength, [Page] that he entertained a conceit, that death durst not adventure to encounter him, for fear of having his Javelin broke about his own crazy skull, and all his Skeleton of bones rattled to dust. Dr. Charleton's Darkness of Atheism dispelled by the light of nature, p. 178.

Because he thought himself immortal, he was covertly defied in the Theatre by a Comoedian in these verses:

Qui ab uno non potest occidi, à multis occiditur:

Elephas grandis est, & occiditur:

Leo Fortis est, & occiditur:

Tigris fortis est, & occiditur:

Cave multos, si singulos non times.

Capitolinus, c. 9.

What was spoken in sport, befel him in earnest; for Maximinus hasting with his army towards Rome to be revenged of the Senate which intended resistance, was opposed at Aquileja, where women made bow-strings of their hair to shoot against him;Capitolinus in Maximino jun. & in Maximo & Balbino. at which repulse he became so furious that he killed many of his own Soldiers, wherewith the rest being enraged slew him and his Son, saying; Canis pessimi ne catulus quidem relinquendus: Of a bad litter not a whelp is to be left.

He was 65 years old when he dyed, and his Son 21.

The time of their reign is not agreed upon.

The Messenger who brought word of their death, came from Aquileja to Rome [Page] (798 miles) in 4 daies. Capitolinus, c. 25.

Magna sane diligentia: sed non incredibilis; cum similis celeritatis aut etiam majoris exempla & apud veteres legantur, & hodieque edi saepissimè videamus. Constat hodiernos veredarios Roma Lutetiam saepe diebus sex septem commeare: quae longè major contentio est. Casaubonus.

When his head with his sons were brought to Rome, all ran to the Altars to thank the Gods, and Balbinus sacrificed Hecatombs for his deliverance, commanding the same to be done throughout the Empire.Maximinus junior tantae pulchritudinis fuit, ut passim amatus sit a procacioribus feminis. nonnullae etiam optaverunt de eo concipere. Capitolinus in Maximino jun. c. 1.

Scribit Aelius Sabinus (quod pretermittendum non fuit) tantam pulchritudinem oris suisse in filio, ut etiam caput ejus mortui jam nigrum, jam sordens, jam maceratum, defluente tabo, velut umbra pulcherrima videretur. Denique quum caput Maximini pilo circumferretur, & ex hoc ingens gaudium esset, prope par moeror erat, quod & filii caput pariter portaretur. Capitolinus in Maximino juniore, c. 6.

Maximinus was the Author of the 6. persecution,Persecutio ista sub Maximino Imp. post diuturnam Ecclesiae pacem repente oborta est ob frequentes & gravissimos terrae motus, quos more suo Gentiles Christianis imputabant ut testis est Firmilianus in Epistola ad Cyprianum. Vide Baronium ad annum Christi 237. Valesius in Eusebium, p. 127. which Tristan thinks he raised only that he might confiscate the Christians goods, his sacrilegious covetousness not permitting him to spare Heathen Temples.

[Page]As this persecution was the shortest, so it was the most violent; not of the common sort so much, as of their especial Leaders: who were either cut off from them, or hirelings intruded for them, or their flock set up against them. Bishop Prideaux in his Introduction to History, out of Chrysostom.

Hujus Maximini monumenta sunt, Bracarae Augustae vicus & porta Maximini, quae hodie quoque post tot saecula nomen retinent. Certum est Romanos omnes Imperatores tum per se tum per magistratus, res praeclaras in Hispania gessisse. Quod tum ex plurimis ipsorum monumentis, tum ex antiquis numismatis constat. Quae ego omnium ferè Imperatorum insignita nominibus vidi, & pleraque etiam habeo penes me, multa largitus amicis. Vasaeus in Chron. Hispan. p. 266.

Bistoniis armenta jugis paulo ante regebas,

Romani fraenos qui regis Imperii.

Boissardus.

Gordian the Father.

[Page]

GORDIAN the elder was son of Metius Marullus and Vlpia Gordiana, deriving his pedigree by the Fathers side from the Gracchi, and by the Mothers from Trajan the Emperor. Capitolinus in tribus Gordianis, c. 2.

His Father, Grand-father, and great Grand-father were Consuls; as also were his Father-in-law, with his Grand-father on both sides, and both her great Grand-fathers. Id. ibid.

He was made Pro-consul of Africk at the age of fourscore, having been Ruler of many other Provinces, and well exercised [Page] in State-affairs. Herodian lib. 7. cap. 5.

The Africans so loved him, that some compared him to Scipio, De Gordiani dignitatibus, laudibusque per gradus honorum & gloriae partis, ut & de delato imperio prolixè Capitolinus in Gordiano a c. 3. usque ad 9. Boeclerus in Herodianum, p. 452. others to Cato; many called him Mutius Scaevola, Rutilius, & C. Laelius. Capitolinus in tribus Gordianis, c. 5.

Moribus ita moderatus ut nihil possis dicere quod ille aut cupidè, aut immodestè, aut nimiè fecerit. Id. ib. c. 6.

Populo Rom. ita commendatus suis actibus erat ut toto dignus videretur imperio. Id. Ibid. c. 9.

The young Gentlemen of Tysdrum exasperated by the tyranny of Maximinus his favourite (Governor of Carthage) slew him; and proclaimed Gordian Emperor, whom they thought the Romans would like, because he was nobly descended: He though somewhat coy, yet being naturally desirous of honour, accepted their offer with a little reluctance: chusing rather to avoid the present, than future peril; holding it not inglorious to die in his old age (if need were) in Imperial robes. Hereupon all Africk revolted, and many Cities pulling down Maximines Images, erected Gordians Statues; whom they surnamed African: (for so the Southern Libyans are called by the Romans.) Herodian, l. 7. c. 5.

He banished all Informers, and suffered those that were unjustly condemned to reverse the judgment by pleading. Id. ib. c. 6.

[Page]He recalled all exiles, and promised to give the Soldiers more than ever Emperor did, and to reward the Commons with an extraordinary Congiary. Id. Ib.

Vitalian, the Pretorian Prefect at Rome, a bloudy instrument of Maximinus's, was killed by Gordian's appointment.

Those who obeyed his order therein, gave out that Maximine was slain; at the hearing whereof, the Romans defaced the Images and Statues of Maximinus: hatred (which till then was over-awed by fear) pouring out it self, without stop, through the Floud-gates of licentiousness. The Senate also conjecturing that it was so, decreed that all Maximine's honours should be abolished: and declared Gordian and his Son Emperors. Idem ubi supra, & c. 7.

The Senate at last understood their danger, better than their relief, Maximine his affairs prospering at Carthage unexpectedly. Capellianus an enemy to Gordian, and true to Maximine, defeated Gordian his Son (who was sent against him) with all his followers. So great was the number that fell, that the principal persons could not be found to receive funeral honour, nor the dead body of the young Prince. Idem ubi supra, &c. 9. Capitolinus in tribus Gordianis, c. 16.

Gordian the Father hearing of this, through despair strangled himself. Capitolinus, ubi supra.

[Page] Sanè etsi uter perierit prior non planè constat, ambos tamen in Afr [...]ca mortem obiisse, non est dubium. Zosimus tamen ex aliis scriptoribus tradit naufragio utrumque periisse, cum ex Africa in Italiam trajicerent. Casaubonus.

Gordian the elder lived 80 years, and yet died of a violent death, when he was scarce warm in his Empire; A man of an high spirit, and renowned, learned, and a Poet; and constantly happy throughout the whole course of his life, save only that he ended his daies by a violent death. Sir Francis Bacon.

Eo solum Imperator, ne sua morte decederet. Bussieres in Flosculis Historiarum.

Gordian the Son had 22 Concubines, by each of which he left 3 or 4 children; being therefore called the Priamus, and by many in merriment The Priapus of his time. Capitolinus in tribus Gordianis, c. 19.

Quidam Sammonicus Serenus LX. & duo millia librorum censuit in sua Bibliotheca; quam moriens reliquit Gordiano minori, a degustato imperio obscuro, ab ista literatorum ore ad coelum lato. Lansius in Mantissa consultationum de primatu inter provincias Europae, p. 76.

Concerning the time of their reign, and Capitolinus his error therein, See Petavius's Rationarium Temporum, the 2. part and 4. book, p. 200.

[Page] Sanè, quod pretermittendum esse non censui, quia mirabile visum est, This is questioned by Tristan in his Historical Commentaries, tom. 2. lectum apud Vulcatium Terentianum, qui & ipse historiam sui temporis scripsit, in literas misi; Gordianum seniorem Augusti vultum sic representasse, ut & vocem, & oris honorem, & staturam ejus oftentare videretur: filium vero, Pompeio simillimum visum, quamvis Pompeius obesi corporis fuisse denegatur. Capitolinus in tribus Gordianis, c. 21.

Pupienus and Balbinus Collegues.

[effigy of emperor]

[Page]

Maximus idem est, qui Pupienus. Quod ignorasse Capitolinum Maximini junioris fine, plerique mirantur. Boeclerus in Herodianum, p. 454. UPon the death of the 2 Gordians the Senate chose Pupienus and Balbinus Emperors in opposition to Maximinus. In the mean time the Commons decryed the election, but especially rejected Pupienus, as too austere; and cryed out that they would presently kill them both, and have a Prince of Gordian's lineage,Tristis ac severus Pupi [...]ni vul [...]us fuit, quod & nummi [...]i [...]ui test [...]ntur quos vid [...]us. Casau [...]n. that the Empire might con [...]inue in that name. Balbinus and Pupienus assaying to go forth of the Capitol, were kept in with clubs and stones, till they deluded the people by this invention.

[Page]There was in the City a little boy, Son to Gordian's daughter, and of his Grandfathers name; whom they sent for thither. They who were sent for him, finding him playing at home, lifted him on their shoulders, and so carried him through the crowd, telling the people he was G [...]rdian's Nephew, and of his name; the people shouting for joy, and casting leaves upon him. When the Senate had proclaimed him Caesar (his minority not permitting him to manage the state) and the people were calmed, the elected Emperors were suffered to pass to the Palace. Her [...]dian. l. 7. c. 10.

Balbinus was both noble and ancient,Ridiculè Orosius, l. 7. fratres fuisse scribit, cum alter nobilis, ignobilis alter fuerit, Capitolino auctore. Schottus in Aur. Victorem. Pupienus was ignobly descended, but had born many offices, which having discharged with wisdom and valour, he was highly prized by the Senate.

Nonnulli ita hos comparandos putant, ut alterum severum, clementem alterum; bonum illum, istum constantem; illum nihil largientem, hunc affluentem copiis omnibus dicerent. Capitolinus in Maximo & Balbino, cap. 7.

Timebant severitatem Maximi homines vulgares, quam & Senatui acceptissimam & sibi adversissimam esse credebant. Capitolinus in Maximo & Balbino, ex correctione Salmasii, p. 271.

These Emperors were not joined in affection, as in authority; each holding himself most deserving: each having [Page] their own, and standing upon their own guard.

The election of these Emperors by the Senate displeased the Soldiers so much, that at last they assaulted the Court, and easily Maximini imperio duo GORDIANI, pater & filius principatum arripientes, unus post unum interiere. Pari etiam tonore PUPIENUS & BALBINUS regnum invadentes, peremti sunt. slew these Senatorian Emperors, (as they called them) being at variance; crying out to the people, that they had but slain them, whom themselves first rejected.

This wretched and disastrous end had these venerable and renowned Personages, whom their noble lineage and illustrious merits mounted to the highest Throne of human glory. Herodian, l. 8. c. ult.

Zosimus saith that Balbinus and Pupienus would have killed young Gordian, Victoris Epit. because he was more beloved of the Soldiers, by whom he was made Caesar; who hearing of their design, prevented them: but Boeclerus on Herodian, p. 457. thinketh he is mistaken, or that this was but pretended.

Confundit, ut arbitror Historiam Philippi cum hac narratione: nisi fors milites ad excusandum parricidium tale quid in vulgus sparserunt.

Antonius Gordianus.

[Page]

UPon the death of Balbinus and Pupienus, Amatus est à populo, & Senatu & militibus ante Philippi factionem, ita ut nemo Principum. Capitolinus in tribus Gordianis, c. 31. Gordian the third, before created Caesar by the Senate through the importunity of the Soldiers, was made Emperor by a general consent in the 13. year of his age.

Capitolinus in tribus Gordianis, c. 21. saith he resembled Scipio Asiaticus.

He married Tranquillina daughter of Misitheus, whom he loved and honoured for his learning; by whose advice he transacted state affairs prosperously, expelling Sapor King of Persia from Syria, recovering Antioch, Nisibis, and Carrae by [Page] his assistance: for which success the Senate appointed a triumph for Gordian, and a triumphal Chariot for Misitheus with this inscription: Misitheo parenti Principum Pop. Rom. Tutori Reip. S. P. Q. R. The Inscription is singular, and the quality of the Prince's Father nothing common, at that time when the seat of the Empire had not yet been transferred from Rome to Constantinople: For after that, this quality was conferred as a Title of Office; and vulgarly, those who had the principal direction of affairs, were called the Fathers of the Empire, and of the Emperor. Balsac's Aristippus, p. 15.

Misitheus was soon missed for counsel and trust, being poisoned by Philip an Arabian of ignoble parentage, who was made Prefect in his stead, and aspired to the Empire.

Philip secretly caused a scarcity of victuals in the Army, which he did, that the Soldiers might imagine it to be occasioned by Gordian's neglect, whom he charged with inability to govern, being so young.

The Officers were corrupted by Philip, and the Soldiers through ignorance of his deceipt, made him Gordian's Governor, whereupon he grew so insolent, that he commanded all, as if he had been sole Emperor.

[Page] Gordian disce [...]ning his aim, complaineth openly to the Soldiers of the wrong which was done to him by Philip, notwithstanding all obligations to the contrary; but Philip's project prevailing, Gordian since he could not share in the Empire, sued to be a Captain, which was denyed him: Philip not thinking himself safe (whilest Gordian of great blood and esteem was alive) slew him in the Victor in his Epit. saith the 20th. 22. year of his age, and 6. of his reign; as if Justice her self appeared evidently to take vengeance on the Traitors, each of his Murtherers with the same Poinyard wherewith they slew him,Indicium non diu imperaturi Gordiani hoc fuit, quod eclipsis solis facta est, ut nex crederetur, neque sine luminibus accensis quicquam agi posset. Capitolinus in tribus Gordianis, c. 23. killed himself.

The Soldiers that buried him near Persia, wrote his title of honour upon his Sepulchre in Greek and Latine, in the Persian, Iewish and Egyptian tongues, that it might be read of all, as Capitolinus writeth in Gordianis.

His body being interred in the confines of the Roman and Persian Empire, gave name to a place, which was for that cause called The Sepulchre of Gordian. Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

Five Languages secured not the Epitaph of Gordian, saith Dr. Brown in his Urn-burial, p. 81.

Gordian's Motto was, Miser est imperator apud quem vera reticent [...]r; which was his own case.

Inventas tandem est orbis moderator & orbis,

Insignis patria nobilitate puer.

Boissardus.

Philippus Arabs and his Son.

[effigy of emperor]

[Page]

PHILIP the Father writing to the Senate of Gordian's death as if it had happened naturally,S. P. Q. R. primo imperium Marco cuidam, cum is subito moreretur Severo Hostiliano detulit, sed cum & hic vena male secta decederet, toleravit Philippum. Laet in compend. Hist. was by them proclaimed Emperour, through fear of the Soldiers.

He was born of mean Parents, his Father having been a notable Captain of thieves in Arabia. Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

Patre latronum Duce natus, latrocinio quasi Imperium rapuit. Pareus (vel potius Altingius) in Medulla Historiae Profanae.

[Page] Per militiam ad honores venit, & per scelus ad Imperium. Glareanus in Eutropium.

The Gothes infesting Mysia and Asia, Jo [...]apianus Philippi temporibus imperium in Oriente occupavit: sed statim oppressus, cum imperio vitam simul amisit. Auctor Zosimus. Casaubonus de iis qui post Gordianum tertium Principes fuerunt ad Valerianum usque. Philip sent Marinus against them, who as soon as he came into those parts drew his Army into a rebellion, and proclaimed himself Emperor; taking (he said) his example from Philip, who raised his title by his Sovereigns fall.

Philip complaining very much to the Senate of Marinus his ingratitude, Decius bid him not fear, for Marinus should suffer for it, as he did; for the mutable Soldiers, who even now erected him, suddenly threw him down, and slew him.

Decius being sent in Marinus his room, was also proclaimed Emperor by the Soldiers, though against his will, out of their hatred to Philip. Eodem tempore quo Jotapianus in Syria, Marinus in Pannonia vel Moesia a legionibus praesidiariis salutatus est imperator, nec multo post trucidatus, ut narrant Zosimus & Zonaras. Id. ib. Victor Schotti maketh Iotapia [...]us to usurp the Empire in Decius his time.

Decius sent secretly to Philip, professing he meant to escape the Soldiers, and persist in his allegiance: Philip fearing that was but policy (lest Decius should be stronger by delays) hasted himself with a great Army, and being overcome was Ferro adeptus imperium, ferro vitam pariter cum Imperio finivit. Aventinus. slain by the Soldiers at Verona, his head being cut off through the teeth.

At the news whereof the Pretorian Soldiers slew his son, but 12 years old; who [Page] was so composed,Ambo, quamvis dive [...]sis locis tumultu militari & Decii fraude interfecti sunt. O [...]sius, l. 7. c. 20. that from the 5th year of his age, none by any invention could make him laugh: and when his Father was tickled with laughter at the secular plays, he looked on him with an estranged countenance.

Baronius in A. C. 253. de utriusque morte hanc inscriptionem profert, & agn [...]scit pro ve [...]ri: ANNO CHRIST. CCLIII. IMP. DIVVS PHILIPPVS SENIOR VERONAE ETROMAE IVNIOR A SATELLITIBVS OCCISVS EST. Sed Scal. ad Euseb. supposit [...]tiam esse satis demonstrat, & descriptam ex Chronico Hieronymiano Rupertus in min. synop. Besoldi, p. 358.

Veronensi [...] Inscriptio, quam in Annalibus laudat Baronius, & Adolphus Occo, testatur Anno Christi CCLIII. caesos esse Philippos. Sed adulterina & nugatoria est epigraphe, quam merito neglexit Onufrius. Neque enim annorum putatio ita vetus est; quam demum post Dionysium passim usurpatam esse constat. Itaque nihil erat, quod ad rationes suas cum [...] illo monumento conciliandas, Annalium, Chronicorumque Scriptores biennium Philippis arrogarent. Atque ut Deciis ambobus Coss. necatos esse Philippos arbitremur, nequaquam is annus erit aerae Christianae CCLIII, ut Annalibus esse videtur; sed CCII. verum ante Decios amb [...]s Consules, Philippos extinctos esse, probabilius est. Petavius De Doctrina Temp [...]rum, l. 11. c. 26.

[Page]The time of their reign was 7 years, say some, others say 6, some but Theodorus Metochita in hist. Rom. 5

Annos potentiae quinque egere. Victor Schotti.

The elder Philip's age is not related by any Historian.

Eusebius reports of him, that he was the first Christian Emperor; and that being desirous to join with the multitude in the Ecclesiastical prayers, he could not be admitted till he had first rendred an account of his Faith, and joined himself with such as for their sins were examined, and set in the place of Penitents; therefore because he was faulty in many things, saith the Historian, he willingly obeyed, and declared by his works his sincere and religious mind towards God. The Martyrologies will have him and his Son converted by occasion of the celebrating the 1000th year from the building of Rome, and being baptized by Pope Fabianus, after confession of his sins, to have been admitted to the Communion. But saith Cappellus, if any of this had been true, would the Senate that was so set against the Christians have reckoned him among the Gods? At least would not Deciu [...] have objected this as a crime against him? William Howel his History from the beginning of the world to Constantine, p. 872.

Marciam Otaciliam Severam Augustam, Philippi senioris ux [...]rem, religionis Christianae[Page]sacris imbutam fuisse plerique autumant. Quae res effecisse videtur, ut Philippum quoque uxoris gratia aequiorem piis, palam Christianum fuisse Eusebius aliique multi scripserint. Assentior vero doctissimis viris, qui putant cum Zonara, duos Philippos, hunc nempe Augustum, & alterum praefectum Augustalem, Eugeniae martyris patrem, ab antiquis rerum Ecclesiasticarum scriptoribus Graecis fuisse confuses. Casaubon.

Roma necat natum, perimit verona Parentem.

Dum furor in Decios arma movere jubet.

Boissardus.

Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius, and his Son Etruscus Decius.

[effigy of emperor]

[Page]

DECIVS was elect [...]d Emperor by the Persian Legions, proclaimed in Verona by the Roman Soldiers, and had the voices of the Senate to confirm him.

He was noble by birth, an experienced, wise and valiant Prince; and might have been reckoned among the best; had he not with an heathenish rage Ad persequendos interficiendosque Christianos, VII. post Neronem feralia dispersit Edicta, plurimosque sanctorum ad coronas Christi de suis crucibus misit. Orosius, l. 7. c. 21. persecuted the Christians, being Author of the 7. persecution.

[Page] Persecutio non ab aliquo principali edicto coepit;In Decius his time Lucius Priscus Viceroy of Macedonia usurped the Empire, and Marcus Aufidius Perpenna Licinianus. sed integro anno antecessit. Vates enim sive poeta, quisquis tandem ille fuit, vulgus adversus nos compulit & concitavit, superstitione propria & gentili adactum atque inflammatum. Hi autem ab eo excitati totam pietatem & daemonum culturam in eo sitam existimarunt, ut caedibus contra nos grassarentur. Heraldus in Apologet. Tertul. p. 142, ex Eusebio.

He put more Christians to death in a year and an half, than Trajan (whose name he had,See Besoldus his major synopsis of Hist. and whom he would have been thought to resemble) in 20. Tristan.

It was the Devils policy to employ especially men noted for moral honesty and abilities to massacre God's Saints, that the world might believe those could not chuse but be most abominable, whom such wise and pious men were so earnest to extinguish. Prideaux's Introduction to History.

The Novatians would not communicate with them, who had denyed the Faith in the persecution of Decius, and afterwards repenting turned to the same Faith again. Nicephorus Callistus, l. 12. c. 38.

Ille, qui omnes a baptismo vel semel relapsos crudeli errore damnabat, non existimans iterum in Ecclesiam recipiendos, quid aliud quam Ecclesiarum concordiam dissipabat: hos ad desperationem, illos ad privata agens concilia & coetus? Giselinus in Prudentium, p. 446.

[Page] Eusebius Eccles. hist. l. 6. saith, Novatus taught there was no hope of salvation for them that fell in time of persecution; though they performed all things that appertain to true conversion, and a right profession of the Faith. Yet Socrates affirmeth Eccles. hist. l. 1. that the Novatians did not simply deny salvation to such, but the peace of the Church only, and the participation of holy mysteries. There is no heed to be given to Socrates in this relation (though otherwise a faithful Historian) because he was a Novatian, and would therefore speak as favourably as he could of his own opinion, which was hateful to most of the Churches in those times. Hoard his Soul's misery and recovery, p. 472, 474.

The fear of Decius his persecution gave the original to a Monkish life.

He was victorious against the Gothes, and joining a fresh battel with them, was overthrown by the treason of his General, Gallus, saith Pomponius Laetus.

His Son was mortally wounded by an arrow, himself leaping into a Iusta Dei vindicta, ut qui sanguinem Christianorum sitierat, coenum biberet, & in terram uliginosam vivus descenderet.whirl-pool was never seen after.

Tristan thinketh this misfortune befel Decius for a punishment of his persecutions.

Vopiscus in the life of Aurelian, and Pomponius Laetus compare Decius and his Son with the Decii Mures, Hemelarius. who devoted themselves to destruction in a dangerous fight, [Page] for the safety of their Country, which depended thereupon. But the comparison doth not agree, saith Tristan. For the 2 ancient Decii rendred the Romans victorious by their death, whereas these by theirs made them slaves to the Barbarians, and lost many of their Provinces. Besides that Decius the Father was drowned and swallowed up in his flight, which hath no resemblance with the end of the Decii of the ancient Common-wealth.

He dyed at the age of 50, having reigned 2 years.

Non tacendum Imperatores aliquot Romano imperio genuisse Pannoniam, inter quos Decius, Aurelianus, Valer. Probus, Flav. Valentinianus praecipui fuerunt. Vadiani Epitome trium terrae partium.

Pro patria Decii dum proelia fortia miscent,

Filius occubuis Marte, palude pater.

Velius.

Caius Vibius Trebonianus Gallus, and his Son Volusian

[effigy of emperor]

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GALLVS appearing much grieved for Decius his death, was not suspected; which facilitated his attaining of the Empire.

He descended from an honourable Family in Rome, but was stain'd (besides Treason) with a cruel and evil Government.

He made a dishonourable peace with the Gothes, whereby the Romans became tributaries yearly to them; who violated the agreement, spoiling Dardania, Thrace, Thessaly, Macedonia, Greece & Asia: by their example [Page] the Persians entred Syria, and ruiyned Armenia. P. Laetus.

He caused Virtus Augustorum to be stamped upon his, and his Sons Medals, as if he had got the Empire by valour and not by deceit. Pomponius Laetus.

Gallus and Volusian continued the 7th persecution, of which Dionysius Bishop of Alexandria, in a Letter of his recorded by Eusebius, wrote thus. ‘As for Gallus, he neither remembred the calamities of Decius, nor did he so diligently as he ought, consider with himself beforehand, what it might be, that had been the chief occasion of his ruine: but unhappily, to his great misery, stumbled upon the same stone, though apparently set before his eies. Who in the full sail of prosperity, when he might have boasted of his hearts desire in all things, by cruel Edicts began to proscribe those religious men, who for the peace of his Kingdom, and for the health and safety of his own Person, were wont to make earnest prayers and intercessions unto God. Who therefore at the same time, when he drove them away, did drive with them those prayers also, which for him they were accustomed to pour unto God.’ And lest any man think it strange, that this holy Bishop should lay it to a professed Heathen Emperors charge, that he made no greater account of the solemn prayers and supplications [Page] of Christians; I would not have it unknown, that even Heathen Emperors (some of them) though otherwise very ill affected to Christianity, had nevertheless such an opinion of these prayers, as that they thought themselves and their Empire the more secure for them. The use of daily publick prayers, in 3 Positions, p. 24, 25.

Under these two Emperors arose a plague in Ethiopia, which spread it self by degrees in all the Provinces of the Roman Empire,Exoritur ultio violati nominis Christiani, & usque quo ad profligandas Ecclesias Edicta Decii cucurrerunt, eatenus incredibilium morborum pestis intenditur; nulla ferè provincia Romana, nulla civitas, nulla domus fuit, quae non illa generali pestilentia correpta atque vastata sit. Orosius, l. 7. c. 21. and lasted 15 years saith Ignatius; and so great was the mortality, that in Alexandria, as Dionysius above mentioned reports, there was not one house of the City free, and the remainder of the Inhabitants equalled not the number of old men in former times: By means whereof St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, (who lived in that age) took occasion to write that excellent Treatise De Mortalitate. And Lipsius his censure of this pestilence is, Non alia unquam major lues mihi lecta, spatio temporum sive terrarum.

Ex apertione cujusdam cistulae, tam saeva universo orbi incubuit pestis, ut Romae quotidie ad VM. hominum in Libitinae rationes venirent. Laet's history from Christs time.

Huc pertinet nummus Imp. Galli, APOLLINI SALVTARI. Nam quoties alicui Deo cognomen SALVTARIS apponitur, id argumento est hostiis illi Deo factumad pestilentem morbum expiandum. Scaliger in Eusebium.

[Page] Gallo Volusianoque favor quaesitus, eo quod anxie studiose (que) renuissimi cujusque exequias curarent. Sextus Aurelius Victor de Caesaribus. Vtrique Aurelius Victor HOSTILIANVM PERPENNAM adjungit. Micraelius in Syntag. hist. polit. C. A. Rupertus & Goltzius call him C. Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus. Aemylianus, his General having overcome the Gothes, grew so proud thereupon, that he aspired to the Empire, which he purchased by the good will of the Soldiers, who slew Gallus and his Son in battel.

Dexippus who lived in those times saith, he governed but 18 months.

Gallus habet, nato cum Principe sceptra Biennis,

Desertum occidit miles utrumque suus.

Velius.

Aemylianus.

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HE was an African of obscure parentage,Aemylianus obscurissime natus, obscurius imperavit, ac rertio mense extinctus est. Eutrop. l. 9. and arose to be a General from a common Soldier.

His election was at first contradicted by the Italian band, who sought to make Valerian Emperor, to which the Senate enclined because of Valerian's renown.

Aemilian's Army hearing of the election of Valerian, tumultuously Quasi parcarum forceps Imperium esset, aut Purpura foret stola libitinae. Bussieres in Flosculis Historiarum. murdered their own creature. Zosimus, whom Besoldus followeth in his major & minor Synopsis of History; ut Casaubon concurs with Aurelius Victor, who saith he died of a disease.

[Page]He was 46 years old, saith S. Aurelius Victor in his Epitome, representing him to be valiant, without rashness or precipitation.

Some reckon him among Usurpers, but his title is allowed by Eutropius.

Of 30 Emperors who reigned since Octavius Augustus his time, until Valerian, 6 of them escaped not the hands of murtherers. Lloid's Consent of time.

Spanhem the Son in his Remarques upon Iulian's Caesars, p. 253. thinks Iulian mentioneth not those Emperors that reigned between Alexander Severus and Valerian; because the Roman Empire was invaded by Tyrants, who reigned but a few months, or years at most; which reason is alledged by Lampridius for his passing from Alexander Severus to Aurelian, and those that governed the Empire a longer time.

Maurus & imperii rapit Aemylianus honores,

Hic ad Spoleti moenia caesus obit.

Velius.

Valerianus.

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HE was nobly descended, and of such esteem among the Romans, that being a private man, and absent, they chose him for their Censor;Valeriani vitae censura est. an office of great dignity, ever conferred upon the best, saith Trebellius Pollio who wrote his life.

Haud consona de hoc Valeriano authores prodidere. Sex. Aurel. stolidum & multum inertem narrat, neque ad aliquem usum publicum, officio, consilio vel gestis aecommodatum. Contra Trebellius mire hunc laudat, adducto Senatusconsulto in ejus rei testimonium. Pomponius Laetus ait eum fuisse hominem[Page]majoris spei ac opinionis, quàm fortunae: id quod res ipsa ostendit. Glareanus in Eutropium, p. 223.

At the beginning of his reign he was gracious to the Christians above any of his Predecessors, but after being perverted by Macrianus an Egyptian Magician (who aspired to the Empire in his Son's time) he was Author Adigi per tormentae Christianos ad idololatriam, abnegantesque interfici jussit, fuso per omnem Romani regni latitudinem sanctorum sanguine. Orosius, l. 7. c. 22. of the eighth persecution.

As this was the outward and political cause, so St. Cyprian sheweth other causes more special and Ecclesiastical in the 4th Epistle of his 4th Book. In which Epistle (worthy to be read of all) Cyprian describeth a certain vision, seen long before this tempest of persecution hapned; wherein the Christians are upbraided for not being so vigilant in prayer as they should.

Tarapha de Regib. Hisp. saith Hemiterius and Chelidonius 2 Spanish Martyrs (of whom Prudentius writeth [...] hymno primo) suffered under Valerian.

Prudentius in hymno dicit ignorari tempus, quo passi sint; sed Chronica Hispana huic adscribunt persecutioni: quod ita esse, ex Eborensi Breviario constat. Vasaei Chronicon. Hispan. p. 276. Where it is added, that they were Soldiers, and sons of Marcellus a Centurion, who also was a Martyr (saith Vasaeus, p. 282.) being beheaded for professing Christianity, by Agricolaus, Licinius's deputy.

[Page] Fructuosus a Bishop, being charged to worship Gallienus his heathen Gods, answered;Prudentius Peristeph. Hymn. 6. ‘I worship no dumb God of stocks and blocks which the Emperor worshipeth, but I worship the Lord and Master of Gallienus, the Father and Creator of all times.’ For witnessing which good confession, this blessed and fruitful Bishop with his 2 Deacons Augurius and Eulogius were burned.

Marinus a Nobleman and Captain in Cesarea Palaestina standing for a Centurionship, that fell to him by right of succession, his Competitor to prevent him, accused him to Achaius the Judge for being a Christian; who examining him of his Faith, and finding it true, gave him three hours to deliberate, whether he would lose his Office and life, or renounce Christ and his profession. Marinus being much perplexed what to resolve on, Theotecnus the godly Bishop of Cesarea took him by the hand, led him into the Church, set the New Testament and his sword (representations of God and the world) before him, bidding him freely chuse which of them he would have. He taking up the New Testament, the wise Bishop convinced thereby that he preferred God before the world, encouraged him to be constant even to death, and God whom he chose would be constant to him. Whereupon he went boldly to the Judge, from whom he received the sentence of death. Eusebius, Ec. Hist. l. 7. c. 14.

[Page] Prudentius Peristeph. Hymn. 2.Saint Laurence refusing to deliver the Churches money to the Prefect of Rome, was adjudged by him to be broiled on a Grid-iron; which torments he bore bravely, saying in a facetious Sarcasm,

Tyrant, this side's enough, turn up the rest;

Or roast, or raw try which thou likest best.

Billingsly's Brachy-Martyrologia, p. 40.

Cyprian Bishop of Carthage was crowned with Martyrdom,Prudentius Peristeph. Hymm. 13. who when the sentence was passed against him, gave God thanks; and being advised by Galerius the Pro-consul to consider and recant, answered: In re tam sancta non opus est deliberatione, There needs no deliberation in this case.

In his forementioned Epistle, he writeth that in a Revelation he was bid be quiet, for peace would come though there was stay for a while, that some men might be try'd.

In Valerian's reign there suffered 300 Martyrs together Massa Candida in Africa.at Carthage, whom the Governor of the City commanded either to throw frankincense into the fire (set before them) in honour of Iupiter, or else to cast themselves headlong into a Limekiln hard by; which they did, chusing rather to embrace fire, than resist light.

Corpora candor habet, candor vehit ad superna mentes,

Candida massa dehinc dici meruit per omne seclum.

prudentius in Peristeph. Hymn. 13.

Cheraemon Episcop. Nicopoleos sub Valerian. Imp. in fuga cum aliis exul, vivus unà [Page]cum uxore in coelum sublatus est. 257. Oraeus in Nomenclatore praecipuorum Doctorum, &c.

As all the persecutors before had their deserved reward at the hand of God, who rendreth to every man according to his works: so this cruel Valerian, after he had reigned with his Son Gallienus 6 or 7 years, and about 2 years had afflicted the Church, felt the just stroke of his hand, whose indignation before he had provoked, as is related by Eutropius, Sabellicus, Volaterranus: for when he warred in Mesopotamia, he was taken prisoner by Sapor, Surnamed Dhul-aktaph from his broad shoulders. Shikard in his Tarich Regum Persicorum, l. 110. or Schabur King of Persia (through the treachery of Macrianus) and used like a slave as long as he lived, Sapor setting his foot upon his neck whensoever he mounted on horse-back, to the utmost vilifying of Majesty, and the regret of divers interceding Princes.

It was the most signal affront which the Romans hitherto ever received in the person of their Emperors. Tristan.

At last saith Eusebius, by Sapors command, his eies were pulled out, wherewith he dyed; Agathias saith he was flayed alive, and rubbed all over with salt: a calamity which may challenge tears of blood.

All his skin from the neck to the soles of his feet, was so artificially pulled off, that it might be blown like a bladder, and so was hung upon a rock, for an example [Page] to all ages. Schickard his Tarich, p. 111.

He lived a long, but disgraceful age; was 76 years old before he was taken Prisoner: after his captivity he lived 7 years in reproaches, and then dyed a violent death. A man of a poor mind, and not valiant; notwithstanding lifted up in his own, and the opinion of men, but falling short in the performance. Sir Fr. Bacon.

Infoelicissimus Principum a filio Gallieno in Deos relatus est, quasi Deum facere posset, quem liberum facere aut nequiverat, aut neglexerat. Cluverus in Hist. Epit.

Sub eo fames tanta fuit, quanta nunquam, & cadaverum multitudo, quam effari nemo possit. Quippe a mari pariter ac terra, fluviisque & paludibus, vapores quidam oriebantur, adeo quidem perniciosi, ut rores ipsi cadaverum humores viderentur. Itaque nulla inventa domus in qua non cadaver aliquid foetidum esset; moriebantur enim homines numero plures. Metochita in Hist. Rom.

Gallienus tam claro Dei judicio territus, tamque misero collegae permotus exemplo, pacem Ecclesiae trepida satisfactione restituit, saith Orosius, l. 7. c. 22.

Iulian the Apostate, who so smartly censureth the Emperors his Predecessors, arrogantly taxeth the misfortune of Valerian in his Cesars, reproaching his servitude, and representing him laden with his chains to enter the banquet of the Gods.

Valerian Christians vext, Sapores flay'd him,

How cruelty helps justice! they repaid him.

Dr. Holyday's Survey of the world, p. 90.

Gallienus.

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WHen Valerian his Father was taken prisoner, he was made Emperor.

He was expert in Oratory, His Epithalamium is more fully expressed in Swartius's Analecta. lib. 1. c. 10. than in Tr. Pollio. Poetry, and all other arts, but was defective in qualifications which are requisite in an Emperor. Trebellius Pollio.

He Governed the Common-wealth prosperously, with his Father Valerian; indifferently, with Valerian his younger Brother: At the last destructively, when he managed all himself. Glareanus on Eutropius, p. 224.

[Page] Ob meritum vel propriae libidinis, vel paternae theomachiae innumera Barbaris assurgentibus, regni detrimenta sustinuit. Haymo Hist. Eccl. l. 7. c. 6.At first he acted like a valiant Captain, overcame and slew Ingenuus (who usurped the Empire) as also Regillianus; and overcame 300000 Gothes and Almans, having but 10000 on his side, (saith Zonaras) but after he gave himself so much to sensuality, that when the World was infected with Warres, he continued for the most part in Rome among Whores, compassed with Roses and Flowers; seeking new delights, often bathing himself, studying how he might keep Figs and other fruits green all the year; having ordinarily at his table most exquisite and delicate meats, and of great cost. Trebellius Pollio in Gallieno, c. 16.

Quod insolens ille Princeps castella de pomis, &c. fieri jussit, merae fatuitati (ne quid turpius dicam) perpetuo attribuendum erit: Quia nulla specie fortitudinis, quae gloria Principum est, id fieri decuit, prout hic superius de nivalibus castellis est deductum: in quibus jactu globorum se pueri & adolescentes (futura certamina fortiter toleraturi) exercent; nulla coeli, elementorumve injuria fracti, vel fatigati, dum in tam duris lusibus, & aspera hieme fuerint educati. Olaus Magnus de ritu gent. Septentr. lib. 1. c. 23.

A facetiis aliquam meruit laudem, saith Micraelius in his Syntagma Hist. Polit.When a shooting prize was played before him, he gave the garland to one who shot alwayes wide, concluding that it was the more improbable difficulty to aim so often, and never to hit. Taurum toties [Page]non ferire difficile est. Treb. Pollio in Gallieno, c. 12.

When it was told him that Egypt rebelled, he answered, ‘Cannot we live without the linen of Egypt?’ France being lost, he laughing said; ‘Cannot the Land stand without those Soldiers Cassocks which France sends us?’ Being advertised also of Asias destruction, by Earthquakes and Scythian invasion; ‘Cannot we subsist (said he) without Salt-peter?’

'Tis observed that there were thirty competitors once on foot, for one and the same throne, to wit, that of the Roman Empire, who confounded one another. And I think our age hath seen a greater number of aspirers for a narrower Territory. Mr. Gee in his Preface to the Divine Right and Original of the Civil Magistrate from God, illustrated and vindicated.

In his reign the Heavens were darkned so,Tot rebelliones Gallieno Principe extiterunt, imo tot tyranni, qui imperatoris nomina tulerunt, quot à Caesare Dictatore ad id tempus in tam longa imperatorum serie nunquam inventi f [...]ere. that the Sun was not seen for many dayes; in the bowels of the earth were heard roarings, with the fear whereof many dyed; Earth-quakes threw down many houses, whereby the Inhabitants were destroyed; these Earth-quakes were frequent in Rome, Africk, but especially in Asia; the Earth opened in many places, and shewed Vaults and Caves, from whence salt water streamed; and several Cities were drowned by the Sea:Olaus Magnus, fol. 29▪ and [Page] in Rome there dyed above 5000 in one day of the pestilence. Treb. Pollio. c. 5.

Gallienus addicted only to his pleasures, was not affected with these calamities, thinking they proceeded rather from chance than any signal punishment.

He grieved not for his Fathers captivity, but, when he was informed of it, (alluding to the speech of Xenophon the Philosopher who having lost his son, said, Sciebam me genuisse mortalem;) answer'd, Sciebam patrem meum esse mortalem: ‘I knew that my Father was lyable to the miseries as other men.’ Nec defuit Annius Cornicula, qui eum quasi constantem Principem falso sua voce laudaret, pejor tamen ille qui credidit, saith Pollio, c. 16.

Romae in arcu S. Viti reperta est haec inscriptio:

Galieno clementiss. Principi, cujus invicta virtus sola pietate superata est.

M. Aurelius Victor deditissimus numini majestatique ejus.

Sic est nulla labes tam grandis, quae non possit obscurari: & vitia suum habent defensorem. Cuspinianus in Gallieno.

Odenatus, though an Independent Prince, was of such moderation, that he held correspondence with Gallienus, and sent him such of the Persian Nobility as he had taken prisoners, for monuments of his victory over Sapor, and revenge of the indignities offered to Valerian: thus Odenatus conquered, and Gallienus triumphed, who when he could not eclipse Odenatus [Page] his merit by any Princely vertue, or suppress it by valor, sought to deface it by treachery; but failing of his aims therein, he made him partner of the Empire for fear; Odenatus receiving the titles of Imperator, and Augustus, from Gallienus and the Senate.

Being not ashamed ridiculously to triumph over the Persians, who detained his Father prisoner, and to lead them captive in his mock-shew; some jeering companions mixing themselves with the Persians, exactly viewed their countenances, and being asked wherefore they did it, answered, We seek for his Majesties Father; which when Gallienus heard of, he was so incensed at the taunt, that he commanded those who uttered it to be burned alive.

The Scythians invading Cappadocia, the Soldiers attempted to make a new Emperor, for which Gallienus put them all to the sword. Pollio, c. 11.

In his time the City Byzantium (renowned for the sea-fights, and the place which barreth in the Euxine Sea) was destroyed by his soldiers; to revenge which, he being received into Byzantium, compassed them unarmed with armed soldiers, and slew them contrary to his covenant. And as if he had done some great matter, he posted to Rome, and summoning the Senators, appointeth decennial playes to be celebrated novo [Page]genere ludorum, nova specie pomparum, exquisito genere voluptatum, saith Pollio c. 7.

He killed sometimes 3 or 4000 soldiers in a day. Id. Ib. c. 18.

At last he himself, with his brother Valerian and his son Gallienus, were slain near Milain (where he besieged Aureolus) by the treachery of Marcianus Ceronius, Aliter Aur. Victor. or Cecropius and Heraclian. Pollio, c. 14.

He was a bad man, and a worse Governor; yet an act of clemency that he did, gat him much love, and covered many of his vices: the act was this. One sold unto the Empress counterfeit Jewels instead of true ones, and so cozened her of much money; she complaineth thereof to the Emperor, importuning him to execute the Law in all rigor: who seemeth to give way, commanding the Malefactor to be exposed to a Lion. But when this Chapman looked for nothing less than death, and that a cruel one; in the room of a Lion rampant a Capon was ordered to be put out through the Den, at which all the Spectators marvelling, Gallienus bad the Cryer proclaim: Imposturam fecit & passus est, He deceived others, and now is cozened himself; being made to believe he should dy, is suffered to live, and hath a Capon to his supper. Bp. Smith's Sermons, p. 244.

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Nempe id leporis voluit, id spectaculi,

Id Gallienus muneris populo dare,

Id ultionis conjugi, id metus reo.

Angelini Gazaei Pia Hilaria, edita Cantabrig. tom. 1. p. 168, 169.

He lived 50 years, reigned 15, 7 with his Father, 8 alone.

At once Rome 30 Tyrants had; this fits

A monster: many Heads! how many wits?

Dr. Holydayes Survey of the world, lib. 9. p. 100.

Saloninus Gallienus

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WAS Son of the forementioned Gallienus and Cornelia Salonina Pipara, whence some think he was called Saloninus; though others conceive him to be so named for being born at Salona: but Casaubon inclineth to the former opinion.

There is little memorable recorded of him besides his noble extraction and education, and that he was murdered not so much for his own, as his Fathers sake. Trebellius Pollio in his life, c. 1.

Exiguum decus nobile stemma & regia [Page]educatio, nisi virtus accedat, saith Goulartius in his marginal observation.

He was substituted by his Father, in the place of his elder brother Cornelius Valerianus, who died in his minority.

Divers Soldiers invited to a feast by Gallienus, in the time of their repast laid aside their Girdles and Belts, which being gilt, or studded with gold, silver and precious stones, Saloninus took away: which being hardly recovered, when lost in a Princes Court, the military Officers silently bore their loss, but the next time they were invited sate not down ungirt. And being demanded why their Girdles were not put off? they answered, Salonino deferimus. Tr. Pollio in his life, c. 2.

Ambiguum hoc militarium virorum responsum, quod non videntur animadvertisse doctissimi viri. Duplicem enim sensum potest habere: aut Salonini honori se hoc tribuere, aut ejus causa hoc facere, ut baltheos non deponerent, ne iterum ab ipso raperentur, hoc responso voluerunt intelligi milites isti. Sed magis verum est, illos sic intellexisse, ne iterum perderent baltheos suos, quos prius rapuerat Saloninus, Salonini causa se facere, ne eos dimitterent. Salmasius.

Of the 30 Tyrants contemporary with Valerian and Gallienus.

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I. CYriades instigated the Persians to invade the Roman territories, by their assistance took Antioch, and was by them elected Emperor. Having terrified all the East with his puissance or adventurousness, and killed his Father, he was slain by the treachery of his own party, when Valerian went to the Persian war. Trebellius Pollio in triginta tyrannis, cap. 2.

Hunc clarum, perfugium, & parricidium, & aspera tyrannis & summa luxuries literis dederunt. Id. ibid.

II. Ingenuus rebelled against Valerian in Hungary (as Cyriades had done in Syria) but was defeated by Gallienus who was so cruel to the Moesians for electing Ingenuus, that he made most of their Cities void of Males. Ingenuus to escape Gallienus his cruelty, stabbed himself with a dagger, saith Tr. Pollio ubi supra, c. 8.

III. Regillianus commanding in Illyricum, was made Emperor by the friends of those Moesians who were vanquished with Ingenuus, and so barbarously used by Gallienus. The occasion of his advancement was strange, he getting the Empire only in favour of his name. For when [Page] a Tribune demanded at supper, whence Regillianus was derived? one answered à Regno, another began to decline Rex, regis, regi, Regillianus; whereat the Soldiers (who in all actions are forward) brake out into these acclamations; Ergo potest Rex esse; Ergo potest nos regere; Deus tibi regis nomen imposuit: and within few daies the chief military Commanders saluted him Emperor. Ita quod aliis vel audacia vel judicium detulit, huic jocularis astutia, saith Tr. Pollio in 30 tyrannis, c. 9.

He fought couragiously against the Sarmatians now called Poles, but was slain by the Roxolani (at present styled Russians or Muscovites) with the consent of the Soldiery and Peasants, who feared lest otherwise Gallienus would express greater cruelty towards them than before. Id. ib.

V. Macrianus the Father ascended the Imperial throne by the assistance of Balista, who moved with the misery of the Common-wealth, resolved by election of an Emperor to prevent the ruine of his Country. The affection of the Army forcibly set the Garland on Macrianus, and his 2 sons, Macrianus and Quietus as most worthy.

Egypt and all the East acknowledged Macrianus for Emperor, as Tristan proveth from an ancient Medal, in his Historical Commentaries, tom. 3.

He advanced his sons to the same dignity, which himself was ambitious of; his [Page] bodily weakness rendring him unfit for the discharge of his place, saith Valesius in Eusebium, p. 147.

Ioannes Zonaras in Annalibus Macrianum claudum fuisse scribit: quem in historia illorum temporum consulere, haudquaquam in utile fuerit. Solus enim ex iis qui ad nos pervenerunt scriptoribus, Macriani & filiorum ejus res gestas accurate commemoravit. Id. ibid.

Macrianus had the conduct of 45000 men against Gallienus, encountred with Aureolus in the confines of Thrace; where he and Macrianus the younger were discomfited and slain by Domitian, Aureolus's General; 30000 of his Soldiers that escaped going over to the adverse party. Tr. Pollio ubi supra.

Macriani clade audita, Dionysius Alexandrinus Gallieno gratulatur. Euseb. l. 7. c. 25. gratulatur, inquam, aliquanto plus quam par sit. Nam nec erat victoria tanta, quantam putabat Dionysius: nec erant ii Gallieni mores, quos putabat Dionysius. Jac. Cappellus in Eccles. Hist. centuriis quinque, p. 59, 60.

Macrianus's Standard-bearer falling by chance bowed his Banner, which other Ensigns seeing, and being ignorant of the cause, suspected he did it as yielding to the Emperor, whereupon the rest did the like with acclamations in favour of Gallienus. Zonaras.

VI. Macrianus junior hath been discoursed [Page] of in the account that is given of his Father.

VII. Quietus the other son of Macrianus was killed by Odenatus; after he heard of Aureolus's success against the Macriani and Quietus: that thereby he might seem to revenge the wrong done to Gallienus.

VIII. Valens was made Pro-consul of Achaia by Gallienus. Macrianus exceedingly fearing Valens, sent Piso a valiant Gentleman, that had been Consul, to kill him; Valens hearing thereof, and seeing no other means of security, assumed the Empire; which he enjoyed not long, being slain by his own Soldiers, after he had overthrown

IX. Piso; who using his enemies policy, had proclaimed himself Emperor, assuming the name of Thessalicus, from the place whither Valens had forced him to retire.

X. Balista assumed the Empire, when Quietus was slain by Odenatus, though pardon was offered him; because he durst not commit himself to Gallienus, Aureolus, or Odenatus. Tr. Pollio in 30 tyrannis, c. 18. who saith, others affirm that he died a private man.

Some report he was killed by Aureolus, others by a common Soldier of Odenatus. Id. ibid.

Ea temporum illorum segnities erat, ut proxima quaeque ignorarent, quae ab avo nostro remotissima hodie scimus ex numis. C. A. [Page] Rupertus in minorem Synopsin Besoldi, c. 14.

Balista is erroneously called Callistus by Zonaras.

XI. Maeonius was another Usurper, who out of envy murdered his cousin Odenatus, having nothing to object against him, but the luxury of his Son Herod. Tr. Pollio ubi supra, Odenatus and his Son Herod were no Tyrants, receiving the title of Emperor from Gallienus and the Senate. Tristan in his Historical Commentaries, tom. 3. c. 16.

E Zonara disces occisum Odenatum non a consobrino, sed à fratris filio. Causam etiam illatae necis inde cognosces. Casaubon.

Pollio in the place above cited saith, Zenobia grudging that her Son-in-Law Herod should be placed before Herennianus and Timolaus, (whom Odenatus had by her self) conspired with Maeonius, who soon received his guerdon by the Soldiers.

XII. Aemilianus being in danger from a sedition of the multitude, for his preservation assumed Imperial power in Egypt, but was overcome by Theodotus a Captain of Gallienus, who commanded him to be strangled in prison. Tr. Pollio in triginta tyrannis, c. 21.

XIII. Saturninus also received there the Imperial dignity from the Army, yet was slain for his severity by those very Soldiers who advanced him. Id. Ib. c. 22.

XIV. Trebellianus usurping in Isauria, is slain by Causisoleus, brother to Theodotus. Id. ibid. c. 25.

[Page]XV. Celsus was elected Emperor by Fabius Pomp [...]nianus General of Africk, and Vibius Passienus Pro-consul. He reigned but a week, being put to death by Galliena, cousen to Gallienus; and had his corps eaten by dogs. Pollio in libro eitato, c. 28.

[effigy of emperor]

XVI. Posthumus the Father was the first Tyrant among the Gauls.

Tristan thinketh none of the contemporarie Usurpers are to be compared to him, whom he calleth the French Hercules.

Valerian preferred him before Aurelian, to be Tutor to Gallienus, saith Vopiscus in Aureliano, c. 8.

Posthumus though meanly born, assumed the Empire, which he so governed for 10 years, that by his great valour and moderation he recovered those Provinces which were almost lost. Eutropius, l. 9.

He was slain in a tumult of the Soldiers, because he would not permit them to pillage Mayence which rebelled against him in Lollianus his conspiracy. Id. Ib.

XVII. Posthumus junior also was slain in Lollianus his rebellion. Tr. Pollio in 30 tyrannis, c. 5.

[Page]He was so eloquent in declaming, that his controversies are said to be inserted into Quintilian. Id. ib. c. 4.

Lollianus is confounded with Lucius Aelia [...]us in the Latine Eutropius, as appears by his Metaphrast, Paeanius.XVIII. Lollianus mounted the throne, where he sate not with like continuance, though confusion, as Postumus did.

Lollianus & Posthumus privata virtute clari, non nobilitatis pondere vixerunt. Pollio in 30 tyrannis, c. 5.

XIX. The restless humour of the giddy Commons casts it self next on Marius a Smith, a sutable sovereign to their base affections; to whom they were no less unconstant & cruel than to the rest: putting a period to his government afterBut both Pollio and Victor's assertion is questioned by Tristan.3 daies, with a sword of his own forging. Tr. Pollio in 30 tyrannis, c. 7.

Ioculariter dictum, nequaquam mirum videri, si rem Romanam Marius reficere contenderet, quam Marius ejusdem artis auctor, stirpisque ac nominis, solidavisset. Victor Schotti.

Tumults seem incident to Smithe by fate,

Whose very trade doth as an Emblem show

Both the Incendiaries of a State,

And bellows too which the sedition blow;

The hammers with their harsh tumultuous jar

Make in their brains a kind of civil war.

Allen's Henry the 7th.

The veins of Marius his hand seemed as if they were finews, he staying carts with his 4th finger: if he gave but a fillip to the strongest men that lived in his time, they would feel it as much as if they had [Page] been struck with an hammer. Tr. Pollio ubi supra.

XX. Victorinus the Father was deputy to Posthumus in France, and inferior to none in the office; not to Trajan in valour, nor to Antonine in clemency, nor to Nerva in gravity, nor to Vespasian in ordering the Treasury, nor to Pertinax or Severus in military discipline: but all these vertues were obscured by his desire and use of women. Pollio in 30 tyrannis, c. 6.

He forcing other mens wives, was slain at Colen in the 2. year of his usurpation, by a Clark whose wife he had ravished.

XXI. Victorinus junior was slain at the same time with his Father.

XXII. Tetricus the Father assumed the Empire by the sollicitation of Victoria or Victorina, upon the death of Victorinus her son, and grand-child.

He ascended to the Throne with great applause, but considering the desperate practises of the vulgar, chose to adorn Aurelian's triumph in a voluntary captivity, rather than rule or live at the devotion of a lawless multitude.

XXIII. Tetricus junior was named Cesar by Victoria or Vitruvia, when his Father was styled Augustus.

He submitted to Aurelian as his Father did.

XXIV. Zenobia took the government upon her in the name of Herennianus and Timolaus her sons, saith Tr. Pollio in triginta tyrannis, c. 27 and 30. But Vopiscus [Page]in Aureliano, c. 38. writeth, that she held the Empire in the name of Vaballathus, son of Herod, whom Odenatus had by a former Wife.

She was a Lady of so strong a vertue, and of such command upon her self, that she is said never to have made use of her husbands company, when she perceived her self with child. Dr. Heylin in his Geography.

Zenobiam Longini discipulam Christianam fuisse suadere satagit magnus Baronius, sed nondum persuadet. Langbain in Longinum, p. 53.

She not only insulted over the Romans, but held the Arabians, Saracens, Armenians, and other fierce and intractable people in such awe, that although she were both a woman and a Barbarian, they never stirred against her. Tr. Pollio in 30 tyrannis, c. 30. out of Aurelian his Epistle.

In Occidente per Posthumum Praesidem Galliae, in Oriente per Odenatum regulum Palmyrenorum & ejus uxorem Zenobiam, servatum imperium. Laet in Compend. Hist. Vniv.

She was somewhat brown, had black and bright eies, teeth like pearl, a shril and manly voice.

She read the Roman history in Greek, and also had her self abridged the Alexandrian and all the Oriental Histories, whereby she attained the highest pitch both of [Page] wisdom and authority. Sir Iohn Hayward in his Epistle to the Reader before his life of Henry the 4th.

Larga prudenter, conservatrix thesaurorum ultra foemineum modum. Pollio ubi supra.

She was led in triumph by Aurelian, as well as Tetricus both Father and Son.

XXV. Herennianus son of Zenobia was killed by Aurelian, saith Tr. Pollio de 30 tyrannis, c. 27.

XXVI. Timolaus brother to Herennianus had the like fate, as the same Author writeth in the place before cited.

He was an excellent Latin Orator. Pollio de 30 tyrannis, c. 28.

XXVII. Hermias Vaballathus, grandchild of Odenatus, is reckoned among the Usurpers in Gallienus his time, by Tristan in his Historical Commentaries, tom. 3. and C. A. Rupertus on Bésoldus's minor synopsis of History.

XXVIII. Victoria or Vitruvia for her desire of rule was called the Mother of Armies.

She was mother to Victorinus the elder, who usurped in those times, and grandmother to the younger Tyrant.

The relations of her death vary.

Non tam digna res erat ut etiam Victorina sive Victoria, in literas mitteretur, nisi Gallieni mores hoc facerent, ut memoria digna etiam mulieres censerentur. Pollio de 30 tyrannis, c. 31.

[Page]XXIX. Aureolus assumed the Empire by constraint of the Soldiery.

He was killed by Claudius the Emperor at a bridge, which from that time beareth his name. Pollio de 30 tyrannis, c. 11.

XXX. Antoninus is reckoned by Zosimus among the Tyrants of those times, but he relateth not where his Usurpation was; for which Tristan calleth him a negligent and confused Historian.

Titus and Censorinus are omitted here, (though mentioned by Tr. Pollio in his book of Usurpers) because the one lived in the time of Maximinus the Emperor, the other of Claudius.

Claudius the second and his Brother Quintillus.

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CLAVDIVS was appointed Emperor by the will of Tantum ad arma & magnifica facinora promptus ac paratus, quantum alter luxu, deliciis & omnibus flagitiis contaminatus. Gallienus being ready to die, who by Gallonius Basilius, sent the Imperial Robes to him, then at Ticinum. Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

He was elected by the Soldiers before the Walls of Milain, Olaus Magnus, fol. 673. and confirmed in Rome by the Senate with much joy.

He was so renowned a Prince, that he was said to haveTito ille Vespasiani filio omni virtutem genere par, nisi forsan major: sed & spatium regnandi compar; biennium utrique imperandi finem fecit. Rivii Hist. Navalis Media, l. 2. p. 90. Augustus his moderation, [Page] Trajans vertue, and Antoninus his piety met in him.

A Woman desiring him after he was Emperor, to restore an inheritance, which he had unjustly took from her when he was but a private person; he graciously granted her request, saying; Quod Claudius dum privatus erat, nec leges curabat, abstulit; factus Imperator restituit. Zonaras.

In his time Athens was ransacked by Gothes, who piled heaps of Books to burn, but were advised by one to forbear, that the Grecians spending their time in them, might be less fit for war. Cedrenus, B. Egnatius. Iudicium barbari non prorsus vanum. Etsi Cleodemus Atheniensis fuga clapsus, coactaque manu & navibus hostes invadens, Graecis librorum tractatione virtutem non demi ipsorum clade docuit. Heidmannus in Epitome Historica de Imp. Rom.

Aureolus being slain by his own company, Claudius received the government of those Countries; and fighting against the Almains, he overthrew above half of them. S. Aur. Victor.

He waged war with the Gothes, who infested the Empire 15 years with continual irruptions (saith Iornandes) and now in league with many barbarous Nations, invaded Thrace and the Countries before them, even to Macedonia; and thence came through Hungary down Danubius with 2000 sail of Ships fraught with ammunition [Page] and men: to meet which Claudius prepared, and engaged them so valiantly, that he slew and took 320000 men, and 2000 Ships laden with shields, swords, lances, &c. so that houses were filled therewith.

Hic autem quid dicam satis haereo: unum tamen o Claudi, sive Claudiane scriptor hic admiror: si tot Gothorum millia in hoc bello corruerunt, rogo unde iterum tot Gothi confestim succreverint, viresque reparaverint, ut vix anno elapso difficilimum negotium potentissimo duci Aureliano, & toti Romanae Reipub. facessere potuissent? proinde si Gothis aeque doctus scriptor accidisset, quemadmodum Romanis, multa utique aliter de sua gente tradidisset: quamvis adhuc nonnulla vetustissima fragmenta Gothicae historiae in eorum prima patria inveniantur, ex quorum antiquitate aliquando consummatior historia de Gothicis rebus (ut spero) elici [...]tur: interim oportebit ut nobis ex illis historiarum monimentis quae à Romanis traduntur, satisfactum putemus. Attendendum tamen est testimonium Tiberiani, & Flavii Vopisci, qui asserunt Trebellium in historia Claudiana adulationibus corruptum plura addidisse veritati: quibus ego eo facilius consentio, dum excepto eo Trebellio, priscorum nullus tot occisorum recordetur. Praeterea Sabellicus de ipso Trebellio ait, quod de Claudio è familia Constantini prognato adulatione plena omnia scripsit. Olaus Magnus, p. 678.

[Page]He intended to go against Tetricus and Zenobia, but was hindred by a fever which soon put an end to his life. He reigned 1 year, 10 months and 15 daies. He was deifyed by the Senate; had a statue of gold 10 foot high erected in the Capitol in honour of him by the people at their own cost, (which they never did to any before:) and a target of the same metal, with his picture in it, was hung up in the Court by the Senates appointment. There was also by general consent set up for him a pillar composed of the prows of Ships; upon which was placed his statue, representing him clothed with his Consular Robe, of 1500 pound weight of silver.

It was a providence, that Claudius found the Empire so beset with enemies, that he could not exercise so much cruelty as he intended against the Christians. R. B. of the Roman Emperors.

Iulian feigneth that the Gods seeing Claudius enter the place where they assembled to banquet, received him very honourably, admiring his magnanimity, and esteeming him worthy of posterity that should enjoy the Empire a long time, because he shewed so much love to his Country. After at the end of his Cesars this Apostate (who hated the memory of Constantine and his sons, for their abolishing idolatrous worship in many places) saith; the Gods tormented Constantine [Page] and his children in Hell a great while for cruelty to their relations, but at length Iupiter delivered them from their torments, for the sake of Claudius and Constantius Father of Constantine: the reason of which fiction was certainly, because Claudius was a great Persecutor. Tristan.

After Claudius, his brother Quintillus was chosen Emperor by consent of the Soldiers; being a person of singular moderation, and courteous, worthy to be compared with his brother, or rather to be preferred before him: the Senate also consented to the election. But being unable to resist Aurelian, chosen at the same time by part of the Army, he made away himself by opening a vein (at Tarsus in Cilicia) say some, having reigned but 17 daies; but others write that he was killed by the Soldiers.

Claudius insigni memorandus clade Gothorum,

Quem rapit ante annos invida parca duos.

Boissardus.

L. Domitius Aurelianus.

[Page]

HIS Parents being mean, he followed the Wars, and advanced himself thereby.

There being in the Army another Tribune, who was named Aurelian, and had been taken prisoner with Valerian the Emperor; to distinguish the one from the other, this was called Aurelian with his hand upon his Sword:Aurelianus manu ad ferrum. he being upon all occasions with a weapon in his hand, ready for service. Vopiscus in Aureliano, c. 6.

He made no use of Physitians when he was sick, but cured all excess by abstinence. Id. Ib. c. 50.

[Page]He delighted exceedingly in a Glutton who at his Table in one day ate a whole Boar, and 100 loaves, with a Weather and a Pig; drinking through a tun-dish plus orca: which Lipsius saith was bigger than the Amphora, The Amphora Capitolina held 6 gallons, saith Dr. Hackwel in his Apol. but how much he knoweth not. Id. Ibid. c. 50.

He was wont to say of Bonosus, Non ut vivat natus est, sed ut bibat; ‘He was not born to draw in breath, but beer.’ Vopiscus in quadriga tyrannorum, c. 14.

Aurelian married this Bonosus a Spaniard (but son of an English man) to Hunila a noble Gothish Woman, meerly that by her means he might discover the Gothes secrets. Vopiscus in quadriga tyrannorum, c. 15.

Sagacissimus Quaesitor est Foemina.

Blandè torquendo verum extorquet.

Tergiversari difficile est,

Cum Apparitor Cupido faces admovet.

Eman. Thesaurus in Samsone.

Aurelian appointed Bonosus to carouse with Embassadors, that they might be brought to bewray secrets by this lene tormentum; whilest he (who had this wonderful property, that he could piss as fast as he drunk, without containing any jot within his body) faultred not, but was more discreet. Id. Ib.

[Schenkius arma nunquam accuratius tractabat, quàm quum effusè potus, ac vino amens: immo ebrietate ipsa, quae resignare[Page]ac aperire occulta quaeque consueverit, illum ad arcana occultanda uti solitum ferunt. Strada Belli Belgici Decade secunda, l. 10.]

Aurelian was Colonel of Horse under Claudius in Persia; he slew in one day 48 of his Enemies with his own hands in the War against the Sarmatians: and slew in several daies above 950; whereupon Ballads were sung by Boyes on Festivals in praise of him.

Mille, mille, mille decollavimus,

Vnus homo mille decollavimus,

Mille vivat, qui mille occidit.

Tantum vini habet nemo,

Quantum fudit sanguinis.

Vopiscus in Aureliano, c. 6. as Salmasius hath corrected the printed Copy from the Manuscripts.

When the Enemies of the Romans had overrun all France, he made such havock of them at Mentz, that he slew 700, and sold 300 sub corona; upon which occasion new Jigges were made.

Mille Sarmatas, mille Francos

Semel & semel occidimus;

Mille Persas quaerimus.

Id. ib. according to the Manuscript Copies.

He overcame all his Enemies in 3 years, whereas Alexander the Great travelled 13 years by great victories, before he came into India; Caesar spent 10 years in overcoming the Gauls, and 4 years in conquering the Romans. Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

He was the first Roman Emperor that [Page] wore a Diadem on his head, and also used garments of gold and precious stones, which before that time the Romans were little acquainted with. Id. ibid.

He caused a Soldier, who had committed adultery with his Hostess, to have his feet tyed to the tops of 2 Trees bent downward, and suffered suddenly to start back again; so the wretch was twitched in sunder, and hung on both sides in halves.

He wrote to one of his Lieutenants;Vopiscus in Aureliano, c. 7. ‘If thou wilt be a Captain, nay if thou wilt live, contain thy Soldiers in their duty. I will not have a peasant wronged in a Chicken, nor a Grape taken without his permission; not a grain of Salt or a drop of Oil unjustly exacted. I desire my Soldiers should be enriched with spoils of Enemies, not the tears of my Subjects. I would have them chast in their Quarters, and no Quarrelers.’ Which commands Baronius compareth with that of Iohn the Baptist to the Soldiers, Luk. 3.14.

Hujusmodi erat militaris disciplina sub Imperatore Ethnico; quam si nostri Christiani Reges servarent, profecto hostibus formidabiliores, & civibus amabiliores haberentur, nibil (que) tam nobili eorum virtuti usquam praevaleret. Olaus Magnus, l. 17. de rebus septentr. p. 675.

He advanced Tetricus (one of the 30 Tyrants in Gallienus his time, whom he overcame) [Page] and made him Provost of Lucania who had been before proclaimed Emperor by the French Army; elegantly upbraiding him, ‘That it was more majestical to rule some part of Italy, than to reign beyond the Alpes. Sextus Aurelius Victor's Epitome.’

Being incensed against Tyana, because the Gates of the City were shut against him,See in Sir Thomas Herberts Travels the pillar of beast heads erected at Spahawn on such an occasion. he vowed, ‘He would not leave a Dog in it; But having taken it, upon a fright by the ghost of Apollonius Tyanaeus (dead long before) he commanded his Soldiers to kill all the Dogs, but spare the Citizens.’ Vopiscus in Aureliano, c. 23.

This story if it was not true, it was handsomely contrived, both for the keeping up the honour of the deifyed Apollonius, by making him so seasonably deliver his native Town in so great an exigency; and also for the saving of the Emperors credit with the Soldiers, that he might seem by Divine powers to be absolved from that rigid vow, of giving the whole Town up to the slaughter and plunder of the Soldiery. Dr. Mores Explanation of the grand Mystery of Godliness, p. 151.

Aurelian demanding how he might govern well,Amicos suos honestè ditavit & modice; ut miserias paupertatis effugerent, & divitiarum invidiam patrimonii moderatione vitarent. Vopiscus in Aureliano. was answered by a great personage: ‘You must be provided with Iron and Gold; Iron to use against your Enemies, and Gold to reward your Friends.’ Zonaras.

[Page]

Aurelian takes this counsel: to bestow

Gold on his men, and Iron on his fo.

Aleyn's Battel of Poictiers, p. 120.

Aurelian's chief engagement was against Zenobia, the most beautiful, chast, learned, wise, and valiant Woman of that age.

Her Letter in answer to him (who sorely tired, proffered her life, and liberty, and wealth, if she would yield) sheweth her resolves for fight.

He was so enraged at her haughty reply, that he forthwith besieged Palmyra, destroyed her aids, and at last took Her prisoner, whom he led in triumph; ea specie, ut nibil pompabilius populo Rom. videretur, saith Treb. Pollio in Zenobia.

He put Longinus to death upon a supposition that he dictated Zenobia's Epistle.

He is called Necessarius magis quàm bonus Imperator, a Prince rather necessary than good; because he wanted clemency, saith Vopiscus.

He was so bloudy, that he put to death his own Sisters son.

Being about to sign an Edict for the 9th persecution (of which he was the Author) God hindred his purpose, cramping as it were his knuckles, manifesting to all, that the Princes of this world have no power to practise any thing against the Church, any farther than God permitteth. Eusebius, l. 7.

[Page]At the same time also a Thunder-bolt fell so near him,Nona correptio fuit, cum Aureliano persecutionem decernenti, diris turbinibus terribile ac triste fulmen sub ipsius pedibus ruit, ostendens quid, cum ultio talis exigeret, tantus posset ultor, nisi & clemens esset & patiens: quanquam intra sex abhinc menses succidui tres Imperatores, hoc est, Aurelianus, Tacitus & Florianus diversis causis interfecti sunt. Orosius, l. 7. c. 27. that all thought he was slain; by which messenger God warned him to be wise, lest he perished in those destructive waies, as shortly after he did; Mnestheus his Secretary fearing punishment for some offence, for which the Emperor threatned him with death, and knowing that he used not to pardon if he threatned, counterfeited the Emperors hand, and wrote the names of many in a rowl as appointed by him to die; mixing the names of some, with whom the Emperor was truly offended, with those of others whom he was not displeased with, adding his own name that he might the easilier be believed. They upon sight hereof, thinking to prevent the worst, slew him in a Castle called Coeno-phrurium, betwixt Byzantium and Heraclea.

Id vero in ultionem Sanguinis Christiani, ab eo effusi contigisse, Constantinus Magnus in quadam Orat. ait. Baron. Anno Christi 278. num. 1. Besoldus in majore Synopsi Historiae Vniversalis, p. 179.

When Mnestheus his Treason was discovered, he was cast to wild beasts as appeareth by marble pillars placed on both sides the monument erected in honour of Aurelian, even by those who slew him. Vopiscus in Aureliano, c. 37.

When the Treasury was emptied after Gallienus and the calamities of the Common-wealth, Aurelian came in manner [Page] of a torrent upon the rich. Ammianus Marcellinus, l. 30. c. 28.

He reigned 4 years 11 months and 7 daies. Vopiscus calleth him Bonum Medicum, sed mala ratione curantem; A good Physitian, had not he administred too bitter potions: in reference to which Iulian feigneth, that he had much ado to defend himself at the Tribunal of Minos, before whom many accused him of injustice; but that the Sun, who had alwaies in his life specially assisted him in all his enterprises, excused him to the other Gods, saying, ‘That he had been punished enough by his death, according to the Delphick Oracle, which saith:’

[...].

Iudicium, si quis quae fecit perferat, aequum est.

Porphyrie that surly Antichristian Predicabilist grumbled against Christians in his time. Bishop Prideaux's Introduction to History.

Triginta circiter scriptores Catholici blasphemias ejus refutarunt: si qua fides Fl. Lucii Dextri Chronicis. Lucas Holstenius De vita & Scriptis Porphyrii, p. 14 and 62.

Reginam frustra optaras, Auguste, triumpho:

Elusit propria te generosa nece.

Sors nobis melior. Pars spectatissima pompae

Ducta ante est currus foemina victa meos.

Anonymus.

Tacitus, and his Brother Florianus.

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UPon the death of Aurelian, the Soldiers who would not have any of his Assassinates to succeed, sent to the Senate to chuse an Emperor; the Senate refer the election to the Soldiers, who, they knew, used not to be pleased with the Senates choice: half a year passed in complements with a peaceable interregnum, at last the Senate and Soldiers jointly elect Tacitus.

He retired to his Mannor in Campania, where he was secret 2 months, shunning that dignity which might prove his overthrow; was often sollicited, but with [Page] hearty thanks absolutely denyed; affirming his age made him unable to satisfy expectations: at length, necessity of state so requiring, he accepted of their proffer; at which all rejoyced but himself.

He was so abstemious, that he never drank a pinte of wine in a day, and often less than half a one. Vopiscus in Tacito, c. 11.

He was such an example of moderation to others, that he permitted not his Empress to wear jewels.

He honoured Tacitus the Historian,He called September Tacitus, because he was born and made Emperor in that month. Vopiscus in Tacito, c. 13. whom he called his Father, commanded his Works to be put in every Library through the Empire, to be transcribed 10 times every year at publick cost. Vopiscus in Tacito, c. 10.

When the Senate chose him Emperor, they cryed out, Quis melius quàm gravis imperat? & quis melius quàm He hath a place in Barlandus's Literati urbis Romae Principes. literatus imperat?

When he objected his age, they answered, that Trajan, Adrian, and Antoninus were old when they came to the Empire; whom they mentioned because they reigned well and fortunately: omitting Vespasian, Nerva, Pertinax, Macrinus and Decius, who came older to the Empire; but their reign was short, especially that of the four last: the three last also dyed a violent death. Tristan.

When the Senate denyed him the Consulship, [Page] which he sought for his brother Florianus, he took it very well, saying; Seit Senatus quem Principem fecerit. Vopiscus.

He gave the Soldiers all the money he had in silver, which was a great sum; he having had more than 9 millions in gold for his patrimony.

His death proceeded from grief occasioned by factions, infirmity of age helping to break his heart, when he had reigned Above a year saith Christ. Adamus Rupertus on Besoldus his minor Synopsis of History. 6 months. Vopiscus in Tacito, c. 13. and Eutropius, l. 9.

His brother Florianus ambitiously strove to get the Empire as true heir, though he knew Tacitus was engaged to the Senate, that he would prefer worth before his relations in the designation of his Successor.

Florianus Taciti frater arripuit Purpuram, qua secundo mense exutus à Probo, dominationis umbram cum morte mutavit. Bussicres in Flosculis Historiarum.Being not able to withstand Probus who was chosen by the Army, he was killed by the Soldiers, say some; but most write, that having as it were in sport swayed the Empire but 60 daies, by opening a vein he killed himself at Tarsus: as Quintillus also did, who was reduced to the same extremity.

Theod. Metochita, Glycas and Caedrenus write, that Probus killed him counterfeting the fool.

Accipit imperium Tacitus praebente senatu,

At cito castrensi seditione cadit.

Velius.

Probus.

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UPon Tacitus his death, the Army unanimously cryed out, ‘Let us have Probus for our Emperor: and the Senate with applause confirmed the election.’

The manner of his being chosen by the Soldiers was thus; The Officers told them the requisites of one that should be elected, that he should be Fortis, Sanctus, Verecundus, Clemens, Probus: which when it was spoke to many Companies, on all sides they cryed out as it were by a divine instinct, Probe Auguste, Dii te servent. Vopiscus in Probo.

[Page] Valerian the Emperor called him Verè Probum, saying in an Epistle, that if he had not had Probus for his name, he deserved to have had it for his Vir, si quis unquam in illo imperio, magnus simul & bonus. Rivii Hist. Navalis media. l. 2. p. 91. surname. Id. ib. c. 4.

He was made Tribune by Valerian, in which office he served under Gallienus, Claudius, Aurelian, and Tacitus.

He was so noble a warrior, and mighty in feats of Arms, that the Senate wished for him, the Soldiers chose him, and the people of Rome with open acclamation called for him.

His first service after he became Emperor, was in France, Vopiscus in Probo, c. 13, 14, 15. Iulianus in Gaesaribus. against the Germans who had conquered it; where in one battel he slew almost 400000 Germans, 9 of whoseQuibus obsides, frumentum, ac postremo etiam pecudes imperavit, in praesens usui, in futurum terrori. Dousae filii Batavia, p. 30. Kings prostrated themselves at his feet: he won also and repaired 70 of their Cities in less than 7 years.

Non omittenda hic bella quae ab eodem Imperatore ad Rhenum gesta referuntur a Zosimo: quae in his locis potissimum accidisse haud absimile vero est, quum captivos in Britanniam miss [...]s idem referat, praesertim tam opportuno trajectu. Initio belli gravissima fame a Romanis laboratum, qua tandem liberati eo miraculo, ut fides rerum commento fabulae adumbrata videatur. Quippe magna vis aquae coelo missa una cum imbre frumentum detulit, cujus acervi sponte structi multis locis. Obstupefactis ad rem novam atque incredibilem omnibus qui aderant, initio quidem, Religione quadam obstrictis mentibus frumentum attingere[Page]non audebant. Verum tandem, ubi necessitas metum vicit, panes ex eo cocti ita ad usum ipsis suffecerunt, ut pulsa fame alacriores ad belli munia animos adferrent: atque ad extremum virtute sua, atque Imperatoris Fortuna superiores discederent. Hujus prodigiosae pluviae meminit quoque Cedrenus, nulla tamen aut belli, aut loci (ubi id accidit) facta mentione. Dousae filii Batavia, p. 31.

The Egyptians electing Saturninus a wife and valiant Captain Emperor, so sore against his will, that he was like to be slain for gain-saying their desires; Probus hasting towards them offered them pardon, out of an unwillingness to shed civil blood, or to lose such a man as Saturninus: but upon refusal of his clemency, he engaged in a sharp battel, wherein most of the revolters were overthrown, and Saturninus slain in the assault of a besieged Castle, to the grief of Probus who sought to save his life. Vopiscus in quadriga tyrannorum, c. 11.

Bonosus had charge of Ships, which the Germans burned in the mouth of the Rhine through his negligence, if not treachery; who fearing punishment for his fault, rebelled likewise against Probus, but was overcome and through despair hung himself: whereupon it was said, Amphoram pendere, non hominem; That a barrel or tankard hung there, and not a man; because he was so given to drink. Vopiscus ibidem, c. 15.

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For be that holds more wine than others can,

I rather count a Hogs-head than a man.

Randolph in his Poems, 35th Precept, or Necessary Observation.

There rebelled also against Probus, Proculus as insatiate a vassal to Venus, as Bonosus was to Bacchus; so impudent that he did not only commit filthiness, but boasted of it, as appeareth by his Letter wherein he braggeth that having taken 100 Sarmatian Virgins he deprived 10 of that name in a night, and all the rest within a fortnight: inter fortes se haberi credens, si criminum densitate coalescat. Id. ibid. c. 12.

Probus honoured Aradion a most valiant man (whom he overcame in wrestling) with a Tomb 200 foot broad remaining in Vopiscus his time; which he caused the Soldiers, whom he never suffered to be idle, to erect: testifying the greatness of his respect by the largeness of his monument. Vopiscus in Probo, c. 9.

Quo latior agri modus sepulchro assignab [...] tur, eo magis crescebat bonos. Casaubonus.

Being presented with a Horse taken in War, which it was said, could go 100 miles in a day, for 8 or 10 daies together, he said, ‘He was fitter for a cowardly, than a valiant Soldier’. Id. ib. c. 8.

Some say he was the last Emperor who triumphed, after his Victory over the Germans and the Blemyae a people of Africk.

[Page]He commanded to be let loose at once 1000 Estriches, 1000 Stags, 1000 wild Boars, 1000 fallow Deer, beside wild Goats, wild Sheep, and other creatures which fed upon grass, as many as could be fed or found; which he gave to the people to catch as they could: the Circus being set all over with great trees, which by the Soldiers were taken up by the roots, as they grew in the woods, and planted there with green turf about them, and fastned with beams and irons: next day he let into the same place 100 maned Lyons, (which filled the air with roaring as if it had thundred;) 100 Lybian Leopards, 100 Syrian, 100 Lionesses, and 300 Bears. Vopiscus in Probo, c. 19.

As Hanibal filled most parts of Africk with Olive-yards planted by his Soldiers that they might not be idle, to the endangering of the Common-wealth; so Probus, (who for his famous acts is compared with Hannibal and Cesar) for the same reason caused the Soldiers to plant vineyards throughout all France, both the Pannonias, and the Mysian hills. Aur. Victor.

He was a valiant and just person, matched Aurelian for military renown, and exceeded him in courteous behaviour. Eutropius, l. 9.

[Page] Flav. Vopiscus tres causas Probi mortis recitat. Primam, quod milites nunquam ociosos permisit. Secundam; quod dixerat brevi fore, ut nullis militibus opus sit. Tertiam, quod in patria sua amplianda ad sordida ac servilia ministeria milites coegisset. Glarenus in Eutropium.He undid himself by that speech of his Brevi milites necessarios non futuros: wherewith the Soldiers being offended murdered him, when he had lived 75 years, and reignedQuamvis quinto imperii anno interfectum scribit Vopiscus; tamen alii omnes ipsi adversi sunt. Chr. Ad. Rupert. Observat in Besoldi synop. min. p. 388.6 years 4 months; others say 6 years.

Cum Probus imperii fraenos & jura teneret,

Tam pax tranquillo dulcis in orbe fuit,

Caesar ut ipse brevi post diceret esse futurum,

Non opus ut castris praesidio que foret.

Audiit hoc miles, motusque his vocibus, ipsum

Interimit stricto cominus ense Probum.

Lingua quod incauto peccans effutiit ore,

Hoc animae sraudi saepius esse solet.

Pantaleon Candidus in Epigrammat. Historicis, p. 157, 158.

Iulian (in his Cesars) feigneth that Silenus reproached him with severity towards his Soldiers; who addeth that he underwent deserved punishment, though unjustly inflicted by them.

It is thought, that because he suffered the Christians to live in peace, God gave him so many victories against the Barbarians. R. B. of the Roman Emperors.

Hic ille est, cujus gemmant tibi munere vites,

Gallia; cui libes cum tua vina bibis.

Verè dat pacem, bellis Probus orbe fugatis,

Qui tribuit curis solvere corda mero.

Anonymus.

Carus, with his Sons Carinus and Numerianus

[effigy of emperor]

[effigy of emperor]

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PRobus being slain,Aurelius Carus Carinum & Numerianum filios collegas sibi assumpsit, quorum hic probus, ille adeo protervus ut pater saepius exclamaret, Non est meus. Io. Laetus in Compend. Hist. Vniv. the Army chose Carus Emperor, whereunto the Senate consented.

The Sarmatians threatning Italy, he engaged with them, and overthrew them [Page] with the slaughter of 16000, taking 20000 prisoners. Vopiscus in Caro, c. 9.

Leaving Carinus his elder Son to govern Britain, France, Illyricum and Spain; he prepared with Numerian against the Persians, in which expedition he took in his way Mesopotamia, Ctesiphon, &c. Whereby he purchased the surname of Persicus.

Embassadors coming to him from the King of Persia, find him lying upon the grass, eating black broth and morsels of swines-flesh; whom he bad to tel their young master: ‘If he continued obstinate, within one month all his woods and fields should be as bare as his bald pate; which he shewed: offering them to eat out of the Pot, if they pleased, otherwise to depart forthwith.’ Lipsius in his notes to his second Book of Politicks and the fifteenth Chapter out of Synesius de Regno, where see Petavius, who applieth it to Probus.

Quamvis ethnicus, ecclesiam Thessaloniceusem à tributis immunem fecit. Chr. Schotanus in his Catalogue of Cesars, at the end of Sulp. Severus's History continued by himself.

Surprized with sickness he pitched his Tent on the shore of Tigris; where he and others were slain in their beds by a thunder-bolt.

— Fulmine captus Imperator

Vitam fulminibus paerem peregit.

Sidonius Apollinaris.

[Page] Memorabile maximè Cari, & Carini, & Numeriani hoc habuit imperium, quod ludos Romanos novis ornatos spectaculis dederunt, quos in palatio circa porticum stabuli pictos vidimus. Vopiscus in Caro, Numeriano & Carino, c. 19.

Arrius Aper a Pretorian Prefect having murdered Numerian (his Son-in-law) being troubled with sore eies upon his return from Persia (saith Zonaras) pretended to those of the Army who enquired how he did,Numerianus post Cari parentis obitum, ex Oriente, ac Perside rediens, à socero in itinere est interfectus; recenti adhuc Cari funere: cui pius juvenis praeter modum illacrymans, ocularem in morbum inciderat. Petavius De Doctrina Temporum, p. 11. c. 26. that his infirmity only kept him from sight, but at length his treason was discovered by the putrefaction of Numerian's body. Whereupon Aper being brought by the Soldiers before the Tribunal, was slain by Diocletian; who was both his Judge and Executioner. Vopiscus in Numeriano.

In the life of Carus, written by Eutropius in the later edition set forth by Frobenius, I find (which in other editions of Eutropius doth not appear) that Numerianus slew Babylas the Martyr. But that seemeth not likely, both by narration of Chrysostom and Vrspergensis, who, declaring the same history, and in the same words, as it is in Eutropius, saith it was Cyrillus whom Numerian killed, the story whereof is this: When Carus in his journey toward the Persians remained at Antioch, Numerian would enter into the Christians Church, to view their Mysteries. But Cyril their Bishop would not [Page] suffer him, saying; ‘It was not lawful for him to see the mysteries of God, who was polluted with the sacrifice of Idols.’ Numerian not suffering that repulse at the hands of Cyril, in his fury slew the godly Martyr; and therefore justly (as it seemeth) was himself slain by the hands of Aper. Fox his Acts and Monuments of the Church, tom. 1. p. 69.

Calpurnius the Poet was Secretary to Carus, and after him to Numerian, saith Vopiscus in vita Cari. Nemesianus the Poet was also contemporary with Carus and his Sons. Numerianus versu talis fuisse praedicatur, ut omnes Poetas sui temporis vicerit. Nam & cum Olympio Nemesiano contendit, qui [...], & [...] scripsit, quique omnibus coloniis illustratus emicuit, & Aurelium Apollinarem iamborum scriptorem, qui patris ejus gesta in literas retulit, iisdem, quae recitaverat editis, veluti radio solis obtexit. Vopiscus in Numeriano, c. 11.

Carinus gave himself to all lusts, married 9 Wives, and then divorced them being big with child; he was twice overcome by Diocletian, and slain by a Tribune, whose Wife he had abused. Vopiscus in Carino.

Tristan parallels Carinus with Gallienus.

Some say Carus and his Sons reigned but 2 years or somewhat more, others say but a little above one.

These 7 Emperors, Claudius, his brother Quintillus, Aurelian, Tacitus, his brother Florian, Probus and Carus reigned but 18 years. Lloids Consent of Times.

Persica diminues victricibus agmina signis:

Foelix, ni torto fulminis igne cadas.

Boissardus.

Diocletian and Maximian Collegues.

[effigy of emperor]

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DIocletian's parentage is uncertainly reported, some making him the son of a Scrivener, & others of a bondman made free by Anulinus a Senator: but all agree he was a Dalmatian of base birth.

Haec eadem est Dalmatia quae Hieronymum ceu patronum ecclesiarum, & quem nemo Latinorum lucubrando vicit, nobis dedit. Tam verè igitur quàm eleganter a Sulmonensi vate dictum est:

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Terra salutifer as herbas eademque nocentes

Gignit, & urticae proxima saepe rosa est.

Vadiani Epitome trium terrae partium.

The name of his Mother (and of the Town wherein he was born) was Dioclea, whence he was called Diocles till he came to be Emperor, and then named himself Diocletian (converting a Greek name into a Roman form) and upon the conquest of the Persians and Egyptians, Iovii cognomentum primus sibi sumpsit Diocletianus, ut collega ejus Maximianus Herculii. postea cum Caesares facti essent Constantius & Galerius: Galerius quidem qui Diocletiani filiam duxerat, & qui cum Diocletiano in Oriente fere semper versatus est, Caesar Iovius est appellatus. Sic enim in Chronico Alexandrino dicitur, & in vetere nummo quem edidit Iohannes Tristanus. Constantius vero, utpote qui Maximiani Herculii privignam duxerat, & cum illo in Occidente versabatur, Caesar Herculius dictus est, ut ex vetere panegyrico observavit frater meus Hadrianus Valesius. Mortuo deinde Galerio, Maximinus qui Caesar ab illo factus fuerat, cognomentum Iovii assumpsit, ut ex hoc Eusebii loco discimus. Valesius in Eusebium, p. 186. Iovius; as Maximian his Collegue stiled himself Herculius: velut ille Jovis, hic Herculis haeres saith P. Laetus, who parallels Diocletian with Iupiter, and Maximian with Hercules.

Iupiter, gigantes, ut coeli regiam defenderet, perdidit; Diocletianus, ut orbis terrarum regiam tueretur, tyrannos surgentes, ut Centimanos, diligenti cura delevit; saith the same Author in Rom. Hist. Comp.

Maximianus se progeniem esse Herculis non adulationibus fabulosis, sed aequatis virtutibus comprobavit. Paneg. Const. dictus.

Iovius & Herculius a Gallis adeo dilecti, ut ab eis duo populi nomina sumpserint Ioviorum & Herculiorum; & Viennenses duas urbis portas, Ioviam & Herculeam appellavere, ut epigrammata docent. Pomponius Laetus, ubi supra.

[Page]When Diocletian serving as a common Soldier in France, reckoned with his hostess (one of the Druids) she told him he was too penurious;Oraculum apud Plutarchum monebat quendam ut anguem sedulo vitaret: id cum praestaret ille, in militem cui anguis insigne clypei erat, incidit, ac obtruncatus fuit. he jeastingly answered, that he would be bountiful when he came to be Emperor of Rome: she bid him not mock, saying; Imperator eris cum aprum occideris. From that time he hunted often and killed many boars, to see if a Crown would spring from their blood; but still missed the Empire, which Aurelian, Tacitus, Probus and Carus obtained, whereupon he said: ‘I kill many boars,Quanquam putem ego (pace magni istius Philosophi, & Historici tamen) monuisse Deum ut [...] vitaret, quod commune nomen & clypei & serpentis est; ita oraculo illi aequivocatio sua constat. Heinsius in Crepundiis. Vide Val. Maximum, l. 1. c. 8. de Daphida & Philippo Macedone. but others go away with the flesh.’ At last Aper having killed Numerianus (as is above mentioned) was brought by the Soldiers before Diocletian, who being told his name, (and concluding at length that the prediction was to be understood of a man) presently killed him; in outward shew for zeal of justice, as being not able to endure so foul a fact, but in truth to fulfil the prediction of his hostess the Druid: for that Aper signifieth a Boar. Vopiscus in Numeriano saith, that his Grand-father, from whom he had this report, was present when Aper was slain, to whom Dioeletian, when he struck him, said in a bravado; Gloriare Aper, Aeneae magni dextra cadis: adding; Tandem Aprum fatalem occidi. Vopiscus in Caro, Numeriano, &c. c. 15, 16.

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Promisit verace tibi Druis hospita voce

Imperium, fuerit cum tibi caesus Aper.

Boissardi Distich. in Iconas, l. 1. p. 30.

Diocletian was a man greatly esteemed, but thus conditioned; for he was the first that wore cloath of gold, trod on silk and purple embellished with pearls; which, though it were more than did become him, and argued in him a lofty and proud spirit; yet this was nothing in respect of his other carriage: for (next after Caligula and Domitian) he was the first, who allowed himself to be called Lord and God, and would be sued unto as a god, though (saith Aur. Victor) he carried himself liker a Father,Diocletianus, aurei parens saeculi, & Maximianus (ut vulgo dicitur) ferrei. Lampridius in fine Helagabali. than a Tyrant.

Sibi immani saevitia, qua religionis odio in omne Christianum nomen est grassatus, aeternas infamiae notas, ceteroqui non pessimus Princeps inussit. M. Velserus Rerum Aug. Vind. l. 6. p. 136, 137.

It was a good speech of him though an evil Emperor, ‘That the best and most wary Prince may be abused by bad servants.’ Vopiscus in Aureliano.

Vt maximè infame Diocletiani Imperium fuerit, ob excitatam & exercitam saevissimam in Christianos persecutionem, & privata insuper vitia nonnulla; attamen & alias laudatissimum Principem fuisse, & constitutiones de jure nobilissimas & aequissimas promulgasse constat, & quidem ex veteri Iurisprudentiae passim petitas, & ad ejus normam compositas. Gothofredus in secunda dissertatione juridica, p. 39.

[Page]Notwithstanding his cruelty condemned even by Libanius a Heathen (in his Oration to Theodosius the Great) yet he counterfeited Clemency, and in appearance had the memory of Marcus Aurel. in great veneration, as a God, saying often, that he desired to resemble him in humanity. Capitolinus in Marco Antonino Philosopho.

Rescriptum Diocletiani & Maximiani, l. 6. C. de. Patr. potest. Abdicatio, quae Graeco more ad alienandos liberos usurpatur (f. usurpabatur) & [...] dicebatur, Romanis legibus non comprobatur. Rittershusius in Salvianum, p. 499.

Diocletianus, si quisquam alius Principum, praecipuam Testamentorum rationem habuit, enixeque testantium utilitati consultum ivir. Jac. Gothofredus in secunda dissertatione Iuridica, p. 40.

Diocletian by his Prudentiae illa Diocletian. (quae Christi nomen insolentissimè contemnebat, & se pro Deo adorari jubebat) prohibere nequivit, quin ubique terrarum plures uno tempore rebellarent, alius hic, alius ibi, vel alibi. Olaus Magnus, fol. 675, 676. profound wisdom wherewith he was endued, found out a more assured way to secure himself against rebellions, than others had discovered: for having taken Maximian for his Companion and Allie: and afterwards created Galerius and Constantius Cesars, he rendred himself formidable to those who desired to make themselves Emperors. For in what part soever the rebels rose, one of these four was upon their backs, [Page] and stifled them in the birth. Only For subduing of whom Constantius is compared to Pompey the Great, by Dr. Rives in his Historia Navalis Media, l. 2. p. 96, 97. Carausius, whom the situation of great Britain rendred invincible, stood out 7 years. But all the other who had the boldness to make themselves Emperors, as Aulus Pomponius Aelianus, Amandus, Iulianus, &c. were quickly defeated before they could make any considerable progress. Tristan.

Diocletianus post segetem tyrannorum Maximianum Caesarem & collegam feeit. Chr. Schotani Heptaemeron, p. 215.

These 2 Emperors chose 2Ceterum, ut inquit Ammianus, hi Caesares ipsis Augustis tanquam apparitores obtemperarunt, ultro citroque pro eorum arbitrio commeantes. Sigonius de Occid. Imperio, l. 1. Cesars; Diocletian chose Galerius surnamed Armentarius, and Maximian, Constantius Chlorus; enforcing them to put away their wives, and take their Daughters for an assurance of love by the bonds of that alliance. Aur. Victor.

Whereas Eutropius calleth the marriage of Constantius Chlorus with Helena, obscurius matrimonium, Pauca supersunt nobis hodie gesta Diocletiani, penuria auctorum. Ex iis qui supersunt, nullus plura de eo paucioribus verbis complexus est, quam Eutropius. Scaliger in Eusebium, p. 244. a more obscure marriage, his meaning is plain. For he neither meant, nor said that it was simply ignoble, but speaking comparatively, and comparing it to his second marriage with Theodora the daughter-in-law to the Emperor; by which he obtained first to be Cesar & then Emperor: in respect of the splendor of this second marriage, and the Imperial dignity obtained thereby, he did and might well say, that the former was more obscure, or not so illustrious; though in it self it was both very honourable, and in no sort any disparagement to Constantius. [Page] Dr. Crakanthorp's Defence of Constantine. ch. 10.

In the 19. year of his reign he raised the 10. and extremest persecution,Quae persecutio omnibus ferè anteactis diuturnior atque immanior fuit Nam per decem annos incendiis Ecclesiarum, proscriptionibus innocentum, caedibus martyrum incessabiliter acta est. Sequitur terrae motus in Syria, ex quo apud Tyrum & Sidonem passim labentibus tectis, multa hominum millia prostrata sunt. P. Orosius, l. 7. c. 25. wherein 17000 men, women and children were martyred within one month, besides infinite numbers otherwise punished: the Christians torments lasting 10 years without intermission, no place being free.

Eusebius l. 5. de prep. Evang. writeth that Diocletian going to Apollo for an Oracle, received answer, ‘That the just men were the cause that he could say nothing.’ Which just men, Apollo's Priests interpreted to be Christians, whereupon Diocletian began his most fierce and cruel persecution. Bayfield of the Trinity, ch. 2. p. 51.

Infinite multitudes were every where imprisoned, and the Prisons of old appointed for murderers and riflers of graves, were then filled with Bishops, Ministers, Deacons, Readers and Exorcists, so that there was no room in them for hainous offenders. Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History, l. 8. c. 6.

Nullus dies cui non ultra quinque millium numerum Martyrum reperiri posset ascriptus, excepto die Calendarum Ianuarii. There was never a day in the year,Heylin's Geography. except the first of Ianuary (on which they used not to shed blood) whereto the number of 5000 Martyrs at the least might not be ascribed [Page] saith Hierome in Si tamen illa sit Hieronymi epistola, saith Dr. Hakewil in his Scutum regium, p. 74. his Epistle ad Heliodorum & Chromatium.

Nicomedia was honoured with the seat and residence of many of the Roman Emperors, when their affairs called them into the East, before the building of Constantinople; on that occasion made the Throne on which many of God's Saints received the Crown of Martyrdom, especially in the persecution under Diocletian. Dr. Heylin's Geography.

Cyprian a Magician, converted at Nicomedia by Iustina a Christian Virgin, suffered under Diocletian. Velserus Rerum Boicarum, l. 3.

Quis non horreat in una Aegypto 144 millia mortalium caesa, 700 millia in exilium acta; praeter Africam totamque Europam in carnificinam versas? ut totum orcum dicas in orbem effusum, ubi nemo nisi tortus vel tortor sit. Vide Hottingerum Hist. Ecclesiast. parte prima, p. 182. Triumphavit tamen iis cladibus Christi Ecclesia, & scoria per ignem purgata longè illustrior, damnis suis ferax, miseriis foelix, ruinis erecta, jacturis dives, rediviva in morte, mortalium victrix & Daemonum, sementem fecit effuso sanguine, profligatura statim Imperium, & Orbem totum missura sub jugum. Bussieres in Flosculis Historicis.

Evectus ad imperii culmen Diocletianus, cum inter caeteras provincias bello subactas, Aegyptus maximè Achilla duce rebellasset, ex indignatione summa, ob contumeliam, ut ipse putabat, sibi à Refractariis illis illatam; in furorem versus, mox ea expugnata non satis [Page]esse ratus est, Achillam jam in potestatem suam redactum, feris dilaniandum objicere: sed vindictam quoque omni crudelitatis genere refertam, sibi exercendam existimans, in cujuscunque conditionis homines foedum in modum debacchatus est. Verum inter alia, tria potissimum quae persecutionem vehementer auxere, contra eos machinatus est. Primum fuit, ut omnes cum aliorum, tum Christianorum libros sacros hinc inde per universam Aegyptum collectos, aboleret; his enim abolitis, ad Romanorum ritus facilius eos allectum iri confidebat. Alterum erat, ut artem transmutationis metallorum interdic [...]ret; timebat enim, ne inde locupletiores facti Aegyptii, collectoque exercitu multum Romanis in posterum fortassis facesserent negotii. Tertium denique erat, ut computus anni Aegyptiis usitatam rationem, Romano stylo accommodaret. Duo prima, esti multum in eis desudaverit, assequi nunquam potuit; hoc uti voluit, ita & perfecit. Kircherus in Prodromi Coptici, c. 2. p. 21, 22.

Divine mercy herein magnified it self toward this Island, that the last Oecumenical was the first Provincial Persecution in Britain. Dr. Fuller's Church-History of Britain, p. 17.

The persecution of Diocletian in Britain, continued only one year, saith Mr. Ball against Can, c. 2. p. 62.

Magnum Christianorum numerum, quod Amphibalum praedicantem audivisset, Iohannes Rossus Warwicensis (in libro de Wigorniensibus[Page]Episcopis) impiorum telis occubuisse narrat, in loco qui ab eventu Lichfield, id est, Cadaverum Campus appellatur. Qua vocis etymologia nixi Lichfeldenses, pro civitatis suae insignibus Campum occisorum cadaveribus constratum etiam nunc usurpant. Nec desunt qui mille & ducentorum monachorum Bangorensium caedem ab Ethelfrid Northanhumbrorum rege factam eo trahant: sed contra Historiae fidem, quae non juxta Lichfeldiam, sed prope Vrbem Legionum, quae hodie Occidentalis vocatur Cestria, interemptos illos fuisse confirmat. Usserius De Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Primordiis, p. 161.

In the said Brittish Churches Antiquities, p. 145, 167, 170, &c. he saith this persecution lasted but little above a year in France, imputing the shortness thereof to Constantius his Calvisius in the quarto edition of his Chronology, p. 555. gives the same reason why Germany then escaped persecution. moderation.

Hujus persecutionis non minima laus debetur Hispaniae, atque haud scio, an ulla tunc provincia plus effuderit sanguinis pro fide & nomine Christi. Sola Caesar-Augusta, ni fallor, potest hac parte contendere cum quavis non dico civitate, sed provincia, ut eleganter testatur Prudentius in hymno de octodecim martyribus Caesar-Augustanis. Vasaei Chronicon Hispaniae, p. 272.

Cum non sine stupore Diocletiani Thermas perlustrare possis, quarum vastitatem & sumptuositatem vix unquam satis admiraberis, scias, in illis olim construendis quadringenta Christianorum millia, per annos quatuordecim,[Page]servili more, sub crudelissimo persecutore vexata esse. Joh. Jac. Grasseri Itinerarium, p. 228.

Saint Macra suffered in Diocletian's persecution (by command of Rictiovarus) whose passion Ondart thus expresseth in his Ecclesiastical Ephemerid [...]s.

Rictius injecit te praeses Varus in ignem,

Praeciditque ferox ubera Macra tibi.

Attamen haud quidquam flammae nocuere rogales,

Vber utrumque loco restituitque Deus

Quod notum Rhemis; quorum tegeris solo, acuta

In testa oranti postquam ibi obisse datum.

Usserius in Addendis ad Britannicarum Ecclesiarum primordia, p. 1040.

Genesius being the chief of the Theatrical Mimi, Genesius Abbas Arelatens. per jocum baptisatus, & serio conversus. 289. Oreus in Nomenclatore Praecipuorum D D. at the command of Diocletian, acted a play of the Christian religion before the Emperor, in derision of the Christian Faith and Mysteries. To express the custom of Christians, he was laid as one Clinicus, on his couch upon the Theatre, then he called for baptism; the mimical Presbyter being brought, asked him if he did believe? who answering he did, he was mimically baptized: then apparelled in white, and for making that profession, he was in mimical fashion led to be executed. But this play was then turned into sad earnest, for at that time he being truly converted to Christianity, instead of cursing and deriding, began to bless and adore [Page] Christ, and seriously exhorted the Emperor, and all in the Theatre, to embrace the holy Christian Faith, as himself did: at which the Emperor being incensed with rage, commanded him to be most cruelly tormented; and when by no torments whatsoever, he could be driven from the constant profession of Christ, he was at last beheaded, and is now enrolled among the blessed Saints and Martyrs. Dr. Crakanthorp's defence of Constantine, c. 6. p 84. out of Martyrologium Rom. & Mart. Vsuardi.

S. Helychius, sub Diocletiano cum esset, & praeceptum audisset, ut quisquis non sacrificaret idolis, cingulum solveret, repente cingulum solvit. Ob hanc caussam Imp. colobio muliebri indutum primo eum in gynaeceum dedit. Savaro in Epist. S. Sidonii l. 1. Pontanus Attic. Bellariorum parte secunda, p. 300.

Diocletianus edictum eum Maximiano proponit, ne cui vendere aut emere, aut molere, aut aquas haurire liceret, nisi statuis thura incenderet. Baronius cited by Calvisius in the quarto edition of his Chronology, p. 551.

Diocletiano & Maximiano imperantibus, acerbissima persecutio exorta, quae per decem continuos annos plebem Dei depopulata est, qua tempestate omnis ferè sacro martyrum cruore orbis infectus est: quippe certatim gloriosa in certami [...]a ruebatur, multoque avidius tum martyria gloriosis mortibus quaerebantur, quàm nunc Episcopatus pravis ambitionibus[Page]appetuntur. Nullis unquam bellis mundus magis exhaustus est, neque unquam majore triumpho vicimus, quàm cum decem annorum stragibus vinci non potuimus. Sulpitius Severus Sacr. Hist. l. 2.

There was a Column (as a Trophy of extinguishing the Christian Faith) erected to him with this Inscription.

Diocletiano Caes. Aug.

Nomine Christianorum deleto, QuiRemp. evertebant.

Galerio in Oriente

Adopt.

Superstitione Christi ubique deleta,

In another Inscription mentioned by Baronius anno 304.

Et cultu Deorum ubi (que) propagato.

Gruter's Inscriptions, p. 280

Maximian at Octodurum commandeth the Army to sacrifice to false gods; the Theban Legion consisting of 6666 Christians remove their quarters to Agaunum, to avoid (if possible) occasion of discontenting the Emperor; who summoneth them to perform their parts in this devilish worship: they return an humble denial, with their resolve not to disobey God, for whose sake they would ever continue faithful to him. He unsatisfied with this answer, putteth them to a decimation; to which they submit with cheerfulness, praying for their murderer. His commands are renewed, but prevail not on the remainder, who are butchered without resistance, there being no delay in their death, except from the weariness of their Executioners. Mauricius their [Page] Colonel could not contain his joy, when he saw the first decimation gallantly suffered. ‘How fearful was I, said he to his a while surviving Soldiers (for armed men may be attempted to defend themselves) lest any of them might upon colour of just resistance for self-preservation in an innocent cause have strugled against this blessed slaughter! I was watchful and had Christs example in readiness, who commanded his Disciple to put his Sword into his scabbard.’ Salus vestra non periclitabitur, nisi armis vestris. Despair it self could not conquer one single patience, which yet createth valour in cowards, and maketh them more couragious in such extremities, because they are fearful; since they are like to do most to preserve life, who are most afraid of death. Eucherius Lugdunensis.

Maximianus adhuc grassatur in milites sed non caede, ut hactenus fecerat, cum nihil proficeret; sed damnat eos ad labores serviles, ad aedificandas thermas Romanas & Carthaginenses. Eusebius cited in the quarto edition of Calvisius's Chronology, p. 554.

This most bloody persecutor Diocletian, at last perswaded Maximian to lay aside with him all government (not because he was weary of persecuting, but of Zonaras, Nicephorus Callist. Th. Metochita, &c. but neither Tristan, nor Chr. Matthias hold this to be the sole, or chief cause of his resignation. disappointment) since he could not [...]atch his long brooded designs for the utter extirpation of the Christians; being [Page] thus out of hope to do all the mischief he intended,Nova certe, quaecunque ea fuerint, in eo haec duo contigerunt, quod primus ut oratores dixerunt, Imperium & communicavit, & posuit. Sigonius de Occidentali imperio, l. 1. Quanquam aliis alia aestimantibus veri gratia corrupta sit; nobis tamen excellenti natura videtur ad communem vitam spreto ambitu descendisse. Aurelius Victor. by resigning the Empire, he putteth himself out of power to do any.

Both of them on one day changed their Imperial estate, returning to a private condition, Diocletian at Nicomedia, and Maximianus Herculius at Milain; so soon as they had finished the triumphs kept at Rome with great solemnity of Pageants: in which the Concubines, Sisters, and Children of Narseus were led before their Chariots. This triumph being ended, one of them went to Salona, and the other into Lucania. Eutropius, l. 9.

De hoc Diocletiani ac Maximiani Augustorum triumpho multa Pomponius Laetus, ut nullus ethnicus copiosius. Glareanus in Eutropium, p. 246.

Eusebius l. 8. c. 13. imputeth Diocletian his resignation to phrensy.

Equidem facilè crediderim, Diocletianum post coeptam persecutionem morbo correptum, de statu mentis aliquantisper deturbatum fuisse; maximè cum Constantinus & Eusebius id constanter affirment. Hoc enim evenire solet aegrotantibus, & praecipue melancholicis, cujusmodi Diocletianum fuisse ex nummis conjicere licet. Sed nego illum ob hanc causam imperium posuisse. Valesius in Eusebium, p. 270.

Being sollicited 4 years after by Maximianus Herculius and Galerius to resume [Page] his charge, he answered; ‘Did you see the herbs set with my own hands in my Garden at Salona, you would think me too good a Gardiner to become a miserable Emperor.’

O thou great Monarch, and more great therefore,

For scorning that whereto vain pride aspires,

Reckoning thy Gardens in Illyria more

Than all the Empire; took'st those sweet retires:

Thou well didst teach, that O he is not poor

That little hath, but he that much desires:

Finding more true delight in that small ground,

Than in possessing all the earth was found.

Daniel of the Civil Wars between the houses of York and Lancaster, l. 3.

Diocletian being invited by Constantine the Great and Licinius to their marriage feast, excused himself, that by reason of his age he could not come; upon which they wrote back a threatning Letter, wherein he was charged with inclining to Maximinus, and assisting of Maxentius: whereupon fearing some shameful death, he poysoned himself. S. Aur. Victor.

Eusebius de vita Constant. l. 5. saith

Diocletian's house was wholy consumed with lightning, and that he hiding himself for fear thereof, died within a little after.

He was deified, though a private person when he dyed; an honour that had not been conferred on any before. Eutropius, l. 9. c. ult. Quem honorem ab Augustis[Page]admiratione virtutis accepit, saith Sigonius de Occid. Imp. l. 3.

Eusebius reports that Arnobius then a Teacher of Rhetorick and a Gentile,Vadianus in Epitome trium terrae partium, makes Hierom the Author of this story. was constrained by sundry dreams to believe the glorious Gospel, yet the Christian Bishops would not receive him to their Fellowship, till he had written and published those excellent books of his against Gentilism; wherein he confuted that vain superstition and Idolatry, whereof he had been before so great a Patron and Advocate. Larkin's Speculum Patrum, p. 27.

Herculius, was openly fierce and of a rude disposition, shewing his austerity by the terror of his countenance; complying with Diocletian in all his cruel designs. Eutropius, l. 9.

Mamertinus non minus ad fidem, quàm ad laudem dixit, Maximianum primum omnium Imperatorùm probasse, Romani Imperii nullum esse terminum, nisi qui suorum esset armorum. Sigonius de Occidentali Imperio, l. 1.

Iulian the Emperor feigneth that Silenus judged him not worthy to break a jest on, or to be admitted into the assembly of the Gods; from whence Nemesis soon chased this excessively intemperate person: who was not only addicted to all sorts of lusts, but also perfidious and factious.

Maximianus tradit fasces imperiales non [Page]Maxentio, quem filium habebat, sed (imperii caritatem paterno amori praeferens) Constantio Chloro, In historia rerumà Maximiano gestarum merae tenebrae apud scriptores qui nunc extant. Livineius in Panegyrica, p. 316. privignae suae marito. Dietericus in Breviario Historico.

Maximian seemingly taking offence at his son Maxentius, then at variance with his Son-in-law Constantine the Great, under colour of this dislike, repaired to Constantine, who married Fausta his daughter, with whom he tampered to make away her husband: but she revealed his treachery to Constantine, who thereuponSolus Zosimus Maximianum, in desperationem rerum omnium adductum, & apud Tarsum morbo extinctum ait, confundens Maximianum, cum Maximino. Chr. Ad. Rupertus in Besoldi min. synop. p. 399. put him to death.

Herculius natura impotentior, simul filii segnitiae metuens, inconsulte imperium repetiverat: cumque specie officii dolis compositis Constantinum generum tentaret acerbè, jure tandem interierat. Aur. Vict.

Vtinam Maximianus suo potius ingenio, quàm alieno exemplo fastidiisset fortunae fastigium. Diocletianum secutus est. Sic vero animi inconstans; quia cum ex Augusto privatus esset, è privato tyrannus esse voluit. Nam ut ad Imperii majestatem eveheret Maxentium filium, acriter afflixit Rem Romanam: ut deinde evectum rejiceret, pater quoque esse recusavit. Iam nec in filio Maxentio, nec in genero Constantino purpuram ferens, dum insidias utrique struit, interficitur. Puteanus in Historia Insubrica.

Reus insidiarum in Constantinum, Massiliae cervicibus laqueo fractis, impietatis perpetuae & ambitionis praeposterae poenas luit. Bussieres in Flosculis Historiarum.

Shrewd Diocletian Empire got: Design'd

Partners! raign'd long: then rule and wit resign'd,

Dr. Holyday's Survey of the world, l. 9. p. 100.

Constantius Chlorus, and Galerius Armentarius, Collegues. To whom are joined SEVERVS, MAXIMINVS, MAXENTIVS, LICINIVS.

Sequentium Imp. usque ad filios Constantini, historia valde perturbata est, ob concursum multorum Caesarum. Helvici Theatrum Historicum, p. 94.

Etsi Diocletianus & Maximianus imperium ejurarant, etenim gravissima premebatur persecutione Ecclesia Dei. In Oriente Galerius quoniam mirè superstitiosus erat, in Africa Maximinus, in Occidente & praecipue Romae Maxentius truculenter grassabantur. Jo. Laetus in Compend. Hist. Vniv.

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WHen Diocletian and Maximian laid down the Ensigns of command; Constantius Chlorus was chosen Emperor in these Western Provinces of France, Spain, and Britain: unto [Page] to Galerius his government fell Egypt and the Provinces in Asia.

Alter natus est, qui acceptam ignominiam Valeriani captivitate deleret: alter qui Gallias Romanis legibus redderet. Vopiscus in Carino, c. 18.

Constantius was not only beloved, but had in great reverence of the French, chiefly because by his accepting of the Empire they escaped the suspected wisdom of Diocletian, and the bloudy rashness of Maximian. Eutropius, l. 10.

Galerius took for ease of his burden Severus, and Maximinus surnamed Daza, his sisters Son, whom he elected Caesars and after Augusti.

Constantius (who chose rather to govern well than much) gave up Africk and Italy to Galerius, as too remote from the seat of his residence, and eie of his direction.

Constantius homo frugi quum esset, ne plus agri possideret, quàm colere posset, Italiam & Africam deposuit. Rivii Historia Navalis Media, l. 2. p. 98.

Constantius & Galerius Imperium, quod commune Diocletianus & Maximianus habuerant, novo, ut Orosius dixit, exemplo inter se diviserunt. Sigonius de Occidentali Imperio, l. 2.

Constantius was by birth a Roman; his Father was named Eutropius, his Mother Claudia, Neece to the Emperor Claudius Gothicus.

[Page] Tristan thinketh that Constantius was not called Chlorus from his Paleness, since Eumenius attributeth to him a very sanguine complexion; but from some green garments which he wore when he was young: and he mentioneth others who had the same surname.

Carus intending to kill his Son Carinus for his wickedness, determined to substitute in his place Constantius (then President of Dalmatia, but afterwards Emperor) because none seemed more deserving than he. Vopiscus in Carino, c. 17.

He was very affable, reigned to enrich his subjects, saying; ‘It was fitter that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the Commons hands,Eutropius, l. than locked up in Princes Coffers:’ concurring with Elizabeth Regina non tantum non [...] sit subditos [...] dictionibus, [...] etiam tribu [...] quae tertio q [...] que anno ex [...] consueveran [...] sustulit, imo [...] cum regni o [...] dines aliqua [...] do magnam p [...] cuniae summa pro sumptibu [...] Reipublicae n [...]cessariis offerent, illa magnam partem recusavit, ac populo gratias egit; dictita [...] pecuniam in subditorum arculis esse perinde ac in suis. Lansius [...] Oratione pro Britannia. Trajan, who compared the Exchecquer to the Spleen, by the growth whereof of the limbs are lessened.

[Howsoever this comparison hath been applauded; (neither do I think it simply to be condemned, specially for some States, and some comings-in) yet I do not think it to be fit generally. In my judgment the Exchecquer may fitly be compared to the stomach; for as if the Ventricle be not plied with necessary meats and drinks, the Mesaraic veins sucking continually from it and the bowels, [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] and the Liver continually sucking from the Mesaraics, and the Capillar or small veins (dispersed over the body) sucking from the Liver; there must needs ensue first a hungriness, secondly, a faintness, thirdly, in time a wast, and lastly, an untimely death: so if the Treasury should not have as great supplies, as it hath evacuations, if it should not have as well Oesophagum to bring in, as Pylorum to send forth, and venam portam, as well as cavam, it cannot be but the whole Estate will be greatly enfeebled, that I do not say endangered. Bishop Smith's Sermons, p. 221, 222.]

Being but nominated for the Empire, and reproached for his poverty by Diocletian, Eusebius de vita Constantini, l. 1. c. 10 who sent to exhort him to heap up treasures; he advertised the people of his want, who vehemently contended among themselves to fill his Exchequer, rejoicing greatly, that now they had that long wished for opportunity to witness their benevolous minds unto the Emperor: whereupon he truly and excellently said; ‘That the love of the people is the richest and safest Treasury of the Prince.’ Shewing to Diocletian's Embassadors the great sums which be had ammassed in few hours, they were amazed thereat; after whose departure he returned all the Subsidy that was presented to him;Constantius Pauper. See Suidas in [...]. by which custome he rather got the Epithet of poor, than was so indeed; [Page] being by this voluntary poverty, richer than Diocletian himself, yea than all the other Princes together who were partners with him.

And as this one action shewed his royal magnificence, so this other declareth his piety; in both which he was exemplary. To try the hearts of the Courtiers, he proclaimed, that all they who would not forsake the worship of the true God, should be banished the Court, and should have heavy penalties and fines laid upon them; presently upon this (said the story) all who were base and came to serve him only for ends, went away, forsook the true God, and worshiped Idols: by which means he found out who were the true servants of God, and whom he intended to make his own; for he considered that they who deserted God for fear, would not stick to betray their Prince for gain, saith Dr. Cheynel in his Epistle Dedicatory, before his Book against Socinianism.

Fighting in France, he had the same day both adverse and prosperous fortune. For being assaulted on the sudden, he was forced to retire to Langres in such hast, that the Gates of the City being shut, he was fain to be drawn up the wall by Ropes. Yet within five hours space, his Army approaching, he slew almost 60000 Almains. Eutropius lib. 9.

[Page] Ea victoria maximam ei, si qua alia, in re militari gloriam peperit. Sigonius de Occid. Imp. lib. 1.

Mirum vero Eumenium verba habentem ad Constantium tam insignem Victoriam obiter perstrinxisse, hominem alioqui laudum Constantii prodigum. Quum toties, inquit, pro culcata esset Alemannia. Scaliger in Eusebium p. 244.

Eusebius saith that Constantius preserved ( [...]) such Christians as were under his command from harm.

Under him the Church in these parts had a breathing-time from persecution. ‘But I am afraid that that learned Pen goes a little too far,Camden his Brit. in description of York. who makes him founder of a Bishoprick at York, and stileth him an Emperor surpassing in all vertue, and Christian piety.’ Dr. Fuller inhis Ecclesiastical History of Brittain.

Nullo modo Jacobus Philippus Bergomensis audiendus est, qui Constantium repudiata Theodora Helenam, Anglorum regis filiam captivam, uxorem duxisse fabulatur: cum ex Romanorum annalibus certo constat, Helenam illum coactum repudiasse, ut Theodoram Maximiani Augusti privignam conjugem acciperet. Usserius in Antiquitat. Britann.He married Helena (daugther of Coilus, who entertained him when he was Lieutenant of Britan) but Maximian tyrannising aswel over loves, as men, declareth Constantius Cesar, on condition he would forsake Helen, and marry Theodorae his daughter-in-law. He was won by ambition, and easiness of his nature (which bowed to those who seemed to wish him well) and by the lustre of the purple presented to him.

He married Theodora; which alteration [Page] Helena bore with great constancy, counting it an honour, that to refuse her no other cause was found, but the good fortune of her husband; Constantius lived in body with Theodora, and in heart with Helen: the torrent of ambition and affairs of the world having parted their bodies could not hinder the inclinations of their hearts. For Constantius returning to Britain, dyed in York; and being asked on his death-bed which of his children should succeed him, since besides Constantine he had two sons by Theodora viz. Constantius and Annibalinus: he then forgetting his second wife and her offspring, cryed aloud Constantinum pium, Scribit quidan Graecus Constantium ex novacula cum esset moriturus, seque de lecto protenderet, ut ambabus manibus filium Constantinum, qui jam concito gradu advenerat, amplecteretur, dxiisse Mortem esse immortalitate meliorem. Cuspinianus in Caesaribus. he would have no other successor than the pious Constantine, which was approved by the Army: who cast the purple Robe upon Constantine at York, whilest he wept, and put spurs to his horse, that he might avoid the importunity of the Soldiers, who attempted and required so instantly to make him Emperor: but the happiness of the state overcame his modesty.

Constantius lived 56 years; was Caesar 16 years, and Emperor 2, saith Eusebius.

Cambden reporteth that at the demolition of Monasteries, there was found in his supposed monument in York-shire, a burning lamp, thought to have burnt there ever since his burial, above 300 years [Page] after Christ, and he addeth out of Lazi us that the ancient Romans used in that manner to preserve lights in Sepulchers a long time, by the oyliness of Gold, resolved into liquid substance.

Omnibus virtutibus insignem passim depraedicant Scriptores. Rupertus p. 402.

Fictilibus mihi posse uti moderatio suasit;

Pauperies priscos dura coegit avos.

Hoc mea laus major; quod cum mihi cuncta licerent,

Quam minimum volui collubuisse tamen.

Anonymus.

Vere Armentarius, & quasi regeret tauros non homines, stoliditate forti conspicuus. Bussieres in Flosculis Historiarum. Galerius born of mean parents (surnamed Armentarius, because he kept cattle) bragged that a Serpent begat him, as one did Alexander the Great. Moribus certe odioque in Christianos Draco fuit, nec indignus eo, quo se natum parente fatebatur. Jo. Cluverus in Hist. Epit.

Having succesfully fought against the Persians, and being emboldned therewith, he again encountred them between Callinicum and Charrae; a City famous for the slaughter of Crassus the Roman General. Where more resolutely than advisedly engaging a few against multitudes of his Enemies, he was overthrown, and losing most of his Army, escaped by flight. Whereupon he returned to Diocletian for aid, whom he met by chance in the way. Diocletian was so displeased with him for this disaster, that he suffered him to go some miles on foot by his Chariot, though clad in purple; for he was then Cesar. At [Page] length he permitted him to depart for the recruiting of his forces, to recover his honour. Galerius levyeth an Army in Sclavonia and Mysia, fought again with Narseus in the greater Armenia, with very good success, and no less circumpection and courage; for trusting no [...]-Scouts, he went himself with two Horsemen to view the adverse Camp: Which when he had fully observed, he assaulted them unawares in the night with 25000 men, discomfited Narseus, plundred his Tents, took his Wives, Sisters and Children prisoners, with many Nobles of Persia; forcing the King to fly to the uttermost desert places of his Kingdom. Returning to Diocletian, then in Mesopotamia, with so rich spoils of the Persian treasure, he was received very honourably by him.

When he rifled the camp of Narseus King of Persia, Haec prosperè pro republica gesta imperium principum istorum valde commendant; sediidem immani in Christianos saevitia id meruere, ut hodie utriusque nomen, velut detestabile, abominemur; utque nec benefactis quidem gratia sit, si quae in republicam unquam contulerunt, ut Brunnerus lib. Annal. Boic. 6. p. 445. loquitur. C. A. Rupertus in synopsin Besoldi. p. 397. a common Soldier having met with a Parthick satchel, wherein were pearls, through simplicity threw out the gems, and went away contented with the beauty only of the leather bag. Amm. Marcellinus l. 22. c. 3. Vide Piccarti Observationes Historic-politicas, Dec. 3. c. 3.

He made Constantine the Great (who was his hostage) General of an Army which he sent against the Sarmatians, (a very furious people); supposing Constantine [Page] should there lose his life. The young Prince (who shut up his eyes to danger, and only opened them to glory) went thither, and returned Victorious, leading the Barbarian King enchained. Galerius excited by a most ardent phrensy, after Constantine's return from this battel, engaged him with a Lion, purposely let loose upon him; which Constantine slew with his own hands, and won the esteem of the Soldiers: getting passage to the Throne by the same degrees, which were prepared for his ruine. Zonaras in Constantio Chloro.

He boasted the acuteness of his wit by the invention of new tortures for patient Martyrs; notwithstanding when he felt himself invaded with a verminous Ulcer, or Fistula in his secret parts, which did evaporate so contagious and pestilential a stench,Redivivum quodammodo per similem morbum habemus nunc Herodem. that some of his Physicians, not able to endure that mephitis or stream of intense corruption, fell down dead; he understanding this to be a judgment sent from God to retaliate upon him those tortures,Ille quia Christum persequitur, pube tenus inflatus scatet vermibus, & iste probroso eodem laborat exitu, quiae persequitur Christianos. Actum siquidem pulchro divinae considerationis intuitu, ut daretur intelligi, quanta sit capitis & membrorum connexio, quanta & quam indivisa sit Christi charitas, zelus ad Ecclesiam, dum eandem infert vindictam persecutoribus suorum, quam sui ipsius persecutori. Haymo Hist. Eccl. lib. 8. c. 3. which he had inflicted on many innocents; then his flinty heart melted within him, and at length he began to think of his wicked practises against the holy worshippers of God, gave commandment [Page] for cessation of the Christians persecution, confessed the equity of divine retribution, and in the midst of these confessions of his own guilt, and Gods justice, he breathed out his execrable soul from a gangrenous and loathsome body. In supplicium persecutionis iniquissimae ad auctorem scelerati praecepti justissima poena redeunte. Excerpta Sirmondi, p. 472.

Galerius lived not a year after his edict for the persecuting of the Christians. Eusebius, l. 9.

Under him Quirinus Bishop of Siscia having a hand-mil tied about his neck, was thrown headlong from a Bridge into a River, where yet he floted a great while, exhorting the lookers on, not to be dismayd with his punishment, and so with much a do was at last drowned. Prudentius Peristeph. Hymn. 7.

Haec aetas Mrtyres solum, sed & Historicos & philosophos fudit. Nam Aelius Spartianus, Iulius Capitolinus, Aelius Lampridius, Vulcatius Gallicanus, Trebellius Pollio, Flavius Vopiscus, e quibus pleraque Caesarum descripsimus, historias suas Diocletiano & Constantio Augustis inscripsere. Arnobius e Philosophis Christianus, egregiè fidem tutatus, parem discipulum Lactantium tulit. Joh. Cluveri Epitome Hist. totius Mundi, in Constantio & Maxim.

Galerius was endued with very good qualities, and expert in Martial affairs. Eutropius lib. 10.

Homo gloria rei militaris illustris, verum saevitia in Christianos crudelis. Vnde foedum exitium habuisse creditus est. Pomponius Laetus in Rom. Hist. Compendio.

Fl. Valerius Severus and C. Galerius Maximinus. Associates of Galerius Maximianus Armentarius.

[effigy of emperor]

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Priori Italia, posteriori quae Iovius obtinuerat, destinantur. Victor Schotti. MOre for cruelty against the Christians, than for nobility of descent or degree of honour, this name agreed to Severus, his pedigree being unknown. R. B. in his lives of all the Roman Emperors, p. 145. Penes autorem fides esto.

When Constantius deceased, his son Constantine was created Emperor in Britain, [Page] where he became Governor in his Fathers room by the earnest desire of all. In the mean while the Pretorian Soldiers raising a mutiny at Rome, nominated Maxentius son of Maximianus Herculius (who dwelt in the high-way not far from the City) Emperor. At which tidings Maximianus Herculius hoping again to recover the Empire, which he resigned against his will, hasted to Rome from Lucania; writing also to Diocletian to resume his former power, which motion was slighted. Severus Cesar was sent to Rome by Galerius, with an Army to repress the commotion of the Guard and Maxentius. But as he besieged the City, his own Soldiers treacherously forsook him, by means whereof Maxentius was fortified in the Empire. Severus defending himself in Ravenna, is drawn from thence by Maximianus Herculius, who (circumventing him with oaths) perswaded him to go to Rome, whither going, he was taken and strangled at the Tres tabernae, by some whom Maxentius had there appointed to lie in ambush. Zosimus, l. 2.

Maxentius Severum Ravenna evocatum perimit, tam cito nullum quam Caesarem. Bussieres in Flosculis Historiarum.

Severus his Corps was put into the Sepulchre of Gallienus, distant from Rome 9 miles by the via Appia. Victor in his Epitome.

Galerius incensed with the outrage [Page] of Maxentius, intended to fall upon the West, in revenge of Severus's death, but was frustrated therein; for distrusting the safety of his Territories, he created Licinius Cesar: after whose nomination he survived not long.

Per tres tabernas, intelligimus eas quae tribus millibus passuum ab Interamna fuerunt, eo loco, qui vulgo dicitur Ponteconfino. Haec enim inter Romam & Ravennam sitae sunt, ita dictae à tribus cauponis, vel diversoriis publicis. C. A. Rupertus in minorem Besoldi synopsin, p. 405. concurring with Cluverus in his Italia antiqua, l. 3. c. 8.

Maximinus was the Son of the sister of Est hic solemnis ac pervulgatus error Graecorum, ut Maximianum cum Maximino permisceant. Valesius in Eusebium, p. 208. Galerius, surnamed Armentarius. Victor in his Epitome, with whom Zosimus (rightly interpreted by Stephen) concurreth.

He was Cesar 4 years, and Emperor 3 in the East. Victor, ubi supra.

By his birth and education he was a Pastoral man, but a great lover of wise and learned men; of a Yet Glareanus on Eutropius, p. 248. more probably calleth him immanissimam belluam. quiet disposition, but much inclined to wine, in the excess whereof he commanded many things, of which he afterwards repented: giving a This is erroneously ascribed to Galerius, in Sirmondus his Excerpta. charge to his followers, that they should not execute his desires, except he was sober, or gave them a command in the morning. Id. Ib.

He persecuted the Christians, being instigated thereto by Theotecnus, a Conjurer of Antioch.

Maximinus, pernicies propemodum ultima [Page]nominis Christiani; & dirum exitium, si vires animum adequassent, saith Bussieres in Flosculis Historiarum.

Maximus Bishop of Hierusalem and Paphnutius Confessors were condemned by him to the Mines, Metuentes solitudinem urbium tyranni, contenti fuerunt oculum effodere, & crus alterum suffringere confessoribus, & metalla iis imponere eruenda. Cluveri Epit. hist. univ. in Constantio & Maxim. having their right eies pulled out, and one of their ham-strings cut.

Constantine the Great kissed the hole in Paphnutius's face, out of which the Tyrant Maximinus had bored his eie for the profession of the Faith; the good Emperor making much of the socket even when the candle was put out. Dr. Fuller's Holy-State, l. 3. ch. 15.

Adversus Christianos Maxentius & Galerius Maximinus caetera discordes, instaurant persecutionem, quam Eusebius vocat secundam, sui videlicet aevi. Praesides provinciarum, quasi propositis praemiis nequitiae, certabant inter se, ut novorum acerbitate suppliciorum se invicem superarent. Sed major erat Dei virtus in sanctis, quam ut deleri ulla Satanae arte aut virulentia possent. Cluveri Epit. hist. univ. in Constantio & Maxim. Jac. Cappellus in Cent. Hist. Eccl. p. 69.

The heathen Presidents of Provinces forged certain acts of Pilate and our Saviour, full of blasphemy against Christ, which by consent of Maximinus, they send abroad throughout his Dominions; commanding by their Letters, that the same (both in City and Country) should be expounded to the youth by School-masters, and committed to memory instead of their Themes. Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History, l. 9. c. 5.

Maximini exemplo nihilo melior factus Maximinus, persecutionem instaurat, Antiochiae Lucianum occidit, Alexandriae Petrum Episcopum.

[Page] Maximini furorem castigat Deus, tum quod ab Armeniis quos lacessebat, turpiter profligatus est; tum immissa peste & fame, in qua Christianorum humanitatem tam admirabilem reddidit Deus, quam nuper constantiam in martyriis. Cappellus in Eccles. Hist. cent. p. 70.

In Armenia contra Parthos bellum gerens, urget in vicinis locis persecutionem, necessitate tamen coactus destitit, cum à Parthis magna clade afficeretur, & Oriens universus fame, & peste saevissimè affligeretur: fames adeo invaluit ut mensura tritici bis mille & quingentis drachmis venderetur, nostri aeris ultra 350. floren. Calvisii Chronologia in quarto, p. 559.

After the death of Galerius and Miror, unde in Eusebii Chronicon irrepserit adeo gravis error, ut mors Maximini ante caedem Maxentii referatur. Maxentius, Licinius and Maximinus beheld each other with a jealous eie, and made shew of contest; but Maximine at Tarsus desided the difference by an irrevocable resignation.

Maximinus edicto publico Christianos insectatus A. D. 311. coactus est ante vertentem annum palinodiam canere, Quod quidem Hieronymi culpa commissum videtur, quippe qui Eusebiano Chronico multa de suo addidit. Valesius in Euseb. p. 189. eamque duplicem, primum A. D. 312. tum hoc anno. Sed tam inutilis ipsi fuit adulatio, quam comminatio. Periit Tarsi molli flamma medullas exedente & corpus ejus ita mutilante, ut fieret horrendum aspectu. Eusebius l. 9. c. 9, 10. Ita tum exitum habuit tertia persecutio. Ab initio primae ad exitum ultimae sunt anni circiter decem. Jac. Cappellus in Eccl. Chr. Cent. tertia, ad A. D. 313.

[Page] Peccat Eusebius in Chronicis aliquot annoram prochronismo, in referenda Maximini morte, mirasque dat turbas in recensendis illius rebus gestis in Historia Ecclesiastica: quem secutus Baronius praeter haec peccat, quod Maximinum mortuum scribat anno Constantini Magni nono; quum tamen mense Iunio, anno Constantini, ut numerant, octavo, paulo antequam Tribunitiam potestatem octavum iniret Constantinus, mortuus sit Maximinus. Petitus in Diatriba de jure, principum edictis, &c.

His death was after the same manner as his Uncles.

Ambos praeter similitudinem nominis, idem fere mortis genus propemodum confundit. Petavius de Doctrina temporum, l. 11. c. 34.

Legamus Ecclesiasticas Historias, quid Decius, quid Valerianus, quid Diocletianus, quid Maximiani duo, quid saevissimus omnium Maximinus, & nuper Iulianus passi sunt. Et tunc rebus probabimus, etiam juxta literam prophetiae veritatem esse completam. Quod computruerint carnes eorum, & oculi contabuerunt, & lingua in pedorem & saniem dissoluta sit. Hieronymus in 14. c. Zachariae.

Prope Maximini hujus cadaver positum Iuliani cadaver, convenienter scilicet, Philostorgii judicio, etsi casu; velut qui inter se tot in rebus alioquin pariabant. Et vero ideo quoque factum videmus, ut nonnulla quae Maximini temporibus & persecutioni conveniunt, ab aliis Iuliano tribuantur. Gothofredus in Philostorgium, p. 316.

Maxentius

[Page]

WAS the Son-in-law of Galerius Maximianus, as appeareth from an ancient Medal mentioned by Baronius A. D. 306. n. 23. and at least the reputed Son of Maximianus Herculius.

He was never beloved of any, neither of his own Father, nor his Father-in-law Galerius. Victor's Epitome corrected by Valesius in his notes on Sirmondi Excerpta.

He made himself Emperor by consent of the Soldiers, to recompence whom he gave leave to sin cum privilegio; no words being more frequent than these in his [Page] speeches to them: Fruimini, dissipate, prodigite. Incerti Paneg. Constantino Aug.

Though for a while he put on a sheeps skin,Initio dominatus cohibita Christianorum persecutione moderationem affectaverat [...] sed firmior sibi visus, Galerio par crudelitate, moribus etiam deterior fuit. Cluverus in Epit. Hist. yet quickly he imitated his Father in persecuting the Christians, exceeding him in rigor.

As he was cruel, so he was incontinent; and sometime his lust of incontinency prevailed against that of his cruelty: as instance is given in a Christian woman, whom he attempting to defile, sent for her by his servants (her husband not daring to refuse for his life) of whom she desired time to make her self ready; which having obtained she goeth into her chamber and killeth her self: the Officers (when they could stay no longer) broke open the room, and finding her dead, reportit to Maxentius. By which act saith Eusebius, l. 8. c. 16. she proclaimed to the world, the invincibleness of Christian chastity.

Lipsius in his Monita & Exempla Politica, and Christianus Matthias call her Sophronia. Quarles in his Divine Fanci [...]s, l. 3. Epig. 84. composeth this Epigram on her.

The chast Sophronia knows not how to scape

Th' inevitable danger of a Rape;

Cruel Sophronia draws her hasty knife,

And would relieve her chastity with life;

Doubtful Sophronia knows not what to do,

She cannot keep the one, and t' other too;

Sophronia's in a strait, one eye is fixt

O'th' seventh Commandment, t' other on the sixt.

To what extreams is poor Sophronia driven!

Is not Sophronia left at Six and Seven?

[Page] Mille & sexaginta annis contractas ex toto orbe divitias monstrum illud redemptis ad civile latrecinium manibus ingesserat. Incerti Paneg. Constantino Aug.

By Necromancy, Adulteries and Murders Maxentius grew so intolerable, that the Senate sent to Constantine, craving his aid against him.

Constantine drawing Licinius to his side (by marrying his sister Constantia to him) hasted to Rome with 90000 foot and 8000 horse, levyed out of Britain, France and Germany.

Maxentius framed a deceitful Bridge over Tiber neer Pous Milvius, to intrap Constantine: but being overcome in battel, he fled (through forgetfulness or hast) over the same Bridge, which falling under him, he and many more were drowned.

Through the weight of his armour he sunk so deep in the mud, that his body could hardly be found, saith Sextus Aurelius Victor in his Epitome.

Missum tyranni ad permulcendam Africam caput; ut quam maxime vivus afflixerat, laceratus expleret. Nazarius.

The Army of Maxentius was composed by the report of Zosimus, of an hundred threescore and ten thousand footmen, with eighteen thousand horse. All the forces Constantine could get, amounted but to ninety thousand foot, and eight thousand horse by the same Author his computation, although others sufficiently [Page] declare the troops were far less. Causin's Holy-Court.

There was in the beginning a great slaughter of those who made resistance; but in the end seeing their Emperor drowned, they yielded all to the mercy of Constantine; who stayed the victorious sword in the hands of Soldiers, to consecrate it to clemency. Causin in his Holy-Court, part 2.

The Senate, to witness the joy they conceived for this victory, prepared him a triumphal Arch, all of marble, one of the stateliest Monuments that ever had been raised to the honour of a Conqueror, wherein this inscription was engraven. ‘Imp. Caes. Fl.
Constantino
Maximo, P. F. Aug.
S. P. Q. R.’

Quod instinctu divinitatis, mentis magnitudine, cum exercitu suo, tam de Tyranno, quam de ejus omni factione, uno tempore, justis Rempublicam ultus est armis, arcum Triumphis insignem dicavit. Id. ibid.

In the passage through, on the one side is ingraven Liberatori Vrbis, on the other Fundatori Quietis. Raymond's Mercurio Italico, p. 77.

Constantino cognomen Maximi inditum a Senatu (etsi usus & vulgus scriptorum magnum eum cognominant) postquam Maxentium juxta pontem Milvium, prope Roman &[Page]exercitum ejus 178 millium, superasset. Elenchus MS Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodleiana.

Constantine in his War against Maxentius taking Verona, and wanting bands for so many Captives as he had, caused the prisoners swords to be turned into manacles; ut servarent deditos gladii sui, quos non defenderant repugnantes. Incertus Paneg. Constantino Aug.

Some make the victory over Maxentius to be the occasion of Constantine the Great's conversion to Christianity.

About noon, the day somewhat declining, Constantine saw in the sky a lightsom pillar, in form of a Cross, wherein these words were ingraven; In this overcome. Socrat. Eccl. Hist. l. 1. c. 2.

Hanc vero visionem non Gentiles modo scriptores (quod Baronius recte observavit) nuspiam memorant, imo ne Publius Optatianus Porphyrius quoque, qui in Daedaleo alioquin opere suo seu Panegyrico ad Constantinum, multa habet de Christi monogrammate, quod & Coeleste signum vocat, verum neque Eusebius ipsemet historiae Ecclesiasticae libris: qui illud tantum refert, lib. 9. cap. 8. Constantinum subsidii sibi divinitus allati conscium, statim passionis salutiferae trophaeum, seu crucis signum, Romae dexterae statuae suae imponi voluisse, eum inscriptione praeferente, sese urbem Tyranni jugo liberasse, &c. At de crucis visione Constantino oblata nihil Eusebius libris illis. Gothofredus in Philostorgium, p. 17.

[Page] Quam fabulam suspicatos nonnullos jam olim Gelasius Cyzicenus. lib. 1. histor. Concil. Nic. cap. 4. tradit. Id. ib. p. 18.

Quicquid mali sexennio toto [Maxentii] dominatio feralis inflixerat, [Constantini] bimestris ferè cura sanavit. Nazarius in Paneg.

Divina mens, & ipsius Vrbis aeterna majestas nefario homini eripuere consilium, ut ex inveterato illo torpore ac foedissimis latebris subito prorumperet, & consumpto per desidias sexennio ipsum diem natalis sui ultima sua caede signaret, ne forte septenarium numerum illum sacrum & religiosum, vel inchoando violaret. Incerti Paneg. Constant. Aug.

Constantious primo imperium assumens, caeteros Aug. (Galerium & Licinium) irritare noluit, ut ita Maxentium se opponentem facilius supprimeret: Deorum (que) Gentilium nominibus N N. suos signavit; usque dum in Imperio stabilitus, universum Idolorum cultum & Templa, tuto & pacate demoliri posset. Elenchus MS. Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodleiana.

Vt vexata tibi tandem sit libera Roma,

Sub positis te pons Milvius abdet aquis.

Boissardus.

Licinius

[Page]

WAS born in Dacia, known to Galerius by long acquaintance, and so esteemed of him for his service in the War against Narseus, that he was created Emperor by him, saith Eutropius lib. 10.

He had little good in him, but that he disliked Eunuchs, calling them, the Mothes and Rats of the Court. Victor's Epitome.

He was extremely covetous, much addicted [Page] to lust, very austere, and excessively impatient, Id. ibid.

He was a great enemy to learning (especially pleading at the Bar) calling it, through his ignorance, ‘A poyson and publick plague. Id. ib.’

In reference to which the Emperor Iulian (who was a great lover of learning) feigneth that he attempting to enter the banquet of the Gods, was streightwayes ignominiously expelled by Minos.

When Licinius came into the Court of his Palace (where there was a great Bath, and some Vines growing about it, with the Image of Bacchus set up amongst them) he bade Auxentius draw his Sword and cut off a bunch of grapes; it being done, he further commanded him to offer it at the feet of Bacchus, which was an acknowledging him to be a God: Auxentius answered, ‘I am a Christian, I will not do it. What? not upon my command, said Licinius? then you must quit your place. With all my heart, Sir, said the Christian Soldier, and in token of it, put off his belt (which was as much as the giving up of his commission) and went away with joy in that suffering for Christ. Suidas in [...].’

Quadraginta milites Christ. cum inter aulicos proceres magni essent nominis, veritatis confessionem favori & gratiae Imperatoris praeposuerunt. Saevientis igitur Tyranni furor nudatos omnes, & sub brumam Sebastiae congelato[Page]frigore impositos necari jussit. Osiander, as I find him quoted by Chr. Matthias in his Theatrum Historicum, &c. part 2. p. 294.

He was well affected to Husbandry, and to Country People, being educated among such; was a great observer of Martial discipline, according to the institution of former Ages. Victor's Epitome, ubi supra.

Erat ingenii duri, bonarumque literarum, & Christiani nominis persecutor; quamvis interim putaretur Reipub. maximè necessarius, & in re militari peritissimus. Olaus Magnus, fol. 676.

Duplex fuit civile bellum inter Constantinum ac Licinium. Primum quo Licinius victus fuit ad Cibalim Pannoniae, anno Christi 314. eujus belli causas unus quod sciam retulit auctor excerptorum de gestis Constantini, quem ad caleem Amm. Marcellini jampridem edidi. Posterius vero bellum fuit illud, quo juxta Hadrianopolim fusus as fagatus fuit Licinius, tandemque ad deditionem compulsus anno Christi 324. Ac prioris quidem belli mentionem nullam facit Eusebius; Ideo fortasse quod Licinius nondum adversus Christanos persecutionem excitasset. Diu siquidem post prius illud bellum Licinius Christianos persequi instituit, anno scilicet 14. Imperii Constantini, ut sequitur in Chronico Eusebii editionis Scaligeri ac Miraei, id est anno Christi 320. Idem annus habetur in Chronico Cedreni. At Baronius Licinium[Page]anno 319. Persecutionem in Christianos commovisse scribit. Verum in Baronii annalibus historia utriusque Liciniani belli admodum confusa est; quae partim ex Fasti [...] Idatii, partim ex gestis Constantini a me olim editis restituenda est. Certe Sozomenus in libro. 1. cap. 7. diserte testatur, Licinium post Cibaleuse demum bellum Christianos persequi instituisse. Valesius in Eusebium, p. 207, 208.

Edicto proposito Episcopos inter se de more convenire, ac de rebus ad Ecclesiam pertinentibus consultare prohibuit; alterutrum necessario consecuturum arbitratus, ut aut dicto non audientes capitals supplicio vindicaret, aut obedientes a Christi veneratione averteret. Sigonius de Occid. Imperio, lib. 3.

[effigy of emperor]

He maligning Constantines fame,Potestas orbis Romani duobus quaesita; qui quamvis per Flavit sororem nuptam Licinio connexi inter se erant, ob diversos mores tamen anxie triennium congruere quivere. Aurelius Victor. at last persecuted the Christians in the East, where he reigned with Martinianus, whom he before made Cesar at Byzantium, and his own son Licinius at Arles.

Constantine warred against Licinius his collegue, not because he was an Infidel, but for persecuting the Christians, contrary to their Capitulations, one Article [Page] of the League betwixt them, being this, to permit the Christians to live in peace. Squire on the Thessalonians, p. 426.

The reason why he grew so desperately mad against the Christians (whom he had formerly defended) was because in their meetings they pray'd for Constantine, but not for him, as he believed; his guilt causing suspition. Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical history, l. 10. c. 8.

In persecutione Christianorum superavit omnes ferè in crudelitate, ut copiosè describit Euseb. cap. ult. lib. 9. Ecclesiasticae historiae. Primum enim Palatio pellit. Secundo in carceres conjecit. Tertio prohibet eis alimenta. Glareanus in Eutropium, p. 253.

He was overthrown by Constantine the Great in several battels, losing many thousands of men, and was himself taken prisoner; yet by mediation of his Wife Constantia, Sister to Constantine, had his life spared, and was confined within Nicomedia: But for his Treasons after, he was put to death.

Constantinus M. non tantum Christiana fide in Galliis imbutus; atque inde moto Gallicano exercitu, teste ejus aevi oratore, & Zosimo lib. 2. Maxentium superavit A. D. 312 verum & deinceps quoque robur ejus exercitus potissimum in millite Gallicano, etiam adversus Licinium, extitit. Haud aliter atque Iulius C. olim Romanae monarchiae fundamenta Galliarum praesidio jecerat. Gothofredus in Libanii orationem pro Templis, p. 42.

In the Latine Chronicle of Eusebius there is this set down, that Constantine against right, and contrary to his oath, put Licinius to death at Thessalonica. This is [Page] out of doubt an addition thrust in by some, who finding that calumny against Constantine, set down in Zosimus (as it is most maliciously,) thought good to insert it also into the latine Chronicle of Eusebius; whereas neither is it in the Greek, nor is it true that Constantine brake his oath or promise therein with Licinius: for his promise of life was conditional, as Socrates expresly sheweth, and Licinius quickly violated the condition by attempting a new rebellion. And Eusebius in his other books is so far from imputing any blame or blemish to Constantine touching that action, that he expresly saith, Licinius suffered just and deserved punishment, which had it been effected by the perjury of Constantine had certainly been unjust. Crakanthorp's Defence of Constantine, p. 29, 30.

Licinius's ill success was foretold by Apollo his Oracle to this effect.

Te juvenes grandave pater, vexare feroces

Certum est, te infirmum manet aerumnosa senectus.

Laet in his History from Christ's time.

Neque illud hic omittere possum, quo loco Cibalis à Geographis ponitur, ibi jam in itinerario Peutingeriano poni & bis quidem, Ad labores, proximeque ad eum locum, pontem hiulcae, nam ita rescribendum patet ex Zosimo, lib. 2. & ex Victore: ut proinde locus ille, Ad labores idem mihi videatur cum Cibali: ita enim dictus tum videtur ob asperimum proelium ibi inter Constantinum M. & Licinium recenter habitum. Gothofredus in Philostorgium, p. 352.

[...]

[Page] Secunda pugna Constantini adversus Licinium, in Thracia facta, eodem anno contigit quo Cibalensis, ut ex narratione Zosimi, & auctoris ignoti colligitur. Quod quidem etiam hoc argumento demonstrari potest. Post hoc proelium pace inter Constantinum & Licinium facta, Consules sequenti anno facti sunt Constantinus & Licinius, & in Occidente quidem annus ille inscriptus est Constantino IV. & Licinio IV. Coss. in Orientis autem partibus Licinii nomen praepositum est hoc modo. Licinio Augusto IV. & Constantino Aug. IV. Coss. ut legitur in Excerptis de Gestis Constantini. Valesius in Eusebium, p. 210.

He lived 60 years, and reigned 15. Victor's Epit. Licinius à Constantino morte mulctatur: vel ut alii tradunt, Hemelarius. quum filiam suam Herinam eo quod Christiana esset, ab equis discerpi mandasset, ipse adstans & inspecturus, equi morsu interfectus ect. Elenchus MS Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodleiana.

In Mus [...]s tibi trux odium est, sed bellica virtus

Famam, qua possis nomen habere, dedit.

Boissardus.

Select and Choice FRENCH PROVERBS, Some of which were collected out of Gruterus, de la Noue, Meurier and other Authors, divers observed by my self when I was in France, Alphabetically disposed and englished, and compared also sometimes with the Refranes or Spanish.

[Page]

A

ABandon fait larron, ou autrement, or otherwise, Loccasion fait le larron.

The sense in English, Fast bind, saft find.

Qui fait nopces & maison il met lesen en abandon.

The buildings of Houses, and making of Feasts are unlimitted wasters of a mans substance.

Chien qui abbaye ne mord pas.

The barking dog bites little, or, be that sayeth most, commonly does least.

Il abbaye contre le lune.

He barks at the Moon.

Qui sert commun, nul ne le paye, & sil defaut chacun labbaye.

He that serves a Commonalty is controlled by every one, rewarded by none.

[Page]Saccomoder au tems.

To serve the time, or to do as others do.

Mieur vaut estre seul, que mal accompagne.

It is better to be alone, than with idle, or ilsorted company.

Deur chiens ne saccordent point a un os.

Two cats and a mouse, two wives in one house, two dogs and a bone, never agree in one.

Aller ou le Roy va a pied.

1. To the Stool. To go where the King goes on foot.

Aller sur la Hacquenee des Cordeliers.

To go upon the Franciscans Hackney, 1. to go a foot.

Aimer n'est pas sans amer.

Love is [...] a bitter sweet. Love is not without bitterness.

Ainsi va le monde.

So the world goeth.

Amasser en saison, despencer par raison, font la bonne maison.

A seasonable gathering, and a reasonable spending make a good house-keeping.

Amiens fut prinse en Renard, reprinse en Lion.

Amiens was taken by the Because the Arch-Duke took it by a stratagem, and Henry the 4. regained it by force. Fox, retaken by the Lion.

Amour peut moult, argent peut tout.

Love can do much, silver can do all.

Amour, toux, fumee & argent, on ne peut cacher longuement.

Love, the cough, smoke and money, cannot long be hidden by any.

L'on d'it ausfi

L'amour, la tousse, & la galle ne se peuuent celer.

[Page]We say, Love and the cough cannot be hidden.

A Pere, à Maistre, à Dieu tout puissant,

Nul ne peut rendre l'equivalent.

To Father, Master, and God Al-sufficient,

None can render equivalent.

A petit Mercier, petit panier.

A little Pedlar, a little pack.

Moutarde apres disner.

After dinner mustard.

Apres la mort le Medecin.

After death the Doctor.

Apres la pluye Post nubila Phoebus. vient le beau temps.

After rain comes fair weather. After a storm comes a calm.

A quoi pensez vous, quand vous ne pensiez rien?

A vous respondre, quand vous me demandez rien.

On what think you when you think on nothing?

To answer you, when you ask me nothing.

Argent contant porte medicine.

Ready money is a ready medicine.

A rude Chien faut dur lien.

A curst Dog must be tyed short.

Attente tourmente.

Expectation torments.

Au jourdhuy marrie, demain marri.

Married to day sad tomorrow.

A un bon Entendeur ne faut que demy mot.

Half a word is enough Verbums sapienti. to an understanding Hearer.

Autant de Pais, autant de coustumes.

So many Countries, so many customes.

B

[Page]

COmmander a baguette.

To command absolutely, or with authority.

Si tu veux cognoistre un villain, baille lui la baguette en main.

The way to discern a Knave or Clown, is to give him authority.

Bailler de lavoine, pour du foin.

To return a benefit with usurie.

Bailler du foin, a la mule.

To deceive or beguile.

Bailler surle nez du Roy.

To coin false money.

Bailler du plat de la langue.

To smooth or flatter.

Baiser le babouin.

Basely to submit himself.

Grand bandon, grand larron.

Great liberty breeds much thievery, or much liberty brings men to the gallows.

Apres grand banquet, petit pain.

After feasting, fasting.

Il nest banquet que d'homme chiche.

There is no feast to the Misers (and by a Misers feast we mean) a plentiful, though a rare one.

Beau parler n'escorche pas la langue.

Good We say, Good words cost nothing. The Spaniards say, It is much worth and costs little, to give to evil words a good answer, Refranes d' Oudin. speech fleas not the tongue.

Beau [...]è sans bonte est comme vin esventé.

Beauty without goodness is like wine that hath taken wind.

[Page]Belles filles se trouent au bourdeau, & les beaux hommes es mains du Boureau.

The fairest woman in the Stews, and the hansom'st man at the Gallows.

Bon marché tire l'argent de la bourse.

Good cheap commodities are notable pick-purses.

Bon sang ne peut mentir.A worthy nature cannot conceal itself.

Good blood cannot ly.

Bonne renommee vaut mieux que ceinture doree.

A good renown is better than a golden girdle. See Prov. 22.1. This Proverb is well explained by Bodin de Repub. l. 5. c. 3. and Pasquier de Recherches de la France, l. 6. c. 11. Some make it all one with that Proverb, The hood or habit makes not the Monk, others say, that only women of a good name and not whores were suffered to wear a golden girdle. The Spanish Proverb is, He that hath lost his renown, is dead in the world. The English is, He who hath an ill name is half hanged.

Bonne Terre mauvais Chemin.

Bon Advocat mauvais Voisin.

Bonne Mule mauvaise beste.

Bonne Femme mauvaise teste.

Good Country and bad way.

Good Lawyer and bad Neighbour.

Good Mule and a bad beast.

Good woman and a bad head.

Borgne est Roy entre les aveugles.

He that hath one eye is a King among the blind.

C

[Page]

MAl est caché a qui lon void le dos.

He ill conceals himself that shews his back.

Mieux vault estre oiseau de bois que de cage.

The difference between liberty and thraldome.

Fol a 25 carats.

A fool beyond all proportion. (The finest Gold being but of 24 carrats.)

Au jourd huy caissier, demain cassé.

To day cash-keeper, to morrow cassed. We say, To day in request, to morrow cassed.

La langue humaine, na point d'os.

Et casse poictrine et dos.

A Proverb expressing the force of a malicious, enraged, or infected tongue.

Qui a des noix il en casse, & qui nen a il sen passe.

Many when they have superfluities, can use them, and when they have none, can want them.

Tel a bonne cause, qui est condemné.

A good cause, often speeds but badly.

Au chat cendreux jamais ne tombe rien en gueule.

The idle house-dove never getteth ought.

Ce qu'on apprend au bers, dure jusques aux vers.

That which one learns in youth, will continue till old age.

C'est la Philosophie de Quenoville.

[Page] It is the Philosophy of the Distaff.

C'est un mouton It is the custome of the Shepheards of that Province in France so to mark their Sheep, therefore if in brabling or otherwise one hath received a blow on the nose and it appears, then men merrily say so. de Berri, il est marque sur le nez.

It is a sheep of Berrie it is marked upon the nose.

C'est un bon harquebusier,See l' Etimologie des Proverbes Francois, l. 3. c. 25. il vise aux talons & frappe le nez.

They speak merrily of a fart. It is a good Harquebusier, it aims at the heels and hits the nose.

C'est une toux de renard, qui nous menera au terrier.

It is a cough of the fox which will bring us to the grave. Bochart saith this is a Proverb usual among them.

Chair de Mouton manger de Glouton.

Flesh of Mutton is meat for a Glutton.

Chascun a son tour,

Le devise du Mounsieur de Guise.

Every one hath his turn,

The devise of the Duke of Guise.

Chascun est Roy en sa maison.

Every one is King in his own house.

Commun n'est pas comme un.

The publick is not as private.

Courte messe, & long disner.

Short Mass, and long dinner.

D

DAme qui trop se mire peu file.

She that heeds her beauty much, tends [Page]her benefit but little. A proud and a good Housewife are incompatible.

En moissons dames chambrieres sont.

While harvest lasts, all fell [...]ws

Chacun nest pas aise qui danse.

Every one is not merry that dances. Of such a one, we say; His heart is not so light as his heels.

Nimium altercand [...] veritas amittitur.Partrop d [...]batre le verite se perd.

By too much arguing truth is lost.

Denier sur denier bastit le maison.

One penny after another builds the house, or by little a [...]d little great matters are effected.

Un jour juge de lautre, & le dernier juge de tous.

One day rules another, but the last overrules all.

Deux loups mangent bien vne brebis.

Two Wolves can make good shift with one poor sheep.

Deux orgucilleux ne penuent estre portes sur un asne.

One simple Ass cannot bear two proud persons.

D'eau benite le moius suffit.

Of holy-water the less sufficeth.

De fol Juge brieve sentence.

We say, A fools bolt is soon shot. From a foolish Iudge a quick sentence.

De la pance vient la dance.

Dancing follows a full belly.

De mauvais payeur il faut prendre paille.

Of an ill pay-master take any thing.

[Page]Depuis que Decret a prins ailes,

Et les gendarmes portent malles.

Et les moines vont a cheual,

En tout le monde n'a que mal.

Since the Decree hath taken wings,

And the Soldiers carry males,

And the Monks go a horse back,

There is nothing but ill in all the world.

Desjuner de chasseurs, disner d' Advocats.

Souper de Marchands, & collation de Moines.

The Huntsmans breakfast, the Lawyers dinner.

The Merchants supper, and the Monks drinking.

De trois choses Dieu nous garde,

De Beuf sale sans Moutarde,

Dun Valet qui se regarde,

D'une Femme qui se farde.

From three things God keep us,

From powderd Beef without mustard,

From a Servant which vieweth himself,

From a Woman which painteth.

Du cuir d'autruy large courroye.

A large thong of anothers leather.

E

EAu benite de Cour.

Court holy-water;

Medecin deau douce.

A young or unexperienced Physitian.

Amener leau au moulin.

To draw in gain.

[Page]Pescher en eau troublè.

To seek for gain.

Qui mal entend mal respond.

He that understands wrong, answers awry.

A mal exploicter bien ecrit.

A fair pretence for a foul act. Good words after [...]vil deeds.

Tel sexcuse, qui saccuse.

Some when they mean to excuse, accuse themselves.

En gouttes Medicin ne voit Goutte.

The Physitian sees but little in the Gout.

En Orenge il n'ya point d'Oranges.

In Orange The Prince of Orange his Country is fertil of all fruits save Oranges, whence came this Proverb, saith Iodocus Sincerus in his Itinerarium Galliae. there are no Oranges.

En Pont, en Planche, & en Riviere.

Valet devant Maistre derriere.

On Bridge, on Plank, and on River,

The Servant before, and Master Like to this is the Spanish Proverb, Al gran arroyo passer postrero. At a great River one should pass last. Multa cadunt inter calicem supremaque labra. after.

Entre deux selles le cul a terre.

Between two stools the tail to the ground.

Entre la bouche & le verre,

Le vin sonvent tombe a terre.

Between the lip and the cup

The wine is often spilt.

Eschorcher le To spue, cast, vomit, (especially upon excessive drinking) either because then one makes a noise like a Fox which barks, or because the slaying of so unsavory a beast will make any man vomit. See l' Etymologie des Proverbes Francois, l. 2. c. 33.Renard.

To flea the Fox.

Estre sur la bord de la fosse.

To be upon the brink of the pit.

Alterum pedem in cymba charon tis habere.

F

[Page]

DU dire au faict, y a grand traict.

There is great difference between words and deeds.

Bien faict n'est jamais perdu.

One seldome loses by a good deeds doing.

Encor na pas faille qui a áruer.

He hath not mist that hath one throw to cast.

Il nest si bon qui ne faille.

The best men have their faults, the honestest their errors.

La faim chasse le loup hors du bois.

Hunger drives the Wolf out of the wood.

A la faim ni a point de mauvais pain.

To him that's hungry any bread seems good.

Fais ce que tu dois, advienne ce que pourra.

Do thou thy duty, happen what hap may.

Il fait asses qui fait faire.

He doeth hurt, or good enough, that makes it to be done.

La fin fait tout.

The end proves all, or is all in all.

Faire de Chasteaux en Espagne.

To build Castles in Spain.

We say, to build Castles in the air.

Faire de son Medecin son heritier.

To make his Physitian his heir.

Faire grand cas de peu de chose.

To make great account of a little thing.

Femme, argent & vin

[Page]Ont leur bien & leur venin.

Women, money and wine,

Have their good and their evil.

Femme rit quand elle peut & pleure quand elle veut.

A Woman laughs when she can, and weeps when she will.

Fille fenestriere & trotiere, Rarement bonne m [...]snagere.

Beneficium accepisti, libertatem vendidi isti. Terence. A gazing and gadding Maid seldome proves a good House-wife.

Fille qui donne s'abandonne.

Pitissando dolium exhauritur. A Maid which giveth is easily g [...]tten.

Fille qui prend son Corps vend.

A maid that takes sels her body.

Terence.Fille trope veue, robbe trop vestuë, n'est past chere tenue.

A maid often seen, a garment often worn,

Are disesteemed and held in scorn.

The Italian Proverb is: A woman that taketh is easily yielding.

Formage, poir, & pain,

Est repas de vilain.

Cheese, bread, and pear,

Is the Husbandmans fare.

Les plus courtes folies sont les mellieures.

The shortest follies are the best.

Fols sont sages quond ils se taisent.

Fools are wise men when they hold their Prov. 17.28 Si sapiens stultus, si stultus sapiens. peace.

G

[Page]

ASses gaigne qui malheur perd.

He gets enough that misses an ill turn.

Il nest marchand, qui toujours gaigne.

He trades not cunningly that alwaies gaineth.

Tel change, qui ne gaigne pas.

Some change for the worse.

H [...]di gaigneur, hardi mangeur.

They that work hard, eat hard.

Mieux vaut bon gardeur, que bon gaigneur.

A good keeper is better than a good gainer.

Ourrier gaillard cele son art.

The industrious workman prostitutes not his art.

Le petit gain emplit la bourse.

Light gains make heavy purses.

Goutte a goutte la Mer s' esgoutte.

By drop and drop the Sea runs out.

Homme chiche jamais riche.

A covetous man is never rich. Semper avarus eget.

Home roux & femme barbue,

De trente pas loin le salue,

Avecques trois pierres au poing,

Pour t'en aider a ton befoing.

Salute no red hair'd man, nor bearded woman nearer than thirty foot off, with three stones in thy fist to defend thee in thy need.

H

L'Habit ne fait pas le moine.

'Tis not the habit (but the heart) that makes a man religious.

[Page]Haine de Prince, signifie mort d'homme.

A Princes hate, imports the death of a man.

Nul bien sans haine.

No happiness without hatred.

Oncques n'ayma bien qui pour peu haït.

He never soundy loved that hateth for a toy.

Le cacque (ou la poche) sent toujours le harene.

The poke still of the herring smells.

Chien hargneux, a toujours les oreilles d'eschirees.

A brabling curre is never without torn ears

Qui trop se haste en cheminant en beau chemin se four voye souvent.

The more hast the worse speed, or,

They that make too much hast mistake the fairest way.

I

JEunesse oiseuse, vieillesse disetteuse.

An idle youth makes a needy old age.

The Italian Proverb is, A young man idle, an old man needy.

Il a tousiours une This is spoken of one that hath a great appetite, the second small gut is named, Iei unum, because it is alwaies void, whence springeth this Proverb. aulne de boyaux vuides, pour festoyer ses amis.

He hath alwayes an ell This is spoken of one that hath a great appetite, the second small gut is named, Iei unum, because it is alwaies void, whence springeth this Proverb. of empty guts to feast his friends withal.

Il est bien avance qui a bien commence.

He is well advanced who hath begun well.

Dimidium facti qui bene caepit, habet.

Il a beau mentir qui vient de loin.

A Traveller may lye by authority.

Il gaste comme le fange de Paris.

[Page] It staineth like the dirt of Paris, Lutetia à luto.

Il a la conscience large, comme la manche d'un Cordelier.

He hath a conscience as large as a Franciscans sleeve. Me quasi pilam habet Plautus.

Il joüe de moy a la pelotte.

He playes at foot-bal with me.

Il ment comme un Aracheur de dents.

He lyeth like a Tooth-drawer.

Il n'est eschappe qui traine son lien.

He is not quite got away who drags his chain after him.

Il n'est jamais feu sans fumée.

There is never fire without some smoak.

Il n'y a pire sourd que celuy qui ne veut oüir.

There is none so deaf as he that will not hear.

Il ny a tant des Moutons en Berry

There be not so many sheep in There is such store of Sheep in that Province, that they have this by - word when they would taxe a fellow for his notable lying, and telling a greater number then the truth. Berry.

Il ni a que la premiere pinte chere.

The first pint is the dearest.

Il vaut mieux tard que jamais.

It is better late than never.

Ils ont du coeur, mais les jambes leur faillent.

They have more stomack than strength.

Qui na coeur ait jambes.

Let him that hath not a heart have heels.

Un vieil chien jamais ne jappe en vain.

An old dog never barks in vain. We say, the warning or advise of an old man is ever to some purpose.

[Page]Meschante parole jettee va par tout a la volee.

A bad word blurted out (soon) roaveth all a broad

A vray dire perd on le jeu.

By speaking truth men (often) lose their game.

Apres la feste & le jeu, les pois au feu.

Those that will make good shift, must after play use thrift,

Il fait bon laisser le jeu, qu'and il est beau.

Tis good leaving at play when it is at the fairest, or, Tis good to leave (when one hath got) at play.

Jeu, putain, & vin friand.

Font l'homme pauure en riand.

Play, a whore, and brisk wine make a man poor laughing.

The Italian Proverb (whence this seems to be borrowed) is, Play, women, and wine consume a man laughing.

L

L'Un a le bruit, lautre lave la laine.

The one gets the credit, the other takes the pains.

Qui na laine, boive a la fontaine.

Let him that hath not wool drink at the well.

On ne doit pas laisser bonne terre pour mauvais Seigneur.

Rich Land must not be left for a rigorous Land-Lord, nor a good Country quit because tis governed by a bad Prince.

[Page]Hardie langue, couarde lance.

Couragious language, a cowardly lance, or, those that brag most, execute least.

Longue Langue courte main.

Those that promise most, perform least.

Qui langue a, á Rome va.

He that knows what, and when to speak, may travel any whither.

Mieux vaut glisser du pied, que de la langue.

Better may a foot slip, then the tongue trip.

Longues paroles, font les jours courts.

Long discourses make short dayes.

La belle plume fait le bel oyseau.

The fair fair feathers make fair a fowl. See l'Etymologie des Proverbes Francois. l. 1. c. 4.

L'appetit vient en mangeant, & la soif s'en va en beuvant.

The stomack comes by eating, the thirst is quencht by drinking.

L'asne du common est tousjours malbasté.

The common Asse is alwayes ill sadled.

La soye esteint la feu de la Cuisine.

Silk Sumptuousness of apparel destroyes Hospitality and good House-keeping. doth quench the fire of this Kitchin.

La trop longue demeurer fait changer l'amy.

Too long abiding causeth a friend to change.

L'eau qui dort est pire qui celle qui court.

The standing water is worse than that which runs.

Le coust en fait perdre le goust.

The cost takes away the desire to the thing.

[Page]Le desir nous tormente & l'espoir nous contente.

Defire torments us, and hope comforts us.

Le maison est malheureuse & mechante,

Ou le Poul plus haute que le coq chànte.

The house is unhappy and wicked, where the hen cr [...]weth louder than the cock.

Le mari veut (& doit) estre maistre, la femme veut (& doit) estre maistresse, mais non pas de son mari.

The husband will and ought to be master, the wife will and ought to be mistris, but not of her husband.

Les mots termines en ique font au Medecin la nique.

The words ending in Such be Hectique, Paralitique Apoplectique, Lethargique, because they are hardly or never cured. ique do mock the Physician.

Le plaisir engendre l'autre.

One good turn requires another.

Le Royaume du France ne tombe point en quenouille.

The Kingdom of France falls not to the distaffe. Lex salica Gallorum, imperii successor masculus esto.

Les Apprentiss ne sont pas incontinent maistres.

The Prentises are not presently Masters.

Les bons rendeurs font les bons presteurs

Good restorers make good lende [...]s

Le Soleil qui se leve matin,

La Femme qui parle latin,

L'enfant qui boit du vin,

Font rarement bonne sin.

The Sun which shineth early in the morning,

[Page] A Woman which speaketh Latin,

A Child that drinketh wine,

Seldom make a good end.

Le teste d'une Femme,

La corps d'un Serjeant,

Les jambes d'un Lacquai,

C'est un Diable parfaict.

The head of a Woman,

The body of a Serjeant,

The leggs of a Lackey

Make a Devil perfect.

Le vin se cognoist à la saveur, & le drap à la coleur.

Wine is known by its smell, and cloth by its colour.

Lire beaucoup & rien n'entendre,

C'est beaucoup chasser & rien prendre.

To read much and understand nothing,

Is to hunt much and catch nothing.

M

MA chemise blanche

Baise mon cu chaque dimanche.

My fair shirt kisse me behinde once a week.

Bonne la maille, qui sauve le denier.

Well is the half penny spent, that saves a penny.

Main lavee, moins levee.

The more good parts one hath, the less he should boast of them.

A main lavee Dieu mande la repuë.

God sends the upright all necessary food.

[Page]Pour laver les mains, on nen vend pas sa terre.

A clean washt hand, makes no man sell his Land.

De mains vuides, prieres vaines.

Empty hands (had Orators) make intreatie prove idle.

Vne main, lave lautre.

One hand washes the other; applyable to such as give upon assurance, or hope to be given unto; or vnto such as any way serve one anothers turn.

Il faut acheter maison faitte, & femme a faire.

Purchase a house ready made, but let thy Wife be of thine own making.

Manger It is spoken of those who in their youth have all prosperity, bu [...] in the end sorrow and care. son pain blanc le premier.

To eat his white bread first.

Mars venteux, & Auril pluvieux font le May gay & gracieux.

A windy March, and rainy April make a May trim and gay.

N

LE mal an entre en nageant.

The unseasonable year, begins with rain.

Celuy peut hardiment nager a qui lon soustient le menton.

A favorite of the time, or of authority, may boldly swim where another would sink.

Il ne faut apprendre aux poissons a nager.

We must not teach a fish to swim; a Scholar to read, a Master to work.

[Page]Pour neant demande conseil, qui ne le veut croire.

In vain the incredulous councel asketh.

Pour neant recule, qui malheur attend.

They that ill luck attend, give back unto no end.

Pour neant va au bois, qui marrein ne cognoist.

To no purpose goes he, who knows not wood, unto the wood.

Necessite est lamoitié de laraison.

We say, That necessity has no Law.

Necessite fait trotter les vieilles.

Need makes the old wife trot (say we.)

Tel a necessité, qui ne s'en vante pas.

Some are in greater want, than they will vaunt of.

N'irritez point les chiens, au paravant que vos soies aux pierres.

Provoke not the Dogs before you be at the stones.

Nouer l'esguillette.

To tye the A Charm which they use to hinder a man from accompanying with his wife. point.

Nourriture passe nature.

Nurture surpasseth nature.

Nul bien sans peine.

No good without pain and labour.

This Proverb is meant principally of vertue, it comes not without labour.

O

ALoeil malade la lumiere nuit.

An eye distemperd, cannot brook the light, [Page]or, sick thoughts cannot endure the truth.

Orgueil napas bon oeil.

Pride looks not well on any.

Qui na quun oeil bien legarde.

Let him that hath but one eye keep it well, or, Let him that hath but one help, strive to preserve it.

A tous oiseaux, leurs nids sont beaux.

To every bird her nest seems fair: or, Most men like houses of their own contriving.

Vieil oiseau, nese prend a reths.

The old (in experience) are not subject to surprisal.

Apres pasques, & rogation, fy, deprestre & d'oignon.

After the week of Easter, and rogation,

A Priest and onyons are abomination.

Si tu te trouues sans chapon sois content depain & d'oignon.

If thou want a capon, fall to bread and an onion; or let not the want of dainties discontent thee.

Oy, voy, & te tais, si tu veux vivre en pais.

Hear, see, and be silent, if thou wilt live in peace.

Audi, vide, tace, si vis vivere in pace.

Oignez vilain, il vous poindra, poignez vilain il vous oindra.

Sooth a Clown and he will deal roughly with you, deal roughly with him, and he will speak you fair.

The Italian Proverb is, Do good to a [Page]Clown, he wisheth thee evil for it, do him an evil turn and he wisheth thee good for it.

On ne doit parler Latin devant les Clercs.

One must take heed to speaking Latine before Schollars.

On ne prend pas le lieure au son de Tambour.

Men catch not a Hare with the sound of a Drum.

On ne scait, que la chose vaut, jusqu' à tant qu'on l'ait perdue.

One knows not what a thing is worth till he have lost it.

The Spanish Proverb is, Buen perdido ay conocido. A good thing lost is known.

Bonum magis carendo quàm fruendo cognoscimus.

Oui dire va par ville.

Hear-say goes throughout the town.

P

PApe par voix, Roy par nature, Empereur per force.

The Pope comes by voices, the King by nature, the Emperor by force.

Pardon, on a pardon.

By a gift one obtains a pardon.

Par l'eschantillon on cognoist la piece.

By a pattern one knows the whole piece.

Petite pluye abbat grand vent.

A small rain allaies a great wind.

Poisson sans vin est poison.

[Page] Fish without wine is poison.

Pour un plaisir mille douleurs.

For one pleasure a thousand sorrows.

Qui tient la parlle par la queue, la tourne ou il ve [...]t.

He that holds a frying pan by the tail, may turn it which way he list.

La paelle se mocque du fourgon.

Said, When one friend or fellow derides another.

A telle paelle tel fourgon.

One sloven matcht with another.

Avec le temps & la peille l'on meure les mesles.

In time, and straw are medlers mellowed.

Nul grain, sans paille.

No corn without some chaff.

Pain, tant quil dure, vin a mesure.

Eat at pleasure, drink by measure.

Ou pain faut, tout est a vendre.

Where bread is wanting all is to be sold.

Croustes de pastes, valent bien pain.

Peeces of pie-crust are as good as bread; or, he doth not wrong that giveth cake for bread.

De tout s'avise, a qui pain faut.

Necessity invented all good Arts; Want, more than any thing, makes men industrious.

Q

QUand Italie sera sans poison, France sans trahison, Angleterre sans guerre, lors sera le monde sans cerre.

When Italy shall be without poison, France [Page] without treason, England without war, the World shall be without earth.

Quand le danger est passe, le Sainct eff oublie.

When the danger is past the Saint is forgotten.

Quand le soleil est couché tons les bestes sont à l'ombre.

When the Sun is set all the beasts are in the shade.

Un quartier fait lautre vendre.

One quarter makes th' other to be sold.

A la quenoville le fol sa'genoville.

Fools kneel to Distaves, weak men unto women.

On ne doit point querir brebis qui ce veut perdre.

The sheep which will be lost must not be looked for.

La queue est le pire a escorcher.

The last is hardest to be done.

A la queue, gist le venin. Appliable to such as reserve the discovery, or execution of their villanous projects unto the conclusion of a business.

Le renard cache sa queue.

The cunning Knave conceals what would discover him.

Vache ne scait, que vault sa queue, jusques ace quelle lait perdue.

We know not the worth of things till we have lost them.

Quatres bonnes meres engendrent qua, tre mauvaises silles, Grande familiarite [Page] mespris, verite haine, vertu envie, richesse ignorance.

Four good mothers beget four bad daughters, great familiarity contempt, truth hatred, vertue envie, riches ignorance.

Qui a bon voisin, il a bon matin.

Est aliquod bonum propter vicinum bonum He that hath a good neighbour hath a good morrow.

Qui a le bruit de se lever matin peut dormir jusques à disner.

He that hath the fame of rising early may sleep till dinnner.

Qui a terre il a guerre.

He that hath land hath also strife.

Qui monte plus haut qu'il ne doit, descend plus bas qu'il ne voudroit.

He that mounteth higher than he ought, shall descend lower than he would.

Matrem proles sequitur. See l'Etymologie des Proverbes Francois, l. 2. c. 15.Qui naist de geline il ayme a gratter.

He that comes from an Hen loves to be scratting.

Qui parle du loup, il en void la queue.

He that speaks of the Like to which is both the Latine Proverb, Lupus in fabula, See Erasm. Adag. and the Arabick, Quando mentionem feceris lupi, praepara illi baculum. Wolf, sees his tail.

While the Shepherds talk of the Wolf he comes sometimes, so doth he often of whom we speak.

Qui regimbe contre l'aiguillon, merite d'en estre picque deux fois.

He that kicks against the pricks, deserves to be pricked twice.

Qui veut jeune chair & vieux poisson, se trove repugner la raison.

He that loves young flesh and old fish, loves contrary to reason.

[Page]Qui veut manger de noiaus, qu'il casse la no [...].

He that will eat the kernel, Qui vult nucleum, nucem frangat oportet. let him break the nut.

R

REmede contre la Peste par art.

Fuir tost & loing, retourner tard.Cito longe, tarde.

An artificial remedy against the Plague, to flie swift and far, and return slowly.

Rendre la pareille.Par pari referre.

To render the like.

Retournons a nous moutons.

Let us return to our sheep.

This Proverb is used when in some long discourse, one having made some digression from the matter, will return to the thing he first spake of.

The original of it is taken from Shepherds which sometimes leave their Sheep to solace themselves while they feed, but fearing danger to them, after say, Let us return to our Sheep.

Rouge soir & blanc matin.

C'est le plaisir du Pellerin,

The evening red and the morning gray,

Are hopeful signs of a fair day. See of the French Proverb l'Etymologie des proverbes Francois, l. 1. c. 6.

The Italian saith, The evening red, and the morning duskie joyeth the Traveller.

Telle racine, telle fueille.

Such root (We say, such tree) such fruit.

Qui veut tuer son chien, lui met la rage sus.

[Page] He that will hang his dog, pretends he is mad.

Apres raire, ny a que tonder.

Sheeres after shaving find no work to do.

A barbe de fol, on apprend a raire.

By trimming fools about the gill, or barbers prentice learn his skil: unseemly presidents are warnings to the wise.

Un barbier rait lautre.

One great man, rich man, cunning man, serves anothers turn.

Mets raison en toy, ou elle s'y mettra.

Let reason rule, or it will over-rule thee.

A barbe de fol, le raisoir est mol.

A goose will brooke any jeast, or put up any abuse.

Faire la barbe a quelqu'un sans vasoir.

To affront, brave, or abuse one.

S

SI l'espine non picque quand nal,

A peine que picque jamais,

A thorn unlesse at first it prick.

Will hardly ever pierce to th' quick.

Souvent & peu manger,

Ce faict l'homme engraisser.

Often and little eating makes a man fat.

D'un sac a charbon, ne peut sortir que de la poussiere noire.

Nought but black dust from Colliers sacks can come. A vicious man will be lewd in his talk.

Es petits sacs, sont les fines espiceries.

[Page] The little head, a dainty wit contains.

Avarice rompt le sac.

The miser coveting to make his bags hold over much breaks them.

Il ne peut sortir du sac, que ce quil y a dedans & on ne peut tirer du sac que ce quy est.

You can have no more of a cat but her skin; or, there can come no more (no other stuff) from a man that is in him.

Femme safre & yurongnesse, de son corps nest pas maistresse.

A wanton and win e-bibbing dame, her body yeilds to open shame.

Chascun est sage apres le coup.

An after wit, is every bodies wit.

Un sol advise bien un sage.

A fool may some times give the wise advise.

T

TAble d'abbé ou de prelat.

A plentiful, or well furnished boord.

Table sans sel, bouche sans salive.

An unlearned discourse is (commonly) as vain, as meat without salt is unsavory.

Table vaut escole notable.

Table discourse is an excellent School-Master.

Ronde table oste le debat.

Round tables take away contention.

De toute taille bon leurier.

There are good, and bad, valiant and cowardly, strong and weak, of all shapes and sizes.

[Page]Taire & faire sont requis par mer & par terre.

Be doing still, and cease to talk, Whether by sea or land thou walk.

Bien dire fait rire, bien faire fait taire.

Wee laugh at good words, but admire good deeds.

Tout ouir, tout voir & uien dire. (Ouse taire) merite on tout tems, qu'on ladmire.

To hear all, see all, and say naught, merits, eternal admiration.

Tel refuse qui apres muse.

He refuseth who after bethinks himself.

Tout se qui reluist n'est pas or,

All is not gold that glistereth.

Tost on tard, prez au loing,

Le fort du foible à besoign.

Soon or late, near or far, the strong hath need of the weak.

Trois choses sont d'un accord,

L'Eglise, la Court, & la Mort,

L'Eglise prend de vif & mort,

La Court prend le droict & le tort,

La Mort prend le foible & le fort.

Three things agree in the world; The Church, the Court, and Death, The Church takes the living and the dead, the Court right and wrong, Death the weak and strong.

The Italians have the like Proverb,

Three things are much of nature:

A Priest, an Atturney, and Death;

The Priest taketh from the living & the dead;

The Atturney right and wrong,

[Page] And death taketh along with it both weak and strong.

Trop grater cuist, trop parler nuist.

Too much scratching smarts, too much speaking hurts.

Tu as frappe au blanc.

Thou hast hit the white. Rem acu tetigisti.

Tu as memoire du Lieure ou Lapin, tu la pers en courant.

Thou hast as much memory as a Hare or Coney, The Cony by reason of his fear is very forgetful. whence came this Proverb, thou hast lost it in running.

V

AUssi tost meurt vache comme veau.

The skipping Calf, and wanton Lamb,

Are often kill'd before their dam.

Qui plus quil n'a vaillant despend;

I fait la corde a quoy se pend.

He that fears not to spend more than he hath;

Sets, at the least, one foot ith' Hangmans path.

Cheval fait & valet a faire.

Chuse a horse made, a servant to be made.

Apres grande vall ée, rude montee.

After great rest, much toyle, after much ease great pain.

Apres grande montee, grande vallee.

They that the highest climb, the lowest fall.

Un coup de langue nuist plus qu'un coup de lance.

A word hurts more then a wound.

Un grand Seigneur,

Un grand Clochier,

[Page]Une grande Riviere sont trois mauvais Voisins.

A great Lord,

A great Bell,

A great River are three ill Neighbours.

Une bonne femme est une mauvaise beste.

A good Wife is an ill beast.

Oftentimes in the contracted inscriptions of ancient Tombes these 2 capital letters, M. B. have been found which signify Mulier Bona in French Bonne Femme. Some Drollers finding that these 2 letters M.B. signifie as well Mala bestia as Mulier bona; thrice used this Proverb.

Un homme de paille vaut une femme d'or.

A man of straw is worth a woman of gold.

Un Ministre ne doit scavoir que sa Bible.That is, to teach or profess no more, 1 Cor. 2.2.

A Minister ought to know no more than his Bible.

Vouz mangez vostre chemin, par ou retournerez vous.

You eat your way, Mocking those that eat by the way. which way will you return?

FINIS.

These two, viz. Diadumenianus and Maximus being very comely persons, for the Readers satisfaction, are more exactly here presented to his view.

[Page]

Diadumenianus.

Maximus.

Information about this book

Title statement

Analecta Caesarum Romanorum, or, Select observations of all the Roman emperors illustrated with their several effigies according to their coins / the first eighteen by Edward Leigh ... ; the others added by his son Henry Leigh ... : also certain choice French proverbs ; alphabetically disposed and Englished, added by the same Edward Leigh.

Leigh, Edward, 1602-1671.

Edition statement

1664

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2004-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A50048

ID [STC]

Wing L984

ID [STC]

ESTC R34514

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

14472453

ID [OCLC]

ocm 14472453

ID [VID]

102413

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A50048)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 102413)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1062:29)

Source

— Analecta Caesarum Romanorum, or, Select observations of all the Roman emperors illustrated with their several effigies according to their coins / the first eighteen by Edward Leigh ... ; the others added by his son Henry Leigh ... : also certain choice French proverbs ; alphabetically disposed and Englished, added by the same Edward Leigh., Leigh, Edward, 1602-1671., Leigh, Henry, d. 1705.. The fourth edition, corrected and much enlarged..

Extent

[14], 430, [1] p. : ill.

Printed by R.D. for John Williams ...,. London :: MDCLXIV [1664]. (Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library.) (Includes bibliographical references and index.)

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