this gave them not so many as Polybius relates but as many as Nasica himself tells us he took in that short Epistle he writ to a certain King concerning this Expedition for he had 3000 Italians that were not Romans and his left Wing consisted of 5000 besides these taking with him 120 Horse-men and 200 Thracians and Cretans intermix'd that Harpalus had sent he began his Journey towards the Sea and encamp'd near the Temple of Hercules as if he design'd to embark and so to sail round and environ the Enemy But when the Souldiers had supp'd and that it was dark he made the Captains acquainted with his real Intentions and marching all night a quite contrary way to that of the Sea till he came under the Temple of Apollo Pithius he there rested his Army In this Place Mount Olympus stretches it self in heighth more than ten Furlongs as appears by this Epigram made by him that measured it Thy top Olympus measur'd from the Place The Pythian Temple does so nobly grace Ten compleat Furlongs does in height exceed Xenagoras this did leave upon Record He travell'd here here he that God ador'd 'T is confess'd Geometricians affirm that no Mountain in heighth or Sea in depth exceeds ten Furlongs yet it seems probable that Xenagoras took not his Measures at all adventures but according to the Rules of Art and with Instruments fit for that purpose Here it was that Nasica pass'd the night A traiterous Cretian who fled to the Enemy in the March discovered to Perseus the Design which the Romans had to incompass him who seeing Emilius lay still mistrusted no such Attempt He was startled at the News yet removed not his Camp but sent 2000 mercenary Souldiers and 2000 Macedonians under the Command of Milo with Order to hasten with all Diligence and possess themselves of the Streights Polybius relates that the Romans set upon them whilst they slept but Nasica that there was a sharp and dangerous Conflict on the top of the Mountain that he himself encountred a mercenary Thracian pierc'd him through with his dart and slew him and that the Enemy being forc'd to retreat and Milo stript to his Coat shamefully flying without his Armour he followed without danger and all the Army march'd down into the Countrey These things happening to Perseus now grown fearful and fallen from his Hopes he removed his Camp in all haste yet was it necessary for him either to stop before Pydne and there run the hazard of a Battel or disperse his Army into Cities and there expect the event of the War which being once entred into his Country could not be driven out without great Slaughter and Bloodshed But Perseus being told by his Friends that he was much superior in number and that such as fought in the defence of their Wives and Children must needs be endued with great Courage especially when all things were done in the sight of their King who himself was engaged in equal danger was again encouraged and pitching his Camp prepared himself to fight view'd the Country gave out the Commands as if he design'd to set upon the Romans as soon as they approach'd The Place was a Field both proper to draw up a Phalanx which required a plain Valley and even Ground and also had divers little Hills one joyn'd to another which serv'd for a Retreat to such as were lightly arm'd and fitted to skirmish and gave them withal Opportunities to incompass the Enemy through the middle ruâ— the Rivers Eson and Leucus which though not very deep it being the latter end of Summer yet were they likely enough to give the Romans some trouble As soon as Emilius was joyned to Nasica he advanced in Battel-array against the Enemy but when he found how they were drawn up and the number of their Forceâ— he stood still as one amazed and considering within himself But the young Commandeâ—â— being eager to fight press'd him earnestly not to delay and most of all Nasica flush'd with his late Success on Olympus To whom Eâ—â—lius answer'd with a Smile So would I dâ— were I of your Age but my many Victories have taught me the Miscarriages of the Conquer'd and forbid me to engage such as are weary with their long March against an Army so well draâ—â— up and prepar'd for Battel Then he gave Command that the Front of his Army and such as were in sight of the Enemy should imbattel themselves as ready to engage and those in the Rear should cast up the Trenches and fortifie the Camp so that the foremost of his Men still wheeling ofâ— by degrees their whole Order was chang'd the Battel insensibly broke and all his Army incamped without noise When it was Night and no Man after his Supper thought of any thing but Sleep and Rest all on a sudden the Moon which was then at Full and great height grew dark and by degrees losing her Light cast divers sort of Colours till at length she was totally eclipsed The Romans according to their Custom with the noise of brass Pans and lifting up a great many Firebrands and Torches endeavoured to recover her Light whilst the Macedonians behav'd themselves far otherwise for Horror and Amazement seiz'd their whole Army and a Rumour crept by degrees into their Camp that this Eclipse portended no less than that of their King. But Emilius that was no Novice in these things but very well understood the seeming Irregularities of Eclipses and that in a certain Revolution of Time the Moon in her Course was obscur'd and hid by the Shadow of the Earth till passing that Region of Darkness she is again enlightned by the Sun. Yet being very devout a religious Observer of Sacrifices and well skill'd in the Art of Divination as soon as he perceiv'd the Moon regain'd her former Lustre he offer'd up to her a 11 Heifers at the break of day he sacrific'd 20 to Hercules without any token that his Offering was accepted but at the one and twentieth the Signs promis'd Victory to such as were forc'd to defend themselves Then he vow'd a Hecatomb and Solemn Sports to Hercules and commanded his Captains to make ready for Battel staying only till the Sun should decline and come about to the West lest being in their Faces in the Morning it should dazle the Eyes of his Souldiers so he whil'd away the time in his Tent which was open towards the Valley where his Enemies were incamp'd When it grew towards Evening some tell us Emilius himself laid the following Design that the Enemy might first begin the Fight he turn'd loose a Horse without a Bridle and sent some of the Romans to catch him upon whose following the Beast the Battel begun Others relate that the Thracians under the Command of one Alexander set upon the Roman Carriages that brought Forrage to the Camp that to oppose these a Party of 700 Ligurians were immediately detach'd and that
otherwise For it was the custom for Emperours in their triumph to immolate an Ox but in their Ovation a Sheep hence they named it Ovation But it is worth our labour to contemplate the Laconic Legislator who instituted Sacrifices contrary to the Roman For at Lacedaemon a Captain who had performed the work he undertook by cunning or courteous Treaty laying down his Command immolated an Ox he that did the business by Battel offer'd a Cock the Lacedaemonians though most warlike thinking an Exploit performed by Eloquence and subtilty to be more excellent and more congruous to man than one effected by meer force and courage But whether of these two is to be preferr'd I leave to the determination of others Marcellus being the fourth time Consul his Enemies suborned the Syracusans to come to Rome to accuse him and to complain that they had suffer'd indignities and hostile wrongs contrary to the League It hapned that Marcellus was in the Capitol offering Sacrifice when the Syracusans petitioned the Senate yet sitting that they might have leave to accuse him and present their grievances Marcellus's Collegue put them out of the Court taking it extreamly ill that the business was moved Marcellus being absent Which when he understood he made haste thither And first presiding as Consul he referr'd to the Senate the cognizance of other matters but when that charge against him came to be explicated rising from his Seat he passed as a private man into the place where the accused were wont to make their defence and gave free liberty to the Syracusans to impeach him But they struck with vehement consternation by his Majesty and confidence stood astonish'd and the power of his presence now in his Robe of Estate appear'd far more terrible and severe than it had done when cover'd with Armour Yet reanimated at length by Marcellus's Rivals they began their impeachment and made an Oration composed of Lamentation and Complaint whereof this was the sum That being Allies and Friends of the people of Rome they had notwithstanding suffer'd those things which other Emperours had abstain'd from inferring upon many Enemies To this Marcellus answers That though they had committed many acts of hostility against the people of Rome yet they had suffer'd nothing but what Enemies conquer'd by War and by force taken Captives cannot possibly be defended from suffering That it was their own fault they had been made Captives because they refused to give ear to him attempting all fair and gentle means neither were they by the power of Tyrants drawn into War but rather imposed upon the Tyranny to the end they might make War. The Orations ended and the Syracusans according to the custom turned out of the Court Marcellus left his Collegue to ask the Sentences of the Senators and together with the Syracusans went out of the Temple and staid expecting at the folding Doors of the Court not in the least discomposed in Spirit either by the accusation or by anger against the Syracusans but with high civility and modesty attending the issue of the cause The Sentences at length all ask'd and a decree of the Senate made in Vindication of Marcellus the Syracusans with tears flowing from their eyes cast themselves at his knees beseeching him to forgive them present and to be moved by the misery of the rest of their City which would ever be mindful of and grateful for his benefits Thus Marcellus softned by their tears and distress was not onely reconcil'd to them but most generously received the rest of the Syracusans into his faith and protection The Liberty which he had restored to them and their Rights Laws and Goods that were left the Senate confirmed Upon which account the Syracusans both decreed other Honours to Marcellus and made a Law that if Marcellus should at any time come into Sicily or any of his Posterity the Syracusans crowned should offer Sacrifices to the Gods. After this he moved against Hannibal Now whereas the other Consuls and Emperours since the defeat receiv'd at Cannae had all made use of the same stratagem against Hannibal namely to decline coming to a Battel with him and that none had the courage to encounter him in the Field and put themselves to the decision by the Sword Marcellus enter'd into a diverse way of Counsel thinking that Italy would be destroy'd by the very same thing viz. delay by which they looked to consume Hannibal and that Fabius who was excessively cautious expecting that the Enemies forces by length of time wasting away the War would at length fall of it self without blows after the manner of timid and fearful Physicians who dreading fo administer opportune Remedies stay waiting till the decay of the Patient's strength put an end to the Disease took not a right course to heal the sickness of his Countrey And first great Cities of the Samnites which had revolted came in to his power in which he found a huge quantity of Corn and Money and three thousand of Hannibal's Souldiers that were left for the defence of those places After this the Proconsul Cn. Fulvius with eleven Tribunes of the Souldiers being â—ain in Apulia and the greatest part of the Army also at the same time cut off he by Letters dispatch'd to Rome bad the people â—e of good courage for that he was now â—pon his march against Hannibal to drive him out of that Countrey These Letters being read Livy writes that the people were not onely not encouraged but more discouraged than before For the Romans expected so much a greater danger than the â—ast by how much Marcellus excell'd Fulviâ—s in Virtue and Conduct He as he had written advancing in the Territories of the Lucans came up to him at Numistro and 〈◊〉 a plain place the Enemy keeping himâ—â—lf upon the Hills pitch'd his Camp and he next day drew forth his Army in orâ—er for Fight Nor did Hannibal refuse the â—hallenge They fought stoutly and long â—n both sides Victory yet seeming unâ—â—solv'd on which to place the Lawrel and after three hours Conflict Night hardly parted them The next Day as soon as the Sun was risen he again brought forth his Troops and ranged them among the dead bodies of the slain challenging Hannibal to decide the question to which of the two Fortune would give the Victory When he disloged and drew off Marcellus gathering up the spoils of the Enemies and burning the bodies of his slain Souldiers closely followed him And though Hannibal often used stratagems and laid Ambushes to entrap Marcellus yet he could never circumvent him By tumultuary fights and skirmishes which were all successful to Marcellus he rais'd so great a fame of himself that when the time of the Comitia at Rome was near at hand the Senate thought fit rather to recall the other Consul from Sicily than to recall Marcellus pursuing Hannibal At his return to Rome the Fathers enjoyn'd him to name Q. Fabius Dictator For the Dictator is created neither by the
vertue Now it was with the Achaeans as with young Horses which go quietly with their usual riders but boggle and grow unruly under strangers The Souldiers when any hot service was towards and Philopoemen not at their head grew dejected and look't about for him but if he once appear'd came presently to themselves and recover'd their confidence and courage Of which their very Enemies being sensible they could not endure to look him in the face but as appear'd in several occasions were frighted with his very name Philip King of Macedon thinking to terrifie the Achaeans into subjection again if he could rid his hands of Philopoemen employ'd some privately to assassinate him But the treachery coming to light he became infamous and mortally hated through all Greece The Baeotians besieging Megara and ready to carry the Town by Storm upon a groundless feign'd rumour that Philopoemen was at hand with succour ran awy and left their scaling Ladders at the Wall behind them Nabis who was Tyrant of Lacedemon after Mechanidas had surpriz'd Messene at a time when Philopoemen was out of Command He try'd to perswade Lysippus then General of the Achaeans to succour Messene but not prevailing with him because he said the Enemy being now within it the place was irrecoverably lost resolv'd to go himself without order or commission but follow'd by his own Citizens who went all with him as their General by commission from nature which had made him fittest to Command Nabis hearing of his coming though his Army quarter'd within the Town thought it not convenient for him to stay but stealing out of the farthest gate with his men march't away with all the speed he could thinking himself a happy man if he could get off with safety And he did escape but Messene was rescued All hitherto makes for the praise and honour of Philopoemen But when at the request of the Gortynians he return'd again into Crete to Command for them at a time when his own Countrey was distrest by Nabis he was taxed either of cowardise or unseasonable ambition of honour amongst Foreigners For the Megalopolitans were then so press'd that the Enemy being master of the Field and encamping almost at their Gates they were forc'd to keep themselves within their Walls and sow their very Streets And he flying from a War at home and commanding in chief in a foreign Nation furnish'd his ill-willers with matter enough for their reproaches Some said he took the offer of the Gortynians because the Achaeans chose other Generals and left him but a private man. For he could not endure to sit still but looking upon War and commanding in it as his great business always coveted to be employ'd And this agrees with what he once said smartly of K. Ptolomy Some-body was praising him for keeping his Army and himself in perpetual exercise And what praise reply'd Philopoemen for a King of his years to be always preparing and never performing However the Megalopolitans thinking themselves betray'd took it so ill that they were about to banish him But the Achaeans dash't that design by sending their Praetor Aristanetus to Megalopolis who though he were at difference with Philopoemen about affairs of the Common-wealth yet would not suffer him to be banish'd Philopoemen being upon this account out of favour with his Citizens cajoll'd divers of the little neighbouring places from obeying them putting in their heads to say that from the beginning they were not subject to their Taxes or Laws or any way under their Command In these pretences he openly took their part and at the same time fomented seditions in the City against the Achaeans But these things hapned a while after While he stay'd in Crete in the service of the Gortynians he made War not like a Peloponnesian or Arcadian fairly in the open Field but fought with them at their ovvn vveapon and turning their strategems and tricks against themselves shew'd them to play Craft against Skill and were but Children to an experienc'd Souldier Having manag'd it then with great bravery and great reputation to himself he return'd into Peloponnesus where he found Philip beaten by T. Quintius and Nabis at War both with the Romans and Achaeans He was presently chosen General against Nabis but venturing to fight by Sea seem'd to have split upon the same Rock with Epaminondas and by a success very different from the general expectation and his own fame lost much of his former reputation But for Epaminondas some report he was backward by design to disgust his Country-men with the Sea lest of good Souldiers they should by little and little turn as Plato says ill Mariners And therefore return'd from Asia and the Islands without doing any thing on purpose Whereas Philopoemen thinking his skill in Land-service would prevail likewise at Sea learnt how great a part of valour experience is and how much it imports in the management of things to be accustom'd to them For he was not only put to the worst in the fight for want of skill but having rigged up an old Ship which had been a famous Vessel forty years before and ship'd his Citizens in her she foundring he had like to have lost them all But then finding the Enemy as if he had been driven out of the Sea had in contempt of him besieged Gytheon he presently set sail again and taking them unexpectedly disperss'd and careless after their Victory Landed in the night burnt their Camp kill'd of them a great number A few days after as he was marching through rough ways Nabis came suddenly upon him The Achaeans were dismay'd and in so strait a place and which was seiz'd by the Enemy despair'd to get off with safety Philopoemen made a little halt and when he had view'd the ground made it appear that the greatest thing in War is skill in drawing up an Army For by advancing onely a few paces and without any confusion or trouble altering his order according to the nature of the place he presently took away all apprehension from his men and then charging put the enemy to flight But when he saw they fled not towards the City but dispersed every man a several way all over the Field which for Wood and Hills Brooks and Ditches was not passable by Horse he sounded a retreat and encamped by broad day-light Then foreseeing the enemy would endeavour to steal scatteringly into the City in the dark he posted strong parties of the Achaeans all along the Banks and Hillocks near the Walls Many of Nabis's men fell into their hands For returning not in a body but as the chance of flight had dispos'd of every one they were caught like birds e'er they could enter into the Town For these things he was wonderfully lov'd and was also honour'd in all the Theatres of Greece but got the secret ill-will of Titus Flaminius a man covetously ambitious of glory For he thought it but reasonable a Consul of Rome should be otherwise esteem'd by
ordinary Vertue thought his Life but a burden should he live and permit his Eâ—â—mies to enjoy this Spoyl Wherefore 〈◊〉 speeded through the Army and wherâ—ever he spy'd a Friend or Companion 〈◊〉 declar'd his Misfortune and begg'd 〈◊〉 Assistance the number of these being great and valiant they with one accord made their way through their Fellows after their Leader and fell upon the Enemy whoâ— after a sharp Conflict many Wounds and much Slaughter they repuls'd possess'd thâ— Place that was now deserted and free and set themselves to search for the Sword whicâ— at last they found cover'd with great heapâ— of Arms and dead Carkasses Over-joy'd with this Success they sang Songs of Triumph and with more eagerness than eveâ— charg'd the Foes that yet remain'd firm and unbroke In the end 3000 of the choseâ— Men who kept their Stations and fougâ—â— valiantly to the last were all cut in pieceâ— and very great was the Slaughter of such 〈◊〉 fled insomuch as the Plain and the 〈◊〉 were fill'd with dead Bodies and the Water of the River Leucus which the Romans did not pass till the next day after the Bâ—ttel was then mingled with Blood for it is said there fell more than 25000 of the Enemy of the Romans as Possidonius relates a 100â— as Nasica only fourscore This Battel though so great was very quickly decided it being 9 of the Clock when they first engag'd and not 10 when the Enemy was vanquish'd the rest of the day was spent in the pursuit of such as fled whom they follow'd 120 Furlongs so that it was far in the Night when they return'd All the rest were met by their Servants with Torches and brought back with Joy and great Triumph to their Tents which were set out with Lights and deck'd with Wreaths of Joy and Laurel But the General himself was overwhelm'd with Grief â—or of the two Sons that serv'd under him â—n the War the youngest was missing whom he held most dear and whose Courage and good Qualities he knew much excell'd those of his Brethren and though yet a Stripling that he was valiant and thirsting ofter Honour which made him conclude he was lost whilst for want of Experience he had too far engag'd himself amongst his Enemies The whole Army was sensible of his Dejection and Sorrow and quitting their Supâ—ers ran about with Lights some to Emilius his Tents some out of the Trenches to seek him amongst such as were slain in the first Onset There was nothing but Grief in the Camp and the Valley was fill'd with â—he Cryes of such as call'd out for Scipio for from his very Youth he was endu'd above â—ny of his Equals with all the good Qualities requisite either to command or Counsel At length when it was late and they almost despair'd he return'd from the Pursuit with only two or three of his Companions all cover'd with the fresh Blood of his Enemies having like a well-bred Dog follow'd the Chase with too eager pleasure of Victory This was that Scipio that afterwards destroy'd Carthage and Numantiuâ— that was without Dispute the valiantest of the Romans and had the greatest Authority amongst them Thus Fortune deferring the execution of her Spite at so brave aâ— Exploit to some other time let Emilius at present enjoy this Victory with full Satisfaction and Delight As for Perseus from Pydne he fled to Pellâ— with his Horse-men which were as yet almost entire But when the Foot met them and upbraiding them as Cowards and Traytors threw them off their Horses and fell to Blows Perseus fearing the Tumult forsook the common Road and lest he should be known pull'd off his Purple and carry'd it before him and took his Crown in his hand and that he might the better conversâ— with his Friends alighted from his Horsâ— and led him Of those that were about him one pretended to tye his shoe that was loose another to water his Horse a thiâ—â— to drink himself so that thus lagging behind they by degrees left him as having not so much reason to fear their Enemies as his cruelty who fretted at his misfortune sought to free himself by laying the cause of the overthrow upon every body else He arrived at Pella in the night where Eactus and Eudeus two of his Treasurers came to him and what with their reflecting on his former miscarriages and their free and mistimed admonitions and counsels so exasperated him that he kill'd them both stabbing them with his own dagger After this no body stuck to him but Evander the Cretan Archedemus the Etolian and Neo the Beotian and of the common Souldiers there followed him only those from Crete not out of any good will but that they were as constant to his Riches as the Bees to their Hive For he carried a great treasure with him out of which he had suffered them to take Cups Bowls and other vessels of Silver and Gold to the value of fifty talents But when he was come to Amphipolis and afterwards to Alepse and his fears were a little abated he relapsed into his old and natural disease of Covetousness and bewailed to his Friends that he had through inadvertency distributed the gold Plate belonging to Alexander the Great amongst the Cretans and beseeched those that had it with tears in his eyes to exchange with him again for money Those that understood him throughly knew very well he only plaid the Cretan with those of Crete but those that believed him and restored what they had were cheated for he not only did not pay the Money but by craft got thirty Talents more of his friends into his hands which in a short time after fell to the Enemy and with them sail'd into Samothracia and there fled to the Temple of Castor and Pollux for refuge The Macedonians were always accounted great lovers of their Kings but now as if their chief prop was broken they submitted themselves with an unanimous consent to Emilius and in two days made him Master of their whole Country Which seems to confirm their opinion who ascribe whatsoever he did to his good fortune to which agreed the Omen that happen'd to the Sacrifice at Amphipolis where Emilius being about to offer and the holy Rites begun on a sudden the Lightning fell upon the Altar set the Wood on fire and sanctify'd the Sacrifice But above all that of Fame does far exceed all they tell us of the Gods or his good Fortune for the 4th day after Perseus was vanquish'd at Pydne whilst the People were beholding the running of the Horses in the Place design'd for those Games there arose an unexpected Report at the entrance of the Theatre that Emilius had overcome Perseus and brought all Macedonia under his Power and from thence when the Rumour was spread amongst the People there was a general Joy with Shoutings and Acclamations for that whole day through the City But when no certain Author was found
slain in their ranks some â—y that Pausanias being at Sacrifice and Prayers some space out of the Battel that cerâ—ain Lydians falling suddenly upon him plunâ—ered and squandered the Sacrifice But that Pausanias and his Company having no Arms beat them with Staffs and Whips Wâ—â—â—â—fore at this day in imitation of this Invaâ—â—â—â— the whipping the boys about the 〈◊〉 in Sparta and after that the Lydian â—â—â—cession is performed Pausanias 〈◊〉 being troubled at these things the 〈◊〉 offering one Sacrifice after another 〈◊〉 himself towards the Temple with 〈◊〉 his eyes and lifting up his hands to â—eaven beseeched Juno of Citheron and the â—ther tutelar Gods of the Plataeans if it 〈◊〉 not in the 〈…〉 the Grecians to 〈◊〉 the Victory that â—â—nt might perish performing some remarkable thing by their Actions demonstrating to their Enemies that thâ—â— waged war with men of Courage and Soulâ—â—ers These Prayers of Pausanias being heard 〈◊〉 he made his Supplications the Sacrifâ—â—â— appeared propitious and the Southsayâ—â— foretold the Victory The word being â—ven the Lacedaemonian Battalion of 〈◊〉 seemed on the sudden like some one fiercâ— Animal setting up his Bristles and betakâ—â—â— himself to the Combat Then it was thâ—â— the Barbarians considered they encountreâ— with men who would fight it to the death wherefore holding their Targets beforâ— them they shot their Arrows amongst 〈◊〉 Lacedaemonians But they keeping togâ—ther in the order of a Phalanx and â—â—â—ling upon them forced their Targets 〈◊〉 of their hands and smiting the breasts and faces of the Persians overthrew many of them who fell not either unrevenged or without courage For taking hold of the Spears with their bare hands they brake many of them and betook themselves not in vain to Swords drawing but making use of their Battel-Axes and Falchions and wresting the Lacedaemonians Shields from them and grapling with them it was a long time that they made resistance In the mean time the Athenians stood still in expectation of the Lacedaemonians But when they heard the noise of those that were engaged in the Fight and a Messenger â—s they say came from Pausanias to adverâ—ise them of what was done they soon speeâ—ed to their assistance And as they passed â—â—rough the Plain to the place where the â—oise was the Greeks who took part with â—he Enemy came upon them But Aristides 〈◊〉 soon as he saw them going a considerable â—â—ce before the rest cried out to them conâ—â—ing them by the Guardian Gods of Greece 〈◊〉 forbear the fight and be no impediment 〈◊〉 stop to them who were succouring perâ—â—â—s that fought in defence of Greece But â—â—en he perceived they gave no attention 〈◊〉 him and had prepared themselves for 〈◊〉 Battel then turning from the present 〈◊〉 of the Lacedaemonians he engaged them being five thousand in number But the grâ—â—test part soon gave way and retreated for the Barbarians also were put to flight The sharpest Conflict is said to have been against the Thebans the chiefest and most powerful persons among them at that time â—â—ding with the Medes and leading the multitude not according to their own inclinations but as being subjects of an Oligarchy The Battel being thus divided the Lacedaemonians first beat off the Persians and a Spartan named Arimnestus slew Mardonius by a blow on the head with a stone as the Oracle in the Temple of Amphiaraus foretold him For Mardonius sent a Lydian thither and another person a Carian to the Cave of Trophonius This latter the Priest oâ— the Oracle answered in his own Language But the Lydian sleeping in the Temple oâ— Amphiaraus it seemed unto him that a certain Minister of the Gods stood before him and commanded him to be gone but refusing to do it he flung a great stone at 〈◊〉 Head so that he thought himself slain witâ— the blow In this manner are these thingâ— said to come to pass But they blockeâ— up those that fled within their Walls 〈◊〉 Wood and a little time after the Atheniâ—â— put the Thebans to flight killing three hundred of the chiefest and of greatest not among them in the Fight For when the began to fly news came that the Army of the Barbarians was besieged within their Rampires So giving the Greeks opportunity to save themselves they marched to assist them at the fortifications And coming in to the Lacedaemonians who were altogether unhandy and unexperienced in Storming they took the Camp with great slaughter of the Enemy for of three hundred thousand forty thousand onely are said to escape with Artabasus but on the Grecians side there perished in all thirteen hundred and sixty of which were fifty two Athenians all of the Tribe Aiantis that fought saith Clidemus with the greatest courage of any wherefore those of that Tribe according â—o the Oracle of Apollo offered Sacrifice â—â—r the Victory to the Nymphs Sphragitides at the expence of the publick There were ninety one Lacedaemonians and sixteen Tegeatae It is strange therefore upon what grounds Herodotus saith that they onely â—â—d none other encountred the Enemy â—or the number of the slain and their Monuâ—ents testifie that the Victory was obtained â—y all in general and if the rest standing â—ill the Inhabitants of three Cities onely had â—een engaged in the fight they would not â—ave set this Inscription on an Altar The Persians chas'd by valiant deeds of War This common Altar the freed Greeks did rear Sacred to Jupiter the Deliverer They fought this Battel on the fourth day of the Month Boedromion according to the stile of the Athenians but in that of the Boeotians the twenty seventh of Paâ—◠〈…〉 s on which day there is still a Convention of the Greeks at Plateae and those of that place offer Sacrifice for the Victory to Jupiter the Deliverer As for the difference of Days it is not to be wondered at seeing at this time when there is a more accurate search made into matters relating to Astronomy some make one some another beginning and ending of the Month. After this the Athenians not yielding the honour of the Day to the Lacedaemonians nor consenting they should erect 〈◊〉 Trophy things were well nigh ruined by a dissention amongst the armed Greeks had not Aristides by much soothing and counselling the Commanders especially Leocrites and Muronides pacified and perswaded them to leave the thing to the Decision of the Grecians And they debating the matter Theogiton the Megarean declared the honour of the Victory was to bâ— given some other City if they would prevent a Civil War. After him Cleocritus of Corinth rising up made people think he would ask the Palm for the Corinthians for next to Sparta and Athens Corinth was in greatest estimation But he delivered his Opinion which had the good liking and Admiration of all in favour of the Plataeans and counselled to take away all contention by giving them the Reward and glory of the Victory whose being honoured could be disgusted by neither Party This being said first
Occasion which they had for his Service Therefore to obviate this Mischief they contriv'd that some other Orators who did not appear to be Enemies to Alcibiades but really hated him no less than those who avow'd themselves to be so should stand up in the Assembly and say that it was a very absurd thing that one who was created General of such an Army with absolute Power after his Troops were compleated and the Confederates were come should lose the present Opportunity whilst the People were choosing his Judges by Lots and appointing times for the hearing of the Cause And that therefore he ought to set Sayl presently and may good Fortune attend him but when the War should be at an end he might then in Person make his Defence according to the Laws But Alcibiades soon perceiv'd the Malice of this Delay and appearing in the Assembly represented to them that it was a very grievous thing to him to be sent forth with the Command of so great an Army when he lay under such Accusations and Calumnies that he deserv'd to die if he could not clear himself of the Crimes objected to him But when he had purg'd himself and appear'd to be innocent he should then chearfully apply himself to the War as standing no longer in fear of false Accusers But he could not prevail with the People who commanded him to sail immediately So he departed together with the other Generals having with them near 140 Galleys 5100 men at Arms and about 1300 Archers Slingers and light arm'd men and all the other Provisions were answerable and every way compleat Arriving on the Coast of Italy he landed at Rhegium and there propos'd his Advice in what manner they should manage the War. Wherein he was oppos'd by Nicias but Lamachus being of his opinion they sail'd for Sicily forthwith and took Catana That was all which was done while he was there for he was soon after recall'd by the Athenians to abide his Tryal At first as we before said there were only some slight suspicions offer'd against Alcibiades and accusations by certain slaves and strangers But afterwards in his absence his Enemies attack'd him more fiercely and confounded together the breaking the Images with the pro 〈…〉 anation of the holy Mysteries as tho' Spanâ— been committed in pursuance of the â—ame Conspiracy for changing the Government Thereupon the People imprison'd all that were accus'd without distinction and without hearing them and repented themselves exceedingly that having such pregnant Evidence they had not immediately brought Alcibiades to his Tryal and given Judgment against him And if any of his Friends or Acquaintance fell into the Peoples hands whilst they were in this Fury they were sure to be us'd very severely Thucydides hath omitted to name his Accusers but others mention Dioclides and Teucer Amongst whom is Phrynichus the Comic Poet who introduces one speaking thus Hear Hermes thy deceiv'd Athenians call Preserve thy Image from a second fall Lest Dioclydes once again accuse And sacred Justice by false Oaths abuse To which he makes Mercury return this Answer Safe from Affronts my Statues I will guard False Teucer shall not meet with new Reward Nor shall his impious Lyes obtain Regard The truth is his Accusers alledg'd nothing that was certain or solid against him One of them being ask'd How he knew the men who defac'd the Images when he said He saw them by the light of the Moon was grosly mistaken for it was just New Moon when the Fact was committed This made all men of Understanding cry out upon the thing as a Contrivance but the People were as eager as ever to receive further Accusations nor was their first Heat at all abated but they instantly seiz'd and imprison'd every one that was accus'd Amongst those who were detain'd in Prison in order to their Tryals there was Andocides the Orator whom the Historian Hellanicus reports to be descended from Vlysses He was always look'd upon to hate the Popular Government and to affect an Oligarchy The chiefest ground of causing him to be suspected for defacing the Images was because the great Mercury which was plac'd near his House and was an ancient Monument of the Tribe of the Aegeides was almost the only Statue of all the remarkable ones which remain'd entire For this Cause it is now call'd the Mercury of Andocides all men giving it that Name tho' the Inscription is an Evidence that it belongs to another Tribe It happen'd that Andocides above all others who were Prisoners upon the same account did contract a particular Acquaintance and Friendship with one Timaeus a Person not equal to Andocides in Quality but very extraordinary both for Parts and Boldness He perswaded Andocides to accuse himself and some few others of this Crime urging to him that upon his Confession he would be secure of his Pardon by the Decree of the People whereas the event of Judgment is uncertain to all men but to great Persons as he was most terrible So that it was better for him if he regarded himself to save his Life by a Falsity than to suffer an infamous Death as one really guilty of the same Crime And if he had a regard to the publick Good it was commendable to sacrifice a few suspected men by that means to rescue many excellent Persons from the Fury of the People The Arguments us'd by Timaeus so far prevail'd upon Andocides as to make him accuse himself and some others and thereupon according to the Decree of the People he obtain'd his Pardon and all the persons which were nam'd by him except some few who sav'd themselves by Flight suffer'd Death To gain the greater Oredit to his Information he accus'd his own Servants amongst others But notwithstanding this the Peoples Anger was not appeas'd and being now no longer diverted by those who had violated the Images they were at leisure to pour out their whole Rage upon Alcibiades And in conclusion they sent the Galley call'd the Salaminia to recal him but they gave it expresly in Command to those that were sent that they should use no violence nor seize upon his Person but address themselves to him in the mildest terms requiring him to follow them to Athens in order to abide his Tryal and purge himself before the People For indeed they fear'd a Mutiny and a Sedition in the Army in an Enemy's Countrey which they knew it would be easie for Alcibiades to effect if he had a mind to it For the Souldiers were dispirited upon his departune expecting for the future tedious delays and that the War would be drawn out into a lazy length by Nicias when Alcibiades who was the Spur to Action was taken away For tho' Lamachus was a Souldier and a Man of Courage yet being poor he wanted Authority and Respect in the Army Alcibiades just upon his departure prevented Messina from falling into the hands of the Athenians There were some in that City who
great Shouts and Outcries The Byzantines being thus surpriz'd and quite astonish'd while they were universally engag'd in defence of their Port and Shipping gave opportunity to those who favour'd the Athenians securely to receive Alcibiades into the City Yet the Enterprize was not accomplish'd without Fighting for the Peloponnesians Baeotians and Megareans not only repuls'd those who came out of the Ships and forc'd them to get on board again but hearing that the Athenians were entred on the other side they drew up in order and went tâ— meet them But Alcibiades gain'd the Victory after a sharp Fight wherein he himself had the Command of the right Wing and Theramenes of the left and took about 300 of the Enemy Prisoners After the Battel not one of the Byzantines was slain or driven out of the City according to the Terms upon which the City was put into his hands that they should receive no prejudice in their Persons or Estates Whereupon Anaxilaus being afterwards accus'd at Lacedaemon for this Treason he neither disown'd nor was asham'd of the Action For he urg'd that he was not a Lacedaemonian but a Byzantine and that he saw not Sparta but Bysantium in extream Danger the City so streightly begirt that it was not possible to bring in any new Provisions and the Peloponnesians and Baeotians which were in Garrison devouring their old Stores whilst the Byzantines with their Wives and Children were ready to 〈◊〉 That he had not betray'd his Country to Enâ—mies but had deliver'd it from the Calamitâ—â—â— of War wherein he had follow'd the Exaâ—ple of the most worthy Locedaemonians whâ— esteem'd nothing to be honourable and jusâ— but what was profitable for their Countrâ—â— The Lacedaemonians upon the hearing hâ— Defence were so well pleas'd that they diâ—â—harg'd all that were accus'd And now Alcibiades began to desire to 〈◊〉 his native Countrey again or rather to show his fellow-Citizens a Person who had gain so many Victories for them To this 〈◊〉 he set Sayl for Athens his Ships being adornâ— on every side with great Numbers â—â— Shields and other Spoyls and towing after them many Galleys taken from the Enemy and the Ensigns and Ornaments of many others which he had sunk and destroy'd all of them together amounting to 200. But there is little Credit to be given to what Daris the Samian who pretended himself to be descended from Alcibiades does add that Chrysogonus who had won the Prize at the Pythian Games play'd upon his Flute as the Galleys pass'd on whilst the Oars kept time with the Musick and that Calipides the Tragaedian attir'd in his Buskins his purble Robes and other Ornaments which he us'd in the Theatre excited those who labour'd at the Oars and that the Admiral Galley entred into the Port with a purple Sayl. For these things are such kind of Extravagances as are wont to follow a Debauch and neither Theopompus nor Euphorus nor Xenophon mention them Nor indeed is it credible that one who return'd from so long an Exile and such variety of Misfortunes should carry himself with so much Insolence and Luxury On the contrary he entred the Harbour full of Fear nor would afterwards venture to go on shore till standing on the Deck he saw Euryptolemus his Nephew and others of his Friends and Acquaintance who were ready to receive him and invited him to Land. As soon as he was landed the Multitude who came out to meet him disdain'd to bestow a Look on any of the other Captains but came in Throngs about Alcibiades and saluted him with loud Acclamations and still follow'd him They who could press near him crown'd him with Garlands and they who could not come up so close yet stay'd to behold him a far off and the old Men pointed him out and shewed him to the young ones Nevertheless this publick Joy was mix'd with some Tears and the present Happiness was allay'd by the remembrance of all the Miseries they had endur'd They made Reflections that they could not have so unfortunately mâ—â—carri'd in Sicily or been defeated in any 〈◊〉 those things which they had ever hop'd 〈◊〉 if they had left the management of their Aâ—fairs and the Command of their Forces 〈◊〉 Alcibiades Since upon his undertaking 〈◊〉 Administration when they were in a maâ—ner ruin'd at Sea and could scarce defenâ— the Suburbs of their City by Land and the same time were miserably distractâ—â— with intestine Factions he had rais'd theâ— up from this low and deplorable Conditiâ—â— and had not only restor'd them to their aâ—cient Dominion of the Sea but had 〈◊〉 made them every where victorious ovâ—â— their Enemies at Land. There had bâ—â—n decree for recalling him from his Banishmeâ—â— already pass'd by the People at the Instancâ— of Critias the Son of Calleschrus as appeaâ— by his Elegies in which he puts Alcibiadâ— in mind of this Service From my proposal the Decree did come homâ— Which from your tedious Exile brought yoâ— That you 're restor'd you to my Friendship owâ— I was the first durst press it should be so The People being summon'd to an Assembly Alcibiades came in amongst them and first bewail'd and lamented his owâ— Sufferings and gently and modestly complain'd of their Usage imputing all to hiâ— hard Fortune and some ill Genius that attended him Then he discours'd at large of the great Assurance of their Enemies but withal exhorted them to take Courage The People crown'd him with Crowns of Gold â—nd Created him General both at Land and Sea with absolute Power They also made Decree that his Estate should be restor'd to â—im and that the Eumolpides and the holy Heralds should again absolve him from the Curses which they had solemnly pronounc'd â—gainst him by Sentence of the People Which â—hen all the rest obey'd Theodorus the High-â—riest excus'd himself For said he I never â—enounc'd any Execration against him if he have â—one nothing against the Common-wealth But notwithstanding the Affairs of Alâ—â—biades succeeded so prosperously and so â—uch to his glory yet many were still much â—â—sturb'd and look'd upon the time of his â—rrival to be ominous For on the same â—ay that he came into the Port the Feast â—f the Goddess Minerva which they call 〈◊〉 Plynteria was kept It is the 25th â—ay of September when the Praxiergides â—o solemnize those Mysteries which are â—ot to be reveal'd taking all the Ornaâ—ents from off her Image and keeping 〈◊〉 Image it self close cover'd Hence it that the Athenians esteem this day most â—auspicious and never go about any thing of Importance upon it and therefore thâ—â— imagin'd that the Goddess did not receiâ—â— Alcibiades graciously and propitiously â—hâ— hid her Face from him and rejected hiâ—â— Yet notwithstanding every thing succeedâ—â— according to his Wish When the 100 Gâ—â—leys were fitted out and ready to sail 〈◊〉 honourable Zeal detain'd him till the Celâ—bration of those Mysteries was fully paâ—â—â—â— For since the time that Decelea was fortiiâ—â— the Enemies had made
themselves Masters 〈◊〉 the Ways which lead from Athens to Elâ—â—sis and by reason thereof the Processioâ— being of necessity to go by Sea could not 〈◊〉 perform'd with Solemnity but they weâ—â— forc'd to omit the Sacrifices and Danceâ— and other holy Ceremonies which were usâ—â— to be done in the way when they brinâ— forth Iacchus Alcibiades therefore judg'd 〈◊〉 would be a glorious Action whereby hâ— should do Honour to the Gods and gaiâ— Esteem with Men if he restor'd the ancienâ— Splendor to these Rites in conducting thâ— Procession again by Land and protectinâ— it with his Army from the Enemy Foâ— thereby he was sure if Agis stood still anâ— did not oppose him it would very much diminish and obscure his Glory or otherwise that he should engage in a Holy War in the Cause of the Gods and in defencâ— of the most sacred and solemn Ceremonieâ— and this in the sight of his Countrey where he should have all his fellow-Citizens Witnesses of his Valour As soon as he had resolv'd upon this Design and had communicated it to the Eumolpides and other holy Officers he plac'd Sentinels on the â—ops of the Mountains and at the break of day sent forth his Scouts And then taking with him the Priests and consecrated Persons and those who had the Charge of â—nitiating others in the holy Mysteries and compassing them with his Souldiers he conducted them with great Order and profound Silence This was an august and venerable Procession wherein all who did not envy him said He perform'd at once the Office of an High-Priest and of a General The Enemy durst not attempt any thing against them and thus he brought them back in safety to the City Upon which as he was exalted in his own Thought so the opinion which the People had of his Conduct was rais'd to that degree that they look'd upon their Armies as irresistible and invincible while he commanded them He so won upon the lower and meaner sort of People that they passionately desir'd he would take the Soveraignty upon him some of them made no difficulty to tell him so and to advise him to put himself out of the reach of Envy by abolishing the Laws and Ordinances of the People and suppressing those ill affected peâ—sons who would overturn the State that 〈◊〉 he might act and take upon him the management of Affairs without standing in feaâ— of being call'd to an Account How far hiâ— own Inclinations led him to usurp soveraigâ— Power is uncertain but the most considâ—rable Persons in the City were so much afraiâ— of it that they hastned him on Ship boaâ—â— all they could granting him Liberty 〈◊〉 choose his own Officers and allowing hiâ— all other things as he desir'd Thereupon 〈◊〉 set Sayl with a Fleet of an 100 Ships anâ— arriving at Andros he there fought with anâ— defeated as well the Inhabitants as the Lâ—cedaemonians who assisted them But yet 〈◊〉 took not the City which gave the first occasion to his Enemies for all their Accusatâ—ons against him Certainly if ever 〈◊〉 was ruin'd by his own Glory it was Alcibiades For his continual Success had begoâ— such an opinion of his Courage and Conduct that if he fail'd in any thing he undertook 〈◊〉 was imputed to his Neglect and no one woulâ— believe it was through want of Power Foâ— they thought nothing was too hard foâ— him if he went about it in good earnest They fanci'd also every day that they should hear News of the reducing of Chios and of the rest of Ionia and grew impatâ—ent that things were not effected as faâ— and as suddenly as they imagin'd They never consider'd how extreamly Money was wanting and that being to make War with an Enemy who had Supplyes of all things from a great King he was often forc'd to forsake his Camp in order to procure Money and Provisions for the Subsistance of his Souldiers This it was which gave occasion for the last Accusation which was made against him For Lysander being sent from Lacedaemon with a Commission to be Admiral of their Fleet and being furnish'd by Cyrus with a great Sum of Money gave every Mariner four Oboles a day whereas before they had but three Alcibiades could hardly allow his Men three Oboles and therefore was constrain'd to go into Caria to furnish himself with Money He left the Care of the Fleet in his absence to Antiochus an experien'd Sea-man but rash and inconsiderate who had express Orders from Alcibiades not to engage tho' the Enemy provok'd him But he slighted and disregarded the Orders to that degree that having made ready his own Galley and another he presently stood for Ephesus where the Enemy lay and as he sail'd before the Heads of their Galleys us'd the highest Provocations possible both in Words and Deeds Lysander at first mann'd out a few Ships and pursu'd him But all the Athenian Ships coming in to his Assistance Lysander also brought up his whâ—â— Fleet which gain'd an entirâ— Victory Hâ— flew Antiochus himself took many Men and Ships and erected a Trophy As soon as Alcibiades heard this News he return'd to Samos and loosing from thence with his whole Fleet he came anâ— offer'd Battel to Lysander But Lysander câ—â—tent with the Victory he had gaind 〈◊〉 not stir Amongst others in the Armâ— who had a malice to Alcibiades Thrasybulâ—â— the Son of Thrason was his particular Eâ—â—my and went purposely to Athens to accâ—â—â— him and to exasperate his Enemies in thâ— City against him In an Oration to the Pâ—â—ple he represented that Alcibiades had ruin'â— their Affairs and lost their Ships by insolently abusing his Authority committiâ—â— the Government of the Army in his absenâ—â— to such as by their Debauchery and scurâ—lous Discourses were got most into Creâ—â— with him whilst he wandred up and down 〈◊〉 pleasure to raise Money giving himself up 〈◊〉 all Luxury and Excesses amongst the Abydâ—nian and Ionian Curtezans at a time whâ—â— the Enemy's Navy rode at Anchor so 〈◊〉 his It was also objected to him that he hâ—â— fortify'd a Castle near Byzanthe in Thrâ—â— for a safe retreat for himself as one thâ—â— either could not or would not live in 〈◊〉 own Country The Athenians gave Credâ—â— to these Informations and discover'd the Resentment and Displeasure which they had conceiv'd against him by choosing other Generals As soon as Alcibiades heard of this he immediately forsook the Army being afraid of what might follow And getting many Strangers together he made War upon his own account against those Thracians who pretended to be free and acknowledg'd no King. By this means he amass'd to himself a great Treasure out of the Spoyls which he took and at the same time secur'd the bordering Graecians from the Incursions of the Barbarians Tydeus Menander and Adimantus the new made Generals were at that time riding in the River Aegos with all the Ships which the Athenians had left From whence they were us'd to go out
and that in the mean time he did not refuse to give the Antiates satisfaction as to all Particulars of his Conduct if they were desirous of it An Assembly then being call'd there arose certain Orators appointed for that Design who by their popular Harangues did exasperate and incense the Multitude but when Marcius stood up to answer those Objections and Impeachments they had brought against him the more unruly and tumultuous part of the People waxed calm and quiet on the sudden and out of Reverence to his Person gave him liberty to speak without the least disturbance beside that all the better sort of Antium and such as were most delighted with a Peace made it evident by their whole Composure that they would give him a favourable Hearing and then judge and pronounce according to Equity Tullus therefore began to dread his Apology and suspect the issue of that Defence he was going to make for himself for he was an excellent Spokes-man and one of singular Eloquence and the former Services he had done the Volscians did procure and still preserve for him a much greater Kindness than could possibly be out-weigh'd by that new Displeasure and the Blame of his late Conduct yea the very Crime and Accusation it self was a proof and testimony of the greatness of his Merits for that People could never have complain'd or thought that he had been injurious to them because Rome was not then brought into their Power without a plain Confession that by his means only they were so near taking it For these Reasons the Confederates judg'd it prudent not to make any further Delays or Attempts upon the Vulgar and so the boldest of their Faction crying out that they ought not to listen to a Traytor nor allow him still to bear Rule and play the Tyrant among them fell upon Marcius in a Body and slew him there none of those that were present so much as offering to defend him But it quickly appear'd that this base and unworthy Action was in no wise approv'd by the Majority of the Volscians for they came running out of their several Cities to shew Respect unto his Corps which they did by an honourable Interment of it adorning his Sepulchre with Arms and Trophies as the Monument of a noble Hero and a famous General When the Romans heard tidings of his death they gave no other signification either of Honour or of Anger towards him but only granted this Request of the Women that they might put themselves into Mourning and bewail him for ten Months as their Custom was upon the loss of a Father or a Son or a Brother that being a period set for the longest Lamentation in such Cases by the ancient Laws of Numa Pompilius as it is more amply related in what I have written of his Life and Actions Now Marcius was no sooner deceased but the Volscians came to need his Assistance and wish for him again for they fell to swabble first with the Sicani their Confederates and their Friends about the nomination of a â—â—neral that should be Commander in Chief of their joynt Forces which Dispute for Preheminence was carried on with so much fierceness that it came at length to Bloodshed and Slaughter on both sides After this they were defeated by the Romans in a pitch'd Battle where not only Tullus lost his Life but the principal Flower of their whole Army was cut in pieces so that they were forc'd to submit and accept of Peace upon very dishonourable terms promising to observe the Roman Orders and obey their Enemy in whatever he should impose See where Emilius does a couqueror stand While at his feet y e once great Perseus lyes A generous valour may y e world command And Kings may fall thus low by Avarice THE LIFE OF PAULUS EMILIUS English'd from the Greek By Mr. Joseph Arrowsmith late Fellow of Trin. Coll. Camb. Volume II. I First undertook this History that I might be serviceable unto others but go on and persevere in my Design that I may advantage my self whilst the Vertues of these great Men are as a Looking-glass by which I learn how I ought to order and adorn my own Life For by this means I enjoy the greatest Familiarity and am no less conversant with them all by Turns than if the same Table and Bed were common to us both When I read their Story each particular Vertue and Excellence makes a deep Impression in my Mind and hence I gather how great and valuable the Owner of these Accomplishments must needs have been and with Care collect the most beautiful and remarkable Passages of their Lives as Patterns for Imitation A greater Pleasure than which the Gods can scarce grant us or a more ready way to teach us Vertue Democritus laid it down as a Principle in his Philosophy though utterly false and tending to endless Superstitions That there were Phantasms appearing in the Air and tells us that we ought to pray that such may present themselves as are propitious and that we may see those that are agreeable to our Natures and would instruct us in that which is good rather than such as are unfortunate and would lead us into Vice. But my Method is by daily conversing with History and a diligent Collection of what I read to fix in my Mind things worthy Memory of the best and most vertuous of Men. For thus am I enabled to free my self from that Contagion of Idleness Vice which I may have contracted from the ill company I am sometimes forc'd to converse with it being a powerful Remedy with a sedate and quiet Mind seriously to consider such noble Examples Of this kind are those of Timoleon the Corinthian and Paulus Emilius to write whose Lives is my present Business Men not only equally famous for their Virtues but Success insomuch that they have left it doubtful whether they owe their greatest Atchievments to good Fortune or their own Prudence and Conduct Almost all Historians agree That the Family of the Emilii was one of the most ancient of the Roman Nobility and those Authors who affirm that King Numa was Pupil to Pythagoras tell us that the first who gave the Name to his Posterity was Marcus the Son of that wise Man who for his particular Eloquence and grace in Speech was call'd Emilius The greatest part of this Race that have been celebrated for their Virtue which they with Zeal pursued have been crown'd with Success and even the Misfortune of Lucius Emilius at the Battel of Canna gave ample Testimony of his Wisdome and Valour For not being able to perswade his Colleague from hazarding the Battel he though against his Judgement engaged with him but was no Companion in his flight on the contrary when he that was so resolute to engage deserted him in the midst of danger 〈◊〉 kept the Field and died fighting This Emilius had a Daughter nam'd Emilia that 〈◊〉 married to Scipio the Great and
War. For they posâ—ess'd the utmost Bounds of Italy which borâ—ers upon the Alpes and that part of the â—ame Mountain which is wash'd by the Tuscan â—ea and were mingled with the Gauls and Spaniards who inhabited the Coasts Besides â—t that time they were busie at Sea and â—ayling as far as the Streights mouth in light Vessels fitted for that purpose robb'd and â—estroy'd all that traffick'd in those Parts These waited the coming of Emilius with â—n Army of 40000 who brought with him not above 8 so that the Enemy was 〈◊〉 to one when they engaged yet did he vanquish and put them to flight forcing them 〈◊〉 retire into their wall'd Towns and in 〈◊〉 condition gave them hopes of an Accoâ—modation it being the Policy of the Râ—mans not utterly to destroy the Liguriâ—â— whilst they were as a Guard and Bulwark â—gainst the Gauls who made such frequent Aâ—tempts to over-run Italy Trusting whoâ—â— therefore to Emilius they delivered up thâ— Towns and Shipping into his hands â—â—ras'd only the Fortifications and deliver'â— their Towns to them again but all thâ— Shipping he took away with him leaâ—ing them no Vessels bigger than those 〈◊〉 three Oars and set at liberty great nuâ—bers of Prisoners they had taken both by 〈◊〉 and Land Strangers as well as Romans Thâ—â— were the things most worthy of Remark the first year of his Consulship Afterwards he frequently declared 〈◊〉 Desire of being a second time Consul aâ— was once Candidate but meeting with Repulse and being pass'd by mov'd no 〈◊〉 in it but was wholly intent upon his 〈◊〉 of Augur and the Education of his Childreâ— whom he not only brought up as he himsâ—â—â— was in the Roman and ancient Discipliâ—â— but also in that of Greece which was steemed more genteel and honourable 〈◊〉 this purpose he not only entertained Masters to teach them Grammar Logick and Rhetorick but the Arts of making Statues and Painting and also such as were skilful in breeding Horses and Dogs and could instruct them in Hunting and Riding And if he was not hindred by publick Affairs he himself would be with them at their Studies and see them perform their Exercises being the most indulgent of Fathers amongst the Romans As to Matters relating to the Common-wealth at that time the Romans were engaged in a War with Perseus King of the Macedonians and highly blamed their Commanders that either through their want of Skill or Courage they so ill and shamefully manag'd the Concerns of the Common-wealth that they did less hurt to the Enemy than they received from him For they that not long beâ—ore had forc'd Antiochus the Great to quit the â—est of Asia and driving him beyond Mount â—aurus confin'd him to Syria glad to buy his â—eace with 15000 Talents They that not â—ong since had vanquish'd King Philip in Thesâ—aly and freed the Greeks from the Maâ—edonian Yoke nay had overcome Hanâ—ibal himself who far surpass'd all Kings 〈◊〉 Bravery and Courage thought it scorn â—hat Perseus should think himself an Eneâ—y fit to match the Romans and to be â—ble to wage War with them on equal terms with the remainder only of his Father 's routed Forces but they little weigh'd that the Macedonian Army was become much more powerful and expert after the Overthrow of Philip. To make which appear I shall briefly recount the Story from the beginning Antigonus who was the most potent aâ—ongst the Captains and Successors of Alexander having obtained for himself and his Posterity the Title of King had a Son nam'd Demetrius Father to Antigonus call'd Gonatuâ— and he to Demetrius who reigning some short time died and left a young Son call'd Philip. The Nobility of Macedon fearing great Confusions might arise in the Minority of their Prince trusted the Government in the hands of Antigonus Cousin german to the late King and married him to his Widow the Mother of Philip. At first they only styled him Regent and General but when they found by experience that he govern'd the Kingdom with Moderation and to their Advantage they gave him the Title of King This was he that was sirnam'd Doson as if he was only a promiser not a performer of his words To him succeeded Philip who in his Youth gave great hopes of equalling the best of Kings and that he one day would restore Macedon to its former State and Dignity and be alone able to give a stop to the Power of the Romans which was now a general Oppression to the World. But being vanquish'd in a pitch'd Battel by Titus Flaminius near to Scotusa his Resolution was dash'd and he yielded himself and all that he had to the Mercy of the Romans well contented that he could escape with paying a small Tribute Yet afterwards recollecting himself he bore it with great Regret and thought he liv'd rather like a Slave that was pleas'd with ease than a Man of Sense and Courage whilst he held his Kingdom at the pleasure of his Conquerors which made him resolve upon a War and prepare himself with as much Cunning and Privacy as possible To this end he left his Cities on the high-Roads and Sea-Cost ungarrison'd and almost desolate that they might seem inconsiderable in the mean time furnishing his mid-land Castles strong-holds and Towns with Arms Money and Men fit for Service he provided himself for War and yet kept his Preparations close He had in his Armory Arms for 30000 Men in Granaries in Places of Strength 8 millions of Bushels of Corn and as much ready Money as would defray the Charge of maintaining 10000 mercenary Souldiers to defend his Country for 10 years But before he could put these things into motion and bring his Designs to effect he died for grief and anguish of Mind being sensible he had put his innocent Son Demetrius to death upon the Calumnies of one that was far more guilty Perseus his Son that surviv'd inherited his Hatred to the Romans as well as his Kingdom but was very unfit to carry on his Designs through his want of Courage and the viciousness of his Manners especially when amongst the Vices and Diseases of his Mind of all sorts Covetousness bore the chief sway There is a Report also of his not being legitimate but that the Wife of King Philip took him from his Mother Grathania a Woman of Argos that earn'd her living by Botching as soon as he was born and brought him up privately as her own And this might be the chief Cause of his contriving the Death of Demetrius for the might well fear that whilst there was a lawful Successor in the Family his being illegitimate would not lye conceal'd Notwithstanding all this and tho' his Spirit was so mean and temper so sordid yet trusting to the strength of his Preparations he engaged in a War with the Romans and for a long time maintain'd it Some of their Captains and those of Consular Dignity and great Armies and Fleets he repulsed and
Relief coming still from both Armies the main Bodies were at last engag'd Emilius like a wise Pilot foreseeing by the present Waves and Motion of the Armies the greatness of the following Storm came out of his Tent went through the Legions and encourag'd his Souldiers Nasica in the mean time who was advanc'd to the Place where the Skirmish began saw the whole force of the Enemy preparing to engage First march'd the Thracians who he himself tells us were very terrible to behold for they were Men of great Stature with bright and glistering Shields their Cassocks were black their Legs arm'd with Greaves and as they mov'd their weighty long Spears shook on their Shoulders Next the Thracians march'd the mercenary Souldiers arm'd after the different Fashions of their Countreys and with these the Peonians were mingl'd These were follow'd by a 3d. Body of Macedonians all chosen Men of known Courage and all in the prime of their Age who glitter'd in their gilt Armour and new scarlet Coats Behind these were the old Bands drawn out of the Camp all arm'd with brass Targets the whole Plain shin'd with the brightness of their Arms and the Mountains rang with their Noises and Shouts by which they gave mutual Encouragement one to the other In this Order they march'd and that with such Boldness and Speed that those that were first slain died but at two Furlongs distance from the Roman Camp. The Battel being begun Emilius came in and found that the foremost of the Macedonians had already pitch'd the end of their Spears into the Shields of his Romans so that it was impossible to come near them with their Swords When he saw this and that the rest of the Macedonians took the Shields that hung on their Backs and brought them before them and all at once stoop'd their Pikes against their Enemies Bucklers and well consider'd the great Strength of their united Targets and dreadful Appearance of a Front so arm'd he was seiz'd with Amazement and Fear as not having seen any thing more terrible nor would he stick afterwards to give a Relation of this Sight and his own Dread But this he dissembled and rode through his Army without either Breast-plate or Helmet with a pleasant and chearful Countenance On the contrary as Polybus relates no sooner was the Battel begun but the Macedonian King basely withdrew to the City Pidne under a pretence of sacrificing to Hercules a God that is not wont to regard the faint Offerings of Cowards or grant such Requests as are unjust it not being reasonable that he that never shoots should carry away the Prize he triumph that sneaks from the Battel he that takes no pains meet with success or the wicked man prosper But to Emilius his Petitions the God listned for he pray'd for Victory with his Sword in his hand and 't was fighting that he implor'd his divine Assistance But Possidonius who writ the History of Perseus and tells us he liv'd at that time and was himself in this Battel denies that he left the Field either through fear or pretence of Sacrificing but that the very day before the Fight he receiv'd a Kick from a Horse on his Thigh that though very much indispos'd and disswaded by all his Friends he commanded one of his Pads to be brought and enter'd the Field unarm'd that amongst an infinite number of Darts that flew about on all sides one of Iron lighted on him and though not with the point yet by a glance hit him with such force on his left Side that it rent his Cloaths and so bruis'd his Flesh that the Scar remain'd a long time after This is what Possidonius says in defence of King Perseus The Romans not being able to make a Breach in the Phalanx one Salius a Commander of the Pelignians snatch'd the Ensign of his Company and threw it amongst the Enemies which as soon as the Pelignians perceiv'd for the Italians esteem it base and dishonourable to abandon their Standard they rush'd with great violence towards that Place and the Conflict was very fierce and the Slaughter terrible on both sides for these endeavour'd to cut their Spears a sunder with their Swords or to beat them back with their Shields or put them by with their Hands on the other side thâ— Macedonians held their Pikes in both handâ— and pierc'd those that came in their waâ— and their Armour quite through no Shield or Corslet being able to resist the force of their Spears The Pelignians were thrown headloâ—â— to the Ground who against all Reason and more like Bruits than Men had run upon unavoidable Dangers and certain Death and their first Ranks being 〈◊〉 those that were behind were forc'd to give back it cannot be said they fled but that they retreated towards Mount Olocrus When Emilius saâ— this as Possidonius relates he rent his Cloaths for some of his Men were ready to fly the rest were not willing to engage with a Phalanx into which they could hope for no Entrance but seem'd altogether unconquerable and as secure as if intrench'd whilst guarded with such great numbers of Pikes which on alâ— sides threatned the Assailers Nevertheless the Unequalness of the Ground would not permit the Body that was long to be so exactly drawn up as to have their Shieldâ— every where joyn'd but Emilius perceiv'd that there were a great many Interstices and Breaches in the Macedonian Phalanx as it usually happens in all great Armies according to the different Efforts of the Combatants whilst in one part they press forward with eagerness and in another are forc'd to givâ— back Wherefore taking this Occasion with all speed he divided his Men into small Companies and gave them Order to fall into the Intervals and void Places of the Enemies Body and to make their Attack not in any one Place with them all but to engage as they were divided into Parties in several These Commands Emilius gave to his Captains and they to their Souldiers who had no sooner enter'd the Spaces and separated their Enemies but some charg'd them on their sides where they were naked and expos'd others fetching a Compass set on them behind and these destroy'd the force of the Phalanx which consisted in their mutual Help and being closely united And now come to fight Man to Man or in small Parties the Macedonians smote in vain upon firm and long Targets with their little Swords whilst their slight Shields were not able to sustain the weight and force of those of the Romans which pierc'd through all their Armour to their Bodies so that at length they fled Very sharp was the Fight in the Place where Marcus the Son of Cato and Son-in-â—aw of Emilius whilst he shew'd all possible Courage let fall his Sword for he being a young Man educated according to the Principles of Honour and as Son of so renown'd a Father oblig'd to give Testimonies of more than
surrounded with so numerous an Army receiving Nourishment to support his Life from the Hands of his Conquerors can you I say believe there is any Certainty in what we now possess whilst there is such a thing as Chance No young Men cast off that vain Pride and empty Boast of Victory sit down with Modesty and always think on what 's to come and what through the spite of Fortune may be yet the end of this our present Happiness 'T is said Emilius having spoke much more to the same purpose dismiss'd the young Men well chastiz'd and with this Oration as with a Bridle curb'd their Vain-glory and Insolence When this was done he put his Army into Garisons to refresh themselves and went himself to visit Greece a Pleasure not more honourable than conducing to the Benefit of Mankind For as he pass'd he eas'd the Peoples Grievances reform'd their Government and bestow'd Gifts upon them to some Corn to others Oyl out of the King's Store-houses in which they report there was so vast Quantities laid up that there sooner wanted Receivers and such as needed than they could be exhausted In Delphos he found a great square Pillar of white Marble design'd for the Pedestal of King Perseus his Statue on which he commanded his own to be plac'd alledging that it was but just that the Conquered should give place to the Conquerors In Olympia he is said to have utter'd that so known Speech That Phidias had carv'd Homers Jupiter When the ten Commissioners arriv'd from Rome he deliver'd up again to the Macedonians their Cities and Countrey granting them to live at liberty and according to their own Laws only yielding to the Romans the Tribute of a hundred Talents when they were wont to pay double the Sum to their Kings Then he celebrated all manner of Shews and Games and Sacrifices to the Gods and made great Entertainments and Feasts the Charge of all which he liberally defray'd out of the King's Treasury and shewed that he understood the ordering and placing of his Guests and how every Man should be receiv'd answerable to their several Ranks and Qualities with such nice Exactness that the Greciâ—â—â— very much wondred that the Care and Experience of these things of Pleasure should not escape him and that a Man involv'd in so great Business should observe the Decency of such little Matters That which very much satisfy'd him was that amidst such magnificent and splendid Preparations he himself was always the most grateful Sight and greatest Pleasure to those he entertain'd And he told them that seem'd to wonder at his Diligence That there was the same Spirit shewn in marshalling a Banquet as an Army whilst the one was to be rendred very dreadful to the Enemy the other very acceptable to the Guests Nor did Men less praise his Liberality and the greatness of his Mind than his other Vertues for he would not so much as see those great Quantities of Silver and Gold which were heap'd together out of the King's Palaces but deliver'd them to the Questors to be put into the Publick Treasury He only permitted his own Sons who were great Lovers of Learning to take the King's Books and when he distributed such Rewards as were due to extraordinary Valour he gave his Son-in-law Elius Tubero a Bowl that weigh'd five pounds this is that Tubero we have already mention'd who was one of the sixteen Relations that liv'd together and were all maintain'd out of one little Farm and 't is said that this was the first Plate that ever enter'd the House of the Elians and that brought thither as an Honour and Reward of Vertue for before this time neither they nor their Wives would ever make use either of Silver or Gold. Having thus well setled Things taking his leave of the Grecians and exhorted the Macedonians that mindful of that Liberty they had receiv'd from the Romans they should endeavour to maintain it by their Obedience to the Laws and Concord amongst themselves he departed for Epire for he had Orders from the Senate to give the Souldiers that follow'd him in the War against Perseus the Pillage of the Cities of that Countrey Wherefore that he might set upon them all at once and that by Surprize and unawares he summon'd â—en of the principal Men out of every City whom he commanded on such an appointed day to bring all the Gold and Silver they had either in their private Houses â—or Temples and with every one of these as if it were for this very purpose and under a pretence of searching for and receiving the Gold he sent a Centurion and a Guard of Souldiers who the set day beâ—ng come rose all at once and at the very self-same time fell upon them and set themselves to invade and ransack their Enemies so that in one hour a hundred and fifty thousand Persons were made Slaves and threescore and ten Cities sack'd Yet what was given to each Souldier out of so vast Destruction and utter Ruine amounted 〈◊〉 no more than eleven Drachms which made all Men dread the Issue of a War when the Wealth of a whole Nation thus divided turn'd to so little Advantage and Profit to each particular Man. When Emilius had done this which was perfectly contrary to his gentle and mild Nature he went down to Oricum where he imbark'd his Army for Italy He sayl'd up the River Tibur in the King's Galley that had sixteen Oars on a side and was richly adorn'd with the Armour of the Prisoners and with Cloaths of Purple and Scarlet so that rowing the Vessel slowly against the Stream the Romans that crowded on the Shore to meet him had a taste of his following Triumph But the Souldiers who had cast a covetous Eye on the Treasures of Perseus when they did not obtain what they thought they so well deserv'd were not only secretly enrag'd and angry with Emilius for it but openly complain'd that he had been a severe and tyrannical Commander over them noâ— were they ready to shew their desire of his Triumph When Servius Galba who was Emilius his Enemy though he commanded a thousand Men under him understood this he was so hardy as plainly to affirm that a Triumph was not to be allow'd him and sow'd divers Calumnies amongst the Souldiers which yet further increas'd their â—ll will nay more he desir'd the Tribunes of the People because the four hours that were remaining of the day could not suffice for the Accusation that he would put it off till another But when the Tribunes commanded him to speak then if he had any thing to say he began a long Oration stuff'd with all manner of Reproaches in which he spent the remaining part of the time and the Tribunes when it was dark dismiss'd the Assembly The Souldiers growing more vehement by this throng'd all to Galba and entring into a Conspiracy early in the Morning again beset the Capitol where the Tribunes had appointed the following
fashion of his Countrey he look'd like one altogether â—stonish'd and depriv'd of Reason through the greatness of his Misfortunes Next follow'd a great Company of his Friends and Familiars whose Countenances were disfigur'd with Grief and who testify'd to all that beheld them by their Tears and their continual looking upon Perseus that it was his hard Fortune they so much lamented and that they were regardless of their own Perseus sent to Emilius to entreat that he might not be led in Pomp but be left out of the Triumph who deriding as was but just his Cowardise and fondness of Life sent him this Answer That as for that it was before and is now in his own power giving him to understand that this disgrace was to be prevented by Death which the faint-hearted Wretch being not able to sustain and made effeminate by I know not what Hopes became a part of his own spoyls After these were carried 400 Crowns all made of Gold and sent from the Cities by their respective Ambassadors to Emilius as a Reward due to his Valour Then he himself came seated on a Chariot magnificently adorn'd a Man worthy to be beheld even without these Ensigns of Power he was clad in a Garment of Purple inter woven with Gold and held out a Laurel Branch in his right hand All the Army in like manner with Boughs of Laurel in their hands divided into Bands and Companies follow'd the Chariot of their Commander some singing Odes according to the usual Custom mingled with Raillery others Songs of Triumph and the Praise of Emilius his Deeds who was admir'd and accounted happy by all Men and unenvy'd by every one that was good only that it seems the Province of some God to lessen that Happiness which is too great and inordinate and so to mingle the Affairs of Humane Life that no one should be entirely free and exempt from Calamities but as it is in Homer that those should think themselves truly bless'd to whom Fortune has given an equal share of Good and Evil. Emilius had four Sons of which Scipio and Fabius as is already related were adopted into other Families the other two which he had by a second Wife and were yet but young he brought up in his own House One of these died at 14 years of age five days before his Father's Triumph the other at 12 three days after so that there was no Roman without a deep sence of his Suffering and every one dreaded the Cruelty of Fortune that did not scruple to bring so much Sorrow into a House replenish'd with Happiness Rejoycing and Sacrifices and to intermingle Tears and Complaints with Songs of Victory and Triumph But Emilius reasoning according to Judgment consider'd that Courage and Resolution was not only requisite to resisâ— Armour and Spears but also to withstand all the Shocks of ill Fortune and so did he adapt and temper the necessity of his present Circumstances as to overbalance the Evil with the Good and his private Concerns with those of the publick that thus they might neither take away from the Grandeur nor sully the Dignity of his Victory For as soon as he had bury'd the first of his Sons as we have already said he triumph'd and the second deceasing almost as soon as his Triumph was over he gather'd together an Assembly of the People and made an Oration to them not like a Man that stood in need of Comfort from others but of one that undertook to support his fellow Citizens who griev'd for the Sufferings he himself underwent I says he that never yet fear'd any thing that was humane amongst such as were divine have always had a dread of Fortune as faithless and unconstant and on the very account that in this War she had been as a favourable Gale in all my Affairs I still expected some Change and Reflux of Things For in one day says he I pass'd the Ionian Sea and arriv'd from Brundisium at Corsica thence in five more I sacrific'd at Delphos and in other five days came to my Forces in Macedonia where after I had finish'd the usual Sacrifices for the purifying of the Army I fell to my design'd Business and in the space of 15 days put an honourable period to the War. But when I still had a jealousie of Fortune even from the smooth Current of my Affairs and saw my self secure and free from the Danger of an Enemy I chiefly dreaded the Change of the Goddess at Sea whilst through my Success I brought home with me so great and victorious an Army such vast Spoyls and Kings themselves Captives Nay more after I was return'd to you safe and saw the City full of Joy Congratulating and Sacrifices yet still did I suspect Fortune as well knowing that she never conferr'd any Benefits that were sincere and without some Allay Nor could my mind that was still as it were in Labour and always foreseeing something to befall this City free it self from this Fear until so great a Misfortune befel me in my own Family and that in the midst of those days set apart for Triumph I carried two of the best of Sons one after another to their Funerals Now therefore am I my self safe from Danger at least as to what was my greatest Care and I trust and am verily perswaded that for the time to come Fortune will prove constant and harmeless unto you for she has sufficiently wreck'd her Envy at our great Exploits on me and mine nor is the Conquerour a less famous Example of humane Frailty than the Man he led in Triumph with this only difference that Perseus though conquer'd does yet enjoy his Children and the Conquerour Emilius is depriv'd of his This was the generous and magnanimous Oration Emilius is said to speak to the People from a Heart truly sincere and free from all Artifice Although he very much pitied Perseus his condition and studied to befriend him in what he was able yet could he procure no other Favour than his removal from the common Prison into a more cleanly and humane Place of Security where whilst he was guarded it is said he starved himself to death Others relate a very particular and unheard of manner of his dying That the Souldiers that were his Guard having conceiv'd a Spite and Hatred against him for some certain Reasons and finding no other way to grieve and afflict him kept him from Sleep with all diligence disturb'd him when he was dispos'd to rest and found out Contrivances to continue him still waking by which means at length he was quite tired out and gave up the Ghost Two of his Children also died soon after him the third who was named Alexander they say prov'd an exquisite Artist in turning and graving in little and withal learn'd so perfectly to speak and write the Roman Language that he became Clerk to the Senate and behav'd himself in his Office with great Skill and Conduct They ascribe to Emilius
and a poor Company for he had but a 1000 Souldiers at the most and no more Provisions either of Corn or Money than were just necessary for the Maintenance and the Pay of that inconsiderable number Nor did the other Towns of Sicily confide in him being lately over-run with Violence and Outrage and then exasperated against all that should offer to lead Armies for the sake chiefly of Calippus an Athenian and Pharax a Lacedaemonian Captain and the Mischiefs they had suffer'd by their Treachery for both of them having given out that the design of their coming was to introduce Liberty and depose Tyrants they did so tyrannize themselves that the Reign of former Oppressors seem'd to be a Golden Age if compar'd with the Lordliness and Exaction of these pretended Deliverers who made the Sicilians reckon them to be far more happy that did expire in Servitude than any that had liv'd to see such a dismal Freedom so that looking for no better Usage from this Corinthian General but imagining that the same Devices and Wheadles were now again set a foot to allure and sweeten them by fair Hopes and kind Promises into the Obedience of a new Master they did all generally unless it were the People of Adranum suspect the Exhortations and reject the Overtures that were made them in his 〈◊〉 Now these were Inhabitants of a small City but that consecrated to Adraâ—us a certain God that was in high Veneration throughout Sicily and they happen'd then to be at variance among themselves insomuch that one Party call'd in Icetes and the Carthaginians to assist them while the other sent addresses to Timoleon that he would come and espouse their Quarrel Now it so fell out that these Auxiliaries striving which should be there soonest did both arrive at Adranum about the same time Icetes brought with him at least 5000 Fighting Men but all the Force Timoleon could make did not exceed 1200 with these he march'd out of Tauromenium which was above 42 miles distant from that City The first day he mov'd but slowly and took up his Quarters betimes after a short Journey but the day following he much quickned his pace and having pass'd through many difficult Places towards Evening he receiv'd Advice that Icetes was newly come to Adranum and lay encamp'd before it upon which Intelligence his Captains and other Officers caused the Vanguard to make a halt that the Army being refresh'd and having repos'd a while they might engage the Enemy with greater Briskness But Timoleon coming up in haste desir'd 〈◊〉 not to stop for that Reason but rather use all possible Diligence to surprize the Icetâ—ans whom probably they would now find in Disorder as having lately ended their March and being taken up at present in erecting Tents and preparing Supper which he had no sooner said but laying hold on his â—â—ckler and putting himself in the Front he led them on as it were to a certain Victory the braveness of such a Leader made them all follow him with a like Courage and Assurance They were now within less than 30 Furlongs of Adranum which having soon got over they immediately fell in upon the Enemy that was seiz'd with Confusion and begun to retire at their first Approaches whence also it came to pass that amidst so little Opposition and so early and general a Flight there were not many more than 300 slain and about twice the number made Prisoners but their Camp and Baggage was all taken The Fortune of this Onset soon oblig'd the Adranitans to unlock their Gates and embrace the Interest of Timoleon who recounted to him in a strange Affrightment and with great Admiration how at the very minute of that Encounter the Doors of their Temple flew open of their own accord that the Javelin also which their God held in his hand was observ'd to tremble at the Point and that drops of Sweat had been seen running down his Face which prodigious Accidents did not only presage the Victory that was then gotten but were an Omen it seems of all his future Exploits to which the leading Felicity of this Action gave him so fair an Entrance For now the neighbouring Cities and Potentates sent Deputies one upon another to seek his Friendship and make the Offer of their Service among the rest Mamercus the Tyrant of Catana both a stout Warriour and a wealthy Prince struck up an Alliance with him and what was of greater Importance still Dionysius himself being now grown desperate and well nigh forc'd to surrender began to despise Icetes as one shamefully baffled but much admiring the Valour of Timoleon found means to advertise him and his Corinthians that he should be content to deliver up himself and the Arsenal into their hands Timoleon gladly embracing this unlook'd for Advantage sends away Euclides and Telemachus two Corinthian Captains with 400 Men for the Seizure and Custody of the Castle who had Directions to enter not all at once or in open view for that was not to be done while the Enemy kept a Guard upon the Haven but only by stealth and in small Companies And so they took possession of that Fortress and the Palace of Dionysius with all the Stores and Ammunition he had prepar'd and laid up as useful to maintain the War for there was found within a good number of Horses and all manner of Engines and a multitude of Darts and Weapons to Arm out 70000 Men that had been the Magazine of old beside 2000 Souldiers that were then with him which he gave up likewise among the rest for Timoleon's Service But Dionysius himself putting his Treasure aboard and a few Friends sail'd away without the knowledge of Icetes and being brought to the Camp of Timoleon he there appear'd first in the lowly Guise and ignoble Equipage of a private Person and was shortly after sent to Corinth with a single Ship and a small sum of Money He who had been born and educated in the most splendid Court and the most absolute Monarchy that ever was which he held and kept up for the space of ten years after his Father's Death and since the Attempts of Dion who constrain'd him to quit the Empire had spent twelve years more in a continual Agitation of Wars and Scufflings and great variety of Fortune during which time all the Mischiess and Vexations â—â— his former Reign were abundantly 〈◊〉 and outdone by those Evils and Calamâ—ties which he then suffer'd for he liv'd â—â— see both the Funeral of his Sons being now about the Prime and Vigour of thâ—â— Age and the Rape of his Daughters â—â— the flower of their Virginity he had aâ—â—ther mortifying sight too from the 〈◊〉 and prostitution of his own Sister that bâ—came his Wife who being first villainoâ—â—y treated and her Person expos'd to all the Lust and Lewdness of the common Soâ—â—diery was then murther'd with her Children and their Bodies cast into the 〈◊〉 the Particulars whereof I have more exaâ—â—â—y related in the
haste or busi'd and taken up with other Concerns But if the unhappiness of Dionysius appear strange and extraordinary we shall have no less Reason to admire at the good Fortune of Timoleon who within 50 days after his landing in Sicily both recover'd the Cittadel of Syracuse and sent Dionysius an Exile into Peloponnesus Which lucky beginning did so animate the Corinthians that they order'd him a supply of 2000 Foot and 200 Horse who being come as far as Thuriuâ— intended to cross over thence into Sicily but finding all beset with Carthaginian Ships which made the Road unpassable they were constrain'd to stop there and watch their opportunity which time however was employ'd in a noble Action for the Thurians going out to war against those of Brutium left their City in charge with these Corinthian Strangers who defended it as carefully as if it had been their own Countrey and then resign'd it up again with the Justice and Faithfulness of honest Guardians Icetes in the interim continu'd still to besiege the Castle of Syracuse and hinder'd all Provisions from coming in by Sea to relieve the Corinthians that were in it He had engag'd also and dispatch'd towards Adranum two unknown Foreigners to assassine Timoleon who at other times did not use to have any standing Guard about his Person and was then altogether secure diverting himself without Jealousie or Caution among the Citizens of that Place through the Confidence he had not only in them but in the Favour and Protection of their God Adranus The Villains that were sent upon this Enterprize having casually heard that Timoleon was about to sacrifice came directly into the Temple with Poniards under their Cloaks and pressing in among the Crowd by little and little got up close to the Altar but as they were just looking for a Sign from each other to begin the Attempt a third Person struck one of them over the Head with a Sword who suddenly falling down neither he that gave the Blow nor the Partisan of him that receiv'd it kept their Stations any longer but the one making way with his bloody Sword put no stop to his Flight till he gain'd the top of a certain lofty Precipice while the other laying hold of the Altar besought Timoleon to spare his Life and he would reveal to him the whole Conspiracy his Pardon being granted he confess'd that both himself and his dead Companion were sent thither purposely to slay him While this Discovery was made he that kill'd the other Conspirator had been fetch'd down from his Sanctuary of the Rock who loudly and often protested as he came along that there was no Injustice in the Fact for he only took righteous Vengeance for his Father's Blood of a Man that had murder'd him before in the City of Leontium the truth whereof was attested by several there present who could not choose but wonder too at the curious Intrigues and the rare management of Providence which does so dextrously proceed and work in that admirable Order as to make this little Event the Spring and Motion to that great Emergency uniting every scatter'd Accident and loose Particular and remote Action and interweaving them together to serve its purposes from whence we see it frequently arrive that things otherwise extreamly different and that seem to have no connexion or dependance among themselves do interchangeably and by turns become the end and the beginning of each other The Corinthians therefore being satisfi'd as to the Innocence and Equity of this seasonable Feat did honour and reward the Author with a Present of 10 l. in their Money because he made use of his own just Indignation to gratifie the good Genius or guardian-Angel of Timoleon and did not spend those Resentments he had treasur'd up of old before that time but luckily defer the Revenge of a private Quarrel for his preservation But this so fortunate an Escape had Effects and Conâ—equences beyond the present for it inspir'd the Corinthians with mighty Hopes and future Expectations of Timoleon seeing the People now reverence and protect him as a sacred Person and one sent by God to avenge and redeem Sicily Icetes having miss'd of his aim in this enterprize and perceiving also that many went off and sided with Timoleon he began to chide himself for his foolish Modesty that when so considerable a Force of the Carthaginians lay ready to be commanded by him he should imploy them hitherto by degrees and in small numbers introducing their Auxiliaries by stealth and after a sneaking clandestine manner as if he had been asham'd of the Action Therefore now laying aside his former Niceness and Caution he calls in Mago their Admiral with his whole Navy who presently set Sayl and seiz'd upon the Port with a formidable Fleet of at least a 150 Vessels landing there 60000 Foot which were all lodg'd within the City of Syracuse so that in all mens opinion the time anciently talk'd of and long expected wherein Sicily should be over-run by a barbarous People was now come to its fatal period for in all their preceeding Wars and so many desperate Conflicts with those of Sicily the Carthaginians had never been able before this to take Syracuse but Icetes then receiving them and putting the City into their hands you might see it become now as it were a Camp of these Barbarians By this means the Corinthian Souldiers that kept the Castle found themselves brought into great Danger and Hardship for beside that their Provision grew scarce and they began to be in want because the Havens were strictly guarded and block'd up the Enemy did excercise them still with Skirmishes and Combats about their Walls and they were not only oblig'd to be continually in Arms but to divide and prepare themselves for Assaults and Encounters of every kind and to sustain the shock of all those forcible Engines and Instruments of Battery which are devis'd and made use of by such as besiege Cities Timoleon however made a shift to relieve them in these Straits sending Corn from Catana by small Fisher-Boats and little Skiffs which commonly got a Passage through the Carthaginian Galleys in the most tempestuous season creeping over the Waves and Billows and stealing up to the Castle when those other were driven and dispers'd by the stress of weather which Mago and Icetes observing they agreed to fall upon Catana from whence these Supplies were brought in to the Besieged and accordingly put off from Syracuse taking with them their prime chosen Men and the stoutest Souldiers in their whole Army Then Leo the Corinthian who was Captain of those that kept the Cittadel taking notice that the Enemies which stay'd there behind were very negligent and careless in keeping Guard made a sudden Sally upon them as they lay scatter'd wherein killing some and putting others to Flight he took and possess'd that Quarter which they call Acradina and was thought to be the best and strongest and the most entire part of
Syracuse a City made up and compacted as it were of several Towns put together having thus stor'd himself with Corn and Money he did not abandon the Place nor retire again into the Castle but fortifying the Precincts of Acradina and joyning it by certain Works to the Cittadel he undertook the defence of both Mago and Icetes were now come near to Catana when a Horse-man dispatch'd from Syracuse brought them tidings that Acradina was taken upon which they return'd in all haste with great Disorder and Confusion having neither been able to reduce the City they went against nor to preserve that they were Masters of Now these Adventures were such as might leave Foresight and Courage a pretence still of disputing it with Fortune which did contribute most to the Success of them But the following Event seems altogether an Effect of good Luck and can be ascrib'd to nothing but pure Felicity for the Corinthian Souldiers which stay'd at Thurium partly for fear of the Carthaginian Galleys which lay in wait for them under the Command of Hanno and partly because of the tempestuous Weather which had lasted for many days took a resolution to march by Land over the Brutian Territories and what with Perswasion and Force together made good their Passage through those Barbarians to the City of Rhegium the Sea being still rough and raging as before But Hanno not expecting the Corinthians would venture out and supposing it would be in vain to wait there any longer be thought himself as he imagin'd of a very notable Stratagem and such a cunning Invention as would be apt to delude and insnare the Enemy in pursuance of which Subtilty he commanded the Sea-men to crown themselves with Garlands and adorning his Galleys with Bucklers both of the Greek and Carthaginian Make he sail'd away for Syracuse in this triumphant Equipage and using all his Oars as he pass'd under the Castle with much Clapping and Laughter he cry'd out on purpose to dishearten the Besieged that he came from vanquishing and taking the Corinthian Succours which he fell upon at Sea as they were passing over into Sicily While he was thus trifling and playing his Tricks before Syracuse the Corinthians now come as far as Rhegium observing the Coast clear and that the Wind was laid as it were by Miracle to afford them in all appearance a quiet and smooth Passage went immediately aboard on such little Barques and Fisher-boats as were then at hand and got over to Sicily with so much safety and such a strange calmness that they drew their Horses by the Reins swiming along by them as the Vessels were under Sayl. When they were all landed Timoleon came to receive them and presently took in Messina by their means from whence he march'd in good order to Syracuse trusting more to his late prosperous Atchievements than his present strength for the whole Army he had then with him did not exceed the number of 4000 however Mago was troubled and fearful at the first notice of his coming but grew more apprehensive and jealous still upon this occasion The Marishes about Syracuse that receive agreat deal of fresh Water as well from Springs and Fountains as from Lakes and Rivers discharging themselves into the Sea do breed abundance of Eels which may be always taken there in great quantities by any that will fish for them Now the mercenary Souldiers that serv'd on both sides were wont to follow the Sport together at their vacant hours and upon any cessation of Arms who being all Greeks and having no Cause of private Enmity to each other as they would venture bravely in Fight so in the times of Truce they did meet and converse amicably together and at that season happening to be employ'd about the common business of Fishing they fell into various Conference some expressing their admiration as to the nature and fruitfulness of that Sea and others telling how much they were taken with the Convenience and commodious scituation of the adjacent Places which gave a hint to one of the Corinthian Party to demand thus of the others And is it possible that you who are Grecians born should be so forward to reduce a City of this Greatness and endu'd with so many rare Advantages into the state of Barbarism and lend your Assistance to plant Carthaginians that are the worst and bloodiest of men so much nearer to us whereas you should rather wish there were many more Sicilies to lye between them and Greece have you so little sense as to believe that they come hither with an Army from Hercules his Pillars and the Atlantick Sea to hazard themselves for the establishment of Icetes who if he had had the Consideration which becomes a General would never have thrown out his Ancestors and Founders to bring in the Enemies of his Countrey in the room of them but might have enjoy'd all suitable Honour and Command with consent of Timoleon and the rest of Corinth The Greeks that were in Pay with Icetes noising these Discourses about their Camp gave Mago some ground to suspect who had long sought for a Pretence to be gone that there was Treachery contriv'd against him so that albeit Icetes entreated him to tarry and made it appear how much stronger they were than the Enemy yet conceiving they came far more short of Timoleon both as to Courage and Fortune than they did surpass him in number he presently went aboard and set Sayl for Africa letting Sicily escape out of his hands with dishonour to himself and for such unknown Causes that no humane Reason could give an account of his departure The day after he went away Timoleon came up before the City appointed for a Battel but when he and his Company both heard of their sudden Flight and saw the Haven empty they could not forbear laughing at the Cowardise of Mago and by way of Mockery caus'd Proclamation to be made throughout that he should have a good Reward for his Intelligence who could bring them tidings whither it was that the Carthaginian Fleet had convey'd it self from them However Icetes resolving to fight it out alone and not quitting his hold of the City but sticking close to those Quarters he was in possession of as Places that were well fortifi'd and not easie to be attack'd Timoleon divided his Forces into three parts and fell upon that side himself where the River Anapus run and which was most strong and difficult of access commanding others that were led by Isias a Corinthian Captain to make their Assault from the Post of Acradina while Dinarchus and Demaretus that brought him the last Supply from Corinth should with a third Division attempt that Quarter which is call'd Epipolae So that a forcible Impression being made from every side at once by which the Souldiers of Icetes were beaten off and put to flight that the City now came to be taken by Storm and fall suddenly into their hands upon such a Defeat and Recession of
into the Territories of those that us'd it he compell'd Icetes first to renounce the Carthaginian Interest and further to consent that demolishing the Fortresses which were held by him he should live among the Leontinians as a private Person Leptines also the Tyrant of Apollonia and divers other little Towns after some Resistance made seeing the danger he was in to be taken by Force surrender'd himself wherupon Timoleon spar'd his Life and sent him away to Corinth counting it a very glorious thing both for himself and Countrey that their Mother-City should expose those Sicilian Tyrants to the view of other Greeks living now in an Exil'd and a low condition After this he return'd to Syracuse that he might have leisure to attend the Constitution of their Community and assist Cephalus and Dionysius who were sent from Corinth to make Laws in establishing the principal Things and the best Orders for a publick Settlement In the mean while having a mind that his hired Souldiers should not want Action but rather enrich themselves by some Plunder from the Enemy he dispatch'd Dinarchus and Demaretus with a select Body of them into a certain Province that belong'd to the Carthaginians who obliging several Cities to revolt from the Barbarians did not only live in great abundance themselves but rais'd Money from their Captives and their Prey to carry on the War. But when these Matters were transacting the Carthaginians landed at the Promontory of Lilybaeum bringing with them an Army of 70000 Men aboard 200 Galleys besides a 1000 other Vessels laden all with Engines of Battery and Chariots and quantity of Corn and other military Preparations as if they did intend not to manage the War by piece-meal and in parts as heretofore but to drive the Grecians altogether and at once out of all Sicily And indeed it was a Force sufficient to seize and subdue the Sicilians though they had then had the Entireness and the Strength of a perfect Union among themselves and much more when they were so infeebled through their own Distempers and harass'd in pieces by one another Hearing therefore that a Territory of their Dependance was laid waste they presently made toward the Corinthians with great Fury having Asdrubal and Hamilcar for their Generals the report of whose multitude and Approach flying suddenly to Syracuse they were so terrifi'd there at the greatness of such a Power that hardly 3000 among so many Myriads of them had the Courage to take up Arms and joyn themselves with Timoleon The Strangers that serv'd for Pay were not above 4000 in all and about a 1000 of those grew faint-hearted by the way and forsook Timoleon in his March toward the Enemy looking on him as a frantick and distracted Person destitute of that Sense and Consideration which might have been expected from one of his Age who must needs venture out against an Army of 70000 Men with no more than 5000 Foot and a 1000 Horse and when he should have stay'd to defend the City with the small Forces which he had chose rather to remove them eight days journey from Syracuse so that if they were beaten out of the Field there was no Place of Retreat whither they might retire with safety or if they happen'd to die upon the spot there would be none to take care of their Burial Timoleon however reckon'd it some kind of Advantage that they had thus discover'd themselves before the Battel and encouraging the rest he led them with all speed to the River Crimesus where it was told him the Carthaginians were drawn together and as he was marching up an Ascent from the top of which they might take a view of the Army and strength of the Enemy there met him by chance a company of Mules loaden with Parsly that which his Souldiers conceiv'd to be an ominous Occurrence or ill-boding Token because this is the very Herb wherewith we usually adorn the Sepulchres of the Dead which Custom gave birth to that desparing Proverb when we pronounce of one who is dangerously sick that he has need of nothing but Parsly which is in effect to say He is a dead Man and ready for his Grave Now that Timoleon might ease their Minds and free them from these superstitious Thoughts and such a fearful Expectation he put a stop to his March and having alledg'd many other things in a Discourse suitable to the Occasion he concluded it by saying That a Garland of Triumph was here luckily brought them and had fallen into their hands of its own accord as an Anticipation of Victory inasmuch as the Corinthians do crown those that get the better in their Isthmian Games with Chaplets of Parsly accounting it a sacred Wreath and proper to their Countrey for Parsly was ever then the conquering Ornament of the Isthmian as it is now of the Nemean Sports and it is not very long that Branches of the Pine-tree came to succeed and be made use of for that purpose Timoleon therefore as I said having thus bespoke his Souldiers took part of the Parsly wherewith he made himself a Chaplet first and then his Captains and their Companies did all crown themselves with it in imitation of their Leader The Soothsayers then observing also two Eagles on the wing toward them one of which bore a Dragon struck through with her Talons and the other as she flew made a great and terrible kind of noise which argu'd Boldness and Assurance they presently shew'd them to the Souldiers who with one consent fell to supplicate the Gods and call them in to their Assistance It was now about the beginning of Summer and conclusion of the Month call'd Thargelion when the season of the year inclines toward the Solstice the River then sending up a thick Mist all the adjacent Plain was first darkned with the Fog so that in a while they could discern nothing from the Enemies Camp only a confused Buz and undistinguish'd mixture of Voices came up to the Hill from the distant Motions and Clamours of so vast a Multitude When the Corinthians were mounted and stood upon it and had laid down their Bucklers to take breath and repose themselves the Sun coming about and drawing up the Vapours from below the gross foggy Air that was now gather'd and condens'd above did overcloud the Mountains and all the under Places being clear and open the River Crimesus appear'd to them again and they could easily desery the Enemies passing over it who mov'd in this order First with their warlike Chariots that were terribly appointed for the Conflict after these came 10000 Foot-men with white Targets on their Arms whom they guess'd to be all Carthaginians from the splendour of their Weapons and the slowness of their motion and the order of their March and when several other Nations flowing in behind them did throng for Passage in a turbulent and unruly manner Timoleon perceiving that the River gave them opportunity to single out as many of their Enemies
this desires you to read it presently for it contains Matters of Concern but Archias smilingly return'd Matters of Concern to morrow and so receiving the Letter he put it under his Pillow and then fell to his ordinary Discourse with Philidas and these words of his are a Proverb to this day amongst the Greeks Now when the Opportunity seem'd convenient for Action they march'd out in two Companies Pelopidas and Damoclides with their Party went against Leontidas and Hypates that liv'd near together Charon and Melon against Archias and Philip having put on Womens Apparel upon their Armour and thick Garlands of Fir and Pine to shade their Faces and therefore as soon as they came to the Door the Guests clapp'd and gave an Huzza thinking those had been the Women they expected But when the Conspirators had look'd about the Room and diligently view'd all that were at the Entertainment they drew their Swords and making at Archias and Philip over the Table presently discover'd what they were Philidas perswaded some few of his Guests to sit still and those that stirr'd and endeavour'd to assist their Officers being all drunk were easily dispatch'd But Pelopidas and his Party met with a harder Task for they attempted Leontidas a sober and stout Man and when they came to his house they found his Doors shut he being already gone to Bed they knock'd a long time before any one would answer but at last a Servant that heard them coming out and unbarring the Door as soon as the Gate gave way they rush'd in and over-turning the Man made all haste to Leontidas his Chamber But Leontidas guessing at the Matter by the noise and running leap'd from his Bed and drew his Dagger but forgot to put out the Lights and by that means make them fall foul on one another in the dark But now being easily seen by reason of the Light he received them at his Chamber-door and stabb'd Chephisidorus the first Man that entered he falling the next that he engag'd was Pelopidas between whom the Passage being narrow and Chephisidorus his Carkass lying in the way there was a fierce and dangerous dispute But at last Pelopidas prevail'd and having kill'd Leontidas he and his Companions went in pursuit of Hypates and after the same manner broke into his House but he perceiving the Design and flying to his Neighbours they closely follow'd and caught and kill'd him This done they joyn'd Melon and sent to hasten the Exiles they had left in Attica they proclaim'd Liberty to the Citizens and taking down the Spoyls from the Porches and breaking open all the Shops of Armoury that wear near they arm'd those that came to their Assistance Epaminondas and Gorgidas came in provided with a gallant Train of young Men and best of the old Now the City was in a strange Confusion a great noise and hurry Lights set up in every House Men running here and there yet the People did not gather into a Body but all amaz'd at the Actions and not clearly understanding the Matter waited for the Day And therefore the Spartan Officers are to be blam'd for not falling on presently since their Garrison consisted of about 1500 Men and many of the Citizens ran to them but terrify'd with the noise the Fires and the confus'd Running of the People they kept quietly within the Cadmea As soon as day appear'd the Exiles from Attica came in arm'd and there was a general Assembly of the People Epaminondas and Gorgidas brought forth Pelopidas and his Party incompass'd by the Priests who held out their Garlands and exhorted the People to fight for their Countrey and their Gods. The Assembly excited at this Appearance with Shouts and Acclamations receiv'd the Men as their Deliverers and Benefactors Then Pelopidas being chosen Governour of Beotia together with Melon and Charon presently block'd up the Castle and storm'd it on all sides being extreamly desirous to beat out the Lacedaemonians and free the Cadmea before an Army could come from Sparta to their Relief and he was so quick that they surrendring upon Articles met Cleombrotus at Megara marching towards Thebes with a considerable Force The Spartans condemn'd and executed Hermippides and Acissus two of their Governours at Thebes and Duscoridas the third being severely fin'd fled to Peloponnesus This Action being so like that of Thrasybulus in the Courage of the Actors the Danger the Encounters and equally crown'd with Success is call'd its Sister by the Greeks for we can scarce find any others who being few and weak by their bold Courage overcame their more numerous and more powerful Enemies and brought greater Blessings to their Countrey But the following change of Affairs made this Action the more famous for that War which brake the Spartan's Power and for ever ruin'd their Pretensions to command proceeded from that night in which Pelopidas not surprizing any Castle Garrison or Town but coming the twelfth Man to his own private House loos'd and broke if we may speak Truth in Metaphor the Chains of the Spartan Government which before seem'd Adamant and indissoluble Now when the Lacedaemonians invaded Beotia with a great Army the Athenians frighted at the Danger declar'd themselves no Allies to Thebes and prosecuting those that stood for the Beotian Interest some they executed some they banish'd and fin'd some and thus the Affairs of Thebes having no Allies for their Support seem'd in a desperate condition But Pelopidas and Gorgidas being Governours of Beotia and designing to breed a Quarrel between the Spartans and Athenians made this Contrivance One Sphodrias a Man famous indeed for Martial Exploits but of no sound Judgement full of ungrounded Hopes and foolish Ambition was left with an Army at Thespia to receive and succour the Theban Renegades Pelopidas privately sent a Merchant a Friend of his to carry him Money and what prov'd more prevalent advice that it more became a Man of his Worth to set upon some great Enterprize and making a sudden Incursion on the unprovided Athenians surprize the Pireum for nothing could be so grateful to Sparta as to take Athens and to be sure the Thebans would not stir to their Assistance whom they now hated and look'd upon as Traytors Sphodrias being at last wrought upon with his Army march'd into Attica by Night and advanc'd as far as Eleusina but there his Souldiers Hearts failing and his Design discover'd when by this Action he had engag'd the Spartans in a dangerous War he retreated to Thespia for upon this the Athenians very readily sent Supplyes to Thebes and putting to Sea themselves sail'd to many Places and receiv'd and engag'd those who were willing to revolt Now the Thebans singly having many Skirmishes with the Spartans and fighting some Battels not great indeed but fit to train them up and instruct them their Minds were rais'd and their Bodies inur'd to Labour and they got both Experience and Courage by these frequent Encounters insomuch that 't
he conceal'd not the Respect that he had for him and this the other Ambassadors perceiv'd tho'he seem'd to have done Antaclidas the Spartan the greatest Honour by sending him that Garland dipp'd in Oyntment which he himself had worn at an Entertainment Indeed he did not deal so wantonly with Pelopidas but according to the Custom gave him the most splendid and considerable Presents and granted him his Desires that the Grecians should be free Messena inhabited and the Thebans accounted the King's ancient Friends with these Answers but not accepting one of the Presents except what was a Pledge of Kindness and Good-will he return'd This Behaviour of Pelopidas ruin'd the other Ambassadors The Athenians condemn'd and executed their Timagoras and indeed if they did it for receiving so many Presents from the King their Sentence was just and good for he not only took Gold and Silver but a rich Bed and Slaves to make it as if the Greeks were unskilful in that Art besides 80 Kine and Herdsmen as if he needed Cows Milk for some Distemper and lastly he was carry'd in a Chair to the Sea-side and 4 Talents given to the Chair-men by the King. But the Athenians were not so much concern'd at his greediness for the Presents for one Epicrates a Scullion did not only confess to the People that he had receiv'd Gifts from the King but made a Motion that instead of 9 Governours they should yearly chuse nine poor Citizens to be sent Ambassadors to the King and enrich'd by his Presents and the People only laugh'd at the Motion but were vex'd that the Thebans obtain'd their Desires never considering that Pelopidas his Fame was more powerful than all their Rhetorical Discourse with a Man who still inclin'd to the most victorious and this Embassy having obtain'd the Restitution of Messena the Freedom of the other Greeks got Pelopidas a great deal of Love at his Return At this time Alexander the Pherean falling back to his old Nature and having seiz'd many of the Thessalians and put Garrisons upon the Pthiotae Achaian and Magnesians the Cities hearing that Pelopidas was return'd sent an Embassy to Thebes requesting Succours and him for their Leader The Thebans willingly granted their desire and now when all things were prepar'd and the General beginning to march the Sun was eclips'd and darkness spread o're the City at Noon-day Now when Pelopidas saw them startled at the Prodigy he did not think it fit to force them on who were afraid and out of heart nor to hazard 7000 of his Citizens and therefore only with 300 Horse Voluntiers he set forward to Thessaly much against the will of the Augurs his Citizens who all imagin'd this considerable Accident to portend somewhat to this great Man. But he was fierce against Alexander for the Injuries he receiv'd and hop'd likewise by the Discourse which formerly he had with Thebe that his Family by this time was divided and out of order But the Glory of the Expedition chiefly excited him for he was extreamly desirous at this time when the Lacedaemonians assisted Dionysius the Sicilian Tyrant and the Athenians took Alexander's Pay and honour'd him with a brazen Statue as a Benefactor to show the other Greeks that the Thebans alone undertook their Cause who were oppress'd by Tyrants and destroy'd the violent and Illegal Forms of Government in Greece When Pelopidas was come to Pharsalus he form'd an Army and presently march'd against Alexander and Alexander understanding that Pelopidas had few Thebans with him and that his Inafntry was double the number of the Thessalians fac'd him at Thetidium and when one told Pelopidas The Tyrant meets us with a great Army So much the better he reply'd for then we shall overcome the more Between the two Armies lay some steep high Hills about Cynocephale which both Parties endeavour'd to take by their Footmen Pelopidas commanded his Horse which were good and many to charge the Enemies and those they routed and pursu'd through the Plain But Alexander took the Hills and charging the Thessalian Footmen that came up later and strove to climb the steep and craggy Ascent kill'd the foremost and the others much distress'd could do the Enemies no harm Pelopidas observing this sounded a Retreat to his Horse and gave Orders that they should charge the Enemies that kept their ground and he himself taking a Shield in his hand quickly joyn'd those that fought about the Hills and advancing to the Front fill'd his Men with such Courage and Alacrity that the Enemies imagin'd they came with other Spirits and other Bodies to the Onset They stood 2 or 3 Charges but finding they came on briskly and the Horse returning from the pursuit they gave ground and retreated in order But Pelopidas perceiving from a rising ground that the Enemies Army was not yet routed tho' full of Disorder and Confusion he stood and look'd about for Alexander and when he saw him in the right wing encouraging and ordering his Mercenaries he could not moderate his Anger but inflam'd at the sight and blindly and heedlesly following his Passion he advanc'd far before his Souldiers crying out and challenging the Tyrant he did not dare to receive him but retreating hid himself amongst his Guard. The foremost of the Mercenaries that came hand to hand were cut down by Pelopidas and many kill'd but many at a distance shot through his Arâ—our and wounded him till the Thessalians deeply concern'd at the Matter ran down from the Hill to his Relief Now when he was slain the Horse came up and routed the Phalanx and following the pursuit a great way fill'd the whole Country with the slain which were above 3000. 'T is no wonder that the Thebans then present were very much griev'd for the Death of Pelopidas calling him their Father Deliverer and Instructor in all that was good and commendable But the Thessalians and the Allies exceeding by their publick Edicts all the just Honours that could be given to Courage by their Concernment gave more certain demonstrations of the Kindness they had for him for 't is reported that none of the Souldiers when they heard of his Death would put off their Armour unbridle their Horses or dress their Wounds but still hot and with their Arms on ran to his Carkass as if he had been yet alive they heap'd up Spoyls about his Body cut off their Horses Mains and their own Hair and many kindled no Fire in their Tents took no Supper and Silence and Sadness was spread o're all the Army as if they had not gotten the greatest and most victorious Victory but were overcome by the Tyrant and inslav'd As soon as this was nois'd about the Cities the Magistrates Youth Children Priests came out to meet the Body and brought Trophies Crowns and Suits of golden Armour and when he was to be intâ—â—r'd the Elders of the Thessalians came and begg'd the Thebans that they might give the Funeral and
to be deduced from the strokes that are given in fight for now also in all conflicts when they press upon their Enemies they mutually encourage each other to strike These Spoils are properly call'd Opima i. e. magnifie and ample though in their Commentaries they say that Numa Pompilius made mention of first second and third opime Spoils and that he prescribes that the first taken be consecrated to Jupiter Feretrius the second to Mars the third to Quirinus as also that the reward of the first be three hundred asses or half-pennies of the second two hundred of the third one hundred but fame hath obtain'd that those Spoils only are honourable which the General first takes in Battel and takes from the Enemies chief Captain whom he hath slain with his own hand But of these things enough This Victory and the ending of the War was so highly grateful to the people of Rome that they sent to Apollo of Delphos in testimony of their gratitude a Present a golden Cup of an hundred pound weight and gave a great part of the prey to their associate Cities and took care that many Presents should be carried also to Hiero King of the Syracusans their Friendand Allie But at what time Hannibal made an irruption into Italy Marcellus was dispatch'd with a Fleet into Sicily Soon after the Roman Army having suffer'd that sad defeat in the Battel of Cannae in which many thousands of them perished when few had saved themselves by flying to Cannusium and all fear'd lest Hannibal who had destroy'd the strength of the Roman Army should straight post with his Victorious Troops to Rome Marcellus first sent for a guard of the City 1500 Souldiers which were design'd for the Fleet. Then by decree of the Senate going to Cannusium having heard that many of the Souldiers had come together in that place he brought them out of the Fortifications to prevent the Enemies ravaging and depopulation of the Countrey And the Princes and chief Noblemen of Rome had most of them fallen in Battels But the Citizens complain'd that the anxious care of Fabius Maximus who for his Faith and Prudence was of greatest authority in bewaring lest the Common-wealth might sustain any detriment 〈◊〉 too slow for the management of Affairs aâ—d full of fear They thought him indeed â—t and confided in him for providing for theâ— safety yet they held him not to be a Captain brisk and daring enough to repel thâ— Enemy Wherefore converting their thoughâ— upon Marcellus and tempering and compounding his boldness confidence anâ— promptitude with Fabius's caution and providence they sent one while both witâ— Consular command otherwhile one as Consul the other as Proconsul against the Enemy Posidonius writes that Fabius waâ— call'd the Buckler Marcellus the Sword oâ— Rome Certainly Hannibal himself confessed that he feared Fabius as a Schoolmaster Marcellus as an Adversary the former lest he should be hindred from doing mischief the latter lest he should receive harm And when among Hannibal's Souldiers proud of their late Victory licentiousness and cruelty was grown to a great height Marcellus setting upon them dispersed without their Camp and loaden with prey and plunder gotten in the Countrey cut them off and by little and little diminished his Forces Hence bringing aid to the Neapolitans and Nolans he confirmed the minds of the former of their own accord faithful enough to the Romans But entring Nola he there found discord the Senate not being able â—o rule and keep in the common people â—ho were generally favourers of Hannibal There was in the Town one Bantius a man renown'd for Nobility and Virtue This man after he had fought most fiercely at Cannae killed many of the Enemies and at last lying in a heap of dead bodies covered with Darts being found and brought â—o Hannibal Hannibal so honoured him â—hat he not only dismissed him without ranâ—om but also contracted an entire friendâ—hip with him and became his guest In gratitude for this great favour he became â—ne of those that drew all things to Hanâ—ibal's interest and being powerful in Riâ—hes sollicited the people to Sedition Marâ—ellus could not be induced to put this man to death a man so eminent and who had pass'd so great dangers in fighting on the Romans side but knowing that himself was able not only by singular humanity â—ut also by gentle and winning Speech to â—eeten and endear men and to gain upâ—n even a proud mind when Bantius came â—ne day to salute him he asked him who â—e was not that he knew him not beâ—â—re but seeking an entrance and occasion â—f conference When Bantius had told who he â—as Marcellus seeming surpriz'd with joy and wonder replied art thou that Bantius whom the Romans commend above the rest that fought at Cannae and praise as the person that did not onely not forsake the Consul Paulus Aemilius but receive in his own body many Darts thrown at him Bantius owning himself to be that very man and shewing his Scars why then saith Marcellus didst not thou having so great marks of thy good affection toward us come to me at my first arrival here Dost thou think that we are unwilling to requite with favour those who have well deserved and who are honoured even by our Enemies Besides this obliging courtesie of Speech embracing the young Gentleman he gave him an excellent Horse and five hundred Bigates that is pieces of money stamp'd with a Chariot drawn by two Horses From that time Bantius became a most faithful Assistant and Allie of Marcellus and a most sharp Discoverer and Delator of those that attempted Innovation and Sedition These were many and had enter'd into a Conspiracy to plunder the Waggons and other Carriages of the Romans when they should make an eruption against the Enemy Wherefore Marcellus having marshal'd his Army within the City placed the baggage near to the Gates and by an Edict forbad the Nolans to go to the Walls Without the City no Arms appear'd by which prudent device he allured Hannibal to move with his Army in some disorder to the City thinking that there all things were full of tumult Then Marcellus the next Gate being as he had commanded thrown open issuing forth with the flower of his Horse in front fights with the Enemy By and by the Foot sallying out of another Gate with a loud shout ran up to them And while Hannibal opposes to these part of his forces the third Gate also is opened out of which the rest break forth and on all quarters charge the Enemies surprized with fear at this unexpected encounter nor strongly enough resisting those with whom they had been first engaged because of their attack by others that sallied later Here it was that Hannibal's Souldiers with huge consternation and many wounds beaten back even to their Camp first turned their backs to the Romans pursuing them There fell in this Action as it is related of them more than five thousand of the Romans
not above five hundred Livy affirms that neither the Victory nor the slaughter of the Enemies was so great but certain it is that the adventure brought great glory to Marcellus and to the Romans mighty confidence after their Calamities because they now conceived a strong hope that the Enemy with whom they contended was not invincible but obmoxious to Defeats Therefore the other Consul being deceas'd the people recall absent Marcellus that they might put him into his place and in spight of the Magistrates obtained that the Consular Assembly should be prorogued till his arrival and that he was by all the Suffrages created Consul But because it happen'd to thunder the Augurs muttering that he was not legitimately created and yet not daring for fear of the people to declare this their Sentence openly Marcellus voluntarily resigned the Consulate but declined not the Sovereign Command of the Army So being created Proconsul and returning to the Camp at Nola he with fire and Sword wasted the fields of those that followed the Party of the Carthaginian Who coming with speed to succour them Marcellus though provoked by Hannibal declined fighting a set Battel with him But when Hannibal had sent forth a Party to plunder and now expected no Fight Marcellus brake forth upon him with his incensed Army He had distributed to the Foot long Lances such as are commonly used in Naval fights and instructed them to throw them with great force at convenient distance against the Enemies unexperienced in that way of Darting and used to Fight with short Darts Which seems to have been the cause why in that conflict the Carthaginians as many as were engaged turned their backs and shamefully fled There fell of them five thousand Of Elephants four were killed two taken But what was of greatest moment on the third day after more than three hundred Horse Spaniards and Numidians mix'd fled over to him a disaster that had never to that Day hapned to Hannibal who had long kept together in highest Concord a fierce Army gathered out of the sink and dregs of dissonant and disagreeing Nations Marcellus and his Successors in all this War made good use of the faithful service of these Horsemen Now he a third time created Consul sailed over into Sicily For the success of Hannibal had excited the Carthaginians to lay claim to that whole Island chiefly because after the murther of the Tyrant Hieronymus all things had been in tumult and confusion at Syracuse For which reason the Romans also had sent before to that City some Legions under the conduct of Appius Praetor While Marcellus was receiving that Army the Roman Souldiers in great numbers cast themselves at his feet upon occasion of this calamity Of those that surviv'd the Battel at Cannae some had escaped by flight some were taken alive by the Enemy in so great a multitude that it was thought there were not remaining Romans enough to defend the walls of the City And yet the magnanimity and constancy of the City was so great that it would not redeem the Captives from Hannibal though it might have done so for little ransom nay by a decree of the Senate denied it and chose rather to leave them to be kill'd by the Enemy or sold out of Italy and commanded that all who had saved themselves by flight should be transported into Sicily nor permitted to return into Italy until the War with Hannibal should be ended These therefore when Marcellus was arriv'd in Sicily address'd to him in great numbers and casting themselves at his feet with much lamentation and tears humbly besought him to admit them into the honourable Order of Souldiers and promised to make it appear by their future fidelity and services that that defeat had been received rather by some misfortune than by any cowardise of theirs Marcellus pitying them petitioned the Senate by Letters that he might have leave at all times to recruit his Legions out of them But after much debate about the thing the Senate Decreeâ— They were of opinion that the Commonwealth ought not to be committed to Cowardly Souldiers if Marcellus perhaps thought otherwise he might make ufe oâ— them provided no one of them be by the General honoured with a Crown or military Gift as a reward of his Virtue or Courage This Decree pinched Marcellus who being return'd to Rome after the Sicilian War was ended smartly upbraided the Senate that they had denied to him who had so highly deserved of the Republick Liberty to relieve so great a number of Citizens in great calamity About the same time Marcellus first incensed by injuries done him by Hippocrates Praetor of Syracuse who to give proof of his good affection to the Carthaginians and to acquire the Tyranny to himself had made a great slaughter of the Romans upon the borders of the Leontins besieged and by force took the City of the Leontins yet violated none of the Townsmen Onely Deserters as many as he took underwent the punishment of the Rods and Ax. But Hippocrates first sending a report to Syracuse that Marcellus had put all the young men to the Sword and then coming upon the Syracusans risen up into a tumult upon that false Report surpriz'd the City Hereupon Marcellus moved with his whole Army to Syracuse and encamping near the Wall sent Ambassadors into the City to relate to the Syracusans the truth of what had been done in Leontium When these could not prevail by Treaty the Syracusans being now no longer at their own will and pleasure because the whole power was in the hands of Hippocrates the City began to be oppugned both by Land and by Sea. All the Foot Appius brought up Marcellus with LX. Gallies each with five Oars in a Seat furnish'd with all sorts of Arms and Weapons to be thrown and a huge Bridge of Planks laid upon eight Ships chain'd together upon which he carried the Engin to cast stones and Darts assaulted the Walls animated with confidence by the abundance and magnificence of his preparations and by his own glory All which were easily eluded by Archimedes and his Machines Of these he had design'd and contriv'd none as worth the pains and cost but to divert and sport himself in the exercise of his skill in Geometry A good while before King Hiero had courted and induced Archimedes to put into practice some part of his admirable speculations in this Art to shew some example of the power of it and to exhibit to the sense an experiment accommodated to use For Eudoxus and Archytas had first begun to set on foot this celebrated and admired Machinal Science by this elegancy illustrating Geometry and Propositions by demonstration that may be explicated by reason and clear evidence and confirming the more remote by examples of Organs or Instruments objected to Sense As both of them brought to light that abstruce and by demonstration inexplicable Proposition of two middle lines an Element necessary to delineate many things by contriving
people nor by the Senate but either the Consul or Praetor before the Assembly pronounces him to be Dictator whom he hath approved Wherefore that great Magistrate is call'd Dictator à dicendo Others affirm that he is named Dictator not from a decree of the Senate nor from an Order of the common-people but because his word is a Law and he commands what he pleases For the Romans call the Magistrates Commands Edicts But now because Marcellus's Collegue who was recall'd from Sicily had a mind to name another Man Dictator and would not be forced to change his Opinion he sail'd away by Night into Sicily So the common people made an Order that Q. Fabius should be chosen Dictator and the Senate by an express commanded Marcellus to nominate him He obeying proclaim'd him Dictator acccording to the order of the common people but the Office of Procoâ—â—â—â— was continued to himself for a Year 〈◊〉 when he had before resolved with Fabius that while he besieged Tarentum himself would by following and drawing up and down Hannibal detain him from coming to the relief of the Tarentins he overtook him at Cannusium and as Hannibal often shifted his Camp and still declined the Combat he every where attended to engage him At â—ast pressing upon him encamping by light â—kirmishes he provok'd him to a Battel but Night again divided them in the very heat of the Conflict The next day Marcellus again shew'd himself in Arms and brought up his Forces in array Hannibal enraged with extream grief calls his Carthaginians *********** together to an Harangue and vehemently prays them to enter into Battel with courage that they might maintain the honour and renown they had formerly acquired For you see saith he how after so great Victories we have not liberty to respire nor to repose our selves though Victors unless we drive this man back Then the two Armies joyning Battel they fought most fiercely when the event of an untimely stratagem shew'd that Marcellus was guilty of an Error The Right wing being hard press'd upon he commanded the twelfth Legion to be brought up to the front of his engaged 〈◊〉 This change perturbing the 〈◊〉 and posture of the Legions gave the Victory to the Enemies and there fell two thousand seven hundred Romans Marcellus after he had retreated into his Camp calling his Souldiers together I see said he many Roman Arms and Bodies but I see not so much as one Roman To them imploring his pardon he refus'd to give it while they remain'd beaten but promis'd to give it so soon as they should overcome and that he resolv'd to bring them into the Field again the next day that the fame of their Victory might arrive at Rome before that of their flight Dismissing the Assembly he commanded Barly instead of Wheat to be given to those Companies of Foot that had turned their baâ—â—â—s These things were so bitter to the Souldiers that though a great number of them were grievously wounded yet they report there was not one to whom the Generals Oration was not more painful and smarting than his wounds The Day breaking a Scarlet Cassock the sign of instant Battel was shewn forth The Foot-Companies mark'd with ignominy begg'd they might be posted before the Ensigns and obtain'd their request Then the Tribunes or Collonels bring forth the rest of the forces and strengthen the first Battel with aids or reserves inserted Whereof Hannibal being advertised O strange saith he what will you do with this man who can bear neither good nor bad fortune He is the onely man who neither suffers us to rest when he is Victor nor resteth himself when he is overcome Shall we perpetually fight with him who both in prosperous and adverse successes hath modesty to cover his fierceness and boldness Then the Armies rush upon each other When the Fight was doubtful Hannibal commanded the Elephants to be brought into the first Battalion and to be driven upon the Van of the Romans When the Beasts trampling upon many soon disordered the Ensignes Flavius a Tribune of Souldiers snatching an Ensign meets them and wounding the first Elephant with the Ensign-staff puts him to flight The Beast turned back upon the next averts both him and the rest that followed This Marcellus seeing pours in his Horse with great force upon the disordered Elephants and commands terrour to be added to their confusion that they might tread and crush each other under their feet The Horse making a fierce impression pursued the Carthaginians home to their Camp cutting down a great number in the pursuit The Elephants also wounded and running upon their own Party made a very great slaughter of the Enemies 'T is said more than eight thousand were slain of the Roman Army three thousand were slain and almost all wounded This was the thing that gave Hannibal opportunity to dislodge in the silence of the Night and to remove to greater distance from Marcellus whom care and solicitude for his wounded men kept from pursuing him though he vehemently desired so to do Wherefore by soft and small Marches he removed into Campania and to refresh his Souldiers he kept them during the heat of the Summer lodged in Houses But because Hannibal having disentangled himself from Marcellus rambled with his Army round about the Countrey and wasted Italy as now free from all fear at Rome Marcellus was evil spoken of Whose Detractors induced C. Publicius Bibulus Tribune of the People a man Eloquent and fierce to undertake his accusation He by assiduous Harangues prevail'd upon the People to abrogate from Marcellus the command of the Army Seeing that Marcellus saith he a little time exercised in the War hath retired himself to take care of his Body as if from the wrestling place to hot Baths Marcellus hereof advertised appointed Lieutenants to govern his Camp and hasted to Rome to refute the Crimes charged upon him and he there found ready drawn up against him an Impeachment consisting of those Calumnies At the Day prefix'd in the Flaminian Circus into which place the people had assembled themselves Bibulus from a higher place accused him Marcellus answered using a succinct and plain Speech But the Lords and Princes of the City discoursed many things of the greatness of his Exploits and Atchievements very freely advising the People not to shew themselves worse Judges than the Enemy condemning Marcellus of timidity from whom alone of all their Captains the Enemy fled and perpetually endeavour'd not to come to blows with him but to fight with the rest When they made an end of speaking the Accuser's hope to obtain Judgement on his side so far deceiv'd him that Marcellus was not onely absolved but the fifth time created Consul No sooner had he entred upon the Consulate but he surpressed a huge commotion in Hetruria that had proceeded near to a Defection and entring the Towns softned the minds of the Citizens Hence when the dedication of the Temple which he had vowed out of the
Phanippus during whose Regency they obtained the Victory of Marathon Aristides is Registred Of all his Vertues the Vulgar were most affected with his Justice because of its continual and common use Whence being a Person of mean fortune and Birth he possessed himself of the most Kingly and divine Appellation of Just Which no King or Tyrant ever sought after who have taken delight to be surnamed Overcomers of Cities Thunderers Conquerours and some Eagles and Hawks Affecting it seems the Reputation which proceeds from Power and Violence rather than that of Vertue Although the Divinity to whom they desire to compare and assimilate themselves excels in three things Immortality Power and Vertue but the most venerable and Divine is Vertue For the Elements and Vacuum have Immortality Earthquakes Thunders Storms and Torrents have great power but as for Justice and Equity nothing participates thereof except what is Divine by the means of Sapience and Ratiocination Wherefore there being three ways the Vulgar stand affected towards the Deity an esteem of his happiness a fear and honour of him they seem to think him blest and happy for his want of Death and Corruption to fear and reverence him for his Power and Dominion But to love honour and adore him for his Justice Nevertheless being thus disposed they covet that Immortality which our Nature is not capable of and that Power the greatest part of which is at the disposal of Fortune but foolishly postpone the onely Divine good in us Vertue For as much as Justice makes such as are in Prosperty Power and Authority to lead the life of a God the contrary that of a Beast Aristides therefore had at first the fortune to be belov'd for this surname but at length envied Especially when Themistocles spread a Rumour amongst the people that by determining and judging all matters by himself having destroyed the Courts of Judicature he secretly made way for a Monarchy in his own person without the assistance of Guards Now the spirits of the people grown high and set on great matters by reason of their late Victory were offended at all of eminent Fame and Reputation Coming together therefore from all parts into the City they banished Aristides by the Ostracism giving their Envy to his Reputation the Name of Fear of Tyranny For it was not the punishment of any flagitious Act but speciously term'd the Depression and Restraint of exceeding Greatness and Power It was a gentle mitigation of Envy determining its malice to work Injuries in no intolerable thing only a 10 years Banishment But after the People began to subject base and villanous Fellows hereunto they desisted from it Hyperbolus being the last whom they banished by the Ostracism The cause of Hyperbolus his banishmenâ— is said to be this Alcibiades and Nieias Men that bore the greatest sway in the City were of different factions As the people therefore were about to Vote the Ostracism and apparently to decree it against one of them consulting together and uniting their Parties they contrived the Banishment of Hyperbolus Whereupon the people being offended as if some Contempâ— or Affront was put upon the thing lest off and quite abolished it It was performed to be short in this manner Every one taking the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Shell and writing upon it the Citizen's Name he would have banished carried it to a certain part of the Market-place surrounded with wooden Rails First the Magistrates numbered all the Shells in gross for if there were less than six hundred the Ostracism was imperfect then laying every Name by it self they pronounced him whose Name was written by the major part banished for ten Years enjoying his Estate As therefore they were Inscribing their Shells it is reported that a very illiterate clownish Fellow giving Aristides his Shelâ— as to one of the Mobile entreated him to write Aristides upon it but he being amazed and asking if Aristides had ever done him any injury None at all said he neither know I the man but am troubled to bear him spoken of every where as a just Person Aristides hearing this is said to have made no Reply but returned the Shell with the Inscription of his own Name At his departure from the City lifting up his Hands to Heaven he prayed as appears contrary to Achilles that the Athenians might never have any occasion which should constrain them to remember Aristides Nevertheless three Years after when Xerxes marched through Thessaly and Baeotia into the Countrey of Attica Repealing the Law they Decreed the return of the Banished chiefly fearing Aristides lest joyning himself to the Enemy he should corrupt and bring over many of his Fellow Citizens to the party of the Barbarians being mistaken in the Man who even before the Decree was continually exciting and encouraging the Grecians to the defence of their Liberty And afterwards when Themistocles was General of the Athenians he assisted him in all things both of Action and Council rendring the greatest Enemy he had the most glorious of men in consideration of the common security For when Eurybiades was deliberating to desert the Isle of Salamis and the Gallies of the Barbarians putting out by Nighâ— to Sea surrounded and beset the narroâ— passage and Islands no body knowing hoâ— they were environed Aristides undauntedly sailed from Aegina through the Enemies Fleet and coming by Night to Themistocleâ— his Pavilion and calling him out by himself If we are Wise said he Themistocleâ— laying aside at this time our vain aad childisâ— contention let us enter upon a safe and honourable dispute contending with each other foâ— the preservation of Greece you in the Rulinâ— and Commanding I in the Executive and Advising part For as much as I now understanâ— that you alone adhere to the best Advice in counselling without any delay to engage in thâ— Streights And though our own party opposeâ— yet the Enemy seems to assist you herein Foâ— the Sea behind and all around us is covered with their Fleet so that we are under a necessity of approving our selves men of Couragâ— and Fighting whether we will or no foâ— there is no room left us for flight To which Themistocles answered I would not willingly Aristides be overcome by you on this occasion and shall endeavour in emulation 〈◊〉 this commendable beginning to go beyond thâ— same in my Actions Also relating to hiâ— the Stratagem he had framed against thâ— Barbarians he entreated him to persuade Eurytiades and shew him how it was impossible they should save themselves without an Engagement For he gave more to him Whence in the Council of War Cleocritus the Corinthian telling Themistocles that Aristides did not like his Advice for he was present and said nothing Aristides â—nswered That he should not hold his peace if Themistocles did not speak that which was â—ost expedient but that he was now silent not â—ut of any good will to the person but in apâ—robation of his
Counsel In this sort were â—he Grecian Captains busied But Aristides â—erceiving Psyttalia a small Island that lieth â—ithin the streights over against Salamis wholâ— taken up by the Enemy he put aboard â—is Tenders the most forward and couraâ—ious of his Country-men and went ashore â—pon it and joyning Battel with the barâ—arous people slew them all except such â—emarkable Persons as were taken alive Aâ—ongst these were three Children of Canâ—auce the King's Sister whom he immediâ—tely sent away to Themistocles and it is reâ—orted that according to a certain Oracle â—hey were by the Command of Euphrantides â—he Seer sâ—crificed to Bacchus Omestes or â—he Devouâ—er But Aristides surrounding â—he Island with Armed Men lay in wait â—r such as were cast thereon to the intent none of his Friends should perish or any of his Enemies escape For the greatest engagement of the Ships and the main fury of the whole Battel seemeth to have been about this place Wherefore a Trophy was erected in Psyttalia After the fight Themistocles to sound Aristides told him they had performed a good piece of service but there was a better yet to be done the keeping Asia in Europe by sayling forthwith to the Hellespont and cutting in sunder the Bridg. But Aristides exclaiming desired him to let fall the Discourse but to deliberate and Essay as soon as possible to remove the Mede out of Greece lest being inclosed through want of means to escape necessity should convert him to force his way with so great an Army So Themistocles once more dispatched Arnaces the Eunuch his Prisoner giving him in Command privately to advertise the King that he had diverted the Greeks from their intention oâ— setting Sail for the Bridges out of a desire hâ— had to preserve him Xerxes being much terrified herewith immediately speeded tâ— the Hellespont But Mardonius was leâ—â— with the most serviceable part of the Army about three hundred thousand 〈◊〉 and was formidable through 〈◊〉 great confidence he had reposed in his Infantry menacing the Grecians and writing to theâ— in this manner You have overcome by Sea Men accustomed to sight on Land and unskilled at the Oar but now there is in the Champaign Countrey of Thessaly and the Plains of Beeotia convenient for the Valiant either Horse or Foot to contend in But he sent privately to the Athenians both by Letter and word of Mouth from the King promising to re-edifie their City to give them a vast sum of Money and constitute them Lords of all Greece on condition they were not engaged in the War. The Lacedaemonians being advertised hereof and fearing dispatched an Embassy to the Athenians entreating that they would send their Wives and Children to Sparta and receive Alimony from them for their superannuated For being spoiled both of their City and Countrey an extream poverty oppressed the people Having given Audience to the Embassadors they returned an Answer upon the motion of Aristides which was to admiration declaring that they forgave their Enemies if they thought all things â—urchasable by wealth than which they knew noâ—hing of greater value but that they were highâ—y offended at the Lacedaemonians because they â—ad respect onely to their present poverty and â—xigence without any remembrance of their â—alour and Magnanimity when they exâ—ort them to fight in the cause of Greece for the reward of their Bread. Aristides making this Proposal and bringing back the Embassadours into the Assembly charged them to tell the Lacedaemonians that all the Treasure in the whole World was 〈◊〉 of that value with the people of Athens as the liberty of Greece And shewing the Suâ— to those who came from Mardonius as long as that retains the same course so long said he shall the Citizens of Athens wage War with the Persians for that Country which has been wasted and those Temples that have been profaned and burnt by them Moreover he preferred a Decree that the Priests should Anathematize him who sent any Embassageâ— to the Medes or deserted the Alliance of Greece When Mardonius made a second Incursion into the Countrey of Attica they passed over again to the Isle of Salamis But Aristides being sent to Lacedaemon reproved in them their delay and neglect as abandoning Athens once more to the Barbarians but demanded their assistance for that parâ— of Greece which was not yet lost The Ephori hearing this made shew of sporting all Day and carelesly keeping Holy-day foâ— they celebrated the Hiacynthia But in thâ— night selecting five thousand persons each oâ— which was attended by seven Ilotes they sent them forth unknown to those oâ— Athens And when Aristides came again to reprehend them they told him in derision that he either doted or dreamed for the Army was already at Oresteum in their march towards the Strangers for so they called the Persians But Aristides said they jested unseasonably deluding their Friends instead of their Enemies Thus says Idomeneus But in the Decree of Aristides not himself but Cimon Xanthippus and Muronides are appointed Embassadors Being chose General of the War he repaired to Plateae with eight thousand Athenians where Pausanias Generalissimo of all Greece joined him with the Spartans and the forces of the other Grecians came in to tâ—em The whole Camp of the Barbarians being extended all along the Bank of the River Asopus their numbers were so great there was no bounding them but their Carriages and most valuable things they surrounded with a square Bulwark each side of which was the length of ten â—urlongs Now Tisamenes of this had prophesied â—o Pausanias and all the Grecians and foreâ—old them the Victory if they made no atâ—empt upon the Enemy but stood on their defence But Aristides sending to Delphos â—he God answer'd that the Athenians should overcome their Enemies in case they made supplication to Jupiter and Juno of Citheron Pan and the Nymphs Sphragitides and sâ—crificed to the Heroes Androcrates 〈◊〉 Pisander Damocrates Hypsion Actaeon and Polyidus and if they fought within their own Territories in the Plain of Ceres Eleusina and Proserpina Aristides was perplexed at the return of this Oracle for the Heroes to whom it commanded him to Sâ—crifice had been Chieftains of the Plataeans and the Cave of the Nymphs Sphragitides was on the top of Mount Citheron on that side which in the Summer season in opposed to the setting Sun In which place as Fame goeth there was formerly an Oracle and many that dweâ—◠〈◊〉 those parts were inspired with it whom tâ—â—y called Nympholepti possessed with thâ— Nymphs But the Plain of Ceres Eleusina and giving Victory to the Athenians if they fought in their own Territories recalled again and transferred the War into the Country of Attica In this Juncture Arimnestuâ— who commanded the Plataeans dreamed that Jupiter the Saviour asking him what the Grecians had resolved upon he answered To morrow Lord we march our Army to Eleusis and there give the Barbarians Battel according to the directions of the Oracle of
Horseman stole into the Greek Camp and coming to the Watch desired them to call Aristides the Athenian to him who with speed obeying the Summons I am said he Alexander King of Macedonia but am arrived here through the greatest danger in the World for the good will I bear you lest a sudden Onsent should so dismay you that you behave your selves in the fight worse than usual For to morrow Mardonius will give you Battel not moved thereto by any hope of success or Courage but want of Victuals For the Prognosticators by their ill-aboding Sacrifices and Oracles prohibit him the Battel And the Army is in great despair and Consternation but necessity emboldens him to try his Fortune or sit still and endure the last extremity of want Alexander thus saying entreated Aristides to take notice of and remember the same and not reveal it to any other But he told him it was not convenient to conceal the matter from Pausanias because he was General but as for any other he determined to keep it secret from them till such time as the Battel was fought but if the Grecians obtained the Victory that then no one should be ignorant of Alexander's good will and kindness towards them After this the King of Macedonia rode back again and Aristides went to Pausanias his Pavilion and told him what had been said and they sent for the rest of the Captains and gave Orders that the Army should be in Battel Array Here according to Herodotus Pausanias spake to Aristides desiring him to transfer his Athenians to the right Wing of the Army opposite to the Persians for that they would do better service against them having been experienc'd in their way of Combat and embolden'd with their former Victories and give him the left where the Medizing Greeks were to make their Assault The rest of the Athenian Captains therefore looked upon Pausanias as very unjust and arrogant because permitting the rest of the Army to keep their stations he removed them only from place to place like so many Slaves opposing them ********** to the greatest strength of the Enemy 〈◊〉 Aristides said they were altogether 〈◊〉 if they of late contended with the â—â—geatae for the right Wing and gloried in â—â—ing preferred before them but now whâ—â— the Lacedemonians give them place in the lâ—ft and yielded them in a manner the leading of the Army they neither are contented with the honour that is done them nor look â—â—on it as an advantage not to fight against their Countrymen and Kindred but Barâ—arians and such as were by nature their Enemies Hereupon the Athenians very â—â—dily changed places with the Lacedaemonians and there went a great talk amongst them as they were encouraging each other that the Enemy approached with no better Arms or stouter Hearts than those who fought the Battel of Marathon but had the same embroidered Coats and Gold upon their delicate Bodies and effeminate Minds but we have the same Weapons and Bodies and our Courage augmented by our Victories and fight not like them in defence of our Country onely but for the Trophies of Salamis and Marathon that they may not be looked upon as due to Miltiades or Fortune but the people of Athens Thus therefore were they making haste to change the Order of their Battel But the Thebans understanding it by their Fugitives forthwith acquaint Mardonius and he either for fear of the Athenians or a desire to engage the Lacedaemonians marched over his Persians to the Right and commanded the Greeks of his party to be posted opposite to the Athenians But this Transposition being mainifest both Pausanias wheeling about again ranged himself in the Right and Mardonius as at first took the left Wing over against the Lacedaenians So the day passed without Action After this the Grecians determined in Council to remove their Camp something further to possess themselves of a place convenient for watering because the Springs near them were troubled and polluted by the Barbarian Cavalry But Night being come and the Captains marching towards the place designed for their encamping the Souldiers were not very ready to follow and keep in a Body but as soon as they passed the first fortifications made towards the City of Plateae and a great Tumult was there caused by those who were dispersed and pitched their Tents in disorder The Lacedaemonians though against their wills had the fortune to be left by the rest For Amompharetus a brave and daring Man who being a long time before fired with a desire of the Fight and ill resenting their many lingrings and delays calling the removal of the Camp a meer running away and flight protested 〈◊〉 would not desert his Post but there to 〈◊〉 main with his Company and sustain the charge of Mardonius And when Pausanias came to him and told him he did theâ—â— things by the Votes and determinations of the Grecians Amompharetus taking up a great stone and flinging it at Pausanias his feet and by this token said he do I give my suffrage for the Battel not minding the cowardly Consultations and Decrees of other Men. Pausanias not knowing what to do in the present juncture sent to the Athenians who were drawing off to stay and accompany him so he himself marched the rest of the Army to Plateae to the intent to make Amompharetus move In the interim Day came upon them and Mardonius for he was not ignorant of the Grecians deserting their Camp having his Army in Array fell upon the Lacedaemonians with great shouting and noise of the barbarous people as if they were not about to joyn Battel but spoil the Greeks in their flight Which within a very little time came to pass For Pausanias perceiving what was done made a halt and commanded every one to put themselves in order for the Battel but either through his anger with Amompharetus or the disturbance he was in by reason of the sudden approach of the Enemy forgot to give the Grecians the Word Whence it was that they came not immediately or in a body to their assistance but by small Companies and stragling when the Fight was already begun For Pausanias offering Sacrifice he found it not acceptable to the Gods so commanded the Lacedaemonians laying down their Shields at their feet to abide quietly and attend his directions making no resistance to any of their Enemies And offering a second time as the Horsâ— charged one of the Lacedaemonians was 〈◊〉 At this time also Callicrates who by report was the most comely proper man in the Army being shot with an Arrow and upon the point of expiring said that he lamented not his death for he came from home to lay down his life in the defence of Greece but that he died without Action The case was hard and wonderful the forbearance of the Men for they Repelâ—ed not the Enemy that charged them but expecting their opportunity from the Gods and their General suffered themselves to be wounded and
them their Town and goods again Philopoemen perceiving them transported with the news and eager to return stopt them with a Speech in which he made them sensible that what Cleomenes call'd restoring the City was taking the Citizens and holding it with more security That bare solitude would without more ado force him presently away since there was no staying for him to guard empty Houses and naked Walls These reasons stay'd the Megalopolitans but gave occasion to Cleomenes to pillage and destroy a great part of the City and carry away a great booty A while after King Antigonus coming down to succour the Achoeans they marcht with their united forces against Cleomenes who having seiz'd the Avenues lay advantageously posted on the Hills of Sellacia Antigonus drew up close by him with a resolution to force him in his strength Philopoemen with his Citizens was that day placed among the Horse follow'd by the Illyriâ—â— foot a great number of try'd and able mâ— who brought up the rere of the Army The Orders were to keep their ground and not iâ—gage till from the other wing where tâ— King fought in person they should see a râ—â— Coat of Arms lifted up on the point of a Speâ—â— The Achaeans obey'd their Orders and stoâ—â— fast but the Illyrians fell briskly in Eucâ—â—das the Brother of Cleomenes seeing the Foâ—â— thus sever'd from the Horse detacht the beâ— of his light armed men commanding them tâ— wheel about and charge the naked Illyrianâ— behind This charge putting things in confusion Philopoemen considering those light armed men would be easily squander'd went first to the King's Officers to make them sensible what the occasion requir'd But they not minding what he said but slighting hiâ— as hare-brain'd because he was yet of smaâ—â— credit and not reputed a man of Conducâ— he charg'd upon them with his own Citâ—zens and at the first encounter disorder'd and soon after put those men to flight witâ— great slaughter Then to encourage thâ— King's Army to bring them all upon the Enemy while he was in confusion he quitteâ— his Horse and fighting with extream difficuâ—ty in his heavy Horse-arms in rough uneveâ— ground full of Springs and Bogs haâ— both his thighs below the buttock strucâ— through with a Thong'd Javelin It was thrown with a good will so that the head came out on the other side and made a great though not a mortal wound There he stood a while as if he had been shackled and unable to remove The Thong in the middle of the Weapon hinder'd it from being drawn out nor would any about him venture to do it But the fight being now at the hottest and like to be quickly over he was transported with desire of Combat and strugled and strain'd so long setting one leg forward the other back till at last he broke the Staff and made the pieces be pull'd out Being in this manner set at liberty he caught up his Sword and running through the midst of those who vvere fighting in the first ranks strangely animated his Men and set them a fire with emulation Antigonus after the Victory ask'd the Macedonians to try them how it hapned the Horse had charged without order before the Signal They answering that they were against their wills forc'd to it by a young Gentleman of Megalopolis who had fallen in before his time that young Gentleman reply'd Antigonus smiling did like an experienc'd Commander This as needs it must brought Philopoemen into great repuration Antigonus was earnest to have him in his service and offer'd him very advantageous conditions both as to Command and Pay. But Philopoemen who knew that his nature brooked not to be under another would not accept them yet not enduring to live idle and hearing of Wars in Crete he pass'd over thither He spent some time among those very war-like but withall sober temperate men improving much by experience in all sorts of service and then return'd with so much fame that the Achoeans presently chose him General of the Horse These Horse at that time had neither experience nor heart having gotten a custome to serve on pitiful Jades the first and cheapest they could procure when they wereto march which too they seldom did but hired others in their places and staid at home themselves Their former Commanders winkt at this because it being a degree of honour among the Achoeans to serve on Horse-back they had a great deal of power in the Commonwealth and were able to gratifie or molest whom they pleas'd Philopoemen finding them in this condition yielded not to such respects nor would pass it over as formerly But went himself from Town to Town where speaking with the young Gentlemen man by man he endeavour'd to bring them in love with praise and honour and making a handsome appearance in the Field setting Fines on them who came unfurnish'd of what was requisite for their parade Where they were like to have most Spectatours there he would be sure to exercise them and make them skirmish in sport one with another In a little time he made them wonderful strong and bold and which is reckoned of greatest consequence in War quick and vigorous With use and industry they grew so perfect to such a command of their Horses such a ready exactness in wheeling whole or half turns and all motions that in the change of postures the whole body seem'd as easily and as steadily mov'd as one Man. In the great Battel which they fought with the Aetolians and Elians by the River Larissus he set them an example himself Demophantes General of the Elian Horse singled out Philopoemen and ran with full speed at him Philopoemen prevented and with a violent blow of his Spear overthrew him dead to the ground Upon whose fall the Enemy fled immediatly And now Philopoemen's name was in every bodies mouth as a man who in fighting valiantly with his hands yielded not to the youngest nor to the oldest in good conduct and than whom there came not into the Field a better Souldier or Commander Aratus indeed was the first who rais'd the Achoeans inconsiderable till then into reputation and power by uniting the divided Cities into one Commonwealth and setling a way of Government moderate and becoming Grecians Whence it hapned as in running waters where when few and little bodies once stop others stick to them and one part strengthning another the whole becomes firm and solid So in a general weakness when every City relying onely on it self all Greece lay expos'd to an easie destruction The Achaeans first united themselves into a body then drawing in their neighbours round about some by protection others by Naturalization design'd at last to bring all Peloponnesus into one Community Yet while Aratus liv'd they depended much on the Macedonians courting first Ptolomy then Antigonus and Philip who had a great influence on the affairs of Greece But when Philopoemen came to command the Achaeans growing strong enough for the most powerful of
their Enemies would march no longer under Foreigners The truth is Aratus as we have written at large in his Life was not of so War-like a temper but did most by sweetness and his taking carriage and friendship with Foreign Princes But Philopoemen being a man both of Execution and Command a great Souldier and fortunate in his first attempts wonderfully heightned both the Power and courage of the Achaeans accustomed to Victory under his Conduct But first he alter'd what he found amiss in their Arms and form of battel Formerly they us'd light thin Bucklers too narrow to cover the body and Javelins much shorter than Pikes By which means they were practis'd in skirmishing at a distance but in a close Fight had much the disadvantage Then in their form of Battel they understood nothing of fighting in a Ring nor any figure but a Square To which too not allowing front enough nor closing it strongly as in the Macedonian Phalanx where the Souldiers shoulder close and their Bucklers touch they were easily opened and broken Philopoemen reform'd all this persuading them to change the narrow Target and short Javelin into a large Buckler and long Pike to arm their heads bodies thighs and legs and instead of loose skirmishing fight firmly and foot to foot After he had brought them all to wear Armour and by that means into the confidence of thinking themselves now invincible he turn'd their wanton riotous profusions into an honourable expence For being long us'd to vie in Cloaths furniture of their Houses and service of their Tables and to glory in out-doing one another the disease by custom was grown incurable and which there was no thinking to take quite away But he diverted the humour and brought them instead of these superfluities to love useful and more manly bravery and sparing from other things to take delight in appearing magnificent in their Equipage of War. Nothing then was to be seen in the shops but Plate breaking or Melting down gilding of Backs and Breasts studding Bucklers and Bits with Silver Nothing in the places of Exercise but Horses managing and young men Exercising their Arms Nothing in the Ladies hands but Helmets and Crests Feathers of all colours Embroidered Coat-armours and Caparisons for Horses The sight of which bravery quickning and raising their Spirits made them contemn dangers and ready to venture on any honourable dangers Their former Gallantry did indeed please but withal effeminate the tickling of the sense slackning the vigour of the mind but in these it strengthned and heightned their courage as Homer makes Achilles at the sight of his new Arms springing with joy and on fire to use them When Philopoemen had obtain'd of them to Arm and set themselves out in this manner he proceeded to Train them Mustering and Exercising them perpetually and they obey'd him with great exactness For they vvere vvonderfully pleas'd with their new form of battel vvhich being so knit and cemented together seem'd almost impossible to be broken And then their Arms vvhich for their Riches and Beauty they wore with pleasure becoming light and easie with constant use they longed for nothing more than to try them with an Enemy and fight in earnest The Achaeans at that time were at War with Machanidas the Tyrant of Lacedaemon who having a strong Army watch'd all opportunities of becoming entire Master of Peloponnesus When intelligence came that he was fall'n upon the Mantineans Philopoemen presently took the field and march't towards him They met near Mantinea and drew up in sight of the City Both besides the whole strength of their several Cities had a good number of Mercenaries in pay When they came to fall on Machanidas with his hir'd Souldiers beat the Darts and Lances which Philopoemen had placed in the Front. But when he should have charged immediately into the main Battel which stood close and firm he hotly follow'd the chace and instead of routing the Achaeans Army disorder'd his own With so untoward a beginning the rest of the Confederates gave themselves for lost but Philopoemen seem'd to slight and make it a matter of small consequence And observing the Enemies oversight who left his main body undefended behind and the ground clear would not make head against him but let him pursue the chace freely till he had run himself a great distance from his main body Then seeing the Lacedaemonians before him deserted by their Horse with their flanks quite bare he charged suddenly and surprized them without a Commander and not so much as expecting an Encounter For when they saw Machanidas driving the beaten enemy before him they thought the Victory already gain'd He overthrew them with great slaughter for they report above 4000 kill'd in the place and then fac'd about against Machanidas who was returning with his Mercenaries from the pursuit There hapned to be a broad deep ditch between them where both strove a while one to get over and fly the other to hinder him It bore a resemblance of wild beasts forc'd to fight for their Lives when prest by so eager a Huntsman as Philopaemen rather than of Generals in a field The Tyrant's Horse was mettled and strong and feeling the bloudy Spurs in his sides ventur'd to take the ditch He had already planted his hinder-feet on the bank and rais'd his fore-feet to leap when Simmias and Polyaenus who us'd to fight by the side of Philopoemen came up on Horse-back to his assistance But Philopoemen preventing both stood Machanidas himself and perceiving that the Horse with his head high rear'd cover'd his Master's body he turned his own a little and striking at the Tyrant with all his force tumbled him dead into the ditch The Achaeans wonderfully taken with his Valour in this single Combat and conduct the whole day set up his Statue in Brass at Delphos in the posture in which he kill'd the Tyrant The reports goes that at the Nemaean-games a little after the Victory Philopoemen being then General the second time and at leisure by reason of the solemnity first shew'd the Grecians his Army drawn up as if they were to fight with all the motions occurring in a battel perform'd with wonderful order strength and nimbleness After which he went into the Theatre while the Musicians were singing for the prize waited on by Gentlemen in their Leaguer-cloaks and Scarletarming Coats all handsom men and in the flower of their age and all carrying a great respect to their General yet breathing out a noble confidence in themselves rais'd by success in many glorious Encounters At their coming in by chance one Pilades with a voice well suited to the lofty style of the Poet was Singing this Verse out of the Persians of Timotheus Vnder his Conduct Greece was free and great The whole Theatre presently cast their eyes on Philopoemen and fell a clapping with wonderful joy and ravish'd with hopes to recover again their former fame and a confidence little short of their ancient
Ornament of Trees that Verdant prospect of the Woods it lacks Tempe's pleasant Fields and Walks at the foot of it for the Apsus falling from those great and lofty Mountains which standing as a mighty Bank on each side the River make a deep and large Chanel in the midst is not unlike the River Peneus either for the swiftness of its Current or the manner of it for it swells over and covers the foot of those Hills insomuch that there 's left onely a cragged narrow path cut out hard by the stream not easily passable at any time for an Army but not at all when guarded by the Enemy There were some therefore who would fain have had Titus fetch a Compass through Dassaretis along the River Lycas which was a passable and easie Tract But he fearing if he should engage himself too far from the Sea into barren and untill'd Countries and Philip should decline Fighting he might through want of Provisions be constrain'd to march back again to the Sea-side without effecting any thing as his Predecessour had done before him This put him upon a resolution of forcing his way over the Mountains But Philip having possessed himself of them with his Army show'rd down his Darts and Arrows from all parts about the Romans Ears Sharp were the skirmishes and many fell wounded and slain on both sides and small appearance there was of thus ending the War. When some of the men who fed their Cattel thereabouts came to Titus with a Discovery that there was a Round-about-way which the Enemy neglected to Guard through which they undertake to conduct his Army and to bring them within three days at farthest to the top of the Hills and to gain the surer credit with him they alledged that Charops of Machara was not onely privy unto but would make good all they had promised this Charops was at that time Prince of Epirus and a Well-willer to the Romans and one that gave them assistance but under-hand for fear of Philip. Titus crediting the Intelligence sends avvay a Captain with 4000 Foot and 300 Horse These Herdsmen vvere their Guides but kept in Bonds In the day-time they lay still under the Covert of the hollow and woody places but in the night they march'd by Moon-light for the Moon was then at full Titus having detach'd off this Party lay still afterwards with his main body unless it were that he sometimes gall'd and incommoded the Enemies Camp by shooting up amongst them But when the day arrived that those who stole round were expected upon the top of the Hill he drew up his Forces early into Battalia as well the light-arm'd as the heavy and dividing them into three Parts Himself led the Van marching his Men along the Bank up the narrowest point of those Straits darted at by the Macedonians and engaging amidst those Rocks hand to hand with all his Assailants Whilst the other two Squadrons on either side of him with a Transcendent Alacrity and Courage clinging to the Rocks as if they had grown to them contended all they could to come to Action But when the Sun was up a thin smoak discovers it self rising afar off like Mists that usually hang upon the Hills but unperceived by the Enemy for 't was behind them who were at top already And the Romans as yet under a doubt and suspence in the toil and difficulty they were in construed their Hopes according to their Desires But as it grew thicker and thicker spreading Darkness over the Air and mounting to a greater height they no longer doubted but 't was the Fiery-signal of their Companions whereupon they give a mighty shout and climbing up stoutly and couragiously they drave the Enemy into the most craggy places in the interim those behind the Enemy Ecchoed back their Acclamations from the top of the Mountain Quickly then did the Macedonians fly with all the heels they could make there fell not more than 2000 of them for the difficulties of the place rescued them from a long and close pursuit But the Romans pillag'd their Camp seized upon their Wealth and Slaves becoming absolute Masters of those Straits travers'd over all Epirus but with such Order and Discipline with such Temperance and Moderation that though they were far from the Sea at a great distance from their Vessels and stinted of their Monthly allowance of Corn and the like Provisions and wanting the opportunities of Markets to furnish themselves from yet plunder'd they not the Country which had Provisions enough of all sorts in it For Titus receiving an Intelligence that Philip rather fled than marched through Thessaly that he forced the Inhabitants from the Towns to take shelter in the Mountains that the Towns themselves he burnt down that a great part of their goods which for the quantity or cumbersomness of them they could not carry with them was left a Prey to the Victour in so much that the whole Country in a manner was quitted to the Roman Army He therefore was very desirous and intreated his Souldiers that they would pass through it as their own as a Place put into their hands and indeed they quickly perceived by the Event what Benefit they derived from that Orderliness For they no sooner set Foot in Thessaly but the Cities Surrender to him and the Graecians within the Pylae did perfectly long for and were quite transported with a Zeal of Committing themselves into the hands of Titus The Acheans not onely broke their League with Philip but at the same time voted to joyn with the Romans in actual arms against him As for the Opuntians the Aetolians who though they then acted with a mighty forwardness and Valour in Confederacy with the Roman did strongly Solicite them to put their City under their protection but they embrac'd not the Proposition But sending for Titus to him they intrust and commit themselves 'T is reported of Pyrrhus that when at first from an adjacent Hill or watch-Tower which gave him a full prospect of the Roman Army he descryed them so orderly drawn up he should openly declare he espied no Barbarity in the Barbarians Ranks All that came near Titus could not chuse but say as much of him at their first view For they who had been told by the Macedonians of an Invader at the head of a Barbarian Army carrying every where Slavery and Destruction on his Sword 's point when in lieu of such an one they meet a man in the Flower of his Age of a graceful Aspect and full of Humanity a Grecian in his Voice and Language and a lover of true Honour they were most wonderfully pleas'd and satisfied in him and when they left him they fill'd the Cities and all places where they came with a value and esteem for him as reckoning they had now got a Leader to Liberty And when afterwards Philip made as if he would condescend to Terms of Peace â—â—tus came and made a Tender
for Sicily Iâ— retall'd to answer the accusaion Andocides accuses himself and other of breaking the Mercuries Alcibiades escapes from those who were to bring him task The Information against him He is condemn'd He goes to Sparta Takes up the Laconic way of living He â— the â—â— King The Lacedaemonians design his Death He flees to Tisaphernes And does ill Offices in the Lacedaemonians Alcibiades makes Offers to the Athenians Phrynichus Treachery The Government chang'd in Athens Alcibiades made General of the Athenians at Samos Is recall'd by the Athenians Alcibiades defeats the Lacedaemonians at Sea. Is made Prisoner by Tisaphernes Destroys the Lacedaemonian 〈◊〉 at Cyzicum He makes War upon the Chalcedonians Takes the City of Sâ—lybria Treaty between Pharnabazus and the Athenians He besieges and takes Byzantium Alcibiades returns â—o Athens His Reception there Alcibiades conducts the Procession to Eleusis with his Army He defeats the Lacedaemonians at Andros The Athenian Fleet is defeated in his absence Alcibiades is accus'd again at Athens He forsâ—kâ—s the Army The Atheniars create new Generals The Athenians finally overthrown Athens taken Alcibiades flyes into Bithynia Lysander sets 30 Governours over Athens The Lacedaemonians send Orders that Alcibiades should be slain The-manner of his Death His first going to the Wars The Romans besiege Corioli Corioli taken The Volscian Army is routed The tenth part of the Spoils offer'd to Marcius He nobly refuses ' em The Name of Coriolanus is given to him Coriolanus invades the Antiates Stands for the Consulship Is rejected A great quantity of Corn brought to Rome Coriolanus 's Speech against its being distributed among the People The People rise against him Sicinnius the Tâ—ibune pronounces Sentence of Death against Coâ—iolanus His Accusation He is banished He leaves Rome He goes to the Volscians His Arrival at Antium His Speech to Tullus Aufidius Valeria 's Speech to Volumnia c. Volumnia 's Answer Volumnia 's Speech to her Son Marcius The use of History Democritus his Opinion of Phantasms Emilius his Extraction * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Facundia lepor His way to Honour Is chosen Edile Then Augur His strictness in Military Discipline Emilius sent Praetor into Spain His Wives and Children The Character of Elius Tubero He is chosen Consul and wages War with the Ligurians He stands to be Consul a second time but is â—â—puls'd The Education of his Children The Romans at War with Perseus King of Macedon Perseus his Extraction * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 qâ—an â—aturus His War with the Romans He over-comes Licinius Surprizes their Fleet. Fights with Hostilius Soliâ—its the Barbarians to joyn with him Emilius a 2d time Consul General against the Macedonians A good Omen Emilius his Speech to the People His Success not to be ascribed to Fortune Perseus ruin'd by his Covetousness A Description of the Basternae He cheats Genthius Perseus his strength * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Emilius his Conduct His Army wants Wâ—ter how supply'd Of the Original of Springs This Place is still call'd Pythagone in the modern Greâ—k Emilius sends Nasica to surprize the Enemy by the way of Perrebia * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To heighth of Mount Olympus Nasica his Design discover'd Perseus removes his Camp. Prepares to fight The Places of Battel Emilius joyns again with Nasica Emilius incamps An Eclipse of the Moon The Reason of an Eclipse The Rise of the Battel The Army of the Macedonians and Order of their March. The Battel between Emilius and Perseus Perseus his Cowardize Perseus vindicated by Possidonius Salius flings his Ensign amongst his Enemies The Romans forc'd to retreat The Phalanx broken by Emilius The Valour of Marcus Cato * Three in the Afternoon Emilius his grief for the suppos'd loss of his Sâ—n Scipio Scipio his Character Perseus flyes in Disgâ—ise His Cruelty And Covetousness All Mâ—cedonia de â—ver'd up to Emilius This News miralously convey'd to Rome Examples of the like Perseus surrenders himself Emilius his Speech to Perseus His Speech to the young Men. Emiliâ—s goes inâ—o Greeâ—â— He goes into Epire. He returns into Italy Galba endeavours to hinder his Triumph Servilius his Speech Emilius his Triumph describ'd Two of Emilius his Sons die about the time of his Triumph Emilius his Speech upon the death of his Sons Perseus his Death Emilius always sided with the Nobles Emilius his Sickness and Death A moral reflection * About 31 l. 5 s. sterling * Which answers to our May. N. * valu'd at 625 l. in our Money Pelopidas of a good Family Careless of his Estate Tâ—â— Friendship 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 Phaebidas surprizeth the Cadmea Pelopidas exâ—ites the 〈…〉 to frâ—e their Countâ—â—y He goes to Thebes The Plot almost ruin'd Archias inform'd that the Exiles were come Charon 's bravery A Letter sent to Archias concerning the Design Archias and Philip kill'd Pelopidas kills Leontidas and Hypates Pelopidas râ—gains the Cadmea The Athenians refus'd to assist Thebes Sphodrias the Spartan designs against the Athenians The Thebans prevail'd against the Spartans Pelopidas beats the Spartaus at Tenagra The Spartans Courage The sacred Band of Lovers Pelopidas his Saying Pelopidas his Vision Of Men-Sacrifices The Battel at Leuctra The Spartans very expert Pelopidas tâ—y'd for his Life Pelopidas generous Pelopidas assists the Thessalians against Alexander Settles Macedon Of Philip of Macedon Pelopidas goâ—s to Pharsalus Pelopidas taken by Alexander Pelopidas his Bravery in Prison Alexander's Savageness Pelopidas set free Pelopdas goes Ambassadour to Persia Is honour'd by Artaxerxes Pelopidas goes against Alexander The Battel Pelopidas slain Alexander 's death * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mensam argentariam reddit interpres Latinus verum rectius reddi potest in usum eorum qui nummorum commutationem exercent in foro Nam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 retributionem permutationem commercium poenae responsionem indicat * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Because at Atbens they reckoned the years by their Archons as the Romans by their Consuls One of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was to this purpose chose by lot out of the rest and his Name Inscribed in the publick Records * A Prison or Dungeon in Athens * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Demetrius Polycrates b Seleucus Ptolomeus Ceraunus c Demetrius Nicanor d Pyrrhus is surnamed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the following Account of his Life e Antiochus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * The Athenians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * The Lacedaemonians * The Lacedaemonians * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 August 125 Italian Miles * Septem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Measure containing six Bushels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The difference between their Adversaries Cato always esteemed for his Courage and Counsel Aristides supplanted by Themistocles Cato 's excellent husbandry Aristides an ill manager of his own private concerns Vid. Homer in his 14 Odyss 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 three Asses made two pence Ambition odious in a Common-wealth Cato 's worst actions reckon'd up Cato 's second marriage condemn'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Above 2000 pound Fifty Miles * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Titus his Character Liv. L. 2. Dec. 4. Chosen Consul at thirty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But I read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sets out immediately for the War. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—IV Ibid. †Spain Takes the Army of Publius * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Apsus Liv. ibid. Liv. ibid Herdsmen discover a way to Titus to bring his Men up the Mountains 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Macedonians routed Titus plunders not the Country * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Titus proffers Philip a peace on condition that Greece be left free 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Nobles of Thebes come to meet Titus An Embassy sent to Rome * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Titus advances with an Army against Philip The second Engagement betwixt Titus and Philip. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Liv. Dec. 4. L. 3. †〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Titus made Peace with Nabis Titus his triumph †〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 †The place where the Exercises of Wrestling and the like were perform'd * Thâ— Temâ— of Apollo †Eatiâ—g and drinking in a Festival wâ—y of part of thâ— things Sacâ—ifiâ—ed and after the â—ffering thereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Titus bis witty answers Polybius in his 17 book p. 747 Ed. Caus. tells this a little differently Titus made Censor an Enemy to Cato * Cum Consul esset in Gallia Sayâ— Cato in Cicero de senectute Cicero in his Cato Major agâ—ees with Antias the words are Exoratus in Convivio a Scorto est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Titus Embassadour to Prusias Procures the death of Hannibal The Commendations of Scipio †〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * His misfortune 't was to have always his arms employed against some part of Greece * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Conquer'd upon the stock of former preparations