his Condemnation had bin because his Accuser was so great a person And therefore I believe they reason'd thus amongst themselves We must not admit him that seeks the life of another to bring Triumphs Trophies and Spoils to the seat of Judgment Let him be terrible to his Enemy but let not a Citizen trusting to his high Merits and great Honour prosecute a Citizen 12. Not more eager were those Judges against a most noble Accuser than these were mild toward a Criminal of a far lower degree Callidius of Bononia being taken by night in the Husbands Bed-chamber being brought to answer for the Adultery he buoyed himself up among the greatest and most violent waves of Infamy swimming like corn in a Shipwrack laying hold upon a very slight kind of defence For he pleaded that he was carried thither for the Love of a Servant-boy The place was suspected the time suspitious the Mistress of the house was suspected and his Youth suspected But the confession of a more intemperate Lust freed him from the Crime of Adultery 13. The next is an example of more concernment When the two Brothers of Cloelius were brought to answer for Patricide whose Father was kill'd in his bed while the Sons lay asleep in the same Chamber and neither Servant nor Freed-man could be found upon whom to fasten the suspicion of the Murther They were both acquitted only for this reason that it was made appear to the Judges that they were both found fast asleep with the door open Sleep the certain mark of innocent security sav'd the unfortunate For it was adjudg'd impossible that having murthered their Father they could have slept so securely over his wounds and blood PERSONS Condemned 1. Now we will briefly touch upon those to whom things beside the question did more harm than their own Innocency did good L. Scipio after a most noble Triumph over King Antiochus was condemned for taking Money of him Not that I think he was brib'd to remove beyond the Mountain Taurus him that was lately Lord of all Asia and just going to lay his victorious hands upon Europe But being otherwise a man of a most upright life and free far enough from any such suspicion he could not resist that envy that haunted the two famous Sirnames of the two Brothers 2. Scipio was a person of high splendour But Decianus a person of unspotted Integrity was ruin'd by his own tongue For when he accused P. Furius a man of a lewd life because that in some part of his Declamation he ventured to complain of the Death of Saturninus did not only not condemn the Guilty but suffered the Punishment appointed for him 3. The same case overthrew C. Titius He was innocent and in favour with the People for the Agrarian Law But because he had the statue of Saturninus in his house the whole College of Magistrates with one general consent ruined him 4. We may to these adde Claudia whom though innocent of a crime an impious Imprecation ruined For being crowded by the multitude as she returned home from the Playes she wished that her Brother by whom we had the greatest loss of our Naval Forces were alive again that being made often Consul he might by his ill conduct rid the City of the pesterment of the People 5. We may pass to those whom the violence of Condemnation snatched away for flight causes M. Mulvius Cn. Lellius L. Sextilius Triumvirs because they did not come so quickly as they ought to quench a Fire that happend in the Holy way being cited before the People at a prefixed day by the Tribune were condemned 6. Publius Villius also Nocturnal Triumvir being accused by Aquilius the Tribune fell by the Sentence of the People because he was negligent in going his watch 7. Very severe was that Sentence of the People when they deeply fin'd M. Aemilius Porcina being accused by L. Cassius for having built his House in the Village of Alsium a little too high 8. Nor is that Condemnation to be supprest of one who being over-fond of his little Boy and being by him desir'd to buy him some Chitterlings for Supper because there were none to be got in the Countrey kill'd a Plough-Ox to satisfie the Boys desire For which reason he was brought to publick Trial Innocent had he not lived in the antient times Neither Quitted nor Condemned 1. Now to say something of those that being questioned for their Lives were neither quitted nor condemned There was a Woman brought before Popilius Lenas the Praetor for having beaten her Mother to Death with a Club. But the Praetor adjudged nothing against her neither one way nor other For it was plain that she did it to revenge the death of her Children whom the Grand-mother angry with her Daughter had poysoned 2. The same demur made Dolabella Proconsul of Asia A woman of Smyrna killed her Husband and her Son understanding that they had killed another Son of hers a hopeful young man which she had by a former Husband Dolabella would not take cognizance of the Cause but sent it to be determined by the Areopagi at Athens Unwilling to set a woman at liberty defiled with two Murthers nor to punish her whom a just Grief had mov'd to do it Considerately and mildly did the Roman Magistrate nor did the Areopagite act less wisely who examining the cause bound the Accuser and the Criminal to appear an hundred years after upon the same ground as Dolabella acted Only he by transmitting the Trial they by deferring delay'd the difficult Sentence or Condemnation or Acquittal CHAP. II. Of remarkable private Judgments whereby were condemned 1. T. Claud. Centumalus 2. Octacilia Laterensis 3. C. Titinius Minturnensis 4. A certain person for riding a horse farther than hired for TO Publick Judgments I will adde private ones the Equity whereof in the Complainants will more delight than a great number offend the Reader 1. Claudius Centumalus being commanded by the Augurs to pull down some of the height of his House which he had built upon the Coelian Mount because it hindered them from observing their Auguries from the Tower sold it to Calpurnius Lanatius concealing the command of the Augurs By whom Calpurnius being compelled to pluck down his House brought Marc. Porcius Cato father of the famous Cato to Claudius as an Arbitrator and the form of Writing Whatever he ought to give him or do in good Equity Cato understanding that Claudius had for the nonce supprest the Augurs Edict presently condemned him to Calpurnius with all the Justice in the world For they that sell according to Conscience and Equity ought neither to enhance the hopes of the Bargain nor conceal the Inconveniencies 2. I have recited a Judgment famous in those times Yet what I am about to relate is not quite buried in silence C. Visellius Varro being taken with a great fit of Sickness suffered a Judgment of three thousand pieces of Money as borrowed of Otacilia Laterensis with whom he
the safety of those that were standing 20. Nor did Q. Fulvius Flaccus go unpunished who in his Censorship translated the Marble Tiles from the Temple of Lacinian Juno to the Fane of Fortuna Equestris which he was then building at Rome for he no sooner had done it but he fell mad and for very grief expired hearing that of his two Sons both Souldiers in Illyria one of them was dead the other slain by whose mishap the Senate being warned ordered the Tiles to be carried back to Locri. 21. Much after the same manner did they punish the covetousness of Q. Pliminius Legate to Scipio in robbing the Treasure of Proserpina for when he was brought in Fetters to Rome before he could come to his Tryal he died in Prison of a most filthy Disease The Goddess by command of the Senate had not onely her Money restored but double the sum Forraign Examples of Religion observed or neglected 1. As to the Fact of Pleminius it was well punish'd by the Conscript Fathers But against the sordid Violencies of King Pyrrhus the Goddess her self defended her self well enough for the Locri being compelled to give him money out of her Treasury while he was sailing upon the Sea laden with his impious Prey by force of a mighty Tempest his whole Navy was cast away upon the shoar adjoyning to the said City where the money being found entire was restored to the most sacred Treasury of the Goddess 2. But the Act of Massanisa was of another nature whose Admiral having landed in Melita and taken out of the Fane of Juno certain Ivory-teeth of an immense proportion and given them as a Present to the King Massanisa no sooner understood from whence they came but he commanded them to be carried back in a Galley with five Oars and put in the place whence they were taken having caus'd certain Words to be carved upon them signifying that the King had taken them ignorantly and willingly restored them 3. Dionysius born at Syracuse us'd to make Jests of his Sacriledges of which he committed more than we have now room to recount for having plundered the Temple of Juno at Locri and satling upon the Sea with a prosperous gale laughing to his friends he said What a pleasant Voyage have the Gods granted to us Sacrilegious Robbers Having taken also a Cloak of Massie gold from Jupiter Olympian which Hiero the Turant had dedicated to him out of the spoils of the Carthaginians and throwing over the Statue a Woollen-mantle told his Companions That a Cloak of Gold was too heavy in the Summer too cold in the Winter but a Woollen Cloak would serve for both Seasons The same person commanded the Golden beard of Esculapius to be taken from his Statue in his Temple at Epidaurum saying It was not convenient for Apollo the Father to be without a Beard and the Son to have so large a one He also took away the Silver and Golden Tables out of other Temples where finding certain Inscriptions after the manner of Greece that they belonged to the good Gods then said he Through their goodness we will make use of them He also took away the little Statues of Victory Cups and Crowns which they held in their hands being all of Gold saying He did but borrow them not take um quite away saying It was an idle thing when we pray to the Gods for good things not to accept um when they hold um forth to us Who in his own person though he were not rewarded according to his deserts yet in the infamy of his Son he suffered after death what in his life-time he had escaped 4. For the avoiding whereof Timâ—sitheus Prince of the Liparitans by his wisdom provided for his own and his Countries safety for when certain of his Subjects using Pyracy had taken a Golden cup of a very great weight and that the people were gathered together to divide the spoil understanding that it was consecrated to Apollo Pythian in lieu of their Tenths by the Romans he took it from them and carefully sent it to Delphos 5. Milisian Ceres when Miletum was taken by Alexander and that several Souldiers were broken into the Temple to plunder it on a sudden depriv'd them all of their sight 6. The Persians coming to Delos with a Navy of a thousand Ships behaved themselves more irreligiously than rapaciously toward the Temple 7. The Athenians banish'd Diagoras the Philosopher because he adventured to affirm that he knew not whether there were any Gods or no or if there were any of what nature they were They also condemned Socrates because he endeavoured to introduce a new Religion They endured Phidias when he affirmed that it was better to make the Statue of Minerva of Marble rather than of Ivory by reason it was more lasting but when he added that it was also cheaper they commanded him silence 8. Diomedon one of the ten Captains who at Arginusa won a great Victory to the Athenians but to himself the reward of Condemnation being now led to his undeserved Execution spake nothing else but onely that the Vows which he had made for the safety of the Army might be performed CHAP. II. Of Feigned Religion ROMANS 1. Numa Pompilius 2. P. Scip. African the greater 3. L. Cor. Sulla 4. Q. Sertorius FORRAIGNERS 1. Minos King of Crete 2. Pisistratus Athenian 3. Lycurgus Spartan 4. Zaleucus of Locri. 1. NVma Pompilius that he might oblige his people to the observance of Holy things feigned to have familiarity by night with the Goddess Egeria and that by her direction onely the worship of the Gods which he propos'd was instituted 2. Scipio sirnamed the African never went about any private or publick business till he had been for some while in the Fane of Jupiter Capitoline and was therefore thought to have been begot by Jove 3. Lucius Sulla when he resolved to give Battel embracing a little Image of Apollo which was taken out of the Temple of Delphos in the sight of all his Souldiers desired the Deity to bring to pass what he had promised 4. Q. Sertorius had a tame white Hart which he taught â—o follow him over all the cragged Mountains of Lusitania by which he feigned himself instructed what to do or what not FORRAIGN 1. Minos â—ing of Crete was wont to retire himself every ninth year into a deep and antiently-consecrated Den and there staying some time brought forth new Laws which he there feigned were delivered to him by Jupiter 2. Pisistratus to recover the Tyranny of Athens which he had lost made as if Minerva her self had led him into the Castle deceiving the Athenians by shewing an unknown woman who was called Phya in the habit of Minerva 3. Lycurgus perswaded the people that the Laws which he compos'd for the grave City of Lacedaemon were made by the counsel of Apollo 4. Zaleucus in the name of Minerva was accounted the wisest man among the Locrians CHAP. III. of Forraign Religion rejected 1. By
understood by the Letters from Paulus that Perseus was taken the same day he was not only delivered out of custody but honoured with a gift of Land and vacancy from bearing Office It was also farthâ—r found that Castor and Pollux did watch oâ—er the safety of the Common-wealth and travail'd hard for the good of the same for that they were sâ—en to wash themselves and their hoâ—ses in the Lake of Juturna and their Temple adjoyning to the Fountain open'd of it self nor being unlockt by the hand of any person 2. But then we may relate how favourable the rest of the Gods were to our City For when our City was visited with a triennial Pestilence and that neither through divine Compassion or humane Aid any remedy could be found â—or so long and lâ—sting a Calamity the Priests looking into the Sibyls Books observ'd that therâ— was no other way to restore the City to its â—â—â—mâ—â— health but by â—â—tching the Image of Esculapius from Epidaurus The City therefore sending their Ambassadours thither hop'd that by its authoâ—â—ty the greatest then in the world they might prâ—vail to obtain the only remedy against their fatal misery Neither did her hope deceive her For her desire was granted with as much willingness as it was râ—quested with earnestnâ—ss For immediately the Epidaurians carrying the Ambassâ—dours to the Temple of Esculapius distant from the City sâ—me five miles desired tâ—â—m to take out of it whatever they thought convenient for the preservation of Rome whose free benignity the god himself imitating by his celestial obedience approv'd the courtesie of mortals For that Snake which but seldom or never seen but to their great benefit the Epidaurians worshipt equal to Esculapius bâ—gan to glide with a mild aspect and gentle motion through the chief parts of the City and being three days seen to the religious admiration of all men without doubt taking in good part the change of a more noble Seat hasted to the Roman Galley and while the Martiners stood affrighted at so unusual a sight crept aboard the Ship and peaceably folding its self into several rings quietly remain'd in the Cabbin of Q. Ogulnius one of the Ambassadours The Legats having return'd due thanks and being instructed by the skilful in the due worship of the Serpent like men that had obtain'd their hearts desire joyfully departed and after a prosperous Voyage putting in at Antium the Snake which had remained in the Ship glided to the Porch of the Temple of Esculapius adorn'd with Myrtle and other Boughs and twisted itself about a Palm-tree of a very great height staying for three days in the Temple of Antium the Ambassadours with great care setting by these things wherewith he used to be fed for fear he should be unwilling to return to the Ship after which he patiently suffer'd himself to be transported to our City The Ambâ—ssadours landing upon the shore of Tiber the Snake swam to the Island where the Temple was dedicated and by his coming dispell'd the Calamity for remedy whereof he was sought 3. Not less voluntary was the coming of Juno to our City The Veientes being taken by Furius Camillus the Souldiers by command of the General going about to remove the Image of Juno Moneta which was there in principal adoration endeavour'd to remove it from the place where it stood Among the rest one of the Souldiers asked the Goddess in sport whether she would go to Rome to which the Goddess replying she would the jest was turn'd into admiration And now believing that they did not only carry the Image but Juno her self with great joy they placed her in that part of the Aventine Mountain where now we see her Temple stand 4. The Image also of the Womens Fortune about four miles from the City upon the Latine Road consecrated together with her Temple at the same time that Coriolanus was diverted from the destruction of the City by his Mothers tears was heard not once but twice to speak these words In due manner have you seen me Matrons and in due manner dedicated me 5. But Valerius Publicola Consul after the expulsion of the Kings waged War with the Veientes and Hetrurians while the one sought to restore Tarquinius to his Kingdome the other sought to retain their new-recover'd Liberty At which time while the Hetrurians and Tarquinius had the upper hand in the Right Wing there hapned such a sudden Consternation that not only the Victors began to fly but also drew the Veientes struck with the same fear along with them On a sudden a loud voice was heard from the adjoining Arsian Wood said to be uttered from the mouth of a Sylvan But one more of the Hetrurians shall fall The Roman Host shall obtain the Conquest The truth of the Miracle appeared by the number of the dead Bodies told 6. What say ye to the Assistance of Mars which facilitated the Victory of the Romans is it not worthy of lasting memory When the Brutians and Lucans with most inveterate Hatred and great Forces sought the destruction of the City of Thurinum C. Fabricius Luscinus Consul on the other side endeavouring with all his might to preserve the same and that the event of things seemed dubious the Forces of both sides being met in one place and the Romans not daring to venture battle a young man of a comely stature began to exhort them to take courage and finding them not very forward laying hold of a Ladder he posted through the middle of the Enemies body to the opposite Camp and setting up his Ladder scal'd the fortification and then crying out with a loud voice that there was a step to Victory rais'd he drew ours to assail the Lucans and Brutians to defend their own Camp where after a sharp Conflict they were utterly overthrown For by the impulse of his own Arms he deliver'd um over to be slain and taken by the Romans Twenty Thousand being slain Five Thousand taken togethâ—r with Statius Statilius General of both People and Twenty Military Ensignes The next day when the Consul told the Souldiers that he had reserv'd a Crown for him who had shewed so much Courage in taking the Camp and no young man was to be found to claim it it was then known and believed that Mars had taken the Romans part And among other demonstrations of the truth of the thing there was a Head-piece found with two Plumâ—s which had covered his sacred Head Therefore by command of Fabricius there was a Supplication to Mars proclaim'd and thanks return'd to him with great joy by the Souldiers crown'd with Lawrel in testimony of the assistance which they had received from him 7. I shall relate now what being known in that age was faithfully deliverâ—d to those which succeeded Aeneas bringing his houshold-gods with him from Troy placed them in Lavinium From thence they were by his Son Ascanius remov'd to Alba which himself had built which lest it should seem a force put upon them
Countenance he stung away his Sword and astonish'd and trembling ran away For the Slaughter of the Cimbrians presented it self before his eyes and the Calamity of his vanquish'd Nation quell'd his Courage The Immortal Gods deeming it an unworthy thing that Marius should be slain by one single person of a Nation who had subdued the whole The Minturnians also taken with the Majesty of his Person thougâ— now under the burthen on Misery and unavoidable Destiny yet preserv'd him safe Nor could the most severe Victory daunt them for fear lest Sylla should revenge their preservation of Marius though Marius himself might have been sufficient to deter them from preserving Marius 7. The admiration also of the stout and vertuous Life of Percius Cato render'd him so wonderful to the Senate who having prefix'd a day for the Publicans to answer contrary to Caesar's will and being therefore by his command carried by the Lictor to Prison the whole Senate was not ashamed to follow him which thing did not a little soften the perseverance of his divine Soul 8. At another time the same person beholding the Floral Plays which Messius the Aedil set forth the people were ashamed to require that the Mimicks should appear naked which when he understood from Favonius his great friend that sate close by him he departed out of the Theatre left his presence should interrupt the custome of the Show Whose departure the people loudly applauding renewed the ancient custome of Jesting in the Scenes confessing that they attributed more to the Majesty of one man than they claimed for the sake of the Generality To what Riches to what Power to what Triumphs was this priviledge granted before A small Patrimony Manners restrained within the bounds of Continence a small train of Followers a house shut against Ambition One Image of his Paternal Genealogy not the most comely Aspect but a Vertue hightned with all perfections Hence it was that whoever would Characterize a just and famous Citizen described him by the name of a Cato EXTERNAL 1. We must give some place also to Forraign Examples that being mix'd with those of our own Nation the variety may be the more delightful Xerxes having taking the City of Athens carried away the brazen Statues of Harmodius and Aristogiton who endeavoured to free that City from Tyranny which a long time after Seleucus taking care to return to their proper places when they came into the Haven of Rhodes the Rhodians inviting them that brought them into their City laid the Statues upon the sacred Cushions of the Gods Nothing more happy than such a Memory that gave so large a Veneration to a little Brass 2. How great Honour was also given by the Athenians to Xenocrates famous for his equal Piety and Wisdome who when he approached the Altar being necessitated to give his testimony in confirmation that all which he had spoken was truth all the Judges rose and forbid him openly to take his Oath believing it proper to grant that to his Sincerity which they were not to remit to themseves in the place of giving Sentence LIB III. CHAP. I. Of Towardliness Examples whereof among the Romans in 1. Emilius Lepidus a boy 2. Cato of Uâ—ica 3. Cassius Longinus EXTERNAL in 1. Alcibiades the Athenian I Will now touch upon some certain Infancies and Elements of Vertue and of a Soul that in process of time is to advance to the top of Glory Relating the tastes thereof given from the certain Experiments of Towardliness 1. Emilius Lepidus yet a boy going into the field kill'd an Enemy and sav'd a Citizen in memory of which action there is in the Capitol a Statue garnish'd and girt with a Senator's virile Robe by order of the Senate placed there esteeming it unjust that he should not be of age for Honour that was so ripe in Vertue Lepidus prevented what was to Age ordained by his Celerity in doing bravely carrying away a double Honour out of the Battel of which his years scarce admitted him to be a spectator For the Arms of men preparing for Combat drawn Swords the flight of Darts the noise of Horse-men charging the furious violence of Armies joyning strikes terrour into young men Among all which the childhood of the Emilian Family was able to deserve a Crown by carrying away the spoils of his Enemy 2. This Courage was not wanting in the Childhood of M. Cato For he being bred up in the house of M. Drusus his Uncle the Latins came to him then Tribune of the people requesting a City At which time the boy being requested by Poppedius Prince of the Latins lying at Drusus house to speak on their behalf to his Uncle with an unmov'd countenance made answer He would not and being again and again importun'd continu'd in his resolve Then Poppedius taking him up into the highest part of the house threatned to throw him down headlong unless he would yield to his request but nothing could make him alter his mind Which made them cry out Happy is it for us Latins and Allies that this is but a Youth from whom were he a Senator it were impâ—ssible for us to obtain our Petition For in his tender minde Cato retain'd the Gravity of the whole Court and by his perseverance frustrated the Latins who had a desire to learn the Laws and Customs of our City The same person coming in his Virile Robe to kiss the hand of Sylla and seeing the heads of the proscribed persons brought into the Porch of his house moved with the horridness of the Spectacle asked his School-master Sarpeâ—◠〈◊〉 there was no body to be sound that would kill so great a Tyrant Who making answer That men wanted not will but opportunity his person being so strongly guarded The Lad dâ—sired he might have a Sword given him affirming He could easily kill him as being wont to fit upon his bed-side His master perceived his courage but would not allow of his intention and aferwards always brought him to Sylla to be â—xamined Nothing than this more admirable A Lad taken in the Work-house of Cruelty fear'd not a Victor who at that time murder'd Consuls whole Towns Legions and the greatest part of the Order of Knighthood Had Marius been in his place himself he would have sooner consulted his own safety than the Death of Sylla 3. Whose Son Faustus had a good Cuff on the Ear given him by C. Cassius his School fellow for saying in vindication of his Father's Proscriptions that had he been a Man he would have done the same A worthy hand that would not embrue it self in the blood of his Countrey EXTERNAL 1. And to repeat something of the Grecians that Alcibiades whose Vertues or whose Vices were most pernicious to his Countrey we cannot say for with the one he deceiv'd his Citizens with the other he oppress'd um He being a Youth and coming to his Uncle Pericles and beholding him sitting melancholy in a private place askâ—d him why he
Fortune doth not therefore want a just confidence in its self 3. But Zeuxis having painted Helen thought it not fit to expect what men would say of his Work but presently added these Verses out of Homer Iliad 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I cannot blame the man that for her strives Like an Immortal God she is So that the Painter did not arrogate so much to his Art to think he had drawn so much Beauty as Leda might assume through her Celestial Birth or Homer express by his divine Wit 4. Phidias also alluded to the Verses of Homer in a notable Saying For having finish'd the Statue of Jupiter Olympic than which never humane hand did make a more famous Piece being ask'd by his Friend whither he directed his mind when he form'd the Face of Jupiter of Ivory as if he had seem'd to fetch it from Heaven reply'd that he made use of these following Verses Iliad 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 With his black brows he to her nodded Wherewith displayed were his Locks Divine Olymyus shook at stirring of his Godhead 5. But now the most renowned Captains suffer me no longer to insist upon mean Examples For Epaminondas when his Citizens in anger commanded him in contempt to take care of paving the Streets in the Town which was one of the lowest Offices among them without any hesitation took it upon him promising in a short time to make the City most beautiful By his wonderful Industry making the most vile Office to be coveted for a great honour 6. But Hannibal remaining in Exile with King Prusias and being the occasion of his giving Battle though the other told him that the Entrails portended no good Success made this reply Hadst thou rather said he believe a little Calves flesh than an old General A brief and concise Answer considering the number of the Words considering the sence a copious reply and of great authority For he that had wrung out of the hands of the Romans both Spains and having reduc'd the force of Gallia and Liguria under his subjection had open'd a new Passage through the Alps laying at the Kings feet the dire memory of the Thrasymene Lake the famous monument of the Punic Victory at Cannae Capua taken and all Italy rent and torn could not endure that his glory witnessed by long experiment should be put in competition with the Liver of one Sacrifice And certainly as to what concern'd the exploring of Military Sacrifices and making conjectures of Warlike Conducts the breast of Hannibal was far above all the little fires all the Altars of Bithynia in the judgment of Mars himself 7. That saying also of King Cotys was the mark of a most generous Spirit who so soon as he understood that the Athenians had given him a City made answer that he would give them the Law of his Nation Thereby equalling Thrace to Athens lest by accounting himself unable to requite such a benefit he should have been esteem'd to have thought too meanly of his Original 8. Nobly was it said also of both the Spartans one of whom being reproved that he went to battle being lame reply'd That it was his intention to fight and not to run The other being told that the Sun us'd to be obscur'd with the Darts of the Persians A very good story quoth he for we shall fight the better in the shade Another Person of the same City and Courage made answer to his Host shewing him the high and broad Walls of his City If ye made um for your Women said he ye did well if for your Men 't was ignominiously done CHAP. VIII Of Constancy ROMANS 1. Q. Fulvius Flaccus 2. Q. Fabius Maximus 3. Q. Calpurnius Piso 4. Metellus Numidia 5. Scaevola the Elder 6. Sempronia Sister of the Gracchi 7. Pontius the Centurion 8. Mevius the Centurian FORRAIGN 1. Blassius the Salapian 2. Phocion the Athenian 3. Socrates the Athenian 4. Ephialtes the Athenian 5. Dion of Syracuse 6. Alexander the Great THere remains the labour of Constancy as it were due to him that has demonstrated an open and couragious breast endued with good Confidence For Nature has provided that whoever believes himself to have comprehended any thing orderly and rightly in his minde should stifly defend it and put it into act against opposition or if not done should bring it to effect without delay maugre all resistance 1. But while I seek for an Example of what I propound looking about me at a distance before all the rest the Constancy of Fulvius Flaccus offers it self He at that time held Capua which through the fallacious promises of Hannibal had resolv'd by their vile Revolt to put the Kingdom of Italy into the Conquerours hands Having therefore made a true value of the Enemies Crime he purposed with himself wholly to extirpate the Senate of Capua who were the Authors of that wicked Decree To this intent he sent them all to Theana and Calena laden with Chains into two several Prisons resolving to execute his purpose when he had done some other things which required a more necessary speed In the mean time a Rumour being spread of more favourable Proceedings being intended toward them lest they should escape their deserved punishment he took horse in the night-time posts to Theana where he put to death all that were in custody there thence hasting to Calena he finish'd the work of his severe Resolution For though while yet the Campanians were bound to the stake he had received Letters in favour of them he notwithstanding kept the Letters as he received them in his left hand commanding the Lictor to do his duty nor would he open them till he knew it was too late to obey them By which Constancy of his he surmounted the glory of a Victory For if we make his Estimate by dividing the praise between himself we shall finde him greater in Capua punish'd than in Capua taken 2. This was a Constancy in Severity that which follows a most admirable Constancy in piety which Fabius Maximus render'd indefatigable for the good of his Country He told out the Money to Hannibal for the Captives being publickly defrauded of it he said nothing The Senate had made Minutius Master of the Horse equal to him in Authory he held his tongue And although provoked with many other injuries he persisted in the same habit of minde nor would ever give his pâ—ssion liberty to be angry with the Commonwealth so stedfast was the love he bare to his Citizens In his managing the War was not his Constancy the same The Roman Empire broken at the overthrow at Cannae seem'd scarce able to provide another Army and therefore believing it to be better to delay and weary the force of the Carthaginians than to come to Handy-blows with all his power though provoked with the frequent taunts of Hannibal though he had many times
of the Second Punic War For when Capua was besieged by Fulvius there were two Women in the Town that would by no means be perswaded from shewing eminent signes of good Will toward the Romans the one named Vestia Opidia the Mistriss of a good Family the other Cluvia Facula an Harlot one which dayly sacrificed for the success of the Roman Army the other still supplied the necessities of the Roman Captives The Town being taken the Senate restor'd them both their Liberty and their Goods and if they had any other Boon to crave bid them freely demand it for that they were as free to give it It was more wonderful that the Senate had leisure in a time of so much Exultation to return thanks to two mean Women than that they took upon them to do it 2. What more commendable than that of the Roman Youth who in the Consulship of C. Nantius and Minutius listed themselves voluntarily to give assistance to the Tusculanes who were enter'd into the Territories of the Aequi who had a little before most stoutly defended the Roman Empire A new thing to hear the whole Army listing themselves lest their Countrey should seem to want a grateful mind 3. A great Example of Gratitude was that of the People toward Q. Fabius Maximus Who dying after he had born Five Consulships with great suâ—â—ess and advantage to the Commonwealth strove â—ho should bring in most Money to advance the sâ—â—endour and magnificence of his Funeral Let us prize the Reward of vertue when we finde brave â—en to be more happy in their Burials than the slâ—â—thful in their Lives 4. With no small glory was another piece of Gratitude shewn to the other Fabius yet living For when Minutius Master of the Horse was made equal in Commission with him being Dictator by an Act of the Senate which was never done before and dividing the Army had fought apart with Hannibal in Samnium yet he seeing the great Overthrow he had like to have had by his own Rashness had not Fabius come in timely to his relief he presently acknowledged him for his Father and commanded him to be saluted Patron and Preserver by his own Legions and laying down his Commission of Equality submitted the Mastership of the Horse to the Dictatorship as of right it ought to have been correcting the impudent errour of the Vulgar by the grateful signification of his Minde 5. A Story to be related upon as good grounds is that Terentius Culeo a Pretorian by Birth and of the Senatorian Order should follow as he did the Triumphant Chariot of the Elder Scipio with his Cap in his hand bare-headed for that being a Captive to the Carthaginians he had been retaken by him And therefore he deservedly return'd in view of the whole people the acknowledgment of a Benefit received from him as from his Patron who was the Author of his Liberty 6. But when Flaminius triumph'd over Philip there was not only one but two thousand Roman Citizens that followed his Chariot bare-headed who having been taken in the Punic Wars and being sold into Greece had been by his care collected together and restor'd to their former Freedome The Honour of the General seem'd redoubled that day who at the same time let the People see their Enemies by him overcome their Fellow Citizens by him preserved Also their preservation was doubly acceptable to all seeing that so many and those so grateful persons had recovered their deserved Liberty 7. Metellus as famous for his Tears as others for their Victories obtain'd the name of Pious for his passionate and constant Love of his Father in Exilement This man being Consul was not ashamed to entreat the People on the behalf of Q. Calidius Candidate for the Pretorship because that he being Tribune was author of the Law by which his Father was recall'd He always after call'd him also the Patron of his House and Family Nor did he thereby any way derogate from his greatness which he had obtain'd seeing that it was not the Lowness of his Spirit but the Gratefulness of his Minde which made him submit the grandeur of his Dignity to the greatest desert of an inferiour person 8. And therefore the Gratitude of C. Marius was not only eminent but seem'd to be the effect of a violent Passion For observing two Cohorts of the Camertians to have bravely withstood the Fury of the Cimbrians contrary to the Condition of the League he immediately made them free of the City Which act of his he both truely and nobly excused saying That in the noise and hurry of Battle he could not hear the words of the Civil Law And indeed it was a time then wherein there was more need to defend than hear the Law 9. Sylla in the Combat of Praise every where follows the footsteps of Marius For being Dictator he not only uncovered his Head to Pompey being a private person but rising in his Chariot did alight from his Horse And this in the Publick Assembly he declared himself to have done willingly remembring that the other when he was but two and twenty years of Age had taken his part with his Fathers Army There were many remarkable things in Pompey but I know not whether any thing hapned to him more remarkable than this that the surplusage of his kindness caused Sylla at length to forget him 10. And while we talk of Men in high Splendour let there be some place for meaner Gratitude For Cornutus the Pretor being commanded to bargain for the Funerals of Hirtius and Pansa they who provided all Necessaries for Funerals belonging to the Temple of Libitina promised the use of their things and their attendance gratis bâ—cause they were slain fighting for their Countrey And by their constant and earnest desire procured that the ordering of the Funeral might be at the rate of Sesterce Money though at their own charges Whose praise setting the Law aside their condition rather augments than extenuates seeing them the only contemners of gain that lived by no other thing than gain FORRAIGN Examples Let not their Ashes take it ill if Kings of Forraign Nations come next in order to be mentioned after this sordid tribe which either was not to be mentioned at all or else to be placed in the last part of Domestick Examples But since honest acts done by the meanest ought not to slip our Memory while they obtain a distinct and proper place they neither seem to be added to the one nor preferr'd before the other 1. Darius being yet a private person was mightily taken with a short Vestment of Syloson the Samian and by his more curious viewing of it caus'd Syloson to give it him freely who so much desir'd it in his mind But how great a value he put upon that small Gift he soon made known when he enjoyed the Empire giving to Syloson the whole City and Island of the Samians for his possession Not that he honour'd the price but the
1. Machaera a Macedonian woman 2. A Syracusan Woman 3. Theodorus the Cyrenean AS I did not invite Liberty attested as well by the Words as by the Sayings of vehement Spirits so I will not exclude it coming in my way Which being scituated between Vertue and Vice if it keep it self within the bounds of Moderation may deserve Praise if it launch out further than the limits of due respect is to be reprehended becoming thereby more grateful to the ears of the Vulgar than approv'd by Wisemen and is more secure in the pardon of others than in the providence of the person But since we have resolv'd to prosecute all the parts of Humane Action let us relate the Story upon our own credit and let others judge as they think fit 1. Privernum being taken and those persons put to death who had caus'd the Town to rebel the Senate mov'd with indignation consider'd what they should do with the rest of the Inhabitants Thus their safety was in a fluctuating condition at the same time subject to the Victors and those that were incens'd against them But when they saw there was no way but to submit and petition they could not forget that they had some Italian blood in their Veins For the chief in Court being examin'd among them what punishment they deserv'd made answer What punishment they deserv'd who thought themselves worthy of Liberty He had taken Arms in words and had inflam'd the incens'd minds of the Senators When Plautius the Consul favouring the cause of the Privernates put a stop to his stout answer and ask'd him again What kind of Peace the Romans should make with them granting them their pardon But he with a resolute Countenance return'd again If ye grant us good Conditions let the Peace be perpetual if bad as short as you please By which stern Repartie he brought it to pass that the vanquish'd were not only pardon'd but enjoy'd the Priviledges of our City 2. Thus the Captain of the Privernates spoke in the Senate But L. Philippus the Cousul did not forbear to make use of the same liberty against the same Order For upbraiding their sloath before the Rostra he told them The Commonwealth stood in need of another Senate and was so far from repenting for what he had said that he commanded L. Crassus a man of great Dignity and Eloquence to be laid hold on for murmuring against it But he thrusting back the Lictor Thou art no Consul of mine said he because I am no Senator of thine 3. What! Were the people safe from the assaults of Liberty No it both assail'd them and found them patiently suffering Carbo a Tribune of the People and a most turbulent assertor of the Gracchian Sedition and a most absolure firebrand of the growing Civil Wars having hal'd P. Africanus from the very Gate of the City to the Rostra as he return'd with Triumph from the ruines of Numantium there ask'd him his opinion of the death of Gracchus whose Sister he had married that by the authority of a person so much in credit he might adde fuel to the fire already begun Not doubting but that in regard of their near relation he would have spoken somewhat affectionately in behalf of his Brother that was put to death but he answer'd That he was legally slain Upon which saying when the whole Assembly incens'd with the Tribunitian fury began to make a great Clamour Hold your peace said he you to whom Italy is but a stepmother And when they began to set up another Cry You shall never make me fear said he those free whom I brought hither bound Thus were the whole People reproved by one man with contempt What an honour they gave to Vertue They presently were mute The Numantine Victory fresh in Memory his Fathers Macedonian Conquest his Grand-fathers Carthaginian Trophies and the Necks of two Kings Perseus and Syphax chain'd to their Triumphal Chariots stopt the mouths of the enraged Multitude Nor did silence proceed from fear but because through the aid of the Cornelian and Aemilian Families many fears of the City and Italy were put to an end the People of Rome were not free in respect of Scipio's Liberty 4. And therefore we need the less wonder that the vast Authority of Pompey contested so often with Liberty Nor was it without great applause that he took things patiently because it was his fortune to be a laughing-stock to the license of all sorts of men Cn. Piso when he had indited Manilius Crispus and saw him though apparently guilty to be protected by Pompey being carried on with a youthful heat and desire of accusation he tax'd the potent defendour with many great and hainous Crimes Being then examin'd by him why he did not accuse him himself Do but thou said he give Sureties to the Common-wealth if thou art accused that thou wilt not raise a Civil War and I will cause the Judges to sit upon thy head before they sit upon the head of Munilius Thus by the same Judgment he maintain'd two persons guilty Manilius by his Accusation Pompey by his Liberty and the one he fulfill'd by Law the other by the profession of his good will not being able to go any farther 5. What therefore is Liberty without Cato No more than Cato without Liberty For when he sate Judge upon a Senator that was very guilty and infamous and that there were Certificates produced under Pompey's hand in favour of the party accus'd he presently caus'd them to be laid aside reciting the Law wherein it was enacted that no Senator should make use of any such assistance The fact is not much to be wonder'd at considering the person for what might seem sauciness in another was in Cato known to be Fidelity to his Countrey 6. Cn. Lentulus Marcellinus the Consul when he was complaining in a set Speech of Pompey's prodigious power and that all the people began to cry him up Shout said he shout while you may brave Romans shortly it will not be lawful for you to do it and go unpunish'd Thus was the power of a potent Citizen nipp'd on the one side by an envious complaint on the other side by a sad lamentation 7. To which eminent Citizen having his thigh bound about with a white Shash It matters not said Favonius upon what part of the body the Diadem be worn Upbraiding his Kingly Power by cavilling at a tittle piece of cloth But he turning his head neither one way nor other was mighty careful how he acknowledged his power by any chearfulness in his looks or how he shewed his Anger by any Severity and by that patience laid himself open to the meanest and lowest fort of people 8. Helvius Mancia Formianus the Son of Libertinus when he was very old accus'd Libo to the Censors In which contest when Pompey the Great upbraided him with his low condition and his old age and told him withal that he was sent from the Grave to be an
VIII Of the Fidelity of Servants to their Masters 1. The Servant of M. Antonius the Oratour 2. The Servant of C. Marius 3. Philocrates the Servant of C. Gracchus 4. Pindarus the Servant of C. Cassius 5. The Family of Plotius Plancus 6. The Servant of Urbinius Anapio 7. The Servant of Antius Restio IT remains that we relate the Fidelity of Servants to their Masters so much the more praise-worthy by how much it was least expected from them 1. Marcus Antonius a most celebrated Oratour in the days of our Ancestors was accus'd of Incest whose Accusers were obstinately importunate with the Judges that his Servant might be examin'd for a witness because they pretended that he carried the Lanthorn before him when he went to commit the Fact He was at that time a beardless Youth and saw himself ready to be sent to the Rack yet never budg'd for it But when he came home and saw Antonius very much troubled about the business he earnestly begg'd of his Master that he might be put to the Rack affirming that they should not force a tittle out of his mouth to do him a prejudice And with a wonderful patience he performed his promise For being lash'd with many stripes set upon the Wooden-horse and sear'd with burning plates of Iron he overthrew the whole force of his Masters accusation by standing firm to his preservation Fortune might be deservedly blam'd for having imprison'd so pious and stout a Soul in the Body of a Slave 2. But the Consul C. Marius whose ill success was miserable at the Siege of Praeneste seeing it in vain to escape through a little Myne under ground and slightly wounded by Thelesinus with whom he had designed to live was run through and slain by his Servant to free him from the cruelty of Sylla though he had large promises made him to deliver him up to the Victor The seasonable assistance of whose right hand no way seems inferiour to the Piety of those who have protected their Masters in safety Because at that time not Life but Death was most beneficial to Marius 3. Equally illustrious was the following Example Caius Gracchus that he might not fall into the power of his Enemies laid his neck to be cut off by his Servant Philâ—crates Which when he had cut off with a swift blow he thrust the Sword still reaking with his Masters blood into his own Bowels Others call this Servant Euporus I dispute not about the name only I admire the stoutness of a servile Fidelity the nobleness of whose Soul had the generous Youth imitated he had avoided the threatning danger by the benefit of his own and not his Servants hand But now he gave way that the Carcass of Philocrates should lye in more splendour than that of Gracchuâ— his Master 4. Another sort of Fury and another sort of Nobility but the same Example of Fidelity For Pindarus the Freed-man of Cassius having slain his Master by his command after he had lost the Battle of Philippi preserv'd him from the insultings of his Enemies nor was the Servant ever seen after Which of the Gods Revenger of the most hainous Crimes of Mortals so benumb'd that Valour that ventur'd to the destruction of the Parent of the Empire that it should so abjectly trembling submit it self at the knees of Pindarus to avoid the punishment of publick Parricide which it deserv'd from the hands of a most pious Victor Thou thou it was most divine Julius that didst exact the revenge due to thy celestial wounds compelling that proud Head so perfidious to thee to implore the sordid aid of a Slave driven to that extremity of fury that he neither defir'd to live nor durst to dye by his own hand 5. Of these calamities C. Plotius Plancus the Brother of Munatius Plancus both Consul and Censor was a sad partaker who lurking in the Territories of Salernum after he had been banish'd by the Triumvirs discover'd the Sanctuary of his Safety by his effeminate way of living and the odours of his sweet Oyntments For thereby the industrious care of those that persecute the miserable smelt out his secret haunts By whom the Servants being apprehended and long tortur'd denied they knew where their Master was Then would not Plancus endure that Servants so faithful and exemplary should be any longer tormented but discover'd himself and offer'd his Throat to the Souldiers weapons Which contest of mutual good Will makes it difficult to be decided whether the Master were more worthy who had the trial of such a constant Fidelity in his Servants or the Servants who were freed from the severity of the Rack by the just compassion of their Master 6. What shall I say to the Servant of Vrbinius Panopio how admirable was his Faith Who understanding that certain Souldiers having found where his Master was by the treachery of his Servants were come to the Town of Reate to kill him changing his Gaâ—ments with him and putting on his own Ring he put his Master out at a Back-door and retiring himself into his Masters Chamber and into his Masters Bed suffered himself patiently to be kill'd in lieu of Panâ—pio The act is soon related but the commendaâ—â—on which it deserves is not so easily given However Panopio tesâ—iâ—iâ—d how much he was beholding to his Servant by raising him an ample Monument with a grateful Inscription 7. I might be contented with these Examples but the wonder of the Fact compells me to relate one more Antius Restio being proscrib'd by the Triumviri when he saw all his Servants busie upon rapine and ransack in a tempestuous night withdrew himself from his House Whose flight being observed by a Slave that he had kept severely in Chains and one that he had burnt in the Forehead with contumelious Letters the Slave never left till he had overtaken him to the end he might attend him in his misery By which most exquisite and dangerous officiousness he completed the full measure of a most signal Piety For when they whose condition was better at home minded nothing but the ransack of their Master he thought the saâ—ety of that person who had been so cruel to him to be the greatest profit he could enjoy And when it had been enough to have laid aside his Anger he added Charity Nor did his good Will end here but be us'd a Stratagem to preserve his Master For when he perceiv'd the Souldiers were at hand he hid his Master and making a Funeral Pile got a poor old man whom he slew and threw him into the flame When the Souldiers askâ—d him for Antius pointing to the Pile I have thrown him said he into that Pile for his cruelty to me The Souldiers believing the probability of the Story went their way whereby Antius had time to provide for his safety CHAP. IX Of the Change of Manners and Fortune Among the ROMANS 1. T. Manlius Torquatus 2. P. Africanus the Elder 3. C. Valerius Flaccus the Flamin 4. Q. Fabius
vastness of Crassus Wealth give him the Sirname of Rich Yet Poverty afterwards laid upon him the shameful title of a Bankrupt his Goods being sold by his Creditors because he could not pay the principal beside the bitter Sarcasme wherewith every one that met him saluted him calling him still Rich Crassus 13. Q. Caepio excels Crassus in severity of Fortunes inconstancy For he having obtain'd the splendour of the Praetoâ—ship the renown of a Triumph the dignity of a Consulship the glory of the High-Priesthood insomuch that he was call'd The Patron of the Senate yet died in Jâ—yl and his Body tortur'd and dilacerated by the cruel hand of the Hangman became a spectacle of horror to the Roman People in the publick place of Execution 14. The Life of Marius was a strange contest with Fortune for he withstood all her opposition with a stoutness of mind and body Being thought unworthy the low honours of an Arpinate for whom it was not lawful to aspire high he ventur'd to stand for the Questorship at Rome And by his patience in bearing repulses he rather broke by force than was admitted into the Senate He had the same repulses when he stood for the Tribuneship and Aedileship in the Field of Mars Standing for the Praetorship he carried the lowest degree which notwithstanding he obtain'd with great difficulty for being accus'd for bribing Voicâ—s he was hardly acquitted by the judges Yet from that Marius so meanly born at Arpinum so despised at Rome and so abhorr'd a Candidate sprung that Marius who subdu'd Africa drove King Jugurth before his Chariot in Triumph who utterly subdued the Armies of the Teutons and Cimbrians whose two Triumphs were beheld in the City and whose seaven Consulships were register'd in the Annal-Books who had the luck to be created Consul returning from Banishment and to proscribe his Proscriber What mere mutable or inconstant than his condition Who among the miserable was most miserable yet among the fortunate shall be found most fortunate 15. But Julius Caesar whose Vertues gave him admission into Heaven at the beginning of his youth going into Asia being taken by Sea-Rovers was forced to redeem himself for fifty Talents For so small a sum as that would Fortune have the brightest Constellation in the world sold in the Pyrats Market Why then should we complain of her when she spares not the associates of her Divinity But the celestial Numen reveng'd his own injury For presently after pursuing the slaves and taking them he crucified them every man FORRAIGNERS 1. We have been intent in relating our own let us be more succinct in the repetition of Forreign Examples Polemo a young Athenian Gentleman but infinitely debauch'd and one that gloried in his shame rising from a Banquet not after Sun-set but after Sun-rising as he went home saw Xenocrates the Philosopher's door standing wide open Drunk as he was richly perfum'd gayly clad and with his Garland upon his Head he enter'd the School that was full of Grave and Learned Men and nothing asham'd of the manner of his entry he sate down to throw his drunken Jests upon the noble Disputes and wholesom Precepts that were then utter'd The company being offended Xenocrates kept his temper and began to dispute of Modesty and Temperance The Gravity of whose Speech causing Polemo to repent he first threw his Garland to the ground presently after he withdrew his arms a token of Modesty among the Athenians under his Cloak shortly after he left his feasting Mirth and lastly laid aside all his Debauchery and being cur'd with the wholesome Medicine of one Oration of an infamous Glutton became a famous Philosopher For his minde was only a Pilgrim in wickedness not an Inhabitant 2. It troubles me to remember Themistocles in his Youth whether I consider his Father that disinherited him or his Mother that hang'd herself to see the wicked course of life her Son led when he himself afterwards became the most famous person that ever Greece brought forth and was the pledge either of hope or despair between Asia and Europe For the one had him the Patron of her Safety the other entertain'd him as the Surety of Victory 3. Cimon in his youth was look'd upon as a fool but the Athenians found the benefit of his foolish commands Compelling them to condemn themselves of stupidity who had accus'd him of Folly 4. Two distinct Fortunes shar'd Alcibiades between them The one that assign'd him a splendid Nobility vast Wealth Beauty incomparable strength of Body a most piercing Wit and the passionate love of his Countrey-men The other that inflicted upon him Condemnaton Banishment Sale of his Estate Poverty the hatred of his Countrey and a violent Death Neither the one nor the other altogether but by intermission like the ebbing and flowing of the Sea 5. Polycrates the Tyrant of Samos lived in such a prodigality of Fortunes favours that he was admir'd even to Envy not without cause his endeavors all prosper'd his hopes reap'd the fruit of what they desired his wishes were no sooner nam'd than granted To desire and be able to perform was the same thing Once only Fortune chang'd her coutenance when he threw a Ring which he highly esteem'd into the Sea that he might not be said to have undergone no misfortune which however he presently recover'd the fish being taken that had swallowed it But he could not always hold this prosperous course of felicity that swell'd his full sails For Orontes one of Darius's Commanders having taken him caus'd him to be crucified upon the highest top of the Mycalensian Mountain From whence the City of Samos long oppressed by his severe Tyranny with the joyful eyes of freemen beheld his stinking Arteries his members besmear'd with Blood and that left hand to whom Neptune had restor'd the Ring by the hand of the Fisherman the sad spectacle of Misfortune 6. Dionysius also when he had enter'd upon the Tyranny of Sicily by his Fathers Will the Lord of a vast Wealth a Captain of Armies an Admiral of a Navy potent in Horse yet was forced to teach School at Corinth for his livelihood And at the same time of a Tyrant being now become a School-master he warn'd his Elders by such a change how little they were to trust to Fortune 7. Next to him follows Syphax the King who underwent the same severity of Fortune to whom however at the same time Rome by Scipio Carthage by Asdrubal made their addresses for his Friendship But while he stood thus courted that he seem'd to be an Arbiter of Victory between the greatest and most potent People in the world In a short time after he was brought chain'd by Laelius to Scipio and now lyes prostrate at the feet of him whom he thought it favour enough before as he fate upon his Throne to take by the hand Thus meerly vain and fragil and like the baubles Children play with are those great things which we call Human Power and Wealth
coming into the Senate-House Hannibal said he has sent me to advise with you Whether if he meet the Roman Admiral and finde him too numerous he shall fight or no When the whole Senate were unanimously for fighting Then said he he has fought and is overcome And then it was too late to condemn the fact which they themselves had approv'd 8. The other Hannibal finding Fabius Maximus's delay so prejudicial to his Victories to render him suspected of spinning out the War while he wasted all other parts of Italy with Fire and Sword he only spar'd his Farm And the crafty act of kindness had taken effect had not the piety of Fabius and the wily tricks of Hannibal bin too well known to the City of Rome 9. The Tusculans also sav'd themselves by the acuteness of their Councils For when by their frequent Rebellions they merited the total destruction of their City and that Furius Camillus was sent for the same purpose with a very powerful Army they all came forth to meet him in their Gowns bringing him provisions and offering him all other as at Peace and Friendship while their Shops were open as at other times By which Constancy of theirs they not only obtain'd our Friendship but became also incorporated with our City 10. But wicked was the counsel of Tullus Captain of the Volsci who being eager to make War upon the Romans finding after the loss of several Battles that his own People began to encline to Peace by a subtile way of reasoning made 'em do what he pleased For it happening that a great multitude of the Volsci went to Rome to behold the Publick Shews he told the Consuls he was afraid they would contrive some mischief being so numerous advis'd them to be careful and presently left the City himself This the Consuls related to the Senate who though they knew no reason for it yet upon Tullus's words voted the Volsci to depart the City By which contempt the Volsci incensed were easily induced to Rebellion Thus with a Lye mask'd in Kindness did a cunning Captain deceive two Nations The Romans being moved to abuse the Innocent and the deceived Volsci to revenge the injury CHAP. IV. Of Stratagems ROMANS 1. Tullus Hostilius King 2 Sext. Tarquiniuâ— 3. The besieged in the Capitol 4. M. Livius and C. Claudius Consuls 5. Q. Metellus sirnamed the Macedonian FORRAIGNERS 1. Agathocles King of Syracuse 2. Hannibal BUt this part of Subtilty is to be applauded as being free from all reproof the acts whereof because we have no word to express we are forced to borrow the word Stratagem from the Greek 1. Fidene a City that kept the growing infancy of our City waking and nourishing her Vertue with neighbouring Trophies and Triumphs taught her to aspire farther was assail'd by Tullus Hostilius all his forces At that time Metius Suffetius in the field when the Battles were ready to joyn discover'd the falsity of his heart which he had a long time kept conceal'd For leaving the wing of the Roman Army he drew Off to a Hill where he resolv'd to be a Spectator rather than an Assistant intending either to triumph over the vanquish'd or to fall upon the weary Victors No question but it discourag'd our Souldiers to see themselves forsaken by their Allies at the very time when they were going to fight their Enemies To prevent which Tullus riding swiftly about the Battalions cryed out That Metius had drawn off by his command and that he was to fall upon the back of the Fidenates when he gave the signe And by that cunning of an expert General he chang'd their Fear into Confidence and fill'd their breasts with Chearfulness instead of Consternation 2. And that I may not presently leave our Kings Sextus Tarquinius the Son of Tarquinius fretting to see that the Gabii could not be taken by his Father's Army found out a trick more powerful than Weapons themselves whereby he over-reach'd the Town and joyn'd it to the Roman Empire For he betook himself to the Gabii counterfeiting himself to be fled from his Fathers stripes and severity After that procuring the good will of every one by his kind and winning behaviour when he had won that he sent his Servant to his Father to tell him how he had every thing in his hands and to desire him to know what he should do The old mans Craft was answerable to the youngs mans subtilty For Tarquin pleased with the news yet not confiding in the Messeâ—ger return'd no answer but carrying him into the Garden strook of the heads of the highest and biggest Poppies with his Cane The young man understanding his silence and what he had done concluded there was another meaning in the thing which was that he should either banish or put to death all the Chief Heads of the Gabii Whereby he deliveir'd up the City empty of defenders and yet the peoples hands were not tyed 3. Prudently also and prosperously was it provided by our Ancestors when our City being taken the Capitol was besieg'd by the Gauls who despair'd of taking it any other way than by famishing the besieg'd For by how cunning an act of deliberation did they deprive the Victors of their only motive to that obstinacy by casting Loaves of Bread out of the Capitol into several parts of the Besieger-Line At which sight they were so amaz'd and thought us to be so well stor'd that they were constrain'd to raise their Siege Certainly Jupiter himself took compassion of the Roman Courage which then borrow'd assistance from Craft seeing them in the height of want to waste the support of Life And therefore he prosper'd the cunning Stratagem with a prosperous event 4. The same Jupiter afterwards became propitious to the crafty Councils of our Captains For when Hannibal â—â—â—â—assed one side of Italy and Asdrubal had invaded the other that the conjoyn'd forces of two Brothers might not too heavily and sorely oppress the already-too-weak condition of our affairs here Claudius Nero supply'd his vigorous Counsel there Livius Salinator providently provided For Nero curbing Hannibal in the Province of the Lucans making a shew of still attending the Enemy for so the reason of War requir'd with long and speedy marches hastens to the assistance of his Colleague Salinator being then in Vmbria by the River Metaurus and resolved to fight the next day with an extraordinary Policy received Nero by night For he order'd the Tribunes to be receiv'd by the Tribunes the Centurions by the Centurions the Horsemen by the Horsemen the Foot by the Footmen and so without any tumult he ingrafted two Armies into one in the same ground that was hardly able to contain that which he had before Whereby it hapned that Asdrubal knew not that he fought with two Consuls before he was by both overthrown And thus was the Punic faith so infamous over all the world deluded at its own Weapon while the Roman Prudence deliver'd up Hannibal to the Wiles of Nero
Conful then for the Consul had subdued almost all Spain and understood that Pompey the Consul his enemy would be sent to succeed him he dismissed all that pretended to be acquitted from service gave licence to the Souldiers to go take their pleasure never setting any time for their coming again He left the Magazines upon the Borders free to the plunder of the Enemy He ordered the Cretans Bows and Arrows to be broken and thrown into the River He forbid any Victuals to be given to the Elephants By which acts as he gratified his Passion so he sufficiently sullied the glory of his great Deeds and lost the honour he had won being a greater Vanquisher of the Enemy than of his own Passion 8. What became of Sylla too obedient to this Vice After he had shed the blood of others did he not shed his own For burning with indignation at Puteoli because that Granius Prince of the Colony did not pay in so quickly the Money to the Decurio's which he had promis'd for the repair of the Capitol with a concitation of minde more than ordinary and an immoderate force of speaking he vomited up his last breath mixed with blood and threats Not failing by old Age as not being above threescore but raging with an Impotency nourished by the miseries of the Commonwealth So that it is a doubt whether Sylla or Sylla's Anger were first extinguished FORRAIGNERS Now it behoves us to fetch Examples from unknown persons yet there is something of shame in reproaching the Vices of great men But since the faith of our designe admonishes us to comprehend every thing the Will must give way to the Work that the Considence of declaring necessary things may not be wanting while we justifie the proof of great things 1. Alexander was kept from Heav'n by his own Anger For what hinder'd but that he might have risen thither had not Lysimachus thrown to a Lion Elytus run through with a Spear Callisthenes put to death lost him the fame of three of his greatest Victories by the unjust slaughter of so many friends 2. How excessive the Hatred of Amilear toward the Roman People For beholding four Sons of tender Age and the same number of Lions whelps He bred them he said to the ruine of our Empire Fairly brought up as it hapned to the ruine of their own Country n 3 3. Of which Sons Hannibal so followed his Fathers steps that when he was about to cross the Army over into Spain and sacrificing for good success the Son then but nine years of age holding his hand upon the Altar swore that assoon as his Age would permit him he would be a most bitter Enemy to the Romans that he might express to his father how willingly he accompanied him in the War then afoot The same person that he might shew the Hatred between Rome and Carthage happening to stumble and raise the dust with his foot Then said he there will be an end of the War between these two Cities when one of them is reduced into dust at this is 4. In the breast of a Boy the Force of Hatred was not so prevalent but that it equally prevailed in a Womans breast For Semiramis Queen of the Assyrians when it was related to her as she was combing her hair that Babylon was revolted with one part of her hair loose and dishevell'd she hasted to its recovery nor would she bring her hair till she had reduced the City into order And therefore her Statue is placed in Babylon in the same posture as she hasten'd to her Revenge CHAP. IV. Of Covetousness ROMANS 1. M. Crassus and Q. Hortensius 2. Q. Cassius Longinus 3. L. Septimuleius FORRAIGNERS 1. Ptolomey King of Cyprus LEt Avarice be brought forth that lurks in hidden places but a devourer of open prey unhappy in enjoyment but most through Insatiability 1. When certain persons had suborn'd a false testimony against Minucius Basilius in Greece who was very rich to confirm it they put into his Will as Heirs two of the most potent men of our City M. Crassus and Q. Hortensius to whom Minutius was altogether unknown Though the fraud were evident yet both covetous after the Estate neither refus'd the gift of a Forreign Crime How great an offence have I slightly related The Lights of the Court and Ornaments of the Seat of Judicature what they ought to have punish'd invited by the bait of dishonest gain they protected by their Authority 2. But it was of greater force in Q. Cassius who let go M. Silius and A. Calpurnius being apprehended in Spain with daggers on purpose to have kill'd him having agreed with the one for fifty with the other for sixty Sesterces It may be a question whether if they had given him as much more he would not have offer'd them his throat also 3. But above all the Avarice of L. Septimuleius was most notorious Who being a familiar Friend of Gracchus not only cut off his Head but carried it fix'd upon a pole through the City because Opimius the Consul had promis'd a reward in Gold to him that should do it Some report that he filled the hollow part of his Sâ—ull with melted Lead that it might be the heavier Whether he were seditious or died for a good Example yet the wicked hunger of his friend should not have bin so greedy after such injuries to the dead FORREIGNERS 1. The Covetousness of Septimuleius deserved hatred but the Avarice of Ptolomey King of the Cyprians is to be laught at For having by mean devices scrap'd together great Riches and saw that he was like to perish for their sake and for that reason having shipped all his Wealth was got out to Sea that by bulging the Vessels he might perish at his own leasure and frustrate his Enemies hopes could not endure the sinking of his Gold and Silver but carried back the future reward of his own Death Surely he did not possess but was possess'd by Wealth being in his minde a miserable slave to Money CHAP. V. Of Pride and excess of Power ROMANS 1. M. Fulvius Flaccus Cos 2. M. Livius Drusus Tribune of the People 3. C. Pompey the Great three times Consul 4. M. Antonie Triumvir FORREIGNERS 1. Alexander the Great 2. Xerxes King of Persia 3. Hannibal the Carthaginian 4. The Carthaginian and Campanian Senate 1. NOw that Pride and Excess in Power may be brought upon the Stage Fulvius Flaccus Consul Colleague with M. Plautius Hypsaeus being about to make Laws very pernicious to the Common-wealth of making free Citizens of Rome and citing such before the People who would not change their City could hardly be perswaded to come into Court Then when the Senate partly admonish'd him partly besought him to desist he gave them no answer He might be accompted a Tyrannical Consul who had thus carried himself against one Senator as Flaccus did against the whole Body of so Majestick an Assembly 2. Whose Majesty was no less affronted by the