so much speed and alacrity that they were not discover'd by Aristippus not only whilest upon their March but even when they were got into Cleonae in the night and were drawn up in order of battle As soon as it was morning the Gates being opened and the Trumpets sounding he fell upon the Enemy with great cries and fury and routing them follow'd the pursuit especially that way that Aristippus indeavour'd to make his escape through a Country full of windings and turnings The Pursuit lasted as far as Mycenae where the Tyrant was slain by a certain Cretan call'd Tragiscus as Dinias reports and of the common Soldiers above fifteen hundred Yet tho' Aratus had obtain'd so great a Victory without the loss of a man he could not make himself master of Argos nor set it at liberty because Aegias and the younger Aristomachus got into the town with the Kings forces and seis'd upon the Government But by this exploit he spoiled the Scoffs and Jeasts of those that flattered the Tyrants and in their Raillery would say that the Achaean General was usually troubled with a Looseness when he was to fight a battle that the sound of a Trumpet struck him with a Drowsiness and a Giddiness and that when he had drawn up his Army and given the word he used to ask his Lieutenants and Officers what further need there could be of his Presence since the dye was cast and then went a-loof off to expect the success And so much did these reports gain credit that when the Philosophers disputed whether to have ones Heart beat and to change Colour upon any danger be an argument of fear or rather of weakness and coldness of constitution Aratus was always quoted as a valiant Capt. but subject to be so affected in time of Battle Having thus dispatch'd Aristippus he devised with himself how to ruine Lysiades the Megalopolitan who Tyranniz'd over his Country This person was naturally of a generous temper and not insensible of true honour induced to usurp the Government not by the ordinary motives of other Tyrants Licentiousness and Avarice but being young and stimulated with the desire of Glory suffer'd his noble breast to be unwarily prepossessed with the vain and false Applauses given to Tyranny as some happy and glorious thing but he no sooner seis'd the Government than he grew weary of the weight of it and at once emulating the Tranquility and fearing the Policy of Aratus he took a most noble resolution first to free himself from Hatred and Fear from Soldiers and Guards and then his Country as a publick Benefactor and immediately sending for Aratus resign'd the Government and incorporated his City into the Achaean Community The Achaeans applauding this generous action chose him General upon which desiring to outstrip Aratus in Glory amongst many other improper things he declared war against the Lacedaemonians which Aratus opposing was thought to do it out of Envy but Eysiades was the second time chosen General tho' Aratus appear'd against him and labour'd to have that charge conferred upon another for Aratus himself had that Command every other year as has been said and Lysiades succeeded so well in his pretensions that he was thrice chosen General governing alternately as did Aratus but at last declaring himself his professed Enemy and accusing him frequently to the Achaeans he was rejected for it appeared plainly that with conterfeit and adulterated Merit he contested against true and sincere Vertue and as Aesop tells us that the Cuckoo once asking the little Birds why they flew away from her was answered because they fear'd she would one day prove a Hawk so Lysiades's former Tyranny still cast a Suspicion upon him that he was not inwardly changed But Aratus gain'd still more honour in the Aetolick War for the Achaeans resolving to fall upon the Aetolians in the Megarian Confines and Agis also the Lacaedemonian King who came to their assistance with an Army incouraging them to fight Aratus opposed this determination and patiently induring many reproaches many flouts and jearings at his soft and cowardly temper he preferr'd the true common Interest before his own Credit and suffer'd the Enemy to pass over the mountain Gerania into Peloponnesus unfought withal but understanding that they had suddenly taken Pellene in their march he chang'd his mind and not losing time in drawing together his whole force he marched towards the Enemy with such as he had about him to fall upon them being now weakned by the intemperances and disorders committed upon their good success for as soon as the Soldiers entred the City they were dispersed in the several houses quarrelling and fighting with one another about the Plunder and as for the Commanders they were running about after the Wives and Daughters of the Pellenians putting their Helmets upon their heads that every mans prize might be plainly distinguish'd thereby and not be seis'd by another In this posture were they when news came that Aratus was ready to fall upon them And being now in great amazement as must needs happen in such a confusion before all of them heard of the danger the nearest to the Gates and Suburbs skirmishing with the Achaeans immediately fled being already overcome and struck a great consternation into those that came into their assistance In this confusion one of the Captives Daughter of Epigethes being extremely handsome and tall happened to be sitting in the Temple of Diana placed there by the Commander of the band of chosen men who had taken her and put his head-peice upon her she hearing the noise and running out to see what was the matter stood looking upon those that fought having the Helmet upon her head in which posture she seemed to the Citizens to be something more than human and struck such fear and dread into the Enemy that believed it to be a divine apparition that they lost all courage to defend themselves and the Pellenians tell us that the Image of Diana stands usually untoucht and when the Priestess happens at any time to remove it to some other place no body dares look upon it but 〈…〉 turn their faces from it for not only is the sight of it terrible and hurtful to mankind but it makes even the Trees barren and to cast their fruit by which it happens to be carried This Image therefore they say the Priestess produced at that time and holding it directly in the faces of the Aetolians made them lose their reason and judgment But Aratus mentions no such thing in his Commentaries but says that having put to flight the Aetolians and falling in Pell Mell with them into the City he drove them out by main force and killed seven hundred of them This Action has been always reckon'd amongst the most famous Exploits and Timanthes the Painter has left a lively representation thereof But many and great Nations combining against the Achaeans Aratus clapt up a Peace with the Aetolians and
deceased Lady who brought along with her Ptolemaida the Daughter whom she had by King Ptolomy which young Lady had before been affianced to Demetrius and with whom he now consummated his Nuptials but he was too intent upon his other Designs to be diverted from them by his new Amour and therefore he presently began the Campagne and was so fortunate in the beginning that many Cities revolted to him and others as particularly the City of Sardis he took by force divers Troops of Lysimachus also came over to him with a considerable Sum of Money But his Fortune which was never constant was now never lasting for Agathocles the Son of Lysimachus with a powerful Army made head against him which obliged him with his Army to divert into Phrygia with an intention to pass into Armenia for he had an imagination that if he could persuade the Medes or Armenians to revolt he should thereby gain many convenient Sea-Ports and Places of Retreat to secure him against any ill Accident or Disaster that might befall him Agathocles pressed very hard upon him and many Skirmishes and Conflicts passed between Parties wherein Demetrius had still the Advantage But Agathocles being much superiour in number straightned him so much in his Forage that his Souldiers were forced to conflict more with Famine than with their Enemies and shewed a great unwillingness to go into Armenia and Media so that for fresh Quarters he was obliged to pass over the River Lycus and in the passage many of his Men by the rapidness of the Torrent were carried down the Stream and drowned This Mischance exasperated the Souldiers to that degree that one of them fixed this Paper upon the Door of his Pavillion taken out of Oedipus with a little variation of the Name Thou Son of blind Antigonus Whither dost mean to hurry us And to add to his Misfortune the Pestilence as is usual when Armies are driven to such Necessities as to subsist upon unwholsom Diet began to assail them as well as the Famine so that he lost eight thousand of his Men and with the rest he retired to Tarsus and because that City was under the Dominion of Seleucus he strictly prohibited his Souldiers the committing any manner of outrages or violence being unwilling to create himself a new Enemy of Seleucus but when he perceived it was impossible to keep the Souldiers in order they being reduced to extreme necessity and Agathocles having block'd up all the Avenues of Mount Taurus to prevent their foraging in his Territories he resolved to write to Seleucus to appease him in this Matter The Letter contained a long and tragical Relation of the miserable state to which he was reduced and passionate Intercessions for his commiseration to a distressed King and Relation who was fallen into such a deplorable condition as might extort Tenderness and Pity from his very Enemies These Letters did so mollifie the Heart of Seleucus that he gave out positive Orders to the Governours of those Provinces that they should furnish Demetrius with all Accommodations suitable to his Royal Quality and with sufficient Provisions for his Troops But Patrocles a Person of great Authority and the Confident of Seleucus persuaded him that this entertainment of Demetrius especially of his Souldiers within his Dominions was not at all agreeable to the sound Maxims of Policy in regard that of all the Kings of his time Demetrius was the most violent in his Inclinations and addicted to bold and daring Enterprizes and that now being driven to Extremities by his adverse Fortune a Condition which many times tempted Persons of the greatest Temper and Moderation to the most desperate Attempts he could not with any Security to himself afford him this Retreat or Entertainment Seleucus animated with this Discourse advanced with a powerful Army towards Cilicia and Demetrius astonished at this sudden alteration betook himself for safety to the Strengths and most inaccessible places of Mount Taurus from whence he sent Envoys to Seleucus to request from him that he would permit him the liberty with his Army to seek to repair his broken Fortunes among the barbarous Nations and there to establish a Kingdom where he might pass the remainder of his Life in quiet and repose and not in that rigorous Season of Winter to expose him in this distressed naked condition to the fury of his implacable Enemies but to allow him a competent Time and Maintenance for the support of his small Army till he might with convenience depart But Seleucus whose Jealousie was now the governing Passion of his Soul sent him this peremptory Answer That he would permit him to stay two Months and no longer in Cataonia provided he presently sent him the principal of his Friends and Officers as Hostages for his departure then and in the mean time he shut up all the Passages into Syria So that Demetrius who saw himself thus encompassed as in a Toil like an enraged Lion flew upon the Prey and fell to wasting the Territories of Seleucus and in many Encounters had the advantage of him and particularly when he was assailed by the Armed Chariots he entirely defeated them and thereby opened his passage into Syria And now finding his Souldiers animated by these Successes he was resolved to push at all and to have one deciding Blow for the Empire with Seleucus but that crafty Prince having refused the assistance of Lysimachus whom he both mistrusted and hated made no great haste to the Encounter but chose rather to weary Demetrius and waste his Power by Delays for there was nothing that he dreaded more than the perpetual vicissitude of that Prince's Fortune which he had so often known to have been raised from the most deplorate state to the greatest excess of Glory But now all things seemed to conspire to the Ruine of this miserable Prince for he was seized with a violent Distemper which did not only endanger his Life but deprived him of his Reason so that his Army began to moulder away insensibly some deserting and others stealing away from the Service which they concluded desperate after forty days he began to be so far recovered as to be able to rally his Forces and marched as if he directly designed for Cilicia but in the Night in great silence he took a Counter-March and passing the Mountain Amanus he forraged all the Country as far as Cyrrhestica Whereupon Seleucus advanced towards him and encamping at no great distance Demetrius took a resolution to surprize him in his Camp but the Design being by some Fugitives discovered to Seleucus he had but just time in great consternation to leap out of his Bed and give the Alarm to his men as he was putting on his Boots to mount to Horse Sirs said he to the Officers about him Look well to your Charges for we must now expect to combat with a furious and enraged wild Beast But Demetrius by the Noise and Murmur he heard in the Camp finding they had taken the Alarm
often came home very scurvily treated and sometimes beaten severely Though this sort of behaviour was very unpleasing to some yet the Alexandrians were well satisfy'd in his frolicks and jovial humour saying pleasantly that they had great obligations for Antony who diverted them with a Comical Countenance and reserv'd the Tragical for the Romans It would be very tedious to be more particular in his follies but his fishing must not be forgot He went out one day to angle with Cleopatra and being so unfortunate as to catch nothing in the presence of his Mistress he fell into a great passion and gave secret orders to the Fishermen to dive under water and put Fishes that had been fresh taken upon his hooks he drew so fast that the subtil Aegyptian perceiv'd it but feigning great admiration she told every body how dexterous Antony was and invited them next day to come and see him again so soon as he had let down his hook one of her Servants was too nimble for his Divers and fixed upon his hook a salted Fish taken in the Pontick Sea who when he felt his Line give drew up the prey which as one may easily imagine gave great occasion of Laughter which she turning very agreeably said Allow us brave Sir poor inhabitants of Charos and Canopus the reputation to be skilful in this Art your Game is Cities Provinces and Kingdoms Whilst Antony was thus amused in his Childish recreations two Messengers arrive the one from Rome who informs him that his Brother Lucius and his Wife Fulvia after many quarrels among themselves had joyn'd to resist Caesar but having lost all were forc'd to fly out of Italy The other brought little better news how that Labienus at the head of the Carthians had over-ran Asia from Euphrates and Syria all along to Lydia and Ionia scarce could he be rowsed from this sleep but at length as it were recovering from a drunken Fit he sets onward for Parthia and having got as far as Phaenicia upon the receipt of most lamentable Letters from Fulvia he turn'd his Course with two hundred Ships to Italy and in his way receiving such of his Friends as fled from Italy he was given to understand that Fulvia was the sole cause of the War a Woman of a restless Spirit and very bold and withal her hopes were that the commotions in Italy would force Antony from Cleopatra But it happen'd that Fulvia as she was coming to meet her husband fell sick by the way and dy'd at Sicyon by which reason an accommodation with Caesar was easily made for those that were Friends to them both seeing Antony arriv'd in Italy and nothing laid to his charge but what he disown'd and shifted off upon Fulvia they would not suffer that the time should be spent in justifying and accusing they made them both Friends and so proceeded to the division of the Empire the Eastern Provinces were given to Antony to Caesar the Western and Affrick left to Lepidus and an agreement was made that every one in their turn as they thought fit should make their Friends Consuls when they took it not themselves this Agreement was well approv'd of but yet 't was thought a Stronger tye would be very necessary and here Fortune was propitious for Caesar had an elder Sister not of the whole blood for Accia was his Mothers name hers Ancharia this Sister he lov'd intirely and a Lady she was of a Noble Character the Relict of Caius Marcellus and Antony was now a Widower by the death of Fulvia for though he did not disavow the passion he had for Cleopatra yet he disown'd any thing of Marriage Love and Reason still debating in his Breast what was to become of the fair Aegyptian Queen Every body was for promoting this Marriage it being the general expectation that a Lady of so much Honour Beauty and Prudence being perpetually with Antony and having great credit with him as might reasonably be expected affairs would easily be so order'd that no difference should arise betwixt him and Caesar Both parties being agreed they went to Rome to celebrate the Nuptials the Senate dispensing with the Law by which a Widow was not permitted to marry till ten Months after the death of her Husband Sextus Compeius was in possession of Sicily who with his Ships under the command of Menas and Menecrates two famous Pirates infested the Italian Coast that no Vessels durst venture into those Seas Sextus had behaved himself with much humanity towards Antony having kindly receiv'd his Wise and Mother in their Flight and it was judg'd fit that he should be receiv'd into the peace they met nigh to the Promontory of Misenum upon a point of Land that runs into the Sea Pompey's Fleet being at anchor in the Road and Antony and Caesar's Army drawn up all along the Side over against them There it was concluded that Sextus should quietly enjoy the Government of Sicily and Sardinia he conditioning to scowre the Seas of all Pirates and to send so much Corn every year to Rome This agreed on they invited one another to supper and by lot it fell to Pompey's turn to make the first entertainment and Antony asking where it was to be there said he pointing to the Admiral for that is the only House that Pompey is Heir to of his Fathers And this he said reflecting upon Antony who then was in possession of his Fathers House Having cast Anchor and made a Bridge from the promontory into the Galley he received them very gallantly when they began to grow warm which occasion'd many pleasant passages upon the subject of Antony's and Cleopatra's loves Menas the Pirate whispers Pompey in the ear Sir said he will you be pleas'd that I cut the Cable which will not only make you Master of Sicily and Sardinia but of the whole Roman Empire Pompey having for a while considered what was propos'd return'd him this answer Menas this might have been done without acquainting me in 't now let us make the best of our present condition for I cannot break my word And so having been treated by the other two in their turns he set fail for Sicily As soon as matters were concerted Antony dispatch'd Ventidius into Asia to put a stop to the inroads of the Carthians and he to make a complement to Octavius accepted of the Office of being Priest to the deceased Caesar and in all occasions of common civility as also in matters of the highest concernment they both behaved themselves with a great deal of easiness and friendship But Antony could not suffer with patience that Caesar in all little plays which they frequently diverted themselves with should be constantly victorious He had usually with him an Aegyptian skilful in the calculation of Nativities who either to make his Court to Cleopatra or that by the rules of his Art he found it so to be did declare to him that though the Fortune that did attend him was
defeat the Roman Army nor in no wise break the order of their Battel and that withal they had been so often worsted began to treat the forragers with a great deal of humanity they came up to them in all appearance of friendship with their Bows unbended telling them that they were going home to their houses that they had quite given o'er the pursuit and that only some Median troops would follow them for two or three days not with any design to annoy them but only for the defence of some scattering Villages and saying this they saluted them and embraced them with a great shew of friendship Antony who had all along a great desire to march through the flat Country hearing these discourses was almost resolv'd to march the open way and so much the more in regard that no water was to be hoped for in those Mountains But while he was deliberating Mithridates arriv'd in the Camp he was first cousin to Moneses of whom we related that he came for refuge into the Roman Army and receiv'd in gift from Antony three Cities Upon his arrival he desired some body might be brought to him that could speak Syriack or the Parthian Tongue One Alexander of Antioch a friend of Antony's was brought to him to whom the stranger declar'd that he was sent to Antony from Moneses in acknowledgment of the favours and honours he had received from him and to make him a return if it were possible he asked Alexander if he saw those high Hills pointing at some distance He told him yes 'T is there said he the whole Parthian Army attend your passage the great Plains behind those Hills will be very advantageous to you in your march and therefore there they do expect you in ambush being perswaded you will confide in their promises and leave the way of the Mountains 't is true that in passing o'er the Mountains you will suffer the usual inconveniences for want of water and the fatigue will be somewhat the greater but if you pass through the plains Antony must in all appearance run the fortune of Crassus This said he departed Antony calling his friends in Council sent for the Mardian guide who was of the same opinion He told them that the way through the plain was a great way about and very difficult to find that the other indeed was rough but then it was but for a day Changing therefore his mind he march'd away that night and commanded that every one should carry water sufficient for his own use but most of them being unprovided of vessels they made shift with their helmets those that had bottles fill'd them for their own use The Parthians were no sooner acquainted that the Romans were on their march but they followed them contrary to their custom the same night and by break of day they fell in with the rear which was quite tired with marching and want of sleep that they were not in condition of making any considerable defence for they had march'd fifteen leagues that night and at the end of their journey found the enemy at their heels which put them out of all patience besides being to fight for every step of the way they made in their retreat their thirst was increased beyond all sufferance Those that were in the front of the Army were come up to a River the water of which was extremely cool and clear but brackish and medicinal and being drank caused an unquenchionable thirst and acute pains in the Bowels of this the Mardian had forewarn'd them but their thirst was so great that beating back them that oppos'd them they drank largely of it Antony ran from one place to another begging they would have a little patience that not far off there was a River of wholesom water and that the rest of the way was so difficult for the Horse that the Enemy could pursue them no further and saying this he order'd to sound a retreat to call them back that were engaged and commanded the Tents should be set up that the Soldiers might refresh themselves in the shade but the Tents were scarce well put up and the Parthians retired according to their custom when Mithridates came again to them and inform'd the Interpreter with whom he had before spoken that he should do well to advise Antony to stay where he was no longer than needs he must that after having refresh'd his Troops he would endeavour with all diligence to gain the next River that the Parthians would pursue them no further but so far they were resolv'd to follow them Alexander who was the Interpreter made his report to Antony who order'd a good quantity of Gold Plate to be presented to Mithridates who taking as much as he could well hide under his Gown went his way Upon this advice Antony decamp'd while it was yet day and the whole Army march'd without receiving any molestation from the Parthians but they themselves were the cause that that night was the most terrible of any they had yet past for some of the Army had robb'd and kill'd such as they suspected to have any Money ransack'd the Baggage and seiz'd on the Money which was to pay the Army in the end they laid hands on Antony's own equipage broke all his inlaid Tables and Cups of precious Stones dividing the fragments amongst them Antony hearing so great a confusion could not imagine any thing less than that the Enemy falling upon his Troops had utterly routed them upon which he sent for one of his 〈…〉 ards called Rhamnus to whom he had formerly given his liberty and made him swear that whensoever he should give him orders he should run his Sword through his body and cut off his head that he might not fall alive into the hands of the Parthians nor dead be known to be their General While he was in this consternation and all his friends about him in tears the Mardian came into the Tent and gave them all new Life he did convince them that by the coolness of the Air and the fresh gales that blew so temperately the River which he spoke of could not be far off and consequently the difficulties of their retreat and the danger of the Enemies pursuit were now at an end the which he was the more assured of because they had marched a great while and the night almost spent he was inform'd at the same time that the great confusion which was in the Camp did proceed from the avarice of some few Soldiers that were pillaging one another In order to compose this unruly tumult he made a halt and commanded the Signal to be given for incamping the day began to break before the tumult was well appeas'd and the Parthians bore hard upon the Rear with their Arrows the light arm'd Troops were order'd to make head against them and being seconded by the Legions who covered one another with their Shields they bravely receiv'd the onset of the Enemy who did not think convenient to
daring and restless Humor Lucius Catiline who was accused besides other great Offences of deflouring his Virgin Daughter and killing his own Brother of which latter fearing to be prosecuted at Law he perswaded Sylla to set him down as though he were yet alive amongst those that were to be put to death by proscription This Man the profligate Citizens choosing for their Captain gave faith to one another by Sacrificing a Man and eating of his flesh and a great part of the young Men of the City were corrupted by him he providing for every one Pleasures Drink and Women profusely supplying the expence of those debauches All Etruria was in a disposition to revolt and a great part of Gallia Cisalpina but Rome it self was in the most dangerous inclination to change by reason of the unequal distribution of the Wealth of that place for Persons of the greatest Honour and Spirit had made themselves poor by shews entertainments ambition of Offices and sumptuous Buildings and by this the Riches of the City were fallen into the hands of mean and despicable Persons so that there wanted but little Weight to remove the Seat of Affairs it being in the power of every daring Man to overturn a sickly Common-wealth But Catiline being desirous of procuring a strong Fort in order to his future Designs pretended to the Consulship and was in great hopes of having Caius Antonius for his Collegue a Man of himself neither a fit Leader for the best nor worst designs but such a one as might make a good accession to the others Power These things the greatest part of the good and honest Citizens apprehending put Cicero upon standing for the Consulship whom the People readily receiving Catiline was put by so Cicero and C. Antonius were chosen altho amongst the Competitors Cicero was the only Man descended from a Father of the Equestrian and not of the Patrician Order Tho the Designs of Catiline were not yet publickly known yet great previous Commotions immediately followed upon Cicero's entrance upon the Consulship for on the one side those which were forbidden by the Laws of Sylla publick Offices being neither inconsiderable in power nor number stood and caressed the People for them speaking many things truly and justly against the Tyranny of Sylla had they not disturbed the Government in an improper and unseasonable time on the other side the Tribunes of the People proposed Laws upon the same Hypothesis constituting a Decemvirate with unaccountable power with whom as Lords should be the Right of selling the publick Lands of all Italy and Syria and whatsoever Pompey had newly Conquered of judging and banishing whom they pleased and of planting Colonies of taking Monies out of the Treasury and of levying and paying what Soldiers should be thought needful and therefore several of the Nobility favoured this Law but especially C. Antonius Cicero's Collegue in hopes of being one of the Ten but that that gave the greatest fear to the Nobless was that he was thought privy to the Conspiracy of Catiline and not to dislike it because of his great Debts Cicero endeavouring in the first place to provide a Remedy against this danger got a Decree of the Province of Macedonia for Antonius and Gallia which was given to himself he relinquished By this kindness he so wrought Antonius to his beck that like a hired Player he was always ready to Second him for the good of his Country and when he had made him thus tame and tractable Cicero with greater courage attacked the affectors of Innovation and therefore in the Senate making an Oration against the Law of the Decemvirates he so confounded those which proposed it that they had nothing to reply But if when they again endeavoured and having prepared things beforehand had call'd the Consuls before the Common Hall Cicero fearing nothing went first out and commanded the Senate to follow him so that he not only threw out the Law but vanquished the Tribunes with his Eloquence that he made them lay aside all their other pretences For Cicero was the Man who principally demonstrated to the Romans how great a relish Eloquence gives to that that is good and how invincible a just proposal is if it be well spoken and that it is necessary for him who would dextrously govern a Commonwealth in action always to preferr that which is honest before that which is popular and in speaking to separate that which is offensive from that that is convenient And there was an accident in the Theatre in the time of his Consulship which was a demonstration of the prevalence of his Eloquence For whereas formerly the Knights of Rome were mingled in the Theatre with the common People and took their places amongst them as it happen'd Marcus Otho the Praetor was the first who in Honour distinguished them from the other Citizens and appointed them a proper Seat which they still enjoy as their more eminent place in the Theatre This the common People took as an indignity done to them and therefore when Otho appear'd in the Theatre they in reproach hissed him the Knights on the contrary received him with loud clapping the People repeated and encreased their hissing the Knights continued their clapping upon this turning upon one another they fell to reproaches so that the Theatre was in great disorder Cicero being informed of it came himself to the Theatre and summoning the People into the Temple of Bellona he so effectually chid and chastiz'd them for it that they again returning into the Theatre received Otho with a loud applause contending with the Knights who should give the greatest demonstrations of honour and respect to the Praetor The Conspiracy of Catiline at first timerous and disheartned began again to take courage and therefore assembling themselves together they exhorted one another more boldly to undertake the Design before Pompey's return who as it was said was now on his March with his Forces for Rome But the Veterane Soldiers of Sylla were Catiline's chiefest confidence these had been disbanded all about Italy but the greatest number and the valiantest of them lay scattered about the Cities of Etruria dreaming of new Plunder and Rapine amongst the hoarded Riches of Italy These having for their Leader Manilius who had eminently served in the Wars under Sylla joyn'd themselves to Catiline and came to Rome to assist him with their Suffrages at the Election For he again pretended to the Consulship having resolv'd to kill Cicero in the Tumult of the Assembly Besides the Gods seem'd by Earthquakes Thunders and Spectres to foretell the Design and there were also intimations from Men concerning it true enough in themselves tho not sufficient for the conviction of the Noble and very powerful Catiline Wherefore Cicero deferring the Day of Election conven'd Catiline into the Senate and there examin'd him of those things that were reported Catiline believing there were many in the Senate desirous of Change and to give a Specimen of himself
rarity of the propositions I will repeat the very words of the Decretal Order which was in these terms May it be happy and propitious The People of Athens have decreed and ordained that a fit person shall be chosen among the Athenian Citizens who shall be deputed to be sent to our great Deliverer and after he hath duly performed the just Rites and Sacrifices shall enquire of him in what most Religious and decent manner he will please to direct the Consecration of the Bucklers and according to the answer which his Oracleship shall be pleased to return the People shall be obliged to put it in speedy execution Thus did these Officious flatterers with their impious breath blow up poor Demetrius already crazed with his successes and honors almost into a perfect pleurisie and madness Demetrius who was naturally amorous in this interval of leisure from his Martial affairs became passionately in love with a fair Athenian Lady whose name was Euridice She was descended of the ancient House of Miltiades that Celebrated Captain and had been Married very young to Opheltas Prince of Cyrene but having the misfortune to be divorced from him by his untimely Death she was not able to brook that Melancholy Court but retired her self to Athens whence Demetrius who was as fortunate at storming the tender hearts of fair Ladies as the Walls of the most obstinate Cities after a short siege of Courtship overcame the difficulties and aversions with which she defended her self against second Nuptials and was Married to her The Athenians took this Marriage for an extraordinary favour done to their City of which the Lady was a Native when as in truth it was the effect of a Natural propension which he had to variety for he had many Wives at the same time but among them all Philla was the Lady to whom he paid the most respect and deference she was the Daughter of Antipater and the Widow of Craterus who while he lived was of all the Successors of Alexander the most beloved and at his death the most universally lamented by the Macedonians And for these reasons Antigonus had obliged him to Marry her notwithstanding the disparity of their years Demetrius being much younger than that Princess and when upon that account he made some difficulty of complying with his Father's pleasure Antigonus whispered him softly in his Ear this Couplet alluding to those verses in Euripides Let not her years your Love abate But Marry where 's the best Estates But as it frequently happens in such unequal Matches how much respect and deference soever Demetrius paid to her Birth Quality and Fortune Philla was never entirely possessed of his heart for besides several other Ladies whom he married he had always many Mistresses and was a Prince that surpassed all others of his time in abandoning himself to the infamous slavery of his Passions and unbounded pleasures But he was not so absolutely charmed with the soft Lute of Venus but that he had still an Ear for the shrill Notes of Bellona's Trumpet and there happening at this time a new contest with King Ptolomy concerning the Island of Cyprus Antigonus sent for him to command his Troops in that expedition his unwillingness to abandon the glorious Enterprize of the deliverance of Greece which he had so fortunately begun did for some time struggle with his compliance to the King's command and seeing that he could not at present effect his design by the force of his Arms he attempted to accomplish it by cunning and Artifice He sent therefore to Cleonides Ptolomies Governour in Sicyone and Corinth and privately made him very advantageous offers if he would only retire from those places and leave them at intire liberty But Cleonides disdainfully rejecting all sorts of conditions which might blemish his reputation with the infamy of so base a treachery to his Master he was for that time forced to quit the prosecution of his designs in favour of the Grecians and to apply himself to the War with Ptolomy He therefore imbarked his Troops and with a mighty Navy sailed directly to the Island of Cyprus where immediately upon his arrival he fell upon Menelaus the Brother of Ptolomy and gave him a notable defeat The news of this affront so inraged Ptolomy that he came in person with all his Naval Power and Land forces to revenge the disgrace of his Brother's overthrow When both these Fleets were come within sight Ptolomy having commanded his to drop their Anchors he sent this insolent Message to Demetrius That if he consulted his safety or honor he would take this timely advice and instantly retire before his whole Fleet and Land forces were come up for that otherwise he would compel him to do it with shame and ignominy Demetrius not in the least shock'd by these impotent Menaces returned him an answer more civil in appearance but not less high and daring You may acquaint Ptolomy said he to the Messengers that I will do him the favour to permit him to escape if he will oblige himself upon his honor to withdraw his Garrisons from Sicyone and Corinth and make those Cities possessors of their own Freedom The contest between these two potent Princes and the issue of this War was such as had not only a single influence upon themselves but must draw after it the interests of many other Princes and Sovereign Lords for it was apparent that he upon whom victory should incline to bestow her Lawrels would thereby become not only Master of the Kingdoms of Cyprus and Syria but most undoubtedly the most Potent and formidable Monarch of all the Successors of Alexander The Fleets had not long lain within view of one another but that Ptolomy resolving to put it to the issue of a Combat and in order thereunto having Commanded Menelaus who lay in the Port of Salamine with sixty Gallies that in the heat of the Engagement he should attack the Rear of Demetrius his fleet he instantly weighed and with all the force of sails and Oars he assailed Demetrius with a fleet of one hundred Gallies excellently well manned and appointed for the Combat But Demetrius who apprehended his design commanded ten of his Gallies to row up to the very mouth of the Haven of Salamine and there to place themselves so advantageously that Menelaus could neither come out with his fleet nor be able to combat them but upon equal numbers and after this having ranged his Land-Army upon the shoar he advanced to meet Ptolomy with 180 Gallies and attacked him with such a furious impetuosity that in a little time he forced him with only eight of the lightest and most nimble Sailers in his Fleet to save himself by flight leaving Demetrius in so entire a possession of the Victory that 70 of his stoutest Gallies were taken and the rest sunk together with all the Sea-men Souldiers Victuallers and the Gallions which carried his Women Friends Officers and principal Servants his Treasure and all the
drew off his Troops and began to retreat in the best order that he could but the Morning quickly appearing Seleucus followed hard upon his Rear and obliged him to a disadvantageous Encounter Demetrius having drawn his Army into Order and given the Command of one half of his Troops to one of his most expert Captains with the other he in Person charged so furiously that he forced his Enemies to give Ground But Seleucus lighting from his Horse and covering his Arm with a Target advanced to the foremost Ranks and having put up the Vizor of his Helmet that he might be known he addressed himself to the Souldiers of Demetrius exhorting them to lay down their Arms and not desperately throw away their Lives telling them withal that it was for their sakes only that he had so long forborn coming to Extremities And thereupon without a Blow more these perfidious Mercenaries submitted and saluted Seleucus as their King Demetrius who in the whole course of his Life had been accustomed to strange Turns from thence drew a hope that he should weather this Storm also and therefore with the slender attendance of his Friends he fled to the Mountain Amanus where in a thick and spacious Wood he secured himself resolving under the Mantle of the Night to make his Escape towards Caunus where he hoped to find his Shipping ready to transport him But upon Enquiry finding that they had not provisions for more than one day that Design was quash'd and he began to think of some other Project whilst he was rowling over a thousand irresolute Thoughts his Friend Sosigenes arrived who had four hundred Pieces of Gold about him and with this little Relief he again re-assumed his first Resolution and Hopes to recover the Coast so soon as it began to be dark he set forward towards the Mountains but perceiving by their Fires that the Enemies had possessed themselves of all the Passages and that it was impossible for him to pass undiscovered he retreated to his old Station in the Wood but not with all his Troop for divers had deserted him and the little Remainder were extremely dejected and disheartned so that some of them began to talk of rendring themselves and Demetrius to Seleucus as the only Means left them for their Safety Which Demetrius over-hearing he drew out his Sword and had infallibly passed it through his own Heart but that some of his Friends interposing prevented the fatal Attempt and began to persuade him that it was much more manly to try the Generosity of Seleucus and to reserve his Life for a better Destiny and â—uture Hopes and with these Arguments but principally by irresistable necessity he suffered himself to be overcome and therefore dispatched some of his Attendants to Seleucus to let him know that he was willing to surrender himself and his Friends to his Generosity and Mercy Seleucus transported at this News cried out It is not the good Fortune of Demetrius which hath found out this Expedient for his Safety but my own which I esteem the greatest favour she ever did me since thereby she hath given me opportunity to shew my Clemency and Generosity And instantly he gave Order to his Domestick Officers to prepare a Royal Pavillion and all things suitable for the splendid Reception and Entertainment of Demetrius There was in the Court of Seleucus one Apollonides who formerly had been intimately known to Demetrius he was therefore as the fittest Person dispatched from the King to attend Demetrius and to desire him to dissipate all manner of fear and distrust and to give him assurance that Seleucus was resolved to treat him with all the Honour due to a King and the kindness of a Relation No sooner was this message known but all the principal Courtiers and Officers of Seleucus thinking Demetrius would presently become a great favourite with the King made hast to congratulate with Demetrius and kiss his hand but this ill tim'd application and over officiousness proved very mischievous to that poor Prince for it gave occasion to his Enemies to insinuate to Seleucus that this Usage of Demetrius was a most dangerous Civility and that his presence might have very fatal influences upon the Army the Officers shewing more inclination to him already than was consistent with their Duty or the safety of Seleucus which representations made such impressions upon the spirit of Seleucus as produced different sentiments and resolutions from the former For whilest Apollonides and after him many others were relating to Demetrius the kind expressions of Seleucus and the Orders he had given and that poor Prince who before thought this Rendition of himself the greatest misfortune of his Life now began in his thoughts to applaud the Action and to flatter himself with vain hopes Pausanias with a Guard of a thousand Horse and Foot amidst all the Caresses of his Friends came and by order from the King seized him and carried him not as he hoped as a Prince to the Presence of Seleucus but a Prisoner to the Castle of Chersonesus in Syria where he was committed to the safe Custody of a strong Guard It is true he wanted nothing but Liberty for by the command of Seleucus he had a most liberal allowance for himself and retinue he had the liberty of a curious Garden and delightful Walks and was for his Exercise permitted the Freedom of hunting in a large Park excellently stored with Game of all sorts and had Horses likewise provided for his diversion and for his Chariots and to make his life more easie such of his Servants as were willing to follow his Fortune had the freedom of attending upon his Person continual messages of kindness also from time to time were brought him from Seleucus requesting him to support the present Restraint of his Liberty chearfully assuring him that so soon as Antiochus and Stratonice should arrive at the Court the Conditions and Articles of restoring him to his Liberty should be perfected But Demetrius had learnt to give little credit to these deluding pretences and therefore so soon as he was fallen into the misfortune of this Captivity he sent Express command to his Son Antigonus and to his Captains and Friends at Athens and Corinth that they should give no manner of credit to any Letters written to them in his name though they were sealed with his own Signet but that looking upon him as if he were already dead they should reserve what was left of his Empire for Antigonus and esteem him as their lawful King As for Antigonus he received the sad news of his Father's Captivity with all the Testimonies of a most afflictive sorrow he put himself into deep mourning and writ the most passionate and tender Letters to Seleucus and the rest of the Kings that his grief could dictate he offered not only whatever they had left in the World but himself to be a Hostage for the Liberty of the King his Father Several other Princes and divers
although he had invested several private persons in great Governments and Kingdoms and bereaved many Kings of theirs as Antigonus of Judea whose head he caused to be struck off the first crown'd head that ever suffer'd that opprobrious death Yet nothing was so grievous to the Romans as the vile profusions he made upon that Woman and their dissatisfaction was much augmented by giving the Sirnames of the Sun Moon to Alexander and Cleopatra Twins born to him by her But he who knew how to varnish over the most dishonest Action with specious colours would say that the greatness of the Roman Empire consisted more in giving than in taking Kingdoms and that the Noble Blood of Kings was communicated to all the World when they left their Off-spring in every place they came and that by this means he had the honour to descend from Hercules who never recommended the hopes of his Posterity to the guard of any one Woman nor feared to transgress the Laws of Solon in order to observe the great Dictates of Nature which gives such lively instruction towards the continuance of our Race After Phraortes had killed his Father Herod and taken possession of his Kingdom many of the Parthian Nobility left their Country among the rest Moneses a Nobleman of great Authority who making his application to Antony was received with great kindness for he look'd upon him as one in the Circumstances of Themistocles and his own Fortune considering his great Wealth was comparable to the Persian Kings for he gave him three Cities Larissa Arethusa and Hierapolis which was formerly called Bombyce But the King of Parthia did soon recall him giving him his Word and Honour for his Safety and Antony was not unwilling to give him leave to return hoping thereby to surprize Phráortes for he sent him word he would remain his Friend upon condition he would send back the Roman Standards and Ensigns which were taken hy the Parthians when Crassus was slain and withall the Prisoners that remained yet alive of that Battel This done he sent Cleopatra into Egypt and gathering his Forces together and joyning the associate Kings for there were many of them the most considerable was Artuasdes King of Armenia who came at the head of six thousand Horse and seven thousand Foot he made a general Muster there appeared sixty thousand Roman Foot ten thousand Horse consisting of Spannâ—rds and Gauls who were esteem'd of as Romans of other Nations horse and Foot thirty thousand and these great Preparations that made India tremble and put all Asia into a consternation were of no use to him because of Cleopatra for in order to pass the Winter with her every thing was done in haste he was so charm'd and bewitch'd with the Thoughts of his Mistress that his Soul was employ'd in overcoming the Difficulties that kept him from her more than in any design of vanquishing the Enemy for whereas he should have taken up his Winter-Quarters in Armenia to refresh his Men who were tired with long Marches having come at least five hundred Leagues and then to have taken the advantage in the beginning of the Spring to invade Media before the Parthians were drawn out of Garrison he had not patience to expect his time but march'd into the Province of Atropatene leaving Armenia on the right hand and laying waste all that Country his haste was so great that he left behind all the Engines of Battery which follow'd the Camp in three hundred Chariots among the other Engines there was a Ram of fourscore foot long which was of great use in his Designs and it was impossible if they were either lost or endamaged to repair them or make the like for the Proâ—inces of the upper Asia produce not Trees long or strait enough for such Uses nevertheless he left them all behind as a great impediment to the Designs he had then projected so that he had left a Party commanded by Tatianus to guard them and he himself laid Siege to Phraata the principal City of the King of Media wherein were that King's Wife and Children Here it was that he was soon made sensible of the Errour he committed in leaving the battering Rams behind him for not having wherewithal to make a Breach he was constrained with infinite pains to cast up a Mount of Earth against the Wall during the Siege Phraortes arrives with a great Army who understanding that the Chariots were left behind with the battering Engines he sent thither a strong Party of Horse by which Tatianus with ten thousand Horse are flain the Engines all broke in pieces many taken Prisoners and among the rest King Polemon This great Miscarriage in the opening the Campagne did much discourage Antony's Army and Artuasdes King of Armenia despairing of any better Success withdrew himself with all his Forces from the Roman Camp although he had been the chief Promoter of the War The Parthians encouraged by this Success came up to the Romans at the Siege of their Royal City and gave them many Affronts upon which Antony fearing that the Souldiers might lose Courage or have a less esteem of him if he lay idle he with all the Horse three Pretorian Cohorts and ten Legions was resolved to go out and forrage designing by this means to draw the Enemy with more advantage to a Battel and to effect this he marched a Day 's Journey from hiâ— Camp which did bring the Parthians to a Battel who were drawn up in readiness to charge him so soon as he should march he orders therefore the Tents and Baggage to be pack'd up as if his intention were to decline the giving Battel and only to lead his Men back to the Camp The Enemy was drawn up in a Half-Moon and Antony had given order to the Horse to charge them briskly so soon as the Legions were come up nigh enough to second them The Parthians standing still while the Romans march'd by them were in great admiration of their man-like Behaviour and exact Discipline nothing could be more just than the distance which was kept between the Ranks and the shaking their Pikes as they pass'd by in a profound silence was very graceful but when the Signal was given the Horse turn'd short upon the Parthians and with loud Cries charg'd them home they were bravely receiv'd at first but the Legions coming up with loud shouts and ratling of their Arms did so frighten the Horses and soon the Parthians themselves that they could keep their ground no longer Antony press'd them hard in great hopes that this Victory should give an end to the War the Foot had them in pursuit three Leagues and the Horse nine and the Advantage summ'd up they had but thirty Prisoners and there was but fourscore slain This was a great discouragement to them to consider that when they were victorious their Advantage was so small and that when they were beaten they lost so great a number of Men as it happened when the
Carriages were taken The next day having put the Baggage in order they marched back to the Camp before Phraata in the way meeting with some scattering Troops of the Enemy and as they marched further with greater Parties at length with the Body of the Enemies Army fresh and in good order who charg'd them and broke their Ranks that it was not without great difficulty that they reach'd the Camp There Antony finding that his men had in a great consternation deserted the defence of the Mount upon a Sally of the Medes resolved to proceed against them by decimation which is done by dividing the Legions by Tens and out of every Ten to put one to death as it happens by Lot and for them that escape they have instead of Wheat their proportion of Corn in Barley The War was now become grievous to both Parties but was more dreadful to Antony in respect that he was threatned with Famine for he could no longer forrage without great hazard and slaughter of his Men. And Phraortes on the other side who was not ignorant of the humour of his men did more than suspect that if the Romans did obstinately persist in their resolution of carrying on the Siege the Autumnal Equinox being past and the Rains threatning him he should be deserted by his Souldiers who would suffer any thing rather than wintering in open Field to prevent which he gave order to his chief Officers not to pursue the Romans too close when they met them forraging but to suffer them to carry off some Provision that they should praise their Valour and declare that it was not without just reason that their King look'd upon the Romans as the bravest men in the world and that they should upon opportunity of more familiar Discourse blame Antony for his obstinacy that whereas Phraortes desiring nothing more than Peace and an occasion to shew how ready he was to save the lives of so many brave Souldiers he on the contrary should defeat all his generous Designs and trust himself rather to Winter and Famine two Enemies that must of necessity destroy them though the Parthians should use all friendly endeavours to preserve them Antony having these Reports from many hands began to be in some hopes but he would not send any Ambassadors to the Parthian till he was informed by these kind Enemies whether what they said was of their own head or by order of their King receiving answer that this was the sence of their Master and new encouragement to believe them Antony sent some of his Friends to demand the Standards and Prisoners that were yet remaining in his hands since the defeat of Crassus lest if he should ask nothing he might be supposed to be too much overjoy'd with leave to make his retreat in quiet The Parthian King made answer That as for the Prisoners he need not trouble himself but if he thought fit to retreat he might do it when he pleas'd in peace and safety Some few days therefore being spent in ordering the Baggage he resolv'd upon his March and here it was that Antony the man in the world the fittest to harangue the Army finding himself oppress'd with shame and grief could not find in his heart to speak himself but employed Domitius Aenobarbus many of the Souldiers resented it as an undervaluing of them but the better sort saw the true cause and thought this rather an argument why they on their side should treat their General with more respect than ordinary Antony having resolved to return by the same way he came which was thro' a plain flat Country a certain Mardian came to him one that was very conversant with the Manners of the Parthians and whose fidelity to the Romans had been tried at the Battel where the Machines were lost and advis'd him to leave the Mountains on his right hand and not to expose his Men heavy armed in an open Country to the Assaults of a numerous Army of light Horse and Archers that Phraortes with fair promises had perswaded him from the Siege that he might with more ease cut him off in his Retreat but if so he pleased he would conduct him a nigher way where he should find the Necessaries for his Army in greater abundance Antony upon this began to consider what was best to be done he was unwilling to seem to have any Mistrust of the Parthians after their Treaty but being more desirous to march his Army the nighest and most convenient way he demanded of the Mardian some assurance of his Faith who offered himself to be bound until the Army came safe into Armenia Two days he conducted the Army bound and on the third when Antony little expected the Enemy but marched in no very good order the Mardian perceiving the Banks of a River broken down and the Water over-flowing the way by which they were to pass did imagine that this might be done by the Parthians to hinder their March and did therefore advise Antony to be upon his Guard for that the Enemy was nigh and no sooner had he put his men in order disposing of the Slingers in the Front to make the on-set but the Parthians came pouring upon them thinking to encompass the Army they were receiv'd by the light Horse which were sore gall'd by their Javelins but they themselves being warmly entertain'd and many wounded made their retreat but soon after rallying up afresh they were beat back by a Battalion of Gallick Horse and appear'd no more that day By their manner of Attack Antony being instructed what to do did not only place the slings and javelins in the Front but lin'd both the wings with the same and so march'd in a square Battel giving order to the Horse to charge and beat off the Enemy but not to follow them too far as they retir'd So that the Parthians not doing much more Mischief for the four ensuing days than they receiv'd began to abate in their heat and complaining that the Winter-Season was much advanc'd press'd for returning home On the fifth Day Flavius Gallus a brave Officer who had a considerable Command in the Army came to Antony desiring of him some Troops of light Horse out of the Rear and some other Horse out of the front with the which he would undertake to do some considerable service Which when he had obtain'd he beat the Enemy back not retiring as was usual to the Gross of the Army but making his ground good and pressing on with great obstinacy the Officers who commanded in the Rear of this Detachment perceiving how far he had got from the Body of the Army sent to warn him back but he took no notice of them 'T is said that Titius the Questor snatch'd the Colours and retreated telling Gallus that he did very ill to lead so many brave men on to certain destruction he on the other side reviling him again and commanding the men that were about him to stand firm Titius made his retreat
of grief and sorrow and having inflamed and ulcerated her Breasts with beating them she fell into a high Fever and was very glad of this occasion as pretending to abstain from Meat in consideration of her Disease and so to die in quiet without being importun'd to live Her Physician whom she confided in was Olympus to whom she communicated this design and made use of his advice to rid her self of this miserable life As Olympus himself says having Writ the History of these matters But Caesar suspecting her design threatned to use her Children ill which was the only battery capable of forcing her high spirit so that she suffer'd any one to give her what Meat or what Medicine they pleas'd Some few days after Caesar himself came to make her a visit and comfort her She lay then upon her Pallet Bed in great disorder but he being entred she rose from off her Bed having nothing on but a thin Garment she flung her self at his feet being strangely disfigured her Hair and Face torn with a trembling voice and her eyes sunk in her head on her body were many marks of blows and it was in a decent condition to attend her grieved Soul but for all this her good air and mien was not impair'd some sparks of beauty still remaining and in spight of grief shining from within and appearing in every graceful motion Caesar desiring her to repose her self sat down by her and this opportunity she took to justifie her proceedings alledging that what she had done was more out of fear of displeasing Antony than from her own inclinations which when Caesar confuted in every Article that she insisted upon she presently turn'd her discourse to move his compassion as if she desired nothing more than to prolong her life and having by her a list of all her treasure she gave it into his hands but Seleucus being present who was one of the Treasury told her that she had laid aside and suppressed many things of Value upon which she fell into such a fury that flying from her Bed she caught him by the Hair and strook him several blows on the Face Caesar smiling and withholding her is not it very hard Caesar said she when you do me the honour of a visit in this wretched condition I am in that I should be affronted by one of my Menial Servants if I have laid by any Women's toys they never were design'd Ornaments for one of my miserable Fortune but that I might have some little Present by me to make your Octavia and your Livia that by their intreaties I might hope to find you in some measure dispos'd to mercy Caesar was pleas'd to hear her talk thus being now assur'd that she was desirous to live and he did therefore let her know that those things she had laid by she might dispose of as she pleas'd and his usage of her should be honourable above her expectation and so he went away well satisfied that he had over-reach'd her but he was himself deceiv'd there was a young Nobleman named Cornelius Dolabella one of Caesar's favourites one that had a great kindness for Cleopatra he sent her word privately as she had engaged him to do that Caesar was about to return into Syria and that she and her Children were to be sent before within three days when she understood this news she made her request to Caesar that he would be pleased to permit her to make her last Oblations to the departed Antony which being granted she order'd her self to be carried to the place where he was buried and there upon her knees accompany'd by her Women she embrac'd his Tomb with tears in her eyes and spake in this manner My dearest Antony said she it is not long since that with these hands I buried thee then they were free now am I a miserable captive and pay these last Duties to thee with a guard upon me for fear that my just griefs and sorrows should impair my servile Body and make me less fit to appear in their Triumphs over thee No further offerings and sacrifice expect from me these are the last honours that Cleopatra e'er can pay thy memory for she is to be hurried away far from thee Nothing could part us whilst we liv'd but death doth seem to threaten for ever to divide us That thou a Roman born should'st lie buried here in Egypt and I an Egyptian should be carried into Italy there to expect that favour only but if the Gods of thy Country with whom thou now art either can or will do any thing for our Gods have betray'd us suffer them not to leave me whilst I yet have life let me not be lead in Triumph to thy shame but have a little room in thy Grave for amongst all my bitter misfortunes nothing has prest my Soul so hard as to have liv'd thus long without thee Having made these lamentations crowning the Tomb with Garlands of Flowers and kissing it she gave orders to prepare her a Bath and coming out of the Bath she eat very sumptuously After Supper a Country fellow brought her a little Basket which the Guards intercepting and asking what it was the fellow put the leaves which lay uppermost aside and shew'd them it was full of Figs and they admiring the largeness and beauty of the Figs were invited to take of them which they refused and suspecting nothing bid him carry them in Then Cleopatra sent to Caesar a Letter and sealed it and putting every body out of the Monument but her two Women she shut the doors Caesar opening her Letter and finding therein such earnest requests that she might be buried in the same Tomb with Antony he soon guest what was doing once he was going himself in all haste but changing his Mind he sent one to see how affairs stood Her Death was so sudden that those that were sent by Caesar surpriz'd the Guards with their apprehensions who breaking open the doors found her stone dead lying upon her Bed of Gold set out in all her Royal Ornaments Iras one of her Women lay dead at her feet and Charmion just ready to tumble scarce able to hold up her own head was adjusting her Mistresses Diadem which was out of order and when one that came in said was this well done of your Lady Charmion extremely well she answer'd and becoming so great a Queen as she said this she fell down dead by the Bed-side Some relate that an Asp was brought in amongst those Figs and covered with leaves and that Cleopatra had order'd it so that she might be bit without seeing it and that in taking up the leaves she should say holding out her Arm to it Art thou there Others say that it was kept in a Glass and that she vex'd and prick'd it with a golden Spindle but no one knew the certainty for they reported also that she carried Poison in a golden Bodkin about which she wound her Hair but there
was rather thought to be concern'd for his Friend than timorous He was afterwards made one of those Priests whom the Romans call Augurs in the room of Crassus the younger dead in Parthia and having by lot obtain'd the Province of Cilicia he set sail thither with twelve thousand Foot and two thousand six hundred Horse he had orders also to reduce Cappadocia to the love and obedience of Artobazanes their King which settlement he effected with great acceptance without Arms and perceiving the Cilicians by the great loss the Romans had suffer'd in Parthia and the Commotions in Syria grown insolent he reduced them into good Temper by a gentle Government He receiv'd no Presents tho sent him by Kings He remitted the Province the charge of Publick Suppers but entertained daily at his own House the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ingenious and accomplished Men of the better Quality not Sumptuously but Liberally His House had no Porter nor was he seen in Bed by any Man but early in the Morning standing or walking before his Door he courteously received those that visited him He never commanded any to be beaten with Rods nor to have their Garments rent He never gave contumelious Language in his Anger nor inflicted Punishment with Reproach When he found any of the Publick Monies purloin'd he enriched the Cities with it and those who voluntarily made Restitution without any further Punishment he preserved entire in their Reputation He made a little effort of War and drave out the Thieves which infested the Mount Amanus for which he was saluted by his Army Imperator To Caetius the Orator desiring him to send him some Panthers from Cilicia to be exposed on the Theatre at Rome with boasting reflecting on his own Actions he wrote that there were no Panthers in Cilicia for they were all fled to Caria in Anger that in so general a Peace they were left the only Subjects of his Arms. Leaving his Province for a time he touched at Rhodes but more willingly tarried at Athens with a desire of renewing his old Studies where he visited the most eminent Men of Learning and saluted his Friends and Familiars and being deservedly Honour'd in Greece he return'd to his own City where Affairs were just as it were in a flame breaking out into a Civil War When the Senate would have decreed him a Triumph he told them he had rather so Differences were accommodated follow the Triumphant Chariot of Caesar In private he gave Advice to both writing many things to Caesar and entreating several of Pompey mollisying perswading and exhorting each of them But when matters became incurable and Caesar was approaching Rome Pompey durst not abide it but with many honest Citizens left the City Cicero avoided the flight and seem'd to adhere to Caesar tho it is very evident he was in his Thoughts much divided and wavered betwixt both for thus he writes in his Epistles To which side should I turn Pompey has an honest and specious Pretence for War but Caesar has managed his Affairs better and is more able to secure himself and his Friends so that I know whom I should flee not whom I should fly to But when Trebatius one of Caesar's Friends by Letter signified to him that Caesar thought it was his Interest to secure himself on his side and to be partaker of his Hopes but if his Age would not permit that that he should retire into Greece and there abide and enjoy his Quiet remote from either Party Cicero wondring that Caesar did not write himself answer'd in Anger that he would do nothing unworthy of those things he had already done in Publick Affairs After this manner therefore he writes in his Epistles But as soon as Caesar was marched into Spain he immediately takes Shipping to go to Pompey and he was very acceptable to all the rest but Cato who taking him privately chid him for joyning himself to Pompey As for himself he said it had been very undecent to have forsaken that part of the Commonwealth which he had chosen from the beginning but he might have been more useful to his Country and Friends if remaining Neuter he had attended and governed the Event and not without Reason or Necessity have made himself an Enemy to Caesar and partner of so great Dangers By these sayings Cicero's mind was partly changed but principally because Pompey made no great use of him although indeed he was himself the cause of it by professing he repented his coming by deriding Pompey's Preparations by despising his Counsels and not forbearing Jeers and pleasant Reflections upon his Fellow-Soldiers For whilest he walked sowre and melancholy in the Camp he was always endeavouring to move Laughter to others who had as little reason to be merry as himself And here it may not be amiss to relate some few of those Jests To Demetrius preferring one to a Command who was no Soldier and saying in his defence that he was a Modest and Prudent Person he reply'd Why did not you keep him then for a Tutor for your Children Some commending Theophanes the Lesbian who was Master of the Works in the Camp for that he had excellently comforted the Rhodians after the loss of their Fleet What an extraordinary thing said he it is to have a Greek Officer When Caesar had done many things successfully and in a manner besieged Pompey Lentulus was saying it was reported that Caesar's Friends were melancholy You mean says Cicero they are wishing ill to Caesar To one Marcius newly come from Italy and telling them that there was a strong report at Rome that Pompey was block'd up he said And therefore you sail'd hither that you might see it with your own Eyes and believe it To Nonius encouraging them after a Defeat to be of good hope because there were seven Eagles still left in Pompey's Camp You encourage well said Cicero if we were to fight with Jack-daws Labienus demonstrating from Divination that Pompey was to be Conqueror Yes said Cicero and by trusting to this Stratagem we have already lost our Camp After the Battel of Pharsalia was over at which he was not present for want of Health and Pompey was fled Cato having considerable Forces and a great Fleet at Dyrrachium would have had Cicero Commander in Chief according to Law and the Precedence of his Consular Dignity But Cicero refusing the Command and wholly avoiding to joyn with their Arms was very near being slain young Pompey and his Friends calling him Traytor and drawing their Swords upon him had slain him had not Cato interposed and hardly rescued and brought him out of the Camp Afterwards arriving at Brundusium he tarried there some time in expectation of Caesar who linger'd because of his Affairs in Asia and Egypt and when it was told him that he was arrived at Tarentum and was coming thence by Land to Brundusium he hastened towards him not altogether without Hope and yet in some Fear of making experiment of the temper
discours'd so well of the present Exigency and state of affairs that he made all the rest appear in their Politicks but young States-men and in their Votes rather Slaves than Councellors who timorously and disingenuously advis'd what would best please the young King rather than advance his Interest But that which startled them most was the Proposal he made to avert the imminent danger they feared of a War with the Carthaginians undertaking to sail immediately over into Africk and if the King desired it to conclude a Peace upon honourable terms but if he rather inclined to War that he would fit out and maintain at his own proper cost and charges fifty Galleys ready for the Service Dionysius admired his Gallantry and received the frankness of his Offer with great satisfaction But the other Courtiers thinking this his Generosity reflected upon them and jealous of being lessened by his growing greatness from hence took all occasions by private insinuations and slanders to render him obnoxious to the Kings displeasure as if he designed by his Power at Sea to surprize the Government and by the help of those Naval Forces confer the supreme Authority upon his Sister Aristomache's Children But indeed the most apparent and prime Cause of their invidious and malicious proceedings against him was his reservedness in Conversation and Singularity in his way of Living for they who had from the beginning by flatteries and all unworthy artifices insinuated themselves into the favour and familiarity of the Prince youthful and voluptuously bred were wholly subservient to his Pleasures and sought how to entertain him daily with new Amours and such idle and extravagant Employs as Wine Women and other lewd Diversions By which means the Tyranny like Iron softned in the fire seemed to the Subject to be more moderate and gentle and to abate somewhat of its extreme severity the edge thereof being blunted not by the Clemency but rather the sloth and degeneracy of the young King whose dissoluteness gaining ground daily and growing upon him soon weakned and broke those Adamantine Chains with which his Father Dionysius said he had left the Monarchy fastned and secured 'T is reported of him that having begun a drunken Debauch he continued it ninety days without intermission in all which time no grave Man appeared or serious Discourse was heard at Court but Drinking Singing Dancing Buffoonry and all sorts of licentious Raillery reigned there without controul 'T is likely then they had little kindness for Dion who never indulged himself in such Diversions and Youthful Frolicks for which reason they made his very Vertues the subject of their Calumnies and nick-named whatever was remarkable in him Vice They called his Gravity Pride his Plain-dealing Obstinacy the good advice he gave was all construed Reprimand and he was censured for neglecting and scorning those whom he would not accompany in their Misdeameanours And to say the truth he was naturally of a haughty Humour austere reserved and unsociable in Conversation which made his Company unpleasant and disagreeable not only to the young King who delighted in none but his smooth-tongued Courtiers and Parasites but many also of Dion's intimate Friends tho' they well approved the Integrity and Generosity of his temper yet justly blamed his surly Carriage as savouring too much of an uncouth and starched humour and wanting something of Address and due Civility in the reception of those that applyed themselves to him of which Plato afterwards wrote to him and as it were Prophetically advised him carefully to avoid a surly demeanour unless he intended to be abandoned by all Society and live alone by himself Now tho' Dion by reason of the present state of Affairs was very considerable and in great esteem as being the only stay and prop of the Government which was in a tottering and unsafe condition yet he well understood that he ow'd not his Greatness to the Kings kindness but to the necessity of his concerns and supposing the prime cause of this to be his Ignorance and want of Education he endeavoured to induce him into a course of ingenious Studies and acquaint him with the Precepts of Morality thereby hoping to take off the aversion he had to Vertue and by degrees inure him to a complacency in performing good and laudable Actions Dionysius in his own Nature was not the worst of Princes but his Father fearing that if he should come to understand himself better and converse with wise and learned Men he might complot against him and dispossess him of his Kingdom kept him in a close confinement to his Lodgings where for want of other Company and ignorant how to spend his time better he busied himself in making little Chariots Candlesticks Joynt-stools Tables and the like wooden Implements For his Father Dionysius the First was so diffident and suspicious of all mankind and withal so wretchedly fearful that he would not suffer a Barber to trim him with Razour or Scissers but made one of his Artificers with a live Coal sear off his excrescent hairs Neither were his Brother or his Son allowed to come into his Appartment in the Habit they wore but they as all others were strip'd to their skins by some of the Guard and put on other Cloathes before they were admitted into the Presence When on a time his Brother Leptimes was discoursing the situation of a place and took a Javelin from one of the Guard to describe the Plot he was highly incensed at him and caused the Soldier that delivered him the Weapon to be put to death He declared the more judicious his Friends were the more he suspected them because he knew that were it in their choice they would rather Command than be subject to a Superiour He flew Marsyas one of his Captains whom he had preferred to a considerable command for dreaming that he killed him supposing that it was not a roving Fancy but a previous thought and resolved design which had formed that Idea in his imagination so timorous was he so miserable a Slave to his fear yet very angry with Plato because he would not allow him to be the valiantest Man alive Dion as we said before seeing Dionysius the Son defective in his Understanding and irregular in his Manners for want of good Education advised him to set to Study persuading him earnestly to entreat Plato the greatest Philosopher in the World to come into Sicily and when he came to permit himself to his direction and advice by whose instructions he might learn to lead a vertuous life and be conformable to the glorious Idea of that Divine Essence whose wise Conduct all things obey and out of confusion formed the beautiful Order of the Universe by which means he would procure great happiness to himself and all his Subjects who obliged by his Justice and Moderation would then willingly pay him Obedience as their Father which now grudgingly and upon necessity they are forced to yield him
of Subjection that slately Monument which Dionysius at his own Expence had erected But because it was a Sun-Dial on the which he stood when he was made General they expressed some Fears that the great Actions he had performed might be subject to decline and admit a sudden change of Fortune Dion taking the Epipole released all the Prisoners and invested the Castle with a strong Work Seven days after Dionysius arrived and got into the Cittadel about the same time Dion received the Carriages with the Arms and Ammunition he left with Synalus These he distributed among the Citizens the rest that wanted furnished themselves as well as they could and expressed great Courage and Readiness for the Service Dionysius sent Agents at first privately to Dion to try what Terms they could make with him But he declaring that what Overtures they had must be in publick the Syracusians being now no longer in Subjection but at Liberty to manage their own Affairs They then addressed themselves to the Citizens with fair Words and specious Promises assuring them that they should have Abatements of their Tributes and Taxes not be compelled to serve in the Wars tho' undertaken by their own Approbation and Consent The Syracusians laught at these Offers and Dion returned their Answer That Dionysius must not think to treat with them upon any other Terms but resigning the Government which if he would actually do he would not forget how nearly he was related to him or be wanting to assist him in whatsoever was reasonable and just Dionysius seemed to consent to this and sent his Agents again desiring some of the Syracusians to come into the Cittadel and consult with him for the good of the Publick being ready to make fair Propositions which he believed they could not but yield to and equally willing to accept such as they had to offer him There were therefore some deputed such as Dion approved of and the general News from the Castle was That Dionysius would voluntarily resign his Authority and that he did it out of Choice rather than Compulsion But this was only a feigned device and crafty Trick to amuze the Syracusians for he imprisoned the Deputies that were sent to him and caused the Garrison by break of Day having first to encourage them made them drink plentifully to make a sudden salley and attack the Works Dion had made The Alarm being unexpected and the Action carried on with a great deal of Courage and Resolution on the part of the Besieged they broke through the Works and with loud Shouts assailed the Besiegers so furiously that they were not able to maintain their Post But a Party of Dion's men taking the Alarm hasted to their Relief neither did they at first know what to do or how to employ the Aid they brought not being able to hear the Commands of their Officers for the horrid Noise and Confusion of the Syracusians which fled from the Enemy and do what they could ran in among them and broke through their Ranks till Dion seeing none of his Orders could be heard resolved to let them see by his Example what they ought to do and charged into the thickest of the Enemy The Fight about him was fierce and bloody for he being signally known as well by the Enemy as his own Party they ran with great Noise and Fury to the Quarter where he fought Tho' by reason of his Age he was unfit for such a brisk Engagement yet with great Vigor and Courage he charged all he met cutting in pieces several of the Enemy that withstood him till he was wounded in the Hand with a Lance his Armour also being very much battered in this close Fight and scarce any longer serviceable and having many Hurts through his Shield by Arrows and Darts wherewith they gall'd him at distance at length he fell to the ground bâ—t was immediately rescued and carried off by his Soldiers The Command in chief he left to Timonides and mounting his Horse rid about the City rallyed those that fled and commanding a Detachment of the foreign Soldiers out of Acradina where he had posted them to guard that Place he brought them as a fresh Reserve upon the Enemy who were tired with the heat of the Action and well nigh ready to give over their Design for having hopes at their first Salley to have re-taken the City when beyond their Expectation they found such brave Resistance and now fresh Assailants they retreated into the Castle As soon as they gave ground the Greek Soldiers pressed hard upon them and pursued them to the very Walls There were lost in this Action of Dion's men seventy four and a very great number of the Enemy this being a signal Victory and principally obtained by the Valour of the foreign Soldiers The Syracusians rewarded them with a hundred Grecian Pouâ—ds and presented Dion a Crown of Gold Soon after this there came Messengers from Dionysius bringing Dion Letters from the Ladies his Relations and one was superscribed Hipparinus to his Father Dion this was the Name of Dion's Son tho' Timaeus says he was from his Mother Arete's Name called Aretoeus but I think credit is rather to be given to Timonides's Report who was his fellow-Soldier and Confident The rest of the Letters were read publickly containing many Sollicitations and humble Requests of the Ladies but the People not admitting that which was sent from his Son to be unsealed Dion forcibly broke it open It was from Dionysius seemingly writ to Dion but in effect to the Syracusians and so worded that under a plausible Justification of him and civil Requests to him was couch'd a Design of rendring him suspected to the People He reminded him of the good Service he had formerly done the Government and how vigorous an Assertor he had been of the Prerogative adding many Threats to his dearest Relations his Sister Son and Wife if he did not comply with the Contents conjuring him in the most passionate and moving Expressions to have regard to their Safeties But that which touched Dion most was he earnestly entreated him That he would not destroy the Government but take it upon himself and not put the Power into the Hands of those men who always hated him and would never forget their old Picques and Quarrels but keep it in his own and thereby secure from Injuries and Violence himself his Friends and Dependants When this Letter was read the Mobile did not as they ought in Justice pay a due Deference to the unmoveable Constancy and Bravery of Dion who withstood all his most pressing Concerns to be true to his Virtue and his Honour but from hence took occasion to fear and suspect that he lay under invincible Obligations to be favourable to Dionysius and therefore began already to be hankring after a new General and the rather because to their great Joy they received the News of Heraclides's arrival This
regarded not so much the Plunder as to destroy and kill all they met For Dionysius despairing to re-gain the Kingdom and mortally hating the Syracusians resolved to bury his lost Empire in the utter Ruin and Desolation of Syracuse The Enemy therefore to prevent Dion's Succours resolved upon the most terrible and ready way of destruction to lay the City in ashes firing all at hand with Torches and other Combustibles and at distance with flaming Arrows and other Fire-works shot from their Bows and Engines The Citizens in great distraction fled every way before them They who to avoid the Fire forsook their Houses were taken in the Streets and put to the Sword They who betook themselves for Refuge into the the Houses were forced out again by the flames Many were burnt and many kill'd by the fall of Houses and Ruines of Walls and Towers This fresh misfortune by general Consent opened the Gates for Dion It hapned that he made no extraordinary hast when he received advice that the Enemies were retreated into the Castle but early in the Morning some Horse brought him the news of another Assault and soon after some of those who before oppos'd his coming fled now to him to entreat him he would hasten his Relief The Fire and Desolation increasing Heraclides sent his Brother and after him his Uncle Theodotes to beg him to help them for that now they were not able to make any longer Opposition that he himself was wounded and the greatest part of the City was either in ashes or in flames When Dion met this sad News he was about sixty furlongs distant from the City When he had acquainted the Soldiers with the Exigency and exhorted them to behave themselves like men the Army no longer marched but ran forwards and by the way were met by several who begged them to quicken their pace By the wonderful eagerness of the Soldiers and their extraordinary Speed Dion quickly came to the City and entered at the Gate Hecatompedon sending his Vanguard presently to charge the Enemy that seeing them the Syracusians might take Courage In the mean time he drew up in good Order his main Body and all the Citizens that came in and joyn'd him forming his Battalions long and setting over them double Officers that he might as occasion required make Detachments and to amuse and terrifie the Enemy fight them in several Quarters at once As they saw him in the Streets advance at the Head of his Men to engage the Enemy a confused Noise of Shouts congratulations Vows and Prayers was rais'd by the Syracusians who now called Dion their Deliverer their Tutelar-Deity and his Soldiers their Friends Brethren and Fellow-Citizens none seem'd to regard themselves or value their safeties but to be concerned more for Dion's Life than for all their own together So daringly he marched before them to meet the danger first through Blood and Fire and over heaps of dead Bodies that lay in his way And indeed the Posture of the Enemy was in appearance terrible for they were flush'd with Victory enrag'd and had posted themselves very advantageously along the demolish'd Works which made the approach to them very hazardous and difficult yet that which discouraged Dion's Men most was the apprehension they were in of the Fire which made their march very troublesome and difficult for the Houses being in flames on all fides they were surrounded with them and treading upon burning Ruines every minute in danger of being overwhelm'd with falling Houses through clouds of Ashes and Smoak they labour'd hard to keep their Order and maintain their Ranks When they came near to the Enemy by reason of the advantage of their Post and the inconvenience of a Defile they were to pass but few of them could engage at a time but at length fighting with great Bravery and the Syracusians with shouts encouraging their Party Nypsius's Men were beaten off and routed most of them escaped into the Castle which was near at hand all that could not get in were pursued and pick'd up here and there by the Soldiers and put to the Sword The present Exigence did not suffer the Citizens to reap the benefit of their Conquest in such mutual Congratulations and expressions of Joy as become the Victorious for now all were busily employed to save what Houses were left standing labouring hard all Night and could scarce master the Fire The next day not one of the Popular Haranguers durst stay in the City but all of them knowing their own Guilt by their flight confessed it and secured their Lives Only Heraclides and Theodotus voluntarily surrendred themselves to Dion acknowledging that they had wrong'd him and begging he would be kinder to them than they had been just to him adding how much it would be for his Honour who was Master of so many excellent Accomplishments to moderate his Anger and be generously compassionate to the ungrateful confessing that they who were formerly his professed Enemies were now absolutely overcome by his Vertue Tho' they humbly addressed to him his Friends advised him not to pardon those turbulent and ill-natured Men but to leave them to the mercy of his Soldiers and utterly root out of the Common-wealth the ambitious Affectation of Populacy a Disease as pestilent and pernicious as the most Arbitrary Power whatever Dion endeavoured to satisfie them telling them That other Generals employed their thoughts and designs chiefly about warlike Acquists but that he had long studied in the Academy how to conquer his Passions and not let Emulation and Envy conquer him That to do this it is not sufficient that a Man be obliging and kind to his Friends and those that have deserved well of him but also indulgent and favourable to those from whom he has received Injuries and Affronts That he was resolved to let the World see that he valued not himself so much upon excelling Heraclides in Ability and Conduct as he did in out-doing him in Justice and Clemency herein to have the Advantage is to excell indeed The Honour of Victory in War is never entire for Fortune will be sure to claim her share tho' no man pretend to rival the Conqueror What if Heraclides be perfidious malicious and base must Dion therefore sully his Honor or injure his Vertue by a passionate Concern for it For tho' the Laws determine it juster to revenge an Injury than to do an Injury Yet it is evident that both Originally proceed from the same deficiency and weakness of Humane Nature The malicious Humor of Men tho' perverse and refractory is not so savage and invincible but it may be wrought upon by Kindness and habitually altered by repeated Obligations Dion making use of these Arguments pardon'd and dismiss'd Heraclides and Theodotes And now resolving to repair the Blockade about the Castle he commanded all the Syracusians to cut Palisado's and bring them to the Works and then dismissing them to refresh themselves and take
of the Day for that he knew he must at any other time as impiously offend her whensoever he who introduc'd him into her Religion should be the Murderer of her Devoto There were a great many in the Conspiracy and as Dion was at home with several of his Friends in his Entertaining-Room some of the Conspirators beset the House round others secur'd the Doors and Windows The Assassines were Zacinthians who went in to him in their ordinary Habit unarm'd The Guard without shut the Doors upon them and kept them fast The Murderers fell upon him endeavouring to stifle and dispatch him but not being able they call'd for a Sword but none durst open the Door There were a great many within with Dion but every one was for securing himself supposing that by letting him lose his Life he should save his own and therefore no man ventur'd to assist him When they had waited a good while at length Lycon the Syracusian reach'd a short Sword in at the Window to one of the Zacinthians and stunn'd and almost senseless as he was like a Sacrifice at the Altar they cut Dion's Throat his Sister and Wife big with Child they hurried to Prison who poor Lady in her unfortunate condition was there brought to Bed of a Son which by the consent of the Keepers they intended to bring up the rather because Calippus began already to be embroyl'd in Troubles After the Murther of Dion he was the only man that was look'd upon had the sole Government of Syracuse in his Hands and to that effect writ to Athens a place which next the Immortal Gods being guilty of such an abominable Crime he ought to have reverenc'd and fear'd But true it is what is said of that City That the good Men she breeds are the most Excellent and the bad the most notorious as their Country Attica produces the most delicious Honey and the most deadly Poyson Calippus did not long continue to scandalize Fortune and upbraid the Gods with his Prosperity who seem'd to wink at and bear with that wretched man while he purchas'd Riches and Power by the most heinous and enormous Impieties but he quickly receiv'd the Punishment he deserv'd for going to take Catana he lost Syracuse whereupon they report he said He had lost a City and got a Bauble Then attempting Messene he had most of his Men cut off and among the rest Dion's Murtherers When no City in Sicily would admit him but all hated and abhorred him he went into Italy and took Regium there being necessitous and not able to maintain his Soldiers he was kill'd by Leptimns and Polyperchon and as Fortune would have it with the same Sword that Dion was Murther'd which was known by the size being but short as the Spartan Swords and the Workman-ship of it very curious and Artificial Thus Calippus receiv'd the Reward of his Villanies When Aristomache and Arete were releas'd out of Prison Icetes one of Dion's Friends took them to his House and for a while entertain'd them well and like a faithful Friend afterwards being perswaded by Dion's Enemies he provided a Ship and pretended to send them into Peloponnesus but commanded the Sailors when they came out to Sea to kill them and throw them over board Others say that they and the little Boy were thrown alive into the Sea This Man also escaped not the due recompence of his wickedness for he was taken by Timoleon and put to Death and the Syracusians to revenge Dion slew his two Daughters of which I have Discours'd more particularly in the Life of Timoleon THE LIFE OF MARCUS BRUTUS Translated by Mr. Duke BRUTUS M Burghers sculp Cato the Philosopher was Brother to Servilia the Mother of Brutus and he it was whom of all the Romans his Nephew most admir'd and study'd to imitate and afterwards marry'd his Daughter Porcia But of all the Sects of the Greek Philosophers tho' there was none of which he had not been a Hearer and in which he had not made some proficiency yet he chiefly esteem'd the Platonists and not at all approving of the modern and the middle Academy as it was call'd apply'd himself wholly to the study of the Ancient He was all his Life-time a great Admirer of Antiochus of the City of Ascalon and took his Brother Ariston into his own House for his Friend and Companion a Man for his Learniug inferior indeed to many of the Philosophers but for the evenness of his Temper and sweetness of Conversation equal to the best As for Empylus of whom he himself and his Friends made often mention in their Epistles as of one that constantly liv'd with Brutus he was an Orator and has left behind him a short but well penn'd History of the Death of Caesar entitled Brutus In Latin he was a good Speaker and had by constant exercise attain'd a sufficient Excellency in making publick Orations and pleading Causes But in Greek he was remarkable for affecting the sententious and short Laconick way of Speaking In his Epistles especially as when in the beginning of the War he writ thus to the Pergamenians I hear ye have given Dolabella Money if you gave it willingly ye must own ye have injur'd me if unwillingly shew it by giving willingly to me And another time to the Samians Your Councils are careless your Actions slow what think ye will be the end And of the Patareans thus The Xanthians suspecting my Kindness have made their Countrey a Grave of Despair The Patareans trusting themselves to me have lost nothing of their former Liberty It is in your Power to choose the Judgment of the Patareans or the Fortune of the Xanthians And this is the Style wherein his most remarkable Letters were usually writ When he was but a very young Man he accompanied his Uncle Cato to Cyprus who was sent with an Army against Ptolomy King of Aegypt But as soon as Ptolomy had kill'd himself Cato being by some necessary Business detain'd in the Isle of Rhodes sent one of his Friends nam'd Caninius to take into his care and keeping the Treasure of the King but afterwards suspecting his Fidelity he writ to Brutus to sail immediately to Cyprus out of Pamphylia where he then stay'd to refresh himself being but newly recover'd of a Fit of Sickness He obey'd his Orders but with a great deal of unwillingness as well out of Respect to Caninius that was thrown out of this Employment by Cato with so much Disgrace as also because he esteem'd such a Commission too mean for a Gentleman and not at all becoming him that was in the prime of his Youth and given to Books and Learning Nevertheless applying himself to this Business he behav'd himself so well in it that he was highly commended by Cato and having turn'd all the Goods of Ptolomy into ready Money brought the greatest part of it in his own Ship to Rome Upon the Division of the Empire into two Factions when Pompey
again Nymphidius now advancing towards the consummation of his hopes did not refuse the honour of being call'd Caius Caesar's Son Successor to Tiberius Caius who as it is said was well acquainted with his Mother in his youth a woman indeed handsome enough the Off-spring of Kalisto one of Caesar's Free-men and a certain Sempstress But it 's plain that Caius's familiarity with his Mother was of too late date for him to lay any claim to but it was strongly suspected he might if he pleas'd pretend to Martianus a Gladiator whom his Mother Nymphidia had a great kindness for being a man of repute in his way whom also he much resembled however 't is well he certainly own'd Nymphidia for his Mother The down-fall of Nero he ascrib'd to himself alone and thought he was not sufficiently rewarded with the Honours and Riches he enjoy'd nay nor with Sporus Nero's beloved darling in to the bargain whom he immediately sent for at the interment of Nero and caress'd him as though he had been his Spouse calling him Poppaeus but he must also aspire to the Empire and by some Female Friends and Senators wrought underhand to assist him in the business He dispatch'd one Gellianus a Friend of his into Spain to view the posture of affairs but all things succeeded well with Galba after Nero's death only Virginius standing doubtful created a jealousie in him lest he should listen to the suggestions of some who encouraged him to take the government upon him having at present beside his conquest over Vindex the command of a great Army and reduc'd Gaul a considerable part of the Roman Empire when they seem'd wavering and indeed rather inclin'd to Rebellion No man surely had a greater Name and Reputation than Virginius who in their great revolutions freed the Romans from Tyranny and a Gallick War But he standing to his first resolves reserv'd to the Senate the power of electing an Emperour but when it was manifest that Nero was dead the Souldies prest him hard to it and one of the Colonels entring his Tent with his drawn Sword bidding him either take the Government or that But after Fabius Valens having the command of a Regiment had first sworn Fealty to Galba and had Letters from Rome of the Resolves of the Senate with much a-do he perswaded the Army to declare Galba Emperor Flaccus Hardonius immediately by his Commission was sent to succeed him to whom when he had consign'd his forces he marcht to meet Galba and attend him on his Journey who apparently shew'd him no displeasure being under a little dread of him nor yet much respect on the account of his Friends chiefly Titus Junius who enviously thinking to hinder Virginius's promotion contributed much to his happiness rescuing him from those hazards and hardships the other Officers were involved in which occasioned him a quiet life and a peaceable old Age. About Narbon a City in Gaul some of the Senators met him by order of the House and after they had dispatched their complements beseeched him to make what haste he could to appear to the People that impatiently expected him whom he discoursed courteously and familiarly but in his entertainment tho Nymphidius had sent him both rich Provision and Attendants of Nero's he laid all aside and made use of nothing but his own which made him appear great far above those little vanities But in a short time Junius abusing his generous civil way of treating without pomp terming it popularity and a meer pretence to moderation unbecoming his Grandure perswaded him to make use of Nero's store and make his Regal's Noble and Princelike so that it soon appeared that the Old Man had put himself under Junius's disposal a Person excessive covetous above all things and not a little addicted to Women for being a youngster newly entred into the Wars under Calvisius Sabinus he brought his Captains Wife a wanton dame in a Souldiers habit by Night into the Camp and used her like a Leaguer Lady even at the head Quarters for which insolence C. Caesar cast him into Prison from whence he was fortunately delivered by his death Being invited by Claudius Caesar to Supper he privily conveighed away a Silver Cup which Caesar hearing of inviting him next Day gave order to his Servants to set before him nothing but Earthen ware this mild rebuke seemed Comical and to be done rather in sport than displeasure But what he acted covetously for his own advantage having great power with Galba was either the real or seeming cause of many tragical and fatal mischiefs Upon this account Nymphidius became very uneasie upon the return of Gellianus out of Spain who was sent to pry into Galba's actions understanding that Corn. Lacon commanded the Emperors Guards and that Junius was the great Favourite and that he might not so much as come nigh much less have any opportunity to offer any thing in private so narrowly they watched him with all caution imaginable upon which he called together the Officers of the Army and declar'd to 'em that Galba of himself was a fair square old Gentleman but not taking his own measures he was ill manag'd by Junius and Lacon and lest before they were aware they should ingross the Authority Tigillinus had in the Army he propounded to them to send Ambassadours from the Camp acquainting him that if he pleas'd to remove only them two from his Counsel and Presence he would be much more welcome and dear to all at his arrival Wherein when he saw he did not prevail it seeming absurd and unmannerly to give Rules to an old Commander what Friends to retain or displace as if he had been a Youth newly taking the Reins of Authority into his hands steering another course he wrote complaining deceitful Letters one while as if the City were unsettled and had not yet put over some old grudge and that Clodius Macer withheld the Provision from Africa they so much rely'd on and that the Forces in Germany began to be mutinous and that he heard the like of those in Syria and Judaea Galba not minding him much nor giving credit to his stories resolv'd to surprize him but one Clodius Celsus dissuaded him averring that he could not believe one Family in Rome would ever give Nymphidius the Title of Caesar Nevertheless many derided Galba amongst the rest Mithridates of Pontus saying One of these days when this wrinkled bald coote shall appear publickly at Rome they 'll account it an utter disparagement ever to have had such an Emperor At last it was resolved about Midnight to bring Nymphidius into the Camp and declare him Emperor but Antonius Honoratus the first Colonel summoning together in the evening those under his command charged himself and them severely with their many and unreasonable turns and alterations without any regard to merit as if some evil Genius hurryed them from one Treason to another What tho Nero ' s miscarriages says he gave some colour to
the Power and Titianus only the Name Celsus and Paulinus had the Title of Coucellors and Friends but shared nothing of the management All things likewise were full of confusion among the Enemies paticularly in Valens's Camp who hearing of the Rencounter at the Ambuscade grew out of all patience that they should not be there to relieve so many brave persons as fell upon the spot So that Valens having much ado to perswade and keep them from revenging it upon himself was sorced to dislodge and join with Caecinna Hereupon Otho arrived at Bebriacum a Village near Cremona to consult about giving Battel Proculus and Titianus were for fighting while the Souldiers were in heart with their late success and not by sitting still to blunt their Courage and give Vitellius leisure to come upon them out of Gaul Paulinius on the contrary affirm'd that the Enemies whole force was there without the least recruit whereas Otho might expect an Army out of Mysia and Pannonia no whit inferiour to that in the Field if he would but stay his own time and not serve his Enemies occasions neither was it likely that the Spirit of those few Souldiers should be lessened by the encrease of more Forces but rather that the supply would add to their assurance Over and above this delay made for the Othonians who lived at home in absolute plenty while the Vitellians lodging in an enemies country must encrease their wants with their stay Celsus concurr'd with Paulinus Annius Gallus was absent and under cure by a fall from his Horse Yet Otho consulting him by Letter received the same advise not to be forward but wait the Mysian Forces which were already on the March However Otho deaf to these inclined to that side which held for a Battel There are several Reasons given for this Result in which few men agree this is plainly one The Praetorians and the Life-guard having then a taste of War in good earnest and so much the more lingring after the delicacies and quiet diversions of Rome could not be kept in clamouring for a Fight as if at the very first course they had been able to over-run their Enemies Neither did Otho himself seem tough enough to hold out in such uncertainty or so soft so little us'd was he to struggle with thoughts of such danger but quite broke with care he shut his eyes as one that leaps from a Precipice and spurr'd on to trust Fortune with his All. This Account gives Secundus the Orator and Secretary to Otho According to some other Relations it was more than once moved in both Armies to joyn and especially that with one consent they might elect the best of the Captains then present or in case of disagreement to call a Senate upon the place and submit the choice of the Emperour to them Neither is it unlikely that the right experienced and understanding Souldiers having no extraordinary favour for either of the contesting Emperours might fall upon such projects For what could be more detestable and grievous than wilfully to embrace those miseries which the Romans groan'd under long ago while they were cutting of Throats for Sylla and Marius and since that for Caesar and Pompey only that the Empire might serve the Gluttony and Drunkenness of Vitellius or the Luxury and Tenderness of Otho It is supposed that Celsus out of some such meaning sought to spin out the time as hoping to decide the point without the pains of an Encounter as on the contrary that Otho suspecting his Design made haste to engage Upon this Resolve Otho himself returned back to Brixillum by another grand Mistake not only in withdrawing his presence from the eyes of his Champions who did even adore and dote on him but in carrying back for his Horse and Foot-Guard the stoutest and most resolute of his Men he plainly cut off the Body of his Army About that time there happened a skirmish at the River Po which Caecinna sought to pass by a Bridge of Boats Otho's Men to oppose yet gaining little by plain force they threw Fire-brands daub'd with Pitch and Brimstone into the Vessels which the Wind taking as they fell suddenly kindled and blew into the Faces of the Enemies who being first troubled with the Smoke and then with the Flame leap'd into the Water overturning the Floats and exposing their Bodies with derision to the Enemy But the Germans attacking Otho's Gladiators in a small Island upon the River defeated and cut off a great Party Whereupon the Othonians that-were at Bebriacum being transported with fury to revenge it Proculus led them forth about fifty furlongs before he encamped and withall so inconsiderately and ridiculously that even in the Spring and the Fields round about full of Rivalets and Currents yet they were distressed for Water On the morrow when he would have led them at least twice as far against the Foe Paulinus put a stop declaring in his opinion that they ought rather to keep their Station and not harrass themselves nor just upon a long March with their Baggage to engage the Enemy that would be armed and ranged at leisure In the midst of this Dispute among the Commanders a Numidian came post from Otho bringing Orders without stop or stay to lead strait upon the Enemy which incontinently they did Caecinna was surprized at the News of their approach and leaving hastily his Works at the River he return'd into the Camp Valens having posted great part of his Army and given the Word sent out a choice forlorn of Horse to amuse the Enemy whilst he drew up the Legions Otho's Van were possess'd with belief from a flying Report that Vitellius his Captains would come over to them Therefore when they drew near they saluted them by the friendly Term of Fellow-Souldiers which not being answered by the others with Civility but with an angry hostile Murmur both discouraged them that had given the Salute and fill'd the rest with suspicion of Treason This began a disorder at the very first Charge which was spread throughout the Field not a little confounded by the cumbersome Carriages they receiv'd also no small disadvantage from the place of Battel full of Ditches and Trenches to avoid which they were forc'd to change their Order and fight one among another as they could compass it in little Parties Two only Legions that called Rapax for Vitellius and Adjutrix for Otho being drawn out in a Champaign fought fairly a long time Otho's Men were lusty and valiant but in their Apprenticeship Vitellius's old and experienced Souldiers Otho's Men therefore charged hotly gained ground knock'd down the formost and took one of their Eagles Shame and Rage drave the others back upon them again and with the death of Orphidius the Collonel they surprized divers of Otho's Eagles in revenge for their own The Gladiators Men of no small credit for Courage and Address were attack'd by Varus Alphenus's Batavians the Flower of the German Horse which were drawn from