Select Observations of Roman Emperors 2

Julius Caesar.

THe Iulii were so called (saith Alex. ab Alex.) à prima barbae lanugine, from the first wool or down of the beard. Others think the name of the Iulii came from Iulus Ascanius, the Son of Aeneas.

He reformed the Calendar which was then confused, and framed the whole year just unto the course of the Sun, that it should contain 365 days, and appointed that every fourth year a whole day should be inserted. Therefore we call our year Annum Iulianum, and the Calendar which we use Calendarium Iulianum, and that Moneth which was by them called Quintilis, because it was the fifth Moneth, is now called July in honor of him.

For his other name Caesar, there are different opinions of the original of it. Some derive it à caesiis oculis, from his grey eyes. But Suetonius refutes that, and saith, he had black eyes. Others say he was so called à Caesarie, from a bush of hair with which he was born. Some say he was cut out of his Mothers womb: although Festus Pompeius thinks, such are rather to be called Caesones, and Casaubon rejecteth that Etymology. Others derive it à Caeso Elephanto, from his Grand-fathers killing an Elephant, which in the Carthaginian tongue is called Caesar. Sigonius speaks much of it, but so that it should seem to be ambiguae fidei, and therefore I shall leave it undermined.

He was tall of stature, white, and clear of complexion, somewhat full faced, his limbs were well trussed, and in good plight, his eyes black, lively, and quick. He was also very healthful, saving that in his latter days he was given to faint, and swoon suddenly. Comitiali quoque morbo bis inter res agendas correptus est, saith Suetonius, twice in the midst of his Martial affairs, he was surprised with the falling sickness, which he styleth Morbum comitialem, either because it chiefly invadeth, and seizeth on men in Comitiis, in popular Assemblies, or because their Comitia, their Parliaments or Assemblies were dissolved, and broke up by occasion thereof, if any chanced to fall sick of that disease, they reputing such an accident to be a sinister presage.

In Eloquence and warlike feats together, he either equalled, or excelled the glory of the very best.

Caesar who knows as well to write as fight.

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

He was counted the second man for Eloquence in his time, and gave place to the first, because he would be the first and chiefest man of war, and Authority. Julius Caesar Scalig • r writeth thus of him: Duae sunt aquilae solae in natura rerum, altera bellicae laudis, altera literariae; illa potentiae, haec sapientiae; Caesar & Aristotle's. Exercit. 94. Sect. 2.

Paterculus reckoning up the famous wits of those times saith, Et proximum Ciceroni Caesarem. Nay Cicero himself in his Catalogue of Orators to Brutus, saith, He cannot see any to whom Caesar might give place, and he highly commends him in his Oration pro Marcello. Est ejus viri pura oratio, sine fuco ac calamistris ornata, vel Romanis vel Atticis Musis dignissima. Lipsius. Aulus Gellius scribit Caesarem sermonis fuisse praeter alios suae aetatis castissimi.

He left Commentaries of his own Acts, touching the Gaule war, and the Civil war, which (S ^r. Francis Bacon saith) is the best History of the world. King James exhorting his Son to the study of History, above all profane Writers commendeth this Book of Caesar's to his reading, both sor the sweet flowing of the style, and the worthiness of the matter in itself.

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

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

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

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

Quintus Curtius speaking of Alexander the Great saith, Nullam virtutem Regis istius magis quam celeritatem laudaverim. I can commend no virtue more in this King then speed.

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

Suetonius affirmeth, that Caesar did ever march foremost before his troops, and most commonly bare-headed, and on foot, whether the Sun shined, or it rained. Tully reports of him, that he was never heard to say to his Soldiers, Ite illuc, go forth thither, as if they should go forth upon service, and he tarry behind in his tent, but Venite huc, Come ye hither.

Pertinax was wont to say to his Soldiers, Militemus; and Severus Septimius, laboremus: Livy bringeth in Valerius Corvinus thus speaking; Facta mea, non dicta vos milites sequi volo, nec disciplinam modo, sed exemplum etiam à me petere.

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

He Conquered all France, Germany, discovered us Britain's, and made us Tributary; and triumphed five times in Rome with unspeakable admiration.

It is observable, that in all his wars he hath always been inferior to his enemies in number; for which cause he hath always helped himself by Fortifications, more then ever any other hath done, which he made much the better, when he found himself not sufficiently strong to give battle, as he was a long time in Africa; insomuch that Scipio himself wondered at his coldness, nevertheless he always continued his Soldiers in exercise, and himself exercised new levied men, and entered them by small skirmishes, wherein by his industry for the most part he had the best, and always attempted something upon his enemy. The Duke of Rohan's Observ. on Caesar's Comm. L. 5.

Tam celer in agendo & consulta exequendo, ut persaepe nuntios de se praevenerit. He is renowned for his celerity in doing, and preventing the very report of his coming.

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

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

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

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

In any doubtful and dangerous service, his manner was to send away the Horses, and his own with the first, to the end that when all means of flight were gone, they might of necessity be forced the rather to stand to it, and abide to the last.

He called not his Soldiers Milites, but Commilitones: not plain Soldiers, but by a more pleasing name, Fellow-Soldiers. He maintained them so trim and brave, that he stuck not to set them out in polished Armor, damasked with silver and gold, as well for goodly show, as because they should in Battle keep the same more surely for fear of damage and loss.

He loved them so affectionately, that when he heard of Tiberius his overthrow, and the Legions with him: he suffered the hair of his head and beard to grow long, and would not cut the same before he had revenged their Death. By which means he both had his Soldiers most devoted unto him, and also made them truly valiant.

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

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

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

Caesar at Alexandria being busy about the assault and winning of a Bridge, was driven by a sudden sally of the enemies to take a Boat, and many besides making hast to get into the same, he leapt into the sea, and by swimming almost a quarter of a mile recovered the next ship, bearing up his left hand all the while, for fear the writings which he held therein should take wet, and drawing his rich coat-armor after him by the teeth, because the enemy should not have it as a spoil.

Beholding advisedly the Image, or portraiture of Alexander the Great in the Temple of Hercules at Cales, at the sight thereof he fetched a deep sigh, as being ashamed that he had yet performed no memorable act at those years, wherein Alexander had conquered the whole world.

He was very much disquieted and dismayed with a dream the very night before, (for he imagined in his sleep that he had carnal company with his own Mother:) the Diviners and Wizards incited him to the hopes of most glorious achievements, making this exposition of his dream, that thereby was portended unto him the sovereignty of the whole world; for his Mother whom he saw under him, betokened the subjection of the Earth, which is counted the mother of all things.

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

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

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

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

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

He was such an excellent Rider of a Horse from his youth, that holding his hands behind him he would gallop his Horse upon the spur. The Horse he used to ride upon was strangely marked, with feet resembling very near a man's, and the hoofs cloven like toes: The Beast would abide no man else to ride him, and he himself was the first that backed him.

When one brought him his Horse to get upon, which he used in Battle, he said unto him, When I have overcome mine enemies I will get upon him to follow the chase, but now let us give them charge.

Benignitate adeo praeditus, ut quos armis subegerat, clementiâ magis vicerit.

He was of so good a nature, that such as he subdued by Battle, he more overcame with gentleness.

He said the greatest pleasure he took of his Victories was, that he daily saved the lives of some of his country-men that bare arms against him. Caesar dando, sublevando, ignoscendo, gloriam adeptus est. Salust. in bel. Catilin.

When Pompey's head was presented to him, Vberrimas lachrymas profudit, he wept bitterly, and caused him to be honourably buried, saying, Ego Pompeii casum deploro, & meam fortunam metuo, I lament Pompey's fall, and fear mine own fortune.

When he found many Letters in Pompey's coffers, wherein divers testified their good will unto Pompey, and their hatred towards him, he neither read them nor copied them out, but presently burnt them, least being exasperated by them, he should have been forced to have committed some greater evil.

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

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

When some of his friends did counsel him to have a Guard for the safety of his Person, and some also did offer themselves to serve him, he would never consent unto it, but said, It was better to die once, then always to be afraid of death.

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

When he was hindered by one of the Tribunes from taking some of the common Treasure out of Saturnes Temple, and told that it was against the Law, Tush, said he, Time of War and Law are two things.

That speech of his was compounded both of terror and clemency, to Metellus the Tribune; for Caesar entering into the inner Treasury of Rome to take the money there kept, Metellus forbad him; whereto Caesar said, That if he did not desist he would lay him dead in the place; and presently taking himself up, he added, young man, it is harder for me to speak it then do do it.

He was a spare drinker of Wine, as his very enemies confessed, whence arose that Apothegme of Cato, That of all that ever were, Caesar alone came sober to the overthrow of the state.

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

He said, Caesar's wife ought not only to be without fault, but also without all suspicion of fault.

Being certified that Cato had slain himself with his own hands, he seemed to be very sorry for it, and said, O Cato, I envy thy Death, because thou didst envy my glory to save thy life.

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

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

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

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

Yet I may say of him as our Chronicler doth of one of our English Kings, Inerant illi confuso quodam temperamento, virtutes magnae & vit • a non minora.

Suetonius and others, speak of his unnatural uncleanness, and prodigious prodigality. He stole out of the Capitol 108000. pounds (reduced to our money) in gold at once, gave to Servilia a Jewell which cost him 46875. pounds, owed 1953125. pounds more then he was worth by his own confession. His shows, and public Donations, in costliness are almost invaluable.

About the trimming of his body he was over curious, so as he would not only be shaven very precisely, but also have his hair plucked.

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

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

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

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

Caesar sacrificing to the gods, found that one of the Beasts which was sacrificed, had no heart, and that was a strange thing in Nature, how a Beast could live without a heart.

There was a certain South-sayer that had given Caesar warning long before, to take heed of the day of the Ides of March (which is the fifteenth of the Moneth,) for on that day he should be in a great danger. That day being come, Caesar going unto the Senate-house, and speaking merrily to the South-sayer, told him, The Ides of March were come: So they be, softly answered the South-sayer, but yet they are not past.

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

Henry the 4. King of France was dissuaded from going abroad that day he was slain▪ by some; as a day markit out by Astrologers to portend danger to his person: yet he, a second Caesar as well in the course of his life as of his death, was little swayed therewith, but like a King, and a Christian replied; that it was an offense to God to give credit to these Prognostiques, and that having God to his guard, he feared no man. The Life and death of Henry the 4.]

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

He was stabbed with 23. wounds; he only gave one groan at the first thrust, without uttering any words. Some say, That as M. Brutus came running upon him, he said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; And thou my Son?

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

The very day before he was killed, in a certain discourse moved at supper in Marcus Lepidus his house, upon that point, which was the best end of a man's life? He preferred that which was sudden and unlooked for.

He died in the 56. year of his age; Et in Deorum numerum relatus est, he was made a god after death (which could not defend himself from death, from cruel murder) and that, Non ore modo decernentium, sed & persuasione vulgi, Not only by their voice which decreed such honor unto him, but also by persuasion of the common people.

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

Also upon his Image there is a Star set to the very crown of his head.

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

All stood condemned, and by one mishap or other perished; some by shipwreck, others by battle, and some again shortened their own days with the very same dagger wherewith they had wounded Caesar: Cassius, as Plutarch reporteth, and Brutus according to Dion.

Choyce Observations OF OCTAVIUS AVGUSTVS.

HE was styled by the name of Augustus, i. e. worshipful or sacred, which they thought to be a name of reverence and Majesty, because all consecrated and hallowed places were called Loca Augusta. That Moneth which was by them called Sextilis, because it was their sixth Moneth, is called Augustus in honor of him, and things of greatest splendor are called Augustissima. Julius Caesar was his great Uncle, but his Father by Adoption. He was called Octavius from his Father, and Augustus from his victory.

A man most nobly descended; for riches, honor, friends, Empire, fortunate victories, almost adored; for bodily good things, of comely stature, Forma eximia & per omnes aetatis gradus venustissima. Of most amiable visage, and that also majestical by his bright and shining eyes, Quibus etiam existimari volebat inesse quiddam divini vigoris. Wherein also (as he would have men believe) was seated a kind of Divine vigor: and he joyed much, if a man looking wishly upon him, held down his face, as it were against the brightness of the Sun; therefore a certain soldier turned away his eyes from beholding his face, and he demanding the reason why he did so, he answered; Quia fulmen oculorum tuorum ferre non possum.

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

He was indeed somewhat low, nevertheless of a comely stature, five foot and nine inches, the just measure (saith one) of our late famous Queen Elizabeth, who as she matched that Roman Emperor in happiness, and duration of Reign, so did she likewise in the stature of her body. Cities were called Caesareae in honor of him, so in honor of our Virgin Queen was there a Country called Virginia.

Augustus Imperii formator, ne Dominum quidem dici se volebat. Augustus the founder of the Roman Empire (for his Father Caesar was but Metator rather then Imperator, the chalker of it out, then the setter of it up) This great man would not be called Lord. Upon the same day that our Savior was born, he forbad them by Edict to call him Lord, that all Lordship might be ascribed to him.

In his time our Savior was born, Imperante Augusto natus est Christus, imperante Tiberio crucifixus. He consulting with the Oracle of Delphi about his Successor, received this answer:

Whereupon Augustus coming home, in the Capitol erected an Altar, and thereon in Capitall letters caused this inscription to be engraven, Haec est Ara Primogeniti Dei.

He is mentioned in the Scripture, Luke 2. 1. There came an Edict from Augustus Caesar that all the world should be taxed, i. e. all the Provinces subject to the Roman Empire, for the Romans called themselves Lord's of the whole world.

He made not war upon any people without just and necessary causes; his saying was, That neither battle nor war was to be undertaken, unless there might be evidently seen more hope of gain then fear of damage. He likened such who sought after small commodities with great danger, unto those that Angle with a golden hook, which if it be broken off, no draught of Fish whatsoever is able to make amends for the loss. [That was prudent advice of Henry the fourth K. of France, to Henry the third his Brother, who would needs with those small forces they had, salley out of Tours upon the great Army of Charles Duke of Mayen; Sire (quoth he) N'hazardons pas un double Henry, contre un Carolus, i. e. Let us not venter a double Ducket for a single penny.] He was so troubled and astonished at the Relation of a Foyl and overthrow of Varus, that for certain months together he let the hair of his beard and head grow still, and wore it long; yea, and otherwhiles would run his head against the doors, crying out, Quintilius Varus, Deliver up my Legions again. Suetonius.

He deemed nothing less beseeming a perfect and accomplished Captain, then temerity, or rashness: using this speech, Satis celeriter fieri, quicquid commode geritur, That is done soon enough which is done well enough.

He was so exceedingly delighted with that proverbial saying, Festina lente, that he would not only use it frequently in his daily Colloquies, but would insert it often in his Epistles; admonishing by these two words, that to effect any enterprise, both the speediness of Industry, and the slowness of Diligence should concur.

The City being not adorned according to the Majesty of such an Empire, and subject to the casualties of Deluges and fires, he beautified and set out so, as justly he made his boast, that whereas he found it built of brick, he left it all of Marble.

Augusto profiuens & quae Principem deceret, Eloquentia fuit. Tacitus. He had a ready, fluent, and eloquent speech, such as well became a Prince.

Seeing upon a time a number of Citizens clad all in black, assembled to hear a public speech, he with great indignation cried out, Behold,

The Romans, Lord's of all the world, and long robbed Nation.

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

He gave charge to the Praetors of Rome, Ne paterentur nomen suum obsolefieri, Not to suffer his name to be worn thread-bare.

He would never lie awake in the dark without one sitting by his Bed side.

Macrobius writes of him, that he carried such an entire and fatherly affection to the Common-wealth, that he called it, • il • am suam, his own Daughter; and therefore refused to be called Dominus, the Lord or Master of his Country, and would only be called Pater Patriae, the Father of his Country, because be governed it not per timorem, sed per amorem, not by fear, but by love.

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

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

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

He was grieved himself when he pronounced a grievous sentence, and he thought himself punished when he punished others.

He would not suddenly entertain a league of friendship with any, but was a constant friend to those he loved.

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

He slept but upon a low bed, and the same but meanly spread, and laid with coverlets. He seldom wore any apparel but of huswives cloth, made within the house by his Wife, his Sister, and Daughter.

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

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

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

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

It was elegantly said of him, I hate alike as departing from the mean, both Antiquaries, and affectors of novelties.

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

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

In general Salutations he admitted the very commons, entertaining the suits and desires of all comers with so great humanity, as that he rebuked one of them merrily, because in reaching unto him a supplication, he did it so timorously, as if he had been reaching meat to an Elephant. Augustus militem donis, populum annona, cunctos dulcedine otii pellexit. Tacit. lib. 1. Annal.

He won the soldiers with gifts, the people with provision of victuals, and all with the sweetness of rest and peace.

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

To express the speedy expedition of a thing done hastily, he used this Proverb, Citius quam Asparagi coquantur. Quicker (would he say) then Sparages can be sodden.

Beholding certain rich strangers and foreigners at Rome carrying whelps of Doggs and Apes in their bosoms, and making much of them, he did ask, Whether women brought not forth children in their countries? Hereby giving a worthy and Princely admonition to them who do consume and wast upon Beasts, the natural affection and love due to men.

When he purposed never to do what he was requested, he was wont by way of Proverb to say, That he would do it, ad calendas Graecas, i. e. in our English Proverb, at later Lammas, never.

He was so much afraid of Thunder and Lightning, that he ever carried about with him for a preservative remedy a Seals skin; yea, and whensoever he suspected there would be any extraordinary storm or tempest, he would retire himself into a close secret room under ground, and vauled above head.

In his time wars ceased, and learning chiefly flourished. The Temple of Ianus was then shut in Rome, peace being general through the whole world.

Our Savior was born in the 42. year of his reign say Epiphanius and Eusebius; 41. say Tertullian, and Irenaeus.

Receiving a challenge from Anthony, he returned him this answer, That if Anthony had a disposition to die, or were weary of life, there were ways enough else to death besides that. Thus the challenge was rejected, and yet his Honor untainted.

Affectabat jocos, salvo tamen Ma • estatis pudorisque respectu. He was very pleasant, and had both an excellent dexterity in breaking of Jests, and was very patient likewise in bearing of flouts. Probrosis in se dictis arrisit. He made himself merry with reproachful speeches touching himself, therein manifesting his clemency, and also his wisdom.

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

Macrobius reporteth of him, that when he heard that at the commandment of Herod, all the children of Syria under two years old were slain, and that in the stir his own son was also slain; Melius est (inquit ill) Herodis porcum esse quam puerum. I had rather (saith he) be Herod's swine then his son.

He commanded Herennius a dissolute young man to depart out of the Camp, and when he submissively entreated him not to send him home, alleging that he could not tell what to say to his Father, he answered, Dic me tibi displicuisse, say, that I displeased thee.

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

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

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

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

He was choleric by nature, but his patience in bearing of bitter Jests deserved much to be commended. A certain Country-man came to Rome, who did much resemble him in outward feature, insomuch that all men's eyes were cast upon him, and Augustus hearing of it, caused him to be brought before him, asking him this question, Whether his Mother had ever been at Rome; the young man answered, No, but his Father had oftentimes.

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

He hearing that a certain Gentleman of Rome (who was deeply indebted) did sleep most securely, desired to buy the Bed whereupon he rested; it seeming a matter of much marvel to him, that one fallen into so deep arrearages could take his rest so well.

When a soldier bragged too much of a great scar in his forehead, he asked him if he did not get it when he looked back as he fled.

He wrote a Tragedie called Ajax, which afterwards (because it displeased him) he blotted out with a spunge. Therefore when Lucius a writer of Tragedies, asked him what his Ajax did? Caesar very wittily answered, In spongiam incubuit, alluding to the Argument of the Fable, in which Ajax when he knew what things he had spoken and done in his madness, lying upon his sword killed himself. Besides the pretty allusion unto the fabulous History of Ajax, Torrentius hath observed in the word Spongia a double signification, viz. a Spunge called deletilis, which writers had at hand, either to wipe and wash out what misliked them, or to blur and blot the same; whereupon Martial saith of it, Vtilis haec quoties scripta novare voles: and also a Sword, which addeth the better grace unto the conceit, considering that Ajax fell upon his own sword.

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

The Crow remembered to add that which he had heard his Master complaining say, Opera & impensa periit, at which Caesar laughed, and gave more for him then any of the rest that he had bought.

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

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

He wished three things to his Son, the favor of Pompey, the boldness of Alexander, and his own fortune.

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

Though he was a man severe enough, yet he did not know the exceeding wantonness of Julia his own daughter, and her open and audacious boldness; but Suetonius seems to be of a contrary opinion, for he saith, That he was much ashamed of her, and that once he thought to put her to death. And when a freed woman of his named Phoebe, one that was privy to Julia's lewdness, knit her own neck in a halter, and so ended her days, he gave it out, That he wisht with all his heart he had been Phoeb'es Father.

Out of great indignation against his two Daughters, and Posthumus Agrippa his Grand-child, whereof the first two were infamous, and the last otherwise unworthy, he would say, that they were not his seed, but some impostume broken from him, and he used this verse of them,

He was almost peerless in his Government, yet there are to be found so many misfortunes in his life, that a man cannot easily discern whether he was more miserable, or more happy.

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

Aulus Gellius mentioneth, that he sent a letter unto his step-son to this effect, Rejoice with me my Son, for I have past over that deadly year and enemy to old age, threescore and three, in which number the sevenths and ninths do concur.

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

He was beloved of his people, for they erected a statue to Musas the Physician who in a sickness recovered him, and placed it by Aesculapius: and the Senate much honored him being dead, by consecrating Temples to him at Rome, and in other famous Cities, and all the people much lamented his death, using that speech, Vtinam aut non nasceretur, aut non moreretur, would he had never been born, or never died.

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

Choyce Observations OF TIBERIUS CAESAR.

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

He was of Personage tall, corpulent, big set and strong, of stature above the ordinary, broad between the shoulders, and large breasted, fair of complexion, great goggle-eyed, whereby he saw so clearly as is incredible to report. He used both hands alike; his joints were so firm, that with his finger he was able to boar through a green and sound table, with a fillop also to break the head of a good big boy; his speech was exceeding slow, not without a certain wanton gesticulation and fumbling with his fingers.

He refused the Empire a long time, putting on a most impudent and shameless mind, and seeming to rebuke his friends encouraging him thereto, as those who knew not what a monstrous and untamed beast an Empire was. He also held the Senate in suspense by ambiguous answers, and crafty delays, when they besought him to take it upon him, yea and humbly debased themselves before his knees, insomuch as some of them could endure him no longer, and one among the rest in that tumult cried out aloud, Let him either do it at once, or else give over quite; and another openly to his face upbraided him in these words, Caeteri, quod pollicentur tarde praestant, tu quod praestas tarde polliceris. Whereas other men be slack in doing and performing that which they have promised, thou art slack in promising that which thou performest. In the end, as if he had been compelled, and complaining withal that there was imposed upon his shoulders a miserable and burdensome servitude, he took the Empire upon him.

The cause of this holding off and delay that he made, was the fear of imminent dangers on every side, in so much as he would often say, Lupum se auribus tenere, he held a Wolf by the ears.

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

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

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

He was mild and gracious at the first, and seemed to be inclined to the good of the Common-wealth: when the Presidents and Governors abroad gave him counsel to burden the Provinces with heavy Tributes and Taxes; he wrote back unto them, Boni Pastoris est tondere pecus, non deglubere, That it was the part of a good shepherd to shear his sheep, and not to flea them.

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

That by his own Example he might put forward the public frugality, he himself at his solemn and festival suppers, caused oftentimes to be served up to the Board viands dressed the day before, and those half eaten, saying, That the side of a wild Boar had in it the same of the whole.

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

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

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

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

He was very cruel, covetous, and libidinous. He spent with Flaccus Pomponius and L. Piso, a whole night and two days ou • right in nothing else but eating and drinking; giving the Province of Syria into the Government of the first, and conferring the Provostship of Rome on the other, professing even in all his Letters, that they were Jucundissimi, & omnium horarum Amici, his most pleasant Companions, and friends at all Assaies. Propter nimiam vini aviditatem, for his excessive love of wine and hot waters, or because he loved to drink wine hot, which is delicate, he was for Tiberius named Biberius, for Claudius, Caldius, for Nero, Mero.

One gives this reason of his drunkenness, because his Nurse that gave him suck would drink exceedingly herself, and nourished him with sops soaked in wine.

A Lombard, for drinking in his presence three Gallons of wine at one dr • ught, and before he took his breath again, was dubbed Knight by him, and surnamed Tricongius, The three-Gallon Knight.

He erected a new Office, à voluptatibus, for the devising of new pleasures, wherein he placed Priscus a Gentleman of Rome, and one who had been Censor.

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

He put to death a Soldier one of his own Guard, for stealing a Peacock out of a Garden.

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

He thought simple death so light a punishment, that when he heard that Carnul • us one of the Prisoners had laid violent hands on himself, he cried out, Carnulius me evas • t, Carnulius hath escaped my hands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He feared Thunder exceedingly, and when the air or weather was anything troubled, he ever carried a Chaplet or wreath of Laurel about his neck, because that (as Pliny reporteth) is never blasted with Lightning.

He loved liberal Sciences most affectionately, he would do things better of a sudden, ex tempore, then upon study and premeditation, Repentinis responsionibus aut consiliis melior, quàm meditatis.

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

He seeing Galba one day coming towards him, spake thus of him to certain of his familiars, Behold the man that shall be one day honored with the Roman Empire.

He made a Law called Lex Papia, by which he forbad sucl. men as were past sixty, or women past fifty to marry, as thinking them i • sufficient for generation; to which Lactanti • s seems to allude, thus jesting at the Heathen touching their great god Jupiter; How cometh it to pass, that in your Poets, salacious Jupiter begets no more children? is he past sixty, and restrained by the Papian Law?

Many of the Roman Caesar's have been transported with self-admiration, they have shared the Months of the year among them; April must be Neroneus, May Claudius, Domitian will have October, November is for Tiberius, by the same token, that when it was tendered to him, he asked the Senatewittily (as Xiphiline reports it) What they would do when they should have more then twelve Caesar's?

It is called the Sea of Tiberias, John 6. • . from a City on the bank of it, of that name, built by Herod, in honor of Tiberius Caesar, as Josephus writeth in the 18. Book of his Jewish Antiquities.

Livy and Ovid died in the fourth year of Tiberius.

Pilate by Letters signified unto him the Miracles of our Savior Christ, his Resurrection, and that he was supposed of many to be God. The Romans had a Law, forbidding any Emperor to consecrate or set up any god which was not first approved by the Senate; for Tiberius Caesar hearing of Christ's fame, by virtue of that Law moved the Senate to promulgate and relate Christ among the number of their gods, who rejected him because he would be God alone, or because contrary to the Law of the Romans he was consecrated for God, before the Senate of Rome had so declared and approved him; whose folly Tertullian thus scoffeth; Apud vos de humano arbitrio divinitas pensitatur, nisi homini Deus placuerit, non erit Deus, homo jam Deo propitius esse debet, That God should be God if man would let him.

Josephus a Jew, and an enemy to Christ, in his 8. Book of Antiquities, c. 4. speaks the same things of Christ that Matthew doth; that he was a most worthy man, if it be lawful to call him a man (said he,) that he wrought many Miracles, and that he rose from the dead. Tacitus and Suetonins speak of his Miracles, Tacitus l. 15. Annal. c. 10. affirms that he was Crucified under Pilate in the time of Tiberius, and that Tiberius would have put him in the number of his gods. Plutarch De interitu Orac. reports, that under the Reign of Tiberius all the Oracles of the world ceased, of which the Poets bear witness,— cessant oracula Delphis. Iuv. Sat. 6.

Plutarch also in the same book reports, that in the later years of the reign of Tiberius, a strange voice and exceeding horrible clamours, with hideous cries, screetches and howlings were heard by many in the Grecian Sea, complaining that the great god Pau was now departed. And this was brought before the Emperor, who marvelled greatly thereat, and could not by all his Diviners and Soothsayers whom he called to that consultation, be able to gather out any reasonable meaning of this wonderful accident: but Christians may persuade themselves, that by the death of their great god Pan (which signifies all) was imported the utter overthrow of all wicked spirits. John 12. 31.

Our Lord was Crucified in the 15. year of his reign, say Tertullian and Lactantius.

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

The fear of losing his Office under Tiberius Caesar, (whose Deputy he was over the Province of Judea,) made Pilate condemn Christ, John 19. 12. 13. but not long after, he lost his Deputy-ship and Caesar's favor, and fled to Vienna, where living in banishment he killed himself; Euseb. Hist. l. 2. c. 7.

Matth. 22. 21. Our Savior saith, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.

The money declared the subjection of their Nation; as if he should have said, If you think it absurd to pay Tribute, be not subject to the Roman Empire; but the money declareth that Caesar reigneth over you, and your own secret allowance declareth that the liberty which you pretend, is lost and taken away. Jerome on the place doth well observe, that the name of Caesar is not proper, but Appellative, because from the first Emperor Julius Caesar all the rest were so called. Yet saith Gerhard in his Harmony, Christ properly understands Tiberius who then ruled, whose Image the money did bear; to that wicked Emperor Tribute was due; so that charge 1 Tim. 2. 2. was given by Paul, even then when Caesar was a persecutor of the Christian Religion.

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

Tiberius approved of the Christians Opinions, and threatened Death to them which accused them: This came to pass (saith Eusebius) by Divine providence, that the Doctrine of the Gospel having no rub at the first, might run over the whole world.

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

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

He reigned 23. years say Eutropius, Suetonius, Orosius. 24. saith Aurel. Vict. 22. years, 7. months, and 20. days, Tertull. 22. years, Clem. Alexand. 22. years, 7. months, and so many days, saith Dion, 22. years and six months, Iose • hus.

He reigned 22. years and 7. months; but the reason of the different computation, why some give unto him but 22. years, some 24. some but 23. is, because some count only the full years, some the months of his first and last year for whole years, some put the odd months together, and make one year of them.

He reigned after our Savior's Passion 4. years, 11. months, and 18. days.

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

Choyce Observations OF CAIVS CALIGVLA.

SOme say this name of Caligula was given him, for a certain kind of shoe called Caliga, used among men of war, and worn by him; or he got it by occasion of a merry word taken up in the Camp, because he was brought up there in the habit of an ordinary and common soldier among the rest.

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

He was very tali of stature, pale and wan-coloured, of body somewhat gross and unfashionable, his eyes sunk in his head, and his Temples were hollow, his fore-head was broad, the hair of his head grew thin, in all parts else he was hairy and shagged, and therefore it was a capital offense, either to look upon him as he passed by, from an higher place, or once but to name a Goat upon any occasion whatsoever. His face and visage being naturally stern and grim, he made of purpose more crabbed and hideous; composing and dressing it in a looking-glass, all manner of ways to seem more terrible, and to strike greater fear. Being clad oftentimes with a cloak of needle-work, and embroidered with divers colors, and the same set out with precious stones; in a coat also with long sleeves, and wearing bracelets withal, he would come abroad into the City.

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

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

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

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

He usurped the name of a god, commanding his subjects to dignify him with more then human honors; and ascending the Capitol, which among all he Temples in Rome is most religiously honored, he was so bold as to salute Jupiter, and to call him brother.

He sent Petronius with an Army to Jerusalem, commanding him to set his statue in the Temple, and if the Jews refused to receive it, that those who withstood him he should put to the sword, and lead the rest captive; but partly by Petronius his prudence, and through Aristobulus his intercession with him, and King Agrippa's with Caligula, it was hindered.

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

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

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

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

An ordinary thing it was at Rome to swear by the Genius, as also by the Fortune, and the health of their Emperors. And what a devout Oath was this, Per Genium, that is, the spirit or superintendent Angel of the Prince? which I take to be as much as his own good self, as appeareth by Tertullian, Citius apud vos per omnes Deos, quam per Genium principis, peseratur, Doct. Holland in Annotat. in Suetonius.

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

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

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

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

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

He would not permit any to suffer death, but after many strokes given, and those very softly. His Command being generally and commonly known, Ita seri ut se mori sentiat, Strike so, that they may feel themselves dying, and endure the pains of an enduring death.

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

A certain Citizen of Praetors degree, desired oftentimes from the retiring place where he was at Anticyra (into which Isle he went for his healths sake) to have his Licence continued; but he gave order he should be killed outright, adding these words therewith, That blood-letting was necessary for him who in so long time had found no good by Hellebore, that is, by purging.

Being highly displeased upon a time with the multitude, for favoring the contrary faction to his, would God (quoth he) that the people of Rome had but one neck, meaning to chop them off at one blow; Vox carnifice quàm Imperatore dignior. Xiphil. A speech fitter for an Hang-man then an Emperor: Over whom the people of Rome afterward insulted, being killed by Chareas.

He was wont openly to complain of the unhappy condition of his time wherein he lived, as not renowned by any public calamities; that his Government was like to be forgotten by the calm and prosperous current of all things, and therefore he would often wish for the overthrow of his Armies, Famine, Pestilence, Fire, Earthquakes, and the like.

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

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

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

As oft as he kissed the neck of his Wife or Concubine, he would commonly add, Tam bona cervix, simulac jussero, demetur. As fair and lovely a neck as this is, off it shall go if I do but speak the word.

He complained of the iniquity of the time, that one doubting to be poisoned of him, did take counterpoison, or a remedy against it; what says he, Antidotum adversus Caesarem? Is there any Antidote against Caesar?

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

Videtur Natura edidisse, (saith Seneca) ut ostenderet quid summa vitia in summa fortuna possent. Nature seemed to have brought him forth, to show what effects the greatest vices joined with the greatest fortune could produce.

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

De quo nescio an decuerit memory prodi, nisi sort quia juvat de Principibus nosse omnia, ut improbi saltem famae metu talia declinent.

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

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

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

He said, Seneca's works were Arena sine calce, Sand without Lime, because he often spoke short Sentences, having no connection amongst themselves.

Nepotinis sumptibus omnium prodigorum ingenia superavit. In riotous and wasteful expenses he exceeded the wits and inventions of all the prodigal spend-thrifts that ever were, inventing most monstrous kinds of meats, and making sumptuous Feasts. He would drink off most precious and costly Pearls dissolved in Vinegar. Luxus fuit portentosi, ut qui etiam panes deauratos habuerit. He spent in one year two Millions, and 700000. of Sestertiums. He would set before his Guests, loaves of Bread and other viands all of Gold, saying commonly withal, Aut frugi hominem esse oportere, aut Caesarem, That a man must either be frugal, or else Caesar.

He held the wills of great men as void and of no effect, in case any person would come forth and say, That they purposed and intended at their death to make Caesar their Heir; he declared also by an Edict, that he would receive New-years gifts, and so he stood the first day of January in the entry of his house, ready to take what pieces of money soever came, which the multitude of all sects and degrees, with full hands and bosoms poured out before him; nay, he took such delight in handling of money, that oftentimes he would both walk bare-footed up and down, yea, and wallow also a good while with his whole body upon huge heaps of coined pieces of gold spread here and there in a most large open place.

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

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

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

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

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

He was murdered at last himself, who had put so many to death. He lived 29. years saith Suetonius, 39. Eutropius. He reigned three years, ten months, and eight days, say Suetonius and Eutropius; four years say Clemens, Tacitus, and Sextus Aurel. four years, ten months, and eight days, saith Beda; three years, nine months, 28. days, saith Dion; three years, eight months, and thirteen days, saith Tertullian; three years, six months, Josephus; three years, nine months, 22. days saith Epiphanius: but the whole time of his reign was three years, ten months, and eight days. They which give to him full four years, count the odd months and days for a whole year.

Valerius Asiaticus, who had been Consul, came forth among the people, who were in an uproar because of the rumors of the Emperors death, & supposing it a strange matter that no man knew who had slain the Emperor, whilst everyone inquired who it was that had done the deed, O, said he, would it had been I that had done it!

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

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

Choyce Observations OF CLAVDIVS CAESAR.

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

In the fiftieth year of his Age he attained to the Empire, and he was the first of all the Caesar's, that obliged unto him the Soldiers fealty by a fee and reward.

His Mother Antonia was wont to call him, Portentum hominis, The Monster, and fantastical shape of a man, as if he had not been finished, but only begun by Nature; and if she reproved any one for his foolishness, she would say, He was more sottish then her Son Claudius.

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

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

He commanded all Jews to depart from Rome, Acts 18. 2.

The Jews (saith Suetonius) who by instigation of one Chrestus, were evermore tumultuous, he banished Rome.

Acts 11. 28. there is mention made of a great Dearth throughout all the World, which came to pass in the days of Claudiu • Caesar, of which famine Eusebius, Josephus, Tacitus, and Suetonius likewise speak.

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

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

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

He gave this counsel to a libidinous young man, Si non caste tamen caute. And his Symbole was, Generis virtus nobilitas.

He was very forgetful; when Messaliua was (by his own commandment) killed▪ within a while after he asked, Cur Domina non veniret? Why his Lady came not to him? Many of those whom he had condemned, the very morrow immediately after he sent for, to hear him company at dice-play.

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

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

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

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

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

He sailed beyond Britain, and subdued the Orcades, added them to the Roman Empire, and called his Sons name, Britannicus.

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

It was generally thought that he was killed by poison; and it was a just Judgment of God upon him, for he was so gluttonous and insatiable in eating and drinking, that he thought no time or place sufficient thereto; and ever did eat so much, that most commonly surfeiting, he used Vomits to di • charge his stomach, putting a feather into his throat; in which feather some Authors affirm that poison was given him.

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

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

He reigned 13. years, 8. months, and 20. days, say Dio, and Josephus. He reigned 14. years, according to Tacitus, Suetonius, Clem. Alexand. Eutrop. Orosius. 13. years 8. months, and 20. days after Eusebius. 14. years, 7. months, and 28. days after Beda. But the whole time of his reign was 13. years, 8. months, and 20. days. They which do give unto him 14. years, do count the odd months for a whole year.

Choyce Observations OF NERO CAESAR.

NERO was a proper Name (which noted Virtue and Fortitude, of that Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the sinews, being the conjunction and strength of the members) and such persons also were of the Romans called Nero's, as excelled others in the most egregious Fortitude and Noble Virtues. Afterward when this Tyrant Nero (who descended of the Claudii which were Sabines) had degenerated from all the Heroicall virtues of his Ancestors, and became so bloody and cruel, he gave occasion to posterity to change that proper name into a name Appellative, so that they called them that were cruel Nerones, and those that were more cruel Neroniores.

When Domitius his friends by way of gratulation wished him joy of his Son new born, he said, That of himself and Agrippina there could nothing come into the world but accursed, detestable, and to the hurt of the weal Public.

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

He began his reign with a glorious show of piety and kindness. Those Tributes and Taxes which were anything heavy, he either quite abolished or abated. Whensoever he was put in mind to subscribe, and set his hand to a warrant for the execution of any person condemned to die, he would say, Quàm vellem nescïre literas! O that I knew not one letter of the book! Seneca his Tutor did much extol that speech of his, as if it had proceeded from a pitiful heart.

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

Many times he saluted all the degrees of the City one after another, by rote and without book. When the Senate upon a time gave him thanks, he answered, Cùm meruero, do so when I shall deserve.

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

He delighted exceedingly in Music, and would show his skill upon the open stage, often using the Greek Proverb, That hidden Music was naught worth. All the while he was singing, it was not lawful for any person to depart out of the Theatre, were the cause never so necessary. It is reported, that some great-bellied woman falling into travail, were delivered upon the very Scaffolds; yea, and many men besides weary of tedious hearing, and praising him, when the Town gates were shut, either by stealth lept down from the Walls, or counterfeiting themselves dead, were carried forth as Co • ses to be buried. But how timorously, with what thought and anguish of mind, with what emulation of his concurrents, and fear of the Umpires he strove for Mastery, it is almost incredible. He never durst once spit, and reach up flegm, and he wiped away the very sweat of his forehead with his arm only.

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

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

He was very profuse and prodigal in expenses, he never put on the same Garment twice; when he played at hazard, he ventered no less then 3125. pounds at a cast, upon every point or prick of the chance. He fished with a golden Net, drawn and knit with cords twisted of purple, and crimson silk in grain. When he made any journey, he never had under 1000▪ Caroches in his train, his Mules were shod with silver, but in no one thing was he more wastful then in building. His house was so large that it contained three Galleries of a mile a piece in length, and a standing Poole like unto a Sea, and the same enclosed round about with buildings in form of Cities. It was laid all over with gold, garnished with precious stones, and mother of pearl. He said, He now at length began to live like a man: and himself named it, Domum auream, a golden house. His Mother Agrippina being with Child with him, went to consult with the Chaldeans or South-sayers about her Son; they answered her, That he should reign, but kill his Mother; but she being very ambitious slighted that, saying, Occidat modo imperet, Let him kill me so he may be King.

This was accomplished afterwards, for he caused his Mother to be murdered, and not only so, but (which was more horrible) he took an axact view of her dead body, and beheld it Crowner-like, saying, He did not think he had had so fair a Mother.

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

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

The first persecution was under him in the 13. year of his reign. Tertullian calls him, Dedicator damnationis nostrae, i. e. the first that made a Law to condemn Christians to death.

Tertullian, Eusebius, Lactantius, and others say, that he put Peter and Paul to death.

Paulus à Nerone (saith Eusebius) Romae capite truncatus, & Petrus palo assixus scribuntur; & Historiae huic fidem facit, quod illic coemiteria habentur in quibus Petri & Pauli nun cupatio ad hunc usque diem obtinet.

Chrys. and Theophyl. upon the fourth Chapter of the second to Timothy, allege this to be the cause wherefore he put Paul to death, because Paul had converted to the Christian Faith Nero's Butler, whom he made great account of, thereupon he commanded him to be beheaded; others say, it was because he converted one of Nero his Concubines, which afterward refused to company with him; but we need assign no other cause of Nero's rage against the Apostle, then that which Eusebius and Jerome both do touch, the cruelty of that bloody Tyrant joined with a wicked detestation of the Christian Faith.

His cruelty is by Paul compared to the mouth of a Lion, 2 Tim. 4. 17. but here then ariseth an objection, how Paul should suffer under him, when he saith there, that he was delivered? Therefore Paul was his prisoner twice, he was set at liberty after his first imprisonment at Rome, Phil. 1. 25. Philem. 22. Heb. 13. 23. 2 Tim. 4. 16. 17. The reason is thus alleged by Eusebius; Neronem in principio Imperii mitiorem fuisse, That Nero in the beginning of his Empire was more gentle, and mild, but afterward when Paul was taken again, Nero then being become a most cruel Tyrant, caused him to be put to death. He died in the 14. year of Nero's reign, and the 37. year after the Passion of Christ.

Seneca dissuaded him from killing some, with this speech, licet (saith he) quàm plurimos occidas, tamen non potes successorem tuum occidere. Xiphiline. Although thou killest very many, yet thou canst not kill thy Successor.

The Tyrannous rage of this Emperor was so fierce against the Christians (as Eusebius reporteth) us{que} adeo ut videret repletas humanis corporibus civitates, jacentes mortuos simul cum parvulis senes, faeminarumque absque ulla sexus reverentia in publico rejecta starent cadavera, i. e. Insomuch that a man might then see Cities lie full of men's bodies, the old lying there with the young, and the dead bodies of women cast out naked, without all reverence of that Sex, in the open streets.

In this persecution also James the greater, and the less, Philip, Bartholomew, Barnabas, Mark, suffered.

Christians were covered in wild beasts skins, and torn in pieces with Dogs, or fastened on crosses, or burnt in fire; and when the day failed, they were burnt in the night, to make them serve as torches to give light. They put a pitched coat upon the Christians to make them burn the better, called Tunica molesta, a troublesome coat.

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

He caused Rome to be set on fire in twelve places together, that he might the better conceive the flames of Troy, singing unto it Homer's verses, and being a pleasant Spectator thereof, as at a Feu-de-joy. Ad levandam sceleris atrocitatem (saith Polyd. Virgil) to avoid the infamy thereof, he laid the fault on the innocent, and suborned some falsely to accuse the Christians, as Authors of that fire; whereupon he put many of them to death: but Tacitus will clear them, who yet was their enemy. Non perinde (saith he) crimine incendii, quàm odio humani generis convicti sunt.

Suetonius (being no Christian) calleth the Christians men of new and pernicious superstition: Affl • cti suppliciis Christiani, (saith he) genus hominum superstitionis novae & malesicae.

Under Nero to do ill was not always safe, always unsafe to do well. He was so hateful an adversary to all righteousness, that Eusebius following the example and words of Tertullian, affirmeth, that if the Gospel had not been an excellent thing, it had not been condemned by Nero. He was (as Augustine witnesseth) commonly reputed Antichrist. He came into the world an Agrippa, or born with his feet forward, and turned the world upside down before he went out of it. In him alone all the corruptions which had been engendered in Rome, from the birth of Rome till his own days, seemed drawn together into one impostume or boil.

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

Nay rather, quoth he, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , whiles vital spirit remains in me.

He had a desire (though it were foolish and inconsiderate) of eternity and perpetual fame, and therefore abolishing the old names of many things and places, he did put upon them new after his own. He called the Moneth April Neroneus, he meant also to have named Rome Neropolis, Nero's City.

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

The study of Nero was Versification, which Tacitus thinks he borrowed, having no gift therein at all; but Suetonius (who often doth disagree with Tacitus, though unnamed) both proves he had, and proves it well: It was one of his exercises to translate Greek Tragedies into Latin, who made true Tragedies in blood, such as even the Greeks never feigned.

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

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

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

The Princes liberalities to the Soldiers were called Donativa, (which they bestowed, upon some great victory, or rather extraordinary occasion;) to the people, or otherwise to his friends, Congiaria; doubtless because at the first certain measures called Congii, of wine or oil were bestowed, and afterwards other things were given, yet the ancient name remained.

Vindex first stirred the stone, which rolling tumbled Nero out of his seat.

When it was told Julius Vindex, that Nero by public Edict had prized his head at 10000. thousand Sesterces, (that is above four-score thousand pounds in our coin,) Well, quoth he again, and he that kills Nero, and brings me his head, shall have mine in exchange. Qui Neronem interfecerit, & ad me caput ejus attulerit, is meum accipiet caput in mercedis loco. Xiphilin.

Nero consulting the Delphic (or rather devilish) Oracle, he received this answer, That he should take heed of the year 73. which he supposing to be meant of his own age, rested secure, being far short of it; but he was deluded by the ambiguous construction of those words, and so fell into the hands of Galba, a man indeed of those years.

At last the Senate proclaiming him a public enemy unto Mankind, condemned him to be drawn through the City, and to be whipped to death; which sentence when he heard of, finding no man to strike him, and exclaiming against them all, What, have I neither friend nor foe? (said he) I have lived dishonourably, let me die shamefully; and then he strake himself through with his own sword, and was a horrible spectacle to all beholders.

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

Some say that Nero is yet alive (saith Baronius out of Suetonius▪ and Severus) although he did thrust himself through with a sword, yet some think that his wounds were healed, and that he survived according to that in the Rev. 13. 3. and that he shall be Antichrist; but Bellarmine himself saith, It is a presumptuous folly to say that Nero shall be revived and received as Antichrist; and Suarez calls it, Anilem fabulam, a foolish Fable.

Choyce Observations OF SULPITIUS GALBA.

SOme think his name Galba came by occasion of a Town in Spain, which after it had been a long time in vain assaulted, he at length set on fire with burning brands besmeared all over with Galbanum: others, because in a long sickness which he had, he used continually Galbeum, i. e. remedies lapped in wool: some again because he seemed very fat, and such a one the French doth name Galba: or contrariwise because he was slender, as certain little worms are called Galbae.

He succeeded Nero, and his age being much despised, there was great licentiousness and confusion; whereupon a Senator said in full Senate, It were better to live where nothing is lawful, then where all things are lawful.

He was of full stature, his head bald, his eyes gray, and his nose hooked; his hands and feet by reason of the Gout exceeding crooked, in so much as he was not able to abide shoes on the one, or to hold his Books with the other.

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

Being with general applause, and great good liking placed in state, he behaved himself under expectation, and though in most points he shown himself a virtuous Prince, yet his good Acts were not so memorable, as those were odious and displeasant wherein he did amiss.

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

Major privato visus dum privatus fuit, & omnium consensu capax Imperii nisi imperâsset▪ He seemed more then a private man whilst he was private, and by all men's opinions capable of the Empire, had he never been Emperor.

He lived in honorable fame and estimation in the reign of five Emperors, Alieno Imperio faelicior quàm suo. He was in greater prosperity, and lived more happily under the Empire of others then in his own. His house was of ancient Nobility, and great wealth. He neither neglected his fame, nor yet was ambitiously careful of it: of other men's money he was not greedy, sparing of his own, of the common a Niggard.

As he sacrificed within a public Temple, a Boy among other Ministers holding the Censer, suddenly had all the hair of his head turned gray. Some made this Interpretation of it, that thereby was signified a change in the State, and that an old man should succeed a young, even himself in Nero's stead.

He was of a middle temperature, neither to be admired nor contemned; Magis extra vitia, quàm cum virtutibus, rather void of ill parts, then furnished with good.

In the Palace, Julius Atticus, one of the Billmen met him, holding out a bloody sword in his hand, with which, he cried aloud, he had slain Otho; My friend, quoth Galba, who bad thee? A man of rare virtue (saith Tacitus) to keep in awe a licentious Soldier; whom neither threats could terrify, nor flattering speech corrupt and abuse: thence it was a usual speech through the Camp;

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

Being entreated for a Gentleman condemned, that he might not die the death of ordinary Malefactors, he commanded that the Gallows should be dealbata, whited, or coloured for him; Quasi solatio & honor poenam levaturus, as if the painted Gibbet might add solace and honor to his Death.

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

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

He cried to his Soldiers, Ego vester, & vos mei; I am wholly devoted unto you, and you are wholly devoted unto me.

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

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

Vox pro Republica honesia, ipsi anceps; A saying no doubt fit for a great Prince in a more virtuous age, not so in those seasons for him, who suffered himself to be sold every hour, and abused to all purposes.

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

He died in the 73. year of his age, and seventh month of his Empire.

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

Choyce Observations OF SALVIVS OTHO.

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

Tam non absimilis facie Tiberio principi fuit, ut plerique procreatum ex eo crederent.

He was of a mean and low stature, he had feeble feet, and crooked shanks. He wore by reason of his thin hair a perruck or counterfeit cap of false hair, so fitted and fastened to his head, that any man would have taken it for his own. He was wont to shave, and besmear his face every day all over with soaked bread; this bread was made of Bean and Rice flower, of the finest Wheat also; a Depilatory to keep hair from growing, especially being wet and soaked in some juice or liquor appropriate thereto, as the blood of Bats, Frogs, or the Tunie-fish: to this effeminacy of Otho alludeth the Satirical Poet in this Verse,

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

He was of a noble house (saith Plutarch), but ever given to sensuality and pleasure from his Cradle: insomuch as his Father swinged him and soundly for it. He used night-walking, and as he met any one either feeble or cupshotten, he would catch hold of him, lay him upon a Soldiers Gabardine, and so toss and hoist him up in the Air.

Pueritiam in curious, adolescentiam petulanter egerat. He spent his tender years without regard of his honor, his youth afterwards in all dissolute disorder.

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

He was one of Nero's chief Minions and Favorites, such was the congruence of their humors and dispositions.

He was in grace with Nero through emulation of vice.

Neroni criminose familiaris, He was sinfully familiar with Nero. He was privy and party to all his Counsels and secret designs; to avert all manner of suspicion, that very day which Nero had appointed for the murthering of his Mother, he entertained them both at supper with most exquisite Dainties, and the kindest welcome that might be.

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

He strove by gifts, and all other means to oblige the Soldiers unto him before he was Emperor, and to win their hearts by fair promises; he protested before them all assembled together, that himself would have and hold no more then just that which they would leave for him. One calleth him the Roman Absalom.

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

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

Rebus prosperis •• certus, & inter adversa melior.

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

Duo omnium mortalium impudicitiâ, ignaviâ, luxuri • deterrimi, velut ad perdendum Imperium fataliter electi, saith Tacitus of Otho and Vitellius.

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

But though in the first Book of Tacitus his History they are both compared as like, in opposition to a good Prince; yet in his second book they are opposed the one to the other as unlike, with notes of distinction. Vitellii ignavae voluptates, Othonis flagrantissimae libidines. Vitellius ventre & gulâ sibi ipsi hostis; Otho luxi • , saevitiâ, audaciâ, Reipublicae exitiosior ducebatur; of the one side, an ill mind in a man of nothing, and of the other, an ill mind joined with courage and edge.

The drowsy Pleasures of Vitellius were feared less then the burning lusts of Otho. Vitellius in excess of Belly-cheer was an enemy to himself; Otho in riot, cruelty, audaciousness, reputed more dangerous to the state.

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

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

We may learn by Otho (saith Sir Henry Savil) that the fortune of a rash man is Torre • ti similis, which ariseth at an instant, and falls in a moment.

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

He thought it a part of dastardy to speak too much of death.

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

He slew himself with his own hands, but slept so soundly the night before, that the Groomes of his Chamber heard him snort.

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

Most men who in his life-time cursed and detested him, when he was dead highly praised him; so as it was a common and rife speech, that Galba was by him slain, not so much for that he affected to be Sovereign Ruler, as because he desired to recover the state of the Republic, and the freedom that was lost.

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

He died but 37. years old saith Plutarch; 38. say Eutropius, and Suetonius; and was Emperor but three months, Plutarch; three months and five days, Tertullian; four months, Aurelius Victor. He died in the 59. day of his Empire, saith Eutropius; 95. saith Suetonius.

Choyce Observations OF AVLVS VITELLIVS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

If he could have forborne his riotous living, or used any moderation therein, covetousness was a crime in him not to be feared, but he was shamefully given to his belly without all order or measure; Epularum foeda & inexplebilis libido, saith Tacitus; for which purpose there were daily brought out of Rome and Italy, Irritamenta Gulae, all provocations of Gluttony. The high-ways from both the Seas sounded of nothing else but of Caterers, and Purveyours; the greatest men in the City were spent and consumed in providing of Cates for the banquets; the Cities themselves were wasted.

The Soldiers grew worse, and degenerated from labor and virtue, partly by turning themselves to pleasures, and partly through the contemptibleness of the commander.

He would eat four meals a day, Breakfast, Dinner, Supper, and Rear-banquet, or after Supper, being able to bear them all very well, he used to vomit so ordinarily. His manner was to send word that he would break his fast with one friend, dine with another, and all in one day; and every one of those refections when it stood them least, cost 3235. l. sterling. But the most notorious and memorable supper above all other, was that which his brother made for a welcome at his first coming to Rome; at which were served up at the Table before him two thousand several Dishes of Fish, the most dainty and choicest that could be had, and seven thousand fowl.

Yet himself surpassed this sumptuous feast at the dedication of the platter, which for its huge capacity he used to call the Target of Minerva. In this he blended together the Livers of Guilt-heads, the delicate brains of Pheasants and Peacocks, the tongues of Phoenicopters, the tender small guts of Sea-Lampries sent as far as from the Carpa • thian Sea, and the straights of Spain, by his Captains over Gallies.

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

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

In his Traine all was disorderly and full of drunkenness, more like to Wakes and Feasts of Bacchus, then to a Camp, where Discipline should be.

He was forward enough to put to death any man; he killed Noble men, and his School-fellows. He delivered Blaesus over to the executioner to suffer death, but straightwaies called him back again; and when all that were by praised him for his Clemency, he commanded the said party to be killed before his face, saying withal, Velle se pascere oculos, that he would feed his eyes with seeing his death. At the execution of another he caused two of his Sons to bear him company, because they presumed to entreat for their Fathers sake.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A contumelia quàm à laude propius fuerit, pos • Vitellium eligi.

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

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

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

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

Amicitias dum magnitudine munerum, non constantiá morum continere putat, meruit magis quàm habuit.

He deserved rather then found faithful friends, because he sought them more by great gifts then virtuous behavior.

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

He was slain in the 57. year of his age, when he had reigned eight months and five days, say Josephus, and Eusebius; eight months and ten days saith Tertullian. Tacitus reporteth, that in those few months wherein he reigned, he had wasted nine hundred millions of Sesterces, which amounteth to seven Millions, thirty one thousand two hundred and fifty pounds sterling; and Josephus thinketh if he had lived longer, the whole Revenues of the Empire had not been sufficient to have maintained his Gluttony.

Choyce Observations OF FLAVIUS VESPASIANUS.

PRinceps obscure quidem natus, sed optimis comparandus, privatâ vitâ illustris.

He was of a middle stature, well set, his limbs compact and strongly made, vultu veluti nitentis, he looked still as if he strained hard for a stool, whereupon a Buffon brake a pretty jest on him; for when Vespasian seemed to request him to say something of him as well as of others in the company, Dicam, inquit, cum ventrem exonerare desieris. I will let you alone, saith he, till you have done your business.

He was very pleasant and facetious himself; for being advertised by Florus to pronounce Plaustra rather than plostra, he saluted him the next morning by the name of Flaurus.

When the apparition of a Comet or blazing star was thought to portend his death, he replied merrily, that the bushy Stella crinita, noted not him but the Parthian King, Ipse enim comatus est, ego vero calvus, for, he weareth bushy locks, but I am bald. But he died a little while after, and by his example (saith Keckerman) warned men to forbear jesting at God's great works and Prodigies.

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

When he came to the Empire, the Exchequer was so impoverished, that he protested in open Senate, that he wanted to settle the Common-wealth 40. Millions of Sestertiums; which protestation (saith Suetonius.) seemed probable, Quia & male partis optimusus est.

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

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

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

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

Iustis etiam suppliciis illachrymavit & ingemuit.

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

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

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

The Soldiers elected him Emperor, and requested him to preserve the Empire being in great danger to be lost. Yet he (though he had been always careful for the good of the Common-wealth) refused to be Emperor, deeming himself indeed to have deserved it, but rather choosing to live a private life, wherein was security, then in the height of fortune and honor with perpetual danger. The Captains were most earnest because he refused it, and the Soldiers flocked about him with drawn swords, threatening his death except he would consent to live as he deserved; yet he strove a long time to avert their determination, being loath to be Emperor; at last seeing he could not avoid it, he accepted their offer.

He comforted his Soldiers with these and such like speeches, I will expose my self to all dangers with you, and go first to fight, and come last from fight.

Ipse Vespasianus milites adire, hortari, bo •• os laude, segnes exemplo incitare saepiùs quam coercere; vitia magis amicorum quam virtutes dissimulans.

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

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

Solus omnium ante se Principum, in meliu • mutatus est.

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

A vigilant Warriour, and in all respects, set avarice aside, comparable to the Commanders of ancient times, saith Tacitus.

Sola est in qua merito culpetur, pecuniae cupiditas.

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

Prorsus si avaritia abesset, antiquis ducibus par. Tacitus.

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

Negotiationes vel privato pudendas propalam exercuit.

He did negotiate and deal in certain Trades, which it was a shame for a private person to use: buying up and engrossing some Commodities at a cheap hand, that afterward he might vent them at higher rates. Neither did he spare to sell Honors to such as sued for them, or absolutions to such as were accused, whether they proved guilty or not. He was thought of set purpose to have made choice of the most greedy proling Officers he could anywhere find out, and to have advanced them to the highest places, that being thereby grown rich, he might condemn their persons, and confiscate their goods. And it was commonly said, that he used these men as sponges, Quod quasi & siccos madefaceret, & exprimeret humentes; because he did wet them well when they were dry, and press them hard when they were wet.

Some write that he was by nature most covetous, and an old neatherd upbraided him once therewith, who being at his hands denied freedom without paying for it (which he humbly craved of him now invested in the Empire) cried out with a loud voice, Vulpem pilum mutare non mores, that the Fox might change his hair but not his qualities.

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

There are some of a contrary opinion, that he was driven to spoil, to pill and poll of necessity, even for extreme want, both in the common Treasury, and also in his own Exchequer, whereof he gave some testimony in the beginning of his Empire, professing (as was said before) that there was need of forty Millions to set the state upright again; which opinion (saith Suetonius) seems to sound more near unto the truth, because the money by him ill gotten he used and bestowed very well, for he was most liberal to all sorts of men.

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

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

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

Annum agens vitae abs{que} uno septuagesimum interiit.

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

He reigned 2. years, saith Eusebius.

Choyce Observations OF TITUS VESPASIANUS.

FOR his Natural goodness and noble disposition, he was called Amor & deliciae humani generis, The lovely darling, and delightful joy of Mankind. Tantum illi ad promerendam omnium voluntatem, vel ingenii, vel artis, vel fortunae superfuit. Suetonius.

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

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

Yet God made him a terrible scourge to the Nation of the Jews, who forsook the Lord Jesus, and preferred Caesar; for as our Savior prophesied concerning Jerusalem, that a stone should not be left upon a stone, Matth. 24. 2. So it was fulfilled forty years after his Ascension, by Vespasian the Emperor, and his Son Titus, say Eusebius and Josephus. And by that which followeth in the same Ch. 21. v. he meaneth the tribulation the Jews were to endure at the siege, and surprisal of Jerusalem by Vespasian and Titus. In the time of which siege the Jews were oppressed with a grievous Famine, in which their food was old shoes, old leather, old hay, and the dung of beasts. There died partly of the sword, and partly of the famine, eleven hundred thousand of the poorer sort: two thousand in one night were imbowelled: six thousand were burned in a Porch of the Temple. The whole City was sacked and burnt, and laid level to the ground; and ninety seven thousand taken captives, and applied to base and miserable service.

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

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

He was therefore sickly, because his Nurse was so.

Ingenium quantaecunque fortunae capax, decor oris cum quadam Majestate.

A person capable of any dignity, were it never so great; of a goodly presence and countenance, wherein was seated no less Majesty then favor and beauty.

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

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

His youthful affections were settled somewhat upon Berenice the Queen of Jewry; notwithstanding in no such degree that it was any hindrance to his honorable actions.

The Feasts which he made were pleasant merriments rather then lavish and sumptuous.

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

Neminem a se dimisit tristem.

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

Calling to mind one time as he sat at Supper, that he had done nothing for any man that day, he uttered this memorable and praise-worthy Apothegme, Amici, diem perdidi. My Friends, I have lost a day.

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

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

He said, he would rather die himself then put others to death. He proceeded no further against two Noblemen convicted for affecting and aspiring to the Empire, then to admonish them to desist and give over, saying, that Sovereigne Power was the gift of Destiny and Divine Providence; if they were Petitioners for anything else, he promised to give it unto them.

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

There fell out in his days some heavy accidents; a fire in the City of Rome, which lasted three days and three nights; and a grievous Pestilence, wherein there died ten thousand a day: and Vesuvius a mountain in Campania flamed with great horror; Pliny the natural Historian then Admiral of the Roman Navy, desirous to discover the reason, was suffocated with the smoke thereof, as his Nephew witnesseth in an Epistle of his to Cornelius Tacitus. Marcellinus observeth, that the ashes thereof transported in the Air, obscured all Europe; others say, that they darkened the Sun.

He was a valiant Soldier; going once to espy the enemy, and not to fight, notwithstanding that an infinite number of darts and arrows were shot at him, and he had no Armor at all, yet received he not one wound, but all past him, as though upon purpose everyone had strove to have mist him. And he with his sword made way and cut many upon the face that opposed themselves against him, and so they falling down, he with his horse past over them. The Jews seeing Titus his valor▪ exhorted one another to set upon him, but whithersoever he turned, the Jews fled and would not abide by it.

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

He being to see that executed which Christ foretold should happen to Jerusalem, stretched forth his hands, and called Heaven and Earth to witness in great bitterness, that he was not to blame that the Jews perished in such sort, but they themselves; and would not by any means that fire should be set on the Temple. Comparing the desolation of Jerusalem with the beauty and goodly buildings that were before it was destroyed, he lamented and pitied the overthrow thereof, saith Josephus.

It is likely that he would have carried a milder hand upon the Jews his Prisoners, after his sacking the City of Jerusalem, then to cast so many thousands of them to the Lions, and other beasts to be devoured, as he did on the Birth-day of his Brother Domitian, but that the heavy curse of God which boiled against that Nation, did urge his gentle and calm nature to bring them to destruction.

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

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

Though he was the Mirrour of men among the Heathen, yet he was loath to depart out of this world; for being carried in his Horse-litter, and knowing that he must die, he looked upwards towards Heaven, and complained very pitiously, that his life should be taken from him who had not deserved to die, for he knew not (he said) of any sin that ever he committed but only one.

Suetonius writes as if he had died of a natural death, but Aurel. Vict. saith, he was poisoned by his Brother Domitian. Titus à Domitiano leporis marini vi peremptus. Cael. Rhod. Lect. Antiq. l. 6. cap. 30.

Morte praeventus est, majore hominum damno quam suo.

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

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

His death was much lamented, so that they called him generally, Delicias publicas; and wept for him as if the world had been deprived of a perpetual Protectour. Tantus luctus eo mortuo publicus fuit, ut omnes tanquam in propria doluerint orbitate.

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

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

Choyce Observations OF FLAVIVS DOMITIANVS.

HE was called Domitian from his Mother Domitilla, as Titus (his Brother) was called Vespasian from his Father.

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

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

Yet he neither resembled his Father Vespasian nor his Brother Titus. Neroni, aut Caligulae, aut Tiberio similior, quam Patri vel Fratri suo.

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

In the beginning of his Empire his manner was to retire himself daily into a secret place for one hour, and there to do nothing else but to catch flies, and with the sharp point of a bodkin prick thē through, in so much as when one inquired whether anybody were with Caesar within? Crispus made answer not impertinently, Ne Musca quidem, No, not so much as a Flye.

In the Administration of the Empire, he behaved himself for a good while variable, as one made of an equal mixture and temper of Vices and Virtues, until at length he turned his virtues also into vices.

He neglected all Liberall Studies in the beginning of his Empire, albeit he took order to repair the Libraries consumed with fire, sending as far as Alexandria for copies of Books.

His ordinary speech was not unelegant, sometimes he would deliver Apothegmes; as for example, he wished, That he had been as fair and well-favored as Metius did think himself to be; another time he said, That the condition of Princes was most miserable, who could not be credited touching a Conspiracy plainly detected, unless they were first slain.

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

He had no affection to bear Arms, or wield weapons, but delighted especially to shoot Arrows. He would drive his Arrows point blank, so just against the Palm of a man's right hand, standing a far off, and holding it forth stretched open for a mark, as they should all directly pass through the void spaces between the fingers, and do him no harm at all.

During his abode at Alba, many have seen him shoot at an hundred wild beasts at a time, and purposely so to hit some of them in the head, that his shafts appeared there like a pair of horns.

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

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

Martial writeth thus to him in his Epigrams.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was the first Emperor who commanded himself to be called Lord, and God. He sent out his writs in this form, Dominus & Deus noster sic fieri jubet, Our Lord and God thus commandeth. Whereupon afterward this order was taken up, that neither in the writing or speech of any man, he should be otherwise called.

A true forerunner of his successor the Pope, who in the Extravagants (and well it deserves to be put there) is styled Dominus Deus noster Papa, and his Decrees are styled Oracles.

The second persecution was under him in the twelfth year of his reign; he most cruelly persecuted the Christians, because they would not give the Title of Lord to any but Christ, nor worship any but God. In this second great persecution, the beloved Disciple of Christ, the Evangelist John, when he taught the Church of Ephesus, was banished to the Isle of Patmos for the Word of God, where he wrote the Revelation.

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

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

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

Tertullian called him Neronis portionem, Eusebius haeredem, the one a part, the other the heir of Nero: and Tacitus puts only this difference between them, that Nero indeed commanded cruel Murthers, but Domitian not only commanded them, but beheld them himself; and so he was Bis Parricida (as Valerius Maximus saith of another) Consilio prius, iterum spectaculo.

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

He was so fearful, that he walked almost continually in his Gallery, which he caused to be set with the stone Phengites, that by the brightness thereof as in a glass, (Plin. l. 36. c. 22) he might see what was done behind him.

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

As his life was like unto the life of Nero, so was he not unlike him in his death; for his own wife Domitia, and friends conspired against him, and slew him; his body was carried to the grave by Porters, and buried without honor; the Senate of Rome also decreed, that his name should be rased, that all his Acts should be rescinded, and his memorial abolished quite forever.

He perished in the 45. year of his life, about the 15. of his reign.

With whom both Tacitus and Suetonius end their History.

AN ADVERTISEMENT TO THE READER.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choyce Observations OF COCCEIVS NERVA.

DOmitian thus made away, Coccejus Nerva a prudent, honorable, and aged person was elected Emperor by the Senate; his birth was noble, and of Italy, in the City Narnia, and of the Province Vmbria, ruling so well, as he may be esteemed too good a Prince long to continue in so bad an age; who reformed many enormities, and remitted many grievous tributes and exactions; also he recalled from banishment the Christians severally dispersed, and suffered them to enjoy the freedom of their profession, at which time John the Evangelist returned from Patmos (wherein he had been confined) unto Ephesus, a City in Asia the less, where after his return he lived 4. years. The excellent temper of his Government is by a glance in Cornelius Tacitus touched to the life, Postquam divus Nerva resolim insociabiles miscuisset, imperium & libertatem. Dion writeth of him, that he was so good a Prince, that he once uttered this speech, Nihil se fecisse quo minus possit deposito imperio privatus tuto vivere, He remembereth not to have done anything why he should not live securely, and without fear of any body, although he gave over the Empire. His symbol was, Men's bona regnum possidet. He discharged the City of the new impositions which Vespasian and Domitian had laid upon them, and commanded that goods unjustly taken should be restored to the owners.

He was very eloquent, and a good Poet, as Martial testifies of him,

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

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

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

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

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

Choyce Observations OF ULPIVS TRAJANVS.

UNto Nerva succeeded Vlpius Trajanus into the Roman Empire, in the 42. year of his age, who was born near unto Sevil in the Territories of Spain, of a Noble Family, but was much more ennobled in himself for his Princely endowments; which moved Nerva in his life time to adopt him into so high a Calling, and the whole Senate after his death joyfully to confirm his Election, and so often to honor him with the title of the most Excellent Prince in public Dedications. He raised the Roman Empire unto the very highest pitch of glory, and spread the power of their command into the largest circuit that ever before or since hath been possessed.

He subdued Dacia, made subject Armenia, Parthia, and Mesopotamia, conquered Assyria, Persia, and Babylon; passed Tigris, and stretched the confines of the Roman Empire unto the remotest Dominions of the Indies, which never before that time had heard of the Roman name. For his Person, he was not very learned, yet he was a great admirer of, and Benefactor to Learning; a Founder of Famous Libraries, a perpetual advancer of Learned men to Office, and a familiar Converser with learned Professors. Quem honorem dicendi Magistris? quam dignationem sapientiae doctoribus habes? ut sub te spiritum, & sanguinem, & patriam receperint studia, quae priorum temporum immanitas exiliis puniebat. Plin. Secund. Paneg.

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

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

Whereupon Tertullian in his Apology hath this passage, O Sententiam necessitate confusam! negat inquirendos innocents, & mandat puniendos ut nocentes; parcit & saevit, dissimulat & animadvertit. Quid teip sum censur â circumvenis? Si damnas, cur non, & inquiris? si non inquiris, cur non & absolvis?

He was affable and familiar even with his inferiors; of such carriage toward his subjects, as he himself would wish (he said) his Prince to use towards him, if he had been a subject. Aequus, clemens, patientissimus, atque in amicos perfidelis, saith Aurelius Victor of him. He was a great observer of Justice, in so much that when he invested any Praetor, in giving him the Sword, he commanded him to use the same even against his own person, if he violated Law or equity.

He erected many famous buildings, whence Constantine the Great called him Parietariam Wall-flower, because his name was upon so many walls. Alexander Severus is rather to be commended, who caused that precept of the Gospel to be engraved on the frontispiece of his palace, Quod tibi fieri non vis, alterineseceris.

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

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

Rara temporum felicitas, ubi sentire quae velis, & quae sentias dicere licet, saith Tacitus of his reign: a man so exceeding wellbeloved of the Senate, and of the people of Rome, that after his days, whensoever a new Emperor was Elected, they wished unto him the good success of Augustus, and the uprightness of Trajanus.

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

Choyce Observations OF AELIVS HADRIANVS.

AFter the decease of Trajan, his Nephew Aelius Hadrianus by the consent of the Army, who swore to him obedience, was proclaimed Emperor; the Senate likewise confirmed their choice, as being a man endued with gifts both of Art and Nature, answerable to the fortunes of his estate. His birth was of Spain, in the City Italica, near unto Sevil where Trajan was born; his Father Noble, and his Mother in Cales descended of an honorable stock. He was a great Mathematician, skillful in Arithmetic, Geometry, and judicial Astrology, learned in the Greek and Latin Tongues, well seen in Physic, and knew the virtues of Herbs, Roots, and Stones; a singular Musician both for Theory and Practice, and could both limne and carve with approbation of the skillful; but above all is the admirable report of his memory, who never (they say) forgot anything that he had either read or heard.

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

He was the most curious man that lived, and the most universal inquirer, in so much as it was noted for an error in his mind, that he desired to comprehend all, and not reserve himself for the worthiest things; but it pleased God to use the curiosity of this Emperor as an inducement to the peace of the Church in those days: for having Christ in veneration, not as a God or Savior, but as a wonder or novelty; and having his picture in his Gallery matched with Apollonius (with whom in his vain imagination he thought he had some conformity) yet it served the turn to allay the bitter hatred of those times against the Christian name, so as the Church had peace during his time.

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

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

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

To show that he counted hatred retained a base and unprincely disposition, as soon as he came to the Empire, he laid aside all his former enmities; insomuch as that meeting with one who had been his capital enemy, he said unto him, Evas • s • i, Thou art now escaped from my displeasure. Spartianus in Hadriano. videsis Casuabonum.

When a woman called to him passing by, saying, Audi me Caesar, Hear me Caesar, and he answered, Non est otium, I have no leisure, she cried out, Noli ergo imperare, then cease to reign; at that speech he being moved, staid and heard the woman. It was accounted discretion in him, that would not dispute his best with him, excusing himself, That it was reason to yield to him that commanded thirty legions.

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

When he had reigned in great honor and love the space of one and twenty years, five months and fifteen days, and lived sixty two years, he died the eighth or tenth day of July of a Dropsy, which malady so tormented him, that willingly he refused all sustenance, & languished away through faintness.

Choyce Observations OF ANTONINUS PIVS.

UNto Adrianus succeeded Antoninus Pius, who was for his many virtues, or rather piety toward the God's, Sur-named Pius; For piety (to speak properly) is the true worship of God, as Austin shows in his 10. book de Civit. Dei c. 1. But he was not truly pious, because he knew not the true God.

He was compared for his peace and policy unto Numa Pomplius, the second King of Rome. His birth was in Lombardy, the Son of Aurelius Fulvius. He was a Prince excellently learned, and had the patient and subtle wit of a School-man, insomuch as in common speech (which leaves no virtue untaxed) he was called Cymini-Sector, a carver or a divider of Cumine Seed, which is one of the least seeds; such a patience he had, and settled spirit to enter into the least and most exact differences of causes: he likewise approached a degree nearer unto Christianity, and became as Agrippa said to Paul, half a Christian; holding their religion and law in good opinion, and not only staying persecution, but giving way to the advancement of Christians. In his time Justin Martyr wrote notable Books of Apology for the Christians, which were preserved and read in the Senate of Rome, and mollified the Emperors mind towards them. He was favorable to all sorts of men, having that Apothegme of Scipio Africanus rife in his mouth, that He had rather save one Subjects life then kill a thousand enemies.

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

Having reigned twenty and two years, seven months, and twenty six days, he died of a Fever at Porium the seventh of March, the year of his life 75. and of Christ 162.

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

Choyce Observations of LUCIUS COMMODUS VERUS, AND ANTONINUS PHILOSOPHUS.

THere succeeded Antoninus the Divi fratres, the two adoptive Brethren, Lucius Commodus Verus, Son to Aelius Verus, (who delighted much in the softer kind of learning, and was wont to call the Poet Martial his Virgil,) & Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, whereof the latter who obscured his Colleague, and survived him long, was named the Philosopher, who as he excelled all the rest in learning, so he excelled them likewise in perfectiō of all royal virtues. Betwixt their natures and conditions was as much odds as between day and night; the one very moderate, loving, and industrious; the other proud, careless, and cruel; the fruits whereof the poor Christians felt, whose chiefest Pillars, Polycarpus Bishop of Smyrna, and Justin Martyr an excellent Philosopher, with infinite more were put to most cruel deaths.

After his death the whole Government returned to Antoninus Philosophus only, whose Symbole was, Regni Clementia custos. He was Sur-named the Philosopher, not only for his knowledge, but also practice of Philosophy; he had often in his mouth that speech of Plato, Tunc florent respublicae, quando vel Philosophus regit, vel Rex Philosophatur. This good Emperor possessed the Seat of Majesty nineteen years and eleven days, wherein he always approved himself in wit excellent, in life virtuous; very learned and eloquent, full of clemency, justice, and temperance, nothing inferior to most of all the worthiest Emperors before him, nor matchable in qualities by many of the Monarchs that followed him.

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

Julian the Emperor in his book entitled Caesar's, being a Pasquil or Satire to deride all his predecessors, feigned that they were all invited to a banquet of the gods, and Silenus the Iester sat at the lower end of the table, and bestowed a scoff on every one as they came in; but when Antoninus Philosophus entered, he was gravelled and out of countenance, not knowing where to carpe at him, save at the last he gave a glance at his patience towards his wise.

When his Armies were even famished for want of water, the Christians by their prayers procured wine from Heaven to their great refreshing, and the Barbarians were dashed with thunder and fire; whereupon he mitigated the rage against Christ's Professors, and in his time the Church for the most part was in peace. He died the seventeenth day of March, in the year of our Lord 181. and of his own age, 59.

Choyce Observations OF COMMODVS.

HIS name agreed not with his disposition, he being called Commodus, who was (saith Orosius) cunctis incommodus.

Concerning his birth there passeth this story or fiction; His mother Annia Valeria Faustina, daughter of Antoninus Fius, and wife of Antoninus Philosophus, when she saw certain Gladiators or sword-players going to fight, was monstrously inflamed with the love of one of them, upon whom she dored so extremely, that her affection was almost grown to phrensy, languishing wherewith, she confessed her love-madness to her husband. He perceiving her distemper to increase, consulted with the Chaldeans or sooth-sayers, what was best to be done in so desperate a case, for the saving of his wives life, and the quenching of her unchaste desires. They after long consideration determined, that there was left for her but one only remedy, as strange as the disease; viz, to cause the said Gladiator to be murdered secretly that she might not know of it, and that the next night that her husband intended to lie with her, a cup full of his luke-warm blood changed into the likeness of water should be given her to drink, ut sese sublevaret: which was performed accordingly, and she cured of her disease, but with this bad success; for that night, as it is said, she was delivered of Commodus, who in qualities resembled that Gladiator upon this occasion, as some reported; which they ascribed to the power of her imagination, but others esteemed him a Bastard. Ferrand. of lovemelancholy out of Capitolinus in Antonino Philosopho c. 19. editionis Gruterianae.

The conject • re that Commodus was born in adultery, is confirmed by the behavior of Faustina his mother at Cajeta, where she was wont want only to gaze on naked gladiators and mariners. Capitolinus ibid. Aurel. Victor.

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

Commodus was more noble by descent then any of the former Emperors, and the most beautiful person of his time. Herodian. l. 1. in fine.

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

Once he shot forked arrows at Moresco Estriches, which were wonderful swift of foot, using their wings as sails in running. These he did hit so full in the neck, that though their heads were struck off with the furiousness of the blow, yet they ran awhile headless, as if they had not been hurt. Id. ibid.

Neque haec superant veri sidem, cum instrumentamotus, spiritus s • ilicet vitales, aliquandiu motum continuare possint, non exhausti uno temporis momento; quod colligunt medi •• e motu cordis anguillae exsecti. Simile quid memini inter historias à nonnullis narratum, de quodam pyrata, qui interceptus cum suis sociis navalibus hoc unum suppliciter petiit, ut sociorum singuli vitae redonarentur, quos capite truncus cursu praeteriisset. Largitum hoc est supremis ejus votis: stance capite truncatur; cursum intendit, quem usque ad posiremos 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 continuasse • , nisi a carnifice ac l • ctoribus adstantibus in terram fuisset detractus. P. Voet. in Herodiani Marc. & Commod. p. 183. videsis Fromondum de Anima l. 1. c. 4. art. 3. p. 97. &c,

Another time a Panther having fastened upon a man, (who was brought into the lists) so that all thought she would instantly tear him in pieces; he darted at her so happily, that he killed the beast and saved the man, preventing the impression of her teeth with the point of his weapon.

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

Sidonius Apollinaris in paneg. Majoriani. videsis Servium in fextam Virgilii Eclogam.]

He slew also 100. Lions with so many darts; their bodies falling in such order, that they might easily be numbered (not one dart miscarrying.) Herodian ubi suprà.

He resembled his Father in nothing but fortunate fighting against the Germans, with whom notwithstanding he made a dishonorable peace.

He was faithful to none; and most cruel to those whom he had before advanced to the greatest honors, and enriched with most vast rewards. Sextus Aurelius Victor.

He and Heliogabalus conferred all the dignities of the Empire upon men for lust and licentiousness most like unto themselves. Walsinghams Manual.

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

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

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

He pretended that he would go into Africa, that he might raise money for that feigned journey, which when he had gathered, he spent in banqueting and gaming. Id. ibid.

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

He employed not himself in anything which became an Emperor; making glasses, dancing, singing, piping, playing the Buffoon and fencer; bathing 7. or 8. times in the day, eating in the Bath, drinking in the theater in woman's habit; mingling human excrements with the daintiest fare, tasting them himself, thinking so to mock others. Id. ibid.

He kept 300. Concubines, and so many boys which he used as women; like Caligula commanded women to be ravished in his sight, committed incest as he did with all his Sisters, and exceeded him (saith Tristan) in polluting the Temples with whoredom and human blood.

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

He was so cruel, that when he was but 12. years old, because the bath in which he was washed was a little too warm, he commanded that the heater of it should be cast into a furnace.

Dion confidently reporteth that the Physicians poisoned his Father to gratify him.

He put to death his Wife Crispina, his eldest sister Lucilla, and Annia Faustina his Fathers Cousin German, with 24. of the Eminentest Personages of the Roman Empire.

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

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

He cut a fat man off at the middle of the belly, that he might see his entrails drop out suddenly.

He called them Monopodii and Luscinii whom he deprived of a foot or eye.

He made men exercise that cruelty upon themselves in reality, which they used to act but in show. Lamprid. c. 9.

He imitated Surgeons in letting blood, and barbers in trimining, under which pretence he cut off ears and noses: wherefore such was his jealousy of all men, that he was forced like Dionysius to be his own barber.

Histories not only affirm, that he plaid the Gladiator in person, but his statue in that fashion stark naked, with his naked sword in his hand, is yet extant at Rome in the Farnesian palace.

He imitated Nero in driving of Chariots, and if Quintus Aemylius Laetus had not deterred him, he would have burned Rome (as Nero did) thinking he might do what he pleased with that place which he called after his name.

So exceeding great was the madness of this vile monster, that he sent a letter to the Senate with this style: Imperator Caesar Lucius, Aelius, Aurelius, Commodus, Antoninus, Augustus, Pius, Felix, Sarmaticus, Germanicus Maximus, Britannicus, pacator orbis tevy rum, Invictus, Romanus Hercules, Pontisex Maximus, Tribunitiae potestatis, XVIII. Imperator, VIII. Consul, VII. Pater Patriae, Consulibus, Praetoribus, Tribunis Plebis, Senatui{que} * Commodiano soelici Salutem. Xiphilin.

The former Emperors at pleasure sometimes times took some few names to themselves, sometimes bestowed them on others. In the later times, virtue decaying, ambition in titles increased. Yet Justinian accounted of as a sober Emperor, hath his style notwithstanding not much shorter. Imp. Caesar Flavius Justinianus, Alemannicus, Gothicus, Francicus, Germanicus, Anticus, Alanicus, Vandalicus, Africanus, Pius, Felix, Inclytus victor, ac Triumphator semper Augustus. S _r . H. Savil on Tacitus.

He changed the names of all the months, calling them after his own sur-names, which was observed no longer then he lived.

He ever and anon changed all his surnames, except that of Amazonius, taken up out of love to Marcia his Concubine, whose picture he wore upon the outside of his garment; and of Exuperans, because he would have been thought to excel all men: as appeareth by his being sacrificed to as a God.

When his Favorite Perennis was dead, he repealed many things that were done by him, but persisted no above 30 days in his reformation, permitting Cleander to be more licentious then Perennis, Lamprid.

Yea to such drunken dotage he was grown, that he refused his fathers name, commanding himself instead of Commodus the son of Marcus, to be styled Hercules the son of Jupiter; and accordingly he forsook the Roman and Imperial habit; and in stead thereof, thrust himself into a Lions skin, and carried a great club in his hand: and (which made him extremely ridiculous) he put on also purple Amazonian robes embroidered with gold; expressing in one and the same garb austerity and effeminateness: this was his daily attire.

He commanded many Statues of himself made in likeness of Hercules, to be erected throughout the City, and one before the Senate-house in form of an archer ready to shoot; that his very Images might strike a terror into the beholders. Herodian.

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

On New-years day he determined in great solemnity to issue forth of a senceschool, from which Marcia, Laetus, and Electus dissuaded him; but he incensed with them, commanded them to depart, and retiring into his bed-chamber, to repose himself at noon (as he was wont,) he wrote their names in a table-book, dooming them to death that night. Having done this, he laid his table-book on the pailet, not imagining that any would enter into his chamber.

But his darling Philo-Commodus being full of play, went (as he usually did) into the bed-chamber (while Commodus was bathing) and taking the book to play with, went forth, and was met by Marcia; who took the book from him, lest he might spoil some weighty matter. As soon as she perceived it was Commodus his own hand, she greatly desired to read it. But when she found the deadly contents, she discovered to Electus and Laetus the danger they were in, and they all resolved to purchase their own security by Commodus his death, and concluded it most convenient to dispatch him by poison; which Marcia having given to him, it cast him into a slumber, out of which awaking he vomited extremely: the conspirators fearing fullness might expel the poison, cause him to be strangled.

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

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

He was called the enemy of God and men; the very name of the Devil.

The Christians escaped persecution from him by the mediation of Marcia, who favored their doctrine. Dion.

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

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

Choyce Observations OF PERTINAX.

WAS so called, either for his reluctance in accepting the Empire, or rather for his pertinacious resolution in his youth to be a Woodmonger, as his father was, when he would have made him a Scholar.

Yet at last he was persuaded by his father to apply himself to learning, in which he was such a proficient, that he succeeded his Master Sulpitius Apollinaris in the teaching of Grammar: But gaining little thereby, he served in the camp with such proof of his valor, that upon the death of Commodus he was chosen Emperor. For the murder being done in the night, Laetus went in all hast to Pertinax, and saluted him with the unexpected name of Emperor; but he thought Laetus was sent from Commodus to kill him, till he was certified of Commodus his death, by one of his servants whom he sent to view his carcass.

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

Pertinax was forced to accept of the Empire by Laetus and Electus, when he was above 60. years old; yet admitted not any symbol of sovereignty, and declined so envious a Title, till compelled by the Senate. Recusabat imperare; quod erat been imperaturi. Plinius de Trajano. panegyr. 5.

He chiefly re • used the Empire, because he was to succeed a Tyrant, who by his disorders had so impoverisht the State, and rendered the soldiers so loose, that he saw 'twas impossible to avoid a public odium, by the use of a necessary remedy. Tristan.

He would not let his wife receive the title of Empresse, nor his son be called Caesar, as the Senate had decreed, lest he should be corrupted, but deferred it till he might deserve it; nor admitting him being a youth into the Court, but causing him to lead a private life.

He permitted not his Name to be stamped on the peculiar goods of the Emperors, saying, That the propriety thereof belonged to the State in general. Herodian l. 2. c. 4. As Marcus Aurelius, whom he imitated, said to the Senate; Nos usque adeo nihil habemus proprium, ut etiam vestras aedes habitemus. Xiphilinus in Marco Aurelio.

He enacted that all the wast ground in Italy and other countries (though of the Princes demesne) should be improved, and freely given to them who would manure it: to which purpose, he granted to Husband-men 10. years immunity from all taxes, and security from all further trouble during his reign. Herodian.

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

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

He was too negligent of his wife Flavia Titiana's chastity, who openly loved a fiddler; he in the mean time being as ardently and infamously enamored on his Concubine Cornificia. Capitolinus c. 13.

He was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , a giver of good words, because he was rather a Fawning than a kind Prince; promising well but performing ill.

Such was his niggardliness, that he would set before his guests a Sallad of Lettuce, &c. and part of a Tripe; but if he at any time exceeded, a leg or wing of a Hen. Capitolinus c. 12.

Tristan parallelleth him with Vespasian.

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

Laetus pretending to punish this sedition, causeth the death of divers soldiers, that the rest might mutiny, which they did, 200. entering the palace with drawn swords, whom Pertinax was advised to fly from: but he indiscreetly rejecting that good counsel, met them, thinking with his Majesty to make them afraid and leave off their enterprise, which fell out accordingly, for immediately they all retreated, except one Tausius a Tungrian, who ran him into the breast, saying, Hunc tibi gladiū milites mittunt.

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

He having endured all manner of labors, & being bandied from one extreme condition to another, was called the Tennisball of Fortune.

He lived 67. years lacking 4. months and 3. days, and reigned 87. days, saith Dion.

Pertinacis Principatus solo tempore minor est optimi cujus{que} Principis regimine, saith Boeclerus.

Choyce Observations OF JULIANUS.

SOuldiers proclaiming the sale of the Empire, Julians wife and his daughters with some Parasites, urged him to accept of the proffer, since he could exceed any in largesses. Herodian l. 2. c. 6.

Sulpitian Father-in-law to Pertinax offered each soulder 200. Crowns, but Julian outbidding him, and promising more then they demanded or expected, obtained the Empire of them, who feared lest Sulpitian might revenge Pertinax his death, as his Competitor suggested to them. Xiphiline.

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

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

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

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

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

The soldiers discontented because Julian kept not his Covenant, and hoping to purchase favor with Severus, slew their Chapman in his palace; he thus expostulating with them, Quid rei gravis admisi? quem interfeci?

Severus who had been acquitted by him from the imputation of Adultery, wherewith he was charged, slew him with the like ingratitude, as Julian did Laetus, who had saved his life. Tristan.

He lived 60. years, 4. months, and so many days; and reigned 66. days. Dion.

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

Choyce Observations OF SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS.

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

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

Having ascended from mean estate to the highest honor, he was wont to say; Omnia fui, nihil expedit. Spartian in Severo c. 18.

He dreamed that he saw in one of the market-places at Rome a horse to throw Pertinax, who had mounted on him, and to suffer himself to back him; a brass Image of which dream remained in Herodians time.

He was expert in the Mathematiques, a good Philosopher, and eloquent orator.

Nothing is comparable to Severus his conflicts or conquests, either for multitude of forces, commotion of countries, number of battles, length of journeys, or speed in marches. Herodian l. 3.

His soldiers endured all difficulties cheerfully in emulation of him, who excited them to hardship by his own example, being wont as Silius Italicus saith of Hannibal:

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

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

Entring into Alexandria he found this inscription, Domini Nigri est urbs; with which being offended, the inhabitants met him, crying, Novimus nos dixisse Domini Nigri esse urbem; tu enim es Nigri Dominus. For which ready excuse he pardoned them. Soudas in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .

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

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

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

At the siege of Atra, when he had beaten down a great part of the wall, and his Soldiers were ready to enter, he commanded a retreat, hoping thereby to induce the Arabians to discover that great treasure there laid up. But his covetous design was miserably disappointed, for the besieged immediately made up their wall and kept him out. Xiphiline.

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

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

He boasted to the Senate of his clemency, although he slew at one time 40. of the most Illustrious personages of the Roman Empire, not hearing them in their defense, contrary to a Law which himself first made; proving himself thereby truly to answer his name, being (as was said of him) vere Pertinax, vere Severus: so that Silenus might well say, (in Iuliani Caesaribus) I dare not speak against him, I am so terrified with his inexorable cruelty.

10. Antiochenus saith he was a great Soldier, but his covetousness transported him beyond his valor.

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

When he warred in Britain, he commanded an universal slaughter of his enemies, in these verses:

Having taking Albinus prisoner, he commanded him to be slain, caused his body to be laid before his palace, rode over him, and at last cast his mangled corps (the stench whereof could not be endured) into the river Rh • s • e, with the carcases of his wife and children.

Having compelled Nigers Captains (whose children he kept as pledges) to betray Nigers affairs, when he had attained his ends, he slew them and their children.

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

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

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

A little before his death he caused his urne to be brought before him, and taking it into his hand, said; Thou shalt contain him whom the world could not. Xiphiline.

He said to his Sons on his death-bed, Agree among yourselves, enrich the soldiers, and contemn all others. Id. ibid.

In relation to which union he bade them read in Salust, Mycypsa's dying speech to his sons, in which there is this expression; Concordiâ res parvae cres • unt, discordiâ magnae dilabuntur. Spartian. c. 21.

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

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

Before he died he was so pained in all his body, but especially in his feet, that not able to endure the torment, he called for poison, which being denied, he greedily glutted himself with gross meats, and not able to digest them, died of a surfeit. Sex. Aurel. Vict.

The imprecation of Plautius Quintillus had the like effect upon Severus, as that of Severianus had upon Hadrian. Xiphilin.

Some say he died rather through grief for his son Caracalla's wickedness, then of any other malady.

He lived 65 years, 9 months and 25 days, and reigned 17 years, 8 months and 3 days.

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

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

He married Martia, and after her death Julia Domna, because he found by her nativity she should be matched with a King; though he foresaw not by his art his destiny to marry a whore; whom yet he bare with through excess of affection, though she was guilty of a conspiracy. Spartian. c. 3. and 18.

He was deifyed after his death by the Senate.

After the death of Charles the 9 of France, his image was laid in a rich bed, in triumphant attire, with the Crown upon his head, and the collar of the order about his neck, and 40 days at ordinary hours, dinner and supper was served in with all accustomed ceremonies, as sewing, water, grace, carving, &c. all the Cardinals, Prelates, Lord's, Gentlemen and Officers attending in far greater solemnity, then if he had been alive. Now this I confess was a piece of flattery more then needed, but not comparable to that of the Romans, in making their Emperors God's, which they might well have conceived, was neither in the power of the one to give, nor of the other to receive. Dr. Hakewill in his Apology.

In Severus his reign the world was so loose that 3000 were indicted for Adultery. Id. ib.

When Julia blamed the wife of Argento • oxus a Northern Britain, because her country people accompanied promiscously (10 or 12 men having 2 or 3 Women common among them) she not ignorant of the Roman incontinency, replied; We accompany openly with the best, but vile persons defile you secretly. Xiphiline.

Dion writeth that in Severus his time it rained silver at Rome in Augustus his forum.

O pluviam salutarem, & supparem illi, quâ Jupiter ad Danaen suam penetravit! sed nimis hic inf • equentem inquies. Sed avaritiam tuam effervescentem infusâ hac frigidâ confutabo. Rore illo argenteo, addit Dion, nummos aliquot aereos oblivi, mansit color 3 dies; 4 ^to. quicquid oblitum fuerat, evanuit. Fromondus Met • orolog. l. 5. c. 6. Art. 3.

Severus caused the 5. persecution, it being the Devils policy to employ especially men noted for moral honesty and abilities, to massacre God's Saints, that the world might believe, that those could not choose but be most abomiable, whom such wise and pious men were so earnest to extinguish. D ^r . Prideaux.

PESCENNIUS NIGER, And CLODIUS ALBINUS. Usurpers.

ENgaged both in the war against Septimius Severus, with like unfortunate event being both conquered, and having their heads set upon a pole; Niger had his name à nigra cervice, saith Spartian in his life.

Albinus was so called, quod, exceptus utero, contra consuetudinem puerorum qui nascuntur, & solent rubere, esset candidissimus. Capitoli • us in his life; who confirmeth his relation with this passage in an Epistle of Cejonius Posthumius (Father of Albinus) to Aelius Bassianus then Proconsul of Africa. Filius mihi natus est, ita candidus statim toto corpore, ut linteamen quo exceptus est, vinceret. Quare susceptum eum Albinorum Famil • ae, quae mihi tecum communis est, dedi, Albini nomine imposito.

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

Albinus warred with Severus, for withholding the copartner-ship which he promised to Albinus, whom he feared because he was a valiant Soldier, whereas he slighted Julian and Niger, who were negligent and luxurious.

Choyce Observations Of BASSIANUS CARACALLA. And ANTONINUS GETA. Brethren.

BAssianus was so called from Julius Bassianus his Grand-father by the Mothers side, and his Father named him Antoninus, out of respect to the Antonini, whose memory was honored by the Romans.

He was called Caracalla from a new fashioned cassock he wore, reaching down to his ankles.

He was a hopeful youth, & endeared himself to the people by weeping and turning away his eyes, when condemned persons were cast to wild beasts, (which tenderness Baronius thinketh proceeded from his Christian nurse Euhodia) yet after he was so changed he seemed not the same. Spartian c. 12.

Knowing well that he could not make himself seem more beautiful then he was, he would take the advantage to appear more terrible, affecting a cruel and furious countenance. Tristan. in the 2 part of his Commentaires Historiques. See the 12. 18. 21. 26. 29. 31. Medails of him there.

He attempted to kill his Father; & put to death the Physicians for not hastening his death (as he commanded;) slew his Father in law Plautian, his wife Plautillae, and her brother Plautus, Antip • ter the famous Sophister of that age, Cilo his Tutor, and Euhodus his Foster-father: sparing not any who either honored his father, or was honored by him.

When at the Circensian sports (where himself was a spectator) the people cast some scoff at a chariotier which he favored, he taking it as an affront to himself, suddenly commanded his soldiers to rush among the multitude, and kill all who had scorned the chariot-driver. Upon this command, it being impossible to find out the delinquents in so great a throng (none confessing himself guilty) the soldiers spared none whom they light upon, but either slew them, or took away what they had for a ransom. Herodtan l. 3. c. 6.

He put down Aristotle's Schools, burnt his books, saying he conspired against Alexander. Xiphiline.

Having seen the body of Alexander the Great, he commanded his followers to call him Alexander and Antoninus Magnus; and by flatterers was brought to a fond conceit, that he walked like Alexander with an awful countenance, and bent his head to the left shoulder; and whatever he observed in the countenance of Alexander, he imitated to the life, and persuaded himself that he had the same lineaments and proportions. Sext. Aur. Victor. vide Schottum.

I have seen divers ridiculous Images, which had one entire Body; and one Head, which had 2. half-faces, to wit, Alexanders and Antonines; saith Herodian. l. 4. c. 8.

He was excessively given to Adultery, while able, yet most severely punished it in others. Excerpta Peiresci. p. 755.

Being unable to wear true armor through his weakness of body, he wore counterfeit harness that none might attempt to assassinate him. Excerpta Peiresci.

Fuit ejus immanitatis, ut its praecipue blandiretur quos ad necem destinabat: ut ejus magis bland • mentum timeretur quàm ir acundia.

He would show courtesy when he intended mischief; so that his kindness was more feared then his anger. Spartian in Geta c. 7.

Having miserably impoverished the people, his mother reproved him, to whom he showing his naked sword, replied; As long as I have this, I will not want, Xiphiline.

Where he wintered, or but intended to winter, he caused Amphitheaters and Cirques for public games to be erected, and within a while to be taken down again. Id. ibid.

He learned the vices of 3 Nations from whom he drew his original; of the French, vanity, timorousness, and idleness; of the Africans, roughness and wildness; of the Syrians, cunning and malice. Excerpta Peiresci.

He preferred Hannibal, Sylla, and Tiberius, before other commanders for their cruelty; in which he exceeded his father, and all the preceding Emperors.

He confessed that in all his life he never learned to do good. Xiphiline.

When Maximinus the younger (yet a child) got up into Caracall' as Chariot, and was hardly drawn thence, there were some who admonished Caracalla to beware of him, to whom he answered, Longe est ut mihi succedat iste. Capitolinus in Maximino juniore. c. 4.

[Tiberius in like manner when he knew that Galba should be Emperor, but not before old age, said; Vivat sane quando id ad nos nihil pertinet. Suetonius in Galba. c. 4.]

He delighted more in Magicians and Jugglers then in men of worth; for seeing himself hated, he told the Romans he could command his own security, though not their love; and therefore he less valued reproaches, or feared dangers by their disfavour. Xiphiline. Zonaras.

Yet Oppian who when banished by Severus wrote the Cynegeticks, and after his decease dedicated that work to Caracalla, was therefore recalled from exile, and received a piece of gold for every verse in his Poem.

As Caligula having killed many French and Greeks, bragged that he had conquered Gallo-Greece: so Caracalla having perfidiously slain a great number of Germans and Parthians, usurped the titles of Germanicus and Parthicus. Tristan in his parallel of Caracalla with Caligula.

Being incensed against the Alexandrians, who traduced him for his fratricide, and nick-named his mother Iocasta, he commanded the strongest of them to be listed for service; whom when he had enrolled, he killed, after the example of Ptolomeus Euergetes, the 8 of that name, called Physcon; giving moreover a signal to the soldiers to kill their hosts.

He restored all profligate persons who were exiled, to their liberty; and presently after filled the Islands whither they were banished with more exiles. Xiphiline.

He slew his brother Geta in his mothers arms, whom he forced to dissemble mirth; He consecrated the sword wherewith he killed him sequestered their goods in whose will Geta's name was found, and slew 20000 persons related to him; spending whole nights in such tragical executions. compare Dion with Herodian.

To cloke which fratricide with show of constraint, first to the soldiers, and then in the Senate, he accused his brother to have sought his death, and that in defense of himself he was forced to kill him; and thereupon fled to the Praetorian bands for safety of his life, as though further conspiracies had been intended against him in the City.

Notwithstanding which cruelty he arrogated to himself the name of Pius, and after, conquering the Germans, he was not ashamed of the title Germanicus, though through the ambiguity of the word he might be thought to boast of his brothers murder. Hemelarius.

He allowed Geta a good funeral, buried him in a stately monument built by Severus, called Septizonium; wept as often as he saw his picture, or heard mention of his name: and being told that his Fratricide might be expiated in some degree by calling his brother a God, he answered; Sit Divus modo non sit vivus. Spartian in Geta. c. 3.

For the murder of his brother he was punished with madness by the Furies, deservedly called Vltrices Deae.

Affrighted with the Ghost of his Father and Commodus, he prohibited any upon pain of death to name Geta; and broke the money stamped with his effigies, and abolished all the plays instituted in honor of his birth-day.

By his Favorites, the name of Geta was raced out of all Monuments and Imperial inscriptions, as we have seen some of them defaced upon some Altar stones found in Britain. Speeds Chron.

He slew Papinian the famous Lawyer, because solicited by him to defend his Fratricide, he said; It was a crime easilier committed then excused. Spartian c. 8.

He did chide the executioner, because he beheaded Papinian with an Axe, and not with a sword. Spartian in Caracalla c. 4. and in Geta c. 6. Xiphiline.

When he ascribed to himself the titles of Germanicus, Arabicus, and Alemannicus, Sarmaticus Maximus, and Parthicus Maximus; Helvius Pertinax son to the Emperor Pertinax jestingly said, Add if you please Geticus Maximus, because of his brother Geta's murder, and because the Goths (whom he overcame in his passage to the East) are called Getae; which occasioned Pertinax his death. Spartian in Geta ubi suprà, & in Caracalla c. 10.

Being in Mesopotamia, he writes to Maternianus to whom he committed command at Rome, to inquire of the Magicians, (to whom he was so addicted) whether any intended to surprise the Empire. Maternianus writes back that Macrinus treacherously aspired to the Empire; which letter with others Caracalla received while he was at his sport, and delivered them to Macrinus to give him an account of. Macrinus broke up the letters, and fell upon that which aimed at his destruction; wherefore finding his own danger, he reserved that letter to himself, acquainting Caracalla with the rest. But fearing lest Maternianus should write again of the same business, he resolved to prevent his imminent danger by this plot. He persuades Martialis a Centurion, and one of Caracalla's guard (whose brother the Emperor had slain a few days before, upon an accusation without proof) to dispatch him, which he did whilst the Emperor was about to ease nature.

When he went out of a certain gate, he heeded not the detaining of him, and tearing his garment by a Lion, whom he used to play with, and named Acinaces; who held him as it were by an extraordinary instinct, as if he foreknew the misfortune ready to befall him. Dion.

It was but just, that he who had killed so many of his friends, should be slain by the treason of his enemies.

Both Caligula and Caracalla reigned but a little while. Both were killed by military Tribunes, the one by Cassius Chaerea, whom he was wonted to tax with effeminacy: and the other by Martialis, who was employed by Macrinus, whom Caracalla charged with the same fault. And which is wonderful, they both died being 29. years old, and both their Assassinates were slain after them. Tristan in his parallel of Caracalla with Caligula.

He reigned 6 years, 2 months and 2 days.

Serapion an Egyptian a few days before told him, that he should die shortly, and Macrinus should succeed him: for which he was cast to a Lion, and though the beast spared him, Macrinus would not. Xiphiline.

Both Neró and Caracalla died violent deaths, and both had for their successors old men whom they loved not at all, and who reigned not long, being both slain by the practices of two effeminate persons, who were Otho and Heliogabalus. Tristan in his parallel of Caracalla with Nero.

When he was dead, it appeared that he procured as much poison from the inhabitants of upper Asia, as cost 220000 crowns, that he might poison several ways as many as he pleased. Xiphiline.

It is to be admired, that a man so extremely wicked, tempered himself from slaughter of the Christians.

His wife Plautina had as much for her dowry as would have served 50 Empresses. Her Father Plautian made men Eunuchs, who were married and had children; and their children also were gelded, that she might have music-masters who might teach her the better, and domestiques of this sort fitter to compose tunes for her.

Choyce Observations OF OPILIUS MACRINUS, And his Son ANTONINUS DIADUMENVS.

MAcrinus was of so obscure par • ntage, that according to the custom of the Moors, he had one of his ears bored thorough. Xiphiline.

He was made a praefect by Caracalla, after whose death he was elected Emperor by the Soldiers, who were ignorant of his treason, the suspicion whereof he escaped by a seeming sorrow.

The Romans were so glad of Caracalla's death, that they considered not whether Macrinus was good or bad; men who are injured, when they overcome their enemies, respect not so much their profit as revenge.

He associated with himself his son Diadumenus, so called either from his Grand-Father by the Mothers side, or because he was born with a Diadem on his head, like a bow-string. Lampr • d. in Diadumeno. c. 4.

He commanded Diadumenus forthwith to be called Antoninus by the Soldiers, and assumed to himself the name of Severus, whose memory he pretended to reverence, that he might deface the suspicion of assasinating his Son.

He imitated Marcus Aurelius in a slow pace and low voice, and Nero in a cruel life.

Instead of Macrinus, he was by his own servants called Macellinus, as one would say Butcher, quod macelli specie domus ejus cruentaretur sanguine vernularum. Because his house was like a shamble of murdered men. Capitolinus in Macrino. c. 13.

He was named Mezentius, because like him he joined live bodies to dead.

He commanded 2. soldiers, who had ravished their hostesses maid, to be sewed up in the bellies of 2. great Oxen, their heads only left out, that they might speak one to another.

He caused those soldiers who committed Adultery to be tied to the women, and burnt alive; though his Wife Nonia Celsa was insatiable that way.

He shut live men in seiled walls, where they died miserably.

Mothe le Vayer in his Opuscules p. 27. &c. thinketh that one reason why Macrinus banished Lucius Priscillianus a valiant Captain into an Island where he died, was because he had the boldness to encounter alone 4. such fierce beasts, as a Bear, a Leopard, a Lioness and a Lyon; though his cruel carriage under Caracalla who advanced him, afforded sufficient pretence for his punishment, as Dion informeth us. l. 78.

Macrinus said he was clement, when he punished but one soldier in an hundred with capital punishment for a mutiny, when he thought they deserved to be decimated or at least one in 20. to suffer.

Having written to the Senate, that he knew nobody desired his death, Fulvius Diogenianus cried out; Yes but we all do.

After he had concluded a peace with Artabanus the Parthian King, he returned to Antioch in Syria, and there spent his time in sensual pleasures, being drenched so far therein, that the Army began to dislike his government, and to favor young Bassianus the son of Caracalla, then present at Emesa a City in Phoenicia, with Maesa his Grand-Mother by his Mothers side, who there had built a Temple to the Sun, and therein ordained him a Priest, for which cause he was called Heliogabalus, which in the Phoenician language is, the Priest of the Sun.

To this temple resorted many of the Soldiers, and seeing the beauty of the youth, allured Maesa to bring him to their Camp: where known to be the Son of Caracalla, the Soldiers proclaimed him Emperor, and maintained his right against Macrinus; who after this revolt, met young Heliogabalus in the confines between Phoenicia and Syria, where he fought a bloody battle, but being put to flight, hasted to Chalcedon, fell sick, and was with his Son Diadumenus put to death by the Soldiers, because he contracted their pay, and suppressed their luxury.

He lived 54. years, reigned one year and 2. Moneths:

Choyce Observations OF HELIOGABALUS.

THis Monster had more names and sur-names (saith Tristan) then Hydra had heads; for whilst he was a private man he was called Varius Avitus Lupus, Varius from his reputed Father Varius Marcellus, Avitus Lupus from Julius Avitus Lupus his Grand-father by the mothers side; after being presented to the Soldiers to obtain their favor, he was named Bassianus: by whom when he was received and proclaimed Emperor, they gave him the name of Antoninus. He was the last Emperor upon whom that name was conferred, which because he dishonored, he was called Pseud-Antoninus. He was named Assyrius (saith Dion) because he was often seen in public clothed with a barbarous habit, such as his Countrymen the Priests of Syria, anciently called Assyria, used to wear. His debauchednesse made him to be sur-named the Roman Sardanapalus. He had the sur-name of Heliogabalus given to him, because he was Priest of Heliogabalus the peculiar god of the Emesenes; so strange a Deity, that Authors agree not about the writing, or meaning of his name: though it be most probable that it signifieth the Sun.

He was the spurious issue of Caracalla and Symia Syra, which Sealiger rendereth Lunula Onychine.

He had 6 Wives in the short time of his reign; the first of which was Annia Faustina, of Commodus his linage, for the enjoyment of whom he caused Pomponius Bassus her husband to be put to death, not permitting her to weep for him. Divorcing her he married Cornelia Paula a most Illustrious Roman Lady (that he might the sooner be a Father (said he) who was not able to be a man) yet soon after only because she had a spot in her body, as he said, he put her away, and stripping her of all honors, sequestered her to a private life. After pretending he was in love, he violently took out of Vesta her sacred Nunnery at Rome, Julia Aquilia Severa a Vestal Virgin, and married her, which by the Heathens was held such a crime, that the Num which had carnal knowledge of a man, was buried alive: writing to the Senate, who were grieved at his sacrilegious act, That she was a fit match for a Priest, and impudently affirmed he did it, That from himself a Priest and his Wife the chief Priestesse of Vesta there might be born issue worthy of the God's. Yet he quickly turned away this wife, for to espouse another, with 2 more whose names are unknown; it being difficult to determine whether he be to be blamed more for his frequent and illegal marriages, or his sudden and causeless divorces. And at last being possessed with a continual inconstancy (having changed 5 times in 4. years) he returned to Aquilia Severa. compare Dion. l. 79. with Herod. l. 5. c. 6.

Nor did he thus play at fast and loose with human matrimonies only, but now his God also wanted a wise. Him he married first to Pallas, after (saying, His God liked not so martial a wife) to Vrania, concluding it was fitter to match the Sun and Moon together, making his God almost as fickle as himself. Herodian l. 5. c. 6.

He gave all the treasure in the Temple of Vrania to his God, for a portion with her.

He commanded all the people of Rome and Italy to use all public and private feasts for joy of the wedding:

He erected in the suburbs a magnificent Temple, into which every year with great solemnity he brought his God, whom he preferred before Jupiter, and made an edic • that the Romans should pray to the ne • god Heliogabalus before all other gods, who he said, were servants of his God, spoiling their Temples to enrich that of his, nay would have had no other gods worship • at Rome, saith Lamprid. in Heliogab. c. 3. Ne • Romanas tautùm voluit extinguere religioues sed per orbem terrae unum studens ut Heliogabalu • deus unus ubique coleretur. Id. ibid. c. 6.

He was a man for all women, and a woman for all men. Coëffeteau.

He so far differed from the manners o • men, that modesty permitteth not to relate his greatest vices; the Devil in the form of an Hermaphrodite, not being able to act greater lewdness then he did saith Tristan.

Lampridius thus beginneth the story of Heliogabalus: I would never have wrote the beastly life of Heliogabalus, that it might not have been known, that he was a Roman Emperor, unless Caligula, Nero and Vitellius had before sat in the same throne.

Boccaline feigneth that Lampridius was severely proceeded against by Apollo, and that by order of the whole congregation of Parnassus, his Histories was turned back upon his hands, and he was freely told, That he should go and teach those execrable lusts in the public Classis, wherewith he had so delighted himself to fill his shameful papers, wherein he had written the lives of Heliogabalus, Caracalla, and other las •• vious Monsters of Nature. Parnassus cent. 1. advertisement 55.

It is questioned whether were greater his boundless Prodigality, his stupendous Leachery, or his fantastical Foolery: the last of which his Imperial virtues he gave proof of, when he commanded his servants to bring him a thousand pound weight of Spiders offering them a reward, and received of them ten thousand pound weight, whereupon he said, that now he understood the greatness of Rome: At another time he caused to be gathered ten thousand Mice, a thousand Wezels, and a thousand Polecats, which he brought forth in a public show to the people, for some wise State-purpose, like the former. Speeds Chron.

He disfigured his fair face with foul tinctures; He slept in the day, transacted affairs in the night.

Being near the Sea, he never tasted fish; nor flesh, when he was farthest in the Continent: He said that fare was best which cost most.

He ridicously wore Jewels, and those curiously engraved, on his feet; as if the rarity of the work could be discerned there. Lamprid. c. 23.

That he might seem magnificent, he drowned Ships in the haven; paying the owners for their fraught: and drew Fishes out of his Ponds with Oxen. Lamprid. c. 32. and 24.

He built stately Bathes, which being but once used were plucked down. Lampr. c. 30.

He said, If he had an heir he would teach him to do as he did.

When he was but a private man, being reproved for his prodigality by a friend, who asked him, Whether he did not fear want hereafter; he answered, What can be better for me then to be heir to myself?

He conferred honors on sordid persons, and put great persons upon mean employments, causing the entrails of the sacrifices to be born by Generals of armies, and the chief Officers of State.

In imitation of Apicius he would frequently eat Camels heels, the combes of Cocks newly cut, the tongues of Peacocks and Nightingales, with the entrails of Mullets, Partridges eggs, the heads of Parrats, Pheasants and Peacocks, and the brains of Thrushes and Phoenicopters. Id. ibid. c. 20.

He had served in at a meal the heads of 600. Estridges, only that he might eat their brains. Id. ib. c. 30.

He fed his horses with grapes, his dogs with Geese livers (a dainty then) Lions and other beasts with Parrats and Pheasants. Id. ibid. c. 20, and 21.

He often changed his Pallets, and lay not on any couch unless it was stuffed with Hares furre, or the feathers under Partridges wings. Id. ib. c. 19.

One day he would eat nothing but Pheasant, another day Chickens, on another this or that Fish, at one time Ostriches, at another Herbs, or Apples, other whiles sweet-meats or white-meats only. Id. ib. c. 32.

One of his feasts was hardly ended in a day, the several messes being prepared, and eaten successively in the houses of his several friends, one dwelling in the Capitol, another upon mount Caelius, a 3 beyond Tiber, &c. one staying for another, till the dishes went through all their houses. Lampridius c. 30.

He tied his Parasites to a wheel, and turned them up and down in water, calling them his Ixionian friends. Id. ibid. c. 24.

He thrust them also out of his diningroomes, which had deceitful floors, into chambers filled with roses, that smothered with them, they might meet with the bitterness of death in sweetness. Id. ib. c. 21.

He Tantalized them with mock-feasts in wax, wood, ivory, marble, glass; sometimes what himself did eat was woven or wrought with a needle on their Napkins: otherwhiles so many dishes of meat as were provided for him, were painted upon their tables: only allowing them to drink. Id. ib. c. 26. and 27.

At the 2 and 3 course he caused Bears, Pardals, Lions and Leopards, which lacked their teeth and claws, to be brought in suddenly by their Keepers, to terrify them, who were ignorant of their inability to hurt. Lamprid. c. 21.

He shut them up when they were drunk, turning in upon them in the night these disarmed beasts, with the fear of which many died. Id. ib. c. 25.

Their yearly salaries were pitchers full of Frogs, Scorpions, Serpents and Flies. Id. ib. c. 26.

Many times he kept them in their lodgings from night to morning with old Black-moor women, whereas he told them he had provided most beautiful ones for them. Id. ib. c. 30.

When the people had taken up their places before day in the Theatre to behold the sports, he caused Serpents to be thrown among them, whereby many of them were sore bitten and hurt by flight. Lampridius c. 23.

He did fantastically set up a Senate of Women, with suitable Orders, as how to attire, where take place, when salute; but after his death all Women were deprived of that privilege by the Senate. Id. ib. c. 4. and 18.

He did drive Chariots drawn by Elephants in the Vatican, levelling the tombs which stood in his way; he was also drawn by 4 Camels in the Circus, by 4 Mastives in the Palace, after he was Emperor; by 4 stags in public, sometimes by Lions he naming himself Magna Mater, also by Tigers counterfeiting Bacchus, unto whom through his excessive humor of drinking he was something more like: other whiles 4 naked Wenches drew him, he being also naked. Lamprid. c. 23. 28. 29.

He was addicted to divination by inspection of the bowels of young men sacrificed, choosing many fair Gentlemen throughout all Italy, whose Parents were living, that their sorrow might be the greater, Lampridius c. 8.

By persuasion of Maesa his Grand-mother, who pretended to free him from cares of state, he proclaimeth Alexander Severus his Cousin German Caesar, maketh him Consul with himself, and adopteth him for his Son, the Senate ridiculously voting what he commanded, viz. Alex. Severus who was 12 years old, to be the Son of Heliog abalus who was but 16.

He assaying in vain to draw his cozen to his unseemly courses, repented that he had made him his collegue in the Empire; expelled all his Tutors from the Court, and put the chief of them to death: alleging ridiculously, that the Pedants spoiled his Son, not suffering him to dance and revel, but teaching him to be Modest and use manly exercises. Herodian. l. 5. c. 7. Lamprid. c. 13.

That he revenged himself on none who mocked him upon the reading of Macrinu • his letters against him at Rome: Tristan imputeth to the prudent moderation of Maesa and Eutychianus, by whose means chiefly he got the Empire, whom yet he put to death with cruel ingratitude, only because he was advised by him to reform.

The Syrian Priests having foretold him that he should die a violent death, he build a rich and stately Tower whence he might throw himself down; preparing also cords of crimson silk and gold to strangle himself with; rich swords to thrust himself through; keeping poison in boxes of Emeralds and Jacynth, that he might choose a death according to his humor: saying, That however he died, his death should be glorious in the eyes of men, and such a one as none ever died.

But he failed of his hope, though not of his desert; for the Soldiers of his own guard, whom he commanded to make away his Cousin-german, and deface his statues, for the love they bore to Alexander Severus, killed Heliogabalus himself in a privy, whither he fled to escape them.

His body was drawn by a Soldier through all the streets of Rome, like the carkas of a dog, with this military proclamation: The whelp of untamed and ravening lust. At last when the quantity of his body was greater then would enter into the stool of a privy, wherein for the last funeral ceremony it should have been buried, they drew it to Tiber, binding it to an heavy weight, & so cast it into the River, that it might neither float above water nor be buried; he being the only Emperor who was ever so punished.

They did also thrust stakes through the fundament of some of his lewd companions, that their death might be conformable to their life.

It is observable that notwithstanding he not only permitted, but also encouraged his subjects to live licentiously: moreover was so liberal toward them, that he fed them with most delicate and exquisite meats, gave unto them abundance of money, and all the plate, were it of gold or silver, wherewith he was served, to them who dined or supped with him, & made many other very sumptuous distributions to the people: yet the Romans nevertheless abhorring in him their own vices, or rather being satiated therewith, slew him as is above mentioned, in the 21 year of his age, when he had reigned 3 years 9 months & 4 days.

Choyce Observations OF ALEXANDER MAMMAEAE.

HE was named Alexander, because he was born in the Temple of Alexander the Great, and on that day that Alexander died; he had a Foster-father called Philip, and a nurse named Olympias: in allusion to Alexander the Great's Father and Mother. Lampridius in Alexandro Severo. c. 5. & 13. who reckoneth 14. omens of his coming to the Empire.

He is called Alexander Mammaeae from his mother Mammaea more known then his Father.

Though he was strict in his discipline, yet Lampridius erroneously affirmeth that he was named Severus for his severity to the Soldiers. Tristan tom 2. p. 385.

His mother Julia Mammaea (daughter of Maesa) was a Christian woman, and did send for Origen to instruct her son in the grounds of the Christian religion.

He was the first who received at one time all ornaments and tokens of honor, which he purchased by his honest life and virtuous manners, whereby he obtained such favor of all men, that when his Cousin-German Heliogabalus would have slain him, he could not for the Soldiers and Senates resistance: he proving himself worthy to be saved harmless by the Senate and Soldiers, and to be elected Emperor by the votes of all good men, when he was but 16. years old. Lamprid. c. 2.

He was then so modest, that when the Senate and people would have given to him the sur-names of Antoninus and Magnus as principal titles of Honor, he humbly refused them, saying openly unto the Senate; It pleaseth me not to assume what belongeth to others, and I find myself overladen with your love, for these high names of honor are too burdensome to me. Whereupon (saith Lamprid. c. 12.) he gained more honor, than if he had taken titles upon him, and from that time he had the repute of a moderate and wise man.

[Eruditionis gloriam famam{que} declinando eruditissimus habebatur saith Jerome of Nepotianus.]

He went usually in the morning betime to his devotion into his closet, where were set the images of Apollonius, Christ, Abraham, and Orpheus. Lamprid. c. 29.

He did read much the life of Alexander the Great, whom he imitated especially, yet abhorred his drunkeness and cruelty toward his friends. Id. c. 30.

He would not hear Orators or Poets speak anything to his praise, counting it folly, but willingly heard Orations of the acts of other good Princes, or of famous Romans; and most gladly such as were made in praise of Alexander the Great. Id. c. 35.

He had the picture of Virgil and Tully, with Achilles and other great persons in his lesser lararium; Alexander the great among those he worshipped as God's in his greater. Id. ibid. c. 31.

He was at first harsh, after favorable to Christians, thought to build a Temple to Christ, but was diverted by Vlpian and others who having consulted their Heathen gods, received this answer (saith Lamprid. c. 43.) that if that were suffered, all men would be Christians, and all other Temples desolate.

He delighted not in clothe of gold or silks, saying; Government consisted in virtue, and not in costly apparel. Lamprid. c. 33.

At his table he drunk not in cups of gold, and kept not above 200. pound weight of silver vessels in his house, Id. ibid. c. 34.

He sold Jewels that were given to him, counting it unfit for himself to possess such things, as he could neither give to his soldiers, nor any man find profit in. Wherefore when an Embassador had given to the Empresse 2. unions of wonderful greatness, he commanded them to be sold: and when none could be found who would give as much as they were prized at, lest any ill example should proceed from his wife, if she wore that which nobody could buy, 〈◊〉 caused them to be hanged at the ears of the Image of Venus: thereby declaring that such things either for the inestimable price were • itter for gods then men: or for the unprofitable beauty thereof served only for persons of wanton dispositions, whereof Venus was goddess and patronesse.

He would not suffer any to come into his presence, but such as were honest and of good report, commanding that none should enter into his Palace, but only such who knew themselves to be free from vice: causing it to be proclaimed that no person knowing himself to be a thief, should presume to salute him upon pain of capital punishment. Lamprid. c. 18.

He prohibited infamous women to salute his Wife or Mother. Id. c. 25.

He was strict in his own manners, wherefore all noble men assayed to imitate him, and honorable matrons followed the Empresses example. Id. c. 41.

He caused the sinews of one of his Secretary's fingers to be cut through, so that he could never write after, and banished him, for forging a false bill in his Counsel. Id. ib. c. 28. Videsis plura.

He commanded one of his own servants, who had abused him by receiving 100. Crowns of a Soldier for a bribe, to be hanged in the high way, wherein his servants most frequently passed to his mannors without the City. Id. c. 23.

He used like severity toward soldiers; for when he heard that one of them had wronged a poor old woman, he cashiered him and made him be bond slave to the woman, that he being a carpenter might with his trade and labor maintain her: and when the Soldiers were grieved thereat, he persuaded them to be contended, and made them afraid to grudge at it. Id. c. 51.

He would in no case permit offices to be sold; for (said he) he who buyeth, must sell; I will not endure any merchandise of authority; which if I tolerate, I cannot afterwards condemn; and I shall be ashamed to punish him who sold what I permitted him to buy. Id. c. 49.

He so abhorred bribery, that if by chance he saw a Judge therewith corrupted, he was ready to scratch out his eyes; and was so incensed at the sight of such extortioners, that he would immediately vomit up choler, his face being as it were on fire, and he not able of a long time to speak a word. Id. c. 17.

He had a favourite named Vetronius Turinus, who used to be more familiar with him then others, which so blinded him, that he by lies confirmed the opinion of many, who thought the Emperor would do nothing without his advice. Which abuse the Emperor hearing of used this plot to circumvent him. He caused one to desire something of him openly, and after to sue privily to Turinus to help him in his demand, and secretly to move the Emperor for him: which being done, Turinus promised good will to the petitioner, and soon after said that he had solicited the Emperor therein, (whereas he spoke not a word thereof) and expected his answer; whereupon he received of the said person a great sum of money, which the Emperor knowing, caused him to call often on Turinus; who, as if he had other business in hand, only beckoned on him without speaking anything to him; the Emperor in the interim having given to another that which this man sued for, who grudging thereat, discovered openly what Turinus had received of him: whereupon the Emperor commanded Turinus to be accused openly in his presence, and all things being proved by sufficient and credible witnesses, in whose presence he had received bribes, and in whose hearing he had promised great matters: he was adjudged by the Emperor to be bound to a stake in the market place, and to be smothered to death with smoke of green sticks and wet stubble, the bedell being commanded to cry the mean while, Fumo punitur qui vendidit fumum; He perisheth by smoke who had vented smoke instead of substance. But lest men should think the judgment was too rigorous for one offense, before he was condemned to die, the Emperor made diligent search, and found by evident proofs, that Turinus had often and in many causes received money of both parts, promising to promote their cause to the Emperor. Lamprid▪ c. 35. & 36.

He had in his chamber bills containing the number of his Soldiers, with their names, and what time they had served; and when he was alone, he perused their accounts, and the number of them with their dignities and wages, that he might be surely provided upon all occasions: wherefore when he had anything to do with them, he could tell many of their names. When he was solicited to promote any one, he marked his name, and then searched his books of remembrance, wherein were the names of them who served him, with the time of their service, also their reward, and at whose request they were promoted. Id. c. 21.

In his expeditions if any Soldier going out of the way passed through another man's ground, he would cause him to be beaten with rods, or be drubbed in his sight: or if the dignity of the person freed him from such punishments, he would severely reprove him, saying; Visne hoc in agro tuo fieri, quod alteri facis? Lamprid. c. 51.

When his Soldiers mutinyed at Antioch, because he exercised martial discipline upon some of them for debauchednesse, he stilled them with these words; Quirites discedite, atque arma deponite. A wonderful example, they all putting off their arms and soldiers coats, departed to their several lodgings. Then the Emperors guard brought all the Standards into the Camp, and the people themselves brought all their armor to the Emperors Palace: Yet that very Legion which he disbanded, being sued unto 30 days before he went toward Persia, he received again, and by their valor especially, he overcame his enemies: notwithstanding ere he departed he put to death the Commanders of that Legion, because the soldiers passed their time riotously at Daphne, through their negligence or connivence. Id. ib. c. 53. & 54.

He so heard the complaints of soldiers against their Commanders, that if he found any Officer faulty, he punished him according to the quality of the offense, without purpose of pardon. Id. c. 23.

He made one a pretorian prefect, who fled to avoid so arduous employment, saying; Invitos, non ambientes in republica collocandos, They were fit to bear office of state who shunned them, not those that sued for them. Id. c. 19.

[King William Rufus (sacrilegious in other acts) herein discharged a good conscience. Two Monks came to him to buy an Abbots place of him, seeking to outvie each other in offering great sums of money, whilst a third Monk stood by, and said nothing. To whom said the King; What wilt thou give for the place? Not a penny, answered he, for it is against my conscience; but here I stay to wait home on him whom your Royal pleasure shall design Abbot. Then quoth the King, Thou of the three best deservest the place, and shalt have it, and so bestowed it on him. Fullers Holy stare. l. 2. c. 12.]

He never made a Senator without the Counsel and approbation of the whole Senate, testimony of him being given by honorable persons; but if either the Senators who gave their suffrage, or the witnesses were found to have spoken untruly, they were put into the lowest place of esteem, being also condemned by the people as deceivers and forgers without hope of remission. Lamprid. c. 19.

He loved learned men, and feared them also very much, lest they should write any thing sharply of him. Lamprid. c. 3.

His Mother Mammaea and his Grand-mother Maesa chose out of the Senate 16 grave and honorable Peers for his Counsellers and Assistants, without whose consent nothing was to pass as an Act of State. Herodian. l. 6. c. 1.

He transacted no weighty matter of judicature, without the advice of no less then 50 most learned and wise men, beside 20 Lawyers (18 whereof were Scholars of Papinian) of whom Vlpian was chief.

Every man's opinion was heard, and what they said was written; a competent time being given each Counselor to consider what they propounded, that they might not speak unadvisedly in matters of importance. Lamprid. c. 16. and 68.

In Law and business of state, intelligent, learned and eloquent men were of his Council; in military affairs old Commanders, who had behaved themselves valiantly in several battails, and were expert in the situation of places, pitching of fields, and preparation of camps; in each matters he advised with the best Historians: asking them, what the Emperors of Rome or Princes of foreign countries in former times did in like cases as were then in debate. Id. c. 16.

When he appointed Governors of Provinces, he published their names, exhorting and encouraging the people to bring in what exception they could against them, and manifestly to prove the crime, if there was cause of accusation; provided, if they did not sufficiently prove their charge, and that their accusation proceeded from malice, the accuser should forthwith be beheaded: for, said he, Since Christians and Jews use this method in ordination of Priests, it is most reasonable that the like course should be taken in the choice of Rectors of Provinces, to whom are committed the lives and fortunes of those who are under them. Id. c. 49.

When certain Hucksters and Cooks pretended they had right to a place which was consecrated by the Christians, and it was inquired what was his pleasure therein, he answered; It was better that God should be worshipped there after any sort, then that the place should be put to vain uses. Id. c. 49.

Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History l. 6. saith, that there were many Christians in his family.

He wrote down so far as he could remember, what he had given to any man, and if he found any to whom he had either given nothing, or that which was not equal to his merit, he called them unto him, saying What is the cause that thou askest nothing of me? Wouldst thou have me to be in thy debt? Ask something that thou mayest not complain of me for want of promotion. Id. c. 46.

When any one had exercised his office in the Common-wealth well, at the end of his term when there was a Successor appointed, he would say to him who departed out of his office; Gratias tibi agit Respublica: and would so reward him, that being a private person, he might according to his degree live the more honestly. Id. c. 32.

He allowed every Judge of a Province 20 pound weight in silver, 6 silver pots, 2 Mules, 2 Mulets, 2 Horses, a Horse-keeper and a Muletour, 2 Robes to sit in judgment, one honorable garment to wear in his house, one for his bath, one cook, and 100 crowns; their employment being ended, they were bound to restore the Mules, Mulets, Horses, Muletours and Cooks: but might retain the residue if they had discharged their office well, otherwise they paid 4 times as much as they received. Id. c. 42.

He did let no day pass without exercising himself in learning and martial affairs. Id. c. 3.

Every day also he did some good to others, in which (saith Tristan) he had an advantage of happiness above Titus, who could not express the like goodness above space of 2 years in which he reigned.

If necessity required, he heard matters before day, staying till it was late; never seeming to be weary or troubled: but had all the time the same countenance, in all things appearing merry and pleasant. Lampridius c. 29.

He was so courteous, that he visited the meanest of his sick friends, desiring them to tell him their minds freely of every thing, and hearing them attentively; and when he had heard them thoroughly, whatsoever he found amiss he carefully amended: and when his mother Mammaea and his wife Memmia blamed him for his great civility, saying it made his authority contemptible, he answered; but more secure and durable. Id. c. 20.

He repaired most of the Bridges which were built by Trajan, leaving notwithstanding the name and honor thereof to Trajan. Id. c. 26.

His Soldiers marceed like Senators to the Persian war, the Country loving them as brethren, and honoring the Emperor as a God. Id. c. 50.

When he dined or supped abroad, he had ever with him Vlpian or other learned men, that he might benefit himself by their discourse, with which he said, that he was both recreated and • ed. Id. c. 34.

In all the time of his reign, which lasted 14 years he suffered none to die, but those who were condemned by law; a rare virtue, and not practiced by any since Marcus Aurelius: and there had been nothing wanting to have rendered him a most excellent Prince, had not his Mother who was (a good woman but) too miserable, blasted his honor by her sordid demeanour. Herodian l. 6. c. 9.

He meeting with a Druid as he went into Germany, she said to him; Vadas, nec victoriam speres, nec militi tuo credas. Lampridias c. 60.

Thrasybulus his friend foretelling that he should die by the hand of a barbarian, he rejoiced, thinking that he should die a warlike death; but he was mistaken in his interpretation, dying not in war: for the soldiers enraged with his discipline, and his mother Mammaea 's covetousness, slew both near Mainz in Germany, by the instigation of Maximus a muletour whom he had raised.

He lived 29 years 11 months and 7 days, and reigned (saith Lampride) 13 years and 9 days. S. Aur. Victor saith that when Alexander saw himself forsaken of his guard, he cried out upon her which gave him his life, as the cause of his death; adding that Mammaea had reduced her son to such an extremity by her sparing humor, who if never so little was left at their overfrugal table, reserved it till another time.

Vere Mammaeus à studio in matrem Mammaeam, ex cujus arbitrio & consilio multa administrat infeliciter & cum proprio exitio. Dietericus in breviario historico.

Julian bringeth in Silenus thus deriding him: O te hominem amentissimum, & nullius plane consilii! qui ad tantum dignitatis fastigium elatus, tuas res ex animi tui sententia non administrasti, sed tuas pecunias matri commisisti, neque tibi tn mentem venit, longe satius & utilius esse ease amicis impartiri, quàm sibi recondere.

He is the more to be honored and admired, since being come of uncertain linage, born far from Rome, and in so barbarous a Country as Syria, he so well governed the Roman Empire, which before his time was extremely corrupted with detestable vices.

Dion was contemporary and Consul with Alexander, with whom he endeth his history, of which Bussieres in his Flosculi historici passeth this censure: Tunc Dio Cassius principi charus & fastis insertus, inauguravit literas trabea; Romanae Graecus scriptor historiae perquam accuratus, quam tamen negligentia temporum perdidit, dum studiosus brevitatis in Xiphilino, ignorantiam sovet, & umbram amans corpus amittit.

Choyce Observations OF MAXIMINUS, And his Son MAXIMUS.

MAximinus spent his youth in keeping cattle, yet was advanced afterward for his stature which exceeded 8 foot by 6 fingers. Capitolinus in Maxim. c. 1. & in Maximino I un, c. 2. secundum correctionem Casauboni & Salmasii. [Ego (ut 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , cui magna solet esse fides, testem saciam) Belgam (Antwerpianum se fere. bat) in Galliis, Anno 1583. vidi novem pedes altitudine excedentem, &c. Merula Cosmographis parte prima, l. 3. c. 14.]

His body was so great that his wives bracelet served him for a ring. Capitolinus in Maximino, c. 6.

His stomach was answerable; he eating daily 40, sometimes 60 pound weight of flesh; and drinking 6 gallons of wine, Id. ibid. c, 4.

His strength was suitable; he being able to draw waines loaden with his hands; to strike out the teeth of a horse with his fist, to break his thighs with a kick; to crumble tophy stones between his fingers, and to cleave young Trees: for which he was called Hercules, Antaeus, and M • lo; as Achilles, Hector, and Ajax, for his valor. Id. ibid. c. 6. and 8.

Sept. Severus celebrating the birth-day of his Son Geta, with military sports, gave the winners for a reward jewels, collars, bracelets, belts; Maximinus who was newly come to the army, and could scarce speak Latin came before him, entreating his leave that he might put forth himself in these exercises. Severus wondering at the greatness of his body, granted his request; but upon conditition, that he should not encounter with any soldier, but with such as were water-bearers and servitors of the Camp, among which were very strong and stout men. Maximinus overcame 16 of them before he rested, receiving so many smaller rewards, but not such as were given to the Soldiers, and was listed for service. Three days after the Emperor riding to view his Camp, saw Maximinus (who was yet but a fresh water-soldier) out of order; wherefore he commanded a Colonel to call him into his rank, and to instruct him in the duty he was to obverve in the wars: Maximinus imagining the Emperor spake of him, kneeled down at his feet. The Emperor desiring to see whether he could run well or no, spurred his Horse and took several Turnes in the field; and seeing Maximinus left not of running, old Severus being tired said to Maximinus, Thracian, will you wrestle after your race? whereto he answered, So long as it shall please your Majesty. Then the Emperor choosing 7 of the strongest men in his army, Maximinus overcame them without resting between. Whereupon Severus commanded a collar of gold to be given to him alone, with certain pieces of silver; made him one of his guard, and commanded that he should continually attend in the palace: by which means he came to be esteemed by the Commanders and Soldiers, and to obtain what he desired of the Emperor, Id. ib. c. 2. and 3.

He was diligent as well after as before his preferment, saying, Ego quo major fuero, tanto plus labor abo: and rather then his Soldiers should be out of action, he employed them in hunting.

Even in his old age he would throw down 5, 6, or 7 Soldiers (whom he wrestled with) one after another; and being challenged by a Tribune who envied him, whē they met, Maximinus gave him such a blow on the breast with the palm of his hand, that he threw him flat upon his back, saying, in sport; Date alium, sed Tribunum. Id. ib. c. 6.

Caracalla made Maximinus a Centurion; (in Macrinus his reign he left the army out of hatred to the assasinate of his sovereign;) even Heliogabalus permitted him to be a Tribune: but Alexander Severus gave him the command of a Legion, whose death notwithstanding he disloyally practiced (as is before mentioned;) whereupon he was elected Emperor by the soldiers, without the consent of the Senate. Id. ibid. c. 4. 5. 7. 8.

It appeareth unquestionably that he committed this villainy (notwithstanding the doubts of some) because he killed all Alexanders relations and friends. Tristan.

He arrogantly usurped the names of Cajus Julius Verus, and the proud Epithets of Invictus, Fortissimus, and Nobilissimus; notwithstanding his ignoble extraction. Tristan.

He suffered no noble person to be about him, and out of a desire to conceal the baseness of his birth, slew even the best of his friends who were conscious of it. Lampridius c. 9.

His tyranny caused many to conspire against him, which he discovering, took an occasion to renew his cruelty.

Maximinus first thanked Macedonius, who treacherously slew Tycus that had rebelled against him, but afterward put him to death as a Traitor. Capitolinus c. 11.

Prae • larum tyranni factū, & vere singular, nam totâ vitâ unicum hoc laude dignum. Elenchus Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodlejana.

He slew all of the faction of his adversary Magnus without any judicial process, not satisfied with the slaughter of above 4000. Capitolinus c. 10.

Maximus Pupienus (who made preparations at Ravenna to wage war against him by the Senates appointment) was exceedingly afraid of him, and saying often; that he was not engaged against a man, but a Cyclops: and Balbinus (who was made his colleague in the Empire by the Senate, and staid at Rome) trembled at the naming of him.

He was so feared at Rome, that, when he was in Italy, the women with their children prayed solemnly in their Temples that he might never return; having heard that some were crucified by him, some enclosed in beasts newly killed, others cast to wild beasts, others bruised with clubs, without any regard to the quality of persons. Id. ibid. c. 8.

For his cruelty (which he thought necessary for his security) he was hated, and called Cyclops, Busiris, Syron, Phalaris, Typhon, and Gyges. Id ib. &c. 9.

He was so infatuated with the confidence of his own greatness and personal strength, that he entertained a conceit, that death durst not adventure to encounter him, for fear of having his Javelin broke about his own crazy skull, and all his Skeleton of bones rattled to dust. Dr. Charletons Darkness of Atheism dispelled by the light of nature, p. 178.

Because he thought himself immortal, he was covertly defied in the Theatre by a Comoedian in these verses:

What was spoken in sport, befell him in earnest; for Maximinus hasting with his army towards Rome to be revenged of the Senate which intended resistance, was opposed at Aquileja, where women made bow-strings of their hair to shoot against him; at which repulse he became so furious that he killed many of his own Soldiers; wherewith the rest being enraged slew him and his Son, saying; Canis pessimi ne catulus quidem relinquendus: Of a bad litter not a whelp is to be left.

He was 65 years old when he died, and his Son 21.

The time of their reign is not agreed upon.

The Messenger who brought word of their death, came from Aquileia to Rome (798 miles) in 4 days, Capitolinus c. 25.

Magna sane diligentia: sed non incredibilis; cùm similis celeritatis aut etiam majoris exempla & apud veteres legantur, & hodieque ed saepissime videamus. Constat hodiernos veredarios Roma Lute • iam saepe diebus sex septem commeare: quae longe major contentio est, Casaubonus.

When his head with his sons were brought to Rome, all ran to the Altars to thank the God's, and Balbinus sacrificed Hecatombs for his deliverance, commanding the same to be done throughout the Empire.

Maximinus was the Author of the 6 persecution, which Tristan thinks he raised only that he might confiscate the Christians goods, his sacrilegious covetousness not permitting him to spare Heathen Temples.

In his reign GORDIAN the father and son took upon them the Empire in Africa, the Son was slain by Capellianus a friend to Maximinus, the Father through despair strangled himself.

Choyce Observations OF MARCUS CLODIUS, PUPIENUS MAXIMUS, And DECIMUS CAELIUS BALBINUS. Collegues

VPon the death of the 2 Gordians the Senate chose Pupienus and Balbinus Empeperours in opposition to Maximinus. In the mean time the Commons decried the election, but especially rejected Pupienus, as too austere; and cried out that they would presently kill them both, and have a Prince of Gordians linage, that the Empire might continue in that name. Balbinus and Pupienus assaying to go forth of the Capitol, were kept in with clubs and stones, till they deluded the people by this invention.

There was in the City a little boy, son to Gordians daughter, and of his Grand-fathers name; whom they sent for thither. They who were sent for him, finding him playing at home, lifted him on their shoulders, and so carried him through the crowd, telling the people he was Gordians Nephew, and of his name: the people shouting for joy, and casting leaves upon him. When the Senate had proclaimed him Caesar (his minority not permitting him to manage the state) and the people were calmed, the elected Emperors were suffered to pass to the Palace, Herodian. l. 7. c. 10.

Balbinus was both noble and ancient, Pupienus was ignobly descended, but had born many offices, which having discharged with wisdom and valor, he was highly prized by the Senate.

These Emperors were not joined in affection, as in authority; each holding himself most deserving: each having their own, and standing upon their own guard.

The election of these Emperors by the Senate displeased the soldiers so much, that at last they assaulted the Court, and easily slew these Senatorian Emperors, (as they carried them) being at variance; crying out that they had but slain them, whom themselves first rejected.

Zosimus, saith that Balbinus and Pupienus, would have killed young Gordian, because he was more beloved of the soldiers, by whom he was made Caesar; who hearing of their design, prevented them: but Boeclerus thinketh he is mistaken.

Choyce Observations Of ANTONIUS GORDIANUS

UPon the dath of Balbinus and Pupienus, Gordian the third, before created Caesar by the Senate through the importunity of the soldiers; was made Emperor by a general consent in the thirteenth year of his age.

He married Tranquillina daughter of Misitheus, whom he loved and honored for his learning; by whose advice he transacted state-affairs prosperously, expelling Sapor King of Persia from Syria, recovering Antioch, Nisibis, and Carrae by his assistance: for which success the Senate appointed a triumph for Gordian, and a triumphal chariot for Misitheus with this inscription: Misitheo parenti principum, Pop. Rom. tutori r • ip. S. P. Q. R.

Misitheus was soon missed for counsel and trust, being poisoned by Philip an Arabian of ignoble parentage, who was made Prefect in his stead, and aspired to the Empire.

Philip secretly caused a scarcity of victuals in the Army, which he did, that the soldiers might imagine it to be occasioned by Gordians neglect, whom he charged with inability to govern, being so young.

The Officers were corrupted by Philip, and the soldiers through ignorance of his deceit, make him Gordians Governor, whereupon he grew so insolent, that he commanded all, as if he had been sole Emperor.

Gordian discerning his aim complaineth openly to the soldiers of the wrong which was done to him by Philip, notwithstanding all obligations to the contrary; but Philip's project prevailing, Gordian since he could not share in the Empire, sued to be a Captain, which was denied him: Philip not thinking himself safe (whilst Gordiā of great blood and esteem was alive) slew him in the 22 year of his age, and 6 of his reign; as if Justice herself appeared evidently to take vengeance on the Traitors, each of his Murderers with the same Poinyard wherewith they slew him, killed himself.

Gordiaus Motto was Miser est Imperator apud quem verà reticentur; which was his own case.

Choyce Observations OF PHILIPPUS ARABS, And his Son CAIUS JULIUS SATURNINUS PHILIPPUS.

PHILIP the Father writing to the Senate of Gordians death as if it had happened naturally, was by them proclaimed Emperor, through fear of the Soldiers.

The Goths infesting Mysia and Asia, Philip sent Marinus against them, who as soon as he came into those parts drew his Army into a rebellion, and proclaimed himself Emperor; taking (he said) his example from Philip, who raised his title by his sovereignes fall.

Philip complaining very much to the Senate of Marinus his ingratitude, Decius bid him not fear, for Marinus should suffer for it, as he did, for the mutable soldiers, who even now erected him, suddenly threw him down, and slew him.

Decius being sent in Marinus his room, was also proclaimed Emperor by the soldiers, though against his will, out of their hatred to Phil • p.

Decius sent secretly to Philip, professing he meant to escape the soldiers, and persist in his allegiance: Philip fearing that was but policy (lest Decius should be stronger by delays) hasted himself with a great Army, and being overcome was slain by the soldiers at Verona, his head being cut off through the teeth.

At the news whereof the Pretorian soldiers slew his son, but 12 years old; who was so composed, that it from the 5 year of his age none could make him laugh: and when his Father was tickled with laughter at the secular plays, he looked on him with an estranged countenance.

The time of their reign was 7 years say some, others say 6, some but 5.

The elder Philip's age is not related by any Historian.

Choyce Observations OF TRAJANUS DECIUS, And his Son ETRUSCUS DECIUS.

DECIVS was elected Emperor by the Persian legions, proclaimed in Verona by the Roman soldiers, and had the voices of the Senate to confirm him.

He was noble by birth, an experienced, wise and valiant Prince; and might have been reckoned among the best; had he not with an heathenish rage persecuted the Christians, being Author of the seventh persecution.

He put more Christians to death in a year and an half, than Trajan (whose name he had, and whom he would have been thought to resemble) in 20. Tristan.

The Novatians would not communicate with them, who had denied the faith in the persecution of Decius, and afterwards repenting turned to the same faith again, Nicephorus Callistus l. 12. c. 28. The fear of his persecution gave the original to a Monkish life.

He was victorious against the Goths, and joining a fresh battle with them, was overthrown by the treason of Gallus his General: saith Pomponius Laetus.

His son was mortally wounded by an arrow, he leaping into a whirl pool was never seen after.

Tristan thinketh this misfortune befell Decius for a punishment of his persecutions.

Vopiscus in the life of Aurelian, and Pomponius Laetus compare Decius and his son with the Decii Mures, who devoted themselves to destruction in a dangerous fight, for the safety of their Country, which depended thereupon. But the comparison doth not agree saith Tristan. For the 2 ancient Decii rendered the Romans victorious by their death, whereas these by theirs made them slaves to the Barbarians, and lost many of their Provinces. Besides that Decius the Father was drowned and swallowed up in his flight, which hath no resemblance with the end of the Decii of the ancient Commonwealth.

He died at the age of 50, having reigned 2 years.

Choyce Observations OF TREBONIANUS GALLUS, And his Son VOLUSIANUS.

GALLVS appearing much grieved for Decius his death, was not suspected; which facilitated his attaining of the Empire.

He caused Virtus Augustorum to be stamped upon his and his sons medails, as if he had got the Empire by valor and not by deceit.

Under these two Emperors arose a plague in Ethiopia, which spread itself by degrees in all the Provinces of the Roman Empire, and lasted 15 years together, without intermission; and so great was the mortality, that in Alexandria, as Dionisius himself (at that time the Bishop of that Sea) reports, there was not one house of the City free, and the remainder of the inhabitants equalled not the number of old men in former times: By means whereof St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, who lived in that age, took occasion to write that excellent Treatise de Mortalitate: And Lipsius his censure of this pestilence is, Non alia unquam major lues mihi lecta, spatio temporum sive terrarum.

Aemilianus his General having overcome the Goths, grew so proud thereupon, that he aspired to the Empire, which he purchased by the good will of the soldiers, who slew Gallus and his Son in battle.

Dexippus who lived in those times saith he governed but 18 months.

Choyce Observations OF AEMILIANUS.

HE was an African of obscure parentage, and arose to be a General from a common soldier.

His election was at first contradicted by the Italian band, who sought to make Valerian Emperor, to which the Senate inclined, because of Valerians renown.

Aemilians Army hearing of the election of Valerian, tumultuously murdered their own creature, who reigned almost 4. months.

Some reckon him among Usurpers, but his title is allowed by Eutropius.

Of 30 Emperors who reigned since Octavius Augustus time, until Valerian, 6 of them escaped not the hands of murderers. Lloids consent of time.

Choyce Observations OF VALERIANUS.

HE was nobly descended, and of such esteem among the Romans that being a private man, and absent they chose him for their Censor; an office of great dignity, ever conferred upon the best saith Trebellius Pollio who wrote his life.

At the beginning of his reign he was gracious to the Christians above any of his Predecessors, but after being perverted by an Egyptian magician and Macrianus, he was author of the 8 persecution.

He was very cruel; pulled out the eyes of young children thereby consulting of future Events.

In his reign there suffered 300 Martyrs together at Carthage, whom the Governor of the City commanded either to throw frankincense into the fire (set before them) in honor of Jupiter, or else to cast themselves head-long into a Brick kiln hard by, which they did, choosing rather to embrace fire, than resist light. Prudentius in Peristeph.

When he warred in Mesopotamia, he was taken prisoner by Sapor King of Persia (through the treachery of Macrianus) and used like a slave as long as he lived, Sapor setting his foot upon his neck whensoever he mounted on horse-back, to the utmost vilifying of Majesty, and the regret of divers interceding Princes.

It was the most signal affront which the Romans hitherto ever received in the person of their Emperors. Tristan.

At last saith Eusebius, by Sapors command, his eyes were pulled out, wherewith he died; Agathias saith he was flayed alive, and rubbed all over with salt: a calamity which may challenge tears of blood.

He lived along, but disgraceful age; was 76 years old before he was taken prisoner: after his captivity he lived 7 years in reproaches, and then died a violent death. A man of a poor mind, and not valiant; notwithstanding lifted up in his own, and the opinion of men, but falling short in the performance. Sr. Fr. Bacon. Infaelicissimus Principum a filio Gallieno in Deos relatus est, quasi Deum facere posset, quem liberum facere aut nequiverat, aut neglexerat, Cluverus.

Gallienus tam claro Dei judicio territus miseroque collegae permotus exemplo, pacem Ecclesiae trepidâ satisfaction restituit, saith Orosius.

Choyce Observations. GALLIENUS.

WHen Valerian his Father was taken prisoner, he was made Emperor.

He was expert in Oratory, Poetry, and all other arts, but was defective in other qualifications which are requisite in an Emperor.

At first he acted like a valiant Captain, overcame and slew Ingenu • s (who usurped the Empire) as also Trebellianus; & overcame 300000 Goths, & Almans, having but 10000 on his side (saith Zonaras) but after he gave himself so much to sensuality, that when the World was infected with Wars, he continued for the most part in Rome among whores, compassed with Roses and Flowers; seeking new delights, often bathing himself, studying how he might keep Figs and other fruits green all the year; having ordinarily at his table most exquisite and delicate meats, and of great cost. Trebellius Pollio in Gallieno c. 16.

He commanded one, who had sold counterfeit jewels to his Wife, to be cast to a Lion; but the den being opened, nothing came forth but a Capon: at which when the people wondered, he bade the Cryer proclaim, Imposturam fecit & passus est; being content to have the impostor more frighted than hurt. Id. ib. c. 12. Videsis Christiani Matthiae Theatrum Historicum Theoretico-practicum. p. 263.

When a shooting prize was played before him, he gave the garland to one who shot always wide, concluding that it was the more improbable difficulty to aim so often, and never to hit. Taurum toties non sagittis vel jaculis ferire difficile est. Id. ib.

Whē it was told him that Egypt rebelled, he answered, Cannot we live without the linen of Egypt? Being advertised of the loss of other Provinces, he answered so scornfully, that he seemed to care for nothing: which occasioned 30 Tyrants to make themselves Emperors in his time; whereof two were Women, Zenobia and Victoria.

In his reign the Heavens were darkened so that the Sun was not seen for many days; in the bowels of the earth were heard roarings, with the fear whereof many died; Earthquakes threw down many houses, whereby the Inhabitants were destroyed; these Earthquakes were frequent in Rome, Africa, but especially in Asia; the Earth opened in many places, and shown Vaults and Caves, from whence salt-water streamed; a • d several Cities were drowned by the Sea: and in Rome there died above 5000 in one day of the pestilence. Treb. Pollio c. 5.

Gallienus addicted only to his pleasures, was not affected with these calamities, thinking they proceeded rather from chance than any signal punishment.

He grieved not for his Fathers captivity, but, when he was informed of it, said, alluding to the speech of Xenophon the Philosopher, who having lost his son, said, Sciebam me genuisse mortalem; Sciebam patrem meum esse mortalem: I knew that my Father was liable to the same miseries as other men. Nec defuit Annius Cornicula, qui eum quasi constantem Principem salso sua voice laudaret, pejor tamen ill qui credidit, saith Pollio, c. 17. videsis Cuspinianum in Gallieno.

Odenatus though an Independent Prince, was of such moderation, that he held correspondence with Gallienus, & sent him such of the Persian Nobility as he had taken prisoners, for monuments of his victory over Sapor, and revenge of the indignities offered to Valerian: thus Odenatus conquered, and Gallienus triumphed, who when he could not eclipse Odenatus his merit by any Princely virtue, nor suppress it by valor, sought to deface it by treachery; but failing of his aims therein, he made him partner of the Empire for fear; Odenatus receiving the titles of Imperator, and Augustus, from Gallienus and the Senate.

Being not ashamed ridiculously to triumph over the Persians, who detained his Father prisoner, & to lead thē captive in his mock-show; some jeering companions mixing themselves with the Persians, exactly viewed their countenances, and being asked wherefore they did it, answered, We seek for his Majesty's Father; which when Gallienus heard of, he was so incensed at the taunt, that he commanded those who uttered it to be burned alive.

The Scythians invading Cappadocia, the soldiers attempt to make a new Emperor, for which Gallienus put them all to the sword, Pollio c. 11.

In his time the City Byzantium (renowned for sea-fights, and the place which barreth in the Euxine Sea) was destroyed by his soldiers; to revenge which, he being received into Byzantium, compassed them unarmed with armed soldiers, and slew them contrary to his covenant. And as if he had done some great matter, he posteth to Rome, and summoning the Senators, appointeth decennial plays to be celebrated novo genere ludorum, nova specie pomparum, exquisito genere voluptatum, saith Pollio c. 7.

He killed sometimes 3 or 4000 soldiers in a day. Id. Ib. c. 18.

At last he himself with his brother Valerian and his son Gallienus were slain near Milain (where he besieged Aureolus) by the treachery of Marcianus Ceronius, or Cecropius and Heraclian. Pollio. c. 14.

He lived 50 years, reigned 15, 7 with his Father, 8 alone.

Choyce Observations OF CLAUDIUS GOTHICUS, And his Brother QUINTILLUS.

CLAVDIVS was appointed Emperor by the will of Gallienus being ready to dy, unto who • by Gallonius Basilius, he sent the Imperial Robes to Ticinum.

He was elected by the soldiers before the Walls of Milain, and confirmed in Rome by the Senate with much joy.

He was so renowned a Prince, that he was said to have Augustus his moderation, Trajans virtue, and Antoninus his piety met in him.

A Woman desiring him after he was Emperor, to restore an inheritance, which he had unjustly took from her when he was but a private person; he graciously granted her request, saying, Quod Claudius dum privatus erat, nec leges curabat, abstulit; factus Imperator restituit. Zonaras.

In his time Athens was ransacked by Goths, who piled heaps of Books to burn, but were advised by one to for bear, that the Grecians spending their time in them, might be less fit for war. Cedrenus. B. Egnatius. Judicium barbari non prorsus vanum. Etsi Cleodemus Atheniensis, fuga elapsus, coactaque manu & navibus hosts invadens, Graecis librorum tractatione virtutem non demi ipsorum clade docuit. Heidmannus in Epitome Historica de Imp. Rom. in Claudio. ex Zonora.

Aureolus being slain by his own company, Claudius received the government of those Countries, and fighting against the Almains, he overthrew above half of them. S. Aur. Victor.

He waged war with the Goths, who infested the Empire 15 years with continual irruptions (saith Iornandes) and now in league with many barbarous Nations, invaded Thrace and the Countries before them, even to Macedonia; and thence came through Hungary down Danubius with 2000 sails of ships fraught with munition and men: to meet which Claudius prepared, and engaged them so valiantly, that he slew and took 320000 men, and 2000 ships laden with shields, swords, lances, &c. so that houses were filled therewith.

He intended to go against Tetricus and Zenobia, but was hindered by a fever which soon put an end to his life. He reigned 1 year, 10 months and 15 days. He was deifyed by the Senate; had a statue of gold 10 foot high erected in the Capitol in honor of him by the people at their own cost, (which they never did to any before:) and a target of the same metal, with his picture in it, was hung up in the Court by the Senates appointment. There was also by general consent set up for him a pillar composed of the prowes of ships; upon which was placed his statue, representing him clothed with his Consular robe, of 1500 pound weight of silver.

It was a providence, that Claudius found the Empire so beset with enemies, that he could not exercise so much cruelty as he intended against the Christians.

Julian feigneth that Constantine the great and his children were delivered from torments in Hell, in favor to Claudius their ancestor; the reason of which fiction of that Apostate was certainly, because Claudius was a great persecutor. Tristan.

His brother Quin tillus endeavored to succeed, and was chosen Emperor, but being not able to resist Aurelian, chosen at the same time by the army, he made away himself by opening a vein, at Tarsus in Silicia, say some, having reigned but 17 days; but others write that he was killed by the soldiers.

Choyce Observations OF AURELIANUS.

HIS Parents being mean, he followed the Wars, and advanced himself thereby.

There being in the Army another tribune, who was named Aurelian, and had been taken prisoner with Valerian the Emperor, to distinguish the one from the other, this was called Aurelian with his hand upon his sword; he being upon all occasions with a weapon in his hand, ready for service. Vopiscus in Aureliano. c. 6.

He was very temperate, made no use of Physicians when he was sick, but cured all excess by abstinence. Id. ibid. c. 50.

Though temperate himself, yet he delighted in Phago, who in his presence at one meal ate 100 loaves, and a boar, with a weather and a pig; and drank through a tundish plus orcâ, which Lipsius saith was bigger than the Amphora, but how much he knoweth not; and honored Bonosus a great drinker; of whom he was wont to say, Non ut vivat natus est, sed ut bibat: He was not born to draw in breath, but beer.

Aurelian married this Bonosus a Spaniard (but son of an Englishman) to Hunila a noble Gothish Woman, merely that by her means he might discover the Goths secrets. Vopiscus in Bonoso.

Aurelian appointed Bonosus to carouse with Ambassadors, that they might be brought to bewray secrets by this lene tormentum; whilst he (who had this wonderful property, that he could pisse as fast as he drunk, without containing any jot within his body) faultred not, but was more discreet. Id. ibid.

[Schenkius arma nunquam accuratius tractabat, quàm quum effuse potus, ac vino amens: immo ebrietate ipsa, quae resignare ac aperire occulta quaeque consuveerit, illum ad arcana occult and a uti solitum ferunt. Strada Belli Belgici Decade secunda, l. 10.

Aurelian was Colonel of Horse under Claudius in Persia; he slew in one day 48 of his Enemies with his own hands in the War against the Sarmatians: and slew in several days above 950; whereupon Ballads were sung by Boys on Festivals in praise of him. Vopiscus in Aureliano, c. 6.

When the Enemies of the Romans, had overrun all France, he made such havoc of them at Mainz, that he slew 700, and sold 300 sub corona; upon which occasion new I • gges were made. Id. ib. c. 7.

He overcame all his Enemies in 3 years, whereas Alexander the Great travelled 13 years by great victories, before he came into India. Caesar spent 10 years in overcoming the Gauls, and 4 years in conquering the Romans. S. Aur. Victor.

He caused a Soldier, who had committed Adultery with his Hostesse, to have h • s feet tied to the tops of 2 Trees bent downward, and suffered suddenly to start back again; so the wretch was twitched in sunder, and hung on both sides in halves.

He wrote to one of his Lieutenants, If thou wilt be a Captain, nay if thou wilt live, contain thy Soldiers in their duty. I will not have a peasant wronged in a Chicken, nor a Grape taken without his permission; not a grain of Salt, or a drop of Oil unjustly exacted. I desire my Soldiers should be enriched with spoils of Enemies, not the tears of my Subjects. I would have them chaste in their Quarters, & no Quarrellers. Which commands Baronius compareth with that of John the Baptist to the soldiers, Luk. 3. 14.

He advanced Tetricus (one of the 30 Tyrants in Gallienus his time, whom he overcame) and made him Provost of Lucania, who had been before proclaimed Emperor by the French Army; elegantly upbraiding him, That it was more majestical to rule some part of Italy, than to reign beyond the Alps. S. Aur. Victor.

Being incensed against Tyana, because the Gates of the City were shut against him, he vowed, He would not leave a Dog in it; but having taken it, upon a fright by the ghost of Apollonius Tyanaeus dead long before, he commanded his Soldiers to kill all the Dogs, but spare the Citizens. Grande Principis dictum, grandius militum votum: nam dictum Principis quo praeda negabatur, civitas servabatur, totus exercitus ita quasi ditaretur, accepit. Vopiscus.

Aurelian demanding how he might govern well, was answered by a great personage; You must be provided with Iron and Gold; Iron to use against your Enemies, and Gold to reward your friends. Zonoras.

His chief engagement was against Zenobia, the most beautiful, chaste, learned, wise, and valiant Woman of that age.

Her Letter in answer to him, who sorely tired, proffered her life, and liberty, and wealth, if she would yield, showeth her resolves for fight.

He was so enraged at her haughty reply, that he forthwith besieged Palmyra, destroyed her aids, and at last took her prisoner, whom he led in triumph; ea specie, ut nihil pompabilius populo Rom. videretur, saith Treb. Pollio in Zenobia.

He put Longinus to death upon a supposition that he dictated Zenobias Epistle. He is called Necessarius magis quàm bonus Imperator, because he wanted clemency, which is Imperatorum dos prima, saith Vopiscus.

He was so bloody, that he put to death his own Sisters son.

Being about to sign an edict for the 9 persecution (of which he was the author) God hindered his purpose. Theodoret. l. 4. reports of Valens the Arian Emperor) that as he was attempting to sign an edict for the banishing of Basil, he could not write one tittle of a Letter, Providence breaking his Pen 3 several times; at the fourth assay his hand was struck with a palsy, cramping (as it were his knuckles, and thereupon as a man affrighted, with his own hands he tore the paper in pieces; manifesting to all, that the Princes of this World have no power to practice any thing against the Church, any farther than God permitteth. Eusebius l. 7. Haymo l. 7. c. 11.

At the same time also a Thunder-bolt fell so near him, that all thought he was slain; by which messenger God warned him to be wise, lest he perished in those destructive ways, as shortly after he did; Mnestheus his Secretary fearing punishment for some offense, for which the Emperor threatened him with death, and knowing that he used not to pardon if he threatened, counterfeited the Emperors hand, and wrote the names of many in a roll as appointed by him to dy; mixing the names of some, with whom the Emperor was truly offended, with those of others whom he was not displeased with, adding his own name that he might the easilier be believed. They upon sight hereof, thinking to prevent the worst, slew him in a Castle called Coenophrurium, betwixt Byzantium and Heraclea.

When Mnestheus his Treason was discovered, he was cast to wild beasts, as appeareth by marble statues erected in honor of Aurelian, even by those who slew him.

He reigned 4 years, 11 months, and 7 days. Vopiscus calleth him Bonum Medicum, sed mala ration cur antem; A good Physician, had he not administered too bitter potions: in reference to which, Julian feigneth that he had much ado to defend himself at the tribunal of Minos, before whom many accused him of unjustice; but that the Sun, who had always in his life specially assisted him in all his enterprises, excused him to the other God's, saying, That he had been punished enough by his death, according to the Delphic Oracle, which saith:

Choyce Observations OF TACITUS, And his Brother FLORIANUS.

UPon the death of Aurelian, the Soldiers who would not have any of his assassinates to succeed, sent to the Senate to choose an Emperor; the Senate refer the election to the Soldiers, who, they knew, used not to be pleased with the Senates choice: half a year passed in complements with a peaceable interregnum, at last, the Senate and Soldiers jointly elect Tacitus.

He retired to his manner in Campania, where he was secret 2 months, shunning that dignity which might prove his overthrow; was often solicited, but, with hearty thanks, absolutely denied; affirming his age made him unable to satisfy expectations; at length, necessity of state so requiring, he accepted of their proffer; at which all rejoiced but himself.

He was such an example of moderation to others, that he permitted not his Empresse to wear jewels.

He honored Tacitus the Historian, whom he called his Father, commanded his Works to be put in every Library through the Empire, to be transcribed 10 times every year at public cost. Vopiscus in Tacito. c. 10.

When the Senate chose him Emperor, they cried out, Quis meliùs quàm gravis imperat? & quis meliùs quàm literatus imperat?

When he objected his age, they answered, that Trajan, Adrian, and Antoninus were old, when they came to the Empire; whom they mentioned because they reigned well and fortunately: omitting Vespasian, Nerva, Pertinax, Macrinus and Decius, who came older to the Empire; but their reign was short, especially that of the four last: the three last also died a violent death. Tristan.

When the Senate denied him the Consulship, which he sought for his brother Florianus, he took it very well, saying; Scit Senatus quem Principem fecerit. Vopiscus.

He gave the Soldiers all the money he had in silver, which was a great sum; he having had more than 9 millions in gold for his patrimony.

His death was caused by grief occasined by factions, infirmity of age helping to break his heart and his life, when he had reigned 6 months. Vopiscus.

His brother Florianus ambitiously strove to get the Empire as true heir, though he knew Tacitus was engaged to the Senate, that he would prefer worth before his relations in the designation of his Successor.

Being not able to withstand Probus who was chosen by the Army, he was killed by the Soldiers, say some; but most write, that by opening a vein he killed himself at Tarsus, as Quintillus also did, who was reduced to the same extremity.

Choyce Observations OF PROBUS.

VPon Tacitus his death, the Army unanimously cried out, Let us have Probus for our Emperor; and the Senate with applause confirmed the election.

The manner of his being chosen by the Soldiers was thus; The Officers told them the requisites of one that should be elected, that he should be Fortis, Sanctus, Verecundus, Clemens, Probus: which when it was spoke to many companies, on all sides they cried out as it were by a divine instinct, Probe Auguste, Dii te servant. Vopiscus in Probo, c. 10.

Valerian the Emperor called him Vere Probum, saying in an epistle, that if he had not had Probus for his name, he deserved to have had it for his surname. Id ib. c. 4.

He was made tribune by Valerian, in which office he served under Gallienus, Claudius, Aurelian, and Tacitus.

His first service, after he became Emperor, was in France, against the Germans who had conquered it; wherein one battle he slew almost 400000 Germans, 9 of whose Kings prostrated themselves at his feet: he won also and repaired 70 of their Cities in less than 7 years.

The Egyptians electing Saturninus a wise and valiant Captain▪ Emperor, so sore against his will, that he was like to be slain for gain-saying their desires; Probus hasting towards them offered them pardon, out of an unwillingness to shed civil blood, or to loose such a man as Saturninus: but upon refusal of his clemency, he engaged in a sharp battle, wherein most of the revolters were overthrown, and Saturninus slain in the assault of a besieged Castle, to the grief of Probus who sought to save his life. Vopiscus in Saturnino.

Bonosus who had charge of ships, which the Germans burned in the mouth of the Rhine through his negligence▪ if not treachery; who fearing punishment for his fault, rebelled against Probus, but was overcome and through despair hung himself: whereupon it was said, Amphoram pendere, non bominem; That a barrel or tankard hung there, and not a man; because he was so given to drink. Vopiscus in Bonoso.

There rebelled also against Probus, Proculus as insatiate a vassal to Venus, as Bonosus was to Bacchus; so impudent that he did not only commit filthiness, but boasted of it, as appeareth by his Letter wherein he braggeth that having taken 100 Sarmatian Virgins he deprived 10 of that name in a night, and all the rest within a fortnight: inter fortes se haberi credens si criminum densitate coalescat, saith Vopiscus in Proculo.

He honored Aradion a most valiant man (whom he overcame in wrestling) with a tomb 200 foot broad remaining in Vopiscus his time; which he caused the soldiers, whom he never suffered to be idle, to erect: testifying the greatness of his respect by his largeness of his monument. Vopiscus in Probo c. 9.

Quo latior agri modus sepulchro assignabatur, eo magis crescebat honos. Casaubonus.

Being presented with a Horse taken in War, which it was said, could go an 100 mile in a day, for 8 or 10 days together, he said, He was fitter for a cowardly than a valia • soldier. Id. Ibid. c. 8.

Some say he was the last Emperor who triumphed, after his Victory over the Germans and the Blemiae a people of Africa.

He commanded to be let loose at once 1000 estriches, 1000 stags, 1000 wild boars, 1000 fallow dear beside wild goats, wild sheep, and other creatures which sed upon grass, as many as could be fed or found; which he gave to the people to catch as they could; the Circus being set all over with great trees, which by the soldiers were taken up by the roots, as they grew in the woods, and planted there with green turf about them, and fastened with beams and irons: next day he let into the same place 100 maned Lions, which filled the air with roaring as if it had thundered; 100 Lybian Leopards, 100 Syrian, 100 Lionesses, and 300 bears. Vopiscus in Probo. c. 19.

As Hannibal filled most parts of Africa with Olive-yards planted by his soldiers that they might not be idle, to the endangering of the Common-wealth; so Probus, who for his famous acts is compared with Hannibal and Caesar, for the same reason caused his soldiers to plant vineyards throughout all France, both the Pannonias, and the Mysian hills. Aur. Victor.

He undid himself by that speech of his; Brevi milites necessarios non futuros: wherewith the soldiers being offended murdered him, when he had lived 75 years, and reigned 6 years 4 months; others say 6 years.

Julian feigneth that Silenus reproached him with his severity towards his soldiers, who added that he underwent deserved punishment, though unjustly inflicted by them.

It is thought, that because he suffered the Christians to live in peace, God gave him so many victories against the Barbarians.

Choyce Observations OF CARUS, With his Sons CARINUS And NUMERIANUS.

PROBVS being slain the Army chose Carus Emperor, whereunto the Senate consented.

The Sarmatians threatening Italy he engaged with them, and overthre • them with the slaughter of 16000, taking 20000 prisoners. Vopiscus in Caro. c. 9.

Leaving Carinus his elder son to govern Britain, France, Illyricum, and Spain; he prepared with Numerian against the Persians, in which expedition he took in his way Mes • potamia, Ctesiphon, &c. Whereby he purchased the surname of Persicus.

Ambassadors coming to him from the King of Persia, find him lying upon the grass, eating black broath and morsels of swine's-flesh; (whom he bade to tell their young master: If he continued obstinate, within one month, all his woods and fields should be as bare as hisb. • ld pate, which he shown; offering them to eat out of the pot, if they pleased, otherwise to depart forthwith.

Lipsius in his Notes to his second Book of Politicks and the fiftenth Chapter out of Synesius de Regno, where see Petarius who applieth it to Probus.

Surprized with sickness he pitched his tent on the shore of Tigr • s; where he and others were slain in their beds by a thunder-bolt.

Sidonius Apollinaris.

Arius Aper a Pretorian prefect having murdered Numeri •• n (his Son-in-law) being troubled with sore eyes upon his return from Persia (saith Zonaras) pretended to those of the Army who inquired how de did, that his infirmity only kept him from sight, but at length his treason was discovered by the putrefaction of Numerians body. Whereupon he being brought by the soldiers before the tribunal was slain by Diocletian; who was both his Judge and Executioner. Vopiscus in Numeriano.

Carinus gave himself to all lusts, married 9 Wives and then divorced them bei • g big with child; he was twice overcome by Diocletian, and slain by a Tribune, whose wife he had abused. Vopiscus in Carino.

Some say Carus and his Sons reigned but 2 years or some what more, others say but a little above one.

These 7 Emperors Claudius his brother Quintillus, Aurelian, Tacitus, his brother, Florian Probus and Carus reigned but 18 years. Lloids Consent of Times.

Choyce Observations OF DIOCLETIANUS, And MAXIMIANUS. Collegues

DIOCLETIANS parentage is uncertainly reported, some making him the son of a Scrivener, and others of a bondman made free by Anulinus a Senator: but all agree that he was a Dalmatian of base birth.

The name of his Mother (and of the Town wherein he was born) was Dioclea, whence he was called Diocles till he came to be Emperor, and then named himself Diocletian (converting a Greek name into a Roman form) and upon the conquest of the Persi ••• and Egyptians, Iovius; as Maximian his Colleague styled himself Hercullus: velut ill Iovis, hic Herculis haeres saith P. Laetus, who parallels Diocletian with Jupiter, and Maximian with Hercules.

When Diocletian serving as common soldier in France, reckoned with his hostesse (one of the Druids) she told him he was too penurious; he jeastly answered, that he would be bountiful when he came to the rour of Rome: she bid him not jest, saying; Imperator eris, cum aprum occideris.

From that time he hunted often and killed many boares, to see if a Crown would spring from their blood; but he still missed the Empire, which he saw Aurelian, Tacitus Probus and Carus obtained, whereupon he said: I kill many boars, but others go away with the flesh.

At last Aper having killed Numerianus (as is before mentioned) was brought by the soldiers before Diocletian, who being told his name, (and concluding at length that the predictiō was to be understood of a man presently killed him; in outward show • or zeal of justice, as being not able to endure so foul a fact: but in truth to fulfill the prediction of his hostesse, the Druid; for that Aper signifieth a Boar. Vopiscus in Numeriano saith that his Grand-father, from whom he had this report, was present when Aper was slain, to whom Diocletian, when he struck him, said in a bravado; Gloriare Aper, Aeneae magni dextracadis: adding; Tandem Aprum fatalem occidi.

Diocletian was the first who wore clothe of gold, trod on silk and purple embellished with pearls; and (next after Caligula and Domitian) was the first, who would be sued unto as a god, though (saith Aur. Victor) he carried himself liker a Father, than a Tyrant.

It was a good speech of him though an evil Emperor, That the best and most wary Prince may be abused by bad servants. Vopiscus in Aureliano.

Notwithstanding his cruelty condemned even by Libanius a Heathen (in his Oration to Theodosius the Great) yet he counterfeited Clemency, and in appearance had the memory of Marcus Aurelius in great veneration, as a God, saying often that he desired to resemble him in humanity. Capitolinus in Marco Antonino Philosopho.

These 2 Emperors chose 2 Caesar's; Diocletian chose Galerius surnamed Armentarius, and Maximian; Constantius Chlorus, enforcing them to put away their wives, and Theodora take their Daughters for an assurance of love by the bonds of that alliance Aur. Victor.

Diocletian by his profound wisdom, wherewith he was endued, found out a more assured way to secure himself against rebellions, than others had discovered: for having taken Maximian for his companion and allie: and afte • wards created Galerius and Constantius Caesar's, he rendered himself formidable to those who desired to make themselves Emperors. For in what part soever the rebels rose, one of these four was upon their backs, and stifled them in the birth. Only Carausius, whom the situation of great Britain rendered invincible, stood out 7 years. But all the other who had the the boldness to make themselves Emperors, as Aelianus, Amandus, Julianus, &c. were quickly defeated, before they could make any considerable progress. Tristan.

In the 19 year of his reign he raised the 10 and extremest persecution, wherein 17000 men women and children were martyred within one month, besides infinite numbers otherwise punished: the Christians torments lasting 10 years without intermission, no place being free.

Nullus dies cui non ultra quinque millium numerum Martyrum reperiri posset ascriptus, excepto die Calendarum Ianuarii.

There was never a day in the year, except the first of January, whereto the number of 5000 Martyrs at the least might not be ascribed saith Jerome in his Epistle ad Heliodorum & Chromatium.

Quis non horreat in una Aegypto 144 millia mortalium caesa, 700 millia in exilium acta; praeter Africam totamque Europam in carnificinam versas? ut totum orcum dicas in orbem effusum, ubi nemo nisi tortus vel tortor sit. Bussieres in Flosculis Historicis.

Maximian at Octodurum commandeth the Army to sacrifice to false gods; the Theban Legion consisting of 6666 Christians remove their quarters to Agaunum, to avoid (if possible) occasion of discontenting the Emperor; who summoneth them to perform their parts in this devilish worship: they return an humble denial, with their resolve not to disobey God, for whose sake they would ever continue faithful to him. He unsatisfied with this answer, putteth them to a decimation; to which they submit with cheerfulness, praying for their murderer. His commands are renewed but prevail not on the remainder, who are butchered without resistance, there being no delay in their death, except from the weariness of their executioners. Mauricius their Colonel could not contain his joy, when he saw the first decimation gallantly suffered. How • eareful was I, said he to his, awhile, surviving soldiers (for armed men may be tempted to defend themselves) lest any of them might upon color of just resistance for self-preservation in an innocent cause have struggled against this blessed slaughter. I was watchful and had Christ's example in readiness, who commanded his Disciple to put his sword into his scabbard. Salus vestra non periclitabitur, nisi armis vestris. Despair itself could not conquer one single patience, which yet createth valor in cowards, and maketh them more courageous in such extremities, because they are fearful; since they are likely to do most to preserve life, who are most afraid of death. Eucherius Lugdunensis.

Diocletiano & Maximiano imperantibus, acerbissima persecutio exorta, quae per decem continuos annos plebem Dei depopulata est, quâ tempestate omnis fere sacro martyrum cruore orbis infectus est: quippe certatim gloriosa in certamina ruebatur, multoque avidius tum martyria gloriosis mortibus quaerebantur, quàm nunc Epistopatus pravis ambitionibus appetuntur. Nullus unquam bellis mundus magis exhaustus est, neque unquam majore ttiumpho vicimus, quàm cùm decem annorum stragibus vinci non potuimus. Sulpitius Severus Sa r. Hist. l. 2.

There was a Column as a Trophy of the extinguishing the Christian faith erected to him with this inscription.

This most bloody persecutor of the Church, at last persuaded Maximian to lay aside with him all government (not because he was weary of persecuting, but of disappointment) since he could not hatch his long brooded designs for the utter extirpation of the Christians, being thus out of hope to do all the mischief he intended, by resigning the Empire, he putteth himself out of pour to do any.

Being solicited 4 years afterby Maximian to reassume his charge, he answered; You would not tempt me to it, did you see the herbs set with my own hands in my garden at Salona.

Diocletian being invited by Constantine the Great and Licinius to their marriage-feast, excused himself, that by reason of his age he could not come; upon which they wrote back threatening Letter, wherein he was charged to favor Maximinus, and to have shown favor to Maxentius: whereupon fearing some shameful death, he poisoned himself. S. Aur. Victor.

Maximian seemingly taking offense at his son Maxentius, then at variance with his son-in-law Constantine the Great under color of this dislike, repaired to Constantine, who married Fausta his daughter, with whom he tampered to make away her husband: but she revealed his treachery to Constantine, who thereupon put him to death.

Vtinam Maximianus suo potius ingenio, quàm alieno exemplo fastidi • set fortunae fastigium. Diocletianum secutus est. Sic vero animi inconstans; quia cùm ex Augusto privatus esset, e privato tyrannus esse volu • . Nam ut ad Imperii majestatem eveheret M • xentium filium, acriter aff • xit Rem Romanam: ut deinde evectum rejiceret, pater quoque esse recus • vit. I am nec in filio Maxentio, nec in genero Constantino purpuram ferens, dum insidias utrique struit, interficitur. Puteanus in Historia Insubrica.

Choyce Observations OF CONSTANTIUS CHLORUS, And GALERIUS ARMENTARIUS, To whom are joined SEVERVS MAXIMINVS, MAXENTIVS LICINIVS. Collegues

WHen Diocletian and Maximian laid down the ensigns of command, Constantius Chlorus was chosen Emperor in these Western Provinces of France, Spain, and Britain.

Unto Galerius his government fell, Egypt and the Provinces in Asia: Constantius (who chose rather to govern well than much) gave up Africa and Italy to him, as too remote from the seat of his residence, and eye of his direction.

Constantius was by birth a Roman; his Father was named Eutropius, his Mother Claudia, Niece to the Emperor Claudius Gothicus.

Tristan thinketh that Constantius was not called Chlorus from his Palenes, since Eumenius attributeth to him a very sanguine complexion; but from some green garments which he wore when he was young: and he mentioneth others who had the same surname.

He was very affable, reigned to enrich his subjects, saying; It was fitter that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the Commons hands, than locked up in Princes coffers: in which kind he was so averse from all superfluities, that he may rather be adjudged faulty the other way: for he was an enemy to extortions, even to the lessening of the train of his house.

Being but nominated for the Empire, and reproached for his poverty by Diocletian, who sent to exhort him to heap up treasures; he advertised the people of his want▪ who vehemently contended among themselves to fill his Exchequer, rejoicing greatly, that now they had that long wished for opportunity to witness their benevolous minds unto the Emperor: whereupon he truly and excellently said; That the love of the people is the richest and safest Treasury of the Prince. Showing to Diocletians Ambassadors, the great sums which he had ammassed in few hours, they were amazed thereat; after whose departure he returned all the Subsidy that was presented to him: by which custom he rather got the Epithet of poor, than, so indeed being by this voluntary poverty, richer than Diocletian himself, yea than all the other Princes together who were partners with him.

And as this one action shown his royal magnificence, so this other declareth his piety; in both which he was exemplary. To try the hearts of his Courtiers, he proclaimed, that all they who would not forsake the worship of the true God, should be banished the Court, and should have heavy penalties and fines laid upon them; presently upon this (saith the Story) all who were base and came to serve him only for ends, went away, forsook the true God, and worshipped Idols: by which means he found out who were the true servants of God, and whom he intended to make his own; thinking as such as he found faithful to God would prove so to him. What this exploratorie stratagem of Constantius effected in his Court, the same did that which Julian the Apostate set forth in good earnest, against the Christians. He no sooner caused it to be proclaimed, that whosoever would not renounce the Fai • h should be discharged his service, and forfeit both life and estate to his high displeasure; but presently upon the publication of that decree, they who were indeed Christians; and they that had only the title, presented themselves as it were on a common stage to the view of all men.

Eusebius saith that Constantius preserved 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 such Christians as were under his command from harm.

Under him the Church in these parts had a breathing-time from persecution. But I am afraid that that learned goes a little to far, who makes him founder of a Bishopric at York, and styleth him an Emperor surpassing in all virtue, and Christian piety. Mr. Fuller in his Ecclesiastical History of Britain.

He married Helena (daughter of Coilus, who entertained him when he was Lieutenant of Britain) but Maximian tyrannizing as well over loves, as men, declareth Constantius Caesar, on condition he would forsake Helen, and marry Theodora his daughter-in-law. He is won by ambition, and easines of his nature (which bowed to those who seemed to wish him well) and by the luster of the purple presented to him.

He marrieth Theodora; which alteration Helena bore with great constancy, counting it an honor, that to refuse her no other cause was found, but the good fortune of her husband; Constantius lived in body with Theodora, and in heart with Helen: the torrent of ambition and affairs of the world having parted their bodies could not hinder the inclinations of their hearts.For Constantius returning to Britain, died in York; and being asked on his death-bed which of his childrē should succeed him, since besides Constantine he had two sons by Theodora viz. Constantius & Annibalinus: he then forgetting his seōnd wife & her offspring, cried aloud Constantinū piū, he would have no other successor than the pious Constantine, which was approved by the army: who cast the purple Robe upon Constantine at York, whilst he wept, and put spurs to his horse, that he might avoid the importunity of the soldiers, who attempted and required so instantly to make him Emperor: but the happiness of the state overcame his modesty.

Constantius lived 56 years; was Caesar 16 years, and Emperor 2 saith Eusebius. Cambdē reporteth that at the demolition of Monasteries, there was found in his supposed monument in Yorkshire, a burning lamp, thought to have burnt there ever since his burial, about 300 years after Christ, & he addeth out of Lazius, that the ancient Romans used in that manner to preserve lights in Sepulchers a long time, by the oylines of gold, resolved into a liquid substance.

Galerius born of mean parents (surnamed Armentarius because he kept cattle) bragged that a Serpent begat him, as one did Alexander the Great. Moribus certeodioque in Christianos Draco fuit, nec indignus eo, quo se natum parente fatebatur. Cluverus.

When he rifled the camp of Narseus King of Persia, a common soldier having met with a Parthick satchel, wherein were pearls, through simplicity threw out the gems, and went away contented with the beauty only on the leather bag. Amm. Marcellinus l. 22. c. 3. Vide Piccarti Observationes Historico-politicas. Dec. 3. c. 3.

He took for ease of his burden Severus and Maximinus surnamed Daza his sisters 〈◊〉 , whom he elected Caesar's and after Augusti; which honors Severus enjoyed not long, being slain at Rome by treachery of Maxentius whē he had reigned but one year.

Galerius incensed with the outrage of Maxentius intended to fall upon the West; but distrust of the safety of his territories stayed him, and made him create Li • inius Caesar: after whose nomination he survived not long.

He boasted the acutenes of his wit by the invention of new tortures for patient Martyrs; notwithstanding when he felt himself invaded with a verminous Ulcer, or Fistula in his secret parts; which did evaporate so contagious and pestilential a stench, that some of his Physicians, not able to endure that mephitis or steam of intense corruption, fell down dead; he understanding this to be a judgment sent from God to retaliate upon him those tortures, which he had inflicted on many innocents; then his flinty heart melted within him, and at length he began to think of his wicked practices against the holy worshippers of God, gave commandment for cessation of the Christians persecution, confessed the equity of divine retribution, and in the midst of these confessions of his own guilt, and God's justice, he breathed out his execrable soul from a gangrenous and loathsome body.

He lived not a year after his edict for the persecuting of the Christians. Eusebius, l. 9.

After whose death, Licinius, and Maximinus beheld each other with a jealous eye, and made show of contest; but Maximine at Tarsus decided the difference by an irrevocable resignation.

Maximinus was much inclined to wine, in the excess whereof he commanded many things, of which he afterwards repented, giving a charge to his followers, that they should not execute his desires, except he was sober, or gave them a command in the morning Sextus Aurelius Victor.

Maxentius made himself Emperor, by consent of the soldiers, to recompense whom he gave leave to sin cum privilegio; no words being more frequent than these in his speeches to them; Fruimini, dissipat • , prodigite.

He being enamored on a Woman, sent for her by his servants (her Husband not daring to refuse for his life) of whom she desired time to make herself ready; which having obtained, she goeth into her chamber, and killeth herself: the Officers (when they could stay no longer) broke open the room, and finding her dead, report it to Maxentius, who became more insolent than before. Eusebius l. 8.

By his Necromancy, Adulteries and Murders he grew so intolerable, that the Senate sent to Constantine, craving his aid against him.

Constantine drawing Licinius to his side (by marrying his sister Constantia to him) hasted to Rome with 90000 foot and 8000 horse, levied out of Britain, France, and Germany.

Maxentius framed a deceitful Bridge over Tiber near Pons Milvius, to entrap Constantine: but being overcome in battle, he fled (through forgetfulness or hast) over the same Bridge, which falling under him, he and many more were drowned.

Licinius had nothing good in him, but that he disliked Eunuchs, calling them the Mothes and Rats of the Court.

He was a great enemy to learning, calling it, through his ignorance, a poison and public plague.

He thought that none could live chastely, measuring others dispositions by his own vicious inclination.

He maligning Constantine's fame, at last, persecuted the Christians in the East, where he reigned with Martinianus, whom he before made Caesar at Byzantium, and his son Licinius at Arles.

He was overthrown by Constantine in several battles, loosing many thousands of men, and was himself taken prisoner; yet by meditation of his wife, had his life spared, and was confined within Nicomedia: where for his treasons after, he and his son, who somewhat survived him, were put to death.

He lived 70 years, and reigned 15 Victor. Licinius a Constantino morte mulctatur: vel ut alii tradunt, quum filiam suam Herinam eo quod Christiana esset, ab equis discerpi mandasset, ipse adstans & inspecturus, equi morsu interfectus est. Elenchus Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodieeja • a.