Select and choyce observations, containing all the Romane emperours the first eighteen by Edward Leigh ... ; the others added by his son Henry Leigh ... ; certain choyce French proverbs, alphabetically disposed and Englished added also by the same Edward Leigh. Leigh, Edward, 1602-1671. 1657 Approx. 450 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 146 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A47620 Wing L1003 ESTC R11757 12591263 ocm 12591263 63947 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A47620) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 63947) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 672:18) Select and choyce observations, containing all the Romane emperours the first eighteen by Edward Leigh ... ; the others added by his son Henry Leigh ... ; certain choyce French proverbs, alphabetically disposed and Englished added also by the same Edward Leigh. Leigh, Edward, 1602-1671. Leigh, Henry, d. 1705. [2], 277 p. Printed by Roger Daniel, for John Williams ..., London : 1657. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Emperors -- Rome -- History. Proverbs, French. 2004-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-04 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2004-04 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion SELECT AND CHOYCE OBSERVATIONS , Containing all the Romane EMPEROURS . The first eighteen By EDWARD LEIGH M. A. of Magdalene-Hall in OXFORD , The others added by his Son HENRY LEIGH , M. A. also of the same House . Certain Choyce French Proverbs , Alphabetically disposed and Englished added also by the same EDWARD LEIGH . LONDON . Printed by ROGER DANIEL , for JOHN WILLIAMS at the sign of the Crown in S t Paul's Church-yard , 1657. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL and his loving Father HENRY LEGH Esquire . Loving Father : HOW much I am obliged unto you both for my being and well-being , I desire now to testifie unto the world ; for though to requite your love and bounty , be not within the sphear of my Activity , yet since the Apostle * commandeth Children to learn to requite their Parents , and Nature it self hath taught the unreasonable * Creatures this lesson , I shall endeavour , ( God assisting me with his grace ) to pay that three-fold debt , of reverence , obedience , and gratitude , which all children owe to their Parents : As Aeschines therefore , when he saw his fellow-Schollers give great gifts to Socrates ( being poor , and having nothing else to bestow ) did give himself to Socrates , professing to be wholly devoted unto him : so I shall ever devote my self unto your service , to whom ( next under God ) I owe my self , and those abilities I have , both natural , and which through Gods blessing upon your liberal education , by a double apprentiship in two * famous and flourishing Societies I have acquired . To expresse therefore my due observance , and gratefull recognition of your former care , and cost , and withal to give you some account of the fruitful spending of my time , I here present unto you some Choyce Observations concerning the tvvelve first Caesars , Emperours of Rome . A work ( as I conceive ) both delightful , and useful , and therefore to you ( I hope ) not unwelcome ; as Geographers express the whole world in a little Map , so have I laboured Graphically to describe these great Monarchs of the world in a little model , neither strictly tying my self to any one Historian , nor relating all the passages of their lives , but excerping out of the most principal * Authors , such things of them as were most memorable . Amongst all which Writers ( though I confesse Tacitus his stile is elegant , & full of wise sētentious * Apotheg . ) I have chiefly followed Suet. 1. because my worthy * Tutor ( whosememory I shall ever honour ) made choice especially ( of that History to read to his Pupils . 2 Because his Phrase is pure & polite , and himself a faithful Historian : Of whom it is recorded ( as I think ) by Erasmus , that he wrote the lives of the Romane Emperours , prorsus ea libertate , quaipsi vixerunt , with the same freedom that they lived . Alex. ab Alex. Genial . dier . lib. 1. c 1. calleth him sincerissimum . Scriptorem , and Ludov. * Vives , incorruptissimum . And I desire to write as freely and unpartially of them , since I may say of them all , as Tacitus doth of some of them , that they were Mihi nec beneficio nec injuria cogniti ; only I shall herein fail , that I write not of these Emperours Stylo Imperatorio , with a high and lofty stile . Iulius Caesar is here placed in the forefront , he being the first Emperour . For this title was at the first given unto him , that had fought valiantly for his Country and slain many enemies ; Iulius * Caesar ( having brought the greatest part of the then known world into the subjectiō of the Romans ) was the first that was saluted by the title of absolute Emperour , and all the Emperours succeeding were called Imperatores & Caesares from him , Mat. 22. 21. Dunbar in his fifth Century of Epigrammes hath these verses of Iulius Caesars and Pope Gregories reforming the Kalender . Caesar Gregoriusque annum dum jure reformant , Deformant regnires sine jure , sui : Scilicet antiqui facies à Caesare regni Versa est , à Papa Pristina religio : Malo reformari civilem à Caesare stammam . Malo reformatam Gregoriique fidem . The Emperours after Iulius Caesar were called Augusti from Octavius , the second Romane Caesar , who revived the good lawes , and reformed the bad . But the Emperours succeeding him , having more ●are to be great then good , rather raged then reigned , and the decrees of some of them , viz. Tiberius and Caligula , are witily termed furores non judicia . Quatuor Principes ferro interempti ( saith Tacitus in his History ) four of these Emperours were slain with the Sword , Galba , Otho , Vitellius , Domitian : which three first Plutarch compareth ( in regard of their short reign ) to Kings in a Tragedy , which last no longer then the time that they are represented on the stage , Iulius Caesar , and Caligula were also slain , Claudius , and Titus were poisoned , Nero slew himself , * Augustus dyed in a complement , Tiberius in dissimulation , Galba with a sentence , Vespasian with a jest , yet he died peaceably in his Bed , which no Emperour since Augustus ever did . The * Heathens shadowed the sting of conscience by the Eagle or Vulture that feed upon the heart of Prometheus , and by the three Virgins which they called Furies , following men in a hideo●s form , with burning torches in their hands , which some of the worst of these Heathen Emperours really felt after their bloody cruelties , and verified that old * Maxime , he must needs fear many , whom many fear . * Caligula ( though he contemned the gods , as they called them ) yet at the least thundering and lightening would run under his bed , and cover his head . * Nero that monster of Mankind having killed his Mother Agrit●ina , could never after endure the worm and sting of conscience for his foul fact , but confessed that he was often haunted with the apparition of his mothers Ghost , and tormented also with scourges , and burning torches of the Furies . We may take notice of many Morall vertues also in the best of these Heathens , Julius Caesar , Augustus Vespasian , and Titus that mirrour of humanity , and see in them the truth of that old Maxime , Magistratus virum indicat , a place sheweth the man , and it sheweth some to be better , some to be worse . It was said of Caligula , that there was never better servant and worse Master : Omnium consensu capax Imperii , nisi imperasset , saith Tacitus of Galba : but of Vespasian he saith , Solus Imperatorum Vespasianus mutatus in melius . But least I should be upbraided with the City of Myndus , for making my Porch too bigge , here will I cast Anchor , ever remaining . Your dutiful Sonne to command EDWARD LEIGH . Iulius 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 . At puer Ascanius , cui nunc cog nomen Iulo. He reformed the Kalender which was then confused , and framed the whole year just unto the course of the Sunne , that it should contain 365 dayes , and appointed that every fourth year a whole day should be inserted . Therefore we call our year Annum Iulianum , and the Kalender which we use Calendarium Iulianum , and that Moneth which was by them called Quintilis , because it was the fifth Moneth , is now called Iuly in honour of him . For his other name Caesar , there are different opinions of the originall 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 Etymologie . 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 healthfull , saving that in his latter dayes 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 affaires , he was surprized with the falling sickness , which he stileth 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 . Est Morbi species subiti cui nomen ab illo est , Quod fieri nobis suffragia justa recusant . Saepe etenim membris acri languore caducis , Concilium Populi labes horrenda diremit . In Eloquence and warlike feats together , he either equalled , or excelled the glory of the very best . Eloquentiâ attigit summorum gloriam : re militari excessit . Lipsius . Caesar quine sçait moins bien faire , que bien dire . Caesar who knows as well to write as fight . He held a Sword in one hand , and a Book in the other , with this Motto , Ex utroque Caesar , Emperour 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 . Iulius Caesar Scalig●r writeth thus of him : Duae sunt aquilae solae in natura rerum , altera bellicae laudis , altera literariae ; illa potentiae , haec sapientiae ; Caesar & Aristotles . 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 warre , and the Civill warre , which ( S r. Francis Bacon * saith ) is the best History of the world . King Iames exhorting his Son to the study of History , above all prophane Writers commendeth this Book of Caesars to his reading , both sor the sweet flowing of the stile , and the worthinesse of the matter in it self . He was a famous Mathematician , and diligent in that study , as Lucan writes of him . — Media inter proelia semper Stellarum , coelique plagis superisque vacavi . He could at one time read , and write , heare , 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 designe 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 observ . 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 Generall , 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 . Nam Caesar in omnia praeceps , Nil actum credens , si quid superesset agendum . Quintus Curtius speaking of Alexander the Great saith , Nullam virtutem Regis istius magis quam celeritatem laudaverim . I can commend no vertue more in this King then speed . In eleven dayes he marched with his army six hundred miles . Suetonius affirmeth , that Caesar did ever march formost before his troopes , 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 Souldiers , 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 . — Ignave , venire Te Caesar , non ire jubet . Pertinax was wont to say to his Souldiers , Militemus ; and Severus Septimius , laboremus : Livie bringeth in Valerius Corvinus thus speaking ; Facta mea , non dicta vos milites sequi volo , nec disciplinam modò , 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 Britaines , and made us Tributary ; and triumphed five times in Rome with unspeakable admiration . It is observable , that in all his warres he hath alwaies been inferiour to his enemies in number ; for which cause he hath alwaies 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 battel , as he was a long time in Africa ; insomuch that Scipio himself wondred at his coldness , nevertheless he alwaies continued his Souldiers in exercise , and himself exercised new levied men , and entred them by small skirmishes , wherein by his industry for the most part he had the best , and alwaies attempted something upon his enemy . The Duke of Rohan's Observ. on Caesars Comm. L. 5. 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 Souldiers to make , as by his great Battels . The Duke of Rohan's treatise of Modern Warre . Cap. 4. Having overcome King Pharnaces , and being desirous to advertise one of his friends of his quick expedition in dispatching that war , he onely wrote three words unto An●tius at Rome , veni , vidi , vici ; I came , I saw , I overcame . Charles the fift Emperor of Germany said , Veni , vidi , Deus vicit . Surius in bello Germanico . He never put enemy to flight but he discamped him , and drave him out of the field : By this meanes he gave them whom he had once discomsited no time to bethink themselves . In any doubtfull and dangerous service , his manner was to send away the Horses , and his own with the first , to the end that when all meanes 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 Souldiers Milites , but Commilitones : not plain Souldiers , but by a more pleasing name , Fellow-Souldiers . He maintained them so trim and brave , that he stuck not to set them out in polished Armour , damasked with silver and gold , as well for goodly shew , as because they should in * Battel keep the same more surely for fear of damage and losse . He loved them so affectionately , that when he heard of Tiberius his overthrow , and the Legions with him : he suffered the haire 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 Souldiers most devoted unto him , and also made them truly valiant . He was so entirely beloved of his Souldiers , that to do him service ( whereas otherwise they were but like other men in any other private quarrell ) if Caesars honour 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 Souldier of his fought so valiantly in Britain , that by his meanes he saved the Captaines , 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 Souldier hanging down his head , the water standing in his eyes , fell down at Caesars feet , and besought him to pardon him for leaving his target behind him . Petronius being taken by Scipio , he said he would give him his life , but he answered him again , that Caesar's Souldiers 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 himselfe through . Caesar at Alexandria being busie about the assault and winning of a Bridge , was driven by a suddain 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-armour after him by the teeth , because the enemy should not have it as a spoile . 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 cōpany 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 soveraignty 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 . Nec quenquam jam ferre potest Caesarve priorem , Pompejusve parem . — 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 sirname , Non Rex sum , sed Caesar. He often used these verses of Euripides , which he himself thus translated . Nam si violandum est jus , Imperii causâ Violandum est , aliis rebus pietatem colas . He alone managed all the affaires of state : his Collegue or Fellow-Consull 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 Iulius and Caesar were Consuls : setting down one and the same man twice by his name and sirname ; yea , and soon after these verses were commonly currant . Non Bibulo quidquam nuper , sed Caesare factum est : Nam Bibulo fieri Consule , nil memini . Caesar of late did many things , but Bibulus not one : For nought by Consul Bibulus can I remember done . He was such an excellent Rider of a Horse from his youth , that holding his hands behind him he would gallop his Horse upon the spur . The Horse he used to ride upon was strangely marked , with feet resembling very near a mans , and the hoofes 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 Battel , 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 adeò praeditus , ut quos armis subegerat , clementiâ magis vicerit . He was of so good a nature , that such as he subdued by Battell , he more overcame with gentlenesse . 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 armes 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 Pompeys ( Sons to Pompey the great ) in Andaluzia in Spain the most glorious of all his victories , for he would often say afterwards , that at 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 counsell 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 dye once , then alwaies to be afraid of death . He said also , Mori se quam timeri malle , saith , Paterculus , when some advised him to keep by Armes what he had got by Armes . When he was hindered by one of the Tribunes from taking some of the common Treasure out of Saturnes Temple , and told that it was against the Law , Tush , said he , Time of Warre and Law are two things . That speech of his was compounded both of terrour and clemency , to Metellus the Tribune ; for Caesar entring into the inner Treasury of Rome to take the money there kept , Metellus forbad him ; whereto Caesar said , That if he did not desist he would lay him dead in the place ; and presently taking himself up , he added , young man , it is harder for me to speake 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 talke together by writing Cyphers in letters , when he had no leisure to speake with them for his urgent businesse , and for the great distance from Rome . He said , Caesars wife ought not only to be without fault , but also without all suspition of fault . Being certified that Cato had slain himself with his own hands , he seemed to be very sorry for it , and said , O Cato , I envie thy Death , because thou didst envie 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 intituled Cato , in commendation of him , which vexed Caesar , because he conceived the commendation of the other tended to his dispraise , and therefore he wrote two bookes 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 battel , was requested to forbear , but he answered , An Emperour was never shot through with a Bullet . So William the second of England , comming 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 , speake of his unnaturall uncleannesse , 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 shewes , and publike Donations , in costlinesse 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 honour , and his slighting the Senators . When his friends complained unto him of Antonius and Dolabella , that they intended some mischief towards him , he answered them again , As for these fat men , and smooth-combed-heads , quoth he , I never reckon of them , but those pale-visaged , and carrion lean people , I fear them most , meaning Brutus and Cassius . He never refused to fight but in his latter dayes , being then of this opinion , that the oftner he had gotten●victory , the lesse he was to venture , and make trial of fortune : also that a victory could gain him nothing so much as some disastrous calamity might take from him . There conspired against him more than threescore , the heads of which conspiracy were Cassius and Brutus . He had fair warning of his death before it came , by many evident prodigies ; Fires were seen in the Element , 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 flye with a little branch of Lawrell 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 disswaded from going abroad that day he was slain ▪ by some ; as a day mark't out by Astrologers to portend danger to his person : yet he , a second Caesar as well in the course of his life as of his death , was little sway'd therewith , but like a King , and a Christian replied ; that it was an offence 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 windowes and doores of his chamber did flye 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 onely gave one groane at the first thrust , without uttering any words . Some say , That as M. Brutus came running upon him , he said , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; And thou my Son ? All men are of opinion , that such a death 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 seting light by so slow and lingering a kind of death , wished to dye quickly and of a suddain . 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 mans life ? He preferred that which was suddain and unlooked for . He dyed in the 56. year of his age ; Et in Deorum numerum relatus est , he was made a god after death ( which could not defend himself from death , from cruell murther ) and that , Non * ore modo decernentium , sed & persuasione vulgi , Not only by their voyce which decreed such honour unto him , but also by perswasion of the common people . A Comet shined then for seven dayes together , arising about the eleventh hour of the day , and it was believed by those blind Heathen to be Caesars soul , who had been a Comet of combustion to the world . — Micat inter omnes Iulium sidus , velut inter ignes Luna minores . Also upon his Image there is a Star set to the very crown of his head . Of these Murtherers there was not one that either survived him above three years , or dyed a naturall death . All stood condemned , and by one mishap or other perished ; some by shipwrack , others by battel , and some again shortned their own dayes with the very same dagger wherewith they had wounded Caesar : Cassius , as Plutarch reporteth , and Brutus according to Dion . Choyce Observations OF OCTAVIUS AVGUSTVS . HE was styled by the name of Augustus , i. e. worshipfull 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 honour of him , and things of greatest splendour are called Augustissima . Iulius Caesar was his great Uncle , but his Father by Adoption . He was called Octavius from his Father , and Augustus from his victory . A man most nobly descended ; for riches , honour , 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 majesticall 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 brightnesse of the Sun ; therefore a certain souldier 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 , neverthelesse 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 Emperour in happinesse , and duration of Reigne , so did she likewise in the stature of her body . Cities were called Caesareae in honour of him , so in honour of our Virgin Queen was there a Country called Virginia . Augustus Imperii formator , ne Dominum quidem dici se volebat . Augustus the founder of the 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 Saviour was born , he forbad them by Edict to call him Lord , that all Lordship might be ascribed to him . In his time our Saviour was born , Imperante Augusto natus est Christus , imperante Tiberio crucifixus . He consulting with the Oracle of Delphos about his Successour , received this answer : Puer Hebraeus diis beatis imperans , jubet me Hanc domum linquere , & rursus in orcum reverti : Quod superest , abi tacitus ex aris nostris . Whereupon Augustus coming home , in the Capitol erected an Altar , and thereon in Capitall letters caused this inscription to be ingraven , 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 Lords of the whole world . He made not war upon any people without just and necessary causes ; his saying was , That neither battel nor war was to be undertaken , unlesse 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 losse . [ 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 moneths 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 doores , crying out , Quintilius Varus , Deliver up my Legions again . Suetonius . He deemed nothing lesse beseeming a perfect and accomplished Captain , then temerity , or rashnesse : using this speech , Satis celeriter fieri , quicquid commodè geritur , That is done soon enough which is done well enough . He was so exceedingly delighted with that proverbiall saying , Festina lentè , that he would not onely use it frequently in his daily Colloquies , but would insert it often in his Epistles ; admonishing by these two words , that to effect any enterprise , both the speedinesse of Industry , and the slownesse of Diligence should concurre . 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 publick speech , he with great indignation cryed out , Behold , Romanos rerum Dominos , gentemque togatam ▪ The Romans , Lords of all the world , and long rob'd 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 lye 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 onely 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 honour by way of dutifull attendance . Sueton. 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 heire . vide Senec. l. 1. de clement . c. 9. This was duely observed , that how often soever he entred Rome , no punishment that day was inflicted upon any person . Qui cum triste aliquid statuit , fit tristis & ipse ; Cuique fere poenam sumere , poena sua est . He was grieved himself when he pronounced a grievous sentence , and he thought himself punished when he punished others . Quique dolet , quoties cogitur esse ferox . * Rarus quidem ad recipiendas amicitias , ad retinendas constantissimus . He would not suddenly entertain a league of friendship with any , but was a constant friend to those he loved . — amare Nec citò desisto , nec temerè incipio . Late ere I love , as long ere I leave . 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 terrour of such untrusty attendants . Suetonius . By one speech he did appease a tumultuous Army , Audite 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 expresse 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 Aire , without a broad-brim'd hat upon his head . In generall Salutations he admitted the very commons , entertaining the suits and desires of all commers 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 souldiers with gifts , the people with provision of victuals , and all with the sweetnesse of rest and peace . He said of Tiberius , Miserum populum Romanum , qui sub tam lentis maxillis erit , O unhappy people of Rome , that shall be under such a slow paire of jawes . 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 paine ; alluding to the secret malice and dreaming nature withall of Tiberius . To expresse 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 forrainers at Rome carrying whelps of Doggs and Apes in their bosomes , 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 naturall 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 Seales * 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 warres ceased , and learning chiefly flourished . The Temple of Ianus was then shut in Rome , peace being generall through the whole world . Ianum Quirini clausit : Et ordinem Rectum , & vaganti fraena licentie . Injecit , emovitque culpas , Et veteres revocavit artes . Our Saviour was born in the 42. year of his reigne 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 dye , or were weary of life , there were waies enough else to death besides that . Thus the challenge was rejected , and yet his Honour 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 reprochful speeches touching himself , therein manifesting his clemency , and also his wisedome . 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 boldnesse 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 yeares old were slain , and that in the stirre his own son was also slain ; Melius est ( inquit ille ) Herodis porcum esse quam puerum . I had rather ( saith he ) be Herods 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 , alledging 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 onely 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 verè est monumentum Patris colere . He was cholerick by nature , but his patience in bearing of bitter Jests deserved much to be commended . A certain Countrey-man came to Rome , who did much resemble him in outward feature , insomuch that all mens eyes were cast upon him , and Augustus hearing of it , caused him to be brought before him , asking him this question , Whether his Mother had ever been at Rome ; the young man answered , No , but his Father had oftentimes . He sitting between Virgil 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 arrerages could take his rest so well . When a souldier bragged too much of a great scarre 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 madnesse , lying upon his sword kild 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 Emperour , 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 intreated he might bring ; being brought , he expressed the words which he had learned , Ave victor , Imperator Antoni . The Emperour 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 Cobler to try whether he could teach a Crow to use the like salutation , but he being at great expences in vain , was wont often to say , Opera & Impensa periit , all my paines 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 remembred to adde 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 . Quis expedivit Psittaco suum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ? Corvos quis olim concavum salutare , Picasque docuit verba nostra conari ? Magister artis , ingenique largitor Venter , negatas Artifex sequi voces . He wrote a bitter Satyre 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 favour of Pompey , the boldnesse 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 wantonnesse of Iulia his own daughter , and her open and audacious boldnesse ; but Suetonius seemes 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 lewdnesse , knit her own neck in a halter , and so ended her daies , he gave it out , That he wisht with all his heart he had been 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 , O utinam aut coelebs mansissem , aut prole carerē ! He was almost peerelesse 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 fores : So often as he heard of a man that had a quick passage with little sence of grief , he wished for himself and his such Euthanasy , such an easie death . He being at the point to dye , thus addressed himself ; called for his looking-glasse , 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 , Rejoyce 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 yeers after Christ was born , and dyed in his 76. year . He was beloved of his people , for they erected a statue to Musas the Physitian who in a sicknesse recovered him , and placed it by Aesculapius : and the Senate much honoured him being dead , by consecrating Temples to him at Rome , and in other famous Cities , and all the people much lamented his death , using that speech , Vtinam aut non nasceretur , aut non moreretur , would he had never been born , or never dyed . Paterculus said of the Roman Empire after Augustus death , when there was such hope of enemies , feare 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 tooke away all use of Armes . Choyce Observations OF TIBERIUS CAESAR . LIVIA his Mother , whiles she went with child of him , among many and sundry experiments which she made , and signes that she observed ( and all to know whether she should bring forth a man-child or no ) took closely an Egge from under a Henne that was sitting , and kept it warm , sometime in her own , otherwhiles in her womans hands by turns one after another , so long untill there was hatched a Cock-chicken with a notable combe 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 reigne as Monarch , but yet without the Royall Ensignes , for as yet the Soveraigne power of the Caesars was unknown . He was of Personage tall , corpulent , big set and strong , of stature above the ordinary , broad between the shoulders , and large breasted , fair of complexion , great goggle-eyed , whereby he saw so clearly as is incredible to report . He used both hands alike ; * his joynts 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 shamelesse 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 suspence by ambiguous answers , and crafty delayes , 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 cryed out aloud , Let him either doe it at once , or else give over quite ; and another openly to his face upbraided him in these words , Caeteri , quod pollicentur tardè praestant , tu quod praestas tardè 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 withall that there was imposed upon his shoulders a miserable and burdensome servitude , he took the Empire upon him . The cause of this holding off and delay that he made , was the fear of imminent dangers on every side , in so much as he would often say , Lupum se auribus tenere , he held a Wolf by the ears . Hee 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 mens thoughts , by which he may be said to set the roof over the Roman Monarchy . Advertisements from Parnassus by Bocalini . Century 2. Advertis . 33. See more there . He was very patient when any bad rumours or slanderous Libels were cast out , either of himself or those about him , and was wont to say ( how wisely I determine not ) In civitate libera linguam mentemque liberas esse debere , That in a free State men ought to have both tongue and thought free . He taxed the indiscretion of the Ilienses comforting him long after the 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 enclined to the good of the Common-wealth : when the Presidents and Governours abroad gave him counsell to burthen the Provinces with heavie Tributes and Taxes ; he wrote back unto them , Boni Pastoris est tondere pecus , non deglubere , That it was the part of a good shepheard 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 oppresse the people too much ; whereas the old having meanes 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 publick frugality , he himself at his solemn and festivall 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 any more by way of contumely . Another chanced to say , His sacred business ; and a third again , That he went into the Senate , Auctore se , that is , by his warrant or authority . He caused them both to change those words , and for auctore to say suasore , that is , By his advise and counsell ; and in stead of sacred , to put in laborious and painfull . Quotidiana oscula prohibuit edicto , item strenarum commercium . He forbad expresly by Edict the usuall and daily kisses commonly given and taken , likewise the entercourse of New-yeares gifts to and fro . Suetonius writeth of him , that he did Iura omnibus ferè asylis adimere , Take away the priviledge of almost all their Sanctuaries , because he observed the licentious abuse of them . At length he discovered those vices , which with much adoe for a long time he had cloaked and concealed . He was very cruell , covetous , and libidinous . He spent with Flaccus Pomponius and L. Piso , a whole night and two dayes 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 drunkennesse , because his Nurse that gave him suck would drink exceedingly her self , and nourished him with sops soaked in wine . A Lombard , for drinking in his presence three Gallons of wine at one dr●ught , and before he took his breath again , was dubbed Knight by him , and sirnamed 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 Souldier 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 : Fastidit vinum , quia jam suit iste cruorem ; ●am bibit hunc avidè , quàm bibit antè merum . He loat●eth wine , and now he aft●r blood doth thirst ; Drinkes this as greedily as wine he drank at first . 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 cryed 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 passe . 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 festivall 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 kinsfolkes of such persons as were condemned to dye should not mourn and lament for them . No Informer and Promoter was discredited , but his Prefentment taken , and every crime and trespasse was accounted capitall . He said to one that requested death rather than long imprisonment , Nondum tecum redii in gratiam , Thou art not yet reconciled to me that I should shew thee such favour . Because Virgins by a received custome 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 indure intollerable 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 any thing troubled , he ever carried a Chaplet or wreath of Lawrell about his neck , because that ( as Pliny reporteth ) is never blasted with Lightning . He loved liberall 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 Astrologicall 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 honoured 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 seemes to allude , thus jesting at the Heathen touching their great god Jupiter ; How cometh it to passe , that in your Poets , salacious Jupiter begets no more children ? is he past sixty , and restrained by the Papian Law ? Many of the Roman Caesars 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 askt the Senatewittily ( as Xiphiline reports it ) What they would do when they should have more then twelve Caesars ? It is called the Sea of Tiberias , Iohn 6. ● . from a City on the bank of it , of that name , built by Herod , in honour of Tiberius Caesar , as Josephus writeth in the 18. Book of his Jewish Antiquities . Livie and Ovid dyed in the fourth year of Tiberius . Pilate by Letters signified unto him the Miracles of our Saviour Christ , his Resurrection , and that he was supposed of many to be God. The Romans had a Law , forbidding any Emperour to consecrate or set up any god which was not first approved by the Senate ; for Tiberius Caesar hearing of Christs fame , by vertue of that Law moved the Senate to promulgate and relate Christ among the number of their gods , who rejected him because he would be God alone , or because contrary to the Law of the Romans he was consecrated for God , before the Senate of Rome had so declared and approved him ; whose folly Tertullian thus scoffeth ; 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. speakes the same things of Christ that Matthew doth ; that he was a most worthy man , if it be lawfull 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. affirmes 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 Reigne of Tiberius all the Oracles of the world ceased , of which the Poets bear witnesse , — cessant oracula Delphis . Iuv. Sat. 6. Plutarch also in the same book reports , that in the later yeares of the reigne 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 Emperour , 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 wonderfull accident : but Christians may perswade themselves , that by the death of their great god Pan ( which signifies all ) was imported the utter overthrow of all wicked spirits . John 12. 31. Our Lord was Crucified in the 15. year of his reigne , say * Tertullian and * Lactantius . But Luke the Evangelist , 3. c. 1. v. maketh his Baptisme to fall in the 15. year of Tiberius his reigne . So then his Passion must be in the 18. or 19. for three yeares he preached salvation . Jerome and Eusebius . The fear of losing his Office under Tiberius Caesar , ( whose Deputy he was over the Province of Judaea , ) made Pilate condemn Christ , John 19. 12. 13. but not long after , he lost his Deputy-ship and Caesars favour , and fled to Vienna , where living in banishment he killed himself ; Euseb. Hist. l. 2. c. 7. Matth. 22. 21. Our Saviour saith , Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars . 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 . Ierome on the place doth well observe , that the name of Caesar is not proper , but Appellative , because from the first Emperour Iulius Caesar all the rest were so called . Yet saith Gerhard in his Harmony , Christ properly understands Tiberius who then ruled , whose Image the money did bear ; to that wicked Emperour Tribute was due ; so that charge 1 Tim. 2. 2. was given by Paul , even then when Caesar was a persecutor of the Christian Religion . Austin tells us , He that gave Soveraignty to Augustus , gave it also to Nero ; he that gave it to the Vespatians Father and Son , sweetest Emperours , gave it also to Domitian that bloody monster , De civit . Dei. l. 5. c. 21. Tiberius approved of the Christians Opinions , and threatned Death to them which accused them : This came to passe ( saith * Eusebius ) by Divine providence , that the Doctrine of the Gospel having no rubbe 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 Embleme 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 dyed in the 78. year of his age , say Suetonius , Tacitus , and Aurel. Vict. 83. saith Eutropius . It was thought he was poysoned . He raigned 23. yeares say Eutropius , Suetonius , Orosius . 24. saith Aurel. Vict. 22. yeares , 7. moneths , and 20. dayes , Tertull. 22. yeares , Clem. Alexand. 22. yeares , 7. moneths , and so many dayes , saith Dion , 22. yeares and six moneths , Iose●hus . He raigned 22. yeares and 7. moneths ; but the reason of the different computation , why some give unto him but 22. years , some 24. some but 23. is , because some count onely the full yeares , some the moneths of his first and last year for whole yeares , some put the odde moneths together , and make one year of them . He raigned after our Saviours Passion 4. years , 11. moneths , and 18. dayes . The people joyed so much at his death , that running up and down at the first tidings thereof , some cryed out in this note , Tiberium in Tiberim , Let Tiberius be cast into Tiber ; some offered sacrifices when they heard of it , and one meeting with his Master in some publick place , told him in the Hebrew Tongue , The Lion was dead . Choyce Observations OF CAIVS CALIGVLA . SOme say this name of Caligula was given him , for a certain kind of shooe called Caliga , used among men of warre , 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 souldier among the rest . Cajus , cognomen Caligae cui castra dederunt . Ausonius . He carried himself well before he was Emperour , 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 grosse 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 capitall offence , 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-glasse , all manner of waies to seem more terrible , and to strike greater fear . Being clad oftentimes with a cloake of needle-work , and embroidered with divers colours , and the same set out with precious stones ; in a coat also with long sleeves , and wearing bracelets withall , he would come abroad into the City . On a time esteeming it a thing correspondent to his greatnesse who was Emperor , to exact that superiority on the Sea , which was answerable to his Soveraignty on the Land , being to crosse 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 bruit blazed abroad of some huge and monstrous piece of work , hee might terrifie Germany and Britain , upon which Countries hee meant to make warre . He maintained his reputation with his Grand-father Tiberius , by no meanes but this ; he shadowed his cruell mind with subtill modesty , and shewed 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 apparell , in his words , in all things as near as possibly he could . He succeeded Tiberius in the Empire , but in cruelty farre exceeded him . Thus farre 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 dignifie him with more then humane honours ; and ascending the Capitol , which among all he Temples in Rome is most religiously honoured , he was so bold as to salute Jupiter , and to call him brother . — Divûmque sibi poscebat honores . He sent Petronius with an Army to Ierusalem , commanding him to set his statue in the Temple , and if the Jewes 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 Jewes , Sub Tiberio quies , deinde jussi a Caio Caesare effigiem ejus in Templo locare , arma potius sumpsere ; quem motum mors Caesaris diremit . He gave it out openly , that his own Mother was begotten by Incest which Augustus committed with his own daughter Iulia. He caused his Brother Tiberius to be slain , and reserved his Uncle Claudius ( who was his Successour in the Empire ) for nothing else , but to make him his laughing-stock . Many of honourable rank were by him put to death , and sawed asunder in the midst , because they had no good opinion of his shewes , 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 Emperours . And what a devout Oath was this , Per Genium , that is , the spirit or superintendent Angell 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 Sueton. He forced Parents to be present at the execution of their own children . And when one Father excused himself by reason of sicknesse , 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 courtesie 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 mixt of French and Greekes . After he had well drunk and eaten , hee 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 paines of an enduring death . IIe executed on a time one whom he had not appointed to dye , by errour 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 favouring 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 Emperour : Over whom the people of Rome afterward insulted , being kild by Chareas . He was wont openly to complain of the unhappy condition of his time wherein he lived , as not renowned by any publick calamities ; that his Government was like to be forgotten by the calm and prosperous current of all things , and therefore he would often wish for the overthrow of his Armies , Famine , Pestilence , Fire , Earthquakes , and the like . Nonnunquam horreis praelusis populo famem indixit . He proclaimed a famine without scarcity . While he was at his recreations and disports , he practised the same cruelty both in word and deed ; oftentimes as he sate at dinner , some were examined upon the Rack in his presence , and others had their heads struck off . His saying was , Oderint 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 adde , 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 poysoned of him , did take counterpoison , or a remedy against it ; what sayes 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 cruell woman herself , and used to rub her breast nipple with blood , causing him to suck it ; which he practised also afterwards , for he did not onely 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 shew what effects the greatest vices joyned with the greatest fortune could produce . And it may justly be verified of his times , what Senecca saith in another place , Res humanas sub illo in eum statum decidisse , ut inter misericordiae opera haberetur occidi . Under him things were brought to that passe , as it was reckoned amongst the workes of mercy to be slain . De quo nescio an decuerit memoriae prodi , nisi sorte 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 any thing , but that peradventure it is expedient to know all things of Princes , that wicked men at least with fear of the report may decline such things . He was very expert in the Greek , and vulgar Roman Tongues . He was also of a fluent speech , and if he had been to plead and declaime 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 termes , 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 Livie out of all Libraries ; he said , Virgil was a man of no wit , and very mean learning , and taxed Livie of verbosity , and negligence in penning his History . He said , Seneca's works were Arena sine calce , Sand without Lime , because he often spoke short Sentences , having no connexion amongst themselves . Nepotinis sumptibus omnium prodigorum ingenia superavit . In riotous and wastfull expences he exceeded the wits and inventions of all the prodigall 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 withall , Aut frugi hominem esse oportere , aut Caesarem , That a man must either be frugall , or else Caesar. He held the wills of great men as void and of no effect , 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-yeares gifts , and so he stood the first day of Ianuary in the entrie of his house , ready to take what pieces of money soever came , which the multitude of all sects and degrees , with full hands and bosomes powred out before him ; nay , he took such delight in handling of mony , that oftentimes he would both walk bare-footed up and down , yea , and wallow also a good while with his whole body upon huge heapes of coyned pieces of gold spread here and there in a most large open place . There were in his secret Cabinet found two Bookes , 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 markes 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 threatned the Aire if it rained upon his Game-players , Quanta dementia fuit ? putavit aut sibi noceri ne a Iove quidem posse , aut se nocere & Iovi posse . Senec. de Ira. lib. 1. cap. 16. How great madnesse was it to think that either Iupiter 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-sted . Dion reporteth of two , that when the Emperour was sick , thinking to get much as a reward for their great love to the Emperour , vowed , that on condition he might live , they themselves would dye to excuse him ; he recovering , afterward took them at their word , and put them to death , 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 alwayes , that Tiberius ( as now it is come to passe ) might perish , and you become Emperour . Hereupon Caligula thinking that those whom he had banished prayed likewise for his death , sent about into the Islands to kill them every one . Sueton. In taking the review of Goales , and Prisoners therein , as they were sorted to their offences , he without once looking upon the title and cause of their imprisonment , standing onely 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 . Sueton. He was murthered at last himself , who had put so many to death . He lived 29. years saith Suetonius , 39. Eutropius . He reigned three years , ten moneths , and eight dayes , say Suetonius and Eutropius ; four years say Clemens , Tacitus , and Sextus Aurel. four years , ten moneths , and eight dayes , saith Beda ; three years , nine moneths , 28. dayes , saith Dion ; three years , eight moneths , and thirteen dayes , saith Tertullian ; three years , six moneths , Iosephus ; three years , nine moneths , 22. dayes saith Epiphanius : but the whole time of his reigne was three yeares , ten moneths , and eight dayes . They which give to him full four yeares , count the odde moneths and dayes for a whole year . Valerius Asiaticus , who had been Consul , came forth among the people , who were in an uproar because of the rumours of the Emperours death , & supposing it a strange matter that no man knew who had slain the Emperour , whilst every one enquired 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 Lawes , and the safety of all men ; and had he not been speedily cut off , Our Nation ( saith Iosephus ) almost had been utterly exterminated . His monies were all melted by the decree of the Senate ; as King Richard the thirds Cognizance the white Bore was torn from every signe , that his Monument might perish . Speed. Choyce Observations OF CLAVDIVS CAESAR . AFter the death of Caligula , certain Souldiers in a hurry going to plunder the Pallace , one perceiving the feet of a man hidden in a hole , plucks him out by the heeles ; this proves to be Claudius , who falling on his knees , and desiring his life might be spared , the Souldiers lift him on their shoulders , and proclaim him Emperour ; 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 Caesars , that obliged unto him the Souldiers fealty by a fee and reward . His Mother Antonia was wont to call him , Portentum hominis , The Monster , and fantasticall shape of a man , as if he had not been finished , but onely begun by Nature ; and if she reproved any one for his foolishnesse , 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 haires beautifull , 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 hee 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 . Sueton. He commanded all Jewes to depart from Rome , Acts 18. 2. The Jewes ( 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 passe in the dayes of Claudiu● Caesar , of which famine Eusebius , * Iosephus , * Tacitus , and Suetonius likewise speak . There was a woman that would not acknowledge her own son , and when by evidences and arguments alledged pro & contra on both sides , the question rested in equall ballance doubtfull , he awarded that she should be wedded to the young man ; and so forced her to confesse the truth , and to take him for her child . One cryed out upon a forger of writings , and required that both his hands might be cut off ; he made no more ado , but forthwith called instantly to have the Hangman sent for , with his chopping-knife and Butchers block to do the deed . The Lawyers were wont to abuse his Patience so much , that as he was going down from the Judgement Seat , they would not only call upon him to come back again , but also take hold of his 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 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Et tu senex es & stultus . Thou art both old and fool besides . Claudius invisae privato in tempore vitae , In regno specimen prodidit ingenii . Libertina ferens nuptarumque improba facta , Non faciendo nocens , sed patiendo fuit . Hee gave this counsell to a libidinous young man , Si non castè tamen cautè . And his Symbole was , Generis virtus nobilitas . He was very forgetfull ; 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 immediatly after he sent for , to hear him company at dice-play . One of his Guests , who was thought to have closely stollen away a cup of Gold the day before , he re-invited againe 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 . Hence the Epigramme , Edicto vetuit crepitus ructusque teneri Claudius : ô medici Principis Imperium ! 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 dayes go to any feast , without Pensioners standing about him with their Spears and Javelins , and his Souldiers waiting at the table ; neither visited he any sick person , unlesse the Bed-chamber where the party lay was first searched : He would scarce suffer Attendants and Clarkes to carry their Pen-sheaths , and Pen-knife-cases . He concealed not his foolishnesse , but gave it out , and protested in certain short Orations , that he counterfeited himself a fool for the nonce during Caius dayes , because otherwise he should not have escaped , nor attained to the Imperiall place which he aimed at , and was then entred 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 . Hee wrote Histories , Livie being his Tutor . He had good skill in the Greek Tongue , professing as any occasion was offered , his affectionate love to it , and the excellency thereof . When a certain Barbarian discoursed in Greek and Latine ; See you be skilfull ( quoth he ) in both our Languages . It was generally thought that he was killed by poison ; and it was a just Judgement of God upon him , for hee 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 stomack , putting a feather into his throat ; in which feather some Authors affirm that poison was given him . The Virgin Mary dyed in his time , in the 59. year of her age , saith Nicephorus . He lived 64. yeares , say some : 63. yeares , 2. months , and 13. dayes , saith Casaubon . He reigned 13. yeares , 8. moneths , and 20. dayes , say Dio , and Josephus . He reigned 14. yeares , according to Tacitus , Suetonius , Clem. Alexand. Eutrop. Orosius . 13. yeares 8. moneths , and 20. dayes after Eusebius . 14. yeares , 7. moneths , and 28. dayes after Beda . But the whole time of his reigne was 13. yeares , 8. moneths , and 20. dayes . They which do give unto him 14. yeares , doe count the odde moneths for a whole year . Choyce Observations OF NERO CAESAR . NERO was a proper Name ( which noted Vertue and Fortitude , of that Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the sinews , being the conjunction and strength of the members ) and such persons also were of the Romans called Neroes , as excelled others in the most egregious Fortitude and Noble Vertues . Afterward when this Tyrant Nero ( who descended of the Claudii which were Sabines ) had degenerated from all the Heroicall vertues of his Ancestors , and became so bloody and cruell , hee gave occasion to posterity to change that proper name into a name Appellative , so that they called them that were cruell Nerones , and those that were more cruell 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 Publick . Of stature he was indifferent , within a little of 6. foot ; his body full of speckles , and freckles , and foul of skin besides . The haire of his head somewhat yellow , his countenance and visage rather faire then lovely , and well-favoured . His eyes gray and dimme , his neck full and fat , his body bearing out , and his legges slender and small . He began his reigne with a glorious shew of piety and kindnesse . Those Tributes and Taxes which were any thing 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 dye , he would say , Quàm vellem nescïre literas ! O that I knew not one letter of the book ! Seneca his Tutor did much extoll that speech of his , as if it had proceeded from a pitifull heart . He was framed by Nature , and practised by custome ( saith Tacitus ) to cloake 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 thankes , he answered , Cùm meruero , do so when I shall deserve . His quinquennium or first five yeares were such , that Trajan himself is said to have admired , using this speech , Procul differre cunctos Principes Neronïs quinquennio . But it is thought that it was rather the reigne of his Governours Seneca and Burrhus , then properly his . He delighted exceedingly in Musick , and would shew his skill upon the open stage , often using the Greek Proverb , That hidden Musick was nought worth . All the while he was singing , it was not lawfull 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 praysing him , when the Town gates were shut , either by stealth lept down from the Walles , 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 onely . 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 vaile after the solemn manner of Marriage , not without a goodly traine 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 dayes foolishly . Epulas à medio die ad mediam noctem protrahebat . He held out his Feasts from noon-day till mid-night . * He was very profuse and prodigall in expences , he never put on the same Garment twice ; when he played at hazard , he ventered no lesse 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 inclosed 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 reigne , but kill his Mother ; but she being very ambitious slighted that , saying , Occidat modò imperet , Let him kill mee so he may be King. This was accomplished afterwards , for he caused his Mother to be murdered , and not onely 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 faire 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 reigne . Tertullian calls him , Dedicator damnationis nostrae , i. e. the first that made a Law to condemne 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 , alledge this to be the cause wherefore he put Paul to death , because Paul had converted to the Christian Faith Nero's Butler , whom he made great account of , 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 assigne 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 joyned with a wicked detestation of the Christian Faith. His cruelty is by Paul compared to the mouth of a Lion , 2 Tim. 4. 17. but here then ariseth an objection , how Paul should suffer under him , when he saith there , that he was delivered ? Therefore Paul was his prisoner twice , he was set at liberty after his first imprisonment at Rome , Phil. 1. 25. Philem. 22. Heb. 13. 23. 2 Tim. 4. 16. 17. The reason is thus alledged by Eusebius ; Neronem in principio Imperii mitiorem fuisse , That Nero in the beginning of his Empire was more gentle , and mild , but afterward when Paul was taken again , Nero then being become a most cruell Tyrant , caused him to be put to death . He dyed in the 14. year of Nero's reigne , and the 37. year after the Passion of Christ. Seneca disswaded 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 Emperour was so fierce against the Christians ( as Eusebius reporteth ) usque adeò 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 lye full of mens bodies , the old lying there with the young , and the dead bodies of women cast out naked , without all reverence of that Sex , in the open streets . In this persecution also James the greater , and the lesse , Philip , Bartholomew , Barnabas , Mark , suffered . Christians were covered in wild beasts skins , and torn in pieces with Dogs , or fastned 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 avoyd the infamy thereof , he laid the fault on the innocent , and suborned some falsly to accuse the Christians , as Authors of that fire ; whereupon hee put many of them to death : but Tacitus will clear them , who yet was their enemy . Non perinde ( saith hee ) 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 alwaies safe , alwaies unsafe to do well . He was so hatefull an adversary to all righteousnesse , 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 turn'd the world upside down before he went out of it . In him alone all the corruptions which had been ingendred in Rome , from the birth of Rome till his own daies , seemed drawn together into one impostume or boyl . When one in common talk upon a time chanced to say , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . When vitall breath is fled from me , Let earth with fire mingled be . Nay rather , quoth hee , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , whiles vitall spirit remaines in me . He had a desire ( though it were foolish and inconsiderate ) of eternity and perpetuall 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 Emperour that needed another mans Eloquence ; for Julius Caesar was equall 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 Latine , who made true Tragedies in blood , such as even the Greekes never feigned . Nothing netled him more then when he was blamed by Vindex for an unskilfull Musician : he said of himself a little before his death , Qualis Artifex pereo ? What an excellent Artisan do I dye ? meaning of his skill in playing of Tragedies ; as indeed his whole life and death was all but one Tragedy . Vespasian asked Apollonius , what was Nero's overthrow ? he answered , Nero could touch and tune the Harp well , but in Government sometimes he u●ed to winde the pinnes too high , and sometimes to let them down too low ; thereby intimating , that he applyed Corrosives where gentle Lenitives would have served the turn , and again he applyed Lenitives where Corrosives were needfull . Additum nomine Neronis Donativum Militi , congiarium plebi . Tacit. 12. Annal. The Princes liberalities to the Souldiers were called Donativa , ( which they bestowed , upon some great victory , or rather extraordinary occasion ; ) to the people , or otherwise to his friends , Congiaria ; doubtlesse because at the first certain measures called Congii , of wine or oyl were bestowed , and afterwards other things were given , yet the ancient name remained . Vindex first stirred the stone , which rowling tumbled Nero out of his seat . When it was told Iulius Vindex , that Nero by publick Edict had prized his head at 10000. thousand Sesterces , ( that is above four-score thousand pounds in our coine , ) Well , quoth he again , and he that kils Nero , and brings me his head , shall have mine in exchange . Qui Neronem interfecerit , & ad me caput ejus attulerit , is meum accipiet caput in mercedis loco . Xiphilin . Nero consulting the Delphick ( or rather divellish ) 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 farre 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 yeares . At last the Senate proclaiming him a publick enemy unto Mankind , condemned him to be drawn through the City , and to be whipped to death ; which sentence when he heard of , finding no man to strike him , and exclaiming against them all , What , have I neither friend nor foe ? ( said he ) I have lived dishonourably , let me dye shamefully ; and then he strake himself through with his own sword , and was a horrible spectacle to all beholders . He dyed in the 32. year of his age , saith Suetonius ; and 14. year of his reigne , say Tacitus , Clem. Alexand. Eusebius , and Eutropius , the very day of the year on which he had murdered his wife Octavia ; and by his death brought so great joy unto the people generally , that the Commons wore caps to testifie their freedom recovered , and ran sporting up and down throughout the City . Some say that Nero is yet alive ( saith Baronius out of Sueton ▪ 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 sicknesse which he had , he used continually Galbeum , i. e. remedies lapped in wooll : some again because he seemed very fat , and such a one the French doth name Galba : or contrariwise because he was slender , as certain little wormes are called Galbae . He succeeded Nero , and his age being much despised , there was great licentiousnesse and confusion ; whereupon a Senatour said in full Senate , It were better to live where nothing is lawfull , then where all things are lawfull . 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 shooes on the one , or to hold his Bookes with the other . There was an excrescence , or bunch of flesh in the right side of his body , and it hung downward so much , as it could hardly be tyed up with a truss or swathing band ; yet hee had a good wit , though a deformed body , like a good instrument in a bad case . Being with generall applause , and great good liking placed in state , he behaved himself under expectation , and though in most points he shewed himself a vertuous Prince , yet his good Acts were not so memorable , as those were odious and displeasant wherein he did amisse . He obtained the Empire with greater favour and authority then he mannaged 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 whilest he was private , and by all mens opinions capable of the Empire , had he never been Emperour . Spem frustrate senex , privatus sceptra mereri Visus es , Imperio proditus inferior : Fama tibi melior juveni , sed justior ordo est , Complacuisse dehinc , displicuisse prius . He lived in honourable fame and estimation in the reigne of five Emperours , 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 carefull of it : of other mens money he was not greedy , sparing of his own , of the common a Niggard . As he sacrificed within a publick Temple , a Boy among other Ministers holding the Censer , suddenly had all the haire 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 himselfe 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 Bill-men met him , holding out a bloody sword in his hand , with which , he cryed aloud , he had slain Otho ; My friend , quoth Galba , who bad thee ? A man of rare vertue ( saith Tacitus ) to keep in awe a licentious Souldier ; whom neither threats could terrifie , nor flattering speech corrupt and abuse : thence it was a usuall speech through the Camp ; Disce Miles militare , Galba est , non Getulicus . Learne Souldiers service valorous , Galba is here , and not Getulicus . For eight yeares space ( before hee was Emperour ) hee governed a Province of Spain variably , and with an uneven hand , at first sharp , severe , violent , afterward he grew to be slothfull , carelesse , idle . Being intreated for a Gentleman condemned , that he might not dye the death of ordinary Malefactors , he commanded that the Gallowes should be dealbata , whited , or coloured for him ; Quasi solatio & honore poenam levaturus , as if the painted Gibbet might adde solace and honour 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 liberall Sciences he gave himself to the study of the Civil Law. He cryed to his Souldiers , 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 Souldiers , was now displeasant to them who were generally weary of the ancient Discipline , and so trained up by Nero 14. yeares , that now they loved their Emperours no lesse for their vices , then once they reverenced them for their vertue● . His hardnesse toward his Souldiers 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 withall , Legi à se militem , non emi , That his manner had ever been to choose , and not to buy his souldiers . Vox pro Republica honesia , ipsi anceps ; A saying no doubt fit for a great Prince in a more vertuous age , not so in those seasons for him , who suffered himself to be sold every houre , and abused to all purposes . He was killed by the wiles of Otho , in the Market-place ; the Souldiers 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 dyed in the 73. year of his age , and seventh moneth of his Empire . He reigned seven moneths , and so many dayes . 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 shankes . He wore by reason of his thinne 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 juyce or liquor appropriate thereto , as the blood of Bats , Froggs , or the Tunie-fish : to this effeminacy of Otho alludeth the Satyricall Poet in this Verse , Et pressum in faciem digitis extendere panem . 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 , hee would catch hold of him , lay him upon a Souldiers Gabardine , and so tosse and hoist him up in the Aire . Pueritiam in curiose , adolescentiam petulanter egerat . He spent his tender yeares without regard of his honour , his youth afterwards in all dissolute disorder . He repaired often to his Glasse to see his face , that he might keep it clean . He was one of Nero's chief Minions and Favourites , such was the congruence of their humours and dispositions . Gratus Neroni aemulatione luxus . He was in grace with Nero through emulation of vice . Neroni criminosè familiaris , He was sinfully familiar with Nero. He was privie and party to all his Counsels and secret designes ; 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 . Frustrà moritur Nero , si Otho vivit . He strove by gifts , and all other meanes to oblige the Souldiers unto him before he was Emperour , and to winne 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 Souldiers onely trusted him , because he trusted none else . All of them together put up a petition to him , and besought him to command their persons , whilest they had one drop of blood left in their bodies to do him service . But amongst others , there was a poor Souldier drawing out his sword , said unto him , Know , O Caesar , that all my Companions are determined to dye in this sort for thee , and so slew himself . Rebus prosperis ●●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 mortall men the most detestable creatures in slothfulnesse , incontinency , and wastfull life , fatally elected to ruine the Empire . But though in the first Book of Tacitus his History they are both compared as like , in opposition to a good Prince ; yet in his second book they are opposed the one to the other as unlike , with notes of 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 joyned with courage and edge . The drowsie Pleasures of Vitellius were feared lesse then the burning lusts of Otho . Vitellius in excesse of Belly-chear was an enemy to himself ; Otho in riot , cruelty , audaciousnesse , reputed more dangerous to the state . It was hard to judge which of them two was most licentiously given , most effeminate , least skilfull , poorer , or most indebted , before he was Emperour . 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 . Plura de extremis loqui pars ignaviae est . He thought it a part of dastardy to speak too much of death . When he saw his side the weaker and going to the walls , he counselled his Souldiers 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 Souldiers who were present about him , when with plentifull teares they had kissed his hands and feet as hee lay dead , and commended him withall for a most valiant man , and the onely Emperour that ever was ; presently in the place , and not farre from the funerall fire killed themselves . Many of them also who were absent , hearing of the newes 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 hee 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 Soveraigne Ruler , as because he desired to recover the state of the Republick , and the freedome that was lost . His saying was , Melius est unum pro multis , quam pro uno multos mori ; An excellent and worthy speech of an Emperour , preferring the Publick good before his own private ; Sic imperium quod maximo scelere invaserat , maxima virtute deposuit , as Xiphilinus noteth out of Dion . He dyed but 37. yeares old saith Plutarch ; 38. say Eutropius , and Suetonius ; and was Emperour but three moneths , Plutarch ; three moneths and five dayes , Tertullian ; four moneths , Aurelius Victor . He dyed 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 legge , by a hurt formerly received . He was stained with all manner of reprochable villanies ; he was familiar with Caius for his love to Chariot-running , and with Claudius for his affection to Dice-play , but he was in greater favour with Nero for his wicked conditions likewise ; for he attended and followed him as he did sing , not by compulsion , as many a good man , but selling his honour to nourish his Riot , and feed his belly , to which he enthralled himself . He found some supplications that were exhibited unto Otho , by such as claimed reward for their good service in killing Galba , and gave command that they should be sought out and executed every one . A worthy and magnificent beginning , such as might give good hope of an excellent Prince , had hee not managed all matters else according to his own naturall disposition , and the course of his former life , rather then respecting the Majesty of an Emperour . When hee came into the Fields where a Battel was fought , and some of his train loathed and abhorred the putrified corruption of the dead bodies , he stuck not to hearten and encourage them with this cursed speech , Optimè olere occisum hostem , & 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 judiciall Astrologers called Mathematicians , because they had said , that his reigne should not endure one year to an end . If he could have forborn his riotous living , or used any moderation therein , covetousnesse 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-waies 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 Souldiers grew worse , and degenerated from labour and vertue , partly by turning themselves to pleasures , and partly through the contemptiblenesse of the commander . He would eat four meales a day , Breakfast , Dinner , Supper , and Rere-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 hee 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 severall Dishes of Fish , the most dainty and choycest 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 braines 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 Captaines 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 memoriall of him in these very termes , calling his excesse 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 affaires , that he would forget his Pastimes . In his Traine all was disorderly and full of drunkennesse , 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-fellowes . 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 withall , Velle se pascere oculos , that he would feed his eyes with seeing his death . At the execution of another he caused two of his Sonnes to bear him company , because they presumed to intreat for their Fathers sake . A Gentleman of Rome being haled away to take his death , he cryed aloud unto him , Sir , I have made you my heire ; 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 weild weighty affaires . The Empire was conferred upon him by those which knew him not , and yet never man found so constant good will of his Souldiers by vertuous meanes , 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 possesse his mind , that if other men had not remembred that he had been a Prince , ( and therefore was not to look for security in a private estate ) he himself would quickly have forgotten it . 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 ruine which approched him , but onely to keep out the memory and report of it with fortification of mirth and sottishnesse , that so he might be delivered from the paines of preserving himself . Praeterita , instantia , futura , pari oblivione dimiserat , mirum apud ipsum de bello silentium , prohibiti per civitatem sermones , &c. Tacit. Hist. lib. 3. Ita formatae Principis aures , ut aspera quae utilia , nec quidquam nisi jucundum & laesurum acciperet . The Princes eares were so framed , that he accounted all sharp that was wholsome , and liked of nothing but that which was presently pleasant , and afterwards hurtfull . Amicitias dum magnitudine munerum , non constantiá morum continere putat , meruit magis quàm habuit . He deserved rather then found faithfull friends , because he sought them more by great gifts then vertuous behaviour . At the last he was slain in an ignominious manner , having many scornfull 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 shew his face , and not hold it down while some pelted him with dung and dirty mire ; others called him with open mouth , Incendiary or Firebrand , because hee 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 moneths and five dayes , say * Josephus , and * Eusebius ; eight moneths and ten dayes saith * Tertullian . * Tacitus reporteth , that in those few moneths 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 obscurè quidem natus , sed optimis comparandus , privatâ vitâ illustris . He was of a middle stature , well set , his limbes 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 businesse . 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 starre was thought to portend his death , he replyed merrily , that the bushy Stella crinita , noted not him but the Parthian King , Ipse enim comatus est , ego vero calvus , for , he weareth bushy lockes , but I am bald . But he dyed a little while after , and by his example ( saith Keckerman ) warned men to forbear jesting at Gods great workes and Prodigies . An Oxe having cast off his yoke , ran furiously into the room where he sate at Supper , where affrighting his Attendants from him , he straight prostrates himself before his feet , as if he had been weary , offering his neck to his clemency , Suetonius . 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 Sueton. ) seemed probable , Quia & male partis optimusus est . He fought 30. Battels in Britain , took 20. Townes , and adjoyned the Isle of Wight to the obedience of the Roman Empire . When a certain gallant youth smelling hot of sweet balmes and perfumes , came unto him to give thanks for an office obtained at his hands , after a strange countenance shewing his dislike of him , he gave him also in words a most bitter check , 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 withall , and furniture accordingly . He was made Totus ex clementia ( as the Historian tels 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 armes , was at last conquered and brought to Rome . His wife spake to Vespasian in his behalf , pleading that he had two sons of her ; and supplicating to him for mercy to her husband and her self , used these words , Ego , ● Caesar , hos in monument● peperi aluique , ut plures tibi supplices esse●nus : By which speech , although she drew teares from him and those that were present , yet she could not procure her Husbands pardon . Dion . The Souldiers elected him Emperour , and requested him to preserve the Empire being in great danger to be lost . Yet he ( though he had been alwaies carefull for the good of the Common-wealth ) refused to be Emperour , deeming himself indeed to have deserved it , but rather chusing to live a private life , wherein was security , then in the height of fortune and honour with perpetuall danger . The Captains were most earnest because he refused it , and the Souldiers flocked about him with drawn swords , threatning his death except he would consent to live as he deserved ; yet he strove a long time to avert their determination , being loth to be Emperour ; at last seeing he could not avoid it , he accepted their offer . He comforted his Souldiers 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 Souldiers , 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 vertues . It was a worthy report which Pliny gave of him , if he flattered him not , to whom being Emperour he wrote thus ; Nec quicquam in te mutavit fortunae amplitudo , nisi ●●prodesse tantundem posses & velles . Greatnesse 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 onely 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 meritò culpetur , pecuniae cupiditas . The onely thing for which he might worthily be blamed was covetousnesse . Prorsus si avaritia abesset , antiquis ducibus par . Tacitus . He not onely called for arrerages due in Galba's time , but raised new Tributes , and laid upon the Provinces more grievous impositions , doubling them in some places . Negotiationes vel privato pudendas propalam exercuit . He did negotiate and deale 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 Honours 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 choyce of the most greedy proling Officers he could any where 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 spunges , Quòd quasi & siccos madefaceret , & exprimeret humentes ; because he did wet them well when they were dry , and presse 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 voyce , Vulpem pilum mutare non mores , that the Foxe 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 basenesse 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 ) è lotio est , and yet ( quoth he ) it commeth of urine : Vnde Juvenalis , — Lucri bonus est odor è re Qualibet . Ad quod alludens etiam Ammianus , dixit , & lucrum ex omni odorantes occasione . There are some of a contrary opinion , that he was driven to spoyl , 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 ) seemes to sound more near unto the truth , because the mony by him ill gotten he used and bestowed very well , for he was most liberall 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 custome 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 Emperour ought to dye standing . And likewise he said at his death , Vt puto Deus fio , id est , morior ; nam post mortem Caesares referebantur in numerum deorum . Me thinkes ( quoth he ) I am a deifying , and growing to be a god . Annum agens vitae absque uno septuagesimum interiit . He lived threescore and 9. yeares , 7. moneths , and 7. daies over . He reigned 2. yeares , saith Eusebius . Choyce Observations OF TITUS VESPASIANUS . FOR his Naturall goodnesse and noble disposition , he was called Amor & deliciae humani generis , The lovely darling , and delightfull joy of Mankind . Tantum illi ad promerendam omnium voluntatem , vel ingenii , vel artis , vel fortunae superfuit . Sueton. So fully was he either indued with good nature and disposition , or enriched with skill and cunning , or else graced with fortunes favour . Augustin De Civit. Dei. lib. 5. cap. 21. calls him Suavissimum Principem , a most sweet Prince . Yet God made him a terrible scourge to the Nation of the Jewes , who forsook the Lord Jesus , and preferred Caesar ; for as our Saviour prophesied concerning Jerusalem , that a stone should not be left upon a stone , Matth. 24. 2. So it was fulfilled forty yeares after his Ascention , by Vespasian the Emperour , and his Son Titus , say Eusebius and Josephus . And by that which followeth in the same Ch. 21. v. he meaneth the tribulation the Jewes were to endure at the siege , and surprisall of Jerusalem by Vespasian and Titus . In the time of which siege the Jewes were oppressed with a grievous Famine , in which their food was old shooes , old leather , old hay , and the dung of beasts . There dyed 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 levell to the ground ; and ninety seven thousand taken captives , and applyed to base and miserable service . So many of the Jewes were crucifyed , that ( by relation of their own Josephus de bello Iudaico lib. 6. c. 12. ) there remained no more space to set crosses in , nor any more 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 yeares . 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 lesse Majesty then favour 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 skilfull in handling his weapon , and withall 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 skilfull in Musick ; he could write with cyphers , and by artificial characters , both very fast and very fair , striving by way of sport and mirth with his own Clerkes , whether he or they could write fastest : He was able to expresse and imitate what hand soever he had seen , and would often say , that he could have been a notable forger , and counterfeiter of writings . Suo quam Patris Imperio modestior . Whiles he was a private person , he behaved himself not altogether so well as when he was Emperour . His youthful affections were setled somewhat upon Berenice the Queen of Iewry ; notwithstanding in no such degree that it was any hinderance to his honourable actions . The Feasts which he made were pleasant merriments rather then lavish and sumptuous . No grosse vice could be found in him , but many excellent vertues . Neminem a se dimisit tristem . He never dismissed any Petitioner with a tear in his eye , or a heavy heart ; and when his Domesticall 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 sermone Principis tristem discedere . No man ought to depart from the speech of a Prince , sad and discontented . Calling to mind one time as he sate 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 mercifull , 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 lyes . He said , he would rather dye 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 any thing else , he promised to give it unto them . He would not endure to kill , or sequester and confine his Brother Domitian ( though he never ceased to lay wait for his life ) but still made him partner with him in his Sovereigne Government , and often with teares exhorted him to mutual love . There fell out in his dayes some heavy accidents ; a fire in the City of Rome , which lasted three dayes and three nights ; and a grievous Pestilence , wherein there dyed ten thousand a day : and Vesuvius a mountain in Campania flamed with great horrour ; Pliny the naturall Historian then Admiral of the Roman Navie , 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 Aire , obscured all Europe ; others say , that they darkned the Sun. He was a valiant Souldier ; going once to espy the enemy , and not to fight , notwithstanding that an infinite number of darts and arrowes were shot at him , and he had no Armour at all , yet received he not one wound , but all past him , as though upon purpose every one had strove to have mist him . And he with his sword made way and cut many upon the face that opposed themselves against him , and so they falling down , he with his horse past over them . The Jewes seeing Titus his valour ▪ exhorted one another to set upon him , but whithersoever he turned , the Jewes fled and would not abide by it . In the last assault of Ierusalem , he slew twelve enemies that defended the wall , with just so many arrowes shot , and won the City with great joy , and favourable applause of all his Souldiers . He being to see that executed which Christ foretold should happen to Ierusalem , stretched forth his hands , and called Heaven and Earth to witnesse in great bitternesse , that he was not to blame that the Jewes perished in such sort , but they themselves ; and would not by any meanes 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 Iosephus . It is likely that he would have carried a milder hand upon the Iewes his Prisoners , after his sacking the City of Ierusalem , 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 boyled 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 bene . A Dolphin out-strips the ship , that 's soon enough ; an anchor stayeth the ship , that 's well enough . A Dolphin and Anchor , Soon enough if well enough . It was said of him , Abstinuit alieno , ut si quis unquam . If ever any man abstained from that which was not his own , he was the man. Though he was the Mirrour of men among the Heathen , yet he was loth to depart out of this world ; for being carried in his Horse-litter , and knowing that he must dye , he looked upwards towards Heaven , and complained very pitiously , that his life should be taken from him who had not deserved to dye , for he knew not ( he said ) of any sin that ever he cōmitted but only one . Suetonius writes as if he had dyed of a natural death , but Aurel. Vict. saith , he was poysoned 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 losse of Mankind then of himself , saith Suetonius . The Senate gave him more thankes being dead , then ever they did living and present . His death was much lamented , so that they call'd him generally , Delicias publicas ; and wept for him as if the world had been deprived of a perpetuall Protectour . Tantus luctus eo mortuo publicus fuit , ut omnes tanquam in propria doluerint orbitate . He dyed in the 42. year of his age , saith Suetonius . 41. say Aurel. Vict. and Eutropius . When he had reigned two yeares , two moneths , and twenty dayes , say Suetonius , Aurel. Vict. Carion ; eight moneths , 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 Successour . Perceiving many of his Predecessours 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 rednesse ; 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 baldnesse , with a fat grand panch , and slender shankes . In the beginning of his Empire his manner was to retire himself daily into a secret place for one houre , and there to do nothing else but to catch flyes , and with the sharp point of a bodkin prick thē through , in so much as when one enquired whether any body 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 equall mixture and temper of Vices and Vertues , untill at length he turned his vertues also into vices . He neglected all Liberall Studies in the beginning of his Empire , albeit he took order to repaire 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-favoured 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 , unlesse 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 Armes , or wield weapons , but delighted especially to shoot Arrowes . He would drive his Arrowes point blank , so just against the Palm of a mans right hand , standing a far off , and holding it forth stretched open for a mark , as they should all directly passe through the voyd spaces between the fingers , and do him no harm at all . 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 hornes . 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 Imperiall 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 . Magna licet toties tribuas , majora daturus Dona , Ducum victor , victor & ipse tui : Diligeris populo non propter praemia , Caesar ; Propter te populus , praemia , Caesar , amat . He was precise and industrious in ministring Justice , he reversed many times definitive sentences given for favour , and obtained by flattery ; he did so chastise those that were faulty in that kind , that the Officers were never more temperate , or just in their places . 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 Oxe ; and he scarce gave the least suspicion of Covetousnesse . But he continued not long in this strain , but fell after both to Cruelty and Avarice . He was not only cruell , but very subtil 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 signe of some horrible end and conclusion , then a mild beginning and gentle Exordium . It is reported of him , that , Eum se impensissimè diligere simulabat , quem maximè interemptum vellet . He would seem to love them most , whom he willed least should live . It was sufficient , if any deed or word whatsoever was objected against any one , to make it high Treason against the Prince . Inheritances ( though they belonged to the greatest strangers ) were held confiscate , and adjudged to the Emperours 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 Emperour 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 . Edictum Domini Deique nostri . Martial . A true forerunner of his successour 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 reigne ; 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 Iohn , 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 Schollars in his time ; Iuvenal , Martial , Valerius Flaccus , Silius Italicus , Poets : Epictetus the Philosopher , and Apollonius Tyanaeus a famous Magician : Cornelius Tacitus the Historian , Iulius Solinus , Quintilian , Iosephus the writer of Iewish 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 onely this difference between them , that Nero indeed commanded cruell Murthers , but Domitian not onely 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 extinguisht , for fear lest he were yet to come of the house of David , which should enjoy the Kingdom . He was so fearfull , that he walked almost continually in his Gallery , which he caused to be set with the stone Phengites , that by the brightnesse thereof as in a glasse , ( 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 strucke 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 honour ; the Senate of Rome also decreed , that his name should be rased , that all his Acts should be rescinded , and his memoriall abolished quite for ever . He perished in the 45. year of his life , about the 15. of his reigne . With whom both Tacitus and Suetonius end their History . AN ADVERTISEMENT TO THE READER . REader , I know Bookes have their doom according to thy capacity , and that such are usually most free in censuring other mens workes , 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 Bookes are pressed to the war as well as men ; Ad praelum tanquam ad praelium . I neither deserve that favour from thee nor desire it , that thou shouldest respect my toyes , 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 Iulius 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 Emperours , 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 Iulius Caesars Souldiers : Gallias Caesar subegit , Nicomedes Caesarem : Ecce Caesar nunc triumphat , qui subegit Gallias ; Nicomedes non triumphat , qui subegit Caesarem . Caesar did subdue the Gaules , and him hath Nicomede : Behold now Caesar doth triumph , who did the Gaules subdue ; But Nicomede triumpheth not , who Caesar hath subdu'd . Subegit carrieth a double sence , the one signifieth the conquering of a Nation , and so it is taken in the former place , as it is applyed to 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 lyeth in the ambiguity of the Latine 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 sence Augustus took it ; much like to that you shall read of Nero in Martial , Quis neget Aeneae magni de stirpe Neronem ? Sustulit hic matrem , sustulit ille patrem . The like appeareth in some of Augustus his witty speeches , as that to Galba ; Ego te monere possum , corrigere non possum . Iocatus est ambiguo verbo , corrigitur quod reprehenditur , corrigitur quod ex distorto sit rectum . Eras. Apophtheg . Hoc verè 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 scoffe ; for being a meer Latine word , and having the first syllable by nature short , it signifieth to stay , or to make long abode , and taking it thus , Nero might he thought to imply thus much ; that Claudius was now departed out of the company of mortall men : but take the same word as Nero spake it , derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek , which signifieth a Fool , and hath the first syllable long , it importeth , that Claudius played the fool no longer here in the world among men . In the time of the two first Caesars , which had the Art of Government in greatest perfection , there lived the best Poet , Virgilius Maro ; the best Historiographer , Titus Livius ; the best Antiquary , Marcus Varro ; and the best or second Orator , Marcus Cicero , that to the memory of man are known . The time that the Roman Monarchie seemed to be at his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was ( saith Carion ) from Iulius Caesar to the end of Antoninus the Philosopher his reigne . Afterward , many filthy Monsters reigned , and many seditious and civill wars followed ; therefore I have not onely enlarged the former Treatise , by inserting here and there some other speciall observations , but have made an addition also of six more Emperours since , ( as Sir Francis Bacon also saith in his advancement of Learning ) the six next Princes were all learned , or singular favourers and advancers of Learning : which age ( as he also saith ) for temporall 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 passe , 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 Emperours ( that perished within the narrow compasse of one hundred years ) onely three died a naturall 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 Emperours 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 Propheticall 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 generall , since I purpose not to enlarge this Treatise any more , because there is little said of many of the Roman Emperours , and the * History of them altogether is already written in our Mother tongue : but I intended onely at the first , Analecta , some choyce and pithie observations of them , if these therefore may benefit thee , summam votorum attigi , I have attained the end of my desires , and so I rest Thy Well-wisher , EDWARD LEIGH . Choyce Observations OF COCCEIVS NERVA . DOmitian thus made away , Coccejus Nerva a prudent , honourable , and aged person was elected Emperour 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 Iohn the Evangelist returned from Pathmos ( wherein he had been confined ) unto Ephesus , a City in Asia the lesse , 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 tutò vivere , He remembreth not to have done any thing why he should not live securely , and without fear of any body , although he gave over the Empire . His symbole was , Mens bona regnum possidet . He discharged the City of the new impositions which Vespasian and Domitian had laid upon them , and commanded that goods unjustly taken should be restored to the owners . He was very eloquent , and a good Poet , as Martial testifies of him , Quanta quies placidi , tanta est facundia Nervae . See Martial's 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 exceedes 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 Emperours commanded all the carriages of the countrey ; that Nerva remitted that burden ; and that the grievance was so heavy , that coines were stamped in remembrance of this Emperours goodnesse that eased them of it . See the coines 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 onely one year , four moneths , and nine dayes , de dyed of a passionate anger conceived against a Senatour , in the year of Christ his Incarnation ninety nine , the twenty seventh day of Ianuary , 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 honour him with the title of the most Excellent Prince in publik 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 perpetuall 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 cruell manner , as that his other vertues are much clouded by that Taxation ; for mollification whereof , he was intreated 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 , quòd essent soliti stato die ante lucem convenire , carmenque Christo quasi Deo dicere secum invicem ; seque Sacramento non in scelus aliquid obstringere , sed ne furta , ne latrocinia , ne adulteria committerent , ne fidem fallerent , ne depositum appellati abnegarent , &c. to which Letter Trajan thus replyeth , Conquirendi nnon sunt ; si deferantur & arguantur , puniendi sunt . Whereupon Tertullian in his Apology hath this passage , O Sententiam necessitate confusam ! negat inquirendos innocentes , & 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 inferiours ; 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 Iustice , 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 , alterinèseceris . Dion reporteth this Apothegme of him , Nullum se unquam virum bonum male habiturum , nedum occisurum Dies ille triplici gaudio laetus ( saith Pliny in a Panegyrick to him ) qui principem abstulit pessimum , dedit optimum , meliorem optimo genuit . In solo Plinio Trajanum habemus , in Trajan● imaginem omnium magnarum virtutum . Qui ea libertate omnia scripsit , qua Trajanus fecit ; adeò ut incomparabili principe opus dignissimum sit & ipsum incomparabile . Boxhorn . Orat. Rara temporum felicitas , ubi sentire quae velis , & quae sentias dicere licet , saith Tacitus of his reigne : a man so exceeding wellbeloved of the Senate , and of the people of Rome , that after his dayes , whensoever a new Emperour was Elected , they wished unto him the good successe of Augustus , and the uprightnesse of Trajanus . He dyed by a Flux the seventh day of August , after he had reigned 19. yeares , six moneths and 15. dayes , 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 Emperour ; the Senate likewise confirmed their choyce , 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 honourable stock . He was a great Mathematician , skilfull in Arithmetick , Geometry , and judiciall Astrology , learned in the Greek and Latine Tongues , well seen in Physick , and knew the vertues of Herbs , Roots , and Stones ; a singular Musitian both for Theory and Practise , and could both limne and carve with approbation of the skilfull ; but above all is the admirable report of his memory , who never ( they say ) forgot any thing that he had either read or heard . If he discovered any man to have the like skill with him in all sciences ( in the which he very much excelled ) by whom there might be danger lest he were overcome , through envy and too greedy a desire of singularity , he caused him to be killed . Among the which was Apollodorus the Architect , a man beyond comparison excellent in that Art ; for that the Emperour 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 errour 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 Emperour as an inducement to the peace of the Church in those dayes : for having Christ in veneration , not as a God or Saviour , but as a wonder or novelty ; and having his picture in his Gallery matched with Apollonius ( with whom in his vain 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 disswaded him therefrom . He was of Personage tall and very strong , of a good complexion , and amiable countenance , wearing the heare of his head and beard long . To shew that he counted hatred retained a base and unprincely disposition , as soon as he came to the Empire , he laid aside all his former enmities ; insomuch as that meeting with one who had been his capitall 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 leasure , she cryed 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 yeeld to him that commanded thirty legions . Though he was famous for his industry , wit , memory , and fortunate successe , and could in his fatall sickness command others to be slain , yet death denyed subjection to him . His servant which undertook it fled , his adopted Son pretended piety , his own hand was prevented by Attendants , his solicited Physician flew himself that he might not slay the Emperour , who yet complained at his death , Many Physicians have slain the Emperour . He sported at death with these Verses : Animula , vagula , blandula , Hospes , comesque Corporis , Quae nunc abibis in loca ? Pallidula , rigida , nudula , Nec ut soles , dabis jocos . My fleeting fond poor darling , Bodies Guest and equall , Where now must be thy lodging ? Pale , and stark , and stript of all , And put from wonted sporting . When he had reigned in great honour and love the space of one and twenty years , five moneths and fifteen daies , and lived sixty two yeares , he dyed the eighth or tenth day of Iuly of a Dropsie , which malady so tormented him , that willingly he refused all sustenance , & languished away through faintnesse . Choyce Observations OF ANTONINUS PIVS . UNto Adrianus succeeded Antoninus Pius , who was for his many vertues , or rather piety toward the Gods , Sur-named Pius ; For piety ( to speak properly ) is the true worship of God , as Austin shewes 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 subtile wit of a School-man , insomuch as in common speech ( which leaves no vertue untaxed ) he was called Cymini-Sector , a carver or a divider of Cumine Seede , which is one of the least seeds ; such a patience he had , and setled spirit to enter into the least and most exact differences of causes : he likewise approched 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 onely staying persecution , but giving way to the advancement of Christians . In his time Iustin Martyr wrote notable Bookes of Apologie for the Christians , which were preserved and read in the Senate of Rome , and mollified the Emperours mind towards them . He was favourable 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 seemely presence , in countenance majesticall , in manners mild , of a singular wit , very learned and eloquent , a great lover of Husbandry , peaceable , mercifull and bounteous , he neither in his youth did any thing rashly , nor in his age any thing 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 yeares , seven moneths , and twenty six dayes , he dyed 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 honour , 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 Collegue , 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 royall vertues . Betwixt their natures and conditions was as much odds as between day and night ; the one very moderate , loving , and industrious ; the other proud , careless , and cruell ; the fruits whereof the poor Christians felt , whose chiefest Pillars , Polycarpus Bishop of Smyrna , and Iustin Martyr an excellent Philosopher , with infinite more were put to most cruell deaths . After his death the whole Government returned to Antoninus Philosophus onely , whose Symbole was , Regni Clementia custos . He was Sur-named the Philosopher , not onely 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 Emperour possessed the Seat of Majesty nineteen yeares and eleven dayes , wherein he alwayes approved himself in wit excellent , in life vertuous ; very learned and eloquent , full of clemency , justice , and temperance , nothing inferiour to most of all the worthiest Emperours before him , nor matchable in qualities by many of the Monarchs that followed him . He would not believe that Avidius Cassius could ever have deposed him ; and his reason was , The Gods had greater care of him , then to let Cassius wrong him undeservedly , Vulc. Gallicanus in vita Aridii Cassii . Iulian the Emperour in his book intituled Caesares , being a Pasquil or Satyre to deride all his predecessors , feigned that they were all invited to a banquet of the gods , and Silenus the Iester sate at the lower end of the table , and bestowed a scoffe on every one as they came in ; but when Antoninus Philosophus entred , 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 Christs Professors , and in his time the Church for the most part was in peace . He dyed 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-madnesse to her husband . He perceiving her distemper to increase , consulted with the Chaldaeans 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 unchast desires . They after long consideration determined , that there was left for her but one onely 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 lye with her , a cup full of his luke-warm bloud * 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 successe ; for that night , as it is said , she was delivered of Commodus , who in qualities resembled that Gladiator upon this occasion , as some reported ; which they ascribed to the power of her imagination , but others esteemed him a Bastard . Ferrand . of love-melancholy out of Capitolinus in Antonino Philosopho c. 19. editionis Gruterianae . The conject●re that Commodus was born in adultery , is confirmed by the behaviour 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 dyed 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 Emperours , and the most beautifull 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 arrowes at Moresco Estriches , which were wonderfull swift of foot , using their wings as sailes in running . These he did hit so full in the neck , that though their heads were struck off with the furiousnesse of the blow , yet they ran awhile headlesse , 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●●è 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 : stans capite truncatur ; cursum intendit , quem usque ad posiremos 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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 fastned 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 grasse , and a Serpent creeping on his breast , slew the Serpent , and saved his son : — Non sic libravit in hostem Spicula , qui nato Serpentis corpore cincto Plus timuit dum succurrit ; dum jactibus iisdem Interitum vitamque daret ; stabilemque teneret Corde tremente manum ; totamque exiret in artē Spe propiore metus ; dans inter membra duorū Vnius mortem . — Sidonius Apollinaris in paneg . Majoriani . videsis Servium in fextam Virgilii Eclogam . ] He slew also 100. Lyons 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 dishonourable peace . He was faithfull to none ; and most cruel to those whom he had before advanced to the greatest honours , 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 Manuall . He was the first Roman Emperour who through covetousnesse sold offices for mony ; Vespasian had done it before him , but through necessity , finding the common-wealth 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 mony . Lampridius in Comm. If any one had an enemy of whom he would be revenged , he needed but to bargain with Commodus for a summe 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 banquetting 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 registred how often he frequented the fense-schoole , with all his cruelties and impurities . Id. ibid. He employed not himself in any thing which became an Emperour ; 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 theatre in womans habit ; mingling humane excrements with the daintiest fare , tasting them himself , thinking so to mock others . Id. ibid. He kept 300. Concubines , and so many boyes which he used as women ; 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 whoredome and human bloud . His naturall incontinence was incredibly inflamed by divers sorts of ointments ( used by him to preserve himself from the pestilence , whilest it reigned throughout Italy ) which were of so hot and subtile a quality , that they excited in him the unquenchable flames of extraordinary lasciviousnesse . Tristan . He was so cruell , that when he was but 12. yeares 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 poysoned 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 birth-day with Caligula . His very jests were cruell ; seeing one have white haires among black ones , he set on his head a starling , which thinking it picked wormes made festers . He cut a fat man off at the middle of the belly , that he might see his entrailes 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 shew . Lamprid. c. 9. He imitated Chirurgions in letting bloud , and barbers in trimining , under which pretence he cut off eares and noses : wherefore such was his jealousy of all men , that he was forced like Dionysius to be his own barber . Histories not onely 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 , Foelix , 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 , Senatuique * Commodiano soelici Salutem . Xiphilin . The former Emperours at pleasure sometimes times took some few names to themselves , sometimes bestowed them on others . In the later times , vertue decaying , ambition in titles increased . Yet Iustinian accounted of as a sober Emperour , hath his style notwithstanding not much shorter . Imp. Caesar Flavius Justinianus , Alemannicus , Gothicus , Francicus , Germanicus , Anticus , Alanicus , Vandalicus , Africanus , Pius , Foelix , Inclytus victor , ac Triumphator semper Augustus . S r. H. Savil on Tacitus . He changed the names of all the moneths , 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 excell all men : as appeareth by his being sacrificed to as a God. When his Favourite Perennis was dead , he repealed many things that were done by him , but persisted no above 30 dayes in his reformation , permitting Cleander to be more licencious then Perennis , Lamprid. Yea to such drunken dotage he was grown , that he refused his fathers name , commanding himself in stead of Commodus the son of Marcus , to be styled Hercules the son of Iupiter ; and accordingly he forsook the Roman and Imperiall 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 embroydered 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 beholdèrs . Herodian . He ranged so far in a mad humour , 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-yeares day he determined in great solemnity to issue forth of a senceschool , from which Marcia , Laetus , and Electus disswaded 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 poyson ; which Marcia having given to him , it cast him into a slumber , out of which awaking he vomited extremely : the conspirators fearing fulnesse might expell the poyson , cause him to be strangled . He lived 31. yeares , 4. moneths , and reigned 12. yeares , 9. moneths and 14. dayes . In him the Aelian together with the Aurelian family was extinguished , as the Iulian in Nero. Tristan . How joyfull 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 favoured their doctrine . Dion . Of all Emperours until Constantine he was most favourable unto Christians , whatsoever he was otherwise . Mountague'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. Commodus insequitur , pugnis maculosus arenae ; Threicio princeps bella movens gladio . Eliso tandem persolvens gutture poenas , Criminibus fassus matris adulterium . Ausonius . 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 perswaded 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 Grammer : But gaining little thereby , he served in the camp with such proof of his valour , that upon the death of Commodus he was chosen Emperour . For the murther being done in the night , Laetus went in all hast to Pertinax , and saluted him with the unexpected name of Emperour ; 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 carkase . So different was the opinion of all men concerning Pertinax and Commodus , that many hearing of Commodus his death , thought the report was raised by himself to try mens inclinations ; wherefore many Governours 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 every one 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. yeares old ; yet admitted not any symbole of sovereignty , and declined so envious a Title , till compelled by the Senate . Recusabat imperare ; quod erat bene 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 rendred the souldiers so loose , that he saw 't was impossible to avoid a publik 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 Emperours , saying , That the propriety thereof belonged to the State in generall . 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. yeares immunity from all taxes , and security from all further trouble during his reigne . Herodian . He banisht informers , preserved the commoners from the injury of souldiers , 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 fidler ; he in the mean time being as ardently and infamously enamoured on his Concubine Cornificia . Capitolinus c. 13. He was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a giver of good words , because he was rather a Fawning than a kind Prince ; promising well but performing ill . Such was his 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 souldiers , who conspired against him , and elected Falco Emperour , whom the Senate sentenced , but Pertinax cryed out , God forbid , that during my reigne any Senatour be put to death , though deservedly . Xiphiline . Laetus pretending to punish this sedition , causeth the death of divers souldiers , that the rest might mutiny , which they did , 200. entring the palace with drawn swords , whom Pertinax was advised to flye from : but he indiscreetly rejecting that good counsell , 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 tutò corrigi non posse : sed si quid aliud in rebus humanis , tum imprimis reipublicae constitutionem & tempus & sapientiam requirere . He having endured all manner of labours , & being bandied from one extreme condition to another , was called the Tennis-ball of Fortune . He lived 67. years lacking 4. months and 3. dayes , and reigned 87. dayes , saith Dion . Pertinacis Principatus solo tempore minor est optimi cujusque Principis regimine , saith Boeclerus . Helvi , judicio & consulto lecte Senatus , Princeps decretis prodite , non studiis . Quod docuit malefida cohors , errore probato , Curia quod castris cesserat Imperio . Ausonius . 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. Crownes , 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 Souldiers calling him Emperour , the Citizens neither daring to resist , nor yet approving the election by joyfull acclamations , as the custome was to other Emperours ; but cursing him and throwing stones at him . Herodian ubi suprà . He being hated , Syria elected Niger , Germany chose Severus Emperour , 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-glasse , saw Severus his advance and Julians departure . Spartian c. 7. Severus hasting to Rome was met by Embassadors from Julian with the offer of half the Empire ; which he refused , and was by the Senate ( who lately proclaimed him Traitor ) declared Emperour . The souldiers discontented because Julian kept not his Covenant , and hoping to purchase favour with Severus , slew their Chapman in his palace ; he thus expostulating with them , Quid rei gravis admisi ? quem interfeci ? 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. yeares , 4. moneths , and so many dayes ; and reigned 66. dayes . Dion . He being old , honourable and rich , by the purchase of the Empire lessened his estate , impaired his credit , and lost his life . Dii bene , quod spoliis Didius non gaudet opimis ; Et citò perjuro praemia dempta seni . Tuque Severe pater titulum ne horresce novantis ; Non rapit Imperium vis tua , sed recipit . Ausonius . 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 honour , 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 brasse Image of which dream remained in Herodians time . He was expert in the Mathematiques , a good Philosopher , and eloquent oratour . Nothing is comparable to Severus his conflicts or conquests , either for multitude of forces , commotion of countries , number of battels , length of journeyes , or speed in marches . Herodian l. 3. His souldiers 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 : — vertice nudo Excipere insanos imbres , coelique ruinam . He was so inured to continual action , that even at his last gasp he said ; Is there any thing for me to do ? Xiphiline . In stead 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 . Suidas in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . When certain of his Officers went about to perswade 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 Africke , one of his inferiour acquaintance met him going in state with his bundle of rods carried before him , and embraced him familiarly as his quondam chamber-fellow ; whom he caused to be beaten , the cryer proclaiming , Embrace not rudely a Roman Lieutenant . From which time Lieutenants have not gone 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 unlesse Plautian commanded him . Xiphiline . At the siege of Atra , when he had beaten down a great part of the wall , and his Souldiers 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 designe 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 defence , contrary to a Law which himself first made ; proving himself thereby truly to answer his name , being ( as was said of him ) verè Pertinax , verè 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 Souldier , but his covetousnesse transported him beyond his valour . He was more covetous and cruell then any of his Predecessors . Tristan . When he warred in Britain , he commanded an universall slaughter of his enemies , in these verses : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Let none escape your bloudy rage , With terrour let all die ; Spare not the mother , nor the babe Which in her womb doth lie . 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 carkases of his wife and children . Having compelled Nigers Captaines ( whose children he kept as pledges ) to betray Nigers affaires , 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 brasse ( in the wall betwixt every tower ) conveied the least noise from garison to garison , without interruption ; so newes of an approching enemy was quickly spred over the borders , and occasionall provision made for resistance . There were also resting places for the Areans , who were appointed by the Ancients ( saith Amm. Marcellinus ) to serve for foot-posts , to run as occurrents fell between the Officers , and carry them word of the least stirring . Since the wall is ruined , 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 Cypresse garland on his head did meet Severus , ( who bid him , as unfortunate , to be put out of his sight ) and saluted him thus ; Totum fuisti , totum vicisti , jam Deus esto victor . At his entrance into the City , he was by errour of a rusticall Sooth-fayer ( 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 souldiers saluting his son Bassianus Emperour , he arose and caused the principall 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 your selves , enrich the souldiers , and contemne 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 onely the enriching of the souldiery , he made a breach in the impenetrable wall of the Roman power , as the Greek Epigrammatist calls it . For after Severus his raigne , for 30 lawfull Emperours , the Roman Empire saw in the space of 150 yeares , more then an 100 Tyrants . The discipline of the vertuous Emperours occasioning the wicked ones to mount on the throne . As the tragicall 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 dyed he was so pained in all his body , but especially in his feet , that not able to endure the torment , he called for poyson , which being denied , he greedily glutted himself with grosse meates , and not able to digest them , dyed of a surfet . 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 dyed rather through grief for his son Caracalla's wickednesse , then of any other malady . He lived 65 yeares , 9 moneths and 25 dayes , and reigned 17 yeares , 8 moneths and 3 dayes . 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 dyed ; 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 Iulia Domna , because he found by her nativity she should be matcht with a King ; though he foresaw not by his art his destiny to marry a whore ; whom yet he bare with through excesse 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 dayes at ordinary houres , dinner and supper was served in with all accustomed ceremonies , as sewing , water , grace , carving , &c. all the Cardinals , Prelats , Lords , Gentlemen and Officers attending in far greater solemnity , then if he had been alive . Now this I confesse was a piece of flattery more then needed , but not comparable to that of the Romans , in making their Emperours Gods , 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 reigne 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 Iupiter 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 morall honesty and abilities , to massacre Gods 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 . Impiger egelido movet arma Severus ab Istr● , Vt parricidae regna adimat Didio . Punica origo illi ; sed qui virtute probaret Non obstare locum , quum valet ingenium . Ausonius . 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 Africk . 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 Souldier , 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 honoured by the Romans . He was called Caracalla from a new fashioned cassock he wore , reaching down to his ancles . He was a hopefull 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 beautifull then he was , he would take the advantage to appear more terrible , affecting a cruell 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 honoured his father , or was honoured by him . When at the Circensian sports ( where himself was a spectator ) the people cast some scoffe at a chariotier which he favoured , he taking it as an affront to himself , suddenly commanded his souldiers 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 souldiers spared none whom they light upon , but either slew them , or took away what they had for a ransome . Herodtan l. 3. c. 6. He put down Aristotles Schooles , 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 awfull countenance , and bent his head to the left shoulder ; and whatever he observed in the countenance of Alexander , he imitated to the life , and perswaded himself that he had the same lineaments and proportions . 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 weare true armour through his weakness of body , he wore counterfeit harnesse that none might attempt to assassinate him . Excerpta Peiresci . Fuit ejus immanitatis , ut its praecipuè blandiretur quos ad necem destinabat : ut ejus magis bland●mentum timeretur quàm ir acundia . He would shew 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 shewing his naked sword , replied ; As long as I have this , I will not want , Xiphiline . Where he wintered , or but intended to winter , he caused Amphitheaters and Cirques for publique 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 Emperours . 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 , Longè est ut mihi succedat iste . Capitolinus in Maximino juniore . c. 4. [ Tiberius in like manner when he knew that Galba should be Emperour , but not before old age , said ; Vivat sanè quando id ad nos nihil pertinet . Suetonius in Galba . c. 4. ] He delighted more in Magicians and Juglers 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 lesse valued reproches , 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 kild many French and Greeks , bragged that he had conquered Gallo-Graecia : 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 souldiers to kill their hosts . He restored all profligate persons who were exiled , to their liberty ; and presently after filled the Ilands whither they were banished with more exiles . Xiphiline . He slew his brother Geta in his mothers armes , whom he forced to dissemble mirth ; He consecrated the sword wherewith he kild him sequestred their goods in whose will Geta's name was found , and slew 20000 persons related to him ; spending whole nights in such tragicall executions . compare Dion with Herodian . To cloke which fratricide with shew of constraint , first to the souldiers , and then in the Senate , he accused his brother to have sought his death , and that in defence of himself he was forced to kill him ; and thereupon fled to the 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 funerall , 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 modò non sit vivus . Spartian in Geta. c. 3. For the murther 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 mony stamped with his effigies , and abolished all the playes instituted in honour of his birth-day . By his Favourites , the name of Geta was raced out of all Monuments and Imperiall 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 sollicited by him to defend his Fratricide , he said ; It was a crime easilyer 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 Emperour Pertinax jestingly said , Adde if you please Geticus Maximus , because of his brother Geta's murther , and because the Gothes ( whom he overcame in his passage to the East ) are called Getae ; which occasioned Pertinax his death . Spartian in Geta ubi suprà , & in Caracalla c. 10. Being in Mesopotamia , he writes to Maternianus to whom he committed command at Rome , to enquire of the Magicians , ( to whom he was so addicted ) whether any intended to surprize 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 businesse , he resolved to prevent his imminent danger by this plot . He perswades Martialis a Centurion , and one of Caracalla's guard ( whose brother the Emperour had slain a few dayes before , upon an accusation without proof ) to dispatch him , which he did whilest the Emperour 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 taxe with effeminacy : and the other by Martialis , who was employed by Macrinus , whom Caracalla charged with the same fault . And which is wonderfull , they both dyed being 29. yeares old , and both their Assassinates were slain after them . Tristan in his parallel of Caracalla with Caligula . He reigned 6 yeares , 2 moneths and 2 dayes . Serapion an Egyptian a few dayes before told him , that he should dye 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 dyed violent deaths , and both had for their successors old men whom they loved not at all , and who reigned not long , being both slain by the practises of two effeminate persons , who were Otho and Heliogabalus . Tristan in his parallel of Caracalla with Nero. When he was dead , it appeared that he procured as much poyson from the inhabitants of upper Asia , as cost 220000 crowns , that he might poyson severall wayes 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 musick-masters who might teach her the better , and domestiques of this sort fitter to compose tunes for her . Dissimilis virtute patri , & multò magis illi , Cujus adoptivo nomine te perhibes ; Fratris morte nocens , punitus fine cruent● , In risu populi tu Caracalla jaces . Ausonius . Choyce Observations OF OPILIUS MACRINUS , And his Son ANTONINUS DIADUMENVS . MAcrinus was of so obscure par●ntage , that according to the custome of the Moores , he had one of his eares bored thorough . Xiphiline . He was made a praefect by Caracalla , after whose death he was elected Emperour by the Souldiers , 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 Souldiers , 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 cruell life . Instead of Macrinus , he was by his own servants called Macellinus , as one would say Butcher , quòd macelli specie domus ejus cruentaretur sanguine vernularum . Because his house was like a shamble of murthered men . Capitolinus in Macrino . c. 13. He was named Mezentius , because like him he joyned live bodies to dead . He commanded 2. souldiers , who had ravished their hostesses maid , to be sewed up in the bellies of 2. great Oxen , their heads onely left out , that they might speak one to another . He caused those souldiers who committed Adultery to be tyed to the women , and burnt alive ; though his Wife Nonia Celsa was insatiable that way . He shut live men in seiled walls , where they dyed miserably . Mothe le Vayer in his Opuscules p. 27. &c. thinketh that one reason why Macrinus banished Lucius Priscillianus a valiant Captain into an Island where he dyed , was because he had the boldnesse to encounter alone 4. such fierce beasts , as a Bear , a Leopard , a Lyonesse and a Lyon ; though his cruell 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 souldier in an hundred with capitall punishment for a mutiny , when he thought they deserved to be decimated or at least one in 20. to suffer . Having written to the Senate , that he knew no body desired his death , Fulvius Diogenianus cryed out ; Yes but we all do . 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 favour young Bassianus the son of Caracalla , then present at Emesa a Citie 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 Souldiers , and seeing the beauty of the youth , allured Maesa to bring him to their Camp : where known to be the Son of Caracalla , the Souldiers proclaimed him Emperour , and maintained his right against Macrinus ; who after this revolt , met young Heliogabalus in the confines between Phoenicia and Syria , where he fought a bloudy battel , but being put to flight , hasted to Chalcedon , fell sick , and was with his Son Diadumenus put to death by the Souldiers , because he contracted their pay , and suppressed their luxury . He lived 54. yeares , reigned one year and 2. Moneths : Principis hic custos , sumptum pro Caesare ferrum Vertit in auctorem caede Macrinus iners . Mox cum prole ruit . Gravibus pulsare querelis Cesset persidiam . quoe patitur , meruit . Ausonius . Choyce Observations OF HELIOGABALUS . THis Monster had more names and sur-names ( saith Tristan ) then Hydra had heads ; for whilest 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 Souldiers to obtain their favour , he was named Bassianus : by whom when he was received and proclaimed Emperour , they gave him the name of Antoninus . He was the last Emperour upon whom that name was conferred , which because he dishonoured , he was called Pseud-Antoninus . He was named Assyrius ( saith Dion ) because he was often seen in publick clothed with a barbarous habit , such as his Countrymen the Priests of Syria , 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 rendreth Lunula Onychine . He had 6 Wives in the short time of his reigne ; 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 onely because she had a spot in her body , as he said , he put her away , and stripping her of all honours , sequestred her to a private life . After pretending he was in love , he violently took out of Vesta her sacred Nunnery at Rome , 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 Gods. Yet he quickly turned away this wife , for to espouse another , with 2 more whose names are unknown ; it being difficult to determine whether he be to be blamed more for his frequent and illegal marriages , or his sudden and causelesse divorces . And at last being possessed with a continuall inconstancy ( having changed 5 times in 4. yeares ) 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 humane matrimonies onely , 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 publick 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 Iupiter , 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 worshippe● 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 Emperour , unlesse Caligula , Nero and Vitellius had before sate in the same throne . Boccaline feigneth that Lampridius was severely proceeded against by Apollo , and that by order of the whole congregation of Parnassus , his Histories was turned back upon his hands , and he was freely told , That he should go and teach those execrable lusts in the publick Classis , wherewith he had so delighted himself to fill his shamefull 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 boundlesse Prodigality , his stupendious Leachery , or his fantasticall Foolery : the last of which his Imperial vertues he gave proof of , when he commanded his servants to bring him a thousand pound weight of Spiders offering them a reward , 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 publick shew to the people , for some wise State-purpose , like the former . Speeds Chron. He disfigured his faire face with foul tinctures ; He slept in the day , transacted affaires 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 heire to my self ? He conferred honours on sordid persons , and put great persons upon mean employments , causing the entrails of the sacrifices to be born by Generals of armies , and the chief Officers of State. In imitation of Apicius he would frequently eate Camels heels , the combes of Cocks newly cut , the tongues of Peacocks and Nightingales , with the entrails of Mullets , Partridges egges , the heads of Parrats , Pheasants and Peacocks , and the braines of Thrushes and Phoenicopters . Id. ibid. c. 20. He had served in at a meale the heads of 600. Estridges , onely that he might eat their brains . Id. ib. c. 30. He fed his horses with grapes , his dogs with Geese livers ( a dainty then ) Lyons and other beasts with Parrats and Pheasants . Id. ibid. c. 20 , and 21. He often changed his Pallets , and lay not on any couch unlesse 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 onely . 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 tyed his Parasites to a wheele , and turned them up and down in water , calling them his Ixionian friends . Id. ibid. c. 24. He thrust them also out of his dining-roomes , which had deceitfull floores , into chambers filled with roses , that smothered with them , they might meet with the bitternesse of death in sweetnesse . Id. ib. c. 21. He Tantalized them with mock-feasts in waxe , wood , ivory , marble , glasse ; 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 : onely allowing them to drink . Id. ib. c. 26. and 27. At the 2 and 3 course he caused Beares , Pardals , Lyons and Leopards , which lacked their teeth and clawes , 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 dyed . Id. ib. c. 25. Their yearly salaries were pitchers full of Frogs , Scorpions , Serpents and Flyes . 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 beautifull 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 sutable Orders , as how to attire , where take place , when salute ; but after his death all Women were deprived of that priviledge by the Senate . Id. ib. c. 4. and 18. He did drive Chariots drawn by Elephants in the Vatican , levelling the tombes which stood in his way ; he was also drawn by 4 Camels in the Circus , by 4 Mastives in the Palace , after he was Emperour ; by 4 stags in publick , sometimes by Lyons he naming himself Magna Mater , also by Tigers counterfeiting Bacchus , unto whom through his excessive humour of drinking he was something more like : other whiles 4 naked Wenches drew him , he being also naked . Lamprid. c. 23. 28. 29. He was addicted to divination by inspection of the bowels of young men sacrificed , chusing many fair Gentlemen throughout all Italy , whose Parents were living , that their sorrow might be the greater , Lampridius c. 8. By perswasion of Maesa his Grand-mother , who pretended to free him from cares of state , he proclaimeth Alexander Severus his Cousin German Caesar , maketh him Consul with himself , and adopteth him for his Son , the Senate ridiculously voting what he commanded , viz. Alex. Severus who was 12 years old , to be the Son of Heliog abalus who was but 16. He assaying in vain to draw his cousen to his unseemely 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 : alleadging ridiculously , that the Pedants spoiled his Son , not suffering him to dance and revell , 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 cruell ingratitude , onely because he was advised by him to reform . The Syrian Priests having foretold him that he should dye 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 poyson in boxes of Emeralds and Jacynth , that he might chuse a death according to his humour : saying , That however he dyed , his death should be glorious in the eyes of men , and such a one as none ever dyed . But he failed of his hope , though not of his desert ; for the Souldiers 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 Souldier 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 funerall 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 Emperour 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 onely permitted , but also encouraged his subjects to live licentiously : moreover was so liberal toward them , that he fed them with most delicate and exquisite meates , gave unto them abundance of mony , 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 dayes . 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 dyed ; 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 Souldiers . 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 honour , which he purchased by his honest life and vertuous manners , whereby he obtained such favour of all men , that when his Cousin-German Heliogabalus would have slain him , he could not for the Souldiers and Senates resistance : he proving himself worthy to be saved harmless by the Senate and Souldiers , and to be elected Emperour 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 principall titles of Honour , he humbly refused them , saying openly unto the Senate ; It pleaseth me not to assume what belongeth to others , and I find my self overladen with your love , for these high names of honour are too burdensome to me . Whereupon ( saith Lamprid. c. 12. ) he gained more honour , than if he had taken titles upon him , and from that time he had the repute of a moderate and wise man. [ Eruditionis gloriam famamque declinando eruditissimus habebatur saith Hierome 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 Oratours or Poets speak any thing 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 Gods in his greater . Id. ibid. c. 31. He was at first harsh , after favourable to Christians , thought to build a Temple to Christ , but was diverted by Vlpian and others who having consulted their Heathen gods , received this answer ( saith Lamprid. c. 43. ) that if that were suffered , all men would be Christians , and all other Temples desolate . He delighted not in cloath of gold or silkes , saying ; Government consisted in vertue , and not in costly apparell . 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 possesse such things , as he could neither give to his souldiers , nor any man find profit in . Wherefore when an Embassador had given to the Empresse 2. unions of wonderfull greatnesse , he commanded them to be sold : and when none could be found who would give as much as they were prized at , lest any ill example should proceed from his wife , if she wore that which no body could buy , 〈◊〉 caused them to be hanged at the eares 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 onely for persons of wanton dispositions , whereof Venus was goddesse 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 onely 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 capitall 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 honourable 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 Counsell . Id. ib. c. 28. Videsis plura . He commanded one of his own servants , who had abused him by receiving 100. Crownes of a Souldier 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 souldiers ; 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 labour maintain her : and when the Souldiers were grieved thereat , he perswaded 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 lyes confirmed the opinion of many , who thought the Emperour would do nothing without his advice . Which abuse the Emperour 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 Emperour for him : which being done , Turinus promised good will to the petitioner , and soon after said that he had sollicited the Emperour therein , ( whereas he spoke not a word thereof ) and expected his answer ; whereupon he received of the said person a great summe of money , which the Emperour knowing , caused him to call often on Turinus ; who , as if he had other business in hand , onely beckened on him without speaking any thing to him ; the Emperour 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 Emperour 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 Emperour 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 in stead of substance . But lest men should think the judgement was too rigorous for one offence , before he was condemned to dye , the Emperour made diligent search , and found by evident proofes , that Turinus had often and in many causes received money of both parts , promising to promote their cause to the Emperour . Lamprid ▪ c. 35. & 36. He had in his chamber bills containing the number of his Souldiers , 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 dignityes and wages , that he might be surely provided upon all occasions : wherefore when he had any thing to do with them , he could tell many of their names . When he was sollicited to promote any one , he marked his name , and then searched his books of 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 Souldier going out of the way passed through an other mans ground , he would cause him to be beaten with rods , or be drubbed in his sight : or if the dignity of the person freed him from such punishments , he would severely reprove him , saying ; Visne hoc in agro tuo fieri , quod alteri facis ? Lamprid. c. 51. When his Souldiers 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 wonderfull example , they all putting off their armes and souldiers coates , departed to their severall lodgings . Then the Emperours guard brought all the Standards into the Camp , and the people themselves brought all their armour to the Emperours Palace : Yet that very Legion which he disbanded , being sued unto 30 dayes before he went toward Persia , he received again , and by their valour especially , he overcame his enemies : notwithstanding ere he departed he put to death the Commanders of that Legion , because the souldiers passed their time riotously at Daphne , through their negligence or connivence . Id. ib. c. 53. & 54. He so heard the complaints of souldiers against their Commanders , that if he found any Officer faulty , he punished him according to the quality of the offence , without purpose of pardon . Id. c. 23. He made one a pretorian prefect , who fled to avoid so arduous imployment , 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 summes of money , whilest 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 Royall 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 Senatour without the Counsell and approbation of the whole Senate , testimony of him being given by honourable persons ; but if either the Senatours 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 honourable Peeres for his Counsellers and Assistants , without whose consent nothing was to passe as an Act of State. Herodian . l. 6. c. 1. He transacted no weighty matter of judicature , without the advice of no lesse then 50 most learned and wise men , beside 20 Lawyers ( 18 whereof were Scholars of Papinian ) of whom Vlpian was chief . Every mans opinion was heard , and what they said was written ; a competent time being given each Counsellour 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 Councel ; in military affaires 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 Emperours of Rome or Princes of forreign countries in former times did in like cases as were then in debate . Id. c. 16. When he appointed Governours 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 Cookes 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 Ecclesiasticall 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 equall 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 Successour 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 judgement , one honourable garment to wear in his house , one for his bath , one cook , and 100 crowns ; their employment being ended , they were bound to restore the Mules , Mulets , Horses , Muletours and Cooks : but might retain the residue if they had discharged their office well , otherwise they payed 4 times as much as they received . Id. c. 42. He did let no day passe without exercising himself in learning and martial affaires . Id. c. 3. Every day also he did some good to others , in which ( saith Tristan ) he had an advantage of happinesse above Titus , who could not expresse the like goodness above space of 2 yeares 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 throughly , whatsoever he found amisse 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 honour thereof to Trajan . Id. c. 26. His Souldiers marceed like Senatours to the Persian war , the Country loving them as brethren , and honouring the Emperour 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 yeares he suffered none to dye , but those who were condemned by law ; a rare vertue , and not practised by any since Marcus Aurelius : and there had been nothing wanting to have rendred him a most excellent Prince , had not his Mother who was ( a good woman but ) too miserable , blasted his honour 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 rejoyced , thinking that he should die a warlike death ; but he was mistaken in his interpretation , dying not in war : for the souldiers enraged with his discipline , and his mother Mammaea's covetousness , slew both near Mentz in Germany , by the instigation of Maximus a muletour whom he had raised . He lived 29 yeares 11 months and 7 dayes , and reigned ( saith Lampride ) 13 years and 9 dayes . S. Aur. Victor saith that when Alexander saw himself forsaken of his guard , he cryed out upon her which gave him his life , as the cause of his death ; adding that Mammaea had reduced her son to such an extremity by her sparing humour , who if never so little was left at their overfrugal table , reserved it till another time . Verè Mammaeus à studio in matrem Mammaeam , ex cujus arbitrio & consilio multa administrat infeliciter & cum proprio exitio . Dietericus in breviario historico . Iulian 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 eas amicis impartiri , quàm sibi recondere . He is the more to be honoured 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 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 sutable ; he being able to draw waines loaden with his hands ; to strike out the teeth of a horse with his fist , to break his thighes 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 valour . 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 Latine came before him , intreating his leave that he might put forth himself in these exercises . Severus wondring at the greatness of his body , granted his request ; but upon conditition , that he should not encounter with any souldier , * 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 Souldiers , and was listed for service . Three dayes after the Emperour riding to view his Camp , saw Maximinus ( who was yet but a fresh water-souldier ) 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 warres : Maximinus imagining the Emperour spake of him , kneeled down at his feet . The Emperour 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 Emperour chusing 7 of the strongest men in his army , Maximinus overcame them without resting between . Whereupon Severus commanded a collar of gold to be given to him alone , with certain pieces of silver ; made him one of his guard , and commanded that he should continually attend in the palace : by which means he came to be esteemed by the Commanders and Souldiers , and to obtain what he desired of the Emperour , Id. ib. c. 2. and 3. He was diligent as well after as before his preferment , saying , Ego quò major fuero , tanto plus labor abo : and rather then his Souldiers should be out of action , he imployed them in hunting . Even in his old age he would throw down 5 , 6 , or 7 Souldiers ( 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 practised ( as is before mentioned ; ) whereupon he was elected Emperour by the souldiers , without the consent of the Senate . Id. ibid. c. 4. 5. 7. 8. It appeareth unquestionably that he committed this villany ( notwithstanding the doubts of some ) because he killed all Alexanders relations and friends . Tristan . He arrogantly usurped the names of Cajus 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 , & verè singulare , nam totâ vitâ unicum hoc laude dignum . Elenchus Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodlejana . He slew all of the faction of his adversary Magnus without any judiciall processe , 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 solemnely in their Temples that he might never return ; having heard that some were crucified by him , some inclosed in beasts newly killed , others cast to wild beasts , others bruised with clubs , without any regard to the quality of persons . Id. ibid. c. 8. For his cruelty ( which he thought necessary for his security ) he was hated , and called Cyclops , Busiris , 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 : Qui ab uno non potest occidi , à multis occiditur : Elephas grandis est , & occiditur : Leo fortis est , & occiditur : Tigris fortis est , & occiditur : Cave multos , si singulos non times . If thou fear'st not the force of one alone , Beware the strength of many joyn'd in one . Capitolinus c. 9. 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 Souldiers ; wherewith the rest being enraged slew him and his Son , saying ; Canis pessimi ne catulus quidem relinquendus : Of a bad litter not a whelp is to be left . He was 65 years old when he dyed , and his Son 21. The time of their reign is not agreed upon . The Messenger who brought word of their death , came from Aquileia to Rome ( 798 miles ) in 4 dayes , Capitolinus c. 25. Magna sane diligentia : sed non incredibilis ; cùm similis celeritatis aut etiam majoris exempla & apud veteres legantur , & hodiéque ed saepissimè videamus . Constat hodiernos veredarios Roma Lute●iam saepe diebus sex septem commeare : quae longè major contentio est , Casaubonus . When his head with his sons were brought to Rome , all ran to the Altars to thank the Gods , and Balbinus sacrificed Hecatombs for his deliverance , commanding the same to be done throughout the Empire . Maximinus was the Author of the 6 persecution , which Tristan thinks he raised onely 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 Africk , 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 decryed the election , but especially rejected Pupienus , as too austere ; and cryed out that they would presently kill them both , and have a Prince of 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 Emperours were suffered to passe 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 wisdome and valour , he was highly prized by the Senate . These Emperours were not joyned in affection , as in authority ; each holding himself most deserving : each having their own , and standing upon their own guard . The election of these Emperours by the Senate displeased the souldiers so much , that at last they assaulted the Court , and easily slew these Senatorian Emperours , ( 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 souldiers , by whom he was made Caesar ; who hearing of their designe , 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 souldiers ; was made Emperour by a general consent in the thirteenth year of his age . He married Tranquillina daughter of Misitheus , whom he loved and honoured for his learning ; by whose advice he transacted state-affaires prosperously , expelling Sapor King of Persia from Syria , recovering Antioch , Nisibis , and Carrae by his assistance : for which successe 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 counsell 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 souldiers 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 souldiers through ignorance of his deceipt , make him Gordians Governour , whereupon he grew so insolent , that he commanded all , as if he had been sole Emperour . Gordian discerning his aim complaineth openly to the souldiers of the wrong which was done to him by Philip , notwithstanding all obligations to the contrary ; but Philips project prevailing , Gordian since he could not share in the Empire , sued to be a Captain , which was denyed him : Philip not thinking himself safe ( whilest 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 her self appeared evidently to take vengeance on the Traitors , each of his Murtherers 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 hapned naturally , was by them proclaimed Emperour , through fear of the Souldiers . The Gothes 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 Emperour ; 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 souldiers , who even now erected him , suddenly threw him down , and slew him . Decius being sent in Marinus his room , was also proclaimed Emperour by the souldiers , though against his will , out of their hatred to Phil●p . Decius sent secretly to Philip , professing he meant to escape the souldiers , and persist in his allegiance : Philip fearing that was but policy ( lest Decius should be stronger by delayes ) hasted himself with a great Army , and being overcome was slain by the souldiers at Verona , his head being cut off through the teeth . At the newes whereof the Pretorian souldiers 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 playes , he looked on him with an estranged countenance . The time of their raign was 7 years say some , others say 6 , some but 5. The elder Philips age is not related by any Historian . Choyce Observations OF TRAJANUS DECIUS , And his Son ETRUSCUS DECIUS . DECIVS was elected Emperour by the Persian legions , proclaimed in Verona by the Roman souldiers , 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 denyed 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 Gothes , and joyning a fresh battail 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 rendred the Romans victorious by their death , whereas these by theirs made them slaves to the Barbarians , and lost many of their Provinces . Besides that Decius the Father was drowned and swallowed up in his flight , which hath no resemblance with the end of the Decii of the ancient Commonwealth . He dyed 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 valour and not by deceit . Under these two Emperours arose a plague in Ethiopia , which spred it self 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 Gothes , grew so proud thereupon , that he aspired to the Empire , which he purchased by the good will of the souldiers , who slew Gallus and his Son in battail . 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 souldier . His election was at first contradicted by the Italian band , who sought to make Valerian Emperour , 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 Emperours who reigned since Octavius Augustus time , untill Valerian , 6 of them escaped not the hands of murtherers . 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 suffred 300 Martyrs together at Carthage , whom the Governour of the City commanded either to throw frankincense into the fire ( set before them ) in honour of Iupiter , or else to cast themselves head-long into a Brick kiln hard by , which they did , chusing 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 interceeding Princes . It was the most signal affront which the Romans hitherto ever received in the person of their Emperours . Tristan . At last saith Eusebius , by Sapors command , his eyes were pulled out , wherewith he dyed ; Agathias saith he was flayed alive , and rubbed all over with salt : a calamity which may challenge tears of blood . He lived along , but disgracefull age ; was 76 years old before he was taken prisoner : after his captivity he lived 7 years in reproches , 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 satisfactione restituit , saith Orosius . Choyce Observations . GALLIENUS . WHen Valerian his Father was taken prisoner , he was made Emperour . He was expert in Oratory , Poetry , and all other arts , but was defective in other qualifications which are requisite in an Emperour . At first he acted like a valiant Captain , overcame and slew Ingenu●s ( who usurped the Empire ) as also Trebellianus ; & overcame 300000 Gothes , & Almans , having but 10000 on his side ( saith Zonaras ) but after he gave himself so much to sensuality , that when the World was infected with Warres , he continued for the most part in Rome among whores , compassed with Roses and Flowers ; seeking new delights , often bathing himself , studying how he might keep Figs and other fruits green all the year ; having ordinarily at his table most exquisite and delicate meats , and of great cost . Trebellius Pollio in Gallieno c. 16. 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 alwayes 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 losse of other Provinces , he answered so scornfully , that he seemed to care for nothing : which occasioned 30 Tyrants to make themselves Emperours in his time ; whereof two were Women , Zenobia and Victoria . In his reign the Heavens were darkned so that the Sun was not seen for many dayes ; in the bowels of the earth were heard roarings , with the fear whereof many dyed ; Earth-quakes threw down many houses , whereby the Inhabitants were destroyed ; these Earth-quakes were frequent in Rome , Africk , but especially in Asia ; the Earth opened in many places , and shewed Vaults and Caves , from whence salt-water streamed ; a●d several Cities were drowned by the Sea : and in Rome there dyed above 5000 in one day of the pestilence . Treb. Pollio c. 5. Gallienus addicted onely 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 lyable to the same miseries as other men . Nec defuit Annius Cornicula , qui eum quasi constantem Principem salsò sua voce laudaret , pejor tamen ille 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 vertue , nor suppresse it by valour , sought to deface it by treachery ; but failing of his aimes 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-shew ; some jeering companions mixing themselves with the Persians , exactly viewed their countenances , and being asked wherefore they did it , answered , We seek for his Majesties Father ; which when Gallienus heard of , he was so incensed at the taunt , that he commanded those who uttered it to be burned alive . The Scythians invading Cappadocia , the souldiers attempt to make a new Emperour , 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 souldiers ; to revenge which , he being received into Byzantium , compassed them unarmed with armed souldiers , and slew them contrary to his covenant . And as if he had done some great matter , he posteth to Rome , and summoning the Senatours , appointeth decennial playes to be celebrated novo genere ludorum , nova specie pomparum , exquisito genere voluptatum , saith Pollio c. 7. He killed sometimes 3 or 4000 souldiers 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 Emperour 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 souldiers before the Walles 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 vertue , and Antoninus his piety met in him . A Woman desiring him after he was Emperour , to restore an inheritance , which he had unjustly took from her when he was but a private person ; he graciously granted her request , saying , Quod Claudius dum privatus erat , nec leges curabat , abstulit ; factus Imperator restituit . Zonaras . In his time Athens was ransacked by Gothes , who piled heaps of Books to burn , but were advised by one to for bear , that the Graecians spending their time in them , might be lesse fit for war. Cedrenus . B. Egnatius . Judicium barbari non prorsus vanum . Etsi Cleodemus Atheniensis , fuga elapsus , coactaque manu & navibus hostes 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 Gothes , who infested the Empire 15 years with continual irruptions ( saith Iornandes ) and now in league with many barbarous Nations , invaded Thrace and the Countries before them , even to Macedonia ; and thence came through Hungary down Danubius with 2000 saile 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 hindred by a fever which soon put an end to his life . He reigned 1 year , 10 months and 15 dayes . He was deifyed by the Senate ; had a statue of gold 10 foot high erected in the Capitol in honour of him by the people at their own cost , ( which they never did to any before : ) and a target of the same metal , with his picture in it , was hung up in the Court by the Senates appointment . There was also by general consent set up for him a pillar composed of the 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 favour 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 endeavoured to succeed , and was chosen Emperour , 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 Cilicia , say some , having reigned but 17 dayes ; but others write that he was killed by the souldiers . Choyce Observations OF AURELIANUS . HIS Parents being mean , he followed the Warres , and advanced himself thereby . There being in the Army another tribune , who was named Aurelian , and had been taken prisoner with Valerian the Emperour , 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 excesse 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 tun-dish plus orcâ , which Lipsius saith was bigger than the Amphora , but how much he knoweth not ; and honoured 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 , meerly that by her means he might discover the Gothes secrets . Vopiscus in Bonoso . Aurelian appointed Bonosus to carouse with Embassadours , that they might be brought to bewray secrets by this lene tormentum ; whilest he ( who had this wonderfull 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 effusè 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 severall dayes above 950 ; whereupon Ballads were sung by Boyes on Festivals in praise of him . Vopiscus in Aureliano , c. 6. When the Enemies of the Romans , had overrun all France , he made such havock of them at Mentz , that he slew 700 , and sold 300 sub corona ; upon which occasion new 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 Gaules , and 4 years in conquering the Romans . S. Aur. Victor . He caused a Souldier , who had committed Adultery with his Hostesse , to have h●s feet tyed to the tops of 2 Trees bent downward , and suffered suddenly to start back again ; so the wretch was twitched in sunder , and hung on both sides in halves . He wrote to one of his Lieutenants , If thou wilt be a Captain , nay if thou wilt live , contain thy Souldiers 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 Souldiers should be enriched with spoils of Enemies , not the tears of my Subjects . I would have them chast in their Quarters , & no Quarrellers . Which commands Baronius compareth with that of Iohn the Baptist to the souldiers , 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 Emperour by the French Army ; elegantly upbraiding him , That it was more majestical to rule some part of Italy , than to reign beyond the Alpes . 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 Souldiers 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 , chast , learned , wise , and valiant Woman of that age . Her Letter in answer to him , who sorely tired , profered her life , and liberty , and wealth , if she would yield , sheweth her resolves for fight . He was so inraged 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 signe an edict for the 9 persecution ( of which he was the author ) God hindred his purpose . Theodoret. l. 4. reportes of Valens the Arrian Emperour ) 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 practise 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 wayes , as shortly after he did ; Mnestheus his Secretary fearing punishment for some offence , for which the Emperour threatned him with death , and knowing that he used not to pardon if he threatned , counterfeited the Emperours hand , and wrote the names of many in a rowl as appointed by him to dy ; mixing the names of some , with whom the Emperour was truly offended , with those of others whom he was not displeased with , adding his own name that he might the easilyer 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 honour of Aurelian , even by those who slew him . He reigned 4 years , 11 months , and 7 dayes . Vopiscus calleth him Bonum Medicum , sed mala ratione cur antem ; A good Physician , had he not administred 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 alwayes in his life specially assisted him in all his enterprises , excused him to the other Gods , saying , That he had been punished enough by his death , according to the Delphick Oracle , which saith : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Iudicium , si quis quae fecit perfer at , aequū est . Choyce Observations OF TACITUS , And his Brother FLORIANUS . UPon the death of Aurelian , the Souldiers who would not have any of his assassinates to succeed , sent to the Senate to chuse an Emperour ; the Senate refer the election to the Souldiers , 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 Souldiers joyntly elect Tacitus . He retired to his mannor in Campania , where he was secret 2 moneths , shunning that dignity which might prove his overthrow ; was often sollicited , 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 rejoyced but himself . He was such an example of moderation to others , that he permitted not his Empresse to wear jewels . He honoured 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 publick cost . Vopiscus in Tacito . c. 10. When the Senate chose him Emperour , they cryed 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 dyed a violent death . Tristan . When the Senate denyed 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 Souldiers all the mony he had in silver , which was a great summe ; 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 Successour . Being not able to withstand Probus who was chosen by the Army , he was killed by the Souldiers , 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 cryed out , Let us have Probus for our Emperour ; and the Senate with applause confirmed the election . The manner of his being chosen by the Souldiers was thus ; The Officers told them the requisites of one that should be elected , that he should be Fortis , Sanctus , Verecundus , Clemens , Probus : which when it was spoke to many companies , on all sides they cryed out as it were by a divine instinct , Probe Auguste , Dii te servent . Vopiscus in Probo , c. 10. Valerian the Emperour called him Verè Probum , saying in an epistle , that if he had not had Probus for his name , he deserved to have had it for his 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 Emperour , was in France , against the Germans who had conquered it ; wherein one battel he slew almost 400000 Germans , 9 of whose Kings prostrated themselves at his feet : he won also and repaired 70 of their Cities in lesse than 7 years . The Egyptians electing Saturninus a wise and valiant Captain ▪ Emperour , 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 unwillingnes to shed civil blood , or to loose such a man as Saturninus : but upon refusal of his clemency , he engaged in a sharp battail , 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 barrell 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 onely cōmit filthinesse , 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 honoured Aradion a most valiant man ( whom he overcame in wrestling ) with a tomb 200 foot broad remaining in Vopiscus his time ; which he caused the souldiers , whom he never suffered to be idle , to erect : testifying the greatness of his respect by his largenes 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 dayes together , he said , He was fitter for a cowardly than a valia● souldier . Id. Ibid. c. 8. Some say he was the last Emperour who triumphed , after his Victory over the Germans and the Blemiae a people of Africk . 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 grasse , 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 souldiers were taken up by the roots , as they grew in the woods , and planted there with green turf about them , and fastned with beams and irons : next day he let into the same place 100 maned Lyons , which filled the air with roaring as if it had thundred ; 100 Lybian Leopards , 100 Syrian , 100 Lionesses , and 300 beares . Vopiscus in Probo . c. 19. As Hanibal filled most parts of Africk with Olive-yards planted by his souldiers that they might not be idle , to the indangering of the Common-wealth ; so Probus , who for his famous acts is compared with Hanibal and Caesar , for the same reason caused his souldiers 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 souldiers being offended murdered him , when he had lived 75 years , and reigned 6 years 4 moneths ; others say 6 years . Iulian feigneth that Silenus reproched him with his severity towards his souldiers , 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 Emperour , whereunto the Senate consented . The Sarmatians threatning 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 . Embassadors coming to him from the King of Persia , find him lying upon the grasse , eating black broath and morsels of swines-flesh ; ( whom he bade to tell their young master : If he continued obstinate , within one moneth , all his woods and fields should be as bare as hisb. ●ld pate , which he shewed ; offering them to eat out of the pot , if they pleased , otherwise to depart forthwith . Lipsius in his Notes to his second Book of Politicks and the fiftenth Chapter out of Synesius de Regno , where see Petarius who applieth it to Probus . Surprized with sicknesse he pitched his tent on the shore of Tigr●s ; where he and others were slain in their beds by a thunder-bolt . — Fulmine captus Imperator Vitam fulminibus parem peregit . Sidonius Apollinaris . Arrius 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 enquired how de did , that his infirmity onely kept him from sight , but at length his treason was discovered by the putrefaction of Numerians body . Whereupon he being brought by the souldiers 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 Emperours 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 Senatour : 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 Emperour , 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 Collegue stiled himself Hercullus : velut ille Iovis , hic Herculis haeres saith P. Laetus , who parallels Diocletian with Iupiter , and Maximian with Hercules . When Diocletian serving as common souldier in France , reckoned with his hostesse ( one of the Druides ) she told him he vvas too penurious ; he jeastly ansvvered , that he vvould be bountiful vvhen he came to the rour of Rome : she bid him not jeast , 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 souldiers 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 shew ●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 cloath 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 . Omnibus aequandus principibus , si à piorum sanguine abstinuisseth , saith B. Egnatius . It was a good speech of him though an evil Emperour , 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 Emperours chose 2 Caesars ; 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 Caesars , he rendred himself formidable to those who desired to make themselves Emperours . For in what part soever the rebels rose , one of these four was upon their backs , and stifled them in the birth . Onely Carausius , whom the situation of great Britain rendred invincible , stood out 7 years . But all the other who had the the boldness to make themselves Emperours , as Aelianus , Amandus , Julianus , &c. were quickly defeated , before they could make any considerable progresse . 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 moneth , 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 Ianuary , whereto the number of 5000 Martyrs at the least might not be ascribed saith Hierome 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 Emperour ; who summoneth them to perform their parts in this devilish worship : they return an humble denyal , with their resolve not to disobey God , for whose sake they would ever continue faithfull 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 wearines 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 souldiers ( for armed men may be tempted to defend themselves ) lest any of them might upon colour of just resistance for self-preservation in an innocent cause have strugled against this blessed slaughter . I was watchful and had Christs example in readines , who commanded his Disciple to put his sword into his scabbard . Salus vestra non periclitabitur , nisi armis vestris . Despair it self could not conquer one single patience , which yet createth valour in cowards , and maketh them more couragious in such extremities , because they are fearfull ; 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 ferè 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 Columne as a Trophy of the extinguishing the Christian faith erected to him with this inscription . Dioclesiano Caes. Aug. Galerio in Oriente Adopt . Superstitione Christi ubique deletâ . Et cultu Deorum ubi que propagato , Gruters Inscriptions , p. 280. This most bloody persecutour of the Church , at last perswaded 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 designes 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 powr to do any . Being sollicited 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 threatning Letter , wherein he was charged to favour Maximinus , and to have shewed favour to Maxentius : whereupon fearing some shamefull death , he poysoned himself . S. Aur. Victor . Maximian seemingly taking offence at his son Maxentius , then at variance with his son-in-law Constantine the Great under colour of this dislike , repaired to Constantine , who married Fausta his daughter , with whom he tampered to make away her husband : but she revealed his treachery to Constantine , who thereupon put him to death . Vtinam Maximianus suo potius ingenio , quàm alieno exemplo fastidi●set fortunae fastigium . Diocletianum secutus est . Sic verò animi inconstans ; quia cùm ex Augusto privatus esset , è 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 . Iam 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 joyned SEVERVS MAXIMINVS , MAXENTIVS LICINIVS . Collegues WHen Diocletian and Maximian laid down the ensignes of command , Constantius Chlorus was chosen Emperour 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 Africk 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 , Neece to the Emperour 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 reproched 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 , rejoycing greatly , that now they had that long wished for opportunity to witnesse their benevolous minds unto the Emperour : whereupon he truly and excellently said ; That the love of the people is the richest and safest Treasury of the Prince . Shewing to Diocletians Embassadors , the great summes which he had ammassed in few houres , they were amazed thereat ; after whose departure he returned all the Subsidy that was presented to him : by which custome 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 shewed 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 onely 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 onely the title , presented themselves as it were on a common stage to the view of all men . Eusebius saith that Constantius preserved 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such Christians as were under his command from harm . Under him the Church in these parts had a breathing-time from persecution . But I am afraid that that learned goes a little to farre , who makes him founder of a Bishoprick at York , and stileth him an Emperour surpassing in all vertue , 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 tyrannising aswell 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 lustre of the purple presented to him . He marrieth Theodora ; which alteration Helena bore with great constancy , counting it an honour , that to refuse her no other cause was found , but the good fortune of her husband ; Constantius lived in body with Theodora , and in heart with Helen : the torrent of ambition and affaires of the world having parted their bodies could not hinder the inclinations of their hearts . For Constantius returning to Britain , dyed in York ; and being asked on his death-bed which of his childrē should succeed him , since besides Constantine he had two sons by Theodora viz. Constantius & Annibalinus : he then forgetting his seōnd wife & her off-spring , cryed aloud Constantinū piū , he would have no other successour than the pious Constantine , which was approved by the army : who cast the purple Robe upon Constantine at York , whilest he wept , and put spurs to his horse , that he might avoid the importunity of the souldiers , who attempted and required so instantly to make him Emperour : but the happiness of the state overcame his modesty . Constantius lived 56 years ; was Caesar 16 years , and Emperour 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 certèodioque 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 souldier having met with a Parthick satchel , wherein were pearls , through simplicity threw out the gems , and went away contented with the beauty onely 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 Caesars and after Augusti ; which honours 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 ; notwithstāding 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 practises 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 Gods 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 shew of contest ; but Maximine at Tarsus decided the difference by an irrevocable resignation . Maximinus was much inclined to wine , in the excesse 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 Emperour , by consent of the souldiers , to recompence 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 inamoured 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 her self ready ; which having obtained , she goeth into her chamber , and killeth her self : the Officers ( when they could stay no longer ) broke open the room , and finding her dead , 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 intrap Constantine : but being overcome in battel , he fled ( through forgetfulness or hast ) over the same Bridge , which falling under him , he and many more were drowned . 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 poyson and publick plague . He thought that none could live chastly , measuring others dispositions by his own vicious inclination . He maligning Constantines 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 battels , 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 eò quòd Christiana esset , ab equis discerpi mandasset , ipse adstans & inspecturus , equi morsu interfectus est . Elenchus Numismatum in Bibliotheca Bodieeja●a . Select and Choyce French Proverbs , some of which were collected out of Gruterus , de la Noue , and other Authors , divers observed by my self when I was in France , Alphabetically disposed and englished , and compared also sometimes with the Refranes or Spanish . A. ALler où le Roy va à pied . To go where the King goes a foot . Aller sur la Hacquen●e des Cordeliers . To go upon the Franciscans Hackney , 1. to go a foot . Aimer n'est pas sans amer . Love is not without bitternesse ▪ Ainsi va le monde . So the world goeth . Amasser en saison , despencer par raison , font la bonne maison . A seasonable gathering , and a reasonable spending make a good house-keeping . Amiens fut priuse en Renard , repriuse en Lion. Amiens was taken by the * Fox , retaken by the Lion. Amour peut moult , argent peut tout . Love can do much , silver can do all . Amour , toux , fumée & argent , on ne peut cacher longuement . Love , the cough , the smoak and money , can not long be hidden by any . A Pere , à Maistre , à Dieu tout puissant , Nul ne peut rendre l'equivalent . To Father , Master , and God , Al-sufficient , None can render equivalent . A petit Mercier , petit panier . A little Pedler , a little pack . Apres * disner de la moustarde . After dinner mustard . Apres la mort le Medecin . After death the Doctor . Apres la pluye * vient le beau temps . After rain comes fair weather . A quoi pensez vous , quand vous nepensiez rien ? A vous respondre , quand vouy me demandez rien . On what think you when you think on nothing ? To answer you when you ask me nothing . Argent content porte medicine . Ready money is a ready medicine . A rude Chien faut dur lien . A curst Dogge must be tyed short . Attente tourmente . Expectation torments . Au jourdhuy marriè , demain marri . Married to day sad to morrow . A un bon Entendeur ne faut que demy mot . Half a word is enough * to an understanding Hearer . Autant de Pais , autant de coustumes . So many Countries so many customes . B. BEau parler n'escorche pas la language . Good speech flees not the tongue . Beauté sans bonté est comme vin esventè . Beauty without goodnesse is like wine that hath taken wind . Belles filles se trovent au bourdeau , & les beaux hommes es mains du Bourreau . The fairest woman in the St●wes , and the hansom'st man at the Gallowes . Bon marché tire l'argent de la bourse . Good cheap commodities are not able pick-purses . Bon sang ne peut mentir . Good blood cannot lye . Bonne renommée vaut mieux que ceniture dorée . A good renown is better then a golden girdle . Bonne Terre mauvais Chemin . Bon Advocat mauvais Voisin . Bonne Mule mauvaise beste . Bonne Femme mauvaise teste . Good Country and bad Way . Good Lawyer and bad Neighbour . Good Mule and a bad beast . Good Woman and a bad head . Borgne est Roy entre les aveugles . He that hath one eye is a King among the blinde . C. CEqu'on apprend au bers , dure jusques au vers . That which one learnes in youth will continue till old age . Cela est la Philosophie de Quenoville . It is the Philosophy of the Distaff . C'est un mouton * de Berri , il est marqué sur le nez . It is a Sheep of Berrie it is marked upon the nose . C'est un bon harquebusier , il vise aux talons & frappe le nez . * It is a good Harquebusier , it aims at the heels and hits the nose . Chair du Mouton manger de Glouton . Flesh of Mutton is meat for a Glutton . Chascun a son tour , Le devise du Mounsieur de Guise . Every one hath his turn , The devise of the Duke of Guise . Chascun est Roy en sa maison . Every one is King in his own house . Commun n'est pas comme un . The Publick is not as private . Courte messe & long disner . Short Masse , and long dinner . D. D'Eau benite le moius suffis . Of holy-water the lesse sufficeth . De fol Juge brieve sentence . From a foolish Judge a quick sentence . De la pance vient la dance . Dancing followes a full belly . De mauvais payeur il faut prendre paille . Of an ill pay-master take any thing . Desjuner de chasseurs , disner d'Advocats , Souper de Marchands , & collation de Moines . The Huntsmans break fast , the Lawyers dinner , The Merchants supper , and the Monkes drinking . De trois choses Dieu dous garde , De Beuf salé sans Moutarde , D'un Valet qui se regarde , D'une Femme qui se farde . From three things God keep us , From powderd Beef without Mustard , From a Servant which vieweth himself , From a Woman which painteth . * Du cuir d'autruy large courroye . A large-thong of anothers leather . E. EN gouttes Medicin ne voit Goutte . The Physician sees but littie in the Gout . En Orenge il n' ya point d'Oranges . In Orange * there are no Oranges . En Pont , en Planche , & en Riviere , Valet devant Maistre derriere . On Bridge , on Plank , and on River , The Servant before , and Master after . * Entre deux selles le cul à terre . Between two stooles the tail to the ground . Entre la bouche & le verre , Le vin souvent tombe à terre . Between the lip and the cup. The wine is often spilt . Eschorhcer le * Renard . To flea the Fox . Estre sur la bord de ▪ la fosse . To be upon the brink of the pii . Alterum pedem in cymba charonti habere . F. FAire de Chasteaux en Espagne . To build Castles in Spain . We say , to build Castles in the air . Faire de son Medecin son heritier . To make his Phisician his heir . Faire grond cas de peu de chose . To make great account of a little thing . Femme , argent & vin on leur bien & leur venin . Women , money , and wine , have their good and their evil . Femme rit quand elle peut & pleure quand elle veut . A Woman laughes when she can , and weeps when she will. Fille fenestriere & trotiere , Rarement bonne mesnagere . A gazing and gadding maid seldome proves good House-wife . Fille qui donne s'abandonne . A Maid which giveth is easily gotten . Fille qui prend son Corps vend . A Maid which takes sels her body . Fille trope veuë , robbe trop vestuë , n'est past chere tenue . A maid often seen , a garment often worn , Are disesteem'd , and held in scorn . The Italian Proverb is : A woman that taketh is easily yielding . Formage , poir , & pain , Est repas de vilain . Cheese , bread , and pear , Is the Husbandmans fare . Les plus courtes folies sont les mellieures . The shortest follies are the best . Fols sont sages quond ils se taisent . Fools are wise men when they hold their * peace . G. GOutte à goutte la Mer s'esgoute . By drop and drop the Sea runs out . Homme chiche , jamais riche . A covetous man is never rich . Homme roux & femme barbue , De trente pas loin le salūe , Avecques trois pierres au poing , Pour t'en aider à ton besoing . Salute no red hair'd man , nor bearded woman nearer then thirty foot off , with three stones in thy fist to defend thee in thy need . I. JEunesse oiseuse , vie illesse disetteuse . An idle youth makes a needy old age . The Italian Proverb is , A young man idle , an old man needy . Il a tousiours une * aulne de boyaux vuides , pour festoyer ses amis . He hath alwayes an ell * of empty guts to feast his friends withal . Il est bien avancé qui a bien commencé . He is well advanced who hath begun well . Dimidium facti qui bene caepit , habet . Il a beau mentir qui vient de loin . A Traveller may lye by authority . Il gaste comme le fange de Paris . It staineth like the dirt of Paris , Lutetia à luto . Il a la conscience large , comme la manche d'un Cordelier . He hath a conscience as large as a Franciscans sleeve . Il joüe de moy à la pelotte . He playes at foot-bal with me . Il ment comme un Aracheur de dents . He lyeth like a Tooth-drawer . Il n'est eschappé qui traine son lien . He is not quite got away who drags his chain after him . Il n'est jamais feu sans fumé . There is never fire without some smoak . Il n'y a pire sourd que celuy qui ne veut o●ir . There is none so deaf as that will not hear . Il ny a tant des Moutons en Berry There be not so many Sheep in * Berry . Il ni a que la premiere pinte chere . The first pint is the dearest . Il vaut mieux tard que jamais . It is better late then never . Jeu , putain , & vin friand Font l'homme panure en riand . Play a whore , and brisk wine make a man poor laughing . The Italian Proverb ( whence this seems to be borrowed ) is , Play , woman , and wine c●nsume a ma● laughing . L. LAbelle plume fait le bel oyseau . The fair feathers make a fair fowl . * L'appetit vient en mangeant , est la soifs'en va en beuvant . The stomack comes by eating , the thirst is quencht by drinking . L'asne du common est tousjours malbasté The common Asse is alwayes ill sadled . La soye esteiut la feu de la Cuisine . Silk * doth quench the fire of this Kitchin. La trop longue demeurer fait changer l'amy . Too long abiding causeth a friend to change . L'eau qui dort est pire qui celle quid court . The standing water is worse then that which runnes . Le coust en fait perdre le goust . The cost takes away the desire to the thing . Le desir nous tormente & l'espoir nous contente . Desire torments us , and hope comforts us . L'habit ne fait pas le Moyne . The habit makes not the Monk. Le maison est malheureuse & mechante , O● le Poul plus haute que le coq chante . The house is unhappy and wicked where the hen croweth louder than the cock . Le mari veut ( & doit ) estre maistre , la femme veut ( & doit ) estre maistresse , mais non pas de son mari . The husband will and ought to be master , the wi●e will and ought to be mistris , but not of her husband . Les mots termines en ique font au Medecin la nique . The words ending in * ique do mock the Phisician . Le plaisir engendre l'autre . One good turn requires another . Le Royaume du France ne tombe point en quenouille . The Kingdome of France falls not to the distaffe . Les Apprentifs ne sont pas incontinent maistres . The Prentises are not presently masters . Les bons r●deurs font les bons presteurs . Good restorers make good lenders . Le Soleil qui se leve matin , La Femme qui parle latin , L'enfant qui boit du vin , Font rarement bonne fin . The Sun which shineth early in the morning , A Woman which speaketh Latin , A Child that drinketh wine , Seldome make a good end . Le teste d'une Femme , La corps d'un Serjeant , Les jambes d'un Lacquai ▪ C'est un Diable parfaict . The head of a Woman , The body of a Serjeant , The leggs of a Lackey Make a Devil perfect . Le vin se cognoist à la saveur , & le drap à la coleur . Wine is known by its smell , and cloth by its colour . Lire beaucoup & rien n'entendre , C'est beaucoup chasser & rien prendre . To read much and understand and nothing , Is to hunt much and catch nothing , M. MA chemise chascun blanche Baise mon cû châque dimanche . My fair shirt kisse me behinde once a week . Manger * son pain blanc le premier . To eat his white bread first . Mars venteux , & Auril pluvieux font le May gay & gracieux . A windy March , and rainy April make a May trim and gay . N. N'irrit ez point les chiens , au paravant que vos soies aux pierres . Provoke not the Dogs before you beat the stones . Nouer l'esguillette . To tye the * point . Nourriture passe nature . Nature surpasseth nature . Nul bien sans peine . No good without pain and labour . This Proverb is meant principally of vertue , it comes not without labour . O. OI , voy , & te tais , si tu veux veure en pais . Hear , see , and be silent , if thou wilt live in peace . Audi , vide , tace , si vis vivere in pace . Oignez vilain , il vous poindra , poignez vilain il vous oindra . Sooth a Clown and he will deal roughly with you , deal roughly with him , and he will speak you fair . The Italian Proverb is , Do good to a Clown , he wisheth thee evil for it , do him an evil turn and he wisheth thee good for it . On n● doit parler Latin devant les Clercs . One must take heed to speaking of Latin before Schollars . On ne prend pas le lieure au son de Ta●bour . Men catch not a Hare with the sound of a Drum. On ne scait , que la chose vaut , jusqu ' à tant qu'on l'ait perdue . One knows not what a thing is worth till he have lost it . The Spanish Proverb is , Buen perdido ay conocido . A good thing lost is known . Bonum magis carendo quàm fruendo cognoscimus . Oûi dire va par ville . Hear-say goes throughout the town . P. PApe par voix , Roy par nature , Empereur per force . The Pope comes by voices , the King by nature , the Emperour by force . Pardon , on a pardon . By a gift on obtains a pardon . Par l'eschantillon on cognoist la piece . By a pattern on knoweth the whole piece . Petite pluye abbat grand vent . A small rain all aies a great wind . Poisson sans vin est poison . Fish without wine is poison . Pour un plaisir mille douleurs . For one pleasure a thousand sorrowes . Q. QUand Italie sera sans poison , France sans trahison , Angleterre sans guerre , lors sera la mond● sans terre . When Italy shall be without poison , France without treason , England without war , the World shall be without earth . Quand le danger est passé , le Sainct eff oubilé . When the danger is past the Saint is forgotten . Quand le soleil est couché tons les bestes sont à l'ombre . When the Sun is set all the beasts are in the shade . Quatres bonnes meres engendrent quatre mauvaises filles , Grande familiarité mespris , verité haine , vertu envie , richesse ignorance . Four good mothers beget four bad daughters , great familiarity contempt , truth hatred , vertue envie , riches ignorance . Qui a bon voisin , il a bon matin . He that hath a good neighbour hath a good morrow . Qui a le bruit de se lever matin peut dormir jusques à disner . He that hath the same of rising early may sleep till dinner . Qui a terre il a guerre . He that hath land hath also strife . Qui monte plus haut qu'il ne doit , descend plus bas qu'il ne voudroit . He that mounteth higher then he ought , shall descend lower then he would . Qui naist de geline il ayme a gratter . He that comes from a Hen loves to be scrat●ng . Qui parle du loup , il en void la queue . He that speaks of the * Wolf , sees his tail . While the Shepherds talk of the Wolf he comes sometimes , so doth he often of whom we speak . Qui regimbe contre l'aiguillon , merite d'en estre picqué deux fois . He that kicks against the pricks , deserves to be pricked twice . Qui veut jeune chair & vieux poisson , se trove repugner la raison . He that loves young flesh and old fish , loves contrary to reason . Qui veult manger de noiau , qu'il casse la noix . He that will eat the kirnel , let him break the nut . R. REmede contre la Peste par art , Fuir tost & loing ▪ retourner tard . An Artificial remedy against the Plague , t● flie swift and farre , and return slowly . Rendre la pareille . To render the like . Retournons a nous moutons . Let us return to our Sheep . This Proverb is used when in some long discourse , one having made some digression from the matter , will return to the thing he first spake of . The original of it is taken from Shepherds which sometimes leave their Sheep to solace themselves while they feed , but fearing danger to them , after say , Let us returne to our Sheep . Rouge soir & blanc matin , C●est le plaisir du Pelerin , The evening red and the morning gray , Are hopeful ●ignes of a fair day . The Italian saith , The evening red , and the morning d●skie joyeth the Traveller . S. SI l'espine non picque quand nai , A peine que picque jamai . A thorn unlesse at first it prick , Will hardly ever pierce to the quick . Souvent & peu manger , Ce faict l'homme engraisser . Often and little eating makes a man fat . T. TEL refuse qui apres muse . He refuseth who after bethinks himself . Tout se qui reluist n'est pas or , All is not gold that glistereth . Tost ou tard , prezau loing , Le fort du foible à besoign . Soon or late , near or far , the strong hath need of the weak . Trois choses sont d'un accord , L'Eglise , la Court , & la Mort , L'Eglise prend de vif & mort , La Court prend le droict & le tort , La Mort prend le foible & le fort , Three things agree in the world ; The Church the Court and Death , the Court right and wrong , Death the weak and strong . The Italians have the like Proverb , Three things are much of nature : A Priest , an Atturney , and Death ; The Priest taketh from the living and the dead ; The Atturny right and wrong , And death taketh along with it both weak and strong . Trop grater cuist , trop paller nuist . To much scratching smarts , too much speaking hurts . Tu as frappé au blanc . Thou hast hit the white . Tu as memoire du Lieure ou Lapin , tu la pers en courant . Thou hast as much memory as a Hare or Coney ▪ thou hast lost it in running . V. UN coup de langue nuist plus qu●un coup de lance . A word hurts more then a wound . Un grand Seigneur , Un grand Clochier , Une grande Riviére sont trois mauvais Voisins . A great Lord , A great Bell , A great River are three ill Neighbours . Une bonne femme est une mauvaise beste . A good wife is an ill beast . Oftentimes in the contracted inscriptions of ancient Tombes these 2 capital letters , M. B. have been found which signify Mulier Bona in French Bonne Femme . Some Drollers finding that these 2 letters M. B. signifie as well Mala bestia as Mulier bona ; thrice used this Proverb . Un homme de paille vaut une femme d●or . A man of straw is worth a woman of gold . Un Ministre ne doit scavoir que sa Bible . A Minister ought to know no more then his Bible . Vouz mangez vostre chemie , par ou retournerez vous . You eat your way , which way will you return . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A47620-e120 * Quicquid est , quod dat Patri Filius , utique minus est , quia hanc ipsam dandi facultatem Patri debet . Seneca lib. 3. de Beneficiis . Patribus & D●is non possumus retribuere aequali● . Arist. 8. Ethic. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Tim. 5. 4 * The fow which teacheth children to requite their Parents is the Stork from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 natural affection , and she is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : hence commeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when children study to requite their Parents . * Magdalen-Hall in Oxford , and the Middle Temple in London . * Tertul. Euseb. Eccles. Hill. Iosephus , Plutarch . Taciti Hist. & Annal. Aurel. Vict. Eutropius , Pliny , Solimis , Seneca , Macrob. Saturn . Suetonius , with Casaub. Animadvers . Eras. Apotheg . & Chili●d . * Est orati● Taciti ●●rum in mod●●m arguta , & prudentiae plena Bodin . l. 4. de Method . Histor. * Mr. William Pemble . * Su●tonius Tranquillus Graecorum & Latinorum Scriptorum diligentissimus , atque incorruptissiimus , res duod●cim C●sarum videtur mihi integerrimè exponere qui in optimi● Principibus nec vitia , nec suspiciones vitiorum tacet : in pessimi● vero colores virtutum non di●simulat . Ludov. Vives de tradend . Discipl . lib. 5 Tranquillè & aequaliter Fluit , rebusque unicè addictu , orationis ornamenta non negligens , sed securus praeterit , & tamen hunc ipsum ornatum velut umbram ●on id agens trahit . Famian : Strada , lib. 2 Prol●s . Histor. * Nature meant Caesar for a Conquerour , when she gave him both such courage , and such courtesie , both which put Marius into amaze . They which durst speak to him , ( said he ) were ignorant of his greatnesse ; and they which durst not , were so of his goodnesse . * Augustus Caesar dyed in a Complement ; Livia , Conjugii nostri memor , vive , & vale . Tiberius in dissimulation ; as Tacitus saith of him . Iam Tiberium vires & corpus , non Dissimulatio deserebans . Vespas●an in a Iest , sitting upon the stool , Vt ●●to D●u●●io . Galba with a sentence , Feri , sixe re si● 〈◊〉 Romani ; holding forth his Ne●k , 〈◊〉 last Essayes in 4. ● * Macrob. lib. 1. in som● . Scipion. * Timeo incustoditos aditus , timeo & ipsos custodes . * See in the Book of him , and Domitian . * Dion in Nerone . Our English Chronicles report of King Richard the third , that having imbrued his hands in the Blood of two Orient Princes , he never after had quiet in his mind , his body was privily fenced , his hand ever upon his Dagger , his countenance grimme and gastly , his sleep unquiet , for he rather slumbred than slept . The night before the Battel fought in Bosworth-Field , he dreamed a terrible dream . Credo non erat so●●lum , sed Consei●ntia scelerum . Polyd. Virgil. Notes for div A47620-e1310 Gen. dier . lib. 1. c. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Gr. ( saith he ) signifieth Primam in mento lanuginem . Virg. lib. 2. Aeneid . An●●m ad cursum Solis accommod●vit . Sueton. He was born in that Moneth . Macrob. Saturn . cap. 12. * Sueton. describes him to have been , Nigris vegetisque oculis micantibus , of a black quick ●parkling eye . * Primus Caesar , ●caeso Matris utero dictus . * Animadvers . in Sueton . Alex. ab Alex. Gen. dier . l. 1. c. 9. Beckman de Orig. Ling. Latin. vide Christiani Matth. Theatr . Histor. Theor. Pract. in Iul. Caes. cap. 1. Et Commentar . Schild . in Suetonium . Forma omnium civium excellentissimus , vigore animi acerrimus , munificentiae effusissimus . Paterculus . Seu inter res gerendas . i. e. cum aciem ordinaret . Plutarch . Whiles he was setting his army in battel aray Fuchs . Instit. Medic. l. 3. Sect. 1. c. 1● . Plato morbum divinum appellat , quia occupat in noble divinae particulam aurae . Alii morbum sacrum , vel quia detestandus est , vel quia divinitus immi●titur . Dicitur etiam Herculeus , quia Hercules eo laboravit ; item ●ulgo caducus . Lipsius . Imperatoriam Majest●tem non solùm ar●●s decoratam , sed etiam legibus oportet esse armatam , ut utrumque tempus , & bellorum , & pacis recte possit gubernari . Iustinian . Pro●m , Institut . Summis Oratoribus aemulus . Tacit. He was Ci●ero's rival in Eloquence . * Illum omnium fere Oratorum , latinè loqui elegantissimè , saith Atticus there of him . Caesar quotidiano sermoni egregiè utilissimus , cui Cicero laudem tribuit puri & incorrupti Sermoni● Latini , Ledov . Viv. lib. 3. de tradend . Discipl . * Advance of Learn . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . l. 2 Commentarios quosdam scripsit rerum suarum valde quidem probandos , nudi enim sunt recti , & venusti , sanos quidem homines à scribendo deterruit . Cicero de Clar. Orat. Scribere & legere simul , dictare , & au ●ire accepimus : Epistolas v●rò tantarum rerum quatern●s pariter librariis dictare , aut , si nihil aliud ageret , septenas . Plin. Natural . Hist. lib. 7. c. 25. Speed Chron. Lucan . * As you see me do , so do ye . Iudg. 7. 17. One saith the like of trajane , that in all hazards and perills , he never said unto his Captains Go , but let us go : Do , but let us do . Lucan . l. 5. v. 487. Solinus . The two principall men of the world Alexander and Caesar. have slain each of them ( as Pliny reporteth ) more then a million of men . Signis collatis quinquagies dimicavit . Plin. Natural . Hist. lib. 7. c. 25. He took 1000 Townes , conquered 300. Nations . 〈◊〉 . Nec 〈◊〉 de se praedicatio est Caejaris , ante victum bostem esse 〈…〉 L. Flor. 〈…〉 Suetonius . Suetonius . So William the Conqueror at his arrival into England , burnt the ships which transporported his Army . Lucan seemeth to have alluded to this : Bellorum ô socii , qui mille pericula mortis . Augustus did much reprove this humor in his Uncle , saying , Dum affectat carier fieri , auctoritatem Principis emolliverat . Aurel. Vict. * Suetonius . It is reported of Alexander that he infused such courage into his Souldiers , Vt illo praesente , nullius hostium arma vel inermes timuerint . Iustin. l. 12. e. ult . Caesars eye made his Souldiers prodigall of their blood . Plutarches Lives . Plutarch . Plutarchs Lives . Paludamentum mordicus trahens , ne spolio potiretur hostis . Sueton. Milites erant sagati , Imperatores pal●dati . Plutarch & Suetonius . i. e. 33. Saepe audivi Q. Maximum , P. Scipionem , praeterea civitatis nostrae praeclaros viros solitos ita dicere , cum majorum imagines intuerentur , vehementissime sibi animum ad virtutes accendi ; scilicet non ceram illam , neque figuram , tantam vim in sese habere ; sed memoriâ rerum gestarum eam flammam egregiis viris in pectore crescere , neque prius sedari , quam virtus eorum famam atque gloriam adaequaverit , Sallustius in Bello Iugurthino . Suetonius . Ita visum interpretari va●issimae artis auctoribus ●●nis●imis . Casaubon . Animadvers . Plutarch . Suetonius . Lucan . Equitandi usus Caesari à pueritia facilis adeò extitit , ut reflexis in tergum manibus , equum velocissimis con●itare cursibus saepe consueverit . Plut. Solinus . Sueton. * Like to Alexanders Bucephalus . Plutarch . Solinus . He gloried in nothing so much ( saith Austin . 5. Epist. ) as in pardoning his enemies , and gratifying his friends . He held neuters for his friends contrary to Pompey , who held them for enemies . Aurel. Idem dixit , non mihi placet vindicta , sed victoria . Dion . King Cotis having received for a Present many beautiful & rich Vessels , yet frail and easie to be broken , brake them all , that he might not be stirred to choler when they should happen to be broken . Plutarch in Tullies life . Pompeii sta●●●s erigendo su● confirmavit . Mori satius est semel , quam timore semper torqueri Plutarch . Sueton . Silent leges inter Arms. Adolescent difficilius est mi●i hoc dicere , quam facere . * Magno illi Alexandro , sed sobrio , neque iracundo simillimus , qui semper & somno & cibo in vitam , non in voluptatem uteretur . Paterculus . Plutarch . Suetonius . Plutarch . in Apophtheg . Dixit invidere se Catoni mortem , quando sibi salutem invidisset . Plutarch in the life of Cato . Caesarem vehis , & fortunam ejus . Cambd. in Annal. De Henrie . 8. Plin. lib. 7. c. 25. Circa corporis euram morasior , ut non solùm tonderetur diligenter , ac raderetur , sed velleretur etiam . Suetonius . Odi pallidos & macilentor . Or Regaviolus , quasi Rex avium . Casaub. Animadvers . Nec centum victimis perlitare poterat . Florus , l. 4. Hist. Rom. c. 2. Eo ipso die dum ad senatum iret , libelli conjurationem & conjuratorum nomina indicantes , in manus ipsi traditi . Plutarch . Suetonius . Sueton. He was slain in Pompeys court . Tribus & viginti vulneribus ad terram ditus est ; sic ille qui terarum orbem civil● sanguine impleverat ; tandem ipse sanguine suo curiam implevit . Luc. Flo. l. 4. Hist. Rom. c. 2. In the St. Septenarie . Plutarch . Sueton. Deum honor principi non ante habetur quam agere inter homines desierat . Tacit. * Sueton. Of this Ceremony of the Apotheosis or deifying their Emperours , see Dr. Hackwels Apology of Gods providence . l. 4. Sect. 2. Horace . lib. 1. Ode 12. Percussorum autem fere neque triennio quisquam amplius supervixit , neque sua morte defunctus est . Sueton. Bella res est ( Inquit Seneca ) mori sua morte . A notable judgement of God upon the unnaturall murderers of their Soveraign . Vel ab augurio , vel ab augendo dictus . Suetonius . Oculorum acies clarissimorum syderum modo vibrans . Corpore toto pulcher , sed oculis magis . Aurel. Vict. Sueton. Aurel. Vict Sueton. His shooes were underlaid somewhat with the highest , that he might seem taller then he was . Calciamentis altiusculis utebatur , ut procerior quam erat videretur . Suetonius . Tertul. Apol. c. 34. Orosius lib. 7 c. 2. Orosius . Totus orbis ) ad verbum , Tota habitabilis , ita ut subaudias Terra , A Hyperbolicall speech . Nulli Genti sine justis & necessariis causis bellum in●ulit . Suetonius . Bellum est Iustum , quod necessarium est ; & arma sunt pia , quibus nulla nisi in armis relinquitur . spes . Livie Decad. 1. Lib. 9. Aurel. Vict. Sueton. Aul. Gel. 10. l. 11. c. Macrob. Saturn . lib. 6. Eras. Adag . Vrbem lateritiam accepi , relinquo vobis marmoream . Aurel. Vict. Sueton. Macrob. Liberalibus studiis , praesertim eloquentiae in tantum incumbens , ut nullus ne in procinctu quidem laberetur dies , quin legeret , scriberet , declamaret . Aurel . Vict. Suetonius . Si merebuntur . * Nisi aliquo assidente , nunquam tenebris evigilavit . Sueton. lib 2. c. 5. * The Senate and people of Rome joyntly saluting him by the name of Pater Patriae , he with teares standing in his eyes made answer unto them in these few words ; Now that I have ( mine honourable Lords ) attained to the height of all my vowes and wishes , what remaineth else for me to crave of the immortall gods , but that I may carry with me this universall consent of yours unto my lives end ? Seneca said of him , Poenas dat , dum poenus exigit . lib. 1. De Clemen . cap. 10. Damnatorum poenar interdum acrius ferebat , quam qui plectebantur . Senec. lib. de Ira. * Aurel. Vict. His speciall friends were Mecoenas , Agrippa , Virgil. Propertius . He permitted the Jews to use their liberties . Ne toro quidem cubuisse ajunt , nisi humili & modicè instrato . Veste non te●●erè alia usus est , quam domesticâ , ab ●●ore & sor●re , filia , ●eptibusque confect● , Sueton. He termed sumptuous garments , Vexillum superbiae , nidumque luxuriae , the banner of pride , and nest of lechery . Plutarch . in Apoph . Suetonius . Cacozelos & antiqu●rios , ut diverso genere vitiosos , pari fastidi● sprevit . Putas t● asse● Elephanto dare ? Macrob. 2. lib. Sat. c. 4. Quasi Elephanto stipem . Sueton. Sparages soon sodden , See Eras . Adag . Plutarch in the life of Pericles saith no more then Caesar , but Eras. in his Apothegmes took it to be meant of Augustus . Suetonius . The Greeks had no Calends . See Eras. Adag . * Or of a Sea-ca●f , which as Pliny writeth , checketh al lightnings . Tonitru● & fulgur●●●ulo infirmius exp●●escebat , ut sem●er & ubique pellem vituli marini circumferret ●ro remedio , ●que ad omnem 〈◊〉 tempe●●uis suspicionem , in ab●itum & concam . 〈…〉 se reciperet . Suetonius . Aurel. Vict. In the time of war the Temple was open . Horace lib 4. Carminum . He bid Catullus the railing Poet to supper , to shew that he had forgiven him . Macrob. Saturn . l. 2. c. 4. Seneca de Ira. * Vide Christ. Math. Th●at . Hist. in August . p. 55. 56. Convitia , si irascare , agnita videntur ; spret● ex●l●s●unt . Tacitus . l. 2. Saturn . cap. 4. Mat. 2. 16. For his Jewish devotiō prohibited him to deal with swine , but not Religion , nor reason , nor nature could protect those Innocents from slaughter . Macrob. ib. Qnoniam pudebat adolescentem fateri quibus ipse Caesari displicuisset , Caesar permisit ut sermonem inverteres , & culpam in ipsum conferret . Eras. Appotheg . Macrob. ubi suprà . Macrob. Saturn . Id. Ib. This counsell was given him , that when the object and occasions of Choler were in his eye , he should not be moved before he had pronounced over the letters of the Alphabet . Habendae est ad somnum culcitra , in qua ille cum tantum deberet , dormire potuit , Macrob . Sat. l. 2. c. 4. At tu cum fugisti , nunquam post te respe●●ris ? Macrob. Saturn . Persiu● . Non tamen vir t●ntus vitiis ●aruit ; fuit enim paululum im●●tiens , leviter iracundus , occuliè invidus , palam factiosus , dominandi supra quam aestimari p●test avidissimus , stu●iosissimus ale● lusor . Aure● . Vict. * Heroum filii no●ae . Soli●●s . N●m fore quoties audisse● , citò , aut nullo cruciatu defunctum quempiam , sibi & suis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 similem ( hoc enim & verbo uti solebat ) precabatur . Suetonius . Suetonius . Vita nostra sicut fabula , nec refert quam diu , sed quam bene acta sit . l. 15. c. 7. The Climacterical year is fatall . Aurel. Vict. Tiberius dictus à fluvio Tibere , quòd juxta Tiberim natus esset . Suetonius . * Nullius manus velad feriendum vel adimpellendum fortiores fuerunt , quum in ●igitis nervos videretur habuisse non venas ; nam & carra venientis digito sahitari repulisse dicitur , & fortissimos quosque uno digito sic afflixisse , ut quasi-ligni vel ferri obtusioris i●tu percu●●● dolerent . Multa d●●rum digitorum allisione contrivit . Trebel . Pollio de trigin●a ●y●annis in Mario . Tiberio suspensa sem●●r , & ob●●● verba . Tacitus . Aut agat , aut desisiat . Eras . Apophtheg . Simile est Ciceren●s ●●iud de Epi●●●is 2. de fin . C●teri ( inquit ) existimantur dicere melius quam facere , hi mihi videntur facere melius quam dicere . Dicitur in eos qui ejusmodi negotio involvuntur , quod neque relinquere sit integrum , neque tolerari possit . Eras. Adag . Eras. in Apoph . & alii . Sueton. Sueton. Et Alexand. Magnus solitus erat dicere , se odisse olitorem qui herbas radici●ùs convellete● . Et ut parsimoniam publicam exemplo quoque juvaret , solennibus ipse coeni● pridi●na saepe ac semesa opsoni● apposuit , dimidiatumque aprum , affirmans omnis eadem habe●● quae totum . No●●em continuumque bi●uum e●ulando potandoque consumpsit . Sueton. Suetonius . * Elegans Paranomasia . So some played upon the name of Epiphanes , and called him Epimanes , or mad-man . See Iunius on 8. Din. Others call the Duke of Lorrain the Duke des Larrons . Le Theatre du monde . l. 2. See after in Caligula and Titus . Pliny l 1● . of Naturall Hist. Nor the thrice gallant Knight . Athen●us memorat de Xenocrate , illum scilicet uno haustu s●rp●isse v●nt co●gium . Gassend . de vita Epicuri . lib. ● ▪ c. 6. Nero had an Officer about him ( to wit Petronius ) who was called Arbiter Neroni●ne libidinis , Tacit . Ann●l . l. 16. Latinis abstracta pro concretis simpliciter posita intendunt id quod dicitur ; plus enim quam vel sordidum designat , vel sanguineum , eximie nimirum ●alem . Mentitur qui te vitiosum , Zoile , dixit . Non vitiosus homo es , Zoile , sed vitium . Heins . Exercit . Sac. Sueton. Sueton. Suetonius . Tacitus . Suetonius . Suetonius . Suetonius . See the like in Augustus his life . Ingenio ad repentina long●●●riore . Aurel. Vict. Scribit Plutarchus in Apophtheg matis , Augustum dicere solitum , se Romani Imperii successorem eum esse relicturum , qui nunquam bis de eadem reconsultasset ; Tiberium significare volebat . Josephus lib. 18. of the Antiquity of the Jews , c. 8. Tu quoque Galba degustabis imperium . Tacit. l. 4. Annal. Lib. 1. Divin . Instit. c. 16. Vide Tacit. l. 16. A●al . c. 12. Eusebius . In Apologet . They refused to do it saith Eusebius , l. 2. Hist. Eccle. c. 2. that the wisedome and Divine power of God in the Doctrine of salvation might not need the allowance and commendation of men . Christus Tiberio impe●rante , per Procuratorem Pontium Pilatum supplicio affectus era● . * Lib. adversus Iudaeos . * Lib. 4. de vera sapientia c. 10. Vide Vossium de tempore Dominicae passionis . Sect. 3. Romani Caesares imaginem suam imprimebant monetae tam ●ureae quam argenteae . Drusius . * l. 2. Eccles. Hist. c. 2. He withheld a Legacy from the people of Rome , which his predecessor Augustus had lately given ; and perceiving a fellow round a dead Corse in the ear , he would needs know wherefore he did so , the fellow replyed , that hee wished the departed soul to signifie to Augustus , the Commons of Rome were yet unpaid : for this bitter jest the Emperour caused him forthwith to be slain , and carry the news himself . Doctor Willet on the Rom. 22. yeares , 11. months , 14. dayes , saith Euseb. as Doctor Willet sheweth in his Hexapla on Dan. where the account differs from this certain months , because he followeth Euseb. computation there . Suetonius Quia natus in exercitu suerat , cognomen●um calceamenti milit●ris , i e. Caligulae ●ortitu● est . Aurel. Vict. * Suctonius . It was held crimen● laesae Majestatis , against his Imperiall person . Speed. Vultus horridus . Sueton. Torserat per omnia quae in rerum natura tristissima sunt , fidiculis , Eculeo , igne , vultu suo . Seneca . lib. 3. de Ira. He said , that he did approve of nothing so much in his nature as his immodesty . Sueton. Novum & inauditum spectaculi genus . Tacit. lib. 6. Annal. Sueton. Aurel. Vict. In his Temple stood an Idol of fine gold , of himself ; which was daily clothed and adorned with the like garments which he then wore : Cuffe of Affectation . Ioseph . l. 18. Antiq. c. 11. & 2. de belle Iudai● . c. ● . Suetonius . Suetonius . Per Genium Principis Romanos jurare solitos , testes sunt Iurisconsulti nostri , quemad-modum & per salutem Principis , & per Principis venerationem . Schildius in Calig . Apologet. c. 28. Suetonius . Suetonius . Ita in bello civili Mariano , Marius quidam particulatim amputatus , diu vivere vel potius diu mori coactus est , ut inquit eleganter Augustin lib. 3. de civ . Dei. Schildius . Hellebore that groweth in the ●sle Anticyra , is of most effectuall operation ; the root is that whereof is made our sneesing powder , it purgeth extremely by vomit ; thereupon ariseth the Proverb , Naviget Anticyram , that is , Let him sail to Anticyra ; applyed to one that is melancholike in the highest degree , and little better then mad . See Plinies naturall Hist. l. c. 342. At tu ( inquit ) unam cervicem habes , nos verò ●anus multas . Queri de conditione temporum suorum solebat , quod nullis calami●atibus publicis insignirentur , Su●ton . Suetonius . Suetonius . Dirissimae immanitatis dictum ; sed in Historia Turcarum factum legimus hoc etiam dicto crudelus . Schildius in Calig . vide plura ibid. De Cons. ad Helviam . c. 9. In his Preface to his fourth book of naturall questions . Aurel. Vict. Peroraturus stricturum se ●ucubrationis suae telum mi●abatur . Sueton. Minutissimis senten●iis rerum fregit pondera , saith Quintilian of Seneca . Sueton. Commentus portentosissima genera ciborum atque coenarum . Sueton. * Which had a glorious sight to look on , yet there was nothing for the contentation of Nature : so the Papists set their glittering service of Heb. Gr. and Lat. before the people , a goodly shew to gaze on , and wonder at . Bish. Iewel . Cael , Rhodig . Suetonius . Hic non toto vertente anno sex millia septingenta & quinquaginta myriadum aureorum prodegit . ●ael . Rhod. Iect . Antiq. l. 20. c. 14. Contrectandae pecuniae cupidine incensus . Saepe super immensos aureorum acervos patentissimo diffusos Ioco , & nudis pedibus spatiatus , & toto corpore aliquandiu volutatus est . Sueton. These things were found after his death . Pugio à pungendo , quis punctim potius quam caesim vulnerat . Sueton. See before in the life of Augustus and Tiberius . Onely 28. yeares , 4. moneths , and 24. dayes , Casaubon . There is a great difference amōg Chronographers , about the computation of his years . Three years , ten moneths , and eighteen dayes , saith Euseb. Doctor Willet on the Epist. to the Rom. Ioseph . l. 19. of the Antiq . of the Jews . c. 1. Vtinam ego eum intefecissem . Xiphilin . Primus Caesarum fidem militis praemio pignoratus . Sueton. Nec absolutum 〈◊〉 Natura , sed inchoatum . Su●●onius . * This some think is to be understood of Christians , whom we find in the Ecclesiasticall writers to be misnamed by the Ethnick Infidels Chrestians , like as Christ himself Chrestus in scorn . * Lib. 20. Antiq. c. 2. * Lib. 12. of his Annals . Sueton. Ausonius . Idem planè accidit H●●di Magno , cum uxorem Mariamnem occidisset . Josephus Orig. lib. 10. c. 11. Casaubonus . Sueton. Sueton. Suetonius . Erat Natur● performidolosus . Aurel. Vict. Sueton. Claudius C●sar tumu●toantem Britanniam perdomuit , ab eo C●●udiocestrium oppidum , quod nun● Glocestrium dicunt . * Eutropius . V●reque sermone nostro sis peritus . Others say , Agrippin● his wife tempered the poison in the meat which he most delighted in . viz a Mushrome . Infusum delectabili ●ibo boletorum 〈◊〉 Tacit. Annal. Bole●m medicatum avidissimo ciborum talium obtulit . Sueton. Whence Martial . Boletum , qualem Claudius edit , ed●● . 13. yeares , 9. moneths , and 7. daies , saith Tertul. Doct. Willet . Alex. ab Alex . Gen. dier . l 1. c. 9. Gell. l. 11. Suetonius . Mali corvi malum ovum . See the like of Tiberius , and of Caligula in Suetonius ▪ c. 11. Suetonius . Lib 2. de Clementis . Fa●tus Natura , & consuetudine exercitus velare odium fallacibus blanditiis . Tacit. Annal. 14. Sueton. Imitatur illam Augusti vocem ▪ si merebuntur . Aurel. Vict. Suetonius . Suetonius . He not onely commāded all the Statues and Images of the most excellent Musitians to be defaced , and his own to be erected in leiu of them ; but also put many of them under hand to death . by emulation of their fame . Sueton. & Bapt. Fulg. l. 8. Sueton. Suetonius . * Divitiarum ac pecuniae fructum non alium putabat quàm profusionem . Sueton. Nero quadragenis in punctum Sestertii● al●●m lasit . Co● l. Rhod. l. 20. c 24. suetonius . Bis & vicies mille sestertium donationibus Nero effuderat . Tacit. l. 1. Hist. c. 6. He most lavishly gave away two and twenty hundred millions of Sesterces . * See Sueton. and Tacitus of this house , Annal 15. c. 10. It is reported also of Heliogubalus , that his apparell was rich , and most extreme costly , and yet he would never wear one garment twice ; his shooes were embellished with Pearles and Diamonds ; his seat strewed with musk and amber ; his bed covered with gold and purple , and beset with most costly jewels ; his way strewed with the powder of gold and silver ; his vessels ( even of basest use ) all gold ; his diet so profuse , that at every supper in his Court was usually spent 1000. l. sterling . Neque tamen sceleris conscientiam , aut statim aut unquant post ferre potuit ; saepe confessus exagitari se materna specie , verberibus furiarum , ac taedis ardentibus . Suetonius . Eutropius . Suoton . Aurel. Vict. Orosius . * In Apologet . cap. 5. Nero ex Caesaribus primus in Christianos distrinxit gladium . * Hist Eccles. l. 2. c. 25. * L. 14. de vera Sap. c. 21. * Aret. Probl. Pet dit M●ul . Def. of the Cathol . Faith. Lla●bi supra . Though N●ro were so wicked , yet Paul mak●th mention of some Saints in his Court. Phil 4 22. Euseb. in Chron & Hieron . lib. de Script . Eccles. Hist. Eccles. l. 2. c. 4. 25. 26. Nero subdidit reos , & quaesitissimis p●nis affeciteo● , quos per flagitia invisos , vulgus Christianos appellabat ; Auctor ejus nomini● Christus . Tacit. 15. Annal. Addita pereuntibus ludibria , ut ferarum tergoribus contecti ▪ canum laniatu interirent , aut crucibus affixi , aut flammandi ; & ubi dies defecisset , in usum nocturni luminis urerentur . Tacit. l. 15. Annal. Sueton. in Claud. * Lib. 8. de invent rerum cap. 6. Tacitus calleth them , hated for their wickednesse , guilty , and worthy of utmost punishment , and their Religion a pestilent & pernicious superstition . See 15. of his Annal . 10 c. Sub Nerone saeva & infesta Virtutibus tempora . Non nisi grande aliquod bonum à Neron● damnatum . Tertul. Apol. adversus Gentes . Nero virtutem ipsan● exscindere concupivit . Tacit. Annal . l. 16. * Lib. 20. c. 19. De Civit . Dei. In his time Amnes retrò ●uere vis● saut . Plin. l. 2. c. 103. Sueton. Erat ei aeternitatis perpetuaeque famae cupido ; sed inconsulta . Suetonius . Which thing in him Commodus the Emperour imitated , calling Rome Commodians Tacit. l. 13. of Annal. Post Tacitum scripsit , eumque interdum tacitè redarguit . Famia . Strad . Prolus . Hist. l. 1. Being admonished by Astrologers that he should once be cast out of the Empire , he is reported to have used this speech to himself , Artem quaevis terra alit ; nimirum intelligens citharisticam , principi gratam , privato necessariam , quam excercere eum non puduit . Deductus ( Nero ) in forum tyro , populo congiarium , Militi Donativum proposuit . Sueton. Imperatoris munus quod popul● dabatur , congiarium dictum est , quod verò Militibus , Donativum . Alex. ab Alex. Gen. dier . l. 5. cap. 24. Sir Henry Savil on Tacit . Nec adhuc erat damnati Principis exemplum , Neither was there ever before a President of any Prince by publick sentence deposed . Tacit. l. 1. Hist. Sueton. He entreated that some one of those that were with him , would kill himself first , and by his example help him to take his death . Itaque nec amicum ●abe● nec inimicum ; dedecorose vixi , turpiùs peream . Aurel. Vict. Defecitque extantibus rigentibusque oculis , ad horrore●●ormidinemque visentium . Sueton. Vide Boxhornii Hist. Vnivers . à Christi tempore . p. 125. 126. 127. Sueton. Ipsa aet●s Galbae & irrisui & fastidio erat assuetis juventae Neronis , & Imperatores formâ ac decore corporis ( ut est mos vulgi ) comparantibus . Tacit. l. 1. Hist. Statura fuit justa , capite praecalvo , oculis caeruleis , adunco naso , manibus pedibusque articulari morbo distortissimis : ut neque calceum perpeti , neque libellos evolvere aut tenere omnin● ▪ valeret . Suetonius . Ingenium Galbae malè habitat . Suetonius . Sir Henry Savill on Tacit. Plutarch . Tacitus , l. 1. Hist. Auson . Epigr . Tacitus , l. 1. Hist. Famae nec incuriosus , nec venditator : Pecuniae alienae non appetens , suae parcus , publicae avarus . Tacitus . l. 1. Hist. Suetonius . Plutarch . Aurel. Vict. E●tropius . Tacitus l. 1. Hist. The same saith Hayward of our Henry the fourth . Hujus breve Imperium fuit , & quod bona haberet exordia , nisi ad severitatem promptior videretur . Eutropius . The Delinquent pleaded that he was a Roman Citizen , and therefore not to be crucified . Laudata olim , & militari fama celebrata severitos ejus angeba● coaspernantes v●terem disciplinam , atque ita 14. annis à Nerone assu●factos , ut haud minus vitia Principum amarent , quàm ●lim virtutes verebantur . Tacit. l. 1. Hist. Cornel. Tacitus . l. 1. Hist. Tacit. l. 1. Hist. Eutropius . Plutarch . Suetonius . Eutropius . 7. Months , ● . dayes , Tertul. 7. Months 2. dayes , Eu●●●us . Sueton. Galericulus capiti propter raritatem capillorum adaptatus . Sueton. Iuvenal . His Mothers side was more noble then his Fathers . Vita omni turpis , maximè adolescentiâ . Aurel. Vict. Suetonius . Tacit. l. 1. Hist. Suetonius . Similitudo morum parit amicitiam , likenesse is the cause of liking . Tacit. l. 1. Hist. Aurel. Vict. Otho flagrantissinnis in amiciti● Nerenis habeb●tur . Tacit. Annal . l. 13. Sueton. Suetonius . Plutarch . Tacitus Hist. lib. 1. Adorare vulgus . ja●ere oscula , & omnia frevit●ter pro Im●erio . Tacit. Hist. l. 1. Hee worshipped the people , dispensed frequently his courtesies and plausibilities ▪ crouched and accommodated himself to the basest routs , that thereby he might creep into an usurped honour . Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Plutarch . Tacitus . Tacitus . l. 1. Hist. Vitellius a Drunkard and Glutton , Otho a wanton and licentious liver . Plutarch . Plutarch . Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Irent properè , ne remorando iram victoris exasperarent . Tacit. Hist. l. 2. Plutarch reporteth the like of Cato . Plutarch . Suetonius . Aurel. Vict. He lived not much more honestly then Nero , but dyed farre more honourably . More suo Tranquillus annum inchoatum propleno numerat . Nam alii 37. solum vixisse aiunt . Casaub. Ani●advers . Sueton. Famili●̄ bonorat● magis quam nobili . Eutropius . Prorsus si luxuriam temperaret , avaritiam non timeres . Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Homo profundae gulae . Sueton. Ad vos deinde transeo , quorum profunda & insatiabilis gula , hinc Maria scrutatur , hinc terras . Seneca Epist . 89. ● Saith Eutropius . * It was an ordinary practise among thē . Epul●s qu●s toto orbe conqui●unt nec concoquer● dignantur . Seneca . Suetonius calls it an Adventitious Supper . Eutropius . Sueto . His meates were not touched in grosse , but an eye only of this bird , or a tongue of that Fish were tasted , that the spoiles of many might be taken at one meal . Phaenicopterus is a water fowl haunting lakes and fennes , and the 〈◊〉 Nilus , as Hesi●dus writeth . The feathers be of colour red , or purple , where●of it taketh the name , & the tongue is a most dainty & pleasant morsell ▪ Tacitus l. 2. Hist. Apud Vitellium omnia indisposita , temulenta , pervigiliis ac Bacchanal●bus , quam discipline & castris propiora . Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Iste mente crudelis avarusque cum profusione . Aurel. Vict. Audita est saevissima V●tellii vox , quâ se pavisse oculos spectata inimici morte jactavit . Tacit. Hist. l. 3. Sueton. Tacit. l. 3. Hist. Tacit. l ▪ 2. Hist. Tacit. l. 3. Hist. Tacit. l. 3. Hist. Suetonius . He was killed by Vespasians souldiers upon the staires Gemoniae , where hee suffered Vespasians brother to be slain . * Aurel. Vict. Tacitus . Suetonius . Eutrop. * l. 5. of the wars of the ●ewes , c. 13. * Chron. * Lib. adversus Iudaeos . * Hist. 2. 27. Ipse abunde ratus si praesentibus frueretur , nec in longum consultans , novies mille sestertium paucissimis mensibus intervertisse creditur . * Octo menses ac dies quinque potitus Imperio , jugulatur in m●dia Vrbe ; quem si vivere diutius contigisset , ejus Luxuriae satis esse Imperum non potuisset . Joseph . de Bello Iudaies . Eutropius . Suetonius . That saying of Martial agreeth with this . Nam faciem duram Phaeb● cacantis habes . Vir multorum salium . Lodovic . Viv. * A word in Lat. that signifies Carts or Waines . Convitiorum plaustr● . Sueton. Aurel. Vict. System . Phys. l. 6. A presignification of his advancement . Being elected Emperour , it is reported of him , that he cured one desperately blind by spitting upon his eyes . Tacit. Hist. l. 4. Suetonius . Maluissem allium oboluisses . Suetonius . Suetonius . Pladicissimae bonitatis . Eutropius . Sueton. Eutropius . Iosephus , l. 5. of the wars of the Jews , c. 10. Iosephus , l. 4. of the wars of the Jews , c. 1. Tacitus l. 2. Hist. Tacit. l. 1. Hist. Sueton. Homo turpiter avidus . Eras. Adag . Suetonius . Suetonius . Not unlike to this was that speech of Diogenes , Dixit Diony . s●um amicis uti pro vasculis , quae dum plena sunt evacuat , & abiicit vacua . Suetonius . Quicquid infixum & ingenitum est , leniri potest arte , non vinci . Seneca . Sueton. Sat. 14. ●nfirmus , ut quidam pravè putant , adversus pecuniam , cùm satis constet aerarii inopia & clade urbium , neque novas cum neque postea habitas vectigalium pensiones exquisivisse , Aurel. Vict. Sueton. Aurel. Vict. Oportet Episcopum concionantem mori . Iewel . Aurel. Vict. Sueton. Speed saith as much of Henry the fifth , whom he compareth to Titus . Edgar Etheling , Englands darling . Dr. SclO● . Mr. Perkins . Vespasian brake into their City at Cedron , where they took Christ , on the same feast day that Christ was taken , he whipped them where they whipped Christ , he sold twenty Jewes for a penny , as they sold Christ for thirty pence . Andr. Cat. Lampridius . Tacitus , l. 2. Hist. Formâ egregiâ , & cui non minus auctoritatis inesset quam gratiae . Sueton. Facundissimus , bellicosissimus , moderatissimus . Eutropius . Sueton. Sueton. Tacit. l. 2. Hist. Berenice . Dion . & Josephus . Sueton. Convivia instituit jucunda magis quam profusa . Suetonius . Sueton. Hadrianus Caesar said , It was troublesome to him if he saw any sad . Aurel. Vict. Sueton. Eutropius . Or rather it must be read ( saith Casaub. ) Amici , hodie diem perdidi . Periturum se potius quam perditurum adjurans . Sueton. Suetonius . Eutropius . Aurel. Vict. Aurel. Vict. Suetonius . Tacitus . Sueton. Aurel. Vict. Plinie . l. 6. Epist. 16. Ioseph . l. 6. c. 2. Of the wars of the Jewes . From his wonderfull escape at the view of the walls of Jerusalem , Iosephus collects . Imperatorum pericula Deum curare ; That God takes care of Princes in their danger . Ibid. Suetonius . Eutropius . Iosephus de Bell. Iud. l. 6. c. 14. & 7. 10. L. 7. of the wars of the Jewes . c. 24. Illud adagium Festina lentè , arridebat duobus Imperatoribus Romanis , omnium facilè laudatissimis , Augusto & Tito ; quorum utrique singularis quaedam aderat animi magnitudo , cum incredibili quadam lenitate facilitateque conjuncta . Eras. in Adag . Suetonius . Multum conquestus , eripi sibi vitam immerenti , neque enim extare ullum suum factum poenitendum , excepto duntaxat uno . Whether his over familiar acquaintance with his Brothers wife Domitia , as Sueton. or with the Queen Berenice , as Speed , is uncertain . Senatus tantas mortuo gratias egit , laudesque congesset , quantas ne vivo quidem unquam atque praesenti . Suetonius . Aurelius . Eutropius . He lived 39 yeares , five moneths , 25. dayes , saith Carion . Titus cognomine paterno dictus Vespasianus , alter frater cognomine materno à Domitil●a Domitianus est appellatus . Casau . Eutropius . Stylis ●ridicullè remotis omnibus , muscarum agmina persequebatur . Aurel. Vict. Hippocrates reckons up this for one signe of Melancholy , when men catch flyes ; Muscas captar● atrae bili● indicium . Sueton. * At Alexandria in Egypt was that famous Library of King Ptolomeus Philadelphus , and the other Ptolomies Progenitors , containing the number well near of 700000. Bookes , Aul. Gel. Noct. A●tic . l. 7. c. 1. Vellem tam formosus esse quàm Metius sibi videtur . Conditionem Principum miserrimam aiebat , quibus de conjuratione comperta non crederetur , nisi occisis . Sueton. Sagittorum tam doctus fuit , ut inter patentes digitos exte●ae manus viri procul positi spiculi ejus transvolarent . Aurel. Vict. Suetonius . Simile quid audivi à fide dignis & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 factum de duc● Brundewizensi , qui suis pedissequis ac pueris h●norariis imperavit , inter digitorum extensorum intervalla retinerent dilerum Imperialem , quem sumpto sel●po minore , è patenti●us digitis globulo innoxiè exemit . Paulus Voetius in Herodiani Marcum & Commodum . p. 178. & 179. Tacitus l. 11. Annal. Suetonius . Suetonius . Suetoniu● . Primus Domitianus Dominum se & Deum appellari jussit . Eusebius in Chronicis . Sueton. Eutropius . Aurel. Vict. Virgil called Augustus God , D●us nobis haec otia fecit . Vnde institutum post●ac , ut ne scripto quidem nec sermone cujusquam appellaretur aliter . Suetonius . An Oracle signifieth the answer of God. Rom. 3. 2. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 15. Portio Neronis de crudelitate . for his cruelty a piece of Nero. Tertul. He was reprochfully called by the people bald Nero , because he was like him in cruelty , but bald . Et calvo serviret Roma Neroni . Juvenal . In vita Agricolae . Nero tantum subtraxit oculos , jussitque scelera , non spectavit . Praecipua sub Domitiano miseriarum pars erat , videre & aspici . * L. 9. c. 11. Valde solicitus , quod sciret ultimum vitae diem , saith Suetonius He was much tortured in mind , because he foreknew his end . Sueton. Suetonius . Aurel. Vict. Carion . Aurel. Vict. & Eutropius . Carion , Chron. * Mexia translated by Grimston . He was 76. yeares old when he was Emperour . Carion . Suidas . Nicephorus . In vita Agricolae . Dion Cassius . Speed Chro. Trajanus Tudernino Hispaniae oppido oriundus est , in quo nihil praeter unum Trajanum est quod commendemus . Opes nec exiguae , nec supra privatum modum evectae . Corpore valido , & formâ quae digna imperio videbatur , erat . Boxhorn . orat . de vitae & moribus Trajani . Caput non diadema sed gales orn●bat : & qua manu sceptrum domi , eadem gladium bello tenebat . Boxhorn . * Eruditissimos , quamvis ipse parcae esset scientiae , moderateque eloquens , diligebat . Aurel. Vict. Plutarch was his Master . Praesens aderat non spectator tantum , sed & inter primos bellatorum ; ut virtuti consiliisque ejus omnia deberentur . Eusebius . Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 30. Nemo supplici vultu , sed sati & ala●res non tam principem quam patrem agnoscebant . Boxho●rn . Orat. Accipe gladium quem pro me , si recte impero , sin minus , contra ●●e distringe . L. 1. Hist , Carion Chron. It was his word , Non mihi sed populo , signifying that which he was often heard to say ; Ita se rempublicam gesturum , ut sciret rem populi esse , non suam , Hic Graecis literis impensius eruditus , à plerisque Graecul●●s appell●tus est . Aurel. Vict. He said rightly , Testibus non testimoniis ●●redendum . Sir Franci● Bacons Advanc . of Learn . * Some say this was spoken to Philip of Macedon . * Dion laudat Adrianum , qui in causis cognoscendis fuerit & fa●cillintus & diligentissimus , adeo ut uni causae cognoscendae & dijudicandae saepe dies undecim aut duodecim tribueret , nonnunquam etiam noctes simul insunieret . Turba medicorum Caesarem perdidit . Hunc ferè nulla vitiorum labes maeculavit . Aurel. Vict. Vixit ingenti honestate privatus , majori in imperio ; Pius propter elementiam dictus est . Eutropius . His Symbole was , Meliu● servare unum quam occidere mille . Scipio Africanus was wont to say , Malle se unum civem servare quam mille hostes occidere . Solus omnium principum sine civili sanguine fuit . Carion . 23 Saith Carion . 70 Carion . This was the first time wherein the Roman Empire was governed by two Augusti ; Domitian was Titus his Associate , yet was he not called or accounted ▪ Augustus until the death of his Brother Titus : but now two Emperours reigned at one and the self-same time . Vir quem mirari facilius quis quam landare possit ; à principio vitae tranquillissimus , adeo ut in infantia quoque vultum nec ex ga●dio nec ex maerore mutaret . Eutropius . Tantum Marco sapientiae , innocentiae , ac literarum fuit , ut is Marcomannos , cum filio Commodo quem Caesarem suffecerat , petiturus , Philosophorum obtestantium vi cir●umfunderetur ; ne se expeditioni aut pugnae prius committeret , quàm sectarum ardu● & occulta explanavisset , &c. Aurel. Victor . * The Christian Legion was after that time called Fulminatrix . Euseb. Eccles . Hist. His Wife Faustina ( by whose meanes partly he obtained the Empire ) was a Princesse , but a lewd and wanton woman ; one counselled him to put her away , but he answered , Si uxorem di●●ttimus , reddamus & dotem ; choosing rather to have his house defiled then little . Tertul. in Apolog . * l. 7. c. 6. Semper incommodus saith Vopiscus in vita Taciti . Heywood in his various history of women . * Casaubonus in Historiam Augustam . * Nescia quis primus sublavaret hoc loco reposuit proe● quod v●tus editis & scripti codices habeb●nt , sublevaret . quam veram esse scripturam quovis pignore contendere sum paratus . Non dicit i●tem 〈◊〉 sublevar●t se Faustina sanguine illius gladiatoris occisi . Quod de industria t●●●uit hic au●tor , & modestis ●erhis m●llivit horrend●m m●●ic●tionis genus . Non 〈◊〉 cerie est , pro remedio sanguinem illum ebibisse Faustinam , atque ita se subleva●se , &c. Salmasius in Historiam Augustam . p. 91. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Aliquandiu tamen viventibus similem cursum continuabant . ut Herodianum interpretatur Politianus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Herodian . l. 1. c. 15. See Domitian p. 113. See Nero p. 68. and Domitian p. 114. &c. * Commod . Imperator , qui natus est eo die quo Caligula ; tanquam eundem haberet horoscupum , & ipse sorores constupravit , concubinasque suas sub oculis suis constuprari ab amicis jubebat . Beroaldus in Suetenium . Caligulam habuit velut exemplar quod initaretur . Id. Ibid. Lamprid. c. 1. Lamprid. c. 10. August . 31. Id ibid. Id. ibid. Xiphiline . Lamprid. c. 17. Neronis insania Commodi turpitudini per omnes flagitil gradus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 est : egregium sc. par , princeps histrie & gladiator . Boecleru● . See Nero p. 75. Quid mirum si Commodus Hereulem se vocari voluit , cum id fecerit Alexander praeceptis imbutus Aristotelis ? Athenaeus . Multos praeterea paraverat interimere , quod per parvulum quendam proditum est , qui ●abulam è cubiculo ejecit . Lamprid. videsis Gru●erum . See Claudius in initio . See the Advertisement . pag 21. Orosius , ab initio Pertinacis ad finem Iuliani , ●nnum unum absumptum fuisse dicit , senis mensibus utriusque Imperio imputatis . Quod falsum est ; vix enim dimidium a●ni inter initium Pertinacis & Severi interjectum est . Scaliger in Eusebium . Xiphiline in Commod . Xiphiline . Tristan . Xiphiline . Herodian . l. 2. c. 9. Herodian l. 3. c. 2. & 5. Of his vertues and vices , but especially his dissimulation , see Brochmands Ethica Hist. c. 3. See Caligul● p. 49. See Caligul● p. 55. Andr. Schottus l 3 observ . Human. c 19 hath collected a Catalogue of those who said th●y resembled Alexander the Great . See Commodus p. 142. In Parthia quid gesserit , ●siter Herodianus , aliter Dio narrat . Certum tamen est eum etiam illi● perfidia truculenta potius quam virtute grassatum . Jacobus Capellus in 5. Centuriis . Baronius produceth a Medaie of Severus with Caracalla and Geta's heads on the reverse , and these words , Concordia perpetus . * Novo exemplo hic fanati●us , de nomine cjus dei cujus sacerdos fuit , se quoque dici voluit . quod non minut insolens quàm si Iovis sacerdos aut dialis flamen ipsam Iovis appellationem sibi vindicasset . Casaubon . On a reverse of Aunia Fanstina is written Concordia , and on one of Paula's Concordia aeterna . Tristan . See p. 171. in the margin . In parasitas tantùm scelestus nebulo ingeniosus & justus fuisse videtur , saith one . Of his pedigree , see H. Valesius on Peiresci , Excerpta p. 112. * Quod ei qussi Alexandre est oblatum . See p. 13. in the margin . See p. 44. and 132. Lamprid. c. 51. Sr. Th Elyot his image of govern . See p. 62. and 63. See p. 128. Lampridius c. 14. Matris cultu plus quam pius . Aur. Victor . * Nequid a rudi homine militaribus viris venires injuriae , saith Iorna●des in Geticis . c. 15. Capitolinus in Maximimino Ian. & id Maximo & Balbino . Ridiculè Orosius l. 7. fratres fuisse scribit , cùm alter nobilis , ignobilis alter fuerit , Capitolin● auctore Schottus in Aur. Victorem . Eutropius . See Iulius Caesar , p. 19. Of Brutus saith Aur. Victor . Solâ pestilentiâ , morbis atque , a●gritudinibus , Galli & Volusiani notus fuit principatus . Eutropius . Valeriani vita censura est . Massa Candida in Africa . Initio imperium faeliciter , mox commodè , ad ultimum perniciosè gessit , Eutropius . aliter Aur. Victor . Aurelianus ma●●ad ferrum . The Amphora Copitolina held 6 Gallons . See Macrinus , p. 177. See in Herberts Travels the pillar of beasts heads erected at Spa●awn on such an occasion . See Alexander Serus , p. 192. He called September Tacitus , because he was born and made Emperour in that month . Vopiscus in Probo , c. 13. 14 , 15. Iulianus in Caesaribus . Oraculum apud Plutarchum monebat quendam ut anguem sedu●ò vitaret : id cum praestaret ille , in militem cui anguish insigne clypei erat , incidit , ac obtruncatu● fuit . Quanquam putem ego ( pace magni istius Philosophi , & Histori●i tamen ) monuisse Deum ut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vitaret , quod commune nomen & clypei & serp●n●is est , ita oraculo illi aequivocatio sua constat . Heinsius in Crepundiis . Vide Val. Maximum l. c. 8. de Daphida & Philippo Macedone . Quae persecutio omnibus ferè anteactis di●turnior atque immanior fuit . p. Orosius , l. 7. c. 25. Incessabiliter acta est . Id. ibid. Nomine Christianorum deleto Qui Remp. ever●ebant . in another Inscription mentioned by Baronius anno 304. Zonaras , Nicephorus Callist . Th. Metochita , &c. but neither Tristan , nor Chr. Matthias hold this to be the sole cause of his resignation Eusebius de vita Constantini , l. 1. c 10. Gonstantius Pa●per . See Suidas in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sozomen , l. 1 The like History Theodorus Lector ●elteth of Theodorick King of the Gothes an Arrian , in the second book of his Collections . Socrates , l. 3. Camden his Brit in description of York . Nullo modo Iacobus Philippus Bergomensis audiendus est , qui Constantium repudiata Theodorâ Helenam , Anglorum regis filiam captivam , uxorem duxisse fabulatur : cùm ex Romannorum annalibus certò constet , Helenam illum coactum repudiasse , ut Theodoram Maximiani Augusti pri●ignam conjugem acciperet . Usserius in Antiquitat . Britann . Heme●arius , p , 1●6 . Notes for div A47620-e53750 1. To the Stool . Love is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a bitter sweet . * Because the Arch-Duke took it by a stratagem , and Henry the fourth regained it by force . The Italian Proverb is : Love , the Itch , and the Cough cannot be hid . * We say , After Eecf Mustard . Paroum parva decent . * Post nubil● Phoebus . After a storm comes a calm . * Verbum s●t sapienti . We say , Good words cost nothing . The Spaniards say , It is much worth and costs little , to give to evil words a good answer . Refra●es ●'Oudin . A worthy nature cannot conceal it self . See Prov. 22. 1. This Proverb is well explained by E●din de Reaub . l 5. c. 3. and Pasqui●r de Recherches de la France , l. 6. c. 11. Some make it all one with that Proverb , The hood or habit makes not the Monk , others say that onely women of a good name and not whores were suffered to wear a golden girdle . The Spanish Proverb is , He that hath lost his renown , is dead in the world . The English is , He who hath an ill name is half hanged . See l'E●ymòlogie des Proverbes Francois . l. 1. c. 9. Quo semel est imbu●a re●ens servabit odarem Testa 〈◊〉 . * It is the custome of the Shepherds of that Province in France so to mark their Sheep , therefore if in brabling or otherwise one hath received a blow on the nose and it appears , the● men merrily say so . See l' E●imologie des Proverbe Francois . l. 3. c. 25. * They speak merrily of a fa●r . We say , A fooles bol● is s●●n shot . * Tollere nodosam niscit medicina podagram . Ovidius . * The Prince of Orange his Countryis fertill of all fruits save Oranges , whence came this Proverb , saith Iodo●●● Sincerus in his T●i●erarium Galli● . * Like to this is the Spanish Proverb , Algran arroyo , passar postrero . At a great River one should passe last . Multa cadunt inter calicem . supremaque lab●a . * To spue , cast , vomit , ( especially upon excessive drinking ) either because then one makes a noise like a Fox which barkes , or because the flaying of so unsavory a beast will make any man vomit . See l'Etymologie de● Proverbe , Francois . l. 2. c. 33. Beneficium accepisti , libertatem vendid isti , Terence . * Prov. 17. 28. Si sapiens stultus , si stultus sapiens . Pitissando dolium ex●auritur . Terence . Semper au●rus eget . * This is spoken of one that hath a great appetite , the second small gut is named , Iki●num because it is alwaies void , whence springeth this Proverb . Me quasi pilam hab●t Plautu● . * There i● such store of Sheep in that Province , that they have this by word when th●y would taxe a fellow for his notable lying , and telling a greater number then the truth . * See l'Etymologie des Proverbes Francois . l. 1. c. 4. * sumptuousnesse of apparel destroyes Hospitality and good House-keeping . 〈…〉 * Such be Hectique , paralitique Apoplectique , Lathargique , because they are hardly or never cured . Lex salica Gallorum imperii successor masculus esto . * It is spoken of those who in their youth have all prosperity , but in the end sorrow and care . * A Charm which they use to hinder a man from accompanying with his wife . Est aliquod bonum propter vicinum bonum Matrem proles sequitur See I' Etymologie des Proverbes Francois , l. 2. c. 15. * Like to which is both the Latine Proverb ; Lupus in fabula , See Erasm. Ad●g . and the Arabick , Quando mention●m feceris lupi , praepara illi ●aculnm . Qui vult ●ucleum , nucem frangat oporte● . Ci●ò longè ●ard● . P●r p●ri r●●erre . See of the French Proverb , l' Ety●●logi● des Proverbes Francois ▪ l. 1. c. ● . Rem acutetigisti . The Cony by reason of his fear is very forgetful , whence came this Proverb . That is , to teach or professe no more ▪ 1 Cor. 22 ▪ Mocking those that eat by the way .