THE LIVES OF ALL THE ROMAN Emperor's, being exactly Collected, from julius Caesar, unto the now reigning Ferdinand the second. WITH THEIR BIRTHS, Governments, remarkable Actions, & Deaths. LONDON: Printed by N. and I. Okes, and are to be sold by George Hutton at the sign of the Sun within Turning-stile in Holborn 1636. TO THE WORSHIPFUL, MY MOST honoured PATRON WILL. STONOUR Esquire. SIr, Quae a primis pubertatis annis radices egit amicitia eofortius meliusque floret quo fuerit longaevior. By which 〈◊〉 boldly infer an excuse for my presumption, in presenting unto you the first fruits of a tree so long growing up. It is the nature of some trees not to bring forth fruit until they come to be provect, and such fruits are ordinarily more solid, and not so soon apt to be corrupted. For me to commend the fruit, were to bring myself upon the public stage of ostentation & folly; neither need I when the pleasantness thereof (viz. the argument) is of ability sufficient to commend itself. Nobiles nobilia decent, and so the noble Caesar's now seek unto your noble self for a protection, and to be patronised as being all brought into the straits of this epitomicke volume: and in entertaining them being in number one hundred fifty six, I hope you will not exclude their conductor, but reflect so upon him with a favourable, though a different respect, who was over most studious to honour and serve you, as Yours most obsequious, R. B. To the Reader. REader, I cannot say with the Poet Materiam superabat apus, who in a description commended the art and workmanship beyond the matter whereon it was shown, as the statue of Hercules, the matter whereof being but stone, yet for the curiosity of art therein expressed, is held at an inestimable rate and value: no, but the contrary: for here Materia superatur opus, the workmanship, (style and language 〈◊〉 mean) comes far short of the matter: Yet being judicious, thou mayst portray the whole Hercules having found but the length of his foot: and withal, I having a guess at thy humour which rather lovest brevity (the minion of delight) than the taedium of pleasure in folio, would rather comply with that of thine, than mine own, and present to thy view great personages to the life, in small draughts and pieces, and give thee only light touches of their virtues and vices: which touches if I have overshadowed with that of brevity, and thereby have procured thee an appetite of a larger satisfaction, I must of necessity refer thee to the hazard of a taedium: for as some stomaches at the sight of a large table well furnished, instantly lose the edge of hunger, so might thine at the sight of the bulk of a Church-bible. Wherefore I have provided thee a little and dainty, variety and plenty, short and sweet: but not a crumb for that Cur that must be content aswell with the bones as the meat, whose snarls I fear not, nor esteem his impertinent commendams, but refer me to thine impartiality, who (if thou art a good fellow) wilt accept a bit with a friend without grumbles and accept his welcome better than his fare: then Reader, Welcome to thy friend. R. B. A table of the names of the Roman Emperors ADrianus. 36 Antoninus Pius 39 Alexander Severus 69 Arnolphus 294 Aurelianus 27 Arcadius 197 Anastasius 220 Anastasius aliâs Artemius 264 Adolphus 344 Albertus, the son of Rudolphus 347 Albertus, Duke of Austr●ay 371 Aurelius Verus 41 B Bassianus Caracalla 59 C Charolus magnus, Charlemagne 280 Charles 2 290 Charles 3 292 Charles 4 361 Charles 5 377 C. Caesar Caligula 10 Claudius Caesar 12 Cocceius Nerva 30 C. Piscenninus 53 Clodius Albinus 55 Commodus 46 Valens Hostilianus 85 Constantius Clorus 138 Carinus 131 Caelius Balbinus 81 Crispus 156 Constans 162 Constantius 164 Constant Magnus 153 Constantin. 2 210 Constantinus 3 248 Constantinus 4 251 Constantinus 5 271 Conradus 1 298 Conradus 2 310 Conradus 3 323 D Didius julianus 50 Diadumenus 65 Decius 92 Dioclesianus 133 Domitian. 28 Decent. 169 E Aemilian, 102 F Florian. 122 Flavius Claud, 113 Fred. Barbarossa 327 Freder. 1 329 Freder. 2 337 Freder. 3 352 Eerdinand. 1 379 Ferdinand. 2 387 G Gallienus 107 Gordianus 77 Galerius 110 Gratianus 185 H Heraclius 1 239 Heraclius 2 245 Heraclion 246 Hen. 1 300 Hen. 2 309 Hen. 3 314 Hen. 4 317 Hen. 5 319 Hen. 6 330 Hen. 7 350 Helvius Pertinax 48 Heliogabalus 67 Honorius 200 I C. julius Caesar 1 justinus 223 justinian. Mag. 226 justin. Minor. 229 justinian. 2 254 jul. Verus Max. 75 julian. Aposta. 171 jovinian. 175 L Licinus 149 Lotharius 1 285 Lotharius 2 321 Ludovicus Pius 382 Ludovicus 2 287 Ludovicus 3 296 Ludovicus 4 538 Leo 1 212 Leo 2 215 Leo 3 268 Leo 4 274 Leontius 257 M Martian. 209 Mauritius 234 Maximilian, 1 237 Martinian. 152 Magnentius 161 Maximus 72 Max mian. 136 Maximian. 141 Maxentius 147 M. Antony's Gord. 83 Mar. Inl. Phil. 1 87 M. jul. Philip. 2 90 Mesius Decius 95 Marc. Aurel. 16 Mar. Sil. Otho 19 Maximin. 188 Maximilian. 2 381 Mathias 385 M. Aurel. Carus 127 Marc. Clod. Pupien. 79 N Numerian. 129 Nero. 14 O Oct. Caes. Aug. 4 Opil. Macrin. 63 Otho Magnus 302 Otho 2 304 Otho 3 322 Otho 4 335 P Phil ppus 333 Philippicus 262 Probus 124 Posthumius 111 Phocas 237 Q Quintilius 115 R Rupertus 366 Rudolphus 1 341 Rudolphus 2 383 S Septimius Severus 57 Septimius Geta 61 Salonin. Valerian. 109 Sergius Galba 17 Severus 145 Sigismundus 369 T Tiberius 2 231 Tiberius 3 p. 259 Theodosius 1 19● Theodosius 2 20● Theodosius 3 266 Tacitus 119 Tiber. Nero, Caesar 1 Titus 26 Traianus 33 Trebonian. Gal. 97 V Vespasian. 23 Volusian. 100 Valerian. 104 Valentin. 1 176 Valentin. 2 119 Valentin. 3 206 Valens 132 Vinceslaus 364 Vitellius 20 Z Zeno. 217 THE LIVES OF all the Roman Emperors, being in number 156. 1. Caius Julius Caesar. After the foundation of the City of Rome Anno 706. portrait of emperor Caius Julius Caesar C. CAESAR DICTPERRTVO JVlius Caesar a most noble Roman, was borne after the foundation of Rome 654. He was the first that made himself sole Emperor: He overcame the Swissers and Tigurines; he overthrew the Almans, chase them out of France; he subdued all France, and after passing over the Rhine, made himself Lord of Germany: thence he came into England, (which at that time was unknown) and added it to the Roman Empire: But at length not obtaining of the Senate what he often sued for, after he had made himself sure of Ariminum, he went with so great● power to the gates of Rome, that Pompeius the great much fearing him, and forsaking Italy, was by Caesar utterly overthrown in the famous battle of Pharsalia. He subjugated Ptolomaeus in Egypt, Scipio in Africa, and juba King of Mauritania, the sons of Pompetus i● Spain: In the end supposing 〈◊〉 (after much greatness) to live in ●●cure peace, was cruelly 〈…〉 the Senate-house, receiving 〈…〉 twenty several wounds by the hand o● conspirators at his age of 56, the 15 of April, with many prodigies before and after his death. In him it was questioned whether Clemency or the Sword obtained him most honour: For by the first he t●ed his potent enemies to be his friends: witness his Commentaries every where: But by the Sword he won the Empire, which before was a Consulate. His saying was usually in judging of men's natures: Baro. pag. 300. Rubicundos a●●o, pallidos timeo: I love the well coloured 〈◊〉, but fear the pale: which was proved in Cassius that gave him his first wound in the Senate-house; but loved Brutus, whom when he saw also to second Cassius in that Treason, with 〈◊〉 tu sili? surrendered his life. 2. Octavianus Caesar Augustus. In the 41 year of his reign our Saviour Jesus Christ was borne. portrait of emperor Octavianus Caesar Augustus SIR GALBA IMP. CAES. AUG Octavianus Nephew of julius Caesar, of the family of the Octavy a Roman, by his Mother's side descended from the race of Kings departed out of Macedonia, and came into Italy upon the immature death of his Uncle, and changing his name, would be called Caius Caesar, the son of Caius Caesar; and being arrived at Rome, he was created Consul at the age of 20 years. He was a Soldier good enough: he routed Sextus Pompeius: he was called Pater patriae, because he adorned the City with Laws and Edifices: wherefore there were Temples and Altars erected in his Honour. He overthrew M. Antonius, he conquered Spain, Hungary, and Slavonia. In the time of his reign all the World being then in peace, our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ was borne. He governed this Universe absolute Caesar 44 years, and 12 years with M. Anto●ius: and in the 76 year of his age, within one Month and five days he died at Nola by poison, to the grief of all. Macrobius testifieth this of Augustus, Macrobius lib. 2. Sar. 4. that when he heard of the slaughter of the children under two years, which was commanded by Herod, continuing his tyranny almost a whole year, amongst which Herod's son was one, Augustus said thus, Melius est Herodis porcum esse quàm filium: It is better to be one of Herod's hogs, than one of his sons. So impartial is a spirit possessed with cruelty, that as it makes no difference of the act; so neither of persons. He may and is justly called The murderer of Innocents': and so to keep his Act in memory, the Church doth keep the day Festival, called Innocents' day, in memorial of that bloody command. 3. Tiberius Nero Caesar. In the year of Christ 16. portrait of emperor Tiberius Nero Caesar AFter the excellent, and of famous memory Octavianus, An. Dom. 16. succeeded the wicked and cruel Tiberius: And although that in his predecessors time he had done notable exploits in War, yet he was esteemed as the wickedest man alive. He seemed unwilling to accept or undertake the Empire, the more to endear them unto him which were against it: and therefore in the beginning of his government he carried himself indifferently well: but a while after he shown himself again in his colours, stern, most cruel, and as one complete in all unspeakable filthiness and vice: And it was questioned whether lust or cruelty in him were most eminent, or gluttony; all being vices unworthy the name of a Prince. St. john Baptist and our Saviour jesus Christ suffered in his time. He was no great enemy of the Christians; but he proposed it in the Senate-house, That Christ should be adored as a God. Finally, he died near unto Naples by the Treason of his Nephew Caligula, after he had governed 22 years, and of his age 78: What he was, Seneca expresseth, as Illum â rerum natura editum, ut ostenderet quid summa vitia in summa fortuna possent. Also Dyonisius Areopagita, who lived in his time, seeing the strange Eclipse of the Sun and Moon at the instant hour of our Saviour's passion, said, Tacitly Suetonius Dec. vid. ●ut Deus natura patitur, aut mundi ma●ina dissolvitur: The God of Nature ●●rely suffers this day, or else the whole ●orld is dissolved. One Longinus amongst other soldiers, 〈◊〉 recorded to have pierced our Saviour's side with his Spear, out of whose Wound came Water and Blood: And Authors do report, that the same Longinus in the very perpetrating of ●he Act was strucken with blindness, ●nd being recovered to his sight by the ●aid water & blood applied to his eyes, ●id afterwards repent for this cruel act, and was made Bishop of Cappadocia. 4. Caius Caesar Caligula. Anno Domini 39 portrait of emperor Caius Caesar Caligula THe election of Caligula was most pleasing to the Senate; so much the more, An. Dom. 39 because in his first entrance to the government, he endeavoured with great subtlety to gain and win the goodwill of all men: only seemingly just, noble, and generous; with pleasing carriage and behaviour courting the Nobility. He ordained sports, feasts, pastimes, Stageplays, and other entertainments to content the people. But in the process ●f his government he fell into such execrable villainy and filthy wickedness, ●hat he would be called and adored as a God. He plained mountains, made ●allies hills, built towers in the deep ●ca: and all this he did with such impu●ity and cruelty, that many would ●ather murder themselves, than come ●or stay for the rigour of his sentence. Lastly, being become unsufferable ●o all the people of Rome, he was ●aine by Cherea, receiving 30 wounds ●n the third year, and tenth Month of ●is Imperial government, aged 29 ●eeres. He built the Colossus, and other works of innumerable expenses: Spond. His wife Casonia was run thorough with a sword, and her young daughter's brains dashed against the walls. He banished Pilate, and would have had Christ adored as a God, but the Senate withstood it. 5. Claudius' Caesar. Anno Domini 43. portrait of emperor Claudius Caesar Claudius' Uncle to Caligula, An. Dom. 43. succeeded in the Empire as it were by mere accident: because the people of Rome being freed from the terror of the times lately passed, imagined to redeem and keep their liberty, and utterly to extinguish all the race and family of the Caesars: and some making a head, and themselves masters of the Capitol, gave an occasion to Claudius (by nature a fearful and heartless man) to hide himself. But ●●ing found out, and encouraged by a soldier, and between fear and hope ●as nevertheless at the last made Emperor. In his beginning he was most merciful, although he put Cherea to ●eath. By his command and appointment the Waterwork called Aqua ●audia was made: He caused the Lake ●ucinum to be drawn dry by the day●● labour of thirty thousand workmen within the space of two years. ●e built the Haven of Ostia: the last ●●rtner with him in the Empire was Agrippina, who through fear of him, ●ad to secure her son of the succession, poisoned him with a dish of Mush●mes, and so he died the 13 of October, 〈◊〉 the age of 64, whereof he reigned ●4, and had sepulture at Rome. In the eighth year of his reign he lustred the City, Baroni●●. and had to the num●er of three score and nine hundred and ●orty four thousand Citizens. In the 6 year of his reign the Virg●● Mary departed this life at the age● 72 years. 6. Nero. Anno Dom. 57 portrait of emperor Nero Claudius' being dead, the Se●●● not only gave the Imperial government to Nero, An. Dom. 57 but also swore him fealty. At the first he gave such good satisfaction to all, that they said, He was ordained for them by the express commandment of God: But proceeding in his government, he fell into much inso●●cy and cruelty. He had Seneca the Philosopher for his teacher and instructor, but ill requi●ed him; for he commanded him to choose his death, for dye he must. So●eca desired his veins to be opened to ●et out his life. He took all the Plate ●nd Jewels out of the Temples; he cau●ed his own Mother Agrippina to be ●laine, and her body to be ripped open, ●hat he might see the place wherein he ●●y. He slew Poppaa his wife with a ●●urne or kick: he studied Magic, ●nd called all the Magicians to his favour: but being deluded by Simon Magus, that promised that he should fly, ●e expelled them the City. Lastly, forsaken of all men but only his Spado, whom he had formerly caused to be ●ut, so that he might use him at his pleasure; and only he following his Master to the end, in so much that Nero being closely pursued, gave his sword to his Spado, and bade him dispatch him, which he refusing, Ner● said, Ergo Nero nec amicum nec ini●icum habet. Some writ that he sell into a vault of a common Jakes, other that he slew himself. He set fire on the City, and from a high Tower beheld and laughed at the fire: and in the repairing thereof he caused the Edifices to be called Neroniana. He overcame the Parthians, and subdued the Britan's: he greatly persecuted the Christian name, and besider the putting the Apostle St. Peter and St. Paul to death, he caused also an infinite number of Christians to be slain. He made Wars upon the jews, and in the end being insupportable to God and man, amongst the rebellious seditions of many Provinces, and the Serate having publicly proclaimed sentence of death against him, and flying out of the City, stabbed himselfe● to the joy of the whole World, in the 32 year of his Age, and fourteenth of his Reign. 7. Sergius Galba. Anno Domini 70. portrait of emperor Sergius Galba SIR GALBA IMP. CAES. AUG AFter the wished death of Nero the cruel, An. Dom. 70. Sergius Galba of the City of Rome by birth, was cre●●ed by the Army, and by the Senate confirmed Emperor: who was no less ●●temperate, dogged, and fiercely cruel than his predecessor He was not ignorant in the Arts liberal, and well read in the Laws. He was much hated of all sorts, and it was a wonder, had he not reigned so short a time, that he lived so long, because every man slew him in conceit daily, though not in effect; judging him fare unworthy such a degree, giving himself over wholly to idle and wicked conceits. In the sedition of Otho his head was struck off in the marketplace by a Soldier, and his body left in the power of the people, and was buried by a slave without any Ceremony at all, at the age of 73 years, having governed seven months, whose death was not lamented of any, because it was not known that ever he did good to any man. His reign being short and vicious, 〈◊〉 no other memory to posterity but commemoratives of his detestable cruelty and other vices: who lies engraved 〈◊〉 the Imperial City wherein he fir●● drew breath. 8. M. Silvius Otho. Anno Domini 70. portrait of emperor M. Silvius Otho OTho of a very honourable family in Rome, a man of great valour, An. Dom. 70. of an able wit, son of Lucius 〈◊〉 Consul, succeeded Galba in the ●pire, and gave great hopes both to 〈◊〉 Senate and Commonalty by his gradus abbearing and carriage of a re●sse and reformation of former deserts, and grievances given them by his ●●ecessors, which indeed would have followed and issued so, had not the shortness of his government prevented and cut off this hopeful expectation: For at the same time that he was created Emperor in the City of Rome, Vitellius was proclaimed Emperor in Germany: And neither willing to give place to the other, resolved to decide and end it in the field: and after many battles Otho being worsted in despair of the recovery of his Crown and Dignity, slew himself, to the infinite grief and sorrow of all the Commons, in the year after Christ 72, and of his age 38, after the 3 Month and 5 days of his Empire, and died at Veliteme: the brevity of his reign prescinded many and great hopes of his good government of the whole Empire. 9 Vitellius. Anno Domini 71. portrait of emperor Vitellius OTho being dead, An. Dom. 71. every man converted his applause to Vitellius, which being so in general, was confirmed by the Senate, and he comes to Rome in great triumph, bravely attended by his noble Army. This man although he was munificent and liberal, yet he was of a most cruel disposition. Wherefore Vespasian being employed in the wars of the jews, was by the army created Emperor of Rome, and joining battle with Vitelliu, took him prisoner, binding his hands behind him, with a halter about his neck, the soldiers buffetting him about the face, with infinite dishonour, disgrace, and scorn was led about in public, and at the length with many wounds was deprived of life in that very place where he had caused Sabinus the brother of Vespasian to be miserably slain: and together with him were slain his own son, and his brother, and all thrown into the River Tiber. I find likewise no other notable thing or quality in this man, but much accused for cruelty, of a slow and dull spirit, and given excessively to gluttony, insomuch that all Gluttons to this day pass under his name. He lived 57 years, having reigned little more than 8 Months. 10. Vespasianus. In the year of Christ 72. portrait of emperor Vespasianus UEspasian a Roman borne, An. Done 72. although he were not of so noble a blood, he deserved nevertheless for his true worth, and excellent qualities of the mind, to be created Emperor. And having taken possession of the Imperial Seat, he embellished and beautified the City with Amphitheatres, Temples, and Statues: He was in all his actions courteous, affable, and benign to all. He razed and utterly destroyed the famous City of Jerusalem, verifying that Prophecy of our Saviour, which was, That there should not be left one stone upon another. He was most temperate in his diet, and very polite, neat, and complete in his person: He made many country's tributary to the Empire: Not any one vice could be imputed to him but avarice, although he acknowledged it with this excuse, because that he found the Empire very bare of moneys, by the reason of the extraordinary excesses of his Predecessors. He died of a Flux in the year of our Lord Eighty one, in the Ninth year of his Reign: aged 69. In his time was put to death in Rome Linus, the first Bishop of that See, to whom succeeded Cletus, the first Bishop of that name, and the second of that greatly boasted Succession from Saint Peter the Apostle. Suetonius records this, that before the death of Vespasian, there appeared a Comet, and as his Friends gave him notice, that it portended his Death: Scipio du Pleix. he slighting it, and not any way discouraged thereby, said, That it threatened not him, but the Kings of the Parthians that wore long hair, as the Comet had; yet nevertheless Vespasian died not long after. 11. Titus. Anno Dom. 81. portrait of emperor Titus Titus' was of no less goodness and virtuous morality than his father Vespasian had been before him. An. Dom. 81. He was well learned in the Greek, and Latin tongues, and most excellent in writing: But in Arms he exceeded the glory of the precedent Emperors, because he triumphed for the overthrow of the jews. In his government of the Empire he was so circumspect, diligent, and especially liberal; that he was called The Idol of Nations: and he esteemed that day to be lost wherein he had not done a courtesy: And therefore he said once to his brother, (that conspired his death) That he need not attempt that by sratricide which he without it might obtain by favour. But because the Romans were not worth (perhaps) so complete and just a Governor, by the secret judgement of God he was taken from the world by a malign Fever, which in few days ended his life in the Country near to Rome at the years of 41, and of his Empire the second, two months and twenty days. And lies buried at Rome, having by his valour and wisdom made the Roman Eagle to triumph over Jerusalem. josephus' largely describes the Hierosolimitan Wars and passages, Append. josephus. and affirms that whatsoever thing could be found of any value, was by him transported to Rome. He was so amiable and affable to all, that he was called Amor & delicia generis humani: but as it is thought, he died poisoned by his brother Domitian, who succeeded him in the Empire. 12. Domitianus. Anno Domini 83. portrait of emperor Domitianus DOmitianus succeeded the good Titus his brother, An. Dom. ●3. who in the beginning was likewise affable, merciful and just●●●e did not much addict himself to wars, although he triumphed, and was victorious in all those wars which he undertook: but took great felicity in shooting in a long bow, & became so dexterous in it, that he hazarded thereby the lives of many men, yet never hurting them. But he in the progress of his government became so cruel, unjust, and covetous, that upon the least occasion he put many men to death, usurping their wealth, saying, Himself was next heir. He was a great persecutor of Christians, because in his time many very holy men were slaughtered with exquisite and new found torments. In the end by the conspiracy of Stephanus, the Steward of his household, and others he was murdered in his Palace in Rome at the age of 45, and in the 15 year of his reign, and was buried in the way that now leads to the Lateran Church. The second persecution began now against the Christians: Eusebius terms him Haereden Neronianae saevitiae. And it is not to be wondered that he should so much be given to shed blood, and devise torments for men, who used in his study privately to practise all punishments upon Flies and Gnats. 13. Cocceius Nerva. Anno Domini 99 portrait of emperor Cocceius Nerva AFter Domitian, 〈◊〉 Dom. 〈◊〉 Cocceius Nerva being the 13 Emperor, and the first Italian by Nation, was judged the fittest man to succeed in the Empire, who was nobly descended, and chosen in the year of Christ 99, being of age 66. This man was so merciful, benign, and liberal, that all the world admired him. He recalled all the Christians from exile, and mitigated their troubles: He caused the children of the poor to be brought up, and educated at the public charge: he purchased many lands, and distributed them to the poor decayed Citizens. And to bring these matters to effect, he was constrained to sell his own Plate of Gold and Silver, with the rest of his household-goods: And reflecting upon his end, he elected Traianus, a man very nobly descended, and of an ancient family, to succeed him. He died in the tenth Month, and ninth day of his Reign, of a conceit he took against a Senator called Regulus, to the great lamentation and sorrow of the whole City, which had now lost a true Patron of the poor, and was buried with all the Ceremonies of the ancient Romans in the Temple of the Goddess Fortune. The charitable disposition of this Caesar to strangers and poor people, got him not unworthily the title of Pauperum Patronus: Charity being then scarce known, and little practised of the Heathen Governors. 14. Traianus. In the year of Christ 100 portrait of emperor Traianus TRaianus being the first Emperor of Spanish blood, An. Dom. 100 was the honour as well to his own Nation, as also to the Emperor's precedent. instantly having taken possession & government upon him, he began to reform the corruption of the Laws, administering true Justice unto all. He was wondrous good to the ●oore: He caused all the poor men's ●hild ren both of the City and country of Italy to be brought and trained up in good Literature and Discipline. In peace and war he was most judicious and just; but being seduced by the Devil, (although afterwards he became more temperate) he persecuted the Christians, putting infinite numbers of them to death, and during his reign was that third famous persecution of the Church. He subdued Dacia, Mesopotamia, and made Armenia tributary: he took in Soria, Babylonia, and Chald●a. In his returning back to Italy, being arrived in Cilicia, fell dangerously sick, and in Selencia 〈◊〉 died, whose ashes were brought 〈◊〉 Rome, and in an vine placed on the top of a Column which the Roman Citizens erected to the memory of him, who so worthily and so long had managed the Empire: he reigned twenty one years, six months, and 15 days. In this Emperor's reign the City of Antioch by an Earthquake was utterly ruinated. Dio Casilus speaking much in his commendations, dashes them all with an extraordinary affection to Wine and Boys: but others have cleared that aspersion, and do largely praise this Caesar for his incomparable endowments of mind and habilities of body. And certainly such worthy achievements had their original from an excellent qualified spirit. But if we seriously consider his weighty and daily employments, any will easily confess, that he could not spare time for such idle toys, having all his spirits continually otherwise employed. 15. Adrianus. An. Domini 121. portrait of emperor Adrianus Could Traianus being dead, An. Dom. 221. Adrianus his Nephew a Roman, was chosen to succeed, who followed the steps of his Antecessor, and gave great content and joyful expectation to the whole City. He visited in person the whole Empire, and all the wars he undertook, succeeded fortunate. He was not very severe 〈◊〉 the Christians: he gave himself exceedingly to the knowledge of all manner of Arts and Sciences: and any man whatsoever was expert in any knowledge, he called him to Rome, forbidding all that were not Proscssors, to seem to profess any their Art or Science, unless they were Masters indeed, and well able fully to instruct others in them. Falling into an inourable disease, he attempted oftentimes to kill himself, and offered rewards to any man that would kill him; and many times he solicited many with threatenings to murder him. Finally, the Physicians seeking to give him content, persuaded him to forbear eating and drinking, and so he did, and died at Baiae in upper Gall at the years of seaventy two, and five months, and seventeen days, in the two and twentieth year of his reign, and was conveyed to Rome. He continued the persecution against the Christians, and afterwards slackened it by a remiss way. He builded Temples, and dedicated them to his own honour: He profaned the holy places about Jerusalem, and being tired with an incurable Dropsy, ho● would fain have died, but could 〈◊〉 He suffered for his effusion of Chriffian blood: Lastly, he died through voluntary famine. This being such a tedious and irksome disease, wrought such a strong impression in his conceit, that death was rather to be enjoyed, than a life so diseased and miserable. 16. Antoninus Pius. Anno Domini 139. portrait of emperor Antoninus Pius Antoninus' succeeded Adrianus ●y way of adoption, An. Dom. 139. in which lignity he lived upright and virtuously. There were not many wars in his time, because by his vigilancy he made himself beloved and feared, keeping all Nations in due subjection. There came Ambassadors daily to Rome from all parts of the world to obtain graces and privileges for their countries, to whom he gave audience very courteously, advising them before they speak, saying, Demand that which is just, and ye shall obtain: And furthermore, he entertained them all in such sort, that they all continued his most faithful and obedient subjects. He was called the Father of the virtues, because he was so just, courteous, liberal, and good, and above all, a lover of all good men: neither was there any one vice found in him. Being at his Villa or Countryhouse, being of the age of seaventy he died of a Fever, having governed the Empire 23 years. Whose death was lamented of all, the Empire being deprived of such a Governor, and Father truly pious. He was inurned in Rome towards the Eastern gate. The name of Pius was given him, because when he came to the Imperial Dignity, he pardoned all Delinquents, 〈◊〉 Non oportet ab his rebus principatus exordium ducere. In the fifteenth year of his Reign he by a special Edict restrained the persecution against the Christians. 17. Aurelius Verus. M. Aurelius. Anno Domini 162. portrait of emperor Aurelius Verus. M. Aurelius AFter the death of Antoninus Pius, An. Dom. 162. Aurelius Verus together with Marcus Aurelius the Philosopher, both being adopted by Antoninus, began their government. Aurth●● Verus was the son of Aelius Verus and Comitia Calvilla. This man becoo●● himself to Soria, and was taxed for being extraordinarily addicted to all manner of lust: And returning to Rome, he added to this vice many more, as sports, toys, deceits, and so many other villainies, that he shown himself to the full in all his actions an imitator and follower of Nero and Vitelli. us. All which passages his companion Marcus Aurelius dissembling, because his vices might not publicly be notified to the City, very wisely, and to this man's satisfaction, sent him against the Parthians which were now in rebellion, whom he overcame with many other Countries. Coming back to Rome he brought with him all sorts of infamous, lewd, and vicious persons, with whom he betook himself to his Mosque, whom 〈…〉 now called Turks, have imitated for this stately sort of builling, and within a little after died ri●ing in his warlike Parthian Chariot, ●o refresh himself by the pleasantness of the place. These were called Divi Fratres, because they were both adopted by 〈◊〉 to the Empire: But because 〈◊〉 was the elder brother, and more fa●ous, he so carried himself, as if he had been rather a Father than a Brother to his younger Brother Verus: under these a fifth persecution was raised against the Christians. 16. Marcus Aurelius. Anno Domini 162. portrait of emperor Marcus Aurelius MArcus Aurelius a Roman by blood, An. Dom. 162. continued his government after the death of his companion Verus, being adopted with him by Antoninus. This man was replenished with so great goodness and virtue, that deservedly he was surnamed The Philosopher. In his time there were wars, dangerous Earthquakes, grievous floods 〈◊〉 ●●dations, terrible dearths, and most fearful plagues. The Church suffered great tribulations by his persecution. He was little fortunate in his wife; and although he knew her to be dishonest, yet nevertheless he would not dismiss or divorce her, affirming her dowry to be the Empire, which dignity amongst men was esteemed an unvaluable portion: And therefore it could be no wisdom in him to go about to lose it. This Emperor being in the wars of Germany, died of a grievous sickness called by latter Physiti●ans the Hemeroids, at Beud●bone in Germany, having reigned 19 years; whose death the whole Empire deplored, to which he had been so good a Mec●na●, and most excellent Patron; and by the will of some of his Councillors, and as ●it is thought, by the approbation of most of the Senate, had his body in great solemnity brought to Rome, and with all the ●funerall Rites triumphantly interred close by the Capitol. 19 Commodus. Anno Dom. 182. portrait of emperor Commodus COmmodus a Roman, An. Dom. 182. wicked and vicious, succeeded his good Father Aurelius: who because he was the son of to great a man, was without any difficulty, and with great applause of all in general proclaimed Emperor. Being in possession he addicted himself to all wickedness and vice: Whereupon he gave occasion to 〈◊〉 to conspire against him, which he discovering, he made a fresh sub●ect of exercising his cruelties. He was ●onderous active of body, and admirable in throwing a Dart: He died ●ost miserably by the means of Mar●ia his concubine, who having found 〈◊〉 book wherein were written the ●ames of those which were condemned ●o dye, and she finding herself amongst the rest, poisoned him: and ●fter as he was reaching or striving to ●omit, as it was appointed by her, he was stabbed in diverse places, dying at the age of thirty two years, having reigned thirteen, leaving no notable memory of himself to posterity. He caused the Sacrifices peculiar to Hercules, to be offered unto himself, favouring the Christians, he unwittingly exercised a persecution upon his own Gentiles. He led a life most exorbitant and lewd, and to equalise Nero every way, he intended to fire the City of Rome: But being hindered of his cruel intendments, was in his Imperial City strangled, as is generally thought, by a Parthian slave, whom formerly he had redeemed from death. He was buried in Rome with Torches by night close by Campus Martius. 20. Helvius Pertinax. Anno Domini 194. portrait of emperor Helvius Pertinax COmmodus being dead, An. Dom. ●94. Pertinax a Ligurian by Country, although he was meanly descended by parentage, yet he ascended by his valour (which he chief professed) to the state of the Imperial height. He was the son of a quondam Slave or Libertine, and studying in his youth, he was a Doctor in the Laws: Afterward he took such felicity and complacency in a military life, that he was noted to be of a more than ordinary wisdom, and infinite valour in all his actions: insomuch that by the conspirators against Commodus (now dead) he was assumed to the Imperial Crown. He so behaved himself, that envy (which is always the side-mate of virtue) repined; so that a while after some emulous persons distasting his good government, desirous of novelties, with many wounds deprived him of life, to an universal grief, being of the age of 66, who reigned only 7 months, & 27 days, with so great benevolence to all, that the Senate determined to annumber him to their Deities, and for his honour to succeeding ages, with all funeral pomp was buried in the Fane of the Goddess Ceres, lying close to to the now impregnable Castle of Saint Angelo. 21. Didius julianus. Anno Domini 194. portrait of emperor Didius Julianus JVlianus of the Dukedom of Millain● by birth, An. Dom. ●94. seeing that the Roman Empire was as it were sold according to the will and affection of the Soldiers, had a great desire concur or compound with the ●oone-in-law of the late deceased Emperor, making him believe, (that which indeed afterwards came to ●sse) that the Soldiers would not ●●ve chosen Pertinax his some-in-law, ●at he might not have power to reynge the death of his Father-in-law: ●●d for this cause they chose Didius Iu●anus, who being confirmed against ●e will, and in despite of the Senate, ●●d of the people also; he reigned not ●ng, because Septimius Severus (a ●an of great valour and power) being 〈◊〉 Germany General of the Legions, ●●thought himself upon this occasion ●●w he might make himself Lord of ●e Empire; and coming within the ●hole Army to Rome, was by the Se●te acknowledged Emperor: Who ●●ing to the Palace of julianus, (where 〈◊〉 was in great sorrow and grief) cau●●d him to be murdered, he having ●●ld the Sceptre only two Months, and five days, at the age of fifty six years, in whose Reign not many actions of worth are recorded, it being short and troublesome: He wa● buried in Rome, (not with any grea● pomp, because of his Adversary's power and malice towards his confederates) as is supposed, in an obsc●●● place on the west side of the City. 22. Caius Pescennius. Anno Dom. 194. This Emperor is not nominated by some, because he was suddenly slain. portrait of emperor Caius Pescennius AT the self same time that Severus was created Emperor, An. Dom. 194. Pescennius of the Province of Thuscany, being in Soria, was by his sol●iers saluted likewise Emperor: And whilst both were elected, each put himself in the best security and power that he could to sustain their obtained Dignity. Pescennius passed to Constantinople with his Army, and took in many Towns and Countries adjacent thereabouts, the better to enable himself against Severus, who came against him with great forces and power. The Armies both meeting, and giving each other battle, Pescennius was routed and enforced to fly; and flying disguised came to Antioch, but being at length discovered, his head was taken off, and put upon a pole, and carried about by his enemies. His sons together with their mother were banished, and a few days after slain. This Pescennius was a brave soldier, and excellent, a singular Tribune, a valiant Captain, a famous Consul, but an unfortunate Emperor. He reigned but the space of one Month, and left this life at Antioch, being indeed cut off by the ●●nds of his persecuting enemies, and 〈…〉 conveyed towards Rome by his sons, but they also were slain by his foes, and his corpse left unburied. 23. Clodius Albinus Anno Domini 195. This Emperor likewise is not nominated in some Writers, because he never really had possession. portrait of emperor Clodius Albinus Clodius' Albinus a Roman, An. Do● 195. a man well experienced in war, and valiant, for his prowess deserved by Commodus to be graced with the name of a Caesar: which title he refusing, was by Severus created the Primus Consul, and not long after was made fellow-partner in the Empire. But in after time repenting himself (perhaps) of his too large liberality and bounty, he sought by deceits & treacheries, and by most cunning, fraudulent, and subtle stratagems to make sure of his partner Severus: but being not able to bring his fetches about, and compass his unworthy designs, he discovered himself to be his enemy, and with a great army advances against him: And being now come to handigripes of battle, after many renewed combats and fights the forces and army of Albinus were worsted much, and routed, and himself taken prisoner. He was presently brought to Severus, who caused him to be beheaded, and his head carried all about 〈◊〉 ●●on a pole, with great contempt 〈…〉, and his body thrown to 〈…〉 24. Septimius Severus. An. Domini 195. portrait of emperor Septimius Severus SEverus the son of a noble and powerful Roman, An. Dom. 195. very conversant both in the Greek and Latin tongues, was created Emperor, with the good liking, and general applause of all men: In the government whereof, over and above the many and great satisfactions which he generally gave, was this, that he was peculiarly open to grant audience to any, and shown much clemency and goodness towards them. He had an es●ciall care that the City should be w● stored with corn and grain of all so●● and all necessaries: And being ma● times assaulted with powerful Armi●● and enemies, he nevertheless wi●● great valour and courage made bra●● and honourable resistance, remaining always victorious. He had an inte●● to nobilitate the City, and be pleasing to all, although in his time the f●● persecution of the Church began. H● died in the Castle of York, whilst he was in his wars of England, having governed the Empire to the great content of the world for the space of eighteen years. He had not the name of Severus without a cause; for he severely commanded 40, or thereabout of the Nobility to be cut off, and many more v●lg●●● because they said in way of jest, Ver●●● 〈◊〉 etc. He died at York (as some 〈…〉 through grief of his some Caracallas wickedness, than of any other malady; and had a Monument Imperial erected to him at Mentzes in Gormany. 25. Bassianus Caracalla. Anno Domini 212. portrait of emperor Bassianus Caracalla BAssianus was the eldest son of Severus and Martia, An. D●● 212. and by the reason he was well beloved in his youth for his virtues, he was est successor to the Empire. After the death of his Father, changing his nature, he became so cruel, that like another wicked Nero he slew his own brother Geta most miserably and cruelly, excusing himself to the soldiers, that if he had not providently slain him, Geta would have done the like to him. Not content with this, he put to death a great number of the most repute and greatness in Rome, being all friends of his dead brother Geta. In fine finding himself to be in disesteem, yea, odious and hateful to all, he left the City, pretending to visit the Empire: in which voyage he did so many base, vile and brutish acts, that he was deprived of his odious life by the means of Macrinus, having reigned 6 years, in which space all his actions were such, that he seemed rather a Stage-player than a● Emperor. Dio writeth, that when many Presages foretell this Emperor of 〈…〉 at hand, he betook himself to 〈…〉 Invocation of devils, thereby to avoid it: and it is to be much admired, that a man so affected towards all manner of extremes in wickedness, tempered himself from slaughter of the Christians. 26. Septimius Geta. Anno Domini 218. portrait of emperor Septimius Geta GEta the son of Severus, An. Do●● 218. was borne at Milan: This man because he was learned, a lover of good and virtuous men, of a mild disposition, affable, and courteous to all, was after the death of his father, by the Army called Prince of the Empire: which Dignity he managed with so great a wisdom and satisfaction of the people, that he was by them reputed as a God. Caracalla his brother, envying this his brothers universal honour and respect, he being a bloody and most wicked man, not enduring him to be in his company and presence, resolved secretly to poison him, and having used diverse ways and means, but being not able covertly to effect it, he slew with his own hands the innocent young man whilst he was with julia his Mother, and Mother-in-law to Caracalla, to the great discontent of the whole Empire. Being younger brother to Caracalla, was but as a Co-emperor; but Crowns hardly admit the compartition even of a brother: And this Geta thought to have undertake● 〈◊〉 〈…〉 life, but by his brother was deprived of his life, and was interred 〈◊〉 Pruna, as Levinus Hulseus records. 27. Opilius Macrinas. Anno Domini 218. portrait of emperor Opilius Macrinas OPilius Macrinus an Affricran Negro, An. Dom. 218. having murdered Caracalla, was chosen Emperor by ●e Soldiers, although he was by ●irth ignoble: Having taken the government upon him, he made preparation to go against Artabanus Kin● of Persia, who to right himself forth wrongs done him by Caracalla, cam● towards Rome, but in the way under standing of the death of his enemy, 〈◊〉 came into a League with the Roman● This Macrinus was so cruel, fierce▪ and vicious, that he was called of many * Of the Latin word Macellun a shambleses, or butchery. Macellinus, his house being a Butchery of men by him murdered upon no occasion at all. At last Heliogabalus by the industry of a crafty old Beldame wa● made Emperor: Macrinus being now put to it to defend his Crown and Empire, was forced to try it out by Arms but being in flight, and shifting for himself was murdered by the Souldie● together with his son Diadumen● whom he had chosen companion 〈◊〉 him in the government, having reign only one year, and two months, a● was interred at St. Denis in Gaul. 28. Diadumenus. An. Domini 218. portrait of emperor Diadumenus BAssianus being slain by the Army, An. Dom 218. Diadumenus an African succeeds in the Empire, together with his father, who was defirous ●hat this his son should take upon him ●he name of Antoninus, the better to secure him from the Soldiers, and had ●any friends of the Kindred of An●●ninus Pius who were in great num●er, and potent in the City of Rome: but his dignity continued not long, because in the wars against Heliogabalus, having governed and commanded his Arm discreetly, and to his best advantage, and fought with fingular testimonies of undaunted courage and valour, nevertheless died in the place, together with his father, to the great lamentation of all; because the people highly honoured him, in expectation of a great future to them, a conformable to the greatness of spirit, which they knew and admired in him, grieving the more the loss of him, because the brevity of his reign permitted him not to leave any memo●●● 〈◊〉 hind him to posterity, having g●●●ned one only year together with 〈◊〉 Father. He was buried in Panuovia, 〈◊〉 as others say, in a place where is now 〈◊〉 Monastery erected in Austria. 29. Heliogabalus. Anno Domini 219. portrait of emperor Heliogabalus THe two aforesaid Emperors being slain, An. Dom. 219. Heliogabalus of Roman descent, immediately lays hold on the Empire. He was borne in Phenicia of a Concubine of Caracalla's, and being a youth, he was made Priest of the Sun, and called Heliogabalus, which in that Language signifies Priest: In which dignity growing on in years, he bettered himself much in wisdom, fortitude, and other virtues and qualities: insomuch as being created Emperor, by a great slight he entered into a league with the Parthians: but after he fell into a life so libidinous, that he had to do with his own Mother. He ravished Vestal Virgins, and in his Palace he kept Wenches and Whores, and men of wicked, lewd, and debauched life, upon whom he conferred the offices of principal note and honour in the Court, with greatest graces and entertainments possibly he could. Finally, a great tumult amongst the people being raised against him, he was together with his impious Mother, having enjoyed the Empire four years, slain at Ratisb●● in Germany, and buried at Howtingis: and how fare this Emperor exceeded all his Predecessors in villa●●● Dio and Herodian makes mentioned large, and Capitolinus affirms, he filled the whole Empire with luxuries, turpitude, riotting, pride, and cruelty. 30. Alexander Severus. Anno Domini 223. portrait of emperor Alexander Severus ALexander Severus a Roman, An. Dom. 223. was borne in Soria, and was adopted by Heliogabalus: he took upon him the possession of the Empire Anno Domini 223. In his succession the Roman Commonwealth began to take breath, by the reason that this Alexander was very benign, affable, courteous, merciful, and a lover of wise and good men, and also of the learned men, and men of quality, by whose hands he would have public matters rightly carried and administered. In his Wars he was most fortunate, beginning them always with good advice and discretion. He triumphed solemnly for his Eastern Conquests, to the great content and satisfaction of the Rom●n people. He tolerated the Christians to live peaceably, and without molestations, following the words of the Gospel; Do not that to another, which thou wouldst not another should do unto thee. Finally, at the instigation of Maximinus he was slain by the Al●● soldiers, having his eyes put out, together with his Mo●●●● who was also a well-willer and 〈…〉 of the Christian name) upon his birthday, at 29 years of his age, having governed the Empire thirteen years, six months, and seven days, and his Mother lies buried at Ratisbone. Mammaa was a well-disposed Lady, notwithstanding her great care of his instruction and education, yet when he came to the Empire, some of his Tutors (famous men) he put to death, and some he exiled: She favoured Origen much, and often sent for him to her at Antioch, that she might hear from him the Exposition of the Scriptures. 31. Maximinus. Anno Dom. 237. portrait of emperor Maximinus Maximinus' a Thracian by blood although he were ignobly borne, An. Dom. 237. nevertheless for his agility and nimbleness he was greatly beloved of many Emperors, and therefore was made Tribune, and Captain of the fourth Legion of Alexander's Army, of which he was held in such 〈◊〉 esteem and repute, that he was 〈…〉 multitude of Soldiers created Emperor anno Domini 237. But after this election he grew so wicked, that he unjustly put all the friends of Alexander to the sword. After that he flew upon the Christians, and invented new and unknown tortures for them. The sixth persecution of the Church of CHRIST began in his Reign: briefly, he was so horrible, that whilst he was in the Wars of Germany, the whole Empire rebelled against him. Last of all, flying with all violence towards the City of Rome, he was cruelly slain by the Roman soldiers, together with his son, whose heads were carried to Rome, with incredible joy of all men, he having reigned 3 years. In his thought he was persuaded, Appendix. that he could not continue in the Empire but by cruelty: He was first a Shepherd, and came to the Empire by force of Arms, and the love of his Officers which then swayed so much, that none could prevail against them: The Senate was so much in awe and fear of him, that they their wives, and children privately, and sometime publicly offered Sacrifices to their Idols, that they might never see his return to their City, whensoever he was drawn out upon any affairs: This Emperor's body was Inhumed at Fulda in Germany, renowned for the famousness, of the Abbey, with the Bishopric belonging to it. 32. julius' Verus Maximus. portrait of emperor Julius Verus Maximus BY hereditary right julius Verus Maximus succeeds his Father Maximnus in the Empire, and was by nature of so great beauty of person, that very many fair Ladies loved him in extreme manner, and coveted his company, that they might have children like him beautiful: to whose suits he as easily and facilely condescending, and enabled by youth, giving himself wholly to vanity, began to oversway better thoughts (perhaps) with those of brave clothes to set himself forth, supposing by that way an impossibility of resistance to be made him by any Woman whatsoever, were she never so beauteous. He was most temperate in his drink, but for his belly he was an extraordinary treacher-man, insomuch that he thought himself able to convey any Parasite whatsoever into his belly at a meal. Lastly, reposing himself with his Father, was with him slain by his own soldiers at 18 years of age, the soldiers saying, that it was not fit one sprig should be left of such a tree. 〈◊〉 as other Authors write, he died of a Dropsy, and had funeral rites of sepulture performed to him at Quendelbourgh, not fare from Fulda, the place of his father's sepulture. 33. Gordianus. The History makes no mention of the year of his reign, wherefore I affige it not. portrait of emperor Gordianus GOrdianus a most noble African, by the reason he was very virtuous and temperate in his actions, with great reputation goodness and Justice he administered all those honourable offices and degrees which the Senate conferred upon him. This man being Vice-consul in Africa, was much against his will created Emperor: Which Election being heard of all over the World, wa● accepted by the City, and in particular accepted, reverenced, obeyed, and honoured as Emperor all Italy over, together with Gordian, a son of his very young. Who upon this their election, made war upon other new Emperors, in which with an infinite mortality on all sides Gordianus the younger was overthrown, and slain, which the Father understanding, stabbed himself to the great grief of all. He reign was but of little continuance, ye● remarkable enough, the time and dare of it not exceeding 40 day's 〈◊〉 also departed at Quendelbourgh, a● had his obsequies celebrated at Nagdebourgh, which of late was massacred, and almost subverted by the Imperialists Army under Pappenheim. 34. Marcus Clodius Puppienus. Anno Domini 289. portrait of emperor Marcus Clodius Puppienus Clodius' Puppienus was ignobly borne, An. Dom. 289. yet of a Roman extraction, and noble in his actions, and a Soldier of high esteem and valour; so that he acquired many governments, wherein he carried himself with more than ordinary prudence, Justice, and dexterity. And Maximinus being proclaimed an enemy of the Country, Clodius was elected Emperor by the Senate, together with Balbinus, upon this agreement and condition, that Belbinus should attend to the government in the City, and Clodius abroad with his Army should stand for the service of the Common good of the Country. He fought against Maximinus, performing singular and admirable service, and remaining victorious he came back to Rome, governing together with Balbinus rightly and justly. Finally, each of them intending to go, the one for the Eastern parts against the Persians, and the other against the Germans, they were both taken by the Praetorian soldiers out of their own Palace, and c●●ryed through the City, and in the way unjustly slain; and had burial close to the Quirine Mount in Rome. 35. Celius Balbinus. Anno Domini 239. portrait of emperor Celius Balbinus CElius Balbinus was of an ancient family and Nobility, An. Dom. 239. and for his virtues chosen Emperor by the Roman Senate, as 〈◊〉 man of singular parts and goodness. He shown great liberality, ●ustice, and clemency towards all ●en: he studied always to preserve ●nd continue the peace of the Commonwealth, and to the incredible satisfaction of all men, he kept the people in quietness, whilst Clodius Puppienus fought with Maximinus, in which interim, had not the prudence of Celius prevented it, there had been a wonderful mutiny and tumult in the City of Rome, Maximinus having therein such powerful friends. And Puppienus after that battle returning to Rome, they both together (as is mentioned before) governed with an universal satisfaction; but impious fortune envious at their quiet, so brought about, that they both were slain by 〈◊〉 Pretorians, as the life of Clod●●s ●●stifieth, which is as much concern●● this, as this him promiscuously. 36. Marcus Antonius Gordianus. Anno Domini 240. portrait of emperor Marcus Anthonius Gordianus AFter the death of the two foremen good Emperors, An. Dom. 240. Gordianus a Roman by pa●ntage, was elected by the Preto●ans, and the Senate perceiving ●hey could not remedy these passages, approved this election nevertheless with great applause, because ●e was well beloved of all in general. He had to wife the daughter of a great learned man, whose advice concerning the Empire was held in great estimation. He recovered Thracia from the Goths; he fought against that powerful Sapores King of Persia, and came off with great honour victorious: He recovered Antioch, and passing further, he took in the great Cities of Carr● and Nesibo, in which voyage the Grand Counsellor his Father-in-law died: in whose place he chose Philippus, who became so prou● and insolent for the degree and honour he received, that utterly contemning Gordianus, esteeming 〈◊〉 now no more Emperor, caused 〈◊〉 to be slain at 20 years of his age and of his Empire the fourth: he received his death at Nola, and 〈◊〉 burial at Bambergh. 37. Caius Valens Hostilianus. This Emperor although he is unknown to some Historians, yet thus much notice is found of him. portrait of emperor Caius Valens Hostilianus OF this Valens Hostilianus because the Historiographers make little or no mention, it is thought that his Parents were unknown, and consequently, little or nothing can be said of him: And yet it is true that some affirm, that after the death of Gordianus, there was a certain Marcus chosen by the Senate, of whom there is not any essential relation found out, but only this, that he died suddenly, and that in his place this Hostilianus was created by the Senate, and that by a sudden pride, elation, and conceit of joy falling sick, died suddenly: although some say, the above said Marcus yet living, he was allotted him as fellow Emperor, or partner and colleague in the command, and that Hostilianus was saluted by the Title of Augustus, But it is credible, that both of them dying suddenly as it is supposed, left no great note behind them. 38. Marcus julius Philippus. Anno Domini 246. portrait of emperor Marcus Julius Philippus JVlius Philippus an Arabian borne, An. Dom. 246. a man of a coorfespun thread by descent, but in Arms of a finer worth and hue, was by Gordianus made Captain General against the Persians: And by little Gordianus became disesteemed of the soldiers by this man's means, commanding them to kill him, and proclaim Philippus Emperor: And making peace (although much disliked) with the Persians, marched towards Rome, where he made his son Philippus a Colleague in the Empire. He instituted those plays called Saeculares, in the memory of the first foundation of the City. At that time making Decius General against the Goths, the soldiers called their General Emperor; against whom Philippus marched with a powerful Army; but being hated of all by reason of his too imperious command and government, he was by them wounded at Verona, but died at Vtrect Anno Domini 250, and was buried at Spiers a famous Imperial City in Aquitaine. This Emperor was a Christian, and the first that received Baptism: he reigned 5 years. In his time the famous Cyprian flourished, and was made Bishop ●●●●●rthage. Apollonia the Virgin, after her jaws were broken, and ●eeth pulled and knocked our, Josephus. Baronius. Spondanus: ) by ●he command of this Emperor, who ●id behold the action) would rather voluntarily cast herself into the ●●re prepared for her, then speak blasphemy: and after some other cruelties committed by this Emperor, was converted and baptised a Christian. 39 Marcus julius Philippus. Anno Domini 246. portrait of emperor Marcus Julius Philippus MArcus julius Philppus son of Philippus and Severa, An. Dom. 246. was made Caesar and Colleague of the Empire by his Father at seven years of his age: at which time he became a Christian, being baptised by his Father's appointment, together with a great number of his nea●●st and dearest friends and servants. 〈◊〉 holy and salutiferous action being performed by the chief Commanders of the Roman Empire, was an occasion that many came to the knowledge of the truth, and fixed their eyes upon the true light of jesus Christ our Redeemer. This Emperor was by nature so melancholy, that no man living could make him once laugh, although many did their best endeavours by slights and inventions. This youth having reigned 7 years, and being at the age of 14, at the report of his father's death all over the City, by the Praetorian soldiers was suddenly and cruelly slain: but by his special friends, and those that favoured him for his Christianity, his corpse was conducted to Spiers, and there inurned, not fare off from his Father. 40. Decius. An. Domini 250. portrait of emperor Decius AFter the death of the Philips, An. Dom. 250. Decius an Austrian, succeeds without any resistance or difficulty, but was vi●● voce elected by the whole Senate, and was called Imperator Augustus, because he was a man endued with great virtue and valour, very wise and prudent, and well experienced in most offices and Magistracies, discharged by him with singular dexterity and wisdom. Briefly, he was of a goodness, that he might worthily have been enroled amongst the good Princes, had not the Church suffered so great tribulations and afflictions under him, being an Infidel and non-credent, which was the seaventh perfecution which the Church of God endured. He was victorious against the Goths, and joining a fresh battle with them, by the treason of Trebonianus Gallus his Captain General he was overthrown. And at the report of the death of his son Decius, putting spurs to his horse, and giving him the reines, wilfully precipitated, and cast himself into a deep pit without hope of safety, and to the loss of his life, at the 50 year of his age, and of his Empire the second, and anno Domini 252, and buried at Spiers. In the heat of his persecution he commanded is certain young man, a Christi●●, to be bound, and lie upon his back, and an harlot to be sentus him, to provoke him to lust, which he perceiving, and feating to be overcome with pleasure, ●it off his tongue, and spit it in her 〈◊〉 as she was kissing him; so that the greatness of that pain overcome the sense of lust. 41. Mesius Decius. Anno Dom. 250. portrait of emperor Mesius Decius OF no less goodness & valour than his Father was this Decius even in his youth: An. Dom. 250. wherefore he was chosen as partner in the Empire, and by the Senate confirmed Caesar, and successor to Decius his father, with whom (as a brave soldier) he went to the wars of the Cothes, which was so bloody and terrible, that the greater part of the Roman Army was slain, and put to flight, and Decius the youth was mortally wounded by an arrow through his very heart, where in the sight of his Father he suddenly fell down dead from his horse, moving not only his own soldiers, but even his enemies to compassion, having reigned two years, together with his father Decius. The which news being understood by the Senate, much afflicted them, not so much for the slaughter and loss of so many vanant and noble Romans, as for the unfortunate end of both the Emperors: his reign being 〈◊〉 absolute, but with his fathers a 〈◊〉 bation, the Senate and City lost not only a good Tree, but also an hopeful fruit. 42. Trebonianus Gallus. Anno Domini 252. portrait of emperor Trebonianus Gallus AFter the great and terrible slaughter of the Roman Army in the battle with the Goths, An. Dom. 252. Trebunianus being by birth a Gaul, borne at Delean, by the surviving soldiers was elected Emperor: which when it was understood, the Senate also confirmed the election, and the title Augustus was granted unto him. Seeing himself now in this greatness, being very desirous to go to Rome, to the great detriment and impairing of the imperial dignity and Crown, he concluded a peace with the Goths, making the Empire tributary and pensionary to them, and as it were in their subjection: For not long after, the Goths broke the peace, and greivously troubled Asia, and a part of Italy. In these so great calamities Emilianus Captain General under Gallus, obtained one sole victory against the Goths, for which he became so insolent and proud, that he laboured by all means to win the goodwill of the southers, insomuch that he was by them elected & sworn Emperor. Which Gallus understanding departed from the City of Rome, together with his son whom he had already published and declared to be his companion in the Empire: and coming to try it out with Emilianus, he with his son were slain in the second year of his government at Verona, and was buried in Saxony. The persecution now slackened for a time, so that the exiled returned each to his home: in these times a Plague taking its beginning first in Egypt, was so vehement, that it infected generally the whole world, and lasted for the space of 10 years. 43. Volustanus. Anno Domini 252. portrait of emperor Volustanus CAius Vibius Volusianus was by his Father Trebonianus Gallus made companion in the Empire, An. Dom. 252. and in an excellent warlike order marched against the Goths to defend his Father's dignity now disturbed by Emilianus, who for a notable victory against the Goths, was by the soldier's elected Emperor in the time of Gallus and Volusianus. Whereupon the Armies both meeting, and both endeavouring to gain the best advantage of ground to facilitate and secure the victory: In the first assault and brunt being for saken of his soldiers, was together with his Father miserably sl●●no at Bambergh in Germany, but was conveyed to the City of Lorychium, as is above related, in the life of Trebonianus. Wherefore we cannot write any more of him to the satisfaction of the Reader which is a true lover of History, but give him this only touch in this succinct manner and brevity 〈◊〉 ●●●ning the lives of them, both 〈◊〉 and son. 44. Aemilianus. Anno Domini 254. portrait of emperor Aemilianus TO the two precedent Emp●●tors Aemilianus succeed, An. Dom. 254. by birth an Afrcean, bo●● in Mauritania of an obscure and altogether unknown parentage, but raised himself by continual diligence in the services of war; being grown in some years, he served in diverse degrees in the Cavalry, or Horse, and by Decius was made a Captain General of the confines of Samaria, where he became in so great esteem with the Soldiers, that by them he was to the incredible joy of all saluted Emperor, and accepted to be so by the States of the City. Against whom a General of the Army at that time upon the Alps, Valerianus a noble man, and in great repute and power, not willing to consent that this Aemilianus should enjoy so great a dignity, openly explained and declared himself, unto whom even the soldiers of Aemilianus adhering, being moved with the great estimation they had of Valerianus, confirmed the election, and with common consent slew Aemilianus in Sapole●● 〈◊〉 his age of 40 years, after the 〈◊〉 month of his reign. But concerning the place of his death, others writ that it was in a City in Armenia the less, and that this Emperor's funeral was kept 〈◊〉 Tyre in Greece. 45. Valerianus. Anno Domini 255. portrait of emperor Valerianus UAlerianus the son of Val●●● Flaccus, An. Dom. 255. of a most noble family among the Romans, attained to the Imperial seat by his valour and gracious behaviour, as is abovesaid, and confirmed Emperor, both within and without the City with as great an applause 〈◊〉 ●●ver any. He had two sons, the eldest of them called Galienus, who was by the whole City called Caesar and successor in the Empire; the second, Valerianus by name, was by his father likewise named and made Caesar. The father was a great friend of the Christians, but at the persuasion of a Magician he used them with great cruelty, and his was the alyth persocution of the Church. For which sin it came to pass, that going with a great Army against Sapores King of the Persians, Valerianus was taken prisoner, and amongst other disgraceful contempes 〈◊〉 to him by Sapores, this was a chief, that when he was to take horse, he made the Emperor lie down upon the ground, for the King to set his foot upon his neck. Afterwards his eyes were boared out, and died thereof although some Writers are of opinion, that he was flayed alive and lived in that misery and servitude seven years. Valerianus was held by some learned men to be that Antichrist which is spoken of in the Apocalyps, he● was so wicked and cruel: Saint Laurence suffered under him, Cyprian likewise. This Emperor died in Persia, and because he fell into the hands of his enemies, as is to be thought, not but by divine Justice, he wanted not only Imperial sepulture, but also his corpse was hung upon poles in the view of all 〈◊〉 own soldiers, and left rather 〈◊〉 scorn than pity. 46. Galienus. Anno Domini 256. portrait of emperor Galienus GAlienus succeeds his Father Valerianus, Anno Domini 256. who by the Senate was made Caesar, and by his Father Augustus. He was yet a youth when he took upon him to govern, yet he carried himself very respectively, giving singular good examples of behaviour and perfection of life and conversation. But afterwards, his Father being taken prisoner by the King of the Persians, he did not only not endeavour to redeem him, but (as it were altogether forgetting him) gave himself to a life no less careless than dishonest, and in all things contrary to his first beginnings, fruitlessely spending his time in banquets; baths, wantonness, lust, shows, and Pageants; sometimes bloody and cruel, and sometimes ridiculous and pleasant. By whose life the Republic was not a little debilitated and weakened, and the Empire was 〈◊〉 into thirty Tyrannies, to the 〈◊〉 slaughter of the Roman Ci●●●● And in the end going against Aur●●lus Prince of Sclavonia, he was slain in the battle, having governed eight years absolute, and seven with his Father. Claudius' being ashamed of Gali●nus his laziness, began to affect the government, whereby he might revenge himself of the tyrannies of some: which Galienus perceiving, sought him (but in vain) by donations to desist. 47. Saloninus Valerianus. Anno Domini 261. portrait of emperor Saloninus Valerianus OF this Emperor there is little or no mention made in History, Anno Domi●● 261. and therefore it may be called none at all; because he was murdered being a of ten years of age by the French: not so much for his own particular cause, (as it is likely in respect of his childhood not apt to make him odious) but for his fathers, by whom he was suffected in the place of his elder brother Cornelius Valerianus, who likewise died in his minority. He was the son of Licinius Galienus and Salonia, from whom many would have him take his name: and others strongly affirm, not without good reason, because he was borne in Salonia. But be it as it will, it imports not much; it sufficeth that nothing i● written of him worth the while, but only this, that by his example the miseries of those times may be reflected on, being it was held the greatest infelicity and misery to be an Emperor. 48. Posthumius. Anno Domini 261. portrait of emperor Posthumius BY birth Posthuinius was a Roman, a man really just, An. Dom. 261. and adorned with excellent quality and virtue, of an irreprehensible behaviour and carriage: wherefore he was by Galienus so highly esteemed, that he gave him the charge of his son, and by the means of his valour and counsel in War, he overthrew all the Tyrants of the Roman Empire to his glory, and terror of the whole Universe. After the death of the aforesaid Galienus, he was by the French and the whole Army elected Emperor: In which government his works and actions were so admirable, that with goodness and dexterity he gave complete satisfaction to all. Lastly, when he thought himself most secure in his government, he was by the French murdered, together with his son. By whose death those which are too considing to the goods of For●●●●, may make useful consideration because in the ten years wherein 〈◊〉 reigned Emperor, he well experienced the many mutabilities thereof 49. Flavius Claudius. Anno Dom. 269. portrait of emperor Flavius Claudius THe 49 Emperor was Claudius, being a Goth by birth, An. Dom. 269. and the second of that name, who was created Emperor in the year of the 262 olympiad, who reigned only one year and 9 months, being crowned to the great joy and content of the whole Senate of Rome: And so soon as he was confirmed in the Imperial dignity, with just cause, and upon very good grounds he made war upon the Goths, who had now for the space of 15 years wasted, rob, pillaged, and sacked all the Country of Sclavonia, and that of Macedon a by their wars and inhuman cruelties and having gloriously overcome them, for so remarkable and famous an act he deserved to wear a Crown of massive Gold even in his Palace for his greater Majesty and Magnificence. After that falling sick, he died suddenly at Smyrua, ●●i●●ilius his brother supplying his pla●● a man no way inferior to 〈…〉 valour, wisdom, and goodness. It was not without the Divi●● providence, that Claudius should find the Empire so beset with enemy's, that he might not put in practice those cruelties which he intended against the Christians, wh●● he hated above all. 50. Quintilius. Anno Domini 271. portrait of emperor Quintilius WE said that Quintilius was the brother of Claudius not only in blood; An. Dom. 271. but in his behaviour, valour, and goodness; and therefore upon the death of his brother, by the Senate he was deservedly called Caesar Augustus to his infinite praise and perpetual memory. But because Aurelianus was ●t the same time created Emperor by the Army, and perceiving himself to be in great inequality of force & power to resist the strength and power of so valiant a Commander, (called to that dignity and degree with the general consent of so many most potent soldiers) fell into so deep a melancholy and ill conceit, that he coveting solitude bend his whole intention to what means or way he might preserve himself Emperor, and not finding any, he voluntarily after the seventeenth of his Empire, opened 〈◊〉 veins in Aquileya, and died 〈◊〉 infinite grief of those who 〈◊〉 ●lected him: and had his 〈◊〉 Rites performed in a glorious ●●●ner, according to the custo●● 〈◊〉 the Romans, and was 〈◊〉 Smyrna. 51. Aurelianus. An. Domini 271. portrait of emperor Aurelianus AVrelianus was borne in Dacia, An. Dom. 271. and succeeds in the Inspire after the death of Gla●bus. being a young child, he was ●rought to 〈◊〉; where he became ●o learned, that had be not been stained with blood and cruelty, 〈◊〉 had not come short, but equalled even the best of his Predecessors in laudable memory: because he was not only in learning very knowing but also in Arms most expert 〈◊〉 valiant; so that taking the government upon him, he made war upon the Gaths; and overthrew the● horse and foot. He overcame i● Asia, and took the Queen Ze●●bia. He conquered the Catelan●● and recovered France; and returning to Rome he pompously triumphed. After that he repaired th● City-walls, adorned it with Temples and Altars, and beautified 〈◊〉 with edifices. Finally, by ill cou●cell he persecuted the Christi●● with most rigorous execution 〈◊〉 ding out Edicts and Pro●la●●●● to that effect all over the world, 〈◊〉 an express order to appre he 〈◊〉 put them to death. Lastly, 〈◊〉 ●laine suddenly in the way betwit Constantinople and Here●●ia. This Emperor would 〈…〉 ●●y Copartner of the Digni●●y 〈◊〉 ●●periall, but was wont to say, that Herecules was his Co-emperor, as it appears in an old insculption: Herculi Aug. Consorti D. N. Aureliani Invicti Aug. Respub. Pis, etc. 52. Tacitus. Anno Domini 276. portrait of emperor Tacitus THE Fifty second Emperor of the Romans was Tacitus, An. Dom. 276. and borne in Poland, who after the Death of Aurelianus, took upon him the Helm of government, and ruled only 〈◊〉 Months. He was a singular ma●, replenished with eminent sincerity and had as much as could be wished or desired to be in man, and principally in all Heroical acts that ought to be in all good Princes that govern their subjects peaceably, and in a way of gaining a love without flattery, and a fear without malice: He being known to be thus, was by the common acclaiming consent both of the Senate and people chosen to this dignity. So soon as he was elected Emperor, reflecting upon the deserts of his Antecessor Aurelianus, he erected him a Statue of Gold, and placed it among their Gods, causing all those to be slain that were any ways accessary to the death of Aurelianus. The ●●nate by the election of 〈◊〉, thought all things restored, and to be rectified by the exemplar puoimment of his Predecessors: he caused all persecution to cease. He was murdered by the treason of his Soldiers, although some affirm that he died of a Fever, at the years of 66. He reigned 6 months. It is found in Flavius Vopiscus, and other Authors, that in Terni their Country, which was a Territory of the Romans, famous for Nobility and Gentry, there were Tombs erected to him and his brother Florianus, and Monuments by the Greeks' called Caenotaphia, and by the Latins, Honoraria Sepulchra; whose Monuments were 〈◊〉 the gate of Terni, which is 〈◊〉 called Spoletina, it having (before) the name of the gate of the three Monuments, hear the suburbane Orchards of the marquis Castelli. 53. Florianus. Anno Domini 277. portrait of emperor Florianus FLorianus was the brother of Tacitus, An. Dom. 277. being also a Polander by birth, both sprung from the Claudian line, a most potent family and Imperial: of which lineage as ancient recording memories yet extant do testify, one branch extended itself into V●bria, and took a root of residence at the City of Terni, which even to the times of our now Grandsires hath been the Mother of the most famous and invict Commanders and Captains. This succeeds his brother Tacitus in the Empire neither by the election of the Senate, nor by the choice, good liking, or consent of the soldiers, but mera regnandi cupiditate, for the mere desire, nay, greediness of the rule and government, as true heir, and so by irreption takes it upon him. But this his greatness lasted not long; Mole ruit sua, sinking voluntarily under the burden: because having heard the news that Probus (a man for his singular quality worth the Empire) was elected Emperor by the Army, and seeing himself not any way able to resist his power, which was irrepugnable, fell into an cutreame melancholy, which proved incurable; but by the opening his veins to let in death: Although though some say, that he was slain by his own Guard near the City of I harsus, the third month of his Empire: And his funeral obsequies were richly solemnised at Rome, but hath a Monument erected at Syrmio● he died at the age of 23 years. 54. Probus. Anno Domini 278. portrait of emperor Probus IF this Emperor had not had this Nomen of Probus, Anno Domini 〈◊〉 being a native Polander, he might justly have had it given him as a Cognomen. He was the son of Maximus the Tribune: He was borne in the City of Sirmio as some affirm, in the Country of Hungaria. He made most noble impresses in Arms under Valerianus, Decius, and Aurelianus, and for 〈◊〉 worth and valour being much beloved of the Soldiers, he was by the whole Oriental Army elected Emperor Anno Domini 278, and lay the S●●●● 〈…〉 with a general J●bi●●● joy, 〈◊〉 p●●a●se of every man: He was honoured wi●● 〈…〉 of Caesar Augustu, and Pater Patria. No sooner had he entered into the possession of the Empire, but he recovered France newly overrun and maistrised by the Barbarians. He took Saturninus which molested the Eastern parts, and Procolas, (men well experienced in Wars) and for those victories triumphed. But although he were a man w●●thy all humane greatness, nevertheless by his own Soldiers he was most cruelly murdered in ●●land his native soil, in the 75 year of his age: he governed the Empire five years, and for the love he get of the Christians, they erected stately Monument in Syrmio to cre●nall fame. It is thought, that because he suffered the Christians so live in peace, God gave him so many triumphant victories against the Barbariaus, of whom he slew in o●● battle above 40000. 55. Marcus Aurelius Carus. Anno Domini 282. portrait of emperor Marcus Aurelius Carus CArus was an Illyrian by birth, An. Domini 282. whose admirable valour and for his general knowledge in Learning and Min●●ary Art, was an occasion for his great honour and repute, that he was made Prafectus Prat●●● under Probus, to whom he succeeded in the E●pire in the year of Christ 282, and instantly with great rigour revenged the death of his Antecessor Probus, and governing with Charinus and Numerianus his sons, he made many noble and marvellous impresses in Arms, to the glory and exaltation of the Roman Empire, and particularly in Mesopotamia: after that he sacked the great Cities of Seven and Cte●phon: for the which conquests in a short time he gloriously gained the name of Tremendus, (the terrible) having terrified all these Nations which as yet had not been subdued by him. Finally, by the wound of an Arrow he 〈…〉 the River Tigris in the 43 〈…〉 his age, having governed 〈…〉 pire one year and some months. Some Authors who lived in h● Reign, writ, that he was slain 〈◊〉 Lightning, and inhumed at the famous City called Syrmio in Hu●g●ry. 56. Numerianus. Anno Domini 283. portrait of emperor Numerianus TO Carus succeeds his son Numerianus, An. Dom. 283. being an Illyrian; who was both so eminent and excellent a Poet and Orator, that the Senate erected him a Statue in the Vulpian Library. In the wars ●e was also most valorous; he went with his Father to the wars against ●he Persians: after which he was ●oth by the Army and people of Rome saluted Emperor anno Domini 283. And his father being dead, as we said before; he fell into such a bitterness and depth of mourning, that by the abundance of his tears he lost his fight, whereupon he was brought back to Rome in a Litter, remaining victorious over all Asia. And supposing himself safely arrived (being somewhat comforted with a hope of ruling and governing the Empire, not by eyesight, but by understanding) by a most unjust stratagem was slain by his Father in law in his Sedan or Litter, 〈◊〉 having governed together with his Father and brother one year and some months, and in the 20 year of his age; and was buried by his father●● the aforesaid City on the East-side in which place his Effigies was set 〈◊〉 in Brass, as it was taken in his life time by the whole Senate and the Consuls for a memorial to all age● for his sweet Elocution and Language. 57 Carinus. Anno Domini 283. portrait of emperor Carinus TO Carus, An. Dom. 283. Carinus was the second son, being of the same nation, who departing from his Father, took upon him the government of France and Britain, as also of Italy, and (as it were) of all the Western parts: In which government he defiled his life in such sort with brutish and bestial enormities, that his father would not acknowledge him for his son, and took from him the style of Caesar giving it to Constantinus. After the death of his father and brother, he fell into a greater licentiousness than ever before: and in his time Ruffians and lewd men were possessed and estated in places of greatest dignity and honour. Harlots and Jesters, and such like were residenciaries in his Palace: But in the end advancing his forces against Dioclesianus, who was by the Army elected Emperor, and giving him battle, in the last assault he was taken in Dalmatia by the soldiers, and brutishly slain in the prisonhouse by the express command of Dioclesianus, having reigned a small time, and in the eighteenth year of his age, and had little or no funeral Rites bestowed on him, but was buried in Syrmio by night. 58. Dioclesianus. Anno Domini 284. portrait of emperor Dioclesianus DIoclesianus a Dalmatin borne and of a noble Family, Anno Domini 284. a a man of a sharp wit, and in Martial affairs very valiant, was by the whole Army chosen Emperor. Being possessed of the government, with his own hands he revenged the death of Varro. He declared and appointed wars in diverse places, and remained victorious in all. There were nevertheless wars made against him by sundry Princes, and being of himself not sufficient for resistance, he took Maximinian●● to be his Co-emperor: and his enemies multiplying every where, he was at one time molested in the East, in Africa and in Egypt; wherefore he chose for his better assistance Galerius and Constantius brothers, as Emperors, giving each of them a charge of defending the places offended. He much persecuted the Christians. Lastly, all the Empire being pacified by his industry and quiet, he voluntarily resigned the Crown, and retiring himself in Salona, he there ended his life by poison, at the age of 68 years, and had funebriall Rites at Milan in Italy. This Emperor had a virtuous Lady to Wife called Serena, who secretly professed herself a Christistian, and much cherished and favoured the Christians, and persuaded those that were her Attendants to be constant to death, but withal privately: This Emperor caused a whole Legion, 6666 of Thebean Chrjstian soldiers to be decimated, that is, every tenth man cut off, and then by the whole Army slain, for refusing to sacrifice to the Ido●●, by the plot of Manimilianus his Ge●●rall. 59 Maximianus Herculius. Anno Domini 287. portrait of emperor Maximianus Herculius AMongst all impious and w●●ked men this Maximia●●● a Polander borne, 〈◊〉. was the worst, and a most subtle inventor of mischief, and especially in the persecution of the Christians under Diocletianus: But he was in War most valorous, and of an exquisite judgement and discourse upon that subject, whereby he obtained many victories by battles, for which returning to Rome he pompously triumphed. At the length by the entreaty of Dioclesianus he betook himself to a private life a long time in Milan, where he sojourned in quiet and very peaceable tranquillity. Afterwards he retired himself to Marselles, where he fell into such a terrible and grievous disease in his entrailes and bowels, that he could not find any cure, and by the just judgement of God he deservedly died, being not only hateful to himself, but even to all men, and was interred at Milan without any funeral ceremonies in the 68 year of his age. 60. Val. Constantius Clorus. Anno Domini 291. portrait of emperor Constantius Clorus COnstantius Clorus a Roman borne, Anno Domini ●91. was the son of ●●tropius a most noble Roman, and of Claudia the daughter of Clasdius Augustus; for his noble valour, good behaviour and carriage was by Maximinianus made Caesar. The aforesaid Princes being voluntarily resigned the government of the Empire, he considering the greatness of the weight and burden, refused all other government whatsoever, but only that of France: Which he furnished with things necessary, salutiferous, good Laws and customs more than ever any his Predecessors had done: which are yet an ornament, yea, a Majesty to all the ancient Nobility of that Kingdom. He subdued Britain to a then general content and satisfaction of our Nation: He molested not the Christians, and under his government every man was incredibly content and satisfied. Finally falling sick at York, he died in the 13 year of his Imperial dignity, and at his age of 63. 61. Constantius Galerius. An. Domini 304. portrait of emperor Constantius Galerius ALthough this Galerius were ignoble by blood, Anno Domini ●04. being an Hungarian by birth, he was nevertheless so famous for warlike enterprises, that Dioclesianus adopted and made him Caesar. After his victory gotten against Narseus, he was created Augustus, and he adopted Maximianus and Severus, Caesar's: and Severus dying he gave his succession to Licinius. He was bloody ●nd most cruel against the Christians: but falling into a dangerous likeness, he imagined that it came ●pon him for the martyrising and ●annishing of the Christians: wherefore recalling them, he earnestly increated them that they would pray ●nd intercede for him to their God: and commanded further, that no affliction should be inflicted upon them. Whose prayers (peradventure so was the Divine Will) nothing avayled him, but his evil rather increased, and his torments augmented so, that he died like a beast of a most cruel and filthy disease, having reigned two years absolute, and sixteen in the company of other Caesars. This Constantius shown himself favourable towards the Christians, and had many of his Household servants Christians: He told them, that unless they would sacri●●●● to the Gods as formerly they h●● done, they should not serve him, but be gone. When he saw that they went away, rather than they would forsake their God, he recalled them into his service, and turned away his Pagan Servants, as likely to prove perfidious unt● him, who preferred honours before Religion. 62. Maximianus. Anno Dom. 304. portrait of emperor Maximianus MAximianus an Hungarian borne, An. Dom. 304. was Nephew to Galerius, wherefore he was by him adopted, and after that although he were ignoble, yet he became to be Augustus. He was nevertheless noble in his behaviour and gesture, in virtues likewise; so that he might equally parallel any Sovereign or Prince whatsoever. He honoured much the learned, and familiarly embraced them, taking infinite pleasure and complacency in any noble Science or Study. He was of a very quiet and temperate disposition, but very amorous, and a great lover of wine, by which being many times overtaken, he most imperiously commanded, and like a madman: wherefore he deferred matters of state and moment unto audience and Judgement. He greatly persecuted the Christians, and the Church at that time suffered no small detriment. Fight a certain battle he was worsted much, together with Licinius his Co-emperor; and not willing to come into the hands of his enemies, he strangled himself; but as some report, he stabbed himself in Tharsus, having governed 7 years, and had sepulture in Dacia with small ceremonies, being obscurely buried. 63. Severus. Anno Domini 304. portrait of emperor Severus HOre for the cruelty against the Christians, An. Domini 304. than for nobility of descent, or degree of honour, this name agreed to this Severus, his Nation being unknown; having barbarously invented strange, exquisite, and new manners and ways of persecutions against the Christian Religion, and its humble servants; whose constancy in the holy faith made the Tyrant amazed, astonished, and mad with himself. He was by Galerius called Caesar and Augustus. Whilst he was Precedent in Africa and in Italy, the Pratorian soldiers by a seditious mutiny created Maxentius Augustus, who was the son of Maximianus: against whom Severus marching with a powerful Army, came before the City of Rome. But within few days perceiving his soldiers inclining rather to Maxentius than to him, and questioning his own person and life he fled into Sclavonia, which being 〈◊〉 the soldiers mistrusted, they 〈◊〉 took him in Ravenna, and by them was there most milerably murdered in the second year of his reign, being respectlesly interred where he was slain. 64. Naxontius. Anno Domini 306. portrait of emperor Naxontius BY the reason that Maxentius was the son of Maximianus, An. Dom. 306. an Hungarian by descent, he was by the greater part of the Senate elected Emperor: In his government he followed the steps of his Father in persecution of the Christians, yea, even with a greater rigour he would exceed and go beyond him, appremiating those which could propose newest and cruelest ways of martyrdoms and afflictions. And amongst the rest of his cruelties which he used, (not by the instigation of any man, but out of his own invention and and furious brain) this was one: That (being a Necromancer) he slew Christian women being great with child, and took the children yet unborn out of their wombs, the ashes whereof he used in his execrable art, to make himself greater in authority and power: All which availed him nothing; because that fight with Constantinus the Great upon a Bridge, he was by him thrown and drowned in the river Tiber, which happened in the fift year of his reign, having no other sepulture than the River. This Emperor used to join the living bodies of men with other dead carcases, and being chained mouth to mouth, he caused them to be tumbled up and down. 65. Licinius. Anno Dom. 310. portrait of emperor Licinius LIcinius a Dacian borne, An. Dom. 310. being a man known to be singular and rare in feats of Arms, was by Galerius made Captain General, afterwards Co-emperor. For wretched avarice and bestiality of lust, he was known to be most dissolute, and he was so ill bred, and extravagantly drowned in ignorance, that he became an enemy of all litterate and learned men, terming them the scum and filth of men, endeavouring by all means that men should shun and avoid them as a poison or a contagious plague. He grew so insolent and proud for one only victory which he obtained in the East, that he slighted and contemned Constantinus, and began to increase his cruelty and tyranny against the Christians: Whereupon Constantinus opposed himself, and they both joining battle, this Tiger was put to flight in the Country of Pannonia, and intending to reinforce his cause, was in his 〈◊〉 camp by his own soldiers manacred in Thessalonica at the age of 50 years, and of his government 〈◊〉 and was carelessly cast into a pit, having no other respective funeral. 66. Martinianus. Anno Domini 312. portrait of emperor Martinianus MArtinianus, Anno Domini 312. a Sclavonian by Nation, a man meanly borne, but well experienced in the Art Military, was for that cause made General of the Horse. He was created Emperor and Caesar in Byzantium: but in a short time he lost both dignity and life: because being taken in Thessalia with Licinius, by the express command of Constantine they were both murdered by the Soldiers; and therefore not having left any memorial behind him but this example, that we may see and know, that many were raised to the Imperial dignity more by sedition, ambition, and interest in their soldiers, than by any their just desert, claim, or title to such a degree. But it is no wonder that in a manner all or most of them died immaturely and unfortunately; being they had neither a mean, order, or regular way of governing themselves, much less others; living for the most part dissolutely, not reflecting on the Proverb, Qualis vita, Finis ita: Live well, die well. 67. Constantinus Magnus. Anno Domini 312. portrait of emperor Constantinus Magnus COnstantine, An. Dom. 312. a Britain by Nation, a man most valiant, and worthy in a manner of an Empire more than any one of his Antecessors: after the death of his * I suppose i● is meant Constantian Clor●●. Father, he was elected Emperor. He overcame all the Tyrants of the Empire, and recovered all rebellious Countries: wherefore he entered into the City of Rome in wonderful pomp. He began to persecute the Christians, wherefore (peradventure by the divine will and pleasure) he was so infected with a Leprosy, that the Physicians left him as incurable. But the heavenly Grace was his assistance; for being asleep in the night, he saw a vision telling him, that if he desired to recover his health, he should recall Silvester the Bishop, and all the Clergy from exile. Which thing he performing, and being baptised, he was immediately cured. And increasing in devotion, he built many Churches to the glory and hon●it of God. This Emperor would say in praise of Age, that Age appeared to be best in four things: Old wood best to burn, old Wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old Authors to read of. Moreover he said, that there was but this difference between the death of old men and young men: that old men go to death, and death comes to young men. This Emperor built a City called by his name Constantinople, whither he after translated the Imperial seat. And being at the age of 66 years he passed to a botter life, to the great grief of all, and especially of the Christians then living, whom he did entirely love and cherish. He obtained the sole Monarchy of the whole Empire, and every where restored peace to the Church. He was prolected 〈◊〉 in all his wars: he exhorted 〈…〉 to Christianity, but compelle 〈◊〉. It was thought that he was poisoned of his brothers at Nicomedia: in Greece, and had pompous sunorals worthy of so great a Man, at the Gity of Constantinople which he had lately built. 68 Crispus. An. Domini 314. portrait of emperor Crispus ABritan by birth was Crispan, An. Dom. ●14. who by his Father Constantive was elected Emperor, and honoured with the title of Caesar: he was a man so proper and complete in the beauty of person, that Fausta his Mother in law sought by all means possible to allure and entice him to her lust: unto whom he by no means willing to consent, by his virtuous obstinacy converted her vicious love into an extreaunity of hatred, insomuch that she accused him to his Father for a forcible violator of her chastity: To whose words Constantine giving credit, caused the virtuous young man to be miserably put to death at Pola in Histria. But not long after, this sallacy of the Mother in law coming to light, and the innocency of the chaste young man (worth an eternal memory) being manifestly discovered, the wicked Step mother sought to excuse the incestuous malice with the pretence of her plot, to wit, That Crispus should not be a hindrance to the honour of her sons in the Imperial claim. But at length by the persuasion of Helena, (who was infinitely grieved for the death of her Grandchild) the wicked stepmother was put into a hot bath, wherein she breathed her last, and suffered a death to●● mild for such an impious and treacherous impurity. This Emperor was taught and instructed in Learning, by the famous Lactantius: It is evident that he was singularly qualified, valiant, and fortunately victorious. Helena his Grand mother much lamented his immature death, which was not only sudden, but mischievous, and grieved the whole Empire, who by that means were deprived of so hopeful a Governor. 69. Constantinus. Anno Domini 314. portrait of emperor Constantinus COustantine was the second of that name. An. Dom. 314. After the death of his Father Constantine the Great, the Empire was divided into many parts, but that of France, Spain, the Alps, England, and Scotland did befall to his charge; but not contented with these, he pretended by hereditary right that also of Italy and Africa, which here demanded by way of Embassy; but not obtaining his pretended cause, he made War upon his brother Constans Commander of those parts. And after many bloody battles he was always victorious, with a grievous massacre and slaughter on both fides: But at length Constans gathering new forces and supplies, came upon him with a terrible assault, and routed him, putting his soldiers to flight, sword, and prison, most of them cut in pieces: himself also was mortally wounded, and falling from his horse, he was slain near Aquileya at the 〈◊〉 of 25, of the which he governed only three. This Emperor by divine assistance overcame the Almans, Britan's, and other powerful Nations: he recalled Athanasius from banishment, and restored him to his Bishopric of Alexandria, of which he was formerly deprived. Those Wars which he raised concerning his right unto the government of Italy and Africa, did mightily oftentimes disturb his mind: Whereupon he would usually say to his Commanders of his Armies, Let there be no malice in the prosecution of my cause towards my Brother used: for I grieve when I think, that we whom God and Nature created for union, should by devilish ambition and covet ousnesse be divided. Howsoever he continued his wars undertaken, though with a great reluctancy; as desiring rather to employ the soldier, than advantage himself. This Emperor had a petition offered him diverse times by an old Citizen of Rome, and still he was answered by the Emperor, That he had no leisure: whereupon the old man said aloud; Why then give over to be Emperor. 70. Constans. Anno Domini 314. portrait of emperor Constans THe division of the Empire being made upon the death of the Great Constantine the Father, An. Dom. ●14. Constans, one of the sons, takes upon him the possession of ●●ly, Africa, and all the Isles of Solevonia, Dalmatia, Macedonia, and Achata. He fought against his brother, and having slain him, in a short time he made himself master of all France. In the beginning of his government he was a famous Prince, and just: but afterwards altering his life wholly, changed it into a worse, giving himself solely to pleasures and solaces with such disorders, which caused him insupportable pains in his limbs, and especially his joints, whereby falling into a loathing and detestation of himself, and a general hatred of the whole Empire, a conspiracy was complotted against him: and a certain Magnentius being created Emperor, some to give Constans content, or (perhaps at his own request) slew him, but lamentably, as he reposed himself in his Pavilion at the foot of the Pyrenean Mountains, near a place called Helena, at the age of 30, and of his government 13 years. He governed after his 〈…〉 Italy, and many other Provinces of the Empire, and after his brother whom he slew, he writ menacing to his brother Constantius, for the restitution of Athanasius, who lamenting the death of the Innocent Crispus, doubted not to term him a Martyr. 71. Constantius. Anno Domini 325. portrait of emperor Constantius COnstantius also the son of Constantinus Magnus and Fausta, An. Dom. ●25. was created Caes●● 〈◊〉 the lieu of the virtuous and innocent C●ispus unjustly slain as is before mentioned. He was happy in his civil wars, and wonderfully active in throwing a dart. In the division of the Empire the Ensterne government was assigned him with the Seat at Constantinople. In his time the Arrian Sect much flourished, whereby he was much assisted; whereupon there was a Council called and held in Laodicea, whither Arrius came with many of his adherents, and also many Christians, and many Bishops and Prelates disputing concerning matters of Faith, were confined and punished by this Constantius, himself being an Arrian. But by the death of his brothers, he remaining sole and absolute in the Empire, he governed warily, and with prudence: Nevertheless by the Roman Senate two Emperors were created, against whom he declaring open waries in battle overthrew them, and therefore by the Army he was entitled Augustus. And being 45 years of age, he sickened of a bloody flux, and shortly died, being buried in Constantinople. This Emperor put his Uncles and many of the Nobility to death, suspecting them to have poisoned his Father Constans. He declined to the Arrian Sect, he caused his Uncle's sons Gallus and julianus to be brought up in good Literature: he inhibited Magic and Idolatry upon pain of death, and died in the opinion of an Arrian. 72. Magnentius. Anno Domini 350. portrait of emperor Magnentius COnstans the aforesaid Emperor raised this Magnentius of a youth, An. Dom. 350. a French man by birth; and although he were vemeanely borne, nevertheless he caused him to be trained up in the Military Art, inso much that he made him General of his forces in Sclav●nia; in which government he was protected from death by Constans, and in lieu of requital he slew him most ingratefully, and by subtlety creeps into the Imperial seat anno Domini 350, and coming into Italy, he created his brother Caesar in Milan, and gave him the Alps in charge to secure France. Magnentius afterwards fight a battle against Constantius (who thirsted the revenge of his brother's death) was by him overthrown and vanquished, with a great slaughter of his men, and mustering up the residue of his Army he fled to Lions, where not finding himself secure, his life in hazard, nor any hope of re●●●●●● slew himself with a knife at 〈◊〉 of 53, and the sixth month of his government. This Magnentius was spurred on only Regnandi capiditate, With the desire of command, and seeing himself to fall short of his expectation every way despairing, first slew his own Mother, than his Brother, and lastly himself, (as I said before) and by much soliciting of his friends to the Captain's soldiers, interred at the place of his death. 73. Decentius. Anno Domini 350. portrait of emperor Decentius DEcentius, a French man born, An. Dom. 350. was created Caesar in Milan, as is before mentioned, and instantly commanded to the Alp●●, for the defence and tuition of the matters of France which was no● tottering, and in a manner falling into an open rebellion against the Empire, which perhaps would have so happened, had it not been kerbed and held in action in diverse parts at once, which dissipated their forces, and disabled them for resistance and defence. This Eraperor either for non performance of any laudable acts, as for the shortness of his life, hath left not any memorable thing to posterity, but only this, that having understood the unfortunate and miserable end of his brother, taking it to the heart, and fearing to fall into the hands of the enemies of Magnenti●s, intended his own death, and as a 〈◊〉 impatient and surious mad m●●●●ving not brought to perfection 〈◊〉 privated plots and designs, 〈◊〉 a garter about his neck, and without the help or hand of any man strangled himself. 74. julius' Apostata. Anno Domini 356. portrait of emperor Julius Apostata JVlian being a man most learned in the Greek, An. Domini 356. and admirable in the Latin to●g●●●●, and of a most strong and able memory, was wondrous affable, courteous, and liberal to all, and as one aspiring greedily to honour, prevailed fare with Constantius the Emperor, that he was made by him General of the forces in France, and always remained victorious in all occasions of war. This man denied the faith of Christ, and therefore was termed the Apostata, or Renegade, and renounced his Deaconship: He became an Idolater, causing himself of his Army to be called Emperor. In which dignity suppressing all virtue and justice, he impiously began to persecute the Christians with extreme cruelty, putting them to most intolerable torments, and infinite numbers slain, and many sent into exile. Moreover he wrote a book against the Christian faith▪ Eusebia, the wife of ●lim Constantius, herself being barren, envied that Tulian should have any issue successive to the Empire, Theodo. lib. 3. Cap. 20. frandulently persuaded Helena his wife to use such things as might cause abortion. But when she had conceived, Spond. and brought forth a son at Rouen in France, Eusebia by seeing the Midwife, caused the navel of the new borne Infant to be cut more than ordinary, and thereby utterly destroyed it. It is likewise recorded by Theod●ret, that as soon as jubian felt himself most miserably and grievously wounded in the left arm with a Persian Dart which was infected with poison, he furiously, and in great anger took a handful of his blood, and fling it upwards in the air, saying, Vicisti Galilae? meaning our Saviour Christ; as if he had said blasphemously, Othou of Galilee, hast thou onercome me? and so most impiously died, railing against Mars, that having promised him assistance, and failed him: against Apollo, that had deluded him with false and vain promises: and lastly, against jupiter, because he had not his Thunderbolt ready to kill that party that fling that Dart, and slew him; and so he died in Mesopotamia, and was entombed at Tharsus in the 32 year of his age. 75. jovinianus. Anno Domini 363. portrait of emperor Jovinianus IOvinian was borne in Pannonia, An. Dom. 363. and trained up in a worthy way and manner: and because every man had an estimation and hopeful conceit of him, that at length he would grow great, and valorous withal, being as yet but a youth was made General of the Army. After the death of his Predecessor he was by the whole camp called Caesar Augustus, which titles he absolutely refused, unless they would every man become Christian, himself being first baptised, which was an act most Christianlike: Which the whole Army did also put in execution after his memorable example: and after that, they promised and swore him fealty and allegiance. Hereupon to his incredible joy and comfort he accepted the Crown, and redeemed many out of the tyranny of the Barbarians: his common speech was thus, O that I might govern wise men, 〈◊〉 wise men govern me. Afterwards he was enforced to surrender unto Saperes King of the Persians a great part of Mesopotamia, and other places. And being now grown to the age of 39, falling into a grievous disease of the weakness of his stomach, he passed to a better life and dignity, having in all his Reign continued a professor of the Christian faith, and restored it every where; straight commanding the Temples of the Idols to be shut up, Baro. and forbidding all manner of Gentilitious sacrifices. He died at Rome, and his funeral obsequies were in a most sumptuous manner celebrated in Pannonia, though he was interred at Rome near to the Capitol, on the East side; for they held it most for his honour to be so buried. 76. Valentinianus. Anno Domini 364. portrait of emperor Valentinianus UAlentinian an Hungarian by birth, An. Dom. 364. being Captain of the * Targuetiers. Scutaries in the City of Nicaea, was by the whole Army created Emperor, really against his own will or desire; knowing, that he should be as it were a prisoner to his thoughts, as all good governor's and ruler's ought to be: and therefore would rather enjoy his private liberty, than enchain it to so great a charge: And therefore he took Valens for his Copartner in the Dignity, (a man whom he highly esteemed) to whom he gave the charge of the Eastern government. He was wondrously addicted to Religion, and highly esteemed of all the Christians, because he favoured them: He restored to the Churches their former privileges, liberties, and possessions which the other Emperors had sold, or given away, (as Ammianus writeth, and Sozimus) he brought under, and kept in subjection all Gallia, Rhetia, Almain, Saxony, Scots, and Britan's, the African Moors, Thracians, and Armenians. Upon his gold coins were engraven these words and characters, a Cross with the name of Christ cut in it, and the Motto for the Emperor, Reipublicae Restitutor: his saying often was, That Gold was tried with the Touchstone, and men with Gold. He also forbade all Idolatrous sacrifices by Night, and all Magicians (as Zosimus witnesseth:) he restored all professors of Christianity, (whom julianus had forbidden to teach or practise before) and recalled them honourably to their places and preferment, and confirmed it by a Law in these words: Si quis crudiendis etc. If any one that is fit, Bar. in vit. Val. and willing to teach and instruct children and youth, and whose life it good and just, let him get and procure his Auditory a new, or settle himself in his old office. And after a while of his reign, by the persuasion and entreaty of his wife, he made his son Gratian Emperor. Valentinian howsoever in Arms and Military command, and in all other virtuous worth was very generous, and overcame the Burgundians and Saxons, adding them to the Empire. This Emperor viewing over the lives of the former Emperors, read the cruelty of Nero Caesar, and amongst the rest, that he had a Boy cut, as if he would hare transformed him into a Woman, and called him wife: This Emperor answered, It was pity Nero's Father had not such a wife. Lastly, following on his Wars against the Sarmatians, he sickened of a Flux, or (as others writ) of a sudden passion of anger, and shortly died, having governed one year, and five months, and was interred at Constantinople. 77. Valens. Anno Domini 365. portrait of emperor Valens VAlens was brother to Valentinian, Anno Domini 365. and Uncle to Gratianus, with whom he governed four years, beginning his government An. 365, He at first recalled Nazianzen and Bazil from banishment; he was baptizedy by Eudoxius, but turned Arrian afterwards, and persecuted the Orthodox Bishops of the East, and sent by his Mandate Eusebius into banishment, as also Pelagius Bishop of Laodicea, and Gregorius Nissenus was condemned by the Arrians, at the command of the Emperor: He also caused 80 of the Christian Ambassadors that were then in Constantinople, to be all sent to Sea in one Ship, and then to be set on fire, which was effected; and not left unpunished, for immediately after a most lamentable Famine raged through all Phrygia, and in Constantinople. He continued the persecution against the Christians very much, and made a Law, that all the Hermit's of Nitria and Thebais should bear Arms in the field, or else to be most cruelly beaten, which they rather chose to endure voluntarily, than to abandon or forsake the deserts. Through the avarice and imprudence of this Tyrant, the Goths began with great assaults and fury to break in upon the Roman Empire, and remained victorious, having put almost the whole Army to the sword: in which terrible conflict Valens himself was mortally wounded, Tempore Gratiani. and escaping with great fear and fright, he made to a little Village with very few of his men, where he supposed he might lie hid with safety: but the Goths coming thither, and happening on him, burned him, and barbarously like themselves, left him without sepulture, to the prey of beasts and birds but as others writ, he was burnt at Adrianople. 78. Gratianus. Anno Domini 367. portrait of emperor Gratianus THis Emperor Gratian being in controversy with another about the time of his election, An. Dom. 367. sent a message unto him that stood for it, and to some of the Citizens that did adhere with him, that if they did not presently consent unto his desires, he would bring such huge numbers of men in Arms over the Rhine, as their horses should drink that River dry, that they should be able to pass it, and not wet their feet: which threatening they feared, and with all joy received him to be their Emperor, and he began his reign in the year of Christ 367. He was borne in Pannonia, a man singular in Religion, and a brave soldier: for in one battle against the Tuscans he slew above 30000 soldiers, that had wasted and spoilt the Roman Country and Territories. He expelled out of Italy all sorts of heretics, and all the people being reduced to the faith of jesus Christ, he caused all the ruined and demolished Churches to be re-edified. But the Goths afresh renewing their wars against the Romans, the Republic fell into great perplexities and agonies upon the outrages and barbarous cruelties which the Goths daily infested them with: Whereupon Gratian chose for his Coadjutor in the Empire Theadosius a Spaniard, an excellent Soldier, who in a short time overcame the Tuscans, and made a League with the Goths, and other Nations. Gratianus in the sixth year of his Reign was slain at Lions, and passed to a better life, leaving an exemplar testimony of his worth to the memory of all posterity, and lies inhumed at Constantinople, near the East gate of the City, where there was a Chapel erected for some special Festival days and meetings, at the City's charge. 79. Maximus. This man governed but a very short time in the days of Valentinianus, but was a wise and excellent Orator. portrait of emperor Maximus THis Maximus the Great was borne of the most noble race and family of Constantine, by whom he was made Emperor in * England. Britain, by the reason he was well experienced in War, and a singular good Commander. His worth being accompanied, or rather enabled with an Imperial power, was the cause that he with a facile easiness took in all France, bounteously enlarging it, and honourably augmenting it. After that departing thence, he took his journey towards Italy, with a wondrous great Army every where complete, with intent to take in Rome, the head-City of the Universe: which Valentinian (the younger) much fearing, fled with his Mother justina to Constantinople, but finding a favourable and fortunate succour of Theodosius, he returned back again over the Alps: and coming to Rome he found Maximus in a confident quiet, whom he finding without defence, assaulted and slew him in his Palace near the Capitol, to the great grief of all his soldiers, the place of his interment being not certainly known. This Emperor Maximus being demanded of one, What kind of man he esteemed most fit and worthy to be a King, Such a one (saith he) as neither glorieth in his good fortunes, nor is daunted with adversity. At another time, when one complained unto him, that the City of Constance in Almain had not free use of their liberties and franchises, he answered, If they had not great liberty in the Town of Constance, thou which art one of that City, wouldst not speak unto me so liberally; for frankness of speech is a sign of liberty. He also said, That as God would be both loved and feared: so should Kings and Princes be: for there can hardly be any true love, where there is no fear. Moreover, saith he, There be three degrees of persons who ought to be both loved and honoured; first, God above all, and in all places: Secondly, Kings and Princes in their Kingdoms, and estates: and lastly, Parents and Masters in their private families. 80. Valentinianus junior. Anno Demini 376. portrait of emperor Valentinianus Junior THis Valentinian the younger was elected Coemperour by his Brother Gratianus, An. Dom 376. and charged with the government and defence of Italy: but being much in fear of Maximus, (who as some said, had privately wrought the death of his brother Gratian) he fled for aid to Theodosius, by whose rescue he overthrew and slew Maximus, and without controversy, with an excellent judgement, and good government every where he held the Empire in peace: after which victory he would often speak with a merry heart, I have escaped the evil, and found the good. This man not long after, to please his Mother, followed the most impious Arrian Sect, notwithstanding the good advice of Theodosius to the contrary. He persecuted the Christians very severely, not omitting, but taking all occasions of utterly extinguishing them to his possible power. In France he slew Victor the son of Maximus lastly, remaining in Vienna (as he thought) secure in serene peace and tranquillity, Eugeni●● the Tribune secretly entering his chamber, there strangled him, and was inhumed at Milan with funebriall rites. 81. Theodosius. Anno Domini 379. portrait of emperor Theodosius THeodosius was a man of excellent parts, An. Dom. 379. for behaviour singular, for virtue rare, for goodness to all, admirable, not one●y loved, but reverenced with fear by every man; and wonderfully devoted to our Saviour jesus Christ; wherefore he extinguished the heretics, and overthrew the Tyrants. And amongst the rest of his virtue's Humility was most eminent in him. He governed the Empire always with a greatness, and majesty convenient for such a state and degree. He would never judge, determine, or give sentence against any man being in passion or anger, which hindereth the rectitude of sense, and true judgement in any man, but in such cases he went discoursing upon some act of piety and virtue, thereby to quit passion, and clear his understanding. Moreover, this Emperor making preparations for war against Eugenius, expressly for●●● his soldiers to exact of their P●●trons where they were to be billeted, or lodged any more than what came freely from them: and also that whosoever of them should curse the Emperor, (viz. Theodosius) should not be punished for it: saying, Quoniam si id ex levitate processerit, contemnendum est: si ex insania, miseratione dignissimum: si ab iniuria, remittendum est. Because if it proceeds of levity, it is not to be regarded: if of madness, it is to be pitied: if from an injury or wrong, it is to be pardoned in them. Soz. lib. 7. cap. 25. Sozomenus relateth, that in the year 394, and the last of Theodosius, that in Epitus there was a Dragon seen of such a bigness, that being dead, eight yokes of Oxen could hardly have drawn him thence. In the 22 year of this Emperor's reign there were great losses by Earthquakes in sundry places, as in the Imperial City of Constantinople, at one time there fell down 57 Towers of the City-wall, though it was new built up: And not only here, but also in other places, as Alexandria, and in Antioch, as also famine and ill scents in the Air, by which many thousands of people and beasts perished. This Earthquake endured six Months, constantly overthrowing many fair and goodly Churches, and Fortresses in Constantinople, as also in Chersonesus it did swallow up whole Parishes, it raged by Sea as well as by Land, it devoured many ships, nay, whole Lands; but it raged most in Bythinia, in Hellespont, and Phrygia, and the Eastern Countries. The Citizens of Constantinople, and the Emperor Theodosius, with the Patriarch Proclus left the City, and remained in the fields, praying to God for preservation, as saith Nicephorus. Lastly, this incomparable Prince to his age of 50 governed most virtuously and victoriously, and then to the grief of his friends, and lamentable moan of the whole Empire, he deceased in Milan in the presence of Saint Ambrose, Archbishop of that See, and was honourably interred according to the Roman manner. 82 Arcadius. Anno Dom. 383. portrait of emperor Arcadius Arcadius' begins his reign after the death of his Father Theodosius anno 383, An. Dom. 383. and governed together with his brother Arcadius 13 years. Dividing the Empire between them, Arcadius took all the Eastern part, and Ronorius the West, and either governed his charge with singular prudence, temperance, and modesty, overcoming all those difficulties as are wont to happen to all young beginners in Magistracy; and in particular they suppressed the arrogant insolency of their Tutors, appointed them by Theodosius their Father, they being as yet very young, whom they put to death, because they pretended to govern as their fancy served, contrary to equity. Nevertheless this Arcadius was a Prince so well beloved, and ruled so well and commendably, that the Senate said of him, That it had been good, either that he had never beent borne, or that he might never dye. It was always his opinion, never to enterprise any Wars, except it were upon great necessity; saying, That whatsoever Prince would live in peace and quietness, he ought not in any case to entertain Wars slightly or unadvisedly, for a Sword is soon drawn, but not so soon put up. Whensoever his choler grew to be inflamed, he would suddenly withdraw himself out of company, and being alone would pronounce over all the Letters of the Alphabet each after other with leisure, to the intent that in mean time his wrath and anger might wax cold, and be assuaged; saying diverse times to his attendants, That he that cannot subdue his choler by nature, must do it by art and cunning. Finally, Arcadius having reduced the Empire to a peaceable tranquillity, governing in great quiet, falling sick passed to another life, to the general sorrow of all, at the age of 31 years. 83. Honorius. Anno Domini 394. portrait of emperor Honorius AFter the death of the aforesaid Arcadius, ●nno Domini ●4 Honorius. takes the Eastern government upon him, and together with his Nephew Theodosius, son of Arcadius he governed 15 years. In a very short ti●e he overca●● Constantine the Tyrant in France in the City of Arles, together with a great number of his Complices ejusden farinae homines, men of the like cruelty and condition. Whensoever he appointed any one to be punished openly, he caused the common Crier with a loud voice to pronounce this Sentence, Doc not that to another, which thou wouldst not have done to thee. In his time the Empire was infested with most bloody and cruel wars, in which always (by a discreet military order, & through the resolution of his soldiers) he came off victorious with honour. In the fourteenth year of this Emperor's reign, at noonday a strange fire from Heaven penetrating the great Church of Constantinople, fastened upon the Bishop's seat, and consumed it: Spond. in Hon. Afterwards growing up like a Tree, fastened upon the roof, and devoured it: And lastly, passing through the midst of the people without hurting any, to the great amazement of all, seized upon the Senate-house, and burned it to ashes. Afterwards the whole Empire being pacified by this worthy Emperor Honorius, and the Senate-house rebuilt, he fell into a grievous sickness, whereof he shortly after died in Rome, after the fifteenth year of his Imperial command: He had two wives which died both suddenly before the consummation of Matrimony, and Virgins both. 84. Theodosius. Anno Domini 402. portrait of emperor Theodosius HOnorius being dead, An. Domini 402. his Nephew Theodosius took upon him the whole Imperial government, and governed with Valentinianus, the son of his Aunt Placida 22 years. He found the Empire in great disquiet: He lost Africa, and a great part of Egypt: and in Hungaria, in Britannia, and other Countries by treason and fraudulent dealing many Cities were taken from him. And because he foresaw it at his first entrance to the Crown, he therefore gave the West to his Consort Valentinianus. He was much puzzled in Africa, howsoever he by his valour and singular prudence overcame all difficulties, yea, and through his great courage recovered many Countries and Provinces usurped by one john, and confederate with Hetius, who were a cause that the Hungarians came into Italy, and spoiled it. Moreover, there happened so great a famine in Rome, that of the barks of Trees they made Bread, and the best Romen were forced to make Bread of Chestnuts; yea, and some gave fifty pence for a pound of flesh: Joseph●●. and it grew so scarce, that many were famished, and died with hunger, and their bodies sold by their kindred at a high value: insomuch that the people cried out to the Emperor sitting to behold the festival sports at that time of the year, that he should impose a certain rate for man's flesh: his saying was sometimes, That Emperors of all other men were most miserable, because commonly the truth is concealed from them: And at this time the air being corrupt, The odosius died without an Heir. 85. Valentinianus. Anno Domini 426. portrait of emperor Valentinianus UAlentinianus, An. Dom. 426. the son of Constantius and Placida, was entitled both Caesar and Augustus by his Antecessor Theodosius, and by him sent to Rome against john an usurper of the Empire, for which service he victoriously triumphed. He made truce with Gensericus King of the Vandals: he warred against Attila King of the Huns, and fought it out hear unto Tolosh: which battle was so cruel, terrible, and bloody, that on both sides there fell more than an hundred and fourscore thousand persons, besides an infinite number maimed and wounded; and Attila himself fled half dead with a very small company that attended him. He slew Hetuis, whose death was boldly revenged by his friends without any respect of persons: For Valentinianus being in Campo Martio at Rome, was set upon by them, wounded and slain, being not able to make any notable resistance. In this Emperor's time that famous & learned Doctor St. Augustine died, anno 430. St. Patrick the Patron of Ireland, began to convert that Country to Christianity. In the year 446 the Picts invaded England, and the same year there was such a terrible Earthquake continuing for the space of six months together, insomuch that the people forsook their houses and Cities for fear of the ruins, and infinite disasters which did happen both by Sea and Land. Galla Placidia, the Mother of this Valentinianus, a singular good Christian, and a woman of a great and wonderful solid judgement, died near the Campo Martio in Rome, having been daughter, sister, wife, mother, and stepmother to Roman Empeours. 86. Martianus Anno Domini 450. portrait of emperor Martianus AFter the death of Theodosius, Anno Domini 450. Martianus succeeded in the Empire, (who was supposed to be a Spaniard by Nation) and governed seven years together with Valentinian. He was a good Christian, and singular fautour of them: He married the sister of Theodosius: In the time of his government Alemannia was lost, and Dacia, Spain and Aquitaine likewise, together with Gascoigne, which could never be recovered. In his time St. Ursula, with eleven thousand Virgins were martyred by Attila's soldiers. In the sixth year of his Imperial sway, Maximianus a noble Roman, married by force Eudosia, which was already wife to Valentinianus, & imperiously began to tyrannize and usurp the Empire: which being understood by the Vandals, they immediately marched with a very powerful army, and came to Rome, where they slew him, and cast him into Tiber, and having sacked the City, They returned into Africa; carrying E●dosia and her daughter with them, who was the cause of the death of his Emperor. There happened in the fourth year of his reign, so great a famine in Italy, that many slaves and poor peasants were enforced to sell their children for money to buy Bread, and to pay their tribute: But Valentinian ordered and commanded that they might be redeemed again at the same rate; likewise it was followed with a vehement pestilence, which destroyed in short space many thousands of people in those parts; it being not within the compass of humane power to stop or hinder it, because sent from a supreme hand which is unresistable. 87. Leo. Anno Domini 457. portrait of emperor Leo UPon the death of Martianus, An. Dom. 457. Leo (being by Nation a Grecian, of the City of Thebes) was chosen to succeed, being a man indeed worthy of such a degree. About that time the Roman Commonwealth was sorely perplexed by certain tyrannical usurpers, which endeavoured to encroach and arrogate the Throne, and in particular Gensericus King of the Vandals, who came into Italy with a puissant army to that intent: Which by Leo being perceived, caused him to be affronted with two several armies at once, near Pupolonia, by whom Gensericus being overthrown, he privately retired in a disguise home into Africa: After this Aspera man very noble and powerful in Constantinople together with his two sons complotted, & intended the death of Leo, & to murder him: but the treason not taking effect, with their own deserved death, they meritoriously suffered that, which to another they intended. In fine, Leo being in peace, with the Ostrogothes, fell sick, and shortly after died at his Imperial City of Constantinople, and there Inurnd, leaving his Nephew to succeed. Marcellinus reporteth Anno 458, that Vesuvius a burning mountain of Campania, Carcel. in thron. did cast forth its bowels, and covered the face of Italy, not only with nocturne darkness in the day, but also with a small kind of dust and ashes, which bred by the heat of the Sun such strange monsters, that is almost incredible; such as Gesner an Historian justifies, and makes mention of both by nature and figure. 88 Leo junior. Anno Domini 474. portrait of emperor Leo Junior THis Leo was Nephew to the afore said Emperor, An. Dom. 474. of the same Country, but not of the same City, for he was borne in Corinth in Greece: He was replenished with all the qualities necessary for a well-disposed and good Prince, for which singularity of parts he was so highly prized and esteemed of Leo his uncle, whom he could not endure out of his sight, in whose goodness he took such complacency, & pleasure more than ordinary, (as he said) and by him conceived the sole solaces, and contenting recreations in the interims of the weighty affairs belonging to an Imperial Crown: Whereupon falling sick, he immediately created this Leo, Augustus and successor. But reflecting this to have been done in his fit, and feeling himself sick to death, with his own hands crowned his own Father Zeno, and declared him Emperor, entreating that he would be pleased to govern the Empire with the greatest integrity, and good justice, as befitted a just Prince; which Zeno promised: and Leo retired himself to the private life of a Christian, and virtuous man; and paid nature her debt at Vienna, the Metropolis in Austria. 89. Zeno. Anno Domini 374. portrait of emperor Zeno TO the virtuous son Leo the discreet father Zeno succeeds, Anno Domini 374. a Grecian of the country of Cilicia, a man well beloved and reverenced of all men. This good Prince understanding, and having news of the creation of a new Emperor in Constantinople, rather chose to return to his former privacy, than any ways disturb the Republic or Common-good by any forces of his. But Almighty God disposed these things otherwise for this dissension: For the Constantinopolitan Burghers or Aldermen, being not able to endure the insupportable injuries of the new Emperor Basilicus, (so was he called) betook themselves to Zeno, and confirmed him their Emperor and Governor; who, the affairs of the Empire being composed to the general good and quiet of all, confined this Basilicus with his noble family into Cappadocia. He overthrew Odoacer which much disturbed Italy: and afterwards he instituted many most wholesome and commodious Laws. But in the end many turbulent seditions being raised in Constantinople to him irremediable, he died as some report with grief: Appendix. As others writ, after he had reigned seventeen years and five months, he died a death befitting such a man. For being surprised with a fit of the falling-sickness, which long haunted him: Euagrius lib. 3. cap. 29. Or as Euagrius saith, out of an excess of eating and drinking, or as dead drunk, and being ordered as a dead man, was buried alive; but when he was heard out of the Vault to implore his servants and guard most dolefully & lamentably to let him out thence, not to govern the Empire any longer, but to resign it, his wife Ariadna forbade them strictly to do it; so he miserably perished. 90 Anastasius. Anno Domini 491. portrait of emperor Anastasius THis Emperor was by Nation of Macedonia in Greece, Anno Domini 491. and having taken possession, the better to confirm himself in that esse, combined by a present and speedy course, and by donatives of great value, with Clodoneus King of France, by whose meenes he wase. established in the Dignity and State. He seemed a great lover of the Christian Religion: but afterwards by the persuasion of Acatius Bishop of Constantinople, a man tainted with the heresy of Arianisme, began to follow and embrace it: for which being reprehended by Hormisda Bishop of Rome, by the way of Ambassadors slighting them with contempt, and dismissing them, saying, That it belonged to the Emperor to reprehend the Popes, and the Popes ought not to reprehend Emperors: and this answer he made with great indignity and supremacy. Whereupon as * Summario delle vite de gl● Imperatore Romani, etc. an Italian Author saith, were it for so great an insolency and pride, or other errors, in the presence of his Peers and all the Court, by the divine judgement he was wounded with a Thunderbolt, and so died suddenly after he had governed 26 years. Appendix. A little before his death, saith Baronius, Baro. there were seen terrible earthquakes and other prodigies; and he was often terrified in his sleep with fearful visions, amongst which this was one: A man of a stern look, holding a book in his hand, saying, Ecce, ob perversitatem fidei tuae, annos quatuordecim vitae tuae deleo: See, for thy perverseness of belief, I put out fourteen years of thy life: And being premonished by the Oracle that he should dye by fire, although he sought all possible precautions and preventions thereof. Anno 518. 9 of july a most fearful lightning with a clap of Thunder terrified his very heart so, that he went from chamber to chamber, from couch to couch, and was carried into the heathermost part of his Palace in a cave or cellar, where no light did appear: yet for all that was struck dead with lightning at Constantinople, Annot. Misc. 11.15. Zonar. Annot. part. 3 and no substance or moisture found in his body at all, but dried like a potsherd, or a bone burnt in fire. 91 justinus. Anno Domini 523. portrait of emperor Justinus IVstinus a Thracian by nation, An. Dom. 523. was called out of bondage to the Empire: He was really a lover and professor of Christian Religion, and as it were a defender thereof: he opposed all heresy, and banished all Arrians out of Constantinople: Whereupon King Theodoricus a fautor of that Sect, being much disgusted, forced and constrained Pope john with many of the noble men of Rome to go to the Emperor, to persuade him to restore the Arrians, and recall them: otherwise, that he would do the like, nay, worse to all the Clergy and Bishops in his Kingdom: which through fear was by the Pope performed. And returning back with the Roman Barons, the Kings demand being not performed, the Pope was immediately imprisoned, and there starved through hunger. The good Emperor perceiving this, and being now very aged, had no desire of revenge, but died with grief as all Author's report, in his chief City of Constantinople, to the great discontent of the Christians, having chosen his Nephew justinianus to be his successor. In the eight year of his Reign, on a Friday at Constantinople, 5 Calend junij, at dinnertime there was such a sudden Earthquake, that with it and other strange magical charms the Wind's blustering every where in the house, blowing the Kitching-fires about, bred a double destruction to the people, both of ruins and fire mixing together: Euagr. lib. 4. cap. 5. and Euphrasius, Bishop of that City, having at that time his head strucken off by the disaster, was entombed in the fire. 92 justinianus Magnus. Anno Domini 527. portrait of emperor Justinianus Magnus IVstiman, An. Domini 527. an Illyrian by Nation, was a very zealous man in the Christian Religion, and of a singular learning and wit rather Angelical than Humane. He reduced all the Imperial laws into one volume, and to the Codex he inserted the Digests and authentics, by the which the whole world is directed for the maintenance and conservation of States. He overcame the Vandals, took the City of Sal●, and freed all Italy from the tyranny and cruelties of the Goths. He subdued the Moors which wasted and spoilt Africa, with whose spoils the famous Captain Bellisarius built two stately Edifices in Rome, and founded a worthy Monastery in the City of Oreti, and endowed it with sunicient revenues for the maintenance of the religious, as also many famous Churches. By the example of his Captain General this Emperor also in Constantinople famous all over the world in the honour of the most holy Trinity and St. Sophia. And having to his most honourable memory enlarged the Empire, he fell into a strange disease, and became a stark fool, and so he died frantic, and was buried at Constantinople in the year of his age 83, and of his Empire 38. Anno 560, in this Emperor's reign Clotarius King of France, having a son Chramnus, who had often flown out, and after some reconciliation had, having forgotten his former promise and duty to his King and Father, fell into an open rebellion against him, and after that received remission: At length he raised Arms the third time against his Father in the lesser Brittannia, and being taken alive, was by the command of Clotarius shut up in a cottage, together with his wife and children, (by whose instigation he was spurred on to this rebellion) wherein they were all burnt to death. 93 justinus junior. Anno Dom. 566. portrait of emperor Justinus Junior QUite contrary to his worthy Antecessor was this most unworthy justinus, Anno Domi● 566. an Illyrian by nation, and a man most bitter, cruel, avaricious, unjust, perfidious, fraudulent, a contemner both of God and man: he would often utter these words, With whom shall we live at last? we kill armed men in War, and the unarmed in peace: But by the divine Justice he lived not long in impunity, defiling himself with sundry sorts of baseness, because dietings and the most exquisite nutriments, nor Physic could afford him any assistance at all, but grew continually from bad to worse. Whereupon because Sophia his wife (although wise enough for a woman) governed the Empire until the time of Tiberius the second: but being a woman she was not much feared, because in her time the Longobards overranne and possessed all Italy: but before this justinus recovered, he adopted Tiberius as his son, and pronounced him Augustus. And (as some say) he built a City in Istria, now called by his name justinopolis: Again falling sick, his disease fell into his feet, whereof he died at his Imperial City of Constantinople, not having any great pomp or state at his funeral, all being rather glad in his death, than grieving for it; because of his vicious conversation and government. 94 Tiberius. Anno Domini 576. portrait of emperor Tiberius Tiberius' being adopted Augustus by his Predecessor, An. Dom. 576. succeeds in the Imperial dignity according to his worthy deserts: He was a Thracian by nation, a man replenished with all splendour of virtues, and all other excellent qualities beseeming a Christian Prince. He was most indulgent to the poor, to whom he destributed the whole treasure of the Empire. Wherefore (peradventure) Almighty God made him so abundantly wealthy, and extraordinarily rich, that very shortly he became possessor of all the treasures of Nar setes the Eunuch, which were of an invaluable esteem and price. He recovered likewise Persia with many rich spoils, and ever protected and defended the Roman state from all treacherous annoyances whatsoever: And in particular he relieved it in an extreme famine and dearth. Perceiving himself at last hastening towards his last day, by the advice of Sophia his Mother in law, he left Mauritius his son in law successor in the Imperial throne, which much advanced his greedy desire of governing, because Tiberius in few days after passed to a better life at Constantinople in his Court usually kept in that part of the City which lies next to the Sea, a place abounding with all sorts of pleasures, as of exquisite Gardens, Fishponds, rare prospects, curious walks and perambulatories befitting so great a Majesty's residence. 95 Mauritius. Anno Domini 583. portrait of emperor Mauritius MAuritius son in law to Tiberius, Anno Domini 583. was borne in Cappadocia, and in his tender age gave great testimonies of a great spirit, making demonstrations of acts and qualities most Princelike. Whereupon for his magnanimity, greatness of courage, and virtues he deservedly ascended to the most invict degree of the Empire. And having taken possession, to his great honour he recovered Armenia and Persia. Afterwards he gave himself over to a bad life, persecuting Gregory the Great, and animating the people against him; and also persecuted greatly the Church. Wherefore by the Divine Judgement he suddenly died, an Angel having visibly foretell it in Constantinople, that the Emperor should be slain with a knife. Mauritius dreamt one night not long before his destruction, Scip. du Pless. that himself and all his issue were slain by one Phocas: and having made diligent inquiry after such a man of that name, found that there was but one so called in his whole Army, who being but a poor clerk of a band, slighted him. Lastly, his soldiers seeing him in a miserable perplexity, and that he had not duly given them their pay, they mutinied, and chose Phocas for their Emperor, who persecuted Mauritius even to Chalcedonia, where he took him, his wife, and children before his face, and to aggravate his sorrows, he slew them, and lastly him in the twentieth year of his Reign, and was entombed at Constantinople, in a Temple (as some report) builded by himself with admirable cost and lustre, as well for the materials, as also for the model, and largeness of it. 96 Phocas. Anno Domini 602. portrait of emperor Phocas THis Phocas being by Country a Gaul, An. Dom. 602. and but a Centurion, was nevertheless by the whole Army created Emperor. He was entertained in Constantinople with wondrous joy, and exceeding great honour, and to confirm his greatness, there was a Statue erected to him in S. Caesarius amongst the former Emperors. But not long after changing his activeness into a stupefying sloth, he became so idle, that Persia revolting was lost, and many other Provinces to King Cosroes, which King sacked and spoiled the City of Rome, imprisoning Zacharias Patriarch of jerusalem. Hereupon Phocas became more cruel, and by that means he lost still more and more. Which the people of Rome being not able to suffer, not without great reason they raised Heraclius against him, who being vanquished, was brought manacled with Irons to Heraclius, who looking upon him, said, Th●● wretched fellow, hast thou thus governed the Republic? To whom he answered, Thou mayst govern it better: Upon which reply Heraclius speedily apprehended him, and with great boldness and courage commanded some of his soldiers to cut off his hands and feet, and then his members, causing a stone to be fastened to his other limbs, and therewithal to be cast into the Sea: and as some Author's report, the soldiers burned his body in revenge at Constantinople. 97 Hieraclius. Anno Domini 611. portrait of emperor Hieraclius THis Emperor Heraclius, An. Dom. 611. an African by birth, was replenished with Heroical qualities, and in particular in Chivalry, and other military knowledge, that all men admired him. He had an ardent desire that the Christian Religion should be propagated and enlarged: and to that end he sought to take in Persia, at that time grown a Treasury of all manner of Riches, and there he repaired the ruined and demolished Churches. Chosroes the Persian King, after many overthrows he received by Heraclius, in his last flight finding himself ill, and endeavouring to make his younger son Mardesas King, Syroes the eldest understanding it, plotted with the Peers the destruction of his father; and so pursuing his Father, at last overcame him, and then put him to extreme usage, loading him with Iron-fetters, and guives about his neck and legs, putting him into the dark house which Chosroes had newly built, and so by him termed, to lay the money and treasure which he had got by Christian spoils: where he had a very little quantity of bread and water, sufficient only to keep him alive; but was almost famished, that he did eat his own flesh off his arms, or as fare as he could reach with his teeth: And likewise his son commanded these Peers which detested him, to abuse and kick him, beat him, and spit upon him, bidding him eat his belly full of that gold and silver which he had taken from the Christians. Lastly, he took his younger brother Mardesus, and all the rest of his brothers, and commanded them to be slain before his father's face, and five days after caused his father to be pricked to death with needles. This Emperor Heraclius brought the Cross of our Lord back again to Jerusalem, which had been violently, and by force of Arms transported by the Parsians. At which time the feast of the Exaltation was instituted. Returning to Constantinople, he retired him to his study and grave consultations; and in particular he much delighted himself in the study of Astrology; by the too much knowledge therein he became an Heretic, and by the divine will Antioch and Jerusalem were taken by the Sarrazons and Arabians: Theoph. lib. 10. Card. 18. Hera. whereupon he supposing to have lost his reputation, he grew into a fit of extreme melancholy, and so into a Dropsy, and thereof died at Constantinople, and was there inhumed with great solemnity. 98 Heraclius 2. Anno Domini 613. portrait of emperor Heraclius 2 TO Heraclius the father, Anno Domini 613. Heraclius the form succeeds, being of the same Nation, was elected and created Emperor ●y his father Anno Domini 613, and Co-emperor. He was a great lover ●nd preserver of the Christian saith, man replenished with such graces ●nd prerogatives as can be either imagined, or required in a Princely governor, for which he was universally beloved of all men. But it oftentimes comes to pass, that the good become more hateful than the nocent and culpable: for this man was hated and abhorred by Martina his Mother in law, who sought by treacherous devices to work his end, and accelerate his fate, but not able to bring it to effect of herself, she acquainted her son Heraclion with this her diabolical intent; who being instigated and spurred on with the desire of so great a dignity, promised her to poison him without the knowledge of any man: and so this unjust and impious brother performed it most cruelly at a great and sumptuous Banquet in Constantinople, with a bunch of Grapes. This villainous and heinous act was perpetrated not without horror of conscience in the undertaker, and grief of the Soldiers. Which most inhuman impiety when it was divulged, or generally known, his loss was much lamented of every man, and in the end sufficiently revenged by those that affected his government, and loved his person: for seldom have the indignities and injuries offered to Princes, gone long unpunished upon the persons that were the perpetrators. 99 Heraclion. Anno Domini 641. portrait of emperor Heraclion HEraclion, An. Dom. 641. an African borne, so soon as he had murdered his brother, he took the Imperial sway & management upon him, and reigned together with his perfidious stepmother Martina two years. Taking the possession he began to live not like an Emperor, but like a most unworthy man, crowning himself with gems of a thousand impieties and bestialities. This being talked and discoursed on by the people man to man, every man wished his death, or at least his deposing, which soon followed: for he handling the Senate and Citizens of Constantinople with too great cruelty, they immediately revolted, and apprehending his Mother in law Martina, they cut out her tongue, and his nose, honouring them both in making them ride as it were in triumph for their indigne memory, they both remaining deprived of those parts, and of the Empire, to the general content of all. 100 Constantinus 3. Anno Domini 643. portrait of emperor Constantinus 3 THis Constantine the third, An. Dom. 643. an African by Nation, was Nephew to Heraclion, not much unlike him in conditions: For he was a wicked and perverse man, an heretic, and a ruiner of the Republic: he was most basely avaricious with all men, and prime in all manner of wicked actions. He made war upon the lombards, by whom he was overcome, and in desperation came towards Rome with a great number of soldiers; and coming to Puglia with incredible unjustness and without all compassion he razed the City Luceria. Afterwards coming thence to Rome, he entered it with 20000 soldiers, wasting and ruinating the primest and stateliest ornaments of that most famous City: he also sacked, spoilt, and defaced the Churches. Departing thence, he went to Syracuse, always accompanied with infinite vices, and in particular with that of impurity and lust: Wherefore one day being in a Bath, he was murdered by his own attendants, having governed 25 years, and was inurned in Syracuse that renowned City, where Archimedes practised his rare inventions. In the twelfth year of this Emperor's reign, (as is recorded by an ancient writer) one of the seven Wonders of the World, Spondanus. the Colossus, alias the Image of the Sun, which was placed in the Haven of Rhodes, which was of that hugeness, that standing (as it did) straddling, it was 120 foot high, and being before disjected by an Earthquake, was at length broken by Mahuvius' Prince of the Saracens, and sold to a Ie●●, who loaded 900 Camels with the brass whereof it was made. 101 Constantinus 4. Anno Domini 654. portrait of emperor Constantinus 4 BY the reason that this Constantine was a good Christian, modest, Anno Domin● 654. and replenished with all moral virtues, succeeds in the Empire with the beneplacitum, or good liking of all the Christians: In the government whereof he took for his Co-reg●atore: or Co-emperors. Heraclius and Tiberius his brothers. He re-edifled many Churches that were defaced and demolished by the Heretics, and built many other most noble and sumptuous. He overthrew the Saracens which much annoyed and molested the Romans, and made them tributaries and subjects in despite of them to his great honour, and to a general quiet of their neighbours, before much infested and troubled by those barbarous and cruel people. He returned afterwards to Constantinople, to unite the Greek & Roman Churches. He assembled at the instance of Pope Agatho the sixth Council: in which it was permitted to the Grecian P●●●●●s to contract Matrimony with a lawful woman. Finally, having lived most Christianlike, he died Saintlike in the 17 year of his Empire at Constantinople. In the tenth year of his Reign a vehement plague infested not only the City of Rome, but many other Cities of Italy for three months, Paulus and Anastasius are Authors. as Paulus addeth moreover, that at Rome there visibly were seen of many, a good Angel and a bad to go from house to house: Paul. Diac. lib. Hist. Long. cap. 5. Anast. in Agathum. the bad having a Javelin in his hand, and as many strokes as he gave at any door, at the command of the good Angel, so many died out of that house the next day. The Divine power hath often employed Angels to be the executioners of his just commands against wicked Cities and Kingdoms. 102 justinianus 2. Anno Domini 686. portrait of emperor Justinianus 2 JVstinian son to the aforesaid Emperor, Anno Domini 686. and of the same Country by birth, was in his beginnings a man very Christianlike, pious, and liberal: He enlarged the Constantinopolitan Empire, and composed many most profitable and wholesome Laws, always highly honouring the Christian Religion. But soon after he shown himself inconstant and variable against God and man: because he broke the peace already made with the Saracens and Hungarians, by whom he was much distressed. Returning to Constantinople, he made himself odious to all the Commonalty, by endeavouring to disannul the aforesaid decree and order made in the sixth Council aforesaid, which was celebrated in his Father's time. And likewise he sought to put Pope Sergius to death; whereupon the whole City arose up in Arms against him, making Leontius Patricius their General, who immediately opened all the prisons, and freed all that were condemned by justinian, and chase him out of the Imperial command, he caused his nose to be cut off, and banished him into Cersonia, an Island of Pontus. Being on the Sea in the way to his banishment, and by tempests in extreme peril of casting away, was admonished by a familiar friend of his, that he should make a solemn vow to God, that if he recovered his Imperial Crown, he would forgive his enemies, which if I do (said he) God sink me here in this place, which he performed, having recovered it by entering into Constantinople by an Aque-duct, and every one of them he could light on, found him heavy in his revenge. 103 Leontius. Anno Domini 696. portrait of emperor Leontius LEontius, An. Dom. 696. borne at Constantinople, succeeds justinian, and governed three years very peaceably. This Emperor having intelligence that Africa was revolted, arose from Constantinople with an Army, every man well fixed, complete, and powerful: and in the interim of this his expedition and voyage, news was brought him to his great perplexity, that the Constantinopolitans had elected Tiberius, a man of anancient and very noble family, for Emperor: Whereupon he falling into an outrage and passion, by no means would endure this affront, but presently retreating, he met his Antagonist in the field, where each endeavoured their utmost in a pitched battle, which was not without great effusion of blood: but Leontius was taken prisoner by Tiberius, and had his nose likewise cut off, as he had done the like to his Antecessor justinian, and was confined to a perpetual imprisonment there to live in misery, and in great contempt, where he shortly ended his life. 104 Tiberius 3. Anno Domini 699. portrait of emperor Tiberius 3 Tiberius' the third of this name, Anno Domini 699. borne at Constantinople, was of anancient and very noble family, (as is above mentioned) and through the sedition of the Commonalty was made General for Africa, ●nd by his Army created Emperor Anno Domini 699. He did use to wear his Seal of his Arms engraven in the pummel of his Sword: and he was wont to say, whensoever he set his Seal to any Letters of Edict, Ordinances, or Commissions: See this Sword that shall maintain my Ordinances, and which shall make War against those who shall contradict mine Edicts: His meaning was, that it is not a matter of so great importance, to establish and make good laws and decrees, as it is to cause them to be kept and observed. This Emperor made his brother Heraclius a General, whom he sent into the East against the Agarens with a powerful Army. He endeavoured to put justinian to death who was now exulant in Cersonia: The same contradictions I find in most Authors, as Heliodore, and the Italian Summary. but notwithstanding all his plots to that purpose, he prevailed nothing, not could he bring his intent to any effect. Whilst he returned towards. Constantinople, justinian was recalled as Emperor, who having understood that his death was sought, and by all possible means wrought by Tiberius, he suddenly caused him to be imprisoned, and not many days after, he not only deprived him of his Imperial Dignity, but of his life also; commanding that in the presence of all the people his head should be disgracefully struck off, in the seventh year of his Sovereignty, his trunk or carcase being deprived of funebriall solemnity and rites befitting the dignity and personage of an Emperor. 105. Philippicus. Anno Domini 712. portrait of emperor Philippicus THis Philippicus, An. Dom. 712. a Constantinopolitan by birth, being the prime Favourite of the greatest Potentates of the World, succeeds in the Empire, because he was a man of singular courage and wisdom. He confined Cirus the Patriarch into the Isle of Pontus, but with the good liking of all them of Constantinople: and this he did, because he followed the orders of the Roman Bishop; in whose place imperiously and boldly he placed a young Abbot, * Arrian. a pestilent Heretic, and sent him to Rome for his confirmation. Which moved Constantine the Bishop of Rome to passion, who called a Council in Rome, wherein he reprehended all elections made by the Emperor: and moreover condemning all his opinions, he declared him an Heretic. Yet this man persevering in his opinions, was by Anastasius chased out of the Sovereignty with great disgrace and contempt, his eyes being first pulled out, he afterwards died without any note, and obscurely interred. 106. Anastasius. Anno Domini 715. portrait of emperor Anastasius ANastasius, An. Domini 715. otherwise called Artemius, whose place of birth is not certainly known, having pulled out the eyes of his Antecessor, and also out of the Imperial throne, impatroned himself in the Oriental government in the year of Grace 715. He was so good and just in every action, that he deserved more than the only name and title of Emperor. He re-edified many Churches defaced by the Arrian Heretics. He wrote to the Bishop of Rome with great humility and reverence, protesting that his will was ever to continue a defender of the holy Christian faith. Whilst he had sent a great Army towards Alexandria, many Princes either through malignity or curiosity turned the same Army upon and against him, creating another new Emperor called Theodosius: whereupon there grew infinite, troublesome, and pernicious seditions in the world every where. Finally, after many insupportable discontents and troublesome tedious passages, he was by Leo the third murdered, in the first year and third month of his Empire: but as some writ he was forced to undertake a Monastical life. 107. Theodosius. Anno Dom. 716. portrait of emperor Theodosius THeodosius the third, Anno Domini 716. borne at Constantinople, took upon him the administration of the Empire the year abovesaid, but held it one only year. This man was of a very inferior and mean Family, the servant of a Pagan Scrivener: But having attained to the Imperial dignity, he was a wonderful lover, and zealous in the Christian Religion; and to make it the more appear, and as a visible demonstration thereof, he caused many Images of Saints to be pourtraicted, and in diverse places erected them. But being every way pursued and persecuted by Leo, he chose a better part, taking Priesthood upon him, and living Christianlike, full of charity and Christian duty. After that he retired himself into a Monastery, where he lived very exemplarly, and there he continually persevered to his last day at Constantinople. 108. Leo. Anno Demini 717. portrait of emperor Leo THis Emperor, Anno Domini 717. an Isaurian borne, was contrary to his Predecessor, being a man infamous. Seeing that he could not oppose the Bishop of Rome, he ordained that all his Subjects should pull down the Images of Saints, and other Statues which were in Churches, alleging that they were for no other use but Idolatry: The which command Germanus the Patriarch not willing to obey, he was by him confined, and Anastasius an Arrian was ordained in his place, who by a Council was deprived, and by the same Council Leo was exhorted to recant this error, and not to hinder good and pious men to use their devotions to the Images. But the Emperor would by no means consent thereto, but grew more exasperated and contemning: whereupon Gregory the Pope, and the whole Council sentenced him to be deprived of the Empire, and he died at Constantinople in the fourteenth year of his Empire. Paulus Diaconus, together with Anastasius affirm, that within the City of Constantinople there died of pestilence and famine above three hundred thousand persons of all ages and both sexes, Anno. 719. The Answer of this Leo to one that would be made a Gentleman. This Emperor being at his Palace, a Citizen of Bologna, exceeding rich and wealthy, but of base parentage, presented himself before the Emperor, saying, May it please your sacred Majesty to make and create me a Gentleman: for I have wealth sufficient to maintain the state and degree of a Gentleman: The Emperor answered him, I can make thee much more rich than thou art, but it is not in my power to make thee noble: for that is an honour which thou must purchase by thine own virtue. 109. Constantinus 5. Anno Domini 720. portrait of emperor Constantinus 5 THis man, Anno Domini. 720. being also an Isaurian by birth, following the steps of his Father, persecuted good men exceedingly, and in what he could, he destroyed all good laws and customs, bend himself to witchcrafts and enchantments, and to a thousand infamies, and as a common enemy to Christian Religion, he followed the Arrian sect of Athanasius, Patriarch of Constantinople, by whose persuasion he caused many Priests to be put to death, with many Monks and good Christians: Wherefore the Pope desirous to reform his errors, and to reduce him to better courses, sent Ambassadors unto him, exhorting him to quit himself of that pernicious sect: but they and the Pope's Embassy were not only slighted, but contemned and scorned: whereupon he was excommunicated. Upon this he contracted a new League with the King of Bulgaria, a man like himself in every quality and condition. This man enjoyed the Empire very happily in respect of his own person: but when, or where he died it is doubtful: but some do affirm that he died at Adrianople. When this Emperor was baptised, he defiled the Font with his ordure: whereupon it was Prophetically conjectured, that much mischief would be by him perpetrated: wherefore he had the byname of Copronymus. He was called also Caballinus, because this Monster of men was so much delighted in horse-dung, that he wallowed or anointed himself in it, and commanded his Courtiers to do the like. Theophanes and Theost●riscus in Nicet. 110. Leo 4. Anno Domini 751. portrait of emperor Leo 4 AT this time the Empire was much afflicted, An. Dom. 751. because the Barbarians in this Emperor's time possessed all the East: Whereupon the Romans being much distressed, tired, and worn out of heart with continual wars, were resolved to put themselves in the power and protection of the French. Wherefore Leo intended to march with an Army into Syria: but perceiving the enemy's strength to be great, he retired with great fear, and in lieu of recovering the Provinces lost from the Empire, he betook himself to lust and idleness, inventing every day new fashions of apparel, in the richest manner possible to adorn himself: but above all, he greatly was taken with Jewels, of which he made himself a Diadem, especially with those which were taken out of the Church of S. Sophia, and wearing it continually, through the weight of it he died with an extreme pain in his head at Constantinople, leaving his wife Hirene to govern the Empire, together with his son, and was inhumed there. One thing that was remarkable in the time of his Regency, was, Theophanes. that in the second year of his reign, and in the Summer time, between the Cycladeses Isles, Thera, and Therasia, there appeared out of the Sea a vapour to boil like the smoke of a chimney for the space of many days, which by little and little growing thick and large, broke out into into a flame: afterwards it cast out whole rocks of Pumice, and transported great heaps of them all over the lesser Asia, Lesbos, and Abydus, and all the maritine parts of Macedonia in such sort, that the whole superfice of the Sea was covered with them: and in the midst of so great a fire a new Isle grew suddenly up by the heaping of the earth together, and joined itself to that Isle, which is now called Sacra. 111. Constantinus 6. Anno Dom. 775. portrait of emperor Constantinus 6 AFter the death of Leo, Anno. Dom. 775. Constantine his son, whose place of birth is not probably nominated, taken upon him the Imperial government. His Mother Irene, with whom he ruled ten years, was a cause that a Council of thirty and three Bishops was held, in which many profitable laws were made, tending to the general commodity and benefit. Afterwards his mother perceiving that he would not be correspondent to her expectation and will, being he abandoned himself to debauches and lasciviousness, there grew a dissension between them, so that he deprived her of all government, and himself governed absolute five years. He was a most cruel man: for he caused the eyes of many noble Citizens to be pulled out, under pretence of their conspiracy and treason against him. The people seeing this, they recalled the Empress Irene, and taking Constantine they imprisoned him, and in revenge they likewise plucked out his eyes, and so in that extreme misery he concluded his fate, the place of his death or interment being obscured. In the year 780, in this Emperor's regency, a certain man digging in a wall of Thracia, found a stone coffin, wherein there lay the body of a man, and Letters fastened to the coffin in brass, which made these words, Christus nascetur ex Virgin Maria: Credo in cu●●: sub Constantino & Irene Imp. 8. Sotiterum me videbit. Theophanes and all other Greek and Latin Historians constantly affirm, Anno 793. Mens. Decemb. the River Tiber overflowed the City to the height of twice a man's depth, so that they were enforced to help and relieve one another by little skiffs and tubs. Anno 797. Theoph. writes also, that for the space of ten days the Sun was darkened, that ships on the Sea could not steer a right course, and that many perished by this strange accident, being a thing against, and beyond nature. 112. Carolus Magnus. Anno Domini 801. portrait of emperor Carolus Magnus TO the name of Magnus the greatness of this Carolus was every way correspondent, An. Domini 801. who was a man really virtuous, liberal, generous, and in Arms admirable, being by nation a Frenohman. After the death of his father Pipinus, he remained coinheritor with his brother Carolus of the Crown of France, but after the space of two years he remained absolute in the rule and government, in which he took in Aquitaine: He overthrew Desiderius King of the Longobards, and restored again to the Church whatsoever Desiderius above mentioned had taken away, and thereupon the Empire was put upon him, by the general Council, and the Popes, and crowned with great solemnity and triumph. Returning into France he overcame the Saxons, conquered Spain, he subdued the Gascognes', Britan's, and many other powerful Princes, whereby he got such fame, that from all parts of the world Ambassadors came with rich Presents, beseeching his gracious favour. At length falling into a fever, but as some say, of a Pleurisy, and other inward pains of his bowels, he died at Aquisgrane, to the in●●unable grief of the Universe, and was buried very honourably near the Capitol. Should I here undertai● to relate his worth, my unworthiness would come fare short: wherefore for more satisfaction, I refe●●e you to Spondanus, and other Authors. 113. Ludovicus Pius: Or Lewis the godly. Anno Domini 814. portrait of emperor Ludovicus Pius THe Emperor Lewis, Anno Domini 814. borne i● France, succeeds the good Charlemaigne, and made 〈◊〉 upon the rebellious Gascoignes, and submitted them to the Empire. He ●u●bed the boldness of the neuvaines and Englishmen: and having ●ell conformed the Empire, he called a Council at Aquisgrant, at which he admitted his eldest son Lotharius as Co-emperor, and made pippin his second son, King of A●uitany, and Lewis his third son King ●f Bavaria. But not long after, because he preferred Lewis his youngest son before the other, there ●rew a great enmity, dissension, and hatred amongst them, insomuch ●hat they took Lewis their Father, ●nd deprived him of the Empire, ●ost unjustly imprisoning him: from whence they afterwards repenting ●heir so gross and unnatural error, ●●larged him, and restored him a●ine with great reconciliations to ●●former possession. This Lewis was a man wondrous clement and merciful, and always a defender of the Church and Empire. Lastly, he yielded to fate, and died near Moguntum, and wa● buried in the Church of St. Arnolph● where his urn is still to be seen. Cedrenus and the Annals of Fran●● testify, that Anno 823, sundry and frequent prodigies were both seen● and heard by Earthquakes & strange Lightnings, by fires falling fro● Heaven, rain of stone, pestilential mortality of men and beasts: Barron. and it was esteemed as a prodigy also that a young Girl about 12 years of age, lived for the space of a whole year without any food at all. 114. Lotharius. Anno Domini 823. portrait of emperor Lotharius LOtharius likewise borne in France, succeeds his Father. Anno Domini 823. He made war against his brothers, and being by them overthrown, he fled to Aquisgrane, and even there not resting in safety, he was enforced with his wife and children to go to Vienna: where he also was pursued by his enemies, insomuch that he only escaped. Sergius the Pope perceiving this, and being moved to compassion towards him and the Empire, sent Ambassadors to reconcile them. Whereupon it was concluded, that this Lotharius should have the government of Italy, and a part of France called Romania with the title of Emperor. Finally, finding himself aged, and willing to disburden himself, he resigned the Empire to his eldest son Lewis to succeed after his decease, and he taking the habit of a Monk upon him, in a short time departed this life in a Monastery, and was solemnly inhumed at Prunia. Anastasius affirmeth, that An. 848. there was a Basilisk or Cockatrice in the City of Rome, bred in a vault, that by his breath and aspect, or sight slew all that saw him, or came near the place where he was. Although Pliny lib. 8. cap. 21. will have it, that those Animals breed but in one place, which he calleth Cyrenaica, in dry places, and not in moist: But when God intends to punish the sins of man, all creatures whatsoever obey him, so that they breed when and where his divine will is. 115. Ludovicus, or Lewes. Anno Domini 855. portrait of emperor Ludovicus LOtharius having retired him to a monastical life, Anno Domini 855. his son ●ewis also by birth a Frenchman, grew arrogant, and himself came near unto the City of Rome with a great and potent Army, and to domineer the more, he committed outrages, rapines, and murders. The people of Rome seeing this, they besought the Citizens and Aldermen to go to meet him without the City-gates, and to entertain him with all submission. Which being done, he was pacified, and immediately he went to visit Pope Sergius, who granted him in his departure from Rome many privileges, and solemnly crowned him Emperor. After that, he went to Pavia, and became very much devoted to the Roman Church. He was much molested with his son Charles, who with his many plots of treason, sought the death of his father: for which cause many Lords were put to death in Gallia Cisalpina upon suspicion. And having well composed all things concerning the Inspire, he died in Milan, having governed 21 years, was buried in great pomp after the Roman manner in Milan aforefaid. Matheus Westm. writeth that Anno Dom. 870. the Danes coming into England, wasted & spoiled the country, committing all manner of outrages, as ravishing women and maids of all sorts and qualities: amongst the rest Ebba the Abbess of Collingham Abby hearing of their coming, called all her Nuns together, and with a razor cut off her own nose, and upper-lip, persuading the rest so to do, rather than to be abused by the Danes, which they instantly did. The Danes coming thither, and seeing such a strange spectacle of martyred faces; in a●age palpably perceiving themselves deluded, set fire on the Monastery, & burned them every mother's child. They likewise took king Edmund, and binding him to a tree, whipped him a long time with cords knotted in a most grievous manner, afterwards shot him full of arrows, & lastly cut off his head: This happened in this Emperor's time although nothing touching him, yet for the satisfaction of some, I inserted as a thing worthy of memory Spon. in Lodovico. 116. Charles 2. surnamed Calvus. portrait of emperor Charles Calvus An. Dom. 876 Charles' the brother to the aforesaid Lewis began h●● reign in the year of grate, 876. Charles the third being called and crowned Emperor Augustus, & this being perceived by the sons of Lewis, they took it as an indignity not sufferable; and suddenly with all expedition they levied a great army, and came into Italy with an absolute intent of depriving him both of Empire and life. Now Charles gives order for his defence, and fortifies Ve●ona with great and impregnable fortifications and strength, by all possible industry, there to prohibit and ●oppe the passages of the enemy's ●●rces near the City of ●rent. But ●e fell sick in Mantua, and by an in●xicated medicine administered unto ●im by Zedechias his Physician a jew, ●e suddenly died at Mantua. This ●harles was a very good christian, ●●d very devout: he built many church's and monasteries in diverse parts 〈◊〉 the world, & enlarged the service 〈◊〉 God, to his best possibility and power. And with all due funebrial rites, was interred at St. Denis his Church near Paris where he lies in expectation of a glorious resurrection. 117 Charles 3 Crassus. portrait of emperor Charles Crassus THis Charles borne in France was surnamed the gross, Anno Domini 879. h●● was king of Germany & Fran●● He was a good Christian, and 〈◊〉 a very good disposition, a great e●● my to malefactors, and very seve●● in punishing such as transgressed 〈◊〉 laws. He was crowned by Po●●● john & pronounced Augustus. After ten years he made war against the Ormans, and subjected them in such sort, that Rodifr●dus their king, demanded peace with all submission, promising moreover that he would beco●●e a christian, with all his court & followers: to which demand Charles easily and willingly condescendes, to his great content and satisfaction. And the more to confirm his love, he was Rodifridus his Godfather in baptism. After many tedious and troublesome wars, he became much impoverished, and was destitute and forsaken of all his nobility and Peers, and deprived of the Empire. And being thus abandoned he died miserably, and with small and no honour he was interred in a poor sepulchre. 118. Armulfus. Anno. Dom. 887 portrait of emperor Armulfus THis Arnulfus being nephew to Charles and king of France, Anno Domini 887 in which country he was born, took upon him the Empire wherein he governed 12. years. * So called the beautiful. Formosus being called to the aid of the Pope came into Italy, and being entered into Bergamo, he slew Ambrose Count of the city. And being come to Rome, he restored the Pope to his former dignity with great solemnity, and concourse of people of most remote nations. After that the Pope crowned him with great pomp and triumph, and by the reason of the infinite number of the people he was enforced to retire into France. He fought with the Moguntius and overcame them. He subdued the Ormanns which were now rebelled and fallen from the Empire. But at length finding all peaceable and quiet, he gave himself over to his pleasure and lust, and became so insolent and proud, that at last he fell from the Church, and rebelled: whereupon peradventure through the divine justice be fell into a long an incurable infirmity, whereof he miserably concluded his days at Ratisbona, and was entombed at Hotings. 119. Lewis 3. portrait of emperor Lewis 3 AFter the death of the Antecedent Emperor, An. Domini 901. by the election of the Swissers and the French, his son succeeds, in the year 901, who was also by Nation a French man. About this time the Hungar●●ns made cruel incursions into the confines of Christendom, and demolished all the Churches in those parts i● a most malicious contempt and inhuman indignities. To whose violence this just, benign, and excellent Prince being wonderfully desirous to resist and oppose, he sent an Army against them, who at the first encounter were routed and overthrown. Afterwards challenging his Father's Kingdom of Berengarius, in a battle overthrew him with marvellous industry and courage: But the battle again renewed afresh, this Lewis was worsted and taken, and imprisoned at Verona to the loss both o● his eyes and Imperial dignity. Lastly, being enlarged, he retired himself into Germany as a private man, overloaden with disgrace, and overborne with grief he surrendered his last breath, and had sepulture at Ratisbone. 120. Conradus. portrait of emperor Conradus THis Conradus borne in Francenia was a man so great, Anno Domini 912. powerful, and generous, that he was created Augustus. In the beginning of his governmet he found many Country's adverse: but afterwards with a strong confidence of his courteous clemency, and mercy of this singular Prince, they voluntarily came in, and submitted without any molestation or mulct. Nevertheless in the third Year of his Empire, the Hungarians entered into Germany and sacked Bavaria with many other opulent and rich Countries. Against whom this Monarch advancing, to the honour of the Empire he vanquished and crushed them. And having performed many notable enterprises, knowing himself to be near his end, assembling may Almain Lords, he exhorted them to live well, and to a fealty towards the Roman-Church, intreateing them to create Henry the son of Otho Emperor; which he having obtained, he laid down the Imperial sceptre, and after the seventh year of his reign, he departed to another life dying in Germany being with due obsequies entombed at Fulda. 121. Henry 1. surnamed * The Fowler or Falconer wherewith he was much delighted. Auceps. portrait of emperor Henry Auceps BY the persuasion of Conradus this Henry a Saxon borne, Anno Domini 919. was created Emperor, who was a man abundantly replenished with singular graces, and sublime gifts above all men of his time, and he became a Monarch so famous, that he was beloved, honoured, and reverenced of every man. And although many Dukes and Princes rebelled against him, he nevertheless with his admirable prudence pacified them all. He suppressed the Saxons to his great honour and reputation, and recovered a world of treasures and wealth from them. He subdued many other Provinces and Cities with little or no difficulty, but rather by his discreet meekness and gentle clemency, wherefore he eternised his name to memory. Afterward being surprised with a grievous infirmity, (as some writ) a dead Palfie, leaving all quiet, he left his son Otho Emperor, to whom he recommended true and incorruptible ●ustice in his government; and by little and little he yielded unto death at the age of 60 years, and 17 of his government, being with great solemnity and pomp befitting so worthy a man, inhumed at Quendeloburg. 122. Otho the great. portrait of emperor Otho the great THis was the first German Emperor, Anno Domini 936 being by birth a Saxon, and crowned by Pope Leo. He was a marvellous Christianlike man, a defender and lover of the Church. He overcame Boleslaus King of Bohemia, and Hugo Count of Paris. He subdued the Hungarian●, and after so many victories and trophies, persuaded by some Cardinals against the iniquity of Pope john, being moved with a godly zeal, he came into Italy with a mighty Army, and took Berengarius with his son, and confined one of them into Gracia, and the other into Germany. And being come Rome, he deturbed the aforesaid Pope from the seat, and by the instigation of the people he made Leo Pope. And for the commodity and good universal he determined and arbitrated many litigious dissensions. In the end finding himself very aged, he elected for his Companion in the Imperial dignity his own son Otho: and returning into Germany his native Country, he died at Vienna, as others writ, at Quendelb●urgh, having reigned 12 years in the Imperial Majesty, and lieth interred at Magdeburg. 123. Otho 2. portrait of emperor Otho 2 THis Otho, Anno. Dom. 968. by Nation a German, took the Imperial Sceptre in hand, and following his Father's steps he was most Christianlike, and an excellent propugnator of the Church. In Germany he took Henry Duke of Bavaria, and with his own hands Emperour-like he dispossessed him of that Signory. He fought against Lotharius King of France, and overcame him who had spoiled and wasted many countries. He subdued Dalmatia with great valour to his perpetual honour. But afterwards fight against the Greeks, he was routed in such sort, that he lost his whole army, and himself fled being disguised, and by sea was transported into Sicilia: where being discovered, he ransomed himself, by infinite sums of moneys. And being enlarged, of the Sicilians he was wonderfully reverenced and honoured by them, they themselves attending and conducting him to Rome with exceeding great honour, where shortly after he died, leaving his son Otho to succeed, himself having governed 17 years, and lieth also entombed in Rome. 124. Otho 3 portrait of emperor Otho 3 OTho the third took possesson of the Empire with great difficulty, Anno Domini 985. because there was a great confusion about him, and Henry Duke of Bavaria: but afterwards the Electors all accorded to Otho, and this their election was confirmed by Pope Benedict of those times. He was not any way different from the conditions o● his predecessors: for he was a great defender of the Church. And in all his wars (which were many) he remained invincibly victorious, having always a brave spirit, wherefore he was called the wonder of the world. Finding all in quiet and peace he intended to go into Italy, which he did, and came to Rome, and was crowned by Gregory the fifth with wonderful solemnity: and being very desirous to return into Germany, he was poisoned by the Romans, and died suddenly in Rome, the eighteenth year of his Empire, committing his body to his sons to be conducted solemnly into Germany, there to be interred at Aquisgrane, and his ashes to be inurned, after the Roman fashion. This Emperor married Mary the daughter of the king of Arragon, which Mary often enticed a young Earl (a man of a singular chastity, as being himself also married) to the satisfaction of her lust; but being by him repulsed, she complained to Otho, that the Earl had forced her to his desire: Wherefore Otho commanded him to be beheaded. The Earl's Lady taking up the head of her husband, came and threw it before Otho as he was at that time in the seat of judgement, with many tears and word, charging him, that he was guilty of innocent blood, which she proved by taking (before his face and the rest of his company) a red hot Iron in her hand, 〈◊〉 custom it ●as among ●●e Romans, ●at whosoe●er did take a ●●d hot Iron 〈◊〉 his hand, ●●d was not ●●rt, wa● held innocent of ●●at act wher●● he was accused. which never hurt her: Otho seeing that, and the Lady thereupon insulting, promised her his own life in satisfaction: But the Peers after much entreaty somewhat pacified the Lady, and the matter being more seriously sifted, the whole crime fell upon the Empress, whom Otho commanded to be burnt, and gave the Widow 3 Castles, to her and her children for ever. Barro. This Emperor also appointed diverse Offices in the Empire, as Chancellor, Dapifer, Pincerna, and the like; adding those places as honourable to those Earls and Counts, upon whom he conferred them, thenceforth to be irremoveable for ever. 125. Henry 2. portrait of emperor Henry 2 HEnry the second borne in Bavaria, Anno Domini 1001. was by the Electors created Emperor in the year of Grace 1001, being at first Duke of Bavaria. He was an excellent and Saintlike man, and had a Lady to his wife, worthy and like himself, adorned with all complete perfections. This man by the reason of serious occupations, concerning the Imperial affairs, could not for a certain space come into Italy: but dispatching his businesses of greatest importance, he came to Rome, not in a pompous manner, but with a conveniet and due greatness, and was by Benedict 8 then Pope crowned Emperor. Afterwards he went toward Capua, against the Saxons, and stayed them out of Italy, together with many Greeks which favoured the Turks. At length having well composed the Empire, and founded the bishopric of Bamberge, he matched his sister in marriage to Stephen king of Hungary afterwards falling sick, in a short time died; I find it not recorded where, to the great grief of all men, and lieth interred at Bamberg before mentioned. 126. Conradus 2. portrait of emperor Conradus 2 NOt without great contention two years after the death of Henry this noble and sublime Prince borne in Franconia, Anno Domini 1024. was lawfully chosen Emperor, who immediately made war upon Elibrand Duke of Milan, and besieged him; although out of his own clemency and noble mind, and by the entreaty of the Archbishop of Colonia he raised his siege. Departing thence he went to Rome, and by Pope john was crowned Emperor with great solemnity and triumph. After some days departing from Rome, he warred against the Sclavonians, and bravely overcame them. He ordained many most commodious and profitable laws, amongst which this was one, That what Prince soever violated the peace, he should lose his head. It is not found, nor certainly known when, how, nor where this most Christian Emperor died: Nevertheless it is credibly to be supposed that a good end concluded so good beginnings, and so virtuous a life; but had ininterment at Spires. Glaber amongst other Authors reporteth, that on the Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the 29 of June, Anno Domini 1033, at six of the clock in the morning the Sun began to be eclipsed, and continued until eight in a very strange manner; the Sun seeming to be of the colour of a Saphire, being in the upper part like the Moon in the last Quartile: and the countenances of men seemed of the colours of the dead, pale, and won; and whatsoever was in the Air, seemed of a yellow or Saffron colour, to the terror of all men: so that the greatest Philosophers and learnedst of those times could not give any other reason, but that it portended mortality▪ and demonstrated a power incomprehensible by humane nature and reason. 127. Henry 3. portrait of emperor Henry 3 AFter the good Conradus, Anno Domini 1039. Henry his son borne also in Franconia, succeeded in the Empire: In the beginning of his Reign he fought very fortunately against Hurdericus King of Bohemia, and made him tributary, so that he never after disturbed him. He overthrew the Hungarians, and restored Solon to his Kingdom, of which he had been deprived by Ladislaus. About this time there grew many dissensions in Rome amongst the Prelate's concerning the Popedom, and ●●e with singular prudence laboured ●o pacify them, and caused a counsel to be called, in which Clemens ●he second was elected as true Pope, ●nd by him was crowned Emperor. After wards he made wars upon ●he Sarazens. Returning into Germany, he built a ●ately and sumptuous Church in Samberge, dedicating it to St. Gregory, and obtained it to be a Cathedral, with an obligation of sending ●certaine quantity of Incense to the Pope, and a white Horse with due Furniture. Bertholdus reports this, That Hen●y beginning to loath and hate his wife, ●ho was a most innocent and virtuous ●oman, committed her to prison, ●here he compelled many to violate and ●orce her: he commanded his second son Conradus to do the like which he refusing, being his stepmother, this Henry denied him to b● his son; and after some other inward infirmity besides his Apoplexy, as peradventure jealousy, which many times breeds from a mere, but false suspicion, and causeth perpetual dissension, and debates, which by continuance, altereth the nature of love, converting it to a loathing and hatred, oftentimes to the ruin of one or both parties. He died in Aquisgrane, leaving his son Henry to inherit the crown imperial, and had his funeral obsequies performed in a most royal and glorious form, and thus buried at Spires. 128. Henry 4 portrait of emperor Henry 4 For the memorable goodness of the father, Henry the son, An. Dom. 1056. the place of his birth being ●ot known, was elected Emperor, although he were very young, who 〈◊〉 the beginning shown himself ●ery forward to good, and a great enemy to vice. He afterwards became ●roud and insolent, and a contemner ●f religion, so that he became cru●l, whereupon sundry Popes proclaimed him heretic. But recanting at length his errors, he wa● received into the bosom of the Church. Not long after being a● Pavia, he again fell from the faith, and laboured to deprive Pope Gregory of his seat. But the Germans perceiving him in such a variable inconstancy and malice, deprived him of the Empire, in whose place they chose Rudolphus Duke of Saxony. Whereupon this Henry with great indignation put many both of the Clergy and laity to death, and created a new Pope in his own Country. In the mean time this Ruddphus the new Emperor gathered a great Army, and overthrew Henry and all his adherents: and thus he died, leaving an ill savour beh●ode him, and was buried at Spires. 129. Henry 5. portrait of emperor Henry 5 HEnry, son to the former Emperor, An. Dom. 1106. whose place of birth is nor mentioned, by the Divine will having pacified the Empire, he came with a powerful Army into Italy, and to Rome, under pretence of peace, and by a wile took the Pope Paschalis with all the Clergy, and deprived them of their faculties. Whereupon the people of Rome slew an infinite number of the Germans and chased them out of Rome, coming another time to Rome, he was crowned by one Mauritius a bishop of his own making. Paschalis being dead he was excommunicated by Calistus: Returning to himself, with great hmiliation he renounced his former proceed resigning himself into the hands of the Pope; and promising thence forth to be a faithful man. Wherefore the Pope moved to compassion, absolved him, and restored him to his former dignity. Being returned into Germany, he shortly after surrendered his life at Traiectum in Germany, and lies buried also at Spires. 130. Lotharius. portrait of emperor Lotharius AFter the death of Henry, Anno Dom. 1125. the Emperor Lotharius was chosen by the Electors, he then being Duke of Saxony, a man of excellent parts, and most prudent in in all his actions, religious and a lover of true justice. He replaced Innocencius the third, & restored him to the seat, by whom he was with many previledges and great solemnities crowned Emperor of Germany: Returning into his Country with great Majesty and State: he proclaimed wars against the Bohemians, and with singular valour in a short time he supprossed their impudent boldness. After that he pacified many dissensions of great importance in Italy, and of great consequence concerning the Romans. He chased Rogero Duke of Calabria and Puglia out of those parts, which he contrary to all Justice most unlawfully usurped, & he relieved many that were oppressed and distressed. In the end having composed all in quiet, he returned home, where he peaceably resigned his life, and died at Verona, having governed eleven years, and lies buried in Saxony. An. Dom. 1124, the order of the Knight Templars was instituted by this Emperor, and the charge likewise defrauded: Their habits were white, Tyrius lib. 12. cap. 7. and for the space of nine years here were no more but nine of them; but shortly after their number grew ●●finite. 131. Conradus. portrait of emperor Conradus COuradus borne in Sweden, Anno Domini 1139. was Duke of Bavaria, and Nephew to Henry the fift, ●nd was elected Caesar by the entire consent of the Electors. For his demency and piety he was great●● beloved of Saint Bernard, which ●as an occasion that he with many other Christian Princes went very powerfully against the Turks, and making a stay in Iconium or Gracia, Emanuel the Emperor of the Greeks, promised him necessary victualling for his Army: But the wicked ma● shown his Grecian malice, and mixed the meal which was for the bread of the Christian Army with some pernicious mixture, as chalk ground into flower, by the which treason and villainy most perfidious, an infinite number of the Army died, and miserably perished; insomuch that such a mortality daily increasing worse, and more vehement, the good Conradus was enforced to surcease his resolution and impress, and to march into Thracia: And before his Coronation having done many notable, noble, and famous acts, he passed to better life, and died at Bamb●● and had his interment at Lorchiu●● Anno Domini 1150, acertaine great man called Hugo, built a Castle near the house of Cluni, but being entreated to desist, he with a contempt rejected the request; but six years after the said Castle by an Earthquake (the Earth gaping under it) was swallowed up, and that place being filled with water, became an abyssive Lake. 132. Fredericus Barbarossa. portrait of emperor Fredericus Barbarossa BY a surname this Emperor was called Barbarossa, Anno Domini 1152. because he had a red Beard: he was borne in Swede, and his brother Conradus being dead, he was elected. He c●me into Italy with an invincible army, and be caguerd Tortona, and sacked it, he was by the Pope at Rome crowned Emperor of the Germani. Returning thence to his own country he achieved many memorable and worthy acts. But afterwards upon some indignity conceived against the Pope, became again, with a great army before the walls of Rome, and the citizens having maned the walls for their safeguard & defence, it happened that some soldiers of the Imperial army found a Hare, and with a great shout and outcry, which they usually made at their first onsets in war, coursed her, which ran directly towards the city, the soldiers pursu●g her. The city soldiers supposing them to make an assault through fear forsook their station and retreated from the walls: Which the Emperor perceiving, presently led on his army, and scaling the walls took in the City, and sacked it Fitzh. And by the reason he fostered such a Schism, he was excolumunicated, whereupon he in a rage took many things from the Church. He persecuted Pope Alexander the third, of the house of l'andinelli Sanese, taking part with the Anti-popes', and especially with judas Cremascus. Making war against the Venetians, he was by them overthrown, his son taken, and himself as it were utterly affoibled. He with great submission, by the means of the said Venetians was reconciled. He fought valiantly against the Turks, and gained many notable victories. He conquered Armenia, and in that country swimming his horse over a river, was drowned, & afterwards was taken up, and his funeral rites were performed at Tyre. There happened in the year 1169. on the fourth day of February such a vehement earthquake in the whole isle of Sicily, moving the whole Island that it wa● perceived in Calabria, and the stately a d●●ealthy City of Catana wa● so utterly shattered, that there was not one house l●ft standing, and there were above fifteen thousand men and women with their children, ●●rt oppressed with the ruin thereof, which was an accident to be deplored and lamented all over the Christian world as an exemplar punition, by the All-powerfull hand of the God omnipotent. 133. Henry the 6. portrait of emperor Henry 6 Henry the son of the aforesaid Ferderick borne also in Swede after his election went to Rome in great magnifiscence and triumph, An. Don. 1190. & was there crowned Emperor by Pope Caelestinus. He fought with Tancredus, and beleaguered him in Naples, took in the city, and the said Tancredus was slain by the soldiers, and his son William with his two sisters were carried away prisoners into Germany to the Emperor, who was already removed for fear of a suspected plague. But they together with a great number of Bishops and Prelates were most cruelly murdered: For which outrageous cruelties Pope Celestine excommunicated him: although afterwards upon great submissive humiliation he was again restored and absolved, and was made by him King of Sicily. Afterwards falling grievously sick in Mesan●a, and having recommended his brother Philip and his own son Frederick to Pope Innocent, he gave up the ghost in Panorma, and after the Roman custom was richly entombed there. In this Emperor's time lived one Hugo Bishop of Lincoln, who in his visitation coming to the Abbey of Godstoe, and entering into the Church to do his devotion, and beholding a new Hearse covered with funeral ornaments very richly adorned, asked whose it was, answer was made of Rosamunds'; he presently commanded it to be taken thence, and the corpse to be buried, not in the Church, because she was an unchaste woman. 134. Philip. portrait of emperor Philip A Great dissension did arise amongst the Electors upon the death of Henry the sixth, Anno. Dom. 1199. because some stood for this Philip Duke of Swede, and brother to the late Emperor: an other some stood for Otho Duke of Saxony, who was Grandchild to Lotharius Emperor. Whereupon Pope Innocentius (in consideration that Frederick and Henry, the ancestors of this Philip, had been rebellious to the Church) declared Otho to be the right and true Emperor: Wherefore Philip being much distasted, by the assistance of Philip King of France, he made war against Otho. In the mean while Innocentius excommunicated Philip, together with all his adherents, which either savoured or assisted him. Afterwards there followed a pacification, on condition that Philip was declared Emperor of Germany, but he governed with great perplexity and molestations: Within a while after he was murdered at Bamberg by Altigranus Prince of Turigia, and by that means there ensued a general peace and quite: He was conveyed to Spire, and had a stately funeral celebrated for him, with a monument there. 135. Otho portrait of emperor Otho IN the year 1199, Anno Domini 1199. Otho borne a Saxon, and Duke of Saxony was elected Emperor: And having taken an oath not to violate the Church, who not long after his coronation by Pope Innocentius, he violated his oath, by ransacking many churches, for he was a man more covetous than religious: and immediately after, he began to war against the Romans, by whom he was chased out of Rome, and overthrown: but being more enraged, he opposed himself against the Pope, and against Frederick, son of the late Emperor, from whom he too●e with little or no resistance, many lands and places: Which Innocentius understanding, called a Counced in Rome, and deposed him of the Empire, and by the assistance of many Princes against him, in the behalf of the Pope, he had such a great overthrow, that he lost all his men. Whereupon the Electors accorded to elect Frederick King of Siclia Emperor. For Oath returned again into Germany, there to make all possible preparations for the defence of his Crown and dignity. And having mustered up all his power and strength, pitched a battle against Frederick, wherein he lost the day, together with his life; being wounded in thirty several places in his body; and was interred at Brunswick. 136. Frederick the 2. portrait of emperor Frederick 2 OTho being deprived of the Empire, Anno Domini 1220. Frederick (a Saxon borne) was elected, who was crowned by Honorius Pope, by whose assistance he was restored to the kingdom of Sicily although that favour was very ill requited, because he suddenly made open wars sacking, wasting, and spoiling many places that did belong to the Church, wherefore he was excommunicated and deprived of the Empire: but he slighting and contemning all the Pope's censures, became far more cruel against the Church, and the more to injure the Pope, upon no occasion he slew many Prelates. Afterwards the Parthians, Guelves, and Gibellines overcoming the country of Italy, upon this oacasion, many cities were wasted, sacked, spoiled and razed. After this returning to Fuglia a violent fever came upon him, and whilst he intented to recreate and refresh his army, he was then by Manfred his bastard son strangled at Taranto, and lies buried at M. Regalis. 137. Henry 7 portrait of emperor Henry 7 THis Henry son of the aforesaid Frederick and Constantia was at ten years of age elected and crowned Emperor in Aquisgrane: and being come to age, An: Domini 1●20. he married Margaret the Daughter of Leopoldus Du●e of Austria. And remembering his father stood excommunicated by the Pope, and thinking it was undeservedly; he bent himself to revenge, and with an infinite number of soldiers arose against him in open wars: but upon better advice, and doubtful peradventure of the success, turned his forces against Otho: which made his father suspect that he would in time be of sufficient power, (already knowing his boldness of courage) and apt to deprive him of the Crown Imperial; whereupon he imprisoned him with a strong guard over him, and with a strict charge of custody, in which misery he at length died, having no obsequies at all conferred upon him. 138. Rudolphus. portrait of emperor Rudolphus RVdolphus borne at Habsburg, Anno Domini 1273. was elected Emperor in Lions, in the time that a general Council was there holden in the year 1273. He was a man of exquisite valour, and most excellent in all matters, very able of body, of a beautiful resemblance, replenished with singular prudence and wisdom. The year after his election he went to Rome, there to be crowned; and although (as some say) the Pope would not condescend or grant him a coronation, nevertheless he obtained the Imperial government of Germany. Anno 1282 an army of Frenchmen being in Sicily in preparation for afric, the Sycilians upon Easterday in the afternoon which fell at that time upon the 30 of March, upon the ringing of the bells to Evensong, set upon the French not dreaming of any such matter, especially on Easter-day, and slew them every man, woman, and child, to the number of 8000 persons: and those women which were with child by the French, were bowelled, that not a sprig might sprout from a French stock: the memory of this is not extinct, for the French know les vespres de la Sycile The Sicilian Evensong. Genebrard. Returning back he moved war against Agesilaus king of Bohemia and so subjected him, that he held him in servitude and slavery many years: but afterwards willing to satisfy the world, and express his magnanimity, he voluntarily restored him his kingdom again, giving his daughter unto him in marriage. And having reduced all matters to a general peace, he fell sick, and died at the age of seventy three at Gemersheym, and was interred at Spires. 139. Adolphus. portrait of emperor Adolphus AFter the death of the good old man Adolphus, An. Domini 1292. marquis of Anassona borne ●n Nassau, attained to the Imperial dignity in the year of the Incarnation 1292, with the unity of consent of the Electors. This man was also adorned with all the riches of virtue, but very poor in worldly estate, and weak in men of Arms. And although he were not crowned by the Pope, nevertheless (peradventure by advice and council, or at that time indiscreet, not reflecting that impresses of War should be performed rather by superiority, (the better to secure the victory) than by inconsiderate temerity and rashness he) laboured with those small forces which he had, to recover some places defected from the Empire. And fight against Albertus' son of Rudolphus now Emperor in the Country of Spire, although he behaved himself very valiantly, nevertheless through the small quantity of soldiers he was by the same Albertus overthrown, and slain near Spires, and lies buried there. In this Emperor's Reign, Anno Domini 1303, the Chair wherein the Kings of England are crowned at Westminster, was brought out of Scotland by Edward King of England, which the Scots called the fatal chair: in the year 1310. The knight-templers in Germany, France, England, and other countries were all cut off, & many of them burnt alive. Chron. Montford. 140. Albertus. portrait of emperor Albertus ALbertus, Anno Domini 1269. the son of Rudolphus late Emperor deceased, borne in Nassau, a man most expert in ar●●es, succeeding in the Empire, demanded diverse several times of Boniface the Pope his coronation: who being against it, and repugnant, would by no means condescend thereto. Afterwards by the reason of jars and discords between Philip king of France and the Pope, he did not only crown, and confirm him Emperor, but gave him also the kingdom of France, subjecting the king to his Imperial government and command: which was an occasion of infinite slaughters, discords, intestine and civil wars in Christendom. This man having ever spent and employed the greatest part of his time in wars and heroical actions, labouring day and night to recover the secure harbour of tranquillity and peace: on a certain day disembarking himself, having passed over the Rhine, he was slain at Rheinveld in Germany by anephew of his, for certain dissensions between them which before had happened in Arabia, and hath his ashes inurned at Keningstadt. In this Albertus his time lived that famous Doctor joannes Duns Scotus, who died at Coloyn, being supposed to be dead, having only an accustomed fit, of a Lethargy, which afterwards was evident, when they that were his friends came, caused him to be taken up again, having found him to be alive, by many bruises on his face, and his flesh eaten off of his arms and shoulders, and many other signs & tokens to thegriefe of many a worthy scholar. 141. Henry the 7. portrait of emperor Henry 7 THis Henry was marquis of Luxemburghe where he was borne, Anno Dom. 1368. son to Henry and Beatrice, & elected in the year of grace, 1308, and confirmed by Pope Clement upon this condition, that at the end of two years he should according to the accustomed manner go to solemnize his coronation at Rome, which he persorming was entertained with all pompous manner and jncredible magnificence by the Citizens and Communality, and after that was crowned by 3 Cardinals: and there he appeased many dissensions which were then afoot in the Country of Italy, many parts being taken. His return was by Tuscany, where his soldiers did much mischief. Being arrived at Buonconvento within 12 miles of Sienna he fell grievously sick, and caused himself to be carried to the Bath of Macereto, and that availing him nothing, he returned again to Buonconvento, where his sickness increasing, and the best Art in Physic working no good effect within few days after he died, and was inhumed at Pisa. 142. Frederick 3. portrait of emperor Frederick 3 The Pope's chair was vacant two years, three months, and seventeen days. THis Frederick was Duke of Austria, Anno Domini 1314. where he was also borne; the son of Albertus Caesar, and elected to succeed in the Imperial Throne. At the same time 2 Emperors were chosen by the Electors, viz. this Frederick & Lewis, and both being crowned, there ensued not only between them, but also all the world over, most cruel and bloody civil wars: And each pretending his cause juridically lawful, enabled themselves to their utmost possibility, with what forces they could for war, the better to march whithersoever occasion should call upon them. Matters standing upon these terms, each of them for his best advantage and security, fortune brought them in process of time to a meeting, victory hover over the battle, which was not without great effusion of blood on both sides. But in conclusion the Catastrophe fell worst upon Frederick to his utter ruin; so he falling into a deep melancholy, was therein in a short time lost, passing to another life, leaving his enemy Lewis to enjoy the seat Imperial: he died in Austria, expecting his resurrection at Murbach. A Fable of this Emperor Frederick propounded to the Ambassador of King Lewis the 11. in the 6. year of his Reign. Charles Duke of Burgundy having planted his siege before the City of Nuce, which was succoured by this Emperor, and the Almains: King Lewis the 11 of France (who sought nothing more than the ruin of the said Duke of Burgundy) sent his Ambassador to the Emperor Frederick, to pracsise and persuade with him to seize & consiscate into h●s own hands all those lands and signory which the Duke of Burgundy held of the Empire, and that he for his part would do the like for the Country of Flanders, Artois, Burgundy, and other dependants of the Crown of France: The Emperor upon this motion, made the Ambassador this answer: near unto a certain City in Almain, did once haunt a most cruel Bear, which did many mischiefs and displeasures to the inhabitants adjoining: now (said the Emperor) it happened that 3 merry companions, (a● they were drinking in a Tavern, and having little money to pay their shot) they agreed with their Host to venture upon the Bear, and to kill him, and then make sale of his skin, and t● pay him with the money: and for the performance thereof, they prepared themselves presently to go and take him: the bargain being made, and dinner ended, they put themselves in quest of the Bear, and approaching to the cave where he was lodged, the bear issued out upon them so fiercely, that being surprised with a sudden fear, one of them fled away back tewards the town; the second saved himself by climbing up a tree; and the third being overtaken by the Bear, fell down under him as dead: and the Bear (without doing him any other hurt) did often put is mouth to the ears of this poor fellow, who all this while held his wind, and abstained from breathing: for the nature of the Bear is not to touch or offend any dead body: Now the bear being gone, the man got up and went his way also: after which, he that was aloft in the tree, came down, and having overtaken his companion, demanded of him, what it was that the Bear told him in his ear: marry (quoth the fellow) he bade me that I should never after use to sell a Bear's skin, till the bear were dead: By this the Emperor paid the Ambassador with an answer; a● if he sh●●●d have said Let us first be sure to take the Dake, and then afterwards let us dispose of his diminions. 143. Lewis the 5. portrait of emperor Lewis 5 AS the more expert in arms this Emperor borne in Bavari●, Anno Domini 1327. remained sole possessor of the Imperial sceptre, whereupon he elated himself with selfe-conceite and pride, causing himself to be proclaimed Emperor without any approbation of the Church. In his way towards Rome he Imperiously took in the City of Milan. Now was he excommunicated by the Pope john, wherefore he retreatd into Germany, and there made havoc of the Priests and Monks. Not long after that, he resolved again for Rome, being accompanied with an infinite number of soldiers, and entered the City, where by Stephanus he was Crowned, thence returning into Germany, where he found Charles, the son of Henry the 8 was elected Emperor: whereupon they meeting as it were by chance, resolved to try it out in the field; but Lewis finding himself inferior was overthrown, and by accident saved himself by flight; but in a short time after died with grief; but as some writ, his horse threw and flew him, his interment also being uncertain. Anno 1316, there was such a general pestilence and famine all over Europe, that the third part of mankind was swept away, and in Poland the sons did not abstain from eating their paronts own flesh, and also carrion. Trithem. a horse artificially painted with St. George on his back upon the wall of the Imperial palace at Constantinople, was heard to neigh by day and by night. Which was like wise heard 117 years before so to do. Cregor. 144. Charles the 4. portrait of emperor Charles 4 Charles' K. Aunno Domini 1346. of Bohemia, borne in Austria, by the will of pope Clement was elected Emperor. This man because he was a very good Christian and faithful to the Church: surprised Nicholas the usurper a Tribune of Rome. He deprived Drachinus both of lise and of the Kingdom of Naples: wherefore for his justice and virtue he was generally beloved and feared of all men. Coming afterwards into Italy he was entertained of all Potentates with great honour according to his greatness; and according to the custom of his Antecessors in Milan he received the iron-crowne, and from thence advancing to Rome with great triumph and solemnity he was crowned by two Cardinals. He ordained many matters concerning the Church for the Empire, and for every man most commodious and useful, and afterwards he returned into Germany. Being grown aged, like a grave and wise man (thinking upon his end) he resigned the Imperial sceptre to Vinceslaus his eldest son, and altogether quitting himself of the cares of this world, he betook him to those of his soul, and in a while after he died in Bohe●●a, to the general grief of all men, having his last duties and interment at Prague. The Electors chose Edward the third of England for Emperor, but he giving them thankes for so great an honour, contenting himself with his little England, and France, which he had now conquered, refused to accept the Empire, by which means it fell upon this Charles. 345. Vinceslaus. portrait of emperor Vinceslaus VInceslaus borne also in Austria, falsified that * 〈…〉 Proverb, Such Parents, such * 〈…〉 children: because he in all his actions was very ●uch unlike his good old Father Charles the 4, being in particular, lazy, ignorant, and without all ordinary prudence and discretion; neither did he any one action worthy, or beseeming a degree of that Majesty and Greatness whereunto he was raised, in Germany he spent his 〈◊〉 wholly in idleness, sloth, and luxury, en ploying his all self and cares in new fangled cates, exquisite rare delicacies of diet: whereupon the speculative wits of those times abhorred him, and generally all men. Therefore by a commission of Robert Duke of Bavaria for a new election, he was by the Electors deposed, and hereupon he conceived so great a disgust, and fell into such a rage, that he sickened, and and in the space of 15 days or thereabout he passed to another life at Prague, disrespectively there inhumed. Tamerlaine at first a shepherd, Anno 1397. afterwards became a brave soldier, and growing powerful termed himself The wrath of God, took Bajazeth the great Turk, and carried him about in an iron cage for the space of 4 years: at length the Turk beat his brains out against; he side of the said Cage. 146: Rupertus. portrait of emperor Rupertus RVpertus born in the County Palatine of the Rhine, Anno Demivi 1400. Duke of Bavaria, and Count Palatine, upon the deposing of Vinceslans was created Emperor in the year of grace 1400. who for his goodness, clemency & justice was without any conditions voluntarily & freely crowned by Pope Boniface. Anno 9 Bunif. He in the assistance of the Florentines marched against Galle●tto Duke of Milan, by whom he was overthrown, albeit he gave incredible testimonies of his own valour in the battle. He by this means falling into these straits, fled to Venice accompanied with some Lords and Nobility, where by the Doge, 〈◊〉 Commander of Venice. and by the whole Senate he was most highly and magnificently entertained, encouraged, and comforted; who promised him their assistance, both of moneys and men. From thence he returned into Germany, and applied himself wholly to the government of his Imperial charge. Afterward leaving anople testimonies of his worth to posterity, he fell into a very grievous infirmity, which deprived him of life at Oppenheime, after he had governed 10 years, and had his last obsequies at Heydelberg. In his Reign a Water-woman or Mermaid was taken in the Lake of Putmer, by those of Embden, naked and dumb, Annal● Flan●● which being sent to Harleim, was there taught to wear clothes, to spin, to eat bread, and white meats. 147. Sigismond. portrait of emperor Sigismund THis Sigismond, Anno. Dom. 1411. the son of Charles 4, and borne in Austria, was a man of no less goodness and gentile qualities than his late predecessor, and his father Charles the 4 King of Bohemia. He being King of Hungary at the instance of Pope john was elected Emperor, and by him crowned. This Sigismond by his wisdom and dexterity pacified the Schisms and dissensions then in Christendom. In ●ohemia he extinguished many heresies: Against him rose up in Arms Z●ska Captain of the Hassites having often fortunatly fought, and never foiled Sigismond: as he madly lived, so be likewise died, persuading his soldiers to to take off his skin, and make a Drum head thereof, telling them that at the sound of that Drum their enemies should fly. Aen. Silu. Cromer. This Sigismond had diverse wars and conflicts with the Turks, and always came off with honourable victories. This Emperor was a man of his person very proper and beautiful, and of a generous spirit, able and strong of body, of an aspect, gracious, wise, and a most beneficent acknowledger of virtuous men, and a great maintainer of the Christian faith: he was a severe chastiser of those that transgressed therein. Being in Hungary, and feeling himself declining in age, in great tranquillity of heart, surrendered his soul into the hands of heaven, in the 27 year of his reign at Znaien in Moravia, and with due honour entombed at Varasin. 148. Albertus. portrait of emperor Albertus Albertus' Duke of Austria, Anno Domini 1438. where he was borne, son in law to his Antecessor by the consent of all the Electors was called to the Imperial dignity, being a magnaminous man, and of a high spirit; a just, good, and merciful Prince. In battles he was bold and forward, and by his valour he submitted to the Empire Moravia, Bohemia, and Poland. He understanding that the Turks molested and assault, ●ed many Cities of the Christians moved with a good zeal, went against them with a strong & powerful army: but in the voyage he fell sick, and thought himself unfit to prosecute his intention, or to bring it to his wished effect: wherefore he returned to Vienna, where he found himself in small hopes of recovery, his disease daily augmenting, made his last will and testament, and died near Sergonium in the second year of his government, leaving his Lady great with child, and lies buried at Alba Regalis. Other authors do affirm that he died of surfeit taken by eating of Pompions. 149. Frederick. portrait of emperor Frederick FRedericke Duke of Austria, Anno Domini 1440. where also he drew his first breath, was created Caesar by the Electors. Entering into Italy he was entertained with great solemnity and state, and with an universal applause of all the people. He solemnised his nuptials with his Lady in the city of Sienna with the greatest triumph and possible magnificence, as it is the ancient custom of that most famous City upon all occurent occasions, to show themselves very noble in their entertainments. He was afterwards crowned in Rome, together with his wife. He fought against the Turks, and obtained many famous and notable victories. Afterwards some dissensions growing between him and the King of Hungaria, he was much afflicted, and lost Vienna the chief City of the Germane Empire. And being aged, he retired with infinite treasures into strong holds, and places well fortified, and breathed his last at Lyniz in Austria, governing always with much trouble, but resteth in peace at Vienna aforesaid. 150. Maximilianus. portrait of emperor Maximilianus MAximilian the son of Frederick, Anno Domini 1493. by birth an Austrian, was created Caesar with a general consent, and carried himself with such a prudent comportment, that he was held in admiration, feared & reverenced of all the universe: And as he was a man most wise and graceful, so was he also in person most perfectly beautiful; and in particular, there shined such a majesty in his countenance, that he was by all men most highly esteemed and honoured. For well ordering an Army in battles, none of those times could equal him, especially for onslaughts, and taking in of strong Forts. He made wars in diverse countries, showing himself always of an indaunted courage and heart, and went on, and came off triumphantly. Being at length worn out and quite spent in the tediousness of his tire some wars, he yielded his breath where he first drew it, at Velise in Austria, in the year of Grace 1518, the 33 year of his government, and 63 of his age, and had solemn and pompous funebriall rites performed him at Newstadt. 151. Charles 5. portrait of emperor Charles 5 THe most invict Charles the 〈◊〉 of famous memory, An. Domini 1519. by hi● father being descended from the ancient Caesar's, and by his mother from the Royal Antiquity o● Spain, but borne in Austria, and fo● those respects he was by the Elector chosen Emperor. The Graces, singular valour, and all virtues in his contentiously strove to imbelli● him, and make him appear (as he was) a man replenished with all Heroical qualities. Being at the age of 33 years, he was crowned in Bologna by Clement 7. Afterwards he began in his Wars to make the whole world to tremble, and he was of a judgement so elevate and sound, that he never undertook any enterprise of what difficulty soever which he brought not with prosperity to effect, so that he were not opposed by storms, winds, and cruel tempests of weather. He matched his son Philip in marriage, and made him King of Spain, and his other Kingdoms. He resigned his Sceptre to Ferdinand his brother. Afterwards he retired himself in Spain into a religious house, where after he had lived two years, he resigned his soul into the hands of his Creator, and lies buried in Spain, but I find not the place certain. 152. Ferdinanud. portrait of emperor Ferdinand FErdinand the brother of Charles, Anno Domini 1558. and Son of Philip king of Castille, was a man well learned especially in the Latin tongue, and also in arms most expert and active, wherefore it was doubted whether he were of more agility in Chivalry, or more eloquent and fluent in the Latin, Italian, Spanish, High-dutch, Hungarian and Bohemian languages. In the time of his Imperial government the Counsel of Trent was held, which was so commodious and profitable to the general good of the world, that it may serve for a certain rule both of government of states, and a norm of good life. In which proceed this Emperor shown himself very forward and a great asistant. Afterwards he sickened in Vienna, and finding himself near to his desired end, he called his sons, and gave them grave advices and wholesome admonishments, and giving them the blessing of a loving and pious father, he in great peace and tranquillity departed at Vienna, where he expecteth his resurrection to eternity. 153. Maximilian 3. portrait of emperor Maximilian 3 FOr the goodness of the late Ferdinand, Anno Domini 1562. the Electors thought good to confer the Empire upon his son Maximilian, and so to the great satisfaction of the Germans and Italians he was created Emperor: Who nothing degenerating or deviating from the steps and ways of his good Father, comported himself in all his actions with all convenient humane courtesy, dexterity and justice towards all men. He was an open enemy to all turbulent men, perfidious or mutinous persons; and with great rigour he quieted and composed many intestine and civil wars. He was most obedient to the Church, and in the defence thereof, he fought against the Turks very fortunately: Afterwards falling incurably sick of the Retention and stopping of his urine, he left Rudolphus his eldest son Emperor, himself passing to a better life at Ratisbon, about the age of 50, or thereabouts, to the discontentment of all Christendom, and lieth entombed at Lintz in Austria. 154. Rudolphus. portrait of emperor Rudolphus THe Imperial Majesty as it were an inheritance of the noble house and family of Austria, Anno Dom. 1576. was after the death of Maximilian conferred by the Electors upon his son Rudolphus King of Bohemia and Hungary, who was borne in Austria, who also accepting the degree, which deservedly suited with his goodness, he always carrying himself in his actions as a pious and just Emperor, and in particular a defender of the Christian faith. He ordained in his Diets excellent & holy laws. Continually (as it appears) he laboured to reduce to the bosom of the Church, both by his good example and power in Arms, all those which by their own deficiency had fallen from it. He recovered (what he could) things usurped by the Imperial enemies and adversaries to the Christian Religion. It pleased Almighty God to grant him always victory, and to hear the prayers of his subjects, and humble honourers of the great worth of this great Caesar in the service of Christendom, and the glory of that eternal Majesty, upon which all others do depend: but the manner of his death and inhumation I read not of. 155. Mathias. portrait of emperor Mathias THe Emperor Rudolphus had given an intimation for an Imperial Diet in Francfort, Anno Domini 1612. with a preparation to go thither for an election of a King of the Romans, although he were surprised with sickness, and deprived thereby both of Empire and life, having reigned 36 years. Whereof Mathias King of Bohemia and Hungary having intelligence, he went from Vienna to Prague, and there having solemnised the funeral exequys of his late brother, and leaving good order and directions for the interregne, he went to the Diet, where on the 13 of june. 1612. he was by the Electors chosen Emperor with a general applause, and proclaimed, and solemnly sworn in the Church of Saint Bartholm●w: where also upon the feast of Saint john Baptist he took the Iron Crown, to which solemnity he rod with 10000 horse, by the reason of the concourse of so many Princes, & Lords to so famous a spectacle. The next day he caused his wife to be crowned Empress. This Mathias the first of that name, was a Prince of a high spirit and a good soldier. He swayed the Empire only 6 years, 9 months, and 7 days; and died at the age of 63, to the great grief of all men. 156. Ferdinand 2 portrait of emperor Ferdinand 2 THe Emperor Mathias being departed from prague to Vienna where his brother the Archduke Maximilian was. An. Dom. 1619. And now there was a preparation for an Electoral Diet for the election of the Archduke Ferdinando de Gratz to be King of the Romans, who was already chosen King of Bohemia and Hungary: after which departure the Protestants in the Kingdom of Bohemia rebelled, and upon the 20. of March 1619 the afore said Mathias departed this life. After that Moravia, Slesia, Lusaria, and part of Austria, rebelled likewise through the sway of some powerful Protestant commanders and Princes, who shrunk out of the collar of obedience, and refused to perform homage in vigour of a session made by Albertus the Archduke, brother to the aforesaid Mathias, (Maximilian being lately dead) so that the rebellion dilated itself in the Kingdom of Hungary. Now came on the prefixed time for the Electoral diet to be held a● Francfort, where some of the Electors were present for the election of a new Emperor, and Ferdinand himself as King of Bohemia and Hungary, one of the seven Electors stepped in although the aforesaid Bohemian yet persisting in their rebellion, sought what possible they could to prevent him. He was nevertheless by three Electors chosen Emperor with an universal applause the 2● day of August, being the festival day of Saint Austin. Ferdinand the second of that name, was borne the 9 of july, 1578. He was always a stout defender and observer of the Roman Church: and upon the 8 of November with a powerful Army and great slaughter of the adverse party, recovered the City of Prague, which is the Metropolitan City of the Kingdom of Bohemia, whereupon great hopes are conceived of his prosperity of government. FINIS.