A brief Chronicle of the four principal empires. To wit, of Babylon, Persia, Grecia, and Rome. Wherein, very compendiously, the whole course of histories are contained. Made by the famous and godly learned man JOHN SLEIDAN, and englished by Stephan withers. AFTER DARKNESS LIGHT. POST TENEBRAS lux printer's device of Rowland Hall PRINTED AT LONDON by Roland Hall, dwelling in Gutter Lane, at the sign of the half Egle and the Key. 1563. To the right honourable Lord, the Lord Rushell, Earl of Bedford etc. Stephan withers wisheth prosperous health, long life, with increase of godly honour. CAlling to mind (right honourable) the bond that Nature hath laid as it were upon every man's shoulder: to wit, that each man to his power and ability, should diligently labour to benefit his native country. I thought it therefore my bounden duty, to gratify your Lordship at this present, and also (as proceeding from your honour) the residue of my country men, with this my simple labour. Which though many might have done it better, yet I have done my good will: being not only incited and encouraged thereunto, by the vulgar report of your clementy and grateful accepting of divers other men's labours in such like enterprises: but also by the worthiness of the work and splendent fame of the author, whose worthy Chronicle as touching the estate of religion and the weal public under the Emperor Charles the fift, for as much as the custody thereof in our English tongue was exhibited unto your honour, I thought I could not choose a more fit Patron for this little book, then him who had already (by thankful accepting of the foresaid Chronicle) declared his good will to the Author. To make discourse unto your Lordship concerning the goodness and excellentness thereof, and the benefit that may therefrom redound unto all such as are studious. I think I should (as the proverb is) but power water into the sea, for as much as the same is far better described in the authors own preface, as also the causes that moved him to take in hand the same, than I should have been able to have penned it. Not withstanding this much I may well say with Thucydides, that amongs all other writtyngs histories is a treasure, which never ought to be out of our hands, to the end that being aided thereby, we might the better handle such like businesses and chances in the common weals: for albeit that the persons are changed and have given place to nature, yet the same or the like accidents and chances happen daily. Yea I may boldly affirm that it much availeth them that be in authority, to mark diligently in the reading of histories, the acts of all ages, to the end that they having examples laid before their eyes both of good and evil regiment, and of the blessing of God upon good governors, and of the just wrath of God diversly powered upon the contrary sort, may learn to follow the good and eschew the evil. Now briefly to finish, my humble request is, first that it would please you to accept in no worse part this my simple and small offer, then as the present of one that earnestly wisheth you all felicity, who would have given better, if his ability had to his good will been correspondant: and consequently to pardon my boldness, and to bear with the rudeness of my style. And in so doing I shall think myself not only much bound unto your honour, but also be earnestly moved to pray unto God to maintain you in your estate, to prosper and further all your good purposes, to increase you in virtue, and keep you in good health and prosperity. Your honours humble Stephan withers. A Table of the principal things, treated of in this book. ARtaxerxes longhand the fift Emperor. Follio. 9 Alexander's victory against Darius. Fol. 10 Alexander beginner of the third monarchy. Folio. 11. Alexander's liberality. Idem. Alexander's successors. Folio. 12. Appius Claudius and his wicked cupidity. fol. 14 An act worthy of memory. fol. 17 Attilius Regulus, and his cruel death. idem. Archimedes', an excellent Mathematition. fol. 17 Asdruballes overthrow. fol. 18 Ariminius overthroweth the Romans. fol. 34 Augustus victory. idem Ausonius Poet. fol. 49 Albin chief founder of the university of Paris. fol. 71 Albertus Emperor. fol. 99 Belochus the first king of Assiria in the new monarchy. fol. 3 Balthasar the last Emperor of Babylon. fol. 6 Bishops resist Pope julius. fol. 47 Belizarius misery in his old age. fol. 58 Berengarius, and his sedition in Italy. fol. 74 Cyrus, and his death. fol. 7 Cambyses the son of Cyrus. idem. Camilius and his virtue. fol. 14 Cicero treasurer of Sicilia. fol. 18 Cato envious against Scipio. fol. 20 Civil war between Sylla and Marius. fol. 25 conspiraty of Catilin●. fol. 27 C. Octavius birth. fol. 28 Crassus slain by the Parthians. fol. 29 Civil war between Pompeius and Cesar. idem. Cesar vanquisheth Pompeius. fol. 30 Cesar slain in the Senate. fol. 31 Cicero slain by Antonius. fol. 33 Corruption of the Latin tongue. fol. 35 Confusion in the Roman Monarchy. fol. 36 Cyprianus complaint. fol. 40 Constantinus the great. fol. 44 Constantinus, Constantius, & Constans brethren. idem. Clodoveus the first christian king of Frannce. fol. 56 Constantinople besieged by the Saracenes. fol. 63 Charlemagne taketh the king of the Lumbards'. fol. 65 Clarlemain proclaimed Emperor. idem. Constantinus Monomachus. fol. 66 Constantinople taken by Mahometh. idem. Charlemains authority above the Pope. fol. 70 Counsels holden in France. fol. 72 Charles the great. fol. 73 constanty of Papinianus. fol. 38 Charles the fourth. fol. 96 Constantinople taken by the Turk. fol. 100 Charles the fift Emperor. idem. Darius' the third king of Persia. fol. 7 Darius overthrown by the Athenians. idem. Darius' the Bastard the vi Emperor. fol. 9 Darius superfluities, and his end. fol. 12 Denis the Tyrant and his acts. fol. 15 Destruction of Carthage. fol. 22 Destruction of Corinthus. fol. 33 Decree of marcellus, Bishop of Rome. fol. 43 Decree of Anacletus. fol. 44 Decree of Valentinianus and Valens. fol. 48 Dinelshe ambiton of Bonifacius the second. fol. 58 Dissipation of the Roman Empire. fol. 100 Daniel alleged by christ. fol. 105 Eulmerodach, Nabucho●on●zors successor. fol. 6 Excellent captains of Grecia. fol. 10 Excellent captains of Rome. fol. 14 Excellent consuls. Fol. 17 excessiveness of Antonius and Cleopatra. Fol. 34 Excellent jurisconsulles. Fol. 39 Evil hap of the Emperor and Empire. Fol. 67 Eginardus Charlemains Secretary. Fol. 70 Fabricius faithfulness. Fol. 16 Flavius Cladius. Fol. 41 Forcastes of Athila king of the Huns. fol. 52 Fierce and terrible war in Campania. idem Flatteries of the Papists. fol. 56 Fyne interpretation of Saint Paul. fol. 64 Falsehood in the great decree of Gratianus. fol. 73 Fridericus redbeard. fol. 86 Great authority of the Romans. fol. 20 Gracchus dream. fol. 24 Great expenses of Octavius. fol. 35 Gordianus. fol 39 Gallus Hostilianus. fol. 40 Gallienus. fol. 41 Gallus slain for abusing of his authority. fol. 46 Graves forbidden to be sold. fol. 74 Galeatius the first duke of Milan. fol. 97 Hannibal poisoneth himself. fol. 21 Heliogabalus. fol. 38 Hieromes sentence. fol. 49 Heraclius victory. fol. 60 Henry the second. fol. 77 Henry the third. idem julius Cesar overthroweth the swizzers. fol. 28 Inconstantie of Cicero. fol. 32 jesus Christ's birth. fol. 34 jesus Christ's death. fol. 36 julianus. fol. 47 iovinianus. idem. justinus Emperor of Grecia. fol. 56 john king of France taken of the English men. fol. 97 john of Bourgony delivered by a strange means. idem. Lysimachus. fol. 12 L. Luculus against Mithridates. fol. 27 Leges juliae. fol. 32 Litorius against the Goths. fol. 32 Leo Emperor. fol. 54 Lies and falsholde in the Pope's Histories. fol. 56 Long war against the Saxons. fol. 69 Ludovicus the Maffler. fol. 73 Learning and good letters reestablisshed. fol. 99 Melius slain for his ambition. fol. 14 M. Antonius the Philosopher. fol. 37 Maximinus Empe. fol. 38 Martianus Empe. fol. 52 Mauritius Empe. fol. 59 Mahomet's Koran, & the beginning of his authority fol. 60 Marriage forbidden to Priests. fol. 64 Nimrod the first King of Chaldea. fol. 1 Nabuchodonozor's power. fol. 5 Notable jurisconsulles. fol. 16 Nestorius condemned. fol. 5 Narses the Eunuch. fol. 57 Odoacer subdueth Italy. fol. 54 Ottomanus the first Emp. of the Turks. fol. 66 Otho first of that name. fol. 75 Otho displaceth the Pope. idem. Otho the second. fol. 76 Otho taken by Pirates. idem. Otho the third. idem. Ptolomeus Philadelphus, father of good letters. fol. 12 Papyrius Cursor. fol. 15 Pyrchus against the Romans. fol. 16 Persta king of the Macedonians taken prisoner. fol. 21 Probus and the cause of his death. fol. 43 Phocas. fol. 59 Pipine king of France aideth the Pope. fol. 64 Privileges of the Emperor. fol. 75 Printing invented. fol. 99 Quintus Fabius a most prudent captain. fol. 17 Resination of the Empire. fol. 43 Rome taken by the Goths. fol. 51 Rome taken by the Wandales. fol. 53 Rome taken by Totilas. fol. 57 Rome rob by Constans. fol. 61 Robert king of France. fol. 77 Robert Palatine Emperor. fol. 98 Revelation of Antichrist. fol. 104 Semiramis and her nobleness. fol. 2 Sardanapalus and his end. fol. 3 Socrates the fountain of Philosophy. fol. 15 Scipio's victory in Africa. fol. 19 Septimus Severus. fol. 38 Sapor king of Persia. fol. 39 Synod or counsel at Constantinople. fol. 49 Strife between the Greeks and the Latins. fol. 88 Sigismundus Emperor. fol. 98 The winning of jerusalem. fol. 4 The war of the Persians. fol. 8 The Penoponicall war against the Athenians. fol. 8 The overthrow of the Athenians in Sicilia. fol. 9 The beginning of the fourth Monarchy. fol. 12 The time in which Rome was built. fol. 13 The war of Troy. eodem. The beginning of the Romans. eodem. The first government at Rome. eodem. The Fabiens slaughter. eodem. The third mutation of the Roman policy. fol. 14 The first war of Carthage. fol. 16 The second war of Carthage. fol. 17 The third war of Carthage. fol. 22 The war of Numance. fol. 23 The war of bondmen and slaves. eodem. The birth of Cicero. fol. 24 The laws of Sylla. fol. 26 The first pleading of Cicero. eodem. The exile of Cicero. fol. 29 The fourth and last monarchy. fol. 32 The yearly revenue of Egypt. fol. 33 Tyrants. fol. 44 The counsel of Nice against Arrius. fol. 45 The Emperor excommunicated by the Pope. fol. 50 The sixth counsel of Carthage. eodem. The deceit of the bishop of Rome disclosed. eodem. The treason of Stilico. eodem. The Wandales enter into Africa. fol. 51 The Britons driven out by the english men. fol. 52 The first foundation of Venice. fol. 53 The number of the dukes of Venice. eodem. The counsel of Chalcedon. eodem The West Empire sore afflicted. fol. 54 The Lumbards' enter into Italy. fol. 59 The fourth counsel of Toletanum. fel. 60 The sixth counsel of Constantinople. fol. 62 The beginning of the turks. fol. 66 The number of Emperors murdered. fol. 67 The great Masters of France and their credit. fol. 68 The Empire renewed by Charlemagne. fol. 70 The seven electors of the Empire instituted. fol. 77 The son against the father. fol. 85 The counsel of Latran. fol. 88 The evenings of Sicilia. fol. 93 The overthrow of the templars. fol. 94 Two Emperors crowned. fol. 95 The first tenths. eodem. The golden Bull. fol. 96 The king of Hungary defeated by the turk. fol. 97 The Pope's court transferred into France. fol. 98 The Papacy as Cerberus hath three heads. fol. 99 The counsel of Constance. eodem The prophecy of Daniel expounded. fol. 101 The four beasts. eodem. The ten horns. fol. 102 The wicked doctrine of Mahomet. eodem. The Ram and the Goat. eodem. The Pope and the Turks enemies of them pyre. fol. 103 There shallbe no fift monarchy. eodem. The three horns of the turks. fol. 104 The fury of Satan at the end. eodem. Victory of Pompeius against Mithridates. fol. 27 Victory of Cesar in Africa. fol. 31 Vlpianus jurisconsull. fol. 38 Valerianus. fol. 40 Vitigis king of the Goths taken prisoner. fol. 57 Usurpation of the Popes over the Empire. fol. 63 Vitories of Charles the fift in Africa. fol. 100 Vnstabilitie of the Lords of Milan. fol. 101 Victories of Alexander. fol. 102 War against Philippe of Macedonia. fol. 19 War against Antiochus king of Syria. eodem. War against jugurtha. fol. 24 War against Mithridates. fol. 25 War against the Pirates. fol. 27 War in Alexandria against Cesar. fol. 30 War of the Romans in Dutchland. fol. 34 War between the Frenchmen & the Englishmen. fol. 96 Xerxes the fourth Emperor. fol. 8 Xerxes overthrown by the Grecians. eodem. Zenobia the valiant wife of Odenatus. fol. 4● Zeno Isauricus. fol. 54 FINIS. To the Reader. SIth no man's doings, can avoid, Reproach at Momus hand: I judge it needles to crave aid, The same for to gain stand. Wherefore I will contented be, The same to overrun: With silence and simplicity, As many more have done. Trusting that such as be of skill, Hereat will not disdain: But it in gre, they accept will, To recompense my pain. ¶ Faults escaped in the prynting. Note that. a. signifieth the first side of the page, and b. the second. Follio. 1. b. line 17 Africa, read Asia. fol. 2. a. line 15 brought out, read were brought out. fol. 6. a. line, 12. have these two, read, leave these two fol. 14 b. line, 7. surmount read, surmounted. fol. 14. b. line. 8. was banished, read, he was banished. fol. 15. a. line. 22. it hath been, read, as it hath been. fol. 19 b. line. 1. to be, read is to be. fol. 23. b. line. 3. sure, read, severe. fol. 28. a. line. 23. add next to this word graven, were, melted. fol. 28. a. line. 24. the molten image, read the image, fol. 39 b. line. 5. Persians held, read the Persians held. fol. 43. a. line. 4. short stand, read shortly stand. fol. 50. a. line 9 Priests, read bishop. fol. 90. a. line. 17. can be, read can not be. To the most excellent prince, Eberard, Duke of Wirtemberg and of Teke, county of Mount beliard etc. john Sleidon. S. saying, Duke Eberard, that all knowledge of letters, how base so ever it be, doth greatly adorn and set forth your estate and dignity, then truly that knowledge which comprehendeth in itself the Histories of all times and ages is most peculiar and proper unto you. The knowledge of Histories is necessary. And amongst us, who make profession of the name of Christ, the Bible obtaineth the first place amongst such kinds of writings, the which in deducting the original beginning of man kind, doth both declare unto us the will of god, and also give unto us many examples aswell of the mercy as of the ire & wrath of God. After the Bible it consequently behoveth to know all that which is written of other nations. Nothing comineth to pass, which is not found prefigured in the histories, For nothing almost can come to pass but thereof is, & a great while agone hath been, set out some resemblance. Wherein the governors of common weals have great aid and succour, provided that they be not careless in this kind of instruction. Now the way, whereby the whole course of the world is divided into four Empires, is most to the purpose. As for the first Empire, we are destitute of necessary books, and saving the holy Scriptures we have almost nothing worthy to be credited, or whereupon we may ground ourselves. That age no doubt was altogether heroical, and most notable in excellent things and worthy of Memory: but how much thereof is come to our knowledge? Semiramis is greatly renowned, and Babylon, and Sardanapalus: and what? That is almost all. But who is he that maketh mention of that horrible spectacle, and so terrible and monstruous as ever happened unto man, which Nabuchodonosor (according as it is written in Daniel) reciteth of himself? Nabuchodonosor a terrible spectacle, To wit that so mighty a king & Monarch became mad was cast out of his kingdom, banished the throne of his ancestors, driven from and excluded the company of men, and so to alter nature that he fed with wild beasts, and was tranfourmed into their likeness? The things are there but simply mentioned: but how greatly think we were they astonished, that did see this so pitiful an example of the majesty and wrath of God? The Empire therefore of Assiria, or of Babylon, is briefly described, because it is requised to keep within the bands of the holy scriptures. The three others following, chief that of Grecia and of Rome, are greatly illuminated by the writings of Herodotus, Greek historiographers. Thucydides, Xenophon, and Polybius. For Pherecides, Hellanicus, Accusilas, Phillistus, Agathocles, Theopompus, Ephorus, Calisthenes, Timeus, Clitarchus, Silenus, of whom Cicero maketh mention are perished. The Latins also that did writ the ancient Roman History, & who are named by Cicero, are not to be found: as are the Annals Pontificum, Fabius Pictor, M. Portius Cato, Latin Historiographers. Lucius Piso, Celius Antipater, Caius Fannius, Vennonius, Clodius, Asilo, Accius, Lucius Sisenna. These are they out of whom T. Livius, for the most part mutilate, and Salustius more ancient, also unperfect, have collected their History. Cicero truly did never write History, albeit that he diligently laboured therein, according as his books do testify, out of the which we may aptly gather all that hath been anciently done: yea, he hath been marvelous curious to observe the time, so that we may orderly gather out of him, both the time of things & persons, without the which all that is written is obscure. And for because that the said Cicero was wont to say, that it specially appertained to an Orator to write an History, chief according to the manner of the Greeks, Pomponius Atticus exhorted him thereunto, Cicero solicited to writ Histories. saying in manner of a complaint, that it was yet wanting unto the Latins, & that it lay in Cicero to bring to pass that in such style Rome should not be inferior unto Grecia. It is certain that he composed in Greek the History abridged of his consulship, & began it in Latin, as he saith. For he greatly desired that that his year should be renowned by the writings of others: in such sort that he said that if others would not put to their hands, he would not fail, & would write of himself. C. Cesar treateth only of his own acts, julius Caesar, did writ his acts. not borrowing any thing of the above said ancient writers. Then also was Diodorus Siculus, & shortly after, Dionysius Halicarnasseus, afterwards Plutarcus Sutonius, Cornelius Tacitus, Appianus, Herodianus, Trogus Pompeius, Alianus, Q. Cursius: but amongst them some are utterly lost, other some are for the most part. Since these, divers others have written the History of their time, or of their nation, and reach even unto this our age. The utilius of Histories These truly aught to be red, or at the least the most part of them, to get by them the knowledge which is requised and necessary. It behoveth to know some for the thing itself, other some for the thing & for the style: amongst whom C. julius Caesar. Cesar may almost only have to himself the first place of the latins, yea and that rightly. For there is nothing more pure nor more eloquent than he: so that not only he hath surmounted them who shortly after followed him, in pleasantness of speech, but also all them of his time. Besides the above specified, The ecclesiastical Histories. it behoveth also to read over the ecclesiastical Histories, which do writ the mutation of religion, or afflictions of good men, or the laws and decrees of counsels and Bishops, And because that the kingdom of the papacy is also foreshowed in the holy scripture it behoveth diligently to search out the beginning, advancing and increasing thereof, to the end to confer the same with the marks & signs that the scripture giveth. But because this whole argument, whereof we have spoken is divers and hard, and that the field is very great and large, so that it is not possible to compass the same in short space: Why the author did take in hand this work. It is needful to help the studies of young men by some certain abrigement, to the end that, when they become great, they might freely of themselves make a discourse by all sorts of Authors. This is that which moved me to take in hand this work, to the end that that age might have a patron & note of those things that are to be learned, the which it may follow as a thread, whilst by little and little it taketh increase in learning, This work 〈◊〉 chief ●ritten for ●outh. & profiteth in such sort, that it may lay a side and set nothing by such writing. For I have not written this to the intent that they should be satisfied therewith, or should keep themselves shut within these limits, but for to give them the taste of that, which they shall read afterwards: to the end the being alured, or enticed, by the diversity of things, they might be stirred up sometimes diligently to search the Authors & the books, out of whom these things are gathered. But seeing that this kind of study doth properly appertain (as it hath been said in the beginning) unto them who ought to have the government of the people, I thought I should do according to your age and estate, Duke Eberard, if I did make you partaker of this my little labour: to the end that (if it be possible) other young men might take some profit by your means, & as it were by your hands. For albeit that john Sigismond, & Sebastian Coccius, your most honozable masters, do with all diligence employ themselves to instruct & teach you. Yet notwithstanding, as our accustomed manner is, when a garden is to be dressed, which we desire to be exquisite and decked with sundry flowers, not to despise the litles plants & herbs brought unto us from other places: so likewise I hope that the little present which I offer unto you to garnish the ground of your wit, shallbe very acceptable un to you. And truly I present it only until such time as having gotten more strength (as it hath been said) you might rightly walk through the wide fields & green places. Which to do you have an example of your own kindred, to wit the virtue of your father, a prince of most worthy praise, who hath greatly augmented and decked the nobleness of his race by an eloquent doctrine: and which is the chiefest he hath brought this knowledge to her right end: The true scope of all sciences. that is to say, that the name of of god might be sanctified: that the Churches & schools might be well ordered: that good teachers & scholars might be nourished and entertained. This is the duty that god requireth chief of them of your estate: and as he avengeth the neglecting thereof with great plagues, so likewise he doth reward them with great gifts, that behave themselves therein as faithful stewards. divers lessons might be recited of the godliness, constancy, & valiantness, of your most noble father: but you shall hereafter read them handled more at large, and shall know the ornaments of your nobleness. For how can it be, the he who so much favoureth good wits, should not finally receive of them such fruit of their thankfulness, as he deserveth and should not be renowned in the time to come? Seeing then that he understandeth the worthiness of his estate, & the charge that god hath committed unto him, his chief care hath been the your mind should be instructed in godliness and in learning from your youth: neither can any thing happen more pleasant unto him (such is the affection & motion of his fatherly love) then to see his expectation inferior to your diligence. The office of a true father. I doubt not but you are thereto inclined of your own accord, as much as this age may suffer, & that your instructors do their whole endeavours. Wherefore go forward in good time, Prince Eberard: and seeing that you are borne to minister the public weal, get you such help and aid as is perpetual, Aids which serve unto the governements of public weals, and as giveth certain & sure succour: yea, such that not only lighten the labour which you must hereafter bear, when you shall come to govern the country of your ancestors, but also make it pleasant and easy. far well. The first book of the four sovereign empires. BEfore that I begin to speak of the four sovereign and principal empires, to wit, of Babylon, Persia, Grecia, and Rome: I must briefly say, Discord in numbering of the years. that there is great discord in the numbering of years, since the creation of the world for both the hebrews, Eusebius, Augustinus, Alphonsus and Mirandula, do greatlyvary among themselves. Notwithstanding, because that almost all the learned men of our time, do herein frame themselves according to the numbering of the hebrews, I will follow them step by step when need shall require. The hebrews are to be followed in counting the years. And first of all to come to my purpose, to wit, unto the first Empire, omitting that which came to pass in the first age, omitting also to speak of the universal flood (for as much as all these things are comprehended in the holy scriptures, neither is it possible better to describe them) I will begin from that time, in the which after that the abundance of waters were retired and the earth dried, mankind then being brought to a very small number, began again to multiply. The universal flood is referred to the. M. CCCCCC. LU I. year after the creation of the world. The year the flood Methusalah the seventh from Adam died in that time, at the age of nine hundred & sixty nine years. Noah the nephew of Methusalah by Lameth his son, lived then being six hundred year old, he with his family was preserved by the singular grace of God. And after that the number of men began by little and little to increase, he persuaded his children & others of his posterity to scatter themselves in divers countries to fill the earth, & to build cities & towns: and to that end, he appointed unto every one by lot his Province, about an hundredth years after the flood. At that time Nimrod son to Noah's nephew abode with his people in the land of the Chaldees. And finally as divers through the great multitude of persons, were forced to departed, and to seek divers habitations: they would before their departure leave behind them a perpetual sign of their memory, Men covet to build in their perpetual memory. and having Nimrod to be their captain, they began to build a city, and therein a tower of a wonderful height: And forgetting the wrath of God (which had but even a little before swallowed up the whole world, and whereof there is no doubt, but Noah did diligently and often times put them in memory) they thought to get them a perpetual name by sumptuous & proud works. Wherewith the lord being angry, did bring their enterprise to nought by confusion of language, God resisteth the proud. the which before was but one kind of speech used of all men. Wherefore being constrained to leave of their work, they did scatter themselves into divers parts of the world. The town took her name of this confusion of tongues, for it was called Babel. And from that time (to wit, an hundredth and one and thirty years after the flood) is gathered the beginning of the reign of Chaldea and of Babylon. Now the first king was the aforesaid Nimrod, Nimrod the first king of Chaldea. who (as it is said) reigned six and fifty years. The holy scripture calleth him a mighty hunter, and doth attribute unto him power and violence: others call him Saturn, & they say that in the five and forty year of his Empire he sent Assur, Mede, Magog, and Moscus, for to guide the bands of men which he sent to inhabit here and there, and for to ground and establish kingdoms of their names, to wit, of Assiria, of Mede, of Magog, and of Moscus: whereof the two first appertain unto Asia: the other two last appertain unto Africa, and unto Europa. The holy scripture also maketh mention of that Assur, Assur. and sayeth that the city of Nineve was builded by him. jupiter Belus succeeded his father Nimrod, who some say did, jupiter Belus. occupy all the West parts even unto Samaria on Europe, & after that he had made war against Sabatius king of Sagnos, whom he could not altogether discomfit, because he was prevented by death: but Ninus his son utterly vanquished him, Ninus. and having spread his dominion far abroad, he first of all got the Monarch. Three. C. and fifty years after the flood Noah died: And about eighteen years after, Abraham the tenth after Noah left his country by the commandment of God, being three score and fifteen years old. Four and twenty years after God made a covenant with him by the Circumcision, Circuncision instituted. which he instituted. In the hundredth year of his age Isaac his son was borne unto him, and he lived after that time, three score and fifteen years: for the life of man was even already greatly shortened. The holy scriptures teach us how, and for what cause jacob his nephew came into Egypt where he died: and how those of his lineage dwelled there for certain hundreds of years, and being oppressed with most cruel bondage, brought out, and delivered by the grace of God, under the government of Moses. Now this going forth of Israel out of the land of Egypt, The going out of egypt. is counted to be the .MM. year after the creation of the world. CCCC. XXX. years after the promise was made unto Abraham, as sayeth Paul the Apostle. After Moses the people of Israel had judges until saul: whom David succeeded, being the second king of that people. Let us return unto the Empire of Babylon. After the death of Ninus, Semiramis the widow of Ninus. Semiramis his wife reigned, who was as noble in riches, victories, and triumphs, as ever was any. She enlarged the town of Babylon, The nobleness of Semiramie. and made it of an indifferent bigness: also she decked it with divers fair buildings, and did compass it with walls. She vanquished the country of Ethiopia, and also made war against the country of India. Zameis' her son, the fift king, did nothing worthy of memory: Zameis. But Arius that reigned next after him, Arius. joined to his empire the Bactrians and Caspians. Aralius his succcessour was (as it is reported) borne to war: Aralius. and yet not withstanding, we find none of his acts in writing. Baleus that followed him, did subject divers people under him, Baleus that was surnamed Xerxes. & did spread his dominion even unto the country of Indea: and therefore he was surnamed Xerxes, that is to say, victorious, a triumpher, and a man of war. The ninth called Armatrites, Armatrites was altogether addicted unto voluptuousness, and idleness. There is nothing found of Belochus the tenth, Belochus. but that he set his mind upon prognostications and divinations. Baleus. Baleus the eleventh is counted to be (next after Semiramis) the most industrious and valiant man of war: and it is said that he was greatly renowned and praised by the wittings of learned men. Altadas the twelve, loved to be at rest, and to live a quiet and peaceable life (as the report goth) esteeming it to be a great folly, Altadas. to be tormented and vexed with divers labours and cares, for to increase his kingdom: for as much as it did not appertain to the health or commodity of men, but rather to their damage & bondage. The xiii that followed him, Mamitus. named Mamitus, did again stir up & awake his men to warfare, in such sort that his power was suspected & feared of the Syrians & Egyptians. Manchale●. There is nothing to be said of Manchaleus, Spherus. who is the xiiii Spherus the xv. was (as it is reported) a man of great virtue & wisdom. There is no act mentioned of Mamelus, Mamelus. who was the xvi marvelous things are found to have happened in all places under Sparetus the xvii Ascarades who was the xviii did subject all Syria under his obedience. Sparetus. And here endeth Berosus, Ascarades. which is read at this day: of the which book divers do greatly doubt, and do judge it to be false: and not withstanding, they observe this order, because that herein all other writings fail us. Other do count twenty kings unto Sardanapalus, Sardanapalus. who was the xxxviii king of Assiria. He was the most effeminate that ever was borne: in such sort that he was always conversant among women, handling the distaff & spindle, and he was so overwhelmed in pleasures and voluptuousness that he scarcely did at any time show himself abroad. These doings of his were the cause that two of his lieutenants, Belochus of Babylon, Belochus. Arbaces. & Arbaces of Medea did conspire against him, & after that they had openly declared his filthiness & dilicatenes, they made war against him. He finally presented himself in camp unwillingly with his effeminate company: but having the worst hand, he hastily retired into his palace, where after that he had gathered a great heap of wood, The end of Sardanapalus. he brunt himself with all his riches: whereby only (as one writeth) he declared himself a man. These two Lieutenants did afterwards divide the Monarchy between them. Belochus was king of Babylon, and Arbaces of the Medes and Persians. Sardanapalus then was the last king of the Assyrians according to the order above mentioned, after that this Monarchy had continued M.CCC. years: for the most part of the kings did live a very long tyme. Belochus, the xxxix or else if it seem better the first king of Assiria in the new Monarchy, Belochus the first king of Assiria in the new Monarch. made Manahem king of Israel become tributary unto him. The holy scriptures doth not call him Belochus, but Phul. His successor was Phull Assur, surnamed Tiglath Pillesser: who wan certain towns of judea and led the people captive into Assiria. It is that Tiglath, whom Achas king of judea (under whom Esay lived) prayed to secure him against the king of Syria, and unto whom he sent presents. Salmanasar succeeded him, Salmanasor. who wan the town of Samaria, after he had besieged it three years, and led Hosea king of Israel, with the people, captive, & gave them a dwelling place in his country, even in Medea, as the holy scripture saith: whereof some have opinion that he reigned also over the Medes. Sennacherib followed after him, Sennatherib. who kept his dwelling in Nineve. He condemned king Ezechias in a great sum of money: afterwards he came and befeged jerusalem with a mighty army, and by the Ambassadors that he did send, he exhorted the people to yield and guy over, and railed on the kung, who hoped for secure at the hand of God. But he remained not unpunished: for even in one night he lost an hundred four scour and fine thousand men, that were killed by the Angel: the which God even a little before had firmly promised by Esay, unto Ezechias the king. And being returned home from thence, he was murdered even of his own children, Hitherto the babylonians were subject to the Assyrians, after the overthrow of Sardanapalus: but after that Sennacherib (as it is said) was so evil handled near unto jerusalem, and shortly slain of his children, things were greatly changed, and the kingdom was divided. For the two brethren that had done the murder Adramelech and Sarasar did fly, and yet not withstanding, did put themselves in arms, Assaradon. and made out their power against Assaradon their brother, who did usurp the kingdom after the death of his father: for as much as before he did govern the public weal in his father's absence. Merodach lieutenant of Babylon finding this occasion fit for his purpose did rebel: Merodach and after that he had by little and little partly by fair means, and partly by threats, gotten unto himself the countries there about, he defied Assaradon, and finally having vanquished him in the twelfth year of his reign, he joined the whole Empire of the Assyrians unto the babylonians, and reigned forty years. After him certain authors do place Benmerodach & Nabuchodonozor the first of that name: Benmerodach. Nabuchodonozor. but for as much as the holy scriptures make no mention of him, & seeing also we ought not rashly to believe other writings, we will here place that Nabuchodonozor (of whom the holy scripture so largely speaketh) next after Merodach. He then shortly after the beginning of his reign, made war against the Egyptians, & took from them the whole country which is from Euphrates unto Pellusium. He laid tribute upon joachim king of judea: & the viii year of his reign he brought his son king jeconias captive into Babylon, with the chief lords & artificers not only of the city of jerusalem, but also of the whole country. The xviii year of his reign, after that he had laid siege for the space of two years before the city of jerusalem, he took it, The winning of jerusalem. spoiled it & brunt it, he broke down the walls, & he led the most part of the people away captive: he put out the eyes of king Zedechias, & slew his children, with the princes. jeremy did foreshow this misery, in the first year of the reign of Nabuchodonozor, & from that time, is to be reckoned the lxx years of the captivity in Babylon. About the xxiiii year of his Empire, after that Nabuchodonozor had vanquished the kings of the Amonites & Moabites, he led his army into Egypt: & having gotten the whole country, he afterwards began his Monarch. The second year of his said Monarch, as the learned men of our time do reckon, he saw in his dream a marvelous great Image, whose head was of gold, his breast & arms of silver, Nabuchodonozor saw a monstrous great image his belly & thighs were of brass, his legs were of iron, his feet partly of iron, and partly of clay. Who after he was awaked, because he had forgotten his dream, and yet not withstanding was greatly astonished therewith, he called together all the soothsayers, and charmers, whom he commanded to declare unto him what his dream was: the which if they did not, he threatened to put them to death. Daniel. young Daniel (who was thither led captive with the residue from jerusalem) knowing this, he gave to understand that he could satisfy the kings desire: who being presented, he first of all showed what the king had dreamt: then afterwards he declared what the dream did signify, saying that the image did signify the four principal empires of the world, which should orderly follow one after another. hereupon he spoke on this manner unto the king, saying. Thou truly art that head of gold: thou (I say) whom God hath endued with power and majesty, unto whom he hath given domination over all men, over all beasts of the field, and over the fowls of the air. After thee shall arise another kingdom of silver: that is to say, worse than this of thine. The third shall be of Brass, which shall have domination far abroad. The fourth shall be of Iron, for even as Iron bruiseth and breaketh all things: so shall that fourth and last kingdom, beat down all the others, and shall make them subject unto it. Behold then the first prophecy and never hard of before, touching the four empires, the which God hath revealed unto us by Daniel: a thing worthy to be perfectly printed in memory, for as much as in few words it comprehendeth the history of all times, even unto the end of the world, as I will hereafter declare. It sufficeth for this time to know how that God only from that time did declare unto us the order and mutations of kingdoms. Nabuchodonozor's power. Now great Nabuchodonozars' power was, it is more manifest out of that place of Daniel, where the scripture compareth him to a tree, whose height reacheth unto heaven, covering with his shadow the whole uniursall world, whose leaves are exceeding fair, and fruit so pleasant that it was meat for all beasts, in whose bows and branches all sorts of birds built their nests and took their rest. This than is the first Monarch, the which under this king was greatly angmented and lifted up in sovereign dignity, on the contrary part it took an end, and was altogether brought to ruin in his children's children's time, as God had before showed by Daniel, and by other prophets, Nabuchodogozor reigned xliii years. It is needful that all men (but specially the kings & princes) should attentively read & consider with what horrible & monstrous example god punished his pride (as saith Daniel) to the end that they may have the majesty of god in reverence, and do their duty towards the people committed unto their charge. Euilmerodach Nabuchodonosors' successor. Euilinerodach his son followed after him, who reigned thirty years, and had Assur for his successor, who reigned but three years: Labassarbach followed after him, who kept the kingdom seven years. He being dead, Balthasar did enjoy the Empire for five years. Certain do count them after this sort: but the learned men of our time have these two, and place, next after Euilmerodach, Balthasar his son: & they hold that he reigned fourteen years. The which truly is necessary that it should so be, for to furnish the number of three score and ten years, during the which the people of judea were captives amongst the babylonians: especially seeing that the beginning of this captivity is counted from the nyntenth year of Nabuchodonosors' reign. They that follow this order of reckoning, and let pass those two kings before mentioned, do cleave unto the holy scripture, but chief unto the testimony of jeremy, who did prophecy, that the jews should serve the king of Babylon, his son, and his sons son. But it is free for every man to judge herein, as they shall think good. Notwithstanding so it is, that Balthasar, according to the holy scripture, was the last Emperor of Babylon, Balthasar the last Emperor of Babylon. and every one do agree therein. divers do write after what fort Babylon was taken: but Daniel maketh mention, how that god did foreshow unto the king the calamity which did not only threaten him, but even already did assault him: & saith that the principal part of the Empire was transterred to Daryus of Medea, Darius. being then. LXII. years old. The Historiographers do call this Daryus, Cyaxares, and he was the son of Astyages, the eight king of the Medes, whom Daniel doth call Assuerus who having never a son, Assuerus. gave his daughter un to Cyrus of Persia, his sisters son: and being afterwards assaulted by the king of the Assyrians, Cyrus. he required Cyrus to secure him. Who after that he was arrived with his army, & chosen chief Captain of the host, he prosperously behaved himself in his charge: for he wan the most mighty City of Babylon. After this victory Darius is not found to have lived passing one year: and yet then when Daryus lived, after the taking of the City, and that the people of Israel had been almost. LXX. years Captive in Babylon, God revealed to Daniel things of much more importance as he prayed and red with diligence the prophecy of jeremy, the foreshewer of that captivity. For he did not only assure him of the deliverance which was at hand, but also did show unto him in what time the messias (who should make satisfaction for the fins of the world) should come. Daryus being dead, the Empire came into the hands of Cyrus: and this is the beginning of an other monarchy. For Cyrus only did enjoy the countries of Assyria, Media, and of Persya, even unto the sea of jonia, as Thucydides sayeth: moreover also before the taking of Babylon he did take Croesus' prisoner in battle, the most mighty King of Lydia. The second Monarchy of Persia. Cyrus then is the first King of Persya, and the beginner of the second monarchy having vanquished the babylonians, he made war against the Scythians, and went even himself with his army to meet them: where he, a most worthy prince, The death of Cyrus. was cyrcumuented by laying of wait, and being taken was killed. In the beginning of his reign after he had taken Babylon, he perinytted the people of judea which were Captives, to return into their country, and there to build again the temple and the City of jerusalem: for the accomplishing whereof he commanded to give liberally towards the expenses. God had exprestye foreshowed these things namely by Isaiah, certain hundred years, before that ever he was borne. Xenophon doth allege the same in disputing, before his death in the presence of his children, of the immortality of the soul, as it is recitited in Cicero, who hath eloquently translated that place, as also all others. Cyrus' lived unto the age of three score and ten years, he reigned thirty years, for he was forty when he came to the crown. Cambyses the son of Cyrus. He had a son named Cambyses, whom he made governor of the kingdom, when he took his journey for to go and make war against the Scythians. He in the absence of his father (who was greatly incombered) conquered Egipte: being truly an expert warrior, but otherwise vicious, and retaining none of his father's virtues. Amongst all other his unhonest, shameless, and cruel acts, he caused his brother traitorously to be slain. Plato saith in the books which he writ concerning laws, The sons of Cyrus were ill instructed. that Cyrus erred greatly, in that that he made his children to be delicately brought up amongst women: whereof came to pass that they being waxed great, and being corrupted by flatterers (forasmuch) as divers did seek nothing else but to please them) they sought to slay one an other after their father's decease, Darius' the third king of Persia. Darius the son of Histaspos succeeded Cambyses the second king of Persia, who had reigned but a while after his father. And for because after the death of Cyrus, & after that his army was so greatly overthrown, certain people, and amongst them the Bavilonians, did refuse to be subject to the Persians as soon as he came to the crown he put himself in arms, and did again bring them under his Empire, having (after long siege) taken Babylon, by the means of Zopirus. After that, he took upon him to make war against the Athenians: who not waiting for the help of the Lacedæmonians, did out of hand gather an host of men to the number of ten thousand: by the which host of men under the conduction of Miltiades they did overthrow that his great army in the place called Marathon. Darius' overthrown by the Athenians Darius' thought to renew again his army: Xerres the fourth Emperor. but he died in that enterprise: & Xerxes his son was his successor: who ten years after the said journey of Marathon (as Thucydides writeth) went into Grecia with an innumerable army, to bring it under his subjection. Wherefore with one common consent the government & principal charge was given unto the Lacedæmonians, who were then the most mightiest of all Grecia. But the Athenians following the counsel of Themistocles, did leave their City, and having carried their wives and children hither and thither, they took shipping, and they did overcome the enemy near the isle of Salamis. Xerxes' overthrown by the Grecians. This victory did save the country of Grecia: for Xerxes being also discomfited by land, he did fly villainously and unprosperously homewards. The Grecians also did return after his departure, except the Athenians: for having in army about a. C.C.C.C. vessels, they sailed further, and giving the assault won the town of Sestes in Hellespontus, which the Persians did before keep: and after that they had wintered there, turning homeward unto their country, they gathered together their wives & children, and did build again the walls of their City which was taken and brunt by the enemy, and they did fortify the port. Cicero writeth that this war of the Persians, The war of the Persians. or as Thucydides calleth it, of the Medes, fell almost in the self same time that that of the Volsciens did: wherein was Coriolanus, that was banished from Rome. This fell in the year of the foundation of Rome. CCLXVI Herodotus which was before Thucydides did describe this war of the persians. Cicero doth call him the father of Histories but he sayeth that he was filled with innumerable fables. The Lacedæmonians being displeased with this fortifycation of their City, they (for because they cold do nothing else) did only grudge there against. Since that time, both they and the other Grecians, with the Athenians joining together their power, took Cypria and the town of Bizance, which before the persians did keep. There was then amongst the other Dukes of the Lacedæmonians, Pausanias, who being convicted of treason, after his return homeward, and being fled to a certain place of Freedom, he was there constrained to die for hunger, Themistoles being accused of the like crime, did fly. From that time after the Grecians were tormented with sundry and divers wars and dissensions, partly civil, and partly foreign, the which Thucydides doth lightly touch. But finally fifty years after the departure of Xerxes out of Grecya Cicero (according to Thucydides) sayeth that, that war was greatly inflamed, The peloponnical War against the Athenians. at such time as the whole country of the peloponesians did conspire against the athenians: of whom Perycles, the disciple of Anaxagoras the Philosopher, was principal Captain in that war. Aristophanes speaketh of him, saying, that he in making his oration, did kindle, set a fire, and bourn, Pericles. the whole country of Grecia. For than they were both masters of virtues and of Eloquence. On the other side Archydamus, the King of the Lacedæmonians, had the principal government. Thucydides was the compaynion of Pericles, and he sought narrowly to follow his doings: who also did put this war in writing: Pericles being chosen praetor had for his Adherante Sophocles a Tragian poet, as Cicero doth declare. Let us now return unto Xerxes. He having so ill handled his affairs, fell into such a contempt, Artaxerxes longhand the 5. Emperor. Darius' the bastrard the sixth. that he was slain of his own men. His son Artaxarxes long hand succeeded him, towards whom Themistocles (of whom we have spoken a little before) being banished did return, & there finished his life, and was buried in Magnesie. Darius' the Bastard reigned after longhand, whose sister he had in marriage. The a 'bove said war of the Peloponesians fell during his reign, and albeit that the Athenians had already enough to do: yet nevertheless the fourth year of this war they sent an army by Sea unto Sycilia, feigning to help the leontin's against the Saragossens: but of truth, it was for nothing else then to assubiecte that I'll under them: the which if they did, they might the better vanquish all Grecia. But as they did often times come and skermishe against them, Hermocrates Siracusanus, counceiled the Sicilians to agree amongst themselves, and to forget all ill will and inimites, considering that the Athenians sought to bring them all to subjection: so than he persuaded them in the seventh year of this war. Three years after the Athenians and the Peloponesiens' made peace for fifty years: but it lasted not seven whole years. For they began to make divers manful skermishes. And albeit that the treatise of peace was not altogether broken, and that often times the offences were appeased by Truce: nevertheless in the tenth year they did put themselves in arms again & fought outrageously with all their strength and power: and this other war lasted seventeen years. Then the Athenians did again send a navy very well appointed unto Sicilia. The chief captains amongst the residue, were Alcibiades and Nicias: Alcibiades. Nicias. of whom the last (to wit Nicias) did by certain orations greatly dissuade the people, from that sailing, against the will of Alcibiades. The Peloponesians did give succour to the Sicilians: at length the Athenians joined battle with the enemies in the heaven of Sarrogosa: The overthrow of the Athenians in Sicilia but after divers varieties, and sundry changes of fortune, they were all overthrown and slain. As this was doing the Lacedæmonians with their Confederates did join themselves in league with Darius the King of the Persians, against the Athenians. Tissaphernes was the Ambassador of Darius. Moreover, after Codrus, Polydore the Lacedaemonian, and Aristomenes of Messene, these that follow of whom some of them did divers notable acts in the defence of the whole country of Grecia, other some also in the defence of their own native country are commonly numbered amongst the principal and most notable Captains of the Grecians. The excellent captains of Grecia. To wit, Miltiades, Leonidas, Themistocles, Pericles, Aristides, Pausanias, Xantippus, Leotychidas, Cimon, Conon, Epaminondas, Leosthenes, Aratus of Clarentia, Philopemen. divers of these were exiled and banished. Cicero doth describe the haven of Sarrogosa, and he sayeth that it was never heard of that ever any navy by sea did enter therein by force of arms, except that of the Athenians, which was to the number of three hundred ships, and was destroyed in the same haven, by the nature of the same place and haven: which was the cause that even than first of all the strength and power of the town were overthrown and broken down, so that their nobleness, empire, and glory perished in the sea. Thucydides saith that Sicilia is in compass as much as a great ship can sail round about in viii days, and that it is twenty furlongs distant from sure and firm ground. Artaxarxes the. 7. Darius had two sons, Artaxerxes Mnemon, and Cyrus: of whom the first succeeded his father after his death: Cyrus had to his dominion and government, jonia and Lydia. But he not content with that which he kept, he made war against the king his brother, wherein he had the overthrow and was slain. Marcus Portius Cato, doth call this latter Cyrus' king of Persia, and (as it is written in Cicero) excellent both in wit and in nobleness of Empire, and following also Xenophons' writing, he praiseth him for the care and diligence that he took in husbandry. For Xenophon put himself in arms for him, and he was his very familiar: which was cause that afterwards the Athenians, whose friend Mnemon was, did banish him the country. Ochus reigned after Mnemon: who was the last of Darius three sons. Ochus. 8. Darius. 9 and the last. Darius' the last followed him: against whom Alexander the son of Philippe king of the Macedonians made war, & being come by force of arms into Asia, after he had taken the town of Thebes, and pacified Grecia. He wan three battles of Darius, in such sort that he drew so near, that he took his mother and his wife, and his children. Darius' truly did offer him fair offers, yea a part of his Empire, even unto the river of Euphrates: But alexander did reject them and cess not till he had altogether vanquished him. The victories of Alexander against Darius. For Darius seeing that it was not possible for him to obtain peace under these conditions, he did gather a most mighty army for to offer the third battle, in the which he was clean overthrown and murdered of his own soldiers in flying: and straight ways after him the kingdom of Persia, which had endured two hundred years and upwards, was plucked up by the roots. By these noble victories, Alexander brought under his obedience almost all the East country, & did tranferre the dignity of the Empire of Asia into Europa, so that he did constitute the third Monarch. Alexander the beginner of the third monarchy. After that also he made war against the Indians, but he could not moderately bear so great advancement and clemency of Fortune (such is the infirmity of men:) And therefore as he did many things insolently, and would almost be worshipped as a GOD: he being arrived at Babylon died of an ague, or as others say, of poison when he was thirty years old, and had reigned twelve years. Calanus Indus (as Cicero sayeth) did foreshow him the end of his life. For even as he was ready to cast himself into a burning fire, and that Alexander did ask him if he had any thing to say. All goeth very well (sayeth he) I shall see thee shortly. And shortly after Alexander died. His disease is referred to the hundredth and fourteen Olympiades': and to the four hundredth and nine and twenty year of the foundation of Rome: Three hundredth and two and twenty year before the nativity of Christ. He was a fervent great lover of good letters, Alexander a lover of good letters. and very liberal towards the learned men: For the cause whereof, he hath been greatly praised of divers. He had the poesy of Homer in great dilectation: In such sort, that albeit that he had with him (as it is said) divers that did write his acts, not withanding when he came into Sigia, standing by Achilles tomb, O thou happy young man (sayeth he) that hast found Homer for to write and magnify thy virtue. For even as he would chiefly be painted by Apelles, and his Image to be graven by Lisippus, so in like manner he would be praised and commended to the remembrance of his posterity by them, who in praising him might obtain honour and fame for the excellentness of their spirit. He gave Aristotle his master charge, to put in wryfing the nature of all beasts. And to this end he appointed certain thousands of men throughout all Grecia & Asia: to wit, unto Herd keepers, Hunters, Fishers, Merchants of fish, Byrdcatchers and such like, who should plainly inform him of all things. It is said moreover that he gave the said Aristotle in recompense of his pain eight hundred talents, which amount according to the reckoning of the learned men of our time, The liberality of Alexander towards learned men. to CCCC. LXXX. thousand crowns courrant. He sent to Xenocrates the Philosopher by his Ambassadors fifty talentes, which amounteth to thirty. thousand crowns: but he refusing them said that he had no need of so great a sum, the Ambassadors being returned, what (said Alexd) hath he no friends for to do him pleasure? Cicero sayeth that in his youth, when he was the disciple of Aristotle, he declared himself to be of a very good spirit, and to be greatly modest: but after he was made king, he behaved himself proudly, cruelly, and altogether unmoderatly. The Historiographers do mention marvelous things of the magnificence, dilicatnes and superfluity of Darius. The superfluity of Darius. For to the end that his body should want no voluptousnes, he had in his camp expert Cokes that could dress all manner of meats, & make all manner of delicates, with makers of ointments. divers also have described how great the magnificence and preparations of the kings of Persia was, in their ordinary eating and drinking. Their custom was (as Cicero sayeth) to have many wives, unto whom they did bequeath certain cities, to the end that the one might furnish their head tire, others such and such an ornament. Such therefore, as I have said, was Darius' end: and in flying, when he had drunk troubled water, and which was infected with dead men's bodies, he affirmed that in his life time he never drank more sweeter drink, Darius' end for he did never abstain so long from drink that he could be dry. After the death of Alexander, this great Empire was divided amongst his chief Lords: To wit, Ptolomeus, Laomedon, Antigonus, Cassander, Leonatus, Eumene, Python, The successors of Alexander. Lysimachus, Antipater, Meleager, and Seleucus. Amongst them, the principal was Seleucus' king of Assiria, Ptolomeus of Egypt, Antigonus of Asia the less, Cassander after the he had oppressed all Alexander's kinsfolks, was since made king of Macedonia and of Grecia. Lysimachus is he with whom Alexander being on a certain time angry, Lysimacus. did cause him to be shut up with a Lion: But understanding that he had killed the said Beast, he had him afterward in great honour and estimation. Furthermore, great wars were moved as well amongst the said successors (the which doth commonly happen) as also amongst their sons, and their sons sons, for as much as these outrageous Spirits, could not for ambition, keep themselves in Peace, but did seek to increase their powers in doing others wrong. By these wars, which remained a long while, The beginning of the fourth Monarchy. all these countries were greatly spoiled, so that by little and little, they fell into the Romans hands: who enlarged so their dominion, that they established the fourth & last Monarch: Of the which at this present it is requisitte we should entreat of. Now, amongst the Kings of Egypt, Alexander's successors, Ptolomeus Philadelphus the father of good letters. Ptolomeus Philadelphus, a Prince of great name is also numbered. For he loved peace as much as was possible for him, and he did stir up and awaken the liberal Arts, and instituted rewards and gifts for the same, and caused a large and a great library to be made: so that also he caused the Books of Moses and of the Prophets, to be translated into the Greek tongue. The beginning of Rome was at that time as the King Salmanasar (of whom it hath been spoken) did reign over the Assyrians. The time in which Rome was built. To wit, in the first year of the seventh Olympiades', according to Plutarch: the three thousand, two hundredth and twelve year, about four hundredth years after that Aeneas had begun to reign over the Romans, after the war of Troy, which Homer did describe: of the age of whom, The war of Troy. no moor than of the Country, we find nothing mentioned of any certainty, except that Cicero sayeth, The age of Homer uncertain. that he was long time before the foundation of Rome, and before Romulus. How be it, so it is, that there remaineth no profane Writer more ancient than his Poesy: For as Horatius sayeth: Before the time of strong Agamemnon Many were of virtues and of renown: But all unwaylde were shut up in the night, For want of a Poet for their light. The beginning of the Romans. Cicero is of the same opinion, and sayeth that no mention is found of any Orator before Homer. The original of the Roman people was small and contemptible: But for because that GOD had so ordained it (as it shall hereafter be declared) it became marvelous great. In the beginning seven kings did ragyne there for the space of two hundred forty and four years. The first government at Rome. Cicero writeth that Solon and Pisistratus, lived in Athens in the time of Servius Tullus the sixth king: and that Pythagoras flourished in Italy at such time as Tarquin the proud was put to flight. He saith moreover that in the reign of Servius Tullus the city of Athens had endured already seven hundred years. The kings being put down, the government was given unto two consuls, Two Consuls govern whose office did last but one year. L. junius Brutus the chief Consul, was as vigilant and constant to keep and preserve the liberty being gotten, as ever he was desirous and prompt to put down the kings & to establish the redom. For when his two sons Titus & Tiberius did consult wit other young Roman gentlemen, for to reestablish the Tarquins, their enterprise being disclosed by some counsel breaker, he caused them openly to be beheaded. He displaced Tarquiin Coleatin his fellow in office: who also was companion in putting down the kings, and to the bringing of the enterprises to pass. Cicero doth defend this act as just, and affirmeth that it was both for the utility & honesty of the country that the name of the Terquins should be abolished and the memory of the kingdom wiped out. The Fabiens slauter. Now, amongst the sundry fortunes of the Roman people, when the whole Tuscan had conspired, three hundred of the house of the Fabiens being gone forth of Rome against the enemy, were all slain and cut in pieses, none remaining, save one little child, who since renewed the family. This came to pass three and thirty years after the kings were put down. Three hundredth years after the foundation of the City, because of the tumults & conspiraties that were in the public weal, ambassadors were sent into Grecia, for to bring laws from thence, which the City should use from thence forth. At whose return the state of the public weal was changed and ten men were chosen to have the supreme government: Ten men elected to be supreme governors. but this estate endured not fully three years. For Appius Claudius, the one of these ten, coveting wickedly to ravish a young damsel 01 the daughter of L. Virginius' citizen of Rome he gave the people occasion to abolish the whole order of them. The wicked cupidity of Appius Claudius. Wherefore the government came again to consuls: but this also lasted but a little time, for they did create Tribunes of soldiers giving them such power as the Consuls had, The third mutation of the Romain Policy. but these were displaced at the years end, and did again give place to the Consuls. In that time which was the three hundredth and fifteen year of the age of the City, L. Quintus Cincinatus, caused Spurius Melius, Melius slain for his ambition. to be slain of C. Servilius Hala the master of Horses, because that he by the means of distributing of certain corn, did seek to make himself king in the City his house also was rooted up. Two years after the government returned to the Tribnus of soldiers, who since were no more elected two, but divers together, according as it pleased the people, & as the state of the public weal did require. This government did endure near hand three score & ten years: and amongst the residue, M. Furius Camillus was excellent in this estate, Camillus' surmunted all other in virtue. and surmount all others in virtue. After he had done good service to the common wealth, was vamnished through the ungratitude of the Citizens, having been already four times Tribun. But shortly after he was re-established in his dignity, for delivering the City of Rome being taken from the French Senoniens, whom he put to flight two years after, being made Dictator, few years after, M. Manlius, who did defend the Capitol, from the French men, was exhibited the dominion of the rock called Tarpeius, for suspicion that he would get the kingdom to himself: and hereupon a decree was made, that from thence forth after no noble man of the house of the Manlius should be called Marcus. Camillus was sense chosen for the seventh time Tribune of soldiers: and he died of a very great age, three hundredth four score and nine years after the foundation of the city, and one year before the government and care of the public weal was taken from the Tribunes and restored to the Consuls: of whom then only one was of the common sort. The excellent captains of Rome. That age had singular notable Captains in the city of Rome: To wit M. Valerius corvinus, T. Manlius Torquatus, C. Martius Rutilius, P. Decius Mus, Papyrius Cursor, Publius Philo, L. Volumnius, and others. Amongst these here named T. Manlius Torquatus Consul caused his sons head (albeit he had gotten the victory) to be strooken of, because he had, against the law and out of his order, foghten hand to hand against the enemy, P. Decius Mus, in the battle against the Latins, vowed himself to die for the army of the Roman people: and passing through the thickest of the enemies, he was slain: wherewith the Romans being already inflamed did again encourage themselves, & got the upperhand. His son who bore the self same name, and was also Consul, did even the like four and forty years after: in the battle which the Romans had against the French Senoniens. In the time above said, which was four hundredth and twenty years after the foundation of Rome, Alexander the great, the beginner of the third monarchy, did flourish and went a warfare, Papyrius Cursor. it hath been said. Titus Livius compareth L. Papyrius Cursor with him and making a certain traityes for to recreate aswell his spirit as the readers, he showed that amongst others he could resist Alexander, if peradventure after he had assubiected the country of Asya he would pass through Europa with his army for to make war against the Romans. The said Papyrius was a man greatly virtuous for (overmitting his other acts) when T. Verturius Calvinus, and Spurius Posthumius Albinus, Consuls, wear, with the whole army put under subjection by the Samnites in the straights of Candines, A place in Italy so called. and had unhonnestly agreed with the enemy, he being made Consul, he put them to flight and wan the victory. Sense being Dictator, he declared upon the master of his Horses, how narrowly the discipline of warfaire ought to be kept and executed. Socrates the fountain of Philosophi. This age & the former did bring forth in Grecia most learned men. For Socrates did then flourish. Of whom, as out of a fountain, proceeded Aristippus, Plato Antisthenes, Speusippus, Aristotels, Dicearchus, Xenocrates, Heraclides, Thophrastus, Polemo, and Strato, who were all physicians, and according to the saying of Cicero, contemplators and searchers out of nature. There was also orators of great fame, as Gorgias, Protagoras, Prodicus, Hippias, Isocrates, Lisias, Demosthenes, Hiperides, Aeschines, Phalereus, Demetrius, Demochares. But of the Historiographers, Xenophon whom Cicero doth call Socraticus, and Calisthenes the compaynion of Alexander the great, were the chiefest. Denis the tyrant of Saragosse lived at that time: unto whom Plato being come, and having freely spoken of the duty of a prince, he was in very great danger of his life as Cicero reciteth. The acts of Denis the Tirante. This is he who did not commit the safeguard of his body to his kinsfolks, but unto cruel and barbarous men gathered here and there: who taught his daughtours to shave for fear of putting his neck in the barbers hands: who took from them the handling of Iron, and steelle when they were come to age, & taught them to bourn away his beard and his hear with nuts shells: who came not in the night to his women, before that he had sought and searched through out: who forasmuch as he durst not propound his oration in the ordinary feats and scaffolds, he did the same from out of a tower: who declared unto Damocles the flatterer, what was his felicity, which he did esteem so greatly when he caused him to sit at his table, where wanted no manner of delicates, and where was excessive abundance of all things, and yet in the mean time he caused a sword to descend from out of a plank, or beam, right over his head holding only but by the hear of an horses tail. Pyrrhus against the Romans. About two and forty years after the death of Alexander, Pyrrhus King of the Epirotes made war against the Romans, and went into Italy. The second year of the war, he solicited the Senate to enter into a certain traities of peace and alliance: but Appius Claudius, being of a very great age and blind, who before seventeen years was twice Consul (as Cicero sayeth) he came in Parliament, and did dissuade the Senate (other wise inclined thereto) to agree or make peace with him, for he was of so great a courage, that for his misfortune he did not leave of from doing all endeavour both privately and publicly. The oration that he made concerning Pyrrhus, for to hinder the peace, was found yet in Cicero's time, as 1 he himself witnesseth C. Fabricius Luscinus did good service then to the public weal. The faithfulness of Fabricius. Who being solicited of Pyrrhus for to rebel, did nothing regard his great presents nor promises. Moreover he sent again unto him prisoner a certain Fugitive, who did assure him to poison the king. Cicero doth compare him to Aristides of Athens. Manius Curius Dentatus did altogether overthrow Pyrrhus at his second return into italy, and triumphed over him. Pyrrhus' was the first the did ever bring Elephants into Lucania. The Romans hitherto, almost for five hundredth years space did only make war with the people of Italy amongst whom the Latins, Veientes, Eques, Falisques, Samnites & the tuscans did stoutly resist, and did often times rebel: being sometimes vanquished, and sometimes getting the victory: who finally being overcome and pacified, there burst forth a long & great war against the Carthagians, whose City was much more ancient than Rome, The first war of Carthage. as it is most evident. This war began amongst them in the year of Rome four hundred four score and five in the which the fortune of M. Attilius Regulus is worthy of Memory. For he being taken of the Carthagians, and sent to Rome for to treat for peace and for the change of prisoners, upon charge and condition, that if he did obtain nothing he should render himself again prisoner: after he was thither arrived, An act worthy of Memory. he gave clean contrary counsel to the Senate, and declared that it was not for the profit of the public weal so to do. Afterwards following his opinion, that faith ought to be kept even unto the enemy, The cruel death of Attilius Regulus. he returned unto Carthage, where he was put to death after the most cruelest manner in the world: for they did cut of his eye lids: and being bound to an engine, he was killed with overwaking. During this war the Romans at the first did fight luckily by sea in Sicilia against Hanno, under the conduction of Plubius Duillius, Consul. This Duillius, and Manius Curius, Excellent consuls. C. Fabricius Attilius Calatinus, Cuee and publius Scipiones, Aphricanus, with Marcellus & Fabius are named of Cicero amongst the excellent Captains of Rome. The year following, L. Cornelius Scipio did take the Ills of Corsica, and of Sardinia. This war of Africa (which had endured twenty and three years) was pacified under Quintus Luctatius, Catule Circus and Auleus Manlius, Consuls. Two years after Ennius was borne, who was five years elder than Marcus Portius Cato, whom he did call his familiar friend. The Romaius wear then again occupied with neewe wars against the Faliscyan, Geneneens, Sclavoniens, French men, them of Baviers, and the lombards. The second war of Carthage. Who being vanquished, there bruste forth another war of the Carthagiens, four and twenty years after the peace was made, under P. Scipio and Titus Sempronius Longus Consuls. Hannibal was the head captain, who assaulted the town of Sagonte: & passing through Spain into France, & from thence into Italy, he wan three battles one after another against the Romans. The first at Ticinum, A City in lombary called now Pavia. Quintus Fabius a most prudent Captain. the other at the flood of Trebia, the third at the lake Trasimenus. But Quintus Fabius being made dictator, and going to meet the enemy, he by his lingering did stop and break his violence and invasion. It is he in the praise of whom Ennius writeth. One man by his slacking only Restored us the thing entirely. Cicero doth judge him to be of a very subtle mind, and that he could easily conceal, hold his peace, disemble, spy out and prevent the enterprises of enemies. Since, the Roman people did receive a great overthrow in the place called Cans: the which gave such occasion of fear to the City, that divers of the chiefest were minded to forsake it and to fly away. But they were comforted and kept back by P. Cornelius Scipio, the son of Publius, Archimedes excellent in algorithm music, & Geometry, & Astro nomie. a very hardy and manful young man, who was then but going into xxv. years. Four years after M. Marcellus did win the town of Saragosse, after long siege. Archimedes, an excellent Mathematition, was killed in the assaulting of the town: who making certain figures in the dust, did nothing doubt of the taking of the country. Marcellus was greatly wrath at his death, when he understood it: and commanded to bury him. As concerning the town, he did not only leave it whole and sound (as Cicero sayeth) but also in such sort decked, that it might have been a perpetual monument of his victory, gentleness and clemency. And likewise he sayeth, that in the victory of Marcellus there was not so many men slain, as there were goods spoiled at the coming of Verres Praetor into the said City. But Titus Livius saith that it was a very piteous thing to see the villainies that were there committed by anger, envy, and covetousness. A hundred, thirty and seven years after, Cicero being Treasurour of Sicilia, Cicero treasurour of Sicilia. did show Archimedes sepulchre unto the Senate of Saragosse, the which he knew by a certain description, all be it, that it was altogether ruinated and so covered with briars and Thorns, that even they of the City knew not where it was. The said Cicero sayeth, that the town of Sarragosse is the greatest and fairest of all the towns of Grecia, and is compact and made of four great towns: of the isle, where the fountain of Arethusia is full of fish: of Acradina; where is the market place, and the covered Galleries, with the Palace or Parliament house: of Tyche, where the temple of Fortune is: of the new town, which was last of all built, and it hath a very large Theatre. Now amongst all other nations the country of Sicilia did first of all incline unto the amity and loyalty of the Romans: Sicilia the first province. and was the first that was named a Province, as witnesseth the said Cicero. After the victory of Cans, Hannibal took all Campania, which yielded unto him. His army also wintered at Capua, where it was effe minated and corrupted through the abundance and superfluity of all things. Superfluity & wantonness unprofitable in an army. Three years after the taking of Sarrogosse, Capua was given to the Romans by composition. There was great and long deliberation, for to know whether the town should be razed: but finally, it was concluded that it should be kept. Not withstanding for to take from them all means for ever of rebellion, their territory was taken from them, and all office and Senate with the public counsel. To be short they had no form of a public weal left them: but it was ordained that the town should serve as a barn, and place for to hold and house the fruit of the whole territory there about, and for to lodge the labourers. Two years after, The overthrow of Asdrubal. Asdrubal brought fresh soldiers into Italy to the succour of Hannibal, but he was overthrown near the flood called Metaurus, by the consuls M. Livius Salinator, and C. Claudius Nero. In the mean time, P. Cornelius Scipio, of whom mention hath been made, prospered luckily in spain, albeit that his father and his uncle had been there slain. And after that he had recovered the whole Province, returned to Rome, where he was chosen consul. He required that the country of Africa might be assigned him for to make war there. But Q. Fabius Maximus, being of a great age did sharply withstand him, and was of opinion that it behoved not to go into Africa, but that it was meet and convenient to make war with Hannibal. Scipio was of a contrary opinion, because that if they did make war against the Carthagians in their country, they should be forced to call again Hannibal from Italy, as he upon whom lay all their help and secure. After long strife the Senate assigned Sicilia unto Scipio, and did permit him to take the spoil of Africa, if it were for the commodity of the public weal. He then took his journey from Sicilia unto Africa: and did prove by effect that which he had before forshewed unto the Senate. For the Carthagians having lost certain battles against him, and being greatly endamaged, The victory of Scipio 〈◊〉 Africa. did call again Hannibal. So that by this means, he who for sixteen years space, had not ceased to hunt through Italy, who also had encamped his army near the walls of the city of Rome, was constrained (albeit, it was sore against his will) to retire homeward to his country. finally, Scipio won a great battle of him: who afterwards by the will of the Senate, made peace with the enemy: hereupon the surname of Affricus was given unto him. But here to be considered, from how great troubles the Romans were delivered: for even already by the space of certain years, all their fortune hung by a very small thread: but it was before predestinated that they should come to an end of all violence and calamity, and should be Lords of the world. The which (as some say) Hannibal did foresee, when his brother Asdrubal was vanquished. Horatius reciteth his very words which he then said, in the verse by the which he praiseth Drusus and his family. And for because that the said Verse is most learned and elegant, it doth well deserve that the youth should learn the same by heart. The peace being concluded with the Carthagiens, besides the other wars wherewith the Romans were encumbered to wit, in Italy, Istria, and Portugal, they made another great war also against Philippus king of Macedonia, War against Philip of Macedonia. who had afflicted and oppressed the country of Grecia. Titus Quintus Flaminius was the chief captain of this war: who after the overthrow of the enemy, re-established the country of Grecia in her liberty, by the consenting of the Senate. And amongst all other articles, he charged king Philip, not to go a warfare without the limits of Macedonia, unless he had permission of the Senate. This war ended, Another war against Antiochus king of Syria. another followed it, against Antiochus' king of Syria: Who being passed into Europa, was overcome by M. Galabrio, and driver out of Grecia. For the accomplishing whereof, the above said Philip king of Macedonia did give succour to the Romans. These kings of Asia, of Syria, and of Macedonia, did descend of them who after the death of Alexander the great did divide amongst them the Provinces, as it hath been said. For after that Carthage was pacified and, all italy brought under the subjection of the Romans, The great authority of the romain● and that they had also conquered the other countries of Europa more nearer, both by Sea and by land: they were grown to such power, that even the Kings and the people's far of did crave succour and help of them: Which amongst others, the Egyptians did. For because that their King Ptolemeus Epiphanes, being then but of few years, was not apt to the government of the public weal, and for that they stood in great fear of Antiochus: they sent Ambassadors to Rome, by whom they did desire the Senate to take the little king into their safeguard. This being agreed upon, the Senate did will Antiochus not to meddle or make with Egypt. Whereat he being displeased (especially because that Hannibal the fugitive, did incite him as much as was possible, Antiochus' vanquished and spoiled. to make war) he sailed into Grecia with his army: where he was overthrown as we have before said. After that, the Romans made a new army by Sea, for to follow and pursue him: and being sailed into Asia, they did vanquish and get a great Battle of him and did put him to flight from beyond the mount of Taurus. After his overthrow he was wont to say (as Cicero reciteth) that the Roman people had done him a great pleasure, in easing him from over great charge, and in leaving him so strait limits of his country. L. Cornelius Scipio the brother of P. Scipio Affricanus did conduct this war: who for this cause was surnamed Asiaticus. Shortly after M. Fuluius, surnamed Nobilior, did subdue the Etolians, and triumphed over them. And when P. Scipio Affricanus (who in that war had been lieutenant for his brother) was returned to Rome, the Tribunes of the people began to trouble and torment him. Wherefore he departed from thence and went into Laterne to his Town: and there as certain say this noble man died, being nine and forty years old, The death of Pub. Scipio. no younger nor elder than M. Portius Cato. Cicero in the Dialogue which he wrote of old age, doth introduct Cato, & speaketh lovingly and honourably of the age of them both, and of their studies. But above all he magnifieth the greatness of courage that was in Scipio. Titus Livius saith that Cato did bear him envy, & that he used to take this his fortune and prosperity in evil part. Cato envious against Scipio. Cicero affirmeth that he was prompt and quick in all his affairs. In that time flourished Ennius Plautus, and Nenius, poets. Antiochus being overthrown, Hannibal did fly unto Prusias king of Bithynia. And for because that the Romans did require that he should be rendered unto them, Hannibal poisoneth himself. he drunk poison, and so killed himself. Antiochus the noble succeeded this Antiochus: He also did deliberate to get the kingdom of egypt, for as much as he was the Uncle of Ptolomeus Philometor, King of egypt: who being yet but a child, had succeaded his father deceased. Wherefore he declared himself to be his Protector, minding by this means to oppress him, and to take to himself the chief dignity. But his enterprises being known, the Romans (whom the Egyptians had again solicited to secure them) did hasten to send C. Popilius Lenas' in Embassage. Who being come to speak face to face with Antiochus, he willed him in the name of the Roman people, to depart from Alexandria which he kept besieged: but as Antiochus did ask respite to advise thereupon, popilius made a round circle before him with the rod that he held, and did command him to declare what he minded to do, before he departed from thence. By this means he, who was not ignorant of the power of the Romans, was so afraid that he promised to leave all things in peace. Popilius maketh Antiochus afraid. These things are recited to the end to declare how by little and little the Romans are waxed great of small beginnings, and how they did so advance themselves, that they assubiected almost all countries. For even already, their valiantness was passed through Italy, and had invaded divers parts of the world. Not withstanding, there was yet many lets, and inconveniences, in such sort, that they had no little a do for to establish this so great an Empire, which should comprehend and compass the principal part of the world, as I will here after orderly and briefly declare. Philip king of Macedonia, of whom mention hath been made, being very wroth, for that he was so enclosed by the Romans, purposed to begin to make war again. But he was prevented by death, and Persia his son succeeded him, who of long time was so eneduraged against the Romans in such sort, that he took in hand as it were the heritage of making war. But L. Emylius Paulus (who had been twice Consul) finally did give him the overthrow in plain battle, Persia king of the Macedonians taken prisoner and took him Prisoner, with his Wife, his Mother, and his Children, whom also he led away in triumph. And for this victory he was surnamed Macedonicus. From that time also Macedonia was made a Province of the Romans. In the former last year, Ennius being three score and ten years old (according to the saying of Cirero) departed out of this life. Few years after, P. Cornelius Nasica, did assubiect the Dalmatians. The third war of Carthage. And incontinently after the third war of Africa began to burst forth. For because that the Carthagiens, who could not live in rest, did move war and oppress their neighbours, but chief Massinisse king of Numidie, the compainion and friend of the Romans: the Romans being required to secure them, purpossed to put themselves in arms, about the six hundredth and four year after the foundation of Rome. divers judgements as touching the preservation, or destruction of Carthage. But their opinions were divers, to wit, whether it were more convenient to break down and destroy the City, then to preserve it. The saying of them who were of opinion that it was not convenient that it should be destroyed, was, that if Carthage were once taken away, they would afterwards even amongst themselves, make hurly-burlies by seditions & civil wars. But M. Portius Cato did counsel the contrary, declaring the great danger which did threaten the public weal of Rome, if this City were not utterly rooted up and destroyed. His opinion got the victory, albeit that he diseased in this deliberation, The death of P. Cato. having lived four score and five years. Cicero doth name him amongst the ancient orators, and doth place him next unto Marcus Cornelius Cethegus, who he saith was renowned of Ennius. He saith moreover, that an hundredth and fifty of Cato's orations were found, full of learned words and notable matters: and rebuketh the niceness of his time, because they did not regard to read them diligently over. He compareth him to Lysias the Scrivener of Athenes, P. Scipio Aemilianus the son of Paulus Macedonicus, and the nephew by adoption of P. Scipio Aphricanus, had the charge and government of the third war of Carthage. And four years after that certain others had begun the war, he came and assaulted Carthage with such force, that having constrained them to yield, he spoilt it, brunt it, and beat it down to the ground. The destruction of Carthage. By reason whereof he was also surnamed Aphricus, aswell as he who did vanquish Hannibal, as it hath been said. And behold here the end of a most mighty City whose foundation was more ancient than that of the City of Rome: and being nothing inferrior in excellency of captains, did greatly enlarge her dominion. Cicero writeth that P. Scipio after the taking of Carthage, did render unto the Sicilians the Images and ornaments that the Carthagians had take from them aforetime: and did render under the Agrigentins that renowned bull which is said to have been within the tyrant Phalaris den, wherein he used to shut up live men, for to bourn them with fire which he did kindle in the top thereof. This Phalaris was not killed by crafty snares or intrapmentes, as divers other tyrants were, but all the Agrigentins on a heap did cast themselves upon him to slay him. Cicero nameth the country of Africa, The war of the Romans against the Acheans. the bulwark and fortress of all the provinces. About that time the Romans stirred up war against the Acheans, a certain people of Grecia, because that they had violated & outraged their Ambassadors. The head of this army was the Consul L. Mummius, who also wan the victory in such sort, that all Achaia did yield unto him. The destruction of Corinthius. And by the will of the Senate he brunt Corinthus the principal and chiefest City of all Grecia as saith Cicero: & he did utterly beat it down to the ground, to take away all fear of ever building or re-establishing it again. Mummius was for the getting of this victory surnamed Achaicus. War a 'gainst Viriatus. In that time also one named Viriatus, did usurp the kingdom of Portugal, who from a shepherd was become a hunter, from a hunter to a theyfe, and finally a conductor of a mighty army. He did fight for the space of certain years against the Romans, and often times to his own advantage. But at the last he was slain by treason. By this means the Consul Decius junius Brutus did vanquish all portingall even unto the Ocean sea. The war of Numance. In the mean time during these troubles, the Romans had received a great overthrow of them of Numance in Spain. And therefore because other wise it should be greatly ignominius unto them they minded not to keep the traitye of peace, which was made by Mancinus Consul, but did again elect, out of order, Publius Scipio Aemylianus Aphricanus, to be Consul, and gave unto him the charge and conductyon of the war. He went forth with an army, and finding there the soldiers very nice and unpatient of labour, he accustomed them unto a more sure discipline, and even strait out of hand he besieged the city round about. And finally he took it and destroyed it, fourteen years after the destruction of Carthage and in the DCXXII. year of the foundation of Rome. Cicero doth call Carthage and Numance the two terrors of the Roman Empire. In that time rose the tumult of bondmen in Sicilia: The war of bondmen and slaves, who finally could scarce be vanquished by the Consul C. Fuluius, yea, albeit that he had raised up a great army. Shortly after the Romans had war in Asya against Aristonicus. For Attalus king of Pergame, had appointed and ordained, by his testament, the Romans for his inheritor. But Aristonicus his kinsman, possessing that part of Asia, did beguile the Romans of the will of the testament. The Consul M. Perpenna did defy him, and took him captive. The year following, which was the six hundredth twenty and fifty years of the age of the City, P. Scipio Aphricanus, lying in his house, The death of P. Scipio. Aphricanus. was smothered in the night even of his nearest kinsfolks, as it is thought. Cicero doth praise him for his singular eloquence, loyalty, and wisdom. He writeth that there was no information at all made of his death, albeit that the whole City was greatly sorry therefore: and saith moreover that the very same year the sun did show herself double. So by this means he who was most noblest & excellenst of the captains of war died at the age of six & fifty years. Cicero feigneth in a certain little Book, that Aphricanus the first of that name, did foreshow him this mishap. In this time lived Lucilius, Terentius, Pacunius, Accius, Licinius, Cecilius, and Afranius, C. Lelius the very well-beloved of Aphricanus, doth call Pacunius his friend, and Terence his familiar. These things being ended, Fabius Maximus Consul wan a great battle against the Savoisiens', Awergnats, and them of Rhodez, who are all gauls. The two Grackes. In the same time also C. Gracchus Tribune of the people, an eloquent man, and defender of the law appertaining to the dividing of lands, was killed at Rome twelve years after that Tiberius Graccus his brother had been slain for the self same matter. Cicero doth praise them both for their eloquence. But as for Tiberius' orations he judgeth them not to be greatly fine in words, but sufficiently subtle, and full of wisdom. As concerning his brother Caius, he is of opinion that his doings ought to be read, but especially of the youth: for because that he cannot only sharppen, but also nourish and increase the wit: and for this cause, he calleth him the most ingenious and eloquenest amongst the Romans. Gracchus' dream. Gracchus had afore dreamt that his brother Tiberius did advertise him that he should die the same death that he died: and Cicero sayeth that before that he was chosen Tribune of the people, he declared this unto divers. Their laws are yet found as of wheat, of bringing certain citizens out of Rome to place them else where, of the profit of soldiers, of the administration of provinces, of the voice of the people, of letting out to hire the lands of Attalus & of Asia. The war of the Romans against jugurtha king of Numidie followed these perturbations of Tribunes. This war was enterprised by L. Calphurnius Bestia, The war against jugurtha. Consul, after wards continued by P. Cecilius Metellus, and finally brought to an end by the Consul C. Marius, who afore time had been a warfare under P. Scipio Bacchus, king of Mauritanie, compainion of jugurtha, was causor of the fynishing of this war. For he seeing himself overthrown in battle, and minding not to hazard himself any more, he delivered jugurtha prisoner unto Silla, who for that purpose was sent of Marius. At that time, to wit, six hundredth eight and forty years of the age of the City, M. Tullius Cicero was borne, The birth of Cicero. which was eight years after the birth of Q. Hortensius, a notable Orator. During the war of jugurtha an infinite number of high and low Almains did enter by violence partly into italy, and partly into Gallia, who after that they had made a great slaughter of the Romans, and had overthrown in field sometimes proconsuls, other times lieutenants, finally they were all vanquished & overcome by C. Marius, Tentones & Chimbres overthrown by Marius. who was four times Consul. The high Almains were overthrown at Aix in province: and the low, at the inner borders of Lombardie. This luck was followed with a new trouble. For certain countries of Italy were revolted from the Romans, to wit the Samnites, the Pelignians, Marsians, Vestinians, Marrucinians, Vmbres, Picentes, & Lucains, They were fought with all diversely, and could scarcely be brought again to subjection. The war against Mithridates. Shortly after befell an other mishap very hurtful to the public weal: for Mithridates' king of Pont had driven Ariobarzanes King of Cappadoce, and Nicomedes King of Bithynia (the compainions and friends of the Romans) out of their kingdoms. And herewith not being content, he had also usurped Phrygia, a province of the Romans, being entered within the country of Asia. Wherefore the Senat concluded to make war with him. Whereupon was moved dissension because that certain would have L. Silla, who was of a noble stock, & other some would have C. Marius for to be general captain. P. Sulpitius tribune of the people held on Marius' side. But Silla had his army, by the aid whereof he constrained Marius to avoid out of Rome. Who afterwards was in great danger of his life, Civil war between Sylla and Marius. and hide himself in a fen, or marsh, about Minturnes, & went in a small ship after this sort banished into Africa. But through occasion of the absence of Silla, who was a warfaire in Asia L. Cornelius Cinna, Consul, began to make hurly-burlies & to raise up new dissensions: but he was put out & banished the City by Cn. Octavius his fellow in office. Who when he was banished, renewed again his power, and accompanied with him C. Marius, who upon this occasion was returned from Africa. Wherefore these two having coupled together their soldiers, they besieged Rome on that side of the gate called janiculun. And as divers things were done in the City not only by negligence, but also by treason and unfaithfulness: and that it was not possible for these any longer to resist them, place of entrance was given them. They as soon as they were permitted to enter, did fill the whole City with slaughters and spoils: and strait ways did elect themselves Consuls: unto the which estate and office they did divers things cruelly. For Sinna caused the most excellent Orator Mercus Antonius to be slain: and Marius, Q. Catulus. These things being known L. Sylla, who by strength of arms had recovered the greatest part of the losses, and was entered in peace with Mithridates, returned back again into Italy. But Marius (who was then for the seventh time Consul) was already diseased out of this life. notwithstanding L. Cinna had Cn. Payrius Carbo, to take his part. And although they prepared themselves with the son of Marius to resist and arm themselves against Sylla, nevertheless they were vanquished and overthrown. Sylla victorious. In such sort that Sylla remaining victorious, did sharppely pursue his enemies, yea even so narrowly that he propunded unto them the table of proscription, and did sell all the goods of the rebels & such as were banished, and took from their children all title and right of ever coming to the honours of the common weal. There upon he was made dictator: and then he began to rule and ordain all things according to his fantasy: and did abolish the strength and power of the Tribunes of the people. Moreover, when he sold the goods of the Citizens of Rome, he declared unto the whole company that he sold his prey. Briefly, it was not possible for any man to enjoy his goods or the country, yea or his life, unless it pleased him. He was so inflamed with anger against Marius, that he caused that which remained of his dead body, to be thrown into the river of Anio. But he first of all the nobles of the house of Cornelius, would have his body burned to ashes after his death, searing of likelihood, that he should be so done to, as he did unto Marius. Cicero sayeth that Marius was strong and virtuous, and perseverous in anger: and that Sylla was vehement. L. Cinna he sayeth was cruel. He calleth also Marius the terror of the enemies, The laws of Sylla. the hope and secure of the country. Sylla published four new laws: Of falsholde, of Parent killers, of Ruffians or Murderers, and of injuries. The first pleading of Cicero. He being dictator, Cicero at the age of six and twenty years, proceeded to plead causes, and did plead openly the cause of S. Roscius. There were before him certain excellent Orators, to wit: Q. Catulus, C. julius, Marcus Antonius, and L. Crassus, in whose time the Latin tongue begannne to wax ripe, as Cicero sayeth. This age surely was the most learnedst of all the others. For let me omit to speak of so many and notable Orators: Excellent & notable jurisconsuls'. there was notwithstanding excellent jurisconsuls', and amongst them C. Aquilius Gallus, L. Lucilius Balbus, C. Iwentius, Sex. Papyrius the disciple of Q. Mutius Scevola Pontifex, under whom also Cicero did study in his youth. P. Servius Sulpitius was almost of the age of Cicero: who having heard the above named, had to his disciples, A. Offilius, P. Alphenius Varus, C. Titus Decius, the two Ausides, C. Atteius Pacunius, Flavius Priscus, Cinna, P. Cecilius. C. Trebata flourished also with Sulpitius, whose disciple was Antistius Labeo. Cicero praising honourably this Sulpitius after his disease, sayeth on this manner: If all they that ever had in this town understanding of judgement and right, wear heaped together, yet could they not in any wise be compared with Servius Sulpitius. For he was no less instructed and experimented in equity then in right. War raised in Portugal by Sertorius. Quintus Sertorius did remain of the number of the banished, a man of great stomach and expert in the feat of war. He did move and stir up a terrible great war in Portugal: and having vanquished & overthrowed certain captains of the Romans, subdued divers towns. Wherefore the charge and conduction of the war on the Romans side, was at the last given unto Pompeius. And after divers and sundry combats, finally Sertorius was slain by treason. And ten years after the beginning of this war, Pompeius did recover the Spaniards. At that time Nicomedes king of Bithynia dying, had ordained the Romans to be his inheritor: but Mithridates' king of Pont, who was entered in alliance with Sertorius, had usurped and gotten Bythinia during the divisions and discords of Marius and Silla: and began again to make war with all his strength and power. L. Luculus against Mithridrates. L. Luculus consul was sent against him, who wan certain battles by chivalry: and after being Proconsul, he in such sort slew and cut in sunder his army, that having displaced him out of Bithynia, he constrained him to retire to the country of Pont. Where having lost a great battle, he fled towards Tigranes' king of Armenia. Lucullus pursued him so near that in certain conflicts he overthrew the hosts both of the one and of the other. And it rested but only upon the seditions and conspiraties of the Soldiers (which certain did craftily move) that he came not to the end of the war and to have carried away the glory and triumph of the victory. For shortly after he was called back again, and this commission was given unto Cn. Pompeius. Of the doing whereof Cicero was also one of the persuaders, who had made the people willing hereunto, by a certain excellent oration which he made in the praise of Pompeius. Luculus being called home again, he letted therefore not to triumph, The sumptuousness of L. Luculus & made the Romans a notable and sumptuous great feast. Since that time he would no more intermeddle or be occupied with public affairs, but did lead his life at home in the study of Philosophy, being not withstanding very sumptuous in his ordinary living, as he was always. He garnished a most ample and magnifical library, of the which Cicero maketh mention: The victory of Pompeius against Mithridates and sayeth that he went thither often times to fetch certain books. Pompeius gave Mithridates a clean overthrow, and drove him far of: and received Tigranes who did yield and render himself unto his devotion & clemency. Cicero reciteth that Pompeius seeing in his camp this king prostrating himself and demanding pardon, he lifted him up, and put again the crown upon his head, which he had cast of. afterward charging him with certain things, he commanded him to hold and keep always his kingdom. Mithridates finally being besieged of his son Pharnaces did slay himself. The war against the pirates. Cn. Pompeius had gotten great credit and estimation, for the war which he made against the pirates, before that he went against Mythridates. The conspiraty of Catilina. This war being ended, suddenly another fire began to kindle: for L. Catilina had conspired with divers others, to destroy the public weal. But his wickedness being disclosed by the dexterity and industry of Cicero, who was then consul, he was banished the city: and having gathered an army and band of desperate Villains in the country of Toscane, he remained slain in the field, being vanquished by C. Antonius' consul and fellow in office with Cicero. Who through out all his writings doth praise and magnify the pain and labour that he took for the public weal. and sayeth that than not only appeared in the night flames of fire, with burnyngs in the Element, thunderings and earthquakes: But also he applieth and maketh serve to this purpose, the strange and unaccustomed Signs, that came to pass and befell twelve years before that he was Consul, at such time as L. Cotta and Torquatus were in that office: In the which time vehement flames of lightning fell upon divers towers in the palace of the city of Rome, divers Images of gods were displaced, divers pictures of men of old time thrown down: The tables of brass wherein the laws were graven, the molten Image also of Romulus' founder of Rome (which was as it wear sucking, and hanging over the Wolves dugs) was stricken with thunder. Cicero describing the spirit and nature of Catilina, saith that there was never the like monster in the world, that was compact and mixed with such covetousness, & so many contrary & sundry complexions repugning one against another. The same year that Cicero was consul, C. Octavius was borne, The birth of C. Octavius. and the country of judea was made tributary to the Romans, after that jerusalem had been assaulted and won by Cn. Pompeius. five years after, at such time as Piso & A. Gabinius were consuls, the swizzers did change their dwelling place, and did purpose to pass by province, for to enter and pierce through the residue of France, and there to make their habitation, because of the goodness and fertility of the country. This being known and disclosed, C. julius Cesar, younger than Cicero by six years, did raise up his army, for as much as the Senate had assigned him that Province: and went to meet the enemy, The swizzers overthrown by julius Cesar. whom he overthrew in plain battle. And shortly after he did the like unto Arionistus king of the Germans, who had oppressed the countries of Lions in France, but especially the Burgonions the friends and companions of the Romans: for he overthrew him near unto the river called Rhyne, being departed from Bessanson a town of Burgonie. Which being done, he brought the whole country of Gallia under the subjection of the Romans. Afterwards sailing into Britan, he assubiected the Isle. Cicero reciteth that Cesar did write to him out of Britan the first of September, and that he received the letters the xxviii day of the said month. About the time that Cesar was departed into Gallia, Cicero was so vexed & troubled of P. Claudius' Tribune of the people, The exile of Cicero. that he fled and went in exile, after that he had made an oration unto the people & horsemen, by the which he commended unto them his children and family? Certain months after he was, to the great joy and gladness of the people, called home again. And then he made another oration unto the Romans, by the which he gave thanks unto his friends. Since he laid the cause of his banishment upon L. Piso and A. Gabinius being then Consuls, and proved by the orations which he pronounced against them both, that he was betrayed by them. In one of the said orations, he counseleth the Senate to take from them the Provinces of Syria and of Macedonia, and not to call back again C. Cesar, who prospered in the wars that he had in Gallia: but rather that they should continue him in this government, to the intent that he might bring the war to an end. Ptolomeus Auletus. During these enterprises: Ptolomeus Auletus king of Egypt: being driven out of his kingdom for his cowardness and cruelty, he fled and retired unto Rome: The king of Egypt re-established by the Romans. where the Senate through the persuasion of Cn. Pompeius did reestablish him by A. Gabinius, in putting down Archelaus who reigned by the consent of the people. Gabinus was afterwards condemned to pay unto the public treasure ten. M. talents, or according to the reckoning of certain of our time vi millions of gold, for because he had received as much of Ptolomeus. M. Crassus, unto whom the commission of the war of Parthia had been given, was also vanquished beyond Euphrates & slain (contrary to the law of arms) as he communed and reasoned of matters. Crassus' slain by the Parthians. This is he who used to say that none was rich, if he could not maintain an army with his own revenue. In the self-same time P. Clodius was killed of T. Annius Milo. And albeit, that Cicero did defend the cause of Milo (Pompeius being for the third time Consul, yea himself alone) not withstanding he was banished. The French war being once ended, which was about the viii. year, civil war was raised between C. Cesar and Cn. Pompeius, his kinsman. The cause and beginning hereof was, that Cesar should be put out of his Consulship, Civil war between Pompeius and Cesar. if he did not out of hand discharge his army & give over the province. But he was persuaded in himself that he could not be in safety if he did dismiss his soldiers. Notwithstanding he made this offer, that both he & Pompeius should yield up their souldious: and for as much as this was not accepted, he took his journey: & with an uncredible swiftness he came out of France into Italy with his host, & entered into Flaminia, where he took divers towns. Which being known Pompeius & the two consuls (to wit C. Marcellus & L. Lentulus) did fly from Rome & went to Ranusium of the country of Puell, bordering on the sea. Cesar came thither also: but the consuls had already passed the sea, & were arrived at Durazo, whether also shortly after Pmopeius fled. And for because that Cesar being excluded by the time, and destititute of vessels of war could not follow or pursue them, he returned unto Rome: where he holding a court, made a complaint of the injuries done against him, and did propound certain conditions of peace. But because that the Senate did show themselves slack and cold herein, he went unto Massilia where the gates were shoot against him. Wherefore he having prepared an army by sea, he besieged the town both by Sea and by Land: The Captains of Pompeius yield unto Cesar. & leaving there his lieutenants, he took his journey towards Spain, where finally Petreius & Afranius the captains of Pompeius did yield unto him with all their army. Which being done, he returned back again unto Massilia: the which then being void of all hope did yield unto his devotion. Strait ways after this he returned unto Rome, having in his absence been made dictator by M. Lepidus' Praetor: where he made an assembly of the people, and was chosen Consul with P. Servilius Isaurico. Afterwards, having left and given good order of his affairs, he went into Grecia: & to conclude he overthrew Pompeius in a great battle in the country of Thessalia & wan his camp yea, albeit his army was much greater. Pompeius' vanquished by Cesar. Pompeius' flying away went into the country of Egipte, at which time reigned Ptolomeus Dionysius, the son of Ptolomeus Auleta, whom (as we have said) Pompeius being Consul did, by A. Gabinius reestablyshe in his Kingdom whereof he was deprived. Pompeius' hoped that, in party recompense of his good deed, he should find some help & secure in that country. But the king was then but a child: wherethrough it befell that his familiar friends despising the present state of Pompeius, or at the least fearing certain motions and uproars, The death of Pompeius. did slay him by treason. Cesar pursuing him, arrived at Alexandria, accompanied with three thousand and two hundredth men, where he was first of all advertised of the death of the said Pompeius. Cicero giving his judgement of them both, saith on this wise: If so be that Pompeius had demissed somewhat of his great gravity, and that Cesar had greatly refrained from his covetousness, we might have had some certain assured peace and some public weal. The king of Egipte was then in arms against his sister Cleopatra. Cesar being in Alexandria would that they should plead their controversies rather by right, before him, then by arms: seeing that he was Consul of the Romans, and that certain years before amity was contracted by law and consent of the Senate with Ptolomeus the kings father. The governors took this thing very grievously, and complained that the royal majesty was greatly impeached & lessened in that they were caused to appear and plead their cause. War in Alexandria against Cesar. Their hearts then were so inflamed with wrath, that they put themselves in arms against Cesar: who after great and sundry dangers reinained victorious. Notwithstanding the king being dead he ordained not, neither made the kingdom of Egipte in manner of a province: but left the kingdom unto Cleopatra and to his younger brother. From thence he took his journey into Syria, and afterwards into Pont, where he defied the king Pharnaces the son of Mithridates: and did pacify Cappadocia, Armenia, Gallograecia, Pont, and Bythinia. This being done he came again into italy and after that into Rome. And in the midst of the winter, yea, in the shortest days thereof he took ship in Sicilia for to sail into Africa, albeit that the pryncipalest and chiefest divinor had advertised him not to take his journey till winter were passed. After the journey of Pharsalica Scipio and Cato, sons of the Nephews of A. Portius Cato, were retired in to the said country of Africa, and having raised a great band of men of war, they had assubiected and brought the king juba under their girdle, Cesar then arrived there, and besieged and over threw them both. Cesar victorious in Africa. But as concerning Cato he slew himself at Utica, for fear of falling into the hands of Cesar. The which Cicero approveth being of opinion that considering the incredible gravity that he naturally had, it behoved him rather to die such a death, then to behold the face of the Tirante. Cato was of the Stoical sect, and sometimes he did defend in the open Senate certain brutish and horrible sentenses: as if he had been in the politic governance of Plato (according to the saying of Cicero) and not in the affairs of Rome, Caesar was returned unto Rome: & having triumphed over the Galls, Egyptians, those of Pont, and of Africa, he stirred up war against Sext. Pompeius in Spain, where he also gave him the overthrow. So therefore all his enemies being vanquished, and the people being pacified in all parties, he returned to Rome .v. years after the beginning of the civil war. And after that he had triumphed over Spain, he fell out of favour and was hated of divers, forbecause that he had always kept & retained to himself the name & power of dictator, which was offered him, for that also he did elect such Senators as seemed good to his fantasy and almost only did confer the honours & offices of the weal public unto whom it pleased him After then that the estate of the public weal was changed and that the government thereof was reducted under the power & authority of one only, the conspiraties which were made against him were so inflamed, that v, months after his return unto Rome, Cesar slain in the Senate. the xv. of March he was murdered in the court of Poinpeius, where the parliament was kept even by them who were greatly bound unto him for his clemency & gentleness lately before showed unto them. For he had pardoned them their putting on of arms against him in the war of Pompeius. The muderers were M. & D. Brutus, C. Cassius, Cn. Domitius, C, Trebonius, Q. Tullius Cimber, the two Seruilians, Casca, Hala, & divers others. M. Antonius, Consul & fellow in office with Cesar doth charge Cicero also before the Senate, as consenting thereto, forasmuch as incontinently after Cesar was slain, M. Brutus holding up the bloody sword cried out naming him & was thankful unto him for the liberty recovered. Some there be that say that Cesar spoke in Greek to M. Brutus even in the very instant that he fell upon him to slay him: and that he called him son. I cannot well tell how they understand the same. Notwithstanding so it is that it is manifest by Cicero, that Brutus was but fourteen years younger than Cesar. The said Cesar had made certain laws, partly in his consul ship & partly when he was dictator, Leges julae the which in his respect are called julian laws. They are as concerning fields, judgements, violence requiring again of the polings & extortions of governors, of benefits & of usury. There are certain other of the same name: but they were made by Octavius. Every one doth confess that Cesar was very clement & merciful. Cicero moreover doth praise him for his spirit, for his subtility, reason, memory, instruction, ripe thoughts & diligence. yet never theles he was greatly grieved and wroth that he did reign & bear rule, albeit that he counterfeited the contrary. He writeth in a certain epistle to Atticus. Thou shalt understand that this reign cannot endure above half a year. Now in all these doings Cicero was greatly variable & inconstant. For in the war he joined himself to the camp of Pompeius & took his part albeit that he did reprehend his faint heart & his negligence. Moreover besides this, The inconstancy of Cicero. in the epistles to his friends he called Cesar, during the war, tyrant, & monster. But after that Pompeius was dispatched, & that Cesar pardoned divers, he changed his time & note: and in three orations which he made, he exalted him even to the very heaven, so greatly did he praise and magynifye him. And sense that Caesar had been advertised that he was conspired against, and that oftentimes he braced forth in these words, that he had lived long enough: Cicero prayed and besought him to put away that fantasy. For although that he had gotten as much glory as was possible, & that in respect hereof he had lived long enough for himself: notwithstanding he had lived to little a while for the public weal, the which could not well want or be destitute of his succour and defence. Moreover (saith he) thou hast no occasion to fear any danger at all: for all as many as we are of us do promise the not only to make good watch for to keep thee, but also to present and put our own persons in readiness before thee. After that Caesar was slain he triumphed for joy: & said that the mourderers had obtained so great glory, that the very heaven could not comprehend the same. This then is the fourth and last Monarchy. The fourth and last monarchy. Wherein we must note, how of small beginnings that City hath increased and mounted by little and little to sovereign power. For being built by shypheards finally it became Maisteriss of the whole world. Hereafter following I will declare as briefly as shallbe possible, low she is sense decayed and fallen day by day from that highness and great domination and hath been ruined. The second book. Octavius Antonius. & Lipidus. C. Cesar being slain, C. Octavius, his Nephew by his sisters side, drew the legions unto him, and pursued most sharply the mourderers. At the beginning it seemed that he put himself in arms against Marcus Antonyus in favour of the public weal: but finally he having parted the Empire between him and M. Lepidus, he established the dominion of three, Triumuiri. named Triumuiri: Cicero slain by Antonius. under whom M. Cicero who had made vehement war against Antonius was slain by his commandment, being then three score and three years old, eight years after the decease of Q. Hortentius who was eight years elder than he, as it hath been said here before. It is certain that Cicero was foully deceived in his enterprises. For because that after the death of Cesar, Antonius did trouble the public weal he commanded unto the Senate C. Octavius Caesar's kinsman, being then a young man of the age of twenty years, whom he marvelously exalted to the Senate, And not content herewith he put in their heads to create him Consul, having no respect to his age: alleging to the persuasion thereof, divers ancient examples, by the which he would prove that the thing were lawful. Moreover he confuted the arguments by the which, certain causes of fear and danger might be alleged: and swore unto the Senate by his faith, that Octavius should always remain such a citizen as he was at that time, & said that they ought both to wish him and desire him. Sense that, Octavius did resist and withstand him, and committed him into the hands of Antonius. M. Brutus also doth gravely rebucke him for that he flattered Octavius. Now as it oftentimes cometh to pass, the greedy desire of bearing rule and authority, did engender & raise up dyssentions amongst them, War botwene the in such sort that Lipidus being deposed from the office of the Triumuiri: and being banished, Triumuiri: for having conspired against Octavius, he sought to revenge himself upon Antonius, who was his other compaynion and fellow in office. And after the victory of Actiacan, he overthrew him with Cleopatra (of whom mention hath been made herebefore) near unto Alexandria, and constrained them to kill themselves. Afterwards he made Egypt a province of the Romans. The Historiographers say that in the reign of Ptolomeius Auletes the yearly revenue of Egypt did mount to twelve thousand & five hundredth talentes: The yearly revenue of egypt. the which sum, according to that count of the learned men of our time, doth amount unto three score and fyvetene hundredth thousand crowns courrante. Sense that the said country was under the authority of the Romans, it is esteemed and judged to have been of far much greater revenue, by reason of the traffic of India and Ethiopia. After the death of Antonius, Octavius kept alone the Empire forty four years. And the twenty ninth of his Empire, the year of the creation of the world three thousand nine hundredth fifty and four (as divers count) our Saviour jesus Christ was borne, The birth of jesus Christ. seven years after that Herodes, surnamed the Great, had sumptuously re-edified the temple of jerusalem, altogether ruinated. M. Antonius had married octavius Sister: but falling in love with Cleopatra at such time as he visited the country of Asia, he forsook his said wife, and took Cleopatra. The which gave partly occasion of the war The excescivenes of Antonius & Cleopatra. Both of them were excessive in all manner of sumptuousness: and the Authors have written things almost incredible of their feasts, delicacies pleasures, and pastimes. And notwithstanding they ended their lives in the manner before said. Marcus Antonius was the Nephew, of Marcus Antonius the most renowned orator, of whom mention hath been made. War of the Romans in Duchelande. During the reign of C. Octavius the Roman host made first of all war against the Germans yea, even in their country. Truth it is that julius Cesar had twice overthrown the Germans, but that was in France. To wit Ariovistus at Lions in France, and after that at the place where the river called the Maze and the Rheyne met together. That journey being won, he made a bridge whereon he passed over the Rheyne: but remaining not long there, he incontinently brought again his army into France, & broke down the bridge: The expedition of Cesar in Germany. Two years after he passed over the Rheyne again upon a bridge, a little above that place where he had before conducted over his army: and then he purposed to march into Swain. But being well instructed & certified of all things by the spies, and fearing the danger & difficulty, yea even the want of munitions, he retired into France, and broke down one part of the bridge & on the other part he built a tower with a little bulwark, where he left good garnison, for to keep his enemies always in fear of his return. julius Cesar did no other thing unto the Germains, even as he himself saith. But Octavius did war against the Grisons & then of Augsburg by Tiberius & Drusus brethren: & from out of the country of Colaine, Tiberius & Drusus. which was in league with the Romans, he invaded & assaulted that part of Duchland which is called Westphalia, by his captain Quintilius Varus. But Ariminius the conductor of the Chiruscorans, did put them almost all to the sword, between the rivers Amisia and Luppia. Horatius comforteth vergil in a most eloquent song, Ariminius overthroweth the Romans. because that he was very sore grieved with the death of Varus. Drusus died in Ducheland leaving behind him two sons of whom one was named Germanicus, & was a man of singular virtue: & the other Claudius. Horatius praiseth Drusus in a most learned verse (as it hath been said) & doth refer his original & offspring to Claudius Nero, who being for the second time consul with Marcus Livius Salitor, saccaged Asdrubal the brother of Hannibal, The victories of Augustus. who conducted a new army, near the flood Metaurus. Augustus did assubiect moreover the Gascons, the Calmates, the Sclavonyans, with the Salassyans, who dwell in the Alps. It is said that he was divers times minded to discharge himself of the burden of the Empire. But considering on the other side that if he did return again to his own private estate he should not be in safety: forasmuch as he saw it would be very dangerous to put the pub-weale into so many men's hands, he changed his mind and opinion. The death of Herodes king of judea. The three and thirty year of his reign, Herodes surnamed the great, whom he and Marcus Antonius had established king of judea, in the third year of their triumuiriship, departed out of this life: and three years after also his son and successor Archelaus deceased, who was sent in exill to Vienna in Dolphenye there for to end his life. It is found in writing that for the garrisons of the provinces of the Empire Octavius did keep & maintain forty four legions: & three in Egypt, as many in Spain, & eight in Duchland. Certain have cast the some of the yearly expenses which was necessary for the payment of so many soldiers, The great expenses of Octavius. and they bring the total to two score hundredth thousand crowns couraunte: so that for every legion they assign two hundreth three score and twelve thousand Crowns. Now they count every Legion to be six thousand footmen, and five hundredth horsemen. Octavius is greatly praised for the good affection and liberality which he showed towards the learned. The poets of fame were at that time, Varius, Virgile, Plotius, Galgius, Fuscus the two Gisques, Pollio, Messala, the Bibules, Servius, Furnius, and Horatius: who desireth that his Verses might be approved of the above named, caring little or nothing for the judgement of others. Truly from Portius Cato and Aphricanus the first, there was always at Rome hitherto a continual succession of excellent spirits. But that time of Augustus is almost the last that ever held the natural savour, substance and colour of the Latin tongue, Corruption of the Latin tongue. without any corruption. For afterwards by succession of time the tongue waxed more and more corrupt, even till such time as it be came altogether barbarous, as it hath continued even unto our age. Cicero sayeth that the native poets of Corduba, spoke somewhat grossly and strangely: but what would he have said or judged of them that lived an hundredth years after? I mean not only of them who were borne and nourished at Corduba, but even of Rome itself. After Augustus Tiberius his son in law took the charge of the Empire: The Emperor Tiberius. 3. but sore against his will, as he seemed: and after that in the end he was overcome and persuaded by the supplications and requests of the Senate. At the first he would enterprise nothing himself alone, but did consult with the Senate of all things that were of any importance. Nevertheless shortly after he laid clean a side the care and respect of the public weal, and gave himself over unto all manner of voluptuousness. In his reign the Parthians did usurp the country of Armenia, the Dacians and Sarmatians spoilt the country of Masia, and the Germains the country of France: but he being careless, was nothing moved therewith. Certain, yea even of them that are of great reputation in Theology, The year of the death of Christ. do hold that our saviour Christ was crucified the fyvetene of his reign: notwithstanding Luke writeth that he was baptized of John the self same, and year. M. Cocceius Nerua flourished then, the father & the son, and Cassius Longinus jurisconsulls. Tiberius was the son of Tiberius Nero, who fought in battle for julius Cesar in the war of Alexandria. C. Cesar Caligula a most wicked & monstrous son (of a very good father named Germanicus) succeeded him. During the three & twenty years that Tiberius had the government of the Empire, it is said that he had heaped and gathered an infinite number of gold, all the which Caligula spent even in one year. About the second year of his reign, Herodes Antipa, Herodes Antipa. Herodes Agrippa. Claudius. Cesar. son of Herodes the Great, and murderer of John baptize, was sent in exyll to Lions: & had to his successor Herodes Agripa, who beheaded james the Apostle. After that Caligula was slain, Claudius his Uncle was placed in his room. Who marched in to England, because that the isle was revolted: & having recovered a certain part thereof which yielded unto him, he returned to Rome in his reign there was a great famaine in all places, the which (as witnesseth saint Luke the Evangelist) Agabus had before prophesied. Nero Claudius the successor of Claudius, gave manifestly to understand that he would once utterly break the order of the Senators. Nero. 6. In his time England had a great overthrow & discomffiture: for that they oppressed & rob in the said I'll the citizens & aliaunts of the romans. The legions also that were in Armenia were brought under subjection & with great difficulty could Syria be kept & maintained. Moreover France did rebel through the persuasion & counsel of julius Vindix governor of the country: & afterwards Spain by the motion & conduction of Sergius Galba. julius Vindix. Sargius Galba. And as he minded to recover his losses, and purpossed to take his journey into France, the other armies which he had hear & there through out the provinces, did rebel. It is manifest by the Histories what a cruel & wild beast he was. Whereof being judged of the Senate to be an enemy of the weal public he slew himself by the help of a certain Lackey. At that time flourished over and besides Seneca, Lucanus, Persyus, Silius Italycus, poets, of whom the last was Consul in the last year of Nero's reign. Confusion in the Roman Monarchy. The state of the public weal was then brought to such disorder, that it was in the power and pleasure of the armies, and Legions to elect and create the Emperor. Vespasianus became Emperor by such means. Vespasianus. 7. For the armies which were in Masia and hungary in Indea and Syria, did revolt from Aullus Vitellius, and made their oath unto Vespasianus, promising him fidelity and obedience. He put, Achaia, Lycia, Rhodes, Byzantia, Samos, Thracia, Sicilia, and Comagena into provinces, under the Romans: & he quite and clean rooted up the City of jerusalem, Titus his son guiding and conducting the war. Domitianus. 8. Flavius Domitianus did oftentimes skermyshe and make war with them of Hell, with the Dacians and Sarmatians, over whom at last he triumphed. Statius, Inuenalis, and Martialis poets, lived at that time. Traianus. 9 Vlpius Traianus was adopted of Nerua Coccius, and afterwards made Emperor: who twice saccaged the Dacians, that rebelled, and made them subject the Romans. He brought thither also new inhabitants. Afterwards he Marched with his Host into Armenia and Parthya: whom he subdued easily and willingly, in such sort that they yielded unto him, and after that, he was surnamed Parthycus. notwithstanding divers people in the end did rebel against them, especially they of Armenya and Mesopotamya. The Parthians also would not accept the King that he had assigned them, Adrianus 10. as soon as his back was turned for to return into italy. Elius Adrianus did assubiecte the country of judea which had rebelled. The cause of the war was that he had built a Temple unto jupiter Olympus in jerusalem, the which he had permitted to be again inhabited. The jews were greatly wroth and displeased with that Temple. He visited also France, Duchland, England and Spain: and from thence to the country of Mauritania, Parthia, Asia and Grecia, and he returned by Sicilia, unto Rome. For the second time he went into Aphrica and returned to Rome, from whence yet again he took his voyage into Grecia and Asia, and from thence he drew into Arabia, and afterwards into Egypt. He held a parliament and commended unto the Senators Antonius Pius, who after him did enforce himself to keep the things in peace: Antonius Pius. 11. and studying to do good unto everyone, he maintained the farreyn kings in their obedience by letters and humanity. In his time there were excellent juriconsulls, as, Alburnius Valeus, Tuscianus, Vindius, Verus, Vlpius, Marcellus, Arrianus, Tertullianus, Saluius, julianus, L. Volusius, Metianus. After Antoninus Pius his Son Marcus Antonius surnamed the Philosopher, M. Antoninus the Philosopher. succeeded him, who took L. Aurelius Verus his brother for to be conjoiner to the Empire. By whose means he had happy success of the war of Parthya, whilst that he gave order to the public weal in his palace and in the city. After the death of Verus, he governed him self alone the affairs of the Empire, and had good success against the Germans. He saccaged also the Marcomes, Sarmatians, Vandalians, and Boemians, who had oppressed the country of Hungaria. For then the most part of the people, from Sclavonia unto France, had conspired against the Romans. Commodus Antonius, a most wicked son of this most excellent Prince, Commodus Antonius 13. did vanquish the Mauritains, and Dacians, by his lieutenants. He pacified the the country of Hungaria, Germanye, and England, countries which would not be under his subjection. He in the mean while spent his time in all manner of sylthynes and cruelty. Septimus Severus, did make civil war with Niger, Septimus Severus. who did procure and entice the country of Asia to rebel, and also with Albinus, who had done the like practise in France. He fought luckily against the Parthians. He subdued the jews that were in Syria. He assubiected Agabatus king of the Persians: He received the Arabians who yielded unto him. He fortified England, causing a wall to be made overthwart the isle, even unto the Ocean Sea, from one side to another. And having subdued the people of England, who were very fierce enemies, he deceased at york. Antonius Bassianus Caracalla, did stir up war against the Parthians, and against the Armenians. This is he who caused Papinianus, jurisconsul to be murdered, The constantie of Papianus. for that he would not defend nor approve the murder of his own natural brother, which he had committed. At that time flourished divers jurisconsulls, almost every one of them the scholars of Papinianus: Excellent jurisconsuls'. to wit, Tarruntius, Paternus, Macer, Terentius, Clemeus, Menander, Archadius, Ruffinus, Papyrius Fronto, Anthius, Maximus, Hermogenianus, Africanus, Florentinus, Tryphoninus, justus, Calistratus, and Venuleius Celsus. After that Caracalla was slain, Macrinus. Macrinus succeeded him, who had but unhappy luck in battle against Artabanus king of the Parthians. Heliogabalus. Alexander Severus. And understanding that the soldiers were affectioned unto Heliogabalus Bassianus, he concluded peace. Alexander Severus successor of that most wicked and filthy man Heliogabalus, was a valiant man. He wan a great battle against Artaxerxes king of the Persians: He recovered Mesopotamia which was lost under Heliogabalus. He had very good fortune of the wars which he conducted by his Lieutenants, in Mauritania, Sclavonia, and Armenia. Afterwards going against the Germans, who spoiled and oppressed France, he was slain by certain of his soldiers. Vlpianus jurisconsul. Vlpianus juriscousull, who was Papinianus disciple was his familiar friend. At that time also lived Paulus Pomponius, and Modestinus. Maximinus' Emperor. Maximinus was Emperor after Alexander, who employed his whole force & power against the Germans: and did not only aid himself with the Roman soldiers, but also with the Mauritans, Odronians, and Parthians, who had been afore time in the wages of Alexander. He brunt divers Villages of the Germans, and slew divers, and besides this he took many prisoners. Wherefore he brought back again his soldiers laden with the spoil. When Germany was pacified, he went to Syrme, purposing to make war with the Sarmatians: and not content herewith he forecast to assubiect under the romain Empire all the countries which are under the Septentrion coast, even unto the ocean sea. But the army being offended with him for his cruelty, did elect Gordianus Emperor: Gordianus. the which the Senate (who also bore Maximinus ill will) ratified, and pronounced Maximinus' enemy of the public weal. He minding to avenge himself of this injury, made an oration to his enemy, and drew towards Rome. Which being known the Senate did declare and create Pupienus and Balbinus Emperors, giving unto Pupienus the conduction of the war against Maximinus, who had laid siege before Aquileia. Pupienus & Balbinus. Where he at such time as he took his rest in his tent was slain with his son, by his soldiers. This being brought to pass, Pupienus and Balbinus remained not long after unslain by sedition of soldiers: after they had reigned two years, the Empire fell into the hands of Gordianus being very young. Gordianus. The fourth year of his reign he journeyed through Mesia and Thracia, for to go against the Parthians, and there he defeated the enemies of the romans. From thence he took his way by Syria for to go unto Antioch, which at that time Persians held. He made often times battayll against them, Sapor king of Persia. and put Sapor their king to flight: in such sort that the Persians, who then did affray and trouble Italy. were enforced to retire into their own country, Finally, the sixth year of his Empire, he was betrayed & slain by Philippus his chief governor, who had moved & incited the soldiers to sedition. Philippus was recompensed with the like end who had sent certain bands of men against the Scichians, Philippus. which did molest with force of arms the confederates & friends of the Romans. He had Decius to his successor, Decius. who was chosen Emperor by the Legions which were in Sclavonia, & afterwards approved by the Senate. He first of all appeased the conspiraties & rebellions of France. Furthermore, having commended the public weal unto the Senate, he forthwith took his journey against the Scythians being accompanied with his son, who was conjoined with him in the Imperial dignity. For the said Scythians did oppress & molest the country of Thracia & other countries of the Empire both by sea & by land. Decius was victorious over them in certain battles, & might have been altogether (seeing he had already enclosed them in a narrow strait) had it not been that Gallus Hostilianus governor of the latter Mesia, Gallus Hostillianus. did bewray his enterprise to the enemy: Whereof it befell that the father & the son were circumvented & slain by treason. Gallus was made Emperor by a Legion & the residue of the soldiers, who made peace with the Scythians, but to the great dishonour & shame of the Romans, in that he promised to pay tribute unto them: a thing never hard of before, and alltogeather undecent and unworthy of the majesty of so great a name. The Scythiens waxced more fierce, and breaking the treaties of peace, they spoiled and wasted Dardania, Thracia, Thessalia, and Macedonia yea esteeming this as nothing, they cast themselves by force upon Asia, spoiling & destroying divers towns. By their example divers did declare themselves enemies of the Romans, & many did rebel. The Parthians did violently enter into Asia, & did subdue Armenia, putting the king Thyridates to flight. The Scythians in the mean while were so outrageous that they threatened Italy. And it seemed that they should have utterly destroyed it, had it not been that Amilianus governor of Mesia towards the side of Polonia, Amilianus. did stir up and encourage his soldiers by promising and putting them in hope of good rewards, by which means he put the Scythians to flight, and manfully pursuing them, he entered by force into their country and subdued it. Upon which occasion, he was chosen and created Emperor by the sold yours. Whereof Gaulus being certified, he went forth to resist and withstand him: But he with Volusianus his son, and fellow of the Empire was overthrown and slain. At this time Cyprianus bishop of Carthage flourished: Cyprian. of whom amongst many other things are found certain Epistles written to Lucius bishop of Rome whom he calleth his brother and fellow in administration. He writ moreover divers Epistles unto Cornelius, where he complaineth amongst all other things of them who being condemned for their demerits by the bishops of Africa, The complaint of Cyprian. and deprived of their priesthood, had recourse unto Rome for more ample knowledge in the matter. For (saith he) reason requireth that the cause should be there pleaded where the fault hath been committed: seeing that to every pastor is committed a certain portion of the flock, of whom they shall render an account unto the Lord. Wherefore the unity of the bishops ought not to be broken, neither aught the judgement of them of Africa to be neglected or despised, who had already given absolute and definitive sentence of the matter and cause. In the mean time another army which was in the Alps, Valerianus did place Valerianus in the Imperial dignity, who was of a noble house. This being known, the soldiers of Emilianus, who feared to come in trouble, slew their Emperor, and took Valerianus part. As soon as Emelianus was declared Emperor, he wrote unto the Senate, promising to deliver Thracia and Mesopotamia from the enemies, and to recover Armenia, and to drive from all places the enemies of the romain Empire. Valerianus being arrived in Persia for to offer battle, was taken by Sapor king of the Persians: Sapor. who would never vulose or let him go, albeit that the princes and people there about, did admonish him so to do, declaring and alleging unto him the destiny of the Romans, which was that being vanquished they did resist more stoutly and courageously. Valerianus being captive, Gallienus. Gallienus his son succeeded him. He gave himself wholly unto all manner of pleasures and dilicaties, laying a side and neglecting the affairs of the public weal, in such sort that the soldiers which were in divers places throughout the provinces did elect and choose them new Emperors, as in France, Spaigne, Hungary, Sclavonia, Egypt, Africa, and other places: which every one of them were oppressed partly by him, & partly by the dissensions and civil conflicts that were amongst them themselves. In this time the Goths held and possessed Thracia, oppressed Macedonia, and besieged Thessalonica. The Scythians did invade Capadocia and Asia, and being embarked on the sea Euxinus, they entered into the river Ister, and sailing upwards they did great violence upon the confederates and alients of the Romans. The mean while Gallienus was so negligent and void of all care, that having word and news brought him of the provinces which did rebel, and of the public miseries, he made but a laughing stock thereat, and contemptuously answered, as if (notwithstanding these accidents) the public weal did remain firm and stable, and entertained in her dignity, her state and condition being nothing lessoned or diminished. Wherethrough he grew into contempt as well of his own country, as of strangers, for his filthy living: In such sort that divers enemies did rise up against the public weal. At that time the Goths and Scythians were in arms, with divers other people mingled amongst them, who had all conspired against the Romans, and they were about three hundred and twenty thousand men. Flavius Claudius. But Flavius Claudins (Gallienus successor who was slain) put them all to the edge of the sword, as he was a man of great virtue & worthy of longer life. After him Aurelianus reigned, forbecause that his virtue was known & manifest. Aurelianus For in the time of Claudius' reign he had showed a proof and trial thereof against the enemy in divers places. He had sundry wars in Lombary, and fought against the Marcomanes dangerously and doubtfully at the beginning: but luckily and fortunately, after that at his request, the Senate had made the books of Silla to be searched, and had done the things requisite for to pacify the Gods. From thence he macched to Rome, where he caused certain rebels, who had conspired in his absence to be punished. Which being done, he took in hand for to recover again the Provinces that are in the East and in Syria, Zenobia the valiant wife of Odenatus. the which Zenobia a valiant and courageous woman, murderer of her own children, did possess, who were left unto her by her own husband Odenatus, who in Gallienus time had made divers skermishes & assaults in his dominions. In every coast as the said Aurelianus passed through, he saccaged the enemies of the Romans, as in Sclavonia, Thracia, and other places: and finally, being entered into the enemies country, after doubtful and dangerous fight, he remained Victor, in such sort that he took the Queen prisoner: who trusting and hoping upon the succour of the Persians and Medians had stoutly and manfully resisted him. The principal city of the country which he had subdued was Palmyra: whose inhabitants did rebel, at such time as the Emperor passed from Asia into Europa, and slew the garrison with their captain. He then returned again thither, and after he had taken the city, he destroyed & spoiled it putting them all in such sort to the edge of the sword that he pardoned neither man, woman, nor child. Afterwards he conquered again Egypt, which was revolted from the subjection of the Romans. This done, he triumphed at Rome, & from thence passing through Sclavonia, he defied the Persians: But he was murdered in the way, by his familiar friends. After his death, the Empire was vacant for a certain space: a thing which never befell afore, since Romulus tyme. At length Tacitus succeeded, Tacitus. who reigned a few months, in the which he did nothing worthy of memory. The Senate had made request unto him, that at his disease he would not leave the charge and government of the Empire to his children, but that he would choose some valiant and god man, whose virtue should be unto them well known. By this means Probus was elected, Probus. who being confirmed both of the host and of the Senate, he recovered France, and vanquished the French Almains in divers conflicts. In Sclavonia he slew and cut in pieces the Sarmatians, and other nations. Afterwards, having made passage through Thracia, he subdued the barbarous people and made them by fear of the name of the Romans, and by his great valiantness become obedient unto him. He pacified Asia, and moved the king of the Parthians, only through his fame and renown, to demand & defier peace of him. He made agreement with the Persians, & forthwith returned into Thracia, and transported certain strange people (vanquished by him) into the country of the Romans: of whom some remained faithful, other son unfaithful & rebellious. Whom he afterwards suppressed for the most part. After having pacified the seditions stirred up in France, Spaigne, & England, he marched by Sclavonia, for to go & invade the Persians: but he was circumvented & slain of his men by treason. The public weal than flourished, because that the nations round about were every where peaceable & quiet: in such sort, that on a certain time Probus braced forth in these words, saying: we shall short stand in no need of Legions and garrisons. The cause of Probus death. The soldiers being offended with these words, consulted for to hinder the peace Carus was placed in his room, who saccaged the Sarmatians, Carus. which were become more arrogant and presumptuous through the death of Probus, & they threatened Italy. Afterwards in the journey against the Persians, he took Mesopotamia, & proceeding further, he was apprehended by death. His younger son named Numerianus followed the battle strait after him: for he had left Carinus in France for to be governor of the country. Numerianus was slain by his father in law. Diocletianus took his room: Diocletianus. with whom Carinus made battle on a certain time for the Empire, but being vanquished he died. Diocletianus seeing the troubles and tumults, which rose up in sundry places, took Maximianus for his adherent. He pacified France, Maximianus. which was unquiet, and Africa likewise: Diocletianus for his part did pacify Egypt, putting to death the authors of the tumults and conspiraties. He conquered also England ten years after their revolting. And to the end that the state of the public weal might be moor stable, and that no moor tumults might be raised as touching the succession, Galerius a Constantius he adopted Galerius and Maximianus Constantius Chlorus. Galerius being sent by Diocletianus, against Mars' king of the Persians, had unhappy luck in battle: for he lost the most part of his army. But having commandment to renew again the fight, he overthrew the enemies in a great battle: and entered further into those parties then ever did any Emperor (except Traianus.) For he took the town of Othesiphon, and subdued all Assiria. Moreover, he put under his subjection five Provinces beyond the flood Tiger, which were revolted in the time of the Emperor Traianus. All things being well ordered in Asia, Diocletianus returned into Europa: where at that time the Scythians, Sarmatians, Alains, Bastarnes, Carpians and they of Hesse, and of Franconia, were peaceable, and kept themselves quiet. A resignation of the Empire. And shortly after he and Maximianus did renounce the Empire, assigning it into the hands of their companions & fellow helpers. Constantius had the dominion of France, England, Spaigne, Italy, & Africa: & Galerius of Sclavonia, Grecia, & Asia. At this time Marcellus was Bishop of Rome: The degree of Marcellus bishop of Rome. of whom a certain decree is found, that it is not lawful for the bishops to assemble a Synod, or general counsel, without the authority of the roman Sea: nor any bishop to condemn any what soever he be, if he appeal unto Rome. This man was poor as his predecessors were, & lived in great affliction, because that Maxentius the Emperor did persecuted him. Wherefore it is easy to be judged whether that he being so vexed & troubled, was so arrogant & presumptuous to make such decrees. Constantius being diseased at york, Severus. Marimianus. Maxentius. Galerius adapted Severus & Maximianus. In the mean time the nobles & other soldiers of the guard which were at Rome, did elect Maxentius for to be Emperor after that severn's was slain, Maximianus took Lucinius to be his companion. Lucinius. Great trouble was raised between these: by reason whereof the nobility of Rome called Constantine the son of Constantius (who had his abiding in France) for to deliver the city from the tyranny of Maxentius. Constantinus drew into Italy with a part of his soldiers, & won the first battle, & finaliy slay & cut a sunder the host of Maxentius near unto Rome. Constantinus the great He had also war against Lucinius, who was vanquished inbattaill, & at the last was slain of his own Soldiers. Certain hold that the cause of the war was, because that Lucinius did sharply persecute the Christians, not withstanding that Constantine had admonished & prayed him to restrain therefrom. For from the resurrection of Christ until this time (almost for the space of CCC years) they which made profession of Christ were afflicted & tormented divers ways. For let me omit to speak of that, which the holy scripture reciteth of Stephen, of james, the brother of john, of Peter prisoner, but delivered by the angel: yea let me omit Paul a great persecuter of the church of god, who after he was converted, did suffer infinite dangers for the profession of Christ: The romain Emperors have raised up horrible & most cruel sorts of torments. This did Nero, Tyrants. Domitianus, Traianus, Septimus Severus, Maximinus, Decius, Valerianus, Aurelianus, Diocletianus, Constantyne doth embrace the doctrine of Christ. Maximianus. Constantinus remaining victorious embraced the true religion, & served as a port & refuge unto the Christians. And then first of all the bishops of Rome began to be in safety. For hitherto almost all of them were martyred. The number of the bishops since Peter (whom they would have to be the first) unto this time, do amount to xxxiii Their decrees are enclosed in the books of the counsels: but the most part of them are so vain & foolish, yea & so contrary unto the holy scriptures, that it is to be presupposed that long time after some others have invented & counterfeited them. But if they be verily of them, & proceeded of their forge, it seemeth that the same which S. Paul prophesied might be rightly applied then this respect. To wit, that even in the son of perdition, & man of sin, began to work the mystery of iniquity. The decree of Anacletus. There is found a certain decree which is attributed unto Anacletus whom certain do place the fourth after Peter: by the which he affirmeth the church of Rome to be the head of all others by the commandment & institution of Christ. Another decree is under the title of Alexander his successor, whereby he commandeth to consecrate water with salt, for to purify the people, and to mollify the assaults and subtlety of the devil. I beseech you what agreement or likeness is there between these things and the majesty of the Apostles, or the writings of john the Evangelist, who almost lived even to this age? I have only specified these two, to the end that the readers might judge of the residue, who are of such like quality, & endued with such ambitious and covetous minds: and even as the language is barbarous, so likewise the sentence hath no salt, which Paul requireth in the ministers of the church. The donation of Constantine is a lie forged of the papists The bequethment or dontion of Constantine is of the like style: the which they have not forgotten in their books, as the foundation and fortification of their power. For the cause and occasion of his excessive liberality may be reprehended by the histories and convicted of falsholde. And put the case that this Emperor had been so prodigal, yet could he not diminish his right herein, but only from himself, & not from his successors, who had like power & authority, & were defenders of the weal public. For he can not be named father of a country that doth lessen the right & revenue of the Empire, neither can he prescribe a law to the prejudice of his companion & like in authority. At the commandment of Constantine, there was published and held a counsel at Nice in Bithynia, whereat a great multitude was present. In the said counsel the opinin of Arius was condemned, The counsel of Nice against Arius. who denied Christ to be of equal substance with the father. It is found in writing, that not only the bishops of Europa & Asia were there assistant, but also those of Egypt & Libya. Amongst other things, it was ordained & decreed, that the ancient custom should be observed in Egypt, Libya, & Pentapoli: to wit, that they all should be subject unto the bishop of Alexandria: albeit the bishop of Rome usurped & kept back this custom. Moreover, that the privileges should remain undiminished at Antioch & in other Provinces & churches. After this counsel, a certain man called Eustathius spread abroad divers wicked opinions, Eustathius author of the monkish superstition. as to fly from marriage, to use new & unaccustomed manner of garments, to abstain from eating of flesh, & to forsake their possessions. Now, for as much as divers married men did separate themselves for their wives, & divers bondmen did forsake their masters, & went & took this new & religious garment (as they call it) women also did the like, forsaking their husbands: And because that they that did eat flesh, were despised, and esteemed as defiled, and offending God, as also the ministers of the church that were married: Upon this occasion a Counsel was holden at Gangre, a city of Paphlagonie, wherein were condemned they who taught on this manner, with them that believed the same. Eustathius opinion condemned. After that Constantinus had been honourably saluted and gratified by the Senate and the romain people, because of the peace restored unto the public weal, he set his whole mind upon foreign wars, & vanquished in divers conflicts the Goths, and Sarmatians, who oppressed Thracia. In his old age he defied the Persians, who spoilt the country of Mesopotamia. And being arrived at Asia, & having taken physic for to recover his health, he died, not without suspicion of impoisonment. This is he who is surnamed the great who called Bizantius, a City of Thracia, by his name, where he placed the seat of the Empire. Constantinople. He began to reign about. CCCXII. years after the nativity of Christ. A blaising star of strange and wonderful greatness preceaded his death. Constantinus, Constantius & Constans brethren. He left behind him three sons, to wet Constantinus, Constantius & Constans, unto Constantinus befell the regiment of the Alps, France, Spain, Englad, the Isles called Orchades, Ireland, & Thile. Unto Constans, Italy, Africa with the Isles, Sclavony Macedonia, Achaia, * Now called Morea. Peloponesus, & Grecia: unto Constantius, the country of Asia, & of Thracia. Constantinus not well content with this partition stirred up war against his brother Constans: and was even already come to Aquileia, where he gave the on set against his brother's army. But having lost his army, he was slain. After this victory Constans who in the mean while made war with the geats and Sarmatians in * A country beyond Hungary called now Transilianiam. Dacia, came into Italy: and having passed the mountains, he entered by force into France: in such sort that by the space of two years he enjoyed all the dominions of his brother deceased. But shortly after he was murdered by the Ambusches and conspyratyes of Magnentius: who was chosen Emperor by the Soldiers: he oftentimes repeateth, that it appertaineth to him only, who is Bishop (as he saith) of the chief seat, to assemble the general counsels: a thing committed unto him by singular privilege and by divine Commandment. A man might meruyll how he could for shame write this, or the residue boast themselves thereof, seeing that before his time Constantinus had assembled that of Nice, & more than an hundredth year after him the Emperor Martianus that of Chalcedon. He saith Moreover that it appertaineth to him only, as being Bishop of Rome, to have knowledge of Bishop's causes & other like affairs. The other Bishops could not suffer this his arrogancy and presumption, The bishops resist julius. & therefore being assembled at Antioch they virtuously answered him that it appertained not unto him to retract the sentence by them pronounced, seeing that they were in like degree of dignity with him: & that the doctrine of Christ was proceeded out of their country, & finally came to Rome by the means and travail of the Apostles. Moreover if that he did continue in his opinion, and making of new decrees, they would not only not obey, but they would also neither make nor meddle with him, and they would consult to give order herein according to the wayttynesse of the matter. In an other Synod holden in the self same Town, where they were assembled in greater number, they ordained amongst other things, what was the office of the Bishop and that of the Metropolytan, if any Process should happen as touching things of great importance. For if it chance that the Bishops do not accord, they command that the Metropolytan take certain of the next province for judges, & to give absolute and diffinityve sentence. If that any bishop, for his offence or crime be condemned by the common consent of the other bishops, they will that the sentence remain farm and stable, and not to be retracted by any other. They ordain moreover that the Bishop employ faithfully the goods of the Church given to the use of the poor: & if need require, that he take thereof as much as shallbe needful for his necessity, forasmuch as saint paul saith that we ought to be content with meat & clothing. And if it so happen that the bishop employ these goods to his own particular profit or of his, giving the use thereof to his kinsfolks, they will that he be reprehended by the Synod. iovinianus having the enemy at his elbow, he made a treaityes of Peace very ignominius unto the public weal: for he restored the five provinces which Galeryus had conquered beyond Tiger, as it hath been said with a certain part of Mesopotamya. Moreover he promised in the treatyes of Peace, that the romans should not secure nor help the King of Armenia, although he were their friend and compaynyon. This done, going on with his army to retire homewards, he died in the confines of Bithynia. The army incontinently after elected Valentinianus to be Emperor: Valentinianus. who being arrived at Constantinople took Valeus his brother to be his compaynion in the regiment of the Empire: and committing unto him those countries there, he went into germany, where he subdued the Saxons, borderers of the Ocean sea. This brought to pass, he drew into France, where some say he died for anger. At this time his brother Valeus the other Emperor, Valeus. was in Asia, for to repress and withstand the fury of the Parthians who foraged in Armenia, and the king of the Persians who stirred up war contrary to the covenants. But being advertised that the Hunnes, or Tartarians and Scythians, did spoil the country of Hungary, Albany and Thessaly, he retired into Europa: & being vainquished in the assault, he was brought into a little house very sore hurt, where the enemies setting the same a fire brunt him. There is found a certain act, or law, made by the Emperors, Valentinianus & Valeus, The decree of Valentinianus and Valeus. by the which it is commanded that they that follow the desert & monastical life, avoiding by this means the public charges & going a warfare, should be plucked out of their dens, and should be constrained either to serve the country, or to be frustrated of all other commodities: the which should be transferred to them, who did sustain dangers & travills for the public weal. The enemies forth with encamped before Constantinople: but being pacified by the gifts and presents of the Emperor, they raised their camp and departed. When the country of Saxonia was pacified the Emperor Valentinianus did adopt Gratianus his son to be compainion of the Empire. Now the father & the Uncle being dead, Gratianus. Gratianus succeeded them both: and for as much as the public weal was incombered with divers troubles, he elected Theodosius, an excellent Captain, Theodosius. & sent him towards the East country. He overthrew and defected the Hunnes & Goths about Constantinople, and drove them out of the country of Thracia. Shortly after Gratianus was traitorously slain in France, by a certain Captain of his named Maximus, who coveted the Empire. Ansonius, Poet. Ausonius' of Bourdeaux was his school master: of whom is found a certain Poesy, who also was exalted by the Emperor even to the dignye of Consul of Rome. His son Valentinianus died almost after the said sort, through the deceit of Abrogastus his familiar friend. But the mourderers remained not long unpunished. For both of them were slain afterwards by the Emperor Theodosius. Maximus was taken and slain in Aquileia: the other slew himself. The tyrants being oppressed. Theodosius remained only Master, and ordained his sons Honorius & Arcadius for to be compainions of the Empire. And in as much as they were but of tender age, he assigned them for their guides & as it were for their governors, Rufinus, and Stilico, Rufinus unto Archadius, and Stilico unto Honorius. Which done he died also shortly after. A Synod or, counsel at Constantinople. By his commandment a counsel was holden at Constantinople, in whoch the opinion of Macedonius was condemned, who denied the divinity of the holy Ghost. The fathers, which were found there assistant to the number of an hundredth and thirty, did institute Bishops both there and at Antioch, which they call the most auncienst & true catholic Church: and in jerusalem also, which they call mother of all Churches. And they sent these their acts unto Damasus Bishop of Rome, who sought by all means to call them to Rome. Iherome being but yet young was the familiar friend of Damasus. It is he of whom we have this notable sentence, that in what place so ever the bishop be, be it at Rome or at Eugubia, at Constantinople, Hieromes sentence. or at Rhezo, or in Alexandria, he is of like merit and priesthood. It is said that Theodosius was very religious, in such sort that being on a certain time rebucked of Ambrosuus Bishop of Milan, Theodosius patience, and excommunicated the Temple, he took it patiently, Arcadius ruled in the east, making his habitatyon in Constantinople. Honoryus reigned at Rome. But Rufynus, minding to transfer the Empire to himself, did entice and incitate the King of the Goths to put himself in arms against Arcadyus. But his wickedness being known he was slain by the soldiers. Innocentius Bishowe of Rome the first of that name, excommunicated the Emperor Arcadius because he had consented that John Chrisostome should be put out of his Church, The Emperor excommunicated by the Pope. as it is said in the right Canon. Then flourished Angustine Bishop of Hipponen, who was assistant at the third counsel holden at Carthage, & afterwards at the fourth in which amongst other things it was ordained that the priests should have a little lodge, or house near the Temple, furnished with simple household stuff, & should live basely. And as concerning authority, he should obtain the same by faith & integrity of living: & that he should use the goods of the Church as committed unto him, & not as his own. The aforesaid Innocentius write unto Augustine and to Aurelius Bishop of Carthage, exhorting them to pray one for an other, calling them Priests and fellow brethren. After Innocentius the first Zozimus succeeded, who praising the decrees of the Fathers & of antiquity, saith that it is not lawful even to the Romain sea (so they call it) to alter any thing in them or do to the contrary. He rebuketh also & correcteth the custom of his time, for that certain unlearned, sought to attain to the order of priesthood. Bonifacius the first succeeded Zozimus: and then, The sixth counsel of Carthage was holden, whereat were a great number of Bishops, & amongst them Augustine. The sixth Counsel of Carthage. Bonifacius sent his ambassadors thither giving them to understand that the counsel of Nice had given this privilege to the Roman sea, The falls allegation of Bonifacius. that the general counsels should be held there, he required then the fathers, that they would confirm & ratify the same. They made answer, that no such thing was decreed at Nice, as far as they knew: notwithstanding to be certified of the verity, they would advise to send unto the Churches of Alexandria & of Constantinople, for to have the true & perfect copy of the Synod. That being brought thither, the statute was found clean contrary: for it contained that every province should plead and take knowledge of their affairs, & that the Bishops should be called unto the Synod provincial, or general, the deceit of the bishop of Rome disclosed. as they call it. Cirillus was then Bishop of Alexandria. Before that the copy was come Bonifacius was diseased. And forasmuch as Celestinus his successor did make the like demand he had answer made him according to the tenor of the decree. Arcadius being dead. His son Theodosius the second succeeded him: In whose time and at whose commandment the Counsel of Ephesus was assembled: and Nestorius there condemned, Nestorius' condemned. who denied that Christ, as being God, was borne of the Virgin mary. augustine died about that tyme. The treason of Stilico. On the other side Stilico, Honorius tutor did behave himself as unfaithfully as Rufynus. For having given habytatyon unto the Goths in France, he incited them to come into italy under the conductyon of Alarycus and so to take Rome: the which came to pass in the year of the foundation of the City a thousand one hundredth three score & three, four hundredth and twelve years after the natyvity of christ. Rome taken by the Goths. The Goths abode not long at Rome, but went from thence robbing and proying to Rhezo and from thence sailing into Sicilia, they were drowned with their King. In the mean whylle as Stilicus ceased not to imagine new enterprises and conspyraties, for to make the Empire fall into the hands of his son Eucheryus, the treason being known he was taken and executed at the commandment of Honoryus. Alarycus the King being dead, the Goths took Adolphus his kinsman to be their King, and under his conductyon they returned to Rome, where they consumed and proyed all that was left. He was mourdered, and Gensericus reigned after him: and he being dead, Wallys held the kingdom, with whom Constantinus, Honoryus lieutenant in France, also his brother in law, and afterwards compaynion of the Empire, did contract alliance and amity: granting him the country of Aquitania, which is a part of France, for to dwell in. The Scots and * they were the ancient inhabitants of England. Who, as Caesar sayeth, used to paint themselves with woad to seem more terrible unto their enemies. Pictes, did vex & trouble England, but they were defeycted by the succour that the Emperor Honoryus sent thither. The Wandales also and Albanois foraged in Spain under the conduct of Gensericus. After that Honorius was deceased in the City of Rome, Valentinianus his sister's son succeeded him only in the said Town and towards the West parties, forasmuch as at that time, Theodosius the son of Arcadius governed in Constantinople, the other part of the world, as it hath been said. About this time the Wandales being moved & incited through the strifes & seditions of the Roman Captains, which were in Africa, they lanced out of Spain into Africa, & put the whole country to fire and sword. Sense this spoil, The Wandales enter into Africa a certain part of Africa was assigned them to dwell in. The Goths, who by the good will & permission of the Emperor Honorius did possess Aquitania in France (as we have said) not being content with their limits, they did wrong & violence unto their neighbours, and kept Narbona straightly besieged. But Litorius being sent thither with an army he made the siege to be raised, Litorius against the Goths. & vittelled the town. He was also prosperous in the first battle. But afterwards he was taken & almost all his army put to the sword. The over throw was so great, that the Romans were constrained to demand peace. On the other side Gensericus king of the Wandales, violating the peace which he had (as we have said) made in Africa with the Romans, he took Carthage suddenly being unlooked for, wherein he did divers & sundry cruelties. This City had been under the Romans for the space of five hundredth & four score years. After he had gotten Carthage, he passed into Sicilia, where he did exceeding much hurt. Where through, Theodosius did then prepare & furnish his navy, for to go and war against the Wandales. But forasmuch as at the same instant the Hunnes did spoil and oppress Thracia and Sclavonie, the army was called from Sicilia, for the tuition & defence of those countries. At that time the Scots & Pictes did enter & Pierce into great Britaignie: & forasmuch as the inhabitants did despair of the Roman help & succour, they demanded aid of the English men, a people of Saxonia. But they did so affectionate the plentifullnes & fearnes of the country, that by little & little landing new soldiers and increasing their army: The Britons driven out by the englishmen. they at the last did assubiecte the most part of the isle, after they had defected the Britons. Shortly after Theodosius the second died at Constantinople. In his reign the sun was obscured or darkened (as certain say) & almost from the fyfetenth of july unto the month of September appeared a blaysing star. Martianus Emperor. Martianus succeeded Theodosius in the regiment of the East parts. We have herebefore spoken of Gensericus king of the Wandales. Valentinianus entered in leadge with him, and did divide & part Africa between them. The forcastes of Athila king of the hunes. About this time Athila king of the Hunnes (who having violenly possessed Dacia, & Hungary, most cruelly assaulted the next countries there about, to wit Macedonia, Mysia, & Thracia) purposed to bring under his subjection that part of the Roman Empire which lieth towards the West. But because he perceived that this war should be very difficil, if the Goths, who were in peace with the Romans, and did inhabit a part of France (as it hath been said) should aid and secure them, he hastened out an ambassador towards them, for to require them to be his friend and aliaunte but Atius the Lieutenant of Valentinianus the Emperor prevented him (by first arriving thither) and having confirmed the alliance with Theodoricus king of the Goths, he prepared himself to the battle with all his power. Athila nevertheless pursued that which he had taken in hand: and they fiercely joined in battle in the plain of Chalons in Campania, which is at this day so named through the great slaughter that was there committed. Terrible war in Campania. It is said the there remained slain in that battle almost four score thousand men: & amongst others Theodoricus king of the Goths. Athila seeing himself vanquished thought to slay himself, fearing to fall a live into his enemies hands. But as king Theodoricus son, following the counsel of Etius, did retire homewards with his army, for to succeed his father deceased, Athila had leisure to take again his breath and to return into Hungaria, where having gathered a new army, he entered very furiously, into Italy, and besieged long time Aquileia, which finally he subdued, spoiled, and brunt. At one voyage he took Concordia, Padua, Vicentia, Verona, Brixia, Bergome, Myllane, and Pauye. From thence spoiling all thorough out Flaminia, he finally encamped over against the flood Mincius and that of Apia. In the which place as he consulted whether he wear best go to Rome with his army, the Bishop of Rome Leo, the first of that name, came unto him, lo pacifieth Athila. & so handled the matter that he not only with drew himself from going to Rome, but also leaving the country of Italy he returned into hungary, where shortly after he died. This is that Leo of whom divers Epistles, are yet found written unto Theodosius the second and unto Martianus Emperors: wherein he partly excuseth himself for that he could not be assystaunte at the councils by them published desiring them not to be offended in that he sendeth thither Ambassadors: and partly he requireth and prayeth them to assign the place of the Counsel rather in italy, then in Asia. But he obtained nothing. The first foundation of Venise. At such time as Athila did in such fort vex and trouble italy. The town of Venise was built because that divers Rich and noble men of the country there abouts, did retire as into a place of resuge, into that arm of the Sea, Iles, and hilly places. The beginning then of this town was pitiful, poor and almost in despair, and at this present it is grown to such greatness as we see it. The number of the Dukes of Venise. The number of their Dukes are hitherto counted to be four score & five: of whom Paulus Anazatus was the first, in the year of salvation seven hundredth & six, two hundredth thirty & two years after the foundation of the town. Valentinianus was afterwards slain: and Gensericus King of the Wandales passed forth from Africa into Italy with a most mighty army: & being aided of the Maures he went to Rome, & took the town, being destitute and abandoned almost of all her inhabitants. Rome taken by the Wandales. Notwithstanding he being entreated by the Bishop Leo (who had also pacified Athila, as it hath been said) did not put the town to fire and sword. Howbeit he proied it & carried a great number captive into Carthage. Afterwards the enemies did much cruelty to the country of Lavor, and did ruinated Capua, Nola, Naples, and other Towns binding them in chains whom they left alive. That is great Campania. And being laden with the proy of Italy, they returned into Africa. Martianus who was Emperor in the East, did keep himself in peace, according to his quiet & peaceable nature. He used to say, that it was not decent nor honest for a Prince to put himself in arms, A notable sentence. as long as he might live in peace. In his reign a very great Counsel was assigned at Chalcedon by his commandment, The counsel at Calcedon. where Eutiches, who confounded the two natures in Christ, was condemned. There amongst other things it was ordained, that no clerk (as they call them) should be received into two Churches. The plurality of benefices were then unknown, the which at this day is so common as nothing more: yea almost even in our memory, amongst the other spots of the Church, this also hath been introducted, that the Pope hath made no difficulty to grant two bishoprics unto one man. If he did again establish the coustoume lately observed herein, he should do his duty. But in asmuch as he can not abide that, do we think that he will ever suffer that the things should be reformed according to the holy scriptures, decrees of the Apostles, and of the primative church? No doubt they labour in vain, who seek to rule and frame the Pope's doings according to the manner of the ancient religion. Martianus died the seventh year of his reign and Leo succeeded him. Leo Emp. As touching, Rome and the West parties, after the taking of the said city by Gensericus, & his return into Africa, Auitus succeeded Valentinianus, after him Maiorianus, and after him Severus, after him also Authemius: and consequently others of small name, who slew one another by treason and ambushments, The Wes● empire sore afflicted. so that none of them reigned long: wherethrough that part of the Empire towards the West was very sore afflicted and vexed. There is found nothing written of the Emperor Leo, which is worthy of memory, but that he made an atonement and league with the Goths, who foraged in Sclavonia. There are yet found one or two Epistles of Leo bishop of Rome which are directed unto him. The said Emperor had Zeno Isauricus to his successor. Zeno Isauricus. Amongst them who after the death of Valentinianus had the domination of Rome, there was one also named Augustulus. At this time Odoacer bring accompanied with a great army of Herulois and Scyrois, passed from Hungaria into Italy by force of arms. He stew Orestus a gentle man of the chief blood of Rome, whom he had taken in Pavia, where he was retired with his soldiers, not content therewith he proyed and brunt the town: and proceeding onwards, he subdued the whole country even unto Rome. Augustulus seeing these things his courage failed him, and willingly, & even of his own accord, he deprived himself of the Empire. Odoacer subdueth italy. Odoacer made his entry into Rome, and after he had obtained the domination of Italy, he enjoyed it & reigned peaceably over the same, for the space of xiiii. years. That time passed, the Emperor Zeno did send Theodoricus king of the Ostrogothes, from Constantinople. In his way he vanquished Gepides and Bulgares who did resist him. Theodoricus king of the Ostrogothes. Afterwards passing by Mysia and Hungaria, he entered into Italy: and encamped before Aquileia, where Odoacer went to meet him, and they fought earnestly together with all their might and power. Odoacer had the worst, and was put to flight. But he renewed his army, & presented again the battle about Uerona: Where he being also the second time overtorowen and put to flight, he hastened towards Rome, leaving the greatest number of his men behind him, partly slain in the field, and partly drowned in the river of Athese. He being excluded from Rome spoiled the fields and meadows there abouts, and retired to Ravenna: where he was besieged almost three years, and finally having yielded himself was slain. He being dispatched, Theodoricus remained master of Italy, and made his entry into Rome where he held two cousells of bishops whom he had made to come thither out of divers Provinces of Italy, for to judge upon the cause of Symnachus bishop of Rome, whom many did reject as unworthy and evil elected. This Theodoricus was an Arrian, as the books of the Papists report. It is he who was surnamed Veronensis, and was kinsman to that Theodoricus who (as it hath been said) was slain in the battle against Athila. Odoacer was a Rugien which is a certain people of Germany towards the sea of * It is the ocesian sea, towards the country of pruss. Balthicus. Theodoricus seeking to fortify himself, did join the kings of the Wandales, Visigots, and of Bourgony, in affinity and league with him. Whilst these things were a doing in Italy, great tumults were raised in Thracia, Africa, and England: in which finally the Saxons were masters. Anastasius succeeded Zeno, who was deceased at Constantinople. He maintained certain, Anastasius, who held the opinion of Eutyches. Whereof sprung great dissension between him and Gelasius bishop of Rome, who according to their books, did admonish him by large and long letters not to maintain or defend such men. For there are two principal things which are concurrant in the regiment of this world, the sacred authority of bishops and the regal power. As touching the bishops they have the greater charge, in as much as they must once render an account for the residue. Truth it is that he presedeth in civil policy: but not withstanding he is subject to the ministers of sacred things, and dependeth upon their judgement. And seeing that the Priests do obey the politic laws, it is meet that he for his part do not refuse that which the dispensators and Precedents of sacred things do decern. Also for as much as this honour undoubtedly aught to be referred to all the ministers of the Church: How much more than unto him whom God first of all by his voice, and after by the consent of the church, The arogancie of the bishop of rome would have to be above all order of priesthood? Let him therefore refrain and hear him rather as an intreatour in this life then as an accuser in the other. His decree as touching the holy Bible is joined next after: Wherein he attributeth chief authority unto the Roman sea (so they name it) secondly unto Alexandria, and thirdly unto Antioch. In Anastasius reign great seditions and motions of war were stirred up in Cilicia: the which were assuaged and pacified after that the author was dispatched. The Huns did then also spoil Armenia and Capadocia: The Getes Macedonia, Thessalia, and Albania, in such sort that the Emperor was constrained to pacify each of them with gifts and great losses. About this time, to wit, the year of salvation, CCCCC, Clodoveus king of France received first of all the religion of Christ, after he had been long time solicited by his wife (who was of the house of Bourgony) to forsake the Idols and superstitions. Clodoveus the first christian king of France. There remaineth yet a counsel of Orleans holden in his reign by xxxiii French bishops: by the which amongst other things, it is ordained that if any having ravished a maid, fly and take Sanctuary in the temple, yea albeit, he have enforced her, that he should not die: but that he should either be as a bondman, or else redeem himself by her. The right Canon saith, that Anastasius burst a sunder, and so died, others say that he was stricken with lightening. justinus followed him, who was of a base birth, justinus Emperor of Grecia, and as it is written of a Swine keeper he was made a soldier. He was at variance with Theodoricus king of the Goths, and lord of Italy, through the diversity of religion: but not withstanding they did not put themselves in arms. After the disease of Theodoricus, Alaricus his Nephew succeeded him, to the great contentation, fervent desire & joy of the Goths. john the first of that name was then Bishop of Rome: who was sent to Constantinople by the king Theodoricus, where he was received (as their books declare) very honourably, Flatteries of the Papists not only of the people, but also of the Emperor. For they say, that they triumphed for for joy, in that then the country of Grecia had obtained so great felicity, as to see and receive the Vicar of S. Peter (such is their style) a thing which had not been since Constantine the great, and since Silvester. It is merueyll why they say that of Silvester, seeing that he never entered into Grecia, as it is most certain: for even then when he ought chief to have removed, & when great need did require, to wit, to the counsel of Nice, he stirred not forth: but sent Victor & Vincentius his ambassadors thither. Afterwards, Lies & falsehood in histories of pope's he held another counsel at Rome (as they say) by the which he confirmed that which the counsel of Nice had decreed. There remaineth yet an epistle of john the first, directed unto the bishops of Italy for to comfort them, wherein he admonisheth them to persever in their purpose, & to remain fervent, albeit, that the king Theodoricus, infected with the heresy of the Arians, do threaten to destroy them & all Italy. justinianus After justinus, justinianus, justinus sister's son was made Emperor. He employed himself to put in order & establish the public weal, & in the beginning committed the charge to Belisarius: who won the great battles against the Persians, Belisarius. which were issued out of their country, and did molest the subjects of the Romans. Herecovered Sclavonia, spoiled & destroyed by the Gepides & Bulgarians. He made a league with the Parthians, who were in arms. He defeated a great army of Wandales in Africa, took their king, & reconquered Carthage. From thence he went into Sicilia, whence shortly after he returned into Africa, being certified of the rebellion in that country. He handled his affairs there very prosperously. Finally, being again arrived in Italy, he vanquished the town of Naples, & sacked it and defeated the Goths of whom Theodatus was then king. Afterwards he went to Rome, where he was lovingly & honourably received of al. Being departed thence, he subdued towns & strong holds in divers places & amongst others the town of peruse. This done he laid siege before Ravenna, where Vitigis king of the Goths fought against him. But having lost his army; Vitigis Kig of the Goths taken prisoner. he was taken & led captive into Constantinople by the said Belisarius. The Goths did renew their power, and in the region beyond Papia, did elect Hildebrand to be their king. Two others succeeded him and finally Totilas (who in the absence of Belisarius foraged all Italy) besieged Rome, Rome taken by Totylas. the which he subdued, sacked, and brunt. Wherefore Belisarius having made an end of the war, which he had with the Parthians, who had again oppressed Syria: He returned into italy, and did reestablyshe the city of Rome, which was almost desert. Which done, he went to encounter the enemy, against he whom he had good success. And as he sailed into Sicilia for to give order as touching the munitions, he was called home by justinianus: through which occasion, Totilas renewed his power and returned to Rome. Afterwards, Narses the Eunuch. the Emperor gave the conduction of the Italian war unto Narses the Eunuch: who drove the Goths out of all Italy: Which he did the easiyer, for that they had lost Totilas their king, who died with a wound that he had received. This war against the Goths lasted ten years. justinianus having recovered Italy and africa, and having taken justinus his daughters son to be companion of the Empire he shortly after died. Some are of opinion that he was a man of a faint heart, & that he was subject to Theodora his wife. Tribonianus collected the Pandects. Tribonianus jurisconsull was in his great favour: who having abolished the writings & disputations of the ancestors, did collect out of them certain works of divers fragments of verses, which are now called Pandects, the which only remain unto us. He was helped by certain to finish this work, who are here and there named. Afterwards he did the like unto the letters and laws of Princes, which before were contained in three books, to wit in the books called Gregorianus Hermogenianus, and Theodosianus: All the which he comprehended in one volume, and called it justinianus book, being aided by other men's help, whom the Emperor nameth in the Preface of the said book. Certain Authors say that Trebonianus was a covetous man, and that for money he established laws, and eftsoons disallowed them, as Virgil saith. In the aforesaid books are found divers laws, In the 6. of Encidos, the which do minish and derogate from those in times past. They added moreover a particular book of new ordinances: the which altogether beareth the name and title of justinian. The Emperor dealt very cruelly with Belisarius, under whose conduct he had won so many glorious and notable victories. The misery of Belisarius in his old age. For he caused his eyes to be put out at such time as he crouched for age. In justinian's reign divers Synods were holden at Constantinople at the which Menna patriarch of the town preceded, who is called most holy, most blessed & universal, as their books report. In the beginning of the book there is an Epistle of the Emperor directed unto john Archbishop of Rome, wherein he nameth him head of all Churches & assubiecteth all under him. Now albeit that the learned men do judge it to be counterfeited, notwithstanding put the case it were true, yet it is certain that this quarrel did remain many years after, until such time as the Bishops of Rome being waxen rich, The means whereby the romish church was built. got the upperhand & built them a strong hold in the possession of the Church. The which being built by the hands & favour of men, is at this day in reputation as if God had established it. We have before declared, how that in Augustins time the sixth Counsel of Carthage was holden: The disc●●● of the Popes surpr●●sed. wherein the deceit of Pope Bonifacius the first and of Celestinus was disclosed. For they affirmed that it was ordained at Nice that they should be appealed unto from all places. The denilyshe ambition of Bonifactus the second. In justinianus time, Bonifacius the second was bishop of Rome. There remaineth a certain Epistle of him, wherein he sharply rebuketh & taxeth Aurelius, who at the foresaid counsel was bishop of Carthage, & saith that by the motion & instigation of the devil, he with his fellow Bishops, strove against the church of Rome. Also he giveth god thanks, the Eulatius, Aurelius successor, & then Bishop of the said place, was reconciled with the Church of Rome. Moreover he reciteth a certain writing of Eulatius, by the which he protesteth that he condemneth aswell his elders as his successors, who have gone or shall go about to subvert & deminyshe the privileges of the holy and apostolic church. Agapetus successor of Bonifacius the second did dysplace Authemius patriarch of Constantinople, who denied two natures in Christ. Theodora the emperors wife was sore displeased therewith: and by Belisarius, warned Syluerius, Agapetus successor, to reestablyshe him. And because that the said Agapetus was accused of certain other matters. Belisarius displaced him, and put Vigilius in his town. But because that he being called to Constantinople, The bishops of come were in the emperors power. would not restore Authemius to his office, he was served with the like. Whereby it is evident enough that then the bishops of Rome wear in the emperors power. In the reign of justinus the second, the Parsian war was renewed. And because that it went ill and unfortunallye on the emperors part, Auchelaus his Lieutenant did again make peace. Narses the other Lieutenant of the Emperor, did enjoy Italy for xvi years space: after he had driven out the Goths, and that Totilas was deceased. Afterwards he being called from thence, by the Emperor, and having received unpleasant letters, and conceiving great ingratitude in them: he not only not returned, but also to avenge himself he sent Ambassadors for to entice and draw the lombards into italy, in propounding unto them great profits and commodities, and declaring unto them that Italy exselled all other counttryes in beauty and fertility. The Lomberds enter into Italy. They had at that time taken their inhabytation in Hungaria. At such time as they were thither arrived, they did possess that part of Italy which beareth their name, even to this day. The Historiographers writ that this justinus, did institute a magistrate in italy, named * That is to say lord or governor. exarch, who was as the Vicemperour. He remained for the most part at Ravenna, not passing for Rome, and placed in every City and Town a governor. The Italyen writers said that this new institution was cause of the ruin of italy and of Rome. Narses afterwards died at Rome. Tiberius' Emperor. Tiberius', who had allreadye been made compaynyon of the Empire, succeeded justynus. He overthrew the Parsyans in two battles. He made peace with the Lombardes': who reigned from the * A country in Italy called now Aprucium. Samnites even to the Alps, the City of Rome excepted: the which they had straightly besieged for a certain time, but finally were constrained to raise their camp, through the greatness of tempests, unseasonable weathers, & great rains. Mauritius, Mauritius. Tiberius' son in law was Emperor: and in certain battles vanquished the Parsians by his Lieutenants, & finally he made peace with them. Afterwards having called back again his army, he drove the Scythes from Misia. He kept the Lombard's under by force in Italy: & displaced the Hunnes out of Hungaria. He grew in hatred of his soldiers, because of his covetousness. Wherefore he was constrained (for to avoid the sedition begun) to fly to Chalcedon: where finally he was slain with his wife and children, and all his race, by a certain centurion named Phocas: who afterwards was choose Emperor by sedition. Phocas. In Mauritius reign there appeared a blaysing star for six Months space. And as certain writings do mention, Mahomet was then borne, of whom we will shortly hereafter speak. At that time john Bishop of Constantinople did name himself the universal Patriarch. Quarrels for the supremacy. Gregory the first against the ambition of the Pope. Whom the Bishop of Rome, Pelagius the second, did strongly and stoutly withstand, & pronounced his decrees to be of no vallewe. Gregorius the first his successor, doth sharply reprehend that in him, and saith that this title and honour was attributed to his ancestors at the counsel of Carthage: howbeit never any of them would ever use it. He writing also unto Mauritius the Emperor, he exhorteth him to restrain and keep him under, inas much as it lieth in his authority, the which is sore minished by the power that the other usurpeth. It is said that Bonifacius the third, who followed Gregory did obtain the supremacy of Phocas. Whereof he published patents & laws. The entry of the pope's. In Phocas reign the Persians did greatly endamage the public weal. For they possessed Mesopotamia and Assyria, & passed even into Asia the lesser: so great was the negligence of the Prince. Moreover Germany, France, Spain, and the most part of Italy did revolt. The Saracenes spoiled and proyed Egypt. Whereof it befell that he was slain for his cruelty, & for neglecting the public weal. In Heraclius time, his successor, Heraclius. the Parsians made great roads. From Egypt they marched into Africa: the which they subjecteth unto them. The Scythes did dismember & rend Europa in pieces divers & sundry wise. Heraclius finally took journey into Asia: and seeing that he could not obtain peace, no not in offering means finally redounding to the romans honour, Heraclius. victory. he entered, even almost by constraint, into plain battle against the said Persians who then spoiled & oppressed judea, and overthrew them in two battles. From thence forthwith passed the flood Tiger, & spoiled the whole country of Persia, until such time as he made alliance with Sirochus the king of Persyans' son, who having killed his father, had made himself king. By this means the country of Africa, Egypt, & all that the Parsians had subdued, was rendered: and it was agreed that the flood Tiger should separate the Parsians dominion from that of the Romans, About that time a great multitude of Saracenes, who were at the wags of Heraclius, did revolt because they were defrauded of their payment & robbing & proiing in Syria under the conduct of Mahomet they possessed Damascus, proied Egypt, subdued Arabia, & fought luckily against the Parsians. The beginning of Mahomates authority. Mahomet proceeded from out of a poor town & family: notwithstanding he was subtle & audacious, & afterwards was enriched by his mariges: & being had in estimation for the promptness & dexterity of his spirit, The Koran of Mahomete. he propounded a new doctrine, very pleasant to humane reason, but worthy to be mocked and laughed at, and also wicked for the most part: to the end that thereby he might more & more allure men's minds unto him, & fortify his kingdom. And albeit that at the first it was very easy to have extinguished this fire: notwithstanding because it was neglected and let slip, with in a short time it waxed almost unquinshable. For then the dignity and Empire of the Romans towards the East was aveanted and buried. In Heraclius reign, The fourth counsel of Toletanun. the fourth Counsel of Toletanum was holden. And because that in Spain divers Priests did not daily, but on the sunday only, recite the lords prayer, it was ordained amongst other things that that should be remedied, Item that the apocalypse of saint john the evangelist (as they say) should be taught in the temples from Easter unto whitsunday. The Goths reigned then in Spain: and as the Spayniards being annoyed with strange domination (a thing not uncommon) did stir up certain dyssentions and conspiraties, the Synod ordained upon great pain that no conjuration should be made against the king or the nation of the Goths: & that at such time as the king should be dead, the chief & heads of the people with the priests should elect a successor by common advise. This same was repeated by them in certain other assemblies. Why Halleluia it not sung in Lent. Constans. It was also forbidden that in the time of lent (so they call it) Halleluya should not be sung in the Churches: because that that is ordained to be a time of sorrow and not of joy. Constans Constantinus Son, who was the son of Heraclius, succeeded him: who fought unprosperouslye by sea against the Saracenes. They being victorious took Rhodes, and had entered further into the country, if the dyssentyons which arose amongst them had not given truce for two years to the Romans. That gave them time of respite: and then the Emperor marched into italy for to defend it from the enemy, as he said. Being arrived at Tarento, he forced and destroyed Luceria, and other places in the * Apart of Italy, Bordering on the sea Adriatticum. Puell, of the lombards dominions. On the way as he went towards Naples, his ri●rband was defected by the lombards. Constans robbeth Rome. He entered afterwards into Rome very peaceable, but at length he rob and proyed the ornaments thereof: and after short abode there, he marched in to Sicilia, where he was slain with in the bayne. And because that after his death strife & dissentyon was raised for the succession, the Saracenes finding this occasion, entered into Sicilia with a mighty army by sea, and did great slaughter. They took Sarrogosa, and carried away with them the proy that Constans had taken out of Rome. Constantitinus the bearded. Constantinus the fourth succeeded Constans, who was commonly called the bearded, He fought for certain years space against the Saracenes, whom finally he defeicted, in such sort that they were constrained to require peace and trues for thirty. years, on condition to pay yearly tribute. The enemies of the Romans, which were towards the West, being moved therewith, did also demand peace. But the camphors passing out of the limits, destroyed the country of Thracia. At length agreement was made with them, and the two Mysyes were granted them to dwell in. notwithstanding perceaving shortly after the cowardness and lythernes of the Romans, they broke peace, and did weaken and diminish the forts of the Empire. Constantinus giveth the election to the Romans. This Emperor did first of all ordain, that he should have all power at Rome, that should be chosen bishop by the clergy, the people and the soldiers. For even hitherto the dignity of the bishope of Rome did depend upon the confirmation of the Emperor, or of his Lieutenant in Italy. There is yet sound a long epistile of pope Leo the second, written unto Constantinus, by the which he condemnethe all sorts of heretics, and doth highly praise him for the care he took of religion and the de●ence thereof, also for his liberality and good deeds. He sayeth that the Church triumphethe for having found such a defender in his reign, The sixth Counsel of Constantinople. the sixth council of Constantinople was holden, by an hundredth & fifty bishops. In the Acts of that Synod about the end mention is made of the Canons, which are entitled of the apostles: but diffusedly & in obscure terms. Gratianus reciteth contrary opinions: saying that some are of opinion that they were written by heretics, & rejected by the ancient Church, & counted amongst the apocriphes. But it is said that Zepherinus the xvi. Bishop of rome approved them and after him, that foresaid counsel which is said to have been ended in the time of justinianus the second, who was the son of Constantinus the fourth. Briefly there is nothing grounded on certain reason: neither is there any accord as concerning the number of the canons. For some count L. other some sixty, & other eighty four: in which number they remain at this day. Whereof it is easy to be gathered, that by little and little divers were added unto them, and that they have passed thorough one title, albeit that they wear invented and made of divers. Then also the archbishop of Ravenna, was under the bishop of Rome: albeit that afore time, chiefly when the exarcheship was thither transferred, he esteemed himself nothing inferior to the bishop of Rome. justinianus succeeded Constantinus his father. justimanus He for want of age & experience, governed the public weal undiscreetly: & having broken the treatise of peace which his father had made with the Saracenes & Bulgares, finally he fell into such extremity, that he was constrained to demand peace of them both. At length he was banished for his cruelty, & confined in a certain place, after that his nostrils were cut. Leontius was his successor, Leontius. who had been prisoner two years, for suspicion to have coveted the Empire. During these troubles, the Saracenes did assault Africa. But two years after they were put to flight, after that the battle was given. The romain soldiers who were in garrison in the country of Africa, seeing the Emperor handle the affairs very slowly & faintly, fearing also the Saracenes power, which was than marvelous great, & fearing also to be driven out again by them: they elected a certain man named Tiberius to be emperor. He marching with his army unto Constantinople, Tiberius' chosen emp. & possessing the town, took Leontius, cut of his nose, and put him in prison, and made a new Exarch in Italy. But as all these things were a doing (not without great troubles) the Saracenes favoured with the opportunity of the time, and marching from Egypt with a great army, took again possession of Africa with Lybia and almost all Spaygn. The above said justinianus displaced, and sent in exile by Leontius, was succoured by Trebellius king of the camphors, and entered by strength & force in to Constantinople, where he killed Leontius and Tiberius: and for vi years after he reigned cruelly, & also was ingrate towards the king Trebellius. Finally he died with Teberius his son in a battle against Philippicus Bardanes, towards whom the army was revolted. Usurpation of the pope's over the emperors. Pope Constantinus pronounced Philippicus to be a schismatic for the diversity of religion. At length Philippicus had his eyes put out by his men, & had to his successor Anastasius the second. He sent a triumphant army by sea to Rhodes, for to war against the Saracenes: and ordained head of that army one of the ecclesiastical order. And because that the soldiers would not obey him, sedition was raised, & a certain man of no reputation named Theodosius was elected Emperor: who returning the navy, he came to Constantinople, which he won, & having vanquished Anastasius he made him a priest. He shortly after was displaced by Leo general lieutenant of the army, & became a monk. At that time, which was the year of salvation, D.CC. xvii. the Mauritanes rushed into Africa with all their power, & brought it under their subjection, at such time as Rhodoricus, elected by the Goths, was king of Spain. In the reign of Leo, the Saracenes having wasted Thracia, besieged Constantinople by sea & by land, for three years space, Constantinople besieged by the Saracenes. Finally the plague & pestilence consumed them almost all, & constrained the residue to retire into their country. Leo was greatly animated against the bishop of Rome Gregory the second: & had commanded his Lieutenant or Exarch, to find means to avoid the peace. The Lombard's, defended the pope, not for any love they bore to him but for to fish in troubled water, & in the mean time to enlarge their dominions by such strife and debate. The which they did. For by this means they possessed many towns belonging to the Ex: arch. Certain Epistles of the said Gregory are yet found, written unto the clergy & people of Thuring, whereby he admonisheth theyin to profit more & more in the knowledge of god. The others are directed unto the Saxons: wherein he gravely converteth them from idolatry. Bonifacius sent into Duchland. He used, in these affairs the aid of one Bonifacius, whom he had sent into Germany. Leo beat down the images & figures of the saits & cast them out of the Churches, & willed the pope to do the like. But so far of was it that he did any thing, that on the contrary he threatened him with great plagues if he did pursue in his enterprise Constantinus the fifth of the name, surnamed Copronyme, succeeded Leo, who held the same religion that his father did. He embarked himself with a great army for to go against the Saracenes, to the end to recover Alexandria in Egypt. but having received news of the sedition that was raised at home. and that Artabastus was elected Emperor in his rovine, he returned to Constantinople, took the town by force, and put out Artabastus eyes. This Constantinus had great quarrel with Gregory the third, aswell as his father: For Gregory sent divers messanges for to excommunicate him. But because that his messengers did possess the prison, he assembled a Synod, where he ordained, that all they who from thence forth should beat down the Images of the saints, or dishonour them, should be altogether rejected from the compaynye of the Church. The Pope protector of Idols. Not content herewith, he with great diligence, set up great store of Images in divers Temples: and decked them sumptuously. After Gregory the third came Zacharias. There remaineth a certain epistle of him, written unto one Bonifacius Bishop, who was in Ducheland, even to him (as it appeareth) whose aid Gregory the second used, as we have said a little before. Zacharias answereth to his demands, and permitteth him that there should be bishops at Mersebourg, at Bomberge and at Erphord. He granted him moreover that it was lawful for him to go to Carlomanus, the son of Charles Martel, who demanded that a Synod should be holden in a certain Town in the kingdom of France, and that the manners of the Church should be diligently reform, but chiefly that the adulterous priests, and those that have divers wives, should be displaced from the order of Pryesthoode. Marriage forbidden unto the Priests. For seeing that after they be once entered into the sacred ministery, it is not lawful for them to have one only wife: how much less than is it permitted to have divers together? For that which Paul saith, that the bishop be husband of one wife, ought not to be understood as appertaining to this time, Fine interpretation of S. Paul. but for the time paste: that is to say, that he that would be received into the order of priesthood, should have had but one wife & no more. After this Epistle followeth the act of Calomanus, who entituleth himself duke of the french men: by the which he ordaineth that a Synod should be yearly holden in his presence. He also commandeth that the whoremongers & adulterous priests should be displaced. He forbiddeth them hunting & hawking, and to entertain any woman at all in their houses. But he saith nothing of their wives. Aistulphus king of the Lumbards'. At that time Aistulphus king of the Lumbards' did demand yearly tribute of the romans, & threatened them sore. Stephen the ii of that name then bishop of rome seeing that he could not pacify that man by clementy & presents, he demanded succour of Constantinus the Emperor. But for as much as there arrived no aid from the side, Pipine king of France aideth the Pope. he besought Pipine new king of France (as we shall an one declare) to give him aid. Pipine entered into Italy with strong power, & besieged Papia, & constrained Aistulphus to receive certain conditions of peace. But as soon as Pipine was retired into France, he became more fierce & proud, & put himself again in arms. Wherefore Pipine was again solicited to come into Italy. Than Aistulphus delivered the Exarchship to Pipine: in the which country the principal towns are, Ravenua, Favencia, Cesena, Forum Livii, Forum Populi, Bononia, Rhegium, Parma, Placentia. It is said that Pipine left all this country in the Pope's hands, albeit, that the Emperor had before made request unto him to render it again to him, for asmuch as it appertained to the Empire, and not to the romain sea. Leo the ii succeaded Constantinus his father. Leo the two He enterprised but one only journey into Syria: but being repulsed he retired homewards & died shortly after, being of one religion with his father, & leaving behind him a son. named Constantinus the vi But because that he was to young to handle the affairs, Irene his mother had the government. Irene empress. He being come to age displaced his mother, and began to reign insolently and cruelly. And because that there through conspiraties were wrought against him he punished amongst others Nicephorus his uncle, and put out his eyes. He at length was served with the like by the counsel of his mother, & shortly after died for sorrow. By this means the government of the Empire returned to Irene his mother: Who was driven out four years after, and sent in exile: and in her room the above said Nicephorus was placed. About the time of these tumults and troubles of Constantinople, the fame of Charles king of France was very great. For he having put end to the war of Spain, came into Italy with his army at the request of Adrianus bishop of Rome. And even as Pipine his father had suppressed Aistulphus king of the Lombard's, so likewise he after long siege took Desiderius the successor of Aistulphus, The king of the Lombard's taken by Charlemagne. who greatly molested Italy and Adrianus the first of that name. Moreover he banished Adalgisius his son from the kingdom, and out of all Italy. For since Constantinus the great the Romain Emperors were placed very far of, to wit, in Constantinople: and were not only encumbered with foreign wars, but also with civil and domestical dissensions tumults and debats. wherethrough it befell that they took no great care of Italy, or that they could not well defend it: especially after that the Lombard's threaned to enter the country. Moreover the most part of them were at great strife with the bishops of Rome, and for spite they bore them, they did not greatly withstand the advancement of the Lombard's. For this cause the Popes sought foreign aid and secure. And because that at that time there was no family more noble nor more mighty than that of the French Kings, the refuge of the pope's unto the kings of France. Charlemagne proclaimed Emperor. for the excellentness of their acts, the said pope's had refuge thither as unto a certain Haven. On this sort, Leo the third Adrianus successor, having fierce and mighty enemies at Rome, demanded aid of Charles the son of Pipine. He being, for the fourth time come to Rome, was saluted Emperor by the pope and all the people. The which came to pass at such time as Constantinople was encumbered with hurlye burlies, great storms, and divisions: in such sort that it seemed that the time and state of the public weal did offer means and give occasion unto this mutation. So therefore the West Empire fell into the germans hands: for it is not to be doubted, whether Pipyne and Charles wear germans. This fell in the eight hundredth and one year after the nativity of Christ. As touching the East Emperors it is certain that since Nicephorus they have been always tormented and troubled with wars. For in the beginning the Bulgates had often times battle against them. Afterwards the Saracenes being marched from Africa, occupied the Isles of Candy and of Sicilia, and destroyed Asia through out. Which also finally the turks did, who wear issued out of Scythia. Now from Nicephorus unto Constantinus Paleologus the last, there are reckoned about fifty Greek Emperors, and amongst them certain women. They were for the most part men of no worthiness. And in the reign of Constantinus Monamachus, who is the twentieth from Nicephorus, Constantinus Monomachus. the turks being of a small beginning began to enlarge their dominions by ly●le and little, and to assault Asia: in such sort that encreassing daily their power, The beginning of the turks. at length they have established a monarchy, but no new one, or fifth in order, but engendered of that part of the roman Empire which was in the East. The first of this monarchy was Ottomanus, Ottomanus the first Emperor of the turks. about the year of Christ a thousand three hundredth. Afterwards Mahomette the second of that name, and great grand father unto Solimanus who reigneth at this present, having taken Constantinople, and slain the Emperor Constantinus Paleologus with all his race, Constantinople taken by Mahomette. he utterly rooted up in those places the name and succession of the Emperors of our religion. Now unto this day the turks hold and possess Asia, Syria, egypt, Mesopotamia, judea, Rhodes, and all Grecia, Thracia, Bulgaria, Macedon, Sclavonye, and the two Mysies, and of fresh memory one of the Hungaryes, and a certain part of Barbarye. devilish ambition of the bishops. As touching the supremacy, in times past the Churches of jerusalem, of Antioch, of Constantinople and of Rome, have been at great strife and variance: especially the two last, as it hath been said. But the turk took away the debate and in such sort confounded all things in those three first places, that at this day there is no appearance there of any Church or Christian assembly. As concerning that which remaineth, and which triumpheth being freed from the others that bore her envy, the thing itself doth show in what state and disposition she is. After than that we have declared how that part of the body of the Roman Empire which lieth towards the East, is altogether perished and fallen into other men's hands: It resteth to declare how that which lieth towards the West is ruinated, being brought under new governors. It is here needful to consider as in by passing the marvelous mocking of fortune, in that, that the Honour and so high dignity of the Empire hath been transferred from the ancient Roman famylyes unto strangers, The evil hap of the Emperors and Empire. yea unto certain vile and shameless persons amongst them. For some of them were Spaynyards, others native of hungary, Pannonia, Dacia, Dardanya, Dalinatia, France, Thracia, or Cappadocia. chiefly it is requisite to contemplate how greatly the estate of the Emperors hath been doubtful and miserable, for their prosperity and dignity did not consist in the defence or power of the Senate or of the people, but of the Legions and soldiers: in such sort that it was marvel that ever any would take upon them an office so dangerous and subject to so many calamities, For since julius Cesar who was murdered in the presence of the Senate unto Charlemagne, The number of Emperors murdered. there are found about thirty that were slain and four that slew themselves with their own hands. There was always something in them that did mislike the soldiers, neither could they bear any more with the good then with the bad, and conspiring for the least accasyon in the world, they cut their throttes whom they had enforced to take upon them that high estate, as it is manyefest. It so befell unto Elius Pertinax. The Senate stood in awe of the Emperor: but he did depend almost upon the will and pleasure of the vile soldiers. They took upon them this authority after the death of julius Cesar, especially the old bands and le●yons, whose aid he had used in France, Spain and africa. Cicero lamenting the same, saith, they are valiant: but for the Memory of things which they have done in favour of the liberty of the roman people and dignity of the public weal, they are over much arrogant, and draw all our councils unto their felony and violence. The end of the second Book. The third book. How the Almains are entered into france. BEFORE that we begin to speak of Charlemagne unto whom (according as we have said) the West Empire was bequeathed, it behoveth to declare somewhat of the Germans of whom he proceeded. first of all it is most evident that the germans have oftentimes passed the Rhine and have entered into the French dominio●s, to the end there to make their inhabitition, because of the goodness of the country. For the Teuthons' did pierce into Province, where they were defected by the Consul C. Marius. Since as the Awergnaes' and they of Autun did strive and cont●nd for the principality, certain bands of Almains hired of the Awergnaes and t●●y of Sens came thither. By little and little they so increased, that under the king Ariovistus they possessed the most part of the country. julius Cesar defeicted them, in plain batta●le. And certain years a●ter as he made war against them of Liege which is a people beyond Brabant, the Germains passed again over the Rhine for to assail the Romain host. But they were overthrown where the Maze and the Rheyne meeteth. Many years after they held themselves within their limits, because that the Romain Emperors made war upon them. But having gotten a certain apt & commodious time, they looked unto their advantage, and foraged France without cease. So likewise in the Emperor Gallienus time, a voluptuous man and of no worthiness, they did invade and oppress it: & by succession of time became so mighty, that the Emperor Probus the fourth after Gallienus, drove them out with great difficulty. julianus also Lieutenant of the Emperor Constans did join in battle with them. Since in the Emperor Honorius time, the Goths entered by force of arms into France: who being encoumbred with divers wars granted them the country of Aqui●ania to dwell in. On the other side the French almains entering in arms through the country called Gallia Belgica, suppressed them of Trire, Gilderland & Cleave, with them of Liege, of Terovane, of Turney, of Amiens, of Beawoys, & of Soissonois. Which done, they took their habitation in that part of Gallia, Paris the head City of France. the which yet at this day beareth the name of France: Whereof Paris is the head City, near whereto is the town of S. Denis, the which was afterwards consecrated to bury the kings, as it is yet at this present. They being so enlarged, and holding also before a great part of Germany, to wit all the country about the river of Mein and of Rheyne: did not only defend themselves if any came to assail them: but also set upon others. And as the Romain Empire fell day by day into decay in Asia & Africa, the Lombard's also waistig Italy, they marvelously enlarged their limits in France. Afterwards many of their kings reigned there, until such time as the kingdom fell into the hands of Pipine & of Charlemagne his son. Charles Martellus was the father of Pipine who was not king, but one of the princes & great masters, as they are commonly called. He vanquished them of Baviers & of Swain. For according as the writers of the * Histories of Acts yearly done annals of France do mention, the time hath been that the kings have had but only the title and the name: as touching the whole aucthorie, it was in the hands of the great Master. The Great masters of France & their credit. For they were altogether degenerated from the virtue & manliness of their ancestors, and being addicted unto pleasures & voluptuousness, they took no care of the public weal. Wherefore the Great master had the administration: and did increase so much the more his power as the lithernes & carelessness of the king did abound. Pipine who was great master in the reign of Childericus, came to the crown under such occasion, The kings suffer the pope to displace them. the thing having been debated upon before pope Zachary, as they say. Mention is made hereof in the decree, which they intitill, of Gratianus, where it is said to be lawful unto the pope's to put the kings out of their thrones. But the title & inscription of that place is false. For albeit that there have been two Emperors named Anastasius, notwithstanding it cannot be attributed neither to the one nor to the other: forasmuch as the first reigned more than two C. years before the befell, the other xxxvii Moreover in the last man's days there was never any pope named Gelasius. I thought it necessary to add this, contrarity in the writings of Popes. for to advertise the readers to read intentively & warly the writigs of pope's. For we find in divers places, that their chief end is to put their laws in credit & authority, by falsely giving to understand that they are very ancient. Over & beside this that Pipine did suppress the Lombard's in Italy at the request of the pope (as is before said) he made war against the Saxons, and moreover against them of Aquitania, whose Duke being taken, he slew. After the death of Pipyne they oftentimes rebelled. But Charlemagne his son put end unto the two wars to wit, that of saxony and of Aquitania, but not with out great travail. Long war against the Saxons. He had war with the Saxons for three & thirty years space, and during this war he was also occupied with others. For he did subdue the country of Bavier, the which did rebel under the conduction of the Captain Tassilon: and made two journeys against the Lombard's, and passed even into the land of Lavor: in such sort that he subjecteth all Italy, and ordained laws as touching policy. He constrained also the cities of Gallia, situated about the Ocean sea, in times past named * The ancient name of Britain in France. Armorica, and now comprehended under the name of little Britain, to do their duty: Because that they refused to pay the tribute that was yearly dew unto the kings of France. He went also into Spain where he was victorious against the Saracenes but at his return the Gascons a people of Aquitania did lay wait for him in the forests called * Mountains, which do divide France from Spain. Pirenees, & discomfited him. Finally at the eight years end he vainquished the Hunnes, who held the country of Hungaria, & pacified Bohemia by his Lieutenants. His last war was against the Danois or normans, who wasted all that side of germany and of Gallia with their sea army. Through these so great acts he was surnamed the Great. For before time the French kings did hold but that part of Germany, which is between Saxony and Dunowe, between the Rhey●e, & the river of Sala, between Swain and Bavieres. But he annexed the whole country of Saxony, moreover the two Hungaries', Demnarbe, or the great Westphaly●, Ireland and the mediteran cost of Dalmatia. The above said French kings did possess in Gallia the part which is between the Rhine and Loire, between the Ocean sea and Baleaire. But he adjoined all Aquitania and the ridge of the hills Pirenees unto the river of Ebro, yea, & even all Italy, which should have been before said, from the Alps unto the uttermost parts of * A countr● joining to Naples. Calabria. Finally being gone for the fourth time to Rome he was saluted Emperor Augustus by Leo the third and by all the people, the xxxiii. year of his reign. By this means then the Roman Empire towards the West, the which was rend and torn sondrywyse, especial since that the Emperors had placed their chief seat in Constantinople (as it is easy to be seen by the former discourse) was renewed again by the Emperor Charlemagne and as a new body took again his colour and beauty, The Empire renewed by Charlemagne. in that so many and so great countries were assubiected under the power of one man only. Nicephorus, the other Emperor of the East parts, was greatly wroth with this election: but Charlemagne did mollify him by his humanity & modesty, and by presents entertained themselves in amity, and they did assign the compass and limits of both the empires. Besides the other assemblies, Charlemagne caused a counsel to be holden at Reims: at the which it was ordained amongst many other statutes, that the Bishops should diligently study the holy scriptures, & preach the word of god. Another Synod was assembled at Mensae the year before his death, & before another at Tours, at Caalon upon the Saone, & at Arles, for the reformation of Churches, as the writers of that time say. The eight hundredth & fourteenth year after the nativity of Christ, the lxx. year of his age he died at Aix in Germany, Ludovicus the son of Charlemagne 2. Emperor. after he had appointed Ludovicus his son heritor of his reign and Empire, xiiii. years after that he had been first declared Emperor of the Almains. At that time there was only xxi. Metropolitan Cities (as they are called) in Italy, Germany, & France, to wit, Rome, Ravenna, Milan. * A City, or Country in italy so called. Forumiulii, Grade, Colon, Mensae, Salisbourg, Trire, Rovam, Sens, Besonzon, Lions, Reims, Arles. Vienna, Tarentasia, Ebrodunum, Bordeaux, Tours, Bourges. Pipine his father had taken away the Exarchship from the Lombars, & had left it in the custody of the bishop of Rome, as we have said, & as it is found in writing. But Charlemagne gave it wholly unto him, as some say: whereof notwithstanding divers do doubt. Eginardus his secretary & sworn writer, Eginardus secretary to Charlemagne. who was familiar with him, writeth that above all he loved the Church (which they call) of S. Peter, wherinto he caused much Gold, Silver and precious stones to be brought. For he studied above all things to reestablyshe the City of Rome in her first credit and authority. and that the Church of saint Peter should not only be in safeguard under his protection, but also that amongst others it should abound in riches. Eginardus sayeth this and no more not making any mention that he did give so mighty Towns and so many in number, which did appertain to the Empire. yea he being made Emperor at the fourth entry which he made into Rome, he gave order (according as we find in writing) not only unto the affairs of the City of Rome, of the Pope and of all Italy, but also unto Ecclesiastical and particular things. Also before he was Emperor, Authority of Charlemagne above the Pope. at such time as he was but only King of France, after he had discomfited Desiderius king of the Lombard's (as it hath been said) he came to Rome, and held a counsel: whereat: as their one Books do mentian, the Pope Adrianus the first, and all the Synod did give him the right, and power to elect the Pope, to ordain the apostolic Sea, as they term it, and to confirm the Bishops. Eginardus doth attribute v●to Charlemagne divers virtues worthy of a great Prince: to wit, temperance, modesty, sobriety, affection towards religion, Learning, Eloquence, with knowledge not only of the Latin tongue, but also of the Greek. Besides this he reporteth him to have been very circumspect and diligent to see his Children taught and instructed in the knowledge and experience of these self same things. Albin the school Master of Charlemagne, chief founder of the university of Paris. He instituted the universytye of Paris aswell thorough his own proper motion and Good will, as by the instigatyon and suit of Albin his Master, who was his instructor in sciences, as saith Eginardus. He named the months and twelve winds in the Dutch tongue: the which names are yet used. Before time (as sayeth the same writer) the French men used names partly Latin, partly Barbarous. Hitherto I having made as it were a preface of Charlemagne and of the Almains, from henceforth I will briefly roun over and declare how that part of the roman Empire which is towards the West the which was recollected and reestablyshed by Charlemagne, is again fallen into decay: and being divided into divers Provinces, hath been unto divers who possess those countries neither more nor less than their own proper Heritage, without considering their offspring: in such sort that this venerable and so renowned highness of roman Empire is at this day no other thing then a little shadow of a great body, since that of so great a large compass it hath been enclosed in a small part of Europa, to wit in Germany. Last of all I will in few words declare how Daniel hath for showed these mutations of Empires, and the fall of the Roman monarchy. Ludovicus then the son of Charlemagne, the second German Emperor, renewed the amity with Leo of Armenia Emperor of Grecia. The third year of his reign Pope Leo deceased, and his successor Stephan the fourth went into France and consecrated the Emperor at Reims. Paschal came after to be Pope. And forasmuch as the authority of the Emperor was not interposed, he excuseth circumspectly and diligently that fact, declaring that he against his will was there placed. The books of the Popes contain that the Emperor Ludovicus ratified unto Paschal and to his successors the possession of goods, & that he permitted the election freely unto them: so that he should be counted and holden for Pope, whom all the Romans should have judged worthy of that estate. I cannot tell what credit a man should give unto such writings: for they agree so ill, & are placed in so ill order, that none can understand that which ought to follow. Ludovicus had three sons: Lotharius, whom he took to be compaynion of the Empire & of the kingdom: Charles, who succeeded in Aquitania his brother Pipine deceased: he made Ludovicus lord of Bavieres. Conspiraty of children against their father. His sons did conspire against him, by whom he was taken and deprived of his kingdom, and was constrained to take a monastical life at Compienue a town of the * people of Frannce. Soisonois. The writers of the Annals of France say that the ecclesiastical prelate's (whose pride and superfluity he did reprehend) did raise & move this tempest in an assembly that they made at Aix in Germany: Impiety of the bishops. and did push forward the children to enterprise such execrable wickedness. He notwithstanding was delivered six months after to the great joy & contentation of the people, and the kingdom with all his other goods was restored unto him. Since that he came to quietness it is chief to be noted that divers counsels were holden in France. Counsels holden in France. The first next the abovesaid of Aix was holden at Troy in Campania, after at Rheims, at Clermount in Awergne, at Tours, at Diion, at Paris, Lions, Vienne, Avignon, Viarron in Berry, Orleans, and truly divers almost in each of the said places. For when the estate of things did so require, the kings did convocate the ecclesiastical order & the other lords for to remedy the public inconveniences. After this sort Ludovicus the xii who had great enmities & debates with julius the second, held a counsel of his subjects at Tours & at Lion's the year of salvation a M.D.X. & a. XI. Let us now return to our purpose. Ludovicus being disseassed and buried at Mets, Lotharius succeeded who had war with his brethren. New parting of the kingdom between the brethren. But finally it was appeased & new partition was made. Where through germany, fell unto Ludovicus lot, with a part of France, From the Maze to the Rhine. France befell unto Charles from the English sea & the hiles Pirenees unto the Maze. Lotharius over and beside that he was Emperor obtained Italy and the Province of Narbonne. The Saracenes repressed. Ludovicus the second his son succeeded him who did repress the Saracenes that did rush in to italy. In his reign Adrianus the second was Pope amongst others, yea with out the emperors consent, as their books report. And was created by the nobility of Rome, by the citizens and by them whom they call the clergy. For albeit the emperors Ambassadors were in the Town, not withstanding they wear not called to the election. And for as much as they were wroth herewith, it was answered them that that was not done in contempt of the Emperor: but for to take heed that hereafter the custom of waiting for the emperors Embisadours should not enter in credit as nessarye. They say that the Ambassadors were not only pleased with this answer, but that also they did humble courtesy unto the Pope. Here a man may perceive in their writings a marvelous inconstancy & variety. For if according to their saying Ludovicus the first did grant unto them free election (as also we have here above mentioned) why did his Nephew Ludovicus the second think injury to be done unto him? But how so ever the matter goeth, the title of the decree which is in the repertories of Gratianus, is manifestly false. False should in the great decree of Gratianus. For it is attributed unto Gregory the fourth, albeit that he was dead two and twenty years before that Adrianus the second came to be Pope. He being dead could he writ the History of things which besell afterwards? Before Adrianus was Nicolas the first, of whom is found a long Epistle unto Michael Emperor of Gretia, where he maketh discourse of his power over all churches. For Ignatius was put out of his Bishopric at Constantinople, and Photius placed in his room no mention being made there of unto the bishop of Rome. yea the Images were beaten down. He crieth therefore there against as much as he could possible. divers of his decrees do yet remain full of Papal majesty. The above said Charles king of France made haste to go into Italy, albeit that his other brother Ludovicus king of Germany, who was his elder, did resist him. There he was consecrated by the bishop of Rome, john the eight. He went for the second time at the Pope's request, to resist the Saracenes who again had enuaded the country of Campania: Ludovicus the maffler. and died at Mantua. His son Ludovicus surnamed the Maffler succeeded him: but he reigned but two years. Charles the Great. The Empire came from him to Charles the great son of Ludovicus king of Germany: who after the death of his two brethren possessed all Germany, Italy and France, and defected the Saracenes who troubled italy. He made war for a certain space against the normans a people of low Germany, who foraged in Gallia Belgica. Finally he granted them that part of France which beareth their name unto this day. Arnulphus Emperor The Emperor Arnulphus his nephew by the brother side succeaded after him, who truly was an excellent Prince. He marched into Italy for to deliver the Pope Formosus from his adversaries and forthwith took the City of Rome, where he caused the authors of the sedition to be punished. In his time the Hungares being driven from the country of Scythia cast themselves upon Pannonia, and in the time that Ludovicus the third, son of Arnulphus, was Emperor, they passed into Germany: and having won a triumphant victory near the flood of Lech, they filled Bavier, Swain, Franconie, and Saxony with slaughters robberies and burnings. In the Emperor Arnulphus time there was a Counsel holden at Tribur, a town situated upon the Mein, at the which were present xxii Bishops of Germany, And amongst divers things it was ordained that none should sell the burying of the dead, A decree for bedding selling of Graves. Berengarius. and that no lay-man (as they call them) should be buried with in the church. At this time a great fire was kindled in Italy. For Berengarius and other great lords of Lombardie, unto whom Charles the bald had done great benefits, conspired against France at such time as Charles the great was Emperor. Sedition in Italy by Berengarius. But perceiving that they could avail nothing herein, they turned their enterprisses against Italy, and having skermished a long time amongst themselves (as commonly it happeneth) they did very great hurt. Finally Berengarius remaining victorious, he obtained the kingdom of Italy: and as writings do mention, he took and put out the Emperor Ludovicus eyes, who had thither conducted his army. At that time also, to the end that no calamity might be wanting, the Saracenes, Affrikans & Hungares horribly wasted and spoiled italy. And for that the estate of Italy, so fair a region was thus miserable and bloody under the Berengareiss, Hugo. Rudolphus, Lotharius, Albertus and certain others, and that the Emperor Ludovicus was disseassed in these hurlieburlies: the Almains, and chiefly the Saxons, offered the Empire to Otho prince of Saxony & of Turing. But he being then of great age, persuaded them to elect Conrad Duke of Franconie. Conrad Duchess Emperor. Who being in the estate did almost all things by the counsel of Otho. Moreover Otho being dead, and he himself lying sore sick, he called together the chiefest of the nobility, and desired them to acknowledge Henry Otho's son, for Emperor, who at that time was absent. This is that Henry which is commonly surnamed the Byrder. So then we see how the splendour and dignity of the Empire hath been transferred from the Frenchmen & from the house of Charlemagne unto the house of Saxony. These two Emperors, Conrad and Henry were not consecrated (as they call it) by the bishop of Rome: and therefore divers omit them without making any mention. As touching Henry, it is said that he neglected the ceremony of sacring which the Pope offered him, saying that the judgements and voice of honest and good men did suffice him. Prudence & clemency of the Emperor. On a certain time after Arnulphus the wicked, Duke of Bavieres, sought to make himself Emperor: in such sort that the two armies being in readiness encamped nigh unto Rentzburgh. But the Emperor demanded to speak unto the Duke particularly: and declaring unto him how he was elected Emperor by many people of germany, admonishing him also not to put so many thousands of men in danger, amongst whom divers were innocent, and ignorant of the cause of the war: He mollified him in such sort that weapon was laid down on both sides. Burchartus Duke of Swain did also rebel. But being feared by the emperors power, he yielded unto him. The Hungares spoiled again the country of saxony. But the taking of their Duke did cause them to promise truce for nine years. The Emperor moreover having mustered his people warred upon the Dalmates, took by assault the town of Prague and Wenceslaus their Duke, and made Bohemia become tributorye unto him. He wan a great victory over the Hungares, who rushed into saxony, the time of truce expired: and distributed unto the poor the tribute that the Saxons paid them. His purpose was for to go unto Rome: but being let and stopped by sickness he declared Otho his eldest son, successor of the Empire. Otho first of the name. He made long time war against the Bohemyans who did rebel. He slew and put to flight the Hungares about Worms: who had passed the Rheyne and were entered into Franconye there for to oppress the Country of saxony. He subjecteth Bourgonye. From thence he marched into italy with a mighty army, and having defeycted the Berengares he took there another wife named Adelheida. Where with Luitholdus his son being displeased began to lay wait and Ambushements to entrap him, having divers that put to their helping hands: and amongst others Conrad Duke of Swain his brother in law. But being narrowly besieged at Rentzburgh by his father, he Humbly demanded pardon & obtained it. After these things, the Hungares having oppressed and wasted France, rushed into Germany in greater multitude than ever and encamped nigh unto Ausbourg in the plain which borroweth her name of the flood of Lech. The Emperor went and encountered them therewith the Saxons, Francons Swanes, them of Baviers and of Bohomia: and after fierce and doubtful battle he made such slaughter of the enemies, that there remained very few. He caused also certain of their Princes to he hanged. He being returned into saxony, where he gave order unto the affairs, he took again his journey into Italy: but before his departure he declared Otho his son compaynion and adherant of the Empire. Otho displaceth the Pope. When he was arrived at Rome he held a counsel, at the which he presided: and displaced john the xii. for his crimes, in whose place he ordained Leo the eight of that name. There is found a certain decree of him which is enclosed in the right Canon, Priveleges of the Emperor. where by the example of Adrianus the first he sayeth he doth confer unto the Emperor Otho and to his successors the power to elect the Pope, to ordain the Apostolic sea, & to confirm the bishops. Likewise he ordaineth most grievous punishment unto them that consecrate the Bishops without the approbation of the Emperor. Behold here another decree contrary unto certain of the above specified. After followeth the manner of the oath, by the which they say that the Emperor Otho was bound unto Pope john. But it is not added who was that john and the how many of that name, nor how many that Otho was. Truly it is marvel that so great things & of such importance have been so negligently put in writing. If it be so that Otho did thus swear his reprochers have reason. For seeing that in the oath whereof we spoke, he amongst other things sweareth that he will not put the Pope's life in danger, nor take from him his honour and dignity: how will this agree with this that he displaced john from his estate, according as we have said, and placed another? Accord these matters who can. Otho made the third voyage into Italy through the tumults and dissensions that were there. And having all appeased he took his way homewards. But he died at the beginning of May and was buried at Magdebourg the year of salvation nine hundredth seventy four. He is called Great for the greatness of his arts, and singular virtue. Otho the second. Henry Duke of Baviers was rebellious unto Otho the second: but he was brought to obedience by force of arms. Lotharius was then king of France: the brother of whom named Charles the Emperor made Duke of Lorraine, on charge and condition, that he should be vassal of the Empire. For the Emperor Henry had obtained this Province of the king of France Charles the simple, as the Annals mention, and left it unto his successors by Lineal descent. Lotharius being disposed therewith put incontinently his army in the feyld, and came with all speed to Aix in Duchland, & went not far ere he suppressed the Emperor, who looked not well to his defence. The Emperor assembled his fouldiours, fully determined to venge this outrage, & marched even unto Paris and finally made peace after great hurt & slaughter done on both sides. He being returned drew to Rome, and made war upon the greeks, Otho taken by the sea robbers. who held Calabria and Puel. But his army was discomfited, and he fled by sea: where he was taken by Pirates, and afterwards delivered for a certain sum of monnie, because he was unknown. He returned then to Rome, and besieged Beneventum with the remnant of his army: and finally took it and brunt it. Shortly after he was hurt with a dart in a certain battle against the Greeks and Saracenes, whereof he died, and was buried at Rome. Otho the third. At the consent of the Princes, Otho his son succeeded him, who was Crowned at Aix in Ducheland. He ordained Bruno to be Pope, who was a Ducheman: and was named Gregory the fift. But Crescentius Consul of Rome stirred him up for adversary john bishop of Placentia. The Emperor than came to Rome, and punished Crescentius and his companions with a terrible and shameful punishment: and put out the eyes of john the seventeenth of that name. And for because that there was always dissension for the succession of the Empire, he ordained by the pope's help, that from thence forth certain princes of Germany should have the right and authority to elect the Emperors: for fear lest that any in the time to come should attain to this dignity, as by inheritance. The seven electors of the Empire instituted. This decree was made about a thousand years after the nativiry of Christ. Robert was then king of france, a lover of peace & of letters. The Annals do renown him for that he built divers Temples, unto the which he gave great revenues, Robert king of France. and that he went a pilgrimage unto Rome. The Emperor Otho did confer the royal dignity and franches unto Bolellaus Duke of Polonia, as it is in their Annals. This then is the beginning of that kingdom. Otho died in returninig from Italy. Henry the second of that name was Emperor after him, Henrye the second. who was Duke of Bavieres next kinsmen of Otho the Great, of the Duke of saxony and of the Emperor. He appeased the affairs in Germany, and drew to his friendship a part of the enemies by singular humanity: the other part was discomfited by him. Which done he passed into italy, and having plucked the country of Puel from the hands of the Saracenes, he restored it to the Empire. Afterwards he was crowned by Benedictus the eight: & sending his host into Germany, he took his way by Bourgony, and communed with Robert King of France, and they confirmed their amity together. This Emperor was greatly in the favour of the Churchmen, because he was very beneficial unto them. Henry being dead, the Empire was vacant a certain time, because that the Prince's electors did not agree. At length Conrad Duke of Franconie was elected. Conrad Emperor. He brought Stephan king of Hungaria to agreement and conditions of peace. And having given order unto the affairs of Germany, he drew into Italy where divers were ready to revolt. At the first entry he assaulted Milan: and from thence passed to Rome where he was consecrated by john the xviii, and was saluted Augustus by the acclamations of the people. He appeased Italy after punishment made of the tumult raisers. notwithstanding being returned into Germany, he was constrained to make the second voyage in Italy, for the new troubles that were burst forth: where he did justice upon the authors of the conspiraty (amongst whom was the archbishop of Milan) and ceased not till he had reducted all under his obedience. These things finished & being returned, he died at Vtrec, which is a town in the confines of Holland. His son Henry the third of that name succeeded him by the consent of the princes. Henry the third. He subdued the Bohemiens who rebelled, and made them become tributory. He re-established Peter king of Hungary whom his subjects had on a certain time banished: and pacified the whole country, not without great loss of his men. At that time great tempests were raised at Rome, by reason that three did contend who should be pope, Three at strife who should be Pope. and did aspire there unto by all unlawful means. These were Benedictus the ninth, Silvester the third, and Gregory the sixth. The Emperor went thither for to give order: and having laid siege before Rome, ●e took it by force. Afterwards having made assembly of the estates, he ordained Suitgerus bishop of Bamberg to be Pope, who changed his name, and was called Clemens the second: of whom also the Emperor was crowned. Then the citizens of Rome did again swear, that in the election of the Pope they would do nothing but what should please the Emperor. Italy being again appeased, and the Emperor returned into Germany, Pope Clemens died, and was buried at Bamberg. This known, the Emperor ordained Boppo bishop of Frisingen to be Pope. It is he who was named Damasus the second, and lived in the estate but xxiii. days. Wherefore the bishop of Tulles Leo the ninth succeeded him by the commandment of the Emperor. A Pope or little abode. There is found the remnant of a certain epistle of him, where he saith that it is not lawful for a bishop, priest, nor Deacon, to leave his wife for religion sake: but that reason requireth he should nourish her, not so notwithstanding that it is lawful for him to have her compainye, seeing that saint Paul saith that it is lawful for him aswell as unto the other Aposties, to lead a wife hither & thither. The which he interpreteth in this sense, that the Apostles have had always their wives with them, to the end that they should be nourished with their husbands by them whom the said husbands did instruct in the religion of Christ: & not for to lie together and exercise the act of matrimony: and that by reason thereof Paul did use this word of leading to & fro and not of embracing. The Emperor presedeth at the Counsel. The year. M. L. Leo departed from Rome & came to Mensae, where he held a counsel of xlii. Bishops, at the which the Emperor preseded. He being dead three years after, at the consent of the Emperor the bishop of Eistet succeaded him. He was named Victor the ii The Emperor went into Italy, & having there set all things in order he returned into Germany. Afterwards having communed with the French king Henry the first of that name, he died in saxony, and was buried at Spire. The Pope & divers princes were assistant at his death. He had a very young son named Henry, who notwithstanding was already before elected Emperor wherefore the charge did he upon his mother, and upon the bishop of Ausbourg. Shortly after Pope Victor the second diseased, having preseded a little above two years. Fridericus of the house of Lorraine, named Stephan the ninth, succeeded him: who a few months after died at Florence. And here upon one Benedictus the tenth of that name did usurp the Popedom, without the emperors leave, by the help of his men. The romans did mislike this fact, therefore they sent an Ambassador for to purge them, offering the Emperor to keep like fidelity towards him as they did unto his father, praying him that he would ordain a lawful Pope. This understood the Emperor displaced this Benedictus, and appointed them Gerardus Bishop of Florence, who was called Nicolas the second. Benedictus usurpeth the Popedom and is shortly after displaced by Henry the Emperor. The Princes of Germany did take great displeasure that the public weal was governed by a woman the emperors mother. Wherefore they consulted to take her son from her. Which done the administration fell upon the archbishops of Mensae and of Coloigne before all others. They sometimes used the aid of Adelbertus the archbishop of Breme, who was very a agreeable unto the young Emperor. He being so far in favour and governing all, he addicted to himself & to his the church goods, and chief the abbeys. Notwithstanding to the end he might be the less hated, he persuaded the Emperor to bequyeth them also unto other Princes. In the mean while Nicolas the second died, unto whom the Emperor substituted the bishop of Parme: but forasmuch as he did communycate nothing unto the Roman Senate, and that here through great troubles wear like to be raised, the bishop of Lucens was elected, and was called Alexander the second. They strove together earnestly: Two pope's fight together. but finally Alexander had the upper hand by force of arms. Whilst the Archbishop of Breme governed all about the Emperor, the other Bishops his companions bore deadly hatred against him who at length drove him out of the court. And albeit that he was re-established in his estate, notwithstanding he lived not long after. The Emperor being constrained by necessity, because that divers did complain of the estate of the public weal, prayed Anon Archbishop of Coloigne to take the charge of the public weal. But he perceiving that many things were done insolently and wickedly, excused himself upon his old age, and for that he was sickly: Wherefore he rendered unto him the charge. Then the young Emperor being at the age of. XXII. years, and naturally inclined unto vice, Evil government of the Emperor. began to loss himself the bridle. And because that he bore no affection unto his wife Bertha, he nourished great store of concubines. Afterwards making many strong holds in saxony, he thought to bring them of the country into bondage In the mean while he did not repress his officers, who did sundry whoredoms & insolences. They then of Saxony, aswell nobles as Bishops, did consult together to maintain their liberty, and put themselves in arms, the which scarcely they would lay down after great intercession made, when that the Emperor had satisfied their requests. He flying away by night, escaped with great difficulty. H●dedrand Necromancien & wicked Pope. After the disease of Alexander the second, the Lords of Rome did substitute Hildebrand without the advise of the Emperor and without his consentment: who was named Gregory the vii of that name. This known the Emperor made complaint by letters, and forthwith admonished the Pope to satisfy him as touching the said fact. The Pope made answer that against his will and without his expectation, he was drawn to that office, neither would he have accepted that estate before that he and the other Princes of Germany should have had approved the election. By this means he pacified the Emperor, and was since confirmed by his consentment. Afterwards he sent certain bishops Ambassadors into germany, by whom he would have held a counsel. But the Bishops of the said nation would not consent thereunto, aledging that to be against the custom and privilege of the country. Wherefore in as much as he could not bring this his purpose to pass, he held certain counsels in Italy in the which he forbade that Priests should have wives, but that they should either demisse them, Marriage forbedden unto Priests. or else forego their places. He sent unto the Bishops of Germany this his decree: and charged upon pain that it should be ratified and approved. But the clergy, as they call them, and the whole band of priests did stoutly and firmly withstand the same calling him Heretic, because he did put forth so wicked an ordinance: seeing that Christ had said that all were not capable of this word, Strife for the Marriage of Priests. and that the saying of Paul was, let them marry that cannot abstain. This man on the contrary little regarding the word of Christ, and despising (say they) the authority of Paul will constrain men to forsake the use of lawful marriage and established of God, for to kindle vile and unhonest flames, and to run headlong into manifest infamies. On their part they had rather forego the ministry of the Church then to be deprived of Matrimony. This Pope notwithstanding ceased not to urge his affairs by messengers and did so straightly press on that the archbishop of Mensae did mind to obey him. He first of all gently admonished his subjects. And afterwards he held the counsel at Erphurd, where he thought to accomplish the commandment. But little wanted it that he was not slain in the tumult which did arise. Henry Emrour agaist the Saxons. In the mean while the Emperor minding to avenge the ignominy and shame of the year past, when the Saxons had so narrowly assaulted him that he was constrained for his safeguard to fly away by night, put himself in arms, & the treatise of peace of the former year being broken, he gathered as many men as he could possible. The army being in readiness he went and set upon the Saxons, who had sent unto him divers Ambassadors to entreat for peace and defected them not without great slaughter of his: for the most part of the nobility remained on the feyld. After the victory he went on further and proyed their country, requiring them by herauds to yield themselves, and to look for all gentleness and clemency at his hands. But he obtained nothing, albeit that certain did obey thereunto. The Bishop of Halberstat, with Bucco and Otho Duke of Bavieres, who was defected of the Emperor, conducted this war of Saxony. The Archbishop of Mensae was in such wife solicited of Gregory the seventh, that he held another counsel, where again he propounded of the singleness of the clergy, but he was excepted as of late, & was in great danger of his life: wherefore he purposed to meddle no more therewith. The Emperor had broken his army, and sent back the Princes that were come to his succour, after the discomfitour of the Saxons: but under condition that they should arrive towards him all in arms the xxiiii of October. The day come divers were there present, and amongst them a great many of Bishops, but not in such number as before. There again the Saxons being encamped before Northuse, sent Ambassadors for to obtain peace. Unto whom the Emperor answered that they could by no means have peace, unless they did yield themselves unto his devotion. The Saxons albeit they knew what was better to be done then to accord thereunto, notwithstanding because that many great Lords advanced of the Emperor and sent by him, did conduct the affair, and promised them mountains and wonders, to wit that neither their liberty nor their goods should be minished, at length they consented: and there became subject unto him the Bishops of Magdebourg and of Halberstat, The Saxons yield. Otho duke of Bavieres, the great duke of Saxony Fridericus Palatinus, with divers gentlemen. The Emperor at the beginning put them in sufficient honest guard: but afterwards breaking the covenants, he caused them to be led hither and thither into sundry places. Since, he not only delivered Otho Duke of Bavieres, but also took him into great familiarity. As touching the residue he delivered them not: and besides this he gave their goods in pray to others. Moreover he built new bulwarks and strong holds, in such sort that he held his foot, as it were, upon the Saxons throats, and had almost utterly destroyed their liberty. In his absence he gave the whole administration unto Otho of Bavieres, who was issued out of Saxony. Furthermore he ordained a Bishop unto them of Bamberg & of Coloigne and an abbot unto them of Fulden. He had been already accused unto the pope, of this chief that he sold the ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Wherethrough it befell that the Pope did summon him by his Ambassadors, The Emperor summoned by the Pope. that within a certain day he should appear in Rome for to plead his cause. He on the other side made an assembly of Bishops & Abbates at worms, wherein it was concluded through consideration of the wicked practices by that which Hildebrand attained to be Pope, that he should be displaced. Which was published at Rome by Ambassadors. The Pope was nothing astonished therewith: yea so little that he feigned not to excommunicate the Emperor, The Emperor excommunicated by the Pope. with the Bishops of Mensae, of Utter, and of Bamberg chief: provided that before he had excommunicated certain of the emperors familiars through whose councils he thought him to be incited to enterprise such things. Now it came to pass that certain Princes of Germany being grievously offended with the manner & doings of the Emperor, chief for that against his faith he did pursue the Saxons with so deadly an hatred, conspired against him so much the more boldly in that he was excommunicated: and under this title let go the captives that were yielded, and of whom the Emperor had given them the custody: assuring themselves that they were no more bound unto the Emperor for any former oath. The Prince's rebel against the Emperor. At the same time certain nobles of Saxony having conspired and drawn the residue to take their parts, took the strong holds that had been built: whereof some they took by force and power, other some rendered and yielded up, and let go the soldiers that were there in ward whole and safe, after they had taken oath of them, that from thenceforth they should not bear weapon against the country of Saxony. This known, the Emperor by a certain subtility, did willingly demisse the Princes that he held captive, to the end that they being returned into Saxony, should faithfully aid him to punish the rebels. For he saw that there was no better way to attain to his purpose, then to sow dyssentions amongst them, and to separate them one from another. Subtility against subtility. But fortune failed him, and it befell clean contrary. For they being refourned home, and knowing his disposition, did deliberate to unite their powers and courages, to the end to fight for their liberty. Duke Otho did the like and forsook him. Now the Emperor filled with good hope, passing though Bohemia, and aided with the soldiers of the country, was entered within the region of Misenum, where having received news of the common accord of the Saxons, and of the army even then in all readiness, he losing all hope departed thence. Then the Princes of Germany came together in a very great number on a certain day that was assigned. Thither also arrived the Pope's Ambassador. He having declared the causes for the which the Emperor was excommunicated, incited them to elect another: the which they would not have let to have done of their own accord. An assembly for to displace the Emperor. For they, remembering the emperors life from his childhood, called him the spot, shame and dishonour of the Empire: and agreed that he ought to be displaced because of the great damages and hurts that he had done to the Empire. He being in such distress, began to entreat and make requests by his Ambassadors. But after divers proceedings, these conditions were propounded unto him: Hard conditions. he should represent himself in justice, and should submit himself unto the judgement of the Pope, whom they would cause to come to Ausbourg about the first day of February. He should demand and obtain absolution before that the year of the excommunication be expired. If he do it not, he shall lose wholly his cause. He should break his army. The mean while he should live privately at Spire with small train, not meddling with any public affair. He should not have his guard, and should not bear any sceptre, nor any other mark of the Empire, until such time as the Process should be void. The Emperor accepted these conditions: and as he was at Spire, it came in his brain to go into Italy, for to appease the Pope in Good tyme. He put himself then in journey with his wife and his little son, in the sharppest of the winter: The miserable usage of the Emperor. and passing through Bourgony and Savoy with great dyfficulty and danger of his life, at length he came into Italy, where the Princes and bishops of the Country lovingly accepted him, supposing that he was thither come in displeasure against the Pope. In the mean while the Pope had taken his journey at the request of the Princes of Germany, and being already gone on wards a little way, he was advertyssed of the emperors coming. Therefore he stayed to know the cause. Here upon the Emperor hastened forth a gorgeous and honourable embassage, in the which were certain noble women, of whom one of them (as the common report goeth) was a little to much at the Pope's commandment. He prayed that he would voutsaufe to give him absolution. The Pope at the beginning made the matter very strange, saying that he could do nothing, unless the accusers were present. But after long process he was won by supplications, and agreed thereunto. Howbeit before that ever the Emperor could have entrance unto him, The ignominius homage of the Emperor unto the Pope. he remained three whole days in the court and gate of the castle where the Pope was, clothed very simply, with out any mark or appearance of Emperor, bare foot, and without drinking or eating until night. The fourth day finally he was admitted, & then the Pope propounded unto him these laws: he should represent himself to be examined, he should answer unto the accusations of the Princes. If he were convicted he should for go the Empire & should not conspire any vengeance. The mean while he should live as a private man, and should do nothing in public person He should quite his subjects of their faith and oath. He should put from him his counsellors and familiar friends. If he do any thing to the contrary, the grace which is now showed unto him shallbe of no value: and it shallbe in the liberty of the Princes to substitute incontinently another. These laws being approved of the Emperor the Pope made him ready to say mass: and for to purge himself of the crimes imputed unto him, he swallowed the unleavened bread, or the cake which they call Corpus Domini, & giving himself unto a thousand thousand devils if all wear not feigned and invented by his adversaries, The parterie of Hildebrand. he exhorted the Emperor, that if on his part he thought the accusations of the Princes to be false & that he had wrong done unto him, that according to his example he should swallow the other morsel of the bread consecrated. But as the Emperor did excuse himself saying that he could not well so do, the Pope did no more press upon him: but having made him a feast, he gave him leave very courtuously. This being known, the great lords of Italy were greatly offended for that the Emperor had so vilely and unhonestly submitted himself unto him who by wicked practices had usurped the Papacy, who had filled and polluted all with murders and adulteries. The Emperor the altar and defence of laws. They had put all their hope in him, who is the protector of justice, the altar and defence of laws: and had not only contemned the excommunication, but also were sore animated against the pope for his sake: now hath done an act for ever unhonest, hath filed and defamed the Empire with aspote that can never be washed away, being reconciled with the enemy aswell of the Church as of the public weal. These and such like rumours did run amongst them: and not rumours only, but also they were minded to elect the emperors Nephew and to bring him to Rome for to displace the Pope. The Emperor being informed of these things saw no way more expedient for to appease them, then to break the covenant and to join himself with them. Which doing he broke the Pope's enterprises, so that he was constrained to leave of his journey which he had taken towards Germany. He than not able to do any other thing, declared unto the Princes of germany by Ambassadors that which had been done and exhorted them to look unto the public weal. Rudolphus elected against Henry. This be fell the year a thousand seventy seven. The Princes then elected Emperor Rudolphus Duke of Swain: who was consecrated by the Bishop of Mensae. Henry returning into Germany gathered soldiers, the which did Rudolphus also: who trusted chief upon the secure of the Saxons. But at the third conflict he was so sore hurt that he lived not long after. This victory won, Henry assembled the estates at Brixne, where it was decreed by the Bishops that there were, aswell Italians as Germains, that Gregory was not lawful Bishop of Rome: wherefore the Archbishop of Ravenna was put in his place, Pope Victor against Hildebrand. and named Victor the third. This decree made the Emperor draw to Rome, and assaulted Gregory: who found means to escape, and fly away. The Emperor confirmed Victor the third, and was crowned by him. Gregory being dead, Vrbanus the second, who was the next after him, came to Clermount in Awergne, where there was an assembly of divers great Lords, at such time as Philip the first of that name reigned in France. There he persuaded the war against the Saracenes: The Counsel at Clermount. whereof afterwards Godfrey of Bullon was head, who prospered in divers enterprises, and recovered jurusalem. paschal, Vrbanus successor, was also the emperors enemy, who minding by reason hereof to take voyage into italy. He appointed his Son to be his successor. He being pushed of others, and having forgot the duty which naturally is engraffed in us, The son against the father. brought his Father into extreme dystreasse, and constrained him to forego the Empire, having the Pope and divers Princes of Germany that set to their helping hands. He was then Emperor the fifth of that name, whose Father died afterwards in great misery in the Town of Liege. Certain years after he marched into Italy with a mighty army, for to accord the variance that was between the public weal of the Empire and the papacy: Henrye the fifth. and making himself way be force of arms, finally came to Rome. The Emperor conferred the benefices, Now since Constantyne, the Emperors did confer the ecclesiastical honours and dignities. The which at length vexed the Popes that were become rich. And for as much as they thought the thing unreasonable, they stirred up divers innimities against the Emperors. This Emperor than demanded out of hand his right and authority: whereof was raised a great tumult at Rome, in such sort that the Emperor was awaked by night, for to secure his men speadelye, who wear slain of the enemies on all sides. When the seditious were defeyted, he took Paschal the second, and did not let him departed before that he had satisfied him, Pope Phascal taken by the Emperor. and made alliance and agreed. But assoon as the Emperor was returned into Germany, the Pope broke the oath which he had made by most holy words, and excommunicated the Emperor. Pope Phascal breaketh his oath. This offered occasion of rebellion unto many princes of germany, & chief unto him of Mensae. The Emperor being returned into Italy sent Ambassadors unto the Pope for to make peace: but as that was a doing, the Pope diseassed, and Gelasius the second succeeded him. The Emperor not content for that no mention was made unto him of the election, The Pope and the Emperor are excommunicated came to Rome, and ordained another. Gelasius being driven out excommunicated the Emperor and the Pope that he had constituted. And forasmuch as his Ambassadors solicited them of Germany for to revolt, the Emperor was enforced to retire homeward. The mean while Gelasius died, in whose place the Romans elected Calixtus the second. He displaced him whom the Emperor had created in despite of Gelasius and by the means of certain he agreed with the Emperor. Lotharius the third of that name succeeded Henry the fifth, Lotharius the third. who was of the house of the Duke's of Saxony, Conrad Duke of Swain made war upon him, being disposed that the Empire was returned unto the Saxons: and went into italy for to usurp the Realm whilst Lotharius should possess germany. But being destitute of succour, he returned and made peace with the Emperor. Innocent the ii was then Pope at Rome, who had Anacletus to his adversary: and for as much as Anacletus was of a great house, Innocent was constrained to forego the place. Notwithstanding having required them perours aid, he was re-established. The Emperor being returned into Germany, and having there ordered his affairs, he took again his way into Italy with a great army, where he sacked certain rebellious towns, and amongst others Ancone and Spoletum. He drove Roger king of Sicill out of Puel and out of the land of Lavor: in such sort that since Charlemagne there is found no Emperor that hath done more enterprises in Italy. It is said that at that time the civil law (which we have said to have been gathered together by the commandment of justinian, and which since had been put in oblivion through the tumults of war) was called again into light. The civil law restored Henry surnamed the proud, was then duke of Baviers, & duke of Saxony by contract of marriage, because that he was the emperor Lotharius son in law. He coveting the Empire, & having conspired sundry things against the Emperor, was banished, & his possessions parted & given unto others. But Henry recovered the country of Saxony: and as he drew towards Baviers, he died, leaving a little son, for whose sake the Saxons rebelled against the Emperor. And moreover, Welpho (the brother of Henry diseassed) conquered with sword the country of Baviers, & drove out Lupoldus whom the Emperor had made lord of the country. We have a little before said, Roger king of Sicilia. that th'emperor did thrust out Roger king of Sicilia. But he taking opportunity of this that Germany was so troubled, set upon Sicilia, & defeated the emperors lieutenant. Afterwards he incited Welpho by means of great promises to offer always occasions of war unto the said Emperor & so to keep him occupied. The king of Hungary, who also feared him did the like. And as the Emperor thought to go into Italy, having all things in readiness, he died at Bamberg. And Conrad duke of Swain succeeded him, Conrad Emperor. who went a warfare against the Saracenes: but having lost his army, returned home where he ended his life. Fridericus redbeard the first of that name, Fridericus redbeard. his nephew and duke of Swain, was Emperor after him, a man of noble industry. He in the beginning of his reign appeased the princes of Germany, and took away the variance that was touching Saxony & Baviers. Afterwards went into Italy with a great army: where he chastised them of Verone for that they had contemned him: and for example he caused certain of the chief to be hanged. About Placentia he commanded all the princes vassals of the Empire to make him watch. He besieged Milan, broke down Ast, destroyed Dertone. Being arrived at Rome, he was crowned of Adriane the fourth. He suppressed the citizens that did rebel, overthrew Spolet and made great slaughter. He subdued the Lumbards': and having surmounted the ambushmentes which they of Verone had laid for him, returned into Germany. He punished ignominiously the Prince Palatine, who in his absence had stirred up troubles and debates. He made the duke of Bohemia king. The mean while the milan did divers wrongs unto their neighbours and re-established Dartone, that the Emperor had destroyed. Therefore he returned with a great army and vanquished the milan by the aid of them of Cremone, The Milan's rebel against the Emperor. Pavia and of Noaire. The town being taken pardon was granted unto the common sort at the request of the Princes of Germany, who had been required of them. All Lombardy being brought again in to obedience, & the town of Milan ordered by his policy, he went unto other people thereabouts. But after his departure the milan rebelled, & contemning the laws that he had made, destroyed the forts & bulwark by him built. Again he returned & spoiled the whole country, putting all to sack that appertained unto them. In the mean time great conspiraties were kindled against him in Italy: & the pope Adrianus of whom we have spoken, was a doer herein: who died being fully minded to excommunicate him. The Emperor came into Italy the third time, The town of Milan ouerthrowo● and raised up the foundation of Milan: made the author & of the rebellion to be beheaded: and sent in exile the rest of the people. Afterwards having laid siege before Rome, he lost the most part of his army by contagious sickness. Wherefore he raised the siege, and left garrison of men in Toscane, at Spolet, Ancone & Ravenna, apoynting men at his pleasure who should govern the public weal. This done he took his way into Germany. After the disease of pope Adrianus, two did strive for the popedom. These two were Victor & Alexander the third. The Emperor was more affectioned to Victors: but Alexander excommunicateth his adversary, Strife for the popedom. & after as the quarrel did inflame he did the like unto the Emperor. The milan seeing the opportunity did rebel, and drove the emperors lieutenants from divers places of Italy, of whom they hanged certain. The Emperor being returned into Italy, fought against them unknowing who had the better. The Pope companion of arms did fly to Venice. At length there was truce between them: & the Emperor took in hand the voyage of Asia against the enemies of the christian religion: where he was drowned by the rudeness of a river, into the which he cast himself for to swim. Fridericus redbeard drowned. His son Henry the vi of that name succeeded him. He came the second time into Italy, after the disease of William king of Sicilia, son of Roger, where he conquered Puel & Calabria, took also Naples & subdued Sicilia leaving there great garrison because of the unstableness of the men of that country. Then he ordained governors at Ravenna & Ancone, in Puel & Toscane. Afterwards at the consent of the princes of Germany, having declared Fridericus his son, than a child, successor of th'empire, he went into Sicilia where he ended his life. And because that Fridericus was to young, divers were of opinion to have Philip his uncle take the place. But pope Innocent the third stiffly wythstood it. This division of the Princes stirred up also great tumults, for that some of them did elect Philip, other some Otho duke of Saxony. The great tempest was chief near the Rhine. But Philip so behaved the matter, partly by arms, partly by singular humanity, Philip Emperor slain in his chamber. Otho emp. that he brought his adversaries to reason: & then made peace with the Pope, whom he had tried to be his enemy even to the uttermost. Afterwards he was slain in his chamber, & the abovesaid Otho duke of Saxony succeeded him, who entered in the Pope's displeasure, albeit that before he had been his friend as much as could be possible. Briefly he was excommunicated by him: & the prince's electors (solicited of the said Pope for to elect another) held their assembly: & called from Sicilia Fridericus son of Henry the vi unto whom they had sworn when he was yet a child, as we have said herebefore. The Emperor Otho came with his army to encounter him near the Rhine, for to stop him of his way. But he was driven back in such sort, that being returned into Saxony he died of displeasure, as it is thought. By this means Fridericus the ii of that name was Emperor, unto whom Fridericus The Emperor lover of peace, sought the same by Ambassadors which at length with great difficulty he obtained, afterwards he returned into Germany. An outrageous Pope The Pope who could not change his nature, wasted Viterbe, & again excommunicated the Emperor. Who being greatly moved therewith returned into Italy very furiously, & punished all the rebels through Toscane, Vmbrie & the side of Pavia. By reason whereof the Pope redoubled his excommunication, & joined in league with the Venetians. The Emperor foraging through Italy, & having brought almost all unto his obedience, came & encamped before Rome: and as these things were a doing Pope Gregory died, who a little before had called them that took his part unto the counsel at Ravenna: whether they could not arrive, because that the Emperor kept the ways stopped, and that also he had taken certain. Thauthour of the decretals. This is that Gregory who collected the Epistles named decretals, which is the greatest part of the right Canon, loaded with great store of commentaries. Wherein a man may greatly marvel, that there are men, who apply & addict themselves wholly unto writings evil adapted, unorderly placed, and less prudently or religiously (let me not say worthy of mockedge & derision) as if they were oracles from heaven, and employ all their labour & industry to interpret and expound them: The folly of the canonists. so that they seem to be hired for to defend by their watches and travails another's foolishness and error, and for to lose all shame in another's inpudencie. That which they call the decree of Gracianus containeth among other things in divers places, The impieties of Gratianus decree. that the rule of the romain church ought to be followed of all, because that it is the seat of S. Peter: that it is not lawful to hold a counsel without the pope's permission that the laws of the romain church ought to be observed, fully as much as if they were pronounced by the mouth of S. Peter: the yoke and bondage which the romain church doth put upon any, yea albeit it were not tolerable, aught to be borne: the ministers of the church ought to vow chastity, for fear that they marry not: and to be lawful unto him that hath no wife to have a concubine: Whoredom permitted. that the pope who is slack & careless in his estate, hurteth aswell himself as others. But not withstanding he can be judged of any, because that he judgeth the whole world: that the emperor ought to be under the pope and not above: that all other men are judged of men, but that the pope S. Peter's successor is judged only of God: that it is lawful unto the pope to absolve the people of the faith and oath which they own unto their Prince. Amongst other things there is in the epistles decretals of Gregory, in the Sixtes of Bonifacius, in the Clementines and extravagantes (as they call them) that the pope's authority is not subject unto the Decrees of the Counsel, that it appertaineth unto the said Pope to approve the Emperor elected, or to reject him if he be not fit or apt: that there are two great lights which govern the world, to wit the Sun and the Moon, & that the pope is in place of the Sun, & the Emperor in place of the Moon: that it is lawful unto bishops to give pardon unto them, that are fallen into adultery or other crimes, but where question is of the privileges of the romain church, none other ought to take knowledge thereof but the pope: that the bones of the excommunicated, already buried aught to be taken up and cast far of: that it is in the pope's power to put the emperor from besides his estate & dignity: that the Emperor is bound to promise faith and fide litie by oath unto the pope: that the church men must be free & discharged from all charges, troubles & hindrances: that a man may be pronounced an heretic after his death, & his goods confiscate: that the children of heretics ought not to be received into any dignity either civil or ecclesiastical: that for to be saved it necessarily behoneth that all should be subject unto the pope. There is no man of sound judgement that seeth not what these few articles be, which are taken from out of infinite others. The definition of the law (as most learned men say) is a singular reason engrafted in nature, Definition of the law. the which commandeth the things that ought to be done, and forbiddeth the contrary. Now every law ought to be referred unto the common utility: & the lawinaker ought to be affectioned towards the public weal, as the father towards his children: but who seeth any such like in the things above said? Now I pray you what folly is this (without speaking any sharplier) not only to excuse them, The villainy of the popish laws. but also to deck, adorn and illustrate them with new commentaries, and to be careless what is said, so that their dignity be not lessened? If pride, covetousness, desire of authority, and ignorance of letters hath caused them to make such decrees: if they be of divers opinions, and will not be bound the one to the others laws, because that they are of like power: I pray thee why dost thou torment thyself for to accord overthwart and contrary things? I omit this sea, or rather filthy pump, to wit the part of the right Canon which containeth the traffic & merchandise of benefices (as they call them) and other ecclesiastical revenues. Traffic of benefices. For who can number the deceits & subtleties therein written? Even they truly who have a long time thereto employed their study, & are daily occupied in them, do not understand nor know them all: seeing that day by day new are invented. But this argument would require other time and leisure, and also a whole book. Let us now return to our purpose. The king of France in Syria. The king of France Ludovicus the ninth of that name had pierced into Syria and Egypt, as well as the Emperor Fridericus: and afterwards died at the siege of Tunes, the year of salvation a thousand, two hundred three score and ten. In his reign William bishop of Paris propounded a question of ecclesiastical benefices. And after that the matter had been generally disputed upon, the opinion that it was not lawful for any to have more than one, Against pluralities of benefices. had the mastery. But it sufficeth that such ordinances be only recited and written. Innocent the fourth succeeded Gregory, who as by right of heritage entered in possession of the hatred against the Emperor. Wherefore he assigned a counsel at Lions, whereunto he summoned the Emperor: The Emperor summoned by the pope, and because he appeared not excommunicated him, depriving him of the dignity: exhorting therewithal the Princes of Germany to proceed to the election of another. This his decree is printed with certain others: also there are found sundry of th'emperors epistles written unto divers kings, by the which he declareth at large on the one side the wickedness of the pope, & on tother side his own innocency. He was minded to go to Lions, & to hazard himself: but that again there arose a commotion in Italy, whereagainst he employed all his force. But because that his affairs prospered ill, being returned into Puel, he fell sick; & finally died. Some say that he was poisoned, other say that he was strangled by Manfredus his bastard son, who afterwards possessed Italy. Azo jurisconsul was then in great fame, Azo juris. consul. after whom came this infinite band of writers, who having transgressed the act of the emperor justinian, no less grave than severe, have filled the world with innumerable books. Wherfrom now we must draw that which the ancient Doctors had most abundantly and most learnedly entreated. For they rob one another's wittings, and there is no end nor measure of their writing: and all is full of contrary opinions: infinite books of Legistes. in such sort that the saying of the old man (who had consulted with three advocates) may be here very properly applied: you have done well, said he, but I am in far greater doubt than I was before. I omit the cavillations that are forged daily more & more. Truly here is that accomplished which the Comedy saith by subtlety one evil doth engender another. Terrence in the comedy of Phorninon. Cicero complaineth that divers singular ordinances of laws are corrupted & depraved by the dispositions of jurisconsuls'. What would he now do if he lived, and saw these high piles of books, with our practice? If he saw this holy temple of laws to be so vilely polluted and so miserably profaned? Howbeit as God hath in our age brought again to light all arts, so he hath stirred up divers (who endued with good letters) have prosperously travailed herein, & do yet travail, Learned iurisconsuls'. for to reestablish in her beauty & equity this most excellent science & altogether necessary unto the society of men: which deserveth rather to be called an heavenly gift drawn from the midst of the fountains of Philosophy. For the which enterprise they are not only worthy of public praise, but also of reward. After the death of Fridericus, the Empire remained vacant almost xxii. years: albeit that now one & then another were elected: who could not have the government in that so troublesome a tyme. In the mean while the kingdom of Naples was plucked from the family of Fridericus, and put into the French men's hands: and afterward Sicilia also. For then the pope's did strengthen themselves with the succour & power of France: although that through occasion of these kingdoms great war were raised between the house of Arragon, & the house of Anion in France. But question is not thereof at this present. The public weal having a long time wavered in such sort as hath been said, Rudolphus Emperor. Rudolphus of Habspurg was elected Emperor: who in the beginning of his reign appeased the motions that were through Germanye. Afterwards having holden certain counsels or assemblies: he enuaded Ottacharus king of Bohemia, who did rebel, & constrained him to make peace under conditions, which he strait ways broke at the persuasion of his wife: and coming the second time to the conflict in Ostrich, remained slain in the field. Ladislaus king of Hungary aided the Emperor. Finally peace was concluded with the Bohemians by marriage making: and the Emperor gave Ostrich to Albertus his son which the king of Bohemia had possessed many years. The Emperor being letted with sundry affairs in Germany, did never take usage into Italy, neither had he any great mind thereunto. For it is said that on a certain time in sporting he recited the fable of the fox, The fable of the fore. who visited not the Lion that feigned himself sick in a cave, because that the trace of other beasts did astonish him, who were gone in thither and returned not. notwithstanding he appointed in Italy a Lieutenant and as it were a vice Emperor. Moreover it is said that he confirmed Flaminia and the Exarchshyp (whereof we have often times spoken) to the romain Church, because that no great profit did redound unto him from those places. For the Emperors were at length so wearied with the continual hatreds and inimities of Popes, that by little and little they became nice and of faint courage. Neither was it possible for them to have peace with the Popes, until such time as they had clean foregone all Italy. The pope's at length are masters over Emperors. And for as much as the pope's did lean up on the French men, and did many seditions by the the bishops of Germany, whom they alured: they came at length to th'end of that which they had a long time forethought & forecasted. It is here needful to put in memory the marvelous change of things come to pass, when they who had been preserved by the clemency of the Emperors, and by them had found the means to maintain themselves in their place & dignity, being magnified by their liberality & free gifts, have taken dominion over them, & also defrauded them of their patrimony. For not being content to have usurped the most part of Italy, they have strait bound unto them the Kings of Sicilia and of Naples: in such sort that these Kings pay them yearly tribute, and dare not accept the Imperial dignity without their licence: & do avow this by oath amongst other things, when by the pope's they are put in possession of the said kingdoms. The notable overthrow and sacking of the Frenchmen in Sicilia befell in Rudolphus time. For than they held this Isle: but because that according to the disordered manner of soldiers they did many insolences and whoredoms, they were all suppressed by a secret conspiraty, which was assigned when they roung unto evening service. The Evenings of Sicilia. This slaughter is commonly called the Evenings of Sicilia. And it fell in the year. M.CC.lxxxi. on Easter day. The Emperor Rudolphus set divers towns at liberty for money, the which before did appertain unto the Empire: to wit Boulogne the fat, Florence, Guenes, Luques, and others. Afterwards having assembled the Princes at Frankford, he could not have his request ratified, which was to elect Albertus his son to be his successor. He being dead Adolphus of the house Nansau succeeded him: Adolphus Emperor. who shortly after had great quarrel with Albertus' duke of Ostrich. And for as much as by his doings he fore displeased the princes of Germany, yea even him of Mensae, by whose means he was made Emperor: he was displaced, Albertus. & Albertus' duke of ostrich & son of Rudolphus put in his place. Who having made a levy of men, and being aided of the princes, went to encounter Adolphus. The conflict between them was about Spire, where Adolphus was grievously hurt, by Albertus and afterwards slain by the residue of the multitude. After this victory, Albertus minding to assure himself, and fearing least any should say that the first election was not rightly constituted, required again to be solemnly elected: the which was done, albeit that Pope Bonifacius the eight did say there against, and did not approve that which had been done of other princes. Shortly after as a great quarrel was moved between him & Philip the fair king of France, he confirmed him Emperor: & spoke marvelous things in the laud & praise of his house. At length Albertus was murdered of his kinsmen at such time as being furnished with all things he had put himself in journey for to bring the Bohemians to this point for to receive Fridericus his son to be their king. bonifacius the eight. This Bonifacius added unto the epistles decretals of Gregory the ix. contained in v. books, another book named the sixth. Amongst other things he ordained that it was lawful for the Pope to forego his estate. For it is said that by subtle and unlawful means he had persuaded that unto Celestinus the fifth his predecessor. After Albertus, Henry the seventh of that name, of the house of Luxembourg, Henry the seventh. came to the Empire. He found means to make john his son king of Bohemia, by marriage making: and drew into italy, whose estate was then most miserable. For since the death of the Emperor Fridericus the second, about fifty five years space, the Emperors made no count of Italy. wherethrough befell that it was marvelously re●t in pieces by them that were of most power, namely by the Gelphes and Gibellins: The Gelphes and Gibellins. the which two factions and seditions have many clients in those countries. He first then set governors through the towns and freedoms of Lombardy, & made the inhabitants swear unto him. Afterward having sojourned a certain time at Milan, he could not with his labour accord the factions whereof I have spoken. And forasmuch as Turrianus, went about to take him at unwares: after the conspiraty was disclosed and the adversaries repulsed, he gave the over sight & government of the town unto the viscount. All the towns of the country did yield unto his power and devotion: Brixe only rebelled, the which he took after long siege, & broke down the walls. From thence he passed by Genes & by Pisa for to go to Rome: where he was crowned by certain Cardinals, because that Pope Clement the v. had left the town, & being retired into France dwelled in Avignon. The pope's in Avignon. The Cardinals demanded of him the oath which they said aught to be made unto the Pope: but he refused it, & would not so make it that thereby he should be bound unto the Pope. The Pope hearing this, he declared afterwards at large this form of oath, for to increase always his power: and registered it with the other decrees which now remain. For he also composed divers laws which bear his name, The overthrow of the templiers. & are called Clementines. At this time the Templiers were with the same fury overthrown in an instant divers places. Philip the fair king of France took the most part of their goods by the Pope's permission: since their name and memory was condemned and at the counsel of Vienna, which was held in * A country in France so called. Dauphine, their possessions were given unto them who are called horsemen of the Rhodes. At this time also the university of Orleans was erected by the authority of king Philip and Pope Clement. After that the Emperor Henry was dead not without great suspicion of poison, and that he was buried at Pisa, sharp contentions were moved in Germany for the election. For Fridericus duke of Ostrich & son of the Emperor Albertus did contend for the principality with Ludovicus duke of Bavieres. Two Emperors crowned. The archbishop of Mensae crowned Ludovicus at Aix in germany, but the bishop of Coloigne, crowned Fridericus at Rome. Hereupon pope john the xxii. named them both Emperors: howbeit he was more affectioned on Fridericus side. Which was cause to inflame the hatred, so that they came even to take weapon in hand, and to give earnest battle near unto Eling a town of Swain. Nevertheless they departed from the conflict almost equal. Afterwards they fought yet again more fiercely in Bavieres: in the which battle Fridericus was taken, & the most part of his men put to the sword: but he was let go, and retired home, where certain years after he died. Ludovicus then having gotten the signory marched into Italy with his army, The Emperor Ludovicus, & that against the Pope's will. There he ordained Lieutenants through the towns and freedoms: & was crowned at Milan by the archbishop. Which done he sent Ambassadors into Avignon once or twice, for to be crowned solemnly: which forasmuch as he could not obtain, he having left order unto the affairs of Milan, took journey towards Rome. Where being arrived, he wanted no greetings and honour at his entrance: & was crowned by one or two Cardinals. Hereupon the pope did redouble his excommunication: wherethrough came to pass that by the counsel of the princes the Emperor created another Pope, so by his means there was a deadly hatred between them: The first tenths. & did impute great crimes the one unto the other. The Annals of France recite that Charles the fair son of Philip, permitted first of all unto pope john to levy tenths upon the ecclesiastical revenues: & that they should divide the booty between them: for the pope's purpose was no other, then to have pence against the Emperor. After the Emperors return into Germany, the pope died: whose successor Benedictus the xii. excommunicated also the Emperor, & deprived him of his dignity. The Emperor then convocated the princes at Francfort, Oration of the Emperor against the Pope. where he made a trim oration, by the which he complained of the desloivalties of Popes, declared what was his faith, set forth & desplaed the ancient laws of the Empire showed that the pope's had nothing to do in the government of the Empire, forasmuch as he is lawful Emperor, who is elected by the consent of the princes, albeit that the Pope do not accord thereunto, nor will not consecrated him. For all this is but a ceremony, the which by little & little hath crept in, & now is over much authorized to the great dishonour & damage of the Empire. Clement the vi succeeded Benedictus: Clement the sixth. who surmounted all the residue in violence, & was the most terriblest. He propounded certain conditions very ignominius: & became more enraged for that they were refused. Wherefore he advertised the princes very expressly, that they should proceed to the election of another, yea in such sort that he limited them the time. Which if they failed to do, he would give order that the church should not be any longer without a protector & patron. The estate of the public weal being so mutable & variable, Charles king of Bohemia son of john, & nephew of Henry the vii was elected Emperor. A little before this time occasion of great war did arise between the Frenchmen & the Englishmen. Charles the fourth. For as Charles the fair king of France, was diseased without men children (the which befell the year a M. CCC. XXVII. Edward the third of that name king of England contended that the kingdom appartained unto him, War between the Frenchmen and the Englishmen. because that he was son of Isabel the sister of Charles. The chief of the kingdom, who are named Petes, elected king Philip of valois, cousin of king Charles diseased excluding not only Edward son of the sister, but also the kings daughter, who was borne after the disease of her father. For they said that the heritage of that kingdom did nothing appertain unto daughters. Hereupon sprung a terrible war, the which yet at this day is not well appeased. The affairs of the Emperor Charles were very troublesome at the beginning. Edward king of England was also chosen Emperor: but he would not accept it, as it is reported, because of the war where in he was occupied against the Frenchmen. The Emperor Charles having appeased divers innimities thorough Germany, drew into Italy: & at the consent of Pope Innocent the vi who was in France, was crowned at Rome by certain Cardinals, under condition that he should not sojourn neither at Rome nor in Italy. Institution of the viccaires of the Empire. Wherefore he returned to Milan, where he granted to the family of Vicontes who then were of great power in that town, that they should be perpetual Viccaires of the Emperor through Lomberdie. For the which benefit he received a great sum of money of them: & not of them only, but also of other people unto whom he had given certain privilege. The which did greatly weaken the powers of the Empire in that country. After he was returned from Italy, he assembled the Princes, & made the decree of the Empire, which is commonly called the bull of gold. Last of all he declared Wenceslaus his son successor of the Empire: The golden bull. the which he obtained (as the bruit goeth) by great sums of money. Shortly after he diseased. In the time of his Empire, john king of France son of Philip of valois g●ue battle against the English men who then held the most part of Aquitania and the town of Bourdeaux. He was taken in the battle very near Poitiers, with Philip the least of his sons, john king of France taken of the english men. who was afterwards duke of Bourgony, surnamed the Hardy. divers of the chief nobility were slain in that battle. They that have written the Annals witness that the Englishmen were no more than seven. thousand: and on the contrary that that Frenchmen were come thither in an infinite number, even about sixty. M. This came to pass the year a M. CCC. L. VI the xx. of September. The king was led captive into England, where he died vii years after. Wenceslaus (as writings do mention) was very vicious aswell of his nature and bringing up, Wenceslaus. as of his manner of living: & took no care of the public weal. He having received pennies of john Galeatius, who was of the house of Vicontes, Galeatius the first duke of Milan. he made him duke of Milan & of Lomberdy, notwithstanding that he was a covetous and cruel man. In his reign jagello duke of Lituanie, was elected by the will and consent of the Princes, king of Polonia after the death of king Ludovicus. He was then first baptized, and named Vladislaus. He is the double great grandfather of Sigismondus the ii who now reigneth. The king of Hungary defected by the turk. Sigismundus King of Hungary was vainquished near unto Nicopole by Bajazeth Emperor of the Turcks, the last of September. The king of France Charles the vi of that name, had sent a brave chevallry unto the succour of the Hungarians: whereof john son of Philip the hardy duke of Burgony had the conduction: who was taken in the battle & presented unto the great Turk, being in extreme danger of his person: not withstanding he escaped after a strange manner, john of Bourgonie delivered by a strange means. which reciteth the Annals of France. Bajazeth had one of his familiares, who was of them that make profession & boast themselves to know the dispositions & natures of men, in beholding the body, the eyes, the visage, & the forehead. He having cast his eye sight upon the prisoner, persuaded that Emperor to let him go safe, seeing that at his return into his country, it would so come to pass that he should kindle a fire, wherewith the most part of Europa or of Christendom should be inflamed. Bajazeth believed him, & let go the prisoner with the other gentle men, after he had received their ransom, which did amount unto CC. M. crowns. john being returned into France, began to set himself against Ludovicus duke of Orleans, who was the king's brother. For he seeing the king his brother to be holden with an incurable disease, would handle the affairs & have government, be cause that he was his nearest kinsman. john of Bourgony on the contrary perceiving himself to be the king's cousin, and greater in age, Philip his father being dead, would go before. Their quarrel increased daily, in such sort that the duke of Orleans was at length slain at Paris, as he returned to his lodging after supper. The murderers were hired by the Duke of Bourgonie, the which he denied not, and likewise approved that which was done, this befell in the year a M. CCCC. VII. the ninth of December. Twelve years after, when the said duke of Bourgonie came to the place appointed for the parising of the matter, The death of john of Burgonye. not withstanding the assurance made unto him, he was dispatched by certain familiars of the aforesaid duke of Orleans, who had conspired against him. The murder was done in the presence of the Dolphin, who preseded in the leading of the matter. This is the original & beginning of the war, which from that time hath not ceased even unto this day to be renewed from time to time between these two famalies. Because that the Emperor Wenceslaus was despised for his unmanlines, the princes did put him from besides his estate: & elected in his place Robert Palatin. Robert Palatin Emperor. This man forthwith applied his mind to correct that which Wenceslaus had done amise, & would not ratify the grant that his predecessor had made unto john Galeatius: so that he was minded to bring Lombardy again in the obedience of the Empire. But as he forcasted to go into Italy aswell for this cause as for others he was letted, yea repulsed by the above said Galeatius. The estate of Italy was then very troublesome, through the fault chiefly of Charles & Wenceslaus, who had overmuch licensed & granted unto those people. For besides Galeatius (who of late was established duke of Milan) the Venetians, florentines & Genevois made war upon their neighbours, in such sort that all right and equity did consist in arms and power. Moreover by the long absence of the Popes out of Rome, divers in nimites very dangerous were engendered. Galeatius duke of Milan made then war upon the florentines: who desiring to avenge themselves called the Emperor into Italy under great promises. He being arrived at Padua by the will of the Venetians, who loved smally Galeatius: seeing that he had nothing prepared according to the large promises, he returned into Germany, casting from him all care of Italy: the which afterwards was more subverted by inward tumulis and troubles. Sigismundus, Sigismundus Emperor. brother of Wenceslaus, King of Hungary & since of Bohemia, succeeded Robert. At that time were three Popes, john the xxiii Gregory the xii. & Benedictus the xiii by whose strifes and practices almost all the provinces of the world were divided. For since Innocent the iii (as their books report (about CC years space there was no general counsel, & the ecclesiastical estate was extremely corrupted. For such an unsatiableness of vices & diseases was disbordered, in such sort that the evil was almost incurable. Bonifacius the viii had been before, who attributed unto himself the Papal and imperial dignity. After him cain Element the v. of Bourdeaux, who at the request of the king of France, The pope's court transferred into France. Philip the fair, forsook Rome, & transferred his court into France. After his death the seat was vacant certain years, because of the variance that was amongst the Cardinals. At length pope john the xxii. of * A town in France Cahors in Querci was elected at Lions. The fifth after him, who was Gregory the xi. returned to Rome, after that the court of the Papacy had remained in France lxxvii. years. He being dead, Vrbanus the vi. of Naples, & Clement the vi. of Savoy, strove for the pope doom. The first did lean upon the aid of the Italians, & dwelled at Rome: the second rested upon the Frenchmen, and had his seat in Avignon. These here being dead, the three above said put themselves in their place, who had been elected by divers opinions: & so hereby the Papacy had iii heads. The Papacy as cerberius hath three heads. Many learned men aswell of Italy as of France lamented then marvelously the poor estate of the Church and spoke sufficient sharply against the corruptions and manners of that time, as much as they could understand in the darkness which then reigned. Amongst them Petrarca, called the town of Avignon. The horishe Babylon, at such time as the pope and the Cardinals dwelled there. To the end then to pacify this schism, The counsel of Constance a general counsel was assembled at Constance in Germany: by the authority whereof the three above said were put down, and Martin the v. elected. In this counsel john Hus and Iherome of Prague were burned, albeit that they were come thither under the emperors safe conduct. The Emperor Sigismundus is greatly praised for that for the public felicity he went unto divers Christian kings, & exhorted them to look unto the public weal. The things appeased in Germany he came into Italy. The Venetians & florentines made war then by sea and by land upon the duke of Milan, Philip Maria son of john Galeatius. From thence the Emperor drew to Rome, where he was crowned by Pope Eugenius the four Which don he returned to basil, where there was then another counsel assigned. Albertus' duke of Ostrich, Albertus' Emperor. king of Hungary and of Bohemia was his successor: who was so occupied in civil wars & against the turks, that he had no leisure to come into Italy. About this time learned wits did again awaken, Learning & good letters reestablisshed. who began to set up & exercise the arts, languages & good letters. The Italians aided with the studies of the Greeks began first, & afterwards the Germanyns, Frenchmen & other nations. And by the means of the art of printing then invented the which brought with it great commodities, Printing invented. it is uncredible, what a prosperous & desirable progression was made. For since that time unto this day the studies have had in such sort their course, that this our age may compare itself with the most learnedst time that ever were. And in this namely is it more happy, that god hath illustrated this science of singular & profitable arts & of tongues, by the true knowledge of his holy name: where as the ancient learned men how endued soever they were with good & most eloquent letters, The knowledge of god renewed in this time were nevertheless plunged in most deep darkness, and sought in vain the sovereign goodness, whereof they have so much written. Fridericus the iii of that name, duke of Ostrich succeeded Albertus: who went peaceable to Rome, & was crowned by pope Nicolas the v. Which done he retired home, The king of Hungary slain in battle. without attempting any thing in Italy. The iiii. year of his Empire Vladislaus son of Wadislaus King of Polonia and of hungary, having broken the truce at the motion of pope Eugenius the iiii. was vanquished near unto Varne or Dionisiopoli, by Amurathes Emperor of the Turks, the two. of that name, and slain in the battle the xi. of November. Nine years after, Mahomet son of Amurathes took Constantinople by assault, Constantinople taken by that turk. the which his Heirs have possessed already an. C. III. years, and have there placed their court and royal seat. Vladislaus being dead Casimirus his brother inherited the kingdom of Polonia: and Ladislaus, who was borne after the disease of the Emperor Albertus the second the kingdom of Hungary. Maximilianus succeeded Fridericus his father. As Fridericus lay in his death bead, Ferdinand King of Spain having driven out the moors, added to his dominion Betique, commonly named the kingdom of Grenate. Maximilianus amongst other had war against the Venetians. Charles son of Philip his son and .v. of that name. Charles that v. Emperor. Followed him, who reigneth at this day & hath marvelous power. By the things that we have recited. it evidently appeareth how the romain Empire, which hath surmounted all others that have been or shallbe, is almost altogether dissipated & brought to nought. Dissipation of the romain Empire. For in Asia we have not somuch as one foot of ground, or the breadth of an nail, as saith the proverb. The Turks Tartarians, & other enemies of our religion possess al. We have lost all Afrique, except that which the emperor Charles the v. the years past conquered, when he took the kingdom of Tunes from Aenobarbus lieutenant of the Turk: & having obtained a glorious victory, established there a king tributary unto him. Victories of Charles the v. in Africa. Fifteen years after he took also by assault the town of Africa, Portugal, Spain, England, Denmark, Polonia, Hungary, Sclavonie, and all Grecia are cut of from the Empire with the countries there abouts, and the Isles of Sicilia, Sardinia, Corsica, the Isles of Maiorque and Minorque, Demembring of the dominion of the Roman Empire. & also Savoy. For these provinces have their several lords and governors, who acknowledge none other superior, neither do aid the affairs of the Empire with as much as a penny. Behold now Italy, the which hath always been the first & ancient patrimony of the roman Empire. And what hath it at this day common with us? The kings of Spain hold Calabria, Puel, Campania, & the kingdom of Naples as by succession of their ancestors. The Popes occupy the City of Rome which was the proper seat and habitation of Emperors: & besides this * A country in Italy otherwise called Marca Anconitana. Picenum, Flaminia, and a part of Toscane. In the mean while so far is it that they acknowledge the Empire, that the Emperors & the governors of the Empire are holden bound unto them. The strongest Cities of the country either have their lords, or else rule within themselves. So it is that they hold nothing of the Empire. What shall I say of the Venetians who hold not only fair towns and freedoms, but also singular Provinces? Hereupon they are the most freest of the world, & as it were separated from the Roman Empire. Truth it is that Lombardie holdeth somewhat more of the Empire: but it is little assured, and no great profit doth redound which is well certained. For after that the Emperors had there first ordained viscounts (as hath been already said) and afterwards dukes: how hath it been rend in pieces? What profit since hath redounded unto Germany? Wars did arise, which caused the German Emperors not to esteem it: which as it were offered occasion unto the house of Sforces to drive out the vicountes and to take the dukedom to himself. Vnstability of the lords of Milan. Afterwards the kings of France to wit Ludovicus the xii. and Francis the i. did displace them: of whom the last held the country almost vi. years, until such time as the Emperor Charles the v. did recover it. Briefly, of all Italy there redounded no profit unto the Empire. For they of the country are not assistant at the Imperial assemblies, neither do contribute unto the public charges and necessities, unless they do it of their one gentillnes, or for to gratify the Emperor. There remaineth but Germany only, the which having always been adversary and oftentimes rebellious unto the Roman Empire (as it appeareth by former discourses) at length was gathered together by Charlemagne: and reducted into one body. And since that the power of electing the Emperor was put into the hands of the seven. electors (as we have above declared) Germany hath been the seat and habitation of Emperors. Germanye ●●e ●●at of the Empyr● It is here needful to consider the difficulty that was to gather together this body of empire, how little so ever it be, the which hath been first compact in germany. For is it possible to imagine dissensions & civil wars, that hath not been through the countries? All then that appertaineth to the Empire (so behoveth to conclude) contained at this day under the name of the empire is enclosed within the confines of Germany out of whose limits there is nothing. The Empire is very straightly enclosed, And yet within these so strait limits we see how divers do draw back, & withdraw aswell their own persons as their goods from the subjection of the empire: albeit that I hold my peace of kings near hand & of others, who enforce themselves daily as much as lieth in them violently to pluck from & diminish this poor little body so defected that there resteth but the very bones, & to put into their hands that which appertaineth unto the public weal. The prophecy of daniel expounded. But for to make an end let us appropriate in few words Daniel, who prophicieth of all these things. We have here before spoken of the image that Nabuchodonozor saw in his dream: we will return hither hereafter. Now let us see the other places in the seven chap. he describeth the iiii. beasts which by dream he saw come out of the Ocean sea: to wit the Lion the bear & the leopard. As touching the iiii. he saith that it was dreadful & terrible to behold. The four beasts. The lion signifieth the kingdom of the Assyrians. The two wings that he attributeth unto him, be as the two members of this Empire: to wit Babylon & Assiria. By the bear is signified the kingdom of Persia, by the which that of babilon was destroyed. The iii ribs which he saith to have been between his other teeth, are the principal kings of this monarchy, to wit, Cirus, Darius, & Artaxerxes, Artaxerxes, who have excelled above the others: & have eaten much flesh, that is to say, have joined divers people to their dominion. The Leopard is the Empire of Alexander the great, or of the Greeks. The four wings & heads thereof are the four kingdoms which issued out of this monarchy after Alexander's death. The fourth & last beast is the romain Empire: the ten horns are his members or parts: as Syria, Egypt, Asia, Grecia, Africa, The tenn● horns. Spain, France, Italy, Germany, & England. For the Romans possessed all these nations. Between these ten horns sprang up a ly●le horn, which plucked away three of the other ten: by the which is meant the mahometical or turkish reign, the which being engendered of small beginning in the romain monarchy, hath occupied three parts thereof, to wit, Egypt, Asia, & Grecia. Moreover, this little horn hath eyes, & is presumptuous against god. For Mahomet propounded a new doctrine very pleasant to his, the which hath a certain appearance of wisdom: these are the eyes, but undoubtedly this doctrine blasphemeth god. For it altogether abolisheth the writings of the prophets & apostles, the wicked doctrine of Mahomet. & doth not acknowledge any benefit of Christ. On the contrary it injuriously slandereth the whole doctrine of Christ. Furthermore, this little horn maketh battle against the saints, & doth vehemently afflict them (as he saith) until that the ancient, who hath neither beginning nor ending, shall come to make his judgement. Whereof it plainly appeareth that the course of this world shall take end in this empire, & none other shall follow: but that all principalties of the world being abolished, that perpetual kingdom shall come, whereof Christ shallbe the head & conductor. In the viii Chap. Daniel describeth the Ram & Goat. The Ramme & the goat Which afterwards th'angel interpreteth evidently, & sayeth that the Ram with two horns signifieth the kings of the Medes & Perses, but the Goat the Greek empire, & that great horn in his forehead signifieth the first king of this Empire: and that this horn being broken four other succeeded it, he sayeth that it signified four kingdoms that should arise and spring out of this Empire, but that they should not be able to compare neither in strength nor power with the abovesaid first king. Let us then see how properly Daniel hath painted forth Alexander the great, CC. years and more before that he reigned: for he saith that the Goat should not touch the ground, Victories of Alexander. that is to say, he should dispatch his wars with great speed, and that none could save the Ram from his hands. For Alexander reigned but xii years: and in so little a time he subdued almost all Asia, as we have here abovesaid. And albeit that the power of the Persians & Medes was uncredible, not withstanding Darius was vanquished of him in three battles one after another, & lost his life & Empire. Certain say that when Alexander came into jerusalem, the chief priest recited unto him this place of Daniel, wherewith he greatly rejoiced. As touching that another horn should come out of these four, the which at the first was very little, but afterwards became marvelous great, & which should grievously afflict the most holy places: he sayeth that hereby is signified the horrible persecutions that the jews should suffer of the posterity of Alexander the great, to wit, of the kings of Egypt & Syria, between that which countries judea is situated. Truly the jews have experimented this horn sprung out of the four, to wit, Antiochus the noble, king of Syria, & most cruel destroyer. Here is also to be applied the xi chapter where he speaketh again of Alexander and of his successors so effectual, that it seemeth no prophecy, but some history. Finally let us come to the image of Nabuchodonozor, The image of Nebuchodonozor. whereof we have spoken in the first book, because that occasion was offered. I will not repeat th'interpretation touching the three first empires: forasmuch as it is altogether manifest, & approved by the course of times. I will speak only somewhat of the fourth, because it toucheth us who live therein: & is more seriously described by Daniel. He saith that it should be of iron, and that it should beat down & subdue all other empires. It needeth not many words to show this: for the thing itself maketh the proof by the histories that I have recited. The feet & the toes are partly of iron, & partly of clay. Even as the foot of man's body is cloven into toes, so after that the romain empire shallbe set upon his legs of iron & have had his dominion through the hole earth, he shall end in toes, & this huge body shallbe dissolved It is altogether manifest that this is come to pass, and it needeth no exposition. For is there any thing more dispersed at this day, than the body of this great Empire. And although it be so, notwithstanding because that the sole of the foot is of iron (as he saith) it shall remain always stable, the roman empire shall endure unto the end. & it can not be altogether broken. But the remnant, the name and dignity shall abide until such time as Christ shall end all human things by his coming. We can in no wise doubt, & it is more clear than the noonday, that this Empire is brought extremely thin and low. That high tree is fallen down, nevertheless the root doth yet abide and persever: not with such juice that it can spread forth or increase, but it is altogether dry. Howbeit there shallbe no human power that can pluck up this root or plant of the nature of iron: but it shall have always root in the earth until such time as the workmanship of this world be destroyed. We have experience thereof. For diverrs have employed their powers to root up this little & straight possession of the Empire: amongst whom have been the pope's & the Turks. And albeit that they have done many enterprises▪ & forecast to do more: The pope & the Turks enemies of th'empire. notwithstanding they shall never come to the point to compare or make their power equal (let them do what they will) with the greatness of that of the Romans: neither shall they overthrow that little remnant of the empire, although it be dry & without juice. There shallbe no fift monarchy. For it is not possible to establish a fift monarchy. True it is that Germany only hath the title and possession of th'empire: but if she knit together her powers & courages, it shallbe easy for her to repress all outward violence: a thing provable by divers examples. A few years past the Turks passed the strait of Thracia, and proyed and spoyed all over Europa: and at this present have so enlarged themselves that their dominion bordereth upon germany. Wherethrough she is in great danger aswell as Italy, for the nearness. Howbeit if we mark Daniel more narrowly, it is to be hoped that their strength & power is come even to the uppermost step. For Daniel attributeth unto them but only three horns (as we have said) the which they now obtain, The three horns of the Turks first of all in possessing the dominion of Asia, afterwards of Grecia & of Egypt. The whole country of that region may be comprehended under the name of Grecia, even almost unto Sclavonia. And albeit that in our time they occupy a great part of Hungary: & that they possibly, may vex and trouble Germany or the countries thereabout: not withstanding because their dominion is to be enclosed within certain limits, & may not be comparable with the roman power (as we have already showed) it is very likely that these Provinces shall not be assubiected unto them as are tother three, Grecia, Egypt and Asia. They shall make war against the saints, & exercise all manner of cruelty against the christians: and their fury shall endure even unto the end of the world as Daniel plainly witnesseth. This is the principal cause of his prophesy: to the end that being advertised and certified of the calamities & miseries of the last time we should not be discouraged, but should wait for deliverance by the coming of Christ, who will come shortly after these afflictions, as he saith, & will carry his into a sure & peaceable place, wiping all tears from their eyes. Certain places of Daniel do properly appertain unto the jews, unto whom the deliverance from the captivity is promised, & the time that the Messiah promised unto the fathers should come, is noted & signified. The other prophecies touching the last age of the world & them that shall live at such time as the little Horn, Revelation of antichrist which is the posterity of Mahomet, shall make war upon the saints, & that that wicked & abominable man of sin, who sitteth in the temple of god, showing himself as if he were god, shallbe revealed & opened. For even Daniel hath forshewed his tyranny, as Paul expressly interpreteth in his epistles. The fury of Satan at the end. Satan, whom Christ himself calleth the prince of this world, shall always rage's, but chief in the last age of the world, & shall slack & louse all bridles of fury, stirring up adversaries unto Christ, who shall not only be tyrannous and cruel by power of arms, but also by false doctrine shall draw men into deceit and error; in such sort that the very elect shall hardly escape their snares. This truly is the time that daniel signifieth in the xii Chap. which should be so miserable & desolate, as never hath been the like, nor shallbe. For he promiseth us not any thing pleasant: but horrible persecutions, when he saith that the calamities whereof he speaketh, shall endure until the dispersion of the hand or assembly of holy people be accomplished. The people of God then shallbe vexed through the whole earth. And the godly men shallbe afflicted in divers places, as long as the world shall endure. The which testimony of the prophet, or rather of the Angel, doth cut of from us all hope of conjunction & reconciliation. For he always speaketh of dispersion & dissipation: & putteth the end when the discords shallbe raised for cause of the religion, at which time Christ shall appear. But for to comfort life up & sustain them that shall then live, he incontinently after these miseries addeth the resurrection of the dead. And we ought earnestly to pray unto god that we may prove and feel it joyful & comfortable. The mean while Christ himself autoriseth daniel: Daniel alleged by Christ. Math. xxiiii who in a certain sermon of his aledgeth a place of him, and putteth him in credit towards the auditors. Seeing then that these present times are very troublesome and miserable, this prophet ought diligently to be understanded, who preacheth unto us that are horn in the end of the world. And he ought studiously to be red and marked, to the end that in these present evils we might be fortified as with a trench, or bulwark, and endued with assured consolation against the storms and tempests which threaten us. FINIS.