Archaioplutos'. OR THE RICHES OF Elder ages. Proving by many good and learned Authors, that the ancient Emperors & Kings, were more rich and magnificent, than such as live in these days.  
Hereto is annexed, the honours of the brave Roman Soldiers; With the seven Wonders of the World.  
Written in French by Guil. Thelin, Lord of Gutmont and Morillonuilliers: and truly translated into English.  
Patere aut Abstine.  
AT LONDON, Printed by I. C. for Richard Smith, and are to be sold at his shop, at the West door of Paul's. 1592.   

To the Right Honourable and virtuous Lord, Gilbert, Lord Talbot, the honourable Earl of Shrewesburie, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter. etc. The fullness of content in all his heroical desires.  
I Offer to your Honour, the pains of a Noble Frenchman, how unskilfully by me turned into English, I leave to your wont honourable consideration: who being enriched with so many singular perfections, will not frown on the good endeavours of an humble well-willer. I have no mean whereby to excuse my boldness, but only this, a reverend and unfeigned affection to your honour, with forward zeal in duty to do any thing you shall command me: if this may excuse me, it is as much as I desire, and which hereafter I will better employ myself to deserve.  
Your honours humble affectionate, An: Monday. One of the Messengers of her majesties Chamber.   

To the courteous Reader.  
IF this harsh and unpleasant translation, (courteous Gentlemen) may pass with your wont kind acceptance: expect a work from the Press very shortly, more answerable to your humours, namely, the sweet conceited History of Orlando Amoroso. Though far inferior to that already extant of Orlando Furioso, done by so rare a Scholar of the Muses: yet what wants in cunning, good will shall supply, to complete Orlando's whole History together.  
A. M.   

A brief extract of certain Histories, wherein is declared, that the Emperors and Kings of elder times, were more rich and magnificent, than such as live at this day; taken from the Volumes of sundry good Authors.  

The triumph of salomon's Temple, and what the making thereof valued.  
WE read in the first Book of the Chronicles, the twenty two chapter, that David said to Solomon. My Son, comfort thyself, pluck up thy heart and be strong, dread not, neither be discouraged. For according to my poverty have I prepared for the house of the Lord, such dispense as shall be needful to make up the same: to wit, an hundred thousand Talents of Gold, and a thousand thousand Talents of Silver, which is one Million, with three thousand Talents of Gold of Ophir, of the best choice.  
This sum is infinite and not to be numbered. An hundred thousand Talents of gold, do value threescore thousand Millions of Crowns. The Million of Talents of silver, valueth six hundred Millions of Crowns, according to the estimate of Budaeus in his Book of Coins. Where speaking of the triumphs of Caesar, he saith, that he caused to be brought into the public Treasury, threescore and five thousand Talents of silver, which valued nine and thirty Millions of Crowns. He maketh also the like mention, where he speaketh of Cyrus' King of Persia, who took Croesus and his treasure, amounting to five hundred thousand Talents of silver, which value three hundred Millions of Gold.  
It is written in the second Chapter of the third book of Kings, that in the time of Solomon, he had so much silver out of judea, as there was not any account made thereof.  
The ships belonging to Solomon & king Hyram, went by three and three yearly to Tharsus, whence they brought great quantity of Gold and silver; in so much that (as the Text saith) there was such store of gold and silver in jerusalem, as the King esteemed thereof no otherwise then of stones: the Vessels and all the utencelles together of the house of Lybanon, was of fine Gold.  
josephus in his seventh book of Antiquities, witnesseth, that David when he deceased left greater riches, than any other King, were he Hebrew or Gentile, which was hidden within his Sepulchre, as also in the Coffer or Vessel monumentarie, wherein the bones and ashes of the Kings were wont to be kept, so that his treasure was very hard to be found.  
Likewise in the ninth Book of the evangelical preparation, he saith, that he hath read in Eupolemus an ancient Historian, that the King of tire and of Phoenicia, with many other beside, were tributaries to King David: from whom he conquered these Treasures by force of Arms, and by the Divine fore-pointment, the place was shown him where the Temple should be builded. But because he had soiled his hands with bloodshed in war, it was told him that he should not build the foresaid Temple. Wherefore he prepared so great abundance as he could, of gold, silver, brass, stones, Timber of Cypress and Cedar, and sent it into the Isle which he called Urpha, situate in the Red-sea, which was wonderfully stored with Mines of Gold, and from whence was brought an innumerable quantity.  
After his decease, Solomon wrote Letters to the King of Egypt named Uafres', after this manner. Solomon King of judea, to Vafres' his friend King of Egypt, perpetual health. Know, that by the grace of God, and from King David my Father, this kingdom is descended unto me: he in his life time gave me in charge, that I should build a Temple to the Creator of heaven and earth: for which cause I have written to thee, that thou wouldst give me comfort and assistance in this business. Therefore I require thee to send me Masters of Masons, Stonecutters, Carpenters, and workmen, who may erect for me the said Temple.  
These Letters received by the King of Egypt, were in this manner answered. I send thee eight score thousand men, such as are expert & chief in erecting of buildings, even such as thou hast required of me. Like Letters wrote Solomon, to Suron King of tire, receiving like answer, and like number of Masters in works and buildings.  
This History written by Eupolemus an Historian Gentile, agreeth in every part with the holy Scripture, as in the fift Chapter of the third book of the Kings: and there is no other difference, but only that concerning tire, where he calleth the king of tire Suron, the Scripture nameth him Hyram.  
josephus in the eight Book of his Antiquities, saith, that these two Epistles or Letters of King Solomon and King Hyram, were in his time entirely sound and perfect, both in tire and in judea.  
Eupolemus passeth further, and saith, that all the gold which was employed about the Temple, the Colloms and Vessels of Gold, amounted to four Millions, and six hundred thousand Crowns: The silver for the nails and other things, valued twelve hundred and thirty two Talents.  
After the workmen were contented, & they of Egypt sent home into their Country, as also the men of tire, the sum that was given to each one for his pains, was ten Talents of Gold.  
The dispense of the Temple, according to Budaeus, amounted to twenty seven Millions, nine hundred thousand Crowns of the Sun, and twelve hundred thirtie-two Talents of silver: which come to seven hundred, thirty seven thousand Crowns of the Crown.  
Yet is not comprised in this sum, what was given to threescore and ten thousand Labourers, of whom mention is made in the 5. chapter of the 1. Book of the Kings: nor of 3000. & three hundred Masters, that ruled and oversawe the work: nor the charges offraights and carriages: nor how much the brass and iron cost: nor what reward was given to eight 〈◊〉 thousand men more, sent him for handicrafts men by the King of Egypt. Wherefore we may well imagine, that salomon's Temple was a work of wonder, and the cost thereon bestowed inestimable.  
It is written in the second book of the Chronicles, the fourth Chapter, That all the Vessels, Basins, Candlesticks, Censors, Lamps, Organs, and other musical instruments of the Temple, the Alsar, the Ports, the Tables, and Hinges were of pure gold.  
We read likewise in the first Book of the Chronicles, the nine and twentieth chapter, that the Princes and Fathers of the lineage of Israel, also the Captains of thousands and hundreds, offered willingly, and gave for the service of the house of God, five thousands Talents, and ten thousand pieces of Gold, ten thousand Talents of silver, eighteen thousand Talents of Brass, and one hundred thousand Talents of iron. And they with whom precious stones were found, gave them to the Treasure of the house of the Lord.  
Solomon caused to be made three hundred Shields of fine Gold, that is to say, covered with Gold, framed in fashion of Plates, accounting each Plate worth six hundred sickles: which value two thousand and four hundred Crowns of the Sun.  
Three hundred Targets, which are little light Shields, of the purest purified Gold, and placed them in the house of Lybanon.  
Eupolemus adjoines hereto a thousand Shields of Gold.  
It is written in the tenth Chapter of the third Book of the Kings, that Solomon made a great seat royal of ivory, and covered it with the best Gold. And the seat had six steps, and the top of the seat was round behind, and there were Pommels on either side of the seat. And there stood twelve Lions on the steps, six on a side: there was never like work seen in any Kingdom.  
Solomon sacrificed at one time to God, two and twenty thousand Oxen, and an hundred & twenty thousand Sheep. His ordinary expense day by day, was thirty quarters of fine Manchet flower, and threescore quarters of other meal: ten stalled Oxen, and twenty out of the Pastures, an hundred sheep, besides Hearts, Bucks, Wilde-goates, and Capons.  
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of Horses for Chariots, and as many Herds of Horses, he had likewise twelve thousand Horsemen: according as it is written in the third Book of the Kings, the fourth Chapter.   

The riches of Darius.  
QUintus Curtius, Plutarch, Strabo, and other Historians, have supposed & written, that Alexander the great, after his conquest of Darius' king of Persia, found in the Treasury of his conquered enemy, twenty-nine thousand talents: which valued an hundred and eight Millions of Crowns of the Crown.  
So choysely and dearly did Darius' account ofhi pleasure in the night, as he lodged in a Chamber between two great Hals, his bed being spread forth very sumptuously, and covered with a Vine of Gold, in manner of an Arbour, enriched with Grapes hanging thereon, which were most curious and costly precious stones. The richness of the very pillow of his bed, was worth fifty thousand Talents, which do amount to thirty Millions of Crowns.  
When Alexander gained the battle against him in Cilicia, he was then but five & twenty years old, and sent his Lieutenant Parme●o to the City of Damas', where Darius had withdrawn a gre● part of the aforenamed Treasure, there he found four hundred and twenty-nine Ladies his Concubines, well skilled in Music, which he brought with him into his Host for his delight and pastime, with six and forty workmen, that wrought upon flowers, making curious Trammels and Chaplets for Ladies most odoriferous: two hundred, threescore and seventeen Cooks: twenty Potters, that made Pots & other necessaries of earth, for the daily use of the Kitchine: nine chief Masters of the Paistrie: threescore & ten sluggerds of one sort, and seventeen of an other, whose labour was to mixed the Aromatic wines, to blend and temper the sweet delicious licquors, and most artificial drinks, thorough bags and such like fit for the purpose: & forty other workmen, that made sweet odours & savours, both dry and licquid.  
If then the King of Persia had so much store of delights in war, when he was prepared to a fight so full of hazard & danger: what may we imagine he had at other times, and in what abundance of pleasures he lived, when he held his assured quiet in Babylon? a City exceeding in all superfluities and vices, yet flourishing & abounding plentifully in wondrous wealth.  
Herodotus in the third book of his History, divided the Realm of Persia into twenty governments or Provinces: the principal was the Kingdom of Lydia, whereof the rich Croesus was King, that afterward was vanquished by Cyrus, and brought into captivity.  
Pliny, speaking of the estate of the Persians in his time, saith, that the Empire of the Persians, which as then was translated to the Parthians, contained fifteen Kingdoms.  
Herodotus in the Book before named, showeth by journeys & lodgings, that from Sardis being in Lydia, to Susa, which was the chief seat and abode of the Kings, was full three Months journey.  
Quintus Curtius saith, that in two Cities of Persia, to wit Susa & Persepolis, Alexander found an hundred, threescore, & ten thousand Talents of silver, in one heap, which himself termed a sum innumerable: an hundred thousand Talents, valued threescore Millions of Crowns.  
The said Darius had one of the fairest women in the world to his Wife, who was likewise taken with her two daughters: ten thousand Talents he would have given for to have them again, and one half of his Country, which would not be granted, yet Alexander entreated them very honourably, and without any reproach.  
He never afterward saw his wife and daughters, but once: and in short while after, himself was traitorously slain by Bessus, who had the principal charge under him.   

The liberality of Alexander the great, to his men of war.  
ALexander the great, after his conquest and return out of Asia, being advertised that his Soldiers and men of war were indebted by his service: caused their debts to be paid, and bringing money into the midst of his Camp, according to the affirmation of each one how much he owed, so much in ready pay was delivered them: the sum amounted to six Millions of Crowns.  
He was studious & of great knowledge, having evermore under the pillow of his bed, the poesy of Homer.  
He wrote a Greek Epistle to Aristotle, which is reported by Plutarch in his life, the form thereof being thus. Alexander unto Aristotle greeting. Thou hast not done rightly or well, in putting forth the books of the acroamatical sciences: for wherein shall I excel any other hereafter, if the science wherein I was instructed by thee, be taught and made common to every one. As for myself, I would thou shouldest know, that I make more account, and had rather go beyond all men in excellency of of learning and knowledge, then in greatness of power, or deeds of Arms.  
He commanded Aristotle to write fifty books of the nature of beasts: giving him for his pains, as saith Atheneus a Greek Author, eight hundred Talents, which value four hundred and fourscore thousand Crowns. A precedent how learning was esteemed in elder times, where now, Scholars pains are neither rewarded nor regarded.  
He sent likewise, fifty Talents to Xenocrates, which he refused, saying, he had no need of so much money to maintain his poor estate. Whereat Alexander was offended, saying, he was uncivil to refuse his gift: though he needed it not himself, yet he might take it and bestow it among his friends.  
The same Atheneus, in his fourth book of the banquet of the Sages, following the advise of the Persian Histories, saith, that in what soever place Alexander was, he would customably sit at the Table at supper, (after his conquest of Asia) and eat among his Friends in a common Hall, having always with him the number of threescore and ten at the least. To maintain this custom, he appointed for the ordinary dispense thereof, an hundred Attic Mynaes, which value a thousand Crowns.  
But King David (saith he) who was conquered by him, had a custom divers times, to make public banquets apparently in his Court, which always was in the open halls, where were present to the number of fifteen thousand. And for every such banquet as we now speak of, the estate ordained & appointed for the dispense of the Table, two hundred and forty Myriad, which amount to two Millions, and four hundred thousand Crowns: for every Myriad valueth ten thousand, whereof an hundred Myriad make a Million, and forty Myriad, four hundred thousand Crowns.   

The riches of Midas and Cyrus.  
PLinie in his three and thirty book, saith, that Midas king of Phrigia, and Croesus' King of Lydia, which at this day is called Anatolia, a Province in Turkey: were enriched with Gold, beyond number or measure.  
Cyrus also King of Persia, who took Croesus and his treasures, had infinite wealth, for he spoiled all Asia: so that by his victories he gained five hundred thousand Talents of silver: to wit, talents of Egypt, which value (as he saith) each Talon, fourscore pound weight of silver. And this sum is reported according to the great jacke or Tankarde belonging to Semiramis, which weighed fifteen Talents.  
This sum or quantity of silver, is the very greatest that Budaeus remembreth to be gathered in money at one time together, which amounteth to three hundred Millions of Crowns: and rating them after the Talents of Egypt, as saith Pliny, there shall be sixteen parts over & above, which come to fifty Millions.  
Nor is it to be marveled that he gathethered so much, for he had under his power the ancient Treasures of Assiria, which was translated from the Medes, and many other Countries beside: so that here among he had the old riches of David and Solomon.  
He reporteth moreover, that there was an ancient King of Cholchos, named Esubopes, that first of all made opening of the Ours, and found the richness of the earth, whereout he drew innumerable store of Gold and Silver.  
He likewise had victory against Sosestres' King of Egypt, who wonderfully abounded in wealth: so that this King of Cholchos had in his house, the pillars, roofs, doors and vaults of pure Gold. On the wonderful riches that was in this Country, was invented the fable of the Golden Fleece.   

The riches of Sardanapalus.  
SArdanapalus, who lived two hundred years after Solomon, and by his decease brought an end to the Kingdom of the Assyrians, according as Atheneus the Greek writer recordeth: being seated in his Palace and house royal by Arbaces his Lieutenant of the Medes, there burned himself and his Concubines.  
Ctesias reciteth, that when the said king Sardanapalus lived, having no means left to withstand the siege, and that all kind of victuales waxed scant: he caused to be made in a separate place from other resort in his Palace, a frame of Carpenter's work, containing the height of four hundred foot, in manner and fashion of a Pyramids, in the midst whereof, he commanded to be placed an hundred and fifty Couches of Gold, which served to make most sumptuous and magnificent banquets upon, agreeing with the custom of old. By the sides of them, or else upon them, was devised as many Tables of Gold: this done, here would he entertain his Wife, his Concubines and Ladies of his Court, such as he best affected, they not knowing or doubting what he intended to do: after them he followed, making fast the door, without any hope to return back again.  
But before he thus locked up himself among them, he caused to be brought thither (as saith the History) a thousand Myriad of Gold, and a Myriad of Myriad of silver, with a great number of habiliments for men and women of purple, with sundry other very sumptuous accoutrements.  
When he was enclosed, by his commandment his eunuchs and Grooms of his Chamber, put fire to the huge frame of Carpenter's work, which endured burning the space of fifteen days: such as beheld this wondrous flaming fire, supposed that he was sacrificing to the Gods.  
Thus ended Sardanapalus his licentious life, and all the rest that were with him, consuming there likewise a thousand Myriad of Gold, which value an hundred Millions; Forbear we then to estimate the Myriad of Myriad of Silver, the Couches of gold, the Tables of gold, and other costly habiliments. As also three thousand Talents of gold, which value fifteen hundred thousand Crowns, which he sent from his seat royal to King Nynus, to whom he had given his Children in keeping.   

The riches of the Emperor Anthony the Triumuire, and the magnificence of his Queen Cleopatra.  
PLutarch saith, that the Emperor Anthony the Triumuire, spent in one year, two hundred thousand Talents, which value sixscore Millions of gold: that the estates of Asia had yielded him, for the offence they committed against him, in maintaining and bearing favour to his enemies Cassius & Brutus, in the Country of Macedon: in such an amercement were they taxed for two years, albeit the fine was determined for nine years.  
This sum was employed in payment of a largesse and gift, promised to his Soldiers, which was (as Plutarch reporteth) five thousand Drachmas for each one, which come to twenty thousand Sestertias, esteemed five hundred Crowns. His Army was eight and twenty thousand Legionaries, and ten thousand men, beside the Horsemen.  
The estimation of Anthony's gift to his men of war, amounted for an hundred thousand men, fifty Millions of Crowns, which value five thousand times five hundred.  
And for seaventy-thousand that rested from the aforenamed number, remained thirty five Millions, which are in sum, fourscore and five Millions. Without counting an overplus for the Centurions, that had double wages, the Horsemen that had triple, and the tribunes great sums, as we may read in the Histories that make mention of such largesses.  
Anthony leveying money upon Asia, Hybraeas the Orator being Deputed by the Country, thus spoke to him. My Lord, if it be so, that you have both force and fear in your hand, whereby to execute your will & pleasure, easily may you sit down and exact two imposts for one year. But if ye will do so, it is reason that you should likewise make us to have two Summers, two Autumns, and two Harvests in one year: to the end we may twice a year gather the fruits and revenues of the earth. Asia hath paid the two hundred thousand Talents, if this sum of money be come into your Coffers, and is all employed about your affairs: then understand we well there is no remedy, but force will compel us to find another pay, and this to do, we must scrape together what is left amongst us. But if you find, that all hath been well paid on our behalf, and yet notwithstanding is not come to you: we think it necessary, that first and foremost you should call an account of your Treasurers, and rather address yourselves to them that have managed these affairs, th●n to us that once already have truly made our payment.  
Anthony having understood the great thefts and robberies of his Officers, thus under-trust committed against himself: appointed for them very severe punishments.  
Cicero in his Phillippides which he wrote against Anthony, saith, that he took & carried away from the Temple of Ops, seven thousand times, seven hundred thousand Sestertias, which julius Caesar had placed there for more assurance. The sum amounteth to seventeen Millions, and five hundred thousand Crowns.  
Plutarch saith, that he sent to command Cleopatra to appear personally before him, because she had given succour to his enemies. And she came, not fearful, trembling or in mean estate, but along the River Cydnus in a Gallion, the Poop whereof was of gold, the Oars of silver, the sails of purple: herself lay under a Pavilion of Gold, accompanied with sweet singers, and most excellent Musicians, all the attendants of her house being attired in very sumptuous liveries.  
When Anthony sent to invite her to sup with him, she sent to command him to come and sup with her, so much did she stand upon the privilege of her beauty, behaviour & quaintness in speech: which she delivered with such majesty, and had so delicate a pronunciation, as her tongue seemed like a curious instrument of many strings.  
She could alter her speech to what language she pleased, or as occasion served: she spoke to the Arabians, Syrians, Hebrews, Medes, Parthians, Ethiopians, and Troglodytes, without any Interpreter.  
Then was Anthony so ravished with the grace which she had in devise and urbanity, her heavenly words, gesture and most exquisite demeanour, as also the royalty and magnificence of her feasts: as being confounded with marvel and astonishment, he said and confessed, that the estate of his house, and the manner of his assemblies, was but rustical in comparison of Cleopatra's.  
After which time, they lived together in such pleasures, abundance and delights, as it is unpossible to be expressed: such as beheld their extraordinary vanity, even the very chief of their favourers and welwyllers, said that they led a most hateful and contemptible kind of life.  
Cleopatra made him one banquet, which was esteemed to have cost, two hundred & and fifty thousand Crowns: by reason of a Pearl which she dissolved in a cup of Wine, that weighed (as Pliny recordeth) half an ounce.  
Plutarch saith, she gave to Anthony, to make war against Octavius, twenty thousand Talents of gold, which are twelve Millions of Crowns: & beside furnished him with two hundred ships for war, and victuales for his Army. Notwithstanding, he was afterward vanquished, and in despair slew himself in Alexandria.   

The triumphs of Caesar.  
APpian, in his second book of the civil wars, saith, that in the triumphs of Caesar, after all his great victories, for the space of forty days together: was brought into the public Treasury, threescore and five thousand Talents of silver, and eight hundred Crowns of gold, which weighed twenty thousand pounds of Gold. The Talents of silver valued nine & thirty Millions of Crowns, and the Crowns of gold two Millions.  
With this money Caesar paid thoroughly what he had promised to his ancient bands of men, and to the Common people of Rome: that is to say, to each legionary five thousand Drachmas, which value five hundred Crowns of the Crown: to the Centeniers a double sum: to the Knights double of the Centeniers: and to each Roman three hundred Sestertias, which he had promised at the beginning of the Civil wars.  
Because he had not paid them so soon as he would, he gave an hundred over and above, as interest (as it were) for the forbearance, which was for each man ten crowns. He gave moreover to each one ten Tun of Corn, which are ten bushels according to them of Paris, and ten pounds of Oil, he made three feasts for the people, beside other liberalities.  
The sum that he gave to his soldiers, amounted to ten millions of crowns. All this sum, or the most part thereof, was brought from the Gauls as we may read in the Histories, and specially in Suetonius.  
He made five triumphs, which he brought pompeously into the city of Rome. The first & most excellent, was the triumph of Gallia: the second of Alexandria: the third of Pontus: the two other were of Africa and Spain.  
In the first, amongst other things of magnificence, he had forty Elephants, on the right hand & left of his Chariot triumphant, that carried Torches and Lanterns.  
Plutarch saith, that this abundance of riches and treasure, Caesar brought from the spoils of his wars in Gaul.  
He gave to Curio Tribune of the people, twelve hundred and fifty thousand Sestertias, which value fifteen hundred thousand Crowns.   

The liberality of the Emperor Augustus.  
SUetonius speaking of the testament of the Emperor Augustus, saith, that he left by his will to the people of Rome, eight hundred, and fifty thousand Sestertias, which amounteth to a Million of Gold. To the Tribunes he left threescore hundred & fifty thousand Sestertias. To the men of war that made abode in Rome, to each one five hundred Sestertias. To them that were of his Guard, commonly called Pretorians, to each one a thousand Sestertias. To them that were of his Legions in the Provinces, to each one three hundred Sestertias, whom he would have paid without making any account. And yet he left (notwithstanding all these sums) to his inheritors, three Millions, seven hundred and fifty thousand Crowns.  
He gave at one time to the Temple of the Capitol, sixteen thousand pounds of gold, with a great number of precious stones and pearls, estimated worth ten hundred and fifty thousand sesterria's: which sums amount to three Millions of gold. And Budaeus saith, that Augustus employed in the beautifying of the City of Rome, the Empire, and things for public profit, beside building of Temples, theatres, Palaces, and buildings of magnificent construction, four-teene thousand times, four-teene hundred thousand Sestertias, which value thirty five Millions of Crowns.  
In his time, a Burgess of Rome named Lentulus Augurius, was so high in his grace and favour, as Seneca saith, that he commanded to be given him at one time, four thousand times Sestertias, which value ten Millions: who seeing himself so forward in authority, would oftentimes say to the Emperor (in reproach as it were) that in respect of his service, he had left the pleasure & delight of studying good Letters, which he prized & esteemed more than all the pomp of inordinate riches. This ingratitude was well punished afterward by Tiberius, as writeth Suetonius.  
Tarius Ruffus, a man of base condition, by good fortune and great industry, got in the service of Augustus, a thousand times Sestertias: which amount to two Millions, and five hundred thousand Crowns.  
Pliny saith, that Augustus, to increase the good and honour of such as he knew to be well minded people, sent them as Governors into his Provinces, giving them very honest means whereby to make them great.  
Eusebius in his Chronicles, saith, that after the triumph at Actium, Augustus made the goodly number before the Censors: & there were found four Millions, an hundred and sixty thousand Citizens of Rome.  
And after the nativity of our Saviour jesus Christ, having adopted Tiberius, and they two being Censors, the number was made: when was sound nine Millions, three hundred and seventy thousand Citizens, within the City and Subbarbes.  
In this time, as Iwenall witnesseth in his ninth Satire, this order was held in Rome, that when the children of the Citizens were borne, within three days after, one should go to the Temple of Saturn, where the Treasure of the Confines was kept, & there in the Register Court, before the Masters and Keepers of the riches, the infant's name was enroled.  
Hereby they knew the age of every one, and what number of infants the Citizens had: nor was he to be reputed or thought a man, until he came to the age of 17. years.   

The triumph of Pompey.  
PLutarch speaking of Pompey's triumph, which was decreed for him, by reason of the victory he had against the two kings Tygranes and Mithridates, the one king of Armenia, the other of Pontus: saith, that by the goodly Wagons and Chariots, wherein was drawn along thorough the City the treasure of his spoils, as also the semblances and portraitures of the Kings & Countries conquered: appeared publicly to every one, of what Nations subjecteth this triumph was ordained.  
In every Chariot were titles written of great fair Letters, whereby they were signified and manifested. The Nations over whom he triumphed were these that follow: the kingdoms of Pontus and Armenia: the Country of Paphlagonia, of Cholchos, Spain, Albania, Syria, Cilicia, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Palestine, judea, & Arabia: yet not comprising his victories on the Sea, where he prevailed often and very far of.  
He adjoined to the Roman Empire a thousand strong places, & about nine hundred Cities, and took eight hundred ships from Pirates.  
Pliny in the thirty-seaventh book of his natural history, reciteth the order & magnificence of this Triumph, which he saith is reported in the Registers of the Capital. To wit, on the day of his nativity was his triumph, when riding thorough the City, he brought to the public Treasury, a chequer or table-boorde to play on, made of two precious stones: being four soot long, and three soot broad, was never found like stones of such greatness.  
He had in the order of his triumph, in one Chariot a goodly book, of mighty and huge volume▪ he had three beds of gold serving to make banquets on, each one lying after the ancient fashion: vessel of gold and precious stones, to serve nine cupboordes: three statues of Gold, of Mars, Pallas and juno.  
After followed a Mountain of Gold, four square, whereon was Hearts, Lions, and fruits of all sorts, garnished and environed round with a Vine of Gold, & a Chapel in the midst, dedicated to the Muses, which was made all of Peaules', and on the top thereof was a very sumptuous Horologe. In another Chariot was an Image of Pompey, which likewise was made of pearls.  
Plutarch saith, that this triumph was divided into two days: and yet the time would not suffice to make declaration of every part thereof.  
Pompey brought to the Treasure in gold, silver, and vessel, all which came by his spoils, twenty thousand Talents, which value twelve Millions, beside that which he gave to his men of war, of whom he that had least, had a thousand and five hundred Drachmas Attic, which value an hundred and fifty Crowns.  
The Roman subsidies after the triumph of Pompey, valued fourscore and five Millions of Drachmas, which make eight Millions & five hundred thousand crowns.  
Pompey in the Plays which he made for the people, after his second Consulship, amongst other strange things, brought into the place called the great circle, by the Latines Circus maximus, six hundred Lions, whereof he had three hundred and fifteen all the jubilee.  
Therefore not without cause said Cicero in his Officiis, that these were the most magnificent plays, that ever were before him. And when he brought these beasts to be seen, it was to make them kill one another, or to make them fight against men, that were condemned to this punishment.  
Sylla was the first that showed this manner of fight to the people, being of an hundred together, yet Pompey brought into the Theatre beside these Lions, four hundred and ten Panthers at one tyme.  
Augustus showed four hundred & twenty, and Caesar four hundred Lions. afterward by the Emperors and Princes, this kind of pastime was very much used, and was called the chase of wild beasts, for the people's pleasure.   

The charges that Ptolemy was at for the aid of Pompey.  
BUdaeus writeth, that one named Ptolemy, succoured Pompey in the conquest of judea, who at his own proper cost, gave pay to eight thousand Horsemen: and made a feast, whereat was present a thousand men set at the Table, every one having his Cup of gold, and each one changed at every mess that was served, a Cup of gold of a new and contrary fashion.  
This riches cometh somewhat near to that of Pytheus of Bithynia, who gave to King Darius of Persia, a Plane tree of gold, with the Vine of gold, whereof is still reserved such fame and memory. Afterward he received Xerxes' son to Darius, into his houses, with his Army of Soldiers, consisting of eight hundred thousand men when he descended into Greece.  
Herodotus in his seventh book, saith, that after he had feasted them, he gave them munificent gifts: and offered the King to stipend his men during this war, as also to furnish them with Corne.  
Then Xerxes abashed hereat, demanded who was the man that could make his vaunt of so great a matter. He was answered, that it was Pytheus the rich, who gave his Father the Vine and Plane tree of Gold, when he passed that way, and was the very richest man in all Asia next the King.  
Hereupon Xerxes demanded what sum of money he could have so great, as he should think sufficient to wadge his Host: whereto Pytheus thus replied.  
Sir, when I understood that you would descend into Greece, to make it tributary under your power: I regarded well what sum I have made count of. Before, I was determined to give you all, therewith to disfray your charges. In the end of my account, I found that I had two thousand Talents of silver, and in gold four hundred Myriad of Stat●r Dari●ks, wanting seven thousand pieces. All this Sir, I give you frankly: as for myself, & to maintain my estate, I only reserve the industry of my servants and slaves, with the revenue of my labour, which is sufficient enough for me.  
When Xerxes had considered the liberal mind of Pytheus, in bravery and jollity of heart, he returned him this answer.  
My friend, I give thee all again, and beside, will furnish thee with the seven thousand Daricks, which wants in thy number, to make up the sum and account even. And nothing else will I demand of thee, but only to continue my good and faithful subject.  
This sum amounteth to six & thirty Millions of Crowns of the Crown.  
Budaeus saith, that Xerxes ordinarily used for the payment of his Army, every Month two Millions, and four hundred thousand Crowns of the Sun: giving three Crowns to each one, as well the footmen as the Horsemen.  
Albeit this Pytheus was so rich, yet notwithstanding Pliny is of the opinion, that he was not to compare with Croesus' king of Lydia, who had such store of Gold, as the value was not to be numbered.   

The Triumph that Lucullus made in Rome.  
LUcullus in his Triumph that he made in Rome, among other things, brought to the Treasury a statue of gold, lively figuring Mithridates, whom he had conquered: it was six foot long, having a a shield embellished and adorned with many precious stones. Moreover, twenty Coffers full of silver vessel, carried on men's shoulders, and thirty-two other Coffers, full of Vessel and Armours of gold, and golden money. Then followed eight Mules drawing Coaches of gold, and fifty six Mules laden with silver, and an hundred and seven Mules laden with money ready stamped: which amounteth to two hundred, threescore and ten Myriad, according as the Greek note of Plutarch maketh mention, which are two Millions and seven hundred thousand Crowns.  
He gave abundance of treasure to his Captains and men of war.  
After he had made many banquets to the Citizens of Rome, and to the neighbouring Villages about it: he withdrew himself, to lead the rest of his life in his study.  
He made one of the very fairest & costliest libraries that ever was.  
Plutarch saith, that one day Pompey and Cicero being together, found Lucullus set in the public place of Rome, where he was musing, and they coming to him: after he had saluted them, he invited them to sup with him. But because they knew how abundant and lavish he was in expense, they protested that they would not go with him, except he would first promise them, not to send any person home to his House, to make ready any thing more than ordinary.  
When Lucullus perceived their intent, he said to them, I will fulfil your request, yet suffer me only to ask in what Hall we shall sup: and then cried aloud to one of his servants, that he should spread the Table in Apollo's Hall.  
The estate of his house was ordained according to the expenses he made, and he had several halls, distinguished for the receiving and feasting of his guests, wherein he had composed their names.  
This Supper cost twelve hundred and fifty Crowns.   

Of the Emperor Nero, and of Seneca.  
WE read in the 13. Book of Cornelius Tacitus, that Seneca, Schoolmaster to the Emperor Nero, was in great authority, managing all the asfayres of the estate for a certain time: during which while, he gathered great wealth, which did beget him many enemies, and amongst all, one Suyllius, who was highly in the Prince's favour, and therefore spoke to the said Seneca in the presence of Nero, these words.  
By what wisdom, by what instructions and doctrine of Philosophy, wherein thou makest thyself studious, hast thou within less than the space of four years, while the King hath borne thee favour, and shown thee signs of love, gotten together, three thousand times Sestertias, which value seven Millions and five hundred thousand Crowns?  
Notwithstanding, Seneca for that time escaped the conspiracy & accusation of his enemies, but four years after, seeing the authority he had, taken from him, and his former favours diminished, advertised likewise what charges and crimes were laid against him, and that the King easily lent his ear to his enemies, and all things went very contrary on his behalf: of his own accord he came to Nero, and spoke to him by way of Oration, to save his life, and to prevent the King's cruelty.  
It is four●teene years or thereabout (O King) since I came to ye, and eight years of this time have you been Emperor, in which space by you I have gained such goods & honours: as there remaineth nothing for me more happy and full of felicity, then by moderation and wisdom to know how to escape too much.  
After he had declared, wherein consisted riches and the abundance of goods: he began to accuse himself, that he had not kept the statutes of written knowledge, and lived only in Philosophy, which would have taught him to be contented with a little, or enough: he thus proceeded.  
Notwithstanding (my Lord) herein I can allege some colour, or rather deliver a lawful excuse: in that I could not well or honestly withstand your liberality, or gainsay so high a will, proceeding only by nobility of heart.  
But now the matter is come to this pass, as both the respects have fulfilled their measure: for so much as a Prince could give to a man being great in his grace, have you given to me, and strained forth yourself even to the uttermost: I likewise have received such advancement by you, as any man whatsoever could receive of his Prince, continuing in such esteem with him.  
But no we there remaineth one thing, for I cannot endure any further without your aid and comfort, nor can I sustain the burden of swaying and governing the great revenues I have, not having the safety and assurance of such mighty and opulent treasure.  
Wherefore in this age I am weakened: and when no longer I can bear the weight of care & good husbandry, I stand in greatest need of your aid and secure.  
Let it then be your pleasure to take from me this charge, and command your Officers to make seizure on all, and deliver it into your hand, to whom it appertaineth: otherwise, I shall fall down under this burdenous and oppressing load, For I see the time is come, when I ought recall to me my senses, & the nearest parts of my understanding is not to be troubled with any contrary thoughts.  
These words spoke Seneca, only to escape death, yet Nero caused him be put to death, as of long time he had practised and sought the occasion to do it.  
Pallas a servant to Nero, in little while after he was at liberty: knew himself to be worth three thousand times Sestertias, as saith Cornelius Tacitus, which value seven Millions, & five hundred thousand crowns.  
Suetonius, speaking of the great prodigality of Nero, saith, that the King Tyridates of Armenia, came to see him in the City of Rome, to whom Nero gave ordinarily day by day for maintenance of his estate, eight hundred thousand Sestertias, which amount to twenty thousand Crowns of the Crown: and gave him at his departure thence, two Millions, & five hundred thousand Crowns.  
Cornelius Tacitus in the seventeenth Book of his Histories, saith, that during the fourteen years while Nero was Emperor, he spent in unreasonable gifts and liberalities, two and twenty thousand times Sestertias, which amount to five and fifty Millions of Crowns.  
Galba the Emperor that succeeded him, would have made recall from such, to whom Nero so prodigally had given the goods of the Empire, and so have left them the te●thes: but he found that they had spent all, and followed their Master in 〈◊〉.   

The prodigality of Tiberius.  
SUetonius reciteth, that Tiberius' the successor of Augustus, guided by violent avarice and tyranny, gathered in twenty three years, while he was in the Empire, seven and twenty thousand times Sestertias: which sum was afterward spent in one year by Calligula his next succeeder. The aforesaid sum amounteth to threescore & seven Millions, & five hundred thousand Crowns of the Crown.  
Seneca in his Book of Consolation, speaking of the Emperor Calligula, & of his prodigality, saith: that at one feast or banquet, he caused to be spent, and hundred times Sestertias, which value two hundred and fifty thousand Crowns of the Crown.   

Of a Lady called Lollia Paulina.  
PLinie in the ninth Book of his natural History, saith, that he saw in Rome at a mean banquet, a Lady named Lollia Paulina, who sometimes was wife to the Emperor Calligula: that had her head, her neck, her breast, and her hands covered with Pearls and Emeralds, knit and curiously laced together. The least value hereof was judged worth four hundred times Sestertias, which is a Million of Crowns of the Crown.   

Of the houses that Calligula and Nero caused to be built about the City of Rome.  
PLinie in his six & thirty book saith. We have seen the City of Rome to be environed, and (as it were) walled about with houses, by the two Emperors, Calligula and Nero.  
But albeit their houses were full of cost & great expense: yet the Theatre of Scaurus a Roman Citizen, surmounted the excess of their prodigality, and yet it was made but for one month only, no longer than the time as the Plays endured.  
This piece of workmanship defaced the magnificence and memory, not only of the aforenamed houses, but beside, it was found to be more sumptuous, as also of far greater stateliness, pomp, & cost, than any building whereof memory is left.  
The Scene of the Theatre consifted of three Stages, whereon were three hundred and threescore Marble pillars of Africa. They that were underneath, were also of one piece, being eight and thirty foot in height: the Sense was crosse-parted with Marble, and the Stage in the midst all of Glass: never was any thing so much talked of and wondered at.  
The plain place where the people were appointed, was able to contain fourscore thousand persons: three thousand Images of Copper, did beautify and adorn the place for Plays.  
For the rest, such was the wonderful riches of apparel, Tapestries of Gold, Tables and ancient renowned Pictures: as the true report thereof would seem incredible.  
Suetonius and Pliny, speaking of the golden house of Nero, which commonly was called the house of Gold: saith, that there were within the Galleries three Stages, being each of them a thousand paces long.  
Also there was a Pond so great, as it seemed to be a Sea environed with buildings: resembling in every point a goodly City.   

Of the Treasure found'st in Tolosa.  
IN the City of Tolosa, (as Strabo saith) was found fifteen thousand Talents, in gold and silver, beside the vessels: which amount to nine Millions of Crowns. So likewise reciteth Posidonius, and there were found the hallowed Nets, wherewith never any man fished, to prevent that the rich pillars should not be discovered.  
The Romans' sold the fish of these Nets after they had subjecteth the Country, notwithstanding they were dedicated to the Gods: the Merchants by this occasion found the Gold, which therein had been cast in a mighty mass or heap.  
Cicero in his third Book of the nature of the Gods, saith, that it was decreed by the Senate, that punishment should be inflicted on such as had taken away the treasure from the Tolosians.  
justin in his two and thirty Book, saith, that it was Cepio a Consul of Rome, who had committed this sacrilege: and that all they of his company, which shared or had portion in this Gold, died very miserably.  
He saith moreover, that among this Treasure was found beside, an hundred and ten thousand pounds of Gold, and fifteen hundred thousand pounds of silver: which is (as it were) a triple sum to that before named.  
Aulus Gellius, in the third book of his Uigillia Attica, saith, that when any one fell into some notorious or detestable misfortune, or died an evil death, they would presently say unto him: He took part of the booty in Tolosa.   

Of the condemnation of Gabinius.  
CIcero saith in one of his Orations, that Gabinius a Citizen of Rome, was condemned in ten thousand Talents, to the Commonwealth: which do amount to the sum of six Millions of Crowns.   

Of the Emperor Adrian.  
ADrian the Emperor, gave to to his Legionaries, three thousand times Sestertias: which are seven Millions, and five hundred thousand Crowns.  
Budaeus saith, that in the life of Adrian, is made mention, how he gave unto them ten Millions of Gold.   

The revenue of Crassus.  
Crassus' a Citizen of Rome, had as his revenue year by year, according to the description of Pliny, two hundred and fifty thousand Crowns.   

The revenue of the Kingdom of Egypt.  
STrabo a Greek Author, in the seventeenth book of his cosmography and description of the world, declareth, that the revenue of the Kingdom of Egypt, which afterward was brought into a Province by Augustus: valued in the time of Ptolemy, surnamed the Fluter, twelve thousand and five hundred Talents, which are seven Millions and five hundred thousand Crowns.  
He was chased out of Egypt for his dissolute life: afterward, re-established by Pompey, and not long after slain by his Son.   

Of Cato.  
IT is affirmed, that Cato brought with him, from the Country of Egypt, to the Treasury of Rome, four Millions and two thousand Crowns: by way of a confiscation, because Ptolemy of Cyprus, had conspired against Claudius the Roman Tribune.   

Of Lucrius.  
THE aforenamed Greek Author Strabo saith, that Lucrius of the Country of Awergue, was so rich, as to make estimation and show of his wealth, divers times he would mount into a Chariot, and cause himself to be drawn along the fields, where he would spread or scatter money, both gold & silver, by means whereof, he was continually followed with a great multitude of people.  
His Father named Bytius, with his Army of two hundred thousand men of war, fought in a main battle against two Roman consuls.   

Of the Emperor Vespasian.  
VEspasian the Emperor, (as Budaeus saith) leveyed such Subsidies and Taxes on the Empire, as the sum amounted to forty thousand times Sestertias, which come to an hundred Millions of Crowns.  
He saith, that this was to reform the public estate, which his predecessors Calligula and Vitellius, two dissolute Princes, had ruined, and waste-fully destroyed the goods of the Empire, treading under foot the dignity thereof.   

Of the Hired of Syria.  
EXceeding great, (saith Strabo) was the Hierde of Beasts which they had in Syria: wherein were thirty thousand Mares, and three hundred light Stallions: these were the first people that tamed Horses, and therefore had wages of the Kings.   

Of Severus.  
ONE Spartianus an ancient Hystorian, saith, that Severus at his decease, left to the state public, a Canon of Corn for seven years: the manner thereof was, to furnish for each day, threescore and fifteen thousand Vessels called Tons, with Corne.  
The Roman and Attic Tun, resembleth very near the measure or bushel of Paris, wherewith a man may maintain himself eight days: whereby we may easily gather, that threescore & sisteene thousand such Tunniss of Corn, will 〈◊〉 day by day to nourish six hundred thousand men.  
This Canon of Corn was first instituted by the Emperor Tra●, and then re-established by Severus, according to the opinion of Lampridius, set down in the lise of Heltogabalus.  
This Canon of Corn was such an excellent thing, as thereby was furnished every day a like quantity of Corn, to serve openly the Market, & distribute to the people: beside the revenue of each one, & what else was brought in by the Country into the public Market.  
And thus they took up in Alexandria, Africa, Sicilia, and divers other places, great abundance of Corn: which was thus ordained against the lack of Corn, because in Italic the dearth thereof many times happened: by reason of the wars and troubles, which hindered men's labours in tilling the earth, so that the whole Country lay long time together fallow and unmanured.   

Of Spain abounding in Ours of Gold, and of that which Hannibal had.  
Both Pliny and Strabo do record, that Spain hath abounded in rich Ours of Gold & Silver: especially, Granado and Andalozia, which Strabo calleth by the name of Betica.  
Polybius saith, that in his time near to Carthage the ninth, coasting the Levant Sea, towards Africa, and from thence to the flood of Hyberia: there was a Mine of silver, which yielded daily to the Romans', twenty hundred thousand Drachmas, which are five and twenty thousand Crowns.  
Pliny saith, that Hannibal had a Mine of Silver, named Bebetus, which yielded to him day by day, three hundred pound weight of silver, which cometh to three Millions of Crowns: and that in Asturia, Gallicia, and Portugal, he gathered yearly twenty thousand pounds of Gold.  
This sum amounteth to thirty thousand Marks of Gold: whereby we may plainly perceive, that gold and silver was more plentiful & abundant in elder times, than they are at this present.  
These two Metals are diminished by succession of time: for continually it perisheth by use, workmanship, shypwracks, by hiding and burying treasure in the ground, and otherwife. Also the Ours are robbed, spoiled, lost and come to nothing, as every day it is witnessed before our own eyes.   

Of the Crowns, recompenses and other rewards which the Romans' gave to their Soldiers: and the punishment of the offenders. Comprehending therein an excellent good order for war, as also the government of the Commonwealth.  
YE may read in divers Authors, that the Romans' ever used, not only to gratify and reward their Captains with ordinary wages: but likewise in doing them infinite other graces, by gifts and presents. They would honour them in divers and sundry manners, as with Crowns and jewels, holding them in particular esteem and reputation, according to the desert of their deeds of Arms, so were they wont to respect and regard them.  
When a Captain had gotten victory in any notable battle, were it upon the Sea or on the Land, or that by force he had taken any City, or done any other singular enterprise: they had a custom immediately after, to make diligent inquiry of the prowesses of the particular Bands & Squadrons. Then mounting up into the Theatre, where after they had given thanks to the Gods for the victory obtained: in general they would make commendation of their whole Army, and specially, they would praise and extol those Bands or Squadrons, which in fight had most valiantly behaved themselves.  
Then naming the particular men of that Company by their names, publicly they would commend their virtue and valour, according to their deserts, calling them friends to their Country, and saying that the Commonwealth was very much bound to them. This done, they bestowed gifts on them, of Gold, silver, of Crowns, Girdles, Bracelets, jewels, Armours, and very excellent Horses, with other things of most exquisite workmanship: beside, with such prohibitions and defences, as it was permitted that no person should enjoy the like except he had deserved to have them in this manner.  
The Histories are plentifully enriched with these matters, and namely 
* Titus Livius, lib. 10. and 30.  Titus Livius, speaking of the Consul Paperius Censor, that gave Bracelets of gold to fourteen Centurions, and to one Squadron he gave I know not what ornaments: the like is said of Scipio, when he was in Spain and other places. The Crowns they gave, had divers significant names, according to the degrees of their deserts: they had Corona Obsidionalis, Corona Tryumphalis, Corona Oualis, Corona Ci●ica, Corona Muralis, Corona Navalis, and Corona Castrensis.  

* Pliny lib. 16. et 22. Aul. Gel. 5.  Plinis and 
* Pliny lib. 16. et 22. Aul. Gel. 5.  Aulus Gellius say, that the most esteemed and excellent of all, was the Crown Obsidionall, which came from the circle or seat of the Camp, and was given only for having delivered an Host of men besieged in a close City, or in a Camp very strictly environed: so that by such deeds of Arms, that part or men of war, reputed themselves delivered from prison or from death: for no other cause whatsoever it were, could any man receive this prize of honour.  
This Crown was made of green herbs, they not esteeming or respecting to make it of Gold or other metal: but only of the herbs of the field, from whence the enemy had been chased. With this Crown was crowned the great Quintus Fabius, because when Hannibal stood against Rome, he both defended & delivered it from the siege. Aemilius Scipio was so crowned likewise in Africa, for having delivered the Consul Manlius, with certain Bands of men. Calfurnius obtained the like in Sicily: & likewise the valiant Roman L. Cincinatus Dentatus, with divers other.  
Corona Civica, or the Citizen Crown, was a Garland made of the leaves of an Oaken bough, with the fruit upon it: and this was given to him, that in extreme peril saved a Citizen, killing his enemy, and defending still manfully the place where the occasion happened. This Crown or Garland was so much esteemed, as readily a man should be found that had saved a Roman Citizen, who at his deliverance had slain two of his enemies: but because he could not maintain and defend the place, according as it was appointed, they doubted whether they had deserved this Citizen Crown or no. Notwithstanding it was concluded, that such a one should be dispensed withal, and it was granted him, seeing he had delivered the Citizen and slain two ofhiss enemies in a place so dangerous: that (beyond his power) he should not stand to defend the same, albeit the point of the Law consisted therein.  
And although one had delivered a King, or a Captain of the Confederates & friends, yet might not this Garland be given him, without he had delivered a Roman. I find that Pliny saith, that the self same Crown was given to him, who slew the first enemy that mounted on the walls of any City or Fortress defended by the Romans'.  
Then was this Citizen Crown the most excellent, next after the Obsidionall, and it might be worn at all times, & in all places. And if he that had deserved this Crown, were of such esteem, that in feasts or theatres he always had his place nearest to the Senate, & when he entered, the Senate would rise on foot to do him honour: he was also exempt & free from any office or charge whatsoever, unless himself pleased to accept thereof: and by reason of his exemption, so was his Father and Grandfather, if they lived.  
Many Romans' obtained this Crown, and especially the most valiant Cincinatus Dentatus heretofore named: he won fourteen of them. The younger Capitolinus had six: and to Cicero (by particular dispense) was granted one, because he defended Rome from the conspiracy of Catalme. These Crowns whereof we have spoken, although they were but of herbs & leaves, which more properly may be termed Garlands, or (according to the French) Chaplets of flowers: yet nevertheless they were more esteemed than they that were of gold.  
As for the Crown Mural, that was of gold, and it was given to him, who at the assault of the wall of a City or Castle: mounted first on the Ladder and freed the wall, standing there still like a Bulwark for defence thereof. The first (according to Pliny) that obtained this Crown, was Manlius Capitolinus. Scipio also gave it to Quintus Trebelius, and Sextus Digitus, because they two together before any other, won first the walls against the enemy.  
Corona Castrensis, was given to him that in the fight entered first within the enemy's bar: this Crown was likewise of Gold, made like to the Rampires or Bulwarks in the field of war.  
Of self same metal was the Crown Naval, which was given to the first that (in fight on the Sea) boarded the enemy's vessel: and it was made in form of a prow or point of a Ship. Marcus Varro did not disdain this Crown, when it was offered him by Pompey the great, in the wars of Corsica. octavius presented the like to Marcus Agrippa, and to Sylla, beside divers other which here I name not. And when any Romame Soldier, were he noble or un-noble had made any other proof of his body, either by course of the Lance, or in single Combat: the Roman Captains, (as testify Pliny and Suetonius) were wont to give him Collars of gold and silver, or Bracelets, or girdles, as I have before said, with other privileges and pre-eminences.  
These or such like prizes, they might give to their friends that had aided them in war: but as for the Crowns, they were reserved only for the Romans', of all which things we find notable examples in the Roman Histories.  
Suetonius writeth, that Octavius permitted Marcus Agrippa to bear a banner of Azure, because of a victory he obtained on the Sea against Sextus pompeius. And if I should say, this was he which devised the Collars, the rich coats of Mail, and other gifts, which were particularly appointed for these affairs: it would require too large a discourse to declare the whole matter and manner thereof. Nevertheless it is to be noted, that the Romans' were so valiant, as every one gained the honour of these things, or at the least the greater part: for Pliny & Solinus naming divers, among others affirm, that Marcus Sergius attained the greater part; And in the battle of Thrasimen and Trevia, where the Romans' were vanquished by Hannibal, he won Corona Civica, & likewise in the overthrow at Carinas. This man was so valiant, that having lost his right hand in the battle, he behaved himself so well with the left, as also with a hand of iron, which he caused to be made in stead of that he had lost: as in one day he defied four men in the field of battle, one after another, and vanquished than all: in which Combats and other fights, he received only on the forepart of his body, three and twenty wounds.  
Yet not this Marcus Sergius, or any one beside, won or deserved so much, as Lucius Cincinatus Dentatus, Tribune of the people, of whom we spoke before: of him writ Pliny, Solinus, Ualerius the great, and Aulus Gellius, who say, that in jewels and presents of prize, some greater than other, he won by brave deeds of Arms, three hundred twenty and more: that he entered with nine Captains, in making their triumphs, & whom he had aided in their victories. He had a great number of broken Lances, or Truncheons of Spears, & Pikes without irons, whereby he won great honour: he had fifteen Collars of gold, fourscore and three of silver, of harness & accoutrements for Horses, hereto particularly deputed, five and twenty, an hundred & forty bracelets, fourteen Crowns Citizen, eight Castrensis, three Mural, one Obsidionall, and I know not how many Naval.  
He was wounded in these battles with forty five wounds, all on the forepart of his body, and but one behind, he had thirty four times disarmed and despoiled his enemy, and had been in six and twenty fought Battles: he was so valiant & fortunate in Arms, as he was named the Roman Achilles: and albeit these deeds of his may seem incredible, yet the number and conformity of Histories do plainly justify them.  
The Romans' for these great exploits of Arms, granted them yet other honours & pre-eminences: as the power of public judgement, seating them in the ivory Chair called Curialis, which was the seat of the Aediles and Praetors, as it was permitted to Scipio: & oftentimes they yielded to soldiers the greatest authorities, according as it was lawful for the people to do it, being a degree of estate subject to the liberty of the Father's conscript, and of the people. It was lawful for the Captains to erect triumphal statues, and to cloth or deck them as if they had been Consuls.  
The Senate permitted by manner of reward and congratulation, that they might bring to the Temples, the Arms & spoils of the enemies vanquished by them in Battle: and these things were named Manubiae, that is to say, the booties gotten from the enemies. The Romans' had another laudable custom, which was, to give to the children of such as had been slain in war, like wages as they gave their Fathers when they lived: and to the old Soldiers, which had long time followed service, they would give so much good and substantial land, as they might very well live thereon: suffering them to dwell in Cities and Provinces that had been conquered, even as themselves pleased to like or choose.  
In this sort the City of Civil was made by Caesar a Roman Colony: from which term we may easily derive our french saying, of a new habitation or transmigration of people. Cordo● was also made a Colony by this mean, and infinite other in divers Provinces.  
In breeze, the Romans' never left any good turn unrewarded, and without great privilege: for which cause was found amongst them the most valiant men, that ever have been in any Nation, because each one strove to attain these degrees only by virtue.  
I leave many other sorts of rewards, which the Romans' used in case of Arms, in that I imagine I have spoken sufficiently: notwithstanding, it is a thing certain, that if they have gone beyond all other Nations, in reknowledging & remunerating such good actions: it cannot likewise be denied, but in learning & punishment of disorders, they have done much more. For if any one were not acquainted with honour and virtue, yet shame and fear of punishment, withheld him from doing any vile deed, were it thorough necessity or in hope of gain: because the pains were so great & rigorous against such as did badly.  
For if they lost any honour whereto they had been called, or that they had been whipped even to the blood: they were thrust into irons as they had been slaves, and if they had fled, leaving their Captains in the battle, they were either thrust upon a spit, or otherwise extremely handled, and so according to their offence was the punishment inflicted.  
Titus Livius writeth, that a Squadron of Appius Claudius, to whom he had in charge the keeping of a certain place, forsook it and lost it: which he being desirous to punish, yet notwithstanding mercifully, it was granted him to sunder them in ten to a company, afterward Lots were cast, and they to whom the chance happened, were punished with death for safety of the other. julius Frontinus saith, that Marcus Antonius did the like to a Band of his, which had not defended his Rampires, but suffered the enemies to set them on fire.  
They used sundry other punishments to to their disobedient Soldiers, whereof would ask a long time to speak: wherefore only I say, that as in those times there was no default in honouring & rewarding goodness, so likewise was there no defect in punishing wickedness.   

Of the seven Wonders or Marvels of the World.  

Such as have read the ancient Historians, Orators, and Poets, have found mention made in sundry of their writings, of seven Marvels or Wonders of the World, which were in divers and contrary places. All they that have written, do agree on six, but about the seventh they hold variable opinions, and likewise there is difference in placing one before another. Notwithstanding, I intend first to speak of the walls of Babylon, which are placed in number of these Marvels, and that for good cause: because the greatness of the place, and compass of ground doth seem incredible.  
Let us leave to speak of the diversity of tongues, which was there where Nemrod builded the Tower of Babel, whereby the City first took name. The walls we now speak of, according to the most soundest opinion, as of Trogus Pompeus, and justin in the first Book of his abridged Histories: was founded by the famous Queen Semiramis, Mother to Ninus. Diodorus Scicilianus, in his third book, Amianus Marcellus in his 23. book, Paulus Orosius in his second book, maintaineth the same, with the greatest part of the Authors among the Gentiles: yet notwithstanding, S. Austin in his first book of the City of GOD, and josephus in the sixth book of his Antiquities, say, that they were builded by Nemrod, being aided by his proud and mighty Giants: but were it the foundation or reparation which Semiramis did, it sufficeth that she was greatly ennobled thereby.  
The plot of this City was a plain on the one side, the other passed by the River of Euphrates: the draft or figure of this City, was in a Quadrangle, the walls marvelous high, and wrought with very cunning workmanship: the thing itself was of stone, joined with white lime and Mortar, which grew in the Quarries of the Country, especially in the great Lake of judea: where sometime stood Sodom and Gomorrha, named Asphaltida or Mare mortuum, which casteth forth earth like Pitch or Glue, the very strongest that can be found. The Historians do disagree about the height and largeness of the compass of the walls: which might easily happen, by reason of the divers measures they made.  
Pliny saith, the circuit of the walls, was threescore thousand paces, so that one of the squares was fifteen miles-long: he saith likewise, that they were two hundred foot in height, one of which feet exceedeth by three singers the measure of the Roman foot: in thickness they were fifty foot of the same measure, which in truth is a thing very admirable.  
Diodorus the Sicilian, saith in his third book, that the walls of this City, had in compass, three hundred and threescore Stades, every Stade containing in length, sixscore & five paces: and that they were so broad or large, as six Chariots might pass thereon along together, without the one hindering the other. The bridges, rocks, Towers and Gardens Semiramis caused to be made, were to very wonderful astonishment: and it is found written, that she had in daily pay to this work, three hundred thousand men, of all the Kingdoms that were subject to her.  
Quintus Curtius adjoineth hereto eight Stades more in length, and an hundred cubits more in height: but Paulus Orosius faith in his second book, that they were foure-hundred and fourscore Stades long, which amount (taking sixscore and five paces to every Stade) to threescore miles, agreeing with Pliny.  
Strabo in his sixteen book affirmeth, that they contained in length three hundred, eighty five Stades, and so large as so many Chariots might pass over them, as we have already named, without hindering each others way. Beside, these Authors declare a marvelous thing, that the Gardens were upon the Arches and Towers, having Trees in them of wonderful height: julius Solinus confirmeth the same, with Pliny and other Authors.  
Some of these Writers record, that without, they were enclosed with Ditches full of water, being so broad and deep as an indifferent River.  
In this City were an hundred Gates of metal very strange, and for conclusion, whatsoever is written concerning the height and largeness of these walls, is to be credited: because in truth it was the proudest City in the world, and long time held the universal Monarchy, which is no mean argument of the greatness, declared by Aristotle in the third Book of his Pollitiques, saying, that if any one were taken at one side by the enemy, they which dwelled on the other side, could not hear thereof in three days space.   

The second Wonder of the World.  
NExt, in the second place, and for the second Wonder of the World, I point out the huge Colossus of the Sun, which was in Rhodes: being the statue or figure of a Man, offered by the Gentiles to the Sun, some say to jupiter. It was made of metal, the greatness incredible, & the height as if it were a wondrous Tower: so that it was to be admired, how it was there framed and erected.  
Pliny who discourseth on all things, saith, that it was seventy cubits high, and albeit for the making there were many good workmen busied about it: yet was it twelve years in perfecting, and cost in value three hundred Talents: he that undertook this work, was Cares the Indian, the scholar of Lysippus.  
This statue was so unreasonable great, as it seemed the earth could not long time uphold it: because, according to Pliny & Paulus Orosius, it stood but six and fifty years, at the end of which time it fell, by reason of a great trembling of the earth. After the fall, and the time named by Pliny, many went to see this marvelous thing, and few men were found (saith he) that could fathom or embrace the great fingers of this statue: so that the very lest of the fingers, were bigger than any other statue itself.  
Yet speaketh he of an hundred other Colossuses of less quantity, which likewise were in Rhodes, but they are nothing to our purpose: unless some one perhaps will say, because of the one great & the other lesser, the Rhodians should be named the Colossenses or Colossians. Yet that opinion is not approved by Erasmus, for he saith that the Colossians to whom S. Paul wrote, were people of a City in Phrigia, named Colossas.  
Return we then to this marvelous Colossus, I say that it remained there ruined on the earth a long time, even until Pope Martin the first: which was in the year six hundred, when the Infidels and the Soldan of Egypt their Captain, came upon the Rhodians, and according as Platina writes in the life of Pope Martin, and Anthony Sabellicus in the third part of his book: they report, that he found the Relics of this Colossus, and that nine hundred Camels were laden away with the metal thereof.  
The other Colossuses that were in Rhodes, and other places, not so great, we will not speak of them: because in this discourse, we must only entreat on seven Wonders of the World.   

The third wonder of the world.  
FOR the third, I think meet to set down the Pyramids of Egypt: which in truth, if that which so many learned Historians have written, may be termed truth, was a thing very admirable. These Pyramids were certain buildings, which began in form of a Quadrangle, or four square, & ascended so up to the highest in large proportion, according to the manner of a pointed Diamond: yet were they of such greatness and height, containing such & so many stones, and in such perfection, as it is very hard to be set down, but more hard to cause each one give credit thereto: notwithstanding, they are so authorized by Authors both Christians and Gentiles, and them that are the best approved, as none can deny what they have written.  
These Pyramids than are like high Towers, finishing at the top spire and sharp, the Etymology of the name, cometh of Pyr in Greek, which is to say, fire: because it seemeth that the highest of these building do flash out flames of fire.  
Amongst all other Pyramids, the Historians make particular mention of three that were in Egypt, near the City of Memphis, which at this day is the Cairo, and the isle that foundeth Nilus, named Delta: one of which three, is placed in rank among the seven Marvels of the world, for it is said, that at the making thereof, continually and daily laboured, three hundred and threescore thousand men, for the space of twenty years together.  
Many do affirm this, and particular Pliny, speaking amply thereof, in his thirty six book and twelfth Chapter, and for his assurance, allegeth twelve sound Authors; Beside, Diodorus in his first Book, Strabo in his last book, Pomponius Mela in his first book, Herodotus in his second book, Amianus in his second book, and many other. Some say, that the plot and foundation of this Pyramids, spread forth and covered eight days journey of ground: let me leave to your imagination, what space that may be. Some other say, seven days journey, but the least yieldeth to six, and as much or rather more in height.  
Pliny saith, that each square contained eight hundred, fourscore and three foot, the stones were of Marble, brought out of Arabia, and Pomponius Mela saith, that the most part of them were three foot large. Hereby may we easily gather, that so many thousand men might be employed: some to carry stones, some to hue and cut them, and others to place them, beside the multitude that wrought in the iron works, and about other necessary occasions.  
Of the other Pyramids it is thus said, the least of the two was made by the vanity of the Kings of Egypt, which were the richest in all the world: as well by the fertility of the earth, as also that in this Country no person possessed any thing in proper, but the King only. And this was since the time, that joseph the son of jaacob counseled Pharaoh, to preserve the Corn for 7. years abundance, regarding the time of famine: during which space, by the means of this Corn, he had all the Countries his Vassals. Think then whether these Kings were rich or no, when they made their Subjects attend on them like servants.  
And the Historians say, that the Kings in this respect caused these Pyramids to be builded, because they would give to eat to their people that laboured: as also lest they should leave their riches to their successors, for they had rather thus spend it among their people, than any of their heirs should be advantaged by their death, inheriting their goods and money.  
It is found also written, that these Pyramids served for sepulchres to the Kings: and who so will consider the multitude of the Hebrew people that served in Egypt, by whom the Kings caused to be builded Cities and Fortresses: they will not be abashed hereat, seeing it is a thing very certain, that six hundred thousand men, beside great multitude of women and young children, endured the servitude, all which were employed and served in these marvelous works.  
So than it is no matter of marvel, how these buildings should be made, for it is said, that in Turnops, Garlic and Scallions, to maintain this number of workmen, were spent eighteen hundred Talents, which valued the price of each days work, a Million and fourscore thousand Crowns.  
Diodorus saith, that all the compass thereof and very far about, there was not so much as one little stone, nor appearance that any person had been there, nor sign of any foundation, but the Gravel very small and fine as any salt: so that it seemed this Pyramids was there set by the hand of God, and that it was naturally created, the top thereof resembling as if it touched heaven.  
If we set aside the old ancient Books, yet shall we find witnesses in our own later times, for Peter Martyr of Milan, a man learned, that was Ambassador for the Prince's Catholic, Don Ferdinand and Dame Isabella, to the Soldan of Egypt, in the year one thousand, five hundred and one, made a book of what he had seen & done in his ambassade: therein he reciteth, as if it were by word of mouth, that he saw these Pyramids, and agreeth with what the ancient Authors have written. And particularly he speaks of two which he had seen, that were of incredible height: he saith, he measured the squares of one, and found each to be three hundred and fifteen paces, and about thirteen hundred in compass: that on every side, there were such huge great stones, as each one seemed a building of itself.  
He saith moreover, that certain of his company got up on one of them by great labour, and (though in long time) they reached the top: saying, that on the very highest of all was one only stone, so great and broad, as thirty men might easily stand upon it. And when they were below, they said they supposed themselves to have been in a Cloud, they were so high: and they seemed to have lost the light, their brains wheeling about and turning downward. Whereby he saith, that the number of people is not to be doubted, nor yet the expense which is said to be consumed about these things.   

The fourth wonder of the world.  
THE fourth Miracle, was that of Mausolus, made by Artemisia, wife to the said Mausolus' king of Caria, a Province of Asia the great.  
This Queen, according to Aulus Gellius, in the tenth book of his Ati. Nox: and divers other Historians, so dearly loved her husband, as every one set her down for a notable example both of love & chastity.  
The King dying, for his death she used tears and extreme complaints, other than the custom of women now is: & she would make him a Sepulchre, conformable to the great love she bore him, & such a one it was, as it is placed among the seven Wonders of the world.  
The stone of all this building was of an excellent Marble, which had the compass and circuit of four hundred & eleven foot, and twenty five cubits in height: it had about it six and twenty pillars of stone, cut with wonderful cunning. It was open on all sides, having Arches of seaventy-three foot wide: and it was made by the hands of the most exquisite workmen that could be found. The part toward the East, was made and graven by Scopas: the northside, by Briax: the South part, by Timotheus: and the West by Leochares.  
The perfection of this work was such, and the building so fair and sumptuous, as is was called Mausolus, after the King for whom it was made: so that all other Sepulchres, that until this day have been builded, for the excellent workmanship of this one, are likewise called Mausolaea. Hereof made mention Pliny in his thirty-five book and fifth Chapter, Pomponius Mela in his first book, Herodotus and Strabo in his seventh book, Aulus Gellius likewise hereof keeps memory, and many other Historians beside. It is recorded, that Artemisia after the death of her husband, lived continually in tears and pensiveness, and that she died before her work was finished, having drunken in powder the bones of her husband, which she caused to be burned for this purpose, and so made him a Sepulchre of her own body.   

The fift Wonder of the World.  
LIttle contention needeth about the fift of these Marvels, for that was the Temple of Diana, whom the Gentiles thorough folly adored for a Goddess: and builded this Temple in the City of Ephesus in Asia, in the Province of jonia. Pliny in his sixteen book and thirty four Chapter, writing of this Temple, saith, that it contained four hundred and twenty five foot in length, and two hundred and twenty in breadth. The work was of such marvelous cunning, as it was two hundred and twenty years in perfecting: and it was builded in a Lake, to prevent the danger of the earth-quaking, on the foundation being laid hard powder of coals, and thereupon wool, to keep the place moist and marshy.  
It had an hundred and twenty seven Colloms of excellent Marble, they being each one threescore and ten foot in height, and every Collome was caused to be made by a several King of Asia, thirty seven of them was graven with marvelous cunning skill, they all being of most choice Marble.  
The principal Master of this work, according to Pinie, was Dresiphon, and after Strabo in his four-teene book, Archiphron: notwithstanding, this diversity of opinion is to be borne withal, considering how long time was required about it, and therefore it had more than one Master, especially for the trimming by divers, & in sundry times.  
Solinus in his fourteen Chapter, and Pomponius Mela in his first book, say, that the Amazons builded and dedicated this Temple. Moreover Solinus saith, that when the puissant King Xerxes went to the conquest of Greece, and that he burned all the Temples, yet he reserved this only.  
All Historians do agree, that the pillars of this Temple held up the plauncher of wood, so artificially wrought as was possible to be done: and that it was covered with Cedar, according to Pliny in his sixth book, and 49. chapter, the Gates & ceilings being of Cypress. Afterward, a villain seeing this sumptuous and admirable building, he was desirous to burn it, and so he did: when being taken for this offence, he confessed he did it for no other intent, but to leave a renown of himself to the world.  
But Ualerius the great, and Aulus Gellius in his second book say, that to spoil this villains desire of renown, it was forbidden under great and grievous pain, that none should write his name; to the end he might fail of the fame and glory he expected. But this served to small purpose, for Solinus and Strabo say, that he was named Erostratus, & of him came the Proverb: that when any one would be famous for a vicious act, they would say, This is the renown of Erostratus.  
Again, it may be spoken for a notable thing, that the same day the Temple was burnt, Alexander the great was borne, who conquered all Asia: Hereof are Authors, Plutarch in the life of Alexander, and Cicero in his second Book of the nature of the Gods, there it is reported in many places, & likewise in the book of Divination▪ and it is said, that while the Temple burned, the Sages prognosticated the destruction of all Asia, as afterward it happened by Alexander.  
Some say the Temple was re-edified again, far more great and excellent than it was before, and that the Master of the work was named Democrates.   

The sixth Wonder of the World.  
COncerning the sixth marvel, it was the Idol or Image of jupiter Olympus, which was in his Temple in Achaia, between the Cities of Elis and Pisa, the place being named Olimpia: and likewise the Temple, because of jupiter Olympus, of whom Strabo in his eight book, and Pomponius Mela in his second book, say, that this statue or Image which was in the Temple, was renowned, as well for the perfection and admirable workmanship, as also for the greatness thereof.  
It was made of Porphire, some say ivory, by the hand of Phidias, the most excellent Engraver and Image-maker that ever was.  
Pliny in his thirty five and thirty six books, makes mention of it, so do many other beside.  
Strabo saith, the excellency thereof was in the greatness: and that which makes it more admirable, is, that it was of Porphiry, cut in an infinite number of pieces.  
It is said, that Phidias was touched with one only imperfection, which was, that he had not well compassed the proportion of the Image with the Temple, because it was in such sort placed, and so huge, as when one considered what might be the height thereof, ifhe were underneath upon his feet, he would imagine nothing more could be contained within the Temple. Notwithstanding, the renown of this Image was highly advanced, and made the Temple more known then otherwise it would have been: because in that place was the sports and Games called Olimpia, & hence it came, that they accounted the years by Olympiad's, whereof they madè five years in five years. The games were first instituted by Hercules, afterward when they had left them off, they were restored and re-established by Emonies, after some Authors, by Sphyron, four or five years after the destruction of Troy, according to Eusebius, & there beginneth the year of the s●st olympiad.   

The seventh Wonder of the World.  
LAstly, for the seventh wonder, some say that it was the Tower in the isle of Pharos, near to the City of Alexandria in Egypt. Pharos was a little I'll long and strait, seated on the coast of Egypt, & directly against the mouth of Nilus, which in times past, as saith Pomponius Mela in his second book, and Pliny in his fift, was altogether enclosed with firm Land: and afterward, to the times of the self same Authors, it was embraced with the main Sea, save only a bridge, whereby they passed from the one I'll to the other.  
In this firm Land is the great City of Alexandria, builded by Alexander the great, which City was afterward a Colony to julius Caesar.  
In this isle called Pharos, after the name of a great Pilot to Menelaus, who was there buried: the Kings of Egypt caused to be builded a Tower of Marble, marvelous in height and workmanship, upon a Mountain environed with water. The labour thereon bestowed was such, as it cost eight hundred Talents, which value four hundred and fourscore thousand Crowns, according to the computation of Budaeus: and it was builded for no other purpose, then to alight a fire in the night on the top thereof, for guide and direction to the ships that came to take port there.  
This Tower, according to the most great opinion, was builded by Ptolomeus Philodelphus, King of Egypt, and the chief Archetect that made it, was named Sistrates, as we are certified by Pliny in his five and thirty Book.  
Caesar in his Commentaries, greatly commendeth the height & work of this Tower, and saith it was called Pharos, taking name of the isle: so saith Amianus Marcellinus in his first book, treating of the History of this Tower, and Solinus in his Polyhistor, in the end of the thirty four Chapter, that all Towers which were made afterward, were named Pharos, after this one: as was the Pharos of Messina, and else where. Again I think, that the fires which are ordinarily carried in Ships, to guide them in the night from others, by this occasion, are named Pharos.  
Thus this Tower is the last of these seven Wonders, albeit that by many it is not placed among the number of them: but in stead thereof is named the high grounded Gardens of Babylon, whereof already we have spoken.  
Lactantius Firmianus, holdeth so, & saith that these Gardens were upon the Arches and Towers, admirable in greatness, with a number of Fountains: the form of which building is amply set down by Diodorus the Sicilian.  
Caelio the Rhodian, discoursing on the seven Wonders, agrees not that this seventh is the Tower of Pharos, or the high hanging Gardens: but the Obelisque of Semiramis, which was made after the same fashion and structure of the Pyramids, for it began so in a Quadrangle, and finished in a sharp point: nor was there any difference between the Obelisque and the Pyramids, but that the Obelisque was only of one piece, and therefore could be nothing so high as the Pyramids. It is found written, that certain of them were so great as Towers, and of a very fair stone: there is one at this day in Rome, named Caesar's Needle, which was brought out of Egypt, and is a very marvelous thing to behold, as well for the greatness and to consider the manner how it was brought thither.  
Of the Obelisque of Semiramis, which Caelio (as I have said) numbereth amongst the seven Marvels, it is justified in writing, that it was an hundred & fifty foot high, as also four and twenty foot broad in a quadrangle, so that the whole compass thereof was ninety foot. And this stone so being whole & sound, was taken from the Mountains in Armenia, and by the commandment of Semiramis brought into Babylon Caldea: but in truth when we consider how it was drawn, carried and lifted up, it seemeth altogether a matter incredible, if the times of antiquity had not like things or more strange, whereof we are truly certified by Authors worthy of credit, and other very great Obelisques, which the Kings of Egypt cause to be made. Pliny in his sixth book, eight and ninth chapters, shows the manner of drawing these stones forth of the Quarries and Mines of stone. Of these Pyramids, Obelisques, Statues and Colossuses, maketh mention the learned Polyphius, in the beginning of his Hypne-rotomachia.    

Of the great Treasure found in Povilla.  
IN the time of Robert Gu●scardo, in Povilla was found a statue of Marble, which had about the head in manner of a Garland, a circle of brass, wherein was engraven these Latin words.  
Calendis Maii, oriente Sole, aurum caput habebo.  
Which is to say, In the Calends of May, at the rising of the Sun, I shall have a head of gold. Robert searched long to know the signification of these words, yet could he not find any one to instruct him in the true understanding: until at last there was a Sara●en, well skilled in the Magic Art, being prisoner to Robert, having ●st demanded his liberty in recompense of the interpretation, he offered todisclose the words written on the statue. His deliverance being granted by the Duke Guyscardo, he declared them in this manner, to wit. On the day of the kalends of May, at the rising of the Sun, he observed and marked the place where the shadow of the statues head finished on the ground, and there he commanded them to dig very deep, by which means should be understood the meaning of the word.  
Robert caused a deep digging to be made in the appointed place, where in little while was discovered and found a mighty mass of Treasure, which gave him good & principal aid in his marvelous enterprises. And for the Saracen, beside other recompenses he received of Robert: the recovery of his liberty was the most joyful thing, which in all the world could happen to him.  
These three last discourses, were translated out of the divers Lessons of Pierre Messie, and Antony du Verdier Sieur de Vauprivaz.   

An advertisement to the Reader.  
A Man can hardly have knowledge of the estate of the Roman Empire, nor likewise of the Kingdoms, Signories and principalities that are in Greece and Asia: unless he understand their moneys, manners and behaviour in speech, which hath bred heretofore a general error and confusion. For they that have written an hundred times Sestertias, meant and signified an hundred times an hundred thousand Sestertias: the which custom and kind of speech, hath brought the Interpreters and translators of good Authors, since within a thousand years, into great doubt and error.  
There were some that imagined and thought them to be the same indeed, and therefore spoke thereof indifferently: others there were that either understood them not, or else could not comprehend them, and so by reason of their weakness & doubting, there hath ensued very great disference and alteration.  
But the very truth is, that this manner of speech came in use, by abbreviation of the language: for when they would signify a great sum, to cut short the word, they would say an hundred times Sestertias: in stead of saying, an hundred times an hundred thousand Sestertias. And four hundred times Sestertias, in stead of four hundred times an hundred thousand: twelve times Sestertias, meaning twelve thousand Sestertias. etc.  

To know summarily the declaration and meaning of the sums contained in the Histories: I have according to the account of Budaeus, gathered the notes, and abridged them as followeth, to be known after our own English money, or after the value of the French Crowns.  
THE As, valueth four small French Deniers, not so much as an English farthing.  
This As, is the very lest piece of coin or currant Money that is.  
In signification according to the Latin, it is taken for a pound weight, consisting of twelve ounces.  
In division of solid things, as of Land or inheritance, it is likewise taken for the whole part or portion.  
There is required six Sextans to make or value an As.  
A Sextan is a coin less than that which is called a Quadran by the third part.  
It likewise is a certain poised or weight, being two ounces, after some called Obolus, after other, the sixth part of a pound.  
It is the sixth part of any measure, sum or quantity, that is divided into 12. parts.  
It is sometime likewise taken for 2. inches. Also the sixth part of jugerum, which is so much ground as one yoke of Oxen will ear in a day. It contains in length, two hundred and forty foot, and in breadth one hundred and twenty foot, which multiplied, riseth to 28800.  
It may be used for our English Acre of ground, which nevertheless containeth more, etc. or for a furlong.  
Obolus is also a small piece of Coin, but variable, according to the Country: in France it is a little brass piece, the sixth part of a sauce: with us in England it is a halfpenny. Yet junius taketh it for a penny and farthing of our money.  
It is also a weight containing three Carrots, that is, half a Scruple.  
It is sometime used as Obolus terrae: five foot in breadth and ten in length, which contains siftie foot square.  
A Quadran, in coin is a brazen piece called Triunx or Teruntius, the fourteenth part of Denarius, or as we in England count, the fourth part of a penny, which is our farthing.  
It is the fourth part of an As, that is three ounces, and a quarter.  
Also the fourth part of any number or measure: or three inches.  
It is used divers ways, as Quadrants operae Col, the fourth part of a days work.  
Ex quadrante haeredem facere. Ulpian, to make heir of the fourth part.  
Quadrants vini. Cels. six ounces of Wine, after Budaeus. After Physicians four ounces and a half.  
Four Quadrants or Quadrins, value an As.  
The Libella or little book, as it is termed, is a coin likewise valuing one As.  
Of this coin there were two sorts, one the tenth part of Sestertius, another the tenth part of Denarius.  
Of English money it is no more than three farthings.  
It is taken some time for a pound weight. Sesquiobolus valueth not half a sauce french.  
It is diversly taken in other Countries: but in England it is likewise no more than three farthings.  
Also it is a poised containing three parts of a Scruple.  
The little Sestertius valueth ten Deniers & a half.  
This coin was among the Romans', whereof Denarius contained four, and is so called, quasi Semitertius: for it contained two and a half of the brazen coin called As, and is marked with this figure H. S.  
Of English money it is estimated worth two pence, I mean the little Sestertius.  
The Drachma valueth three french Souses or Sols, whereof there be threescore in a French Crown.  
It is otherwise called three Shillings and six pence, of this piece there is mention made in the Gospel of S. Matthew.  
This Drachma is a coin figured with a Bullock, counterpoising an old sterling Groat of eight pence to the ounce.  
It was diversly taken by the name of Solidus amongst the Romans': sometimes for a coin of brass containing twelve ounces, a shilling: sometime for Drachma in silver.  
Aureus solidus in Alexander's time, was two drams of gold, afterward, in the time of justinian, six of them made an ounce: they being of the weight of our old English Nobles.  
After Aiginea jun. a shilling. Attica jun. seven pence. Auri twelve silver drams, that is, an ounce and a half of silver.  
The Sickle valueth two Drachmas.  
It is a coin in value about four English Groats, when eight went to an ounce.  
Siclus Hebraicus, vel argenteus, according to jun, was two shillings four pence.  
It is also a weight being half an ounce in poised.  
The Didrachma, valueth two of the former Drachmas.  
The Denier valueth four Sestertias, which according to some, are worth three shillings six pence.  
It was a days wages for a Labourer, as it is said in the twenty Chapter of Saint Matthew.  
After the Latin, Denarius is an old penny, worth ten pieces of silver, or ten Asses.  
According to some other Countries, it is reckoned worth eight pence.  
The word interpreted after our English, is used for a penny of our common coin.  
junius saith, it is a coin as much as eight pence of our coin.  
The Roman penny likewise, was worth four Sestertias, and it went in pay for ten Asses.  
Of it were three sorts: one, the sixth part of an ounce, which was more by the third part then the Greek Drachma.  
Another was, the seventh part of an ounce, weighing a Dram, & the seventh part thereof, and twenty and four went to a pound.  
The third was the eight part of an ounce, equal to the Greek Dram: in value a sterling Groat, when 8▪ went to an ounce.  
The Sportula valueth an hundred Quadrants or Quadrines.  
After the Romans', they termed it ten Sestertias, which they used to bestow in a small drinking or banquet, on such as came to salute them.  
After our English account, by our farthing: it is worth two shillings & a penny.  
The Mina valueth an hundred Drachmas.  
These hundred Drachmas are of our old sterling money, three and thirty shillings and four pence.  
After others account, which take Denarius Rom●nus, which is all one with the Drachma: whereby they reckon it to be worth fifty eight shillings and four pence.  
It is also taken for a poised of weight, weighing twelve ounces and a half, so that it is more than the Roman pound by 4. Drachmas.  
It is likewise a measure of ground, containing one hundred and twenty two foot in length, and as many in breadth.  
Ten thousand Sestertias, or ten great Sestertias, amount to two hundred and fifty Crowns of the Crown, the best French Crown next the Sun Crown.  
A thousand Sestertias make twenty five Crowns French, which is five pound sterling of our English money, whereby the rest may easily be valued.  
The Myriad valueth 10000 Crowns.  
Twenty thousand Sestertias, come to five hundred Crowns.  
Forty thousand Sestertias, amount to a thousand Crowns.  
A hundred Sestertias, that is to say, an hundred thousand, do value two thousand five hundred French Crowns.  
Two hundred Sestertias, are five thousand Crowns.  
Eight hundred Sestertias, come to twenty thousand Crowns.  
A thousand great Sestertias, make five and twenty thousand Crowns.  
Twelve times Sestertias, are thirty thousand Crowns.  
Forty times Sestertias, make an hundred thousand Crowns.  
A hundred times Sestertias, value two hundred and fifty thousand Crowns.  
A thousand times Sestertias, amount to two Millions, and 500 thousand Crowns. Ten thousand times Sestertias, are five and twenty Millions.  
Twenty thousand times Sestertias, come to fifty Millions.  
A Talon of Gold, valueth six hundred Crowns.  
Ten Talents, are two hundred and forty thousand Sestertias, which come to six thousand Crowns.  
Twenty Talents, are four hundred and fourscore thousand Sestertias, which amount to twelve thousand Crowns.  
Fifty Talents, are twelve times Sestertias, that is to say, twelve hundred thousand, which value thirty thousand Crowns.  
An hundred Talents, are sour and twenty times Sestertias, being threescore thousand Crowns.  
Five hundred Talents, are sixscore times Sestertias, being three hundred thousand Crowns.  
A thousand Talents, are twelvescore times Sestertias, which come to six hundred thousand Crowns.  
Four thousand Talents, are nine hundred & sixty times Sestertias, which make two Millions and four thousand Crowns.  
Ten thousand Talents, are two thousand and four hundred times Sestertias, which amounteth to six Millions.  
Fifty thousand Talents, are twelve thousand times Sestertias, which come to thirty Millions.  
An hundred thousand Talents, are four and twenty thousand times 〈◊〉, which amount to threescore Millions. etc.   

To make a brief account of our English money, from the small penny, to the pound of twenty shillings, I thought it necessary, for help in the former great sums.  
A Penny is the least coin among us, save the half penny, now used.  
Four pence make a Groat.  
Three Groats make a Shilling.  
Five Shillings, a Crown English, or an ounce Troy.  
Six Shillings eight pence, a Noble.  
Thirteen Shillings four pence, a Mark.  
Twenty Shillings, a pound tale, etc.  
And by these names all sums of money are commonly reckoned with us.  
We used to call our Silver coin sterling: because in one quarter it had the picture of the bird, which we call a Stare or Starling.  
The Gold coins, may without any great error be valued after the rate of our Angels, except where any notable difference is. The Roman Silver coined till Uespasians reign, is justly valued at five shillings, three pence half penny the ounce Troy: but for the speedier supputation, I allot unto it sixteen Groats, making no great account of the halfpenny, which is otherwise somewhat supplied.  
Other silver coins may be valued at the same rate, saving that the latter Roman coin is a little base than the rest.   

Of Measures for Corn and other things.  
THE Mina measure, containeth six Bushels.  
The Medimnum, after Budaeus, containeth two Amphoras, which is almost two Bushels of our measure English.  
The Amphora, containeth eight Congios, and forty eight Sextaries, which is as much as nine Gallons of our English measure.  
Amphora Atticus containeth thirty Gallons and a half.  
The Congius containeth six Sextaries, which is of our English measure a Gallon & a pint.  
The Sextarius is a measure, whereby (according to Budaeus) all other Measures may be made, and certain trial by weight and measure.  
The Roman Sextane, containeth of wine or Wheat two pound Roman, that is four and twenty ounces: a pound and a half of Haber du poise weight, less than the Paris pint by eight ounces.  
Ye may try it following Glareans rule, by making a measure four inches long, by squire three inches deep, & as many broad, which is the true Sextarius.  
According to this account, it is just our pint English, and a half: for in our Wine pint is but sixteen ounces.  
Physicians assign but fifteen ounces, or at the uttermost twenty to Sextarius: & than it is but two or four ounces more than our pint.  
Sextarius (after George Agricola,) containeth two Heminae, one pound measure and eight ounces, that is, twenty ounces or inch measures.  
Sextarius is in weight of Oil, sixteen ounces, five drams, and one scruple: of Wine fifteen ounces and an half, two Siliquaes, and two third parts of a grain.  
The Hemina containeth nine ounces & two Quartarios, that is, three quarters of a pint.  
Quartarius is the fourth part of Sextarius, containing two Acebatula, a quarter of a pound.  
Siliqua, is the Scruple, whereof three make a Dram, & is now called a Coract, used of finers of Gold and silver.  
The Greek Tun and Roman, agreeth with the Vessel of Paris.  
A pint is the least measure that hath a peculiar name with us in England.  
Two of them make a Quart.  
Two Quarts a pottle.  
Two Pottles a Gallon.  
Of these are the greatest Measures, which for Ale, Beer and Wine be indifferent.  
The Firkin of Ale holdeth eight Gallons.  
Of Beer nine gallons.  
The Kilderkin of Ale sixteen gallons.  
Of Beer fifteen gallons.  
The Barrel of Ale thirty two gallons.  
Of Beer thirtiesixe.  
Of Wine but thirty one and a half.  
The Wine Tierse holdeth forty two Gallons.  
The Hogshead sixtie-three.  
The Tertian eyghty-foure.  
The Pipe or malmsey Butte, one hundred and twenty six.  
The Tun two hundred and 56. gallons.  
In the measure for Grain, two Gallons make a peck.  
Four Pecks, a Bushel or Strike.  
Four Bushels, a Cowmbe or Cowme, a Cornock, a Razor.  
Two Cowmes make a quarter.  
And for the plainer declaration of smaller measures, I suppose three quarters of a pint to be a pound in measure, divided into 12. ounces, every ounce according to the goldsmiths assize: which pound containeth of pure Oil a pound. etc.    
FINIS. A. M.