¶ Thabridgment of the Histories of TROGUS Pompeius, Collected and written in the Latin tongue, by the famous Historiographer justine, and translated into English by Arthur Golding: a work containing briefly great plenty of most delectable Histories, and notable examples, worthy not only to be read, but also to be embraced and followed of all men.  
Anno Domini. M. D. LXIIII Mense. Ma●…  
¶ Imprinted at London in Fleetstreet, near unto Saint Dunston's church, by Thomas Marsh.   

TO THE RIGHT honourable and his singular good Lord and Master, Edward de Veer, Earl of Oxinford L. great Chamberlain of England, Viscount Bulbeck, etc. Arthur Golding wisheth health and prosperity with furtherance, in knowledge and increase of honour.  
RIght Honourable, I find in peru●…yng of ancient writers, that it hath been the custom of the greatest Estates and Princes in the world, when they have had inter mission from the serious and weighty affairs of their Realms, to bestow their idle times in revolving and perusing stories. For we read that Artaxerxes, surnamed Longimanus, the fift king of Persia, used to have the chronicles, both of his predecessors and of his own time, also read before him a nights when he went to rest. And Alexander the great, ●…ad that noble writer of the famous battle of Troy in such veneration, that he never went any where, but he had his works about him, nor never slept, but that he had them under his pillow. Moreover coming into a school, and finding not Homer'S works there, he gave the Master a buffet with his fist: Meaning thereby that the knowledge of Histories was a thing so necessary to all estates and degrees, that it was an offence to be without them. For like as in Music many notes and many tunes make one consent and one Harmony: so also in an History, the variety and multitude of examples, tend all to one end, that is, th'advancement of Virtue, and the defacing of Vice. Offering themselves as a most clear and perfect mirror, where in for a man to behold, I say not the outward portraiture and lineaments of his body, but the very lively Image and express figure of his inward mind instructing him how to gwyde and order himself in all things. For what can be a greater enforcement to chivalry, than not barely to hear, but in a manner presently to behold the sage and grave consultations of expert Captains? the speedy putting in practice of things devised? the policies & stratagenies in executing of them? the favourable assistance of fortune to the same, with the fame and renown of valiant enterprises? what can be a greater encouragement to Virtue? then to see men raised from low and base degree (as it were out of the dust) unto high estate & honour? to see realms flourish? to see common wealths prosper? to see good men exalted & evil men suppressed to see peace and tranquillity observed? to see Nations willingly offer their obediens? to see long continuance in felicity? with honourable report & wishing for after the decease? On the contrary part, what can be a greater dehortation from vice, then to have laid before ones eyes not only the heinousness and enormity of the offence? but also the miseries, calamities, shames and punishments worthily ensuing upon the same? with endless reproach and infamy after death? and so consequently what can be more commodious and profitable than an History? Again, what can be more pleasant, or more to the satisfying and contentation of man's nature (which is always desirous of news and covetous of knowledge) then sitting quietly by himself, to receive tidings of things done through the whole world? to behold the places, the persons, the times, and the things with thorder and circumstances in doing of the same? to see so many running streams? so many high mountains, so many raging seas? so many wild forests and deserts, so many strange beasts, fowls, fishes, serpents, herbs and trees? so many large countries? so many rich and populous Cities? so many welgoverned common wealths? so many good laws and customs? and so many sundry sorts of people? together with the natures, dispositions, effects, descriptions, situations, commodities, pleasures and displeasures, foundations, continuances and decays, beginnings, proceedings and endings of the same? and that in such sort as every thing may seem, not to be reported, but to be present lie in doing? Now at such time as I had finished my translation of th'histories of justine (who in so small room and in so few words, comprehendeth so many and so notable things, that it is to be doubted, whether he be more brief of sentence, or copious of matter) as I stayed with myself (as it were to take breath at th'end of my race) devising to whom I might specially dedicate the same: It came to my remembrance, that sithence it had pleased Almighty God, to take to his mercy your Lordship's noble father, (to whom I had long before vowed this my travel) there was not any, who either of duty might more justly claim the same. or for whose estate it seemed more requisite and necessary, or of whom I thought it should be more favourably accepted, then of your honour. For (to omit other things, whereof this time and matter serveth not to speak) it is not unknown to others, and I have had experience thereof myself, how earnest a desire your honour hath natu rally graffed in you, to read, peruse, and communicate with others, as well the Histories of ancient time, and things done long ago, as also of the present estate of things in our days, and that not without a certain pregnancy of wit and ripenesss of understanding: The which do not only now rejoice the hearts of all such as bear faithful affection to thonourable house of your ancestors, but also stir up a great hope and expectation of such wisdom and experience in you in time to come, as is meet and beseming for so noble a race. To the furtherance where of (because I will not be over tedious in words) I will briefly propound unto your L. no more but two examples, which are mentioned among many other of like purport in this book. th'one is of the valiant Epaminondas Prince of Thebes, who being an expert Captain and politic in all Martial feats and warlike affairs, was nevertheless so well learned, that it was a wonder to see how a man bred, and brought up in Philosophy, should come by such knowledge in feats of Arms, or how a man accustomed to the licentious liberty of the Camp, should retain such exquisite knowledge in Philosophy, with unspotted innocency of living and conversation: whose fortune was such (by the consent of all writers) that the strength, the glory, and the renown of his country, did both rise with him and die with him. Thother example is of Arymba king of Epire, who being very young at the decease of his father, was by the advise and consent of the whole Realm, during his novage, sent to Athenes to be instructed in Learning and in Philosophy. At his return then into his own Realm again, he chose him a sage and grave counsel, created officers, made good laws, abrogated evil customs, and finally so established the state of the common wealth, that he seemed to have made the Realm new. And look how much he was better learned then his ancestors, so much the story reporteth him to have been the better beloved and honoured of his subjects. Let these and such other examples (where your L. shall find store in this work) encourage your tender years, running in the renowned footsteps of your famous ancestors, to proceed in learning and virtue (which are th'only ornaments of nobility, or rather the very true nobility itself,) in such sort as you may be able to do acceptable service to your Prince and your country, Your Prince and your country for your weldoyngs embrace you and esteem you as a jewel, and Yourself thereby become equal to any of your worthy Predecessors in advancing thonour of your noble house: whereof as your great forwardness giveth assured hope and expectation, so I most heartily beseech Almighty God to further, augment, establish, and confirmate the same in your L. with th'abundance of his grace.  
Your L. humble Servant, Arthur Golding.   

To the Reader.  
considering there is not a more precious jewel given us of God than time: and that nothing rejoiceth a man's mind more than the remembrance of the well spending, nor any thing more grieveth, than the remembrance of the idle & vain bestowing thereof: It ought to be the chief regard and endeavour of all men, in such wise to employ the same, as may most redound to the utility of others, (for the which intent we be chiefly borne into this world) to th'advancement of Virtue, and to the purchasing toward themselves a laudable name and monument of their well doings. To aspire unto the which, we see it hath be●… and is the study and travel of all good and virtuous men: some by doing things themselves whereby others might take good ensample, & some by putting th'acts of other men in writing, to the profit and commodity of such as should come after. Wherein albeit the travel be not like of the writer and of the doer: yet th'one deserveth not much less commendation than tother. For like as their could have been no Historiographer, if noble acts and enterprises had not been achieved: so if no man should have put such deeds in writing, besides that the fame of the doers should after a while have utterly been condemned to oblivion, the frutifull example of their doings, (which now remaineth to posterity) must also needs have perished. Therefore are we not a little beholding to Chronaclers, as to them that are the guides, instructors, and masters of our life: by whom we are not only admonished of our duties: but also by evident and plain demonstrations told before, and as it were pointed to with the finger, what we ought to eschew, what we ought to do, and in what manner to enterprise and bring every thing to effect, as may be most to the praise and be hoof of the doer. In such wise annexing and enterlacinge, pleasure, variety, and delectation, with utility and profit, that I can not devise how a man should lightly feel any weariness. Howbeit even as the commodity is great if we read and peruse Histories advisedly: so it nothing availeth, if we purpose not to put in ure thxamples of the true & undistayned virtue lefis in them for the rereformation of our lives. For like as when a man cometh into a goodly Garden plentifully replenished with all kind of wholesome herbs, sweet Flowers, and pleasant nourishing fruits, if he neither gather of the herbs and flowers, nor tasteth of the fruits, but runneth up and down negligently, feeding his eyes with the vain sight and beholding of them only, he taketh neither benefit nor pleasure of the same: Even so if a man read over Histories, not minding to put then samples in practice, but only contenteth himself with the pleasantness of thinditing, or with the strangeness and variety of the matters, he loseth his labo●…r and mis-spendeth his life. Neither is there any difference between such a one, and him that looketh upon his own image in a glass, the which he forgetteth assoon as his back is turned. For all our life consisteth wholly in virtuous act●…s & exercises: the residue thero befing otherwise misspent, differing nothing at all from death. diverse noble personages therefore, (as well for the worthiness and excellency of the work, as to th'intent to win double honour, and thereby to give good Ensample to such as should come after, to contend by the like industry to aspire to the like glory and renown,) have not only done noble feats and adventures themselves, but also put in writing as well their own deeds as the doings of other men. juba king of Mauritanie made a Collection of th'histories of sundry Nations: julius Caesar compiled his own acts. Trogus Pompeius wrote th'histories of the whole world: from the beginning of the Monarchy of Allyria, unto the reign of Themperor Augustus. Thabridgement of whose works, gathered out by justine (who partly by his own industry, but more by the decay and loss of his Author Trogus, obtained the name of a famous Historiographer) I have translated out of Latin into English, though not so eloquently as a number could hau●… done: yet (I trust) according to the true sense and meaning of Thaucthor: wherein albeit I may seem to iome, to have taken in hand a vain and frivolous travel, namely to put forth that thing in rude english which is written in good & pure Latin: Yet notwithstanding (as well for thavoiding of Idleness the Mother & nourissher of all vice, as also for the zeal I bear to this my native country, desirous to gratify yea and to profit such as have not understanding in the Latin tongue if I could) I have not stopped my race, until such time as I had attained to the final scope of my prepensed purpose: following the Ensample of divers wise and well learned, both of old time and also of our age of all sorts of Nations, whose study and travel hath always been to bring into their mother tongue, such works as they found either in the Greek (the head and wellspring of all Philosophy, cunning and learning) or in any other language, worthy to be known and had in memory. And in like manner as oftentimes beautiful and well-favoured persons, turned out of their gorgeous apparel & costly attire, into simple raiment, do like the beholders as well as they did in their gayest garments: Even in like wise (I trust) it may so come to pass, that this my rude translation void of ornate terms and eloquent inditing, may (as it were) in his plain and homely English cote, be as well accepted of the favourable reader, as when it were richly clad in roman vesture: considering that the value an estimation of Thistory, is no more abased thereby, then should the virtue of a precious stone, by setting it in brass or iron, or by carrying it in a closur of Leather. If any errors have escaped me in the doing hereof (as I do not think, but that some things worthy to be corrected, may have escaped my hand, I desire the learned Reader, as well to admonish me friendly of mine error, as also to put his helping hand to th'amendment of the same. In doing whereof as he shall greatly benefit others, so let him assure himself, he cannot do me a greater pleasure, nor a higher friendship. And thus wishing that my travel and labour in doing hereof, may turn to thy commodity and profit, I bid thee, Far well.   

The Succession of the kings of the three Monarchies mentioned in this Book, taken out of 〈◊〉, Berosus, and Megasthenes.  

¶ The first Monarchy of 〈◊〉.  
1. NInus the Son of 〈◊〉 Belus the first Emperor of Assi●…ia reigned. 
〈◊〉. years  2. 〈◊〉 wife of the sayo Ninus. 
〈◊〉. years.  3, 〈◊〉 Nineas, other wise call led 〈◊〉, son of the foresaid Ninus and 〈◊〉. 
(〈◊〉. years.  4 Artus. 
thirty. years  5 Aralius. 
xl. years.  6 Baleus 〈◊〉. 
thirty. years.  7 〈◊〉. 
xxxulii. years  8 Belothus the priest of Baal. 
(xxxv. years.  9 Baleus. 
lii. years  10 〈◊〉. 
xxxii. years  11 Mamytus. 
thirty. years  12 Manealeus. 
thirty. years  13 Sterus or Pherus. 
xx. years  14 〈◊〉. 
thirty. years  15 〈◊〉. 
xl. years  16 Ascatades. 
xl. years  17 〈◊〉. 
xlv. years  18 Belothus. 
xxv. years  19 Bellopares. 
thirty. years  20 Lamprydes. 
xxxii. years  21 Sosares. 
xx. years  22 Lampares. 
thirty. years  23 〈◊〉. 
xiv. years  24 〈◊〉. 
nineteen. years  25 Mytreus 
xxvii. years  26 Tautanes. 
xxxii. years  27 Tautens. 
xl. years  28 Tineus. 
thirty. years  29 Dercilius. 
xl. years  30 Eupalus 
xxxviii. years  31 〈◊〉. 
xlv. ye●…es  32 〈◊〉. 
thirty. years  33 Ophrateus▪ 
xx. years  34 Ophratanes. 
l. 〈◊〉  35 Ocrasapes. 
xlii. years  36 Tonos Concoleros at Sar●…a napolis. 
xx. years   
This Empire continued, M. C C. xxix. years.   

The second Monarchy of the Medians and Persian●….  

The Medee.  1 〈◊〉. 
xxviii. years  2 Mandanes. 
l. years  3 Sosarmon. 
thirty. years  4 〈◊〉▪ 
l. years  5 〈◊〉. 
xxii. years  6 Arcens. 
xl. years  7 Artines. 
xxii. years  8 Astybares. 
xx. years  9 Astyages. 
thirty. years   
The kings of M●…dia held the Empire. Clxxxxii. years.  

The Persians.  1 ●…yrus. 
thirty. years  2 〈◊〉. 
seven. y●…res. v. 〈◊〉.  3 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 ●…pers. 
seven. 〈◊〉  4 Darius. 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  5 〈◊〉. 
xx. 〈◊〉  6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
seven. months  7 〈◊〉 longimanus. 
xl. 〈◊〉.  8 〈◊〉. 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  9 〈◊〉. 
viii. 〈◊〉  10 Darius the 〈◊〉. 
nineteen. years  11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ 
xl 〈◊〉  12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
〈◊〉. years  13 〈◊〉. 
〈◊〉. years  14 〈◊〉 the son●…e of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Codo●… 
vi. years   
The kings of Persia held Thempyrs. CC. thirty. years. and. v. months.  
The second Monarchy of the Medes and Persians endured 〈◊〉. years. v. months   

The third Monarchy, of the Macedones.  
1. Alexander the great, after whose death his kingdom was ●…ded among his noble men. 
xii. y●…  2. Aridens. 
seven. years  3. Cassander. 
xviii. years  4 Antipater & Alexand. 
iiii. years  5 Demetrius. 
vi. years  6 Py●…rhus. 
vi. months  7 Lysimachus. 
v. years  8 Ptolomeus Ceramicus 
i year  9 〈◊〉. 
two. months  10 Antipater. 
〈◊〉. year  11 Sosthenes. 
two. years  12 Antigonus 〈◊〉. 
xxxvi. ye  13 〈◊〉. 
x. years  14 Antigonus. 
xv. years  15 Phylip. 
xlii. years  16 Perses the last king. 
x. years   
th'empire of Macedon, lasteth with Alexander. 〈◊〉. years, & viii. monthe●….  

The kings of Asia.  Antigonus. 
xviii. years  Demetrius 〈◊〉. 
xvii. ye.   

The kings of Syria.  〈◊〉 Nicanor. 
xxxii. yer.   

The kings of Syria and Asia.  Antiochus Soter. 
xliiii. years  Antiochus Theos. xv. 
years  Sileucus callinicus. 
xx. years  〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
three years  Antiochus the grea●…e. 
xxxvi. 〈◊〉  Seleucus' 〈◊〉. 
xii. years  〈◊〉 Epiphanes. 
xi. years  〈◊〉 Eupater. 
two. years  〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
xxii. years  Alexander. 
x. years  〈◊〉. 
three years  〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
ix. years  〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
iiii. years  Antiochus 〈◊〉 
xxi. years  Anciochus 〈◊〉. 
xviii. yer.  Phylyppe. 
two. years   
The kingdom of Syria endured. 〈◊〉. lxxxix. 〈◊〉.  

The kings of Egypt.  Ptolomeus the son of Lagus. 
xl. is  Ptolomeus 〈◊〉 hus. 
lviii. y  Ptolomeus Euergetes. 
xxvi. yer.  Ptolomeus Philopater. 
xvii. years  Ptolomeus Epiphanes. 
xxiiii. yer.  Ptolomeus 〈◊〉. 
xx. years  Ptolomeus phiscon al. 〈◊〉. 
xvii. y.  〈◊〉 Alexander. 
x. years  Ptolomeus Lathyrus. 
viii. 〈◊〉  Ptolomeus 〈◊〉, 
thirty. 〈◊〉  Cleopatra. 
xxii. years   
th'empire of Egypt 〈◊〉 after Alexander. 〈◊〉 lxxxviii. years.  
The Monarchy of Alexander continued in altogether 〈◊〉. years.   
FINIS.   

The Contents of the. xliiii. Books of justine.  
The contents of the syrst Book. 
NInus layeth the ●…ondacion of the Monarchy of Assyria. 〈◊〉 conterfayteth herself to be a man, buildeth Babylon, conquereth Ethiope, 〈◊〉 war against Ind, and is slain by her son Ninus. Sa●… danapolis is deposed for his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and with his life endeth th'empire of Assyria. Arbactus translateth th'empire to the Medes. 〈◊〉 causeth Cyrus to be cast away as soon as he is borne, he is 〈◊〉 by the providence of God Harpagus loseth his son for the same, Syrus ouercōm●… 〈◊〉 ges and translateth th'empire from the Medes to the Persians. Babylon rebelleth and is subdued, Croesus is taken prisoner, & his real●…e brought to miserable subjection. Candaules through his own ●…oliy, is slain by Gyges, who enjoyeth the kingdom for his 〈◊〉: Cyrus with two hundred thovand Persians is slain by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Massagettes. His 〈◊〉 cambyses succeedeth, he conque●…h Egypt, commandeth his brother Sinerdes to be murd●…, and is slain with his own sword. Comaris & 〈◊〉 stes 〈◊〉, Orthanes boutteth out their treason, Seven of the noble men cons●…e their deaths: Darius is made king by the neing of his horse, he 〈◊〉 king Cyrus' daughter, recovereth Babylon by the help of 〈◊〉, and prepareth war against the Scythians.  The contents of the second Book. 
THe Scy●…thians and Egyptians contend for th'antiquity of their countries. The descript●…on of 〈◊〉 with the manners and customs of the people, their fortunate enterprises, & the empires founded by them. Plynos and Scolopythus are driven out of Scythia with a great number of youth and are slain by a 〈◊〉, their wife's revenge their deaths and set up th'empire of ●…mazone. The manners and customs of the Amazons, the succession of 〈◊〉 Queens of Amazonie: Hercules excha●…geth Menalyppe for the queens ar●…or: Penthesilea coydeth the Trojans against the Greeks: Thalestris having obtained the company of great Alexander, returneth and dieth▪ with whom the name of Amazons the. The Scythians are received wi●…h war by their ●…men. Darius warreth upon them, and flieth shametully, he conquereth Asia and Macedon, and vendeth himself against the athenians. Thoriginall of Thathe●…ens, their in●…utions, the succession of their kings, the change of their government, the ●…wes of So●…on and his policy. Pysistratus usurpeth, Hyppias is deposed and flieth to Darius, the notable battle of Marathon, wherein Hippias is slain. Darius dieth, Xerxes succeedeth, he reneweth the wars against Gre●… and is overcome, the notable prowess of Leonidas. Xerxes retireth fearfully and dishonorablye into his kingdom. Mardonius is vanquished in Beotia. Them istocles hath the pro rogative for his prowess: Athens is builded again, the Lacedemo nians make war upon the Persians, Pausanias is condemned of treason. Xerxes proclaimeth open war again, against Grece, he is overcome by Cymo duke of Athenes, both on sea and land, and returneth into his kingdom.  The contents of the third Book. 
Xerxes' and his sons are slain, by the treason of Artabanus, Artax●…xes revengeth the death of his father. The Lacedæmonians and Thatheniens fall at varians: Lycurgus maketh laws, & willingly vannisheth himself, the Lacedæmonians make war upon the Messeniens, the Partheniens place themselves at Tarent in Italy: Messene rebelleth and is subdued, war is renewed between the Lacedæmonians and Thatheniens, the Lacedæmonians break the truce, the notable demeanour of Pericles, truce is taken again and broken by the Lacedæmonians.  The contents of the fourth Book. 
THe description of Sycill, with the wonders thereof, ●…olus taketh upon him the crown of the same, after whom every eytie hath his Tyrrant, among whom Anaxilaus contendeth against thothers cruelty. with justice and Equity, The men of Rhegium are cruelly dispossessed of their City by their con ●…ederates. The Cathanenses and Syracusans fall at debate: the Athentens aid the Catanenses, truce is taken & broken by the Syracusans, Ahatheniens succour the Catanenses again: 〈◊〉 rescoweth Syracuse, vanquisheth the athenians, both by sea and by land, and utterly destroyeth both their men and ships.  The contyentes of the fift Book. 
AL●…ibiades willingly bannisheth himself, and compelleth the king of Lacedaemon to war upon Thathenians, the which Darius king of Persia furthereth also. 〈◊〉 causeth the cities o●… Asia to revolt from Thathentens, the Lacede monians lie in wait to kill him, he escapeth by the admonition of the wife of king Agis, and flieth to 〈◊〉 king Darius' lyevetenaunt in Lydia, whom he withdraweth from the Lacedæmonians, the Ambassadors of Athens come unto him, he is revoked into his country and made admiral, he overcometh the Lacedæmonians and is joyfully received of his Citizens, he receiveth a loss by ou●…rsyght, and bannisheth himself again, 〈◊〉 are brought to utter distress, Conon their Captain flieth to Cyprus, the city is yielded up to the Lacedæmonians, thirty Tyrants have the governance thereof, Darius' king of Persia dieth, Dionyse the younger is expulsed out of Sycill, Al●…biades is burned in his lodging, 〈◊〉 expulseth the thirty. 〈◊〉, ten others are plac●…d in their stead▪ Pavianias king of Lacedevion command death them out of the city, and giveth peace to the athenians, the Tyraun●…s making war against Athenes, are taken and put to death, Artaxerxes suc●…edeth his father Darius in the Persian kingdom, Cyrus rebelieth against his broth●…r A●…xerxes and is slain, the Grek●… that came to his aid, return into their country unvanquished.  The contents of the sixth Book. 
THe Lacedæmonians covet th'empire of Asia, ●…nes is displaced of his office of Lievetenauntship: Conon of Athenes is made admiral of the Persian fleet, the Lacedæmonians send for aid into egypt, 〈◊〉 is sent against Conon, Conon overcometh Lysander upon the sea. Athens is set at liberty again, Epamynondas overcometh the ●…a cedemonians, and sleath Lysander: Agesyiaus wresteth the victory from the Thebans, the athenians send Iphicrates with an host to chayd of the Thebans, the Lacedæmonians are brought to 〈◊〉 despair, Conon is received with great joy of his citizens, Athenes is repaired. A●…axerxes proclaimeth a general peace through all Grece, and setteth all the cities at liberty, he maketh war against Egypt, Rome is taken by the Frenchmen, war riseth between the Lacedæmonians, and Arcadians, and is ceased of their own accord, Epamynondas Duke of Thebes invaded Lacedaemon, and is repulsed by the old men, Agesylaus encountereth with him, Epaminondas is slain, with whom the prowess of the Greeks decayeth.  The conteintes of the seventh Book. 
HE entreateth of 〈◊〉 and of the kings thereof. ●…ranus following a herd of goats, winneth the cy●…ie Edyssa, he turneth the name thereof, maketh it the head of Macedon, and subdueth divers kings, after him 〈◊〉 Perdiccas and prophesieth of his posterity, Argeus taketh his place, and 〈◊〉 the crown to his son Europ●…, the Macedones overcome the Illyrians, 〈◊〉 succeedeth whose son Alexander killeth the Persian Ambassadors sent by Darius, of whom mention is made in the first and second books. Bubares marrieth Alexander's sister. Amynthas succeedeth Alexander, the mother killeth her own children, Philip is brought up at Thebes, and afterward he is crowned king, he vanquisheth his border●…rs, conquereth the ●…ens, marrieth Olympias the mother of great Alexander, & winneth Methone.  The contents of the eight Book. 
THe Lacedæmonians & Phocenses are condemned in a great sum of money: the Phocenses rob the Temple of Delphos: Philip is chosen Captain general against them and vanquisheth them, the which being done, he spoileth the Thebans, whom he came to defend he stealeth the kingdom of Cappadocia, destroeth Olynthe in Thrace, in●…th the goldmynes in Chessa●… & the syluet ●…es in Thrace, spoileth the two kings of Thrace of their kingdom, maketh peace with Chate●…ens, giveth s●…le answers to Cha●… of Grece, breaketh premis with the Phocenses, removeth whole nations and Cities from country to country, s●…th the Dardamerans, & d●…seth Arymba king of E●…yre, giving the kyngdo me to Alexander the brother of his 〈◊〉 Olympsas.  The contents of the nynethe Book. 
PH●… besiegeth Constantinople, during the which he wi●…neth many cities ●…f Chersonesus, & feighteth unprosperously against the Tryballes, he maketh war to the ●…niens, & winneth the Soveranity of Grece, executeth str●…ghte justice upon the Thebans, somoneth a Parliament at Cormthe, prepateth for war astaynst the Persians, & is s●…ayne by Paus●…ras at his daughter's ma●…ge. The description of his nature and conditions with a comparison between him and his son Alexander.  The contents of the tenth Book. 
THe natural affection of Artaxerxes Mnemon toward his son Darius, & his treason against his father, the punishment of Darius & his thirty brothers, the cruelty of Ochus, the prowess of Codoman, for the which he is created king by the name of Daius.  The contents of the eleventh Book. 
THe disquietness of the Macedones after the death of Phylype the which Alexander appeaseth, Alexander putteth his kynsfelke to death, suppressed rebellions, goeth forward with the wars that his father purposed against the Persians▪ pardoneth the athenians, 〈◊〉 Thebes, entereth into Asia, van●… 〈◊〉, overcometh divers of his lieutenants, goeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 city 〈◊〉 and untyeth the knot of the wain: a digression to tha●…yres and the kings of Phrygia. Alexander maketh haste to Ch●…us in Cilicia, is re●…ered of a dangerous disease, overcometh Darius again, taketh the mother, wife and daughters of Darius' prisoners, marrieth one of his prisoners called Barsive: sendeth Parmenio to invade the ●…ersian fleet, and other of his noble 〈◊〉 to receive the Cities of Asia, maketh abdolominus a king of a Gardener, winneth the 〈◊〉 Cyrus perforce: goeth to the temple of Ha●…o in Egypt▪ buildeth the city Alexandria, receiveth letters twice from Darius, and replieth to the same, mourneth for the death of Darius' wise, 〈◊〉 the third letter from 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 thereunto, 〈◊〉 Darius and 〈◊〉 the Monarchy of the 〈◊〉 with th'empire of Asia, rewardeth his soldiers, and findeth ●…eadyng riches in the city 〈◊〉. Da rius is bound by his ●…wne 〈◊〉, found by a soldier half dead and sore wounded, 〈◊〉 whom he 〈◊〉 his mind and dieth, and Alexander causeth him to be 〈◊〉 according to his estate.  The contents of the twelfth Book. 
ALexander buryeth his soldiers sumptuously, Agis king of 〈◊〉 maketh insurrection in Grece and is 〈◊〉▪ Al●…xander king of Epire warreth in Italy & is 〈◊〉 to death, ●…yron with his host is slain by the Scyth●…s Alexander's soldiers being in Parthia, desire to return home, he subdueth Hyrcanie and the mardes, Thalestris Queen of ●…hamazones, companyeth with Alexander, he usurpeth the manners of the Persians, frequenteth feasting, licenseth his soldiers to marry their prisoners, outrageth against his noble men, conquereth the people that inhabit the foot of Cancasus, in the which time Bessus that killed Darius, is brought bound unto him, whom he delivereth to be punished to Oxatres the brother of Darius, he buildeth Alexandria upon Tanais, killeth Clitus at the table, falleth in great despair for the same, receiveth countries by composition, putteth Calisthenes and other noble men to death, giveth his soldiers silver Bucklers, entereth into Ind, where a Queen called Cleophis, yielding herself and her kingdom unto him, recepueth it again at his hand, overcometh king Porus. buildeth two cities, subdueth fow●… Nations, is desired by his souldieurs again to return home, vanquisheth the Eu●…ytes, ●…ceyueth by composition the Gessones & Asybanes, conquereth the Ambres & Sycambres, is sore wounded in the city of the Dpydrakes', preserveth his host from poisoned wounds by thadmonishment of a dream, buy●…deth a City in the mouth of the river Indus, returneth to Babylon, putteth the lieutenants of divers countries to death, punisheth a 〈◊〉 among his soldiers, mourneth for the death of 〈◊〉 on, enterteyneth th'ambassadors of Carthage, Spain, France, etc. is poisoned by Antipater, comforteth his soldiers, making 〈◊〉 tumult for his death, delivereth his ring to Perdiccas and dye●….  The contents of the thirteenth Book. 
THe mother of Darius dieth for sorrow. Aridens is made king, th'empire is d●…utded among the noblemen of Alexander: Thatheniens and A●…tolians drive ●…ntypater out of Grece, Perdiccas make●…h war against 〈◊〉 king of Cappadocia, the noblemen of Macedon fall at varians among themselves the foundation of the city 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉., Perdiccas is hated for his pry●…, and Eumenes winneth two fields▪  The contents of the fourteenth Book. 
Eumenes' preventeth the policies of his enemies, he is besieged by A●…tigonus, rescued by Antipater, resorteth to the A●…gyraspides for succour, is over come by Antigonus, and is betrayed by his own soldiers. Cassander is made Regent of Grece, the Lacedæmonians enclose their City with a wall, Eurydice and Arideus are slain at the commandment of Olympias, Cassander likewise putteth Olympias to death, and ●…prysoneth the son of Alexander.  The contents of the xv. Book. 
THe Conquerors fall at debate for parting of the pray, the Abderties are driven out of their country with frogs & mice, Cassander put●…eth the sons of Alexander to death, Ptolemy is vanquished on the sea by Demetrius. Alexander's lieutenants proclay me the●…es kings, Lysymachus taketh part with Cassander against Antigonus, a discourse of the doings of the said Lysimachus, the wonderful 〈◊〉 of Seleucu●…, with his par taking against Antigonus, and his conquests in the East, Sandrocotte deliu●…th the Indians from the subjection of Macedon and oppressed them with Tyranny himself▪ Antigonus is slain & his son Demetrius put to flight, the Conquerors ●…al at bar●…ans again among themselves, and Cassander dieth.  The contents of the. xvi. Book▪ 
THabominable murder of Antipater the son of 〈◊〉, for the which his brother Alexander proclay●…th war against him, Demetrius slayeth Alexander, and usurpeth his part of Macedon, Lysimachus yeld●…h unto him the portion of Antipater also, Ptolemy, Lysimachus, Seleucus & Pyrrhus yoine themselves in league against Demetrius, Pyrrhus driveth Demetrius out of Macedon. Lysimachus putteth his son in law Antipater to death in whom the house of Cassander is extincted, Demetrius yield▪ th' himself prisoner to Seleucus, Ptolemy dieth, debate falleth between Lysimachus & Pyr●…, he expuls●…th Pyrthus out of Macedon▪ the building of the City Heraciea in Pon●…us, the g●…es of the Heracleans, their cour●…e toward their enemies, their miserable oppression by tyranny, the bold enterprise of Chion and Leonides, and the death of them.  The contents of the. xvii. Book. 
THe horrible Earthquake in Hellesponte and Chersonesus, the cruelty of Lysimachus to his own children by th'instigation of their ●…tepmother Arsyrice, the last war between the succ●…ssoro of Alexander, wherein 〈◊〉 is slain by Seleucus, who also within a while after is slain by Ptolemy the kings brother of Egypt. Pyrrhus ayd●…th the ●…tynes against the Romans, a discourse of the Realm of Epire with a declaration of th'acts of the kings thereof.  The contents of the. xviii. Book. 
Pyrrhus' 〈◊〉 the romans, Mage Duke of Carthagbrynge●…h aid to them, and is sent home again, the Romayves take a truce with Pyrrhus, the which is ●…ynged by Appius Claudius▪ Pyr●…us tak●…th upon him the kingdom of Sy●…l, the foundation of Sydon and tire, with a declaration of th●…re Histories, Dydo buildeth Carthage, and sleath herself: The Carthaginenses 〈◊〉 abominable kind of sacrifice, they su●…er loss by war and p●…ens, Macheus Duke of Carthage 〈◊〉 his own 〈◊〉, winneth Carthage, is accused of treason and 〈◊〉 put to death.  The contents of the. 〈◊〉. Book. 
MAgo Duke of Carthage dieth, his sons Hasor●…ball & Hamilcar succeed, the Carthaginenses are overcome by the 〈◊〉▪ fres, and pay the rent for their city s●…ill: they make war in Sardynia and Sycill, themessage of the Ambassadors of Darius to the Earthaginenses, the Afres are compelled to release the rent▪ the army of Hamilco perishe●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pescilent influence of the star res, the remnant whereof he bringeth home and killeth himself.  The contents of the. xx. Book. 
DEnnys the elder driveth the Carthagine●…ses out of Sycill, and maketh war in Italy, a declaration of the foundation of the cities in Italy, the wars between the 〈◊〉 and the Locrenses, the life, doctrine and death of Pythagoras, Dennys is overcome by the Croteniens, and concludeth a league with the frenchmen, the doings of the frenchmen in Italy, Dennys returneth into Sycill, against the 〈◊〉 and is slain by his own men.  The contents of the. xxi. Book. 
THe younger Dennys exerciseth all kind Tyranny, is expulsed the realm exerciseth most unspeakable tyranny at Locres in Italy▪ is driven from thence and taketh Syracuse, Hanno goeth about to oppress the common weal of Carthage, is ●…rayed twice and put to death. Dennys deposeth himself and flieth to corinth, where he liveth a filthy life, 〈◊〉 surnamed Rhodanus, vieweth the doings and counsels of great Alexander, ●…yeth his countrymen thereof, and at his return is put to death for his labour.  The contents of the. xxii. Book. 
AGathocles riseth from abase Degree, like as if it were by low steps, to the Kingdom of Sycill, he exerciseth great cruelty v●…xeth the confederates of the Carthaginenses, by the sufferans o●… Hamilcar, whose death preventeth the secret verdites of the Carthaginenses, 〈◊〉 is veseged by Hamilcar the son of ●…ysgo, he removeth the war into 〈◊〉, vanquisseth the ●…arthagine, whereupon the Aphres reuol●… unto him, he killeth the king of Cy rene, overcometh the 〈◊〉 again he raiseth the siege before Syracuse, is received with a mutiny, is overcome by unadvisedness, forsaketh his men of war and his children which are put to death for his sake, he maketh peace with the Carthaginenses in Sycill.  The contents of the. xxiii. Book▪ 
A Gathocles maketh war in Italy, the trades and customs of the Lucanes▪ the Original of the Brutians, the miserable e●…de of Agathocles, the Carthaginenses invade Sycill, Pyrrhus oryveth them out, r●…turneth into Italy, whereupon Sycill revolteth, he is diseomfyted by the R●…mayns, & retireth with great loss and dishonour into his kingdom, the birth, education, and commendation of Hiero.  The contents of the. xxiiii. Book. 
THe Lacedæmonians stir the Greeks to rebellion, and are overcome by the Etolian shepherds, the wicked and abhomis able 〈◊〉 of Ptolemy toward his sister and her children Rome is sacked by the frenchmen, whereof some place themselves in Italy, and some in Pannokie: they of 〈◊〉 raise a power dividing themselves in two hosts, of which th'one killeth Ptolemy king of Maccdone, and are suppressed by Sosthenes, tother under the conduct of Bremso, inu●…deth Macedon again, overcometh Sosthenes, spoileth the Realm, invadeth the temple of Delphos, the situation whereof is there described, is vanquished with lightning and thunder, and Bremis sleath himself.  The conteintes of the. xxv. Book. 
THe frenchmen of Pannony raise an other power & invade Macedone, Antigonus overcometh them by a policy, the Frenchmen are so redoubted, that all kings crave their aid, they succour the king of Bythinia, and divide his Realm with him, calling themselves Frenchegrekes, Pyrrhus expulseth Antigonus out of Macedon, he maketh war against the Lacedæmonians, the force and hardiness of Ptolemy his son, who is slain in the winning of Lacedaemon: Pyrrhus is slain at Argos, the moderation and gentleness of Antigonus, with a commendation of the said Pyrrhus.  The contents of the. xxvi. Book. 
THe extreme cruelty of 〈◊〉 Tyrant of Epire, the wise invention of old Helematus in suppressing of him, the cruelness of the Frenchegrekes towards their wives and children, whom Antigonus overcometh & utterly d●…stroyeth, 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 both of his kingdom & men of war by Alexander the son of Pyrrhus king of Epire, Demetrius the son of Antigonus, not only recovereth his father's kingdom, but also spoileth Alexander of his kingdom of Epire, Alexander by thelp of the 〈◊〉, and the favour of his own countrymen is restored to his kingdom again, Agas king of ●…yrene dieth, Demetrius the brother of Antigonus by means of Beronice the ●…aughter of king Agas is slay●… in her mother's bed.  The contents of the. xxvii. Book. 
SEleucus king of Spria, putteth his step mother Beronice, & her son to death, Ptolemy king of egypt in revengement of her death invadeth Syria, 〈◊〉 suffereth a happy ship wreak, for by m●…anes thereof for pity and compassion, the cities that Ptolemy had obtained, r●…uolted again, he is vanquished in battle by Ptolemy, and 〈◊〉 aid of his brother 〈◊〉. Ptolemy maketh peace with Seleu●…us, Antiochus warreth upon his brother, and overcometh him by the help of the Frenchgrekes, who after the battle bend themselves against Antiochus, and he raunsometh himself from them, Eumenes king of Bythinia setteth up 'pon Antiochus and the frenchmen & taketh the most part of Asia from them, the brothers continue still at deba●…e, by means whero●… they come both to a mis●…rable end.  The contents of the. xxviii. Book. 
〈◊〉 Queen of Epire, by the marriage of her daughter Pythia, setteth variance between Demetrius king of Macedone, and Antiochus king of Syria, the proud answer of the Atolians to the Ambassadors of Rome, Olympias dieth for sorrow for the death of her two sons, Laodomia is 〈◊〉 at the Altar of Diana, 〈◊〉 dieth, Antigonus being left protector of the sons of Demetrius maketh himself king, he subdueth the Lacedæmonians, wherein appeareth as well the stoutness of the Spar tanes in adversity, as also the modest and gentle behaviour of Antigonus in prosperity.  The contents of the. xxix. Book. 
THe alteration of the famousest kingdoms, by the succession of young kings, Demetrius king of 〈◊〉 seweth to Phylippe king of Macedon for help against the Ramaynes, Philip exhor●…eth the Greeks to concord, he proclaimeth open war against the Romans, the D●…rdanians invade Macedon, he maketh peace 〈◊〉 the Romapnes, Phylopemenes causeth the Acheans to revolt from him.  The 〈◊〉 of the. thirty. Book. 
THe 〈◊〉 of Ptolemy king of Egypt, Antiochus in undeth Egypt. and is put to the 〈◊〉 Ptolemy giveth himself utterly to sloth and 〈◊〉, he dieth, his concubines are hanged up, the Romans take the governance of the young king, the 〈◊〉 rebel against Philip king of Macedon, he desireth peace of the romans, a quaving of the Sea, an earthquake in Asia, Philip is vanquished in battle by the romans, and speyled of all his Dominions, saving only the r●…alme of Macedon, the E to lyans provoke 〈◊〉 to war upon the romans.  The conteintes of the. xxxi. Book. 
Antiochus' invadeth the territories of the Dominion of Egypt, the romans proclaim war against him, Nabis king of La cedemon subdueth many cities in Grece, the Romans send an Ambas sador to note Hannibal's doings in 〈◊〉. and to kill him, he espieth their purpose, and flieth unto Antiochus, Nabis is vanquished by Flaminius, after whose departure he followeth the wars again, Hannibal is highly entertained by Antiochus, he giveth council how to proceed in his wars against the romans, sendeth a messenger to Carthage, to stir them to rebellion, the romans send an Ambassade to Antiochus, who through their daily conversation with Hannyball, bring him in the kings displeasure, who nevertheless showeth his opinion of, as concerning the wars with the Romans, the which is neglected, antiochus is overcome of the Romans, and taketh Hannibal into favour again, Han niball is put to the worse upon the sea, the magnimitie of Scipio affricanus, articles of peace are propounded, and by Antiochus rejected, the romans come to ●…roye, Antiochus is vanquished with a great slaughter, and peace given him upon the foresaid articles.  The contents of the. xxxii. Book. 
THe 〈◊〉 are subdued, the 〈◊〉 & Acheans 〈◊〉 for the sovereignty, Phylopemenes ●…aptayne of thacheans is is taken prisoner and poisoned by the 〈◊〉, the Mesnians are overcome and punished for the death of Phylomenes, Antiochus and all his host is slain by the men of the country, the cities of Grece make complaint of Phylyp king of Macedon at Rome, he is absoiled by the 〈◊〉 of his son Demetrius, who by the false accusations of his brother Perfes, is brought in displen sure with his father and put to death, Phylyp dieth for sorrow, Perses maketh 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 against the romans, th'original of the I strians, The ignominy of the Daces, Prusias upon trust of Hannybal that fled from Antiochus unto him, breaketh the truce ●…gaynst Eumenes, the ●…ollicy of Hannibal, conveying himself out of Candie, Prusias is 〈◊〉 upon the land, Hannibal through ●… subtle inucntion vanquisheth the ●…nemie upon the sea, Ambassa ●…ours are sent from Rome to set the two kings at one, and to desire to have 〈◊〉 yielded unto them, Hannibal poisoneth himself.  The contents of the. xxxiii. Book. 
PAulus Emilius encoun●…ereth with Perses, the valiant demeanour of Cato, Per●…es is overcome and taken with his sons, flying towards Samothrace, with whom 〈◊〉 of Mac●…done endeth, the noblemen of Etoly with their wives and children are led prisoners to Rome.  The contents of the. xxxiiii. Book. 
THe Romans subdue the 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 down. Antiochus maketh war against Prolomy king of Egyt, and 〈◊〉 him out of his country. P. Popilius is sent Ambassador to bid him departed out of Egyyt, the severity of Popilius in executing his commission, Antiochus dieth, his brother Demetrius 〈◊〉leth privily from Rome, and killing his young nephew, usurpeth the crown. Prusias is deposed and murdered by his own son.  The contents of the. xxxv. Book. 
〈◊〉 maketh war against 〈◊〉 king of Cappadocia, supporteth his brother Holofernes aganyst him, whom afterward for treason prepensed he k●…peth in prison, one Pron palus is suborned as the son of Antiochus by the name of Alex●…der against 〈◊〉, by whom Demetrius is deprived of life and kingdom, Demetrius the ●…on of Demetrius recovereth his father's kingdom.  The contents of the. xxxvi. Book. 
Demetrius maketh war against the Parthians, a●…d is taken prisoner, 〈◊〉 usurpeth the kingdom of Syria, Antiochus the brother of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it out of his hands, and subdueth the jews, Thoriginal of the jews, the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, the going of the 〈◊〉 out of Egypt under Moses, the hallowing of the sabbath day, the srute fullness of jury, with a description of the vale of 〈◊〉, and of the dead sea, of Attalus king of 〈◊〉▪ of his ●…rueltie, and his madness, and how he made the people of Rome his heir. Aristomicus the b●…stard son of 〈◊〉 challengeth the crown and is overcome by the Romans.  The contents of the. xxxvii. Book. 
THe Massyliens entreat the Romans, to r●…lease their displeasure against the 〈◊〉, the romans reward the kings that aided them against 〈◊〉▪ and the crueliye of 〈◊〉 toward her own children, the birth, education, and daunger●… of Mythridates, he subdueth the Scythians, he travaileth through ●…sia disguised, he putteth his wife ●…o death, for going about to poi son him, his warlike conversation, he entereth in league with Nico medes king of Bythima, and they jointly conquer Paphlagonia, he subdueth also Galatia contrary to the prohibitio of the Romans, Nicoinedes al●…ereth the name of his son, an●… proclaimeth him king of Paphlagonta.  The contents of the. xxxviii. Book. 
MIthridates destroyeth Ariarathes king of Cappadocia, and Nicomedes invadeth the kingdom, My●…hridates under pre tense of helping his sisters son, driveth Nicomedes out of the realm, by a cautel rideth his said sisters son of his life, and and maketh one of his own sons king, The Cappad●…cians rebeil and set up Ariarathes, the brother of the king slain before, whom Mythridates overcometh, and driveth him out of the realm, the said Ariarathes dieth, whereupyon Nicomedes suborneth a beautiful young man under the colour of being brother to the said Ariarath●…s to sue to the Senate of Rome for the kingdom: Mythridates doth the like with an other of his own sons, the Cap padocians being set at liberty desire a king. Ariobarzanes is appointed by the Senate: Mythridates entereth in league with Tygranes king of Armeny, who expulseth Ariobarzanes out of Cappadocia, the Romans sent their Lieutenaunte●… to set Ariobarzanes again in his kingdom, Mythridates maketh great preparitions and forniture for the wars, he encourageth his soldiers and consulteth of thordering of his wars, Ptolemy king of Cyrene obtaining the kingdom of Egypt after the death of his brother, most extreme cruelty against thauthors of his promotion, the Ambassadors of Rome come to Alexandria, ptolemy flieth out of Egypt, maketh war against the same, committeth most execrable cruelness against his own children, the courtesy showed by the king of Parthia to Demetrius, being th●…yr prisoner: Demetrius stealeth away twice, and is set back again, Antiochus the brother of Demetrius, maketh war against the Parthians, Demetrius is let go into Syria. Antiochus is slain and all his host murd●…red by a sudden conspiracy: Demetrius escapeth into his kingdom.  The contents of the. xxxix. Book. 
Demetrius', while he goeth about for to conquer the whole ●…alme of egypt, loseth his own Realm by sudden rebellion, the king of Egypt suborneth one as adopted by Antiochus, to challenge the kynged●… of Syria, proclaiming him by the name of Alexander, who overcometh Demetrius and ●…ylieth him. Grypho the son of Demetrius is crownned king by name, (his mother bearing all the rule) he is supported by the power of the Egyptians against Alexander, whom he vanquisheth. Alexander is taken by thieves, brought unto Grypho, and put to death. The mother of Grypho, offering her son a cup of poison, is comp●…lled to drink it her sclfe. His brother Cyrice●…us maketh insurrection against him, the King of Egypt dieth: Grypho ouercom●…eth Cyri cenus, the cruelty of Gryphin towards her sister Cleopatra the wife of Cyricenus: Cyricenus vanquisheth Grypho, and revengeth his wife's dea●…h upon her sister, Cleopatra Queen of Egypt, s●…tteth up and pulleth down her sons at her pleasure, and 〈◊〉 length is slain by Alexander the younger of them, who for his labour is banished the Realm, and his brother P●…olomy made king in his stead. The king of 〈◊〉 b●…queateth his kingdom to the Romans. Hero●…yinus king of Araby in●…teth Egypt and Syria.  The cont●…yntes of the. xl. Book. 
TYgranes king of armeny is creat●…d king of Syria, by election, a great earthquake in Syria, A●…granes is vanquished by Luc●…llus, by whom the kingdom of Syria is given to Antiochus the son of Cyricenus, whom Pompeius afterward depose●…h, and maketh the Realm a pronynce of the Romans.  The xli. Book. 
THe Original, increase and habitation of the Parthians, the order of their common weal, their lenguage and apparel, the manner of the wars and th●…ducacion of their bondmen, their trade of living, bur●…all, supersti●…ion, and natural inclination: How they served under diverse kings, whose Realms they afterward brought in subie●…ion. Of the kingdom of Bactria. The foundation of the Parthian Empire by A●…aces with a reher shall of th'acts of him and his successors, the exe●…rable deed of 〈◊〉 son of Eucratides, and the for●…unate assayres of Mythrida●…s king of the Parthians.  The contents of the. xlii. Book. 
THe Scythians make war upon the Parthians, Phr●…haties king of Parthia for his cruelty is betrayed and slain: Actabanus succeedeth, after whose death reigneth Mythridates, surnamed the great, who greatly enlarged the Parthian Empire. Thore●…nall and description of Armenia, the History of jason and Med●…, and of the Argonantes: Thoriginal of the Albans in the east, the description of the river Tigris. Mithridat●…s is deposed and slain by his brother Horodes. The battles of the Parthians against the Romans, the furi●… and madness of horo●…s, for the death of his son Pacorus, the great wickedness of Phrahar●…es, who overcometh Themperout Antony, is deposed and set up again by the Scythians: Tyridates who during his absence, was created king, hearing of his return, flieth to Augustus' Themperor: Phrahartes sent Ambassadors for him, Augustus subdued the Par●…tians with the Majesty of his Name.  The contents of the. xliii. Book. 
THe first inhabiters of Italy, the coming thither of evander, and Aeneas and of his warrres there, the building of long alba, with the succession of the kings thereof, the building of Rome by Remus and Romulus, the building of Marsieles in France, with the praise and commendation, and with the wars thereof, the stead fast ●…ayth of the massilians toward the romans, the ancestors of th'author of this work.  The contents of the. xliiii. Book. 
THe situation, fertility and description of spain, a wonderful example of patience, the deeds of Uiriatus Captain of the spaniards, of the jennets, and of the steel that is in that country, what things were invented by Gargoris, how Gargoris assayed by all means to put his daughter's child to death, and could not, whereupon moved with compassion for the perils he had escaped, he made him his heir, whose name was Habis: the inventions of the said Habis: the story of Hercules and Geryon, the inhabiting of the Gades, upon what occasion the Carthaginenses entered first into spain, and of the doings of their captains there, ●…ynallie how it was subdued by Augustus' ●…hemperour, and made a province of the Romans.    

A PREFACE OF SIMON Grineus to the Reader as concerning the profit of reading histories.  
IF it were as Easy for every man to take out and use to his own be hoof, the examples and instructions left in Histories, as the Histories have sure and grounded examples to lean unto: I would give all men advise to run the strayie and nea rest way into the most plentiful & fruitful fields of Histories, without tariens. For what 〈◊〉 be thought more pleasant or profitable, than sitting as it were in the Theatre or Stage of man's life (the which an History hath most exquisitely furnished in all points, and to all intents and purposes) to be made ware and wise at the perils of other men, without any danger on his own behalf to take ensample of all sorts, the which a man may apply to his own behoof and utility in every thing: and at such●… time as he shall chance to be present among●… great men, when with greatest advisement they do debate most weighty affairs, to be able to discuss the end and sequel of the same, which thing we all do chiefly desire and covet, and that which otherwise (considering the shorteness●… of man's life) were a thing impossible to comprise in memory the times of many hundred years past, to behold the beginnings, the procedings, and the endings of the greatest empires of all evils either private or public, manifest lie to discern the ground and occasion: In every hard and difficult matter to have one to try out the jeopardies and perils before thee, and to have as it were, a lod●…sman to go before thee in every danger: never to be de●…itute of tried experience: and to be brief, of things paste (which properly and peculiarly, apper●…ayneth to the duty of a wise man,) polliti●…ely to foresee what may follow in all chances, and so to judge of them as if they were present. Now forasmuch as we ought to come to the reading of Histories, so much the better furnished, as an History is more replenished and laden with plenteous fruit: and for as much as it is as difficult a matter, to give right judge mente of another man's life as of his own and that no man is able (be he never so sharp syghted in this case) to view another man's life well, that can not view his own, both are to be understanded, namely that there is in this case very great difficultness, and also that long time before we enterprise hereunto, we ought not only to have a little snatch of civil policy, but also, that we ought to be fully resolved and established in ourselves, as concerning the whole tenor of our life: unless we will continually waver in our minds, and be miserably led about with vain imaginations of this life like unto ghosts. For in like manor as at a great and sumptuous feast, that is furnished with all kind of dainties and delicate viands, it cometh to pass that one thing is set before one man, another to another, few taste of one thing, every man of that he liketh best, the r●…eners of all that come before them, and as every man's taste and diet is, so taketh hepleasure of the dainties that stand before him, yet notwithstanding, there should be some one kind of measure which nature hath appointed, and some one kind of meat simple and in any wise uncorrupted, that is most for the health and nourish●…ment of the body, from either of the which whosoever steppeth aside, and followeth his own appe●…ite beyond either measure or thordinance of nature, he may take more hurt than pleasure of the delicates: Even so in that great variety of mann●…s life although there be a thousand sundry sorts of things, and a thousand purposes, and after what sort so ever a man 〈◊〉 led by fancy or stayed by judgement, so doth he deem of his own life, and of other men's: yet there is but one only pathway of virtue, in the which who so walketh advisedly, is only to be counted to live well. All others, like as they did at the sumptuous feast, when all things provoke them, being able neither in their own life, nor yet in another man's at any time to find what is best to follow, or how to proceed. But if nature have given any thing to man, the which he may use or abuse at his pleasure, certes he ought most circumspectly to use this. But I pray you what man is there almost, that applying the rule of virtue unto all sayings and doings, aswell of his own as of other men's, doth with more advisement adventure upon them, then upon the dainty dishes, set before him on the table: or which thinketh not himself sufficiently learned in this behalf? In the which thing it is awonder to see, how sore men deceive themselves, whiles they imagine that the bare history, is of itself able enough to instruct the reader, whereas in deed it doth no more but minister matter to learn upon, offering itself to all uses according as the person is affectioned, in like case as doth the feast. For some we see have none other delight but only in the reading, who seeking no more but that only one delectation, do lose all tother goodly and pleasant fruits thereof. Such men gain nothing more by the reading of an History, than they that play upon a harp or a lute to drive away the time, as a man would say, to pass over the troublesomeness of the time present, shortly after to enter into a greater and more troublesome conflict with themselves. For it is no pleasure that hath no respect unto virtue. Othersome the glittering gloss of glory so much pricketh forward, and (which in other matters is unstablenessof mind) to no purpose transformeth, that they think nothing to great for them, nor nothing to ●…arre above their reach, quite forgetting that those glorious examples are not set for them by writers for any other intent, then that such as read them ensuing virtue, may learn●… to condemn glory if none be offered, or if it accompany them not to be proud and arrogant therefore. And although that none but fools▪ will go about to aspire to the like glory without the like virtue, yet notwithstanding we see some, which for none other cause but that they have read the noble acts of others, do think themselves high wise men, and take much upon them, like unto players of Tragedies, which when they have put of th'apparel, wherein they played the parts of most noble parsonage, do also counterfeit them in countenance and behaviour. There are also, and those not a few, which delight only in strannge things and wonders, men of vulgar and rude understanding, who after the manner of thunskilful people, oftentimes make more of a man's gay cote, than of the person himself, and more of the outward show than of the work. So wonderful a power hath an History, to work in the minds of the Readers. Now, whereas it is the chiefest point that belongeth to an History, to stir up the mind of man from slothfulness, and to fence it against all dangers: and that the strength of examples, (than the which there is nothing of greater force to persuade and dissuade) inespecially tendeth to that end and purpose, it cometh to pass through the careless security of men, (believing that other men's perils pertain nothing to themselves) that such things as are most worthy of remembrance, are heard and read with deaf and stopped ears. finally there be (which a man would not believe) that transgress even against the very same part, that containeth most grave and serious matters as though things should be written, not as they were done in deed, but as they ought to have been done. Therefore partly by means of that careless security, and partly by means of that surfeit of rash and unadvised reading, it cometh to pass, that even as it were of corrupt humours, a certain corruptness of judgement, and perverseness of opinion, (which ought to be most upright and found as concerning the life) and an unsteadfast and slippery trad●… and tenor of living is taken up: and that in likewise as to inordinate persons, their meat doth them no good, even in like cas●…, there cometh no profit at all to us of our reading.  
I think you may now perceive, how the manner of reading Histories, and of looking upon a man's life, is well nigh all one. And the greatest difficulty is this. I mean the perverseness of our own judgement, which causeth us to be driven, not that way that the examples ought to bear greatest sway of themselves, but that way that our mind is most inclined and bend unto. This is also another, and of no less force than tother aforesaid, that writeth do in such wise set forth things, that they not only seek to be well liked, but also (following as it were the taste of their own mouths) like as they were forgers of it themselves, give their judgement and verdict upon matters, extolling some things with high commendations, as though they would have all other men to like those things, which they most fancied themselves. The which thing, if so be it they did it without colour, it were easier to consent or dissent therefrom. But now in likewise, as Cooks have oftentimes more regard to the belly, then to their masters commodity and profit: even so I would God that the writers of Histories, for the most part, sought not so much to please and entice the Reader. Therefore by two means are we led awry: that is to say, by our own judgement, and by the forespeaking of the writers, as by them that writ not matters plainly and sincerely. For an Historiographer is but an interpreter of things done: with whose judgement (it there be any fault therein) it standeth in like case, as when a piece of wine, that of itself being good, pleasant, and beautiful, doth either take an evil talon of the Cask, or else is other wise marred, by mingling some other thing with it, the which is either a shameful and intolerable 〈◊〉, or else a point of extreme folly and ignorance. It is to be seen by this one example, what matter the judgement of the writer maketh. A man of raw advisement, that attributeth the bringing to pass of great matters to man's policy, although that by the determination of so many things, he prove himself a liar, yet he casteth men into a great folly: as whose knowledge (do the best they can) being scarce able to weigh and consider accordingly, the things that lie before their eyes, their power and strength not much exceeding the little worms, because of one prosperous success, rashly taketh upon it the rule of the whole world. But such a man as is otherwise informed, teaching that things are in deed put in execution by the policy of man, but yet ruled and governed by the providence of God delivereth men both from folly, and also from another mischief as great as that, which is superstition. By the residue, such as be good men (whose study is altogether employed about matters appertaining to God) ought to know what difference there is between each of them, and what their duty is. I give this warning first of all for this purpose, that forasmuch as I am of opinion, that such kind of Authors are to be read, and it were for nothing else but for the great aboundeunce of examples that they entreat of, young men should also think this, how circumpectelye and carefully they ought to be read, considering how great fruits or discommodities are in them propounded. For it happeneth in like case to such as imagine that in Hystories may be read over lightly, or the life to be passed over unadvisedly, without thexact observing and executing of a man's duty: as it doth to men of the country, which in the sacking of a city come to the ryffling of some Apothecaries of Grocer's shop, plenteously furnished with all things belonging to the craft, and being alured with the sweetness of the confections and spices which they chance first to lay their hands on, thinking all the residue to be of the same sort, do eat sup, devour, cram in, and lick up all that comes to hand, in such wise that some fall sick, some run mad, some die out of hand, and every one of them be maruaylou●…ye distempered, so that all the army laugh them to scorn for their labour. For even as the life is full of commodities and discommodities, even so is an history which is the image and representation of the life. And the wisdom of the life consisteth only in the usage of the life. Farewell, & enjoy these things to thy most furtherance and commodity.   

THE PREFACE OF THE MOST famous Historiographer justine upon the Histories of Trogus Pompeius unto anto●…ye the Emperor.  
WHereas many of the Romans even such as were of the state of Consuls, had put th'acts of the Romans in writing, both in Greek, and also in other strange language. Trogus Pompeius a man of ancient eloquence, whether it were for desire of like renown and glory, or for pleasure that he had in the variety and strangeness of the work, compiled as well the histories of the Greeks, as the Histories of all the whole world beside, in the Lating tongue to th'intent, that as our Chronicles are red in Greek, so the Chronicles of the Greeks might be red in our tongue also. Wherein he enterprised a piece of work of great pain both to body and mind. For seeing that many Authors, which have taken upon them to put in writing the doings of some one king, or of some one peculiar kind of people, do think themselves to have taken a matter of great weight in hand, may we not wrothelye think Pompeius to have been as bold as Hercules, that durst adventure upon the whole world, in whose books are contained the doings of all ages, of all Kings, of all nations, and of all countries? And those things that the Greek Chroniclers have entreated upon disorderly, as every man thought most convenient for himself, all the same things hath Pompeius (plaring them in their times, and setting them in due order) compiled in History, omitting all such things as were not profitable to be spoken of. Therefore of these xliiii. volumes, (for so many did Pompey set forth) by leisure during the time that I was in the City, I drew out all such things as I thought worthy to be known, ●… leaving out such things, the knowledge whereof could not have delighted, nor yet were necessary for example, I have gathered as it were a little bundle of flowers, to th'intent that such as have learned Greek might have whereby to be admonished, and they which have not learned Greek, whereby to be instructed. The which I have dedicated unto your majesty, not so much to read, as to peruse and correct, and also to th'intent to give an acc●…unpte of spending my time, whereof Cato willeth a due account to be made. For it sufficeth me at this present, if your highenes do allow my doings, trusting hereafter, that when the brunt of slanderous envy is overpast, they that come after me, shall bear witness of my travail and pains taking. Farewell.   

¶ The first Book OF THABRIDGEMENT OF Histories, taken out of the History of Trogus Pompeius by justine the Historiographer.  
IN the first beginning of things the rule and government of countries, and nations was in the hands of kings. Who were advanced 
Princ●…s first elected for virtues sake  to this high estate and pre-eminence, not through ambition and favour of the commonalty, but for their virtuous and modest behaviour sufficiently tried and approved amongst good men. There were no laws to bind men to their obedience: but the commandments of Princes were in stead of laws, whose custom was rather to defend tha●… enlarge the borders, of their kingdoms. And there was none that would usurp or take upon him, further than in his own country where he was borne. Ninus king of 
The beginning of the Monarchy of Assiria.  Thassirians, did first alter and break this old and aunci●…t custom of the Gentiles, through a strange desire of bearing rule. For he first made war upon his neighbours, and conquered the nations which yesiknewe not how to make resistance against him, even unto the borders of Africa. There were before his time two ancient kings, Uexores king of Egypt, and Tanais king of Scythia of the which th'one made a voyage into Pontus, and the other into Egypt. But they made war a far of, and not near home, not of purpose to enlarge their empire, but to wine honour and renown of Chivalry to their subjects: and so being satisfied with the victory they abstained from 
desire of honour the first cause of war.  bearing rule. But Ninus continually dilated his Empire by seizing into his possession such countries as he won. By reason whereof having subdued his neighbours, and joining their power unto his, and so going ever stronger and stronger to the next, each former victory being an occasion and furtherance to the next following, he conquered all the Easter part of the world. The last field that he fought 
The invention of magic and Astronomy.  was with zoroastres' king of the Bactrians, who is reported to have first invented art Magic, and diligently to have searched out the beginning of the world, and the moving of the stars. This zoroastres being slain, Ninius himself also died: leaving behind him a son as then under age, called Ninus, by his wife Semiramis. She durst neither 
An example of a politic w●●an.  put the government of the Empire to the child being under years of discretion, nor yet herself take it upon her openly Wisely foreseeing and thinking with herself, that so many and so mighty nations which scarcely by their good wills would obey a man, would much less abide to be subject to a woman. Therefore, where as she was Ninus wife, she feigned herself to be his son: and whereas she was a woman, she feigned herself to be a boy. And she might well do it. For they were both of a mean stature, both of them spoke small, and in the ●…amentes and proportion of body was little difference betwixt them.  
Wherefore she put on man's apparel and close hosen, and on her head she ware a kind of coy●…e called Tiara. And for because folk should not mistrust any thing to be hidden under this new found apparel, she commanded the people to be appareled after the same sort, the which kind of attire all Thassirians have ever used from that day to this. Thus at the first by counterfeiting the kind, she was taken for a boy.  
Afterward she achieved many noble enterprises: by the greatness whereof, when she thought she had overcome 
Virtue overcometh envy  envy, she confessed who she was, and whom she counterfeited. Neither did this her doing diminish the honour and estimation of her empire, but rather brought her in greater admiration of all men, that she being a woman, had surmounted in prowess not only women, but also men.  
She builded Babylon and enclosed it with a wall of brick 
The building of Babylon.  enterlayed with sand and Bytamen, which is a kind of slimy mortar, issuing out of the ground, in divers places of that country. Many other noble enterprises this Queen achieved. For being not content to maintain the state of th'empire and bounds of the same, as her husband left it unto her, she subdued Aethiop thereunto. And besides that, she made war upon Indie, whereunto there was never any that durst give the adventure, saving she only and great Alexander. At the last, unnaturally desiring to 
Semiramis slain of her own son.  company with her own son, she was by him slain, when she had reigned. xlii. years after the death of her husband Ninus. Her son Ninus being contented with the countries, won by his parents, laying aside all chivalry, and knighthood, as though he had changed nature with his mother, was seldom seen of men, but spent his time among a sort of women. His posterity also following his example, gave answer to the people & to ambassadors by messengers. The Empire of Thassirians which afterward were called Syrians, continued. 1300. years. The last king that reigned among them, was Sardanapalus, a man more vicious than any woman. Unto whose presence Arbactus whom he had made lyevetenaunt over the Medes, being 
Sardanapalus.  by long suit had much entreatance hardly at length admitted, (which thing was never granted to any man before) found him among a sort of concubines spinning purple on a rock, in woman's apparel, passing all the women there in softness of body, and niceness of countenance, and weighing out to each of them their task. At the which light Arbactus disdaining, that so many men should be subject 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are the 〈◊〉 cay of the gr●…test king domes.  to such a woman, and that so many valiant knights and men of war should be slaves to a woman, went forth and told his peers what he had seen: saying, he could not find in his heart to serve and obey such a one as had rather be a woman then a man. Whereupon the Lords confedered themselves together and had him battle. Who hearing thereof, not like a man intending to defend his kingdom, but as women are wont to do for fear of death, first sought a corner to hide his head, and soon after with a few and out of array, he came into the field, where being vanquished, he retired into his palace, & there making a great 
th'empire of the Medes beginneth.  bonfire, cast himself and all his riches thereinto, plainge the man in this only point. After this, Arbactus the worker of his confusion, which before was lieutenant over the Medes, was instituted & made king. And he translated the empire from the Assyrians to the Medes. In process of time 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉.  after many kings, by order of descent, the kingdom came unto Astyage. This man having done issue saving one only daughter, dreamt that he saw spring out of her privy members, a vine whose branches shadowed all Asia. The interpreters of dreams and wonders being asked their judgement and advice in the matter, made answer that his daughter should bring him fothe a nephew whose greatness was by his vision declared before, and that by 
Her 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉.  him be should he deposed from his kingdom. The king being not a little abash●…d with this interpretation, married his daughter neither to a Noble man, nor to one of his own country, lest the nobility of the parents should advance & encourage his nephew to take much upon him but unto a man of mean estate and living of the country of Persia, which in those ●…ayes was reputed as a base country, and 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  of no regard or estimation. Nevertheless being not by this act quite dispatched of the fear of this dream, he sent for his daughter being great with child, that as soon as she were delivered, he might see the babe killed▪ Assoon as the child was borne, it was delivered to be ●…layne, unto Harpagus one of the kings privy counsel. Harpagus fearing that if after the decease of the king, because he had no issue male to succeed him, the kingdom should descend unto his daughter, she would revenge the death of her child upon him being a subject, which she could not do upon her father▪ delivered the child to the kings herman commanding him to cast it away. By chance the very same time the herdman himself had a son newly borne. Whose 
That God will have saved can not 〈◊〉 lost.  wife hearing of the casting away of the kings child, earnestly besought her husband to fetch the child unto her that she might see him.  
The shepherd overcome with the earnest entreatance of his own wife, returned into the wood, where he found a bitch giving the child suck, and defending it from fowls and wild beasts. Then being moved with pity to see the bitch so natural and pitiful, he took up the child & bore it home to his cottage, the bitch following him egerlye all the way. Assoon as the woman took the babe in her arms, he smiled and played with her, as though he had known her, and there appeared in him such a cheerfulness, & as it were a certain smiling and flattering countenance that she desired the shepherd herhusbande, to cast away 
〈◊〉 ●…ayth it was borne dead.  his own child and suffer her to bring up that in the stead of it: such was the good fortune of the child or else the hope that she of him conceived. And so the destiny of the two children being changed, the kings nephew was brought up for the shepherds son, and the shepherds son was cast away for the kings nephew, the nurses name was afterward called Sparcon, because the Persians' do call a 
Cyrus is chosen king a●…ong children.  bitch so in their language. The child being brought up among the shepherds, was named Cyrus. And in the mean time being chosen king among children as they were a playing, when in sport he whipped such as were stubborn against him, the parents of the children made thereof a great complaint to the king, saying it stood not with their honour that their children should be beaten like slaves of the kings bondman. The king sending for ●…he 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  child, demanded of him why he did so. He answered (without any changing of countenance at all for the matter) that he had done as it became a king to do. The king marveling at his audacity, came in remembrance of his dream, and the interpretation thereof, and so when both the countenance of the child, and also his likeness unto himself, the time of his casting away, and the examination of the shepherd agreed in one, he acknowledged him to be his nephew. And for because he thought himself dispatched of his dream, in as much as the child had played the king among the shepherds, the cruel heart that he bore 
●…ous cruelty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  toward the child, was clearly thereby relented. But to his friend Harpagus he became so deadly an enemy, for saving of his nephew, that to revenge his displeasure upon him, he killed his son, and set him before his father to eat. 
Displeasure wisely 〈◊〉 bled.   
Harpagus dissembling his inward grief, for the time, differred the hatred justly against the king conceived, until he might espy occasion of revengement. At the length when Cyrus came to man's estate, being moved thereunto with 
The letter of Harpagus unto Cyrus.  sorrow for the loss of his son, he wrote unto him how his grandfather had as it were banished him into Persia, how his grandfather had commanded him to be slain, how by his benefit he had been preserved, how for the same he had gotten the kings displeasure, and how he had lost his own son, exhorting him to raise an army and to take the kingdom forthwith upon him, promising that the Medes should at the day of battle turn to his side.  
And forasmuch as the letter could not be carried openly 
●…unning 〈◊〉 veyaunce of 〈◊〉 letter.  for the kings officers which kept all the passages and sear ch such as came by, it was put into a Hare's belly, the ●…owels first taken out, and the Hare was 〈◊〉 to a trusty servant to carry to Cirus into Persia. Moreover h●… took nets with him, to 〈◊〉 that under pretence of hunting his purpose might be hidden.  
When Cyrus had red the letter, he was commanded in a dream to take the same way as he was counseled in the epistle. Nevertheless, he was furthermore warned, that whom soever he met first the next day, him he should make his companion in all his enterprises. Wherefore as he went into the country, before the dawning of the day he met with a servant called Sibaris, that had escaped out of pri son, from a certain man of Media, & inquiring what countryman he was, understanding that he was borne in Persia 
The policy of Cyrus to cause the Persians to rebel.  he pulled of his fetters, took him to be his companion, & returned to the city Persepolis. There he called the people together, commanding them every man to take his Are, & go cut down the wood that grew by the high way side. The which thing being lustily done, the ●…ext day he made a feast and bade them all to it. When he saw them merry in the midst of their good cheer, he demanded of them (if they were put to the choice) whether they had rather choose to live in labour and toil as they had done the day before, or in mirth and pleasure as they did that present day. The cried all with one voice, in mirth and pleasure as we do to day. Then (quoth he) as long as ye be in subjection to the Medes, so long shall ye lead all your lives in labour and toil like unto yesterday, but if you will follow me, ye shall live in pleasure even as you have done this day. And 
Cyrus rebelleth.  so with merry cheer and glad hearts of them all, he made war against the Medes. Astyages for getting the great displeasure done to Harpagus, made him his lieutenant goe 
The cruelty revenged.  neral and committed to his charge the whole stay of his bat tell, who immediately upon the receipt thereof, yielded and betrayed the same unto Cirus, and so through treason and disloyalty, requited the kings cruelty. When word 
Necessity giveth heart.  thereof came unto Astyages, he raised another power with all speed possible, and went himself into Persia, where ●…ly renewing the battle, as his men were fighting he set a company at their backs. commanding them to beat them▪ perforce upon their enemies that made any countenance to fly away, causing it to be plainly told them that if they wan not the victory, they should find as good men behind their backs as before their faces. And therefore add 'vise themselves well, whether it were better for th●…ym to break through th'one flying cowardly, or through tother by fight manfully. His soldiers perceiving there was none other remedy, took courage to them and stood to it stoutly. By means whereof, when the host of the Persians' 
Force and wisdom 〈◊〉 to ●…tune.  being evercharged began somewhat to give back and by little and little to lose ground, their mothers and wives came running ou●… against them, desiring them to return into the battle, and perceiving that they made no haste (as men that were at their wits ends) they lifted up their clothes and showing the privy parts of their bodies, asked them if they would run into their mothers and wives bellies for succour. The Persians' being stayed with this reproach, returned into battle, and making a press upon their enemies, compelled them to fly, from whom but even now they fled themselves. In this battle Astyage was taken prisoner. From whom Cyrus took nothing save the kingdom, 
The 〈◊〉 of Cyrus.  behaving himself in this conflict rather like a nephew than like a conqueror, and he made him ruler over the Hyrcanians. For he would not return unto the Medes. This was then of the Empire of the Medes, which endured. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉.  CCC. L. years. In the beginning of his reign Cirus made 〈◊〉 (whom according to his vision in the night he had delivered out of prison, and takeu as companion in all his enterprises and affairs) lieutenant over the Perfis ans, & gave him his sister in marriage. But the cities which were tributare before to the Medes, forasmuch as th'empire was changed, supposing their estate to be changed also, fell from Cirus, which thing was unto him a cause and beginning 
 of much war & many battles. At the length, ha' ve brought many of them to their accustomed obediece, when he made war against the babylonians, Cr●…asus king of Lydia, whose wealth & riches were at those days very notable came to secure the babylonians. Where being banquished, and now careful what should become of him 
〈◊〉.  self, he retired into his own kyngome. Cyrus also, having set allthings at a stay in Babylon, passed from thence with his host into Lyd●…a, where he overcame the power of Croesus with no ado to speak of, being already dismayed with 
Croesus is ta ken prisoner.  the discomfiture taken before at Babylon. Croesus himself was taken prisoner, but the lesser danger the battle was 
The magnitycence of Cyrus.  of, the gentlyer was the victory used. For besides that he pardoned Croesus of his life, he gave him also the most part of his inheritance, & the city of Barce. In the which although he lived not a king in deed, yet might he live a like a king as might be devised. This mercy and clemency was profitable as well to the conqueror as to the conquered.  
For after it was once known that war was made against Croesus, throughout all Greece soldiers were mustered and sent for the to his aid, as it had been to quench some comen fire. So well was Croesus beloved with all the cities, that the Greeks would have made sharp war upon Cyrus, if he had dealt with Croesus any thing cruelly Afterward in process of time, while Cyrus was occupied 
The Lydi●… rebel and are ●…bdued.  in other wars, the Lydians rebelled. From whem being vanquished again, he took quite their horses, armour, and weapon commanding them to use victaling, minstralsye, gaming, and all kind of ribawdrye and wantonness. And so by this means the people which sometime were of great prowess, and redoubted for their chivalry, through e●…eminate cowardness and riot, lost all their puissance and strength, and they which before Cyrus' time cculde by no 
The reward of rebellion.  wars be vanquished, now falling to all kind of riot & excess, are overcome with sloth & idleness. There were before Croesus many kings in Lydia, for divers chances worthy to be spoken of, but none had like fortune as had 
The foolish love and demeanour of 〈◊〉.  Candaules, who having a wife whom for her excellent beauty he loved out of all measure, & not content with the secret knowledge of his pleasures, praised her to every body and bewrayed the privies of wedlock, as though that silence had been an hindrance to her beauty: at the last, to make good his words, he showed her naked to his companion Gyges, By the which deed, on the one side he so enticed and alured his friend to commit adultery with his wife, that he made him his enemy: and on tother side he withdrew his wives love from himself & (as ye would say) surrendered it 
〈◊〉 ●…eth Candaules, and maketh hius sel●…kyng.  to another man. For ere it was long after, Gyges slew Candaules, & married his mistress for his labour. The wife being endowed with the blood of her husband, yielded both herself and the kingdom into his hands that committed aovoutry with her. When Cyrus had conquered Asye, and pacified the whole East, he made war against the Scithions. The same time reigned over the Scythians Queen Thomyris who not abashed like a woman at the coming of 
A manly women.  her enemy, whereas she might have stopped their passage over the river Araxes, suffered them to come over: think that she should fight more to her own advantage within her own country, & that her enemies should the hardlyer escape if they were put to the worse, because of the river be between them and home. Cyrus therefore having ferried over his carmy, when he had gone a little way into Scythia, pitched his camp, & the next day counterfeiting a fear, as though he would have retired back again, forsook his camp, the which he left sufficiently furnished with plenty of wine, & all kind of delicate viands meet for feasting, which 
His name was Spargapises.  thing being declared to the Queen, she sent her young son with the third part of her host to follow after Cyrus.  
When they were come to Cyrus' camp, the young man being ignorant in feats of war, as though he had come to 
Ignoraunc●… pernicious in a captains.  banquet and not to battle, leaving the pursuit of his enemies, suffered his barbarous countrymen to overcharge themselves with wine, by means whereof they were so drunken that they could not fight. Cyrus' having knowledge thereof by his espyalles, returned secretly in the night, and falling upon them unwares, slew all the Scythians, and the Queen's son among them.  
Thomiris having lost so great an army, & (that which should have grieved the worse her only son, fell not a weeping 
The invincible courage of Thomiris.  for sorrow, but devised with herself how she might he revenged, and with like policy and deceit beguiled her enemies now being in their chief ruff for their now got thenvictory Whereupon, feigning a mistruse for the slaughter in the last overthrow, she gave back so long, till she had brought Cyrus into a strait, and there environing him 
The gr●…at ●…aughter of the Persians  with a ambushment of soldiers laid before in the mountains for the same purpose, she slew. 200000 Persians and the king himself. In the which conflict, this thing is worthy to be noted, that there was not so much as one man left to bear home tidings of so great a slaughter. The Queen 
The death of Cyrus.  commanded the head of Cyrus to be cut of, and thrown in to a bowl of man's blood, casting him in the teeth in this wise with his cruelty. Now fill thyself with blood, which thou hast ever thyrsted. Cyrus reigned thirty years, being marvelous notable, not only in the beginning of his reign, but also during all the continuance of the same. 
Cambyses succeedeth.   
After him succeeded Cambisis, which to his father's empire, by conquest annexed. Egipte. But being offended with the susperstition of the Egyptians, he commanded the Temples of Apis and other their Gods to be beaten down.  
Furthermore also, he sent an army to destroy the renowned Temple of Ammon, which being overwhelmed with tempests and heaps of sand, was utterly destroyed. 
●…own will have no peer.   
These things being done, he dreamt that his brother Smerdis should reign after him, the which dream made him so afraid, that he sticked not after sacrilege to commit most unnatural murder in killing his own brother. For it was a hard & an unlikely matter, that he should take any pity upon his own, which in spite of religion did violently set upon the Gods. As an instrument to bring this cruel act to pass, he chose a friend of his one of the Magians called 
〈◊〉 ca not continue ●…ong.  Comaris. In the mean while he himself being sore wounded in the thigh, with his sword falling out of the sheath by itself, died, and so suffered worthy punishment, whether it were for the murder commanded, or for the 
The great treason of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  sacrilege already committed. When tidings here of came to the wyso man, or ener it was openly known that the king was dead, he dispatched his purpose, and having slain Smerdis which by right should have been king, set up his own brother, Oropastes in his stead For he was very like the kings brother in making and favour. By reason whereof, no man misdeeming any such treason to be wrought, in stead of Smerdis, Oropastes was made 
Oropast●…reigneth in stead of 〈◊〉.  king. The which thing was the easier to be brought to pass and to be kept from knowledge, because that among the Persians for the more honour and reverence of his person the king showeth not him self bore faced. The wise men therefore, thereby to win the favour of the commonalty, released unto them three years tribute, & exempted them from the wars during all the said term, to th'intent, they might establish by bribery, and flattery the kingdom that they had gotten by treason and policy. The which thing was first suspected by one Orthanes a noble man, & 
The treason is mistruste●…  one that had a great foresight in conjecturing Therefore he sent to his daughter which was one of the kings concubines, to know if he that was king, were kynga Cyrus' son or no? She sent hiw word that she herself could not tell, nor yet learn the truth at onye of her follows han des, because every one of them were kept alone in a house by themselves. Then he sent her word again, that she should feel about his head when he were a sleep. For Cambyses had cut of both the wise man's cares before. Her father 
The treason cometh to light.  being certified that the king had no ears, bewrayed the matter to the noble men of the realm●…, and compelled them to bind themselves, with an oth●…, that they should 
Counsel 〈◊〉 not be kept long in a multitude.  confound the wrongful king. There were no more but seven privy to this conspiracy, the which incontinently (least if they had time and space to bethink them, the matter might be by some of the company bewrayed) with every man his weapon under his gown, went straight to the palace, where having slain such as withstood them, they came to the place where the wise men were: who showed 
Necessity ge●… courage.  well that they wanted no courage to defend themselves.  
For they drew their weapons and slew two of the conspiracy. Nevertheless the other being more in number, ca●…ght 
The zeal ●…obryas Gobryas to his country.  hold of them. Of the which Gobryas having one of the wise men fast in his arms (perceiving y● his fellows stayed their hands, for doubt of striking him through in stead of the wise man, because the matter was done in a dark place) 
th'end of vs●…pe authori ty●….  bade them thrust their sword into the wise man, though it were through his body. Yet notwithstanding his fortune was such that the wise man was slain, and be escaped unhurt. The wisemen being thus slain, the noble men attained great honour & renown for recovering of the kingdom: but much more honour did they attain, in that when they were in controversy for the kingdom, they could agree among themselves. For both in prowess, and e●…ate they 
A singu●…ar ex ample of modesty in great esta●…es.  were so equal, that it should have been a hard matter for the people to have said which of them was worthiest.  
Therefore they inuent●…d a way among themselves, where by to commit the determination of their matter to God and good Fortune. They agreed among themselves that at the time appointed, every one of them should come before the palace on horsabacke, by the break of the day, and be whose horse neyed first before the rising of the son should be king. For the Persians believe, that there is no god but the son, and that horses are unto him hallowed.  
There was among the conspirators o●… Darius' thesone of Histaspis that fain would have had the kingdom if he had wist how to come by it. To whom being sad and care full for the matter, his horsekeeper said: sir if nothing may 
The policy of a horse●….  hinder you but that, be of good cheer, and take no thought at a●… for the matter, the day shallbe yours. Thereupon, th●… night before the day appointed, he brought his masters horse into the same place, and there put him to a Mare, thin king that for desire of the Mare the thing would come to pass, as afterward it did in deed. The next morning eu●…ry one of them being come at the hour appointed, Darius' horse knowing the place of courage to the mare, forthwith neyed aloud, and (the residue being slow) first of all the company, gave his master a token of god luck. The rest of the lords were of such modesty, that as soon as they heard the tooken of good luck, by and by they leapt of their horses, and saluted Darius by the name of king. All the people also, following the judgement of the princes, appointed 
Da●… 〈◊〉 made king b●… the neying 〈◊〉 a horse.  and took him for their king. And so the kingdom of the Persians recovered by the prowess of seven of the noblest men of all the realm, was in the turning of a hand brought into one man's hand again. A man would scarce be leave that such great estates, should end so weighty matter, with such reverence and love one to another. Considering that they spared not their lives to wresse it out of the wise men's hands. Although (to say the truth) besides man hood, parsonage, favour, and prowess, meet and worthy so great a kingdom. Darius was also near of alliance un to the ancient kings of Persia. Therefore in the beginning of his reign, he took in marriage with great solemnity 
Da●…ius ●…keth to wife the daughte●… of Cyrus named A●…ossa.  and royalty the daughter of king Cirus, to th'intent it might seem that the kingdom was not so much bestowed upon a stranger, as rather reduced and brought again into the family of Cirus. Within a while after, when the Assyrians had rebelled and taken the city of Babylon, the king being in a great rage by cause he could not devise how to recover the town again, one of them that helped to slay the wise men named zopyrus, caused his body to be piteously torn all over with whipping at home at his own house 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…opyrus to his king and to his countr●…  and his nose, lips, and ears to be cut of, and in the same plight suddenly came into the kings preseuce which thought of nothing less than such a matter. Darius' being amazed, and dem●…undinge who had so shamefully mangled him, and upon what occasion, he informed ●…ym secreatelye for what purpose he had done it, and after ●…e had sufficiently and thoroughly established his purpose, and taught the king how he would do, he fled like a runagate unto Babylon. There he showed the people his forne skin, and maimed face, making exclamation of the kings cruelty, through whom he lost his part of the kingdom, not by prowess and manhood, but by luck not by the judgement of men but by the neyenge of a horse, he coum sailed them to take warning by their friends, how to beware of their foes, he exhorted them not to trust more to their walls, than to their weapons, and that they would give him leave, to revenge his displeasure upon the king in their behalf, now while his anger was fresh in his remembrance. He was well known among them all, to be a noble man, and a man of much prowess, and as for his credite they doubted not at all, as whereof they thought his wounds and wrongful maims to be a sufficient pledge and witness. Therefore by a common consent, they made him a captain, who with a small band of soldiers twice or thrice put to flight the Persiàs giving way for the nonce At the last being put in trust with the whole army, 
●…pirus de●…lluereth Babylon to the king.  he betrayed it to the king, and brought the city again under his obeisance. After this the king made war against the Scythians, of the which we will entreat in the next book folyowing.   

THE SCEOND BOOK of justine.  
EOr asmuch as we be come to the rehearsal of the acts of the Scythians, which were both great and honourable: I htynke it good to entreat even of their very original begynny●…g.  
For their first beginning was no less famous, than was the whole process of their Empire, neither were the more renowned through the chivalry of their men, then through the prowess of their women. For where as their men were the founders of the Parthians, and Bactrians, their women founded the kingdom of the Amazons, so that if a man consider and weigh indifferently the doings of the men and the doings of the women together, he shall not be able to judge, whether of them were worthier of renown and honour. The Scythian nation hath ever been counted of greatest antiquity. 
Contentio●… as concernin●… antiquity.  Aowbeit between them and the Egyptians hath been great strife a long time as concerning the ancientness of them both. The Egyptians alleging that in the first beginning of things, whereas some countries did so borne through the fervent heat of the Son, and othersome to fryse through the excessiveness of the could, that not only they were not able to engender men, but also not able to receive and keep men that came out of other countries, before that garments were invented to defend the body from heat or cold, or that the faults of the places were eased with remedies found out by cunning and practise: 
The temperateness of Egypt and the fruitfulnesse th●…eof.  egypt was always so temperate, that neither the could in the wynther, nor the heat of the son in the summer, grieved the inhabitants thereof, the soil of the ground so fruitful, that there is no land under the son that bringeth more things necessary and meet for man's use. And that therefore of right men ought to be bred first there, where with most ease they might be best brought up. On 
The replication of the 〈◊〉.  tother side, the Scythians denied that the temperateness of the air made any thing to the proof of antiquity, forasmuch as nature as soon as it had given to each country of heat or cold as much as seemed good, forthwith also engendered living creatures, able to endure in those places and thereunto sundry sorts of trees and fruits, in their kinds according as the estate of the country required.  
And look how much the weather was harder in Scythia then in Egypt, so much were the Scythians harder of body and of nature than the Egyptians. But if the world which is now divided in parts, were sometime all one, whether water at the first beginning overwhelmed all the earth, or else fire possessed all things, whereof also the world itself was made, the Scythians in both of them must needs be the ancienter. For if fire first possessed all, the which by little and little being quenched, gave place to the earth, no part was sooner separated from the fire by the coldness of the winter, than the North: insomuch that at this present day, there is no part that feeleth more excessine cold: where as Egypt and all the East, were a longer season ere they could come to any temperateness, which well appeareth by them even yet in that the unmeasurable heat of the son skorcheth them at this day. But if so be it that all the world were sometime drowned with the sea, undoubted it must needs follow, that the higher that any place is the sooner it must be discovered: forasmuch as the waters withdraw themselves from thence into the lower grounds, and there remain a great while. And the sooner that any place was dried up, the sooner it began to engender living creatures. Furthermore Scythia is so much bigger than all other countries, that all the rivers that spring there, do fall into the sea Maeotis, and from thence into the sea of Pontus, and so into the Egyptian sea. But as for Egypt itself, (which being by the costs and charges of so many kings, so many hundred years, with so huge and strong dams and banks against the violence of the waters renning thereinto, strengthened and fortified, cut, and divided with so many ditches and trenches, to th'intent that the waters being in the one received, might by the other be kept of from going any further, could nathe rather be inhabited, except the river Nilus were excluded) can not seem to be ancienter than all other countries, but rather what for the great costs that the kings have bestowed thereupon, and what for the great heaps of mud that the river Nilus leaves behind him, may seem the last inhabited of all countries. The Egyptians being vanquished 
The 〈◊〉 of Scythia.  by these arguments, the Scythians were ever counted most ancient. Scythia stretcheth into the East, and is enclosed on th'one side with Pontus, on tother sid with the mountains 
the custome●… and maner●… of the 〈◊〉 ●…ns called 〈◊〉.  Rhiphael, on the back with Asia, and the river Tanais, & it is very long and very wide. The people of that country have no bounds between man and man. For they occupy no tillage, neither have they any house or home to resort to, or any certain dwelling place.  
As they feed and graze their cattles, wandering through the deserts and wild forests, they carry their wives and children with them in wagons and chariotes covered with hides, to keep out the wind and weather, the which they occupy instead of houses.  
They use 〈◊〉 and equity of a natural disposition, and not for fear of any law. No offence is counted so heinous among them as stealing. For considering they have no houses. nor any place of safeguard, and that all their riches consisteth in cattle, what should they have in safety, if it were lawful for them to steal?  
Gold and silver they do asmuch despise, as other nations do covet and desire it.  
They line by Milk and Honey, they know not what to d●… with will, nor how to make themselves garments thereof. And although they be vexed wit continual cold, yet have they nothing to cloth themselves with, but the skins of wild beasts, and of mice. This temperance causeth them to be so upright in their living, and is an occasion, that they covet not other men's goods. For where as riches be: there also is covetousness. I would to God that all other men could ufe the like temperance and abstinent from other men's goods. Certes then should there not be 
The power and force of nature.  so much war and manslaughter of so long continuance as there is in all lands. Neither should there die more of the sword than of natural destynye. It is a wonderful thing, that they should have that thing g●…uen them of nature, which the Greeks by thinstructions of their wise men and the precepts of their Philosophers so long time together, conld never attain unto, and that the fine civil manners 
Asia tributatye to the ●…cithians.  of the Greeks should be to no purpose at all, in comparison of the rude and barbarous Scythians. So much more profited in these the ignorance of vice, than in the other the knowledge of virtue. Thrice the Scythians got the 'em 
Their fortunate success.  pire of Asye they themselves remaining all the while, either untouched, or at the least unsubdewed of any for rain power. They put Darius' king of Persia to shameful flight, and drove him out of their country. The slew Cyrus and 
The nature of the Parthians and Bactrians.  all his army. After the same fort they utterly destroyed zopyron one of great Alexaunders chieftains with all his host. As for the wars of the Romans, they heard of them, but they never felt them. Within a while they founded 
Who first made war upon the Scythians.  thempires of the Parthians & Bactrians: people given to endure labour, and ●…out men of war, of strength of body wonderful, desiring not to win the thiug they thought they could not keep, and in their conquests seeking nothing but honour. The first that ever offered war unto the Scythians, was Uexores king of Egypt, who sent his ambassadors before to offer them peace, conditionally that they would become his bassalles and liege men. But the Scithtans being advertised before by their neighbours of the kings coming: answered the ambassadors in this wise. We can not but marvel that the ruler of so wealthy a people, will so foolishly move war against beggars, which thing was rather to have been mistrusted on his part, considering that the end of war is doubtful, and no reward though he wan the victory, but apparent loss if he were overcome. Wherefore, let him not think that the Scythians will wait for his coming hither, seeing there is in their enemy so much worth the fetching, and going for, but they will with all their hearts go and meet him. As they had said, so did they in deed. When the king understood that they made towards him with such speed, he fled for fear, and leaving behind him his host and all his furniture for the wars, he fearfully retired into his kingdom. The Scythians could not pursue him into Egypt because of the fens. As they returned from thence they conquered all Asia, and put them to a little tribute rather in token of their conquest, than in reward of their victory. 
The Scith●…ans are revoked out of Asia by 〈◊〉 wyuce.   
fifteen years they tarried in pacifying and setting a stay in the country. From whence they were called home by the importunate requests of their wives, which sent them word, that if they hied them ●…ot home the sooner, they would lie with their 〈◊〉 to have fruit by them, and not suffer the 〈◊〉 of the Scith●…s to decay through 
In this place he gre●…ly exreth.  their default. Thus was Asia tributary to them by the space of 1500 years. Ninus king of Thassirians made an end of paying this tribute. But in the mean time among the Scythians, t●…o young gentlemen of the blood royal, named Plinos and Scolopythus, being through debate among the noble me●…, driven out of their country, led with them a great number of youth, and settled themselves in the borders of Cappadocia, about the river Thermodoon, and kept all the fields about the city Themiscira. There, many years together, being wont to rob their neighbours, at the last. the people prfuily conspired together and set upon them unwares, and by a train slew them everyechone. The wives of these men, perceiving that besides their banishment, 
Example of fortitude in women.  they were also made widows, armed themselves, and defended their borders: first by standing in their own defence, and afterward by making war unto others. Moreover they had no mind to marry any more with their neighbours, calling it a bondage and not marriage. A singular example for all ages to look upon. They increased their common wealth without men and defended themselves even in despite of men. And to th'intent some of them should not think themselves, in better case than the rest, they killed their husbands that were left alive at home Furthermore, in revengement of the deaths of their husbands, they destroyed their neighbours also. Th●…n having 
The kingdom of the Amazons.  by war gotten peace and tranquillity, they sent for their neighbours and companied with them. If any male children wer●… borne, they were killed. The women children were brought up, not in idleness▪ nor to spinning and 
The customs of the Amazons.  carding, but in feats of arms, riding of horses, and hunting as the custom is to bring up men. And forbycaus●… their shooting and throwing of darts should not be hindered, their right paps were seared of while they were children, whereupon they were named Bamazons. They had two queens, the one called Marth●…, the other Lampedo, the which dividing their host in two parts, and growing to 
The queens of Amazon.  great wealth and richesse made war by turns, the one cir cumspectely defending the country at home, while the other made war abroad, as their turns came about. And o●… th'intent to be the more renowned in all their enterprises & affairs, they proclaimed themselves the daughters of Mars. Wherefore having conquered the greater part o●… 
The building of Ephe ●…us.  Europe, they subdued also many cities of Asia. Where having builded Ephesus and divers other cities, part of their army being sent home with a great booty, the rest which tarried still to defend thempyreof Asia, were by a sodayn●… ●…ssault of the barbarous people, with their queen Marthesia all slain. In whose room secceded in th'empire, her daughter Orithia. Who besides her singular activity in feats 
●… myr●… of virginity●… and prowess.  of war, was as a mirror to all women for preserving of her maydenhed▪ and virginity while she lived. Through the prowess of her, the honour and renown of the Amazons was so greatly advanced, that the king for 
〈◊〉 seedeth Hercules for the Queen of amazonies armour.  whose pleasure Hercules achieved. xii. dangerous adventures, commanded him as a thing impossible, to fetch him the armour of the Queen of Amazonie. Hercules therefore accompanied with many of the young lords and noble men of Greece, arriving with nine galleys assailed them unwares. At the same time the kingdom of Thamazones was governed by two of the four sisters, atiope and Orithia. Of the which Orithia was making war in foreign countries, by reason whereof, there was but a slender company about the queen Antyope, when Hercules arrived at the shore of Amazonye, because there was no such thing mistrusted, nor any enemy thought upon. Wherefore it came to pass, that those few being raised with the sudden alarm, armed themselves and gave their enemies an easy victory. For many were slain and many taken, among whom were two of Antiope's sisters M●…alyppe taken by Hercules, & Hippolyta by Theseus. Theseus' 
Hercules exchaungeth Menalyppe for the que●…nes armour.  married his prisoner, of whom he begat Hippolytus. But Hercules after the victory restored Menal●…ppe to her sister and for her ransom took the queen's armour. And so having accomplished his charge, returned to the king. Orithia having knowledge that war was made against her sisters, and that the prince of Athens had led away one of them perforce, exhorteth her company to be revenged, affirming, that all their conquests in Po●…us and Asia were to no purpose, if they should take such a foil at the hands of the Greeks, as to suffer not so much the wars, as the ravishementes of Thatheniens.  
And thereupon she sent for secure unto Sagillus king o●… Scythia. Alleging that she & her people were by descent Scythians 
Orithia sendeth for aid to the king of Scythia.  borne, declaring furthermore the loss of their husbands, whereby they were constrained to take armour upon them, and what was the cause of the wars which they now took in hand, saying, that through their prowess they had brought to pass, that the Scythians might seem, to have as valiant women as men. The king being moved with the honour of his house, sent to her aid his son 
She is ●…orsaken of her 〈◊〉 cour and over come of the athenians.  Penaxagoras with a greatbande of horsemen. But before the battle, being by means of dissension suddenly fallen between them, forsaken of their succours, and so left destitute of thelp and aid of them, the athenians put them to the worse. Nevertheless the camp of the Scythians was a refuge unto them, ●…y whose help they returned into their country untouched of other nations. After Orithia, 
Penthesile●….  Penthesilea obtained the soveraynetye, Who left behind her a noble remembrance of her worthy acts, in that famous assemble of valiant men, in the defence of the Trojans against the Greeks. Finally Penthesilea being slain, and her army wasted, those sew that remained, with much a do scarcely defending themselves against their neighbours, continued unto the time of great Alexander. Whose Queen Minothea, otherwise called Thalestris after she had obtained the company of Alexander by the space of. xiiii. days to th'intent to have issue by him, returned into her kingdom, and within a whole after deceased 
The decay of ●…hamazones , with whom the name of the Amazons utterly decayed. The Scythians in their third voyage into Asia, when they had been a seven years from their wy●…es and children, 
He returneth to the stories of the Stithians.  were welcomed home with war by their own servants. For their wives being wearied with long tarrying for their husbands, supposing that they were not so long detained with wars, but rather all slain married themselves to their slaves whom their masters had left ●…t home to look to their cattle The which hearing o●… their master's return with conquest, met them in order of battle well appointed and harnessed, to keep them out of their country as if they had been strangers. The Scythians 
The stratagem of the Scythians against their bond●…en.  perceiving that by battle they lost as much as they won, advised themselves to use another kind of fight, remembering that they had not to do with their enemies but with their slaves, who ought to be overcome not by the law of arms, but by the law of masters, against whom it was more meet to bring whips into the field then weapons, and laying a side sword, every man to furnish himself with rods and whips, and such other kind of stuff, where of slaves and bondmen are wont to be afraid. This counsel was well allowed, and therefore every man being furnished as was before appointed, when they approached to their enemies, suddenly they shaken their whips at them, wherewith they so amazed them, that whom they could not overcome by battle, they overcame with fear of beating & made them run away, not like enemies overcome by battle, but like runagate slaves. As many of them as were taken were hanged up. The women also that knew themselves guilty of the matter, partly by weapon, partly by hanging, wilfully dispatched themselves. After this the Scythians 
Here ended the first bok●…  lived in peace, until the time of Lanthine their king, to whom Darius king of Persie (as is before mentioned,) because he would not give him his Daughter in marriage,) made war: and with seven hundred thousand men in armour, entering into Scythia, when he saw his enemies would 
The shameful retire of Dar●…us out of Scythia.  not come and give him battle, fearing that if the bridge over the river of Danow should chance to be broken, he should be enclosed. From returning home again, fearfully retired over the water with the los of four score and x. M. men. The which nevertheless was counted as no loss, for the exceeding great number of men that he had in his host. Afterward 
He conquereth the lesser Asia and M●… cedonie.  he conquered Asia and Macedon, and vanquished the jomans upon the sea. Finally understanding that the athenians had aided the jonians against him, he turned the whole brunt of the war upon them. Now forasmuch as we be come to the wars of the athenians, which were 
A ●…igression to the acts of the ●…heniēs.  done in such wise, not only as a man could not well have hoped for. But also far otherwise then a man would almost believe them to have been done. And forasmuch as the deeds of the athenians were greater in effect than could have been wished before they came to pass: I think it convenient to speak somewhat even of their original beginning, because they did not increase from a base and vile be beginning, to the highest estate that could be, like as all other 
The nobleness & antiquity of Athens.  nations have done. For they alone may make their vaunt, as well of their very first beginning, as of their good success and increasement. For it was not strangers, nor a sort of rascals gathered here & there together, that founded that city, but they were bred in the same soil where they inhabit, and the place of their dwelling, is the place of 
Of what things the a●…heniens were the first inventors.  their beginning. They first taught the use of wol, Oil, and wine. And whereas men in times paste were wont to live by eating of Acorns, they taught how to blow the ground and to sow corn. And certainly as for learning, eloquens and all civil policy, and order of governance, may worthily take Athens for their Temple. Before the time of Dencalion, they had a king called Cecrops, who according to the report 
The first ordainer of marriage among the heathen.  of all the ancient fables, had two faces, because he first joined man and woman together in marriage. After him succeeded Crands, whose daughter Atthis gave the name unto the country. Next him reigned Amphitrion which first consecrated the City to Minerva, and called it by the name of Athens. In his time a flood of water drowned the great 
The ●…loud of Dencalion.  ter part of Grece: only such escaped, as could recover the tops of the mountains, or else such as could get ships and sail unto Dencalion king of Thessaly. Who by reason thereof is reported to have repaired & made mankind. Afterward by order of succession the kingdom descended to Ericthens under 
sowing of corn ●…uented.  whom the sowing of corn was found out at Elensis by Tripto lemus. In reward of the which deed, the night sacrifices were i●…tituted in the honour of Ceres. aegeus' also the father of Theseus reigned in Athens, from whom Medea being divorced 
The succession of the kings of Athens.  because her son in law Theseus was mangrowne, departed to Col●…hos with her son medus whom she had by aegeus. After aegeus, Theseus enjoyed the kingdom, and next to him his son Demophoon, which aided the Greeks against the Trojans. There was between thanthenians & the Doriens an old grudge & displeasure, the which the Dorienses intending to revenge by battle, asked counsel of the Oracles. Answer was made that they should have the upper hand, so they killed not the king of Athens. When they came into the field, great charge was given to all the Soldiers in any wise not to hurt the king. At the same time, king of Athens 
an ex ample of great love toward the native country  was Cadrus, who having understanding both of th'answer of Apollo, & of the charge that was given among his enemies, laid a side his robes & princely apparel, and in a ragged cote with a bundle of vineshreds in his neck, entered into his enemies camp. There in a throng that stood about him, he was slain by a soldier whom he of pretenced purpose had wounded with a hook that he had in his hand. The Dorienses when they knew it was the king that lay there slain, departed without any stroke striking. By this means the athenians through the prowess of their captain yielding himself to death for the safeguard of his country were delivered from war. After Codrus was never 
The alterat●…on of government in athens.  king more in Athens, the which was attributed to his high renown and remembrans of his name. The governans of the common wealth was appointed to yearly officers. But the City at that time had no laws, because that hitherto the commandment of their kings was accounted as a law. Therefore was chosen one Solon a man of marvelous uprightness, which should as it were make a new city by 
The commendation and do ings of solon.  his laws. Who used such an indifferency, and bore himself so even between the people and the Senate (where as if he made any thing for th'one estate, he was like to displease the other) that he gate like favour at both their hands.  
Amongst the noble acts of this man which were many, this is in especially worthy to be remembered. The athenians and Megarenses had fought together for the chalen ging of the isle of Salamine, almost to their utter destruction. After many great slaughters, it begun to be taken for a heinous matter among the athenians, if any man should go about to make any claim or title to the Island. Solon therefore 
The policy of Solon.  being sorrowful, least by holding his peace he should not so greatly further the common wealth as he ought to do, or by putting forth his counsel bring himself in danger, suddenly feigned himself mad: under pretense whereof he might not only say, but also do things forbidden. He ran abroad in a fool's cote like a disard, and in a great company of men that gathered about him, the more to cloak his pretenced purpose, in rhymes and metres to him unaccustomed, he begun to move the people to that thing which was unlawful, wherein he so persuaded them all, that forthwith they proclaimed war against the Megarenses, in the which they vanquished their enemies, and reduced the Island under their subjection. In the mean season the Megarenses being mindful of the wars that the athenians made against them, and b●…ing loath to leave without some gain, took shipping of purpose to take the noble women and matrons of Athens, as they were celebrating the sacri●…ces unto Ceres, in the night time at Elensis. The which thing being known Pisistratus captain of the athenians laid bushments of men in places convenient, commanding the women to celebrate their ceremonies, with like noise and, as they were wont to do, even when their enemies came, to th'intent they should not suspect that their coming was heard of. When the Megarenses were come out of their ships, he suddenly broke upon them and ●…ue them every 
Deceit turned upon the workers head  one, and forthwith entering into their ships, (the which he intermeddled with women, to make a show, as though they had been the matrons taken prisoners) he went straight to Megara. The towns men seeing their own ships and the women in them (which they supposed to be the ●…ootye that they sought for) went forth to the haven to meet them, the which company Pysistratus ●…ue, and miss but little of winning the City. So by their own policy, the Megarenses gave their enemies the victory. But Pysistratus 
An example of a crafty ●… subtle dec●… ver.  as though he had won to his own behoof, and not to the behoof of his Country, by craft and policy made himself king. For at home at his own house, when he had of set purpose caused his body to be rend and mangled with scourging and whipping, he came abroad, and there summoning the people together, showed them his wounds, making exclamation of the cruelty of the Noble men, at whose hands he surmised himself to have suffered this hurt. As he spoke he wept, and with his spiteful words set the light people on fire, assuring them that for the love he bore to them, he was hated of the Senate, 〈◊〉 hereupon he obtained a guard of men for the safety of his person, by whose means he usurped the Luperioritye, and reigned xxxiiii. years. After his death Diocles one of his Sons as he 
Diocles' slain for rape.  ravished a maiden perforce, was by the brother of the same maid slain. His other son named Hyppias possessing his father's kingdom, commanded him that slew his brother to be apprehended, who being compelled by torments 
A constant and invincible stomach.  to appeal such as were necessary to the murder, named all the tyrants friends, which being put to death, and the Tyrant demanding if there were yet any more a Counsel or privy to the deed, there is no more (quoth he) alive whom I would gladly see die, saving the Tyrant himself: by which saying he declared himself both to have the upper hand of the Tyrant, and also to have revenged the chastity of his sister. The city through his stoutness being put in remembrance of their liberty, at length deposed Hyppias from his kingdom, and banished him their country. Who taking his journey into Persie, offered himself to Darius, making war against the athenians, (as is before specified) as a captain against his own country.  
Wherefore the athenians hearing of Darius' approach, sent 
He returneth to the history of Darius  for aid to the Lacedæmonians who at that time were in league with them. But perceiving that they were busied about matters of religion for the space of iiii. days, they thought not good to tarry the coming of their succours, but with x. M well appointed of their own citizens, and one thousand of the 〈◊〉 which came to their aid, they went forth to battle, against vi. C. M. of their enemies in the plains of Marathon. Melciades was Captain of this war, & counsellor not to tarry 
The noble en terprise of Milciades.  〈◊〉 their succours. Who was of such courage, that he thought there was 〈◊〉 advantage in speedy setting forward, then in linger for succour. Therefore they ran into the battle with wonderful cheerfulness. In so much that when the 
The courage of the athenians, and me cowardice of the Persians.  two. armies were a mile a sondre, they hasted forward as fast as they could ●…un, to join with their enemies before they might discharge their arrows. Neither wanted this boldness good success. For the battle was fought with such courage, that a man would have thought the one side to have been men, and tother to have been beasts. The Persians 
Fortune helpeth the coura gious.  being vanquished fled to their ships, whereof many were drowned and many were taken. In that battle the prowess and manhood of every man was so great, that it were hard to judge who deserved most to be praised. How be it amongst all other, braced forth the glory of a young man called Themistocles, in whom even then appeared such towardness, as it 
The praise of Themistocles  was like he should for his valiantness hereafter be made their chief captain & governor. The glory of one Cynaegirus also a soldier of Athens, is highly commended & set for the with great praises among writers, who after innumerable 
The commendation of Cynegirus.  slaughter in the battle, when he had pursued his enemies to their ships, as they fled, he caught hold of a ship that was laden with his right hand, and would not let go his hold till he had lost his hand. His right hand being cut of, he laid hold on it with his left hand, the which also being lost in likewise, at the last he held the ship with his teeth.  
Such was his courage, that being not wearied with so many slaughters, nor discouraged with the loss of both his hands, at the last being utterly maimed, like a savage 
The slaughter of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The vengans of God upon tyrants and tra●…oures.  beast he fought with his teeth. The Persians lost in that battle two hundred thousand men, beside their ships. Hyppias also the Tyrant of Atbens, the author and stirrer of this war, through the just vengeance of God, which punished him for his country sake, was there slain.  
In the mean time Darius as he was about to renew the war, died in the preparation thereof, leaving many 
The death o●… Darius.  sons behind him, whereof some were begotten before he was king, and other some in the time of his reign. Of the which Artobazanes the eldest, claimed the Crown by prerogative 
A brotherly. contē●…n for the kingdom.  of his age, alleging that by order of law, by order of birth, by order of nature, and by custom of all Countries, he ought to have it. Xerxes' replied and said, that their controversy was not as concerning the order of their birth, but as concerning the nobility and worthiness of their birth.  
For he granted that Artobazanes was in deed the first that was borne unto Darius, but Darius was then a private person, and that he himself was the first that was borne to Darius being king.  
Wherefore his brothers that were borne during the time his father was a subject, might lawfully claim such private inheritance as Darius then had, but not the kingdom, which appertained to him being the first, whom his father begat in his kingdom. This also made for his purpose in that artobazanes was borne a private person, not only by the father's side, but also by the mother's side, and also 〈◊〉 his grandfathers side by the mother. Wher●… he himself had a Queen to his mother, and he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his father but king, and he had a king 〈◊〉 his grau●…father by the mother, namely king Cyrus who was not an inheritor, but the first founder of that great Empire. And therefore if their father had left them 〈◊〉 like right to the 〈◊〉, yet notwithstande in consideration of his Mother and his grandfather, he ought to be preferred. They put this controversy quietly and gently with a good will, to the discretion of their uncle Artaphe●… as to a household judge, who discussing the matter at home, preferred Xerxes. And this contention between them was so brotherly, that neither he that had the upper hand vaunted himself, neither he that was overcome was sorry for the matter. And even in the chiefest time of all their strife, they sent gifts and presents one to another, and merely banqueted together, without mistrust of treason or deceit, and the matter was ended without days men, or without reproachful words betwixt them. So much more modestly could brothers in those days divide the greatest kingdoms, than they can now divide a small inheritance. Xerxes therefore by the space of five years together, made preparation for the wars which his father had begun against the Greeks. 
xerxes succe death Darius in his kingdom The ●…oue of Demaratus to his country  The which thing when Demeratus king of the Lacedæmonians, (who at that time being banished his Country, lived in king Xerxes' Court,) understood, being more friendly to his country after his banishment, then to the king for all his benefits, to the intent they should not be oppressed with sudden war, wrote all things in tables of wode to the Magistrates of Sparta, and covered the letters over with ware, lest that either the writing without a cover might bewray itself, or the new ware disclose his devise. When they were finished, he took them to a trnsty servant, commanding him to deliver to the magistrates of the Spartans. When they were brought to Lacedaemon, the matter hung long in question what it should mean, because they saw no writing, & again they thought the tables were not sent for nothing, & the closer the thing was, so much they judged it to be of greater importance. Whiles the men with sundry op●…nions slack in the matter, the Sister of L●…oindas the king found out the intent and meaning of the writer. The ware therefore being skraped of, it appeared was wrought against them.  
By this time had Xerxes armed seven hundred thousand of his own kingdom, and hired three hundred thousand Mercenaries. 
The hnge host of xerxes  So that it hath not without good cause been reported, that his army drunk the rivers dry, and that all Grece was scarce able to receive his host. It is also said that he had ten hundred thousand ships. To this huge host won 
His richesse and want of good gover nance.  wanted a meet Captain. For if ye have respect unto the king, ye may praise his riches, but not his good guidans or know ledge requisite in a Captain, of which there was so great abundance in his realm, that when rivers were not able to find his huge multitude drink, yet had he treasure more than could be spent. He would be sure to be the last that should come to encounter, and the first that should run away. In danger he was fearful, out of danger proud and full of boasting. Finally before he should come to the trial of battle, he gloried so much in his own strength, that as if he had been even a Lord over nature, and had been able to rule it at his pleasure, he brought mountains to plain ground, and filled up the valleys, made bridges over the sea, and cut through the main land to make nearer way for his ships to pass. Whose coming into Grece as it was terrible, so his departure was as shameful and dishonourable. For when that Leonides king of the Sartanes with four thousand men, had taken the strength of Thermopyle, Xerxes in disdain of his small number, commanded that none should assail them, but they whose kinsfolk were slain at the battle of Marathon: the which while they sought to revenge the deaths of their friends, were the beginning of the slaughter that ensued.  
In their places succeeded still more and more, to the great increase of their own slaughter. Three days the Persians fought there to their great anguish, displeasure and sorrow, The fourth day when it was told Leonides that twenty thousand of his enemies had taken the top of the hill, than he began to exhort his partakers to departed, and to reserve themselves till some better time might come, wherein they might do service to their country, for he & his Spartans would stand to th aduenture of fortune, saying that he set not so much by his life, as by his country, & that the resis endue aught to be spared for the defice of Grece, when the king's pleasure was published, the rest departed all saving the Lacedæmonians which tarried still with him. In the beginning of this war, whé counsel was asked of apollo at Delphos, answer was given that either the king of thes partanes must be slain, or else the city be destroyed. And therefore when the king Leonides should go forth to the war, he had so encouraged his soldiers, that every man went with a willing heart to die 
The love of Leonidas toward his country.  with their master. He took the straits for this purpose, that with his small number, he might either win with more honour, or die with les damage to the common wealth: wherefore when he had dismissed his partakers, he exhorted the Spar tanes to remember themselves, that how so ever they fought they must be slain, warning them to take heed, that they gave no cause to bave it reported of them hereafter, that their hearts served them better to tarry, then to fight, saying that it was not for them to stand still till their enemies should enclose them about, but assoon as night should serve their turn, to set upon their enemies, making merry without care in their tents. For conquerors could no where die more honourably, then in the camp of their enemies. It was no hard matter to persuade them that were all ready bent to die. Forth with they armed themselves, & being but vi. C. men in all, 
The noble prowess of Lconida and the Spartans  broke into the camp of v. C. M. and forthwith went unto the king's pavilion, of purpose either to die with him, or else if they were overlaid, to die in especialli in his tent. All the camp was on a roar. The Lacedæmonians when they could not find the king, ranged through all the camp like conquerors, slaying & throwing down all things, as men that knew that they fought not in hope of victory, but to revenge their own death. The battle was prolonged from the beginning of the night, until the more part of the next day was spent. At the last not vanquished, but weary of vanquishing they fell down dead among the heaps of their dead enemies. Xerxes' having received two iosses in battle on the land, intended to try his fortune. But Themistocles the captain of the athenians, when he understood that the Ion●…s, in whose quarrel the king of Persie made all this war, were come to the aid of 
A ●…olitique provisy on of themistocles.  the Persians with a navy of ships, he intended to draw them to his part if he could. And because he could have no opportunity to talk with thee, he caused these words to be engraved in stones, & set at the places where they should arrive. How mad are ye O ye jonians? what mischief intent you now to do, purpose ye to make war against your first founders, & now of late your new revengers, have we builded your walls, to th'intent they should destroy ours? I put the case we had not this occasion of war, first with Darius, and now with Xerxes, seeing we forsook you not when ye rebelled, why do ye not come out of that siege into this our camp? Or if ye think ye may not do so without danger, when the 
Man 〈◊〉 power against God. Xerxes burneth Thesp●… and 〈◊〉 and Athens.  battle shallbe joined step you aside, draw back your ships & departed out of the battle. Before they should encounter upon the sea, Xerxes had sent iiii. M. men to Delphos, to spoil the temple of apollo: as though he had made war not only with the Greeks, but even with the gods immortal, which band of men was utterly destroyed with tempest & lightning, to th'intent he might understand that the more that God is wroth & displeased with man, the less power or rather none at all hath man against god. After this he burned the cities of Thespie, Plate & Athens: but there were no men in them, & because he could not have the men to kill in his displeasure he wreked his teme upon their houses. For the Athenies after the battle of Barathon by the counsel of Themistocles, which gave the warning that victory won of the Persians was not at end, but rather a cause of greater war,) made them a flcte of two hundred ships. Therefore when 
Than●…wer of the 〈◊〉  Xerxes was coming toward them, they asked counsel of the Oracle at Delphos, where it was answered that they must provide for their safeguard in wooden walls.  
Themistocles deeming it to be spoken and meant of ships. persuaded all the people that their Country was not the 
Themistocles interpreteth the same  walls, but the men: and that the City was not the houses and buildings, but the Citizens and inhabitants. Wherefore it was better for them and more for their safeguard, to betake themselves to ships, then to abide in the town, whereunto God himself seemed to counsel them. The counsel was well liked, and thereupon abandoning the City, they conveyed their wives and children with all their preciousest stuff and jewels into secret islands, and there bestowed them in safety, which being done, they armed themselves and took shipping. Other Cities also followed the example of the athenians. Therefore when all the whole fiete of their complices and parrakers were assembled together in the narrow seas by the isle of Salamine, to th'intent they might not be enclosed of Xerxes' great multitude, as they were consulting how to maintain the wars upon the sea, suddenly sprang a variance between the princes of the Cities, every man devising how to break up privily, & to steal home to defend his own. Themistocies fearing least by the departure of his Companions, his strength should be abated, sent word unto Xerxes by a trusty servant, 
The devise of Themistocles to make his confederates abide  that now was the time that he might easily take all Grece together in one place, whereas if every man were dispersed home to his own City, as they were about to do, it should be more to his pain to pursue them one by one. Through this policy he caused the king to give a sign of battle. The Greeks also being prevented with thapproach of their even mies, laid their power together & joined battle. During the time of th'encounter, the king as a looker on & no meddler with certain ships lay still at the rood. But Artemysia the Queen of Halicarnassus, which came to the aid of Xerxes, 
〈◊〉 cowardice of Xerxes The valiantness of art mysia.  fought fiercely even among the formest Captain in the battle. So that as in Xerxes was to be seen a kind of femine fearfulness, so in her was to be seen the kind of manly courageousness. In the hottest of the battle, the jonians according to the commandment of Themistocles began by little and little to withdraw themselves out of the press. Whose departure discouraged all the rest. The Per 
The Persians are discomfited on the sea.  sians looking about which way to escape, were put out of a ray, & soon after being vanquished were put to open flight. In the which discomfiture many ships were drowned and many were taken. But more fearing more the kings cruelty then their enemy, stolen away and went home.  
The king Xerxes being stricken in great fear, by reason of 
The couonse●… of Mardonius.  this slaughter, and knowing not what to do, Mardonius came unto him counseling him to departed into his kingdom with as much speed as might be, lest the brute of the discomfiture might cause any insurrection or he came there, which commonly is wont to make more of things than they be in deed. Leaving him; 0000. thousand of the tallest men & picked soldiers of all his host, with the which company he promised either to his great honour to subdue all Grece, or if it were his misfortune to be overcome, he would without infamy or dishonour to his Majesty give place to his enemies. The counsel of Mardonius was well allowed.  
Whereupon the said number of men were to him delivered, and the remnant of his host the king himself purposed to convey home again. But the Greeks hearing of the kings flight consulted together to break the bridge which he as Lord of the sea had made at Abydus, to the intent that his passage being cut of, he might either with his army be utterly destroyed, or else be brought to such an exigent, that as clearly overcome he should be compelled to desire peace at their hands. But Themistocles fearing lest his enemies being stopped of their passage, should turn their despair into hardiness, and (seeing none other remedy) make themselves way with their sword, told them that there were enemies enough and to many all ready in Grece, the 
●…cles sendeth again to 〈◊〉 erxes.  number whereof ought not to be increased by keeping them against their wills. ●…ut when he perceived his counsel pray veiled not, be sent the same servant again unto Xerxes, advertising him of their intent & purpose, and willing him to get him away with speed if he intended to escape. The king being stricken in fear with this message, delivered his 
〈◊〉 flieth for fear.  soldiers to be conveyed home by their captains, & he with a few went toward abydoes: where finding the bridge broken with the tempests of the winter, he feried over fearfully in a fisher's boat. It was a thing worth the beholding, and as in consideration and valueing of man's ●…ckle wealth & prosperity, a thing to be wondered at, to behold him now lurking 
A worthy ex ample of the fickleness of fortune, and of the frailness of man's estate.  in a little boat, whom lately before, scarce all the Sea was able to receive, and to see him destitute of all attendans & service, whose army by reason of the huge multitude thereof, was even a burden to the earth. Neither had the army whom he had assigned to captains, any luckier or more for tunate journeying by land. For besides their daily travel, (as surely there is no rest to such as be in fear) they were all 
The afflictions of the Persian host  so afflicted with hunger. Furthermore the ●…ant of victels brought upon them the pestilence, by means whereof they died so thick, that the ways were covered with their dead carcases, in so much that the beasts and fowls alured with desire of pray, followed the host. In the mean time Mardonius took Olynthus in Grece by assault. Also he entreated with the athenians to sue to the king for peace and friendship, promising to build up their city which he had 
Mardonius w●…th O●…hus.  burnt, larger and fairer than ever it was before. When he saw they would not sell their liberty for any worldly good, he set on fire that which they had begun to build again, & from thence he passed with his army into Bo●…, thither followed also the host of the Greeks, which was a hundred M. men, & there was a battle fought. But the changing of the captain 
A battle between Mardo●…s and the greeks.  changed not the kings fortune. For Mardonius being overcome, escaped with a few as it were out of shipwrak. His ●…entes replenished withal kind of richesse, after the princeliest sort that could be, were taken & riffled. Wherup 
Excess of richesse.  on first of all among the Greeks, when they had parted the gold of the Parsians among them grew excess and riot. By chance the same day that Mardonius host was destroyed, there was another battle fought upon the sea against 
The swiftness of ●…ame.  the Persians in Asia, hard by the mountain Mycale. There before the encounter, as the two fleets stood in order of battle one against another, a fame came unto both the armies, that the Greeks had gotten the upper hand, and utterly slain all Mardonius host. So great was the swiftness of fame, that the battle being fought in Boetia in the morning, by noon tidings was brought of the victory into Asia over so many seas, and over so much ground in so short a moment of time.  
When the wars were finished, and that consultation was had how every City should be rewarded, by judgement of them all, the athenians were deemed to have done most valiantly. Among the Captains also Themistocles was by the verdict of all the Cities judged chief and sovereign, to the great renown of his country. The athenians therefore being increased as well in richesses as in honour began to build their City new out of the ground. When the Lacedæmonians heard how they had enlarged the walls of their City, and set them further out than they were before, they began to have them in a gelowsye, wisely forecasting what they were like to grow unto, having once made their City strong and defensible, which by the decay of their City had gotten so much as they had. Wherefore they sent Ambassadors, admonishing them not to build Fortresses for their enemies, and holds for the Wars that were like to ensue hereafter.  
Themistocles perceiving them to grudge and to repine 
The wise 〈◊〉 menor of Themistocles.  at the raising of his city, thinking that it stood him in hand to beware that he did nothing unadvisedly, answered the ambassadors that there should certain go with them to La●…mon, fully authorized to entreat and conclude with them, as concerning that matter.  
So when he had dispatched the ambassadors of Sparta, he exhorted his Citizens to make speed in their work, and he himself within a while after went of ambassade. In the which journey what by feigning himself sick, and what by putting fault in the slackness of such as were in commission with him, without whom he said he was able to do nothing, by virtue of his commission, he drove of still from day to day, and all to th'intent that they might have leisure to furnish their work. During which time it was reported at Lacedaemon, that the work went f●…r ward a pace at Athens: Whereupon they sent Ambassadors again to see if it were so or no. Then Themistocles by a Servant of his scent a letter to the high Magistrates of 
Themistocles cometh unto Lacede●…n.  Athens, willing them to hold the Spartan ambassadors in safe keeping as pledges, lest otherwise then well might be done or committed against him at Lacedaemon. Then he went boldly before the Lacedæmonians, declaring that Athens was now thoroughly fortified, and that it was able to withstand the force of enemies, not only by the sword, but also by the strength of their walls, and if they entreated him otherwise then well for the matter, their ambassadors were kept as pledges for the same purpose at Athens. Then he gave them a great rebuke, in that they sought to make themselves strong, and to obtain severaignty, not by their own power, but by the weakness of their fellows. So being 
The Spartans make war against the Persians.  dismissed, in manner triumphing over the Lacedæmonians, he was joyfully received o●… his own Citizens. After this the Spartans least their strength should decay through idleness, and to revenge themselves upon the Persians, which 
P●…ius worketh treason against his country.  twice before had made war upon the Greeks, of their own accord in●…aded the borders of their Empire. They chose for captain both of their own army and of the army of the adherents, one Pansanias, who being not content with the Captainship, but coveting in stead thereof to make himself king of all Grece, privily conspired with Xerxes. In reward whereof he should have the kings daughter in marriage, and because the king should have the more confidens in him, he sent home the prisoners skot free without ransom. Moreover he wrote unto Xerxes, that what messengers so ever he sent unto him, he should put them to death, to the intent their purpose should not by talk be bewrayed. But Aristides the captain of the athenians, elected 
Aristides preventeth his tr●….  his fellow in the war, what by working against his enterprises, and what foreseeing wisely what was like to ensue, disclosed the intent and purpose of his treason. Whereupon ere it was long after, Pansanias was arraigned and condemned. Xerxes therefore when he perceived that his secret 
Pansa●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  conspiracies were disclosed, determined to proclaim open war again. The Grecians also appointed for their captain, Cymo of Athens the son of Milciades their graundcaptaine 
Cyno is made grand 〈◊〉 tain against the P●…  at the battle of Marathon, a noble young gentleman whose natural and godly disposition, declared before hand what great honour he was like to come unto. For when his father being cast in prison for robbing of the common treasure, 
The natura●… love of 〈◊〉 to his fa●….  was there departed and could not be buried, he by taking his father's irons upon him, redeamed his body and buried it. Neither were they any thing at all deceived, that chose him to be their sovereign Captain. For being a man of no less prowess than was his father, he vanquished Xerxes 
Xerxes' 〈◊〉.  both upon the sea and upon the land, and compelled him fearfully to retire into his own kingdom.   

The third Book.  
Xerxes' king of Persia of whom all nations a little 
Xerxes is 〈◊〉 by his own subject.  before stood in fear, after he had sped so unfortunately in his wars in Grece, began to be had in contempt even of his own subjects. For Artabanus his lieutenant perceiving the king's estate daily to decay, being therewith brought in good hope to obtain the kingdom, one evening with seven. of his sons all men grown, and stout men of their hands, entered the king's palace. For he was so well be trusted and beloved with the king, that he might come in whenso ever he would. Wherefore when he had slain the king, he wrought by policy to destroy his children, whom he knew to be a let to his enterprise. As for Artaxerxes which was but a 
The cautel and treason of Artabanus.  child to speak of, he took no great thought, and therefore the sooner to compass his matters, he surmised that Darius which was a tall stripling had slain his father, to the intent he might the sooner possess the kingdom. Whereby he compelled artaxerxes to revenge murder with murder. When they came to Darius lodging, they found him as it were neither sleeping nor waking, and there killed him. Afterward artabanus perceiving that for all the mischief he could devise, there was yet one of the kings sons alive, and fearing that the peers of the realm would stand in contention with him for the kingdom, made of his Counsel one Baccabassus, who being content with his present estate, bewrayed the whole matter to artaxerxes: how his Father 
The treason disclosed.  was slain, how his brother upon false presumption of murder was put to death, and finally how there was treason 
Treason politicly revenged.  a working against his own person. When artaxerxes knew that, fearing to attempt any thing rashly or against artabanus, because he had so many of his sons about him, he commanded his army to be in a readiness in their armour before him the next day, saying that he would take musters of them himself, and see a trial of every man's behaviour, how he could handle his weapon. Therefore when as among the rest, artabanus himself stood by in his harness, the king feigned that his Curet was to short for him, commanding artabanus to change with him. As he was putting it of, the king espying him naked, thrust him through with his sword, and there with all commanded all his sons to be laid hand on. And by this means the worthy young Prince revenged the death of his father, and the murder of his brother, and saved himself out of the bands of traitoures.  
While these things were a doing among the Persians, in the mean season all Grece dividing itself in two. parts, whereof 
The discord of the gr●…kes among them s●…lues.  the one followed the Lacedæmonians, tother the athenians turned their weapons from foreign enemies, against their own bowels. Of one people was made two bodies, & the soldiers of one camp were parted into two. hosts of deadly and mortal enemies. On th'one side the Lacedæmonians drew to their part, all such as were before times waged at the common charges of all the cities, for the defence of the whole country. On tother side the athenians being renowned as well for their antiquity and long continuance, as also by their deeds of chivalry, trusted all to their own strength. And so two of the mightiest people of all Grece, equal by the statutes of Solon and laws of Lycurgus, through envy one at another's estate, fell together by the ears among them 
Rightuousn●…s is to be preferred before akingdom.  selves. For Lycurgus' succeadinge his brother Polybita in the kingdom of Sparta, when as he might lawfully have challenged it to himself, surrendered the same with as much faithfulness as might be, unto his son Charilans which was borne after the death of his father, assoon as he came to man's estate. To the intent that all men might understand how much good men do set more by righteousness, then by all the richesses in the world. In the mean while therefore that the child grew, of whom as protector he had the government, he devised laws for the Spartans which hitherto had none, in which doing he deserved not more renown for inventing of them, then for giving example in keeping them For certainly he ordained no law for any other man, whereof he gave not ensample first of all by himself. 
The notable laws of L●…curgus.   
He taught the people due obedience to their Princes, and the Princes to minister iu●…ice indifferently to all their subjects. He counseled all estates to use temperance and frugality, thinking that through the daily and accustomable use thereof, the travel and penny of warfare, should seem much more light and easy.  
he commanded all things to be bought, not for money but for exchange of wares. The use of gold and silver, as the occasion of all mischief, he utterly took away. The government of the public weal he distributed to certain estates and degrees. Unto the kings he gave power absolutely in all matters concerning the wars, unto the magistrates authority in judgements and matters of law: whom he would to continue in office but one year at ones: unto the senators, to see the laws executed and kept: to the commons power to choose the senators, or to create what officers they listed. He parted all their lands equally amongst them, portion and portion like, to the intent that every man having like livelihood, no man should take more upon him then other. He ordained that they should all eat and drink together openly, to the intent that no man should secretly use any excess or super●…uitye: he permitted not the young men to wear any more garments then one, all the year, nor one to go gayer than another, nor one to far better than an other, least by following one another's example they should fall to riot. Children under xv. years age, were not suffered to come into the Court, but 
The bringing up of children.  were commanded to keep in the Country, to the intent they might spend their first years, not in riotousness, but in labour and travel. And when they slept, they might not lay any thing under them to rest upon, or eat any dainty meat all their lives. nor return into the City before they were men grown. He made a law that maidens should marry without dowry: and gave commandment that 
The marriage of maidens.  men should choose their wives for love and not for money, thinking by that means men would more straitly observe the duties of wedlock, when there was no dowry to let them. The greatest reverens, he would should be assigned, not to rich men and men of authority, but to aged men according to the degree of their years. And to 
Re●…erence unto old age.  say the truth there is no place in all the world, where age is more honoured then in ●…parta. Now forasmuch as these things at the first, seemed hard to them that before times 
The devise of Lycurgus to make his laws eternal.  were w●…nt to live as they listed, he feigned Apollo of Delphos to be the author of them, and that he had fetched them fro thence at the commandment of God, to the intent that the fear of God might enure them unto it, until that custom had driven away all weariness. afterward to the intent he might ●…stablishe his laws for ever, he caused all the City to be sworn, not to alter or break any part of his laws, until he returned again, telling them that he was going to the Oracle at Delphos, to take counsel what was to be altered, put to, or taken from his laws. But in 
Lycurgus v●… nisheth himself to do his country good.  very deed he sailed unto Candy, where gladly he lived the residue of his life like a banished man. And when he should die, he commanded his bones to be thrown into the sea, lest if they were carried again to Lacedaemon, the Spartans might think themselves clear of their oath in disannulling and abrogating of his laws. By means of these statutes 
The wa●…a of the Spartans against the Me●…ans.  and ordinances, the City grew so strong within a while, that when as they made war against the Messenians for ravishing certain of their maidens in a sol●…mpne sacrifice of the Messenians, they bound themselves with a grievous oath, and thereunto cursed themselves, if they returned home before they had won the City of Messenia, so much did they trust either to their own strength or to their fortune. The which thing was the beginning of discord, and the chief cause and occasion of war in Grece. Therefore when contrary to their presumption, they had besieged the town x. years, and could not take it, and that their wives thinking themselves all this while as widows, sent often to them, requesting them earnestly to come home, at length fearing least by their obstinate perseverance, they might do themselves more harm than the Messenians. For as much as the youth which the Messenians lost, was supplied the fruitfulness of their wives being daily among them, whereas their own loss during the wars was unrecoverable, for as much as in the time of their absens their wives as barren folk brought for the no fruit at all: There 
The original of the Partheniens.  fore they chose out certain young men of that band of Soldiers that came to supply their number after the oath was taken, and sent them home to Sparta with free liberty to company with any women whom so ever they would, supposing their wives should sooner conceive, by attempting it with divers men. They that were so begotten, in respect of their mother's dishonour, were called Partheniens: who when they came to the age of thirty. years for fear of poverty, (for none of them could say who was his father, by whom he might hope for any inheritance or living took to be their Captain, Phalanthus the son of Aracus, which gave the Spartans the foresaid counsel to send home these young men to engender issue. To the 
Phalanthus  intent that as of late his father was the author of their begetting, so might they have the son the author of their hope and prosperiti. Therefore not so much as once bidding 
The Parthe niens seek them a new dwelling place.  their mother's farewell, whose adultery they thought sounded greatly to their shame & reproach, they took their way to seek them a new dwelling place, and after divers adventues being long tossed from post to pillar, at length they came into Italy, where they besieged the fortress of Tarent, 
They place themselves in italy.  the which being won by assault, they drove out the ancient inhabiters thereof, and dwelled there themselves. But many years after, their captain Phalanthus being by a tumult driven into exile, went unto Brundisium whether as the ancient inhabitants of Tarent being expulsed their native 
The love of Phalanthus toward his country.  country had withdrawn themselves. When he should die, he persuaded them to take his bones, & the residue of his body being dead and beat them into powder, & secretly to cause them to be strewed in the market place of Tarent, saying that apollo at Delphos had told him, that in so doing they should recover their country again. The Tarentines ●…upposing that to revenge the displeasure done unto him, he had bewrayed the destiny of his citizens, obeyed his counsel.  
But the meaning of the Oracle was clean contrary. For it promised by so doing the continual possession of the town, and not the loss o●… it. And so through the counsel of their banished captain & the working of their enemies the Parthenians enjoyed the possession of Tarent for ever. In remembrance 
Pha●…anthus is honoured for a God. The Messeniens are subdued & afterward do rebel.  of the which good turn, they ever after honoured Phalanthus as a God. In the mean time the Messenians being not able to be overcome by plain force, were overcome by policy. afterward having by the space of lxxx. years suffered sore punishments of bondage, with imprisonment and other miseries and calamities of thraldom & captivity, after long sufferance of these mischiefs, they renewed the war again. The Lacedæmonians also came to the field so much the more earnestly, because they seemed to fight against their bondmen. The courages of both parties therefore being quickened, th'one with injury, tother with disdain, the Lacedæmonians demanded counsel of the Oracle at Delphos to what end the war should come, there they were commanded to send to the athenians for a captain. Thatheniens having intelligence of th'answer of apollo, in 
Tirteus bring●…th the spartans in despair.  despite of the Lacedæmonians sent them a poet called tirteus lame of one foot, who being vanquished in three battles, brought the Lacedæmonians to such an afterdele, that to suppli their army they were feign to make their bondmen free, & promise to give them the wives of them that were slain, so that they should succeed such as were lost, not only in number, but also in estate & worship. But the kings of the Lacedæmonians, lest by str●…inge against fortune they might bring more damage upon their country, were mined to have conveyed home their host. If Tyrteus had not come 
The force of poetry  in the mean season, who summoning his army together, rehearsed unto them certain verses that he had compiled wherein was contained the encouragement to virtue, the comfort of adversity, and the policies of war.  
Wherewith he set his soldiers on such a courage, that taking more thought for their burial than for their lives, every man put about his right arm, a bracelet wherein was graven his own name, and the name of his father: to the intent that if they had so ill fortune as to be all slain in the battle, and that by continuance of time their bodies should rot out of fashion, by the marks of their bracelets they might be known and buried.  
When the kings saw the host so minded, they caused the matter to be showed to their enemies. The Messenians 
The courage of the Messenians.  were therewith nothing abashed, but rather made more earnest. Therefore they met with such courage, that there hath not lightly a bloodier battle been hard of. Nevertheless at the last the Lacedæmonians got the upper hand. In process of time the Messenians made insurrection 
occasion of war between the Lacedæmonians and ●…atheniens.  the third time. In the which among other the Lacedæmonians sent for aid to the athenians. Whom they having in distrust, made an excuse that as at that time they should not need to trouble them, and so s●…nte them home again. The athenians taking this matter in displeasure, fetched from Delos to Athens, the money which was there laid by all Grece, for the maintenance of the wars against the Persians: least if the Lacedæmonians should break the league, they might take it as a booty, or as their own gotten good. But the Lacedæmonians could not be in quiet. For being entangled in the wars with 
See the nature of envy.  the Messenians, they waged the Peloponnesians to make war against the athenians. The athenians were as then able to raise but a small power, by reason they had sent a navy of ships into Egypt. Wherefore in a battle upon the Sea they were vanquished with small a do. Within a while after, when their fleet was come home, being increased both in number of ships and in strength of men they reared the war a new. And at that time the Lacedæmonians leaving the Messenians, turned themselves against the athenians: long time the victory hung in doubtful balance, sometime the one winning and sometime the other. At the last they departed of even hand. The Lacedæmonians being called again to the wars of Messenia, because they were loath that the athenians should be idle, & having nothing to do in the mean while, covenanted with the Thebans to restore to them the kingdom of 〈◊〉, which was taken from them in the time of the Persian wars, upon condition that they should make war to the athenians. So mad were the Lacedæmonians, that being all ready entangled in two wars at ones, they passed not to take the third in hand, and only to stir up enemies to the athenians. 
The noble ●…o ings of Pericles.  The athenians therefore to withstand the great tempests of war that were like shortly to ensue, chose two captains. Pericles a man of tried virtue, and Sophocles a writer of tragedies, the which with two sundry armies wasted the territories of the Spartans, and subdued many cities of Achaia to th'empire of Athens. The Lacedæmonians 
The Lacedæmonians take a truce and break it.  being all together discouraged with these misfortunes took a truce for thirty. years. But their privy grudge could not suffer them to abide so long in rest. Therefore ere xv. years were fully accomplished, they broke the truce, and in despite of God and man, invaded the borders of Athens. And because they would not seem so greatly to have sought the prey, as the encounter, they bade them battle. But the 
The wisdom of P●…icles in revenging his country.  athenians by the counsel of their captain Pericles delayed the revengement of this wasting their country, until more convenient time and occasion, thinking it but a folly to trouble themselves as then, considering they might ere long after, be revenged more to their profit and les to their displeasure. Within a few days after, they embarked themselves, & or ever the Lacedæmonians witted thereof, wasted & foraged all the country of Sparta, & carried away a great deal more than before they had lost. So that in comparison of the damages, the revengement was much greater than the displeasure. This voyage of Pericles was counted very honourable, 
His wisdom in a●…oidinge his own peri●…s.  but much more honourable was the despising of his patrimony & inheritans. For when the Spartans wasted the country of Athens, & spoilt all other men's lands, they left his untouched, hoping either to bring him in danger through envy, or else in a slander upon presumption of treason. The which thing Pericles foreseeing before hand, told the people how it would come to pass, & to avoid the brunt of envy, he gave the lands for a gift to the common w●…ale. And so by that means, the thing whereupon most hurt and danger was wrought against him, turned most of all to his renown and honour. Wi●…hin a few days after, there 
Battle on the ●…ea.  was a battle fought upon the sea, in the which the Lacedæmonians being vanquished, fled. And from that time forward they ceased not to slay and kill one another, both by sea and by land as fortune inclined or bare favour to any of the sides. Finally being wearied with so many damages & losses, the●… took a truce for fifty years, the which they kept 
The Lacedemoni●…s broke the truce again.  no longer then fix years. For the truce which they had taken in their own name, they broke under colour and pretence of aiding their fellows: as though they should less have committed perjury in fighting in the maintenance of the quarrel of their complices, then in making open war. After this the war was removed into Sicil: but or ever I entreat thereof, I will write somewhat of the situation of the Island.   

The fourth Book.  
MEn say that Sicil cleaved sometime unto italy, and that it was (as it were) rend 
The description of Sicil, with the nature thereof.  from the body, by violence of the upper sea, which withal the force of his waves cometh thither. The earth of itself is fine and brittle, so hollow with holes & pipes in the ground, that in manner it li●…s wide open to every blast of wind. And besides that, the nature of the soil is such, that of itself it engendereth and nourisheth fire. For the mould within is after a brimston●… and rosin, by means whereof it cometh to pass, that the wind striving with the fire in the innermost part of the earth, oftentimes and in many places casteth out, sometimes flakes of fire, sometimes vapours, and sometimes smoke, therup on also groweth the fire of the mountain Aetna continuing so many C. years. And when there is any great wind in the foresaid holes, great heaps of sand ar●… cast out of them. The next promontory over against Italy is Rhegium: so called be cause the Greeks in their language do term things broken of, by that name. It is no marvel though in old time there went many fables & tales of this place, in the which are conveyed 
The narrow seas of Sicil  so many strange things. First & formest there is no narrow sea in all the world so raging as it, not only by the swiftness of the waves, but also by the violent meeting of the tides, so that it is terrible not only to them that try it, but also to such as behold it a far of. Moreover there is such a do when the waves meet, that a man shall see some as it were running away drowned in the whorlpoles, & falling into the bottom of the sea, & other some in manner of conquerors proudly bear themselves a fit. And again hear in one place the roaring of the raging tide, & in another place as it were the sighing of the falling into the gulf. And to the increase thereof maketh also the near and continual burning of the mountain Aetna, & of aeolus isles, as though the fire were nourished with the water. For it is not possible that so great a fire should other wise continue so long season together in so small a roum, unless it were nourished by moisture. Hereupon 
Scylla and Charybdis.  therefore grew the tales of Scylla & Charybdis, hereupon came it that men hard the barking of dogs, hereupon men believed that they saw monsters, which sailing that way, being feared with the noise of the waves falling into the great gulfs, imagined the waves to bark, which was nothing else, but the noise of the waters beting one against another as they were drawn by viol●…ce into the whorlpoles. The like cause is also of the continuance of the fire of the mountain aetna. For this vi olent meeting of the waters, draweth, the wind with it perforce into the bowels of th'earth, & there holdeth him penned so long, until being spread into the holes of ther●…h, it setteth the ●…iry matter a burnig. Now Italy & Sicily are so near together and the promontories of both so like in height, that look how much we now wonder at it, so much men in old time were afraid of it, believing that the hills met and departed a sunder again, and that whole navies of ships were swallowed up and never seen after. Nether was this thing devised in old time, for pleasantness of the tale, but for the wonderment of such as passed that way. For such is the nature of the place, that they which behold it a far of, would rather take it to be an elbow of the Sea shooting into the land, than a passage. And when a man comes near, he would think that the Mountains parted and went a sondre. Sicill was first of all named Trinacria, afterward 
The names of Sicil.  it was called Sicania. This Island from the beginning was the country of the Giants with one eye in their forehead called Cyclopes. The which being rooted out, acolus took●… upon him the rule of the 〈◊〉, after whose decease, every City had a Tyrant by themselves, and there was never country that had better store of them than had Sicily. Of the number of these tyrants there was one Anaxilaus, that strived against the cruelty of the others 
An example of justice and good governance, and the fruit the●…of.  with justice, whose modest governance profited him not a little. For when he was departed out of this life, leaving his children very young under the tuition and government of a trusty servant of his called Mycithus, he was so well beloved of all his subjects, that they were conteted to obey his servant, rather than to abandon & forsake his children. And the princes of the city forgetting their estate, suffered the kingdom to be ruled by a bondman. The Carthaginenses assayed to conquer th'empire of Sicil, & fought a long season with the kings there of, sometime to their gain 
●…de more hereof in the xviii. nineteen. xx. & xxii. books.  and sometime to their loss.  
At the last when they had lost their grand captain Hamilcar & all his host, their hearts were discouraged, and so kept themselves in quiet for a good while after. In the mean season the inhabitants of ●…hegium falling at debate among themselves, & the City being divided in two factions the one part thinking themselves to weak▪ sent for the old soldiers which were then at the city of ●…mera to come and help them, who having driven out of the Town those against whom they were called, and forthwith slaying them whose quarrel they supported, took their City with their wives and children and all that ever they had, which was such a cruel act as never tyrant attempted in so much that it had been far better for the men of Rhegium to have been vanquished, then to have gotten the victory. For whether they had been driven by the law of arms to have served the conquerors, or whether they had been driven to forsake their country as banished persons, yet notwithstanding they should not have been miserably murdered between the temples and their dwelling houses, and have left their native country with their wives and children as a pray to such cruel tyrants. The Catenenses 
●…iuil war●…s in Sicil, by means where of the ath●… ens wer●… brough●… to a sore after 〈◊〉  also being sore oppressed by the Syracusans, distrusting their own strength, demanded succour of the athenians, the which (whether it were for desire to dilate their Empire, because they had all ready conquered all Grece & Asi●…, or that they feared least the great navy of ships which the Syrac●…sanes had lately builded, should aid & strengthen the Lacedæmonians,) sent a Captain called Lampozius with a navy into Sicill, to the intent that under the colour of aiding the Catenienses, they might attempt to get the kingdom of Sicill. And because that they had prosperous success in their affair●…s at the beginning, and made great slaughter of their enemies, they went to Sicil again with a greater ●…eete and a stronger power, whereof were captains Lachetes and Char●…ades. But the Cateu●…nses whether it were for f●…are of the athenians, or that they were weary of the wars, made peace with the Syracusanes and sent home the Athe●…ens again that came to their rescue. Within a while after when the Syracusanes observed not justly the peace, they sent their ambassadors again to Athens, who in filthy apparel with long heads and long beards, fafashioning their countenance & gesture as much as might be to provoke pity, came sorrowfully before the people. In making their complaint they wept, and with their humble submission so moved the silly people to pity, that the captains were condemned for withdrawing their succours from them. Wherefore a great navy was sent forth, whereof were appointed captains, Nicias, Albiciades, Lamachus, and they entered Sicily with such a power, that even they whom they 
alcibiades ari veth in Sicil, and is sent for home again tanswer to accusanons.  came to defend were a afraid of them. Shortly after alcibiades being sent for home to answer to certain inditements that were put up against him, Nicias and Lamachus fought two prosperous battles upon the land. And soon after so enclosed their enemies and kept them so straight, that they could have neither rescue nor victuals from the sea▪ The Syracusanes being so sore distressed, desired help of the Lacedæmonians. Unto them was sent no more but only Gylippus, but he was such a one as was worth all the help they had beside. For he hearing of the manner of the war, 
The praise of Gylippus.  and perceiving his complices to be brought to a low ebb, raised a power partly in Grece, and partly in Sicill, and took such a piece of ground as he thought meet for the two hosts to encounter in. Where being twice put to the worse at the third encounter he slew Lamachus, put ●…is enemies to flight, and raised the siege. But when gylippus perceived that the athenians removed from the land to battle, on the Sea, he sent for the navy of Lacedaemon to aid him, the which thing being known at Athens, they also to supply the room of the captain that was slain, sent Demosthenes and 〈◊〉 with a new furniture of soldiers. The Xeloponesians also by a common decree of all the Cities▪ sent great aid to the Syracusanes, and all the power that either part could make was sent thither, as though the war 
Thatheniens are vanqui●…ed.  had been removed out of Grece into Sicily. Therefore at the first encounter upon the Sea the athenians were vanquished, their tents also with all their Treasure private, and common were taken. Besides all these mischiefs, when 
The third di●… comfiture of them.  they were overcome upon the land also, then Demosthenes began to counsel them to departed out of Sicily betimes, before their matters which all ready were in great hazard, were not yet all together brought to utter despair. Saying it was not good to pe●…uer and longer in the war so unluckily begun, and that there was sorer and perchance more unfortunate war toward at home in their own country, for the defence and withstanding whereof. That furniture of the City ought to be reserved, Nicias whether it were for shame of his ill success, or for fear of his own Citizens disappointed of that they looked for, or that his destiny compelled him there unto, made all the means he might to abide still.  
Whereupon eftsoons was renewed the war by sea, and 
The fourth ouerthr●… o●… them.  for all the storms of their former misfortune, yet they took courage to encounter again. But through the unskilfulness of their captains that set upon the Siracusanes, keeping themselves in the straits, they were lightly overcome. The captain 〈◊〉 fight very valiantly in the forward was the first that was slain. The thirty. ships whereof he had the charge, were set on fire. Demosthenes and Nicias being also vanquished, did set their men a land, supposing by that way the better to escape. 
Gylippus 〈◊〉 lowe●…h the victory.  The hundred and thirty. ships which they left behind, them Gylippus invaded, and afterward pursuing them as they fled, some he slew and some he took prisoners. Demosthenes 
Demosthenes' 〈◊〉 himself.  when he had lost his army, delivered himself from bondage by wilful sleing of himself with his sword. But Nicias having not the heart to do by himself as did Demosthenes, dishonourably increased the slaughter of his men by yielding himself unto shameful captivity.   

The fifth Book.  
VUhile the athenians warred in Sicily by the space of two. years with more greediness 
The points whereof Alcibiades was appealed.  than success, in the mean season Alcibiades the stirrer and chieftain thereof, in his absence was accused at Athens to have published the mysteries of Ceres, and the night sacrifices done in her honour, which are by no means so highly solemnized as by silence. And being sent for from the wars, to answer to his complaint, whether his conscience gave him to be guilty, or that he could not abide such a reproach to his honour, he made no words but went as a banished man to Elis. Afterward when he understood that he was 
alcibiades stirreth the Lacedæmonians against his own country.  not only condemned, but also accursed by the priests of all the orders of religion, he went to Lacedaemon, and there persuaded the king to war upon the athenians, now avexed and troubled with their misadventures in Sicily. Immediately whereupon, all the kingdoms of Grece gathered themselves together, as it had been to quench some common fire, so great hatred had the athenians gotten, through their unmeasurable desire of bearing rule. Darius 
He was the son of artax erxes & was the viii. king of Persia.  also the king of Persians, remembering the hatred that his father and grandfather bore to this City, entered in league with the Lacedæmonians, by Tyssaphernes lieutenant of Lydia, and promised to bear the charges of the war. This was the pretence of entrance in league with the Greeks, but in very deed he doubted, lest when the Lacedæmonians had overcome the athenians, they would set upon him. What wonder is it then if the estate of Athens were so flourishing, since that to oppress that one City, all the power of the whole East bend themselves together. Yet 
The prows of th'athenians  notwithstanding they were not as cowards overcome without great bloodshed, but fighting to the uttermost, and some whiles also getting the upper hand, they were at length rather by unstableness of fortune consumed, then 
●…auour ●…oloweth fortu●…  by plain force vanquished. In the beginning of the war, not so much but even their own fellows forsook them as it is daily seen, that whereas fortune seemeth to favour thither also, do men's hearts incline. Alcibiades also furthered 
The doings of Alcibiades against his own country  this war that was moved against his country, with all the power he might, not like a common soldier, but like a puissant captain. For taking with him x. ships, he sailed into Asia, and there by the authority of his name, compelled the Cities that were tributary unto the athenians, to turn to the Lacedæmonians. For they knew well that he was a man of great power in his own country, and they thought he was not the less by reason of his banishment, supposing him not to much to be taken from the athenians, as to be delivered for a captain to the Lacedæmonians and so they set his winnings against his losses. But among the Lacedæmonians, Alcibiades great prowess and ●…aliantnesse 
He 〈◊〉 no less●….  won him more envy than thank. Therefore when the Princes laid wait secretly to kill him by treason, as an enemy to their glory and renown, Alcibiades having knowledge thereof by the wife of king agis with whom he had committed adultery, fled to Tissaphernes king Darius' lieutenant, with whom through his courtesy and lowly behaviour he quickly wound himself in. For he was then in the flourishing time of his youth, and for his beauty, parsonage and eloquence, among all the athenians was none 
The natur●…●… manners of 〈◊〉 cibiades.  like unto him. But he was better in winning friendship then in keeping: because that ever at the first, under the fair shadow of eloquence, were cloaked his evil manners and conditions. Therefore he persuaded Tissafernes that he should not allow to much wages and viand to the fleet of 
Mark 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  the Lacedæmonians, and that the jonians ought to be called to part of the charges, for whose liberty when they paid tribute to the athenians, this war was first begun. Moreover that the Lacedæmonians ought not to have to much help, considering he prepared for another man's victory and not for his own, wherefore the war ought so far forth to be maintained, that it be not broken up for want of things necessary. For as long as the Greeks were thus at debate among themselves, the king of Persia should always be an indifferent judge both of peace and war at his own pleasure. And he should overcome them with their own power, whom he could not overcome with all the power he was able to make of his own. And assoon as the war were ended, which way so ever the goal went, he should be compelled to have war with the conquerors. Wherefore it were good to suffer the Greeks to busy themselves in wasting their own country, to the intent they have no leisure to invade foreign countries. To the performance whereof, either part ought to be maintained in strength able to match his adversari, and the weaker to be aided with new succours. For it was not to be thought that the Lacedæmonians would be in rest, if they might get the upper hand, considering they had professed and proclaimed themselves all ready, the defenders of the liberty of Grece. This Oration liked Tissaphemes very well, whereupon he allowed them not so liberal expenses, neither sent he forth all the king's fleet, lest he should either give them the victory out of hand, or else constrain them to break up the wars. In the mean season Alcibiades did thus much for 
Note his crafty deling.  his country men, that when the athenians sent their ambassadors unto him, he promised to get them the kings favour, if so be it that the administration of the common wealth were removed from the people, and put into the senators hands. hoping there by that if the City agreed well, he should be chosen captain of the war by their common assent, or else if there arose any variance between the two estates, he should be called to the aid of the one part. But the athenians seeing the danger of the war that they were wrapped in, had more respect of their safeguard then of their honour.  
Therefore with the good will of the people, the governance of the common wealth was put into the hands of the senators. The which because that through a certain pride natu rally engrafted in that estate, they dealt with the people ●…om what cruelly, every man taking upon him to be a lord, 
alcibiades is called out●… of exite and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 general of the wars.  the soldiers called home the banished alcibiades, & made him admiral of the Sea. whereupon immediately he sent word to Athens, that he would incontinently come thither with an host of men, and take the government out of the CCCC. senators hands, whether they would or no, unless they surrendered it up of their own accord before he came.  
The great men of the City being sore fro●…hled with this message, first attempted to betray the Town to the Lacedæmonians, which thing being not able to bring to pass, they willingly forsook their Country, and became as banished men. alcibiades therefore having delivered his country from inward sedition, furnished his ships with all diligence possible, and so proceeded into warfare against the Lacedæmonians. Now Mindarus and 〈◊〉 the Captains of the Lacedæmonians, with their ships furnished 
alc●…tades overcome the Lacedemontans.  likewise, awaited his coming. The battle being sought, the victory fell to the athenians. In this conflict the greater part of the army, and almost all the captains of their enemies were slain, and lxxx. ships taken. Within a few days after the Lacedæmonians removing from the Sea unto the land, were eftsoons in another encounter put to the worse. The which discomfiture being greatly afflicted and discouraged, they sued for peace. The which was letted to be granted through their means, & had advantage and gain by the wars. In the mean season the Carthaginenses made war in Sicil, by reason whereof the Siracusanes were fain to call home their succours to defend their own. The Lacedæmonians being thereby destitute of all aid & comfort, Alcibiades with his victorious navy, wasted and spoiled the coast of Asia, fought battles in divers places, and every where getting the victory, recovered the Cities which were turned from the athenians, and divers he 
His tryumphan●… returu unto athens.  won of new, and subdued them to the dominion of the athenians also. And so having recovered his ancient renown and honour, in battle on the sea, with thincrease and augmentation thereof by his conquests on the land, he returned to Athens to the great rejoicement of all his Citizens. In all these battles were taken of their enemies, two C. ships and a great prey. To behold this triumphant return of the army, all the people came out of the City by heaps, praising highly all the soldiers, but in especially wondering at Alcibiades. On him all the City gazed, on him they earnestly fastened their eyes, as though they could never have seen enough of him, him they beheld as one sent from heaven, and as it were the victory itself, they praised his noble acts done for his country, no less extolling the things which he did against the same, in the time of his banishment: making his excuse themselves, as that he did them in his anger and provoked there unto. It is a marvelous thing to see, that there should be in one man such power and valour, as to be the only cause of the overthrow of so mighty a kingdom, and of the setting up 
The fortune of alcibiades.  of the same again, victory ever following that side that he took, and that fortune should so wonderfully always incline that way that he went. Wherefore they honoured him not as a man, but as a God, they strived with themselves, whether they had banished him more spitefully, or called him home again more honourably. They brought their Gods with them for joy to welcome him home, by which not long before they had accursed him. And whom of late they had forbidden all man's help, now and if they could they would have set him in heaven. Recompensing the despite with honour, his harms and losses with gifts and rewards, and his curses with blessings. There was no words among them of the battles that he lost in Sicil, but of the victories that he wo●…e in Grece. There was no speaking of the ships that he had lost, but of the ships that he had taken. The Syracusanes were forgotten, and there was no talk but of his conquests in jonia and Hellespont. Thus was Alcibiades never meanly hated, nor meanly honoured and exalted of his country men.  
While these things were a doing among the Lacedæmonians Lysander was made Captain general of the wars both by sea and by land, and in stead of Tissaphernes, Darius' king of Persians had made his son Cyrus' lieutenant of jonia and Lydia, who aided the Lacedæmonians in such wise both with men and money, that they doubted not to recover their former estate. Being therefore thus increased in strength, and hearing that Alcibiades was gone into Asia with a navy of a C. ships, whiles he was 
Oversight pernicious in a captain.  there wasting and spoiling the country, which was grown rich by reason there had been no war of a long time before, and took no heed to his soldiers, but suffered them for covetousness of booties to disperse themselves where they lifted, as though there had been no treason to be feared, they suddenly came upon them, and assailed them ere they could gather themselves together. And they made such a slaughter among them as they were skatred, that the athenians took more loss and hurt in that one battle, than they had done to their enemies in all the battles before, wherewith they were brought to luche a dèspaire, that forthwith they put away alcibiades, & chose conon to be their captain in his stead. thinking themselves to have been vanquished not by the chance of wars, but through the 
Alci●…des is banished again.  treason of their captain, which more regarded the old displeasure than the benefits newly bestowed upon him. And that he had vanquished his enemies in the former battles for ndne other purpose, but only to show unto them what a captain they had despised, and to th'intent to sell them the victory the dearer. And to say the truth alcibiades had so subtle a head, & was therewith so much given to vice and lascivious living, that it was like enough he would work such a thing. fearing therefore the displeasure of the people in their rage, of his own will he banished himself again. Then Conon being put in the room of Alcibsades, having before his eyes what a captain he had suc●…eded, furnished his navy with all diligence and circumspectinesse than tmyght be. But there wanted men to furnish the ships, for the ●…ou test and strongest soldiers were lost in the forraginge of Asia. Yet notwithstanding old men and berdlesse boys were armed, and so filled up the number of soldiers, without any strength of the host. Yet for all that, they letted not 
A great slaughter of the atheniens.  to encounter with their enemies, by whom like weak and unable soldiers, they were every where beaten down or else taken running away. And there was such a destruction, what of them that were slain, and what of them that were taken, that not only the Empire, but even the very name of the athenians seemed to be utterly extinct: By the which battle they were brought to so low an ebb and left so bare, by reason all their warlike men were consumed and spent, that they were driven folet their city to strangers, to set their slaves & bondmen free, and to give pardon to such as were condemned to die. And with this rout of rascals whereof their army was compact, they (which lately before were lords of all Grece,) were now scarce able to maintain their own liberty. Nevertheless they determined yet 
The courage of thathen●…ēs  once again to try their fortune upon the sea. So stout were their stomachs, & so courageous were their hearts, that whereas a little before they were in despair of their own safeguard, they were now in good hope to get the victor●…e. But these were not the soldiers that were able to uphold the honour of Athens, neither was that the power wherewith they were wont to give their enemies the overthrow, neither was there such knowledge of feats of arms in those that had been kept in prison, and not in the camp. Therefore 
Their last overthrow & slaughter.  they were all either slain or taken prisoners: The captain Conon which escaped alone from the battle, fearing the cruelty of his country men, took viii. ships, and sailed to Eu●…goras king of cyprus. But the captain of the Lacedæmonians having achieved all things prosperously and according to his own desire, proudly reioysig at thadversity of his enemies, sent the ships that he had taken withal the boty gotten in the wars, decked & garnished in manner of a triumph unto Lacedaemon, & received by composition all the cities that were tributary to the athenians, which as yet continued in their due obedience, because they knew not to what end the war would come, leving nothing under the dominion of the athenians, saving only the bare city. Of all the which miseries when tidings came to Athens, all the people forsaking 
a Rhetorical description of the afflicted state of 〈◊〉  their houses ran up and down the city amazed, one asking an other what tidings, seeking for him that brought up first the news, not the children, their want of discretion, not the old men want of strength, not the women the weakness & delibity of nature, could keep at home, so sore did the feeling of that misfortune pierce unto alages. They met together in the market stead, and there all night long lamented and bewailed their common misfortune, some made moan for their brothers, some for their sons, some for their fathers, some for their kinsfolk, & other some for their friends which were dearer to them then their kinsfolk, and among their private mischances, was always repeated the common misfortune, looking for none other but present & utter destruction both to themselves & to their country, esteeming them that were alive to be in worse case than them that were dead. Each person setting before their eyes, besiegement, hunger, and the arrogant enemy having them in his hand to work his pleasure upon them. And therewith came to their remembrans the overthrow & burning of their city, the captivity of themselves, & the most miserable servitude & bondage which they were all like to be brought unto. thinking the first overthrow of the city by the Per. to be counted happy in comparison, in the which their wives & children, parents & kinsfolk remaining in safeguard, they lost nothing but their houses, whereas now they had no ships left whereunto they might fly for su●… had no army of soldiers through whose help they might be defended till they were able to build a fairer City.  
And as they werthus bewailing their misfortune and misery, 
Athens is be sieged.  their enemies coming upon them, environed the town with a strong siege, and constrained them greatly with hunger: For it was well known that there were not many of the soldiers left alive within the town, and they were so straightly looked to, that no new succours could be brought in. By which mischiefs the athenians being brought low after long famine and daily pestilence desired peace. There was long debating between the Lacedæmonians & their adherentes whether it was to be granted or no. When many gave counsel, utterly to rote out the name of the athenians, & to put the city to the fire, the Spartans said they would not in any wise condescend, that if the two eyes of Grece the one should be put out. And so they granted 
peace is granted to the athenians.  them peace, upon condition they should cast down the arms of the walls that stretched toward the haven of Pyreum, de liver up all their ships that were left, and receive at their hand thirty. rulers to govern their common wealth. Upon these articles the city was yielded to the Lacedæmonians: who con mitted thordering thereof to the discretion of their captain Lysander: This year was worthy to be noted, both for the 
It was the 400. before the coming of Christ. Eu sebius. This was the younger Dennis, of whom read in the xxi. book. Athens is oppressed with tyranny.  winning of Athens, for the death of Darius' king of Persia, & also for the banishment of Dyonise tyrant of Sicil. The estate of Athens being thus altered, the estate of the people was altered also. The thirty. rulers of the common wealth fell to tyranny. For at their first coming they chose them a guard of three M. men, whereas in all the city remained scarce as many more, they were so wasted and consumed by the wars afore. And yet not so content, as though this band were to weak to keep the City in awe, they borrowed DCC. soldiers of the conquerors. Then they began the slaughter of the citizens at aicibiades, least under pretense of restoring their liberty, he might invade the common wealth again. For having intelligens that he was going toward Art axe●…xes king of Persia, they sent certain after him in post, to cut him of by the way, by whom he was overtaken. 
The final 〈◊〉 of alcibiades.  But because they could not kill him openly, they set fire on his chamber where he slept and burnt him up quick. The tyrants being delivered out of fear of this revenger of his country, with their slaughter, extortion, and ravishments made even a spoil of the miserable and wretched outcasts that were left in the City, the which their 
The cruelty●… of the tyrants.  doing when they understood to displease one of their fellows, whose name was Tbemeranes, to the terror of all the rest they put him to death. Whereupon glad was he that might get himself out of the city, insomuch that all Grece was full of banished men of Athens, and yet even that one only re●…uge and comfort, was taken from the poor wretches. For the Lacedæmonians had given strait charge & commandment, that no city should be so bold, as to receive or harbour the banished men of Athens. Nevertheless they withdrew themselves all, unto Argos & Thebes, whereas they not only lived out of danger. During the time of their exile, but also received hope of recovering their Country. There was among the banished men, one Thrasibulus a stout 
The love of Thrasibulu●… to his tountry.  man & one that came of a noble house, who thinking that a man was bound to adventure for his country sake, though it were to his own peril and jeopardy of his life, assem bled a company of his banished country men, and took the castle Phyle in the territory of Athens. And he wanted not the favour and help of certain Cities that had pity and compassion of their miserable estate and cruel handling. For Ismenias the prince of the Thebans, although he could not aid them openly with the power of his country, yet notwithstanding he helped them with such goods as he had of his own. And Lysias an Orator of Syracuse being at 
The like example of Lysias.  the same time also a banished man, sent CCCCC. soldiers well furnished at his own proper ●…ostes and charges, to the aid of the country of all eloquens, therefore anon after was a sharp encounter.  
But forasmuchas the one part fought earnestly for the recovery of their country, and the other part negligently as they that 〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉 of other men's ti●…: the 〈◊〉 were put to the worse, and retiring into the City which they had in manner wasted and made desolate with their murderinges 〈◊〉 extortion, and sacked it. This done having all the athenians in a gelouly of treason, they 〈◊〉 them every one to remove out of the city, & dwell in th'arms of the wa●… that were woken down, defending their superiority & do●…ions with soldiers ●…aunts. 
Uncorrupted faithfulness.  Afterward they went about to corrupt 〈◊〉, promising to make him 〈◊〉 & partaker of their Empire, which thing when they could not bring to effect, they sent for aid to the Lacedæmonians, at whose coming they made a new encounter. In the which Critios' and Hyppoma●…us the cruelest 〈◊〉 of them all were 〈◊〉. The residue also being vanquished, when their army whereof the most part were athenians fled toward the city, 〈◊〉 calling to them as loud as ●…e could cry, demanded why they should fly from him having obtained the victory, and not rather help him as the defender and revenger of the liberty of them all bidding them remember, that his soldiers were their own neighbours and Citizens, and not their enemies. And that he had not taken weapon in hand, to then●… to take anything from them being vanquished, but to the intent to restore them such things as have been taken from them by others, professing that he made war against the 〈◊〉, and not against the city. Moreover he put them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 & affinity between them of their laws, of their rites & ceremonies common amongst them & of the fellowship and company that had been betwixt them in so many battles in times passed, beseeching them to have pity upon their banished country men. And if they could find in their hearts to ●…eare the yoke of bondage so patiently themselves he besought them to restore him his country, and he would set them at liberty again. He did so much with this persuasion, that when th'army was returned into the city, they commanded the thirty. tyrants to departed 
The tyrants are 〈◊〉 sh●…d.  unto El●…sis, and in their stead they substituted others & to go●… the 〈◊〉 wealth. Who nothing abashed at the ensample of their predecessors, fell to the same cruelty: that they had exercised. While these things were a doing word was brought to Lacedaemon, that the athenians were very desirous of war, the which to repress, they sent their king Pansanias who having compassion upon the banished people, restored the wretched citizens to their country agains, 〈◊〉 the x. tyrants to remove out of the City unto Elensis to the re●…due of their company. Peace being by this means established, within a few days after, the Tirans (disdaining as much the restitution of the banished citizens, as their own deposinges & banishment, as though another man's liberty ●…ad been their bondage,) made war against the 〈◊〉. But as they came forth to commu 
The worthy reward of tyranny.  〈◊〉, as though they would have taken upon them their pre-eminency & sovereignty again, they were by a policy taken & 〈◊〉 a sacrifice for peace. The people which they had commanded out of the city, were called in again. And so 
Thathenians at restored to their count●… again.  the city which was dispersed into divers members, was at length brought into one body & corporation again. And to th'intent no dissension might grow upon things past, they were all sworn to forget and bury under foot all old debate & grudge. In the mean while the Thebans and the Corinthians sent ambassadors to the Lacedæmonians, demanding 
cause of 〈◊〉 ge between the Corinthi ans & Lacedæmonians.  their portion of the praise and bottles taken in the wars, whereof they had helped for their part to bear out the charges & dangers. Having denial of their requests, they did not immediately proclaim open war against the Lacedemo nians, but they conceived such an inward displeasure in their hearts, that it might well be understand, that they men 
The death of Darius Nothus.  no less to make war when they saw their time. About the same time almost died Darius' king of Persia, leaving behind him his two sons Artaxerxes and C●…rus.  
He bequeathed by his last will unto Artaxerxes the kingdom, and unto Cyrus the rities whereof he was that time ruler. But Cyrus thought his father did him wrong in that bequest, and therefore he conspired privily against his brother. 〈◊〉 having knowledge thereof, set for him and not regarding his counterfeit pretence of innocency, nor his feigned excuses, as that he was not privy to the conspiracy, bound him in fetters of gold, and would have put him to death, had not his mother letted him. Cyrus therefore being set at large, prepared not war as now any more secretly, 
The wicked war between Cyrus and are tax●…rxes.  but openly, nor by dissimulation, but by open de●…aunce, and raised a great power both of his own and of his friends and complices, as many as he could hire for money, or for favour. The Lacedæmonians remembering that by his means, they were greatly aided in their wars with the athenians like men ignorant against whom the war●…e was raised, determined to send aid unto Cyrus, when occasion should require, seeking both for thank●… at Cyrus' hand, and also for pardon at Artaxerxes hand, if he should get the victory, in as much as they had attempted nothing against him openly. But in the battle such 
Cyrus is slain.  was their chance, that the two brothers meeting together, encountered th'one with tother, whereas Artaxerxes was wounded by Cyrus, but by the swiftness of his horse he was delivered from danger, and has brother Cyrus was overthrown by the king's band, and so slain. And so Artax erxes getting the victory, obtained the spoil of his brother's war and his army also. In that battle there were x. M. Greeks that came to the aid of Cyrus, the which in the wing where they stead, gate the upper hand, and after the death of Cyrus, could neither be overcome of so great an host perforce, nor yet be entrapped or taken by policy. ●…ut in their return homeward, through so many wild and savage nations, so long a journey defended themselves by their manhood and prowess, even unto the borders of their country.   

The sixth Book.  
THe Lacedæmonians as the nature of 
Ambition is never satisfied.  man is, the more they have, the more they covet, not content that their power by conquering the athenians, and annexing their power to their own, was now doubled, began to devise how to attain th'empire of all Asia, the most part whereof was under the dominion of the Persians. Therefore Dercillides being appointed lief tenant general for these Wars, when he saw that he 
The wars between the Lacedæmonians and the Persians.  must have to do against two of Artaxerxes lievetenauntes, Pharnabazus and Tyssaphernes, which had about them in a readiness the whole power of the mightiest Countries in all the world, he thought it good to make peace with the one of them. The meeter for his purpose seemed Tyssaphernes, a man both of more experience and activity than the other, and also better furnished with the soldiers that belonged sometime to king Cyrus. After communication had, agreement was made upon certain conditions, that he should not intermeddle himself with the wars. Pharnabazus being 
Tyssaphernes is accused to y● king  herewith aggrieved, complained thereof to the king their master, declaring how he withstood not the Lacedæmonians by force when they entered into Asia, but nourished them there at the kings charges, and that he bargained with them to delay the wars which they took in hand, as though the damage thereof should not equally redound to the displeasure of the whole Empire. He said it was an unseemly thing, that the war was not gone through withal, but bought of, and that the enemy was hired of for money and not rather driven away by dint of sword. When he had by this complaint brought the king in displeasure with Tyssaphernes, he exhorted him to make his Admiral of the sea in stead of Tyssaphernes, Conon of Athens, who since the the time he had in battle lost his country, lived in exile at Cyprus. For though the athenians were bereft of power and richesse, yet notwithstanding their experience in ordering and guiding a navy remaineth still unto them. And if one were to be chosen among them all, there was not a better than Conon. Hereupon he had delivered unto him CCCCC. talentes, with commission to make Conon admiral 
Conon is made admiral of the Persian ●…ete.  of the king's fleet. The Lacedæmonians having intelligence hereof, sent an ambassade to the king of Egypt, requi ring him to send Hercymones to their aid with a number of ships. Who sent them a C. galeis and DC. bushels of corn. Other of their confederates also sent them great succours. But unto this great army and against so great a captain, there wanted a meet governor. Therefore when as the con federates of the Lacedæmonians demanded to their grand captain agesilaus at that time king of the Lacedæmonians. The Lacedæmonians debated the matter a great while, whether they might make him lieutenant general or no, by reason of the answer of the Oracle at Delphos, the effect whereof was that their Empire should come to an end, at such time as the royal estate halted, for agesilaus was lame of one foot. At the length they determined that it were better for their king to halt in his going, than the kingdom to haut for want of a meet governor. When Agesilaus 
The praise of Conon, audof agesilaus.  was sent into Asia with a great host of men, I can not think that ever any couple of Captains were so well matched together as they two were. For both in years, in prowess, in counsel▪ in wisdom and in policy, they were in manner all one, and in honour for their enterprises they were both a like. And although fortune had made them equal in all things, yet she preserved each of them unconquered of other. Great was the furniture of them both to the wars, and great were both their attempts & enterprises. But the soldiers of Conon raised a mutiny against him, because 
●… mutinye for nonpaiment of wages.  the kings lieutenants before time had been wont to abridge and defraud them of their wages. Demanding their duties so much the earnestlier, in that they took upon them to serve in so great wars under so noble a chieftain. 
The 〈◊〉 o●… Conon to 〈◊〉 king.  Conon therefore having long time sued in vain to the king by his letters, at the length went unto him himself. Whose presence and speech he might not be suffered to come unto, because he would not worship him after the manner of the Persians. Nevertheless he entreated with him by messengers, lamenting that the wars of so rich a prince as he was, should be foreslowed for want of money, and that having as puissant an army as his enemies had, ●…e should be overcome in richesse, whereof he had more aboundans than they, & that he should be found weak in that kind of strength, wherein he far exceeded them. Wherefore he demanded to have the disbursing of the money himself, because it would be very pernitius & hurtful, to put the doing thereof in to many men's hands. When he had obtained the treasure, he returned to his fleet, & immediately set his matters abroach. Many things he adventured valiantly & many things he at chewed luckily. He wasted his enemy's lands, won their towns & cities, & as a tempest bore down all things before him. With which his doings the Lace. being a afraid, determined to call home agesilaus out of Asia, to the defence of his 
The 〈◊〉 of Conon.  own country. In the mean season Lisander whom Agesilaus at his setting forth had substituted his vicegerent to defend the country at home▪ collecting a great navy, rigged & furnished it withal the power he could, purposing to try the fortune 
The circum●…spectnesse of the two Cap taines Lysander & Conon.  of battle. Conon also forasmuch as it was the first time that he should encounter with the host of his enemy, took great pain & care in ordering & apoynting of his men, & this contention was not all only among the captains, but also even among the common soldiers. For the Captain himself Conon, was not so careful of the Persians, as of his own country, desirous that in likewise as in their adversity, he had been the cause that the athenians lost all their dominion and Empire, even so now to be the raiser and setter up of the same again. & by conquest to recover his country which by being vanquished he had lost, the which should redound so much the more to his honour, in that he should not have the athenians his countrymen to fight under him, but the power of a foreign prince, so that the peril and danger of the loss should be the kings, and the gain and reward of the victory should be his Countries. In which his doing he should attain to honour after another sort, and in manner clean contrary, than other that had been Captains in his country before times. For whereas they defended the country by vanquishing the Persians, he should restore it to her former estate, by making the Persians conquerors. On the other side Lysander beside that he was near of kin to Agesilans, he was also an earnest follower of his virtuous endeavouring by all means possible, not to step a side from his noble examples, and from the brightness of his renown and 
The praise of Lysanda.  glory, but so to behave himself, that the Empire gotten in so many battles and in so many C. years, might not be overthrown through his default in the turning of a hand. The kings and all the soldiers also were in the like perplexity, not so greatly disquieted for the keeping of the richesses that they themselves had all ready gotten, as for fear lest the athenians should recover their own again. But the sorer that the battle was, the more glorious was 
The Lacedæmonians are vanquished on the sea.  the victory of Conon. The Lacedæmonians being put to the worse took them to flight, and their garrisons were led away to Athens. The people were restored to their former estate, and their bondage taken away from them, many cities also were recovered to their Empire. This was unto the athenians a beginning of the recovery of their ancient preheminens, and unto the Lacedæmonians an end of retaining that they had. For as though that with their Empire they had lost their prowess also, their neighbours 
after misfortune followeth disdain.  began to have them in disdain.  
First of all therefore the 〈◊〉 with help of the athenians reared war against them. The which city out of innumerable encreasementes. Through the prowess of their Duke Epaminondas, began to aspire to the Empire of all Grece. There was therefore between them a battle on the land, in the which the Lacedæmonians had like success as in the encounter upon the Sea against Conon. In the same conflict Lysander, who was Captain the same time that the Lacedæmonians subdued the athenians,) was slain. Pansanias also another of the Captains of the Lacedæmonians 
Lysander 〈◊〉 slain.  being appeached of treason, fled into exile. The 〈◊〉 therefore, having gotten the up▪ hand, led their whole host to the city of Lacedaemon, thinking easily to have won it, because they were abandoned of all their aiders and come fortors. The which thing the Lacedæmonians fearing, sent for their king Agesilaus (which achieved many great enterprises in Asia,) home to the defence of his Country. For after time that Lysander was slain, they had none other captain in whom they durst put their trust and confidence. Nevertheless because it was long ere Agesilaus came, they raised a power and went to meet their enemy. But neither their courages nor their strength was able to stand against them, of whom they had been put to the worse so lately before, and therefore at the first encounter they were put to flight. As the host of his country men was thus discomfited, 
Agesilans' 〈◊〉 covereth the victory being lost.  and in manner utterly destroyed, Agesilaus the king came suddenly upon them. Who with his fresh soldiers hardened in many viages and encounters before, with little a do wrested the victory out of his enemy's hand: How be it he himself was sore wounded. When news thereof came to Athens, the athenians (fearing least if the Lacedæmonians should get the upper hand again, they should be brought to their old estate of servitude and bondage,) raised an host and sent it to the aid of the Beotians, by Iphicrates 
The commendation of Iphicrates.  a young ●…ripling not above xxi. years old, but of wonderful towardness. The prowess of this young man was marvelous and far above his years. For amongst all the noble and valiant Dukes and captains that the Atheni●…ns had before him, there was never none, either of greater likelihood, or of more ripe towardness than he was: In whose person were planted not only the feats of chivalry which ought to be an expert grand captain, but also knowledge belonging to a perfect orator. Conon also hearing of the return of Agesilaus out of Asia, returned himself likewise from thence to waste the country of Lacedaemon. And so the 〈◊〉 being enclosed on every side round about with fear of the war that continually rung in their ears, were brought to utter despair. But Conon when he had foraged the fields of his enemies, 
Conon returneth to A●…hens  made toward Athes, where being welcomed with great joy of his country men: yet notwithstanding he took more sorrow to see how his country had been burned & defaced by the Lacedæmonians, than pleasure of the recovery of the same after so long a time. Therefore such things as were burnt down, he builded a new of the spoils of the Lacedæmonians, & at the charges of the army of the Persians, and such things as were defaced he repaired again. Such was the destiny of Athens, that being before burned by the Persians, it was repaired with the booties of the Persians, and being now defaced by the Lacedæmonians, it was repaired with the spoils of the Lacedæmonians also: & even clean contrary, to have them now their fellows which them were their enemies, & to have them now their uttermost enemies, with whom they were then knit in most straightest bonds of league and friendship. While these things were a doing, Artaxerxes king of Persia sent ambassadors into 
An universal peace is en joined to all Grece.  Grece, commanding all parties to cease from war, & who so enterprised to the contrary should be taken as his enemy. He restored unto the cities their liberty, and all that was their own. The which thing he did not so much in regard of the continual labours & daily battles of the cities, for the hatred & malice they bore one to another, as least while he were occupied about his wars in Egypt, (the which he moved for sending aid to the Lacedæmonians against his lieutenants,) his host should be detained in Grece. The Greeks therefore being wearied with so many battles, were content to obey withal their hearts. This year was notable 
It was 〈◊〉 year before the birth of Christ. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  not only because peace was so suddenly made through all Grece, but also because the same time, the City of Rome was taken by the frenchmen. But the Lacedæmonians being now at rest, & lying in await for advantage, ●…spying the Arcadians from home, surprised their castle, & put a garrison of their own men therein. The Arcadians therefore with the help of the Theba●…es, came into the field well armed and in good array to recover that that they had lost by the sword. In the which conflict Archidamus captain of the Lacedæmonians was wounded: who seeing his men beaten down as vanquished, demanded by an herald to have the dead bodies of such as were slain, to th'intent he might bury them. 
The token o●… the victory given.  For this is a token among the Greeks of giving the victory with the which confession the Thebans being contented, blew to the retreat & pursued no further, with a few days after, neither party attempting any displeasure, when a man would have thought they had been at a truce, as it were by a secret consent and agreement among themselves, while the Lacedæmonians were busied in other wars against their neighbours, the Thebans under the conduct & leading of their captain Epaminondas, purposed to have won their city ere they were aware of it. Where upon in the beginning of 
The courage of the old 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  the night, they setforth as closely as they could devise toward Lacedaemon. But yet they could not take them unwares. For thold men & other people vnme●…e for the wars by reason of their years, having understanding ofthapproche of their enemies, armed themselves & met them in the very entrance of the gates: & against xv. M. soldiers, not above a C. old & forgrown men put themselves to thencounter. So much courage & strength doth the present sight of a man's country & household give a man, & so much doth ●…he presence of things give men 〈◊〉 stomachs, them the remembrance of them being away. For when theysaw within what, ●… for what they stood at defence, they determined either to win 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 die.  
A few old men therefore held them play, whom ere the next morning all the youth they had was not able to withstand. In that battle two of the captains of their enemies were slain. In the mean while word was brought that agesilaus was come, where upon the Thebans retired, and it was not long after but they encountered again. For the young men of Lacedaemon being incensed with the prowess and valiant demenor of the old men, could not be with held, but that they would needs try the matter immediately in open field, when as the victory was all ready the Thebans. And Epaminondas whiles he executed the duty and office, not only of a stout captain, but also of a valiant soldier 
〈◊〉 is wounded to death.  was grievously wounded. The which thing being hard of, the one party was so stricken in fear, and the other party for joy was so amazed, that both parties as it were by a peaceable consent departed the field. Within a few days after Epaminondas deceased, with whom the strength of the 
The praise of Epaminondas in whom is ex pressed the Image of a good captain and of a just magistrate.  common wealth decayed. For in like manner as if ye break of the edge of a weapon, the rest of it is able to do no great harm: even so this Duke being dead, who was as it were the edge of the common wealth of Thebes, the strength thereof was appalled and in manner dulled, in so much that they seemed not so much to have lost him, as altogether to have died with him. For neither before this Duke's time, achieved they any notable conquest, nor afterward deserved to be spoken of for any famous attempt by them accom plished, but only for the slaughters that were made of them. So that it appeareth manifestly, that the glory and renown of his country, did both spring up with him, and die with him. And a man is not able to judge whether he were a better captain and soldier, or a better man of his living. For always he sought pre-eminence to his country, rather than to himself, and he was such a sparer of money, that be wanted wherewith to bury him according to his estate. And he was even as covetous of praise as of money. For authority and offices were laid upon him even utterly against his wil And he behaved himself in such wise in his authority, that he seemed not to receive, but rather to give honour to the same. Furthermore he was so studious of learning, & so instructed in the knowledge of philosophy, that it was a wonder to see, how a man bred & brought up in learning should come by such sight & experience in feats of war. Neither did his death dissent from this his trade of living. For being brought into his tent half dead, when he was come to himself again & had received his speech, he demanded this one thing of such as stood about him, whether his even mies had taken his shield from him when he was felled or 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 das at his death.  no? when he understood it was saved, he commanded it to be brought to him, & as the partaker of all his travels and glory he kissed it. Then he inquired again which part had won the field, and hearing that the Thebans had gotten it, he said all was well, and so as it were rejoicing for his country's sake, he gave up the ghost. By the death of this man, the prowess of the athenians also decayed. For after the time that he was once gone, whose fotesteps they were wont to foe low, now giving the selves all together to sloth & idleness, they lashed out the common revenues, not upon ships and men of war as they had done in times past, but in feastful days and holy days, & in making preparation for pagiants & interludes: gathering themselves together into the theatres, to behold the famous stage players & Poets, visiting oftener the stage then the camp, setting more by versifiers and orators, then by Captains. Then the common treasure wherewith men of war and mariners were wont to be maintained, began to be divided among the people of the city. By means whereof it came to pass, that while the Greeks gave themselves to idleness. The name of the Macedones which before time was ●…ile and obscure, sprung up and grew to great honour: & that Philip who was kept three years as an hostage at Thebes, being instructed in all feats of arms and chivalry by 〈◊〉 and the Pelo●…, after his return into his country, laid the kingdom of Macedony as a yoke of bondage, upon the necks both of Grece and of ●…sia.   

The seventh Book.  
MAcedonie in ancient time was called ●…inathia after the name of emathio king of the country, who was the first that gave any notable proof of his prowess in those parts. As this country increased slowly by little and little, so the bounds thereof were very narrow. The inhabitants were called Pclascians, and the Country itself Bcotia. But afterward through the prowess of the kings, and industry of the people, first by subduing their neighbours, and shortly after other foreign people & nations th'empire thereof was dilated even to the uttermost borders of the East. In the region of Peonic which now is a portion of 〈◊〉, reigned by report 〈◊〉 the father of astriopeus, whose name we here spoken of in the battle of Troy, among the chiefest and most ●…aliaunt defenders of the City. And on the one side of Hellespont in Europe reigned a kig called Europe. Caran●… also with a great multitude 
The first king of Macedo●….  of Greeks, being commanded by thanswer of the Oracle to seek an habitation in Macedony, when he came into emathia, following a heard of Goats that ●…ed out of the shower of rain, entered & won the ●…eld of edissa, ere the men of the town perceived his coming, by reason of the greatness of the storm: whereupon calling to mind the answer of the Oracle, by which he was commanded to seek a kingdom where goats should be his guides, he appointed it to be the seat of his kingdom. And ever after he observed deuoutly●… that whether so ever he led any host, he would have the same goats before his standard, to the intent that as they were thauthors of his kingdom, so might they be also as leaders in all his enterprises: And in remembrance of this benefit, he changed the name of edyssa, and called it 〈◊〉, & the people thereof 〈◊〉. Afterward when he had expulsed Midas (for he also held a part of Macedon) & divers other kings, in the stead of them all he succeeded alone, & ●…irst of all gathering & knitting together sundry sorts of people made as it were one entire body of Macedon, & laid a strong foundation for his kingdom hereafter, to grow upon. After him reigned Perdiccas, whose life was notable, & the warnings at his last departure (which were as th'answer of an oracle,) 
Of 〈◊〉 and of his 〈◊〉 ph●…y.  worthy to be remembered. For when he drew toward his end by reason of age, he showed his son Argeu●… the place in the which he would be buried: willing not only his own body, but also all the bodies of them that should succeed him in the kingdom, to be buried in the same place: prophesying before, that as long as the bones of his posterity were buried there, so long the kingdom should continued in his line & family. And upon this superstition it is believed that his offspring failed in great Alexander, because he changed the place of burial. argeus having governed the kingdom with justice and love of his people, left to succeed him his son Philip, who 
Arg●…  being surprised by hasty death substituted his heir Europe a very babe. But the Macedones were at continual debate & strife with the Thracians & Illyrians, by whose wars as by daily exercise being hardened, they grew so famous & redoubted in feats of arms, that all their neighbours were afraid of them. The Illirians therefore despising thinfancy of the young king, assailed the Macedones with battle, who 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the M●… c●…dones.  being put to the worse, brougbt forth their king in his cradle & set him before the battle beginning the field new again: as though they had been vanquished before, upon none other occasion, but because they wanted y● good luck of their king in the battle, thinking to get the upper hand, and it were for none other cause else, then that upon this superstition they had persuaded themselves they should win. Moreover they had pity & compassion of the infant, whom it was none other like, but they should make a captain of a king, if they should happen to be overcome.  
In the mean season Darius' king of Perfia, being put to shameful flight, and driven out of S●…ythia, because he would not seem to be dishonoured every where by his losses in the wars, sent 〈◊〉 with part of his army to subdu●… Thrace & tother kingdoms of that climate, among the which for the slender regard & estimation thereof, he should take Macedon for one: who shortly executing his master's 
The friendly entertainment of the Persian ambassa●…ors.  commandment, sent ambassadors to Amyntas king of Macedon, demanding hostages for performance of the peace that should be concluded between them. But thambassadorsambassador's being gently entertained, as they began to be somewhat over come with drink, desired Amyntas that forasmuch as he had made them such a sumptuous feast, he would also grant them the rights & duties of familiarity, (that is to say) that their sons, their wives & their daughters might come & keep them company at the banquet, for it was counted among the Persians, as a sure token & pledge of hospitality & friendly entertainment. Who coming in to bear them company, the Persians began to dally with more wanton than was seemly & convenient. Where upon Alexander the son of Amintas, 
Note the modesty of the barbarous people in cho●…e days.  desired his father to have respect to his age & gravity, & to withdraw himself from the banquet, promising to find means to delay the dalians of his quests well enough, when ●…yntas was gone, Alexander called out the women one by one, as though it had been to dress & attire them more gorgeously, & so to bring them in again. In whose stead he dressed in women's apparel he sent young men, commanding them 
Thambasssadors of Persia murdeted for incontinency.  to repress the wantonness of th'ambasssadors with their we pons that they carried under their garments. The which being done & all th'ambasssadors killed, Mogabyzus knowing nothing hereof (when he saw his ambassadors returned not a gain), sent thither Bubares with a part of his host, as to a war so easy & so mean, as that he disdained to trouble himself therewith, least men should speak dishonour of him for fight against so base & vile a kind of people. But 〈◊〉 be 
A●…nce by matiage be●…wene the Persians and the macedons  fore the battle, being taken in love with Amintas daughter, leaving of the wars, solempniled the marriage & laying a side all rancour and enmity, joined himself in alliance with his enemy. After the departure of Bubares out of Macedon, the king Amyntas deceased. Unto whose son & successor Alexander, this affinity of Bubares did great ple sure. For by means thereof, he not only lived in peace all the time of Darius, but also grew in great favour with Xerxes. In so much that when like a tempest he invaded all Grece, he gave him the seniory & royalty of all the countries between the mountains of Olympus and Hemus. Yet notwithstanding he enlarged his kingdom as much by his own prows, as by the liberality of the Persians. At length by order of succession the kingdom of Macedon, came unto 
Amyntas the second.  Amyntas the son of his brother Menelaus. This man all so was notable for his activity, and endowed with all royal and warlike qualities. He begat of his wife Eurydice three sons, Alexander, Perdiccas, and Philip the father of great Alexander, and a da●…ghter named Euryone. And of another wife called Cygea, he engendered Archilaus, Aridens & 〈◊〉 who had sore wars first with the Illyrians and after with the Olynt●…ans. But he had been cut short by the treason of 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  his wife Eurydice, (who concluding privily a marriage with her son in law that should have married her daughter, had taken upon her to kill her husband and make her peramor king: If her daughter had not bewrayed all her mother's whoredom and privy conspiracies to her father. Theolde man therefore being delivered out of so many perils died, 
Th●… 〈◊〉 on of king 〈◊〉.  leaving the kingdom to his eldest son Alexander, who in the very entrance of his reign, made peace with the ●…yrians, and delivered his brother Philip in hostage. In pro cease of time also by the same hostage, he entered a league of peace with the Thebans, the which thing was a great furtherans unto Philip in all princely virtues, whereunto he was marvelously inclined of nature. For being 〈◊〉 as an hostage three years at Thebes, a city of ancient severity, 
A 〈◊〉 and wicked mother.  he passed his childhood in the house of the most renowned captain and Philosopher 〈◊〉. Ere it was long after, Alexander was surprised and slain ●…y the treason of his mother Eurydice, whom Amyntas (having taken her with the fault) had before pardoned, for the children's sake that he had by her not knowing that in time to come she would be their utter destruction. His brother Perdiccas also was by like tree sonprevented. It is an abominable thing, that for filthy lusts sake, the mother shu●…d work the death of her own children, at whose contemplation she was saved from the punishment that her wickedness had deserved. The murder of Perdiccas seemed so much more heinous, in that not so much as his little child could find any mercy at his cruel mother's hand. Philip therefore a long time, took not upon 〈◊〉 as 
Philiptaketh the kingdom upon him.  king, but as protector of the infant. But when the country was sore oppressed with war, and that it would be to late to tarry for help until the child came to age, he was compelled of the people to take the kingdom upon him. Assoon as he begun his reign, all men conceived great hope of him, both for his wit (which in manner all ready declared that he would prove a great man.) And also for the ancient Prophecies of Macedon, which said that while one of the sons of amintas reigned, thestate of Macedon should be most flourishing, the which hope and prophecies to fulfil, there were now no more left alive through the wickedness of their mother, but only he. In the beginning of his reign, when on thou side 
The troubled state of Macedon.  the murder of his brothers unworthily slain, on the other side the multitude of his enemies, on another side the fear of treason, and on another side want of money & artillery, the realm being in manner wasted and consumed with continual war, disquieted the mind of this young souldioure, & that sundry nations out of divers places at one time flocked together, as it were by a common conspiracy, to the intent to oppress Macedon by battle. For as much as he 
The politic demcanor of Philip.  was not able to match them all at once, he thought it convenient to dispense with them, some he took truce with upon reasonable Articles▪ some he bought of for money, and such as were weakest he assailed by force, by vanquishing of whom he did both strengthen the faint hearts of his soldiers, and took away the disdain that his enemies had at him.  
The first encounter that he had was with the athenians, whom he overcame by policy, and for fear of a worse afterclap, 
The 〈◊〉 wars o●… king 〈◊〉.  whereas he might have slain them all, he sent them all safe home without ransom. After this he turned his power against the Illyrians, of whom he slew many thousands, and took their head city called Laryssa. Next, (not so much for covetousness of pray, as for d●…syre to join the Thessalian horsemen to his footmen, thereby to increase the strength of his army,) he conquered the country of Thessaly ●…re any hostility or war was looked for, and so of their horsemen and his own footmen, made one body and invincible army. The which things coming luckelye to 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a wife.  pass, he took to wife Olympias the Daughter of Neoptolemus king of the Molosses. The maker of this marriage was his brother Arimbas king of the Molosses, uncle to t●…e maid by the father's side, who had the bringing up of her, & had taken in marriage Troas, 〈◊〉 of the said Olympias, which was the cause of much mischief unto him, and finally of his destruction. For whereas by the affinity of king Philip, 
A good 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  he hoped to have had his kingdom enlarged, he was by the same Philip deprived of his own Realm, and compelled in his old age to live a banished man. These things thus brought to pass, Philip could not now content himself to repulse injury offered by others, but provoked and distroubled such as sat still in quiet. As he besieged the city of Methon, one threw a dart at him from the wall as he passed by, and struck out his right eye. For y● which wound 
An 〈◊〉 of modesty.  he became neither the slouthfuller in his enterprise, nor the angrier against his enemies. In so much that within few days after, when they desired peace be granted it, and used the victory against them, not only modestly, but also mercifully.   

The eight Book.  
THe cities of Grece while every of them sought to bear rule, were every eachone 
The discord of the Cities of grece.  brought under subjection. For after the time they could not with hold themselves. ●…ut that they must seek each others destruction, they were unuanqui shed of all men, and brought to confusi on. None but such as were oppressed did feel the loss and smart hereof. For Philip king of Macedon lying in a wait like a spy out of a watch tour to surprise them all of their liberty, by nourishing debate between City and City, and by supporting the weaker side, compelled both the conque red and the conquerors to become his vassals and subjects. The original cause of all this mischief were the Thebans: who having the sovereignty and wanting discretion to use 
The Thebans can not 〈◊〉 their good fortune.  their good fortune, arrogantly accused at the common counsel of Grece the Lace demonians and the Phocenses, whom they had vanquished in battle, as though the slaughters & ravishments that they had abidden, had been to little punishment for them. It was laid to the Lacedæmonians charge, that they had taken the tower of Thebes in the time of truce: and to the Phocenses, that they had wasted the country of Beotia, as though that after war and battle: they would have the laws also to work their for●…e. judgement being executed according to the pleasure of the conquerors, they were condemned in such a sum of money as was not possible to be paid. The Phocenses therefore when they 
Need hath no law.  should have been bereft of their lands, their children and their wives, compelled thereby to utter necessity, chose one Philomelus to their captain, and as men offended with God himself, invaded the Temple of Apollo at Delphos.  
Hereupon being enriched with gold and other money, they waged an army of soldiers strangers, and made war to the Thebans. This deed of the Phocenses although all men abhorred, by reason of their sacrilege, yet notwithstanding it procured more envy to the Thebans, by whom they were driven to this extremity, then to them. And therefore both the athenians and the Lacedæmonians set forth men to their aid. At the first encounter Philomelus turned the Thebans out of their camp, at the next fight 
The Thebans are overcome.  valiantly amongst the thickest, he was the first that was slain, and so with his wicked blood did worthily abye for committing sacrilege. In his stead Ornomarchus was created Captain: against whom the Thebans and Thes salians chose for their captain, not one of their own country 
The 〈◊〉 folly of the Thebans.  men, for fear lest if he gate the victory, he should bear himself so Lordly, that no man were able to abide h●…m, but Philip king of Macedon: willingly submitting themselves under the subjection of a foreigner, which was the thing they most of all feared in their own country men. Philip therefore as though he had been the revenger of sacrilege, and not of the Thebans, commanding all his soldiers to put garlands of Laurel upon their heads, and in this wise as having God the chief Captain of his enterprise, he marched into the field. The Phocenses at the sight of 
The force of superstition.  the cognisance of the God, stricken with inward remorse of conscience for their offences, ●…ast down their weapons & took them to flight. And so with their own blood & slaughter of themselves, suffered worthy punishment for violating of religion. Ye will not believe what glory and renown Phi lip won among all nations for executing this deed. As who would say, he was the punisher of sacrilege, he was the revenger of religion, & he only was worthy to compel offenders to make satisfaction, to the execution where of all the world ought to have put their help. Therefore they honoured him next unto the Gods, by whom the majesty of the Gods was defended. But the athenians hearing of the adventure of the war, to th'intent that Philip should not pass into Grece, took the straits of Thermopyle in like manner & after the same sort as they had done before, against the coming of the Persians, but neither with like courage 
A discour●… a 'gainst the in piety of the atheniens.  nor for like quarrel. For than it was for the liberty of Grece, but now it was for open sacrilege: then in the def●…nce of the temples against the invasions of the enemy: now in the maintenance of church-robbers against the right 〈◊〉 revengers. Making themselves bolsterers and bearers out of that heinous offence, whereof it was a shame for them that any other than themselves should have been the punishers. Quite forgetting that even in their most adversity they had used that God as their chiefest counsellor, that by his guidance they had finished so many battles with conquest, builded so many cities with fortunate success, attained so great an Empire both by sea & land. And finally achieved no thing, either in public or private affairs, without the ma iesty of his Godhead. certes it is great pity, that such fine wits so exquisitely polished withal kind of learning, & traded in so goodly laws & institutions, should be so far overseen as to commit so heinous an act, that of right they can have no cause here after to be offended with the barbarus nations for doing of the like. But Philip himself kept not even touch with his fellows. For as it were to th'intent his 
The falsehood and untruth of king Philip.  enemies should not go beyond him in committing sacrilege the cities whereof a little before he was captain which had fought under his standard, which had rejoiced in him, and which had helped him to the victory, like an utter enemy he invaded & sacked. The wives & children of them all he sold by the drum. He spared not the temples of the Gods immortal, not the houses of religion, not the common nor private household gods unto whom a little before h●…●…ntred as a guest so that it might evidently appear, he sought not so much to have punished sacrilege as to procure free liberty to perpe trate the same. From thence as though he had accomplished all things to his honour he passed into Cappadocia, where making war with like falsehood, & having taken and slain by policy the kings that were the next borderers, he brought all the whole province under th'empire of Macedon●…. Then to abolish the shameful brute that went of his doings, through the which he was more spoken and talked of then any other man in those days, he sent into the kingdoms and most wealthy Cities, into the Churches and temples, certain to raise a rumour and to put it into folks heads, that king Philip would bestow a great mass of money in building walls about the Cities, and in making of Churches and temples, and that masters of the work should be pro cured by proclamation. The which when they came into Macedon, being driven of with divers delays, for fear of the kings displeasure, were feign to get them away again 
The 〈◊〉 of Philip.  and make no more words. After this he assailed the Olynthians. For when they saw that Philip had put one of his brothers to death for very pities sake they received two other of his brothers borne of his stepmother, whom as partners of his kingdom he sought by all means to dispatch out of the way. Therefore upon this occasion, he utterly destroyed that ancient and noble city, and put his brothers to the death that he had before determined & appointed for them, enjoying thereby both a great pray and also his wicked lust in slaying of his brothers. Whereupon as though all things had been lawful that he purposed in his mind, he seized upon the gold mines in Thessaly and upon the 
Philip 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 allawe and right.  silver mines in Thrace. And to the intent no law nor right should be left unviolated, he determined to be a rover on the seas. These things being thus accomplished, it fortuned by chance, that two. brothers both kings of Thrace, being at variance betwixt themselves, not in respect of his indifferency & justice, but for fear lest he should help to support either of the parties, chose him to be judge of their controversies. But Philip according to his accustomed nature, proceeding to judgement as if he should have gone to battle, came suddenly upon the brothers ere they witted thereof with his men in battle ray, and not like an upright judge, but like a crafty thief, & wicked kaitife spoiled them both of their kingdoms. While these things were a doing, the ambassadors of Athens came unto him to require peace whom he heard, & sent himself other ambassadors to Athens with Articles of peace, and there to the commodity of both parties a peace was concluded. Out of other Cities of Grece came ambassaders also, not so much for desire of his friendship 
The malice o●… the Thebes 〈◊〉.  as for fear of war. For the Thebans and Beotians of very rancour and malice that boiled in their stomachs, requested him to show himself as captain of Grece against the Phocenses, according as he had professed himself to be. So sore were they inflamed with hatred against the Phocenses, that utterly forgetting their own slaughters, they had rather pearish themselves then to suffer them undestroyed, and had rather to abide the cruelty of Philip which they knew all ready by experience, then by any means to for bear their enemies. On the contrary part the 〈◊〉 with th'ambassadors of Lace. and Athens, besought him 
The mis●…rable state of Grece.  that he would not make war, the which they had all ready three times bought of at his hand with their money.  
Surely it was a foul and miserable sight, to behold Grece (which even yet at that time both in strength and dignity was princess of the whole world always a conqueress of kings and countries, and as yet the Lady of many cities, dancing attendance in a foreign land, and there entreating for war or peace, to put her head under another man's girdle. And that the revengers of the whole world, should be brought to that point through their own discord, and civil wars, that they were glad to fawn and hang upon their sleeves, who not long before were accounted as the vilest part of their retinue and hangers on▪ and that in espe cial to be done of the Thebans and Lacedæmonians, who lately before ruled the whole roast betwixt them, and now in the time that Grece bore the sovereignty, were enemies one of another's estate.  
Philip in the mean season for the advancement of his own glory, debated as concerning the pre-eminence and estate of so mighty cities, devising of which he were best to 
The 〈◊〉 ●…sage of Philip.  make most account. And therefore when he had seacreatly heard thambassades of both parts severally, he promised the one to discharge them of the wars, taking an oath of them, not to bewray his answer to any man. On the contrary part he promised the other to come and help them, giving both parties strait charge and commandment, not to fear or prepare for any war. Through this variable answer it came to pass, that while every man kept himself in quiet, he took the straights of Thermopile. Then first of all the Phocenses, perceiving themselves entrapped by the policy of Philip, fearfully took them to their weapons. But they had no leisure, either to surnish their own battles, or to send for succour to their neighbours. And Philip threatened he would utterly destroy them, unless they yielded 
Philip 〈◊〉 no promise.  incontinent. Being therefore overcome with necessity, they yielded themselves simply their lives only saved. But even of as much force was this composition, as was his promise before to discharge them of the wars. Therefore they were every where slain and spoiled. The children were not left to their parents, nor the wives to their husbands, nor the Images of the Gods in the temples. One only comfort had this wretched people, that whereas Philip defrauded his own companions of their part of the pray, they saw nothing of theirs in their enemies hands. When he was returned into his kingdom, like as Graziers shift their cattle sometime into one layer, sometime into another 
Philip ●…emoueth whole countries with their people.  according as the season of the year requireth: even so removed he at his own pleasure whole countries and Cities, according as he thought the places meet to be replenished or forsaken. It was a miserable sight to behold in all places, and in respect even like to a desolation. For this fear was not like as when the enemy approacheth, or when men of war run up and down a City, or when two hosts encounter vielently in the field, nor when men are slain in the streets & their goods taken away perforce, but a secret sorrow & mourning, fearing least even their forced tears, should be taken for contimacy, the grief increased by the cloaking thereof, so much the depelier piercing the heart, as it had less liberty to utter itself. Sometime they considered the sepulchres of their ancestors, sometime their old household gods, sometime the houses where they were begotten, & had begotten children themselves. Bewailing eft their own case in that they had lived to that day: & eft the state of their children, that it had not been their fortune to be borne after the time. Some people he placed in the utmost bounds of his kingdom even in his enemy's mouths, other he set in the furthermost borders of all his realm, other some that were meet for the wars, he put in garrison in cities as need required. And so of many kinds of people & many nations, he made one entire kingdom & one people. The affairs of Macedon being set at a stay, through fraud & policy he took the chief of the Dardamans & other borders, and subdued their countries. Nether withheld he his hand from his own kindred. For he determined to put Arymba king of Epyrus his wife Olympias near kinsman from his royalty. And thereupon he 
Philip abuseth alexander and deposeth arimba kings of Eplre.  sent for Alexander his son in law, brother of his wife Olympias, a boy of excellent beauty, in his sister's name, to come unto him into Macedon. And there by all means possible ha' ve enticed him with hope of the kingdom, under pretense of counterfeit love, abused him in most filthy buggery, thin king that either shame and remorse of his own conscience, or else the making of him king, should cause him to be the more at his commandment. Therefore when the child was come to xx. years of age, he took the kingdom from Arymba, and gave it to him being a very boy: playing a wicked part with them both. For neither dealt he like a natural kinsman with him, from whom he took the kingdom, and him to whom he gave it, he made a harlot before he made him king.   

The ninth Book.  
VUhen Philip was come into Grece, alured with the sacking of a few cities, & the spoil of a few small towns, there upon gathering in his mind how great were the richesse of them all, he determined to make war against all Grece. To the furtherance whereof he thought it would 
Philip ●…geth Consta●…inople.  greatly advantage him, if he might bring in his subjection the noble haven town of Byzance, as a refuge for his hosts both bysea & land. The same (because they shut their gates against him) he besieged. This City was builded at the first by Pansanias king of the Spartans, & by him was possessed by the space of seven. years▪ Afterward as victory inclined to either part, it belonged eft to the Lacedæmonians, and eft to the athenians. The which uncertain possession made it to stand stiflye in the defence of her own liberty, forasmuch as neither party succoured or rescued it as their own. Philip therefore having spent his treasure with the long continuance of his siege, made a shift to get money by roving on the Lea. And having taken lxr. ships laden with merchandise, he refreshed his greedy necessity for a while. Furthermore because so great an army should not be detained about the siege of one city, he went with a number of the stoutest of his soldiers, and won many cities of Chersonesus. Moreover he sent for his son Alexander of the age of xviii. years, to the intent he might trade him up in the wars under him. He made a road into Scythia also to fetch some boty from thence, enten 
Philip maketh a road in to Tarta●….  ding after the manner of merchantmen, to bear out the of one war to the gain of another. The same time was king of the Scythians Matthey, who being overcharged with the wars of y● Istrias, desired help of Philip by the Apollonien●…s, promising him to adopt him to be the king of Scythia, But in the mean season the king of the Istri●…es departing out of this life, delivered the Scythians both from fear of 
The ungratitude of the king of Scythia.  battle, and from need of help. Matthey therefore ●…ending the Macedones home again, willed them to bear word to their master, that he neither requested him of succour, nor yet gave the Apollonienses commission to adopt him. For neither had the Scythians need of the reskues of the Macedones seeing they were better men than they were, and as for heir he wanted none nor none would adopt, as long as he had a son of his own in health. Upon the receit of this message, Philip sent ambassadors to king Matthey requiring somewhat toward the charges of his siege, lest he be constrained through poverty to break up his camp. To the which request he ought of reason so much the willinglier to condescend, in that he did not allow the soldiers that he sent to his aid so much as their costs and spending money by the way, nor gave them any reward for their travel and pains taking. Matthey alleging for his excuse that his country was so unmercifullye cold and so barren, that no Scythian had any patrimony to enrich him, no nor scarce wherewith to find him meat and drink: answered that he had no richesse wherewith to satisfy so great a king, and therefore he thought it a greater dishonour to reward him with to little, then to give him nothing at all. For the Scythians were esteemed according to the courage of the mind and hardiness of the body, and not according to their substance. Philip seeing himself scorned in this wise, broke up his siege at Byzance, & bent his whole power against Sc●…thia: And for be●…ause he would make them the more careless, he sent his ambassadors before him to declare unto king Matthey, that while he besieged Byzance, he vowed an Image unto Hercules, the which he was coming to erect in the mouth of the river of Danow, desiring to have peaceable access to the performance of his vow to God ward, for he would not come otherwise then as a friend to the Scythians. The king sent him word that if he would performè his vow, he should send him the Image, promising that it should not only be set up, but all so should remain and stand safe and unviolated. But as to suffer any army to come within his borders, that he denied utterly. And if he would attempt to place the Image whether the Scythians would or no, he should not be so soon gone, but he would pull it down again, and turn the brass of it, into spear heads and arrow heads. The minds of both parties being in this wise stirred, they encountered in open field. The Scythians whereas they were of greater power and more in number, were nevertheless by the policy of Philip overcome. Twenty thousand women & children were taken prisoners, and a great booty of cattle, but of gold and silver nothing at all, which was a sufficient trial and proof of the poverty of the Scythians. Twenty M. fair Mares were sent into Macedon to breed. But as Philip returned out of Scytbia, the Tribals met him by the way, denying him passage through their country, unless he would give them part of his boty. Hereupon they fell to words, and soon after to hand strokes. In the which skirmish Philip was so sore wounded in the thigh, that his horse was slain under him, and he left for dead, by means whereof the boty was lost. So the boty of Scythia being as it were forespoken, had like to have turned the Macedones to great sorrow. Yet notwithstanding assoon as he was recovered of his wound, he made war against the athenians, the which he had so long time before dissembled. Whose part the Thebans took, for fear lest if the athenians were overcome, the brunt of the war, like as when one neighbours house is on fire) should ensue upon them. A league therefore being taken between these two cities, which a little before were at most mortal hatred, they sent ambassade upon am bassade over all Grece, persuading that the common enemy ought to be removed by the common force of the country. For if Philip should happen to speed well at the first. He would never cease, until he had subdued all Grece. Some being moved herewith, joined themselves to thattheniens, other some for fear of the war, took part with Philip. When it came to then●…ounter. Although the athenians were far more in number then their enemies, yet not withstanding the Macedones were so hardened with continual warsare 
The ath●…niēs are vanqui●…hed.  that they put them to the worse. How be it they died not unmindful of their ancient glory. For look what place every man took of his Captain to keep, the same (being first wounded in divers places of his forepart) he covered with his carcase when he died. This day ended the renown of the Empire, and the ancient liberty of all Grece. The joy of this victory was pollitikelye cloaked and dissembled. For that day Philip made not sacrifice as he ●…as as 
The 〈◊〉 dissi●…lation of king Philip.  wont to do, he laughed not at the table, he would not suffer any interludes at his banquet, he ware no Crown, nor anointed himself with sweet ointments, and as much as lay in his power, he so used the victory, that no man could perceive by him that he had won the victory. Moreover he would not suffer himself to be called the king, but the captain of Grece. And so through his secret reioys●…ng with himself, he so mitigated the sorrow of his enemies, that it seemed not that he either boasted himself among his own men, or proudly rejoiced at the overthrow of his enemies. For as touching the athenians, whom he had tried to be his most 
The gentleness of Philip towards the ●…theniens.  utter enemies, he let go their prisoners skotfre, and delivered the bodies of such as were slain to be buried, and of his own accord erhorted them to carry home their bones, and bestow them in the sepulchres of their ancestors. Besides all this, he sent his son Alexander with his friend Antipater to Athens, to conclude a small peace and friendship with them. But as concerning the Thebans, he did not only put their prisoners to ransom, but also made them pay 
His rigour towards the Th●…banes.  for the burying of their dead men. The princes of the city, some he beheaded, some he banished, and the goods of them all he took by force, such as had been wrongfully driven out of their country, he called home again. Of the which sort, he made three hundred judges and rulers of the City. Before whom when all the greatest men of the City 
A notable ●…xample of constancy.  were arraigned as guilty of their wrongful banishment, they were of such constancy, that they all confessed themselves to have been authors thereof in deed: Affirming that it was better with the common wealth, when they were condemned, then when they were restored again. It was out of doubt a marvelous audacity, ●…or prisoners to give sentence on their judges that sat upon their life & death, (as who would say) they disdained to be acquit at their enemies hands: and for asmuch as they could not revenge themselves in work, to usurp their liberty in words. When Philip had set things at a stay in Grece, he commanded 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  all the cities to send ambassadors to corinth, for the reformation of the things that were a miss. There he enacted a statute of peace for all Grece, according to the deservings of every City, and he elected out of them all, one Counsel, and as it were one Senate. Only the Lacedæmonians despised both the king and his law, accounting that peace but as a servitude or bondage, which was not agreeable to the cities themselves, but was given at the pleasure of the conqueror. Furthermore every city was appointed what manner of men they should setforth to y● wars, if the king should have need, either to assist him when he were assailed by foreign power, or else to make war unto others under him. For it was to be thought none other, but that all this great preparation was made to assail the Empire of the Persians. The sum of all his succours was 
The nomb●… of king P●…lips men of war. Philip ●…deth the Empire of pers●… He 〈◊〉 him seife 〈◊〉 Olympias.  two hundred thousand footmen, and fifteen hundred horsemen. Besides this number, was also the host of Macedon, and other barbarous nations bordering there upon, whom he had subdued. In the beginning of the spring, he s●…t over before into Asia, which belonged to the Persians, three captains Parmenio, Amyntas, & Attalus. Whose sister (having put away Olympias the mother of Alexander upon suspicion of adultery) he had lately taken in marriage.  
In the mean season, while his succours were assembling out of Grece, he solemnized a marriage between his daughter 
He marrieth his daughter to alexander king of epire.  Cleopatra, and Alexander whom he had made king of Epyre. That day was great solemnity and feasting according to th'estate of the two kings, th'one giving his daughter, tother taking her in marriage. And there wanted no kind of royal shows and pageants that could be devised, to see the which as Philip was going forth without 
The death of king Philip.  any guard, in the mids between the two Alexander's his son and son in law. A noble young man of Macedon called Pansanias, mistrusted of no man where abouts he w●…nt, stepped upon the king in a strait, and as he would have passed by, slew him, turning the day into sorrow and heaviness, that was appointed to mirth and pleasure. This Pansa●…as in the first prime of his youth, had suffered Attalus 
The cause of Ph●…ps de●…h.  perforce against his will to abuse him most filthily, wherewith being not contented he offered him this villainy beside. He brought him into a banquet, and there making him drunken, compelled him like a st●…king strumpet, to sustain not only his beastly lechery, but also the shameless and abominable lust of all the guests, whereby he madehim a laughing stock to all men when he came among hiscompanions. Pansanias being with this his doing sore aggrieved, did oftentimes make complaint thereof to the king. At whose hand being with divers delays put of, not without a mock for his labour, and perceiving his adversary to be advanced furthermore to a captainship, he turned his wrath upon the king himself, and for because he could not be revenged upon his adversary, he revenged him upon the wrongful judge. It is thought that he was sent by Olympias the mother of Alexander, and that Alexander himself ●…as pre 
Occasions of great displea●…re between Phllip & his son alexandre  vy to his fathers murthre. For it is not unlike but that Olympias took her divorcement, and the preferment of Cle opitra, as grievously as Pansanias did his abusing, and that Alexander feared his brother begotten of his stepmother as an enemy of his kingdom. Whereupon it came to pass before this time that he fell at words at a banquet, first with Attalus, and after with his father. In so much that his father pursued him with his sword drawn, and his friends had much a do to entreat him to hold his hand from killing him. Upon which occasion Alexander with his mother fled unto his uncle into Epire, and from thence went to the king of sclavony, and would scarce by any means be reconciled to his father when he sent for him, in so much that his friends could not in manner by any intretaunce compel him to return again, Olympias all so was procuring her brother Alexander king of Epire to raise war against Philip, and had obtained her suit, if he had not prevented him with the marriage of his daughter, and made him his son in law. These things therefore were as spurs unto Pansanias just displeasure, pricking him forward to the accomplishment of this act, upon his complaint, sorrowing to be so shamefully abused, and could have no redress. This is certain that Olympias had laid post horses to convey him away when he had stricken the king. Afterward when she hard of the murder of the king 
The doing●… of 〈◊〉 at the 〈◊〉 of Ph●…p.  she came to his funerals, the same night under pretence of doing obsequies to him, and there the very same night that she came, she set a crown of gold upon Pansanias head as he ●…ong upon the gallows: the which thing no body durst have been so bold to have done but she, Philip having a son alive. And within a few days after, she took down the body of Pansanias, and burned it upon her husbands ashes, and builded him a tomb in the same place, causing yearly certain Ceremonies and obsequies to be done for him, whereby she drove a superstition into the people's heads. This done she compelled Clep●…tra (for whose sake Philip had divorced himself from her) having first killed her daughter even in the mother's lap, to hang herself: and in beholding 
The 〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉.  her how she hung, enjoyed the revengement, unto which she made so much haste by the murder of her own hus●…and.  
Last of all she consecrated the sword wherewith the king was slain, unto Apollo by the name of Myrtalis: for that was Olympias name when she was a little one. Al the which things were done so openly, that it was to be thought she should have feared lest her doing would not be allowed, or rather as though she cared not who knew that she had done the deed▪ Philip deceased of th'age of xlvii. years, when he had reigned xxv. years. He begat of Larissa a dancing damosel a son named Arideus that reigned after Alexander. He had many other sons, begotten of divers women, as the manner of kings is, of whom some died of their natural death, and some of the sword. He was a king more desirous of battle then of banqueting, whose richesse consisted chiefly 
The description of king Philip.  in furniture of the wars, and he was more cunning in getting and purchasing richesses, then in keeping. And therefore for all that he peeled & polled every day, yet was he ever needy. Mercy and falsehood he loved a like. He thought it no shame to purchase his desire, how so ever he came by it, so he might have it. Where as he favoured he would make as though he were displeased. subtle and captious was he to talk unto, promising more than he would perform. In devising serious matters, and in merry conceits cunning, winning friendship for advantage and lucre, and not for faithfulness. Where he hated most, there to pretend most favour, and to sow discord between such as he knew agreed best together, seeking for thank with both parties, he used as a solemn custom. Furthermore his talk was marvelous eloquent, and full of sharpness and witty sayings, so that neither facility wanted to set out his pleasant inventions, neither was his facility without ornate eloquens & pleasant devices. Unto him succeeded Alexander, going beyond 
A comparison between Phi lip & alexadre.  his father both in virtues and in vices. First for their manner of conquest it was clean contrary one to another. For this man achieved his battles by open force, the other by policy. He rejoiced to beguile his enemies, this man to vanquish them in open field. The other was more prudent in counsel, but this man was of a more Princely and royal stomach. The father would oftentimes dissemble his anger and overcome it: but if this man were once in a rage, there was nothing but revengement out of hand, & that should be done without all measure or reason. Both of them were given over much to drinking of win●…, but in their drunkenness they were not both of one disposition. The father would customably from his meat run upon his enemy, fight hand to hand, and unadvisedly cast himself in danger, But Alexander would not outrage upon his enemy, but upon his own men. And therefore Philip returned oftentimes out of the battle wounded himself, whereas this man oftentimes as a murderer of his own friends at his table, was feign to departed out of company. The father loved to reign among his friends, and to have his friends reign with him. The son would play the tyrant with his friends. The father had rather be beloved, the son to be feared. As for learning was a like in both of them. The father was a man of more craft and policy, but the son was more to be betrusted. Phillippe was more modest in words and communication, but Alexander more modest in his deeds. The son was of a more gentle and honest nature, and more prone to show mercy to them that he had overcome, but the father would not abstain so much as from his own confederates and partakers. The Father was more given to frugality, and the son more to riotousness. By the which means the father laid the foundation of the Monarchy of the whole world, and the son to his high renown and glory finished the whole work.   

The tenth Book.  
ARtaxerxes king of Persia had a C. & xv. sons by his concubines, but he 
This ●…ame is he that is mentioned of in the v. and vi. books before.  had no more than three persons that were begotten in lawful wedlock: Darius, Ariarates, and Ochus. Of these three contrary to the custom of the Persians, which are not wont to change their king unless he die,) the father of his gentleness during his own life, made Darius' king, thinking that he had nothing the less himself, for that that he bestowed upon his son, and that he should take the more joy of the begetting him, if he might in his life time behold in his son, the lively representation of his own estate. But 
The wickedness of Darius toward his father.  Darius assoon as his father had by evident proof, newly expressed his tender and loving affection towards him, began to devise means how to kill his father he had been a wicked man, if he had gone about to kill his father alone: but so much the more wicked was he, in that he enticed fifty of his brothers, to consent to the kill of their father. It is a monstrous thing, that so heinous a murder, should not only be consented to, but also concealed in such a multitude of people: that of fifty children there could not one be found, whom either the fear of his father's majesty, or the reverence of his age, or the earnest affection that he had showed, could withdraw or call back from an outrageous cruelty. Was the name of father so vile among so many sons in number, that by whose defence he ought to have been preserved even against his enemies, even by the treason of the same he should be surprised, and be in more safety of his enemies then of his own sons? The cause of this pretenced murder, was more wicked than the murder itself. For after the time that Cyrus was slain in the war that he made against his brother as is before mentioned: king Artaxerxes took his concubine Aspasia in marriage. Now Darius required his father to departed with her to high, like as he had done with the kingdom. His father for the love he bore to him, granted at the first to do it: anon after being stricken with repentance, to th'intent he might honestly deny, the thing he had rashly promised, he made her chief priest to the son, whereby she was bound to keep herself chaste from all men during her life. The young man being 
The just reward of treason.  herewith provoked to anger, first fell at words with his father: and immediately after, as he conspired with his brothers to work treason against his father, he and all his rabble were taken, & by the just vengeance of God (the punisher of such as rebel against their fathers,) put to erecution for their prepensed murder. And to th'intent no imp nor slip should remain of such a wicked race, the wines and children of them all, were in like wise put to death. After this, Artaxerxes fell sick for sorrow and died, happier in that he was a king, then in that he was a father. The inheritance of the kingdom was delivered unto Ochus, who fearing the like conspiracy, replenished his palace with the slaugh 
The 〈◊〉 of Ochus.  ter of his kinsfolk, and of his noble men. No consanguinity no sex, no age, could move his heart to pity: verily for none other purpose, than least men should account him more in nocent than his brothers that went about to slay their father. And so having as it were purified & cleansed his kingdom, he made war to the Armenians. In the which one Codoman putting forth himself with y● favour of all men, to combat against one of the enemies that made a challenge to fight hand to hand, slew his enemy▪ whereby he both won the victory, & also saved the honour of his country, which lay in hazard to be lost. For the which valiant enterprise, the same Codoman was made lieutenant of the Armenians. In process of time after the death of king Ochus, in remembrans of his former prowess, the people created him king. And to th'intent nothing should want in him that appertained to th'estate of a king, they called him by the renowned name o●… Darius. Who afterward with great prowess held war a long time with great Alexander, sometime to his gain, and sometime to his loss. At last being vanquished of Alexander, and slain of his own kinsmen, he ended his life together with the Empire of the Persians.   

The eleventh Book.  
IN th'army of Philip, as there were sundry 
The estate of macedone after the death of king philip  sorts of people. Even so after the time that he was slain, their minds were diversly moved. For some that were oppressed with wrongful servitude, comforted themselves with hoop of liberty. Others weary of the warfares so far from their native country, rejoiced to think that the voyage should be broken up and they dismissed. Many were sorry to see the Tapers that were made to set before the daughter at her marriage, stand upon the hearse of the father. His friends also were not a little amazed, at so sudden mutation of things considering how Asia was lately challenged. Europe scarcely yet conquered, and how the Illyrians, Thracians, Dardanians & other barbarous nations, were of mind unconstant and unwaverig, & of promise unfaithful, & not to be trusted to. All the which people if they should forsake their obediens & rebel 
The wise and discrete behaviour of Alexander.  all at ones, it were not possible by any means to resist them. Unto all these mischiefs the coming of Alexander was as it were a present salve. Who in an oration so c●…forted forted & encouraged all the people for the time, that he both exempted all fear out of their hearts, and made them to conceive good hope & expectation of himself. He was then xx. years old, in the which he promised many things of himself with such modesty, that it appeared he would do more when it came to the proof, than he spoke of. He gave the Macedones a quite discharge of all things, saving he would not exempt them from the wars, by the which deed he purchased himself such at all men's hands, that they said they had changed the body of their king, but not his virtues, the first & chiefest regard that he had, was to enter his father according to his estate. In executing whereof, before all other things, he caused all such persons to be put to death upon his father's tomb, as were 
The murderer's 〈◊〉 kyngPhilip are punished.  accessary to the same. Only he pardoned Alexander of Lyncests his brother, reserving in him the good fore token of his own estate, for as much as he was the first that saluted him by the name of a king. Moreover he caused Caranus his mother in laws son & his brother in law to be put to death as one that looked to be a partner with him in the kingdom. In the beginning of his reign he subdued many countries that rebelled, and suppressed many insurrections even in the very rising. Whereby being greatly encouraged, he went leiserly into Grece, where after the example of his father, summoning the Cities to appear before him at Corinthe, he was substituted captain general in his stead.  
And thereupon he went immediately in hand with the wars 
Alexander g●…eth forward with the wa●… against the Persians tha●… his father ph●… lip had bego●….  against the Persians, which his father had begun. While he was busy in the furniture thereof, tidings was brought him that the athenians, the Lacedæmonians and the Thebans were revolted from him to the Persians, & that the author of this revolting was the orator Demosthen●…s corrupted by ●…he Persians for a great sum of gold, who avowed before the people, that the king of Macedon with all his host was slain of the Tribales, bringing the tales man in open audience, who to make good the matter, said he was wounded himself in the same battle that the king was slain. Upon the which report, the minds almost 
Alexander su●… presseth the commotions in grece.  of all the Cities were changed, and the Garrisons of the Macedones besieged. The which motions intending to prevent, he entered into Grece with an host well appareled and in good order, with such celerity, that they scarce believed their own e●…es when they saw him, because they heard not of his coming. In his way thither ward he exhorted the Thessalians to keep their allegiance, putting them in mind of the benefits of his father Philip toward them, and of the kindred that was betwixt him and them by his mother's side, which came of the stock of A●…acus. The Thessalians were glad to hear those words of him, and thereupon made him lieutenant general of all their country as his father had been before, and rendered unto him all the tributes and revenues that he was wont to have. But the athenians as they were the first that revolted, so were they the first that repented: turning the disdain of their enemy into admiration and wondrement, and extolling the childhood of Alexander (which before they had in despite) above the prowess of the ancient captains. Therefore they sent ambassadors desiring pardon, and that they might have peace. Whom Alexander hard, and with grievous rebuke granted them their request.  
From thence he turned his power toward Thebes, intending to have showed like mercy, if he had found like reapen taunce. But the Thebans went to it with force of arms and not with intretaunce and submission. Being therefore 
The hatred of all grece to ward the Thebans.  vanquished, they suffered most grievous punishment of miserable captivity. When the matter came to debating in counsel as concerning the d●…truction of the city, the Phocenses, the Platecenses, the Thespienses, and the Orchome●…ians, Alexanders companions in arms and partakers of his victory, rehearsed the cruelty of the Thebans in destroying their Cities, and the good will that they always bare to the Persians', not only at that time, but also of old time, to the open prejudice and damage of the liberty of Grece, which thing was not to be borne withal. In consideration where of, they were worthily hated of all people▪ for the proof whereof there needed none other trial nor witness then this, that they all bound themselves with an oath to raze Thebes, assoon as ever they had overcome and made an end with the Persians. Furthermore they told what interludes had been made of their former noughtiness, in so much that there was well nigh no stage whereon they made not open shows thereof, to the intent they should be hated and abhorred, not only for their present unfaithfulness, but also for their old folly and madness. Then Eleadas one of the prisoners having liberty given him to speak, said that the Thebans had not revolted from th●… king, in as much 
The ●…sion of ●…das for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of t●… c●…y.  as they hard say he was slain, but from the king's heirs. In which doing if there were any trespass, it was rather to be imputed as an ou●…rsight for being so light of credit, then as a promise br●…aking or unfaithfulness, and yet if it were so, they had all ready suffered great punishment therefore.  
For the youth of the City being put to the sword, there remained none but a sort of women and children and old folk, which as they were feeble, so were they able to do no harm, the which notwithstanding had been so vexed with ravishments and other displeasures and reproaches, that they never felt thing so bitter to them in all their lives. Wherefore he made intercession, not for his Citizens, whereof there were so few left, but for the innocent soil of his country and for the town itself, which had brought up and engendered not only men, but also Gods. Moreover he alleged a private superstition to entreat the king withal, how that Hercules was borne among them, from whom the house of the A●…acides do fetch their petigry, and how that his father Philip passed his childhood at Thebes: beseeching him to spare that City, which honoured some of his ancestors that were borne among them as Gods, and had seen some other of them that were brought up among them, rise to the royal estate of kings. But the wrath was greater than that any entretaunce could prevail. The City therefore 
The City of Thebes is 〈◊〉 stroyed.  was razed, the lands d●…uided among the conquerors, the prisoners sold under a garland, whose price was set, not to the advantage of the buyers, but according to the hatred of thenemies. The athenians thought it a miserable sight, and therefore they opened their gates for the refuge of such as escaped by flying, contrary to the kings prohibition.  
The which doing Alexander took so grievously, that at the second time when their ambassadors came to entreat for peace again, he remitted their offence, upon condition they should yield into his hands their captains and orators, upon trust of whom they did so often rebel. The athenians being ready to fulfil his commandment, because they would not be constrained to have war with him, the matter was brought to this issue, that they should keep still their orators and banish their captains: who incontinently taking their way to Darius, did not a little increase the strength 
The same is he that in the ●…ast book is called Codo●…an. alexander set●…eth an ordee in his kingdom.  of the Persians. When ●…e should setforth toward the wars in Persia, he put to death all his mother in laws kinsmen, whom Philip had advanced to great promotions, & made rulers of countries: neither spared he such of his own kindred as seemed meet to bear rule, lest any occasion of rebellion should remain in Macedon, while he was making war a far of. Such kings also as were tributaries that were of any wisdom and policy, he took with him to the wars, leaving the old men to govern his kingdom at home. Then when he had gotten his men of war together, he freighted his ships and embarked his host. Out of y● which beholding Asia a far of, 
●…he noble co rage and free heart of alexander.  he was wonderfully inflamed in his courage, & made xii. altars to the Gods as a vow for prosperous success in his wars. All thinheritance that he had in Macedon & Europe, he parted among his friends, saying that Asia was enough for himself. Before y● any sail departed fro the shore, he slew sacrifices, making his prayer for victory by battle, as by the which he was left to be the revenger of Grece so oftentimes before assailed of the Persians, whose monarch had continued now long enough, & was come to his perfect ripeness, & therefore it was high time for other to take the roum that could serve the turn better. Neither was his army of less courage than the king himself. For they all forgetting their wives & children, and that they should make war far from home, made as sure account of the gold of the Persians, and of the richesses of the whole East, as if it had been their own all ready, thinking nothing of the dangers of the war, but of the great richesses. Assoon as they were come to land, Alexander first of all threw a dart as it were into his enemies land, and in his armour leapt out of his ship in manner of dancing, and so killed his sacrifices, praying the gods that those countrics might willingly receive him as their king. In the same place also he did obsequies at the tombs of them that were slain at the battle of Troy. Then sought he for his enemy, straightly charging his soldiers, that they made no waist in the country of Asia, saying it was but reason to spare that that was their own, and that they ought not to make havoc of those things that they came to possess. In his army were two and thirty. thousand foot men. iiii. ●…. and v. C. horsemen, and a C. four score and two ships. It is to be doubted whether it were more to be wondered at, 
alexanders host.  that with so small a handful of men he conquered y● whole world, or that he durst once give th'enterprise to attempt it: considering that to so dangerous a warfare he chose, not lusty young men and such as were in the flower of youth, but old worn soldiers, and such whereof many by reason of their years, were privileged & exempted from the wars, which had served under his father and under his uncles, so that a man would have thought he had not picked out soldiers, but rather masters of chivalry. ●…oreouer none had the leading of any band, that was not lx. years old. So that if ye had beheld the chief officers of his camp, ye would have said, ●…e had seen the senate of some ancient common wealth. Therefore there was no man that thought of running away but of getting the victory, nor there was not any that put his trust in his legs but in his arms. On the other side, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Da rius.  Darius' king of Persia trusting in his own strength, would do nothing by policy, affirming that it was not beseminge for him and his, to devise with themselves to steal the victory, nor yet to keep his enemy out of the borders of his kingdom, but rather to receive him into the bowels of his realm: thinking it should be more to his honour to expulse ●…im perforce, than not to suffer him to enter.  
The first encounter therefore was in the plains of adrast. In the host of the Persians were DC. M. fighting men, 
The number of the Persians.  the which being vanquished as much by the policy of Alexander, as by the puissance of the Macedones, turned their backs and fled. Great therefore was the slaughter of the Persians. Of Alexander's host were slain ix. footmen, and a C. and xx. horsemen. Whom the king the more to encourage 
Darius is vanquished.  the residue of his soldiers, sumptuously buried and set up their Images on horseback on their tombs, and gave great franchises and privileges to their kinsfolk. After this victory the more part of Asia fell unto him. He fought many battles also with the lieutenants of Darius, whom ●…e now vanquished not so much by force, as with the terror of his name. While these things were a doing, in the mean time Alexander was informed by the confession of a prisoner, that Alexander of Lyncestes the son in law of antipater, whom he had left his vicegerent in Macedon, went about to work treason against him. For which cause fearing that if he should put him to death, there would rise sum commotion in Macedon, he put him in safekeping. This done he marched toward the city Gordis, the which is situate between the greater and the lesser Phrygia. 
Of the city Gordis and of Gordius 〈◊〉.  The desire that Alexander had to get this city into his possession, was not so much for the spoil of it, as for because he hard say that in that City in the temple of Jupiter, was the yoke of Gordius wain, the knot whereof whosoever could undo, should be king of all Asia, as the ancient Oracles had prophesied. The occasion and original hereof was this. As one Gordius was going to plough in the country, with Oxen that he had hired, birds of all sorts began to fly about him. whereupon as he went to ask counsel of the Soothsayers of the city thereby, in the gate he met with a maid of excellent beauty, and demanding of her what Soothsayer he were best to go to. When she heard thoccasion wherefore he would ask counsel, being seen herself in the science by thinstruction of her Father and mother, she answered that it meaned he should be a king, and there upon offered herself to be his partaker both of wedlock, and of the kingdom that was behighted. He thought himself happy to have such a fair offer at the first entry of his kingdom. After the marriage, the Phrygians fell at discord among themselves. And when they asked counsel of the Oracle how they might bring it to an end, answer was made that they could not end their controversies with out the help of a king. Demanding again as touching the person of their king, what manner of man he should be commandment was given them to mark whom they saw first after their return, riding into the temple of jupiter in a cart, and to take him for their king. The first man that they met, was this gordius, where upon immediately they saluted him by the name of king. The cart wh●…rin he road when the kingdom was laid upon him, he set in the temple of jupiter, and consecrated it for an offering, as kings are wont to do at their coronation.  
After this man reigned his son Midas, who being traded up by Orpheus in many superstitious Ceremonies, filled all the realm full of sects of religion, by the which he lived more in safeguard all his life, then by his chivalry. Alexander therefore having taken the Town, when he came into the temple of jupiter, immediately inquired for the yoke of the Wain: the which being brought before him, when he saw he could not find the end of the thongs that were bidden within the wreaths, constraining the Oracle to the uttermost, he cut the wreaths a sunder with a sword, and so when he had loosed the wreaths, he found the ends of the knots within the braides. As he was a doing this, tidings was brought him that Darius approached with a great host of men. Whereupon fearing to be enclosed within the straights, he passed the mountain Taurus with all speed possible, in the which haste he ran CCCCC. furlongs.  
When he came to Tarsus, being much delighted with the plesantness of the river Cydnus which runneth through the mids of the city, he cast of his harness, and full of dust 
Alexander taketh a great 〈◊〉.  and ●…wet as he was, threw himself naked into the cold, wherewithal such a nomnesse and stiffness by and by struck through all his finewes, that he lost his speech, in so much that men thought he should not only never recover it, but also looked he should have died presently. Only there was one of his Physicians named Philip, which would take upon him to warrant to make him whole again. And yet the same Physician was had in great mistrust, by reason of the letters sent the day before out of Cappadocia from Parmenio. Who knowing nothing of Alexander's mischance, wrote unto him to beware of Philip the Physician, for he was corrupted by Darius for a great sum of money. Yet notwithstanding he thought it more for his safeguard to commit himself to the physician though he more than half suspected him of treason, then to abide the danger of his disease, whereof there was no way but death. Therefore be took the drink that the Physician had made him, and delivered him the letter, and as he drank, he beheld his face steadfastly to see what countenance he would make at the reading of it When he saw him unabashed, he was glad of it, and the iiii. day after recovered his health. Darius therefore with CCC. M. footmen, and a C. M. horsemen proceeded into battle. This huge number of his enemies somewhat moved Alexander 
The second ●…ncounter between Alexander & Darius  when he beheld how few in respect he had himself. But then again he called to mind, what great enterprises he had achieved, & how mighty countries he had sub dued with that small number. Wherefore when hope had ex pulsed fear, he thought it dangerous to delay the battle. And to th'intent his men should not be discouraged, he road a bout from band to band, & with sundry orations spoke unto each kind of people. He encouraged the Illirians & 〈◊〉, with promise of richesses and substance. The Grecians he set on fire, with putting them in mind of their battles in time past, & of the continual hatred that they had with the Persi sians. The Macedones he admonished of Europe by them all ready conquered, & of Asia now challenged, boasting of them that there were not the like men of power & strength as they were in all the world. Of all which their travels, this battle should be y● final end, to their high renown & estimation. As he had said these words, he commanded his battles to stand still again to th'intent the by this pausing, they might enure themselves to behold the huge number of their enemies with open eyes. Da rius also was not behind the hand in ordering of his battles. For whereas it belonged to the duty of his captains to have done it, he went himself in proper person from rank to rank, exhorting them all to play the men, putting the in remembrance of thancient renown of the Persians', & of the perpetual possession of th'empire given them by the gods immortal. This don both th'armies with great courage buckled together. In the which battle both kings were wounded, & the victory hung in 
The 〈◊〉 of the ●…ans.  doubtful balance, so long until Darius forsook the field. Then ensued the slaughter of the Persians', there were slain of footmen lx. & one M. of horsemen x. M. and xl. M. were taken prisoners. Of the Macedones were killed a C. & thirty. footmen, & a C. & l. horsemen. In the tents of the Persians was found much gold & other riches. Among others, were taken prisoners Dari us mother, his wife which also was his sister, and two. of his daughters. Whom when y● Alexander came to visit & comfort, when they saw the harnessed men, they embraced one another, & made great lamentation, as though they should have died by and by. Then they fell flat at Alexander's feet, beseeching him not for pardon of their lives, but only respite of their deaths for a time, to th'intent they might bury Darius' body. Alexander being moved with pity at the tender 
The 〈◊〉 o●… 〈◊〉  affection of the women, told them that Darius was yet alive and bad them be of good comfort, for they should not die, commanding that they should be esteemed as Queens & so to be called. Furthermore he willed Darius' daughters to trust to him, that he would see them bestowed in marriage, to no persons of base estate, than was for their father's honour. After this when he saw Darius' richesse, his precious ornaments, his jewels and apparel, they were so much that he 
Superfluity the cause of disorder.  wondered to behold them Then began he first to make riotous banquets & sumptuous feasts, than began he for her beauty and favour to fall in love with one of his prisoners, called Bersine, of whom afterward he begat a son, whom he named Hercules. notwithstanding remembering that Darius was yet a live, he sent Parmenio to invade the Persian fleet, and other of his friends to receive the Cities of Asia. Which hearing of his great victory, came with their lieutenants that were appointed by Darius, (who with a great sum of gold yielded themselves unto the conqueror, and submitted themselves under his subjection.  
Then set he forward into Syria, where he met with many kings of the East with crowns on their heads. Of whom (as each of them had deserved) some he took into favour, and some he deposed, setting up kings in their steads. Amongst all other Abdlominus whom Alexander made king of Sydon, 
A king of a gardener.  is worthy to be spoken of. Him whereas before time he was wont to be hired to cast ponds and water gardens, leading his life miserably) Alexander created king: setting aside the noble men, lest for their birth & lineage, they might rather have seemed to challenge it of duty, and not accept it as a free gift. The citizens of tire sent their ambassadors with a crown of gold of great weight unto Alexander, for joy of his good success: who thankfully accepting their present, said he would go to tire to perform his vows to Hercules. Thambasssadors said he might do that better in old tire, & in the old temple, desiring he would not enter into the new 
Alexander be 〈◊〉 Tire.  town. Whereat he took so sore displeasure, that he threatened to destroy the city: and there upon forthwith he brought his army to the Island, whom the courageous Tyrians, for the trust they had in the Carthaginenses, entertained with battle. For th'example of Dydo greatly encouraged the Tyrians, who after that she had builded Carthage, conquered the third part of the world. thinking that it were a foul shame for them, if their women should have more hearts in conquering, than they had in defending of their liberty.  
Wherefore they sent away all such as were not meet for the wars to Carthage, and brought succours in their st●…ad. Nevertheless ere long time after, they were surprised & taken by treason. Here upon Alexander received the Rhodes, Egypt, 
alexander goeth to ●…mo in 〈◊〉.  and Cilicia without any stroke striking. Then took he his journey to jupiter 〈◊〉, of purpose to inquire of the chance of things to come, and as concerning his own birth. For his mother Olympias confessed to Philip her husband, that she conceived not Alexander by him, but by a Serpent of wonderful bigness. And Philip himself a little before he died, did openly report that he was not his son. Upon which cause as though he had known her to have played the miswoman, he put away Olympias. Alexander therefore being desirous to fetch his pedigree from God, and also to deliver his mother from slander of the world, sent messengers privelv before to the priests, to give them instructions what answer he would have them make. Assoon as he 
The 〈◊〉 of the priests which after was the ●…struction of many 〈◊〉 men.  entered into the temple, the prelate's saluted him by the name of the son of Hammon. He being glad of this adoption of the God, gave commandment that all men should take him for his father. Then he demanded whether he had punished all such as were guilty of the murdering of his father or no. They made him answer, that his father could neither be killed nor die, but as for the death of king Philip, he had sufficiently punished all the doers thereof. To his third demand they answered, that he should get the upper hand in all battles, and should be owner of all the whole world. To such also as attended upon him they gave charge to honour Alexander as a God, and not as a king.  
Hereupon he grew to such an haughtiness, and so wonderful an arrogancy was rooted in his stomach, that the gentleness which he had learned by the literature of the greeks and the instructions of the Macedones, was quite razed out of his thought.  
As he returned from Hammon, he builded Alexādi●…a, and peopled it with Macedones, ordaining it to be the head city of Egypt 
The building of alexandria in Egypt.  Darius being escaped to Babylon, sent his letters to Alexander, desiring him of liberty to ransom the women that were his prisoners, and for their ransom he proffered him a great sum of money. Howbeit Alexander would not take a piece of money for their ransom, but the whole kingdom. 
alexanders an swers to Da rius letters.  Within a while after came another letter from Darius to Alexander, wherein he proffered him one of his daughters in marriage, & a portion of his kingdom. Alexander wrote unto him again, that those things that he offered him were his own already, wherefore he willed him to come & submit himself, & to put thordering of his kingdom to the discretion of his so verain. Then being past all hope of peace, Darius addressed himself again to the wars, and with 40000: footmen, & a 10000 horsemen marched toward Alexander. In his journey news was brought him that his wife was departed of deliverance 
The wife of darius dieth  liverance of a child before her time, and that Alexander wept for her death, and also followed courteously after her corpse to burial: the which thing he had done, not for that he was in love with her, but only for courtesy and humanity's sake. For he never saw her but ones in all his life, whereas he would oftentimes visit his mother & his little daughters to comfort them. Then Darius thinking himself clearly vanqui shed, seeing y● after so many battles, his enemy had overcome him. With kindness also, thought it did him good sith he could not get th'upper hand, that it was his chance to be vanquished 
The third letter of Darius to alexander.  of so worthy a conqueror. Wherefore he wrote the three letter unto him, giving him thanks that he had not showed any extremity against his prisoners. Offering him the greater part of his kingdom, even unto the river Eufrales with another of his daughters to wife, and for the rest of his prisoners 3000. talents. Here unto Alexander made answer, 
alexanders answer.  that thank at his enemy's hand was more than needed, and that he had not done any thing to flatter him withal, nor for that he sought a defence against thuncertain end of war, or for articles of peace, but of his own noble heart, which taught him to contend with the power of his enemies and not with their calamities, promising to perform all Darius request, if he would take himself as next unto him, and not as his coequal, for like as the world could not be ruled if there 
The 〈◊〉 ●…counter between ●…us and alexander.  wsr two. sons, so the world cannot without prejudice be go verned by two. sovereign kings, therefore either yield himself the same day, or else prepare himself to battle the next day, and flatter not himself with hope of any other victory, than he had tried already. The next day they brought their men into the field. Suddenly before the battle, Alexander being he ●…y with cares fell a sleep. Al his men being in a readiness to give the charge upon their enemies, the king was missing. Who being with much a do waked by Parmenio, & being asked how it chanced that he slept so sound in so dangerous a time, seeing he was wont to sleep but little, even when he was most at his heart's ease, said he was delivered of a great fear and that he slept upon a sudden quietness that came upon him, because he should encounter withal the whole power of Da rius together: for he was afraid leasts the war should have been prolonged, if the Persians had divided their host. Before the battle each army stood in the sight of other. The Macedones wondered to so the great number of their enemies their goodly personages, & their rich & costli armour. On the other side the Persians were amazed to think how so few should overcome so many thousands as they had. The captains went busily about to view their bands, and see every man keep good order. Darius told his soldiers, that if they were divided, they were more than ten to one of their enemies. Alexander willed the Macedones not to be abashed at the multitude of their enemies, at the hugeness of their bodies, nor at the strangeness of their colour, only he would have them to remember, that this was the iii, time they fought with them, and that they should not think them to be become better men by reason of running away, considering they should bring into the battle with thee, ●…o sorrowful a remembrans of their own discomfitures, and of so much bloodshed as they had gone away with in the two. former conflicts. And as Darius had the greater number of men: so had he himself the greater strength. Wherefore he exhorted them to despise that host that glistered so with gold and silver, in the which there was more gain to be gotten then danger, seeing that victory is not gotten by the glistering of habilments, but by the sharpness of weapons. After this communication the onset was given. The Macedones laid about them with their weapons, as in disdain of their enemy whom they had vanquished so often before. On the contrary part, the Persians chose rather to die then to be overcome. Which caused so much bloodshed as hath not light lie been seen in any battle. Darius when he saw his men put 
Darius is put to flight.  to the worse, would gladly have died in the field, but that such as were about him compelled him to fly whether he would or no. afterward when some gave him counsel to 
The ca●…e of Darius for the safeguard of his soldiers.  break the bridge over the river Cydnus, to the intent to stop his enemies from pursuing him any further, he said he set not so much by himself, that for the safeguard of himself alone, he would cast so many of his company into their enemy's hands: and therefore it should be away for other to escape, as well as it had been for himself. Alexander enterprised such things as were most dangerous, & where he saw his enemy's thickest and fight sharpest, thither would he ever thrust himself in among them to break the press, desirous always to take such things as were most dangerous to himself, and not to leave them to his soldiers. By this battle he took away th'empire of all Asia, the fifth 
Here beginneth the Em ●…ptre of Mace done.  year after he began to reign. Whose felicity was so great, that no man hereafter durst rebel, and the Persians themselves after so many years continuance of their monarchy patiently received the yoke of bondage. When he had rewarded and refreshed his soldiers, he did nothing xl. days after, but take a view of the spoil of his enemy. He found xl. M. talents locked up in the city.  
Also he won Persepolis the head city of the kingdom of Persia, a city that had continued famous and notable many years together, and stuffed with the spoils of y● whole world which was not seen before the taking thereof. While these things were a doing, about viii. C. Greeks came to Alexander, which in the time of their captivity, besides other grievous punishments, had had certain of their limbs and members of their bodies cut of: requestring him that as he had revenged Grece, so he would also revenge them of the cruelty of their enemies, and set them at liberty. When he would have given them licence to return home into their countries, they chose rather to tarry still and take certain lands, lest they should not so much rejoice their friends as make them abhor to look upon them.  
In the mean season to win the conquerors favour withal, 
Darius is bound in setters of gold, and wound●… to death to his own 〈◊〉  Darius own kinsmen bound him in fetters and chains of gold, in a village of the Parthians called Ta'en. I think it was even the ordinance and disposition of God, that the Monarch of the Persians should take his end in the land of them that should succeed in the Empire. Alexander also the next morrow following after upon the spur, had intelligence that Darius was conveyed out by night in a lyter, whereupon commanding the residue of his host to follow after with as much speed as they could conveniently, he took seven. M. of his horsemen, and pursued him. In his journey he fought many dangerous battles, and when he had ridden many a mile, and could hear no inkling of Darius, as his horses were a baiting, one of his soldiers going down to a watering thereby, found Darius in a litter stricken through with many wounds, but as yet alive. Who calling to him the Souldioure, when he perceived by his speech that he was one of his own country men, he said 
The woorde●… of Darius' 〈◊〉 his death.  it was a comfort to him being in the case that he was, that he should speak to one that could understand him, and not utter his last words in vain.  
He had him say unto Alexander in his name, that he died a great dettor of his without any desert of his own part, for as much as he had found him like a king, and not like an enemy towards his wife and children, and that it was his chance to be better entreated of his enemy, then of his own kin. For whereas his enemy had given his wife and children life, his kinsfolk to whom he had given both life and kingdoms, had unnaturally bereft him of his life. For the which his doings, he rendered him such thanks as he himself having the victory listeth to accept. This only one thing (which lay in his power to do for him now lying at the point of death, would he do for Alexander, as inrecom pence of his good turns, that is, to pray to the powers celestial, and the powers infernal, and the Gods of kings, to give him victory and dominion of the whole world. As for himself he desired nothing, but that it might be his pleasure to grant him burial, as of right he ought to have without grudge. And as touching the revengement of his death, it was now no part of his care, but for examples sake the common case of all kings, the which to neglect as it should be dishonourable to him, so might it turn to his utter peril. For on the one part, this case concerneth his justice, and on the other it toucheth his own utility and profit. In token whereof as an only pledge of the faith and honour of a king, he gave his right hand to carry unto Alexander. At those words he stretched out his hand and gave up the ghost. The which when Alexander hard of, he came to see his body as he lay dead, and he wept to behold so worthy an estate, come unto so unworthy a death. Wherefore he caused his body to be entered with all solempnitye like a king, and his relics to be conveyed into the Sepulthres of his ancestors.   

The twelfth Book.  
ALexander bestowed great cost in burying of his soldiers that were slain in pursuing Darius, & to the residue of his company he departed with xv. M. talents. The greater part of his horses was foundered with heat, and such as remained were able to do no service. The whole sum of the money gotten o'late by this victory, was a hundred and three and fifty thousand talents, whereof Parmcnio was made treasurer. While these 
Letters of Antipat●…, regent of Macedon.  things were a doings, letters were brought from Antipater out of Macedon, the tenor whereof contained the warts of Agis king of the Spartans in Grece, of Alexander king of Epire in Italy, and of his lieutenant Sopyron in Scythia. The which made him somewhat to muse. Nevertheless when he had well digested the natures of the two. kings his enviers, he was more glad of the loss of them, then sorry for the loss of his army and his captain Sopiryon.  
For after that Alexander had taken his journey, almoos●…e all Grece fell to rebellion in hope to recover their liberty, 
A rebeliy●… in grece.  ensuing the ensample of the Lacedæmonians, which alonely forsook the peace, and despised the orders taken both by Philip and Alexander. Captain and ringleader of this Commotion, was Agis king of the Lacedæmonians. The which tumult Antipater suppressed with such power as he had raised, even in the very rising thereof.  
Yet notwithstanding there was great slaughter on both parts. King Agis when he saw his men put to flight, to the intent that all be it he could not have as good fortune as 
The valiantness of 〈◊〉 agis.  Alexander, he might not seem inferior to him in courage, sent away his guard and himself alone made such slaughter of his enemies that sometime he put to flight whole bands at ones. At the last although he were oppressed by the multitude, yet he won the glory and renown from them all  
Furthermore Alexander king of Epire, being set into Italy for to aid the Tarentines against the Brutianes', took the voyage 
Of this Alexander, is mention made in the end of the viii. book.  upon him with so good a will, as though the whole world should have been divided, and that Alexander the son of his sister Olympias should have had the East for his part, and himself the West: entending to have no less a do in Italy Africa and Sicil, than the other should have to do in Asia among the Persians. And besides this, like as the Oracle at Delphos had prophesied unto great Alexander, that his destruction should be wrought in Macedon, even so the Oracle of jupiter of Dodone had told this Alexander, that the city Pandose and the river acheruse should be his fatal end.  
Now for as much as both of them were in Epire, not knowing that they were in Italy also, to th'intent to avoid the danger of his destiny, he gladly enterprised war in a strange land. Therefore when he came into italy, the first war that he had was with the Appulians: but when he understood the destinies of their City, he entered a league and amity with their king. For at that time the head City of Appulia was Brunduse, the which was founded by the 
The foundati on of Brund●… see in Italy.  Aetolians under the conduct of Dyomedes that famous captain for his renowned acts at the battle of Troy. But being expulsed by thappulians, they asked counsel of the Oracles. Where answer was made, that they should possess the place that they required, for ever. Here upon they required thappulians by their ambassadors to render their City again, or else they threatened to make sharp war upon them. The Appulians having knowledge of the answer of the Oracle, slew the ambassadors and bucied them in the City, there to have their dwelling for ever, and so having dispatched the meaning of the Oracle, they enjoyed the City a great time. The which deed when Alexander of Epire knew of, for reverence to the destinies of so long continuance, he made no more war to the Appulians.  
Then made he war with the Brutians and Lucanes, & won many cities of theirs. Also he concluded a peace and friendship with the Metapontines, Rutilians and Romans. But the 
Alexand●… king of 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 to death  Brutians and Lucanes having gotten hope of their neighbours fiercely renewed the wars again. There the king near unto the city Pandose and the river Acheruse was wounded to death, not knowing the name of his fatal place, besore he was slain, and when he should die, he perceived that in his own country was no nead for him to fear death, for the which cause he had forsaken his country. The Tyrians ransomed his body at the charges of their city and buried it honourably. While these things were in doing in Italy. Zopyrion 
The death of 〈◊〉 precedent of ●…on tus.  also whom Alexander the great had left precedent of Pontus, thinking himself dishonoured if he lay still and attempted nothing, raised an army of thirty. M. soldiers, and made war to the Scythians. Where being ●…aine withal his host, he suffered due punishment for making war so rashly against an unhurtful kind of people. When tidings of these things were brought unto Alexander into Parthia, he made himself very sorry for the death of his cozen Alexander, and commanded all his host to morn for him by the space of three days. After this, as though the war had been ended in the death of Darius, when all men looked to return into their countries, all ready after a sort embracing in their minds their wives and children. Alexander summoned his soldiers together, persuading with them that all those battles were to no effect that were paste, if the barbarous 
Alexander 〈◊〉 courageth his soldiers 〈◊〉 the warre●….  nations of the East should escape untouched: for he desired not Darius' body but his kingdom, and all such aught to be pursued as forsook their obedience to the kingdom.  
When he had by this oration quickened the minds of his soldiers a new, he subdued Hyrcanie and the Mede●…. In y● same country met him Thalestris otherwise named Mynoshaea 
Thal●…tris Queen of the amazones.  the Queen of the Amazons with CCC. M. women, which had come a xxv. days journey through the savage countries, and through the mids of her enemies of purpose so have issue by Alexander. The sight & coming of whom was wondered at, both for the strange attire of the women, and also for the request that they made to company with Alexander & his men. For this occasion were thirty. days spent in idleness, & when she thought herself with child, she departed home again. After this Alexander as though he had 
alexander falleth to the vices of the Per ●…ians.  had made himself subject to their laws & customs whom he had vanquished, tok●… upon him thattire and diadem of the kings of Persia, which thing was never known among the kings of Macedon before that time. And because they should not disdain him the more for doing these things alone, to th'intent he might counterfeit the Persians aswell in excess of apparel as in excess of fare, he also commanded his friends to wear long robes of cloth of gold & of scarlet. More over he spent the nights in dalliance among the king's concubines, which were women of most excellent beauty, eft with one and eft with another as their turns came about. And for fear least through want of delicious fare, he should not be able to hold with his venerus dalliances & pastimes, he made sumptuous feasts & banquets, and thereunto devised princely shows & pageants, quite forgetting that by such means, riches are wont to be consumed & wasted, & not gotten or preserved. Upon this his doing, arose a great grudge through all the camp, that he held so sore degenerate from his father Philip, that in manner he disdained ones to hear his country named, & should take upon him the manners & customs of the Persians, whom for such manners & customs he had subdued. But for because he would not seem to have yielded himself 
a policy of alexander which afterward grew into a custom.  to the vices of them whom he had subdued by battle alone, he gave his soldiers licens, (if any of them were delighted with the company of their prisoners,) to marry them to their wives thinking that they would have less mind of home, if they had in their tents as it were an image or representation of their household gods & dwelling places, & also that they would make les account of their travel in the wars for the delight & pleasure they had in their wives. Besides this he thought the Macedon should not need to be spent so much in sending forth soldiers to supply the number of them that were slain. If the young novices might succeed the old and expert soldiers their fathers, learning to play the men of war even in the same trench that they were born in. And that they should prove the bolder and hardy, if they were not only trained up to the Wars, but also brought up from the shell in the camp. The which custom remained also among the successors of Alexander. Therefore there was a stipend appointed to find the Children with all, and when they came to man's estate, they had apparel of house and harness given them, and the fathers had wages allowed them according to the number of their sons. If any of their fathers died, or were slain, the Orphans nevertheless took their father's wages, whose childhood among so many viages was even a very warfare. For being from their tender years endured and hardened with continual travel and perils, they made the host invincible, accounting the camp for noon other than their country, nor the battle for any other than their assured victory. The people that were thus begotten, were called Epigones: afterward when he had conquered the Parthians, he made ruler ●…uer them one of the most noble men of all Persia named Andragoras, from whom the kings of Parthia did afterward descend.  
In the mean season Alexander began to outrage with his 
alexander 〈◊〉 rageth against his noble men for repreh●…ding his ●…ces.  own men, not like a king but like an enemy. In especially it displeased him that some of them told him and rebuked him, for breaking the customs of his offences, the ancient father Parmenio next unto the king in estate and dignity, with his son Ph●…otas after inquisition had upon them, were both put to death. whereupon all the camp began to be on a roar, bewailing the mischance of the innocent old man and his son, not letting sometime to say, that it was not for them to look for any better.  
The which things when they came to Alexander's ear, fearing that if the brute hereof should be blown into Macedon, the glory of his conquests should be distained with the spot of cruelty, he made as though he were minded to send certain of his friends into Macedon to bear homme tidings of his conquests, exhorting his soldiers to write to their friends, for it would be long or they had the like occasion again, because they should make war further of. The which being done, he caused the packets of letters to be brought privily unto him, by the which understanding every man's judgement of him, he put all those together into one band that had any ill opinion of him: intending either to consume them by battle, or else to distribute them in to new towns that he purposed to build in the uttermost parts of the world. Then he subdued the Dracans, the Euergets, the Parimen, the paropamissadanes, the Hydaspians, and the other kinds of people that inhabit the foot of Caneasus.  
In the mean time was brought unto him fast bound, 
〈◊〉 is pu nished for his treason.  Bassus one of Darius' friends, who had not only betrayed the king his master, but also slain him. Whom in revengement of his traitorous act, he delivered to Darius' brother to punish him as he thought good, accounting not Darius so much his enemy, as the friend of Darius that had slain his own master. And to th'intent he might leave his name behind him in those countries, he builded a City upon the river Tanais and named it Alexandria, the wall whereof 
Alexandria upon Tanais  being vi miles in compass, he finished within xvii. days, removing into it the people of three other cities that Cyrus had builded. Among the Segdians and Bactrians also he builded xii. cities, destributing into them all such as he knew 
Reed this history, & mark what a vice drunkenness is in a prince.  to be seditious persons in his host. These things thus brought to pass, upon a certain solemn holy day he bade his friends to a feast, where after the time they had taken in their cups, mention being made among them as concerning the acts of king Philip, he began to prefer himself before his father, extolling the greatness of his own deeds above the skies, where unto the greater part of his gests assented. Therefore when Clitus one of the old men, upon trust of the kings friendship, as one that in that respect was the chiefest about him, took upon him to defend the fame and renown of Philip, standing in the praise of his noble acts, he offended the king so sore, that he snatched a weapon out of one of his guards hand, and slew him at the table.  
At the which murder trimling, he cast him in the teeth as he lay dead with his defending of Philip, and with the praise and commendation of his father's wars. But after his mind being satisfied with the slaughter began to quiet itself, in stead of anger entered advisement, and considering, sometime whom he had slain, and sometime upon what occasion he slew him, he began to repent him of that he had done, that he had taken his father's praises in such displeasure, as he ought not to have taken reproachful words, lamenting that he should be so much overseen, as to kill his friend being an old man, and having not trespassed against him as he was making merry. thereupon being turned with like rage to repentance, as he was even now unto anger, he wished himself out of the world.  
First he fell a weeping, than he took up the dead body in his arms, searched his wounds, confessed his madness 
.  to him as if he could have heard him, pulled out the weapon, setting it to his own heart, and had slain himself if his friends had not wrested the weapon out of his hand He continued in this wilfuluesse to die certain days after. For the more to augment his sorrow and repentans, came to his mind the remembrance of Clitus sister who was his nurse, of whom (albeit she was not there,) yet was he most ashamed in himself, that he had so shamefully rewarded her for nursing of him, as now being man grown and a conqueror, to present her that had borne him in her arms all the time that he was a child, with the corpse of her brother, in recompense of her good turns.  
Moreover he thought with himself, what tales and slanders he had raised of himself in his army, and among the nations that he had conquered, what a fear and secret hatred toward himself, he had stricken into the hearts of his other friends, how bitter and loathsome he had made his own table, being not so terrible armed in the field, as sitting naked at his meat. Then came to his remembrance Parmenio and Phylotas, then came Amyntas his Sister's son, than came his mother in law, and her brothers that were put to death, than came attalus, Eury●…ochus, pansanias, and other noble men of Macedon, whose lives he had taken away.  
Hereupon he obstinately forsook his meat iiii. days together, until his whole host came and entreated him, beseeching that he would not so lament the death of one man, as there by to cast them all away, having brought them to the uttermost of the barbarous nations, there to be left destitute among the mids of their enemies that most hated them, and whom they had stirred thereunto by battle.  
Greatly hereunto profited the intretaunce and persuasion 
The force of eloquence.  of the Philosopher Callysthenes, who had been familiar with him when they were both scholars under Aristotle, and as then lately sent for to put his acts in writing. Therefore when he had set his mind again to the wars, he received the Chorasmians and Dracans by composition. Afterward to th'intent all things should be more spiteful, the which one point of stateliness taken of the custom of the Persians, he had hitherto delayed, he gave commandment they should no more salute him, but adore him. Callysthenes 
A▪ good reward of persuading him from despair, read more hereof in the. 〈◊〉. bake.  was one of them that stood sti●…iest against his purpose. The which thing was the confusion of himself, and of many of the noble men of Macedon. For under the colour of treason they were all put to death. Nevertheless the Macedones held still their custom of saluting their kings, utterly casting away & rejecting the manner of adoring. After this he marched toward Ind, to th'intent he might bond his Empire at the Ocean sea, & th'uttermost part of the East. To the which renown, that thornaments of his army might be agreeable, he overlaid the trappers of the horses, & tharmour of his soldiers with silver, & after their silver shields, he named his whole host argyraspides. When he came to the City Nisa, for as much as the men of the town, upon a certain superstitious confidens that they had in their God Bacchus, who was the founder thereof made no countenans of resistance, he commanded his men should do no harm to it: greatly rejoicing, that he had not only followed the wars but also the very footsteps of the God. From ●…ence he led his host to see the holy Mount, the which of it own nature 
See the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 stition.  was beset with vines and ivy in such order, as if it had been dressed with man's hand, and set by cunning of workmen. Assoon as his host came at the mountain being moved through a sudden instinct of the mind to the holly howlings of the God, they scattered here and there without any harm taking, to the great admiration of the king. Whereby he might perceive that in sparing the town●…men, he did his own army as great pleasure as he did them: Then went he to Daedalus hills, and to the kingdom of Queen Cleo phis, who yielding herself received her kingdom again, paying for the ransom thereof certain nights lodging 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  with Alexander, at whose hand she obtained through her pleasant dalliance and enticements, the thing she could never have gotten by force of arms. The son that she conceived by him she named Alexander, who afterward enjoyed the kingdom of Ind. Cleophis the Queen for defiling of her chastity, was ever after called of the Indians the kings Concubine. When he had traveled through Ind, he came to a rock os marvelous bigness and roughness, into the which many people were fled, from winning whereof it was told him that Hercules was prohibited by an earthquake. Being therefore inflamed with desire to sur mount the doings of Hercules with great labour and peril, he obtained the rock. Whereupon all the people round about yielded themselves unto him whom he took unto grace. There was one of the kings of Ind, whose name was Porus, a man of marvelous strength of body, and of wonderful 
Thenco●…nter between Po●…us and 〈◊〉.  stoutness of stomach, who hearing of the fame of Alexander, prepared for the War against his coming. Therefore when it came to the encounter, he willed his men to set upon the Macedones, and to let him alone with their king, for he would fight hand to hand with him himself. And Alexander made no tarriance to the combat. But at the first encounter his horse being wounded under him, he fell down headlong to the ground, nevertheless his guard stepped about him and saved him.  
Porus being overcharged with many wounds was taken prisoner. Who sorrowed so greatly for his being vanquished, that all be it he found favour at his enemy's hand, yet would he not receive any sustenance, nor suffer his wounds to be dressed, and they had much a do to obtain so much at his hand as that he would live. Whom Alexander in honour of his valiant courage, sent home in safety into his own kingdom again. Then builded he two Cities, the one he called Nicaea, tother after the name of his horse he called Bucephala.  
After that, he conquered by force the Adre●…ies, the Strathenes, 
Alexander●… conquests in Ind.  the Passides, and the Gangarites, and slew all their armies. When he came to the Enfyts, where his enemies awaited his coming with two hundred thousand horsemen, all his whole army being wearied as well with the number of their victories, as with their continual travels and labours, with weeping besought him at length to make an end of his wars, and remember to return into his own country again, having regard to the years of his soldiers, which were 〈◊〉 able to live so long as while they might return home. One showed his grey head, another his wounds, another his lean carcase wytheced with age, another his body full of scars and maims.  
saying that they alone were the men that had endured out the continual wars of two kings, Philip and Alexander. Wherefore they besought him, yet at length to restore that few that were left, to the graves of their forefathers, who now fainted, not for want of heart, or for want of good will, but for want of years. And if he would not regard his soldiers, yet have a respect to himself, and weary not his good fortune with taking to much upon her. Being moved with these just petitions, as it were to wind up his victories withal, he caused his camp to be furnished more royally than it was wont to be through the costliness whereof he might both put his enemies in terror, and alfo leave somewhat for them that should come after him to talk of▪ His soldiers never did work in all these li●…es with better wills. Therefore when they had ●…laine their enemies, they retired into them again with great recompense. Alexander went from thence to the river Acesine, and by the same he sailed to the Ocean, there he took to mercy the Gessones and Asybanes which w●… founded by Hercules.  
From thence be sailed to the Ambres and Sycambres, which met him with four score thousand footmen, and threskore thousand horsemen, when he had gotten the upper 
Alexa●…der 〈◊〉▪ p●…aril & go●… fort●…e.  hand of them, he led his host against their city, the which he finding destitute of defendants, as he looked from the wall, the which he first of his men had scaled up unto, he leapt into the plain of the city without any of his guard about him. When his enemies saw him there alone, they ran at him on all sides with a great shout and noise, endeavouring themselves if they could, to finish the wars of y● whole world in one man's death, and to be revenged upon him for so many nations. Alexander on the contrary part as manfully withstood them, and being but one man alone, fought against so many thousands. It is not almost to be spoken, the neither the multitude of his enemies, nor the force and abundance of their weapons, nor their confused noise as they assailed him, could make him afraid, and that being but one a●…e, he should beat down and put to flight so many thousands. But when he perceived himself to be oppressed with the multitude, he withdrew himself to a block that stood by the wall, by help whereof standing in safeguard, he held them all tack so long, until his friends knowing in what peril he stood, leaped down unto him. Of the which many were slain, and the battle ●…ong in doubt, until the time that all his army having overthrown the walls came to his rescue. In y● conflict being stricken with an arrow under the right pap, when he had bled so sore that he could not stand for feebleness, he kneeled on his knee, and never left fight until he had slain him of whom he was wounded. The heling of the wound was grievouser than the wound itself. There 
Alexander sendeth his host to Babylon.  fore when at the length contrary to all hope and expectation, he had recovered his health, he sent Polyperchon with his host to Babylon, and he himself with a number of the most picked and chosen soldiers, took shiping and skoured the Ocean seas, keeping still upon the coast. When he 
Alexander is rep●…lsed with ●…enymous Da●…tes.  came at the city of king Ambiger, the townsmen hearing that he could not be overcome by no iron, dipped their shafts in poison, & so with double wound of death repulsed the enemy from their walls, & ●…lue very many of them. When as among many others Ptolemy was deadly wounded, and was like to have died out of hand, an herb was showed to the king in his sleep, that should remedy the poison. The which being given him in drink, he was forthwith delivered from thimminent danger, and the most part of his army was by this means preserved. afterward when he had won the town by force, he returned into his ships, & made an offering to the Ocean, making supplication for safe return into his country. And as though he had driven his chariot about the mark, & established the bounds of his Empire, as far as there was any land habitable, or as far as the sea was able to be sailed, with prosperous wind he entered into the mouth of the river Indus. There is a momument of his conquests, he builded the city Barce, and set up altars, leving one of his friends for lieutenant of the Indians that inhabit the sea coast. From thence intending to journey by land, when he heard say that in his way were dry places, he 
Alexander's return unto Bab●…on & his doings there.  commanded pits and ponds to be made in places convenient as he should go, wherein finding great plenty of sweet water, he returned to Babylon. There many of the nations that he had subdued, accused their rulers, the which Alexander without respect of friendship or favour, caused to be put to death in the presence of the ambassadors. After this he took to wife Satir the daughter of king Darius. Furthermore he chose out the noblest and beutifullest ladies & gentlewomen of all nations, and gave the to his noble men in marriage: the which he did to th'intent that by a common fact, his own offence should seem the lighter. Then summoned he his army to a sermon, wherein he promised to pay all their dets of his own purse, to th'intent they might carry home clear their booties and rewards. This liberality was notable not only for the great sum, but also in consideration of the fire giving thereof. And it was as thankfully received of the creditors as of the dettors, because it was as hard a matter for th'one to have demanded it, as for the other to have paid it. Three and twenty thousand talents were bestowed here abouts. Furthermore he cashed the old soldiers and supplied their rooms with young beginners. But such as were retained still, grudging at the dismissing of the old soldiers, required to be cashed themselves also, biding 
Alexander's lyber●… 〈◊〉 his soldiers  him pay them their wages & not to tell them of their years for seeing they were chosen into warfare together, they thought it but right and duty to be discharged together. And now they came not to him with entretance and humble suit, as by the way of petition, but with fasing and bracinge. Bidding him finish his wars alone with his father Hammon, and then go set light by his soldiers. On the contrary part, sometime he chastised them, sometime he admonished them with gentle words, that they should not obfuscate & darken their famous conquests and acts of chivalry, with rebellion at the latter end.  
At the length when he saw his words could nothing avail he rose out of his chair unarmed as he was, and stepped into 
The ●…outnes of Alexander.  them, being all armed, to fetch out thauthors of that rebellion. And no man durst be so bold as on's to let him of his purpose, but that he pulled out xiii. of them, and led them to execution with his own hands. So great a patience in suffering death did the fear of a king cast upon them, or else the customable enuring in the feats of war, gave him boldness to put them to execution. Then called he the Per sians aside, and spoke to them, praising their continual faith and obedience, both to him and to their kings in times past, rehearsing his benefits towards them, how he never accounted them as vanquished but as partakers of his victory, and to be short how he had passed into their laws and customs, and not they into the customs of his country, and that by joining affinity and alliance he had made the conquerors and the conquered a like. And now he said he would betake the custody of his own person, not only to the Macedones but also unto them. Whereupon he chose a thousand of their lusty young men into his guard, another sort of them he gave armour and weapon unto, and dispersed them into his own host, to th'intent they should learn thorder of the wars of Macedon, the which thing the Macedones took sore to heart, that the king should subrogate in their rooms, weeping unto him, desiring him to satisfy himself with punishing them rather then with putting than to such reproach. By the which submission they obtained y● axi. M. of thold soldiers were discharged, and of his friends were dismissed because they were old men. Polyperchon Clitus, Gorgias, Polydamas & Antigonus. Craterus had the charge of these that were sent away, with Commission to take upon him as regent of Macedon in stead of Antipater. And Antipater was commanded to come with a number of young soldiers to supply his roumen. They that returned home had allowance of wages as well as they that followed still the wars.  
While these things were in doing, one of his friends named Ephestion, whom he loved entirely, first for his excel 
The death 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  lent beauty when he was a boy, and secondly for his humble obedience deceased. For whom the king mourned a long time more than stood with his honour to do being a king, and bestowed xii. M. talents upon a tomb for him. giving commandment to honour him now after his death as a God. As he was in his way returning towards Babylon from the furthest lands that bordered upon the Ocean, tidings were brought him that the ambassadors of Carthage, and other Cities of Africa, and also of Spain, 
●…des of 〈◊〉 and of the west.  Sicil, Fra●…nce, Sardinia, and many of Italy did await for his coming at Babylon. So great a terror had the fame of his name stricken into the hearts of all the world, that all nations as if they had determined to make him & acknowledge him for their sovereign Lord and king, were glad to humble themselves unto him. For this cause therefore as he was making speed to Babylon, as it were to hold a parliament of the whole world. One of the wisemen told him that it was not good for him to come there, affirming that it was the place where he should die. There upon he left Babylon and went to the city Byrse beyond the river Euphrates which ere while lay desolate. There the Philosopher Anaxarchus through his persuasion compelled him to despise the foresayings of the wisemen as false and uncertain, forasmuch as if they were determined by destiny, men were not privy to them, or if they were ordained by the law of nature, it was not possible for a man to break them or avoid them returning therefore to Babylon, when he had spent many days in idleness, the feasting and banqueting which he had left of now for a good while, he set up fresh again, and being altogether given to mirth and pastime, spending day and night in reveling and making cheer, even immediately upon a banquet, the Physician Thassalus made a rear supper, and desired the king and 
alexander is poisoned.  his Lords unto it. Alexander took a cup in his hand, hand, and as he was in the mids of his draught, suddenly he gave a great sigh as though he had been stricken to the heart with a dagger, and being carried from the banquet half dead, he was tormented with so intolerable pain, that he desired to have a sword to rid himself out of it withal, and when any man touched him, it was as grievous to him as if they had wounded him. His friends caused it to be noised, that his excessive drunkenness was the cause of his disease. But in very deed it was the treason of themselves, the slander whereof was by the power of them that succeeded suppressed.  
The author of this treason was Antipater, who seeing 
The author of alexanders death.  his most entier dear friends murdered, his son in law Alexander of Lyncestes put to death, and himself after his noble enterprises achieved in Grece, not so much accepted for his labour as had in disdain, and there unto tickled with divers complaints made by his mother Olympias besides all the which considering what strait justice and cruel execution was lately before, done upon the lieutenants of sundry countries, could gather no less by the circumstauns of the premises, but that he himself also was sent for out of Macedon, not to attend upon him in his wars, but to be punished as other had been. Therefore to the intent to prevent the kings purpose, he sent his son Cassander privily with poison, the which Cassander with Philip and jolla his brothers, were wont to serve the king at his Table. And the force of the poison was so great that there was neither brass, iron nor earthen vessel that was able to hold it, nor it could not be carried any otherwise then in the hoof a horse: laying straight charge upon his son that he should not trust any man saving Thessalus and his brothers.  
For this cause therefore was the banquet prepared and dressed in the house of 〈◊〉 Philip and 〈◊〉 which were wont to be the kings cup bearers and his tasters, had the poison in cold water, the which water they tasted and cast it upon the drink. The fourth day after Alexander perceiving there was no way with him but death, 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  said he acknowledged the destiny of the house of his 〈◊〉. For the Aeacideses for the most part died 〈◊〉 they came to thirty. years of age. Then he appeased his sou●… dioures which began to make an uproar, mistrusting the king to be killed by treason, and being borne up into the highest and openest place that could be found in all the city●…, and there laid for the upon a couch, he admitted them all to his presence, and put forth his right hand to them to kiss as they stood weeping about him. And whereas all 
〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  the company wept to behold him in that case, he not only shed forth never a tear, but also was without any kind of token ofsorowe or 〈◊〉: in so much that he comforted certain of them that made great sorrow and lamentation for the matter. Unto some he gave commandments and errands to do to their friends from him. So that like as his heart was invincible toward the enemy, so was it invincible also against death. When he had sent away his soldiers, he demanded of his friends as they stood about him, whether they thought they should find the like king again or no. Every man holding his peace, he said, that as he knew not that, so he perfectly knew and prophesied, yea and in manner saw it presently before his eyes, how much blood Macedon should spend in that quarrel, and with how great slaughter & occision of men, it should do obsequies for him after his departure. At the last he willed his body to be buried in the Temple of Hammon. When his friends saw him draw on, they asked who should be heir of his Empire. He answered the worthiest. So great was the courage of his heart, that whereas he left behind him his son Hercules, his brother Arideus, and his wife Roxanes great with child, for getting all 〈◊〉 and alliance, he denounced him to be his heir, that was worthiest. As though it had not been lawful for any man to succeed a valiant man then as valiant a man as he, or to leave the richesse of so great a kingdom to any other, then to such as were tried men with this word, as though he had blown a trumpet among his noble men, or sown the seed of mischief and delate, every one became enemy to other in his heart, & with colourable flattery privily sought the good wills and favour of the men of war. The vi. day when his speech was gone, he took a ring of his finger, and delivered it to Perdiccas, the which thing appeased the dissension of his friends all ready beginning to bud. For albeit he were not pronounced heir by word by mouth, yet notwithstanding it seemed it was his mind he should be his heir. Alexander deceased of the age of xxxiii. years and one month, a man endued with stoutness of courage above the power of man's frail nature. The same night that his mother Olympias conceived him, she dreamt she had to do with a great dragon, neither was she deceived of God in her dream, for 
The tolens that 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 death.  out of all doubt, she bore in her womb a piece of work exceeding the frailness of man's nature. And although she were renowned both for the house of Aeacus from whence by ancient descent of so many C. years, ●…he was lineally ●…xtract, and also because her father, her brother, her husband and all her ancestors and progenitors were kings, yet was she in none of all those respects so much to be esteemed as for her own son. Many wondrous foretokens of his greatness appeared even at his birth. For the same day that he was borne, two Eagles stood all day upon the top of his father's house, representing a token of his dowl Empire of Europe and Asia. And the very same day also his father had tid●…nges brought him of two victories, the one of a battle against the Illyrians, the other of the gaming at the mountain Olympus, unto the which he had sent his chariots. The which was a token that the child should be conqueror of all countries. During his childhood he 
●…lexanders 〈◊〉 and prosperity.  was brought up straightly to his learning when he grew toward man's estate, he increased in knowledge under Aristotle the 〈◊〉 teacher of all Philosophers. A●…terward when he had taken the kingdom upon him, he proclaimed himself king of all lands and of the whole world, and so behaved himself among his soldiers, that if he 〈◊〉 with them, there was no enemy could make them afraid although they had bean naked themselves. Therefore he never encountered with any enemy, but he overcame him, he never besieged city but he won it, nor never entered any country but he subdued it. And yet at the last he was overcome, not by force of the enemy, but by the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 treason of his own subjects.   

The thirtenthe Book.  
ALexander the great being dispatched out of the way in the very flower of 
The great 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e that was for the death of 〈◊〉.  his age and of his conquests, all men were stricken in so heavy dumps, and in especially all the city of Babylon. But the nations whom he had subdued could not give credit to the report: because that as they believed him to be invincible, so also they thought him to be immortal: calling to remembrance how often he had been delivered from present death, and how oftentimes when he had lost his weapon, suddenly he showed himself among his men, not only safe and sound, but also getting the upper hand. But when they were throughly persuaded that he was dead in deed, all the barbarous nations whom he had conquered a little before, mourned for him, not as for an enemy, but as for a father. Moreover the mother of Darius, whom after the loss of her son, being herself fallen from the stage of so high estate, it repented not of her life unto that day, for the great clemency and favour that she found in ●…er conqueror, when she hard of Alexander's death did rid herself out of this life: not because she set more by her enemy then by her own son, but because she had found the natural love of a son in him, whom she took for her enemy.  
On the other part the Macedones cleane contrary mour 
The ungrati tude of the ●…dones.  n not for him as for their countryman, or as for a king of such a majesty, but rejoiced as if they had lost an enemy, cursing his overgreat severity and continual jeopardies that he put them unto by his wars. Besides this, the princes gaped for the pertition of his kingdoms and provinces, and the common soldiers for his treasures, and for a great mass of gold as a booty falling into their mouths unhoped for: th'one thinking to succeed him in his Empire, the other to possess his richesses and movables. There were in the treasury an hundred thousand talentes, besides the yearly custom and tribute which amounted to CCC. thousand. But it was not for nothing that the noble men of Alexander looked for the kingdom. For they were every 
The commendation of alex anders noble ●…en.  one of them of that prowess, representing such a majesty therewithal, that ye would have thought them to have been kings everichone. For they were all men of such beauty and favour so tall and goodly personages, and of so great strength and wisdom, that he that had not known them, would not have thought they had been all of one country, but rather chosen out of all the whole world. And surely neither Macedon, nor any other country before that time, did flourish with such a number of noble m●…n, whom first of all Philip, and afterward Alexander with such advisement selected and picked out, that they seemed not so much to have been chosen to attend upon him, and serve him in the wars, as to succeed in him in his kingdom. Who can then marvel that the world was subdued by such men of service? seeing the army of Macedon was governed by so many, not Captains but kings, who never should have found their matches, if they had not fallen at contention between themselves.  
And Macedon should have had many Alexanders for one, if fortune upon envy of their own puissance, had not armed them one to destroy another. But after the time that Alexander was dead, they assembled together into one place, neither altogether merry nor out of fear one of another. No less mistrusting the men of war, whose liberty was now more large and favour uncertain.  
And among themselves the equality increased their 
The 〈◊〉 tion among●… alexanders captains fo●… the goue●…ment of the Empire.  discord, no man so far exceeding the rest of his peers, that any of them would vouchsafe to submit himself unto him. Therefore they assembled in the palace all in harness, to set an order and stay in matters for the tyme. Perdiccas thought it good to abide the deliverance of Roxanes, the which had now gone viii. months with child by Alexander, and would be ready shortly to lie down, and if she brought forth a son, to substitute him in his father's stead.  
Meleager replying thereunto said, it was not meet to delay their determination upon her doubtful deliverance, nor to tarry for a king that was unborn, sith they might take such as were borne all ready.  
For if they desired to have a child to their king, there was at Pergamus Alexander's son by Arsine called Hercules: or if they had rather have a young man, there was in the camp arideus the brother and companion of Alexander, one that was well-beloved of all men, not only for his own sake, but also for his father king philip's sake. But as for Ro●…nes, for as much as she was a Persian, it was not lawful for the Macedones to take them kings of their blood whose Empire they had subverted, the which thing he said was no part of Alexander's thought: for he made no mention at all thereof at his death. Ptolemy refused to have arideus made king, not only for his mother's baseness, (for he was begotten of a concubine named Laryssa,) but also for his continual sickness, which was greater than could well be abiden in that case: lest he should bear the name, and another all the sway.  
Wherefore it were better for them to choose certain of those which for their prowess and virtues were next unto the king, to rule the provinces and to take charge of the wars, rather than under the colour of a king, to be at the commandment of unworthy persons. At length by the consent of them all, the sentence of Perdiccas took place. It was thought good to tarry for the deliverance of Roxanes, and if she had a man-child, it was determined that Leonatus, Perdiccas, Craterus, & ●…tipater should be protectors, and forth with 
●…rideus is proclaimed king in a 〈◊〉.  the rest took their oath to be obedient to those protectors. When the horsemen had done the like, the footmen disdaining that they were made privy to no part of their doings, proclaimed Arideus the brother of Alexander king, and chose him a guard of his own kindred, giving him the name of his father king Philip. The which things when they were told to the horsemen, they sent to appease their wrath two ambassadors of the noble men Attalus and Melenger: who seeking pre-eminence by flattering of the commonalty, condescended to the soldiers, by and by the tumult increased, when it ones had gotten a head and counsel.  
Then of purpose to destroy the men of arms, they armed themselves and rushed into the palace. The men of arms understanding what peril they stood in, fearfully conveyed 
The first does sention among Alexander's successors.  themselves out of the city, and pitched their camp in the fields, whereat the footmen also began to be dismayed. Neither did the hatred of the noble men cease. Attalus sent to kill Perdiccas captain of the adverse part. Unto whom being armed, when they that were sent to strike him durst not approach, although of his own courage he provoked them thereunto, Perdiccas was of such boldness, that of his 
The stovines of P●…dicas.  own free will he went to the footmen, and assembling them together, laid to their charge what a heinous matter they attempted, willing them to have respect against whom they took weapon in hand, alleging that they were not Persians but Macedones, nor enemies but their own countrymen, yea & many of them their kinsmen, or at least wise for the most part their companions in arms, and partakers of their perils. Wherefore they should make a goodly show to their enemies, that they might rejoice to see them kill one another, by whose puissance they lamented them selves to be overcome, and to see them do sacrifice with their own blood to the ghosts of them that they had slain. When Perdiccas had with his singular eloquence debated these 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  matters to the full, he moved the footmen in such wise, that by a common consent he was chosen captain general of them all. Then the horsemen also being brought to atonement, consented to take Arideus for king, reserving a part of the kingdom for the son of Alexander if any should be borne. This did they, laying the body of Alerander amongst them, to th'intent that his majesty might be as a witness of their. decrees and ordinances. These things 
Thor●…r ●…ken for the government of 〈◊〉.  being thus set at a stay, Antipater was made regent of Macedone and Grece. Craterus was appointed to be high treasurer. The charge of the camp, the host, and matters of warfare were committed to Meleager and Perdiccas, and Arideus himself was assigned to convey Alexander's corpse to the temple of Hammon. Then Perdiccas being sore displeased with the authors of the sedition, suddenly without knowledge of his fellow, commanded the next day a search should be made in the camp for the death of the king.  
When he had set all the host in armour in the field by the consent of them all, he called certain seditious persons out of every band, and caused them privily to be put to death. The which done, he returned again, and divided the provinces among the princes, to the intent he might send out of the way, such as were his back friends, and all so make them all to think, that it was through his goodness that they obtained such authority. First of all Egypt 
The 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 c●…s.  with a part of Africa and Arabia fell by lot unto Ptolemy, whom Alexander for his manhood and valia●…tnesse had promoted from a rascal souldioure.  
And to pntte him in his office, was appointed Cleomenes which builded Alexandria. The next province adjoining thereunto which was Syria, was committed to Laomedom of Mytilene, Phylotas & his son took Cylicia & Sclavonie. Over the greater Media was made ruler Acr●…pat, over the lesser, Alcet the brother of Perdiccas. The country of Susa nigh was assigned to Syno, & the greater Phrygia unto Antigonus the son of Philip, Learchus chanced by lot upon Lycia and Pamphylia, Cassander upon Caria, and Menan der upon Lydia. Unto Leonatus happened the lesser Phri gia, unto Lysymachus, Thrace, & the countries bordering upon y● sea of Pontus. Cappadocia with Paphlagonia were given unto Emnenes. The marshalship of the camp fortuned to Seleuchus the son of Antiochus. Cassander the son of Antipater was made captain of the king's guard. In the further Bactria and in the countries of Indie, the former lieutenants were commanded to keep their offices still, saving that Taxilles had the governance of all that lays between the two rivers of Hydaspes and Indus. And that Phyton the son of Agenar was sent to have the rule of the new towns that were builded in Indie. Ariarches took upon him the government of the Parapomenians, people that inhabit the uttermost parts of the mountain Cancasus. Statener took to govern the Dracans and Argeans, & Amyntas the Bactrians, Scythens obtained the Sogd●…ās Nicanor the Parthians, Philip the Hyrcanians, Phrataphernes the Armenians, Neoptolemus the Persians, Pencestes the Babylonians, Arthius the Pelasgians, and Archesilaus' Mesapotamia. This pertition like as it chanced to every one of them as his fatal charge: so was it unto ma nigh of them the ground and foundation of their increasement and prosperity. For ere it was any long time after, as though they had divided kingdoms and not lievetenauntships, so being made kings of lieutenants, they not only got great richesses to themselves, but also left them to their posterity. While these things were a doing in the Ea●…te, the athenians and the Aetolians renewed the wars in Grece withal the power they were able to make, which 
The war●… of the 〈◊〉 against a lexanders s●… cessours.  they had all ready begun while Alexander was alive. The occasion of this war, was because that Alexander at his return from Ind, wrote his letters into Grece, by the which all such as were banished out of their native countries, of what city so ever they were, (such as were attainted of murder only excepted) were restored to their countries again. The which being openly red in the presence of all Grece at the mart of Olympus, caused much business: because that divers of them were banished, not by order of law, but through discord and partaking of the princes, fearing y● if they should be revoked again, they might bear greater sway & authority in the common wealth them they. Whereupon even then many cities murmured, saying opely that it were meet to set themselves at liberty by the sword. But the chief doers and ringleaders in this quarrel were the athenians and the actolians. Whereof assoon as alexander had knowledge, he enjoined his confederates to find him a thousand galleys to make war withal in the West, purposing by the way to make a rhode against athens, and to destroy it utterly. The atheniens therefore having raised an army of thirty thousand soldiers & two hundred ships, made war with Antipater, to whom the government of Grece fell by lot, whom for as much as he durst not give them battle in the field, but kept himself within the walls of the city Hiraclea they besieged. The very same time De 
The duty o●… a true subject to his native country in 〈◊〉.  mosthenes the orator of athens, who being before banished his country for his offence in taking a bribe of Harpalus that fled for fear of alexanders cruelty, because he had moved the city to war against him, by chance lived as an outlaw at Megara: hearing that the atheniens had sent Hyperides of ambassade to move the Pelopomiesians to take their part in these wars, followed him and with his eloquens persuaded Sycion, argos and Corinthe, and all the other cities to join themselves with the atheniens.  
For the which his doing the athenians sent a ship for him, and called him home out of exile.  
In the mean season at the siege of Antipater, Leosthenes captain of the athenians was slain with a Dart thrown at him from the wall as he passed by. The which thing gave such encouragement to Antipater, that he burst open his barriers, and adventure into the Trench of his enemies. Nevertheless he was fain to send his messengers to Leonatus for succour. The athenians hearing 
Leonatus is 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉.  that he was coming toward them with an host, went to meet him in order of battle, where among the horsemen, he received so sore a wound that he died for thwyth. Antipater albeit he saw his reskowes put to flight, yet notwithstanding he was glad that Leonatus was dead. For by means thereof he was both rid of a back friend, and also increased in strength by attaining of his host. Therefore assoon as he had received his army, being now able to match with his enemies in plain field, they raised their siege and he departed into Macedon. The greekish host also having driven the enemy out of the borders 
The end of the athenien wars.  of Grece, went home every man to his own city. In the mean while Perdiccas making war against the innocent Ariarathes king of Cappadocia, and getting the 
The wilful destruction of the Cappaddcians.  upper hand in the field, won nothing thereby but wounds and perils. For his enemies retiring out of the battle into the city, slew their wives and children, and set their houses, and all that ever they had on fire.  
Moreover when they had thrown there into all their richesses, they cast themselves also headlong after them, to 
He that hunteth two. hares at one's catcheth none of both.  the intent their enemy having gotten the victory, should enjoy nothing of theirs, more than the beholding of y● fire. After this, to th'intent that to thestablishment of his strength, he might get himself th'authority of a king, he intended to marry Cleopatra the sister of great Alexander, and some time the wife of the other Alexander, not without the con sent of her mother Olympias. But first of all he coveted to surprise antipater under pretence of joining alliance with him. And therefore he pretended to desire his Daughter in marriage, to th'intent he might the more easily obtain a sup plement of young soldiers out of Macedon. But by means of antipater, (who smelled out his subtlety,) while he went about two wives at ones, it came to pass that he attained none of both.  
After this there arose war between antigonus and perdicas. Antigonus was aided by Craterus and Antipater, who taking 
The ●…yrstwar 〈◊〉 alexand●… successo●…s.  a truce with the athenians, made polyperchon regent of Macedon and Grece. Perdiccas perceiving that the world went not on his side, sent for arideus and great Alexander's son (of both whom the charge was unto him committed,) into Cappadocia, to have their advise as concerning the order of the wars. Some were of opinion to remove the war into Macedon, to the very wellspring and head of the kingdom, forasmuch as there was Olymplas Aleranders' mother, which should be no small stay on their side, and also for the favour of the commonalty in remembrance of Philip & Alexander. But it was thought most for the common profit to begin at Egypt, lest when they were gone into Mace done, ptolemy might invade Asia. Emnenes besides the provin ces he had before, had delivered unto him, paphlagonia, Caria, Lycia and Phrygia, there he was commanded to abide the coming of Craterus and Antipater, and to assist him, were appointed alcetas the brother of Perdiccas and Neoptolemus with their armies. Clitus was made chief admiral of the Fleet Cilicia was taken from phylotas, and given to phyloxenus and perdicas himself with a great army went toward Egypt. So Macedon through the discord of the captains dividing themselves in two parts, set her weapons against her own bowels, turning the habilimentes of war that were appointed for the foreign enemy, to the slaughter of her own inhabitants, after the manner of madmen, entending to cut and mangle the hands and members of her own body.  
But P●…lomy through his industry and policy got great richesses in Egipte. For by his singular modesty he both 
The Commendation of Ptolemy king of Egypt.  won the hearts of the Egyptians to him, and by his friendliness and gentle behaviour, he compassed the good ●…ils of the kings that were his neighbours & dwelled about him. Furthermore he also enlarged the bounds of his kingdom by conquering the city Cyrene, by means whereof he was now become a prince of such power, that he had not so much cause to be afraid of his enemies, as his enem●…es had cause to be a afraid of him. This city Cyrene was builded by Aristeus, who for because he was tongue tied was 
The building of Eyrene in 〈◊〉.  surnamed Battus. This man's father called Cyrenus, king of the Island There, when as moved with shame and sorrow that his son being man grown, could not speak, he came to the Oracle at Delphos to make intercession to God for his son, he received an answer, whereby his son Battus was commanded to go into Africa, and build the City Cyrene, there to receive the use of speech.  
Now because that the answer seemed like a mockery, by reason of the li●…enesse of the Isle Theramene, out of the which inhabiters were commanded to repair into Africa there to build a city in a country so far of, the matter was left of. afterward in process of time, for their stubborness there fell such a Pestilence among them, that they were compelled to obey the commandment of the God, whether they would or no, and there was so small and slender a number of them, that they were 〈◊〉 able to furnish a ship.  
When they came into Africa, both for the pleasantness of the place, and for the abundance of water springs that there were, they expulsed the inhabiters of the mountain Cyra, and planted themselves in the same place: There their captain Battus had his tongue strings loosed, and began to speak. The which thing encouraged their hearts to build up the rest of the city, in as much as the God had all ready performed part of his promises. Therefore when they had pitched their tents, they followed the opinion of an old fable. How that Cyrene a maid of excellent 〈◊〉 was ravished by Apollo in the mountain Pelius in 〈◊〉 sally, and carried from thence to the top of the mou●…tain▪ Whereas the God begather with child, and when she had gone her time, she was delivered of iiii. sons, Nomius, Aristeus, 〈◊〉, and Ageus. And that her father 〈◊〉 king of Thessaly, sent out men to seek her, who being alured with the plesantness of the place, abode still with the maid in that country. Of these children when they came to man's estate, three returned into Thessaly, and enjoyed the grandfathers kingdom. Aristeus had a large dominion in Arcady, and first taught men the use of Bees and honey, of milk and cream, and first found out the times of the year▪ when the son is at the highest in Summer, and likewise at the lowest in Winter, together with the courses of the other stars. Upon which report, Battus learning the name of the maiden by the Oracles, builded the city Cyrene. ptolemy therefore being en●…ased in strength by the power of this City, prepared for the war against Perdiccas coming.  
But the hatred that Perdiccas had gotten through his passing pride and stateliness, did him more harm than 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of princes.  the puissance of his enemies. For his own companions hated him so sore, that they forsook him and fled by heaps with Antipater. Neoptolemus also being left to aid and assist Emnenes, purposed not only to turn unto the contrary part, but also to betray the whole host of his complices. The which pretence when Emnenes had espied, he had none other shift but to try the matter by dint of sword against the traitor. Neoptolemus being vanquished ●…ed to Antipater a●…d Polyperchon persuading with them, that if they would keep on their journey without staying, they might fall upon Emnenes ere he were ware, being now in joy and gladness for his late victory, and taking no care by reason they had put him to flight.  
But his purpose was unknown to 〈◊〉. Therefore the treason turned upon the traitoures heads. For they which 
〈◊〉 and Neoptolemus are stain by 〈◊〉.  thought to have surprised him unwares, were met withal themselves when they looked least for any such thing, being wearied with travel, and watching all the night. In that encounter polypercbon was slain. Neoptolemus also fighting hand to hand, with Emnenes a great while together, after many wounds given and received, was in the end overcome and slain. emnenes therefore getting the upper hand in two pitched fields together, upheld and maintained his side for a while, which was not a little impaired by the revolting of his adherentes. Nevertheless at the last, when Perdiccas was once slain, both he and phyton, and Illirius, and ale●…tas the brother of Perdiccas, were proclaimed traitoures by the host of their enemies, and Antigonus was appointed to make war against them.   

The. xiiii. Book.  
ENmnenes when he understood y● 〈◊〉 dicas was slain, himself proclaimed traitor in Macedon, and that Antigonus 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doing of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  was appointed to make war against him, declared the matter of his own accord to his soldiers, lest the sudden news of it might cause them to take the matter worse than it was in deed, or the strangeness thereof discourage their hearts. And also to the intent to try whether their minds were bend any thing against him or no, intending to take council by th'advise of them all. Nevertheless boldly protesting among them, that if any man's heart failed him, he should have licence to departed, with the which word he alured them all to favour his proceedings that they all bade him be of good comfort, promising to repeal the decrees of the Macedones by force of arms. Then removed he with his host into Actolia, where he raised a tax 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 name.  of the cities, and such as refused to bestow it upon him, he sacked like an enemy. From thence he went to Sardis to Cleopatra the sister of great Alexander, to the intent that by her words the captains and chief officers might be the more strengthened to stand in his quarrel. For he was of that opinion, that the majesty and fortune of the kingdom should turn unto that side that the sister of Alexander held with. So much reverence was attributed to the greatness of Alexander, that men sought for the favour of his sacred and renowned name, even by the footsteps of women.  
When he was returned into his tent, there were letters 
Treason wisely 〈◊〉 and with standed.  found strawed through all the camp, wherein were promised great rewards to him that would bring Emnenes ●…ed unto Antigonus. Emnenes having knowledge hereof, summoned his soldiers before him, & first of all gave them thanks that there were none of them found, that preferred the hope of a bloody reward before his faithful oath and fidelity. Afterward he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 up the matter, saying that those letters were 〈◊〉 by himself, to try his soldiers minds withal, and ●…at it lay in all their hands to save him or cast him a way, nevertheless that neither antigows, nor any other of the captains, coveted to get the upperhand in such sort, as thereby to give wicked ensample to others to do the like by him. By this deed he both strengthened the wavering minds of h●…s soldiers for the present time, and provided before hand that if the like chance should happen hereafter, his soldiers should not think themselves to be corrupted by their enemy, but rather tried what they would do by their captain. Every man therefore strove who might be most for his security & safeguard. In the mean season came antigonus against them with his boast, and reastinge himself in his camp for that night brought forth his men in battle ray the next morning. Neither did Em●…eties detract the encounter, who being put 
Emnenes is put to flight, and besieged by Antigonus  to the worfe, fled into a certain strong hold. Where perceiving that he was driven to abide thee adventure of the siege, he. dismissed the greater part of his army, for doubt least by the consent of such a multitude he might be betrayed to his enemy, or else be pestered with the number of men, and so not be able to hold out the siege. Then sent he ambassadors humbly to Antipater: who only seemed of power able to match Antigonus. Antigonus hearing that Antipater had sent to rescue Emnenes, broke up his siege and went his way.  
Thus was Emnenes delivered from fear of death for a while, but it was not for him to hope to continue long in safety, seeing he had sent away his men of war. Therefore 
Emnenes windeth hy●… self into ●…auor with the argiraspides.  when he had looked well about him, he thought it best for him, to resort to the Argiraspides that invincible host of great Alexander glistering with the renown of so many victories. But the argiraspides, after that Alexander was once gone, disdained all captains, thinking themselves dishonoured to serve under any other, considering under what a prince they had served so late before.  
Emnenes therefore entreated them with fair words, and spoke gently to every of them, calling them sometimes his fellows and companions in arms, sometimes his patrons and defendors, other whiles his partakers of all dangerous attempts and enterprises in the east, and other whiles the only refuge and stay of his life and safeguard, boasting that they only were those, by whose puissance the East was subdued, which alonely had surmounted the warfare of liber pater, and the monuments of Hercules, that by them Alexander was made great, by them he obtained to divine honours and immortal glory, beseeching them to receive him amongst them, not so much for a captain, as for o●…e of their fellows, and that they would give him leave to be as it were one of their body. Being upon this condition entertained, by little and little first with admonishing every man apart, and afterward with gentle correcting such things as were done amiss, he usurped authority over them. Nothing could be done in the camp without him, nothing could be attempted without his advice. At the length when it was told him that antigonus came against him with an army, he compelled them to put 
Em●…s 〈◊〉 vanquish●… again.  themselves in order of battle there whiles they disdained to be ruled by their captain, by force of their enemies they were overcome. In that battle they lost not only all their glory and renown, won in so many battles before, but also their wives and children, and all the goods they had gotten in so long continued war so far from home. Emnenes th'author of this their loss and discomfiture, having none other comfort or refuge to fly unto, began to en courage them when they were vanquished, affirming that they were superior as touching their prowess & puissance: For they had slain five thousand of their enuemies, and i●… they were minded to stick to it to the uttermost, they should see their enemies be feign to sue to them for peace. As for the losses and damage whereby they thought themselves so much undone, were but two thousand women, & a few children and bondmen, the which they might better recover by getting the victory, then by forsaking the victory for want of courage: The Argyraspides made answer, they would neither attempt to run away with the loss of their wives and bedfellows▪ nor yet make war against their own children. And with that they began to revile him, in that after so many years, when they were returned home with their wages which they had well and dearly earned, and with the rewards of so many battles being at rest and having given over the wars, he had egged them forth to a new warfare and endless encounters, and leading them in manner from their houses and native country, had deluded them with his vain promises, yea & now also after they had lost the gains of their prosperous warfare, could not be content to suffer them being thus vanquished, to lead the rest of their wretched old age in quietuesse. Here upon without knowledge of their captains, they sent messengers to antigonus forthwith desiring restitution 
Thargiraspi des conspired to betray 〈◊〉.  of their goods. He sent them word again he would restore every whit, so that they would yield Emnenes into his hands. Emnenes hearing of this practice, attempted with a few to escape by flight. But being set back again, saying no hope of recovery, as the multitude flocked about him, he made request that he might yet once ere he died, speak unto his army.  
Being willed to say his mind, when ●…lence was made, 
Th●… words of Emnenes to his soldiers.  and his bonds loosed▪ he stretched forth his hand fettered as he was, and showed it them, saying. Behold my soldiers the apparel and ornaments of your captain which none of his enemies hath put upon him. For that were a comfort to him. But even you yourselves, you have made me of a conqueror a vanquished person, you have made me of a captain a captive, four times within this twelve month, you have sworn to be true to me, but I will let that pass. For it is not meet for ●…en in adversity, to upbraid others. This only one thing I require at your hands, that if Antigonus be so fully bend to take my head from me, as in whose death all his affairs and purposes should be finished, you will let me die among you. For I am sure he cares not after what sort, or where I die, so I be dead, neither do I pass greatly for my life, so I might be delivered from this slanderous death. If you will grant me this request, I discharge you of your oath, whereby you have bound yourselves so often unto me. Or if ye be ashamed to slay me yourselves, then reach me a weapon, and give me leave to do that thing for you without conscience of breaking of your oath, which you have sworn so oftentimes to do for your captain. When he saw he could not obtain his request, he left entreatance and fell to anger. Now the Gods (quoth he) the just revenger of perjury, look upon you, you false forsworn kaitives', and give such ends unto you, as you have given unto your captains. For it is not long a go, since you polluted yourselves with the blood of Perdiccas, practising to have done the like with Antipater, yea and that that is worst of all you oftentimes troubled even Alexander himself with your seditions and mutinies, doing your best to have slain him, if it had been possible for him to have died of man's hand. And now I last of all which shallbe offered as a sacrifice by you false forsworn wretches, do pray God that these curses may light upon you, that being beggars and outlaws, you may spend all your life time in this warfare, like banished people, never to return to your country again, and your own weapons devour you, with the which you have consumed more captains of your own, then of your enemies. This spoken, in a great rage and anger he commanded his keners to go before him to Antigonus camp. The army f●…lowed after to betray their own captain, and he being prisoner 
T●… Argi●… p●…des yield themselves solves ●…nd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…o antigonus.  led as it were a triumph of himself unto the camp of his conqueror. Delivering up into the conquerors hands, both themselves, and all the antesignes of king Alexander, together with the honour and renown of so many conquests. And for because there should want no pomp, the Elephants also and the suc c●…urs of the East followed after. So much more glorious were these things to Antigonus, then unto Alex ander all the conquests he achieved, in that where as Alexander conquered the East, Antigonus overcame them by whom the East was conque red. Antigonus therefore dispersed those conquerors of the world into his host, making restitution unto them of such things as he had takē●…m them at the time of their over throw. And for because he had in times past had familiar acquaintance & friendship with Emnenes, he would not for shame suffer him to come in his sight, but assigned him. two. keepers. In the mean season, Eurydice the wife of king aride us understanding that Polyperchon was returning out of 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…tye of her husband Arideus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Grece into Macedon, and that he had set for Olympias, being thereupon stricken with womanly malice, & abusing the weakness of her husband, whose office & authority she took upon her, wrote to Polypercbon in the king's name, that he should deliver up the host to Cassander, as into whose hand the king had put the whole order and government of the Empire. The like commandment she sent also to antigonus into asia. By which benefit Cassander being bound unto her, did every thing after her rash & vna●… vised cōma●…nde meant. Then went he into Grece, & made war against ma ny cities, at the▪ destruction of which as of a fire near at hand the spartan●…s being afraid, both contrary to the answers of the oracles, & contrary to 〈◊〉 renown of their ancestors, distrusting their own chivalry, enclosed 
〈◊〉 Lae●…demonions enclose th●… city 〈◊〉 a ●…ll.  their city with a strong wall, the which ever before that time, they had been wont to defend by force of arms, and not by strength of walls. So much were they degenerated from their a●…cestors, that whereas many. C. years before the prowess of the citizens was the wall of the city, now they thought they might not live in safety, unless they might hide their heads within walls. While these things were a doing, the estate of Macedon was so troubled, the Gassander was fain to return thither out of Grece. For when Olym pias the mother of king Alexander the great, came out o●… Epire into Macedon, accompanied with acacida king o●… the Molosses, and that Eurydice and arideus the king went about to prohibit her from entering into the realm, the Macedones, whether it were for remembrance of her husband king Philip, or in respect of the greatness of her son Alexander, or that they were moved at the unworthy demeanour, gathered themselves unto Olympias, at whose commandment Eurydice and the king were both slain, 
Arideu●… 〈◊〉 his wi●… we●… both sl●…ine.  when he had reigned. vi. years after Alexander▪ But Olympias herself reigned not long. For when she pr●…ceaded to make slaughter of her noble men & peers, more like a tyrant then like a Queen, she turned her favour into hatred. 
Such 〈◊〉 as ye me●…▪ shallbe mes●… to you 〈◊〉.  Therefore when she hard of Cassander's coming, putting distrust in the Macedones, with Roxane her daughter in law & Hercules her nephew, she conveyed herself into the city Pictua. She had also in her train deida●…ia the daughter of king aeacid●…, and her daughter in law Thessalonice, a Lady much set by for her father Philip's sake, with many other noble men's wives, a company more gorgeous the profitable. When these things were reported to Cassander, immediately he came in all haste to Pictua, & environed the town with a strong siege. Olympias being constrained with sword & famine, & weary of the long continuance of the siege, yielded herself the lives of her & hers only saved. But Cassander 
A 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  assembling the people together, to ask their advise what they wo●…d have done with Olympias, privily suborned the parent's of such as she had put to death, who putting on mo●… ning apparel, should come & complain of her great cruelty by whom the Macedones were so incensed, that wyth●…ute respect of her former estate, they gave sentence she should be put to death, quite forgetting that under her son and her husband, they had not only lived in safety and out of danger of their neighbours, but also had gotten so great richesse, and the dominion of the whole world. But Olimpias when she saw the armed men coming fiercely toward 
An example of wonderful ●…outnes in a ●…oman.  her to kill her, of her own accord appareled like a Queen, and leaning upon two of her gentlewomen, she went to meet them. At the which sight they that should have killed her being astonished, for the majesty which she before time had represented, and then openly showed, and remembering so many of their kings, who even then after a sort appeared in her person, paused and stood still, until such time as Cassander sent others to thrust her through. Who neither fled back when she saw the sword, neither refused her deaths wound, nor yet shrieked out like a woman, but after the manner of the most valiant men, advanced herself forward to the death for the glory of her ancient stock and progeny, so that a man might have beheld even Alexander himself in his mother's dying. Furthermore when she was even giving up her 
An example of wom●…anhod  ghost, it is reported that she covered her feet with her garments, and with the hear of her head, least they that stood about her might have seen any uncomely sight in her body. After this, Cassander took to wife Thessalonice the daughter of king Aride●…s, and put Alexander's son with his mother in prison in the tour of Amphipoles.   

The. xv. Book.  
PE●…dicas and h●…s brother Alceta, ●…mnenes and Polypercbon with the residue 
A●… 〈◊〉 on betw●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉  of the captains of the adverse part being slain, it was to be thought that the contention among the successors of great Alexander had been clearly extinguished, when suddenly the conquerors fell at variance among themselves. For when that Ptolemy Cassander and Lysimachus, required to hau●… the money that was gotten and made of the voties and the provinces divided among them, Antigonus denied to admit any partners of the gain and booties of that war, the danger and brunt whereof he sustained himself alone. And to th'intent he might seem to have an honest quarrel to make war upon his fellows, he caused it to be noised, that he would revenge the death of O●…ympias whom Cassander had slain, and deliver his master king Alexander's son and his mother out of amphipolis, where they were kept as prisoners. When this was known, Ptolemy and Cassander entering in league with Lysimachus and Seleuchus, made great preparation for the wars both by sea and by land, Ptolemy held Egypt with the mo●…e part of afric and Cyprus and Phenice: Cassander ruled Macedon and Grece: antigonus had gotten asia, and part of the East: Whose son Demetrius in the first conflict of 
An ex●… of magn●…ty.  these wars was vanquished by Ptolemy at Calama. In the which battle the renown of Ptolemy's modesty was much greater than his victory. For he both let go Demetrius friends, not only with their own private substans but also honourably rewarded, and moreover restored all Demetrius private substance and household stuff: sending him word like a royal prince, that he made war, not for desire of the gain, but for to attain honour and renown and that it grieved him that Antigonus when he had overcome the Captains of the adverse part, should take to 
〈◊〉 are driven out of their country with inyce and frogs.  himself alone, the reward of the victory that apertained to them all. while these things were in doing, Cassander retur ning from Apollonia, chanced to light upon the abderites, which for the excessive swarms of Frogs and mice were fain to forsake their own native country, and seek them a new dwelling place. Fearing therefore lest they should invade Macedon, he made a covenant with them, and received them into league to be his friends, assigning them lands to inhabit in thuttermost borders of Macedon Afterward for fear lest Hercules the son of Alexander, 
Thoutragyous cruelty of Cassander.  who as then was going out of the. xiiii. year of his age, for good will and favour that men bare to his father, should be called to the kingdom of Macedon, he caused both him and his mother Barsine to be put secretly to death, and their bodies to be buried in the ground, lest if they should be buried openly or according to their estate, their death might come to light. And yet not so content, as though he had but smally trespassed, first in king Alerander himself, secondly in Olympias his mother, and thirdly in his son, he also killed his other son with his mother Roxane by like treason: as though it had not been possible to attain to the kingdom of Macedon which he so sore longed for, otherwise then by fraud and treason. In the mean time, Ptolemy encountered again with Demetrius upon the sea, and having lost his ships, and 
One good turn requi●… another.  being clearly vanquished, retired into Egypt. Demetrius being provoked with the like good turn before, set home into Egypt Leuticke Ptolemy's son and Menelaus his brother 〈◊〉 all their private goods and household stuff. And for because it might appear that they were inflamed with desire of honour and praise, rather than with malice and hatred, they sent presents and gifts one to another even in the chiefest time of all their war. So much more honestly did men in those days make war, than they do now maintain friendship. antigonus being puffed up with pride for this victory, proclaimed himself king and his 
〈◊〉 captain●… pro cla●…me themselves king●…  son Demetrius also. Ptolemy likewise because he would not be had in less estimation among his subjects, was proclaimed king by his men of war. Cassander and Lysimachus hearing thereof, took upon them the name and title of kings also. All they abstained from usurping the honour of this name, as long as any of the sons of their master king Alexander were alive. So great modesty was in them, that all be it every one of them had the richesse and power of a king, yet they could well find in their hearts to forbear the names and titles of kings, so long as Alexander had any rightful heir alive. But Ptolemy and Cassander and tother captains of their part, perceiving y● whiles each of them drew a part by himself to make war alone and laid not their power together, each refusing to help other, as though it were but one man's victory, and not the common use of them all, antigonus licked them up one after another, sent letters of encouragement one to another, apoynting a time & place of meeting and interview, and so laid all their powers together for the war. Where at forasmuch as Cassander could not be present himself, by reason of the wars that he had with his neighbours, he sent Lysimachus with a great host to the ay●… of his confederates. This Lysimachus was borne of a noble house in Macedon, but his prowess, virtue and knighthood passed 
Of 〈◊〉.  all nobleness of birth. The which were so planted in his person, that in haughtiness of courage, in knowledge of Philosophy, and in strength of body, he far excelled all them by whom the east was conquered. For when 
Of the Philosopher 〈◊〉 all lyst●…enes uns wo●…hy punishment.  Alexander the great being very sore moved to anger against Callysthenes the Philosopher, for speaking against the adoring of him after the manner of the Persians, had appeached the said Callysthenes of treason, and there upon cruelly mangled him, by cutting of his ears, his nose & his li●…pes, that all men pitied and lamented to behold how miserably he was handled, and moreover carried him about with him, shut up with a dog in a cage, to the terrible ensample of all other. Then Lysimachus who was wont ever before to hear Callysthenes, and to receive instructions of virtue at his hand, taking pity and compassion to see so worthy a man punished, not for any fault, but for using his liberty in speaking, gave him poison to rid him out of his calamities. Wherewith Alexander was so sore aggrieved, that he commanded him to be cast unto a fierce Lion. But when the Lion at the first sight of him, came running with open mouth upon 
The constancy of Lysimachus.  him, Lysimachus wineding his arm in a Towel, thrust his hand into the lions mouth, and pulling out his tongue killed the beast. The which thing when it was declared to the king, he thought it such a wonder, that he was appeased towards him, and ever after set more store by him for his so great steadfastness in virtue. Lysimachus also with a noble courage, took the despite that the king had done to him as meekly, as if it had been done by his 
In example of an obedient and faithful sub●…ct.  own father. Finally putting quite out of his mind the remembrance of this displeasure. afterward in Ind as the king pursued certain of his enemies that were dispersed, when he had through the swiftness of his horse lost the company of all his guard. This Lysimachus alone ran foot by foot with him, and kept him company by his horse side, through unmeasurable fields of dry sand. The which thing his brother Philippe attempting before to have done, died between the Kings hands. But as Alexander alighted from his horse, he wounded Lysimachus so sore in the fooreheade with the point of his spear, that the blood could not otherwise be stopped, but that to bind up the wound withal, the king was fain to take the Drademe from his own head; and set it upon his, the which was then first of all a fortunate fortoken that Lysimachus should after aspire to the estate of a king.  
And after the death of Alexander, when the provinces were divided among his successors, the cruelest nations were assigned to Lysimachus, as to the valiantest person of all others: for far did he by the consent of all men, exceed all the residue in manhood and prowess. Before the battle should be fought between Ptolemy and his adherentes, against Ant●…onus, Seleuchus departing suddenly out of the greater Asia, became a new enemy unto antigonus. This man's prowess also was notable and his begetting wonderful. For his mother Laodice being married to Antiochus a noble man among the captains 
Of 〈◊〉 and of his beg●…inge.  of king Philip, dreamt in her sleep that she conceived, and was great with child by apollo: and that in recom pence for lying with him, the God gave her a King, in the stone whereof was engraved the likeness of an A●…ker, commanding her to give it to her son, whom she should bring forth. This vision was wonderful, both for the ring of the same engravinge that was feunde in her bed the next morning, and for the figure of the anchor which was found in the thigh of Seleuchus being a little Babe, when he was newly borne, and so continued and grew with him. Wherefore Laodice, when Seleucus should go with great Alexander to the warfare against the Persians, informing him of the manner of his begetting, gave him the ring. Whereas after the death of Alexander, obtaining the Empire of the East, he builded a City, and there consecrated the memorial of the original of the stone. For he both called the City Antioch, after the name of his father, and also dedicated the fields about the city to Apollo. The token of his begetting remained also with his posterity. For his children and children's children had an Anchor in their thigh as a natural mark of their lineage. He made many battles in the Eastafter 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  the division of the kingdom of Macedon among the peers of the realm. First he took Babylon by force, then being increase din power by reason of that victory, he conquered the Bactrians. afterward he made an entrance into Ind, which after the death of Alexander, having as it were cast of the yoke of bondage from their necks, had slain all his lieutenants. The author of this liberty was one Sondrocotte, but after the victory he 
The 〈◊〉 ●…ebel from the m●…narchy of m●…cedone.  turned this pretence of liberty into servitude. For by usurping upon him the kingdom, he oppressed with his own tyranny, the people whom he had delivered from foreign subjection. This man was borne of low●…degree, but driven to take the kingdom upon him, by the present aid of God: For when he had upon a time offended Alexander with his malapertness, and that the king had come 
G●… a man good fortune, and throwhym into the sea.  manded him to be put to death, he saved his life by swiftness of his feet. After the which being very weary, and lying fast a sleep. A Lion of marvelous hugeness came to him as he slept▪ and with his tongue licked of the sweat that issued from him, and when he awaked went gently away. B●…ing by this wonderful foretoken first moved to h●…pe of the kingdom, he gathered together ano●…ber of robbers, and stirred the Indians▪ to rebellion. Afterward as he was making preparation for the wars against▪ Alexander's lieutenants, a wild Elephant of marvelous bigness, offered himself to him, of his own accord, and as though he had been tame, meekly received him upon his back▪ and he became a valiant captain and a notable warryo●…re. Sandrocotte having thus gotten the kingdom, the very same time that Seleucus laid the foundation of the greatness that he after grew unto, held all Ind▪ with whom Seleucus entery●…ge a league, and having set his affairs at a stay in the east, came to the wars set against Antigonus. The armies therefore of the confederates being assembled together, there was a field fought. In the which Antigonus was slain▪ and his son Demetrius put to flight. But the confederates after they had by battle dispatched their▪ 
〈◊〉 is slain.  enemies, fell together by the ears again among themselves, and for because they could not agree in parting of 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉.  the pray, they sundered themselves into two parts. Seleucus' joined himself with Demetrius, and Ptolemy with Lysimachus. Cassander being deceased, his son Philippe succeeded him. And so new wars sprung up a fresh again in Macedon.   

¶ The. xvi. Book.  
AFter the death of Cassander and his son Philip, one immediately 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 murder.  ensuing the other, Thessalonice the Queen and wife of Cassander, ere it was long time after, entreating for her life (e●…en by she wing her breasts to move him to pity) was crue●…ly slain by her son antipater. The cause of the murder was this, by reason that after the death of her husband, when the kingdom should be divided, she seemed to be more favourable to Alexander. The which act appeared so much the more heinous in all men's eyes, by reason the mother meant no deceit in the matter. And yet to say the truth, there can be no cause alleged justly, to excuse one for killing their father or their mother. Alexander therefore upon this occasion, intending to make war 
〈◊〉 be●…ene the children of Cas●…der.  upon his brother, to revenge his mother's death, desired help of Demetrius. And Demetrius was easy to entreat, in hope to invade the kingdom of Macedon. Of whose coming Lysimachus being afraid, persuaded his son in law Ant●…pater, to fall to agreement with his brother rather than to suffer his father's enemy to enter into Macedon, Demetrius perceiving that a reconcilement was entreated upon between the. two. brethren, slew Alexander through great treason, & invading the kingdom of Macedon, 
The child is punished for the father's o●…ence.  to the intent to excuse himself of the murder before his men of war, he called them together. There he alleged that Alexander had lain in wait for him before, and that he had not committed, but only prevented the treason. Saying it was more reason he himself should be king, than the other, both for because of his years he was of more discretion & experiens, and also for other considerations. For his father had accompanied both king Philip & gr●…at Alexander in all their wars, and afterward had served Alexander as a captain in pursuing the rebels. Where as on the contrary part, Antipater the grandfather of these youngmen, was always a more rough governor of the kingdom, than the kings themselves. And Cassander the father of them, the roter up of the king's house, spared neither women nor children, nor never ceased, until he had utterly destroyed all the offspring of the king's posterity. The revengement of these milcheves for because he could not execute it upon Cassander himself, he said was transferred unto his children. Wherefore both Philip and Alexander (if the dead have any perseverance) would not that the roters out of them and their issue, but rather the punishers of those traitors, should enjoy the kingdom of Macedon. The people being by this means mitigated, proclaimed him king of Macedon. Lysimachus also being entangled 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 proclaimed king of Macedon.  with the wars of Dromychet, king of ●…hrace, to y● intent he would not be constrained to have battle the self same time with Demetrius also, yielded to him tother part of Macedon that fell to the lot of his son in law Antipater, and made peace with him, Demetrius therefore being furnished with the whole power of all Macedon, when as he was mined to conquer Asia. Ptolemy, Seleuchus and Lysimachus having tried by the former conflict, what a strength concord was of, entered in league again, and joining their hastes together, removed the wars into Europe against Demetrius, Pyrrhus' king of Epire, hooping that Demetrius 
This same i●… he that made war 〈◊〉 Romans.  might as easily and lightly forego Macedon, as he came by it, joined himself with them as a fellow and companion in their war. And his hope deceived him not. For he found the means to corrupt his army with rewards, whereby he put him to flight and seized the kingdom of Macedon into his own hands. While these things were a doing, 
The poster●…y of 〈◊〉 is vtt●…ye ●…ted ou●….  Lysimachus put his son in law Antipater to death, because he repined and 〈◊〉 that the kingdom of Macedon his▪ rightful inheritance was taken from him through the falsehood of his father in law. And because his daughter eurydice took her husband's part in making like exclamation, he put her in prison. And so all the house of Cassander, part lie by murder, and partly by execution suffered due punishment in the behalf of great Alexander, whether it were for working of his death, or for destroying of his issue and posterity. Demetrius also being overcharged with so many 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 self prisoner to 〈◊〉  hosts, whereas he might have died honourably, chose rather to yield himself to Seleuchus shamefully. When these wars were ended, Ptolemy with great renown of his acts and enterprises died. He contrary to the common law of all nations, somewhat before he fell sick, had resigned the kingdom to the youngest of his sons, and of his so doing he rendered a reason to the people, who favoured the son no less for receiving the kingdom, than the father for delivering of it, Among other examples of natural love and affection showed on both parts between the father 
●…n example of fatherly love.  and the son▪ this thing won the hearts of the commonalty to the young man, that the father after the time he had openly surrendered the kingdom unto him, executed the office of one of the guard, and served the king as an other private person: saying it was far more honourable for a man to be father to a king, then to be a king himself. But discord the continual mischief among peers, stirred up strife between Lysimachus and Pyrrhus, a little be fore fellows and confederates against Demetrius, Lysimachus 
Lightly 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 for gone.  getting the upper hand, drove Pyrrhus out of Macedon, and took it into his own hand. After this, he made war against Thrace, and then against the city Heraclea, 
The building of Heraclea in Poathus.  the original, & end of which city were wonderful both of them. For upon a time when the Beo●…ans were afflicted with a sore plague, answer was given them at th'oracle of delphos that they should build a city in the country of Pontus, & dedicate it unto Hercules. Now when as for fear of the long & perilous sailing, (desiring all to die in their own country, rather than to enterprise so long a journey, the matter was omitted, the Phocenses made war against them. By whom being divers times put to thou worse, they ran to the oracle again for counsel. Answsr was made them that the same thing that should remedy ●…he pestilens, should remedy the war. Where upon gathering a little number of men, they sailed into Metapont & builded the city Heraclea. And forasmuch as thes had been brought thither by th'ordinance of god, within short space after they grew to great wealth. In process of time, this city had many battles with their neighbours, & much mischief among themselves, through civil dissetion. Among other honourable deeds, this in especially is worthy to be remembered. At such time as the athenians bore the sovereignty, 
〈◊〉 example of 〈◊〉 in aliens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  and having vanquished the Persians, had raised a tax both in Grece & Asia for the maintenance of their fleet, whereas all other to save themselves harmless, gladly gave than their ask, only the Heracliens for the favour they bore to the kings of Persia, refused to be contributory to y● tax. Malachus' therefore being sent from Athens with an army, to take perforce the thing that was denied, whiles he went abroad to waste & 〈◊〉 the fields of Heraclea, lost his ships that he left at rhode, which the greater part of his army, by force of a sudden tempest that put them all to wrack. Therefore 
An 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  when he could not return by sea having lost his ships, nor durst return by land with so slender a company, through so many savage nations, the Heracliens thinking it more honour to use this occasion to showing gentleness then to revengement, furnished them with victels, & safe condited them home, making account that the wasting oftheir country was well bestowed. if they might thereby win their enemies to be their friends. Among many other evils they suffered also tyranny. For when the common people upon ●… wilfulness outrageously and importunately exacted to have all 
The ●…ble 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  debts clearly released, and the lands of the richmen parted among them, the matter hanging long time in question in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and comm●…n judgement place, and after that of Epaminondas captain of Thebes against the commonalty, that were grown to such a wealthiness through over much ease and idleness. But having denial at both their hands, they were feign to fly for succour to Clearche, whom they themselves had banished before. So great an ertremity did their calamities drive them unto, that whom they had erewhile forbidden his country, even him were they feign to call again to the defence of the same. But Glearche being by his banishment made more 
A wicked 〈◊〉 tor.  wicked than he was before, and taking the dissension of his country men, as a meet occasion for him to usurp and make himself king, first of all commoned privily with Mythridates the enemy of his Citizens, and entering in league with him, compounded that when he were called again into his country, he should betray the city to him, and he to be made chief ruler of it for his labour Yet afterward the treason that he had purposed against his country, he turned upon Mythridates himself. For when he was returned out of erile, to be as an indifferent judge for the determination of civil controversies, the same time that he had appointed to betray the town unto Mythridates, he took him and his ●…rendes, and for a great sum of money let him go again. And like as towards him he made himself, of a friend a sudden enemy, even so of a defender of thestate of the senate he suddenly became a protector of the commonalty, and against the authors of his power & pre-eminence, by whom he had been revoked into his country, by whom he had been placed in the tour of his royalty, he not only incens●…d the commons, but also exercised all kind of most unspeakable tyranny and cruelty. For he summoned the people together and told them that he would not any more assist the senators, using themselves so rigorously against the commonalty, but that he would rather be a mean betwixt them if they continued in their accustomed tyranny, and if they thought them selves able to make their party good against the cruelty of the senators, he would departed with his men of war, and not intermeddle himself in their civil discords. But if they disinherited their own strength, they should not w●…t his help, for that that he was able to do for them. And therefore advise themselves, whether they were better to bid him go his way, or to tarry as a partaker and supporter of the quarrel of the commons. The commonalty being stirred with this talk, made him their chief governor, and so while they were offended at the authority of the senate, they yielded themselves with their wives and children in bondage under the subi●…ction of a lordly tyrant. Clearche therefore apprehended. lx. of the senators, (for all the ●…est were fled) and cast them in prison. The people rejoiced to see the Senate destroyed, and that in especially by the captain of the Senators, and that contrary to all likelihood, their help was turned to their utter confusion. Upon whom, by threatening death to them all in general, he set the higher price. For Clearche receiving 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  a great sum of money of them (as who should say he intended privily to deliver them from the people's displeasure,) when he had rob them of all their goods, he spoiled them also of their lives. Afterward understanding that those that were fled, having moved the cities of pity and compassion to help them, prepared war against him, he set their bondmen at liberty. And to the intent there should want no kind of misery in those honourable houses, and that he might make the slaves more faithful to himself, and more enemies to their masters, he compel led the wives and daughters of those noble men, to marry with their slaves, upon pain of death if they refused so to do. But those sorrowful weddings were grievouser then sudden death to the honourable Ladies. And therefore 
Death is 〈◊〉 be preferred before ●…nesty.  many of them before their marriage, and many in the very time of their marriage, killing first their new husbands slew themselves, and by the virtue of their natural womanhood and shamefastness, was a field sought, in the which the tyrant getting the upper hand, drew the senators as prisoners in manner of triumph through the face of the city. After his return into the city, some he cast in bonds, some he racked, and some he put to death and no place of the city was free ●…rom the cruelness of the tyrant. With this outrageousness he became proud, and with his cruelty ●…e became arrogant, for through his 
Prosperity ma●…eth men forget themselves.  continual good success in prosperity, he would sometime forget himself to be a man: and sometime be w●…ulde call himself jubiters son. When he went abroad, he would have an Eagle of gold borne before him as a token of his begetting. He used to wear robes of purple and to go●… in buskens after the manner of kings in tragedies, with a crown of gold upon his head●…. Moreover to the intent to scorn the gods aswell in ●…ames as in counterfeit gesture & abominable leasings, he named his son Ceraunos. Two noble youngmen called Chion & Leonides disdaining to see him do these things, & intending to set their country at liberty, conspired to kill the Tiran. These men were the disciples of the Philosopher Plato, who coveting to bestow upon their country, the virtue unto the which they 
The valiant prow●…ise of Chion and Leonides.  were furthered by the most perfect instructions of their master, laid in an ambush fifty of their kinsmen, whom they had got●…en to be of their retinue. They themselves counterfeiting to be at defiance against another, made toward the Castie to the Tiran, as to their king the should decide the●…r contro●…ersies: and being there admitted to his presence, (as they that were well known,) ●…hyles the tyrant gave autentive ear to the fi●…st man's tale, the other stepped within him and killed him. But by reason their company was not quick enough in coming to their rescue, they were slain by the guard. By means whereof it came to pass, that the Tiran was slain, but yet the country not delivered. For Satir the brother of Clearche, after the same sort took upon him the tyranny, and the Heracleans many years after, by degree of descent were under subjection of tyrants'.   

¶ The. xvii. Book.  
ABout the same time well nigh, there happened a marvelous great earthquake 
An ●…rryble earthquake.  in the countries of H●…llespont and Chemesosus, and the City Lylimachia being builded by Ly●…imachus not past a two and twenty years before, was overthrown, the which wonder betookened horrible misfortune to Lysimachus and his offspring, with the decay of his kingdom, and the destruction of those countries that were vere therewith. And look as was betokened thereby, so came it to pass. For 
The destruction of Lysimachus ●…nage.  within a short time after, Lysimachus conceiving a deadly hatred, not only beyond the course of a natural father, but also beyond all manhood and humanity, against his son Agathocles, whom he had proclaimed heir apparent of his kingdom, & by whom he had achieved many battles prosperously, by the mean and working of his stepmother A●…syrice he poisoned. This was the first sore, of the mischief that was towards him, this was the beginning of the ruin that hung ●…uer his head. For after the murdering of his own son, he fell to killing of his noble men, whom he executed for none other o●…fence, then because they bewa●… led the death of his son. By means whereof such as were chief officers in his camp, revolted by plumps unto S●…leucus, whom being of himself prone thereunto, vpōdisda●… & envy at tother man's glory, they compelled to make war against Lysimacbus. This was the last contention between 
 them that had served Alexander in the wars, & as it were a match reserved by fortune for examples sake. Lysimachus was. lxxiiii. years old, and Seleveus▪ lxxvii. but in this age, there was none of them both but he had a young man's ●…art, and an i●…satiable desire of dominion. For when as they two alone held the whole world between them, yet they thought themselves enclosed in a 
There is no measure in ●…ition.  strait, measuring the term of their life, not by the length of their years, but by the bounds of their Empire. In that battle Lysimachus having lost before, by divers chances. xv. children, now dying manfully, lastly made himself the full and final decay of his own house. Seleucus 
The death of Lysimach●…s  reioys●…ng in so great a victory, and that which he thought to be a greater matter than the victory, that he only of Alexander's retinue remained, and became conqueror of the conquerors, boasted that it was not the work of man, but the very gift of God, being v●…terly ignorant that it should not be long after, ere he himself should become an 
He was the kings brother of Egypt  example of the frailty of man. For about. seven. months after, by the policy of Ptolemy, who had taken the sister of Ly●…machus in marriage, he was surprised and sla●…ne, and so with his life lost the kingdom of Macedon that he had taken from Lysimachus. Ptolemy therefore being very diligent 
The ●…eathe of Seleucus.  to curry favour with the commonalty, in remembrance of his father Ptolemy the Great, and for reueng●…g the death of Lysimachus: first of all determined to win the sons of 
Note the treachery and deceit of Ptol●…meus Ceraunicus, reed more hereof in the. xxiiii. book.  Lysimachus unto him: and thereupon made suit to their mother Arsinoe his sister, to have her to his wife, promising to adopt the 〈◊〉, to th'intent that when he had succeeded in their room, what for reverence to their mother, or for the name of father, they should not be so bold as to attempt any thing against him. Moreover he earnestly sued by his letters to have the favour of his brother the king of Egypt, protesting that he bore him no displeasure, for taking his father's kingdom from him, and that he would not any more s●…ke the thing at his brother's hand, which he had with more honour gotten at the hand of his father's enemy. Furthermore he sought all the means he could devise, to wind himself into favour with Emn●…nes and Antigonus the sons of Demetrius, and with antiochus the son of Seleucus, with the which he was like to ●…aue war, to ●…ntent he would not have to do with three enemies at ones. Nether omitted he P●…rrhus king of Epire, as one that was like to be no small furtherance to what part so ever he inclined himself, who also coveting to set them all beside the saddle, made fair countenance, and set himself as it were to sale to them al. Therefore when as he was about 
Pyr●…hus ●…deth the 〈◊〉 against the 〈◊〉.  to aid the Tarentines against the Romans, he desired of antigonus to lend him ships to convey over his army, of antiochus who was better furnished with richesse, then with men of war, he requested to borrow a piece of money, of Ptolemy he demanded to send to his aid a crew of the soldiers of Macedon. But Ptolemy who by reason of his own weakness, was not able to bear with him long lent him five thousand footmen, four thousand horsemen, and fifty Elephants, for no longer time then. two. years. In consideration whereof, taking the daughter of Ptolemy in marriage▪ Pyrrhus left him for protector of his kingdom. But forasmuch as we fall in remembrance of Epire, I think good to entreat a little of the original of 
A disco●… to the dom●… of Epy●….  the same. First of all the Molosses reigned in that region. Afterward Pyrrhus the son of achilles, having lost his father's kingdom by being absent at the battle of Troy, reasted in the same country, which after his name were first called Pyrrhides, and after Epyrotes. But Pyrrhus when 
He was ●…so called 〈◊〉.  he came into the Temple of jupiter of Dodone to ask counsel, ravished there anasa the niece of Hercules, by whom afterward taking her to wife, he begat. viii. children.  
Of the which some of them being very gentle and beautiful young Ladies, he married to the kings that were his neighbours, by means of which alliances he purchased great power and richesse. And so (leaving the kingdom of the Chaonians with andromache the wife of Hector, (which in the division of the boty at the winning of Troy fell to his lot to be his wife, unto Helenus the son of king Pri●…mus for his singular knowledge in Prophecy,) within a while after by the treason of Orestes the son of Agamemnon, he was slain at Delphos even before the aultare of the God. After him succeeded his son pilate's. At length by order of succession the kingdom descended to Arymba. Over whom because he was fatherless, 
An example of a learned Prince.  and that there were no more alive of that noble race but he, of very earnest desire that the whole realm had to preserve him and bring him up, there were certain protectors appointed by the common consent of the realm to have the over sight and governance of him. Furthermore he was sent to Athens to school, and look how much he was better learned than hi●… predecessoures so much also was he better beloved among his subjects.  
For he was the first that made laws, ordained a counsel, appointed yearly officers, and established the estate of the common weal. And like as Pyrrhus first gave the people their dwelling. so Arymba brought them first to the trade of civil ordinance and living. This man's son was Neoptolemus, who did beget Olympias the 
Olympias.  mother of great Alexander, and Alexander that after his decease enjoyed the kingdom of Cpyre, and died in the wars of Italy, among the Brutians.  
After his departure his brother Aeacides succeaded in the kingdom, who by wearying his subjects with daily and continual war against the Macedones, gate ●…uche a displeasure among them, that they banished him the rea●…me, leaving behind him in the kingdom a child of 〈◊〉. years old called Pyrrhus, who being sought for also by the people to be put to death for the hatred they bore to his father, was privily conveyed away and borne into Illyria, and delivered unto Beroe the wife of king Glaucia to be kept up, the which Beroe also was extract of the house of Aeacus. There the king, whether it were that he pitied his misfortune, or that he we●… alured with his childish flateringes, did defend him a great while against Cassander king of Macedon, demanding him with great threats, that he would make sharp wars upon him unless he delivered him, and besides this protection of him, he also adopted him to be his son. With the which things the Cpyrotes being moved, turning their hatred into compassion, called him into the realm again being of the age of eleven years, appointing protectors to have the oversight and government of him and his kingdom, until he came to man's estate. afterward when he was ones past childhood, he sought many battles, & he began to be counted of such power wisdom and policy, that men thought no man able to maintain the Tarentines against the Romans, but only him.   

The. xviii. Book.  
Pirrhus' king of Epire therefore, when 
The wars of Pyr●…hus in Italy.  as the Tarentines had sent their ambassadors to him the second time, and that the Samuits & Lucanes, who all so had then need of aid against the Romans, made earnest suit and request unto him for succour not so much moved with the entretance of his suitors as induced with hope to invade the Empire of Italy promised to come with an army. Unto the which thing after that his mind was once inclined, the examples of his ancestors drove him headlongs forwards, to the intent he would not seem inferior to his uncle Alexander, who had defended the said Tarentines against the Brutians, or to be of less courage then great Alexander, who had made war so far from his own country and subdued the East.  
Where upon leaving his son Ptolemy of the age of. xv. years as regent of his kingdom, he landed his army in the haven of Tarent, leading with him his two younger sons Helen and Alexander, to bear him company in his far expedition.  
Of whose arrival the Roman consul Valerius Leunius hearing, making haste to encounter with him before the aids of his confederates were assembled, brought his men into the field: neither did the king, (although he had nothing so many men of war as his enemies) detract the encounter. But where as the Romans had gotten 
Pyrrhus' overcome the Romans.  the upper hand, and were at the point to have put him to flight, he constrained them at the ugly shape of the Elephants first to stand as amazed, and by and by after to forsake the field, and so the strange monsters of Macedon suddenly vanquished them, having all ready gotten the victory. Nevertheless he obtained not the victory without much bloodshed. For Pyrrhus himself was sore wounded, and a great part of his soldiers slain, so that he gate by that victory, more honour than cause to rejoice. Many cities following the fortune of this battle, yielded themselves to pyrrhus. Amongst others also the Locrines 
The magnify cence of Pyrrhus.  betraying the Roman garrison revolted to pyrrhus. Of that pray Pyrrhus sent home two hundred Roman soldiers scotfree to Rome, to the intent that as the Romans had known of his puissance, so they might also know of his liberality. Within a few days after, when the hosts of his confederates were come, he fought an other battle with the Romans, in the which the fortune 
Pyrrhus' vanquish the Romans a gain.  was like unto the former battle.  
In the mean season, Mago captain of Carthage, being sent to the aid of the Romans with a hundred and twenty ships, came before the Senate, saying it greatly grieved the Carthaginenses, that a foreign king should be suffered to make war in Italy. For which consideration he was sent, that for as much as they were assailed by a foreign enemy, they might be rescued by for rain succours. The Senate gave the Carthaginenses hearty thanks, and sent away their succours again. But Mago according to the nature of a man of afric, within a few days after, as though he meant to procure peace for the 〈◊〉, went secretly to pyrrbus intending to feel his mind, and to learn what he purposed as concerning Sicill, whether it was reported he was sent for. For the Carthaginenses sent aid to the Romans. For noon other occasion, but that Pyrrhus might have so much to do with the Romans in Italy, that he might have no leisure to pass into Sicill. While these things were in doing, Fabritius Lucinus being sent ambassador from the Senate of Rome, concluded a peace with Pyrrhus, for the confirmation whereof, Cyneas being sent from Pyrrhus with great gifts and rewards, could find no man that would once open his door to receive a reward. Another example like unto this continency of the Romans, happened almost the very same time. For the Senate sent ambassadors 
Example 〈◊〉  into Egipte, to whom Ptelomy the king sent rich presents, the which they utterly refused, with in a day or twain after, they were bidden to supper, and crowns of gold sent them, the which at that time they received for honour of the king, and the next day after they set them upon the kings Images. Cyneas therefore when he had brought word how the peace with the Romans was infringed by ●…ppius Claudius, being demanded of Pyrrhus what manner of thi●…g Rome was, he answered, that it seemed to him to be a City of kings. After 
〈◊〉 is made 〈◊〉 Sicill, 〈◊〉 hereof more in the. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  this, came unto him the ambassadors of the Sicilians rendering into his hands the right and 〈◊〉 of the whole Island, which was then vexed with the continual wars of the Carthaginenses. Therefore leaving his son Alexander at Lorres, and having well manned the other Cities with strong garrison, he wasted over his army into Sicill. And for as much as we be come 
A 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 o●… the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉.  to entreat of the Carthaginenses, I must speak a 〈◊〉 as concerning their original, repeating somewhat what deeper the deeds of the Tyrians, whose chances also were much to be lamented.  
The nation of the Tyrians was founded by the phoenicians, who being troubled with an earthquake, forsaking their native soil, inhabited first the lake of Assyria, and anon after the ne●…te ●…ea coast, building in the same place a City, which of the abundance of Fish they 
Sydon.  named Sydon. For the phoenicians call a Fish Sydon. Many years after being subdued by the king of the Ascalonites, they took shiping and arr●…ued in the same place where they builded Tire, which was done the yore before the destruction of Troy. There they were oftentimes and diversly assa●…ed with wars by the persians, but ever they had the upper hand. 
An example of cruelty of bondmen.   
But when their power was once wasted, their bondmen abounding in multitude and number, dealt out ●…giouslye and cruelly with them. For they made a conspiracy among themselves, and killed all the fire borne people with their masters also, and so having the city at will, they entered possession in their masters houses, they invaded the common weal, they married wives, and that which they themselves never were), they begat free children. There was one among so many thousand slaves, who being of a meek and honest nature, for pity of the fortune of thold man his master and his young son, did not of beastly cruelty murder them, but of merciful compassion, and manhood saved them. Wherefore when as he had hid them out of the way, (as if they had been slain,) and that the bondmen consulting upon the estate of the common weal, thought it good to create them a king of their own corporation, and him in especially to be the person as a man most acceptable to the Gods, that first should see the sun rising: he declared the matter secretly to his master Strato (for y● was his name) where 
The differens between the wit of a gentleman, and the wit of a 〈◊〉.  he lay hid in a corner. Being by him sufficiently instructed what to dod, when they were all assembled into the field by midnight, whiles all the rest stood gaping into the East, he only alone looked advisedly into the west.  
At the 〈◊〉 all the residue thought it a madness, to look for the rising of the Sun into the West. But assoon as the day began to break, and the East began to glister upon the highest tops and pinnacles of the towers and temples of the City, while all the other gazed for to see the Globe of the Sun he 〈◊〉 of all syewed unto them all the brightness of the Sun shyn●…ge upon the top of the City, this seemed to be done of a greater reason than was in a s●…aues head. Whereupon they enqutred who gave him the counsel, and be co●…essed as touching his master.  
Then it was perceived what difference there is between the wit of a slave, and the wit of a gentleman, and that 〈◊〉 excel in maltce but not in wisdom. Therefore the old man and his son were pardoned, and forasmuch as they tho●…ght them to be preserved by the divine 〈◊〉 of God, they created Strato king. After whose decease the kingdom descended to his son, and so forth to his posterity. This was a notable a●… of the flames and a terr●…le example to the whole world. Wherefore Alera●… he great, when as a long time after he made war in t●…e East, as a revenger of the common 
M●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  tranquillity, having won the●… City perforce, all of them that remained after the battle (in remembrance of the murder done in old time by their predecessors, he crucified. Only the kindred of St●…, he preserved unviolated, and restored the kingdom to his of spring making new inhabitants that were free 〈◊〉 and undefiled with the like offence in the Island, to the 〈◊〉 that the servile seed and slip being utterly rooted out, the offspring of the City might be as it were planted of new again. The Tyrians therefore being in this wise by the means of Alexander new founded, through they own sparing and travel in getting, grew st●…ong again within a short space. Before the siaughter of the masters when they abounded 〈◊〉 in richesse and in number of men, they sent a company of youth into Africa and ●…ded Ut●…a, when as in the mean while the king of 
The ●…dlge of ●…a in 〈◊〉.  Tire deceased, ordaining for his heirs his son Pygmalion, and his daughter Elisa a maid of very excellent beauty. But the people delivered the kingdom to Pygmalion 
The wickedness of Pygmalion.  being a very child, Elisa also was married to her uncle Sycheus the priest of Hercules, the which Rome is of greatest honour next unto the king. This man had great richesses, but no man knew where they were, and for fear of the king, he had hidden his gold, not in houses but in the ground.  
The which thing though men knew not of certainty, yet it was commonly so reported, with the which brute Pygmalion being incensed, forgetting all bond of nature and humanity, without any respect of godliness, killed his uncle being also his brother in l●…e. 〈◊〉 d●…sting 
The policy of Dido to ●…ape from her brother.  her brother a great while after for doing of this wicked act, at the last dissembling her inward hatred, and bearing a fair countenance towards him for the time, practised privily to fly away, and taking into her company certain of the noble men, whom she knew to bear like hatred to the king, and to have like desire of flying away: she came to her brother with a policy, she feigned that she would remove out of her own house, and come dwell with him, to the intent the sight of her husbands house, should not continually renew her sorrow and mourning for him which she coveted to forget, and to the intent the bitter remembrance of him should not any more ware before her eyes. Pygmalion was well contented to hear his sister say those words, because he thought she would bring her husband Sycheus gold with her. But Elisa caused the kings servants that were lent her to help to remove her stuff, to go into ships and car▪ her richesse with them in the shutting in of the evening, and when she had them a good way from the shore, she compelled them to throw certain bags and coffers full of sand into the sea, making them believe it was money. Then she herself weeping with piteous veyce, besought her husband Sycheus willingly to receive his own richesses which he had left behind him, and that he would take them for an offering, like as they had been the cause of his death. Which done she turned herself to the kings servants▪ saying: the time was come that she herself should receive the death that she so sore had long before desired, and that they should abide bitter torments and grievous punishments, because they had made away the richesses of her husband Sycheus, for covetousness of the which the king committed murder, that he might not have them to satisfy his greedy appetite withal. When she had put them all in this fear, they were contented to bear her company in her flight, and to go away with her. Moreover a great number of the nobility, being in readiness for the same purpose, set forth with her, and so having made sacrifice again unto Hercules, whose Priest Sycheus was, they forsook their country to get them a new dwelling place. The first land that they arrived at, was the Isle of Cyprus, where as the priest of ●…piter with his wife and children by the commandment of the God, offered himself to Elisa as a companion and partaker of all her fortune, making a covenant with her, that he and his posterity should for evermore enjoy the honour of the priesthood. The condition was accepted as a manifest token 
The 〈◊〉 custom of 〈◊〉 Cy●….  of good luck. It was the manner of the Cy●…ans to send their maidens before they should be married to the seas side, there to earn their marriage money certain days with the abuse of their bodies, and to make offerings to Venus for the preservation of their cha●… all their lives after. Of these sort of women, Elisa commanded her men to ravish toureskore or there abouts that were virgins, and to put them in the ships, to the intent her young 〈◊〉 might have wi●…es, and the city ●…ase of issue.  
While these things were a doing, 〈◊〉 knowing of the flying away of his sister, when as he went about to pursue her wickedly with battle, he was hardly persuaded by the entretance of his mother, & the threatenings of the Gods to be in quiet. To whom the Prophets being inspired with the spirit of prophecy, declared that he should not ●…skape unpunished, if he went about to hinder the advancement of a City so fortunate, as the like was scarce to be found again in all the world. By means whereof they that sled had sufficient leisure and time to escape. 〈◊〉 Elisa therefore arriving in the coasts of Africa, moved to friendship the inhabitants of the place, rejoicing at the coming and intercourse of merchandise of strangers. Afterward purchasing a piece of ground▪ as much as might be compassed about with an Ox hide, wherein she might refresh her company, weary of their long journey, until she should take her journey again, she caused the hide to beicut into long and slender 〈◊〉, by means where of she had a greater piece of ground than she demanded, where upon ever after the place was▪ calle●… Byrsa. Afterward by the 〈◊〉 of the neighbours of the places there abouts, which for covetousness of gain brought many things to sell to the strangers, and builded them houses to dwell among them, at length there was such a resort of men thither, that it was even as good as a city. Moreover the ambassadors of Utica, brought pre scents to them as to their kinsfolk, encouraging them to build a City in the self same place where they had purchased a dwelling, the afres also were desirous to detain the strangers still. Wherefore by the good consent of all 
The building of Carthage.  parties, Carthage was builded, paying a yearly rend for the ground that the city standeth upon.  
In the first foundation digging, was found an Ox head, the which was a signification, that it should be a very fruitful and plentiful land, but that the City should be always labouring and always in bondage? Where upon the City was removed to another place. There they found a horse head, which signified that the people should be warlike and of great power, and so in that place they builded the City with good luck. Then shortly after by the concourse of the Countries there ●…boutes, resorting thither for the good opinion they had of the new city, it became a great and populous town. At such time as Carthage was most flouryshing 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  in estate and richesse, Hiarbas king of Mauritane, calling to him ten of the Princes of the Afres, commanded them to fetch Elisa to be his wife, an●… to tell ●…er that if she refused so to do he would compel her by force. The which message the ambassadors being afraid to do to the Queen, went to work with her craftily after the nature ●…f Afres, declaring that their king demanded some person, that could learn him and his Afres more civil manners and trade of living, but he could find none that would vouchsafe to forsake his own kinsfolk, to go among such barbarous people that lived after the manner of brute beasts.  
Then being rebuked of the Queen, that they would shun any hard kind of living, for the save guard of their Country, for the which even the very life itself ought to be spent, if need should so require, they uttered the king their masters commandment, saying that 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 own 〈◊〉.  she must do th●… self same things herself that she taught others to do, if she des●…red the safety of her City. Being surprised by this 〈◊〉, after the time she had a great while together called v●…pon the name of her husband Sycheus, with many tears and lamentable come plaint, at the last she answered she would go●… whether as her own destiny, and the destiny of her 〈◊〉 called her. Upon this matter taking three months respite, she caused a great f●…re to be made in the uttermost part of the city as 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  it had been to pacify the ghost of her first husband, and to do sacrifice to him before she should marry again. Wh●…re after the 〈◊〉 of many beasts, taking a sword in her hand, she went up to the top of the 〈◊〉 that was set on 〈◊〉, and so looking toward the people, she said she would go to her husband according to the king's commandment, and which th' that word she thrust the sword to her heart. As long as Carthage▪ was unuanquished, she was worshipped for a Goddess. This City was builded threescore and twelve years before Rome, whose pu●…ssans as it was notable in the wars, so in the time of peace the state was distroubled with sundry misfortunes and civil debate. Furthermore when that among other mischiefs, they were sore vexed with the plague, for the remedy thereof, they used a bloody kind of religion and abominable ●…ickednesse. For they offered men in sacrifice, and 
An abhomi●… kind of religion.  they killed upon the altars, the innocent younglings (which age is wont to provoke even the enemy to pity) seeking to paci●…y the Gods with the blood of them for whose life the Gods are wont most of all to be prayed unto. Therefore the Gods being worthily wrath, and turned from them for ●…o great w ckednesse, when they had made war a long time in Sicill to their utter destruction and thereupon translated the war into 〈◊〉, there having lost the greater part of their host, they were vanquished in a sore fought battle. For the which occasion they banished with the few that remained of his army, their captain Machaeus, under whose guidance they had conq●…ered 
A captain & his army banished for 〈◊〉.  part of Sicill, and 〈◊〉 many great adventures against the afres. The which thing the men of war taking in great displeasure, sent ambassadors to carthage, first entreating for return into their country, and for pardon of their unfortunate warfare, and yet to t●…l them nevertheless▪ that if they might not obtain 〈◊〉 ●…equest by entretaunce, they would win it by the sword●…. When the Ambassadors could get nothing, neither by fair means nor by foul, within a few days after, they took shipping, and came to the City all in 〈◊〉.  
There they protested before God and man, that their coming was not to offer any force to their country, but only 
Carthage 〈◊〉 besieged 〈◊〉 their own●… 〈◊〉.  to recover it, and that they would show their country men, that they wanted not courage in the former wars, but good fortune. Hereupon▪ they kept the City in such wise from victuals, and besieged it so narrowly that they brought the Carthaginenses to utter despair. In the mean●… time Cartalo the son of the banished captain Mac●…eus, as he passed by his father's camp from tire, whether as he had been sent by the Carthaginenses, to carry unto Hercules the tenths of the booty that his father had taken in Sicil, being sent for by his father, answered he would first accomplish his duty in the public religion, ere he would do any private duty to father or mother. The which thing albeit his father were much offended with, yet he durst not as then use any violence towards him, for reverence of the religion. Within a day or two after, desiring safeconduit of the people, when he was returned to his father, and that he vaunted himself openly before all men's eyes, decked in his purple robes and his mitre, according to the degree of priesthood, his father leading 
A terrible 〈◊〉 ample for 〈◊〉▪ obediens to the father.  him a side into a secret place said to him. Thou wicked barlet durst thou be so bold as thus bedecked with scarlet and bedashte with gold, to come into the open face of so many of thy wretched citizens, and to enter into this sorrowful and mourning camp, swimming in these tokens of quiet prosperity, like as if thou should triumph over us? Can thou find none other persons to brag thyself before, but us? could thou find no place ●…o meet as the penury of thy father and the calamities of his unhappy banishment? Dost thou remember that being the other day called, thou proudly disdained, I say not thy father, but certes the captain of thine own countrymen▪ And I pray thee what else representest thou in this thy purple rob and these crowns of gold, than the titles of victories. For as much therefore as thou acknowledgest thy father for no better than a banished man, I also will show myself as a grand captain, then as a father toward thee, and I will make thee example to all men here after, not to be so bold as to laugh and scorn at the unfortunate miseries of their fathers. Immediately here upon he caused him to be nailed to a very high cross in the sight of the city in his apparel & attire as he went. Within a few days after he took Carthage, & summoning the 
Carth●…ge is 〈◊〉.  people before him, he complained of his wrongful banish meant, excusing the war which he was compelled to take in hand full sore against his will, by reason his conquests were despised, wherefore in as much as he had punished thoppressors of his miserable countrymen, he said he was content to pardon all the rest for his wrongful banishment. And so having put ten of the senators to death, he restored the city to her laws again. Not long after he was ac cused to have gone about to make himself king. Wherup on he suffered double punishment, both for working treason against his country, and for murdering his own son. After him succeaded in the captainshippe Mago, by whose industry, both the richesse, the bounds of the Empire, and the renown of the chivalry of Carthage was greatly increased.   

¶ The. nineteen. Book.  
MAgo grand captain of the Carthaginenses, 
〈◊〉 of the histories of Car●….  when first of all he had by ordaining the laws of arms, founded the Empire of the Afres and established the strength of his city, no less by his policy and discipline in the wars then by puissance, deceased, leaving behind him two sons, Hasoruball and Hamilcar, who running in the footsteps of their father's virtue, as they succeeded him in lineage, so succeeded they him also in worthiness. Under these captains war was made in Sardinia. Moreover a field was fought against the Afres, demanding tribute of many years for the rent of the s●…yle, whereon the city standeth. But as the Afres had the inster quarrel, so had they the better fortune, by means whereof the wars were ended with them, by payment of money and not by dint of sword. In Sardinia also Hasor●…hall being sor●… wounded, surrendered the government to his brother Hamilcar and died, whose death was honourable both for the mourning of the whole City, and for because he had been a leaven times dictator, and had had four triumphs. The enemy also began to take heart a grace, as though that with the captain, the strength of the Carthaginenses had decayed. For the Sicilta●…s being oppressed by the Carthaginenses with daily injuries, revolted to Leonida the brother of the king of Lacedaemon. Where upon arose sore wars, in the which there was many encounters and fields fought, sometime to the gain, and sometime to y● loss of either part. While these things were a doing, ambassadors came from Darius' king of the Persians to Carthage, 
The ambassade of P●…rsia.  having in charge to command the Carthaginenses to leave offering of men in sacrifice, and to leave eating of dog's flesh. Moreover the king commanded them rather to burn their dead men, then to bury them in the ground requesting them of aid against the Greeks, unto ●… home Darius was about to make war as then out of hand. But the Carthaginenses denying him aid, by reason of the continual wars they had with their neighbours, to th'intent they would not seem disobedient in all things, willingly obeyed all the rest. In the mean season Hamilcar was slain in the wars in Sicil, leaving behind him three sons, Amilco, Hanno and Gisgo. Hasdrubal had also like number of sons, H●…ibal, Hasdrubal, and Sappho.  
By these men were the affairs of Carthage ruled in those days. Therefore war was made against the moors, fields were fought against the Numidians, and the Afres were compelled to release unto the Carthaginenses for ever, the rent that they were wont to pay for the soil of their City. Afterward when such a number of the graundecaptaines became as a burden to the City, which before time had been wont to be free, in that they did aland judged all together as they listed themselves, there were a hundred of the senators chosen to be judges, which when the captains returned from the wars, should take an account of their doings, to the intent that there by they might be kept in awe, so to behave themselves in executing their authority in the wars, as that they had nevertheless respect to do justice according to the laws of their country. In Sicill in the stead of Hamilear, Hamilco was made graundcaptaine, who having prosperous success 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pe●….  and fortune both in battle on the sea, and in battle on the land, suddenly by the influence of a pestilent planet, lost all his men of war. Whereof when tidings came to Carthage, the City was stricken in heaviness, and 
●…amentable description of the estate of Carthage.  all was full of howling and yelling as if the city had been taken by the enemy. Every man's doors were shut up, the temples of the Gods were shut up, all ceremonies were omitted, all private duty was laid aside, they went out all to the gate, and made inquisition for their friends, of those few that remained from the plague as they came out of the ships, after the time they perceived what was become of them, (for until then, they hung between hope and feat, not knowing of certainty whether their friends were all dead or no) than a man might have hard over all the coast the sorow●…ull sighs and sobs of such as lamented, the pitiful howling and shrieking of the unhappy mothers, and the lamentable outcries of all men on all sides. Among these things comes out of his ship the poor captain Hamilco, in a filthy and beggarly cloak girt about him, at the sight of whom the mourners as they stood in ranks clustered about him. He himself also holding up his hands to heaven, bewailed eft his own misfortune, and eft the misfortune of his country, sometime he cried out upon the Gods which had taken from him so great honour attained by his wars, and so great ornaments of his victories, which they themselves had given him, which after the winning of so many Cities, and after the vanquishing of so many enemies so oftentimes, both by sea and by land, had destroyed that victorious army, not by battle but by pestilens. Wherein yet not withstanding he said he brought no small 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 countrymen, in that their enemies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vaunt themselves of their calamities. For th●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 able to say, that they that were dead were ●…lain by them, nor that they that were returned were put to flight by them. As for the pray that they found in their desolate camp, and carried away, it was no such that they might boast of it, as of the spoil taken from the vanquished enemy, but as of things falling into their mouths unlooked for, which they entered upon, having none owner by the sudden deaths of the right owners. In respect of the enemy, they had come away conquerors, in respect of the pestilence, they were come away vanquished. And yet nothing grieved him more, then that he might not die among those most valiant men, & that he had been reserved, not to live pleasantly, but to be as a g●…sing stock for his calamities. Howbeit assoon as he had conveyed home the remnant of his wretched h●…ste unto Carthage, he would also folo●… his fellows that were gone before. Whereby his coun●…ry should perceive that he had not lived to that day, because he was desirous of life, but to the intent he wou●…d not by his death betray those few that the unspeakable pestilens had spared, by leaving them without a guide, as besieged in the mids of the hosts of their enemies. Entering into the city with such an outcry, ●…one as he came home to his 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  own house, he dismissed the multitude as the last time that ever he purposed to speak to them, and barring in the doors to him, suffering no man to come at him, no not so much as his own sons, he killed himself.   

The. xxi. Book.  
DEnnis having expulsed the Carthaginenses 
A discourse of the acts of the 〈◊〉.  out of Sicill, and taken the government of all the whole Island into his hand, thinking it both a burden to the realm, to keep so many men idle, and also a dangerous matter to suffer so great an army to lie still slothfully and do nothing, conveyed his host into Italy, partly of purpose to quicken the strength 
The wars of the elder Dennis in Italy.  of his soldiers by continual labour, & also to enlarge the bounds of his Empire. The first war that he had, was against the Greeks that inhabited the next sea cos●…e of Italy. The which being subdued, he assailed ever the next unto them, and finally he proclaimed open war against all that bore the name of Greeks dwelling in Italy, the which sort of people held not one part, but almost all Italy at that time. And there be many cities which after so long continuance, do yet at this day show manifest tokens of the Greekish cu●…ome. For the people of Thuscane which possess 
A digression to the ●…ounda tions of the Cities of Italy.  the coast of the neither sea, came out of Lydia. And that Uenetians, who as we see are inhabiters of the upper sea, came under Antenor from Troy, after the taking and destruction thereof, Adria also which is next to the Illyrian sea, & which gave the name to the Adriatic sea is a greek city, so is Apros the which Diomedes builded after the overthrow of Troy, being cast up in the same p●…ace by ship wrack. Moreover Pise in Lombary had Greeks to their founders And among the tuscans, the Tarquin's fetch their beginuing from the Thessalians and Spinambres. And the Perusines from the Acheans? What shall I say of the city Cere? what shall I speak of the latin people, which seem to be founded by Aeneas? Now the Falisces, the japygians, the Nolanes, the Abelanes, were they not sometime enhabiters of Chalcis? what is all the coast of campany? what are the Brutians & Sabines? what are the Sabines? what are the Tarentines, who (as it is left in writing) came from Lacedaemon, and were called bastards? They say that Phil●…ctetes builded the city of the Thurines, whose tomb is to be seen there at this day, and the shafts of Hercules in the temple of Apollo which were the destiny of Tro●…e. The Metapont●…es also have yet to show in the people of Minerva, the iron tools of Epeus their first founder, wherewith he made the horse that destroyed Troy. For the which cause all that part of Italy is called the greater Grece. But in the beginning of these foundations, the Metapontines with the Sybarites and Crotoniens were determined to drive all tother Greeks out of Italy. Assoon as they had taken the city Siris, in the winning thereof, they killed before the very aultare of Minerva fifty youngmen embracing her image and her priest veiled in thattire accustomed in her ceremonies. Hereupon being ●…exed with pestilens and civil sedition, the Crotonienses 
〈◊〉 o●… religion.  went first to thorac●…e of D●…lphos. Answer was made to them, that the mischief should cease, if they had ones appeased Minerva for working so wickedly against her Godhead, and the ghosts of them that they had sla●…n. Therefore when they had begun to carve images to set up to the youngmen of the same bigness that they were being alive, and in especially unto Minerva. The Metapontines knowing of the Oracle of the Gods, thinking it good to work speedily in the pacifying of their ghosts, and in pacifying of the gods, set up little images of stone to the young men, and appeasedthe Gods with bread sacrifices. And so while the one part strived in costliness, and the other part in swiftness, the pestilence was ceased on both parties. The Crotoniens having recovered health, abode not long in quiet. Therefore taking displeasure that in the siege 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉.  of Siris the Locrines came to fight against them, they entered upon them by force of arms.  
The Locrines being stricken with fear, resorted to the Spartans, desiring them humbly of succour. The Spartans being loath to enter into war so far of, bade them ask help of Castor & Pollux. Neither did the ambassadors of their fellow city despise their counsel, and therefore departing 
Mark the superstition of the heathen.  into the next temple, and there making sacrifice, they cried upon the Gods for help. When they had offered their sacrifices, and obtained the thing that they came for (as they thought,) being as merry as if they should have carried the Gods themselves with them, they made them shrines in their ships, and with lucky journey in stead of succour, they brought their country men home comfort. This being known, the Crotoniens also sent ambassadors to the Oracle at Delphos, praying for victory & prosperous end of the war. It was answered that they must overcome their enemies by vowing, or ever they could overcome them by battle. whereupon when they had vowed unto Apollo the tenth of the pray, the Locrine's having knowledge both of the vow of their en●…mies, and of the answer of the Gods, vowed the ninth, and kept y● thing secret to themselves, for fear lest they should be overcome by vowing. Therefore when they were come into the field, and that there stood in the battle of the Crotoniens an C. and. xx. thousand fight men in harness, the Locrine's beholding their own slender number, (for they had no more but xv. M. sould●…oures) cast away all hope of victory, and bend themselves obstinately to die in the field. Now by means of this despair, every man took such a heart unto him, that they thought themselves to have gotten 
Despair ge●… courage.  the victory, if they might revenge their deaths manfully. But while they sought to die honestly, they gate the upper hand more luckily. Neither can it be thought that there should be any other cause of their victory, then that they fell in despair. All the while the Locrines were fighting, there was an Eagle that never departed from the●…e battles, nor never left hovering about them until they had gotten the upper hand. Moreover two young men in strange armour, unlike th'one to tother, o●… excellent parsonage, upon white horses, & in scarlet cloaks were seen sigh thing in the wings of the battle, the which ass●…ne as the battle was ended, vanished out ●…f sight. The incredible swiftness of fame increased the wonderment of the thing. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  For the same day that the battle was fought in Italy, the victory was ●…eported at corinth, Athens, and Lacedaemon. After this the Crotoniens did never pass to exercise themselves in cheua●… ye nor in feats of arms. For they hated them, because they had so unluckly attempted them. And they had changed their 〈◊〉 into riot and idleness, if the Philosopher Pythagoras had not been. This man being the son of a rich merchant man of 
Of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Sames called Demaratus, and being brought up in the studies of wisdom, wherein he greatly increased, taking his ●…akyng first into Egypt, and afterward to Bab●…on, to learn perfect●…y the moviug of the planets, and to search out the beginning of the world, whereof it was made, attained to marvelous exquis●…te knowledge. As he ret●…urned from thence, he went to Can●…ye, and Lacedaemon, to study the laws of Minos and Lycurgus which were famous and notable at that tyme. In all the which being●… perfectly instructed and furnished, he came to Croton, and by his authority revoked the people to ●…rugalitye, lately before fallen into excess and riot. daily he commended virtue, and dispraised ●…he vice of riot, reciting the miserable ch●…ūces of cities, that had decayed through that 〈◊〉 whereby he so stirred the multitude to the savour of frug●…lity, that some of them which were utterly drowned in riot, were contrary to all hope and exp●…ctation, brought again to good thrift. Moreover he gave the wives instructions a part from their husbands, and the children oftentimes a part from their parents. He taught the women chastity, shamefastness, womanhood, and obedi●…nce to their husbands. The men children modesty, sobr●…sse, good nurture and learning, and among these things, ●…e interlaced frugality as the mother of all virtues.  
Finally he did so much with his continual disputations, that the noble women laid a side their garments of cloth of gold and other the jewels and ornaments apertaining to their estates, as thinstruments of excess & superfluity, & brought all such things into junos' temple, & consecrated them to the Gods: persuading with them that the true ornaments 
The true ornaments of Ladies.  of ladies and gentle women, was chastity & not gorgeous raiment or strange attire. How much he was able to way with tother youth of the city, the bridling & overcoming of the stobern & ●…roward stomachs of the women doth well declare. But there were three C young men which gathering themselves on a rout, bound themselves with an oath to live together like sworn brothers from the residue of the citizens, by which their doing as though they had made an unlawful assemble to conspire against the city, they brought all the whole city in their necks. And as they were all assembled into one house, the City would have burnt them up. In the which hurlyburly, almost. lx. of them were slain, and the residue were banished. When Pythagoras had dwelled full. xx. years at Croton, he removed to Metapont & there deceased. Whom they had in such estimation, that of his house they made a temple, & honoured him for a God. Therefore Dennis the Tiran whom 
He returneth to the doings of Dennis.  we declared before to have passed his army into italy, & to have made war against the Greeks, after he had won Locres by force, assailed the Crotoniens having yet scars lie after so long respite, recovered their strength decayed by the slaughter of the foresaid war. And yet they now with their few, more valiantly resisted his so populous army, than they could with so many thousands, make resistens before against the small number of the Locrines. So great force hath poverty against proud richesses, and so much more certain sometime is the victory unhoped for then the victory that is made account of before hand. While Den nis was making this war, th'ambasssadors of the french 
Dennis entereth in league 〈◊〉 the  men which a few months before had burned Rome came unto him, desiring to enter in league and friendship with 〈◊〉. Alleging that their country was situate among the mids of his enemies, wherefore they might stand him in 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that burned Rome.  good stead, whether it were to aid him in the battle, o●… to set upon them behind, whiles they were fighting with him before. Dennis liked this ambassade well. And so entering in league with them, and being increased in power by their aid, he began his war as it were new again. The cause why these Frenchmen came into Italy to seek them a new dwelling place, was the civil discord and continual debate that they had at home among themselves. 
City's 〈◊〉 in Italy by the 〈◊〉 men.  For weariness whereof coming out of Italy, they drove the tuscans out of house and home, and builded the cities of Milan, Come, Brixia, Verone, Bergome. Trident, and Uincent. The tuscans also with their captain Rhetus having los●…e their own country, took the Alps, and after the name of their captain, founded the nation of the Rhetians. But Dennis by means of the tomming of the Carthaginenses into Sicil, was driven to retu●…ne home, for they had repaired their army, & with a greater power renewed the wars which they had broken up by constraint of the pestilence. The captain of this war was Hanno of Carthage, whose enemy Suniator a man at that time of the greatest power one of them in all Africa, in despite of him, wrote familiarly in Greek unto Dennis, advertising him of the coming of the army, and of the cowardice of the captain, but his letters were 
Treason 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉  taken by the way, whereupon he was condemned of treason, and an act of Parliament was made, that no man of Carthage should here after learn Greek letters or study the Greek tongue to the intent he should not talk with the enemy, or write unto him without an interpreter, & ere it was long after, Dennis whom a little before, neither Sicily nor italy were able to hold, being overcome with continual wars in battle, 
The death 〈◊〉 Dennis.  and brought low, at last was slain by the treason of his own subjects.   

The. xxi. Book.  
AFter the time that ●…he Tiran Den 〈◊〉 
The younger 〈◊〉.  was s●…aine in Sicill, the men of war placed in his room his eldest son named Dennis also, both because he was a man grown, & also because they thought the kingdom should be the stronger, if it remained still inone man's hand, rather than if it should be divided among his sons in many portions. But Dennys in the beginning of his reign, coveted sore to have put to death his brother's uncles as enviers of his estate, and provokers of the children to demand a partition of the kingdom.  
Where upon he dissembled his desire a while, setting his mind to procure the favour of his commons, thinking to do it with less blame, if all men●…e sh●…ulde first conceive good opinion of his doings. And therefore he let three hundred offenders out of prison, and released the people three years subsidy, alluring their minds by all kind of counterfeit gentleness that he was able to devise. Then going in hand with the mischief he had so long purposed, he slew not only his brother's kinsfolk, 
The cruelty of Dennis.  but also his brothers themselves, in so much hat whom he ought of right to have made partners of his kingdom, he suffered not to be partakers of life and breath beginning to execute his tyranny upon his own kindred, ere he proceeded to work it against strangers.  
When he had dispatched his brothers, of whom as of his enemies he stood in fear, he fell to slothfulness, and through excessive ●…edynge he became fat and coarsye, and gate such a disease in his eyes, that he was not able to abide the Sun, nor the dust, nor finally the glistering of any light. For the which causes believing himself to be had in disdain of all men, he executed most extreme cruelty, not filling the gails with prisoners as his father did, but replenishing the city with slaughters, for the whychthinges he was not so much disdained, as hated of all men. Therefore when he perceived that the Syracusanes were mined to rebel against him and bid him battle, he was in doubt a great while whether it were better to depose himself, or to withstand them by force, but his men of war in hope to have the spoil and sacking of the city, compelled him to stand to the trial of it by battle, where being vanquished, and attempting fortune the second time with like success, he sent ambassadors to the Syra●…, promising to depose himself from his tyranny, if they would send their commissioners unto him, authorysed 
Th●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dennis.  to conclude an agreement with him. They sent y● chief men of their City for the same purpose, whom be put in custody, and so suddenly ere any man 〈◊〉 thereof, or feared that he meant any such mischief against them, he sent his army to destroy the city. whereupon ensued a sore and doubtful encounter even within the very City, but by 
D●…nnis 〈◊〉 into Italy  reason the towns men were far more in number, Dennis and his men were put back. Who fearing to be besieged if he abode in the Castle, privily fled into Italy with all his princely apparel, treasure and household stuff, being in his banishment received by his confederates the 
That which is bred by the bone will not out of the flesh.  Locrines, as though he had been their rightful king, he took their fortress, and there exercised his accustomed cruelty. He commanded the noble men's wi●…es to be brought from their husbands perforce, that he might have his pleasure of them, the maidens when they should be married, he fetched away, and when he had abused them sent them to their spouses again. The richest and wealthiest persons, either he drove out of the City, or else caused them to be put to death, and seized their goods. And when he saw there was no more for him to catch conveniently, he compassed all the whole city by a subtle invention. At such time as the Locrines were oppressed with the wars of Leophron king of Rhegi●…n, they made a vow 
The vn●…ayth ●…uines of Dē●…is toward the Locrine's  that if they won the upper hand, they would upon a feastful day of Venus, set their virgins in the open stews for all men to abuse. The which vow being left unperformed, & having unfortunate wars with the Lucanes, Dennis called them together before him, and there exhorted them to send their wives & daughters, as gorgeously appareled & decked as they could into the temple of Venus, out of the which there should be a hundred drawn by lot to perform the common vow, the which for religions sake should stand in the stews for the space of one month all their husbands being before sworn, not to have to do with any of them. And to th'intent the maidens thus per forming the common vow, should not be hindered thereby, they should make a decree that none other maid should be insured to any husband before those other were married. This counsel was well allowed, as in the which provision seemed to be made, both for the performen of their superstitious vow, & allo for the preservation of the chastity o●… their virgins. Whereupon all the women assembled into the temple of Venus so gorgeously & costly attired, as who might be best, among whom Dennis sent his men of war, & stripped them every one, converting their jewels & sumptuous ornaments to his own gain and pro●…it, some of their husbands being very wealthy men, he killed, and some of the women he put to the torture to make the confess where their husband's money lay. When he had with these & such 
Dennis is ex ●…uised, 〈◊〉 recou●…reth 〈◊〉.  like suttle●…ies reigned by the space of. vi. years, the Locrine's conspired against him, and drove him out of the city, from whence he returned into Sicil, and there by treason (no man mistrusting any thing after so long continuauns o●… peace) recovered the city Syracuse. While these things were a do●…ng in Sicil, in the mean time in Africa, Hanno prince of Carthage, began to employ his richesse, (by 
Hann●…s 〈◊〉 spiracies against Ca●… th'age.  the which he surmounted the power of the common weal, about compassing of the sovereignty, intending to have slain the Senate, and to have made himself king.  
To the performing of the which mischievous enterprise, he had chosen a certain day, in the which he should marry his daughter solemnly? to the intent that under the colour of performing his vows, he might the easier work his wickedness, and the 〈◊〉 bring his mischievous devices to effect unespied. And therefore he prepared a feast for the people in the open porches and galleries of the City, and for the Senate in his own house. To the intent that having covertly and without witnesses killed the senators with poyson●…d drinks, he might with the more ease usurp upon the common weal, being destitute of her patrons and defendors. The which thing being by the servants bewrayed to the Magistrates, the mischief was avoided but not punished: lest in a man of so great power, the matter being known might put them to more trouble, then being but only surmised. Being therefore contented to have restrained him of his purpose, they made a decree, wherein was limited what cost should be bestowed upon marriages, straightly charging and commanding the same to be observed, not of any one man, but of all men in general, to the intent the person should not seem to be noted, but the vices rebuked. Being by this d●…uise prevented, he stirred the bondmen to rebellion, and having appointed a day again for the slaughter, when he saw himself the second time bewrayed, fearing to be arraigned of treason, he took a certain strong hold with twenty thousand bondmen well armed.  
There whiles he solicited the Afres and the king of 
Hanno is take & punish●…  Mauritane, he was taken, and being sore whipped, and his ●…yes pulled out, and his arms and legs broken, as th●…ughe every member were severally punished, he was put to death in the open sight of the people, and his body being torn with whipping, was hanged upon a gibbet. Moreover his sons and kinsmen everichone of them, (were they never so guiltless,) were all put to execution, to th'intent there should not of so wicked a stock remain any imp, either to ensue his example in doing the like mischief, or to revenge his death. In the mean time Dennis being received Syracuse, persisting every day more cruel than other toward the City, they conspired against him again, and besieged him. Then seeing no remedy, he deposed himself, and yielded to the Syracusanes 
Dennis dep●… seth himself.  both his hold and his host, and receiving no more but his own private stuff, went his way as a banished man to corinth. There thinking the basest to be the surest estate, he fell to a most filthy and loathsome trade of living. 
The vile and loathsome life of Dennis.  For he thought it not enough to loiter up and down the streets, unless he were bibbing in every tippling house, nor to be seen in Taverns and houses, but to sit still in them all day from morning to night. Moreover he would brawl with every rascal and varlet for moon shine in the water, go all to ragged and slovenlye, provoke men to laughter rather than laugh himself, stand gaping and gazing in the shambles, devouring with his eyes the things he could not buy with his money, scold with bawds before the Wardens, and in fine do all things in such wise, that he might s●…me rather to be despised than feared. 
Dennis pro●…esseth himself a school master.  Last of all he professed himself a schoolmaster, and taught children in a threwaylet, to th'intent he might either be openly seen of them that feared him, or else might the easier bring himself in contempt of them that feared him not. For all be it he always abounded in tyrannous vices, yet notwithstanding this was but a counterfeiting of vices, and no natural disposition: and he did these things of a policy, then for that he had forgotten his royal and princely behaviour, because he knew by proof how hateful the name of a Tyrant is, yea though they have no ●…chesse nor power at all. And therefore he laboured to take a way the envy of things past, by bringing himself in contempt for his present demeanour, having not so much regard what was for his honour, as what was for the safeguard of his life. Yet notwithstanding among all these counterfeit dissimulations and policies, he was thrice accused to have sought means to make himself king again, and nothing availed so much to his acquittal, as that all men had him in disdain. In the time that these things were a doing, the Carthaginenses being afraid at the prosperous 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to note the do ings of great Alexander.  success of great Alexander's affairs, for doubt least having conquered the kingdom of the Persians, he would also adjoin Africa there unto, to f●…le how he was mined, Hamil●…ar surnamed Rhodanus a man far passing all others in wit and eloquence. For it increased their f●…ar▪ because they saw their mother city Tyrus, the author of their beginning was taken, and the city alexandria an enemy to the estate of Carthage builded in the bound●…s of Africa and Egypt, and also the fortunate felicity of the king himself, of whose covetousness and good fortune, they thought there would never be none ●…nd, Hamilcor therefore attaining to the speech of Alexander, by the help of Parmenio, feigned himself to be driven out of his country, and that he was fled to the king for succour, off●…ryng himself to serve him as a soldier in his wars, by the which policy having perfect intelligence of the king●…s intent and purpose, he advertised his country men thereof in tables of wood, covered over with plain wax. But 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of th●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  the Carthaginenses after the death of the king, when he returned into his country, not only rewarded him not, but also most cruelly put him to death, as though he had gone about to challenge the City to the king.   

The. xxii. Book.  
AGathocles the tyrant of Sicill, which succeeded in the estate of 
 Dennis last before him, clymbed from a low and base degree, to the majesty of the kingdom. For he was a potter's son of Sicill, and there was no more honesty in his childhood, than there was honour in the stock of his auncestry. For being of favour and parsonage exceeding beautiful, he lived a great while in sufferance of most filthy bugge●…y, when he was ones passed boys estate, he turned his lecherous lust from men unto women. After this being disfamed with both kinds, he changed that trade of living, and fell to robbery. In process of time when he came to Syracuse, and was taken into the city as among others inhabiters, he was a great while without credit or estimation. Because he seemed not to have any good to lose, nor any honesty to distain. In fine obtaining the room of a rascal soldier, look how dishonest he was in his living before, even as seditious was he in his doings then, and most ready and forward to do all kind of mischief. For he was counted strong of hand, and in talking to the people very eloquent. Therefore within short space he was made captain of a hundred men, and anon after 
The first rising of Agathocles unto estimation.  marshal of the host. In the first battle, which was against the Aetneans, he gave the Syracusanes great proof of his towardness. In the next following against the Campaines, he made all men conc●…iue so good opinion of him, that he was substituted in the room of the grand captain Damascus deceased, whose wife (with whom he had committed adultery in the life of her husband,) afte●… his decease,) he took in marriage. And being not content that of a beggar he was suddenly made rich; he exercised roving on the sea against his own country. But it was his chance to be saved, because when his mates were taken, and put to the torture, they confessed nothing of him. Twice he went abou●… to usurp the Empire of Sy●…acuse, and twice he was banished for his labour. The Murgantines among whom he lived in the time of his exile, for hatred they bore to the Syracusanes, created him first their Praetor, and afterward their captain. In that war he both took the city of the Leontines, and 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…racuse.  besieged the city of Syracuse. To the r●…ue whereof Hamilcar captain of the Carthaginenses being requested to come, laying a side all enmity and hatred sent thither a crew of soldiers.  
And so at one time and instant, the City Syracuse was defended lovingly and friendly by the enemy, and ●…ye assailed by her own Citizen. But Agathocles when he saw that the town was more manfully defended then assaulted, he sent a pursuivant to Hamilcar, desiring him to do so much for him, as to take up the matter between him and the Syracusanes, and to be as an indifferent judge for the determination of some peace betwixt them, promising to do the best that lay in him to recompense his gentleness.  
Where upon Hamilcar being fulfilled with hoop and partly fearing his power, entered a league of friendship 
A 〈◊〉 on 〈◊〉 Ha●…●… Agatho●….  with him, upon condition that look how much he furthered Agathocles in strength against the Syracusanes, so much should Agathocles recompense him withal again to the furtherance of his advancement, at home in his own native country.  
By means of this composition, Agathocles was not only reconciled and brought to atonement with the Syracusanes, but also he was made Praetor of the City. Then the holy fire and the tapers were brought forth, whereupon agathocles laying his hand, swore before Hamilcar to become true subjects to the Carthaginenses. Hereupon 
〈◊〉 is sworn to the Carthagivenses.  receiving of him five thousand afres, he put to death all the noble men that were of greatest power and authority, and so as it were to th'intent to reform the state of the common wealth, he commanded the people to assemble 
His extreme 〈◊〉 aga●…t the 〈◊〉.  before him in the Theatre, gathering the Senators into the counsel house, as though he mineded to make some ordinance or decree before. When he had brought his matters to this point, he sent his soldiers to besiege the people, and he himself slew the senators, the which slaughter being finished, he put to death also all such of the commons, as were the wealthiest and forwardest persons. These things being thus compassed, he mustered soldiers, and raised an army: with the which being strengthened, he suddenly invaded the next cities, looking 
He ●…eth the confederates of the Cartha ●…ses.  for no hostility. Furthermore by the sufferance of Hamilcar, he wrongfully entreated and shamefully handled the confederates of the Carthaginenses. For the which cause they made complaint to the Senate Carthage, not so much of agathocles, as of hamilcar, accusing the one as a 
The complaint of the confede ●…tes.  Lordly Tyrant, and the other as a traitor, by whom they were sold by composition and bargain between them two, to the uttermost enemy of their estate, to whom at the beginning in confirmation of the said composition and agreement, was delivered Syracuse, the city that had ever been most enemy to the Afres, and an enuier of the Carthaginenses, always contending with them for the Empire of Sicil: and now moreover were betrayed to the same person, the cities of their confederates, under a counter●…aite pretence of peace. Wherefore they gave them warning, that if they looked not to these matters in time, with in a while they would light upon their own heads, and soon after they should feel what damage they should bring, as well upon their own country of Africa, as up 〈◊〉 the poor Island of Sicil. By means of these complaints, the Senate was sore moved to displeasure against Hamilcar. But forasmuch as he was in Office, they gave their 
Hamilcar 〈◊〉 condemned 〈◊〉 treason s●… lie.  judgement secretly upon him, commanding their verdicts before they should be red to be cast into a pot together, and there ●…o be sealed up, until the other Hamilcar the son of Gysgo, were returned out of Sicil. But the death of Hamilcar prevented the subtle devices and unknown verdites of the Carthaginenses, and he was delivered by 
He 〈◊〉.  the benefit of death, whom his own countrymen had wrongfully condemned without hearing of his answer. The which thing gave Agathocles occasion to move war against the Carthaginenses. The first encounter that he 
Agath●… is overcome twice, and 〈◊〉 b●…eged.  had, was against Hamilcar the son of Gisgo. Of whom being vanquished, he retired to Syracuse to raise a great power, and to renew the battle again. But he had like for tune in the second encounter as he had in the first. Therefore when the Carthagin●…nses having the upper hand, had besieged Syracuse, and that Agathocles perceived he 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Agath●…s.  was neither of power to encounter them, nor sufficiently furnished to endure out the ●…iege, and ●…hat moreover his own confederates being offended with his cruelty, had forsaken him, he determined to transfer the wars into Africa. I assure you it was a wonderful audacity, that he should enterprise to make war against the City of them, whom he was not able to match in the soil of his own city, and that being not able to defend his own, he should give the adventure upon other men's, and that being vanquished, he should proudly vaunt himself over the conquerors. The keeping secret of this enterprise, was as wonderful as was the devise thereof, for the people could learn nothing at his hand, but that he had found away to get the victory. Willing them to do no more but take good hearts to them to abide the siege which should not be long: or else if there were any that had ●…ot the heart to abide the adventure of the present estate, he gave him free liberty to go his way whether he would. Whereupon when he had discharged a thousand and sy●… hundred, he furnished the rest that remained with vietuall, artillerye, and wages, according as the estate of the siege required. He took with him no more but fifty Talents toward his charges to spend at that time, thinking it better to get the rest, (if need should require more) of his enemies then of his subjects. Then he set at liberty all the bondmen that were of years meet for the wars, and took an oath of them, and put them with the most part of his other soldiers into his ships, thinking that forasmuch as he had made them all one in estate and degree, there would be strife among them who might behave himself most manfully. All the rest he left to the defence 
Agathocles sa●…leth into ●…ricke.  of his country. This done the seventh year of his reign, having in his company his two sons Archagathus and Heraclida, noon of his soldiers knowing whether he would go, he directed his course into Africa, where as all his men supposed they should have gone a foraging, either into Italy, or else into the Isle of Sardinia, he never made them privy where about he went, until he had set his host a land in Africa, and then he told them all what he was mined to do. He showed them in what 
The effect of Agathocles oration to his sold yours.  case Syracuse stood, for the help whereof there remained none other mean, but to do to their enemy as he had done to them. For wars were to be handled otherwise at home then abroad. At home a man could have none other help, than his country is able to avorde him: abroad the enemy might be vanquished by his own power, by reason the adherents and partakers being weary of their long continued Empire would commonly fail them, and look for the help of foreign Princes And to the furtherance hereof, the cities and castles of Africa were not environed with walls, nor situatein mountains, but set upon the plain ground in open and champion fields without any munition or defence, all the which for fear of being destroyed, would easily be entreated to take their part in the war. Wherefore the Carthaginenses should have whotter wars at their own doors out of Africa, then out of Sic●…l, and aid would assemble from all parts against that one city, gr●…ater in name then in power, wherefore he should find the strength there, which he brought not with him. Moreover the sudden fear of the Carthaginenses should be no small furtherance to his victory, which being amazed at the wonderful audacity of their enemies, would tremble and quake for fear. Besides this to th'increase of the same, they should behold the burning of their villages, the beating down of their castles and holds, the sacking of the stubborn cities, and finally the besiegement of Carthage itself, by all the which things they should well feel, that they themselves, lay as open to the wars of other men, as other men lay open to the wars of them. By the which means not only the Carthaginenses might be vanquished, but also Sicill be set at liberty. For their enemies would not lie still at the siege there, when they should hear that their own were in jeopardy. Wherefore they could not have devised where to have found a more easy warfare, nor a more rich and 〈◊〉 pray. For had they once taken Carthage, the conquerors should have all Africa and Sicill in reward for their labour. And the glory and renown of so honourable a warfare should be so great, as that it might never be forg●…tten while the world stands, so that it should be said, that they only had been the men, which had turned the war upon their enemy's heads, which they could not out stand at home in their own country, which of their own accord had perased and pursued upon their conquerors, and which had besieged the besiege●…s of their city.  
Therefore they ought all with val●…aunte and cheerful heart's enterprise that ●…atre, than the which there could a neither any greater reward be given them if they won the victory, nor more honourable monument if they were overcome. With these and such like enforcements, the hearts of his soldiers were greatly encouraged. But the sight of a wonder that happened, troubled their minds, because that as they sailed, the Sun was Eclipsed. Of the which thing the king was as careful to give them a 
In Eclipse of the Sun, with thynter pretation there of.  due reason, as of the war: affirming that if it had happened before their setting forth, it might have been thought that the wonder had manased them that were to set forth. But now for as much as it chanced after they were come forth, it threatened them against whom they went. Furthermore the Eclipsing of the natural Planets, did always alter the present estate of things. Wherefore there was none other thing mente, but that the estate of Carthage flourishing in wealth and richesse, and his estate oppressed with adversity, must suffer an alteration and exchange. When he had thus comforted his soldiers 
Agathocles setteth his ships on fire.  by the consent of his army he set all his ships on fire, to th'intent they might all know, that seeing there was no help in running away, they must either win or else die. afterward when that they bore down all that came in their way which way so ever they went, setting towns and castles on fire, Hanno captain of Carthage met them with thirty thousand Afres, in the which encounter was 
A slaughter of the Ca●…tha ginenses.  slain of the Sicilians two, and of the Carthaginenses iii. M and the captain himself, through his victory, the hearts of the Sicilians were strengthened, and the hearts of the Carthaginenses discouraged. Agathocles having vanqui shed his enemies, won cities and holds, took great booties and prays, and slew many thousand of his enemies. Then he pitched his camp about v. miles of from Carthage, to th'intent they might behold from the v●…ry walls of the city, the loss of their dearest things, with the wasting of their fields, and the burning of their villages. In the mean time there went a great brute over all Afric, of the overthrow and slaughter of the Carthaginien army, and of the cities that were won. Whereat every man was amazed and wondered how so great an Empire, should have so sudden an overthrow, in especially by an enemy all ready vanquished. This wonderment turned by little and little into disdain of the Carthaginenses. For ere it was long after not only Africa, but also the chiefest cities there abouts following this sudden alteration, 
The city's o●… A●…icke, revolt to Agathocles.  revolted to Agathocles, and aided him both with victual and money. Besides these adversities of the Carthaginenses, to the augmentation of their miserable cala mities, it happened that their captain withal his army was utterly destroyed in Sicil. For after the departure of Agathocles 
A slaughter of the Carth●… ginenses in Sic●….  out of Sicill, the Carthaginenses became more siouthful and negligent in their siege at Syracuse, which thing Antander the brother of king Agathocles espying, issued out upon them, and s●…ue them utterly everichone, whereof sorrowful tidings were brought to Carthage. Therefore for as much as the Carthaginenses had like misfortune abroad as at home, here upon not only the tributary cities, but also the kings that were in league and amity with them, weighing freship by fortune, and not by faithfulness revolted from them. Among others there was one Ophellas king of Cyrene, who upon a wicked hope gaping for the dominion of all Africa, entered in 
The king Cyrene Cyrene 〈◊〉 teeth to Agathocles.  league with Agathocles by his ambassadors, and bade conditioned with him, that when the Carthaginenses were once overcome, Agathocles should take th'empire of Sicil, and he th'empire of Africa. Therefore when Tphel 'las was come with a great host to aid him in the wars, Agathocles entertaining him with fair words and counterfeit courtesy, very lowly and humbly, because Ophellas had adopted him his son, after they had many times & often dined and supped together, he slew him unwares, and entering upon his army, in an other sore encounter, vanquished the Carthaginenses now coming to the field withal the power and furniture they were able to 
Another great slaug●… ter of the 〈◊〉 thaginienses.  make, not without great slaughter and bloodshed on both parts. Through the discomfiture of this overthrow, the Carthaginenses were brought to such an after deal, that if there had not risen a mutiny in Agathocles camp, Bomilcar the captain of the Carthaginenses had with his army revolted unto him.  
For the which offence the Carthagis. nailed him upon a cross in the mids of the market place: to th'intent that the 
The punishment of Bomilcar.  same place might be a monument and remembrance of his punishment, which had bef●…re times been an advancement of his honour. But Bomilcar took very stoutly the cruelty of his country, in so much that from the top of 
The words of Bomilcar upon the 〈◊〉.  the cross, as if it had been from the judgement seat, he preached against the wickedness of his citizens, objecting to them, sometime their unrightful entrapping of Hanno upon malice and envy, falsely surmising that he went about to make himself king, someitme the banishment of innocent Gysgo without cause why, sometime their seacrete verdicts against his uncle Hamilcar, because he sought to make Agathocles their friend rather than their enemy. When he had uttered these things with a loud voice in a great audience of people, he gave up the ghost. In the 
Agatho●…les returneth into Sicil, and rais●…th the siege of Syracuse.  mean season Agathocles having put his enemies to the worse in Africa, delivering the charge of his host to his son Archagathus, returned himself with speed into Sicill, thinking that all that ever he had done in A●…ricke was to no purpose, if Syracuse were still be●…ieged. For after that Hamilcar the son of G●…go was slain, the Carthaginenses sent thither a new host of men.  
Therefore assoon as Agathocles was come into Sicil, all the cities hearing of his doings in Aff●…icke, yielded themselves to him, who might yield fas●…est: by means whereof ha●…ing driven the Carthaginenses out of Sicill, he took upon him as kingdom of all the whole Island. When he came into Africa again, his soldiers welcomed him with a mutiny. For his son had delayed the payment 
A mutiny.  of their wages, until the coming of his father. Wherefore he called them before him, and entreated them with gentle words, saying they ought not to demand at his hand, but to seek it at their enemies hand, for as the victory should extend to th●…m all so the prey should be common to them all in likewise. desiring them to play the men and take pain a little while, until the remnant of the wars were dispatched, considering they knew well ●…nough, that if Carthage were once taken, it were able to satisfy all their desires, with more than they could ●…ope for. Ha ve thus appeased the uproar in his camp, within a few 
Agatho●…es taketh a 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉.  days after he led his army to the camp of his enemies. There by setting upon them unadvisedly, be lost the greater part of his army. Being therefore retired into his camp, when he perceived how his sou●…diers grudged & maligued at him for adventuring so rashly & v●…aduisedlye, fearing moreover thold displeasure for nonpaiment o●… their wages▪ in the dead of the night, he fled out of the camp, taking no more with him but only his son Archagathus. The which thing when his soldiers understood, they 
Agathocles steal●…th fro●… his 〈◊〉  quaked for fear, as if they had been taken prisoners by their enemies, crying out that their king had now twice forsaken them in the mids of their enemies, and that he had left them in danger of their lives, whom he ought not to have left unburied. As they would have pursued the king, they were stopped by the Minidians, and so returned into their camp●… having taken archagathus, who had lost his father by reason of the darkness of the night. agathocles in the same ships that he came in out of Sicil, with such as he had left in them to keep them, was transported unto Syracuse: a singular example of wickedness, a king to be a forsaker of his own army, and a father to be a betrayer of his own children. In the mean time in Afric, after the flying away of the king, his soldiers falling to composition with their enemies, slew agathocles sons, & yielded themselves to the Carthaginenses, archagathus when 
Agathocl●…s sons are 〈◊〉 to death.  he should be put to death by arces●…laus one that before time had been his father's friend, asked him what he thought agathocles would do to his children, by whom he was made childless? Then he answered it was inough●… for him, that he knew they were a live after the children of 
Agathocl●… taketh 〈◊〉 with the C●… thaginenses.  agathocles: after this the Carthaginenies sent captains into Sicil to pursue the remnant of the war, with whom agathocles made peace upon indifferent articles.   

¶ The. xxiii. Book.  
AGathocles king of Sicil, having made peace with the Carthaginienses, subdued certain of the Cities, which upon trust of their own strength rebelled against him. Here upon as though he had been enclosed in a strait within 
Agathocles maketh war in Italy.  the Island, (of the Empire where of at the first beginning he looked not for any part at all) he passed in to italy, following the ensample of Dennis which subdued many cities of Italy. The first therefore whom he proclaimed his enemies, were the Brutians. which seemed to be both of most puissance and of most wealth, and also readiest to do their neighbours wrong. For they had erpulsed many cities of the Greek descent out of italy. Furthermore they had also v●…nquished the●…r own founders the Lucanes and made peace with them upon equal conditions. So cruel hearted were they, that they spared not even their own first founders. The Lucranes did bring up their children after the same mane●… that the Lacedæmonians are wont to do. For from the very first time they began to grow past children, they were kept in the country among shepherds and graziers, without attendans or service, without garments to put on their backs, or bed to lie upon, to th'intent that from their tender 
The manner of the educati on of the Lucanes.  years they might enure themselves without help of the city, to away with hardness and sparing. Their meat was such as they could get by hunting, their drink was either methe, milk, or else fair water of the spring, so were they hardened to endure the pains of warfare, of this sort of people, fifty at the first being wont to steal cattle out of their neighbours ground, and afterward 
The 〈◊〉 of the Bru●…ans.  growing to a greater number, by the resort of such persons as were alured to live upon the spoil, made the country so hot, that no man almost durst stir abroad. Dennis therefore king of Sicil, being in manner wearied with the continual complaints of his confederates, sent 
.  over sire hundred Afres to suppress them, whose castle by the treason of a woman called Brutia they won, and there builded a city which was soon peopled by the confluens of the shepherds, resorting thither upon hope of the new city, and they called themselves Brutians after the name of the woman. The first war that they had, was with the Lucanes the authors of their beginning. 
The war●… of ●…he Brut●…ans.  With the which victory being encouraged, and having concluded an equal and indi●…erent peace with them, they conquered their other neighbours by the sword, and they got so great richesse and power within a while, that they seemed pernicious and able to do displeasure even unto kings. Finally A lerander king of Epire coming into Italy with a great host to the aid of the Greek Cities, was withal his army by them utterly destroyed. Where upon their cruelness being inflamed with continual success of prosperity, became terrible to their neighbours a long time after. At the last Agathocles being called to help, in hope to enlarge his kingdom, passed out of Sicily 
Agathocle●… arrived in 〈◊〉▪ taly.  into Italy. As he was coming toward them, for fear of his puissance, they sent their ambassadors to him, requesting him of peace and friendship. Whom Agathocles biding to supper, to the intent they should not see the shiping of his army, appointed to common with them the next day, and so in the mean while took ship privily, and stolen over from them. But the end of this fraud was not to be reio●…sed at. For within a few days after, he was constrained to return into Sicill, by the 
Agathocles falleth syck●….  force of a disease, wherewith he was taken over all his body▪ the pestilent humour spreading itself through every sinew and joint, as thaugh that every member had been at civil war one against another. Of the which no hope of recovery appearing, there arose war between his son and his nephew, each of them challenging the kingdom, as if he had been dead all ready, in the which his son was slain, and his nephew usurped the kingdom. Agathocles therefore when he saw the grief of his disease, & the thought of his mind still grievous and grievouser, each increasing by the furtherance of the other, being utterly in despair, caused his wife Theogen to take his two little sons that he had begotten of her, withal his treasure, household, household stuff and princely furniture appertaining unto him, of which no king was better stored than he was, and to sail into Egipte from whence he took her to his wife, for fear lest his nephew who had rob him of his kingdom, should also play the enemy with them. How be it his wife entreated him earnestly a great while, that 
A fay●…hful and loving wife.  she might not be drawn from him in his sickness, lest her departure might be worthily likened to the murder done by his nephew, and men might report that she had as cruelly abandoned her husband, as he had supplanted his grandfather: saying, that when she was married to him, he took her not to be his companion and partaker of prosperity only, but of all other fortune what so ever should happen. Wherefore it should not grieve her to lose her life, so she might tarry with her husband to the last gasp, and according to her duty, as she was bound of love and womanhood to do, see him honourably entered, which thing were she once gone, no man would take upon him 
A description of a lamentable departure  to do. When the little ones should go away, they embraced their father and held him about the neck, weeping and crying out: on the other side the wife, as she that never looked to see her husband more, had never done kissing him. And it was a lamentable thing to see how pit●…ouslye thold man wept: the children bewailing the father ready to die, and the father moaning his banished children. The one sorrowing to leave their sick and diseased old father all alone as desolate, the other lamenting to leave his sons in penury, whom he had begotten to inherit his kingdom. Moreover all the palace range with the noise of such as stood about weeping and sorrowing to see ●…o cruel 
The death 〈◊〉 Agatho●…s.  a divorce and departure. At the length the necessity of their forced departing, was the end of their weeping, and the death of the king ensued immediately upon the departure of the children. While these things were a doing, the Carthaginenses having intelligence how the world went in Sicil, thinking good occasion to be given them of recovering the whole Island, sailed thither with a great power, & subdued many cities. The same time, Pyrrhus 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…uade 〈◊〉.  made war against the Romans, who (as is said before) being desired to come to the aid of the Sicilians, when he came to Syracuse and had subdued many Cities: he was proclaimed king of Sicil like as he was of Epyre. In the prosperous success of which things greatly rejoicing, 
He 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 of Pyrrhus mentioned 〈◊〉 the. xviii. book.  he appointed that his son Heleu should be king of Sicil, as in the right of his grandfather (for he was begotten of king Agathocles daughter) and his son Alexander should be king of Italy. After this he fought many prosperous battles with the Carthaginenses. Within a while after, there came ambassadors from his con●…ederates in Italy, bringing him word that it was not possible to make resistens against the Romans, but that they must needs yield, unless he reseved them. Being troubled with so doubtful a danger, and not knowing what to do, or which of them he might rescue first, he took speedy advice as concerning both. For the one side the Carthaginises assailed him, and on the other side the Romans, so that it seemed a dangerous matter not to pass his army into Italy, and yet more dangerous to lead his host 〈◊〉 of Sicil, lest the one should be lost for want of succour, or the other by withdrawing his help from them.  
In this rage of dangers, the sure●… haven of all other counsels, and advises seemed to be, first with all his power to try the matter in Sicil, and then having vanquished the Carthaginenses, to transport his victorious army into Italy. Therefore all be it he gate the upper hand in that battle, yet notwithstanding for as much as he went his 
Pyrrhus lo●…eth the king doom of Sicill.  way out of Sicil, he was accounted to run away as a vanquished person, and therefore his allies and confederates revolted from him. By means whereof he lost the kingdom as lightly, as he came by it easily. Furthermore finding no better success in italy then he had in Sicill, be retired into Epire. The wonderful chance of both, is to be noted for ensample. For even as before through prosperous fortune, all things flowing beyond his desire and expectation, he had gotten the Empire of italy and 
A notable example of the variableness of fortune.  Sicill with so many victories against the Romans: so now when fortune had changed her copy, as it were to make a show of the frailty of man, throwing down the things she had builded, besides the loss of Sicil she paid him home with shipwreck on the sea, with a shameful overthrow against the Romans, and with a dishonourable departure out of italy. After the departure of Pyrthus out of Sicil, Hiero was created chief officer, who was a man of such modesty, that by the favourable consent 
Of the education, and preferment of Hiero.  of all the Cities, he was first made captain against the Carthaginenses, and afterward king. Of this royal estate to come, his bringing up when he was a very babe, was as it were a foreteller. For he was begotten of a noble man called Hieroclytus, whose pedigree was fet from Gelus an ancient king of Sicil. But by his mother's side he was borne of a base and very dishonourable stock, for he was be gotten of a bondwoman, and therefore cast away by his father as a dishonour and reproach to his stock. But the Bees finding the little babe without help of man, wrought their combs about him, and nourished him with honey many days together.  
Upon which occasion his father at them warning of the soothsayers, which told him that the child should be a king, took the child to him, and brought him up withal diligence in hoop of the state that was be hight him. As the same child sat at his book in the school among other of his fellows, suddenly there came in a wolf among them and snatched the book out of his hand. Moreover being a youngman when he went first to the wars, an Eagie came and ●…ate upon his target, and an Owl upon his spear. The which wonder betokened that he should be advised in council, & ready of hand, and also that he should be a king. Finally he fought hand to hand against many challengers; and ever went away with the victory. King Pyrrhus rewarded him with many rewards of ch●…alry. He was of parsonage exceeding beautiful, of strength wonderful as might be in a man, gentle to talk unto, just in his dealings, in his government upright and indifferent, so that nothing in the world wanted in him appertaining to a king, save only a kingdom.   

¶ The. xxiiii. Book  
WHile these things were a doing in 
H 〈◊〉 l●…ft th●… xvi. 〈◊〉.  Sicil, in the mean time in Grece, through the dissension and wars of Ptolomeus Ceraunicus, Antiochus, & Antigonus among them s●…lues, almost all Grece at the instigatyon of the Spartans the ring leaders 
Ant●…chus the son of 〈◊〉, and An●…gonus the son of 〈◊〉  thereof, encouraged with hope of liberty, as if occasion had been given to pull their necks out of the yoke of bondage, sending ambassadors one to another, to knit themselves togetogether, in alliance and society, fell to rebellion. And lest they might seem to have taken weapon in hand against 
The Greeks rebeil against them●…yre.  Antigonus, under whose governance they were, they assailed the Aetolians his confederates, pretending the cause of their war to be, for that the said Aetolians had entered & held by force the field Cyreus, which by the whole consent of Grece was consecrated to Apollo. As captain of this war, they chose one Aran. Who assembling his whole power together, spoiled the towns & foraged the 
The Greeks are ●…ut to ●…ght by the ●…lian ●…heardes.  corn that was situate and growing in the forenamed fields: & such as they could not carry away with them, he set on fire. The which thing the shepherds of the Aetolians beholding out of the mountains, gathered them selves to the number of five hundred, and fell upon their enemies as they were scattered, (and not knowing how many there were of them, by reason that the sudden fear together with the smoke of the fires, had taken their sight from them,) and having slain nine thousand of them; put the residue of the foragers to flight. Aft●…rwarde when the Lacedæmonians went about to renew the wars again, many cities denied them aid, because they thought 
He pursueth the treachery and deceit of Ptolemy, ●…ē●…oned in the xvi. book.  they sought the sovereignty, and not the liberty of Grece. In the mean season the war was ●…yshed among the kings. For Ptolemy having expulsed Antigonus, and seized the whole kingdom of Macedon into his hand, took a truce with Antiochus, and joined alliance with Py●…hus by giving him his daughter in marriage. Afterward being rid of outward fear, he turned his ungodly & wicked mind to devising mischief against his own house▪ imagining treason against his sister▪ 〈◊〉, to the intent to deprive her children of their lives, and her of the possession of the city Cassanoria. The first ●…ynte of his crafty conuey●…nce, was under the pretence of counterfeit love, to desire his 〈◊〉 in marriage. For otherwise then under colour of concord, he could not compass to get her children into his hands, whose kingdom be had wrongfully taken front them. But his ●…ister knew his wicked intent well mough. Whereupon perceiving that she trusted him not, he sent her word that he would make her children fellows in Empire with him. Against whom he had made war, not because he was minded to take the king doom from them, but because he desired that they should have it of his free gift and mere liberty. For the more assurance whereof, he willed her to send some trusty friend of hers to receive an oath of him, and he wo●…ld in the presence of the party, before the Gods of his country, bind himself with what oath or curse she would desire in all the world. Arsinoe being in doubt what she were best to do, (for if she sent she knew she should be deceived by forsweringe of himself, and if she sent not, she was afraid sh●… should provoke her cruel brother to rage,) & taking more care for her children then for herself, whom she partly hoped to save by mean of this marriage, sent one of her friends called Dyon. Whom Ptolemy brought into the most holy temple of Jupiter the aunc●…test place of religion & of greatest reu●…rence in all Macedon, & there laying his hands upon the altars, and touching the very images of the godd●…s as they stood in their shrines, swore before him with such terrible oaths & extreme curses as never were hard of, that he desired his sister's marriage which out any fraud, craft, deceit, or dissimulation, and that he would proclaim her Duene, not purposing to take any other wife to spite her withal, or to have any other children than her sons. Arsinoe after the time she was thus fulfilled with hope, and delivered from fear, came and commoned with her brother herself. Whose smiling l●…s & flattering countenance, pretending as much good ●…ayth as he promised by his oath, brought her into such a fools paradise, that she consented to marry with her brother, contrary to the mind of ptolemy her son, who ever told her there was deceit in the matter. The marriage 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ryeth his owne●… 〈◊〉.  was solemnized with great sumptuousness and joy.  
Furthermore he summoned all his host before him, an●… there himself setting the crown upon his sister's head proclaimed her Duene. Whereupon ar●…noe being exceeding glad and joyful, for as much as she had recovered the which she had lost by the death of her first husband Ly●…chus, of her own accord and fire will desired her husband into her city Gassandria, for covetousness of which city, all this craft and deceit was wrought. She went thither before him, and proclaimed that the day of his coming should be kept holy day through all the city, giving commandment that the houses, the temples, and all other places should be decked and garnished, and that altars and sacrifices should be set forth orderly in a read●…esse. Moreo●…er she caused her two sons Lysimachus of xvi. years, and Philip three years younger than he, both children of excellent beauty and favour, to go meet him with crowns on their heads. Whom Ptolemy to cloak his de●… with all, desirously and beyond all measure of true love and affection, 
〈◊〉 judas 〈◊〉.  embraced and kissed a great while together. But assoon as he came within the gate, he com●…aunded his men of war to take the hold of the town, and to kill the children. Who flying to their mother for help, were slain even in her bosom as they hung kissing about her neck. Arsinoe cried out and asked what she had done, or wherein she had trespassed, eitherin her marriage or a●…er her marriage, whereby she should des●…rue to be dealt with so cruelly. Oftentimes she put herself between the sword and her children offering to die for them, oft●…times she embraced and covered her childre●…es bodies with her own body, and would gladly have received the wounds that they should have. At the last being not suffered so much as to have the burial of her children, she was thrust out of the town with two ●…untes in a torn ●…ne, and her hear about her ears, and so went as a 
The natural affection of amother.  〈◊〉 person to Samothorace, so much the more miserable, in that she might not be suffered to die with her children, offering to die for them, oftentimes she embraced and covered her children's bodies with her own body, and would gladly have received the wounds that they should have. At the 〈◊〉 being not suffered so much as to have the burial of her children, she was thru●…e out of 
The 〈◊〉 crucity of P●…o 〈◊〉 toward his sister.  the town with two servants in a torn gown, and her hear abeute her ears, and so went as a banishedde person to Samothorace, so much the more miserable, in that she mygh●…e not be suffered to die with her children. But ptolemy escaped not with his wickedness unpunished. 
Murd●… 〈◊〉 peth not 〈◊〉 pun●….  For within short time after through the vengeance of the Gods immortal, for so many wilful perjuries and so many cruel murders, he was bereft of his kingdom by the french men and being taken prysonner, as he worthily deserved, his head was stricken from his shoulders.  
For the french men abounding in multitude, in so 
Of the ●…ges of the 〈◊〉.  much that the country where they were bred was not able to find them, sent forth three hundred thousand men as it were on pilgrimage to seek them a new dwelling place. Of the which one part rested in Italy, which also took the c●…ye of Rome and burnt it. Another part following the flight of birds (for the frenchmen are above all other nations coming in birdspillinge) with much slaughter of the barbarous nations, pierced unto the cost of Sclauonie, and reasted in Pannonie. A kind of people fierce, hardy, warly, which first after Hercules (who by doing the same before, purchased himself an immortal fame of his prowess) climbed over the high tops and unmerciful cold places of the Aipes. There having 〈◊〉 the Pan●…onians, they made war with their neighbours many years together, sometime to their gain, and sometime to their loss. afterward being provoked by their fortunate success, they raised two armies, whereof th'one went toward Grece, the other toward Macedon, putting all to the sword that came in their danger. By means whereof the names of the French men was so terrible and so redoubted, that even kings before they were assailed, were glad and faien to give them great 〈◊〉 of money, that they might live in rest by them. Only Ptolemy king of Macedon made light of the matter, 
The 〈◊〉 hardiness of Ptolemy.  when he hard of the coming of the frenchmen. And even as if it had been as easy a matter with him, to dispatch wars as to do mischief, being pricked forward there to with the furious remorse of his conscience, objecting before his eyes the remembrance of his wicked murders, be met them with a few▪ and those out of order. Furthermore he took scorn of the friendly offer made by the ambassadors of Dardanie, which was to send him twenty thousand men well armed to help him, giving them moreover this taunt for their labour, saying that the good days of Macedon were far spent, if after the time they had of their own puissance alone, conquered all the East, they should have nead of the Dardanians to defend their own country.  
For he had in his ●…oste the sons of them that had served under great Alexander, and had subdi●…ed the whole world. The which things when they were reporsed to the king of Dardanie, he said that the famous and renowned Empire of Macedon, would shortly decay through the rashness of an unadvised and hasty young man. The french men therefore by the advise of 〈◊〉 captain Belgius▪ to the intent to try how the Macedones were mined; sent ambassadors to ptolemy offering him peace, if so be it he would by it. But Ptolemy 〈◊〉 among his men, that the French men desired peace for fear of him, no less vaunting himself before the ambassadors▪ then he had done among his own friends▪ Denying to grant them peace any otherwise, them if they gave him their noble men for hostages, and delivered 〈◊〉 ●…heyr armour and weapons, so 〈◊〉 would not trust them onless●… they were disarmed. When the ambassadors had reported this answer, the frenchmen laughed 〈◊〉 it, crying out on every side that he should shortly feel 〈◊〉 they offered him peace to his own behoof or to theirs within a few days after, the matter came to hand strokes, and the Macedones being vanquished were slain rygh●…e down. Ptolemy being very sore wounded in divers 〈◊〉, was 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉  taken prisoner, his head was stricken of, and being put up on a spears point, was carried up and down all the host, to the terror of their enemies. Few of the Macedones escaped by flight, the rest were either slain or taken prisoners. When news hereof was spread through Macedon, they shut in the gates of their citi●…s and all was full 
The ●…ful 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  of sorrow and mourning. One while they bewailed the loss of their sons, another while they feared the besieging of their cities, at another time they called upon the names of Philip and Alexander their kings, as if they had been Gods, for help, casting in their minds, how that under them they had not only lived in safety, but as conquerors of the whole world. beseeching them to defend their country, which through the 〈◊〉 of their chivalry they had advanced to the 〈◊〉, and to help them now in their adversity, whom the wilful rage and rashness of Ptolemy, their king had well nigh destroyed. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉  All men standing thus in despair▪ 〈◊〉 one of the princes of Macedon, perceiving it availed not to trust to praying only, raised a number of lusty young men, and both assuaged the courages of the French men then in their ruff for their late victory, and defended Maced●…ne from wasting and destroying by the enemy.  
In recompense of which his valiant deed, whereas in any noble men sued to have the kingdom of 〈◊〉, he being no noble man born, was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them all. 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉  And at such time as his men of war 〈◊〉 him king, he compelled them to swear to him▪ not by the name of king, but by the name of captain.  
In the mean season Brennus' captain of that portion 
The 〈◊〉 men invade ●…gayne.  of the French men that bent themselves into Grecehearinge of the victory of his country men, which had vanquished the Macedones under the conduct of Belgius, freating for anger that so fat a booty, and so laden with the spoils of the East was so lightly foregone after they had gotten the upper hand, raised an hoo●…t of a hundred and fifty thousand footmen, and fifteen thousand horsemen, and invaded Macedon again. When Sosthenes saw how they wasted the country and the villages, he met them with his ho●…te of Macedones well appointed and in good order of battle. But by reason they were few, and their enemies many, they half discouraged, and the other strong and lusty, they were soon put to the worse. Wherefore while the Macedones being beaten, kept themselves within the walls of their cities, Brennus like a conqueror, against whom no man durst show his head to make resistance, foraged all the fields of Macedon. From thence, as though those booties and spoils seemed to base and simple in his eye, he turned his mind to the 
The malap●…r te scoffing of Brennus.  temples of the Gods immortal, malapertly scoffing that the Gods were rich, and aught to departed liberally to men. thereupon immediately he took his journey toward Delphos, setting more by the gain of the gold that had been offered to the Gods, then by their displeasure, whom he affirmed to have no need of richesse, as they that are wont to bestow them upon men. The temple of Apollo at Delphos, is situate in the mount Parnasus, up on a cliff on every side falling step down. There the 
The situation of the temple of Delphos.  confluens of men (which upon trust and confidens in the majesty of that God resorting thither from divers places, builded them houses in that rock) hath made a populous city. And moreover both the temple and the town are enclosed, not with walls, but with the stepenesse of the rock neither are they defended with fortifications made by man's hand, but with fortifications grown by nature. So that there is no man in the world able to say, whether the strength of the place, or the majesty of the god be more to be wondered at. The middle part of the rock inward is in fashion like a Theatre. By means where of when men make any shoutinge or hallowing, or when any trumpet is blown, the sound beateth and reboundeth in such wise upon the stones from one to another, that the Echo is hard double and triple, and the noise resoundeth far louder and greater than it went forth. The which thing causeth the simple and ignorant folk to stand in more fear, thinking it to be the presence of the godhead, and oftentimes maketh them to stand wondering at it, as if they were 'straught. In this wineding of the rock, almost midway to the top of the hill, there is a little plain, 
The description of the place, where the 〈◊〉 are given.  and in the same a deep hole into the ground, which serveth to give Oracles. Out of t●…e which a ce●…tayne cold breath, driven up as it were in a certain wind, ascending upward, stirreth the minds of the Prophets into a madness, and so having filled them with the spirit of the god, compelleth them to give answer to such as come for counsel. In the same place therefore there are to be seen many & rich gifts of kings and peoples, which by their cost and sumptuousness, do well declare the thankfulness of such as received answers, in performing of their vows. Wherefore when Brennus came within the view of the temple, he was in doubt with himself a great while, whether he were better to attempt the matter forthwith, or give his soldiers that nights respite to rest them and gather their strength to them. Euridanus and Thessalonus, who for covetousness of the pray, had joined them 
The ●…of Euridanus and 〈◊〉 salonus.  selves with him, willed to cut of all delay, while their enemies were unprovided, and no doubt but their sudden approach should be a great terror unto them. Where as by giving them that nights respite, their enemies should perchance get both courage and succour, and the ways that now lay open might be stopped up. But the common soldiers of the frenchmen, when as after long penury and skarsity, they then found a country replenished with wine and all other kind of victuals, being as glad and joyful of the abundance as of a victory, they dispersed themselves in the fields, and leaving their standard ran abroad, making havoc of all things like conquerors, the which thing was a mean that the Delphians had respite to lay for themselves. For at such time as it was first reported that the Frenchmen were coming thither, the husband men and men of the country 
The Oracle before the 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉  were prohibited by the Greek oracles, to convey their corn and wines out of the villages. The wholesome meaning of which commandment was not understanded, before that the abundance of wine and other victuals being cast as a stop in the french men's ways, the succours of their neighbours had leisure to resort thither together. The Delphians therefore had manned & strengthened the town by the help of their neighbours, or ever the french men, (who were as greedy of the wine as of a booty, could be called from the wine fat to their standard. burn had three score and five thousand chosen footmen of the best in all his host, whereas the Delphians and their aiders were in all but four thousand fight men. In disdain of which f●…al handful, Bren to the intent to sharpen the minds of his men, showed them all what a rich and plentiful pray they should have, affirming that the Images with the chariots, (where of they might behold great store a far of,) were made all of massy gold, wherefore the booty should be better in the hand than it seemed to the eye. The french men being by this vouching of their captain, or rather by 
The french men assault the city of Delphos.  their own beholding stirred up, and also wounded with the wine they had poured in the day before, without respect of any danger, ran 〈◊〉 to the encounter. On the contrary part the Delphians putting more trust in God then in their own strength, resisted their enemies even with a contempt, and what with stones, and what with their weapons, threw the frenchmen as they scaled, headlong from the top of the mountain. While the two parties were thus striving one with another, suddenly the prtestes 
note the ilusi on of y● 〈◊〉  of all the temples & the Prophets themselves also, which their hear about their ears, with the relics in their hands, and their mitres on their heads, like men 'straught & out of their wits, came running forth & pressed into the forefront of the battle, crying out that God was come among them, and that they had seen him leap down into the temple at the open roof top. Moreover while they ●…er all making their humble supplications to God forayde, they said they met a young man of beauty and parsonage far excelling any mortal creature, and in his company with him. two. virgins in armour, which came unto him out of the. two. temples of Diane and Minerva thereby, the which thing: they not only had perfectly seen with their eyes, but also more over had hard the clattering of their harness and the sound of their bows. Wherefore they earnestly & heartily besought them, seeing the God's themselves did guard their standard, they should not stick to dispatch their enemies, and to join themselves as partakers which the Gods of the victory. With which words being greatly encouraged, they pressed forth wh●… might be foremost in the flight. And there withal they forthwith perceived 
The french men are put to the 〈◊〉 and oppressed with lyght●… and 〈◊〉.  that God was present on their side. For both a piece of the mountain being broken of by a sudden earthquake, overwhelmed the French host, and the thi●…st of their enemies not without great slaughter were 〈◊〉 & put to ●…ight. In the neck whereof there ensued a tempest, with hail, thunder and lightning, consumed as many as were any thing sore wounded. The captain burn himself 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  being not able to abide the smart of his wounds, took a ●…word and killed himself. Another of the captains, when he saw how grievously thauthors of the war had been punished, with x. M. of his retinue departed in post hast out of Grece. But they sped never the better for their flying a 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 ●… men 〈◊〉  way. For they were so afraid that they durst never lie a night in any house, they passed no day without 〈◊〉.  
Moreover continual rain, frost and snow, hunger and 
of Grece, and the utter destrucryon of them.  weariness, and thereunto continual watching worse than all the rest, consumed and brought to nothing the wretched remnant of this unfortunate war. The people all so and the nations through which they traveled, licked them up as they s●…attered abroad, as a pray. Where by it came to pass, that of that so huge and populous army, which lately before upon trust of their own strength, did despise even the very gods, there was not so much as one man left, that might say hereafter he had been at that slaughter and escaped.   

The. xxv. Book.  
PEace being established between the 
Here followeth the story 〈◊〉 in the beginning of the last book.  two. kings Antigonus and Antiochus, assoon as Antigonus returned into Macedon, suddenly there arose a new enemy against him. For the French men whom burn at his setting forth into Grece, had left at home for the defence of his country, to th'intent 
The French men invade Macedon the thyrd●… tyme.  they only would not seem to sit at home like cowards, armed fifteen thousand foot men, and three thousand horse men, and having chased the hosts of the Getes and Tribols, when they approached near unto Macedon, sent ambassadors to the king, partly to offer him peaceto sale, and partly to view the order and demeanour of his ●…ampe. Whom Antigonus like a royal prince, invited the same night to a sumptuous banquet. But the frenchmen wondering at the great plenty of plate, both of gold and silver that was set before them, and there withal being enticed with the richness of the pray, returned more his enemies then they came to him.  
Furthermore the king to 〈◊〉 to put them in fear, as at the sight of so ugly shapes where with the barbareus people were not acquainted, commanded his men to show them his elephants, and his ships laden with ●…tuall and artillery, not knowing that they, whom by 〈◊〉 & setting forth his power & richesse he would have discouraged, were thereby the rather encouraged as 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The ambassadors therefore when they came again to their company, did set out all things to the uttermost, & made more of them then they were in deed. Declaring both the king's richesse and his negligence, how his camp was stuffed with gold & si●…uer, and n●…ther for 〈◊〉 with ditch nor trench and that even as thoug●… their 〈◊〉 were a sufficient defice for them, they kept neither watch nor ward▪ nor any other warlike order, as if they had no need at all of help of the sword, because they wallowedin gold. This report was enough to stir up the minds of the couet●…s frenchmen to the pray. Besides that, they took example 〈◊〉 Belgius, who not long time before, had 〈◊〉 the host of Macedon and the king also. Therefore with 
Antigonus policy to 〈◊〉 himself and his.  one assent they assailed the king's camp in the night: who foreseeing the great mischief that was like to ensue, had given his men warning the day before, to convey away all their stuff, and to aid them covertly in the wode by. For there was none other mean for them to save their camp, but only by forsaking it. The frenchmen ●…ineding all things void, and not only without defenders, but also without keepers, mistrusting that they were not fled, but rather withdrawn, or that they kept themselves close for some policy, durst not a good while enter 〈◊〉 at the gates At the last leaving all the fortifications whole and untouched, they entered the camp rather searching then 
A slaught●… of the french men.  riffling. And having taken such as they found, turned themselves to the sea side. There as they 〈◊〉 ●…sedly riffeling of the ships▪ the watermen and part of the army that were fled thither with 〈◊〉 wiu●…s & children, ●…odainly fell upon them and slew them or they feared any such matter. And there was made such a slaughter of the Frenchmen, that the fame of this victory purchased Antigonus peace, not only of the Frenchmen, but also of the fierce and savage people that bordered on his kingdom. How be it the french men multiplied so sore at that time, that they spread over Asia, as it had been a swarm of Bees. In so much that the kings of the East 
The great encreaseof the frenchmen, and their redoubted prow 〈◊〉.  made not any wars, but they hired the French men to serve them, nor if they were put from their kingdoms, they resorted not to any other than the french men for help. So sore was the name of the french men redoubted, or rather they had continually so prosperous success in their wars, that the kings thought themselves not able to maintain their estate, or to recover it being once lost, without the prowess and aid of the French men.  
Therefore being called to the help of the king of Bythinia, 
The original of the French greeks in Asia the less.  after the time they had gotten the victory, they parted his kingdom with him, and named the 〈◊〉 french greek. While these things were a doing in Asia, in the mean season being vanquished in Sicill by the Carthaginenses 
Look the xxiii. book.  in a battle on the sea, sent his ambassadors to Antigonus king of Macedon for a fresh crew of soldiers, sending him word, that if he sent them not, he should be constrained to retire into his kingdom, and to seek to make that conquest upon him, which he was about to make upon the Romans. When his ambassadors brought him word he should none have, he feigned an excuse and suddenly departed from thence. Willing his confederates to lay for the wars in the mean season, & he betook the keeping of the castle of Tarent to his son Hele●… and his friend Milo. Assoon as he was returned into 
Pyr●…hus con quereth Ma●….  Epire, forth with he 〈◊〉 the borders of Macedon with whom Antigonus met with an host of men, and being put to the worse was feign to 〈◊〉. And so all Macedon yielded unto Pyrrhus.  
Whereupon as if he had recompensed the los of Sicil & Italy with the gain of Macedon, he sent for his son Heleu & his friend Milo, that he had left at Tarent. Antigonus' wh●… was fled with a few of his horsemen, being suddenly bereft of all thornaments of fortune, to th'intent to mark what would become of his kingdom that he had lost, conveyed himself into the city Thessalonica, that if occasion served, he might hire the french soldiers, and renew the war from thence. But being utterly vanquished again by Ptolemy 
〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 again.  the son of king Pyrrhus, & eskaping with no more, but only seven. of his retinue, he never hoped to recover his kingdom, but sought caves and wildernesses where to save his life. Pyrrhus therefore being installed in the siege royal of so great a kingdom, & not content to have attained to that that he could scarcely have wished for, begun to practise how to win th'empire of Grece and Asia. Neither took he any more pleasure of his Empire, then of his wars, neither 
The doinge●… of Pyrrhus.  was their any manable to withstand the force of Pyrrhus whom he once assailed. But as he had no pier in conquering of kingdoms, so did he as lightly for go them when he had ones won them & gotten them. So much did he more study & endeavour to win kingdoms, then to keep them. therefore when he had transported his army over from Chersonesus, there received him th'ambasssadors of th' Athenies, the Acheans, and the Messenians: Yea and all the Greeks (for the renown of his name, & for that they were astonished at his noble deeds against the Romans & Carthaginenses) awaited his coming there. The first war that he had, was with the Lacedæmonians, where he was received with greater valiantness of the women, then of the men. There he lost his son Ptolemy, & the strongest part ●…f all his army. For when he assaulted the town, such a sort of women came running to the defence of the city, that he was not more valiantly vanquished, than shamefully driven to retire. Furthermore his son Ptolemy is reported to have been so courageous, and so stout a man of his hands, that with lx. men he took the city Corcyra by force. And also in a battle upon the sea, out of a cock boat he leapt with. seven. of his men into a galley and won it. And last of all in th'assault of Sparta, he broke with his horse into the mids of the city, & there was overpressed with the number of his enemies and slain. Whose body when it was brought to his father Pyrrhus, it is reported he should say that he was slain somewhat later than he looked for, or then his own foolish hardiness deserved. Pyrrhus when he had taken the repulse at Sparta, went to Argos. There whiles he endeu●… red to get Antigonus into his hands, whom he had besieged in the city, as he fought most valiantly among the thickest, he was slain with a stone thrown from the wall. His head was cut of and brought to Antigonus, who using the victory gently, sent home his son Helen with his Epyrotes which were yielded unto him, into his kingdom without ransom, and delivered him his father's body that lay unburied, to carry home with him into his country. It is a constant report amongst all authors, that there was not any king, either in those days or in the latter times before, worthy to be compared unto Pyrrhus, and that it was a hard matter to find any, not only among kings, but also among other famous men, either of more holy living, or of more tried & approved justice, and as for know ledge in chivalry and feats of arms, there was so much in him, that whereas he had continual wars with Lystmachus, Demetrius, and Antigonus kings of so greats power and puissance, yet was he never overcome by any of them, neither was he ever brought to so low an ebb, but that he was able to match the Illyrians, Sicilians, Romans and Carthaginenses at all times, yea and some times to get the upper hand of them. By means whereof through the fame of his noble acts, and the renown●… of his name, he made his country famous and renowned over all the world, being of itself before his time both small and of no reputation▪   

The. xxvi. Book.  
AFter the death of Pyrrhus, there arose very great and troublesome wars, not only in Macedon, but also in Asia and Grece. For the Peloponnesians being betrayed unto Antigonus, and according as men were either stricken in fear, or else provoked to gladness, like as every city hoped for succour at Pyrrhus' hand, or stood in dread of him, even in like case either they entered in league with Antigonus, or else upon malice and hatred, fell together by the ears among themselves. In the time that the 
The 〈◊〉 reign of ●…he tyrant 〈◊〉.  provinces were in this turmoil, Arystotimus a noble man of the realm, took perforce the chief city of the Epyrotes, and made himself king, who after that he had put many of the head men to death, and driven 〈◊〉 of them into exile, when as the Aetolians required by their ambassadors, that he should restore unto the banished men their wives and children, at the first he denied to do it. Afterward as though he had repent him, he gave all the Ladies and gentlewomen leave to go to their husbands, and appointed a day when they should take their journey. The Ladies as they that thought to live all their lives in exile with their husbands, took all the preciousest jewels and best things that they had with them. But assoon as they were all come to the gate, of purpose to go in one company together, he spoiled them of all that ever they had, slew the little children in their mother's bosoms threw the mothers themselves into prison, and ravished the maidens. All men being amazed at this his cruel 〈◊〉, a noble man of the realm named Helemate, being an old man and without children, as one that in respect 
The prudent devise of Helemat in suppressing the Tyrant.  of his years, & in that he was childless was void of all fear, called home to his house certain of his most trusty friends, & exhorted them to the deliverance of their country from bondage. When he perceived how they stoke to put themselves in danger for the safeguard of the whole realm, and that they demanded leisure to take advisement in the matter, he called his servants to him, commanding them to lock in the doors, and to bear word to the Tyrant, that he should send immediately to his house to apprehend traitors that had conspired against him, threatening unto each of them, that seeing he could not be the author of deliverance of his country, he would at least wise find the means to be revenged upon them for wythdrawing their help from it. Then they being circum●…ted with the doubtful danger, chu●…ing the hone●…er way of both, swore the death of the Tyrant, and so Aristotimus was dispatched the fifth month after he had usurped the 
The poli●…yke celerity of An tigonus in suppressing his enemies.  kingdom. In the mean season Antigonus being wrapped in many wars at ones, both of king Ptolemy, and the Spartans, besides the host of the French greeks, which newly became his enemies, left a few soldiers in his camp for a show against the other two, and went himself with his whole power against the French men. The French men hearing thereof, made themselves ready to the battle, and slew sacrifice for thobtaining of good success in that encounter. By the inwards of the which beasts, perceiving that there was toward them a great slaughter, and the utter destruction of them all, they were there upon turned not into fear, but into madness. For in hope to pacify the wrath of the Gods, by the bloodshed 
The furious cruelty of the frenthmen towards their own wives and children.  of their own people, they killed their wives and children beginning to perform through their own slaughter, the evil luck that was manased them by the wars. So extreme a madness was entered into their cruel hearts, that they spared not the young children whom even the enemy would have spared, but that they made deadly and mortal war with their children, and the mothers of them, in defence of whom men are wont to make wars. Therefore as though they had by their unspeakable wickedness, purchased themselves both life and victory, bloody as they were after the fresh slaughter of their wives and children, they proceeded into battle with as good success as foretoken.  
For as they were fight, the remorse of their own consciences for their unspeakable slaughter, (the ghosts of them that they had murdered waving before their ●…ies,) 
The 〈◊〉 slaughter of the 〈◊〉  first and foremost discouraged them ere they were oppressed by the enemy, and so they were ●…aine every mother's chiid. There was made so great a slaughter, that it should seem the Gods had conspired with men, to the vtt●…r destruction of those murderers. After the good and fortunate chance of this battle, Ptolemy and the Spartans eschewing the victorious army of their enemy Antigonus, retired into places of save guard and defence, Antigonus when he saw they were retired, while his men were yet fresh and courageous by reason of their late victory, made war to the A●…heniens. Now whiles he was occupied in the same, in the mean time Alexander king of 
The 〈◊〉 full 〈◊〉 of fortune.  Epire, coveting to revenge the death of his father king Pyrrhus, invaded the borders of Macedon. Against whom when Antigonus was returned out of Grece, all his soldiers revolted from him, and so he lost both the kingdom of Ma●…done and his army. His son Demetrius being a very child, levying a power in the absence of his father, not only recovered Macedon that his father had lost, but also bearest Alexander of his kingdom of Epire. So great was either the unsteadfastness of the soldiers, or else the 〈◊〉 of fortune, that kings by course even now banished men, and anene kings again.  
Alexander therefore being fled to the arcadians, was as well by the favour of the Epyrotes, as by the help of his 
Read more of the stories of Epire in the. xxviii. book.  confederates, restored into his kingdom again. About the same time deceased agas king of Cyrene, who before his last infirmity, to the intent to cease and end all strife with his brother Ptolemy, betrothed his only daughter Beronice to his son. But after the death of king Argas. Arsinoe the mother of the maid, to th'intent to break 
A gas king of ●…yrene.  the marriage that was contracted against her will, sent for Demetrius the brother of king Antigonus out of Macedon, to take upon him the marriage of the maid and the kingdom of Cyrene, who also was begotten of one of Ptolemy's daughters. And Demetrius made no tarriance. Therefore when as through prosperous wind, he was speedily arrived at Cyrene, upon trust of his beauty, through which he began to like his mother in law to well by and by after his coming, he bore himself very proud lie and outrageously in the court, and against the men of war, and he cast his desire of pleasing from the daughter to the mother. The which thing being espted was ill taken, first of the maid and also of the common people and of the great number of the soldiers. Where upon all men's minds were turned to the son of Ptolemy, and the death of Demetrius was conspired. For as he was in bed with his mother in law, men were sent in to kill him. But Arsinoe (when she heard the voice of her 
●…uoutry revenged.  daughter standing at the chamber door, and giving them charge to spare her mother, covered and defended her paramour a while with her own body. Nevertheless he was slain, and so Beronice with safety of her natural love and duty, did both revenge the dishonourable adultery committed with her mother, and also followed the determination of her father, in taking of her husband.   

¶ The. xxvii. Book  
AFter the decese of Antiochus king 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  of Syria, his son Seleucus succeeding in his room, (by the in●…igation of his mother Laodice which ought to have with held him from doing any such thing,) began his reign with murder. For he put to death his mother in law Beronice the sister of Ptolomye king of Egypt, with his little brother begotten upon her. By doing of the which wickedness, he both brought himself in a foul slander and infamy, and also entangled himself in the wars of ptolemy. Furthermore when 
〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a●…d put to death.  Beronice understood that men were sent to kill her, she kept herself close in a pleasant manor of her fathers called Daphn●…. When the cities of Asia hard that she & her little son were there besieged, in remembrance of the dignity of her father and of her ancestors, and for pity to see her so unworthily entreated, they sent aid unto her. Her brother Ptolemy also being stirred with the peril of his sister, left his own kingdom and came in all haste to her rescue, withal the power he was able to make. But Beronice before her rescowes came at her, where as she could not be taken by force, was surprised by policy and put to death. It seemed a cruel and horrible act to all men. Wherefore when all the cities that made iniurrectyon had 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  made a great navy, suddenly being put in great fear at the contemplation of his excessive cruelty, and to revenge the death of her whom they purposed to have defended, they yielded themselves to Ptolo●…y. Who doubtless subdued all the kingdom of 〈◊〉, if he had not been driven to retire home to suppress an insurrection in Egypt. So great hatred did that wicked and abominable murdering of his own brother purchase the one party, & the unworthy death of his s●…ster so cruelly killed, purchase favour to tother party. After the departure of Ptolemy, Seleucus having gathered together a great fleet against the cities that had revolted, so●…enly (as it were by the vengeans of the Gods for his horrible murder) by means of a gr●…at tempest, lost all his fleet by 〈◊〉. And of all 
The fortuna●…e mischans' of Seleucus.  that great furniture for the wars, fortune left him not any thing at all, more than his naked body and his life, and a few companions eskapinge with him from shipwreck. It was surely a miserable case, but yet such a one as Seleucus could not have wished the like for his own behoof. For the cities which for hatred that they bare towards him had revolted unto Ptolemy, as though they had been satisfied with the punishment that the Gods as indifferent judges had laid upon him, through a sudden mutation of▪ their minds, being moved to pity him by reason of his shipwreck, submitted themselves under his dominion again Where upon ●… eioysinge in his happy adversity, and being made richer by his losses, as one now able to match him in power and strength, he made war against Ptolemy. But as if he had been borne for 
〈◊〉 is vanquished by 〈◊〉 king of Egypt.  none other purpose, but for fortune to make her laughing stock of him, or as if he had recovered so great wealth and power of the kingdom, for none other intent then to lose them again, he was vanquished in battle, and eskaping from the field, not much better accompanied then after his shipwreck, fearfully conveyed himself into antioch. From thence he directed letters to his brother Antiochus. wherein he besought him of his help, offering him in reeompence of his pains, all Asia that 〈◊〉 within the precinct of the mountain Taurus. Antiochus being of the age of. xiiii. years, but yet covetous of d●…minion above his 
The wicked and ambitious ●…urde of Antiochus.  years, took thoccasion ere it came to the ground, not with so friendly heart as it was offered. For the boy coveting like a thief to berene his brother of all his whole kingdom, was as bold and hardy in executing his w●…ckednesse, as if he h●…d been a man. Wh●…vpon he was 〈◊〉 named 〈◊〉, because he spent his life in taking oth●…r men's goods away wrongfully, not after the manner of a man, but after the manner of a Gosse ●…auke. In the 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  mean time ptolemy hearing that Antiochus came to rescue Seleucus, to 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 not h●…ue war with two at once, took a truce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. r. years. But the peace that was given by his enemy, was broken by his brother. ●…ho hiring an host of the french soldiers, in stead of help urought war and in stead of a 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 brother 〈◊〉.  brother, showed himself an enemy. ●…n th●…t battle through the puissance of the french men▪ Antiochus' gate the upper hand. But the frenchmen supposing tha●… Seleucus' ha●… been slain in the bat●…ell turned their weapons against 〈◊〉 himself, thinking to waste the country of Asia the more freely without fear or check, if they might utterly destroy the blood royal. which thing when Antiochus once perceived, he was feign to ransom himself for money, as if it had been from r●…bbers, and entered in league of society with his hired soldiers. In the mean season Emnenes king of Bythi●…a, perceiu●…ng 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vanquished by Emne●…s king of Bythi●…a.  the brothers to be consumed and dispersed through intestive ●…cord among them selu●…s, intending to invade t●…e wandering possession ●…f 〈◊〉, assailed the conqueror antiochus and his frenchmen, and by reason that they were yet sore and weary of their late conflict, and his men 
Asia the 〈◊〉 mon pray●… 〈◊〉 kings.  strong and lusty, he easily put them to the worse. For at that time all the wars thatwere made, tended ever to the destruction of asia, every man that could make himself strongest, 〈◊〉 upon asia as his prey.  
The. two. brothers eleurus and antiochus made war for asia. Ptolomye king of Egipte, under pretence of revenging his sister's death, gaped for asia. On the one sod Emnenes king of Bythinia, and on the other side the french men the common hire lynge, wasted asia, but among so many robbers, there was none to be found that would once set in his foot to defend Asia. After that Antiochus was vanquished, and that Emnenes had seized into his hands the most part of Asia, the brothers could not yet agree, for all that the pray was lost, for which they strived so sore, but leaving the foreign enemy, they renewed the war one to destroy another. In the which Antiochus being again vanquished, and wearied with 
Antiochus is overcome of Se●…cus.  flying many days together, at length came to his father in law Artamenes king of Cappadocia. Of whom at the fyr●…e he was gently entertained. But within a few days after, understanding that he went about to entrap him, for the safeguard of his life, he fled again from thence. Therefore when he saw he could not rest in safety in no place, he was fain to resort for succour to his enemy Ptolemy, whose faith he thought to be more steadfast than his brothers, considering either what ●…e would ●…aue done to his brother, or what he had deserved at his brother's hand. But ptolemy by this his yielding and submission, made not so much his friend as his enemy, commanded him to be kept in straight prison. From thence also antiochus escaped by the help of a certain 
〈◊〉 is slain by thieves.  harlot, with whom he had had familiar company, but having escaped from his keepers, as he fled, thieves met him and killed him Seleucus well nigh about the same instant, having lost his kingdom, fell of his horse and broke 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉.  his neck. So both the brothers, as it were by like miffortune, like outlaws, after the loss of their kingdoms, suffered due punyshements for their ungracious doings.   

The. xxviii Book.  
OLympias the daughter of Pyrrhus 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 history of ●… 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉.  king of the Epyrotes, having lost her husband alexander, which was also her owen brother, when she had taken upon her the bringing up and keeping of Pyrrhus and Ptolemy the sons whom he had begotten by her, and the government of the realm: she was compelled by the aetolians, (which went about to take perforce from her, a part of acaruania, which she being mother and protector of the children, had received to help to maintain the wars withal,) to resort for succour to 
He was the son of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…pussed by 〈◊〉.  Demetrius king of Macedon, and unto him having a wife all ready the sister of antie chus king of Syria, she gave her daughter Phithia in marriage, to the intent she might get the help at his hand by right of affinity, which she could not get for pity and compassion. The marriage therefore was solemnized, whereby the new wedded wife fell in great favour, and the old wife in displeasure. For the first wife as though she had been divorced of her own accord, departed to her brother antiochus, and provoked him to war upon her husband. The acarnanians also distrusting the Epyrotes and thereupon ●…equiring help of the Romans, obtained of the Senate of Rome, that ambassadors were sent to command the aetolians to withdraw their garrisons from the cities of acarnania, and to suffer them to live ●…ree out of bondage, which all only in old time sent no help to the Greeks against the Trojans thauthors of their beginning. But the Aetolians heard the ambassade of the Romans proudly and disdainfully.  
Casting them in the teeth with the Carthaginenses & the frenchmen, by whom they had been so aff●…cted in so many 
The good an swear of the Ae●…yans to the ambassadors of Rome.  battles & so oftentimes utterly slain, saying it was me●…e for them first to open their gates against the ●…thaginenses which they had shut up for fear of the warr●…s of africa, ere they took upon them to make wars in Grece. Moreover they bade them remember whom they manased, for they were not able to defend their own city against ●…he frenchmen, but y● when it was taken, t●…ey were fain to redeem it with money▪ & not recover it by the sword. The which nation entering into Grece with another manner of host, they them 〈◊〉 had not only without the aid of any other foreign power, but also not so much as helped with their own houses, utterly destroyed, & made their realm a place for their bur●… which they had determined to make the ●…eat and key of their kingdom. Whereas on the contrary part italy (the Ro●…es yet still trembling for fear of the la●…e burning of their city) was well 〈◊〉 wholly subdued by the frenchmen. Wherefore it was 〈◊〉 ●…or them first to drive the frenchmen out of italy, ere they presumed to manase the aetolians, and first to defend their own, ere they took in hand to defend other men's. And what manner of men were the Romans? in good faith no better but a sort of ragged shepherds, that rongfully held a piece of ground taken from the right owners by robbery, which being not able to get them wives for the dishonesty of their beginning, were fain to ravish them by open force, and to be short which bui●…ded their city with most cruel and unnatural 〈◊〉, and bestained the foundations of the●…r walls with brother's blood. But the Aetolians were ever the princes of Grece, and 〈◊〉 as they passed all 〈◊〉 in estate and worthiness, so they excelled them in ●…owesse and activity, and they were the men alone which had ever despised the Macedones flourishing in th'empire of all the whole world, which feared not king Philip, which disdained to obey the laws of alexander the great, after he had subdued the Persians and Indians, when all other men did most fear and dread his name. Wherefore they counseled the Romans to hold 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with their present estate and not to pro●…ke these weapons against them, through which they saw bo●…he the french men slain, and also the Macedones despised. When they 
The A●…ly▪ ans invade Acar●….  they had in this wise dismissed the Roman ambassadors, to the intent they would not seem to have talcked more boldly than they would do in deed: they forrayed all the borders of the kingdom of Acaruania. By this time had Olympias delivered the kingdom to her sons, and in stead of his brother Pyrrhus deceased, Ptolemy succe●…ed in the whole kingdom. Who geing with an ●…ooste of 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cay of the ●…loud royal in Epyre.  men well furnished against his enemies, as by the way taken with a disease and died. Olympias also ere it was long time after, being wounded with sorrow for the death of her two sons, scarce able to draw her painful breath, lived a small while after her children. There remained of the blood royal no more but ●…nlye a young maid called Nereis and her sister Laodamia. Nereis was married unto Gelo son of the king of Sicil. And Laodamia flying for her safeguard to the aultare 
The ●…aunce of God for 〈◊〉 murd●….  of Diana, was there by the concourse of the people sla●…. The which offence the Gods immortal revenged and punished with continual slaughters of that nation, and well near wy●…h the utter d●…structyon of all the whole realm.  
For first and foremost being punished with dearth and hunger, and being 〈◊〉 with civil discord, last of all they were in manner quite consu●…ed by the wars of foreign nations, and Milo who killed Laodamia falling out of his wits, so mangled his body sometime with iron, sometime with stones, and in fine so rent and tore his own bowels with his teeth, that within. xii. days he died most miserably. While these things were a doing in Epire, Demetrius died in Macedon, leaving a little son called Philip to be his heir. Over whom Antigonus being made protector, took the child's mother to his wife, and went about to make himself king. 
The policy of Antigonus in retaining the kingdom of Macedon.  Within a while after, when as the Macedones making insurrection against him, threatening to kill him, had besieged him in his own palace, he came forth to them with out any guard, & casting among them his crown and his purple rob of estate, bade them bestow those things upon some other person, which either knew how to rule them, or to whom they could find in their hearts to obey: for as for him he had not hitherto (during the time he had the government of that odious kingdom), felt or tasted of any pleasures, but of labour, of travel, of peril and of leoperdy. Then he rehearsed what he had done for them, how he had punished such of their confederates as had revolted, how he had assuaged the courage of the Dardanians and Thessalians triumphing at the death of Demetrius; and finally how he had not only maintained, but also augmented thestate of th'empire of Macedon. Of the which things if so be it they repented them, he was content to depose himself, and to surrender his office into their hands, and let them seek them a king whom they might rule as they list themselves. When the people being stricken with shame, willed him to take his kingdom upon him again, he refused it utterly, so long, until the authors of the rebellion were yielded unto him to punish them at his pleasure. After this he made war against the Spartans which all only despised the wars of Philip and Alexander, and the Empire of the Macedones, with the knighthood and chivalry so sore redoubted over all the world. 
War between the Spartans and the Macedones.  The war was prepared for withal the furniture and power that could be made on both parts, between these two noble and famous nations. The one fight for the ancient renown of Macedon, the other not only for the maintenance of their untouched liberty never before violate, but also for their common safeguard. The Lacedæmonians being vanquished, not only they themselves, but also their wives and children, took their misfortune with very stout courage.  
For there was not any man that spared his life in the battle, there was not any woman that wept for the loss of her husband. The old men commended the death of their sons, and the sons rejoiced that their fathers were slain in the field. Every man lamented his own chance, that they had not died for the liberty of their country. The fathers and mothers received into their houses all such as were wounded, healed such as were wounded, healed such as were hurt, and recomforted such as were stricken down. And in all this business there was not in the city any outcry, or any wring of hands, there was not any trembling for fear, every man bewailed more the common misfortune, than his own private case. While these things were in doing, Cleomenes their king after he had made a great slaughter of 
The couragy ousnesse of 〈◊〉 king of the Lacedæmonians.  his enemies, being all on a gore blood, as well with his own wounds, as with the blood of his enemies, came among them, and ●…hen he was entered the city, he sat not down to rest him, he called not for meat nor drink, no nor ones put of his harness, but leaning his back to a wall, when he saw there remained no more but only iiii. thousand of his men from the battle, he exhorted them to reserve themselves to some other time, when they might be able to do their country better service. And then with his wife and children. He went his way into Egypt to king Ptolemy, of whom he was honourably entertained, and lived a long time in great favour and estimatyon with him like a king. But at the last after the decease of Ptolemy, he and all his household were slain by his son. Antigonus having made so great a slaughter of the Lacedæmonians, took pity of the misfortune of so worthy a 
The 〈◊〉 of Antigonus having got●… the victory.  city, and therefore would not suffer his soldiers to sack it, but pardoned all that remained alive, prot●…stynge that he made the war against Cleomenes, and not against the Lacedæmonians, whom for as much as he had discomfited and put to flight, all his wrath was at an end. wherefore he thought it should stand more with his honour to save their city, then to destroy it. Now seeing there remained no mento show his mercy upon, he said he would show it upon the soil of the City, and upon the houses. It was not long after but that Antigonus died, and left 
The son of Demetrius.  his kingdom to Philip a child of. xiiii. years of age.   

The. xxix. Book.  
ABout the very same season, there 
An alteration of kingdoms by the successi on of young kings.  happened an alteration almost in all the kingdoms of the world, by the succession of young kings. For in Macedon Philippe, after the decease of his protector Antigonus, who also was his father in law, took the kingdom upon him being but. xiiii. years old. In Asia Seleucus being slain, Antiochus as yet under the age of. xiiii. years was made king.  
The kingdom of Cappadocia was surrendered by his father to Ariarathes being a very child. Ptolemy who for the wickedness of his offence was in derision surnamed Philopater, slew his father and mother, and usurped the kingdom of Egypt. But the Lacedæmonians in stead of Cleomenes subrogated Lycurgus. And for because there should be store of alterations in those times, Hannibal being as yet scarce man grown, was made captain of Carthage, not because there was skarsity of men of more years and experience, but for the natural hatred that was known to be rooted in him against the Romans even from his very childhood, born to the utter destruction, not so much of the Romans as of his own country of afric. Now albeit these children kings, had no ancient and grave protectors appointed to have the 〈◊〉 of them, ●…et notwithstanding every one of them so ententively pursued the steps of their ancestors, that there was great likelihood of prowess and activity in them. Only Brolomy as he was wicked in usurping the kingdom, so was he also ●…outhful and negliget in governing of the same. The Dardanians & other people that were borderers, who ●…are as it were an immortal hatred to the kings of 〈◊〉, disdaining Philip by reason he was so young, troubled him continually. On the contrary part, Philip when he had put his enemies to flight, being not content to have defeded his own, purposed to make war against the aetolians. As he was imagining and devising how to enterprise the matter, Demetrius king of Iliyria being lately vanquished by Paul 
The occas●…on of the wars between the Rom●…es and the Macedones.  c●…nsul of Rome, came to him as an humble suitor, making complaint of the wrong that the Romans had done unto him, who being not content to keep them sclues within the bounds of Italy, (but of a wicked desire coveting th'empire of the whole world,) made war withal kings. Alleging that for the like covetousness of the Empire of Sicil, of Sardinia, of Spain and consequently of all afric, they had entered into war with Hannibal and the Carthaginenses: and that they had made war upon him also for none other occasion, but only that he was next neighbour unto Italy, as though it were not lawful for any king to dwell near the borders of their Empire. Wherefore it was good for antiochus to take ensample how to beware by other men, whose kingdom the nobler and nearer it was to the Romans, so much should he find them his fiercer enemies. Moreover he professed, that he was contented to surrender his right and title to him of the king doom which the Romans had by force taken from him Saying it should less grieve him, and that he could better find in his heart to see his neighbour and his friend, rather than his enemy enjoy the possession of his kingdom, With this and such other like talk he persuaded Philip to leave the aetolians, and to turn the brunt of the war against the Romans, so much the rather, because he thought they should be the less able to resist him, by reason (as he hard say) they had lately before bene vanqui shed by Hannibal at the lake of Thrasymenus. Therefore 
Philip persuadeth the Greeks to peace and tranquility.  because he would not be charged with many wars at ones, he made peace with the aetolians, not as that they should think he did it, to the intent to make war in another place, but as though it had been for some great regard that he had of the quietness of all Grece, the which he affirmed was never in the like peril and jeopardy, by means of the new Empires of the Romans and Carthaginenses lately risen up in the west, which had none other let or stop to keep them out of Grece and Asia, but only this, while they were trying by the sword; which of them should bear the sovereignty. For which party so ever gate the upper hand, the same would imme diatlye upon the victory pass directly into the East.  
Therefore he saw such a cloud of cruel and bloody war rising out of Italy, he saw such a roaring and thundering storm coming out of the west, that into what part of the world so ever the violent force of the victory should drive the tempest thereof, it was like to wash all things with a terrible and bloody shower. He said that Grece had oftentimes before suffered great trouble by the war●…es, sometime of the Persians, sometime of the frenchmen, and sometime of the Macedones: but they should find that all that ever is paste was but a sport. If those armies which now were fight in italy, should once spread themselves into Grece. For he saw well enough, how cruel and bloody both with puissance of hosts and policy of captains, those two peoples made war one against another. The which rage certainly could not be ended, in the only destruction of one of the parties, with out the ruin and decay of such as were next neighbours. Wherefore Grece had more cause a great deal to be afraid of the cruelty of whether party so ever gate the upper hand, than Macedon, both because Macedon is further of from them, and of more strength to defend itself. And yet he knew for a certainty that those that encountered now with so great puissance, would not be contented to end their conquest so, but that he himself should have cause to sear, lest he be driven to have to do with them that should get the upper hand. Having under this pretence broke up his ●…age against the Aetolians, minding nothing save the wars of the Carthag●…enses and Romans, he weighed with himself the power and abilities of them both. Neither were the Romans, (all be it the Carthaginenses and Hannibal were then in manner rea die to light upon their neck,) void of fear of war out of Macedon also. For they stood in dread of it, both for the ancient prowess and activity of the Macedones, & for renown of their conquests in the East, and also for Philip himself, who was inflamed with an earnest desire, to become equal to Alexander in knighthood and chivalry, and whom they knew to be forward and active in feats of arms. Philip therefore when he understood that the Carthaginenses had vanquished the Romans again, sent his open defiance unto them, and began 
Philip 〈◊〉 defianc●… to the Romans.  to build a fleet wherein to transport his army into Italy. Furthermore he sent an ambassador with letters to Hannibal, to conclude a league and society with him. Who being taken by the way and brought before the senate, was sent away without any harm or displeasure done unto him, not for any good will they bore to the king his master, but to th'intent that of a suspected friend they would not make him an open enemy. But afterward when it was reported that Philip was transporting his army into italy, they sent the Praetor Levinus with a navy well decked and furnished, to stop him of his passage. Who after he was arrived in Grece, with his fair and large promises, compelled the Aetolians to take war in hand against Philip. And on the other side, Philip did 
The Romans and Phil ●…ip solicit the Ac●…olians th'one against the other.  what he could to persuade the Aetolians to make war against the Romans. In the mean time the Dardanians began to waste the borders of Macedon, and having led away. xx. M. prisoners▪ constrained Philip to retire home from invading the Romans, to the defence of his own kingdom. While those things were a doing, the Praetor 
The Darbanians invade Macedon.  Levinus entering in league with king Attalus, wasted the country of Grece. With the which loss and destruction, the cities being stricken in fear, sent divers am bassades to Philip, desiring aid of him: The king of Illyria 
Philip is ●…exed with the complaints of his confederates.  also his next neighbour, bordering upon the one side of Macedon, made incessant suit that he should perform his promise. Besides the Macedones called upon him instantly to revenge the wasting of his own country. with the which so many and so weighty matters, he was sore environed, and as it were besieged at ones, that he wist not which to remeady first. Yet notwithstanding he promised to se●…d succours to every one of them ere it wer-long. But because he was able to perform as much as he promised, but to th'intent that by putting them in hope of comfort, he might keep them his friends stil. But the first voyage that he took in hand was against the Dardanians, who watching the time to find him from home, determined to take their advantage, and to invade Macedon with a greater puissance in his absence. Also he made peace with the Romans, and so being contented to have delayed the Roman wars against Macedon for the 
Philip t●…keth truce with the Ro manes.  time, he laid wait to entrap Philopemenes Duke of the Acheans, who as it was reported to him, stirred the Romans and the minds of his confederates against him.  
But the Philopemenes having knowledge thereof, and so avoiding the danger of the same, compelled the Acheans by his authority to rebel against him.   

The. thirty. Book.  
During the time that Phillippe w●…s earnestly occupied about great and ●…aightye affair●…s in Macedon, Ptolemy behaved himself clean contrary wise in Egypt. For after he had obtained the kingdom by murdering of both his parents, and that he had moreover killed his own brother, as though he had afchieved all things prosperously, he gave himself to riot. And all the realm followed the 
See what the evil ensample 〈◊〉 a prince dot●….  steps of their king. By means whereof not only his noble men and Officers, but also all his men of war, laying a side the exercise of chivalry and feats of armed utterly wasted and spoiled themselves with sloth and idleness. Antiochus' king of Syria, who thereof being prince, through a certain old grudge between those two, raised a power suddenly, and won many cities from him, and entered forcibly into Egipte, Ptolemy trembled for fear, and besought Antiochus by his ambassadors, that he would respite him but so long as he might raise a power. Afterward having hired a great host out of Grece, he fought a prosperous battle, and he had utterly bereft 
God sende●… fortune to fools.  Antiochus of his kingdom, if he had any thing furthered his good fortune, wisdom and audacity. But he was content with the recovery of the Cities that he▪ had lost, and so concluding a peace, desirously took the occasion of quietness when it was offered him, and so wallowing 
The 〈◊〉 and abheminable 〈◊〉 of P●…olomy Ph●…. pat●…r.  again into his old accustomed ●…outhfulnesse, he sl●…we his wife Eurydice, being his own sister, (through the enticements of a harlot called Agathoclea) with whom he was taken in love.  
And so forgetting quite the renown of his navy, and the majesty of his kingdom, he spent the nights in lechery, and the days in feasting and banqueting. Besides this the more to increase and inflame his lecherous appetite withal, he had at his feasts musical drinking and dancing. Neither could the king now content himself to behold and hear others, but also like a master of naughtiness, would play upon instruments and dance to the same. These were the first plagues and privy maladies, which afterward were the ruin and decay of the kings house. For within a while after, they grew to such a licentious liberty, and the harlot waxed so bold that the walls of the court were not able to hold her. Whom being of herself proud and arrogant enough, th'unspeakable lechery that the king used daily with her brother Agathocles, a strumpet of more beauty than was requisite in a man, made yet more stately and arrogant. And to the increasement thereof, made also her mother Enanthe, which with her dalliance and enticements had so alured the kings heart unto her, that he had begotten two children of her. By means whereof being not content with the king, now they held the kingdom also, now they must come abroad to be seen in the open face of all the world, now they must be saluted, now they must be waited upon. Agathocles sitting cheek by cheek with the king, ruled the city at his own pleasure. The women disposed marshalships of the host, lieuetenan●… ships of provinces, and captainships as pleased them so that there was no man in all his realm, that could do less than the king himself.  
At the length he died, leaving a son behind him of 
The death of Prolomy and the banishment of his strumpets.  five years old by his sister Eurydice. But whiles the women went about to spoil the treasure, and made confederacy with the wickeddest personens that could be picked out, to the intent to deprive the right heir of his kingdom, his death was kept secret a great while after he was dead. Nevertheless assoon as y● matter came to light, the people ran upon Agath●…cles and s●…ue him, and the women in revengement of Eury●…ice, were hanged up upon gibbets. The notorious in●…amy of the realm, being thus purged and put away by the death of the king and the punishment of the harlots, the men of Alexandria sent ambassadors 
The Rom●…nes are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Egypt.  to the Romans, desiring them to take upon them the protection of their Orphan king, and the government of the kingdom of Egypt the which they avouched that Philip and a●…d had already bought and sold between themselves, intending to part it betwixt them. The Romans were v●…ry glad of that ambassade, as they that sought occasion of war against Philip to be r●…uenged for his lying ●…n wait to do them displeasure in the time of their wars with the Carthagi●…enses. Besides this, after the time they had subdued the Carthaginenses, and driven away Hannibal, they fe●…red no man's p●…ssans more than philip's r●…counting with 〈◊〉 selves what a stir ●…yrrhus had kept in ●…taly with so small a handful of Macedones, and how great adu●…ntures and enterprises the Macedones had atchi●…ued in the East. Her●…vpon ambassadors were sent to Antiochus and Philip, willing them not to meddle with the kingdom of Egypt. Furthermore M. Lepidus was sent into Egypt to take upon him the protection of the child, & th'administration of the realm. While these things were a doing▪ the ambass●…doures of 
Complaint●… 〈◊〉 a●…st Phil●… a●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 made agay●… him by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Attalus king●… of Perga●…us, and the ambassadors of the Rhodians came to Rome to complain of the wrongs that king Philip had done unto them. The which thing caused the Senate to go in hand with the wars of Macedon forthwith. For under pretence of aiding their confederates war was decreed against Philip, and a consul was sent with an army into Macedon. And ere it was long after, all Grece upon trust of the Romans rose against Philip, in hope to recover their ●…uncient liberty, & made war upon him. By means whereof the king was so assaulted on every side, that he was constrained to desire peace.  
When the articles of peace should be propounded by the Romans, both Attalus & the Rhodians & the Acheans, & the Aetolians demanded restitution of that that had been theirs. On tother side, Philip granted that he could find in his heart to be ruled by the Romans, but he said, it was an unseemly matter, that the Greeks being vanquished by his predecessors Philip and Alexander, & subdued under the yoke of the Empire of Macedon, should like conquerors prescribe him articles of peace, and not rather be driven to a straight account for their disobediences, or ever they ought to challenge any liberty. Nevertheless at length by much intretaunce, they granted him truce for two. months. In the which time the peace that could not be agreed upon in Macedon, might be requested of the Senate at Rome. The same year, between the islands of Theramene & Therasia, in the mid way between both shores, there 
An earthquake.  was a great earthquake in the sea. By means of the which (to the great admiration of such as sailed that way) suddenly out of the deep, floated up an Island with hot waters. And in Asia the very same day another earthquake shaked the Rhodes and many other cities, throwing down the houses and buildings, whereof some were swallowed up whole. At the which wonder all men were sore afraid, & the sout●… sayers prophesied, that the Roman Empire then beginning to spring up, should devour thold Empire of the greeks and Macedones. In the mean season, the peace was rejected by the senate, whereupon Philip solicited the tyrant Navis to take his part against the Romans: and so 
Philip encourageth the Macedones a 'gainst the Romans.  when he had brought his host into the field, his enemies standing in order of battle against him, he began to encourage his men, rehearsing how the Macedones had conquered and subdued the Persians, the Bactrians, the Indians, and to be short all Asia even to the uttermost border of the East. saying that so much more force and courage ought to be showed in this battle, then in the other, as liberty is a thing of greater price than dominion.  
Flaminius also the Roman Consul, in like manner encouraged his men to the encounter, by putting them in 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉  remembrance of the things achieved lately before. Showing them how on the one side Carthage and Sicil were conquered, and on the other side Italy and Spain recovered by the prowess and puissance of the Romans, and that Hannibal was nothing inferior to great Alexander, who being once driven out of italy, they had subdued Africa the third part of the world. And yet the Macedones were not to be esteemed by the ancient renow●…e of their predecessors, but according to the power and strength that they were of at that present. For they should not encounter with great Alexander who was reported to be invincible, nor with his army that conquered all the East, but with Philip a child yet scarce come to years of discretion, who had much a do to defend his kingdom against his nerte neighbours, and with those Macedones which but even tother day almost, were spoiled and led away prisoners by the Dardanians, who were able to talk of nothing save the renowned acts of their ancestors, whereas the Romans might worthily report the deeds done by themselves and their soldiers. For it was none other host that had subdued Hannibal and the Carthagine●…ses, and almost all the West, than the very same soldiers whom he had there standing in battle ray, with these encouragements the minds of both armies being inflamed, ran fiercely to the encounter, the one part glorying in the Empire of the East, the other in th'empire of the West, the one bringing into the battle with them the ancient and forworne renown of their predecessors, the other the fresh and fragrant flower of their late tried knighthood and chivalry. But the Romans had the fort●…ne to vanquish the Macedones. Philip 
Philip 〈◊〉 ●… 〈◊〉.  being utterly discouraged by this battle, and d●…siring peace of the Consul Flaminius, retained still the name of king, but he was bereste of all the Cities of Gre●…, as it were the members of his kingdom, which were situate without the bounds of the ancient inheritance, and so he had no more left him, but only the country of Macedones. And yet the Aetolians being offended that at their pleasure Mace●…one also was not taken from him and given to them in reward of their pains taken in the war, sent ambassadors to Anti●…chus, who by flattering him in ad●…uncing his puissance & chivalry, might enforce him to make war against the Romans, in hope that all Grece would take his part.   

The. xxxi Book.  
PTolomy Philopater being dead, Antiochus k●…ng of Syria disdaimng his 
Antiochus invadeth the Empire of Egypt.  little son because he was so young, (who being the onl●…e hope of the posterity of the Ptolomtes, left to inherit the kingdom, was even as a pray to his own subjects, purposed to conquer Egypt. Whereupon wh●…n he had invaded Phenice, and the other cities situate in Syria, but under the dominion of Egipte, the Senate of Rome sent an ambassade unto him, willing him to abstain from the Orphan's kingdom, which was committed to their charge, by the last bequest that his father made. The which being sent away with a 〈◊〉 answer, within a while after came another ambassade, which leaving the person of their pupil, commanded him to make restitution with full amends and satisfaction, of the cities that by the law of arms appertained of right to the Romans.  
Upon his refusal they made their defiance, the which as he lightly received, so he as unfortunately performed. The same time the Tyrant Nabis subdued many cities in G●…ece. The Senate therefore lest the power of the Romans 
King of the Lacedæmonians.  should be entangled in two wars at one instant, wrote unto Flamminius, that like as he had delivered Macedon from the bondage of Phillippe, so (if he thought it good) he should deliver Grece from the bondage of Nabis. In consideration whereof his authorit●…e was prorogued. For the name of that Hannibal made the wars of Antiochus terrible, whom his envious adversaries had accused to th●… Romans of secret conspiracy with Antiochus, alleging that his heart would not serve him to live vnde●… a law, being accustomed to bear rule, and being accustomed to the over licentyous liberty of the camp, and that he was so weary of the rest and quietness of the city, that he ever more sought to pick some quarrel, to th'intent to have occasion again of some new wars. The which things all be it they were report●…d upon malice contrary to the truth yet not withstanding among them that stood in dread of him, they were b●…leued for a truth. For the ●…enate being stricken with f●…are, sent Servilius of ambassade into 
An ambassa●… sent into ●…fricke to surprise 〈◊〉.  Africa, to note the demeanour of Hannibal, giving him secreatelye in charge, that if it were possible, he should find the means to kill him by some of his adversaries, and so deliver the Romans from the dreadful fear of his hateful name. But this secret working could not be long kept from Hannibal, being a wise and expert person in foreseeing and avoiding of dangers, and such as looked as well for adversity in the time of prosperity, as for prosperity in the time of aduer●…ye.  
Therefore when he had showed himself all day long before the eyes of the noble men, and of the Rom●…in ambassador 
Hannibal pr●…uenteth the devices of the Romans.  in the face of the court, even to the 〈◊〉, in the shutting in of the evening, he took horseback, and road to a manor that he had in the subburbes near unto the sea side, not making any of his servants privy where about he went, but willed them to wait at the gate till he came again. He had at the said manor ships & mariners hidden for the nonce in a noke of the sea. Moreover he had there a great sum of money in a readiness in the same piece of ground, to th'intent that if he were driven to such necessity, he would not be letted of his journey for want of ships or for want of money. There upon with a company of his most picked servants (the number of whom was increased with Italian prisoners,) he took ship ping and directed his course toward Antiochus. The next day the city waited in the judgement hall for their prince, and the same time their Consul. When they hard that he was gone, they trembled for fear, as if the City had been taken by the enemy, mistrusting that his departure would turn to their utter destruction. And the Roman ambassador, (as though Hannibal had even then made war again upon Italy), made no more a do, but returned to Rome, and brought the sorrowful tidings thereof with him. In the mean time Flaminius having made confederacy with certain Cities in Grece, vanquished Nabis in two 
Nabis is o●…ercome.  pitched fields one after another, by means whereof having brought him to allow ebb, he left him in his kingdom lyhe a man without life or soul. But after that he had withdrawn his garrisons out of the cities, and conveyed 
Nabis renu●…th the wars 〈◊〉.  his host again into Italy, Nabis being enticed again, for as much as he saw no man to keep possession against him, raised a power and suddenly invaded many Cities. Wherewith the acheans being put in fear, for doubt lest the mischief wherewith their neighbours were entangled should creep upon them, determined to make war against Nabis. Of the which wars they made lieutenant general their Praetor Philopemenes a man of excellent activity, 
The 〈◊〉 of Philopemenes.  who behaved himself so valiantly in that war, that by all men's judgement, he was to be compared to Flaminius the graundcaptaine of the Romans. The same time Hannibal when he was come to Antiochus, was entertained and welcomed as a gift sent from God: and the king took such a courage to him upon his coming, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with Antiochus.  that he seemed not so careful for the war, as how he might reward him for getting the victory, he thought himself so sure of it.  
But Hannibal who knew by proof the prowess and 
He that ●…kens with out his host, must 〈◊〉 twice.  puissance of the Romans, denied that it was possible to overcome them but in Italy: to the performen where of, he willed him to deliver him an hundr●…d ships, with ten thousand footmen and three thousand horsemen, promising to make as hot wars in italy with that little band, as ever he had done before, so that his majesty 
Hannibal's counsel to An tiochus against the Romans.  sitting in quiet in asia, he would either bring him home victory and conquest, or else indifferent articles of sinal peace and atonement. For both the Spaniyards were desirous to renew the wars if they had a captain to set them a work, and he himself was better acquainted with Italy now, than he had been in foretimes. Moreover he knew that Carthage would not sit at rest, but adi●…yn herself as partaker of his enterprises out of hand. The king liked the counsel well, and there upon one of 
A messenger is sent to Carthage from ●…ball.  Hannibal's retinue was sent unto Carthage, to stir them to the war being of themselves all ready desirous there of, declaring unto them that Hannibal would shortly come thither with an army.  
Nevertheless he was charged to say nothing to the factions, but only that the Carthaginenses wanted heart, for asia should find them both men and money. When 
The 〈◊〉ger is apprehended.  news hereof came to Carthage, the messenger was apprehended by the enemies of Hannibal, and being brought into the Senate, and there examined to whom he was sent, he answered like a subtle afre, that he was sent to the whole Senate. In as much as this matter was not the peculiar case of any one of them, but appertained in general to them all.  
While they were debating of the matter in counsel many days together, whether it were best for discharging of their own consciences to send him to Rome, there to make 
The messenger eskapeth and returneth to Hannibal.  his purgation or no, he took ship privily, and returned to Hannibal. Whereupon the Carthagis. immediately sent an ambassador to Rome. The Romans also sent ambassadors to antiochus, the which under the colour of ambassade, 
An ambassad sent from Rome to Antiochus.  should both mark and note the kings furniture for the wars, and also either reconcile Hannibal to the Romans, or else through their daily and continual commoning with him, bring him in suspicion and hatred with the king. Thambasssadors therefore when they were come before the king antiochus at Ephesus, de●…yuered him the●…r commission from the Senate. During the time they lay 
flattery.  there, giving attendance for their answer, day by day they were ever in hand with Hannibal, saying that there was no cause why he should have fled so fearfully out of his country▪ seeing the Romans withal faithfulness observed the peace concluded, not so much with the body of the common weal of Carthage, as with him: considering they knew he had made war against the Romans, not so much for ill will he bore towards them, as for the love he bore towards them, as for the love he bore toward his own country, in the which quarrel every good man ought to spend his life. For the occasion of those wars, grew upon the displeasure that the one country bore openly against the other, and not upon any private quarrel of the captains among themselves. Hereupon they too●…e occasion to commend his noble acts. the which communication so greatly delighted him that he was desirous to talk with the ambassadors oftener, not foreseeing that for the familiarity he had with the Romans, he should purchase himself the king's displeasure. For antiochus upon 
Antiochus is displeased 〈◊〉 Hannibal for keeping company with the Romans.  this ●…is daily communication, thinking him to be reconciled and fallen in favour with the Romans, would not ask his devise as he was wont to do, nor make him privy to any part of his doings, but hated him as an enemy, and abhorred him as a traitor.  
The which thing laid a water all that great furniture for the wars after the time that the policy of the grand captain was thus dashed out of countenance. Theffect of the commission, was to command Antiochus in the name of the Senate, to be content with the bounds of 
The effect of the Roman ambassade, & the answer of Antiochus.  Asia, unless he would drive them to enter into asia whether they would or no. Antiochus making light there of, answered how he was fully resolved before, not to receive war at their hands, but to make war upon them. When he had oftentimes debated with his counsel 
Consultation concerning the wars of the 〈◊〉 nes.  and his captains as concerning this war, not making Hannibal privy there to, at the last he sent for him, not to th'intent to do any thing after his devise, but to th'intent he would not seem to have utterly despised him, and there upon when every man had said his mind, lastly he asked him ●…is advise. The which thing Hannibal understanding well enough, said that he perceived he was called, not because the king thought himself to have need of his counsel, but only to supply the number of sentences. Nevertheless for the hatred he bore to the Romans 
Hannibal's adusye as concerning the maintenance of the wars with the Romans.  and for the good will he bore to the king, as in whose court only he had had safe refuge in the time of his banishment, he would discuss what way he were best to enterprise his wars. Thereupon he desired pardon in that he should speak so largely: for he said he liked no part of their counsels nor opinions in that behalf, as that Grece should be appointed the place of the war, seeing that italy was better for the maintenance of the same. For the Romans might not be vanquished, but by their own weapons, nor italy otherwise be subdued then by her own power. For those kind of people were of a clean contrary nature from all other men, and therefore the wars were to be ordered far otherwise against them then against all other men. In other wars it is wont to be a great furtherance and help for a man to have taken some advantage of the place, or of the time, to have wasted the fields, or to have won some Cities. But with the Roman whether ye have gotten any advantage before, or whether ye have overcome him, ye must be feign even then to wrestle with him, when he is vanquished and lieth at your foot. Wher●…ore if a man assail them in Italy, he might overcome them with their own weapons, their own richesses, and their own power, like as ●…e himself had done. But if any man shall suffer them to enjoy italy as the well springe of their strength, he shallbe as sore deceived of his purpose, as if a man would go about to drive back a river against the stream, or to dry it up, not beginning to stop it at the head, but at such place as the waters were deep●…st and most increased. This he said was his opi●…yon in himself, whereupon he was mined to have offered his service and advise unrequested, the which he now had uttered in the presence of all his friends, to th'intent they might all understand how to make wars with the Romans, who out of their own country were invincible, and at home at their own doors weak and easy to be overcome. In so much that it was an easier matter to set them beside Rome, then beside their Empire, and to drive them out of Italy, then out of their provinces. For their city had been sacked by the frenchmen, & they themselves almost utterly destroyed by him, and yet he never vanquished before he departed out of their country. But assoon as he was returned to Carthage, immediately with the place, was also aultered the fortune of the wars▪ The kings council held as much against this advise as 
The nature of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉.  could be, not weighing the utility of the matter, but for fear lest if his counsel should be allowed) he should be more in favour with the king the any of them. Antiochus misliked not so much the counsel as the author thereof, least the glory of the victory should redound to Hannibal, and not to him. Thus through assentation and flattery all was marred, and nothing was done by counsel or reason. The king all the winter time giving himself to riot and pastime, was every day making of new marriages. On the contrary part, attilius the Roman Consul, who was sent to these wars, withal diligence prepared men and armour, withal other munitions, artillery and habilimentes for the war, confirmed and strengthened the cities that were in confederacy, alured such as were neuters, and in conclusion according as either part laid before hand for their furniture, so did they speed in the war. In the first encounter when the king saw his men give back, he did 
〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 flygh●….  not relieve them with fresh succours, but offered himself captain of such as first ran away, and left his camp replenished withal richesses to his enemy. When he had escaped by flight into asia, while the Romans were occupied in gathering the spoil, he began to repent him that 
Hannibal is taken into 〈◊〉 for again.  he had rejected Hannibal's counsel, and there upon taking him into favour again, he said he would do all things by his advisement. In the mean season it was told him that Livius 〈◊〉 a Roman captain, appointed admiral of the sea by the Senate, was coming towards him with four 〈◊〉 ships of war, the which tidings put him in good comfort to recever his misfortune. Therefore he determined to encounter with him by the way, before that the Cities which as yet held their alliance with him, were revolted to the Romans, hoping to abolish the dishonour of the 〈◊〉 taken in Grece by a new victory. And thereupon Hannibal was sent to 
Hannibal being made admiral of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 by the Romans.  the sea with the kings fleet. But neither were the men of asia able to match the Romans, nor their ships of like force as were the Roman galleys, whose 〈◊〉 were armed with brass. Yet notwithstading the slaughter was the less, by means of the policy of the captain. The fame of the victory was not yet reported at Rome, and therefore the city stayed the creating of their consuls. But who was better to be made captain against Hannibal, than the brother of affricanus? seeing it was the peculiar work of the Scipions, to vanquish the Carthaginenses. Lucius Scipio was created consul, and his brother affricanus was given him to be his lieutenant, to th'intent Antiochus should understand that they had as much confidence in their conqueror Scipio, as he had in his vanquished Hannibal. As the Scipios were conveying over their host into asia, word was brought them, that the war in both places was all ready brought passed the worst, and so they found antiochus vanquished in battle on the land, and Hannibal overcome up on the sea. At their first arrival antiochus sent his ambassadors unto them for peace, sending moreover by 
Antiochus ●…esyreth peace.  them as a peculiar present unto affricanus, his son whom the king had taken passing over in a little bark. But affricanus answered that there was great difference between benefits done to any one person privately, 
The constant and uncorupt mind of Affricanus toward his country.  and the benefits that were done to the public weal of a whole country, and that the person of a father was one thing, and the person of a common weal was another, which ought in deed to be preferred, not o●…lye before children, but also before the very life itself, wherefore he thanked the king withal his heart for his honourable present, promising to requite his b●…unteous liberality, by some good turn that lay in his own private power to do. But as touching war and peace, he answered that he could show him no favour, neither that he would do more or less than was of right meet and requi●…ite to the behoove of his country. For he never entreated for the raunsominge of his son, nor suffered the Senate to go about it, but as appertained to his honour, he said always he would recover him by force of arms. After this, were articles of peace propounded, the content whereof was that he should depart out of asia, suffering 
Articles of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  the Romans to enjoy it peaceably, deliver them their prisoners and runagates, withal their ships, and make 〈◊〉 of all charges and expenses that the Romans had been put to in those wars. Antiochus having intelligence thereof, answered that he was not as yet so utterly vanquished, that he should suffer himself to be spoiled of his kingdom, saying that it was the next way to provoke him to war, rather than to allure him to peace. In the mean time that the war was in preparing on both sides. The Romans entering into Asia 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  came to Troy where was great rejoicement between the 〈◊〉 and the Romans, the Trojans declaring how Aeneas and tother captains came from them, and the Romans vaunti●…ge themselves to be descended of them. And there was as great rejoicement between both parts, as there is wont to be at the meeting of the parents and their children, after long being a sunder. It did the Trojans good, that their lineage having conquered the west and subdued Africa, did now challenge th'empire of Asia also, as their ancient inheritance and the rightful possession of their forefathers, saying it was good fortune to Troy. that it was destroyed, considering how luckily it had risen again? On the other side, the Romans had an unmeasurable desire, to see the houses of their auncestry, and the places where their forefathers were bred and borne, with the Temples and Images of their Gods. When the Romans were departed from Troy, king Emnenes met them with a number of men to aid them. And ere it was long after, a field was fought against Antiochus, in the which when as a legion of the right 
A battle between 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉.  wing of the Roman▪ battle, being put out of array fled to the camp with more shame than danger, Marcus Aemylius marshal of the host, being left behind for the defence of the camp, commanded his soldiers to arm themselves, and to go out of the trench, and with their sword drawn to menace such as fled away, saying they should die for it everichone, if they returned not into the battle again, and that they should find their own camp hotter for them, than the battle of their enuemies. The legion being astonished at so great danger accompanied with their fellows that stopped them of their flight, returned into the field, and there making a great slaughter upon their enemies, were the beginning of the victory. There were of the enemies fifty thousand slain, and a ri. M. taken prisoners. Yet notwithstanding when Antiochus desired peace, nothing was added to the former articles. 
The magnam●…ty of the Romain●…s.  For Affricanus said, it was not the custom of the Romans, to be discouraged for a loss, nor to be proud by reason of prosperity. The cities that they had taken, they divided among their confederates▪ judging it a greater reward to the Romans to have honour and renowue, than possessions gotten by force. For he said, it was meet for a Roman to challenge glory and fame, and to leave the superflovity of richesse to his partakers.   

The xxxii. Book▪  
THe Aetolians which had provoked Antiochus to war against the Romans, after the time that he was onercome, 
The Aetolians are subdued by the Romans.  remained all only against the Romans, both 〈◊〉 to match them in strength, and also destitute of all help and comfort. By means where of within a 〈◊〉 after, they were vanquished and lost their liberty, the which they all only among so many cities of Grece had retained untouched, against the dominion of the athenians and Lacedæmonians. The which estate of bondage was so much the bitterer unto them, as it was later or it came▪ r●…oltynge with themselves those times, in the which with the only power of their own country, they had withstood and burn out the great force and power of the Pers●…ans, in the which they had repressed the violence of the 〈◊〉 men, so terrible to Asia and italy in the bat●…ell at Delphos, the glor●…ous remembrance of which things kindled in them a 〈◊〉 desire of liberty. While these things 
The 〈◊〉 ou 〈◊〉 the ●…ans and th●… Achca●…s.  were a doing, in the mean time the Messenians and the Acheans f●…ll ●…irst at conte●…ion, & anon after to plain sighting for the s●…raigntye.  
In that battle Philopenienes the noble grand captain of the Acheans was tak●…n prisoner, not through his own default, because he 〈◊〉 not fight for saving of his life, but as he was about to bring his men in array that were s●…attered, in the leaping of a ditch his 〈◊〉 overthrew, and so his enemies clustered about him, and took him ere he could r●…couer up again. And y●…t the Messenians when they fo●…nd him overthrown, whether it were for f●…are o●… his prowess●…, or for reverence of his estate, durst not kill him. Therefore as though by taking of him they had finished all the war, they led him like a prisoner about all the city in manner of a triumph, the people ruuninge out by heaps to meet him, as if their own captain, and not the captain of their enemies had been coming. And I believe the Acheans would not have been more desirous to have seen him if he had gotten the upper hand than were the Messenians his enemies, to behold him being a prisoner. For they led him into a Theatre, to the intent t●…ey might all behold him, whom they thought an uncredible and vnposs●…ble m●…tter to be taken. From thence they coweyed him to prison, where for shame 
The 〈◊〉 ble courage of Philopemenes a●…hys death.  of the villainy they had offered to such a worthy estate, they gave him poison: the which he drank with as mearye a cheer as if he had won the victory. Demanding first of all whether Lycortas the lieutenant of the Acheane (whom he knew to be the man of best knowledge in feats of arms nerte unto himself,) had escaped in safety or no.  
When he understood that he was escaped, he said, the world goeth not altogether against the Acheans, & with that word he gave up the ghost. But ere it was long after, the war was renewed, in which the Messenians being vanquished, suffered worthy punishment for putting Philopemenes to death. In the mean season Antiochus 
The death of Antiochus.  king of Syria, being sore overcharged with the tribute that he should pay to the Romans, and seeing himself vanquished and burdened, whether it were that he were compelled for want of money, or that he were alured with covetousness, because he hoped that under pretence of the necessity (the which he was put to for the payment of the tribute,) he should be held the better excused if he committed sacrilege, he assembled an army, and in the night time assaulted the temple of jupiter of Dodon, the which attempt was bewrayed, and he withal his host was slain by the inhabitants of the country that resorted to the rescue. At Rome, when many cities of Grece were 
The modesty of D●…metrius with the fruit thereof.  come thither, to complain of the injuries that Phillyppe king of Macedon had d●…one unto them, and that there was great contention in words in the senate house, between Demetrius the son of Phillippe sent thither by his father to make satisfaction as the Senate should think right, and the ambassadors of the Cities: the young man being confounded with the noise and exclamatyon of the appellantes, suddenly held his peace. Then the Senate being moved with his modest shamefastness, for the which he had been well beloved of all men before times when he lay in hostage at Rome, gave judgement on his side. And so Demetrius obtained pardon for his father, not by defending his right, but by the help of his modesty and shamefastness. The which thing was signified unto him by the decree of the senate, to th'intent it should appear, that the king was not acquitted as guiltless, but 
●…rtue pro●…●…nuy.  rather pardoned for his sons sake, the which thing purchased unto Demetrius, not thank for his behaviour in that ambassade, but hatred through the maliciousness of backbiters. For with his brother Perses, who sought by all means to surprise him,) it procured him envy, and with his father (when he knew the occasion of his acquittal) it procured him displeasure, disdaining that ●…he person of his son should be of more force or strength with the Senate, than the authority of the father, or the estimation of his estate being a king. Perses therefore per 
Wh●…e 〈◊〉 a man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 worse neighbour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bringeth 〈◊〉 home.  ceiving his father's disease, made complaints daily unto him of his brother Demetrius, and first he brought him in mistrust with him, and shortly in utter displeasure, objecting against him that he sought the freudshippe of the Romans to betray his father.  
At the last he surmised that he went about tr●…ason, for the prouse where of he brought in record, and suborned false witnesses to uphold ●…he crime that he charged him withal. By means whereof he compelled his father to murder his own son, and brought all the court in sorrow and heaviness. After Demetrius was thus put to death, the party being dispatched out of the way, whom he feared as his enemy, Perses began to be not only more slack in doing his duty, but also more stubborn against his father, behaving himself, not like an heir but like a king. Philip being sore offended with his misdemenor, bewailed the death of Demetrius very unpatiently from day to day. Where upon mistrusting himself to be deceived by cautel and treason, he put the witnesses and record bearers to torture. Through which having bolted out their treason, he was vexed as much with the wickedness of Perses, as with the undeserved death of Demetrius. And he had punished him for his labour, had not death prevented him of his purpeses. For shortly after, through very sorrow and pensiveness 
The death of Phil●…yp king of 〈◊〉.  of heart, he fell sick and died, leaving behind him great furniture for the wars against the Romans, the which Perses afterward used.  
Moreover he had alured the Frenchmen, called Rascians, to take his part, & was minded to have made grievous 
What nations Perses procured to take his part against the Romans.  wars upon the Romans, if he had not died. For the Frenchmen after the unfortunate battle at Delphos, (in the which the wrath of God, did them more displeasure than the puissance of their enemies) having lost their Captain burn, fled like owtlawes, some into Asia, some into Thrace: From thence they retired into their native country, by the very same way they came out. A certain of them rested at the meeting of the rivers of Danow and Say, & called themselves Rascians'. The people of Languedocke, being returned into their 
The punishment of Sa●…ledge.  old country of Tolouse, and there stricken with a Pestilent murreyne, could not recover their health, until such time as by thadmonishment of their Soothsayers, they had thrown into the lake of Tholouse, all the gold and Silver that they had gotten in the wars, by the robbing and spoiling of Temples. All the which, Cipio the roman Consul, long time after took away every penny. There was of gold, a hundred and ten thousand pound weight, of silver fifty hundred thousand pound weight: the which sacrilege was afterward the confusion of Cipio and his host. Furthermore, there followed anon after the war of the Cymbrians agnynst the romans, as it were to punish them for taking away of the holy money. A great number of the people of Languedoc, being enticed with the sweetness of the pray, (as men wont to live altogether upon the spoil) went into Illyria, and there having syoyled the Istrians, rested in P●…nnonie. It is reported that the nation of the Istrians, descended from the men of Colchos, that were sent by King Aetis, to pursue the Argonantes, and jason that led away his daughter by force, who entering out of the Sea of Pontus, into the river of Istre, and so directly 
The original of the Istrians.  into the river Say, following the Argonantes, at the hard heel's, carried their ●…ippes upon their shoulders, over the tops o●… the mountains, ●…uen unto the shore of the Adriatic sea, the which thing they understood, that the Argonantes for the length of th●…ire ship, had done before them. But when the men of Colchos could not sinned them, whether it were for fear of the king, or for tediousness of the long sailing, they settled themselves near unto the City Aquiverlera, and called themselves Istrians, after the name of the river, into the which they first entered out of the sea. The Daces also, are the issue of the Getes: who with Dlor their king, being van 
Cowardice punysh●…d with r●…proch.  quished in battle by the Bastarnes, were put to this penance for their cowardice, that when they should take their sleep, they should lay their heads, where their feet should lie, and serve their wives in such sort, as their wives were wont to serve them, the which penalty laid upon them by the commandment of their king, they should not be so bold to infringe, before they had by their manhood and prowess, put away the schlaunder and ignominy, purchased by their former siouts, and cowardice. Perses therefore, being crowned king in his father Philyppes stead, stirred all these nations, to take his part against the Romans. In the m●…ane while, 
War between Prusias as and Eumenes  there arose war between Prusias (unto whom Hannibal was fled, after that peace was concluded between Antiochus and the Romans) and Eumenes: the which war, Prusias (breaking the league upon trust that he had in Hannibal) did first move. For when as the Romans among other articles of peace, put in the deliverance of Hannibal for one: the king gave him warning of it, and he fled into Candie.  
In the▪ which I, when he had lived quiet●…ie a long time, and saw that men repined and grudged at him, 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  for his great wealth and richesse, he filled pots with lead, and set them in the Temple of Diana, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the preservation of his life and very goo●… 〈◊〉: By means where of the City having no fear nor infstruste of his doings, in as much as they believed that they had his richesses for a pledge, he went to Prusias, carrying all his gold with him, poured into Images of timber, lest if his richesses should be espied, he might happen to be put in jeopardy of his life for them.  
afterward when Emnenes had overcome Prusias in battle upon the land, and that Prusias would try the 
Ha●…ibals ●…tageme.  adventure of the sea, Hannibail by a new devise was the occasion that he gate the victory. For he caused of all kinds of Serpents to be put into earthen pots, the which in the mids of the battle, were cast into the enemies ships. This stratagem seemed at the first to the men of Pontus, to be but a mockery to leave weapons and fight with earthen pots. But when the Serpents began to swarm about them in the ships, they were so troubled with the doubtful danger, that they witted not what to do, and so they gave their enemy the upper hand. When fidinges hereof came to Rome, the Senate sent ambassadors to cease the strife between both the kings, and to demand to have Hannibal yielded unto them. But Hannibal having knowledge of the matter, poisoned himself, and died ere the ambassador could come 
The death of Hannibal.  by him.  
This year was notable for the deaths of three of the most puissant captains in all the whole world, that is to say, of Hannibal, Philopemenes, and Scipio Affricanus. Of the which it is well known, that Hannibal, 
The comen dation of Hannibal.  neither in the time that all Italy quaked to see him thundering like a tempest in the Roman Empire, nor when he was returned to Carthage and held the sovereignty, did ever sit down to his meat, or drink above a pint and a half of wine at a meal. And as for chastity he kept it so immaculate and undefiled among so many prisoners as he had, that a man would swear he had never been borne in Africa.  
certes he was of that mod●…stye and government, that all be it had sundry kinds of people to rule in his host, yet his soldiers never went about to betray him, neither could he be entrapped by any policy, both the which things his enemies full often attempted ●…gainst him.   

The. xxxii. Book.  
THe Romans accomplished the wars of Macedon, with far less trouble 
The preparat●…on of the Ro mains, and of Philip one against another.  the they did the wars of Carthage▪ but the war was so much the more honourable, as the Macedones excelled the Cart●…aginenses in reno●…ne & estimation. For they were furthered partly with the glory of the conquest of the East, and inespecially with the aid and help of all kings. And therefore the Romans made for the a greater number of men of war, and also sent for succ●…ur to Masinissa king of Mundie, and to all other their confedecates. Furthermore they charged Emnenes king of Bythinia, to help them with all the power he was able to make. Perses besides his host of Macedones, who by the opinion of all men were accounted unvincible, had in his treasury and in his store houses where with all to maintain ten years war, prepared before hand by his father. By means whereof, being puff●…d up with pride, and forgetting what chance his father had before him, he willed his men to consider the ancient renown of Alexander. The first encounter was of horsemen, in the which Perses getting the upper hand, procured himself the favour of all men, which before stood in doubt what way to incline, because they witted not which way the world would go. Nevertheless he sent Ambassadors to the Roman Con full to request peace, as they had before granted to his father, being vanquished, promising to pay the charges of the war, as if he had been overcome. But the Consul Sulpitius, propounded as sore conditions, as if he had been vanquished in deed. While these things were a doing, the Romans for dread of so dangerous a war, created Aemilius Paulus, Consul, and made him extraordinarily lieutenant of the wars in Macedon. Who assoon as he came to the army, made no long delay, ere he encountered with his enemies. The night before the battle should be fought, the Moon was eclipsed. 
The Eclipse of the moon.  All men judged it to be a sorrowful for token to Perses, as the which signified that th'empire of Macedon drew fast to an end.  
In that conflict, M. Cato, the son of Cato the Drator, as he was fighting among the thickest of his enemies, 
The valiantness of M. Cato.  fell of his horse, and was feign to fight a foot: for when he was down, a band of his enemies enclosed him about, which an horrible n●…yse, to have killed him as he lay on the ground. But he recovered himself quickly, and made a great slaughter among them: the while his enemies came clustering about him on all sides to oppress him, being but one man alone: as he struck at one of their noble men, his sword flew out of his hand into the mids of his enemies, to recover the which, he covered himself with his target, and in thopen sight of both the armies, thrust himself in among his enemy's weapons, and having recovered his sword, with the receit of many wounds, returned to his own fellows, with a great shout of all the whole field. The residue of his compa●…e ensuing his bold example, won the victory. King Perses fled out of the field, and with ten thousand talents 
Perses flieth and is taken prisoner with his children.  sailed to Samothrace: Whom Cneus D●…auius, being sent by the Consul, to pursue him, took him with his two sons, Alexander and Philippe, & brought them ners to the Consul. Macedon, from the time of Caranus, who first reigned there, unto Perses who was the last, had thirty kings, under whose governance it con ti●…ued, by the space of nine hundred twenty and three years: but it held the sovereign Monarchy, no longer than a hundred, 〈◊〉 and twelve years. When it 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the monarchy of 〈◊〉.  was once brought in subjection to the Romans: Officers were appointed in every City, and it was set at liberty, receiving of Paul the Laws, which they use at this day. The senators of all the cities of Aetoly with their wives and children, which hitherto had remained as neuters, were sent to Rome, and there they were detained a long time, to th'intent they should not work any alteration in their country, until at length after many years entreatans, by often Ambassades sent from the Cities to the Senate of Rome, every man was dismissed into his own country.   

The. xxxiiii. Book.  
THe Carthaginenses and Macedones, 
The 〈◊〉 of the Roman against the 〈◊〉.  being subdued, and the power of the Aetolians weakened by the captivity of their noblemen, the Acheans only of all Grece, seemed as yet to the romans to be at that time of to much power and authority, not for the over great wealth of every city by themselves, but for the earnest agreement of them all together. For although the Acheans be divided by Cities, as it were into members, yet they have one Corporation, and one kind of government, and if any wrong be offered to anyone city, strait ways all the 〈◊〉 make all power they can, to redress it.  
Therefore as the Romans sought to find some quarrel to make war against them, by fortune a complaint was brought against them in due season by the Lacedæmonians whose fields (for a mutual hatred between the two peoples,) the Acheans had foraged. The Senate made answer to the Lacedæmonians, that they would send ambassadors into Grece, to see how their confederates were dealt withal, and to defend them from taking any wrong. But th'ambasssadors had privily in charge beside, to dissolve the agreeable consent of the Acheans, and to set every city free from other, to th'intent they might the easilier be brought in subjection: and if any cities showed themselves so stout that they would not, they should be compelled by force. The ambassadors therefore calling the princes of all the cities before them to corinth, recited the decree of the Senate, declaryuge what they would counsel them to do. They said it was expedient for them all, that every City should be gyverned by their own laws, and by their own customs. When this was once notifiee to them all, they were in such a rage, that like mad men, they killed all the foreign people within the real●…e. Yea and they had doene as much to the Roman Ambassadors themselves also, if they had not had intelligens of the hurly-burly, and shifted for themselves by flight. Assoon as tidings her of came to Rome forth with the Senate appointed Mnmmius the Consul to make war against the Acheans. Who without further delay, conveying thither his army, and having vigilantly puided for all things before hand, offered his enemy's battle. But the Acheans, as though they had take a matter of no importans in hand by making war 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…o 〈◊〉 befor●… 〈◊〉 net.  against the Romans, so they looked and cared for nothing at all, for they were so mindful of the pray, and so careless for the battle that they brought chariots & wagous' wit●… them to lad home with the spoil of their enemies, & set their wives & children in the mountains to behold the conflict. But when they came to hand strokes, they were slain right down before their friends faces, where by they gave them a sorrowful sight, the remembrance whereof might grieve them all the days of their life after. Their wives and children also being of lookers on made captives, were a pray to the enemy. The chief city Corinth 
corinth is beaten down.  was beaten down. All the people were sold by the drum, to the intent that by the ensample thereof, the other cities might be a afraid to make any trouble or insurrection. While these things were a doing, Antiochus king of Syria made war upon Ptolemy the elder, his syslers 
Antiochus maketh war upon Ptol●…my king of Egypt.  son king of Egypt, given all together to sloth, and so feeble and unlusty through daily and continual riot, that he not only committed all things appertaining to the estate and office of a king, but also by means of over much pampering up of himself, was in manner void of that reason which ought to be in man. Being therefore driven out of his kingdom, he fled to Alexandria, to ptolemy his younger brother, with whom he parted his kingdom, and so they sent ambassadors jointly together to the Senate of Rome, requesting help by the right of the league in the which they were bound in alyauns with them. The Senate being moved at the suit of the brethren there upon scent Pub. Popilius ambassador to Antiochus to will him to abstain from Egypt, or if he were all ready 
An example of an uncorrupted mind and of great●… severity.  entered to void thence. When he had found him in Egypt, and that the king offered to kiss him, (for at such time as Antiochus lay in hostage at Rome, among others he had Popilius in great estimation and reverence) Popilius willed him to let cease all private friendship, until he had executed the commandment of his country, or while matters concerning his country were in hand, and there withal drawing forth the decree of the senate, and delivering it unto him, when he saw him pause at the matter, asking leisure to consult thereon with his friends, there Popilius with a wand that he had in his hand, 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 circle about him, willing him to call his friends to counsel to him and not to set foot ou●…e of the place befor●… he had given the Senate a direct answer, whether he would have peace or warr●… with the Romans. This rigorousness so ●…uche abated the kings courage, that he made answer he was content to be ruled by the Senate. Antiochus after his return into his kingdom deceased▪ leaving his heir a 〈◊〉 babe. Whom 
The death of An●…ochus.  the realm assigned to the governance of certain Protectors. Here upon his uncle Demetrius, who lay in hostage at Rome, hearing of the ●…eath of his brother an●…iochus, went unto the Senate, saying that he came thither for an hostage during his brother's life, after whose decease he knew not for whom he should lie any longer in hostage. Wherefore he ought of right to be discharged, that he might go and challenge the kingdom, the which (as by the universal law of all nations,) it appertained ●…o his elder brother, so now of reason, it was due to him, because he was of more y●…res of discretion than the babe. When he perceived the Senate would not licence him to 
Demetrius stealeth from Rome▪ and obtaineth the kingdom of Syria.  go, (in as much as they were persuaded in their own judgements, that the kingdom should remain in more safety and quietness in the child's hand then in his,) under pretence of ri●…ing a hunting, he stolen to D●…ia, and there with a few of his retinue that were privy to his doings, he privily took shipping. Assoon as he was arrived in Syria, he was received with great joy and favour of all men, and the Protectors killing their ward did put him in possession of the kin●…dom. The same time almost, Pru●…as king of Bythinia, went about secretly 
Prusias diggeth a pit for his son, and falleth there in himself.  to kill his own son 〈◊〉, for none other occasion, but only to anaunce his younger sons that he had begotten upon his second wife which lay in hostage at Rome. But the matter was be wrayed to the young man by them that should have done the deed, and they counseled him, that for as much as his father by his cruelty had provoked him thereto, he should prevent the conspiracy, and turn the mischief upon the devysers' head. It was no hard matter to persuade him. Therefore assoon as he was by their enticement entered into his father's realm, he proclaimed himself king. Prusias being deposed from his own son from his royal estate, to the degree of a private person, was forsaken even of his own servants. And as he lay hidden in a secret place, his son as cruelly slew him, as he had wicked lie commanded his son to be put to death before.   

The. xxxv. Book.  
Demetrius' the usurper of the kingdom of Syria, supposing it to be a dangerous matter, if upon his new advancement he should give himself to idleness, determined to enlarge the borders of his kingdom, and to augment his richesses by subduing his neighbours. Whereupon for displeasure he bore to Ariarathes king of Cappadocia for refusing his sister in marriage, he main tained against him his brother Holofernes, who being 
An example of singular in gratitude.  wrongfully driven out of the realm, resorted to him for succour, and for joy that he had so honest a title to make war, he purposed to set him in possession of the kingdom again. But Holofernes being of a cankered and malicious nature, (entering in league with the Antiochiens, being at that time offended with Demetrius,) took counsel how to deprive him of his kingdom, that went about to restore him into his kingdom. Demetrius having knowledge there of, spared his life because ariarathes should not be delivered from the fear of his brother's war. Nevertheless he caused him to be apprehended and put him in prison in the city Seleucia. Yet notwithstanding the antiochiens were not so discouraged by the detection of their conspiracy, that they would cease from their rebellion. Therefore by the help of Ptolomye king of Egypt, attalus king of asia, and ariarathes king 
The hatred of divers kings against Demetrius.  of Cappadocia, all the which Demetrius had by his wars stirred against him, they suborned one Prompalus a man of the basest sort, to challenge the kingdom by force of arms, as though it had been his by right of inheritance, and to the intent there should want nothing to spite Demetrius withal, they proclaimed him by the name of Ale●…ander, and reported him to be the son of Antiochus. So sore hatred was Demetrius amongst all men, that by an universal consent, they not only gave his adversary the power of a king, but also attributed unto him nobility of birth and lineage. Alexander therefore by means of this wonderful exchange of things, forgetting his own old villainage, being accompanied with the power almost of all the whole Cast, made war against Demetrius, whom he vanquished and deprived both of life and kingdom. How be it Demetrius wanted 
The 〈◊〉 nes and 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉  no courage to withstand the brunt of the wars. For at the first encounter he put his enemy to flight, and when the king renewed the battle again, he slew many thousand of their men in the field, and yet at the last being of an invincible courage, he was slain fight most valiantly among the thickest of his enemies. In the beginning of the wars, Demetrius had committed to the charge of his host of Guydus in Lycia, his two sons and a great sum of gold, to the intent they should be both out of ●…operdye of the war, and also if it should so happen be preserved to revenge their father's death. The elder of them named Deme●…rius, being past child's age, hearing 
D●…etrius the son of 〈◊〉 recou●…reth his father's kingdom.  of the riotous demeanour of Alexander, (who for the joy he had in his richesses unhoped for, and in the ornaments of another man's felicity, kept himself like a cowardly carpet knight at home in his palace among a company of concubines and brothels,) by the help of the Caudiens, assailed him careless as he was, and fearing no hostility at all. The Antiochiens also to make amends with their new benefits, for the old displeasure done to his father, yielded themselves unto him. Moreover his father's soldiers, being inflamed with favour toward the young Prince, and preferring the conscience of their oath made to his father, before their promise made to the new proud king, revolted withal their banners and antesignes to Demetrius. And so Alexander being with like rage of for 〈◊〉 overthrown as he was lifted up, was in the first battle vanquished and slain: suffering due punishment, both in the behalf of Demetrius whom he had slain, and in the behalf of Antiochus, whose ●…ock he had most shamefully slandered.   

The xxxvi. Book.  
Demetrius' having recovered his Father's kingdom, was himself also cor rupted, through the prosperous success in all his affairs, & through the inclination to vice, that is commonly wont to be in youth, he fell to sloth and 〈◊〉▪ by means whereof, he purchased himself, as much hatred at all men's hands for his cowardness, as his father had gotten for his stateliness: whereupon perceiving how the cities every where began to withdraw their obedience, to th'intent he might wipe out the spot of cowardice, 
Demetrius maketh war against the Parthi●…ns.  he determined to make war upon the parthians. Whose coming the people of the East were not a little glad to behold, both, by reason of the cruelty of Arsaces' king of the Parthians, and also because the countries, being enured with the gentle entreatans of the ancient dominion of the Macedones, could not well away with the pride of the new Empire of the Parth●…ans. By means whereof, being aided with the power of the Per sians, Emylians, and Bactrians, he vanquished the Par ●…sans in many battles. Nevertheless at the last, being deceived under a counterfeit colour of peace, he was taken 
Demetrius is tak●…n prisoner, & kept like a king.  prisoner, and ●…rawen through thopen face of the cities, that had revolted and showed in meckage to the people, that had rebelled, as who should say, they should see what a one he was, whom they had so highly favoured.  
Afterward he was sent into 〈◊〉, and there courteou●…ly entertained, according as belongeth to his for mer estate.  
While these things were in doing, in the mean time 〈◊〉, who through suit to the body of the Realm had obtained to be admitted Protector, over Antiochus' 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  son in law to Demetrius: killed the child, and usurped the kingdom of Syria, the which he enjoyed a great while: but at the length, when the ●…our that men bore him, being newly made king, began to wear out. Antiochus the brother of Demetrius, who at that time was 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  brought up in Asia, being but a very child, overcame him in battle, and so the kingdom of Syria was redu●…ed again to the stock of Demetrius. An●…iochus therefore remembering, that both his father was hated for his pride, and his brother despised for his slothfulness: because he would not fall into the same vices himself, after he had taken in marriage Cleopatra his brother's 〈◊〉, he with all diligence pursuwed the Cy●…es that had reuloted from his brother, at the beginn●…g of his Reign, and having subdued them, brought them again to 〈◊〉 of th'empire. Also he subdued the jews, who in the time of his father Demetrius taking weapon in hand, had pulled their necks from subjection of th'empire of Macedon, and set themselves at liberty. And they grew to such strength, that after this man was once dead, there 〈◊〉 as no king of Macedon ●…ble to keep them in obedience, but that they made a Ruler among themselves, and di●…roubled all Syria with their wars. The original of the 
The 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉.  jews, was Damascus, which is the noblest city of all Syria, from whence the kings of Syria also (fetching their pedigree from Semiramis) descended. The City had her name of a King called Damascus, in honour of whom, the Syrians worshipped the Sepulchre of his wife Arates for a Temple, & reverenced her with much devotion and superstitio●…s Ceremonies for a Goddess. After Damascus, 〈◊〉 Abraham, Israel and 〈◊〉, as kings: But Israel was more notable than his ance●…ors by reason of the 〈◊〉 increase of his ten sons. Therefore he divided his people into ten kingdoms, and delivered it to his sons, calling them all jews after the name of juda, which deceased anon after the division, the remembrance of whom he commanded that all the rest should have in reverence and veneration. His portion was the head of all the other. The youngest of the brothers was joseph, of whose excellent wit his brothers being afraid, 
The history of Ios●…phe in 〈◊〉.  ●…ais wait for him privily, and sold him to merchants strangers, by whom he was carried into Egipte: where through the sharpness of his wit, he so pro●…d in the magical arts, that within a short space, he became in great favour with the king. For he was both a very witty divinor of wonders and foretokens, and also he was the first that invented the interpretation of dreams. Yea there was nothing appertaining either to God or man, wherein he seemed not to have had exact knowledge. In so much that he foresaw the barrenness of the land, many years before it came, and all Egypt had pearished for, if the king through his counsel had not given 〈◊〉 commandment, to lay up in store the corn and fruit of many years before hand. Finally he was so well tried that his answers seemed not to be given by man, but by God. His son was Moses, who besides the inheritans of his father's knowledge, was also commended for his 
An 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Moses, and of the going of the 〈◊〉 out of Egypt.  excellent beauty and parsonage. But the Egyptians being stricken with a great itch and skabbednesse, to the intent that the contagion should infect no more, by the warning of an Oracle, drove him and all the infected out of the borders of Egypt. Moses' therefore being made captain of the banished people, stolen away the sacrifices of the Egyptians: the which the Egyptians intending to recover by force, were compelled by Tempests to retire home again. Moses' e●…ones resortnig to Damascus the native 
The ●…inge of the sa●… day.  country of his ancestors, went up into the mountain Sinai, in the which, (for as much as he first rested there after seven days ●…asting and travel of himself and his people through the deserts of Arabia) he hallowed the seventh day, and called it after the manner and usage of the country, the Sabbath day, commanding it to be kept. Fastyngday for ever after to the worlds end, because that that day had made an end of all their travel and hunger. And forasmuch as they remembered how they were driven out of Egypt, for fear of infection, they made a law, never after to communicate with strangers, the which thing rising at the first upon good cause and con syderation, by little and little grew into custom and superstition. After Moses, his brother Aaron was consecrated 
〈◊〉.  first Priest of the Ceremonies of Israel, and anon after created king. And ever after it remained as a custom among the jews, that they that were their priests were also their kings: through whose justice and uprightness joined with 〈◊〉, it is an uncredible thing, how greatly they increased. The enryching of the jews 
Of ●…growing only in 〈◊〉.  came by the revenues of Balm, which groweth no where, but only in their country. For there is a certain valley, enclosed round about with continual hills, as it were walls, like unto gardens. The place containing two hu●…dred thousand Acres, is named jericho. In the same vale there is a wood, notable, both for the fruitfulness 
The ●…tion of the country of jericho.  and for the pleasantness thereof. For it is beset with date trees and balm trees. The Balm trees are like in making and groweth unto pitch trees, saving that they be much lower, and are dressed as vines are. These at certain times of the year do sweet out balm: But the place is not so much to be wondered at for the fruitfulness, as for the colenesse thereof. For whereas throughout all the Climate of that Country, the sun is exceeding hot, there is in that place, as it were a natural warmness, and a continual shadow.  
In that country is a lake, which for the greatness thereof, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  and for the unmovable standing of the water, is called the dead sea. For neither is it moved with y● winds, by reason, the bitumen resisteth the force of them, where with all the water is made to stand immovable: neither can it be sailed upon, because that all things wanting life, sink down to the bottom, and it will not bear any substance, unless it be overlayed with Alum. Xerxes' 
Who first subdued the jews.  king of Persia first subdued the jews. Afterward they and the Persians also, were brought in subjection by great Alexander, and continued a long time under the governance of the Empire of Macedon. lastly rebelling against Demetrius, by seeking the friendship and Alliance of the romans, who at that time did cut large thongs of other men's leather, they were the first of all the Nations of the East, that requested liberty. During the same time that there was such alteration of the kingdom of Syria among the new kings: Attalus king of Asia, distained his most flourishing kingdom which he 
The doings of Attalus. king of Asia the less.  had received of his uncle Eumenes, with the slaughter of his friends, and th'execution of his kinsfolk, false lie surmising one while, that the old lady his mother, another while, that his own spouse Beronice were by their sorcery and enchantments killed. After the committing of this wicked and outrageous cruelty, he put on 
The sorowe●…ul repentans of Attalus.  filthy apparel, he let his head and his beard grow long, like as offenders are wont to do in person, he would not come abroad, he would not show himself to the people he would not make any mirth or good cheer in his house no nor pretend any token at all, of a man that is in his right wits, so that it was not to be thought, but that he punished himself, to pacify the Ghosts of such as he had wrongfully put to death. There upon leaving the government of the kingdom, he gave himself to making of gardens, and sowed sedes, setting herbs an●… weeds mingled together, all the which he would step in venomous liquors, and send as a special present to his friends. Furthermore he gave himself to the study of Smyths craft, and to founding of metals, marvelously delighting in melting and casting of brass. finally intending to make his mother a tomb, as he was earnestly 
The dea●… of A●…alus.  occupied about the same, he caught a Surfett●… by the heat of the sun, of the which he died within seven days after. By his last will he made the people of Rome his h●…ire. But there was one Aristonicus the son of 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Eumenes, not begotten in lawful wedlock, but borne of a single woman of Ephesus, the daughter of a certain minstrel, who after the death of Attalus, took upon ●…im the kingdom of Asia, as if it had been his by right of inheritance. When he had fought many prosp●…rous battles, against such of the Cities as would not yield themselves unto him for fear of the romans, and thereupon seemed now to be righful king in deed. Licinius 
The 〈◊〉 of cou●…ousnesse.  Crassus the Consul, was appointed to have the charge of Asia: who having more mind of Attalus riches, then of the war, (by adventure in the later end of the winter, for want of good order and governance in the field) was overcome, and with the loss of his life, suffered due punishment for his unadvised rashness and covetousness. In his room was sent the Consul Perpenna, who in the first encounter vanquished Aristonicus, and took him prisoner, and also shipped all the riches of Attalus, belonging to the romans, by force of Legacy, and conveyed them to Rome. The which his successor, Marcus Aquilius the Consul, taking sore to heart, made all the haste and speed he could devise, to take Arystonicus perforce out of Perpennas' hand, as who should say, that he himself ought rather to have the honour of Triumph fo●… vanquishing him. But the death of Perpenna broke the strife of the consuls: and so Asia being made the right of the romans, with her richesses, sent also her vices unto Rome.   

The. xxxvii. Book.  
AFter that Arostonicus was taken prisoner, the Massilias sent Ambassadors to Rome, humbly requesting pardon for the Phocenses their founders, whose City, Senate, yea and name, the Romans had given sentence, should be utterly rooted out, because that both, at that time and before times, when they had wars with Antiochus, the same like deadly enemies had ever furthered the war against them, the which request with much suit the Massilians obtained. 
The Romans reward their partakers.  This done, they rewarded the kings that had aided them against Aristonicus: unto Mythridates' king of Pontus, they gave the lesser Syria, & unto the sons of Ariarathes king of Cappadocia, who lost his life in the same battle, they gave Licaonia and Cilicia. And the people of Rome dealt more faithfully with the sons of their confederates, than the mother did deal with her own children. For by th'one the child had his kingdom enlarged, by tother, he was bereft of his life. For Laodice, of six sons that Ariarathes had begotten by her, (for fear, least by continual succession in the government 
The unnatural cruelty of a mother.  of the kingdom, some of them might happen to come to man's estate) killed five of them. One of the youngest by the help of his kindred, was saved from his mother's cruelty, who after the death of the said Laodice (for the people had put her to death for her cruelty) 
Not without de●…ert.  enjoyed the kingdom alone. Mythridates also, being surprised by sudden death, left a son behind him of his own name, who afterward grew so great, that he surmounted 
Mythridates the great, and of his birth, educatyon, success, pearyls and adventures.  in estate, not only the kings of his time, but also all the kings that had been before him, and held wars with the Romans six and forty years together, sometime with conquest and sometime with loss. Whom the most expert and valiant Captains, Sylla and Lucullus, with divers others, & in fine, ●…us Pem peius overcame in such sort, that he still rose with greater force and prowess to renew the battle, and by his losses seemed ever to be made more terrible to them. Finally at the length, he was not vanquished as an enemy, but in his old-age, leaving his 〈◊〉 to be his heir, he dispatched himself by wilful death, in his own king doom, where his ancestors had reigned of long continuance. The very wonders of heaven did prognosticate what a great man he should be: for both, the same yet▪ 
A Com●….  that he was borne, and the same year he first began his reign, there appeared by the space of threskore and ten days, at both times such a blazing star, that all the sky seemed to be on fire: For it was so big, that it occupied a quarter of the heaven, it was so bright, that it blemished the light of the Sun, & when it rose or went down, it consumed four hours at each tyme. When he was a child, his own Governors went about to destroy him, setting him upon a rough horse, and compelling him to learn to ride, and to tourney. The which attempt following not their minds as they would have had, (the young Prince Mythridates, ruling the horse better than was looked for in one of his age,) they assayed him with poison. The which, he standing in doubt of before, drunk treacle oftentimes: by means whereof, he so stayed his body, with tried and exquisite medicines, that when he was old, he would have poisoned himself and could not. After this, fearing lest his enemies would compass the thing by weapon, which they could not do by venom, he counterfeited a desire of hunting: whereupon by the space of four years, he came not under any roof, either of house in the City, or cottage in the country, but wandered up and down the forests and woods, & rested the night time in the mountains, sometime one where, and sometime another, no man knowing where was his haunt, enuring himself either to chase or to pursue the wild beasts on foot, and with some of them to encounter with plain force. By means whereof he both avoided all treason, and also hardened his body to abide all kind of travel and exercise. Afterward when he came to take the k●…gdome upon him, immediately he set his mind, not so much of governing as of enlarging the same. Therefore he marvelous fortunately subdued 
Mythridates subdueth the so●…thsayers.  and brought in subjection, the S●…ythians, who before that day were never conquered, which had utterly destroyed Zopyron the captain of great Alexander, with thirty thousand armed men, which had slain Cyrus' king of Persia, with two hundred thousand men of war, and which had put to flight Philip king of Macedones: Being thus increased in strength, he conquered Pontus, and consequently Cappadocia. Then with certain of his friends, he went secretly disguised out of his own kingdom, without knowledge of any man, and wandering through Asia, viewed the situation of all the Cities and provinces of the same. From thence he travailed over Bythinia, and as though he had been already Lord of Asia, he devised all things that might help to f●…rther him toward his conquest. After this, when all men believed he had been dead, he returned home into his own Realm: where he found a little son, whom Laodice his sister and wife, had brought him forth in his absence. But in the mids of the joy, that was made for 
The wife of Mythridates putteth him in danger of his life.  his return, and for the birth of his child, he was in danger to be poisoned. For his sister Laodice, believing him to be dead, and thereupon abusing her body with his friends, as though the might have hidden her offence by committing of a greater crime, prepared a cup with poison to welcome him home withal: Whereof Mythridates having intelligence by a damosel, punished the offence upon the devisers thereof.  
After, when winter drew nigh, he spent not the time in feasting, but in f●…ates of arms, not in 〈◊〉, but in 
●…he 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 tes 〈◊〉 the winter 〈◊〉.  exercise, not among carpet knights, but either in yo●…sting and tournying, in running on foot or on horseback, or else in wrestling and trial of strength among his p●…res. Also he daily enured his men of war by ly●…e exercise, to abide labour and travel as well as himself, by mean●…s whereof as he was i●…incible himself, so made he his host invincible also. Then he entered in league with Nicomedes 
He conquereth Paph●…gonia.  and invaded Paphlagonia, the which he conquered, and parted it with his companion. When word was brought to the Senate, that these kings had subdued the country, they sent Ambassadors to them both, command ding them to set it in the like estate as they found it. My 
The Roman a●…bassae to Mythrodat●… and his answer there unto.  thridates thinking himself now able enough to match the puissance of the romans, answered proudly that the kingdom was his fathers by inheritance, and that he marveled, they should make alteration with him for it, having not done, the like to his father. Moreover he set so light by their menaces, that he invaded Galatia also. Nicomedes for asmuch as he was not able to make his party good by any title, answered he would surrender it to the rightful king: and so changing the name of his own son, he called him Phylomenes, by the name of the kings of Paphlagonia, by which conveyance under a counterfeit name, he held still the kingdom, as though he had restored it to the right heir. The Roman Ambassadors being thus had in derision, returned to Rome with a mock.   

Morrover, he sent his wife Laodice to Rome, to testify that she ha●…e t●…ree sons by Ariarathes. The which thing when Mithridates knew of, he also with like impudent unshamefastness, sent Gordius unto Rome, to avouch before the Senate, that the child, to whom he had deluded the kingdom of Cappadocia, was the son of the same Ariarathes, which in the quarrel of the Romans was slain, in the battle against Aristovicus. But the Senate understanding the meaning and endeavour 
th'rder taken by the senate.  of both the kings, would not gene other men's kingdoms to usurpers, that took wrong names upon them. Whereupon they took Cappadocia from Mithrydates, and to comfort him withal, they took Paphlagonia from Nicomedes. And to th'intent it should not seem they would take any things from the kings in despite of them, to bestow it upon others, both the Nations were se●…at at free liberty. But the Cappadocians refusing the gift 
Ariobarzanes is made king of Cap padocta.  of ly●…ertie, said that their country could not live without a king: whereupon Ariobarzanes was appointed by the Senate to be their king. There was at the same time, one Tygranes king of Armenia kept in hostage not long before by the Parth●…ans, and now lately remitted by them into his father's kingdom: Him did Mithridates covet, to allure to take his part in the wars, that he had of long time purposed against the Romans. Wherefore by the means of Gordius he pers●…ded him (as one that knew not what it was to displease the Romans) to make war upon Ariobarzanes who was a very coward. And to th'intent it should not seem, be did it for any cautel or policy, he gave him his daughter Cleopatra in marriage. At the first coming of Tygranes, Ariobarzanes conveying 
Mithridatis recovereth Cappadacia.  away all his stuff, got him straight to Rome: & so by the means of Tygranes Cappadocia was again under the dominion of Mithridates: Thesame time died Nicomedes whose son named Nicomedes also, was driven out of his kingdom by Mithridates: who resorted to Rome for succour upon whose humble suit, it was decreed by the Senate, that both be & Ariobarzanes should be set in possession of their kingdoms again. For the performance whereof, Aquilius Manlius, and Malthinius, were sent to be lieutenants of the war. Mythridates having knowledge hereof, and intending to make war with the Romans: allied himself with Tygranes. And it was covenanted 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  betwixt them, that Mythridates should have for his part the cities and lands, and Tygranes should have for his share, the men and cattle, and whatsoeu●…r else was movable. After this, Mithridates' 〈◊〉 what a war he had taken in hand, sent out his Ambassadors, some to the Cymbrians, some to the Frenchegrekes, some to the Sarmatians, and some to the Bastarnes, to request them of their aid and help. For all these Nations had he 
〈◊〉 nations 〈◊〉 up 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  alured a good while before, by showing them ●…endshyp and pleasure divers ways, ever since he first purposed war against the romans. Moreover he raised an host of men in Scythia, and armed all the East against the romans. It was no great matter for him therefore, to overcome Aquilius and Malthyne, having none but the men of Asia about them: after the discomfiture of whom and of Nicomedes, all the cities were glad to seek his favour. There he found great plenty of gold and silver, laid up in store by the kings in times past, and much furniture for the wars, the which for as much as they made greatly to his furtherance, he released the cities all their debts, as well public as private, and exempted them freely from all charges, as well of the wars, as of tributes and taxes for five years space. Then assembled he his soldiers before him, and encouraged them with ●…iuers exhortations to the wars of the Romans, otherwise called the wars of Asia. The copi of which Oration I have thought worthy to be put into this word (albeit I co●…et to be short) in the same manner, as Pompeius' ●…rogus hath indirectly set it forth: because he findeth fault with ●…iuie & Sallust, for putting Orations in their works directly as they were spoken, & so doing exceeded the bounds of an history, He said he would gladly have wished, that he might have consulted upon this point, whether it were better to have 
The oration of Mythridates to his captains and men of war  war or peace with the Romans: but now there was no remedy but to go through with the matter, and not to fear them, yea though there were no hope of victory at all. For all men would draw their weapons upon thieves, though they were not able to defend themselves, yet to revenge their deaths. But for as much as he purposed not to debate, whether it were meet to be in quiet, (considering they were not only enemies in heart, but also had encountered like enemies in open field,) he would fain know by what means, and upon what hope, they should maintain the wars that they had begun. Nevertheless he had good hope of the victory, if so be it they had good hearts. That the Romans might be overcome, his soldiers that vanquished Aquilius in Bythinia and Malipiero thinius in Cappadocia, knew as well as he. But if he thought the examples of other men could move them more, than their own trial and experiens, ●…e hard say that Pyrrhus king of Epire, having no more but five thou sand Macedones in his host, vanquished the Romans in three pitched fields. He heard say that Hannibal by th●… space of. xvi. years abode in Italy like a conqueror, and ●…ad taken the city of Rome itself had not the privy malice and envy of his own country men, been a greater hindrance to him, than the power of the Romans. He hard say that the Frenchmen inhabiting on the other side of the Alps, entered into italy, and there placed themselves in most of the wealthiest cities of all the country, seizing into their possession somewhat a larger piece of ground every way, then that which they had gotten in Asia, for all it is counted so weak and cowardly. Moreover that the said French men had not only vanquished the Romans, but also taken their city, in so much that they left thenno more in all the world, but one hill from whence whence they were sane to remove their enemy, not by battle, but by ransom.  
The which frenchmen (whose name had alwa●…es been so terrible to the Romans) he had to strengthen him in his host. For there was no difference between the Frenchmen that inhabit Asia, and the Frenchmen that inhabit Italy, but only the distance of their dwellings asunder. As for their original, their prowess, and their manner of fighting was all one, saving that these in Asia mus●… needs be of so much more policy and wit, as they have come a wore long and ●…edious you●…ney through Sclavany & Thrace, being a far paynfuller matter to make themselves way through those countries, then to place themselves where they now inhabit.  
Furthermore he heard say that Italy itself was never yet well pleased with Rome, since it was first builded: but that continually from year to year, incessant war had been made, by some for their liberty, and by other s●…m for the right right of th'empire: insomuch that (by report) many cities of Italy, had utterly destroyed the Roman Armies by the sword, and some with a new kind of reproach had compelled them shamefully to creep under a yoke. And forbecause he should not seem to make long tarians in matters of old time, even the very same present, all Italy was risen to war jointly together with the mars, not to demand liberty, but Society in th'empire, and in the City itself. Neither was the City oppressed more by the wars of their neighbours in Italy, then by the partaking of her own noblemen at home: so that the Civil wars were far more dangerous, than the foreign wars of Italy: besides that, the Cymbrians that unmeasurable, and most fyltierable of savage and unmerciful rascals, were swarmed out of Germany, and overwhelmed all Italy like a storm. Of all the which forenamed nations, although the romans might perchance be able to withstand the brunt, one after an other, yet by all at once, they must needs be oppressed: and that so soon, that they should have no leasur at all, to think upon his wars: wherefore occasion ought to be taken, when i●… was offered, and good hold ought to be laid, with speed upon the iucreasment of their strength, lest if they now sat still, whiles tother were busy and had their hands full, anon after they have might have more a do with them when they were in quiet, & had nothing else to do. For it was not in question, whether war ought to be made or no, but whether it ought to be done to their own behoof, or to the behoof of the Romans. For the wars were begun between him and them, from the time that they took from him in his nonage, the lesser Phryg●…a, with they had given unto his father, in reward, for aiding them in the battle against Aristonicus: the which country Seleucus Callenicus also had given in dourie with his daughter to his great graundfa there Mythridates: what should a man say to that they commanded him to departed out of Paphlagonia, was it not an other kind of defiance? The which realm fell to his father, not by force of arms, nor by conquest, but by adoption and Legacy of last will and testament, but by the death of the rightful kings, and so consequenlie by lawful inheritance: whereas nevertheless, all his humble obedience to their bitter decrees, could not one whit mitigate them, but rather was an occasion that they bore themselves more cruelly against him: for what submission could they devise, but he used it towards them: did be not let go Phrygia and Paphlagonia? did he not with draw his son out of Cappadocia, which he had conque red, and therefore was his by the law of arms? and yet his conquest was taken out of his hand, by them which ●…aue nothing of their own, but that which they hold by the sword? did he not for their pleasure kill Creston, king of Bythinia, against whom the Senate had proclaimed war? and yet notwithstanding what so ever Gordius or Tygranes hath done, was imputed altogether to him. Moreover in despite of him, the Senate had of their own voluntary will, set Cappadocia at liberty, which thing they themselves had taken from other Nations. afterward when the people of Cappadoria, thanking them for their liberty, sued to have Gordius to their king, it might not be granted, and that for none other occasion, but because he was counted his friend. Nicomedes at their commandment, made war upon him, and because he could not be revenged upon him as he would, they themselves had taken the matter in hand: Whereupon partly grew thoccasion of his wars with them, namely because he would not sit still like a coward, and suffer that dancing Damoselles son Nycomedes, to tear him in pieces at his pleasure: For it was not the faults of kings, that they were offended with, or sought to redress: but with their power and Majestic 〈◊〉 they sought to suppress. The which cautel and policy they did not use against him only, but against all other kings. After the same manner, his graundtfather Pharnar, by right of kindred, appointed as heir and su●… cessor to Eumenes king of Pergamus: and again, Eumenes himself, in whose ships they were first brought over into Asia, by the help of whose men of war, more than by their own puissance: first they conquered the great Antiochus, and the Frenchmen in Asia, and anon after king Perses in Macedon, they uttered as an enemy, forbidding him to come within italy: and (which they thought they might not do to him for shame) made war upon his son Aristonicus. There was never none that deserved more at their hand, or that had done more for them, than Massinissa king of Numidie. To him they imputed the overcoming of Hannyball, him they thanked for the taking of Syphax, to him they imputed the destroying of Carthage, him they registered among the two africans, as the third preserver of their City: and yet with the same man's nephew, they even this other day had made war in Africa, so deadly cruel, that after they had vanquished him, they could not find in thei●… hearts for their grandfathers sake to pardon him, but that they emprysoned him, and led him through the City in manner of Triumph, and made him a gazing stock to all the world. Thus had they made a law to themselves, to bear continual hatred against all kings, verily, because they had such kings themselves, whom they may be ashamed to hear spoken of, that is to say, either sheep herds of Thaborigines, or soothsayers of the sabines, or outlaws of corinth, or else (which is the honourablest name that ever was among them) proved men, and (as they themselves report) such founders as a wolf gave suck to: which may well be, in that all the offspring of that people have wolves hearts, unsatiable of blood, greedy of Dominion, and raveners of riches: whereas himself for his own person (if comparison should be made be between him and then, as touching nobility) was of a more famous lineage, than that ragged heap of rascals, for he did fetch his pedigree on the father's side, from Cyrus and Darius the first founders of the Monarchy of the Persians, and on the mother's side from great Alexander, from Nicanor and Selencus the first founders of them pyre of Macedon: or if he should compare his people with theirs, he said he was ruler of those Nations, which not only are able to match the Roman Empire, but had also withstood the Empire of Macedon. For there was none of the nations, of whom he was Ruler, that had been subdued under foreign Princes, or that ever submitted themselves to any king, but if he were of their own country, chose whether they would name Cappadocia or Paphlagonia, again Pontus or Bythinia, Armenia the greater, or Armenia the less, of the which countries, neither Alexander (even he that conquered all Asia,) nor any of his successors or posterity ever touched any: as for Scythia, there were never but two kings before him, name lie Darius and philip, that durst so much as enter into it, who being not able to make any conquest, had much a do to wind himself out again with their lives, from whence he had a great part of his strength against the Romaynis: wherefore he had more cause to be afraid and mistrustful, when he entered into the wars of Pontus, at such time as he himself was but a young novice and a fresh water soldier. Nor the Scythians, besides that they be well harnessed, and well hearted, they are also fen said, either with deserts and waste grounds, or else with cold, which bid the soldier look for great travel and peril: among the which distresses, there was not almost any hope of reward to be gotten of the wandering enemy, having not only no money, but also not so much as a house, to hide his head in. But now he was entered into a far other kind of warfare: For neither was the air more temperate in all the world then in Asia, nor the soil more fertile, nor more plenty of fair and pleasant Cities, so that they should spend a great part of the ●…yme, not as in warfare, but as in feasting: and it was to be doubted, whether the war should be more easy or profitable, whether they would adventure upon the riches of the kingdom of Attalus next unto them, or upon Lydia and jonia, so greatly renowned for their richesses in old time, the which they should not need to go to fight for, but to go to take possession of. For Asia was so desirous of their coming, that she called & cried to them a loud to make speed. So great a hatreded toward the romans, had the greedy ravenousness of their Proconsultes, the polling and shaving of their tolle gatherers, the wrongful dealing in suits, and controver lies of the law of their officers, rooted in the hearts of them all. Wherefore he willed them to do no more, but follow him manfully, & ponder with themselves what so great an army might be able to do, having such a captain as he was whom they themselves had seen, without the help of any of his soldiers, by his own industry only, slay the king of Cappadocia, & seize his kingdom who only of all the men that ever lived, conquered all the countries bordering vppo●… the sea of Pontus, & Scythia also, the which before his time no man could travel through, no nor go unto in safety. As for his own justice and liberality; he would not refuse that his soldiers which had had sufficient trial and experience of them, should bear witness to the same, as of the which these were manifest tokens, that he only of all kings enjoyed, not only the kingdoms that his father possessed before him, but also for his bounty and magnificence, was adopted to be heir of other foreign Realms, as Colchos, Paphlagonia, and Bosphorus, which he now peaceably held▪ When he had thus encouraged his soldiers, 
He returneth to the stories of Egypt.  after the. xxiii. year of his reign, he entered into war agayn●… the romans. At that time in egypt, after the death of P●…olomy king of Cyrene, both, the kingdom and the Queen Cle●…patra his sister to be his wy●…e▪ ●…lomy was glad in that he had recoured his brother's king doom without battle, the which, he knew his mother Cleopatra and certain of the noble men went privily about to assure unto his brother's son. But assoon as b●… 
The cruelty of Ptolemy.  came unto Alexandria, to the great displeasure of all the City, he caused all such as favoured the child, to be put to death. The child himself also, he slew in his mother's arms, the very same day that he married her, in the mid des of all the feasting and solemn ceremonies of wed●…cke. And so he went to bed with his sister, all bestayned with the blood of her son. After the which deed he became even as meek to his other countrymen, that had called him to the kingdom. For he gave his soldiers (which were strangers) leave to kill whom they would, so that daily all places were on a gore blood, and he put away his sister, and took to wife her daughter a fair young maiden, having first ravished her per force: with the which things the people were so dismayed, that they shrunk away, so●…e one whether and some another, forsaking their native country like banished folk, for dread of death.  
Ptolemy being left alone with his soldiers, in so great a City, when he saw how he was a King of empty houses and not of men, made proclamation that strangers should come and inhabit the City, after whose resor thither, he went forth to meet the roman Ambassadors, Scipio Affricanus, Spurius Mumius, and Lucius Metellus, which came to see how the Realms of their confederates were ordered. But look how cruel he was to all his own countriemennes, so much was he a laughing stock to the Roma●…ns. For he was ill visaged, 
Ptelomy is had in deris●… by the Roman ambassade.  a dwarf of stature, & he had such a fat paunch, that he seemed more like a beast than a man: the which fouldnesse and deformity, his small shrill voice, and his thin garments did more increase, as though of set purpose he had set out the things to be seen, which he that had any regard of shame, ought with all care and study to have hidden most secretly.  
After the departure of Thambadoures (of the which Affricanus, whiles he beheld, the City was himself a spectacle to the Alexandrians:) Ptolemy being now hated even of his Alientes also, fled privily out of the Realm with his son, whom he had begotten of his sister, and with his wife, her own mother's paramour, for fear of treason: and having gotten an host of hired soldiers, he made war, both against his sister, and against his own country. afterward he sent for his eldest 
The vnnat●… ral cru●…sse of Ptolemy toward his own children  son from Cyrene, & for because the Alexandrians should not make him king against him, he put him to death.  
Then the people in despite of him, broke down his images, and tore down his pictures. The which thing, thinking to be done by the procurement of his sister he slew the son, whom he had begotten upon her, and then cutting his body in gobbets, closed it up in a Casket, and sent it for a present to the mother, as she was making feast and great cheer upon the day of her birth. The which was a bitter and sorrowful sight, not only to the Queen herself, but also to all the whole City, and it cast such a grief upon that joyful feast, that suddenly in all the Court was nothing but mourning and lamenting. The noble men therefore, turning themselves from feasting to funerals, showed to the people the mangled body, declaring what hope they ought to have of their king, who had so cruelly murdered his own child. Cleopatra after that the sorrow for loss of her son was ceased, perceiving herself to be sore infested by her brother's war: Demanded help of Demetrius King of Syria by his Ambassadors, whose chances were strange and worthy to be spoken of. For Demetrius (as it is showed 
He returneth to the story of Demetrius, taken prison net by the parthians in the. xxxvi. book.  before) making war against the Parthians, & getting the victory in many encounters, was suddenly sur prized by policy, and besides the loss of his army, was also himself taken prisoner. Whom Arsaces king of the Parthians, sent into Hyrcanie, and of his noble and Royal courage, not only gave him entertainment like a king, but also gave him his daughter in marriage, promising moreover to restore him the kingdom of Syria, which Tryfo had usurped in his absence. After whose death, Demetrius being past hope of returning into his kingdom, and being not able to away with captivity, being weary of his private life, though he lived never so wealthily, assayed a faithful friend to steal home 
A faithful fre●…d.  into his own kingdom. His counselor and companion in this enterprise was a friend of his, called Callimander, who after his masters captivity, hiring guides for more ny, himself disguised in Parthian apparel, came out of Syria through the deserts of Arabia unto Babylon. But Phrahartes, which succeeded Arsaces, sent out post horses after him, who made such speed by gainer ways, that they overtook him, and brought him back again. When 
An example of clemency in in a barbarus prince.  he came before the king, Callimander was not only par doned, but also highly rewarded for his faithfulness towards his Master. But Demetrius with a great rebuke was sent again to his wife into Hyrcanie, and there kept more straightly than he was before. In process of time when it was to be thought, he would have tarried for his children's sake, that he had by his wife, accompanied with his foresaid friend, he stolen away again. But even with 
Demetrius is taken flying the 〈◊〉 time, and brought 〈◊〉 agay●…e.  like infelicity as before, he was apprehended, near unto the limits of his own kingdom, and being brought back again unto the king, was commanded out of his presence in great displeasure. Nevertheless being then also granted his wife and children, he was sent again into Hyrcanie his old place of penance, and was rewarded with a pair of dice of gold, in exprobration of his childish lightness. But this so gentle and favourable demeanour of the Parthians toward Demetrius, proceeded not of any mercy naturally engrafted in that nation, or in respect of Alliance and affinity, but because they coveted the kingdom of Syria, intending to use Demetrius as an instrument against his brother Antiochus, according as either the matter, the time, or the chance of war should require. Antiochus' hearing thereof, thought it wisdom to prevent the war, and there upon led 
Antiochus 〈◊〉 death an host a against the parthians.  his his host (which he had hardened through many viages and battles against his neighbours) against the Parthians. But he made preparation as much for riot, as for war. For whereas he had eight hundred thousand men of war, there were besides, three hundred thousand others that followed the host, of the which the most part were cooks, bakers and mynstrels, & players of interludes. Surely of gold & silver there was so great abundance, that even the common soldiers beware their hosen enbroydered with gold, & trod under their feet the metal, for love of which other people were wont to fight and kill one another: Moreover all the furniture of kytchens were of clean silver, as though they had gone to banqueting and not to battle. At Antiochus first coming, many kings of the East met him, & yielded themselves & their kingdoms unto him, utterly detesting the pride of the Parthians. It was not long ere it came to thencounter. 
Antiochus' 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉  Antiochus getting th'upper hand in three fought fields, and thereupon winning Babylon by force, began to be counted great. By means whereof all countries revolted so fast unto him, that the Parthians had nothing left them, more than the bare soil of their own Realm of Parthia. Then Prahartes sent Demetrius into Syria, with an host of Parthians, to invade the kingdom, to th'intent that by that policy, Antiochus might be enforced 
〈◊〉 is let go into Syria.  to withdraw himself out of Parthia, to the defence of his own Realm. In the mean while, because he could not overcome Antiochus by force, he sought means to surprise him by policy. Antiochus by reason he had such a multitude, dispersed all his army into the Cities, during the winter season, the which thing was his utter vnd●…yng. For the Cities feeling themselves grieved with victailing of hiis host, & also with the injurious demeanour 
A 〈◊〉 conspiracy against 〈◊〉.  of the soldiers, revolted again to the Parthians, and on a day appointed for the nonce, all at one time by traitorous conspiracy set upon the host, as it was divided among them severllie, to th'intent they should not be able to rescue one another: when tidings hereof came to Antiochus, he assembled such as wintered with him, & went to rescue them that were nearest. But in his way, he met with the king of Parthians, against whom he fought more valiantly himself, then did his host. notwithstanding at the last (forasmuch his enemies 
The death of 〈◊〉.  were of more force and courage) his men for fear forsook him, and so he was slain. For whom, Phrahartes made a royal hearse, & did exequys after the manner of Princes, and moreover being taken in love with the daughter of Demetrius, whom Antiochus had brought with him, he took her to wife. Then it repented him, that he had let go Demetrius, & he sent out men in post after him to fetch him back. But Demetrius, dreading the same thing before hand, had made such speed, that they found him in his own kingdom, & so being frustrate of their travel & expectation, they returned to the king.   

The. xxxix. Book.  
AFter that Antiochus with all his army was thus destroyed in Parthia, his brother Demetrius, being delivered from captsuitie of the Parthians, and restored to his kingdom, (when as all Syria as yet mourned for the loss of the army) as though the wars that he and his brother made in Parthia, in the which th'one was taken prisoner, and tother slain, had had prosperous success, he purposed to make war in Egypt at the request of Cleopatra his wife's mother, who promised to give him the kingdom of egypt, in recompense, if he would help to support her against her brother. But whiles he went about to get that, that was another man's, he lost his own, by means of a sudden 
〈◊〉 is hated of his sub●…ects for his pride.  insurrection in Syria. For first the Citizens of An tioche, through the instigation of their captain Tryfo, 〈◊〉 the kings pride (which by his conversation, among the cruel Parthians was become intoierable,) and anon after the Apameniens, with all the rest of the Cities, following their ensample, took occasion upon the kings absence, and rebelled against him.  
Ptolemy also king of Egypt, against whom the said Demetrius made war, when he understood that his sister Cleopatra had shipped all hhr goods & treasure, and 
An 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 king against 〈◊〉.  was sled into Syria to her daughter & her 〈◊〉 in law Demetrius, he suborned a certain young men of egypt, the son of Merchantman called Protarchus, to challenge the kingdom of Syria by b●…ttell, forging a pedigree, as though Antiochus had adopted him into the blood royal. And the Syrians cared not who were their king, so they might be delivered from the pride of Demetrius. So the young man was proclaimed by the name of Alexander, & great succour was set to him out of Egypt. In the mean while the body of Antiochus slain by the king of Parthia, was sent into Syria in a coffin of silver to be buried the which was received with great reverence by all the Cities, but chief by Alexander himself, to th'intent to make men oredyte the tale, that he was adopted to be his heir. The which his doing, wann him much favour of the commonalty, all men thinking no less, but that he meant good faith without dissimulation, in his sorrowful mourning. Demetrius, being vanquished by Alexander, and being environed on all sides with unavoidable dangers was at the last forsaken of his own wife & children, being therefore left desolate saving a few servants, as he was purposed to have fled to the temple of Tyrus, there to register himself as a sanctuarieman, if percheunce the reave rinse of the place might save his life, when he went out to land, he was slain by the commandment of the Ma 
The due reward of sacri ledge and usurped autho ritye.  star of the ship. The one of his sons, whose name was Seleucus, because he crowned himself king, without his mother's conset, was by her slain. Tother of his sons, who for the greatness of his nose was surnamed Grypho, was created king by his mother upon this condition, that he should bear the name, but she herself have all the power and authority of the whole Empire. But 
The desire of sovereignty.  Alexander the usurper of the kingdom of Syria, being puffed up with continual success in his affairs, began of great pride and insolency to mock and despise Ptolemy himself, by whom he was put in and invested in that kingdom.  
Ptolemy therefore reconcyling to his sister, endeavoured by all the means he could devise, to depose Alexander from his Royalty, the which he had obtained by his help for hatred that he bore towards Demetrius. Whereupon he sent aid to Grypho into Grece, and his daughter Gryphin also to be his wise, to th'intent he might procure the people to help his nephew, not only by confederacy, but also by alsance of affinity. And the matter came so to pass in deed. For after the time they perceived, that Grypho was supported with the power of egypt, they began by little and little to revolt, everichone from Alexander. afterward there was a battle fought between 
The 〈◊〉 an king is put to flight.  them, in the which Alexander being put to the worse, fled unto Antioch. There for want of money, having not where with to pay his soldiers their wages, he commanded a sign of victory of Massy gold to be taken out of the Temple of jupiter, coloring his sacrilege with a pleasant scoff: For he said that jupiter had lent him victory. Within a 〈◊〉 days after, when he had give commandment privily, to pull out of the temple the Image of jupiter made all of clean gold, of an unknown weight, and that being taken in doing of the deed, he was put to flight by the multitude that came to the reskowe, he was oppressed by the violence of a tempest, and forsaken of his own men, and taken by thieves, and brought unto Grypho, and there put to death. Furthermore Gripho having recovered his father's kingdom, & being delivered from 
The 〈◊〉 ●…warde o●… sacrilege and vsurp●…d authority.  outward dangers, was assaulted by the treason of his own mother: who being inflamed with desire of sovereignty, after she had betrayed her husband Demetrius, and killed her other son, for spite and malice that her authority and estimation should be diminished by the victory 
The desire of Sovereignty.  of this other son, offered him a cup of poison, as he came from his pastime. But Grypho having intel ●…gence of his mother's treason, (as though he had strived with her for courtesy) desired her to drink to him, the which upon her refusal, he requested more earnestly. At the length bringing forth the author of the report, he laid the matter to her charge, affirming he would admit none other excuse to defend her offence with all, but if she would drink the same herself that she had proffered to him. The Queen being by this means convicted of her mischievous 
The death of the Queen.  intent, by receiving the poison herself that she had prepared for her son, was deprived of her ●…yfe. Grypho having thus brought his Realm in quietness, not only lived himself at hearts ease, but also governed his kingdom in tranquillity, by the space of eight years after: the which term being expired, there arose an enemy to his kingdom, namely his own brother Cyricenus, borne of his own mother, but begotten by his uncle. Antiochus Whom whiles he went about to ride out of the way by poisoning, he stirred him the sooner to contend with him by force for the kingdom. Among these parrycidiall discords of the Realm of Syria, died Ptolemy king of Egypt, 
The death of Ptolemy king of egypt  leaving the kingdom to his wife and one of his sons, which so ever she would choose, as though the state of Egypt should be in better quiet than the realm of Syria, when the mother by choosing the one of her sons, should make tother her enemy. Therefore whereas she was of herself more inclined to the younger son, the people compelled her to choose the elder. From whom (before 
An unequal dealing of a mother.  she gave him the kingdom) she took away his wife and having compelled him to forego his most dear beloved sister Cleopatra, she caused him to marry his younger sister Seleuce. Wherein she dealt not like a mother betwixt her daughters, considering she took her husband from th'one and gave him to tother. Cleopatra being not so much put away by her husband, as by violent divorce separated from him by means of her mother, was married to Cyricenus in Syria: and to th'intent she would not seem to have brought nothing else unto him more than the bare name of wife, she raised an host of men in Cyprus, and brought it to her husband for her dowry.  
Cyricenus being now made as strong as his brother, encountered with him in open field, where being vanquished and put to flight, he came unto Antioch. Then Grypho besieged Antioch, where Cleopatra the wife of 
War between Gryphus and his brother 〈◊〉.  Cyricenus lay. At the taking whereof, Gryphin the wife of Grypho, took care for nothing so much, as to find out her sister Cleopatra: not to th'intent to help save her out of captivity, but to th'intent she should not escape the mi●…eries 
A cruel sister.  of captivity: Because (as she thought) in disdanye of her estate, she had entered forcibly into that kingdom inespeciallie, and by marrying herself to her s●…sters enemy, had made herself an enemy to her. Alleging against her moreover, that she had raised foreign powers against her brother, she had married herself against her mother's will, out of the Realm of egypt. On the con trarie part, Grypho besought her, that she would not constrain him to commit so shameful an act. For it 
●…he ●…syon of Gryph●…s from that cruelty.  was never heard, that any of his ancestors, among so many civil, and so many outward wars, did after the victory extend cruelty against women, the which for thymbecilliti of their nature, had ever been accustomed to be exempted, both from the dangers of the wars, and also from the cruelty of the conquerors.  
A now in this case besides the law of arms, there was also the bound of alliance, to withhold him from doing such a wickedness. For on th'one side, she was her own sister, whose blood she sought so cruelly, and on the other side, she was his cousyne German, yea and moreover, she was aunt to the children of them both. Moreover besides all those bounds of kindred and great alliance, he 〈◊〉 alleged, that it was not right or lawful for to suffer to violate the Temple, in the which she had hid herself, and the which she had taken for saufegard of her life, but that the Gods with so much the more humility and devotion ought to be re●…erenced on his part, as by their great mercy and favour, be had gotten the victory at that time over hy●…●…nnemyes.  
For neither by killing her, could he any thing abate the strength of Cyricenus, neither by preserving their life, any thing increase his power. But the more unwilling that Grypho was, the more was she of womanly wilfulness incensed against her sister, supposing him to speak these words, not of pity and compassion, but of love. whereupon calling to her the soldiers, she sent certain of them herself, to thrust her sister through. Who entering 
Gryphin sen death to kill her sister Cle o●…atra.  into the temple, when they could not pull her out, they cut of her hands, as she had clasped them about the Image of the Goddess. Then Cleopatra cursing those wicked murderers, & beseeching the Gods (whose sanctuary they had defiled) to revenge her upon them, died. It was not long after, but Cyricenus encountered again 
The death of Cleopatra.  with his brother, where getting th' upper hand, he took Gryphin the wife of Grypho prisoner, which lately had put her sister to death: with execution of whom, he did 
Such measure as she did meet, is ●…ten to her.  obsequies to his wives Ghost. But in Egypt, Cleopatra being grieved that her son Ptolemy, should be partner with her in the kingdom, incensed the people against 
The Queen of Egypt deposeth one of ●…er sons, & setteth up an 〈◊〉.  him, and having taken his wife Seleuce away from him, (which was so much to more grief to him, because he had begotten two sons by her) banished him the Realm: sending for her younger son Alexander, whom she crowned king in his brother's stead. And yet being contented to have banished her son, she pursued him with battle, where he kept as a banished man in Cyprus. When she had driven him from thence also, she put the capitain of her host to death, because he had suffered him to escape alive out of his hands. Albeit to say the truth: Ptolemy departed out of the Island, rather because he was ashamed to fight with his mother, then that he was not of power able to encounter her. Alexander therefore, dreading this his mother's cruelty, departed his way, and left her alone, desiring rather to live 
Life is dearer than a ●…yngdome.  meanly in quiet & safeguard, then to reign as a king, always in danger of his life. Cleopatra fearing lest Cyricenus should help her elder son Ptolemy to recover the kingdom of Egypt, sent great aid to Grypho, and her daughter Seleuce to be his wife, to th'intent, he should persist enemy to her first husband, as he had been before, and also sent Ambassadors to her son Alexander to call him to the kingdom again. Against whom 
The death of the Queen of Egyp●…e.  as she was practising of mischief to bring him to destruction, she was by him prevented and put to death, and so she ended her life, not by natural destiny, but by deserved murder. Surely she was well worthy of such a slanderous death, which had defiled her own mother's bed, and put her beside her husband, which had made two of her daughters so oftentimes widows, by chopping and changing of their husbands, which had banished th'one of her sons pursuing him with battle when she had done, and having wrested the kingdom from tother, had practised also to bring him to his end through treason. Nevertheless Alexander himself escaped not altogether unpunished, for committing so abominable a murder. 
Alexander 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  For assoon as it was known, that the mother was slain by the wickedness of her son, the people rose against him, and drove him into exile, and calling home Ptolemy again, set him in possession of the kingdom, who was of that modesty, that he would neither make war against his mother, nor yet challenge that of his brother by force, which was his before by right of inheritance. While these things were a doing, a bastard brother 
Cyrene 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the Romans The original  of his, to whom his father had by his last will bequeathed the kingdom of Cyrene, deceased, and left the people of Rome to be his heir. For by this time the fortune of Rome was such▪ that being not content with the bounds of Italy, it began to stretch itself to the kingdoms of the East. By means whereof, that part of Lybie, was at that time made a province, and shortly after Candy and Cilicia being subdued in the wars against the Pirates, were brought in likewise, in order of provinces. By the which deed both the kingdoms of Syria and Egypt, were straightened by the neyboured of the Romans, and whereas before times they were wont to increase their Dominion, by warring upon their borderers, now being abridged of their liberty to rove wh●…r they list, they turned their power to their own confusion. In so much, that being consumed through continual fighting, they were had in despite of their next neighbours, and were as a pray to the Arabians, which before that time were never known to be men of war. Whose king Herotymus, upon trust that he had in his six hundred sons, which he had begotten of his concubines,) 
Herotymus, great number ●…f sons.  with sundry Armies made roads, sometimes into Egypt, and sometime into Syria: by means whereof within a while, through the weakness and feebleness of his neighbours, he made the name of the Arabians famous and redoubted.   

The. xl. Book.  
THe king & kingdom of Syria, being consumed through the natural hatred of the brothers, and through the deadly enmity of their children, succeeding in their father's steps, one after an other, with so mortal war as never could be appeased, the people resorted to strangers for refuge, and be 'gan to look about them for some foreign king. Therefore when as some thought it good to send for Mithridates, king of Pontus, and some for Ptolemy king of Egypt, and that it came to their remembrance, that Mithridates on th'one side was entangled with the wars of the romans, and that Ptolemy on tother side, had ever been an enemy to the kingdom of Syria, they consented 
Tygranes is made king of Syria.  all upon Tygranes king of Armenia: who besides the power of his own country, was also supported by confederacy, with the Parthians, and by alliance with Mythridates. Being therefore crowned king of Syria, he enjoyed the kingdom exceeding quietly, by the space of eighteen years, having no need at all, either to assail others himself, or to repulse others that assailed him. But as Syria 
An 〈◊〉 earthquake.  was in safety from foreign 〈◊〉, ●…o was it greatly wasted with an earthquake, in the which there perished an hundred threskore & ten thousand men besides the ruin of many cities. The which wonder the soothsayers interpreted to betoken a great alteration of things. For when Lucullus had overcome Tygranes, he proclaimed 
〈◊〉 o●… Tygranes, & maketh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Antiochus the son of Cyricenus king. But that which Lucullus had given, Pompeius afterward took away, who told him that he would not have made him king of Syria, no though he had sewed for it, and much less put it in his mouth without challenging it. considering that during the eighteen years that Tygranes held Syria, he had lain lurking in a corner of Sylicia, but assoon as the romans had overcome the said Tygranes, he put himself forth to sue for the reward of other men's travel. Therefore like as if he had had the kingdom before, he would not have taken it from him, even so, seeing he could find in his heart, to suffer Tygranes to enjoy it peaceably so long, he would not bestow the thing upon him, which he knew not how to defend: for doubt lest he might be an occasion, that the Jews and Arabians should enterprise to rob and spoil the country of Syria 
Syria is 〈◊〉 ●…e a province of the 〈◊〉  again. So he brought Syrie into the form of a province, and by little and little, through the discord of the blood Royal, the east came in subjection to the Romans.   

The. xli. Book.  
THe Parthianes, in whose hand, (the whole world, being as it were denied between them and the Romans) th'empire of the East as than was, 
of the Parthens with their increasement and battles.  were banished men of Scythia: The which thing the very name of them bewrayeth: for in the Scythian language, banished men are called Parthians. These in the time of Thassyrian & Median empires, were of all the peoples of the East most base. After ward also, when th'empire was translated from the Medes to the Persians, they were as a sort of Rascals without name, and a continual pray to the Conquerors. lastly when the Macedones ruled the East, like triumphant conquerors, they were in subjection unto them, in so much that there is no man, but would wonder to see, how by their prowess and activity, they should aspire to so great felicity, as to have dominion, even over those kings and kingdoms▪ under whose Empire they served sometime as rascal slaves. Furthermore, being assailed of the Romans, in three battles by capitains of great experience & activity, in the chiefest time of their prosperity, when they flourished most in the renown of only, they only of all Nations were able, not only to match them, but also to conquer them. Although in deed it may be counted a greater glory, that they could rise and put up their head from among those empires of Assyria, Media and Persia, that were so renowned in times past, and also from under that most rich and wealthy Empire of Bactria, that had a thousand cities under it, then to have vanquished the force of traungers so far from them. Furthermore while the Scythians were sore vexed with the continual wars of their neighbours, and in manner oppressed with the continuance of dangerous encounters, these Parthians, being through domestical dissension expulsed out of Scythia, took by ●…telth the deserts between Hyrcanie and the Daces, & the Areans, and the Spartans, and the Maianes. In continuance of 
The situation of Par●…hia.  time, first without let or interruption of their neighbours, and afterward maugre their heads, do the best & worst they could, they dilated the borders of their country so far, that they posfessed not only the wide fields & bottoms of all the champion country, but also the cragged cliffs, and the the tops of the high mountains, whereby it cometh to pass, that most places within the coast of Pa●…a are either excessinely who●…e, or extremely cold: by reason that the 〈◊〉 are commonly infested with snow, and the open ●…yelds with 
The●…e of the common weal of Parthia.  the heat of the sun. After the decay of th'empire of Macedon, the country was governed by kings. Next unto the majesty of the king, is the state of the commonalty: for out of it are chosen Captains in time of war, and 
Their language.  magistrates in time of peace. Their language is a mean between the Scythian and Median, mixed indifferently of them both. They had sometime a fashion of apparel 
Their Apparel.  peculiar by themselves, but after the time they grew rich, it became fine, and full of cloth after the manner of the Medes. They keep the same order in their wars and in fighting, as do the Scythians their ancestors. 
The order of their wars  Their army is not as other nations be of free men, but for the more part of bondmen. Th●… which sort of people (forasmuch as it is not lawful for any man to set any of 
The bringing up of their bondmen.  them at liberty, and thereupon all are bondmen borne) daily multiplieth and increaseth, instructing them with great diligence to ride horses and to shoot. According as every man is of wealth, so findeth he the king more horsemen to the wars. Finally when Antony made war against the Parthians, of fifty thousand horsemen, that met him in the field, there were but eight hundred of them that were free borne. They cannot skill of fighting at hand in the battle, nor of winning Cities by siege. 
●…horder of their wars  They fight either running right forth with their horses, or else retiring back, oftentimes also they will make as though they sled, to th'intent their enemy pursuing them unadvisedly, may lie more open to receive a wound of them, when they shall join battle, they use not to sound a trumpet, but a Tympane, neither can they endure to fight any long while. But if they were of like force and as good in continuance as they are at the first brunt, no Nation in the world were able to abide them. For the mo●…e part, even in the whotest of the skyrmysh they forsake the field, and anon after they turn again, & begin the battle a fresh, in so much, that when a man thinks himself most sure of the victory, then stands 
Their Armour.  he in most hazard of discomfiture. Their armour as well for themselves as for their horses, are made all of plates of steel, overlaid with fathers, wherewithal both of them are covered from top to toe. Gold and silver they occupy not, but in their Armour. Every man (for delight 
Their severity ●… keptng their wives.  that they have in sensuality) hath many wives a piece, and yet th●…y chastire no offence so sore as adultery and whoredom. Whereupon they utterly forbidden women, not only the converfation with men, but also communication for once to look upon a man. They eat no flesh unless 
Their diet.  they catch it in hunting. They are carried on horseback at all times: On horseback they fight which the enemy, 
Their continual riding  on hrsebacke they feast, on horseback they execute all affairs, as well public as private: on horseback they go from place to place, on horseback they buy and fell, and on horseback they talk one with an other. Finally this is the difference between a gentleman and 
The difference between their gentlemen & their slaves.  a slave, that the slave never rideth, nor the gentleman never goeth on foot. Their common burial is either to be de●…oured with dogs, or to be eaten with birds, and when the bones are left bare, they to bury them in the 
Their burial  earth. They are all a like marvelous superstitious in doing honour and reverence to the Gods. The nature of 
Their 〈◊〉.  the people is arrogant, seditious, deceitful, and malapert. For they think that boisterousness is meet for men, and meekness meet for women. They are ever unquiet, 
Their natural disposition.  given to quarrel, either with strangers, or else among themselves, of nature close and secret, more ready to do then to talk: and therefore, whether they speed well or ill, they make no boast of. They obey their rulers for fear more than for shame, to sensuality they are altogether prone and inclined, and yet they are but small feders. There is no trust to be given to their words, for they will keep promise no further, then is for their own profit. 
Un●…er whom the Parthians served.  After the death of great Alexander, when the kingdoms of the east were divided amongst his successou●…s, There was none of the Macedones, that would vouchsafe to take upon him the kingdom of Parthia. By means whereof it was committed to Satagenor a stranger, that had served Alexander in his wars. These afterward, when the Macedones fell to civil war, with tother nations of th'upper Asia, took part with Emnenes, after whose discomfiture they submitted themselves to Antigonus: after Antigonus, Nicanor, Seleucus, Antiochus 
When the Parthians first rebelled.  and his successors kept them in obedience, from whose graundchylde Seleucus, they first of all revolted, in the first war that was between the romans & the Carthaginenses, L. Manlius Piso, and M. Attilius Regulus being Consuls. The occasion that they escaped clear with this their rebellion, was the discord between the two brothers, king Seleucus and king Antiochus: who were so earnest to pluck the kingdom one from another, that they had no leasur to pursue the rebels.  
The same time also rebelled one, called Theodotus, the which was the lieutenant of the thousand Cities of the Bactrians, and proclaimed himself King. Whose ensample all the other residue of the people of the East ensuing, revolted from the Macedones. There was at the same time one Arsaces, as of unknown lineage, 
Arsaces' the first king of Parthia.  so of approved activity. This man being wont to live by ravin & robbery, hearing say that the Frenchmen had vanquished Seleucus in Asia, being out of fear of his Prince, entered into Parthia with a band of robbers, and ●…ewe their lieutenant Andragoras, and after he had dispatched him out of the way, usurped the dominion of the country. It was not long after, but he con●…uered the kingdom of Hyrcanie also, and so being esta blished in the Empire of two Realms, he levied an huge host for fear of Seleucus and Theodotus king of the Bactrians. But he was soon delivered from fear of Theodotus, for he died▪ with whose son called Theodotus also▪ he concluded a league & continual peace. And within a while after, he enconntred with Seleucus that came to subdue the rebels, and overcame him. The which day the Parthians have ever sithence kept holy, with much solemnity, as the beginning of their liberty. afterward when Seleucus was through new Insurrections called back into Asia, Arsaces having thereby re●…pite 
Arsaces' reformeth the common weal of 〈◊〉.  and opportunity, set order in the public weal of Parthia, mustered soldiers, builded for tresses & strong holds, strengthened cities, and also edified a City new out of the ground in the mountain Thabortene, which he named Dara. The situation of which place is such, that there cannot be any devised, either more strong and 
The bu●…ding and situation of the city D●…a.  defensible, or more pleasant and delectable. For it is so environed round about with steep rocks, that the place of itself is able to hold out the enemy, though there were no body to defend it. And the soil thereabouts is so far tile and fruitful, that it is able to suffice the whole city without help of any other place. Besides this, there is such abundance of springs and wood, that besides the commodity of the water, wherewith it is most plen tifullie moystured: they may also have the pleasure of hawking and hunting when they list. Arsaces' having in 
The 〈◊〉 of Arsaces.  this wise both gotten and established his kingdom at once, died an old man as greatly renowned among the Parthians, as was Cyrus among the Persians, Alexander among the Macedones, or Romulus among the romans. In remembrance of whom, the Parthians attributed this honour, that they called all their kings by the name of Arsaces' ever after. This man's son & heir 
The second Emperor of Parthia.  named Arsaces also, having an army of an hundred thou sand sootemen and twenty thousand horsemennes, fought very valiantly against Antiochus the son of Seleucus, and at length was received by him into alliance and friendship. The third king of the Parthians was Pam 
The third Empeour Pampatius.  patius, likewise surnamed Arsaces, (for as I told you before) they called all their kings by that name, like as the Romans call theirs by the name of Cesar & Augustus. This man having reigned twelve years, deceased leaving two sons, Mythridates & Pharnax. Of the which 
The fourth Emperor.  Pharnax the elder, inheriting the kingdom according to the custom of their country, conquered a stout kind of people called the Mardes, and within a while after deceased, leaving many sons behind him, the which he made no account of in that case, but left the kingdom 
An example of love towards a man's country.  to his brother Mythridates, a man of excellent prowess and activity, thinking that the kingdom was more to be regarded, than the name of father, and that he ought 
The fifth 〈◊〉.  rather to provide for his native country▪ then for his children. The same time like as Mythridates in Parthia, so Eucratid●…s in Bactria, both of them notable Princes, began their reins at once. But the Parthians had the 
Euera●…des king of ●…tria.  happier fortune. For through the politic governance of their king, they aspired to the sovereign preh●…minence of th'empire. Whereas the Bactrians being tossed to and fro with the uncertain fortune of the wars, lost not only their kingdom, but also their liberty. For after the time they had wearied themselves with the continual wars of the S●…gdianes, Dranganitanes, and Indians, last of all as when half dead, and without of heart, they were subdued by the Parthians, which were weaker 
The valiant prow●…s of Eucratides.  than they. Yet notwithstading Encratides achieved many battles with great prowess, through the which being brought low, when as Demetrius king of Ind had besieged him, he having no more but three hundred soldiers about him, by his continual issuing out privily, vanquished threescore thousand of his enemies. Whereupon being after five months siege enlarged again, he brought Ind under his subjection. From whence as he 
An unnatural and abho minable mur ther.  was returning homeward, he was slain in his journey by his own son, whom he had made fellow in Them pyre. Who nothing dissembling the unnatural murder but rather reioyc●…ng, as though he had killed his enemy, and not his father, drove his chariot through his blood, and commanded his body to be thrown away unburied. While these things were a doing among the Bactrians, in the mean space there arose war between the Parthians 
The conque●…tes of Mythridates y●▪ iiii. king of Parthia.  and the Medes, in the which after divers adventures of both nations, at length the Parthians gate the upper hand. Mythridates being increased in strength by their power, made one Bachasus Regent of Media, and himself went into Hyrcania. At his return from whence he made war upon the king of the Elymeans, whom he overcame, and adnexed that Realm also to his kingdom. And there upon receiving many countries by come position, he dylated th'empire of Parthia from the mountain Cancasus, even unto the river of Euphrates. finally being taken with a sickness, he died honourably in his old age, of no less fame and renown, than his greatgraunfather Arsaces.   

The. xlii. Book.  
AFter the decease of Mythridates king of the Parthians, his son Phrahartes was 
The. i. ●…peroure of Parthia, & of his doings.  crowned king. Who being fully purposed to war upon Syria, to be revenged upon Antiochus for attempting the kingdom of Parthia, was by 〈◊〉 of the Scythians revoked to the defence of his own. For the Scythians being solicited upon promise of wages, to aid the Parthians against Antiochus king of Syria, when as the war was finished ere they came, and they in reproach of their late coming were defrauded of their hire, being grieved to have travailed so far for nothing when as they demanded either their wages for their pains taking, or else some other enemy to fight with, such a scornful answer was given them, that they being offended therewith, began to waste the borders of Parthia.  
Phrahartes therefore, when he should take his journey against the Scythians, left to govern his Realm in his absence one Hym●…rus, highly in favour with him, for th'abuse of him in the florisshing prime of his childhod. 
It is 〈◊〉 trusting them to whom a man hath d●… displeasure.  Who forgetting both, his own former life, and whose person he represented, through his tyrannous cruelty, vexed importunately, both, Babylon and man●…e other cities. And Phrahartes himself led to the wars with him, the Grekysh host, the which he had taken in the wars of Antiochus, & had entreated cruelly & proudly quite forgetting that their captivity had not mitigated their enemielyke minds so much, but that his wrongful demeanour towards thee, had more stirred the to displeasure against him. Therefore when they espied that the Parthien battle began to have the worse end of the stanffe they turned themselves and took part with the enemy, 
The sixth Emperonr of Parthia.  and so with the bloody slaughter of the Partbien host, & of the king Phrahartes himself, they executed the revengement of their wrongful captivity, which they had so long time desired. In stead of him, at his uncle Artabanus was created king. And the Scythians, being with the victory, after that they had wasted Parthia, 
The seventh Emperor and of his doings.  returned into their own countrih. But Artabanus died immediately, of a wound in his arm that he received in a battle against the Colchatarians. After him suc ceded his son Mythridates, who for his noble acts was surnamed the Great. For being inflamed with desire to excel in prowess, he behaved himself so nobly, that in magnanimity he surmounted all his famous progenitors. Therefore he accomplished many wars against his neighbours with great prowess, and subdued many nations, under the Dominion of Parthia. Moreover he fought diverse times to his advantage, against the Scythians, and revenged the displeasure done to his predecessors, At the last, he made war against artoadistes, king of the Armenians. But forasmuch as we be 
The original of the Armentans.  passing into Armenia, I think it necessary to repeat thoriginal thereof somewhat deeper. For me thinks, it is not lawful to pass over so great a kingdom with silence, considering that next unto Parthia, it surmounteth all other kingdoms in greatness. For armenia is in length 
The situation of Armenia.  from Cappadocia unto the Caspian sea, eleven hundred miles, and in breadth seven hundred miles. It was founded by Armenius one of the companions of jason the Thessalien. whom king Pelias coveting to destroy for his notable prows, which seemed dangerous to his kingdom 
The voyage for the golden 〈◊〉.  for fear, lest he should depose him, told him what a noble voyage there was for him into Colchos, persuading him to take th'enterprise upon him, & to fetch the golden fleece, that was so famous & notably talked of 〈◊〉 the world. Hoping that either through so long and per●…llous a sailing, or eye by fighting against so sau●…age and Barbarous a people, he might br●…ng the adventurous knight t●… confusion. jason therefore when he had made proclamation of so notable a voyage, and that thereupon the noble young men almost of all the whole world resorted in great number unto him, he assembled an army of most valiant knights, which were all called by the name of Argonantes. Whom when after thaccomplisment of his adventurous enterprises, he had brought home again in safety, he was expulsed again out of Thessaly by the sons of Pelias. Whereupon with a great multitude (which for the renown of his prowess, daily resorted to him out of all Realms, having in his company, his wife Medea (whom after his late divorcement for pity of her exilement, he had received again) with her son Medeus (begotten by Egeus king of Athenes) he went 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 jason.  again to Colchos, and restored his father in law to his kingdom, from which he was deposed. After that, he made many battles with his neighbours, and their Cities which he had taken, he partly annexed to the kingdom of his father in law (to th'intent to abolish the reproach of his former warfare, wherein he had, both led away his daughter Medea, and 〈◊〉 slain his son Aegialus, and partly gave them to the 〈◊〉 that he brought with him to inhabit. By report he was the first of all men next after Hercules and Liber (which as the same goeth were kings of the East) that conquered that climate 
The original of the Alban●…s in As●…a.  of the world. Over some Nations he assigned captains, Phrygius and Ansystratus the wageners of Castor & Pollur. He made a league with the Albans, which as it is reported) followed Hercules out of Italy, from the mountain Albanus, when after the slaying of Geryon, he drove his cattle through Italy: who also bearing in mind that they came out of Italy, saluted the army of 
The great 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Pompeius by the name of broth●…rs, when he warred with Mythridates. By means whereof all the whole 〈◊〉 almost, builded Temples and did divine honours to jason, as to their first founder. The which Parmenion, one of the Captains of great Alexander, many years after commanded to be beaten down, to th'intent that no man's name should be had in more honour in the East, than the name of Alexander: after the death of jason, Medus being 
〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  an earnest follower of his virtues, in honour of his mother Medea, builded the city M●…dea, and established the kingdom of the Medes, calling it after his own name, which in continuance of time grew to that estate, that all the Cast was in subjection to th'empire thereof. The Albans are next neighbours to the Amazons, whose Queen Tha lestres, many authors have reported to ●…aue desired the carnal company of Alexander. Armenius being also a 
Thoriginal of the Armeni●….  Thessalien, and one of the number of jasons Capitains', having gathered together the multitude, (which after the death of jason their king, wandered up and down every where,) founded the town of Armenia in the mountains, whereof springeth the river Tigris, which at the 
The head of the river Tigris.  first is a very small stream. Then a good way from the head, it falleth into the ground, and a five and twenty miles beyond, it riseth up a great 〈◊〉 in the country Sophone, and so is received into the lakes of Eufrates. Therefore Mythridates king of the Parthians (after his 
He returne●…h to the story of the 〈◊〉  war in Armenia) was for his cruelty deposed from the kingdom by the counsel of the Realm. His brother Ho roads invading the Royal sea being vacant, besieged Basilius bylon a great while, because his brother Myth idates 
The viii king of 〈◊〉.  was fledds thither, so long until he 〈◊〉 them for famine to yield up the town.  
Mythridates upon trust and confidence in that he was so ners of his kin, willingly submitted himself to his brother Horodes. But Horodes taking him rather for an 
The 〈◊〉 of Horodes to wards his brother.  enemy then for a brother, commanded him to be cruelly slain before his face. After this he made war with the Romans, and utterly destroyed their grand capytay●… 
The death of 〈◊〉.  Crassus, with his son and all the Roman host. His son Pa●…orus being sent to pursue the remnant of the Roman battle, after that he had achieved many haut enterprises in Syria, was called home again, as mistrusted of his father. During whose absence, the host of the Parthians that he left behind him in Syrta, was 
A 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉.  with all the captains thereof utterly slain by Cassius' lieutenant of Crassus. These things thus done, not 
T●…e 〈◊〉 wars between 〈◊〉 and Pomp●…y.  long time after arose the Civil wars between Cesar and Pompey: in the which the Parth●…ans took part with Pompey, both for the friendship that was between them and Pompey in his wars against Mythridates, and also for the death of Crassus, whose son they heard say, held with Cesar, whom they knew well enough, would revenge his father's death, if Cesar should chance to get th'upper hand. Therefore after that Pompey and his adhe rents had taken the foil, they both ministered aid to Cassius and Brutus, against Augustus and Antony, and also after th'end of the war, entering in league with Labienus, under the conduct of Pacorus, they wasted Syria and Asia, and moreover gave a proud assault upon the camp of Uentidius, who after Cassius in the absence of Pacorus had given the Parthien army an overthrow.  
But Uentidius pretending a counterfeact fear, kept 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  himself in a good while, and suffered the Parthians for a time to vaunt 〈◊〉. At the length he sent out part of his host, upon them as they were merry and careless●…, with whose sudden asfaulte, the Parthians being dismayed, fled hither and thither to ●…aue themselves. Pacor●…s supposing that his men which were ●…led, had withdrawn all the Roman Legions after them, assailed in haste the Camp of Uentidius, in hope, that he should have found it without defendants. Then Uentidius, 
A gr●…at 〈◊〉 ter of the Pa●… thians 〈◊〉 the kings 〈◊〉.  sending quickly out the residue of his Legions, slew all the whole band of the Parthians with the king Pacorus himself also.  
Neither did the Parthians at any time receive a greater loss. When tidings hereof was brought into Parthia, Horodes the father of Pacorus, which lately before (hearing that the Parthians had wasted Syria, and invaded Asia) had boasted that his son Pacorus, was a 
Horodes falleth beside himself for sorrow.  conqueror of the Roman▪) when he once heard of his death and of the slaughter of his army, suddenly for sorrow he fell m●…dde. Many days after, he would not talk to any man, he would not take any sustenance, he would not speak any one word, in so much that a man would have thought he had been dumb. After that many days were expired, when sorrow had losened his tongue, he spoke of nothing but Pacorus, he thought he saw Pacorus he thought he heard Pacorus, he would talk as though he had been with him, he would stand still as though he had stood with him, and anon he would lamentably bewail the loss of him. When he had mourned thus a long season, an other heaviness came upon the miserable old man, namely, which of his thirty sons he should ordain king in Pacorus stead. He had many concubines, of whom he begat all that youth, of the which every one making suit for her own child, did as it were besiege the old man's mind. But it was the destiny of Parthia, 
The ninth Emperor of Parthia.  (in the which it is an ordinary custom, to have unnatural murderers to their kings) that the wickedest and vngraciousest of them all, whose name was Phrahartes was substituted king. Therefore as though it seemed his father 
〈◊〉 is killed by his son Phrohartes.  would not die naturally, he forthwith killed him, & put his thirty brothers to death. Neither ceased he his slaghter in the children. For when he perceived that the noble men hated him for his outrageous cruelti, and continual working of mischief, and that there was none that might be nominated king, he commanded his own son, who was man grown, to be put to death. Against this man, Antony with sixteen of his strongest Legions, made war, for ministering, aid against himself and Cesar. But he was so sore afflicted in many battles, that he was fain to fly back out of Parthia. Through the which victory Phrahartes being made more proud and insolent, 
〈◊〉 is deposed, & restored by the Scythians.  when as he 〈◊〉 to deal cruelly in many things, he was driven into exil●…, by his own subjects. Whereupon after long and earnest suit made unto the countries, borde●…yng upon Parthia, at the length by much intreatans, he so persuaded the Scythians, that through their aid he was restored to his kingdom again. In the time of his absence, the Parthians had constituted one Tyridates king, who hearing of the coming of the Scythians, fled with a great band of his friends to Cesar 
The tent●… Emperor of Parthia.  Augustus, making war at that time in spain, bringing with him to Themperor, the youngest son of Phra ●…artes for a pledge, whom through the negligence of such as were put in trust with the keeping of him, he had stolen away. Upon knowledge whereof, Phrahartes forth 
Phrahar●…es sends Ambassadors to Rome.  with sent his Ambassadors to Cesar, requiring him to send him home his servant Tyridates, and his son with him. Themperor when he had heard th'ambassadors of Phrahartes, and understood well the requests of Tyridates (for he also desired to be set in possession of his kingdom again, assuring that Parthia should ever after be at the commandment of the Romans, y●… it would please him to bestow the kingdom upon him) answered how he would neither deliver Tyridates into the hands of the Parthians, nor yet minister aid to Tyridates against them.  
Nevertheless because it should not seem, that they had 
The 〈◊〉 ans submit them s●…lues to Augustus  obtained no part of their demand at Themperors hand he sent Phrahartes his son without ransom, and allowed Tyridates ●…onorable entertainment to find him with as long as he listed to abide with the Romans. After this having finished his wars in spain, when he came into Syria to set a stay in affairs of the East, he put Phrahartes in such a fear, that to th'intent he should not make war upon Parthia, all the Captives and pri soners that were in the Realm, either of y● army of Crassus, or of th'army of Antony, were gathered together, and with all the banners and Antesygnes taken at those times, sent again to Augustus. Moreover Phrahartes gave to Augustus his sons and nephews in hostage, & Them peror did more with the only Majesty of his name, than any other Emperor could have done by force of Arms.   

The. xliii. Book.  
T●…ogus Pompeius having made a long discourse of the doings of the Parthians, ofy● East, and well nigh of all the whole world, returneth as it were after a long pilgrimage, home to the foundation of the City of Rome: thinking it the part of an unthankful citizen, if when he had painted out the acts of all nations, he should speak nothing at all of his own native country. Therefore he toucheth briefly the beginning of the Roman Empire, so that he neither exceedeth the bounds which he propounded to himself in his work, nor yet passeth over with silence the foundation of that City, which out of doubt is head of all the world. The first inhabiters of italy, were the Aborigines, 
The first inhabiters of Italy.  whose king Saturn is reported to have been of such justice and uprightness, that during his ●…eygne, there was not any slave or bondman, nor any man that had ought 
The justice and equity in the time of Saturn.  private to himself, but all things were common and undivided to all men a like, as though it had been one patrimony, and one Inheritance, equally belonging to all men.  
In remembrance of the which example, it is enacted, that in the feast of S●…turne, no man should be more set by then another, but that the bondmen should sit down to their meal fellowelyke with their Masters everyewher. 
The 〈◊〉 of Saturn●….  Furthermore Italy was called Saturnia after the name of the foresaid king: The Hill also where he dwelled was called Saturn, on the which at this day, (jupiter 
The 〈◊〉  having, as it were removed Saturn out of his place) standeth the Capitol. After him in the third place by report, reigned Faunus, in whose time evander with a small company of his countrymen, came from Palantener, 
The coming of Euand●…r into Italy.  a city of Arcady into Italy: to whom Faunus of gentleness and courtesy, assigned lands to live upon, and the mountain which afterward he called Palantine. In the foot of this hill, he builded a Temple to Lycens, whom the Greeks call Pan, and the Romans Lupercus. The Image of the God being otherwise naked, is called in a goats skin, in the which manner o●… attire, men are yet wont to run up and down the streets of Rom●…, in the celebration of the feasts kept unto Pan. Faunus had a wife named Fatua, which being continually ravished with a holy spirit, as it were in a fury Prophesied of things to come: whereupon such as are 
The ●…tynge of L●…tinus.  wont to be so inspired, are said to play fatua unto this day. Of the daughter of Faunus and Hercules (who the same time having killed Geryon drove his cattle which he had gotten in reward of his victory, through Italy) was unleeful begotten Latinus. During whose reign, Aeneas after that Troy was destroyed by the Greeks▪ 
The coming of Aeneas into Italy.  came from thence into Italy. Where at his first arrival he was bidden battle.  
But when he had brought his men into the field, before thencounter they fell to communication. In the which he brought Latinus in such admiration of him, that he was content to make him Compartener of his kingdom, and also made him his son in law, by giving him his daughter Lavinia in marriage.  
After this they made war 〈◊〉 against Turnus' king of the Rutilians, who challenged them for defrauding him of Lavinia, that by promise should have been his 
The building of 〈◊〉.  wife. In the which both Turuus & Latinus were slain. Aeneas therefore obtaining both the nations by the law of arms, builded a city & gave it the name of his wife. Afterward he made war against Mezentius king of the Hetruscians, in the which he was slain, and his son Ascanius succeeded in his stead. Who leaving Lavinium, builded Alba longa, the which for the space of three hundred years together, was the head of the kingdom. After 
The building of long Alba.  many kings of this City, at length reigned Numitor and Amulius. But Amulius having wrongfully deposed his elder brother Numitor, to th'intent none issue male should rise of the stock of Numitor to challenge the crown, thrust his daughter Rhea into a nonrie, there to lead all her life in vow●…d virginity, cloaking his injury with an honourable colour, that men might suppose she was not put there as a condemned person, but rather made chief prio resse of the place by election. Being therefore as a recluse 
The birth of Romulus & Remus, which their education.  in the Grove, consecrated to Mars, she was delivered of two sons, whether she conceived them by adultery, or by Mars, no man is able to say of a truth. Amulius upon knowledge hereof, being in more fear than ever he was, by reason of the birth of the two children, common deed them to be cast away, and laid their mother in prison, through distress whereof she died. But fortune providing before hand for th'original of the Romans, sent a she-wolfe to nurse the children, the which having lost her whelps, for desire to have her dugs drawn, that were pained with fullness of milk, offered herself to be nourice to the children. As ●…he came and went oftentimes to the children, like as if they had been her whelps A shepherd named Faustulus, perceived the matter, and stealing them from the wolf, brought them up like shepherds among his cattle. Now whether it were for that they were borne in the Grove of Mars, or for that they were nourished by a wolf, which is in the tuition of Mars it was believed to be as a manifest proof that they were the sons of Mars. The one of them was named Remus, & tother Romulus': When they were men grown, they accustomed to try masteries daily, one with an other, whereby they increased as well in strength as in agility and swiftness. Therefore when they had oftentimes man fully & politicly chased away the thieves from stealing 
R●…mus is 〈◊〉 ken & brought to the king.  of the cattle, Remus was taken by the said thieves, & as though he had been th●… same himself, which he had prohibited thothers to do, was brought before the king, and there accused for a stealer of Numitors cattle. whereupon the king delivered him to Numitor, to punish as he thought good. But Numitor having pity of the young man, had half a mistrust that he should be one of his nephews that were cast away, by reason he resembled his daughter so much in favour and making, & by reason, that the time of her deliverance was agr●…able unto his years. As he was in this doubtful perplexity with himself Faustulus came suddenly in with Romulus, by whom being further instructed of the birth & bringing up of 
Romulus & Remus make a conspiracy against Numitor.  the children, they made a conspiracy, and took weapon in hand, the young men to revenge their mother's death, and Numitor to recover the kingdom wrongfully witholden from him Amulius was slain, and Numitor restored to the crown. Anon after the youngmen builded the city of Rome. The which being finished, there was ordained a Senate of an hundred elders, which were called fathers. Then because the neighbours disdained to marry their daughters to shepherds, they ravished the maidens 
The building of Rome.  of the Sabines, and having subdued the people that were next about them, first they gate thempore of Italy, and anon after th'empire of the whole world. At those days, as yet the kings in stead of Diadems had maces, which the Greeks call Sceptres. For even from the first beginning of things, men in old time did worship maces for Gods. In remembrance of which Religion, the images of the Gods are yet still ●…ade with Maces in their hands. In the time of king Tarquin, a company of the Phocenses coming out of Asia, entered the mouth of Tiber, & joined amity with the romans. From thence they went by water to th'uttermost coast 
The buiding of 〈◊〉.  of France, and there among the Liguriens, & the cruel Frenchmen 〈◊〉 builded the city Marsielles, and did many noble acts, both in defending themselves by the sword against the savage Frenchmen, & also in assailing those that had assailed them before. For the Phocen●…es by reason of the barrei esse and sterility of their country, were compelled to set their minds more earnestly upon the water, then upon the land, and so they lived by fishing, by traffic of merchandyse, and oftentimes by rob b'ing on the sea, which in those days was conted for a praise. By means whereof they adventured to th'uttermost border of Thocean, & arrived upon the French coast by the river of Rone, with the plasauntnes of which place, they were so taken in love, that at their return home, their ported what they had seen, and procured more of their countrymen to go thither with them. The Captains of their fleet were furius, & Peranus. Who with their company presented 〈◊〉 before Senanus king of the Segoregians, in whose territory they coveted to build them a city, desiring his amity & friendship. By chance the very 
A marriage.  same day the king was occupied in preparation for the marriage of his daughter Eyptis, whom according to the custom of the country, he purposed to marry to such a one, whom she herself at the feast would choose to be her husband. Among other that were bidden to the Marriage the strangers of Grece were desired to the feast also. Anon the young lady was brought in who being commanded by her father to reach a cup of water to him whom she would have to her husband, passed over all tother gests, & turning herselfte the Greeks, gave the water to Peran. Who by this means being made of a stranger the kings son in law, obtained of his father a plo●…te, to build a City upon. So was the City of Marsielles builded, hard by the mouth of the river of Rone, in an out nook, as it were in an angle of the sea. But the Ligurians envying the prosperity of the City, distroubled 
The 〈◊〉 of the Majesty's 〈◊〉.  the Greeks with their continual wars. Who through valiant defending of themselves, became so renowned, that after they had vanquished their enemies, they builded many cities in the grounds that they took from them. At their hands, the Frenchmen learned a more civil trade of living, (through the which '. their Barbarousness was laid a side, and as it were tamed,) together with the tillage of the ground, and the walling in of their cities. Then they framed themselves to live by laws, and not by force, than they learned to shred their wines, than they learned to plant and graff their olives, finally both the men & all other things were so exquisytely polished, that Grece seemed not to be removed into France: But rather that France was transformed into Grece. After the death of Senanus king of the Gegoregians, by whom the place to build the city upon was granted his son Comanus, succeeding him in the kingdom, was inveigled against the massilians, by one of his Lords, alleging that the time would come, that Marsielles should be the destruction of the people that were next neig●…bors about it, wherefore it was to be suppressed now in y● very rising thereof, lest afterward being suffered to grow stronger, it might oppress him. For the further manifestation whereof, he recited this fable, how 
A 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 applied.  upon a time a byt●…h, being great with whelp, desired a shepherd to lend her houseroume to whelp in, the which being obtained, she desired of him eftsoons, to respite her so long, but till she might bring up her whelps: at length when they were full grown, she and her whelps were so strong, that she challenged the place to herself for ever.  
In likewise the Massilians which then seemed to be but soieourners, would perchance hereafter become Lords of the country. The king being provoked by this instigation, devised how to surprise the Massilians. So upon a so lemne feastful day of the Goddess flora, he sent a great 
Treason against the Master silians.  sort of strong & stout men into the City, as it had been to make merry, causing a great number more to be conveyed in carts and wagens hidden with rushes and leaves, and he himself with his host lay in ambush in the next moun taynes, to th'intent that in the night, when tother had set open the gates, he might come with all speed to the performance of his prepensed policy, & put the city to the sword as they were dead a sl●…pe, or else eating and drinking. But a kinswoman of the kings bewrayed 
Women can keep no counsel.  this treason: who being wont to play the goodfellow with a certain young man of the Greeks, as she embraced him, having pity on him for his beauty, uttered the matter unto him, & counseled him to avoid the danger. He forthwith told the matter to the Officers of the City. By means whereof the treason coming to light, the Liguriens were laid hand on, and they that lay hidden in the rushes, were pulled out by the heel's. The which being everyone ●…layne, the treason was turned upon the kings own head: for the Massilians slew the king himself, and seven thousand of his soldiers with him. From that day forward, the massilians upon their feast full days, kept their gates shut, made good watch, set men to ward upon the walls, searched all strangers, took good heed: and even as if they had had war, so kept they the City in time of peace. So well is good order kept among them at all times, not so much in time of 
The fortunate success of the Mas●….  need, as upon custom of doing well. Afterward they had sore wars with the Ligurians, & with the Frenchmen. The which thing both increased the renown of the city, & also by atcheving so many victories made the knight ●…ode & ●…heualry of the Greeks, famous & redoubted among their neighbours. Moreover they diverse times vanquished the armies of the Carthaginenses. When they warred upon them for taking of their fisher boats, & gave the peace at their pleasure like conquerors. With the spaniards they entered in league of amity: with the romans they made a continual confederac●…e & alliance almost from the first laying of the foundation of the city, the which they observed most faithfully and to th'uttermost of their power aided them as their confederates, in all their wars. The which thing, both, made them to be bolder to trust to their own strength, & also purchased them peace of their en nemies. Therefore at such time as Marsiels flourished most in renown of chivalry, & in abundance of riches, & was in the chief flower of her strength, suddenly all the people bordering about them, gathered themselves together to rote up the name of the massilians, as it had been to ertinguish 
The 〈◊〉 of Caram●…us  some common fire. A noble man called Caramandus was by a common consent chosen to be captain general against them: who as he lay at siege before the city with a great host of the best men that could be chosen, in all the country, saw in his sleep the likeness of a woman with a grim & terrible countenance, which said she was a Goddess: at her sight he was so astraught, that of his own mind unrequested, he made peace with the massilians. And making request that he might enter into their city to worship their Gods, when he came into the temple of Minerva, espying in the porches the image of the Goddess which he had seen in his dream, he cried out suddenly that is was even she that had feared him in the night, it was she that commanded him to raise his siege. whereupon greatly rejoicing with the Massyliens, because he perceived that the Gods immortal had such care and regard over them, he gave the Goddess a chain of Gold for an offering, and made abonde of friendship and amity with the Massiliens to continued for ever. After that they had thus gotten peace, and established quietness, the Massilieu 〈◊〉 returning from Delphos (whether they had been to carry presents unto Apollo,) heard say that the City of Rome was taken and burnt by the Frenchmen. The which ●…dynges when they had brought home, the Massiliens pro 
A faithful friend is tried in adversity.  claimed an universal mourning, as if it had been for the death of some especial friends, and gathered all their Gold together, as well private as public, the which they sent to make up the Sum, that the Frenchmen demanded of the Romans for their ransom, and for to grant them peace. In recompense of which good turn, they were made free of the City of Rome, and placed among the senators at all shows and pageants. And Alliance was knit with them to be continually reputed as Romans. In his last Book, 
The ancestors of ●…rogus Pon pcius.  Trogus declareth, that his Ancestors fetch their Pe tegrie from the Uolces, that his Grandfather Trogus Pompeius in the wars against Sertorius, did save the City to Eneus Pompeius, that his uncle had the leading of the Horsemen under the said Pompey in the war against Mythridates: and that his father also served in the wars under C. Caesar, in the room of Secretary, lieutenant, and keeper of his Seal.   

The xliiii. Book  
Spain, like as it is the uttermost 
Ancient names of Spain.  bound of Europe, so shall it also be th'end of this work. Men in old time called it Iberia after the river Iberus, and afterward they called it Spain after the name of Hispalus. This Country lieth 
The situation of Spain & the fertility thereof.  between Afric and France, and is enclosed with thocean Sea & the mountains Pyrenei. Like as it is lesser than any of both those lands, so is it more fertile than them both. For neither is it scorched with the outrageous heat of the son as Africa is, nor infèsted with continual winds as France is. But as it is mid between them both, so on th'one side through temperate heat, and on tother through the moisture os pleasant showers falling in due season, it becometh fertilie of all kind of fruit and grain, in so much that if not only sufficeth thinhabitants thereof, but also sendeth abundance of all things into italy, and even unto Rome itself. For there cometh from thence, not only great plenty of Corn and grain, but also of wine, honey and Oil. Besides that, there is not only the best iron and steel that can be, but also many razes of most swift horses: neither are the commodities that grow above the ground to be praised only, but also the plentiful & rich mines of Metals hidden deep within the ground. Of Flax and Baste there is great store: and as for Uermilion, there is no land hath more plenty of it. In this land are running Ry●…ers, not violently & outrageously flow wing to do any harm, but gently moisting the vineyards and cornefieldes, and where they ebb and flow with the ocean, very full of all kind of fys●…hes, whereof many all so are rich of gold, which they carry to their great commendation. Only by the ridge of the mountains Pyrenei is it parted from France, being on all other parts beside environed round about with the Sea. The plat of the land is almost foursquare, saving that the Sea beating 
The plat & bigness of Spain.  on both sides doth gather it somewhat narrower at the mountains Pyrenei. Moreover whereas the Mountains Pyrenei run, it is in breadth six hundred miles. The air is wholesome through all Spain, and the wind so cool in a temperate, that there riseth no stinking mi●…tes out of the low grounds and marisses to infect it Besides this the continual air of the salt-water rising from the Sea round about on all sides, pierceth through the whole country: the which being qualyfied with the open air of the land, do chief preserve all men in health. The bodies of the men are ready to endure hunger and pain, & their minds ready to abide death. They live 
The nature and disposition of the S paniardes  all very niggardly and hardly, they covet rather war then peace. If they want a foreign enemy, they will seek one at home. Oftentimes have they died upon the rack, for concealing things put to them in secret. So much do they esteem more their secrecy than their lives: the which may well be perceived by the sufferance of that servant in the wars of Carthage, who having revenged the death of his Master, in the mids of his torments, laughed & rejoiced, & with a merry and gladsome countenance vanquished the cruelty of his tormentors. The people of 
A notable ex ample of constant patience.  that country are exceeding swift of foot, unquiet of mind, and many of them set more by their horses and armour, then by their own blood. They make not any preparature for feasting, but only upon high & solemn days, to wash in warm water, they learned of the romans, after the second wars with Carthage. During the continuance of so many hundred years, they never had any worthy captain saving Uiriatus. Who by the space of 
The doings and commendations of Uiriatus.  ten years together held the Romans at the staves end, sometime to his gain, & sometime to his loss (so much were they of nature more like brute beasts then like men) the which forenamed captain they followed, not as one chosen by the discretion of men, but only because he was politic & cunning in avoiding & eschewing of dangers. Yet notwithstanding he was of that virtuous behaviour & modesty, that albeit he oftentmies vanquished the consuls with their armies, yet after so great enterprises achieved, he neither changed the fashion of his armour, neither altered the fashion of his apparel, nor broke he thor der of his diet, but look in what sort he began first his wars, in the same he continued to the last: so that there 
The swiftness of the Spanish gennets.  was never a common soldier but seemed wealthier than the Captain. It is reported of divers writers, the about the river Tagus in Portugal, mares do conceive which the wind: The which fable sprang first of the fruitfulness of the Mares, & of the great number of the razes of the which in 
〈◊〉 of the Gallecians in 〈◊〉.  Gallice and Portyngale, there are such store to be seen, & those so swift, that not without good cause, they may seem to be conceived by the wind. The Gallictans allege themselves to be Greeks by descent. For after th'end of the battle of Troy▪ they say that Teucer being hated of his father Telamonius, for the death of his brother Ajax's, & there upon not permitted to enter into his Realm, departed to Cyprus & there builded a City, which he named Sala mine, after the name of his natif country, that he came fro. Where hearing of the decease of his father, he returned to his country again, but being prohibited from arri fall by Eurysaces the son of Ajax's, he arrived in Spain and took the ground where new Carthage standeth now. From whence he removed to Gallice, & there placing himself & his, gave the country that name. For a portion of 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉  Gallice are called 〈◊〉, a country most plentiful of brass and lead, and of Uermilion, which also gave the name to the river thereby. Furthermore it is most rich of Gold, insomuch that diverse times they ere up clods of gold with the plough. In the borders of this Country there is a holy hill, the which it is not lawful to cut with any iron. But if it chance that the earth is broken with thunder & lightning (which is a common thing in those places, they are permitted to gather up the gold as a gift of God. The women have all the doing in houskeping and husbandry, & the men give themselves to war & robbing. 
〈◊〉.  They have the hardest iron that is, but yet their is of more force than the iron: for by tempering the metal there with, it is made tougher & sharper, neither do they count any weapon good, that is nor dipped either 〈◊〉 the river Bilbo, or in the river Chalybs. Where upon the people that dwell about the said river, are called Chalybes, & are reported to have the best iron of all others. In the plains of the Tartesians, (where it is reported that the Tytanes made war 〈◊〉 the Gods) dwelled some time the Curettes: an ancient king of the which people named Gargoris, first invented the manner to gather honey. 
The Inventions of Gargoris.  This man perceiving that his daughter had played the miswoman, for shame of her wicked deed, attempted divers ways to have destroyed the child. But through good for tune he was preserved from all those dangers, and at the length for compassion of so many perils, was created king. first of all when he had commanded him to be cast away, & certain days after had sent to seek his body, he was found nourished with the milk of sundry wild beasts. secondly, when he was brought home, he commanded him to be laid in a narrow path where cattle were wont to go through, surely he was very cruel, that would have 
That which God will have saved can not be 〈◊〉.  his nephew rather trodden to death, then simply killed. There also perceiving he lay unhurt, & not unfed, he ca●… said him to be cast first to hungry dogs that he ●…adde pined from meat many days before for the nonce & afterwards also to Swine. Finally when they not only did him no harm, but also some of them gave him suck, last of all he had throw him into the sea. Then as it were by the open and manifest providence of God, among the raging surges, and the wallowing waves, as though he had been ●…aried in a ship and not in the stream, the calm sea bore him up alo●…t, & brought him softly to shore. By and by came a hind and gave him suck. Wherevppo●… by keeping company with his nourice, the child became exceeding swift of foot, & kept in the mountains and forests among the herds of red dear as swift a foot as the wightest of them. At the length being overthrown in a toil & taken, he was presented to the king for a gift. There by reason of his stature & making, wherein he much resembled the king, & by certain marks that were grown in the child from his birth, the king knew him to be his neph●…w. And because he had so wonderfully escaped so 
The doings of 〈◊〉.  many perilous chances, he proclaimed him heir & successor of his kingdom. His name was called 〈◊〉, who after that he had taken the crown upon him, became a Prince of such Majesty, that men thought it was not for no thing, that he was so preserved by the providence God from so many perils. For he first ordained laws, to keep the savage people in good order & conversation one with another. He first taught them to break oxen to the plough, and to till & so we the ground, he first (for 〈◊〉 of such things as he had suffered himself (caused men to for sake their 〈◊〉 meats, & to feed upon better. The chances of this man might seem to be but a fable: if the builders of Rome had not been nourished by a wolf, and Cyrus' king of Persia nourished of a bitch. This man forbade the people all servile occupations, & divided the commons into s●…uen cities. After the death of Habis, the kingdom remained in his posterity many hundred years. In another 
The Story●… of Geryon.  part of spain which consisteth of Isles, Geryon was king: in the which part there is so great plenty of sweet pasture, that unless the cattle were kept hungry, and not suffered to feed their fill, their bellies would burst. In the same place were the cattle of Geryon (wherein at those days men's substance did chief consist) which were of so great fame, that Hercules alured with the richness of the botie came out of Asia thither. Moreover Geryon was not triple as the fables report, but three brothers which accorded so friendly one with another, that it seemed as though one soul & one mind ruled them all three. Neither did they of their own motion make war upon Hercules, but when they 
How the Carthaginobteyned the 〈◊〉 ●…f spain.  saw their cattle driven away, they sought with him for the recovering of them. After that y● king's ceased in Spain, the Carthaginenses first took upon them the Dominion and rule of the country For when the Gaditanes (commanded so to do in a dream) had brought from Tyrus (out of the which City the Carthaginenses had also their beginning) the sacred Ceremonies of Hercules into spain, & there builded a city, through●… the malice of the people of Spain their next neighbours, envying thencreasment of their new city, & thereupon infesting the Gaditanes with war, they sent to their kinsmen the Carthaginenses for help: Who having a prosperous journey, both defended the Gaditanes from taking wrong, & also subdued the more part of the country under their domini●…n. Afterward also 
The doings of the Cartha ginenses in Spain.  encouraged by the fortunate success of their first voyage they sent Hamilcar, as granndcapitayn with a great host to conquer the whole Realm. Who having achieved many haut enterprises, whiles he followed his good luck without advisement, was en●…rapped by a policy and slain. In his room was sent his son in law Hasdrubal, who also was slain by a servant of a Spaniard, in revengement of his masters death. Han niball the son of Hamilcar, greater than they both succeeded in the Capitainship For he surmounting the acts of them both, conquered all Spain. And then making war against the Romans, vexed Italy with sundry slaughters, by the space of sy●… years together. Whereas in the mean season the romans, 
How the Romans conquered spain  sending the Scipios into Spain, first drove the Carthaginenses out of the country, & afterward had sor●… wars with the spaniards themselves. Nevertheless the countries of spain could never be brought under the ●…oke of bondage, until that Cesar Augustus having conquered the whole world, came against them with his victorious army, brought those Barbarous and cruel people, to a more civil trade of living by order of law, and substituted a lieutenant over them, like as was done in all other provinces of th'empire.  
FINIS.