sometimes in great Leaves of the Aegyptian Rush Papirus from whence comes our English word Paper and the Latin Papirus Shortly after a Contest happening between Ptolomy King of Aegypt and Eumenes King of Pergamus the latter found out the use of Parchment and call'd it from the place Pergamena At this time the Romans used to write in Tables of Wood covered over with Wax so that Tabellae is employ'd to signify Missive Letters and Tabellarius a Letter-Carrier These Tables or Books were made of the Caudex the Trunk or Stock of a Tree whence we still call our Books Codices à Caudicibus Q. What did they write with A. With a Stylus an Instrument of Steel or Iron having a sharp point at one end and being broad but keen and well-edg'd at the other With the sharp point they writ what they pleased with the broad end they scrap'd out what they had written whence the Phrase Stylum invertere which signifies To say and unsay a thing Q. What was the name of the Mark which they made at the end of their Books A. They call'd it a Coronis which the Interpreters of Aristophanes describe to be linea brevis ab inferiore parte flexa All are agreed it was some known and common dash usually subjoin'd to the end of Books This gives light to the Greek Proverb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. from the beginning to the end Q. After what manner were their Books written in former Ages A. They writ a whole Book in one continued Page which was not cut into many leaves and bound up as the fashion now is but that one entire Page was used to be roll'd upon a Staff fasten'd at the end of it Hence à volvendo we call our Books Volumina Volumes Q. What was the Vmbilicus A. The Staff on which the Book was roll'd they call'd metaphorically Vmbilicus because as a Navel is the middle of a man's body so when the Book was roll'd up this Staff was the middle of it However because it was always fasten'd at one end of the Page hence Vmbilicus but especially when applied to a Book signifies The End as in Horace ad Vmbilicum ducere Q. How were the two knobs or ends of the Staff which appear'd on each side of the Volume call'd A. Cornua and they used to adorn them with Silver and Gold The Title which was the beginning of every Book was named Frons Q. What Customs and Ceremonies were used by the Romans in handling their Suits of Law A. First there was in jus vocatio that is the citing of one into the Court. Secondly Postulatio a Request put up to the Praetor That it might be lawful for the Plaintiff to enter his Action against the Defendant whence postulare aliquem de hoc vel illo crimine is to accuse one of this or that Crime Thirdly nominis delatio the taking of the Defendant's Name into the Court-Book and this was call'd intendere actionem vel litem and diem alicui dicere that is to enter an Action against one Q. When Request was made by the Plaintiff to the Praetor That he might enter his Action against the Defendant did he not vadari reum i. e. demand Sureties or Bail of him to appear on the day appointed A. Yes and promisit vadimonium that is he entred likewise into Bond for his own appearance on the same day which was commonly the third day following called properly dies perendinus and sometimes dies tertius simply Q. Who were the Viri Consulares A. Not every one that was capable of a Consul's Office but those that had actually born it Q. How did the Romans date their Deeds and Charters A. At first they did it by naming the Year wherein their City was founded as for instance ab urbe conditâ the twentieth thirtieth or fortieth year but afterwards by subscribing the Name of their present Consuls Nay to know the Age of their Wines they sign'd their Vessels after the same manner Q. What was their manner of selling sub coronâ A. An Enemy was said to be sold sub coronâ when in the Market-Place a Crown was put upon his head in token of such a Sale or else because at that time he was surrounded with a Circle of Soldiers called Corona Q. What was their way of dismissing an Enemy sub jugum A. They erected two Spears with a third lying a-cross in manner of a Gallows then they caused them being disarm'd and their Belts taken away to pass under in token of Bondage Q. Why did Lapis in old time signify a Mile A. Because at every Mile's end a great stone in manner of a mark-stone was erected Q. Why did the Romans call the space of Five Years a Lustrum A. Because they did once in Five Years Revolution lustrare exercitum Romanum purge the Roman Army by Sacrifice Hence we say duo lustra ten years tria lustra fifteen years c. Q. Does not Nomen sometimes signify the same as Debitum a Debt A. Yes and the reason is because the Creditors did use to write down their Debtors Names Hence they were said Nomina sua liberare when they paid the Debt as on the contrary they were said Nomina faeere when they contracted a Debt An Explication of some Letters and Names that occur in this History A. Aulus C. Caius D. Decimus L. Lucius M. Marcus N. Numerius P. Publius Q. Quintus T. Titus Ap. Appius Cn. Cneâ—us S. Spurius Ti. Tiberius Mam. Mamereus Ser. Servius Sex Sextus F. Filius N. Nepos Q. Quatuor S. P. Q. R. Senatus Populusque Romanus S. C. Senatus Consulto Cos. Consul Coss. Consules HS. Sâ—stertium The Geographical Names explained ALlobroges The People of Savoy and Piedmont Ambrons People of France living by Pillage Albanians People dwelling between the Caspian Sea and the Georgians Daci The People of Transylvania Iberians The Georgians Insubres The Milanese Liburnia Hodie Croatia Ligurians The Genoese Marcomanni People near Austria whose Countrey is Marck according to others the Bohemians Quadi The Moravians Sarmatia A large Countrey part in Europe part in Asia comprehending all Polonia Russia Muscovy and most of Tartary Suevi The Inhabitants of Schwaven Teutones The Germans Vaccaei People of the Kingdom of Leon in Spain A Table of the Principal Matters contain'd in this Book THE Original of the Romans Page 1 A Chronological Table of the Latin Kings 3 The Building of Rome 4 The means that Romulus us'd to people the City of Rome 5 The several sorts of Government in the City of Rome 6 The Seven Kings of Rome 8 Romulus the 1st King of Rome 9 Numa Pompilius the 2d King of Rome 14 Tullus Hostilius the 3d King of Rome 16 Ancus Martius the 4th King of Rome 19 Tarquinius Priscus the 5th King of Rome 20 Servius Tullius the 6th King of Rome 23 Tarquinius Superbus the 7th King of Rome 27 Of the Alterations made in Rome 31 The Wars in which the Romans
into a Precipice as he pass'd the Alpes from pursuing his design He was of a lively Imagination a clear sprightly Wit and a prodigious Memory Tiberius the Third Emperor The Year of Rome 754. Of the Birth of I. C. 14. Q. WHose Son was Tiberius A. The Son of Livia and Tiberius Nero. He was Fifty five years old when he came to the Empire Q. What sort of a Prince was he A. His chief Talent lay in dissimulation and he was universally hated for his Cruelty his Covetousness his Debaucheries and his Pride Q. But how did he behave himself in the beginning of his Reign A. He conceal'd all his Faults from the world with admirable address and dexterity Q. What obliged him to stand so much upon his guard A. Because he was afraid of Germanicus Son to his Brother Drusus whom he had adopted Q. And how did he serve him at last A. He dispatch'd him out of the way because he was jealous of his growing Merits Q. After what manner did he accomplish his design A. He sends this Prince who had already by his Valour and Conduct ended the Wars of Germany into the East to beat back the Parthians Q. And what way did he take there to destroy him A. He conferr'd the Government of Syriâ— upon Piso who being a mortal Enemy to Germanicus poison'd him in the year of Rome 772. Q. Was it not discover'd afterwards that he was pâ—ison'd A. Yâ—s and Agrippina Wife to Germanicus accused Piso of the Fact who knowing himself to be guilty prevented his Condemnation by a voluntary death Q. When did Tiberius give the full stretch to his Cruelties A. After the death of his Mother Livia which happen'd much about this time Q. With whom did he begin to exercise his barbarâ—us Temper A. By poisoning Drusus Caesar his Son after this he starved to death Nero and Dâ—usus the Children of Germanicus and all this by the advice of his great Favourite Sejanus Q. How did this Sejanus behave himself aftâ—r he became so Absolute A. He committed a thousand Crimes and his Insolence carried him so far as to say That he was Emperor of Rome and that Tiberius was only Prince of Capreae a small Isle near Naples where he used to retire But his Pride did not last long Q. What Accident befel him A. After he had suffer'd a thousand Indignities he was strangled by the hand of the Common Hangman his Body dragg'd about the streets and his whole Family executed with him Q. What remarkable Passage was it that happen'd between Tiberius and the Astrologer Thrasillus A. Tiberius had resolved one day to throw him headlong into the Sea as he was walking along with him so he asked him if he knew what sort of death and when he should dye Thrasillus answered him That he knew nothing precisely of that matter but this he was sure of That he was never in so great danger in his life as he was at that moment Q. Did not this Answer wholly alter Tiberius's Resolution A. Yes he saved him and after this reposed a mighty confidence in him Q. Did not the Crucifixion of our Blessed Saviour happen under his Reign A. It fell out in the â—8 th year of his Empire Q. Did not Tiberius propose it to the Senate to place him among the gods whom the Romans worshipp'd A. Yes Q. And did the Senate give their consent to it A. No because it was forbidden by the Laws of the Twelve Tables to receive any Foreign gods Q. When did Tiberius dye A. He died in the 77th Year of his Age after he had reign'd Two and twenty years Six months Q. Was not Caligula supposed to hasten his Death A. Yes Q. How did he manage it A. By over-loading him with Blankets under a pretence of making him warm Q. Where was Tiberius at that time A. He was in the Isle of Capreae where he had no other Witnesses of his Lewdness than those who had their share in the same Crimes wallowing in all sorts of brutal Lusts and in some manner forgetting he was Emperor Q. By what Nick-name was he publickly called A. Caprinus alluding to the Isle of Capreae and his Lasciviousness Q. What remarkable Curiosities had he in that Island A. He had Chairs and Closets of his own Invention to exercise his Lewdness Q. What things were farther observable in his House A. He had several Chambers furnish'd with lascivious Pictures and Statues where were to be seen the Books of Elephantis fill'd with immodest Postures Q. What Learned Men flourish'd in his Time A. Velleius Paterculus who writ an Abridgment of the Roman History and is so universally admired for the peculiar Beauties of his Characters Valerius Maximus who has given us an Excellent Collection of Memorable Stories digested under proper Heads Some place Quintus Curtius the Writer of Alexander's Life under his Reign taking him to be the same Person whom Suâ—tonius mentions as a Rhetorician and Tacitus as Proconsul of Afric under that Emperor But others make him Contemporary to Vespasian and some to have lived under the Reign of Trajan Q. What remarkable Things happen'd in his time A. The first President of burning of Books began under him For Cremutius Cordus having in one of his Books call'd Brutus the last of the Romans Tiberius orders the Author to be put to Death and his Books to be burnt in the Forum Ovid too died in his Exile in Pontus in this Emperors time Q. How many Wives had Tiberius A. Two Agrippina the Daughter of Agrippa and Iulia the Daughter of Augustus Q. What sort of a Man was he A. The Features of his Face were regular and well his Complexion white but pimpled a melancholy Air a fierce Look great Eyes the fore-part of his Head bald a stinking Breath large Shoulders and Breast a grave Gate his Stature of a prodigious Talness Caligula the Fourth Emperor The Year of Rome 777. Of the Birth of I. C 37. Q. FRom whom was Caligula descended A. He was the Son of Germanicus and Agrippina and Nephew to Tiberius Q. Where was he Born A. In Germany in the Camp and was brought up among the Soldiers who gave him the Name of Caligula Q. For what reason A. Because he wore little Boots after the Soldier 's fashion for Boots in Latin are call'd Caligae Q. How old was he when he came to the Empire A. Twenty five years old Q. Were not the People extremely pleas'd at his Elevation to this Dignity A. Yes hoping he inherited all his Father's Virtues as indeed he appear'd to be a Prince of very good Qualities Q. Did not he manage himself very well at the beginning A. He express'd so much Tenderness and Moderation that he rais'd the Expectations of all Italy All those Persons who for fear of Tiberius had absconded now left their Holes and walked abroad He recall'd those that were banish'd and abolish'd the greatest part of the Imposts and Taxes Q. Did this continue long A.
No for soon after he wholly changed his manner of Life and resign'd himself up to Cruâ—lty Lewdness and all sorts of Bestiality Q. What particular Acts of Cruelty are recorded of him A. He fill'd Rome with the Blood of the Principal Men of the Empire nay he abused his own Sisters Q. What was his common saying A. He frequently wished the People of Rome had but one Head Q. Why so A. That he might have the pleasure of cutting it off and destroying all the Romans at one stroke Q. When his Sister Drusilla was dead what respect did he pay to her Memory A. He caus'd a Temple to be erected to her as if she had been a Goddess Q. How did he serve those that lamented her Death and those that express'd no Sorrow at all for it A. He indifferently commanded them both to be put to Death Q. For what pretence A. The first because they envied Drusilla's happiness whom he had so lately enroll'd in the number of the gods And the latter because they did not bewail the loss of so amiable a Princess Q. How far did his Pride and Arrogancy carry him A. He commanded himself to be adored as a God and would needs have Temples built to him in all places He pretended that the Moon was mightily fallen in love with his Person and that she frequently came down to Caress him Q. How did Vitellius rally him upon that Subject A. Why says he when you gods are together we poor men are not able to see what you are a-doing Q. To what other monstrous Extravagances did his folly lead him A. He made his Horse be declared Consul in full Senate he banish'd Livy's Statue and Writings from all Libraries he gave Virgil the same Treatment and would have suppress'd the Verses of Homer pretending his Power ought to be no less than Plato's who had prohibited the Reading of them in his Imaginary Republick Lastly as he hated Seneca and all men of Eminent Virtue it came into his head to abolish not only the Laws but all the Living Oracles of them the most celebrated Lawyers Q. Had not he a mighty Ambition to ride a Horseback over the Sea A. To accomplish this unaccountable Frolick he built a Bridge of Gallies from Napales to Baiae which is reckon'd to be more than four Miles Q. And what noble Pranks did he play upon this Bridge A. He magnificently feasted all such whom their Curiosity had brought thither and afterwards caus'd them to be thrown into the Sea Q. Having quitted Rome to go and fight the Britains what fine Employment did he set his Army upon A. He only made them gather Cockleshâ—lls and with these Spoils he came back to Rome Q. After what manner did he receive those that came to see him A. He only gave them his Foot to kiss Q. In his Buildings what did he chiefly affect A. To force Nature and attempt Impossibilities Q How spent he those prodigious Sums which Tiberius had gather'd A. In levelling Mountains and Vallies Q. How was his Death A. He was kill'd by Cassius and Sabinus a Captain of the Guards Q. How long did he Reign A. Three Years Ten Months and Eight Days Q. What became of Caesonia his Wise and his Daughter A His Wife was likewise Assassinated and they dashed out the Brains of the little Daughter he had by her against a Wall Q. What found they in his Cabinet after his Death A. A Book wherein he had writ down the Names of all those whom he design'd to put to Death and a Coffer wherein there was so great a quantity of Poyson that having thrown it into the Sea they saw the Shore next Morning cover'd with dead Fish Q. What Writers of Note flourish'd in his time A. Appion the Grammarian for his insupportable Vanity call'd the Cymbalum Mundi and that most Eloquent Platonist Philo Iudaeus a Iew. Q. How many Wives had Caligula A. Four Iunia Claudilla Livia Orestilla Lollia Pausina and Caesonia Q. What sort of a Man was he A. Of tall Stature bright Hair the top of his Head bald his Forehead high large and wrinkled his Looks fixt and stern his Eyes sunk in his Head hollow Temples a pale Complexion a great Belly Neck and Legs his Body all over cover'd with Hair he was a great Master of Musick and had an extraordinary fine Voice he was very adroit and dexterous at handling his Arms Dancing and cleverly turning a Chariot Claudius the Fifth Emperor The Year of Rome 781. Of the Birth of I. C. 41. Q OF what Family was Claudius the Chief A. He was Son to Drusus the Brother of Germanicus Unkle of Caligula and Nephew of Tiberius Q. How came he to be Elected Emperor A. At that very time when the Senators were deliberating whether they should chuse any more Emperors or re-stablish the Commonwealth upon its Ancient Bottom some Soldiers broke into the Palace with a design to Plunder it Q. And did they Rifle it accordingly A. No for happening to find Tiberius Claudius Nero there who hid himself for fear of being kill'd they carried him immediately to the Camp and proclaim'd him Emperor Q. What was his true Character A. That he was a Prince without Vice but had no manner of Spirit or Conduct Q. By whom did he suffer himself to be intirely govern'd A. By his Wife and Freed men Q. What do Historians particularly tell us of his Wife Mâ—ssalina A. She caus'd the greatest part of her Gallants to be put to Death when they were no longer able to satisfy her brutal Passion Q. Among the rest did she not cause Silanus to be assassinated who was one of the handsomest Gentlemen of Rome A. Yes and the reason was because he refused to gratify her Lust. Q. A strange Monster of an Empress this but what is farther observable of her A. That she could not see a well-made beautiful Actor upon the Stage but she immediately became passionately in Love with him Q. What end came she to at last A. Claudius who had tamely bore all these Injuries so long at last wakens out of his Lethargy and causes her with her Adulterer Câ—ius Silius to be kill'd Q. What provoked him to it A. While he was but a days Journey distant from Rome his Rampant Empress publickly Marries this Roman Knight and makes him Consul Q. How many Children had he by Messalina A. Britannicus and Octavia Q. After Messalina's Death whom did he Marry A. His Niece Agrippina Daughter to his Brother Germanicus and the Mother of Nero whom she had by Domitius Q. What sort of a Woman was this Agrippina A. A Princess of a great Spirit Q. What remarkable Thing is recorded of her A. She established a Roman Colony in Germany upon the Rhine from her call'd Colonia Agrippina 't is now call'd Colen Q. When for the gratifying her Ambition she consulted the Oracle to know what her Son's fortune would be what answer did she receive A. That he would
Titus A. The Son of Vâ—spasian Q. How did he behave himself in the beginning of his Reign A. He immediately quitted the Natural Propensity he had to Lewdness and treated every one with that sweetness that he was called The Love and Delight of all Mankind Q What were the first Instances he gave of his Clemency A. He pardon'd two Persons of Quality who had conspir'd against him he likewise pardon'd his Brother Domitian who had form'd a second Conspiracy against him and instead of punishing him declared him his Successor in the Empire Q. How died he A. His Brother Domitian notwithstanding he had pardon'd him before dispatch'd him by Poison when he was aged Forty one years and after he had reign'd Two Years Two Months and Twenty Days Q. What other demonstrations did Titus give of his Mercy A. 'T is said he never refus'd any thing which was asked of him and would frequently say That a Prince ought not to send back any of his Subjects sad or discontented from his presence Q. What is besides reported of him A. One Night as he was at Supper he remembred himself that he had done good to no body that day My Friends says he to those that were about him I have lost a Day Diem perdidi Q. What remarkable Passages happen'd during his Reign A. A prodigious quantity of Fire and Ashes broke forth from Vesuvius which were thrown as far as Afric Syria and Egypt Q. Did not this Irruption do a great deal of damage A. Pliny the Elder being desirous to behold this terrible Spectacle was suffocated by the Flames and several Cities were ruin'd by it Q. What was it that Titus said as he was going to dye A. That he only repented himself of one thing but did not express what it was 'T is imagin'd that it was because he had not put his Brother Domitian to death and clear'd the Empire of so wicked and cruel a Monster Q. Had he not a great value for the Senate and People of Rome A. Yes for tho he was passionately in Love with Queen Berenice yet he refused to marry her because he thought the Senate and People of Rome would disapprove of the Match Q. What sort of a man was he A. He was of the common Stature the Features of his Face very good his Belly somewhat of the largest of a courteous Behaviour a sweet insinuating Mien a Noble Air which inspir'd all those that beheld him both with Love and Respect Domitian the Twelfth Emperor The Year of Rome 821. Of the Birth of I. C. 81. Q. WHose Son was Domitian A. He was the Son of Vespasian and younger Brother to Titus Q. Was he like his Father A. No and much less did he resemble his Brother Titus since he was one of the most profligate Monsters that ever lived and was not inferior to Nero in Cruelty Avarice and Incontinence Q. In what did he chiefly excel A. He was so great a Master at his Bow that he would frequently order a man to be set with his hand stretch'd out and his Fingers open and then he would shoot between his fingers and never touch him Q. What was his constant Occupation A. He pass'd whole days in his Closet alone where he diverted himself with the Royal Sport of Fly-catching Q. Did not some-body rally him upon this occasion A. A certain Person of Quality having one day asked Who was with the Emperor in his Closet answer was made him That not so much as a Fly was with him Q. Did he perform any Warlike Expeditions A. He triumph'd twice over the Daci and the Catti Q. Who was his chief Confident A. One Martial whom he particularly affected I don't mean the Poet of that name but another to whom that Poet addresses several of his Epigrams Q. To what extravagant Actions did his Folly lead him A. He must needs pass for a god and so commands several Statues of Silver and Gold to be erected to his own Honour Q. What other strange Frolicks did he play A. Being minded one day to put the Senators into a dismal Fright he invited a great number of them to come and sup with him Q. Well and when they came there how were they receiv'd A. He orders them to be lock'd up in a Hall hung with Black and only lighted by a few Lamps by the light of which they could discern several Coffins upon each of which were written the names of those that were invited Q. Did not this terrible Scene possess them with strange apprehensions A. Yes for after they had continued some time in these cruel imaginations some naked persons whose Bodies were blacken'd all over entred the Hall with Swords in one hand and flaming Torches in the other Q. Did they not give themselves all for lost A. Yes but after these black men had danced a pretty while about them they open'd the doors saying The Emperor gave all the Company leave to withdraw Q. What was Domitian's usual way to make himself remember the Names of those whom he design'd to put to death A. He writ their Names down in a Table-Book but it cost him very dear for having among several others set down the Names of his Wife Domitia Norbanus Petronius and Stephanus Q. What happen'd upon it A. Domitia who very well knew the Table Book having accidentally lighted upon it one day she show'd it to those persons whose Names were written down there as well as her own in order to oblige them to concert matters with her and dispatch Domitian Q. How was Domitian's end A. Stephanus stabb'd him with a Ponyard in his Closet but the Guards running in immediately to his assistance they soon kill'd Stephanus among them Q. What was Apollonius Tyanaeus a-doing at the moment when this happen'd A. He harangu'd the people of Ephesus but stopt himself in the midst of his Discourse and after he had continued silent for some time he cry'd aloud Courage Stephanus Strike the Tyrant and a moment after says he The Tyrant is dead he is just now slain Q. What else do Historians remark of Domitian A. He persecuted the Christians throughout the whole Roman Empire 'T was he that banished St. Iohn into the Isle of Patmos tho others lay it upon Nero which is the more probable of the two Q. What Learned Writers flourished in his time A. That Sonorous Enthusiastic Poet Statius Martial the Witty Epigrammatist Iuvenal the declaiming Satyrist that celebrated Institutor of Youth Quintilian Musonius the Philosopher Apollonius Tyanaeus a notorious Impostor and Pretender to Miracles that most excellent Historian Iosephus who has writ the Antiquities of his own Countreymen And for the Art Military there was Iulius Agricola who sailed round Great Britain by him conquer'd and was the first Roman that discover'd it to be an Island He found and subdued the Orkney Islands But notwithstanding these great services Domitian dispatch'd him by Poison Q. How old was this Emperor when he was slain A. He
Antiquo i. e. I forbid it Q. If the number happen'd to be equal how did they then A. The Sentence was void unless in the case of Criminals for the Century which did not condemn was suppos'd to absolve Q. How many Assemblies did they keep to elect Magistrates A. Two The first to elect Whom wou'd you have said he who presided for your Consuls or Praeâ—ors and after the Election was made Are you contented that M. Cicero and M. Anthony whom the people have pitched upon to be Consuls should stand Q. What does the word Forum signify A. 'T was either the place where they bought and sold or signified the same with Curia the place where the Assemblies were held Q. What is the meaning of the word Rostra A. It signifies the Tribunal from whence they harangu'd the People Q. Why was it so called A. Because it was formerly adorn'd with the Beaks of the Ships which the Romans took from the People of Antium Of their Gladiators Q. AT whose expence were these Prizes perform'd A. Sometimes at the expence of private Persons who to make themselves popular exhibited these Shows and because they were freely bestow'd upon the People to whom by a publick Bill they gave notice what day they should be fought therefore they are frequently denoted by the Latin word Munus Q. What was the original of these Spectacles A. It was derived from a common practise among the Heathens at the burial of their Friends who were of opinion that the shedding of man's blood wou'd be propitiatory to the Soul deceased and for this purpose bought Captives and Slaves to be sacrificed upon these Occasions These particular kind of Fencers were called Bustuarii but afterwards these Spectacles were play'd not only at Tombs but in the Circus and Amphitheatre Nay the Humour prevailed so far at last that they were given as Legacies by Will and Testament to the People Q. When they met on the day appointed what Weapons did they fight with A. They were of two sorts Lusoria tela with which they only show'd Feats of Activity and Decretoria with which they really encounter'd one another for life or death Their skirmishing with the former was properly termed praeludium Q. When a Gladiator receiv'd a dangerous wound what became of him A. He was not immediately discharged for this depended upon the pleasure of the Emperor or the People or the Person that gave the Show If they thought fit to make him continue the Fight though in never so great extremity they signified it convertendo pollicem by turning up the Thumb as they did the contrary premendo pollicem by turning down the Thumb This discharge was called Missio Q. What reward did the Conquerors receive A. Sometimes Money sometimes a Garland of Palm-tree whence figuratively Palma has been used to signify the Victory it self sometimes the People gave them a Wand call'd Rudis and somes a Cap or Pileus both which last were Badges or Tokens of Liberty and of their being wholly discharged from this slavish sort of life Of the Sibylline Oracles among the Romans Q. HOW many Sibylls were there A. They are generally reckon'd to be Ten. The first was called Persica the second Lybica the third Delphica the fourth Cumaea the fifth Erythraea the sixth Samia the seventh Cumana the eighth Hellespontica the ninth Phrygia and the tenth Tiburtina They were all of them Women very famous for the Spirit of Prophecy Q. Where were their Books kept A. Within the Capitol under ground in a Chest of Stone where they continued safe till the burning of the Capitol in Sylla's time But to retrieve this loss the Senate dispatched Envoys into Greece and Asia to collect all the Prophesies which went under their name They were supposed to be of that certainty that when they affirm'd any thing to be undoubtedly true they used to say it was Sibyllae folium as true as Sibyll's Oracle Q. Did not Tarquinius Priscus institute a certain number of Priests to expound and keep their Oracles A. Yâ—s who were at first from their number call'd Duumviri afterwards they were increased to ten and call'd Decemviri and lastly Sylla as 't is suppos'd added five more and then they were call'd the Quindecimviri These Oracles were constantly consulted in all times of public Calamity and Exigence and to the above-mention'd Priests it belonged to see that Sacrifices Supplications Processions Expiations and in short all Ceremonial Rites prescribed by these Books were duly perform'd Q. Which of the Sibylls was it that writ her Oracles upon Leaves of Trees A. The Sibylla Cumaea and as these Leaves wâ—re frequently scatter'd by the winds it was a difficult matter to place them in due order again Hence arose the Proverb Laboriâ—sius est quam Sibyllae folia colligere Q. Is Sibylla a proper name A. No 't is an appellation common to all Women that have the gift of Prophecy from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which in the Aeolic Dialâ—ct is the same with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Counsel because they reveal'd the will and pleasure of the Gods to the people Of their Sacrifices Q. WHat was the manner of Sacrificing A. First the Priest laid his hand on the Altar and rehearsed certain Prayers to Ianus and Vâ—sta Q. Why so A. Because the Romans were persuaded that without their intercession they could not have access to the other gods His Prayers being ended he laid upon the Beasts head a little Corn together with a Cake made of Meal and Salt call'd in Latin Mola From this Ceremony the Act of Sacrificing has been termed Immolatio Q. What did he do after this A. He drank some Wine out of a wooden or earthen Chalice which was afterwards carried about to all the people that they might also libare or gently taste of it This Rite was call'd Libatio Q. Proceed A. When this was over the rest of the Wine with Frankincense mixt in it was pour'd upon the Beast's Head between the Horns oâ—e crying out with a loud voice macta est hostia i. e. magis aucta and then they immediately began to kill the Sacrifice Q. After what manner was this done A. First the Priest pluckt off some of the Hairs between the Horns and threw them into the fire then turning his Face towards the East he drew a long crooked Knife upon the Beast's Back and commanded his under Officers or Popae to kill the Beast Q. Were the Standers-by Idle all this while A. No for some saved the Blood in Vessels others Flead the Beast and others washed it Then the Priest observ'd the Entrails and if he discovered no ill Omens in them the above-mention'd Popae rowl'd them in Barley-meal and sent them in Baskets to the Priests who taking them up in a broad Platter laid them upon the Altar and burnt them This was properly call'd litare Q. And how did they conclude A. After the portion laid out for the Gods
was burnt the people repair'd to a common Feast where as they were eating they sung Hymns and danced about the Altar Of their Marriages and Divorces Q HOW was the manner of Contracting A. For the greater security they writ down the form of the Contract upon Tables of Record and had them seal'd by some Witnesses there present who from this Action were termed Signatores But first they consulted the Augurs as they were used to do in all Actions of any importance Q. Why did the Woman wear the Ring which the Man in token of his Affection gave her on the fourth Finger of her left Hand A. Because they supposed that an Artery from the Heart proceeded to that Finger alone Q. Whence is the word Nuptiae derived A. From Nubo which signifies to cover for the custom was that the Woman should be brought to her Husband with a Flammeum or yellow Veil thrown over her Face Q. Why was the Bride by a seeming violence taken away from her Mother or next Relation A. Because of the good Success which Romulus and his Followers had in the violent taking away of the Sabine Women Q. What other Ceremonies did they use A. Towards night the Woman was led to her Husband's House whence the common Phrase Vxorem ducere to marry a Wife with five Torches to intimate the need which married Persons had of five Deities viz. Iupiter Iuno Venus Suadela and Diana who is oftentimes call'd Lucina Q. What were these Torches made of A. Of a pitchy Liquour that issued from a Tree call'd Teda Hence the Poets figuratively called both the Torches and the Wedding it self Tedas Q. When the Woman was brought to the door what did she then A. She anointed the Posts of the Door with Oil from which Ceremony a Wife was call'd Vxor quasi Unxor Then the Brideman lifted her over the Threshold and so carried her in by a seeming force Q. Why so A. Because she cou'd not in modesty seem to go without violence into that place where she was to resign her Virginity Q. As she was carried in what was it the Company cried aloud A. They cried Talassio Talassio as the Greeks did Hymen Hymenaee for which this reason is alledged That at the Rape of the Sabine Women some of the meaner sort carrying away one of the fairest Women certain Citizens would have taken her from them which to prevent they pretended that they carried her to one Talassius a man of great esteem and so brought their Prey off the others accompanying her and often crying Talassio Talassio Q. What follow'd after this A. Being thus brought home she received the Keys of her Husband's House to denote that the custody of every thing in it was committed to her care Q. How was the Marriage-Bed stiled A. Genialis lectus and sometimes lectus adversus quòd eum in atrio collocari januae ex adverso mos fuit that is because they placed it in the Court directly opposite to the Gate Q. What Ceremonies did they use the next day after the Marriage A. They gave a solemn Entertainment where the Relations and Friends of the married Couple met to make merry This Feast they called Repotia Q. How many sorts of Divorces had they A. Two One between Parties only contracted the second between married People The first was properly call'd Repudium in which the party sueing for a Divorce used this form Conditione tuâ non utar the other was call'd Divortium and the party that desired it used these words Res tuas tibi habeto or res tuas tibi agite Q. What is the reason of this Phrase mittere or remittere nuncium A. Because in these Divorces they usually sent their Wives a paper containing the Causes of their Separation per nuncium by a Messenger Q. What Formalities were used in a Divorce A. The Ceremonies were quite contrary to those observ'd in Marriage For after the Censors were made acquainted with the just Causes of the Divorce the Marriage-Tables were broken the Dowry restor'd the Keys of the House taken from the Woman and she turned out of doors Of other Roman Customs and Antiquities Q. WHat Ceremonies did the Romans use in the building and razing of Cities A. In the building of Cities the Founders generally made their Augural Observations which being ended they marked out the place where the Wall was to be built by ploughing up the Ground Where they design'd the City Gate to be they gently carried the Plough over it whence a Gate was call'd Porta à Portando The like Ceremony of Ploughing was used in the demolishing of Cities Q. What is the difference between Ara and Altare A. The Ara was made foursquare and cover'd with Turf not very high from the ground or as some say close to it and upon this they sacrificed to the Terrestrial Gods The Altare was lifted somewhat higher from the ground and upon this they sacrificed to the Celestial Gods only Q. What was the Scrobiculus A. A Furrow or Pit containing an Altar in it into which they pour'd down the Blood of the Beast slain together with Milk Honey and Wine when they sacrificed to an Infernal Deity Q. What was the Focus A. In strict propriety of speech it is taken for an Altar on which they sacrificed to their Domestic Gods such as were their Penates or Lares whence arose the Proverb Pro aris focis certare to fight for the defence of one's Religion and Countrey which was part of the Militare Sacramentum or Oath administred to the Roman Soldiers Q. Who were the Dii majorum Gentium A. Gods of the first Rank and Quality whom Ennius has thus compriz'd in a Distick Iuno Vesta Minerva Ceres Diana Venus Mars Mercurius Iovis Neptunus Vulcanus Apollo They were likewise call'd Dii consentes quasi consentientes because Iupiter would do nothing without the consent of all Q. How was the second sort of Gods named A. They were call'd Semidei or Demi-gods also Indigetes i. e. God's adopted or Canonized men deified and Divi. This last Title they bestowed upon their Emperors because for their Merits they thought them worthy to be Gods Q. What were the Dii Patrii or Tutelares A. Such as had undertaken the protection of any City or Place and therefore the Romans when they besieged any Town used by certain Charms to call out their Tutelar Gods because they thought it impossible to take the City as long as they continued in it or at least suppos'd it a Crime to make the Gods Prisoners Q. What were the Genii A. They were looked upon to be of a middle essence between Gods and Men and every man so soon as he was born was supposed to be invisibly accompanied by a good and evil Genius or Angel Q. What were men used to write upon before the invention of Paper A. They sometimes writ upon the inward Rinds of Trees called in Latin Libri whence we still call our Books Libri