Herostratus HOnour whence it arises or of whatsoever it may be the Habit or how it ought to be purchas'd and whether it may not be neglected by vertue as unnecessary let them take care that employ their Contemplations upon these things and who are able eloquently to express what they have prudently observed I in this work being content to finde out Authors for deeds and deeds for Authors shall endeavour to finde out by proper Examples how great the desâ—â—e of it is wont to be 1. The Elder Africanus would have the Effigies of Ennius placed among the Monuments of the Cornâ—liaâ— Family because he thought his Acts illustrated by his Wit Not ignorant that as long as the Roman Empire might flourish and Africa lay captive at the feet of Italy and that the Capitol possess'd the Pillar of the whole World their Remembrance could not be extinguished especially enlightned by the Beams of Learning A man more worthy of Homer's than a rude and unpolish'd Eulogy 2. The same was the honorable minde of D. Brutus a famous Captain in his time toward Accius the Poet With whose familiar Courtship and acute applauses being mainly delighted he adorn'd the Entries of the Temples which he had consecrated out of his Spoils with his Verses 3. Neither was Pompey averse from this affectation of Glory who bestowed upon Theophanes the Mytelenian a Writer of his Acts a whole City in a Harangue before the Souldiers Prosecuting the Grandeur of his Gift with an accurate and approved Oration 4. L. Sulla though he minded no Writer yet he so vehemently assum'd to himself the honour of Iugurth's being brought to Marius by King Bocchus that he wore that Delivery in his Seal Ring Afterwards how great an admirer of Honour the slightest footstep whereof he ador'd 5. And that I may adde to Generals the noble minde of a Souldier When Scipio was dividing the Military gifts to those that had done bravely T. Labienus putting him iâ— minde of giving a Golden Bracelet to an eminent and stout Knâ—ght which the General resufing to do that the honour of the field might not be â—solated in him who hâ—d serv'd but a little before he gave the Knight Gold himself out of the Gallie plunder Neither did Scipio put it up silently For said he to the Knight thou hast the Gift of a rich man Which when he had taken casting the Gold at Labienus feet he held down his Countenance But when Scipio said to him The General gives thee Silver Bracelets he went away with a chearful Countenance So that there is no Humility so great which is not touched wiâ—h a desire of Glory 6. It is also sought sometimes out of the lowest things For what meant C. Fabius that most noble Commonwealths man For when he painted the walls of the Temple of Safety which C. Iunius Bubulcus had consecrated he inscribed his Name upon them For that only Ornament was wanting to a Family most famous for Consulships Priesthoods and Triumphâ— And though he stoopt to a mercenary Art yet he would not have his labours obliterated how mean soever they were following the example of Phidias who included his own face upon the Shield of Minerva in such manner that if it were pull'd away the whole work would be quite spoiled STRANGERS 1. But better had he done to have imitated Themistocles had he bin taken with forraign Examples who is reported to have bin so prick'd with the sting of Honour that he could not sleep a nights and being ask'd what he did abroad at that time of the night made answer That he could not sleep for the Trophies of Miltiades For Marathon rous'd up his noble Minde to ennoble Artemisium and Salamis with Naval Glory The same person going to the Theater and being ask'd whose voice was most pleasing to his ears made answer His that shall sing my acts â—he best and loudest He added as it were an honourable sweetness to Honour it self 2. The Breast of Alexander was insatiable of Applause who when Anaxarchus his Companion by the authority of Democritus affirm'd that there were innumerable worlds How miserable then said he am I that have not conquered one Man thought his Honour too much confin'd that had not all that which suffices for the Habitation of the Gods 3. I will adde the thirst of Aristotle after Honour as great as that of a King and a young man For he had given certain Books of Oratory to Theodectes his Disciple to put forth in his own name and being afterwards vex'd that he had let go the Title to another insisting upon some things in his own Volume he addes that he had discoursed more plainly of them in the Books of Theodectes Did not the Modesty of so great and so diffusive a Science withhold me I would say he was a Philosopher whose great parts ought to have been delivered to a Philosopher of a nobler Soul But Honour is not contemn'd by thosâ— that desire to introduce the Contempt of it For to those very Volumes they diligently set their Names that what they take away by Profession they may attain by Usurpation of Memory But this dissimulation of theirs whatever it be is more to be endur'd than the purpose of those who while they labour for eternal Memories strive to become famous by wickedness 4. Among which I know not whether Pausanias may not be first mentioned for when he had ask'd Hermocrates how he might suddenly become famous and that the other had answered By killing some great person presently went and slew Philip. And indeed what he covered he had for he render'd himself as infamously famous for the Murther as Philip was eminent for his Vertue to Posterity 5. But this desire of Glory was sacrilegious For there was one sound out who would set on fire the Temple of Diana at Ephesus tâ—at by the destruction of that lovely Pile his name might be known to the whole world Which fury of his minde he discovered upon the Rack Yet the Ephesians had taken care by a Decree to abolish the memory of the worst of men had not the eloquent Wit of Theopompus comprehended the fact in his History CHAP. XV. What Magnificent things befel to every one To ROMANS 1. P. Africanus the Greater 2. M. Cato the Censor 3. P. Scipio Nasica 4. P. Scipio Aemilianus 5. M. Valerius Corvus 6. Q. Mutius Scaevola 7. C. Marius 8. Cn. Pompey the Great 9. Q. Lutatius Catulus 10. Cato of Utica 11. L. Marcius a Roman Knight 12. Sulpitia Ser. daughter of Q. Flaccus STRANGERS 1. Pythagoras Samian 2. Gorgias the Leontine 3. Amphiaraus the Prophet 4. Pherenica a Gâ—ecian Woman WHat Magnificent things have deservedly beâ—aln every one being put to publick view will afford delight to ingenious minds because the value and force of the Rewards and the contemplaâ—ion of Honours is equally to be considered Nature affording us a kind of pleasure when we see Honour industriously coveted and gratefully â—epaid But though the
Orators did well to begin from the Omnipotent Jove if the most excellent Poets did always call some particular Numen to assist 'um much the rather does my little Work fly to your protection For other Gods we adore onely in Opinion you we behold equal to your Fathers and your Grand-fathers Stars in brightness whose resplendent Lustres have added not a little to the Ceremonies of our Religion Others we receive for Gods Caesars we make such And because it is my intention to begin with the worship of the Gods I shall discourse briefly of the nature thereof CHAP. I. Of Religion OBSERVED BY 1. The people of Rome 2. Lucius Metellus High-Priest 3. Tâ—tus Gracchus 4. Colâ—edge of Priests 5. Q. Fabius Dictator and C. Flaminius Mr. of the Horse 6. Pub. Crassus High-priest 7. The Disciple of Aemilia the Veslal Nun. 8. Marcellus junior Consul 9. Lucius Furius Bibaculus 10. Lucius Albinius 11. C. Fabius Dorso 12. Q. Petillius Spurinus Praetor 13. Lucius Tarquinius the King 14. Marcus Attilius Regulus 15. The Roman Senate NEGLECTED BY 16. C. Terence Varro 17. Appius Caecus and the Family of Potinius 18. A Roman Souldier and Brennus the Gaul 19. P. Turullius Admiral 20. Q. Fulvius Flaccus Censor 21. Q. Pleminio Legat for the Pretor Forraign Examples of Religion observ'd or neglected 1. Pyrrhus King of Epirus 2. Massanisa King of Numidia 3. Dionysius the Elder of Sicilie 4. Thymasitheus Prince of the Lipaâ—itans 5. The Souldiers of King Alexander 6. Perseus 7. Athenians 8. Diomedon an Athenian Captain OBSERVED 1. OUr Ancestors appointed that the set and solemn Ceremonies should be ordered by the knowledge of the High-Priests the right Administration of these Ceremonies and authority for so doing the observations of the Augurs the Predictions of Apollo should depend upon the Books of the Sibyls but that the mysteries of Wonders should be unâ—olded according to the Rules of the Hetrurian Discipline For by the antient Institutions when we were to commend any thing to the Gods we gave our selves to Prayer when any thing was earnâ—stly to be desired of the Gods tâ—en to Vows when any thing to be paid to Thanksgiving when enquiry after future success was maâ—e to obtain by Request when any solemn Sacrifice was to be done to sacrifice By which means the significations of Wonders and Thunders were likewise discoverâ—d So great also was the care of our Ancestors not onely to observe but to incâ—ease Religion that by decree of Senate ten of the Sons of the chief men were sent out of their most flourishing and opulent City to the several people of Hâ—truria to learn the Order and Discipline of Câ—remonies 1. And when they had resolved to worship Ceres after the Greek manner they sent for Calcitana or as others say Calliphimia from Vilia which had not yet received the name of a City to be their Priestess that they might not want a skilful Governess of the antient Ceremonies of the Goddess To whom having in the City a most stately Temple dedicated and being warn'd in the Sibyls Books to appease the ancient Goddess Câ—res in the time of Gracchus Tumult they sent ten persons to Enua where they believed her Sacred Mysteries were first instituted to make an Atonement for themselves And many times our Emperours and Commanders having obtained great Victories have gone themselves to Pessinuntes there to perform their Vows to the Mother of the Gods 2. Metellus High-Priest when Posthumius the Consul and also a Flamin of Mars desired Africa for his Province to make War in commanded him under a penalty not to depart the City thereby to desert his Function believing that Posthumius could not safâ—ly adventure himself in Martial Combats when the Ceremonies of Mars were neglected 3. Praiseworthy was the Reverence of the Twelve but more to be extoll'd the obedience of the Twenty four Fafces for Titus Gracchus sent Letters to the Colledge of Augurs out of his Province by which he gave them to understand that having perus'd certain Books belonging to the Sacred Mysteries of the people he found that the Tabernacle was erroneously taken at the grand Consular Assemblies for Election which he had caus'd to be made which thing being reported to the Senate by command thereof C. Figulus returning out of Gallia Scipio Nasica from Corsica both laid down their Consulships 4. For the same reason P. Cloelius of Sicilie M. Cornelius Cethegus and C. Claudius for that the Entrails were less reverently brought to the Altars of the Gods than they ought to have been at several times and in several Wars were commanded and compelled to leave the Flaminship And because â— Bee fâ—ll upon the head of Sulpicius while he was sacrificing he lost the Priesthood 5. The peeping of a Mouse being overheard was the reason that Fabius Maximus quitted the Dictatorship and C. Flaminius ceased to be Master of the Horse 6. To this we may add that P. Licinius High-Priest thought fit to give the lash to a Vestal-Virgin for that one night she had been negligent of the Holy fire 7. But Vesta her self sav'd the Hand-maid of Emilia the Vestal who had let the fire out for while she was worshiping and had laid her Vail which was very rich upon the Hearth presently the fire caught hold thereof 8. No wonder then that the indulgence of the Gods was so great in preserving and increasing their Empire for such a scrupulous care seemed to examine the smallest concernments of Religion so that our City is to be thought never to have had her eyes off from the most exact worship of the Gods And therefore when Marcellus five times Consul having taken Clastidium and after that Syracuse would have in performance of his Vows erected a Temple to Honour and Vertue He was opposed by the Colledge of Priests who deni'd that one Domicil could be rightly dedicated to two Gods For if any Prodigy should happen it would remain doubtful to which Dâ—ity should be made Address nor was it the custome to sacâ—ifice at once to two Deities unless to some in particular Upon which Admonition of the Priests Mâ—rcelâ—us in two several Temples set up the Images of Honour and Vertue whereby it came to pass that neither the authority of so great a man was any hindrance to the Colledgâ— nor the addition of expence any iâ—pediment to Marcelâ—us but that all Justice and Observation was given to Religion 9. Lucius Furius Bibaculus hath hardâ—y any Example to parallel him unless that of Marcelâ—us Nor is he to be deprived of the praise of a most pious and religious minde who while he was Pretor being commandâ—d by his Father Principal of the Colledge of the Salian Priesâ—s carried the Ancilia six Lictors going bâ—fore him though he might have pleaded an excuse from that duty by vertue of his place But our City valued Râ—ligion above all thingâ— preferring it before the authority of all soveraign Majesty thereâ—ore their Empâ—rours have not scrupled to obey in Sacred things
believing they should the more easily obtain the sole command of humane things if they were constantly and truly obedient to the Divine power 10. Which resolution hath been also bred up in the breasts of private persons For when the City was taken by the Gauls and that the Quirinal Flamen and the Vestal Virgins were forced to carry the Sacred things taking every one a share of the burthen having now pass'd the Sublician Bridge and ready to descend the Rock that leads to Ianiculum they were spied by Alvanius who was driving a Cart wherein he had put his Wife and Children who no sooner saw them in that condition but regarding publick Religion more than private Charity commanded them to alight and then placing the Holy things and ordering the Vestal to get in he left his own intended Journey and drave them till he came to the Town of Caere where because they were curteously and reverently received we testifie our thanks and honour the memory of their Humanity For thence it came to be instituted that those Sacred Rites were called Ceremonies because the Ceretans worshipped and observed them as well in the low as flourishing state of the Commonwealth And that Mean and Country Cart on a sudden the receptacle of so much Honour came to equal if not out-vie the glory of a Triumphal Chariot 11. About the same time memorable was the Example of observ'd Religion which Caius Fabius Dorso gave us for when the Gauls besieged the Capitol lest the accâ—stomed Sacrifice of the Fabii should be put by clad in a Gabin habit and carrying the Sacred things in his hands and upon his shouldiers he at length pass'd through the midst of the Enemy to the Quirinal-Hill where having performed what was to be done he returned to the Capitol with Divine Adoration of his victorious Atchievement as if he had been a Victor indeed 12. Great also was the care of preserving Religion among our Ancestors where Publius Cornelius and Baebius Tamphilus were Consuls For the Labourers that were digging a Field of Petillius the Scribe at the foot of Ianiculum delving somewhat deeper than ordinary sound two little Stone-chests in one whereof was a Writing declaring That it was the body of Numa Pompilius Son of Pomponius In the other were seven Books in the Latine Tongue treating of the right of the High-Priest and as many in Greek discoursing of Wisdom For the preservation of the Latine Books they took especial care but the Greek one for there seemed to be some things therein prejudicial to their Religion Lucius Petillius the Pretor by decree of Senate caus'd to be burnt in a publick Fire made by the Officers belonging to the Sacrifices for the antient Romans could not endure that any thing should be reserved in the City which might be a means to draw the minds of men from the worship of the Gods 13. Tarquinius the King caus'd Marcus Tullius the Duumvir to be sow'd in a Sack after the ancient manner and to be thrown into the Sea for that he had for a Bribe delivered to Petronius Sabinus a certain Book containing the Mysteries of the Civil Sacred things committed to his keeping Most justly seeing that violation of Trust deserves the same punishment among men as from the Gods 14. But as to those things which concern the Observation of Religion I know not whether Atilius Regulus have not excelled all that ever went before him who of a famous Conquerour being now become a Captive through the wiles and ambushments of Hannibal and Xantippus the Lacedaemonian he was sent to the Senate and people of Rome to try if hâ— could get himself being but one and old redeâ—med for several young and noble Carthaginians who when he came advised the Senate to the contrary and went back to Carthage well knowing to what cruel and inveterate Enemies he returned but he had sworn so to do if he could not obâ—ain the release of their Captives Surely thâ— Immortal Gods had reason to have mitigated their fury but that the glory of Atilius might be the greater they permitted the Carthagians to take their own inhumane courses As they who in the third Punick War would severely recompence the death of so noble a Soul with the destruction of their City 15. How much more religious toward the Gods did our Senate shew themselves which after the fatal overthrow of Cannae decreed that no women should mourn longer than thirty days to the end the Rites of Ceres might be by them performed For now the greatest part of the men lying slain upon the bloody accursed Earth there was no Family in the City that did not partake of the general Calamity And therefore the Mothers and Daughters Wives and Sisters of the slain were compelled to put off their Mourning-weeds and put on their White-garments and to perform the office of Priests Through which constancy of observing Religion forc'd the Deities themselves to blush and be ashamed of raging any more against such a Nation that could not be drawn from adoring them that with so much cruelty destroy'd them NEGLECTED 16. It is believ'd that the reason why Varro fought with so much ill success at Cannaea against the Carthagiâ—ians was through the wrath of Iuno for when he made publick the Circensian Games being Aedil he set a young Player of extraordinary beauty to watch in the Temple of Iupiter which Fact being call'd to mind after some years was expiated with Sacrifices 17. Hercules also is reportâ—d to have very severely revenged the abuse of his Worship for when the Family of the Potitii had intrusted his Ceremonies the Ministry whereof belonged to them as it were by inheritance to be performed by servants and pâ—rsons of mean dâ—gree of which Appius the Censor was the occasion all the flower oâ— the Family who were above thirty young men di'd withâ—n tâ—e space of one year and the Name of the Pâ—â—itii that was branch'd into twelve Familâ—â—s was almost extinct Appius also the Censor was stricken blinde 18. A sharp Revenger also was Apollo of an injury done to himself who at the Sack of Carthage being spoil'd of his Robe of Gold never ceas'd till the hands of the sacrilegious Souldier were found cut off among the broken pieces of his Image Brennus Captain of the Gauls entering into the Temple of Delphos by Destiny was compelled to lay violent hands upon himself 19. Nor was his Son Aesculâ—pius a less violent Revenger of contemned Religion who not enduring to behold a Wood consecrated to his Temple cut down by Turullius to build Ships for the use of M. Antonie by a strange power so ordered it that Turullius was by the command of Caesar being judged to death while he was in the midst of his business executed in the very Wood And so the God ordain'd it that being there remarkably slain by Caesar's Souldiers that with the same death he expiated the loss of those Trees that were cut down and secured the safety of those
understood by the Letters from Paulus that Perseus was taken the same day he was not only delivered out of custody but honoured wâ—th a gift of Land and vacancy from bearing Office It was also farther found that Castor and Polâ—ux did watch over the safety of the Common-wealth and travail'd hard for the good of the same for that they were seen to wash themselves and their horses in the Lake of Iuturna and their Temple adjoyning to the Fountain open'd of it self not being unlockt by the hand of any person 2. But then we may relate how favourable the rest of the Gods were to our City For when our City was visited with a triennial Pestilence and that neither through divine Compassion or humane Aid any remedy could be found for so long and lasting a Calamity the Priests looking into the Sibyls Books observ'd that there was no other way to restore the City to its former health but by â—etching the Image of Esculapius from Epidaurus The City therefore sending their Ambassadours thither hop'd that by its authoâ—ity the greatest then in the world they might prevail to obtain the only remedy against their fatal misery Neither did her hope deceive her For her desire was granted with as much willingness as it was requested with earnestness For immediately the Epidaurians carrying the Ambassadours to the Temple of Esculapius distant from the City some five miles desired them to take out of it whatever they thought convenient for the preservation of Rome whose free benignity the god himself imitating by his celestial obedience approv'd the courtesie of mortals For that Snake which but seldom or never seen but to their great benefit the Epidaurians worshipt equal to Esculapius began to glide with a mild aspect and gentle motion through the chief parts of the City and being three days seen to the religious admiration of all men without doubt taking in good part the change of a more noble Seat hasted to the Roman Galley and while the Marriners stood affrighted at so unusual a sight crept aboard the Ship and peaceably folding its self into several rings quietly remain'd in the Cabbin of Q. Ogulnius one of the Ambassadours The Legats having return'd due thanks and being instructed by the skilful in the due worship of the Serpent like men that had obtain'd their hearts desire joyfully departed and after a prosperous Voyage putting in at Antium the Snake which had remained in the Ship glided to the Porch of the Temple of Esculapius adorn'd with Myrtle and other Boughs and twisted itself about a Palm-tree of a very great height staying for three days in the Temple of Antium the Ambassadours with great care setting by those things wherewith he used to be fed for fear he should be unwilling to return to the Ship after which he patiently suffer'd himself to be transported to our City The Ambassadours landing upon the shore of Tiber the Snake swam to the Island where the Temple was dedicated and by his coming dispell'd the Calamity for remedy whereof he was sought Not less voluntary was the coming of Iuno to our City The Veientes being taken by Furius Camillus the Souldiers by command of the General going about to remove the Image of Iuno Moneta which was there in principal adoration endeavour'd to remove it from the place where it stood Among the rest one of the Souldiers asked the Goddess in sport whether she would go to Rome to which the Goddess replying she would the jest was turn'd into admiration And now believing that they did not only carry the Image but Iuno her self with great joy they placed her in that part of the Aventine Mountain where now we see her Temple stand 4. The Image also of the Womens Fortune about four miles from the City upon the Latine Road consecrated together with her Temple at the same time that Coriolanus was diverted from thâ— destruction of the City by his Mothers tears was heard not once buâ— twice to speak these words In due manner have you seen me Matrons and in due manner dedicated me 5. But Valerius Publicola Consul after the expulsion of the Kings waged War with the Veientes and Hetrurians while the one sought to restore Tarquirius to his Kingdome the other sought to retain their new-recover'd Liberty At which time while the Hetrurians and Tarquinius had the upper hand in the Right Wing there hapned such a sudden Consternation that not only the Victors began to fly but also drew the Veientes struck with the same fear along with them On a sudden a loud voice was heard from the adjoining Arsian Wood said to be uttered from the mouth of a Sylvan But one more of the Hetrurians shall fall The Roman Host shall obtain the Conquest The truth of the Miracle appeared by the number of the dead Bodies told 6. What say ye to the Assistance of Mars which facilitated the Victory of the Romans is it not worthy of lasting memory When the Brutians and Lucans with most inveterate Hatred and great Forces sought the destruction of the City of Thurinum C. Fabricius Luscinus Consul on the other side endeavouring with all his might to preserve the same and that the event of things seemed dubious the Forces of both sides being met in one place and the Romans not daring to venture battle a young man of a comely stature began to exhort them to take courage and finding them not very forward laying hold of a Ladder he posted through the middle of the Enemies body to the opposite Camp and setting up his Ladder scal'd the fortification and then crying out with a loud voice that there was a step to Victory rais'd he drew ours to assail the Lucans and Brutians to defend their own Camp where after a sharp Conflict they were utterly overthrown For by the impulse of his own Arms he deliver'd um over to be slain and taken by the Romans Twenty Thousand being slain Five Thousand taken together with Statius Statilius General of both People and Twenty Military Ensignes The next day when the Consul told the Souldiers that he had reserv'd a Crown for him who had shewed so much Courage in taking the Camp and no young man was to be found to claim it it was then known and believed that Mars had taken the Romans parâ— And among other demonstrations of the truth of the thing there was a Head-piece found with two Plumes which had covered his sacred Head Therefore by command of Fabricius there was a Supplication to Mars proclaim'd and thanks return'd to him with great joy by the Souldiers crown'd with Lawrel in testimony of the assistance which they had received from him 7. I shall relate now what being known in that age was faithfully deliver'd to those which succeeded Aeneas bringing his houshold-gods with him from Troy placed them in Lavinium From thence they were by his Son Ascanius removâ—d to Alba which himself had built which lest it should seem a force put upon them
Moderation of the other was thereby commended 10. Nor does the Younger Africanus suffer us to pass him by in silence Who being Censor when he muster'd the Army and in the Sacrifice then wont to be made the Scribe was also singing a solemn Hymn of Praise set down in the Books the Gods were supplicated to prosper and advance the affairs of the Roman People They are said he in a condition good and great enough and therefore I desire the Gods to preserve them safe as they are And therefore ordered the Song to be mended accordingly in the publick Records Which Modesty the Censors when they muster'd ever after us'd in their Prayers Prudently believing that then the increase of the Roman Empire was to be fought when they fought for Triumphs but Seven Miles from the City But when they now possessed the greatest part of the World that it was a piece of over-Covetousness to desire more Being happy if they lost nothing of what they had already won Nor did his Moderation appear less in his Censorship before the Tribunal For when he was mustering the Centuries of the Horsâ—men when he saw Licinius the Priest appear according to his Summons I know said he that he hath perjur'd himsâ—â—f in a set form of fram'd words for the nonce And therefore if any one would accuse him he would be a witness But when no man appear'd Deliver thy Horse said he Priest and buy the Censor's mark lest I be forced to act the part of an Accuser Witness and Iudge against thee 11. Which temper of minde is also taken notice of in Q. Scaevola a most excellent Personage For being produced as a witness against a Criminal when he had answered that which seemed to make much against the party he added at his going away that they ought not to give him onely Credit unless many others did aver the same thing for that to believe the testimony of one seem'd to be of a very evil Example Whereby he produced that Faith which was due to his Sincâ—rity and at the same time gave wholsome advice for the Common good 12. I am sensible what Citizens what Deeds and Sayings of theirs I am forced to comprehend in a narrow compass of Oration but when many and great things are to be spoken concerning the renown of great men there is no relation comprehending infinite persons and transactions that can perform both And therefore our purpose is not to praise but to record them all and therefore the two Metelli the Macedonian and Numidian two the greatest Ornaments of their Country desire leave to be briefly remember'd The Macedonian Metellus had most eagerly contended with the African Scipio and this Contention arising out of an Emulation of each others Vertue grew to most grievous and terrible hatred of each other but when he heard it reported that Scipio was slain he ran into the publick street with a sad Countenance and confused Out-cry crying out Arm arm Citizens arm the Walls of our City are defaced and ruined For Scipio was violently slain at home in his own house Oh unhappy Comâ—onwealth in the death of Africanus but happy in the generous and kinde Lamentation of Macedonicus For at the same time he made known how brave a Prince she had lost and how brave a one she enjoy'd He ordered his Sons also to be the Supporters of his Bier adding this voice of Honour to his Funeral That it would never be their fortune to perform that Office to a greater man Where were now those many Quarrels in the Court those many dissentions before the Pulpits for Orations where the Gown-coâ—tests of so great Leaders and Commonwealths-men All these this most Venerable Moderation utterly cancell'd 13. But the Numidian Metellus driven from his Country by Popular Faction retir'd into Asia where when he received Letters as he was at Tralles beholding certain sports reporting that with the universal consent of Senate and People his return to his own Country was freely granted him he would not stir out of the Thâ—atre till the Play was ended Not shewing any change of gladness to those that sate next him of any side but confin'd his great joy within himself carrying the Countenance in his Exilement as at his Restoration So indifferently did he behave himself between Adversity and Prosperity by the advantage of his Moderation 14. So many Families being numbered up famous for one kind of Vertue is it fit that we leave out the Portian Name as wanting their share in this part of Glory The younger Cato will not so permit it not a little trusting to no small Exemplar of his own Moderation He had brought the Cyprian Money with great diligence and sincerity into the City for which Office the Senate ordained that at the next Praetorian Assemblies Extraordinary consideration should be taken but he would not suffer it to be done affirming it to be unjust that what was never decreed to any other should be decreed to him And lest any new Custome should arise from his person he rather chose the hazards of the field than to accept the kindness of the Senate 15. While I am endeavouring from hence to pass to Forraign Examples Marcus Bibulus a person of great Dignity and sacred for his high Honours lays hands upon me who when he lay in Syria receiving News that two of his Sons of admirable hopes were both slain by the Souldiers of Gabinius the Murtherers of whom were afterwards sent him bound by Cleopatra to take the revenge of so great a Calamity at his own pleasure He notwithstanding so great an advantage was offered him that a person so provoked could not desire a greater yet caused his Grief to give way to his Moderation sending immediately back to Cleopatra the Butchers of his own flesh and blood telling her withal That the power of Revenge did not belong to him but to the Senate FORRAIGN 1. Architas the Tarentine while he almost drowns himself at Metaponius in the Precepts of Pythagoras after long labour and study having freighted himself with the whole Body of Learning returned into his own Country where when he came to look after his Estate he found through the negligence of his Bayliff his Farms very much decay'd and spoil'd Whereupon beholding his ill-deserving Servant I had most certainly said he punish'd thee according to thy desert but that I am angry with thee And therefore he had rather let him go unpunish'd than in his anger punish him more than was just 2. The Moderation of Architas was over-liberal that of Plato more temperate For being over-vehemently provok'd by a Servant that had committed a great Crime fearing he should himself exceed the measure of his chastisement committed the correction to his Friend Speusippus deeming it an unhandsome thing if he had done amiss that the fault of his Servant and the correction of Plato should deserve the same reprehension which makes me no less wonder that he was so constantly moderate toward
which â—act he was so far from being accus'd that he was not so much as reprehended every one believing that for good examples sake she had undergone the punishment of violated Sobriety very justly For indeed whatever woman covets the immoderate use of Wine shuts the door to all Virtues and opens it to all Vices 10. Terrible also was the Matrimonial frown of C. Sulpitius Gallus who divorc'd his Wife because he understood that she went abroad with her head unvail'd A rigid Sentence and yet there was some reason for it For the Law said he confines thee to have no other Judges of thy Beauty but my eyes for these adorn thy self be thou only fair to these and do thou believe their judgment The farther sight of thee where it was needless must of necessity be suspicious and criminal 11. Nor did Qu. Antistius Vetus think otherwise who divorc'd his Wife because he saw her talking in the street with a certain ordinary freed Woman for being incens'd at the fault he prevented the crime and avoided the injury that he might not revenge it 12. To these we must adde P. Sempronius Sophus who divorc'd his Wife because she went to see a Play without making him acquainted therewith While this care was taken of old to prevent the Crimes of Women they were free from offending FORRAIGNERS 1. But though the Roman Examples might suffice to instruct the whole world yet will it not be iâ—ksome to know what Forraigners have done The Lacedaemonians caus'd the Books of Archilochus to be thrown out of their City because they thought them not modest and chast enough to be read For they would not have the minds of their Children season'd with those things which would be a greater mischief to their Manners than a profit to their Ingenuities And therefore they punish'd the greatest Poet or the next to the greatest in the world by exiling his Verses because he made smutty Satyrs against Lycambis who had injur'd him 2. But the Athenians put Timagoras to death because that in the Salutation which he gave Darius he flatter'd him after the manner of his own Countrey taking it in indignation that the honour of their whole City should be as it were submitted to the Persian Slavery by the flatteries of one single Citizen 3. But the Severity of Cambyses was more than extraordinary who cauâ—'d the Skin of a certain corrupt Judge to be flea'd from his body and nail'd upon the Seat where he commanded his Son to succeed him CHAP. IV. Of things gravely said or done ROMANS 1. T. Manlius Torquatus 2. P. Scipio Aemilianus 3. C. Popilius Laenas 4. P. Rutilius Rusus 5. M. Junius Brutus Proconsul FORREIGNERS 1. The Cinninienses 2. Socrates the Athenian 3. Alexander the Great 4. The Lacedaemonians 5. Paedaretus the Spartan TEnacious Memory keeps in strict remembrance the great and most excellent part of applause which those things deserve among renowned men which were gravely said or done by them Among the plentiful Examples whereof let us select neither with too sparing or too liberal a hand those which may rather satisfie than satiate expectation 1. When our City was in a stâ—ange confusion upon the Overthrow of Cannae when the Safety of the Commonwealth hung with a slender thread upon the fidelity of our Allies That they might continue the more stedfast in the defence of the Roman Empire the greatest part of the Senate moved that the Princes of the Latins might be admitted among them As Annius formerly and the Campanians avert'd that one of the Consuls ought to belong to Capua and the other to Rome so sick was then the condition of the Roman Empire Then Manlius Torquatus of the race of him who had overthrown the Latins near the River Veseris in a memorable Battle with a loud voice declared That if any of the Associates durst come to give his vote among the Conscript Fathers he would kill him with his own hand The threats of this one single person both restor'd the pristine heat to the languishing spirits of the Romans and hinder'd Italy from advancing themselves to equal Priviledges with our City For as before they were broken by the Arms of the Roman People so now they gave over vanquish'd by this mans words Equal to this was the Gravity of Manlius For when the Consulship was conferr'd upon him by the consent of all men and that he refus'd it by reason of the Infirmity of his Eyes yet sor all that was vehemently urged to accept it Choose said he some other person upon whom to confer this Honour for if ye compel me to take it upon me neither shall I endure your Customes neither will you endure the Severity of my Government If the voice of a private person was so heavy what would the Fasces of the Consul have bin 2. No less mean was the Gravity of Scipio Aemilianus both in the Court and in his Assembly-Speeches Who when Mummius was his companion in the Censorship though noble yet effeminate and weak declar'd in a publick Speech before the Rostra that he would have acted for the Majesty of the Common-wealth whether his Citizens had given him a Companion or not The same person when Ser. Sulpiciuâ— Galba and Aurelius Cotta Consuls contended in the Senate whether of the two should be sent against Viriatus into Spain and that there hapned to be a great dissention among the Fathers while they all expected him to declare his opinion I think it not fit that either of them should be sent said he in regard the one has nothing and the other never knows when he has enough Beâ—ieving that want and covetousness were Mistresses both alike unfit to teach good government By which saying he obtain'd that neither were sent into the Province 3. But C. Popilius being sent Embassadour to Antiochus to command him to surcease the War which he wag'd against Ptolomy when he came to him and that the King with a chearful and friendly Countenance held him out his right Hand he would not give him his own again but deliver'd him the Senates Letters which when Antiochus had read he told him he would consult his Friends But Popilius incens'd at his delay Before thou goest out of this circle said he give me the answer which I shall return to the Senate You would not have thought him an Embassadour that spoke but the whole body of the Senate For immediately the King affirm'd that he would give no farther occasion for Ptolomie to complain And then at length Popilius took him by the hand as an Associate Behold the force of a concise and efficacious Gravity of Minâ— and Speech At the same time it terrified the Kingdom of Syria and protected Egypt 4. But I cannot tell whether I should first consider the Words of Deeds of P. Rutilius for there lies an admirable stress in both When he withstood the urgent request of a certain Friend and the other very much offended upraided him in these words