he lay with him in bed Call'd Philo Commodus as much as Dove Or Darling he thus of his Name was sped The Boy was full of play and went to clamber As Commodus did bath to his bed Chamber 43. While thus he Lav'd and revell'd with his Minions This Book the child tooke up and went to play By power Divine it was in some opinions That Marcia chanc'd to meet him by the way Whom dearely she did Love and late had mist him Now tooke him in her arms all and to kist him 44. But lest he should with pretty Childish toying Blot out some matters that might be of waight Taking the Booke to free from his Annoying Commodus writing shee perceived straight And longing now as women oft doe use She needs must read yet found but heavy newes 45. First she next Laetus and Electus dies With such a number of the Noble Traine Then sighing deep she thus laments and cries O Commodus is all my Love in vaine Have I endur'd your flatterers and flies Is this the Guerdon I have for my paine You soon shall know this sober hand of mine Shall quickly dash your drunken Lewd designe 46. She forthwith then for Lord Electus sends Her bosom friend and Princes Chamberlaine The plot that was to make them all amends See here quoth she this night you must be slaine He reades as though he somewhat was amaz'd Of Aegypt he those are not eas'ly daz'd 47. In Choler he againe seal'd up the Booke To Laetus sent it by a trusty friend He startled was and with a gastly looke To Marcia came there businesse did pretend As if he came to dresse the fencing Schoole Though Commodus his pulse they mean to Coole 48. This was a Colour faire for them to treat Which soone begot a sound determination To save themselves Marcia may doe the feat Without delay or more procrastination With poyson'd Cup which she could handle neat To shew him what was his praedestination She must present and neither faint or falter This was the meanes to keep them from the halter 49. First cup he drank her custome was to offer If that he Bath or else doe sup or dine And he accepteth kindly of her proffer The which she fils with Aromatick wine And so presents with Spice as she had don 't This off he quaâ—fs according to his wont 50. He thirsty was with Bath and Chasing Beast But now his heavy head is in a slumber They must not tell with what they did him feast But rather how much paines had bred his Cumber These three Commands the rest to voyd the Court 'T was for his ease now having done his Sport 51. For thus it was with him in drunken fits When he had either Banqueted or Bath'd No set time had to come within his wits The severall sort of pleasure had him Scath'd A while thus resting in this sorry plight His stomack ill and head grew very light 52. Extreamly unto Vomit then he fell With too much drink or else with over feasting If hap'ly so the Poyson might expell With Marcia and the rest it was no jesting Or else perhaps some Antidote had ta'ne As Princes often use to shun their Bane 53. How e're it was the Vomit did not cease Conspirators began to be afread If that his strength his poyson should release And he come to himselfe they were but dead While thus about this matter they doe wrangle They all agree Narcissus shall him strangle 54. Narcissus was a bold and desp'rate youth On their reward and promises he beares This was the end of Commodus in sooth Since Fathers death he raigned thirteen yeares Of high descent he noble was and Prime And was the goodliest person of his Time 55. For dextr'ous Darting second unto none But yet his Life ignoble was and foul Wherefore you heare they make but little mone Nor at his end the people doe condoâ—â— Now of this Theame no longer we must dwell Repose a while and I the rest will tell The End of the first Book The Second Book CANTO VI. The ARGUMENT Describe wee Pertinax his high degree With Laetus speach and Emperour proclaim'd The Senate in his choise doe all agree Informers quell'd good Government is Aimd Train'd Bands rebell Strangers extol the State He murth'red is though some repent too late 1. LO here the fatall end of Prodigality When men delight in Riot and excesse More wholsome Doctrine is the mean frugality That checks the will when once it doth digresse The greater he that doth himselfe inthrall The more his shame and greater is his fall 2. Commodus slaine Conspirators devise From Souldiers how the matter to conceale They know 't is time to put on some disguise Two trusty friends must now the matter heale The manner how while they in briefe discusse In Fardel Course his Corps they roundly trusse 3. And carry forth in stead of houshold stuff Which straight they doe convey away in post The drunken guards say not so much as muff Regarding not what did concerne them most With ready Coach before that any mist ' um In dead of night they hurry to Aristum 4. The chiefe conspirers fall into debate What way was best to save their Triple necks And cause they would avoyd the peoples hate They gave it out he died of Apoplex For he so oft did sleep with drunken pate They well might creed no Treason did him vex Thus Tyrant dead that peace might take effect They first conclude some grave man to elect 5. Consulting then they Pertimax resolve Most fit to undertake this weighty charge On him it was that Marcus did divolve His chiefest trust and he who did enlarge His conquest from the North unto the East And brought the Barb'rous People to his Hest 6. Him Commodus both spared and rever'd For gravity and poverty his praise Was ground sufficient that he was not fear'd By wealth he never sought himself to raise In silent night when doores were shut and pent To him Electus Laetus also went 7. The ope the doores they doe the Porter Call Who upon summons peeped soone without And seeing Souldiers with their Generall To Master ran amaz'd with feare and doubt Who him Commands they should not be rejected For now the mischiefe came he long expected 8. They say he Wav'd the Terror of the night And never changed hue or bed forsooke But with undaunted and a manly sprite A Courage bold and unappaled Looke Said here I am you need to seeke no further I am the man that you are sent to murther 9. This end indeed I look'd for every Tide I marvaile Commodus hath been so â—lack Of Fathers Friends I last of all Abide And now Expect to follow on the Track Perform your Errand that you come about And me discharge of further feare and doubt 10. Then Laetus thus O Noble Sir Remove These Scruples which doe now your mind infest Distrust not those that doe you dearely Love We come
in the way The Souldiers put themselves in Battel ray 9. Being thus Prepar'd they ready were to fight Amidst their Troopes they placed him among And or'e their heads they bore their Targets right The better to avoid the Peoples Throng Or Tiles from houses might not on them light To th' Palace they conducted him along The Commons on this matter fell to scanning And stood aloof with Cursing and with Banning 10. The Souldiers now doe ravine in Extream The world appear'd as if it were in Dotage Both high and low were slumbring in a Dream Not any sought to Catechise this Brocage The Princes Death and many moe beside With Soveraign Rule the Mutineers deride 11. Thus Julian the Empire having Ravish'd Did State Affaires and Princely garbe neglect In Riot and disorder foule he lavish'd For which the Souldiers roundly him detect And now at length they jeered him and taunted His Coine fell short whereof so much he vaunted 12. Th' Exchequer Commod's vaine disports exhausted And Souldiers falling short were much offended The Commons knew their minds and to them posted Whereby his matter was not much Amended They raile and scoff when er'e he comes abroad And of his lewd behaviour laies on Load 13. In publick Cirque they Julian cry downe And Niger call'd to rectifie the State They will no more be rul'd by such a Clowne Allready are their wrong to vindicate This Niger was of Syria President A place of all the rest most Eminent 14. As far as Euphrates is his Command Of Fame renown'd and held in high esteeme In all Assemblies they for him doe stand Another Pertinax he now doth seem They Julian brand with shamefull defamations And Niger cry with Royall Acclamations 15. When Niger heard the other so contemn'd And that they cri'd up him in every meeting Julian for falshood standing thus condemn'd Himselfe he knew should have the fairer greeting The better to promote these high affaires He sends his Captus to divulge these aires 16. This silent Course did carry least suspect For when they saw he sought not to invade With Votes they woe him as he did expect From all parts come Acceptance to perswade The Syrian Nation also are as prone Him to invest in the Imperiall Throne 17. The Syrians much to Niger were devoted For that his Rule so gentle was and mild On Plaies and Pastimes over much they doted By suff'rage his they sooner are beguil'd At Antioch he Bals and Maskes promoted To which the People run as they were wild To take the Soveraign Rule they him beseech Then up his Seat he mounts and makes a Speech 18. How I have rul'd you with a gentle hand And Punctuall been in all my undertaking Is known I think to all men of this Land Nor is the Tale I tell of my owne making The Romans cry as erst to you was told The Empire Late is basely bought and sold 19. To undertake so great an Enterprise Presumption were without good grounds before So might it be Imputed Cowardise Friends to forsake when they our help implore For this Cause I conven'd you that are wise To give advise in this so great uproar And if by Counsell rightly you designe It will be to your praise as well as mine 20. Nor is our Hopes contemptible or vaine The Romans of themselves are so resolv'd Usurping Julian shall no longer Reign On them the Worldly Rule is sole devolv'd Praetorian Bands besides of Cash defeated Doe now complain how they by him are cheated 21. And nothing surer is then our Design So forward are they that our succour crave Of Opposites there is no manner signe The Souldiers know full well he is a knave His credit 's crackt he is of Breach detected Then shew your freedom how you stand affected 22. The Army thus O Emp'rour our Augustus With Purple Robes your Grace we thus invest And that you may have better cause to trust us This Title we confer above the rest Then fire before they in his Mansion Place him With all the Regall Titles that may grace him 23. Niger was glad at heart of this successe He now had little doubt of Soveraigne State The Romans and the rest both more and Lesse European Nations doe congratulate Embassadors from all parts make Approach And Emp'rour him salute at Antioch 24. From Tygris and Euphrates Princes send Rejoycing much and promising their Aid Both men and mony they will to him Lend With Thanks and Gifts he to this Message said Of quiet rule he had assurance good And hop'd to weild the Scepter without blood 25. He in this confidence too long repos'd With Antioch'ans and the Neighbours round To Theaters and Sports himself dispos'd By which appearâ—d his judgment was not sound To Rome he should have gone not staid in Syria Or yet neglect the Souldiers in Illyria 26. But these he hop'd would side with Easterne Forces While thus demean'd be on the shallowes Anchor'd For Ister Banks and Rhine observ'd his Courses Full little thought he they would prove so cankred But in this story if you take some pleasure I will receite the rest at further leasure CANTO VIII The ARGUMENT Severus we describe his Dreame and Policy A Speech he makes and Emp'rour is Elected He Expedites to Rome surpriseth Italy Julian is slaine of Bribery detected Train Bands are catch'd which could not be evaded A Speech to them whereby they are degraded 1. THe world you see is like unto a Stage Where ev'ry Actor playes a sev'rall part Some King some Lord some Servant is or Page And some think jugling is a pretty Art So Julian here for Empire late durst Barter And Souldiers for his mony Seal'd his Charter 2. Some Garrisons were kept as erst I told On Ister Banks and on the River Rhoyne The Roman Empire to defend and hold Against the Barb'rous people that adjoyne Severus was of Africk by descent And 〈◊〉 whole Pannonia President 3. This was a Gallan Brave and Active man Yet in * his moode of Spirit somewhat furious Austere of Life his visage pale and wan Of Labour great in Travaile nothing curious Of quick Resolve and nimble Apprehension To execute what er'e was his Intention 4. The Roman Empire hovering in the Aire And Meteor like uncertaine where to fall Catch that catch may he see 't was open faire Then in this Market he set up his stall Usurping Julian was too much Pragmatick And Niger dull so muddy braine flegmatick 5. He also had Presages by his dreams Which credit best obtaine by their Event Although to some they prove uncertain Theams That cannot guesse what good or harme is meant And often faile for surely they are gleams If one could rightly hit of their intent Then one of his I must not here omit Because I find it in the Booke he writ 6. When Sovereigne Rule on Pertinax did light And he is Leigeman sworne in Word and deed Then went he home and dreamed that
Which partly put them in their wits agen No help at hand they thought it best to greet him With Laurels in their hands they run to meet him 30. Yet where he came he made but little stay Except it were to doe his Sacrifice Or to salute the People in the way His head of other matters did devise The first designe was quick to post to Rome To bring usurping Julian to his Doome 31. Who now from Commons had but little Hope And lesse from Souldiers that do him detest He thought the time was come to stretch a Rope His guilty Conscience did him so molest He Labors friends and scrapes beyond all measure Defacing Temples to engrosse the Treasure 32. This wicked deed was for the souldiers hire Who ne'r the more will ease him of his moane By former breach he known is for a lyar Assistance now Train'd Bands will give him none His friends advise he shall the Alpes preclude Yet nought could stop the Vengeance that ensude 33. To Italy these Mountaines are a Wall This Nature added to that happy soile Yet Julian Dastard durst not budge at all But with the Souldiers doth himselfe turmoile He them intreats the Elephants to Traine That Riders might command with Bit Raine 34. The Northern Army thus he thought to Daze As being unacquainted with this Beast But shortly he himselfe was in Amaze Severus straight did interupt the jest His men the City entred sev'rall wayes And th' other taken tardy in delayes 35. Disguis'd by night they enterprise the Towne In Julians bosome er'e he was aware Some wore a Frock some habit of a Clowne And now the Common People doe not spare Julian from Dastardy Niger of sloth Severus he must carri 't from them both 36. How glad would Julian be to share a part Of Soveraigne Rule or utterly resigne But Senators that knew his fainting heart To cut him off doe thus resolve in fine A Tribune was at hand to him they leave him Who of his wretched life doth soon bereave him 37. Then Noble Lords from Senate had Commission To Grace Severus with Imperiall Crowne Thus had he what he sought by their Permission And was invested in the Regall Throne When all things came so fitly to his hands He layes a plot to catch Praetorian Bands 38. The Tribunes and Centurions he pursues With promise faire they shall have due reward To bring their men as in the solemne shewes For they quoth he once sworne shall be my guard The Souldiers then not doubting further harms Doe soone consent to lay aside their Arms. 39. So Issue forth with Laurell Branch in hand And Equipage as to a Solemne Feast Severus this was made to understand For he their welcome had demurely drest While they before him doe their Presents bring He casts his Troopes about him in a Ring 40. This was a Martiall feate to catch a dolt Yet he Commands they shall not wound or strike You may perceive he was a crafty colt For his was Arm'd with Javelin and with Pike Praetorians then when he had thus surrounded With Lofty voyce this Speech to them propounded 41. You see how much our skill doth yours surmount You now are caught and stand at my devotion For black and ugly Deeds you must account His blood you spilt by whom you had promotion Good Pertinax the Prince that none offended Whom you his guard should rather have defended 42. You next for Coyne the Roman Empire Truct As if it did belong to you direct Yet when you had the Princely Marrow suckt You durst not once your Marchant man protect But when he came in quest'on you eftsoones Betrai'd like Villanes false and base Poultroones 43. A thousand Deaths for your Enormous Crime Too little were if I your due should render Pollute my hands I will not at this time Or Learne of you my Wit is not so slender Yet since the Royall Blood you have not spar'd You shall no more be of the Emp'rours guard 44. Of Noblenesse I give more then I owe My Souldiers first ungirdling your Attire Your Soules and Bodies on you I bestow Then pack away far off you I require For neer this City if you dare be found I here decree you shall be hang'd or drown'd 45. Th' Illyrian Souldiers ready at their duty Praetorian Swords with Gold and Silver wrought They quick ungirt full glad of such a Booty These knacks for feasts and solemne shewes were brought For Scarfs and Feathers yet they further raked Train'd Bands they stript and left them all stark naked 46. These Novices thus taken with a wile Though glad of Life depart with heavy cheare Full sore they rue they did themselves beguile To leave their Arms that they were wont to beare Thus to be cast they count a shamefull Doome And others grac'd that must supply their Roome 47. A further plot this Prince had to secure Their Camp lest they to that returne againe Some Troops of Horse he sent to make it sure And seize the Arms for that must them constrain Thus these Assassinats were justly banish'd And for their breach of Oath condignly punish'd The End of the second Book The Third BOOK CANTO IX The ARGUMENT Severe at Rome ' gainst Niger now prepares He of the Brittaines hath some kind of doubt Albinus Caesar forthwith he declares Herodian writes of seventy yeares throwghout Nigers intends to fortifie Mount Taurus His Generall is defeated by Sevarus 1. HOw carefull ought we be our Lives to spend For sure we shall be recompenc'd at last Iâ— ill we live we must expect such end So Julian sped that now is gone and past Yet on this Text I must no longer dwell But let you know what to the next befell 2. Severus enters Rome in Battell range The People at the first were sore afraid His daring and his Enterprise was strange Yet blood was none to make them ill Apaid Then Peers and Commons glad were of the change With Laurels in their hands they to him said For Wit for Judgment and Heroicke Deeds They now perceive all other he exceeds 3. Great welcome there was made this Prince to greet The Nobles and the Commons him salute Due thanks he doth return as then was meet Yet car'd not much with them to hold dispute But to the Temples of the gods he rode Then at the Palace makes his first Abode 4. Next day into the Senate House he went His Hand he gave and pleasant Speech Addrest For Princes death revenge was his intent And this to all he solemnly profest For Optimacy he will frame a plot All Bribes and Tyranny shall be forgot 5. Except by Law none life or goods should loose So Marcus rule and Pertinax his mind Informers should not catch them in a noose Thus stroaked he the Senators in kind Some Credit gave some said they were but mocks The Elders said he was a wily Fox 6. Howe're the Souldiers tasted of his
Temples full of Gold Which soone would wast and Fortune leave to smile If they observe not what to them he told His men of Arms and all that he had wrought If they dissent he said would come to nought 33. Sometimes he smiles sometimes he reprehends But yet his Sons persever worse and worse Their Sycophants for base unworthy ends In Quarrells Lusts and Idlenesse them nurse Though some had hire according to their merit Severus yet had Anguish great of Spirit 34. Which to Augment there newes from Brittane came By Letters sent to him from his Viceroy How that the Barb'rous People play their game And Pillage Planters to their sore Annoy This to prevent he wils him send more Forces Or come himselfe with armed men and Horses 35. Though Newes were sharp Severus was not sad Inclining still to Honour and to Action But of this opportunity was glad To weane his Sons from Riot and from Faction For Rome delights and sports with them in ure He meant a Souldiers life they should endure 36. For journey then now he is old and Gouty He straight prepares though carried in a Litter The younger sort were not more quick or doughty Though some might think him for a pallat fitter Yet with his Sons the businesse so contriv'd He ere they look't on Brittish shore Arriv'd 37. The Brittanes started doe their Agents send But found delay and went without dispatch Their former faults they gladly would amend No will they have to meet with such a Match But he from them a Sirname meanes to carry And to that end he and his Souldiers tarry 38. It seems this soyle was full of Boggy Pens The Souldiers Bridges make for want of ground And thence they think to chase them from their Dens Or else by fighting give them many a wound These Brittaines were a People rude and Naked And eat raw flesh as oft as rost or baked 39. About their necks they Rings of Iron weare As Easterne Barb'rous People doe of Gold Their pounc'd and painted bodies doe appeare More furious when their Foes doe them behold For Caske or Curaee they nor care or feare Yet are with Pike and Target fierce and bold From Pooles and Fens the Foggy Vapours fly Which alwayes makes a dark and cloudy Sky 40. Severus now had all things he desir'd To further his and Barb'rous folke annoy At York to guide he Geta then requir'd He was a stripling and his yongest boy Yet Councell grave he did to him assigne And tooke with him his eldest Antonine 41. When they had past the Bounds and River Banks They skirmish light and often got the better But when the Woods and Bogs their men disranks The Barb'rous People were not much their Debter Their safe Retreits serv'd them the Warr to spin The Romans Lose as oft as they did win 42. Severus being sick with Age and faint Left Antonine to prosecute the Warr But he fond youth his Honour foul did taint And through neglect doth all the matter marr His Brother he despis'd and sick of Father To get the Soveraigne Rule aspired rather 43. Physitians he Accus'd of much Delay His Fathers Death to heare he would be faine And dealt with them to make him soon away The place he said doth sole to me pertaine This brave old man as Stories tell in Briefe Expired not so much with Age as griefe 44. A Famous man and Victor over more In Civill broyles and Countryes far Abroad Then any Emp'rour that was him before He Left his Sons of Treasure many a Load With Souldiers eke most skilfull in their Trade But Antonine now Chiefe great Havock made 45. He first began to bath his hands in Blood Physitians and his foster Father eke That had his frenzy formerly withstood Of Goods and Lives they soone were both to seeke That he might Raigne alone without another He brib'd the Souldiers to depose his Brother 46. But herein they deserved great Applause That hands upon this Bargaine would not strike For in the Fathers will there was a Clause That both of them should Honour have alike Then Peace he made when Words were light as Corke His Mother and his Brother were at York 47. To them he goes and being altogether The Empresse and the Lords for State Affaires Endevoured Discontent should hap to neither Of these two Brothers now the Fathers Heires No remedy I see quoth Antonine But to Accord thus crost in my Designe 48. Then both the Brothers equall now in Power For Rome prepare and carry Fathers bones Where they arrived in a lucky hower To place in Sacred Sepulchre of Stones As Victors first they Marched thorow Gall Severus life and death you see withall The End of the Third Book CANTO XIII The ARGUMENT Two Emp'rours next doe enter Rome in state Severus deified and Funerall shew Parting the Empire through a deadly hate Th' Empresse forbids Antonine Geta slew He Cruell is both prodigall and Savadge And of the German Souldiers learns to Ravadge 1. VVHat was thy fall O Lucifer but pride Was 't not enough that thou thy selfe transgrest But both the Sire and Brothers to divide And Murther too a Crime by thee profest Thus puft with pride to kill about a Crowne Much better lost or spurned up and downe 2. The Princes and their Mother goe to Rome With jarrs and fresh debate what ere she said To eat together once they will not come Of Poyson'd Cups were both alike afraid The Palace once at Rome is wide and vast There to divide they make the greater Hast 3. They thither come then as the Custome was With Laurels People welcome them and Peeres The Emp'rours formost of them all doe passe In Purple Robes and seem'd to shed some Teares Next after them according to their Turne The Consuls march bearing Severus Urne 4. In Pompous State they doe this Urn in-shrine With Marcus deare amongst the Emp'rours best And in the Temple did their Rites divine Then to the Palace Princes went to rest Yet severall Guards and severall Lodgings â—â—ose And all the doores betwixt securely close 5. They shew'd themselves but to content the People And then their meeting at the Common Gate They both were stiffe as any Wall or steeple Which now the Romans greatly wonder at Their Semblance yet each other did but threat Till Fathers Name was deifi'd compleat 6. In that the Brothers were no whit at odds This solemne Rite inviting them to pity The Romans call it placing with the gods Which first begins with mourning o're the City The Corps in Sumptuous manner once interr'd The Stately shew no Longer is deferr'd 7. An Ivory Bed o're spread with Cloth of Gold In Palace Porch Erected is on high Which mournefully spectators doe behold A waxen Image of the Prince doth lie On one side sit the Noble Lords in black And o're against faire Ladies doe not lack 8. But they in white according to the guise Thus for a weeke they
yet Fellow did appeare Though all of us to dust at length shall turne Yet while wee live his Name to us is deare But now we have perform'd the Funerall Rite The present danger doth our care incite 43. The Barb'rous King is here with Eastern Power Who have a quarrell good in their conceipt They say we did their people all devoure When they unarm'd did think of no deceipt And kill'd his kinsmen in unlucky houre When entertainment they had made us neat To skirmish light no leisure time will yield But you must fight it out in open field 44. This breach of Oath if true is somewhat biting Our Prince not we ought answer for the Fact Which is already done by fatall smiting We Romans are like Romans let us Act Then keep your Ranks to barr them of their Ends The Roman Empire now on you depends 45. The Barb'rous are unmarshall'd wanting Art And like enough themselves to overthrow You disciplin'd in whole and ev'ry part And by your Order have the skill to know The Foot their Ranks the Horsmen sure in Seat Whereby you shall your Enemies defeat 46. Like Romans charge as often you have done The Barb'rous people once again to quell That men may know your conquest was not won Through fraud or breach of Faith as they doe tell What matter is 't how they excuse their harms So you prevaile by skill and Force of Arms. 47. The Souldiers in a streight this Speech Allow'd And instant put themselves in Battell ray The Barb'rous folke with mighty Host and Proud Advancing were next morne by break of day As was their guise they Invocate the Sun And then with Shouts upon the Romans run 48. The skilfull Romans did their Battels Range With Horse and Darts Moresco flank'd each side Their Maniples with Intervals doe change To flat the Charge and ' bate th' Assaylants Pride Though they with Lance and Shot of Arrowes Gall Yet hand to hand they by the Romans fall 49. But yet e're long with numbers overprest The Romans make as if they would retreit Withall they sharp and pointed Engins wrest And hide in Sand the Barb'rous Folk to cheat Which made their Horses halt with grievous paine Great store of men and Camels eke were slain 50. The first and second day they fiercely fought As Victors both they to their Camps retire The third Barbarians to inclose them sought As if they would them catch in net of Wire Which Romans to prevent their Front dilate So skilfull are they both in this debate 51. Yet at the best to both was slaughter sore And heads of Carkasses were seen to lie Macrinus thinks their rage was so much more To take revenge that Antonine might die He saw to fight it out was their intent Debating thus with Heralds Letters sent 52. Which doe inform that Antonine was dead For breach of Oath and League he had his hire Macrinus chosen Emp'rour in his stead To be at peace with them was his desire And that they may be friends as heretofore Their spoile and Captives he will all restore 53. The Parthian Lords doe each one take his Seat To heare the Message that the Romans sent And in the midst King Artaban the Great Whom with the rest these Tydings doe content The truth of Anton's Murther cool'd his heate To take his spoyle and Captives now is bent Then towards home he makes his next Approach Macrinus likewise went to Antioch The End of the Fourth Book CANTO XV. The ARGUMENT Macrinus writes the Senate him confirms He afterwards commits a sâ—ttish Errour Then Maesa subtle Lady stands on terms Bassian called Antonine made Emp'rour Macrinus flies pursu'd by Antonine And shortly after headlesse is Macrine 1. NOthing but black Designes to murther still Wee know we have a dire and ghastly Foe The serpent old that wrought our former ill Doth yet persist to work our Thrall and woe Then let us pray to keep us from the power Of Lyon fierce that will his prey devoure 2. You heard how former Antonine had end Another of the Name will soone appeare Still sad revenge on Murther doth attend But to Macrinus Lend a while your eare How he to Roman Senate did direct His Letters seal'd which spake to this effect 3. I count it needlesse many words to use You know if I my Office did neglect Or else in conversation was profuse When I was chose Praetorian Praefect To me and such the Prince himself Commits And for your sakes I bare his frantick Fits 4. When he through flatt'rers did you Tyrannise And me of Lenity did often Tax Resist I would not him in any wise Lest he in ferall Choller worse should wax The Parthick Warr that like was to undoe us By perfect League I have confirmed to us 5. My Government shall cause no bloudy strife Then of my Rise I hope you will approve You ought to prise a good and vertuous life â—Fore Nobles that to help you never move What 's got by Commodus or Antonine Or such as wholly to their Lusts incline 6. From Fathers they derive their Rule and Right But those on whom the Empire you conferr Will not abuse their splendor or their might Or scornfully the meaner sort deterr Such as the Rule doe gain by mod'rate Actions Most carefull are in all their great Transactions 7. Your Counsell and Assistance I will crave In all Affaires that may concern the State Good Marcus Rule and Pertinax in grave Shall you restore in what you lost of late More praise hath he that raiseth first his Fame Then he that boasts the Race from whence he came 8. This Letter read each one bestow'd his Vote Imperiall Honours they to him decreed Yet not so glad Macrinus was aflote As Antonine had got deserved meed For full account they make now he is dead To scape the danger hanging o're their head 9. Accusers false and such as were unjust If Servants or Informers so invent Were all of them upon the Gallowes trust Macrinus for a year was so intent But Souldiers all disbanded or sent home He should have caus'd and then have gone to Rome 10. Upon Macrinus there they call and cry But he at Ant'och staid to trim his beard His Garb and Speech he used sparingly As Marcus wont which formerly you heard Yet in his manners he was nothing like him Which made both Souldiers and the rest dislike him 11. Austere the one and of a Temp'rate Diet But he to Masques and Revels was inclin'd With Jewels dect of vaine excesse and Riot Effaeminate much like to Women kind Of Paralell in him there is no signe With Marcus Sage or Warlike Antonine 12. The Souldiers eke were pinch'd with courser fare While he in Silks and Cates did much abound Now for his Rule they doe no longer care His Fate is neer and Fortune turneth round To leave his charge there can be no Evasion And Maesa subtle Lady gives Occasion 13. From
Throne is due Wee kill'd but those whom Commons so rejected And in their stead young Gordian have elected 28. He Nephew is to elder Gordian Whom they and Nobles forc'd to be our Prince You cannot say there was a better man That rul'd us long before or ever since So taking him to th' Camp to lodg and diet They lockt their Gates and after this were quiet 29. The Germans find the Massacre is ended And think it best to make a faire retreat Since what is done and past cannot be mended They being dead for whom they were in heat These Emp'rours both were Gloriously descended The which Praetorians thus did kill and beat And now young Gordian aged thirteen year Began his Raign and rul'd the Roman Sphear 30. The Fate of twenty Caesars here at full Presented is the rest may have the chance To wake some other pen for mine growes dull Nor can my ruder lines their Fame advance I told you at the first I had no skill Yet hope you may accept of my good will 31. With care they got a Crown upon their head And here you see how dismall were their ends Sacrce three of them did die upon their Beds A warning good to me and all my Friends If you be pleas'd for more I doe not look In Love to you this taske I undertooke FINIS * Herodian an Officer of State * Now Austria and Hungarie * Seneca cals Sensuality the Soveraigne good of Beasts * Dionysius * See Justin lib. 24. Marcus speech * Marcus dies April 17. Anno Dom. 181. Commod's speech * In venere ventre * The greatest River next to Nilus Pompeianus speech * Vbi Imperator ibi Roma * The captives went before the Triumphant Chariot * His description * Built on Mount Palatine * Lucillâ— * The Empresse * His Sister * To command Illyria after called Dalmatia now Slavonia * Or Agon * Brittish souldiers some say * Their chiefe goddesse * Plin. l. 5. c. 32. * Antidote against the plague * An Activity Court 〈…〉 speech Proverb * To a godâ—esse amongst the Romans * See the L. of S. Albans bisto Centur. 4. Proverb Proverb * A City Electus Laetus Marcia Laetus Speech * Sirnamed Britanicus for Service there Pâ—rtinaâ— speech * The like effect of Majeste in Q. Olym. See Justin l. 14. Bravery of a Roman Spirit * The Râ—mâ—n sate not at Tables * In form of a cestudo vid. Lâ—â—psius de mibit Rom. * Horse-race of Ovall form able to contain 100000 Spectators * Their Character * Nigers Speech His dreame A street in Rome * Popular rule * Their description Quaere Guâ—dâ—mar Bishop Spoletto * A Darke subtle Prince Severus Speech to the Army * A Military Exercise * The furthest Northward The Alps. Elephants Train'd Stratagem No Receipt against feare His subtlety Severus speech to the Praetorians H's Elogy His Censure He had some feare of the Brittaines Herodian writes of 70 years of his own knowledge His Preparation Mount Taurus fortified * Now Constantinople His Policy Proverb Fessae Morocco formerly Mauritania * Called by Alexander Nâ—copolis for his victory there The Northern Regions most Martiall His plot against Albinus Severus speech touching Albinus Caesar implyeâ— Heire apparant * This Fate had Rochel His Watch-Word Labore mus * Military Mantle * Lauds * This lost the English to the Normans * Lyons in France Severus the greatest Conqueror of the World * Herod Secular games In Honour of Apollo and Diana Sun and Moon 〈◊〉 securus 〈◊〉 time secuâ—itatem Sâ— Ber. He visited Mysian and Panonian Armies Mysia now Servia and Bulgaria Some say his Catamite in yonger years See the 〈…〉 of Friendship Forced Marriage Plautian the greatest Favourite of the world * Had the Command of 1000 Souldiers Plautians Speech In warm Climate people are wise Saturninus to Severus * Campania betwixt Rome and Naples * Augustus dealt so with Antonius his Sons when he became his enemy Severus sent these into Sicily Their Elogy * Sword Pike King Queen of Weapons Lost 50000 men in this service Severus dyes of griefe * Deification of an Emperour * A City * The Funerall Dance * Constantinople Propontick Gulph divides both Continents Antonine to the Senat. * The report was Marcus poyson'd him but Victor says none but lewd persons beleâ—ved it They had not the Honour of decent Funerall * Commodus Nephew * Circen sports in honour of Neptune * Of the Cities * Troy Vid. Hom Ili l. 23. An ancient kind of Funerall * A hundred oxen Embassage Two Generals Audentius and Macrinus Conjuring * Captaine of 100 men De Luna See Mr Selden de diis Syris * Collonels * They feared the Parthian more then any Nation * The Frame of their Battell Macrinus Letter * Or Generall of the Army Quid gens sine mente His Error * Born in the City Emesa See M. Sands description Journal p. 207 * Spire See M. Selden de Dis Syric Sint c. 1. Emesa * A Sea-Town in view of Constantinople * By these dances the Gentiles intimate that every parâ— of their Body must be imployed to serve their gods * Prophets * Cut into Thongs compast as much ground as contain'd the City * Queen of Stars vid. Sâ—ld * This was done by Ticquets for the Receipt Maesa to Antonine * Saemis and Mammaea * Princely Exercise * A politike Lady * Vid. Lipsium de magnitudine Romanâ—â— * Sâ—natum * Skilfull in both parts of War Tactick and Stratagematick * At which they used a Peacock for a woman as an Eagle for a man See the fourth Book of this history His Elogy * Wore a double Diadem Alexanders speech * Euphrates and Tygris Sentence * Alexander Pilulae aurâ—ae best Physick for souldiers * Nimble footed Extreme calamities confound the spirit * Magnus Quartâ—nus * Maximine * Or Semigods * Romans devout * Country people Maximus and Albinus A Speech to Gordian Maximines Speech * This Speech was at Sâ—â—mion pen'd by some of his counsell Himselfe â—â—literate * The most Southerly Province of the Roman Empire Albinus Maximus * In this combustion they wore private Daggers which at other times was not usuall * Seeme to be above the Clouds reach over all Italy from Tirrhen Sea to the Ionia bay now the Gulph of Veniâ—â— * Lauds and Hymns * The greatest City then of Italy now Algar * Crispinus Meniphilus Thence called Aqâ—ilcia Message to the Aquiscians Crispinus Speech * Diviners * God Bell vid. Selden de dis Syrâ—â— * Maximines * To save their credit being repulst * Of Aquileia see Plin. lib. 3. c. 18. Victoria Impulverea * Horse-race yard would contain above 200000. * Hundred of Beeves * A sea town belonging to Venice * Eridanus and other Rivers See Plâ— l. 3. c. 16. * Triumphant Embassy * A Roman Ceremony Maximus Speech * The Praetorians * This Feast kept yearly to Jove for preserving the Capitoll * Of this Ceremony vid. Pet. Pithae adversar l. 2. c. 6
same night He saw him mounted on a Gallant Steed Adorn'd with Princely Trappers as was meet Which Carri'd him along the Sacred Street 7. But when he should into the Forum enter Where Democratick people make their meeting The Prince to ground the Beast threw at adventure Which seemed to the rest a homely greeting Yet to himselfe he came with faire Decorum On whom he mounts and gallops through the Forum 8. Severus then was lifted up between The People there and him they all adore A Brazen Image standeth to be seen This to Record which never was before By this his Dreame he Cogitates alone He was Divinely called to the Throne 9. His Captus straight about him he convenes Resolv'd to try how they his Rule affected And plainely told by what unworthy meanes The Sacred Empire is so much neglected Then to his purpose all the Souldiers leanes Train'd Bands of Treason foully is detected Thus of this matter they debate no further But will revenge good Pertinax his murther 10. Full well he wist that Pertinax his Name In their Illyrian Army shined Glorious For there in Marcus time he gained Fame And or'e the German Nation was Victorious A man of Prudence and of Moderation None might compare in all the Roman Nation 11. A Soul of sweet and â—genious disposition Th' Assinats he knew they songht to have And he with them will make due Inquisition If they consent 't is all that he will crave With this his faire and winning Proposition This easie People like to Sheep he drave And linckt them all in Chaine of perfect Unity Whereon he grounds his further Opportunity 12. They in this Region are a race of men Of mighty Limb and Body somewhat full Tall Souldiers too if once their Foe they ken But yet of slender Wits and temper dull Such subtle Drifts they meet but now and then When therefore this did penetrate the Skull They him believe then doe themselves submit And in his Stile the Soveraigne Title writ 13. The dull Pannonians thus he set in order With Promise large to ev'ry Northern President Great Hopes he gave the Regions that did border Of Right pertaining to the Roman Regiment A deep Dissembler and a subtle Plotter A crafty Fox and cunning as an Otter 14. To falsifie his Oath to serve his turne To Cogg and feigne he queintly knew his part Against his Letters that they might not spurne His pen oft told what was not in his heart Their burdens he Avouch'd should not be heavy Whereby great store of Souldiers he did Leavy 15. And Pertinax Sirname he did assume For that he knew was worthy of Esteem Both currant in Illyria and at Rome â—o like an humble Saint he then did seeme Yet you shall see he was no tardy Drone But first this Speech from his Exalted Throne 16. The Zealous Love to gods that you revere By whom you swore your Emp'rours true Devotion In this contest doth singular appe're For me I never thought of such promotion But still Obey'd my Soveraignes Just Commands And will with you correct Praetorian Bands 17. What you require I purpose to pursue The Sacred Empire now doth suffer much Which you and I will rectifie anew Yet Commod's slips we will but lightly touch His youthfull strain deserves Commiseration For Fathers sake let 's use some mitigation 18. His fault you know ought rather be imputed To Sycophants which did his youth mislead But Pertinax of Noble Fame reputed By wicked Hands so Direfully struck dead And Julian eke that in his Seate did Mount These dismall deeds we call unto Account 19. Of Commons he and Souldiers is detested They now perceive his purpose to delude By Craft and Bribes he got himselfe invested Thus shamefully did in the Throne intrude Yet if defend this wretched Act they durst Your skill in Arms will put them to the worst 20. You often skirmish with the Rude Barbarians With toyle and Travell scorning heate and Cold Train'd Bands are Pamp'red like unto Maidmarians In Martiall feates who ever knew them bold You Hunting use they live like Lazy Carrions Your Shout and Shock they dare not once behold You water drinke and wade through Rivers frozen They stall fedd are and wanton ease have chosen 21. If any doe the Syrian Force misdoubt Withall they may their Cowardise Collect They from the Country never marched out Or had to Rome Intention or Respect These Silken Syrians are no Souldiers Martiall But are to disports and pastimes o're Partiall 22. Though they of Antioch doe on Niger dote Since none yet like an Emp'rour doth appear The Townes and Cities that are more remote Of you and me doe stand in double feare They think you will advance to pay their Cote And me they know since I did Govern there Our fury they will shun and their owne harmes They must subscribe to us in feates of Arms. 23. Then let us instant march and seize on Rome The Princely Palace we shall soone obtaine For so to us an easie Rise will come And due revenge on Julian we shall gaine Divine Presages praedicts us good Event If your Victorious Arms crosse their Intent 24. This Speech he ended thus and nothing lacks The Souldiers leap and shout with Acclamation Augustus they him call and Pertinax With cheerfull Votes they make this Proclamation Then lightly Arm'd their geere they trusse in Packs Without delay or more procrastination He gives them Largesse fit for such a journey Himselfe in person needeth no Atturney 25. Scarce suffring once his weary Troopes to rest He march'd with Courage bold and nimble Speed They post away as some doe to a Feast Yet Cates have none but what they barely need He fellow-like no Pomp would have at all Which made the Souldiers ready at his Call 26. Then through the great Pannonia was his Race Where eftsoons seen a Prince preventing Fame And up th' Italian Hils he climbes apace Before they knowledg had from whence he came Such quick approach the People heard of never Which puts the Cities in a shaking fever 27. They Arms had left and tooke them to manure Their Country Farms living a quiet Life The former Armies made them so secure With Barb'rous folke they have no fear of strife Forsooth say they our troubles have an end Our Roman Power to all parts doth extend 28. Indeed when first Augustus seiz'd the Monarchy So quiet and Pacifick was his Rule The people fell to lasie kind of Lethargy Their wits grew dull as either Horse or Mule Because that none should interrupt the Hierarchy His Souldiers guard ev'n to the utmost Thule Some parts had Ditches Rivers deep and Fountaines Some Deserts had some Rocks and craggy Mountaines 29. No marvaile then if they were sore agast To see such mighty Troopes of armed men Not knowing where the Frontiers they had brast To march so fiercely thus within their ken Severus yet they heard it was at last