Commons had receiv'd what he had writ All men were pleas'd remembring well the yoke That on their necks so heavy erst did sit The Souldiers Spoile he also â—ought to choake By making Edicts for the purpose fit Thus did he plant good order and Civility With Spirit meeke and Garb of affability 35. Although their Prince he govern'd as a Father Were he at home or else in judgment Sate Good Marcus steps did imitate the rather ' Cause he reproved quarrell and debate All men affect this rule without severity Reduc'd to welcome Peace with great security 36. His Princely Vertues gained had such Fame The Nations and Confederates round about Did all agree to deifie his Name The Barb'rous People whom he oft did rout Doe now come in to fortifie the same Though Late Revolters Rebels fierce and stout Embassadors declare from ev'â—y part The Romans had promoted true desart 37. Now of this Change the Commons were full glad Unto this civill Rule to be recal'd But yet the guard of Souldiers were as mad To see their Rape and insolence forestall'd Which they resent and are no long time Idle But doe resolve not to endure the bridle 38. Yet for a while they doe but grudg and grumble Two months there was for all men to Appeale Then Fortune blind did topsy turvy tumble What he design'd for good and Common weale And that the Commons might no more be scanted He first decreed the wast Lands should be planted 39. Yea though what was the Princes owne demeane To Husbandmen he gave it to manure With promise likewise during all his Reign From ten yeares Tax their Farms should be secure The Emp'rours goods he also did disdeign To stamp his own name he would not endure Nor take unto himself at any rate But said they did belong unto the State 40. Since Tyrants Death all Tolls and Impost ceast At River Banks Highwayes and City Ports An Optimacy now their harm releast Informers false that daringly resorts He strict Commands they forthwith shall be banish'd And for their former faults severely punish'd 41. Both Rich and poore were safe and free from strife A fellow then a Prince he seemed rather His Son not at the Court Led private Life To Schooles of learning often went the Father And Publike exercise did eke frequent In Pomp or State he seldome came or went 42. His Rule so just inflam'd the Souldiers rude Their insolence and Rapine now decreast O Savage minds they in a Frantick moode His Death complotted at a dreadfull Feast Then in their fury to the Court they pranc'd In Warlike March with Swords and pikes Advanc'd 43. The Courtiers had no care themselves to Arme Within the verge each left his sev'rall place For being frighted with this sharp Alarm They eftsoones fell before the Emp'rours Face And praied that he would save himself by slight The People they were sure would aid his Right 44. Although he knew their Counsell well Advis'd Yet did not think it was a fit Decorum His former Glory should be so disguis'd To be afraid and run away before'um Then unamaz'd a Princely stand he made And reason'd thus their malice to disswade 45. The life you seeke to you is little gaine Or losse to me Arrived at this Age All Humane things we ought to count as vaine Yet Honour doe I weare as chiefest Badge You are by Oath my Person safe to guard Whom if you kill small will be your reward 46. My Conscience tels me I have wrong'd you never And if at Commod's death you doe repine No man that breaths is born to live for ever Yet well you know it was no fault of mine My Innocence pleads for me altogether Of Least suspect in me there is no signe Though he be dead if you forbeare this hate You shall have Largesse fit for your estate 47. This Speech concluded diverse did retreate Such Awe they had and Reverence of the Prince Yet others kill'd him in a furious heate Worse deed was never done before or since But now the people all was in a sweat And lest they should of madnesse them convince To ' th Camp they get Immured in their Wals This end Renowned Pertinax befals 48. Great Cries were made for him and Lamentations In every Coast and throughout every City Now fresh in mind they beare their old Vexations Their Father dead who is that will them Pity Full well they know they must have new Taxations Thus Frantick like they sing a wofull ditty The Nobles and the Rich to shun their Harmes Doe all retire unto their Country Farms CANTO VII The ARGUMENT Praetorians put the Empire unto sale And Julian buyeâ— it with the Commons Curse Niger is prais'd who tels a subtle Tale Playes and Revels of Idlenesse the Nurse He makes a Speech and Emp'rour is elected Yet too secure of Error is detected 1. THough life we Lose yet must wee not give oâ—'e Our study how the Common-weale to save Example Late we shew'd you heretofore Whose Vertues Live though he be laid in grave This is the Hope we have in doing well Good Fame we get which after Ages tell 2. When all was husht the Souldiers from their Wals Proclaime aloud the Empire to be sold And all the People round about them Cals To know the man that will depart with Gold Avouching that he need not feare to scorce For him they would invest with Armed Force 3. Of all the Nobles that were left behind None would appear this offer they did scorn Yet Julian he was of another mind He thought with Honour to Exalt his horne And in his Tipsy Cups when he was Jolly His Wife and Daughters doe promote his Folly 4. Then up he gets and hies him from his Pallat With Parasites that could his humour tell When Wine was got into his drunken Sallat He aptest was for gaine to buy and sell Aloud he cals and to the Souldiers told His Chests were full of Silver and of Gold 5. Another Copes-mate came Sulpitian hight That proffer'd ready Mony at their Call But him refus'd the lot on Julian light Whom yet they keep in pledg upon the Wall Till they receiv'd the sum which he did offer Then let him down accepting of his profâ—er 6. Commodus Lawes he promis'd to restore And Statutes eke which Senators pull'd downe With Liberty such as they had before The Souldiers also should have many a Crowne More then he promis'd or they could demand For why he had it ready at Command 7. The Souldiers straight allured with this Hope Proclaim him Prince by Commodus Sirname With Ensigns spread who rather â—arn'd a Rope And Pictures gay he to the City came When first in Court according to the Guise He finish'd had the wonted Sacrifice 8. Yet stronger then accustom'd was his Guard For that by bribes the Empire he did seize Or else perhaps the people had him scar'd His shamelesse dealing nothing did them please And lest they should affront him
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
recount what brav'ry was there How plenty great from all parts there did come And wisht him thither for to make repaire How Ister banks were fruitlesse barren cold And subject to much raine they then unfold 14. Your grace doth drinke the waters muddy frozen While your inferiours warm baths doe injoy Sweet air of Italy by them is chosen When you live here with care and great annoy With sweet allectives and such pleasures nam'd These parasites this young Prince had inflam'd 15. He therefore then his Councell cal'd together And told them he had great desire to see His native place now having wind and weather To speak the reason then full loath was he But yet as if it had not been for solace He said he fear'd the rich Imperiall Palace 16. Might seized be into some great Lords hands And this conceit the rather did him feare Because use might be made of trained bands Which could not be if once he came so neare This made his Councellors for feare to shake And grave Pompeianus was first that spake 17. He eldest was and married had his sister No man so fit of all the Princes kin That was with him upon the banks of Ister To shew their case and thus he did begin No marvaile if my deare and Soveraigne Lord Dislike this place which is to be abhorr'd 18. So all of us possest with equall care Have like desire to see our native home But yet our businesse bids us to beware Wee from this barb'rous people doe not Roame Till that we finish'd have this dreadfull war From them my Liege we ought not be so far 19. This doth import that we should yet refraine Domestick good may after be injoy'd Time lost will not so soone be had againe At Rome I fear we shall with ease be cloy'd Then good my Lord thinke where your Grace resides Is Rome with all her Ornaments besides 20. But if abruptly we breake off this warr Wee honour lose and danger doe incurr Let our advise be to your grace a barr Beseeching you that here you will demurr For if from these wee doe remove so farr And be so hot to run upon the spurr Wee animate these thieves and rebels arch To think that we for feare doe thus dismarch 21. Now if your majesty doe still proceed Extending conquest in this Northern part Untill the Empire reach in word and deed The Ocean sea to make these Rebels smart What Triumph then will fall unto your meed The City greets you with a gladsome heart When you with chain'd captived Kings notorious And barb'rous Princes shall returne victorious 22. Thus ancient Roman Heroes did attaine And purchase to themselves such high renown To feare domestick broyles it is in vaine Prime Senators are here with you in gown And th' Armies force to undertake the paine With treasure eke of the Imperiall Crown Your fathers noble acts above the rest Confirmed hath to you Each loyall brest 23. From person grave this was disswasion strong It did for present time abate the edge None could doe more the Senators among So well he plac'd the words he did alledge The Prince not having wherewith to reply Dismist the Lords as if he would comply 24. But soone anon his fawning Courtiers came Perswading him no longer now to stay With sly deceit they play their after-game Still pressing him with them to ride away No further then with counsell he advis'd His wits were craz'd and senses quite disguis'd 25. Then instant he sent letters unto Rome And call'd for such as were with him to goe Yet order gave that Armed Troops should come To guard the banks of Ister ' gainst the foe Which charge when as the souldiers understood Much of the Barbarous people they subdu'd 26. And many other with rewards they wonn So well this greedy people loved cash Therefore the feate was so much sooner done What cared they to come within the lash So they their wonted roving course may run To live by forage spoyle and such like trash This is the cause that makes them not to feare To sell their truce be market cheap or deare 27. Of this the Princes sycophants were sure And having there of coyne a mighty masse That all things might be left the more secure They brought their naughty matter so to passe That whatsoe're this people did demand Was sent to them by Commodus command 28. As soone as in the Army was proclaim'd That all of them might to their home retire To quit the barb'rous enemies they aim'd The City sweets to tast was their desire Nor to this motion were they slack or surly For in the camp they hast with hurly burly 29. And when these newes were spread and known in Rome The people all were ravished with joy To heare young Commodus to them ' would come Their hearts were glad and free from all annoy No marvell for this hope they had the rather That he was son unto so good a father 30. His present journey then he tooke with speed And welcome was in every town and place More hast he made the lesse he tooke good heed He posting rid as he would run a race Yet when the people understood the cause They entertain'd him with their full applause 31. But when he drew neer to the City Rome There went to meet him all the Roman Peers And Commons eke to bid him welcome home For very joy the elder sort shed teares Some flowers had and Lawrells other some To gratulate this Royall Prince of theirs They love him deare for father that was dead And that he was amongst them born and bred CANTO III. The ARGUMENT Young Commod's Birth and person wee describe He gladly is received into Rome The false Perennus of a naughty Tribe And Lucill also had a rightfull doome What feast they doe for Iupiter provide And how the Roman Priests themselves doe guide 1. HOw wild is youth when once it gets the head A lively pattern here we may behold You see this Prince now that his father's dead To take his swing is more then wisely bold Forsaking counsell of the grave and hoary As will appeare when you observe the story 2. Full three descents he nobly was descended Extracted from the Right Imperiall Line His birth by fathers side is well commended By mothers eke who named was Faustine From Adrian Trajan and good Anthony This gallant Prince deriv'd his pedigree 3. Nor was he only Noble for descent Or so remarked for his youthfull prime But God withall such lovely feature lent With constitution good and looke sublime Majestick too with sparkling eyes and faire All which was grac'd with yellow curled haire 4. For whensoe're he walked in the Sunn His locks would glister like to flaming fire And many did suppose the same was done With powdred Gold or else with Golden wire Some said it was Divinitie on earth His head this glitt'ring lustre had from 's birth 5. Besides his
rescue him from lovers fond embrace In pieces he was pul'd with Ardent love And so left dead upon this very place To salve this matter some say mighty Iove From both did take him by indulgent grace And hereupon he Honour had divine Bearing the Cup when Iove carouseth Wine 19. The Phrygian orgies in this Pessinus Of old were celebrate with lasting Fame And on the banks of the River Gilus Whence gelded priests of goddesse had their name Who drinks thereof shall goe a gelded elfe Come there who list I mean to save my selfe 20. Now when the Roman state began to flourish If goddesse Pessinus they could obtain Apollo told their Empire she would cherish To overtop the rest with might and main To Pgrygia then did they dispatch Embassage Who gently entertain'd the Roman message 21. Being extracted from Aeneas line There were of kin by right Descent of blood The Image then they sent to them in fine To blame were they if it had been withstood To Tiberi mouth at length this Ship did come Which was the only part then long'd to Rome 22. All suddenly the vessell stuck so fast As if with-held by some supernall power In vaine they hal'd and pul'd till at the last A Vestall Virgin came in lucky houre Who was accus'd for losing her virginity Wherefore she fervent prai'd to the divinity 23. That if she were not guilty of the crime The gods would please to take some pity on her And send her strength at this most needfull time To cleare the vessell for to save her Honour Then she besought the people not to grudg If goddesse Pessinantia were her Judg. 24. Whom they admit her girdle then untide The people heard what Orisons she us'd The goddesse would command the Ship to slide If she were free of that she was accus'd When to the Ship her girdle she had bound She pul'd it to the shore both safe and sound 25. The Romans now the goddesse much admire With whom you are acquainted in this story And eke the Virgin chast as they desire Now she is cleare I hope you are not sory This tale is long whereof I have no more Some it may please that heard it not before 26. And now to Commodus we make repa're Who had good cause to double his Life-guard For since Maternus Treason did him scare He them commanded to keep strickter ward To Suburb-house he went or Country farme Leaving the Court for feare of further harme 27. Both Rome and Italy were much infested With pestilence which did them sore torment And strangers there that for their Traffick rested Great cause they had their fortunes to lament For men and beasts destroi'd by some ill influence Did make the City smart through so much confluence 28. The Prince by his Physitians was perswaded That to Laurentum he should make repaire For so the plague might better be evaded There Laurell was with coole and temperate aire A Seate that stands in Register for Fame Of Laurell did Laurentum take the name 29. There fragant sents and pleasant shade of Baies Which would availe against the fierce infection The Citizens were also shew'd some waies How to prepare a praevalent confection Their eares wherewith and nostrils to anoint Such Odours sweet the Doctors did appoint 30. They reason thus if senses praepossesse No fulsome aire so soon therein can enter Nor shall they be inforc'd to such distresse But they abroad to exercise may venter Yet did this plague outragious make them die That men and beasts on heapes were seen to lye 31. A grievous dearth was also in the City Procur'd by one that once was sold a slave Cleander Phrygian greater was the pity That he had meanes to make himself so brave By cunning sleight so well he sung his ditty He had from Prince what he could wish or crave From Page to more degrees so well he far'd At length he made him Captaine of his guard 32. Rank of successe he was so puft with pride For Empire now he meant to turn and wind Great masse of treasure and of Corne beside Monopolies he got of every kind When Citizens the greatest want did ' bide He sought to win them all unto his mind With Donatives he would the souldiers gaine And commons should have plenty for their paine 33. A Gimnasse also and a statley Bath He did erect the people for to catch But yet such grudg to him the vulgar hath That they his craft and proud designe will watch Their liberties by him was brought in thrall They therefore now detest him great and small 34. In publike The'ter first they him disgrace Yet are not so content to vent their spleen But run with open mouth unto the place Whereas they thought their Prince was to bee seen And Justice they doe cry for more and more Untill the Subburbs all were in uproar 35. This while to wantonnesse the Prince was bent In inner private Roomes did not the tumult mind For that Cleander look'd how to prevent Who having plac'd the horsemen so behind They overthrew and wounded whom they list The City foot unarm'd could not resist 36. Whereon they to the City fled amaine Followed by Cornets of Cleanders horse Great numbers of the common people slaine And trampled under foot without remorse The Lanciers pursued to the City gate Killing outright such was the woefull state 37. The Citizens at home soone understood The slaughter made of neighbour was and friend From off house topps they throw both stones and mudd Tyles and firebrands they from above doe send The commons now that better understand Dart from aloft not fighting hand to hand 38. Their doores were shut themselves were out of Reach They killed some and many put to flight Others they wound and better manners teach Their heads rung noon though it was almost night Some were thrown down some from their horses leaps And tumbled on the stones that lay on heaps 39. The Bands of Foot that in the City sesse Did likewise come the Citizens to aid They flock together all make up a messe Which front the Troopers terribly afraid Yet none durst to the Emp'rour make addresse To tell him what was either done or said Till that Fadilla Commodus his sister Tooke heart of grace and told him of this stirr 40. To her they could not well deny accesse With haire dishev'lld and mourning weeds shee run And plainly told how they were in distresse Without some present help they were undone This Lady sister faire and seemely maid Fell at his feet and thus to him she said 41. Your Majesty with pleasures here is fill'd You little know our danger or your own Wee your flesh and blood like are to be kill'd Part of your force and Cities overthrown Such outrage as Barbarians would not offer Your servants acted have and more doe profer 42. He whom to greatest Honour you preferr'd Is now become your deep and deadly foe Cleander commons hath and
Commodus no longer could containe Himselfe would Act upon the publick Stage With his own hands fierce wild Beasts must be slain At sharp with sword-men he would like Engage The newes thus blaz'd then people far and neare Came flocking in as well to see as heare 19. A marksman sure he was with Dart or Arrow Numidian Darters could not well compare Whatsoe're he aim'd though as little a Sparrow His Parthian Archers would not misse so rare When time was come to shew this Action bold The Theatre was full as it might hold 20. A Tarras was set up for him to round So far aloft he need no danger fear Which made some think his valour was not sound But rather skill in shooting did appeare Of Bucks and Does and other horned Beast Great store he kill'd but yet of Buls the least 21. None scaped him from Tarras he so Darted Lyons Panthers and Beasts of Noble sort Such rare dexterity he there imparted In mortall wounds they felt but little sport He nimbly hit the head or else the hart When Beast was rouz'd aim'd at no other part 22. Noe sooner struck but dead they fell and stark Wild Beasts were brought from far of every kind Such as in Pictures they before did mark They all beheld except there were some blind At once he slew and shew'd not in the dark Beasts strange that came from Aethiope and Inde From East or West from North or yet from Souâ—h Was instant slaine so well his â—eere he Couth 23. Some Estrich of Moresco once he shat Which spread their wings as Sailes to help their running The Forked Arrow tooke the neck so pat It marvell was to see such wond'rous cunning The blow so fierce that er'e the Fowles were dead They ran a certaine Space without a head 24. A Panther likewise brought into the List With speed and force a simple man did seize That all men thought of death he had not mist But him the Prince with lucky hand did ease He had no harme in any limb or joynt The Panthers tâ—eth were struck with Javelin point 25. A hundred Lyons each to one a dart It was observ'd another time he slew Their bodies falling right so overthwart They eas'ly might be numbred in the view In all of these miscarried not a Dart But struck the stately Beast in Head or Hart. 26. These Active Feates became not well a Prince Yet ' cause they were of Valour dextrous proofe Were not unpleasing to the peoples sence But when that he in The'ter stood aloofe And plaid the naked fencing Gladiator This certes was a dire and dismall matter 27. To see a Noble Emp'rour so descended After so many Trophees had been won By Famous Ancestors of Right commended Should thus become a base ignoble Son In stead of fighting with the rude Barbarian Had now disguis'd himself like to Maide-marian 28. How far unlike was this a Roman Prince To make such sordid and so vile digression What though he doe his opposites convince Wee all doe know it was a base profession To yeeld to him they are not void of sence They know him King not master of defence 29. He rang'd so far and flatly plaid the foole His Princely Palace He would now forsake To take his lodging in a fencing Schoole Of Herc'les Name no more account did make But of a famous Swordman late deceas'd Assum'd the Name in that he best was pleas'd 30. Where Romans had an Image of the Sunn A high Colosse and held in great esteem The head struck off was by this Frantick donn To place one like his own he fit did deeme But not subscrib'd with Sir Name Father wonn Such Glorious title nothing fit did seem But Victor of a thousand Gladiators Was best to him though griefe to all Spectators 31. But now t is time to leave these foolish pranks The City will no more endure this yoak The Day at hand they give to Janus thanks And yearly make his Holy Altar smoak Their eldest god who Saturn entertain'd Thrust out by Jove when he came and complain'd 32. It Latium had to Name of his conceale Wherefore it is a custome to this day That first to Saturne they doe make Appeale Then to old Janus they are wont to pray His Image with two Heads they make appeare Of new the first but last of the old yeare 33. This Ancient Feast all Italy doe mind The Romans to their friends give little toys Both Gold and Silver of the neatest kind â—o enterchange their Love and new-come Joyes With Gifts and Presents thus begins New Yeare Then choicest Silkes and Purple Robes they weare 34. Now Commodus intendeth no such Solace Or Purple weare or Robe fit for a Prince He will not Issue forth from out his Palace But from a paltry common Schoole of Fence He must not now be Cumbred with such matters But Armed will be seen ' mongst Gladiators 35. When this to Marcia he had once imparted Who was his Deare and Choisest Concubine His Lewd Devise she purpos'd to have thwarted Before his feet she fell with watry eyne She Empresse like had what she could desire And Honours all excepting that of fire 36. She prayed his Majesty not to prophane The Roman Empire with so vile a sport Nor let his Sacred person to be ta'â—e ' Mongst Ruffins lewd in such a desperate sort But when she saw he was not of his keeping Nor could prevaile shee thence departed weeping 37. He sends for Laetus and Electus both Generall and Chamberlaine he bids take care His Hests to keepe who were exceeding loth In fencing Schoole his lodging to prepare Next morrow he would Sacrifice forsooth As custome was for cost he will not spare And to the Romans shew himselfe in Arms He and his Fencers giving fresh Alarms 38. These two most humbly prai'd him to desist And not commit such rude Unprincely Act Though they were grave he will doe what he liste And from his presence he in rage them pakt Then in his Chamber to repose at noon As was his wont his plot contrived soon 39. There did he write down in a Table booke The Names of those he doom'd to death that night Electus Laetus Marcia too must looke With many moe to tast his Irefull spight Old Senators his Fathers loyall friends Must now be brought unto their dismall ends 40. And this he did lest Censuring should mate And countercheck his black and dismall deeds He meanes to give away their goods and state To Souldiers and to Fencers straight he speeds That one of them his person might defend The other would delight his whimsey end 41. When this was done and Booke left on his Pallat His Chamber doore he thought none durst to enter A little Boy as little wit in sallat Could hardly speake yet had the hap to enter Such pretty Boyes the Romans use to have Halfe naked drest with Gold and Silver brave 42. This Boy did Commodus Extreamly Love And very oft
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
ended round about the shore And Nilus mouth was dy'd in Purple gore 17. The Sirname Parthicas he next Affects A Conquest much he covets in th' Orient Embassadors he sends with his respects Who tutor'd well upon this Errand went Our Prince say they had rather then his life The Daughter of your King to make his Wife 18. An Emp'rour he and eke an Emp'rours Son None therefore fit for him but such a Queen If once this Royall Intermatch were done And of the Barb'rous people known and seen Impediment no more would then remain The World might Govern'd be betwixt them twain 19. The Roman Foot excell'd in Sword and Pike For number Parthian Archers and for skill In discipline the World had not the like With necessaries ready at their will There may by this Affinity and Truce Both parts into one Monarchy reduce 20. Your Cities Odours yeeld fine Silkes and Spice The Roman Countries Minerals and Trades In this division Merchants are not Nice But traffick oft by stealth and Vessels Lades If we conclude their practise will not reach But intercourse be had without impeach 21. At first the Parthians like not this dispatch Or can conceive it tendeth to their quiet For Romans with Barbarians to match Who Language differ habit and in diet The Roman Prince may match among his Peers And so was pleas'd this Noble King of theirs 22. But Antonine his Suit doth re-inforce With Ample Gifts and Solemne Protestation Then some perswade it was the wisest cource To give consent to this Solemnization Whereat from Shouts the people did not cease In Hope to have a sure and lasting Peace 23. Antonine Rivers past and makes ingresse As free as if the Country was his owne Who entertainment had of more and lesse Which eke to King Artabanus was knowne And he prepar'd as eagerly againe To meet the Bridegrome in an open Plain 24. Crown'd Altars Sacrifice with Odours Sweet And Floury Chaplets Vestures wrought with Gold With Pipe and flute they doe this Gallant Greet Then Musick Dance and all the Mirth they could To this their sport he seem'd so much affected His Treachery was not by them suspected 25. But now they were together in a Rout Both Faith and Oath he sticks not to infringe For when his Souldiers compast them about Fall on quoth he we have them in a spring The tipled Parthians run as in a maze Then Romans kill and follow on a Chase 26. King Artaban was rescued by his Guard Some few with him had much adoe to fly The rest of them were put unto the Sward Their Armes were off and Horses were not nigh The Bride might think this was ill-favour'd bedding Yet who doe Weapons bring unto a Wedding 27. When as this mighty Massacre was made The Souldiers rest from killing and from toile Yet cruell still according to their Trade They Cities burnt and bare away the spoile Thus Antonine departs from Parthian grounds And march'd along into the Roman Bounds 28. To Senate then at Rome he Message sent Who heard before of all the pranks he plaid How he to them had vanquish'd th' Orient This to Agnise they seemed well apaid And though they knew him false in Word and Deed Triumphant Honours ne'r the leste Decreed 29. In Mesopotamia he kept his Court Where for a while himselfe he did Devote To Combat Beasts with Races and like Sport And there he meant to pay Macrinus Co'te Two Gen'rals then Audentius for the War Marcrinus Law and pleading at the Bar. 30. This Prince Macrinus us'd to taunt and check Averse to him in diet and Attire As Coward faint he threats to break his neck For service done this was ingratefull Hire But loe what hapt Magicians he consults And longs to know his end by their Results 31. Maternian eke who Govern'd then at Rome Had word to call the Wizards far and near To know of them what death should him become Or who it was he needed most to fear If Spirits told or he did so combine He writes back word to looke unto Macrine 32. The Letters seal'd and sent away in Post At Court arive in their convenient Tide Where Antonine was making mickle boast Of Chariot Race how gayly he could ride And being thus so earnest in his sport He bids Macrinus see what they import 33. Macrinus with the Letters did retire And lights on that which might him sore molest You need not bid him throw it in the fire Yet he acquaints the Emp'rour with the rest And doubting now he must not long respire Before Maternian sent he thought it best To call a friend to wit Centurion Martiall Who had good cause to be a little Partiall 34. For Brothers losse whom Anton ' caus'd to die Without due form or processe in the Law These two together plotted by and by The Prince to kill then doe themselves withdraw That of the crime they might not be suspected Till it was done which shortly was effected 35. At Carrae Antonine from Palace went To visit once the Temple of the Moone In hast was Martiall by Macrinus sent Who thought it long till he this Deed had done For that no harm at Church the Prince did looke He private went and small Attendance tooke 36. And by the way he went aside to Ease For manners sake his Servants stood Aloof But Martiall Beck'ned Hoe Sir if you please I something have to say for your behoof Then ran so fast e're Antonine could mind He with his Dagger Stab'd him in behind 37. Though Martiall fled he shortly had his Hire The German Horse that was the Princes Guard Pursu'd so fast they trod him in the mire Their Javelin points he had no skill to ward This Murder nois'd each one was of his keeping Macrinus was the first that fell a weeping 38. And time it was lest he should be suspected This Prince to Souldier fellow was and friend None else as yet but Martiall was detected They thought he tooke revenge for brothers end Macrinus sent his Ashes to be buried Unto his Mother that at Antioch tarried 39. And there for Childrens losse her selfe she slew If not compell'd as some would have it thought Thus Antonine this end upon him drew For Brothers death and Murders that he wrought He once defunct the Souldiers in a muse Bethink themselves whom Emp'rour they should chuse 40. For Artaban was marching hitherward To seeke revenge for breach of peace and Murther Audentius therefore safely shall them Guard If he be pleas'd they meane to seeke no further But he replies with Modesty I cannot You see quoth he my time is super-ann'ate 41. The Tribunes then perswade to chuse Macrinus Who after you shall heare with him combin'd The Souldiers say the Parthians neer behind us Wee will not now be obstinat inclin'd King Artaban approch'd with mighty Band Macrinus counsels thus him to withstand 42. For publike losse no marvell if we mourn He was our Prince