which had one entire Body and one Head which had two halfefaces to wit Alexanders and Antonines His ordinary Weare was the Macedonian Habit a * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Turban on his head and Pantofles on his feet He had a select troop of young Souldiers which hee stiled the Macedonian Phalanx commanding his Captaines to call themselves by the names of Alexanders Captaines Hee sent for Youths from Sparta and termed them the Laconicke and * Of the City Pitane in Lâ—â—onia Pitanite Band. After this having made the Townes and Cities tenable he went to Pergamus a Citie in Asia to take Physicke of Aesculapius where having done as his Fancie led him he marched straight to * Troy Ilium to view the Ruines of it and visit Achilles Tombe which having bravely decked with flowers and garlands hee then would needs act Achilles He acts Achilles but wanting a Patroclus hee played this Pranck He had with him one Festus his most beloved Freed-man and the Imperiall Remembrancer who died while he was at Ilium being as some say poysoned that hee might have such a Funerall as * Vid. Hom. â—â—â—ad â— 23. Patroclus but others say he dyed naturally However he commanded his corps to bee brought forth and a great Funerall Pile to be made wheron having cast the dead body and killed of all manner of beasts he set the Pile on fire and lifting up a Viall sacrifised Wine and prayed to the Winds But when he was to cast his haire * This was an ancient Funerall â—â—â—â— Vid. 〈◊〉 Iph. 〈…〉 in 〈◊〉 pat also into the flame having a very thin Bush naturall all the Company laught yet he made a sorry shift and cut of all the haire he had Of all Generals he commâ—â—â—ed chiefly the Roman Syllâ— and African Annibal Sylla and Anniball whose â—mages and Statues he erected Departing from Ilium and passing thorow Asia Bithynia and other Provinces where hee setled his Affaires hee came to Antioch where being honourarably entertained and having stayed a certaine time he sent to Alexandria pretending he had a great longing to see the City which Alexander founded as also to consult the God which the Citizens so much honored Vpon these two Pretexts to wit the Adoration of their Deity and Veneration of that Heroes Memory hee gave order that * Sacrifices of an hundred Oxen. Hecatombes and Sacrifices of all sorts should bee prepared against his Comming Which Message being delivered to the Alexandrians who are naturally Cocke-brain'd and light-headed they were almost beside themselves for joy that the Emperour was so devoted to them They made therefore such royall preparations for his Entertainment His royall entertainment at Alexandria as the like they say was never made for any Prince All manner of exquisite Musick and curious Melody was heard over all the City All his Passages were perfumed with all sorts of precious Odors and Aromatickes Torches were lighted and all the way strewed with Gelsomines and Muske roses The Emperour entred the City with all his Army and first went to the Temple where having sacrifised Hundreds of Beeves and burnt Heapes of Incense on the Altars he visited His Offertory at Alexanders Shrine Alexanders Shrine where he offered his Purple Robe his Rings set with Paragon Stones his Belt Scarfe and choicest Iewells he had about him all which he laid upon his Tombe whereat the Alexandrians being * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 overjoyed revelled and feasted day and night little dreaming what a banquet the Emperour would shortly make them For all this Pâ—ausibilitie was meerely colourable his Intendment being to make a generall Massacre among theÌ„ The cause of his secret â—ancour His secret 〈◊〉 ell to 〈◊〉 Alexandrians was this It was told him a Rome in his brothers time and after his death that the Citizens of Alexandria had spoken disgracefully of him Indeed they The Alexandrians described are naturally a very scurrilous People and much given to gibing and giering of others casting out against the most eminent Persons many cutting Quips which themselves thinke are fine conceits but they against whom they are spoke take them as great Indignities For those jests are most biting that have most relish of truth Having therfore much traduced him for his brothers murther nicknamed his mother Iocasta and scoft him for that being such a low Grig he would presume to personate such High and Mighty * Or Semi-Gods Heroes as Alexander and Acchilles they did so enrage Antonine who by nature was of a fiery and sanguinary disposition that while they thus sported themselves with their Squibs and Flashes he intended to laâ—â— them with a terible Revenge Wherfore the Festivall Celebrity being ended he perceiving what an infinite number were come together into the City out of the Regions adjoyning made Proclamation that all the Youths should assemble themselves in a certaine Plaine that as he had already a Macedonian Spartan Phalanx so also he might in honor of Alexander have another Phalanx named after him Alexandrian He willed therfore that the yong men should be so ranked that a Lane might bee left for him to walke and take a View which were fittest for Age Strength Stature to serve in the wars This being beleeved as very probable 〈…〉 regard of the high honor he had so lately done to Alexander all the yonkers accompanied with their Parents and Couzens meâ— at the place assigned with great joy and alacrity Antonine passing thorow all the Ranks and perusing them severally commended first one and then another protracting the time till his whole army had rounded them ere any observed it or thought of it As soone as he wist that they were all circuled by his men of war and taken as it were in a toile he presently departs with his Guard and makes a signall to the Army Alexandrians massacred which instantly rushing in on every side make a furious slaughter of the unarmed Youths and all the rest that were enclosed some of the Souldiers employing themselves onely in killing other in throwing the dead bodies into huge deep Pits wheron casting much earth they made a huge great Mount Many were thrust in halfe dead and not a few were buried quicke There perisht also many of the Souldiers For they which had any breath left in their bodies and had not lost all their vigour caught hold of the Souldiers that flung them in and haled them with them into the graves So great was the slaughter that streames of bloud gushing through the Plaine died the Month of Nilus and the shore about the City with Purple gore And now affecting the Sirname of Parthicus and the honour of Conquering the Orientall Barbarians though they lived in * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 profound Peace he layes this Plot. He sends Letters to Artabanus the King of Parthia and Embassadours with stately Presents An embassy to the Parthians Certifying them that he
fight like a Souldier against Barbarians nor to arme himselfe like a Roman Prince but to prostitute so glorious a Dignity to so sordid a profession He easily vanquisht his Antagonists and attempted no further than to draw bloud every one yielding him the Mastery as acknowledging him rather an Emperour than a Fencer In this mad humour he ranged so farre as that hee purposed to forsake his Palace and live in a Fence-Schoole and now being weary of the Name of Hercules hee assumed the Name of a famous Sword-Player deceased And whereas the Romanes had the Colossus or Image of the Sunne in great veneration hee tooke the head from it and set on another representing his owne inscribing in the Basis not his Fathers Titles or any Imperiall Stile as he was wont but in stead of Germanicus or Conquerour of Germanie The Vanquisher of a thousand Gladiators But now was it high time for him to leave his Foolery and the Citie to bee freed from his tyrannie which fell out in the beginning of the yeare on that day which the Romans keepe holy to Ianus the most ancient Ianus his Feast God of Italy who entertained Saturne expelled by his sonne Iupiter from whoâ—e concealement it had the name of Latium Wherefore to this day they first celebrate the Feast of Saturne and then of Ianus whose Image hath two heads alluding to the beginning of the new and end of the old yeare Now whereas the Romans were wont on this prime Festivity to congratulate each other and Newyeresgifts to send to their friends peeces of Gold and Silver and divers other gifts interchangeably in token of mutuall love and observance and the chiefe Magistrates of the Citie vested themselves in rich Purple in honour of that great Solemnity Commodus then determined to issue forth not out of the Imperiall Palace according to the ancient custome but out of a Fenceschoole and to shew himselfe openly to the people not in his Robes and Princely Purple but armed like a Master of Defence with a traine of Gladiators following him This his determination when Marcia Commodus his Concubine hee had imparted to Marcia his most honoured Concubine who as if she were his married Wife had all the honours of Empresse except that of FIRE Shee fell downe on her knees and besought him with teares not to prophane the Majesty of the Roman Empire in that sort nor to hazard his person among such lewd and desperate Ruffians But when after much intreaty shee saw there was no hope of prevayling shee went away weeping Then he sends for Latus the Generall of his Armies and Electus his Chamberlaine and commands them to prepare a lodging for him that night in the Fence schoole that hee might the next morning goe from thence to sacrifice on that solemne Festivall and shew himselfe in Armes to the Romans They humbly desired him to desist from that purpose and not to doe an act so unworthy an Emperour wherupon in great rage hee commands them out of his presence and retiring into his bed-chamber to repose himselfe at Noone as hee vvas wont he tooke his Table-book and writ downe those which hee doomd to death that night Among which were Marcia Latus Electus and a great number of Nobles and Senators for he was fully resolved to cut off all the ancient Councellors and others which were his Fathers friends lest his blacke deeds should be checkt by their grave centures intending to divide their Goods and Estates among the souldâ—ers Sword-players that the one sort might defend him the other delight him Having thus done hee layd his Table booke on the Pallet not imagining that any would enter his Chamber Now there was a little Boy that could scarce speake such as those which being halfe naked are deckt with gold and precious stones and are the â—â—â—ysest delights of the nobleâ—â— Romans This boy 〈…〉 〈…〉 dus so extreamely * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 love 〈…〉 oft lâ—y in 〈…〉 〈…〉 hiâ— and w 〈…〉 Phâ—lo-Commodus that Phâ—lo-Commodus is Commodus hâ—s Dâ—iling his name she wing how hee loved him The child being fuli of play went as hee usually did into the Bed-chamber while Commodus was bathing and revelling with his Minions and taking the Booke to play with went forth and as some Divine Power ordained Marcia met him and catching him up in her armes and kissing him for shee dearely loved him tooke the booke from him fearing lâ—st by his childish dalliance he might blot out some matters of weight As soone as shee perceived it was Commodus owne hand shee had a great appeâ—ite to reade it But when she found the deadly Contents and that she before all others was to bee slaughterd and that Laetus and Electus were to follow with such a number of noble persons she sighed and said thus to her selfe Is it so Commodus Marcia and others conspire the Emperors death doe you thus reward my love Have I deserved this at your hands for enduring your ignoble and debauched conditions so many yeares You shall find that a sober woman is able to dash your drunken Designes Immediately shee sends for Electus as shee was wont in regard hee was Lord Chamberlaine who as it was thought was over-familiar with her and giving him the booke said See Electus what a banquet we are to have this night He as soone as hee read it being amazed now hee was an Aegyptian borne a bold and daring fellow and very cholericke seald up the booke and sent it forthwith by a trusty messenger to Laetus who being likewise startled instantly repaired to Marcia pretending hee was to speake with her about dressing the Fence schoole for the Emperour Vnder this colour they resolved that now they must instantly doe or suffer without delay or procraâ—ination They concluded to dispatch him by poyson which Marcia undertooke to effect very easily in that shee still used to give him the first Cup which from her hand hee would take most kindly As soone as hee returned from his bathes shee presented him a poysoned Cup of Aromaticall Wine Commodus being exceeding thirsty with much bathing and chasing of wild beasts quaffes it off as hee was wont Whereupon his head being very heavie he fell into a slumber by reason of his vehement exercise as was supposed Wherefore Electus and Marcia commanded all to bee gone and depart the Court lest they disturbed his rest Thus was it ever with him in his drunken fits for when hee bathed or banquetted hee had no set times of Repose being ever distracted with severall sorts of pleasures which still enthralled him Having rested Commodus poysoned and strangled a while and the poyson now working in his stomacke and belly his head grew light and now hee fell a vomiting extremely either by reason hee had formerly over-glutted himselfe with feasting and carowsing which might haply expell the poyson or else because he used as Princes doe to take some antidot to prevent
poison When he had long vomited the conspirators fearing lest disgorging all the poison hee should come to himselfe and put them all to the sword they promised a great reward to oâ—e Naâ—câ—ssus a tall desperate youth to strangle him as hee lay And this was Commodus end having reignd 13 yeares after his Fathers decease the most Nobly-descended of all the Emperours before him and the goodliest person of his time And to speake of his dexterity in Darting inferiour to none But he bâ—spurtled his life with foule Vices and ignoble Exercises as hath bin declared HERODIAN HIS IMPERIALL HISTORIE The second Booke The Contents PErtinax his description His magnanimity His worthy esteeme Laetus his Speech to the Armie Pertinax proclaimed Emperour and confirmed by the Senate His Speech to the Senatours His rare Government Embassies congratulatorie Pertinax a Father to the Commons Informers punisht Pertinax his love to Learning The Pretorians mutine His Speech to them He is murthered and extremely lamented Pretorians make Port-sale of the Empire Iulian buies it The Commons curse him Hee is debauched Niger commended His Policie to get the Empire Stage-Playes and Revells Nigers Speech He is elected Emperour and visited by Embassadours His Security and Errour Severus described His strange Dreame His deâ—pe Policie Hee is elected Emperour His Speech His Expedition to Rome Italy surprized Iulian amazed Alpes Elephants trayned Severus his Stratagem Iulian deserted and slaine Severus takes the Pretorians by a train His Speech to them They are degraded Hee enters Rome Hee courts the Commons and Nobles His warlike Preparation against Niger Hee feares the Britans Their Elogie Albinus their Governour He is declared Caesar by Severus Herodian writes a Historie of 70 yeares COMMODVS being * In the Night slain as hath beene related in the former booke the Conspirators carefull to conceale the Fact from the Souldiers which watched the Emperours Pallace caused his Corps to be wrapped and wound up in a course Coverlet and gave order to two of their trustiest Servants to carry it forth as some voyd stuffe sent out of the Bed-chamber They which conveyed it away passed easily thorow the Guards which were either so drunke or drowsie that they could scarce hold their Halberts or else gave small heed to that which they thought little concerned them Thus was the Emperours Corps closely carâ—yed out of the Court Gates and sent by Coach that night to Arislâ—um Laetus Electus and Marcia having debated what was best to be done resolved to give out that he dyed suddenly of an Apoplexie which they thought would easily bee credited his excessive Epicurisme and Intemperance being so vulgarly knowne But their first care was to elect for Emperor some ancient and temperate man both for their owne safety and that all might have a breathing time after so bitter and wanton a Tyrannie After consultation they held Pertinax his description none so fit as Pertinax who was an Italian borne famous for many noble acts in Peace and Warre and renowned for many victories over the German and Easterne Barbarians and the onely able man that was left of all those honourable persons which Commodus was recommended to by his Father Marcus who reposed greatest confidence in him above all his Nobâ—es and Commanders whom Commodus either revered for his Gravitie or spared for his Poverty for that also was part of his praise that whereas hee tooke greatest paines in governing the State yet hee was the poorest of all the Nobility To him therefore at midnight when all were asleepe Laetus and Electus with a â—ew others of that faction addresse themselves who finding the Gates shut call up the Porter who opening the Gate and perceiving the Souldiers and Laetus the Generall ran in great affright and amazement to tell his Master Pertinax bids him bring them to him saying that now that mischiefe would betide him which hee had long expected They say that such 〈…〉 was his undaunted spirit that he neither forsooke his bed nor changed his countenance but with a bold courage and unappalled visage spake thus to Laetus and Electus whom he supposed to bee sent to murther him This indeed is the end that every night I have a long while expected being the last of all his Fathers friends and I have oft wondered that Commodus was so slow to dispatch me Why then forbeare yee Doe as you are commanded that I may bee rid from continuall feare and anxietie Laetus replyed Speake no further of these things which are so farre beneath your merit Our comming is not for your destruction but for the safetie of our selves and the Roman Empire For the Tyrant is dead and hath his due reward having suffered that which hee intended to inflict on us Our comming therefore is to invest you in the Empire His worthy 〈…〉 whom of all the Nobilitie wee know to be for Vertue Authority Age and Gravity most loved and honoured by the people not doubting but this our choyse wâ—ll be acceptable to them and most safe for us Pertinax answered I am too old to bee deluded in this sort Why doe you offer to abuse mee as a Coward and so to slay me Then said Electus Since you will not credit us reade this Booke you know Commodâ—s his hand having beene so long used to it and then you shall perceive what danger wee have escaped and that we speake not this to try you but truely to informe you Which when Pertinax had done knowing them also to bee his ancient friends and understanding all the busines hee yeelded himselfe to their dispose First then it was thought fit to send to the Army to know how the Souldiers would take it but Laetus undertooke to get their goodwill being their Generall and therefore of some authority with them Wherefore the night being farre spent and the next day the Feast of the New-yeare they hastned to doe all before it were day They sent also some of their trustiest servants to disperse the newes of Commodus death and Pertinax his going to the Army to bee made Emperour Which when it was divulged in the Citie all the people in an extasie of Ioy ran through the streets to bring the happy tydings to their friends that were of any note Who in greatest danger of Tyrants for wealth or worth for such were in greatest danger of Commodus Wherefore they ran to the Temples and Altars to give thankes to the Gods for their deliverance And now some cried out the Tyrant was dead some the Fencer others worse than all this For that which before they durst not mutter for feare they now proclaimed with impunity But the most part of the people posted to the Army being much afraid lest the ruder Souldiers accustomed under the former Tyrannie to ravine and spoile would not admit for Emperour so mild a Prince as Pertinax which to the end to perswade them to the more forcibly they went thither in great numbers Laetus Electus and Pertinax
no where nor sâ—arse suffering his weary troops to breathe them a little Himselfe tooke as great paines as any using as course Lodging and hard Fare as the meanest common Souldier without any shew at all of Imperial pomp or delicacie which made the souldiers much more afâ—ect him For taking such infinite toyle in his own Person it did so indeare him to them that they readily did whatsoever he commanded After he had marched through Pannonia and was come to the Mountaines of Italie preventing Fame it selfe by being seene as Emperour among them before they had any Intelligence of his comming all the Cities of Italy were in a fearfull Fever at He surpâ—izes Itaâ—y the approach of so great an Armie For the Italians having long since left all usâ— of Arme and Militarie Discipline devâ—ted themselves to Agriculture and a peaceable course of life While the Romanes were a free State and Generalls were elected by the Senate Italy was still in Armes and having conquered the Greekes and Barbarians became Lords of the world there being not an Angle of Earth or Climate under Heaven whither the Glory of the Roman Armes extended not But when Augustus came to the Monarchie his pacificall Government induced a generall lazinesse and desuetude of Martiall Exercises for hee kept onely a certaine number of Mercenary Bands in Pay to guard the Romane Empire at the utmost bounds thereof which were naturally fortifyed with great Rivers deep Ditches craggy Mountains and vast Desarts and Wildernesses Wherefore aâ— soone as it was knowne that Sâ—verus was comming with so mighty an Army they were sore agast at that strange newes and â—ot daring to stirre against him went to meet him with Lawâ—els in their hands But hee making no longer stay at any place than either to sacrifise to the Gods or speake to the people posted away for Rome When Iulian was advertised hereof he made account he was utterly undone For understanding what a numerous and potent Army the Illyrians were and having no hope in the people to whom hee was odious nor much in the Souldiers whom he had gulled he made Iulian in great care all the money he could by himselfe or his friends râ—bbing the very Temples and publicke Treasuries and gave all to the Souldiers to purchase their good will But they returning small thankes for his great largesse tooke it rather as a due debt than free giâ—t Iulians friends counselled him to advance with his Army and preclude the Alpine Straits Now The Alpes the Alpes are exceeding high Mountaines such as wee have none in these parts circuliâ—g Italy like a wall nature adding to the felicity of that Region this impregnable fortification extending from the North to the South-sea But Iulian not daring to budge forth of the Citie sent to the Souldiers to beseech them to take armes and exercise themselves and make trenches rampiers before the Citie wherein he prepared all military ammunition caused Elephants trayned all the Elephants which he kept for shew and State to be taught to indure Riders supposing the Illyrians and their Horses would be skared wiâ—h the strange shape and bulke of those Beasts which they never saw before All the City was now busie in providing Armes and Warlike Furniture But while Iulian's Souldiers goe slowly to worke and scarce prepare for Warre Severus is reported to be come already who having appointed many of his Souldiers severall Severus his Stratagem wayes to disperse themselvs and enter secretly into Rome they arrived by sundry passages into the City by night covering their Armours with Rusticall habite as if they had been plaine Countrimen And now was the Enemie in Iulian's bosome ere he was aware When the People perceived this being all amazed and greatly dreading Severus power they beganne to incline to him condemning Iulian for a Dastard and Niger for a Slugge but commending Severus who was now at hand Whereupon Iulian being at his Wits end and not knowing what to doe assembled the Senate and sent Letters to Severus desiring to contract a League with him and to be made his Consort in the Empire But when the Senatours Iulian deserted which had agreed on that course saw how basely timorous and dejected hee was they reiected him for a Recreant and wholly revolted to Severus Two or three dayes after when Newes was brought that Severus was now come in person all the Citizens utterly forsaking Iulian assembled in the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Authority of Consuls Guild-hall by command of the Consuls who in such doubtful times have charge of the Romane State where they entred into Consultation what was best to bee done in that Exigent Iulian abiding the while in the Palace deploring his Infortunity and humbly begging that hee might abjure the Soveraignty and resigne all his Imperiality to Severus But when the Senate understood that Iulian was in such desperate Horrour and that his Guards No receipt against Feare Dictum Mariae illustrissimae Scotorum Reginae for feare of Severus had quite forsaken him they decreed his Death and declared Severus sole Emperor Then send they as Commissioners diverse of the chief Magistracie and prime Nobility to render to him all Imperiall Honours The Execution of Iulian was committed to one of the Tribunes who finding â—he wrâ—tcâ—ed old Man that had bought his owne Ruine with his Money wholly deserted and forlorne slew him Iulian slain 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as he was tearing his hayre with abject Lamentations When Severus understood the Senates Declaration and that Iulian was slaine hee hoped to doe greater matters and layd a Traine to catch all the Pretorian Souldiers that had murthered Pertinax He sent therfore secret Letters to their * Coronelâ— and Captaines Tribunes and Centurions promising them great rewards to perswade their Companies in the Citie to submit to his Mandates Meane while he makes Proclamation that all of them leaving their Armes in the Campe should come forth like Severus his Traine to take the Pretorians peaceable men in such Habits as they used when they attended the Emperour at solemne shewes and Sacrifices that they might be sworne to Severus and that they should come cheerefully because they were to bee his Guard The Souldiers crediting this Edict and being also perswaded by their Officers lay aside all their Armes and issue forth with lawrell branches in their hands in such Equipage as they were wont in some great Festivity When they drew near to Severus Campe and it was told him they were all come he comanded them to bee brought to his presence as if hee meant to welcome and entertaine them with all honour But when they came before his Throne with joy full accâ—â—â—nations upon a signall given at the instant they were all apprehended For Severus commanded his Souldiers that when they saw them assembled before him expecting some high favour they should presently wheele about them in martiall manner yet not
wound nor strike them but onely make a Ring and hemme them in presenting their Iavelins and Pikes towards them which they being unarmed and but few in comparison of them durst not resist so many men at Armes When Severus had thus impounded them with a strong voice and furious spirit hee thus spake to them Severus his speech to the Praetorian Guards You see now by experience that wee farre exceed you in policie power and number You are easily caught and as easily held Now are you all at my devotion to doe what I please with you Here you stand like a herd of beasts ready to be sacrifised at my becke If you expect a Doome or Death responsible to your blacke deeds and detestable villanies the World cannot afford it You have barbarously butchered that venerable Father and Excellent Emperour whom as his Guards you ought to have defended You have most shamefully truckt for silver as if it had beene some of your owne goods the most glorious Roman Empire which was anciently the Guerdon of Nobility or Militar * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vertue And now like base * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Poltrones you have betrayed him that was your Mercenary Soveraigne not daring to guard or protect him For these inexpiable crimes you deserve a thousand deaths if you had your due Now you see what you are worthy to suffer But I scorne to imitate you or to pollute my bands with your blood Neither justice nor equity permit that you should any longer be the Emperours Guard that thus have violated your oath distained your selves with your naturall Princes blood and betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in you Your Soules and Bodies of my Noblenesse I am content to bestoâ— upon you But I command my Souldiers to ungirdle you and divest you of all Military Attire and Accoutrements and send you away stript which done I charge you all to get you packing farre from Rome for I here decree vow and sweare that if any of you be found within an hundred miles of the Citie bee shall die for it Having given this charge The Pretoâ—â—ans degraded the Illyrian Souldiers presently ranne to them and disarming them of their short Swords which were curiously wrought with gold and silver and customaâ—ily worne at solemn shâ—wes they tooke from them their belts scarffes and other military ornaments and rasht off all their clothes leaving them starke naked When they saw themselves Traytorâ— betrayed thus betrayed and taken with a Wile there was no way but patience For what could a few naked men doe against so many armed They departed therefore with heavie cheere yet glad their lives were given them shrewdly repenâ—ing that by leaving their Armes they had subjected themselves to so foule and disgracefull a Doome Severus used also another policie for doubting lest being degraded they would desperately runne to their Campe and resume their Armes he had sent before some Troopes of his choicest and trustiest Souldiers by secret wayes and passages commanding them suddenly to seize their vacant Campe and with their owne weapons to keepe them out if they attempted to returne Thus were those Assassinates of Pertinax punished Forthwith Severus with his Severus enters Rome Army arranged in Battel-array makes his entry into Rome the Romans being at first sight terribly afraid of him for his daring and speedy Enterprise Howbeit the Peeres and Commons received him with Lawrels who of all Men and Emperours was the first that without blood or sweat effected such rare Enterprises Indeed His Elogie all things in him were admirable especially his high wit piercing judgement indefatigable industry happy-hopefull audacitie in great and Heroicall Attempts After the people had wellcomed him with their Acclamations and the Nobles saluted him at the City Gates hee repayred to Iupiters Temple where having sacrifised he did his Devotions at the other Fanâ—s as the Eâ—peâ—â—urs were wont and lastly betooke himselfe to the Imperiall Pallace The next day he went to the Senat-house where hee made a smooth and plausible Speech and then gave his * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hand to all the Company professing That his maine End in His Plausibility comming to the City was to revenge Pertinaxes Death and to lay the Ploâ— and Foundation of an Optimacie promising that none but those which were condemned by Lawe should lose Life or Goods that hee would not tolâ—erate Informers that hee would make a happy and flourishing State and in all things imitate Marcus and not onely assume the Name but the Minde of Pertinax With these faire Promises he stroked the Senators most of them inclining to affect and believe him but some of the elder and sager sort that better knew his disposition told them in their eare that hee was a right His Censure Politician full of tricks and traines and an exquisite Dissembler and Temporizer for his owne ends As afterwards it proved Severus intending but a short stay in Rome gave to the Commons a magnificent Donative of Corne and a great Largesse to his Souldiers selecting the ablest among them for his guard in steed of those which were degraded And now he prepares an Expedition to the Orient where Niger lay rusting all this while and revelling at Antioch whom he hasted to surprise ere he were aware and take him unprovided Commanding therefore his His preparation for Warre Souldiers to make ready for that Voyage and recollecting all his Forces he adjoyned to them all the flowre of the Italian Youth and gave order that the rest of the Army in Illyria should come down to Thrace and meet him on the way He provided also a great sleet of ships prest all the gallies of Italy which he filled with Men at arms sent them a way having amassed together with incredible speed a mighty magazin of all manner of provision ammunition For he well knew hee needed more than ordinary Forces against the Nations bordering on Europe which were all under Niger's command Thus Severus * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gallantly prepared for the war But withall like a wise and provident man he shrewdly He is afraid of the Britaines misdcubted the British Armies coÌ„sisting of great bravetroops of mo 〈…〉 excellent * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Souldiers whose Generall was Albinus of Albinus Governour of Britaine very noble honorable descent born to exceeding greatwelth and possessions Him hee resolved to win by policie lest otherwise being excited by his riches noblenes forces renown sharp and piquant motives to aspire to Soveraignty he should attempt to overtop him seize on Rome which is not very far distant from Britaine while himselfe were ingaged in the Eastern wars Now his bait to catch him was by a glittering shew of honor for being a credulous man and none of the deepest Politicks he preseÌ„tly believed the oaths protestations which he sent him by Letters
wherin he stiled him Caesar anticipating He is stilâ—d Caesar by Severus his ambition by coÌ„municating the sovâ—raigne dignity In the sayd couâ—tly and complementall lines he besought him to bee Protector of the Empire which stood in great need of so noble and brave a yong Gallant as for himselfe he was now grown old and gowâ—ie and his children were but infants Albinus easily gave credit to him and willingly took the honor upon him being glad he attained his desire without battel or further danger To give the more glosse to his intentions Sevâ—rus acquainted the Senat with the passages comanding also Coines to be stamped with his image as also his statues to be erected with all other Imperiall honors the better to blanch his designes Which having with high wisdome performed so lookt Albinus in Britain that there was no feare of him he gathered all the Illyrian Forces into one body now all things being in readinesse he leads his Army directly against Niger What were his Stations by the way what speeches he made to every city what frequent prodigies * N. B. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by divine provideÌ„ce appeared aâ— also what countries he marched thorow what conflicts hee had and how many were slaine on either side many Historians have related Poets especially have largly dilated making Severê° acts the argument of their works But my intendmeÌ„t is to compile a History of the acts of many Emperors raigning in the compasse of 70 Herâ—dâ—â—â— writes a History of 70 vea 〈…〉 yeares which I certainly * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 know to be true I shall therfore deliver part of the chiefest and choifest actioÌ„s of Severê° not flattering or faining more thaÌ„ was performed like the Writers of that time nor yet suppressing ought that is worthy to be knowne or recorded HERODIAN HIS IMPERIALL HISTORIE The third Booke The Contents Niger prepares for Warre He fortifies Mount Taurus and Byzantium Aemilianus his General defeated Severus Policie He assaults Mount Taurus Moores described Alexandria Battell betwixt Severus and Niger Niger beheaded Severus Plots against Albinus His Speech against him His strange Winter-mâ—rch Albinus sayles out of Bâ—itaâ—ie and fights with Severus The Britaiâ—â—â— fight bravely and beat Severus off his Horse They winne the first B 〈…〉 They di 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 Albinus beheaded 〈◊〉 〈…〉 us Elogie Hee makes two Vicegerents in Britanie His cruelty and covetousnesse Secular Games every three hundreth yeare Severus his Expedition into the East He besieges Atrae and is repulsed His strange fortune He surprises the Parthian King He enters Rome in triumph His Sonnes Dissensions Plautian a mighty Favourite His Treason strangely detected Hee is cut in pieces Severus instructs his Sonnes News from Britanie Severus his Expedition thither Description and Elogie of the Picts or Scots Severus dies for griefe Antonine's Cruelty Severus Reliques Antonine and Geta saile out of Britanie IN the former Booke we have related the Murther of Pertinax the Slaughter of Iulian Severus his Expedition to Rome and lastly his Preparations against Niger As soone as Niger who little expected Niger prepares for Warre such â—ewes understood that Severus had seized Rome that the Senate had proclaimed him Emperour and that all the Illyrian Armie and other Forces were comming against him by Sea and Land being extreamely startled hee warnes all the Vicegerents of the Provinces to set strong Guards at all Ports and Pasâ—ages and sends for Ayd to the Parthian Armenian and Atrenian Kings The Armenians answer was that hee would bee Neutrall and reserve his owne Forces to desend himselfe if Severus assayled him The Parthian promises to write to his Nobles to levie Souldiers as his manner was in time of Warre For the Parthians have no ordinary standing Armies nor any souldiers in continual pay From the Atrenians came a Band of Archers sent from King Barsemius who then raigned in those Parts The grosse of his army he made up of the Souldiers which he had with him most of the Countrey youths but especially of the Antiochians either out of their Levitie or Love to Niger more boldly than wisely flocking unto him The Straits and Precipices of Mount Taurus Mount Taurus fortifyed hee fortifyed with strong Walls and Munitions accounting that impassable place would bee a Barricado to blocke up the Way to the Orient For Taurus lifting up his Ridge between Cappadocia and Cilicia dissevers the Eastern and Northern Nations Hee put also a Garrison in Byzantium the chiefest Byzantiâ—m nâ—â— Con 〈…〉 and mightiest Citie of Thrace floâ—ishing at that time in strength and wealth for beeing situate in the narrow Proponticke Sea it â—eaped equall benefit by Water and Land from the first Impost aâ—d Fish from the latter Corne and Fruit as having a large and fertile Territory This strong City he preoccupates to prevent the passage of Severus Flee which was to saâ—le out of Europe into Asia through that narrow Chanell The City was compast w th a â—uge strong wall of squared Milstons so curtously cemented that it seemed to bee an in â—re work made by Nature rather than Art yea the very Ruines and Rubbish which yet appeare shâ—w the marvellous skill of them that builâ— it and the stupendious strength of those that dismantled it In this mannet did Niger order his Affaires with singular Prudence and Providence as he imagined Severus on the other side slacked not but incessantly marched with his Armie And being advertized that Byzantium was well manned and strongly fortifyed he turnes his Aemilianus Nigers Generall course to Cyzicum Aemilianus Lievtenant of Asia to whom Niger had committed the Mannage of the Warre and chiefe Command hearing that Severus was marching leades all the Forces which he had leavied or were sent by Niger directly to Cyzicum When the Armies met on both sides after divers bloudy battels in those parts Severus at last was Master of the Field a great number of Nigers Souldier being routed slaine and Defeated by Seve 〈…〉 puâ— to flight Which Successe mightily incouraged the Illyrians and the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Easterlings â—ut many were of opinion that from the beginning Niger was betraied by Aemilian for these reasons Some say hee envied Niger disdayning that hee who was but his Successour in Syria should now be his Superior Emperor and Soveraign Others suppose that hee was thereto perswaded by his Childrens Letters who besought him to take care of their safety for Severus having found them at Rome put them in hold out of deep policie and early providence And it was Commodus his manner to retaine with him their Children whom hee sent to bee Lievtenants of Provinces as Pledges of their Allegeance and fidelity Wherfore Severus like a vigilant man Severus his Policie at his first Designement to the Empire in Iulians time sent secretly for his children out of the Citie lest they should be afterward seized on And at his comming to Rome
hee instantly apprehended all the Children of the Presidents and other chiefe Captaines Commanders that ruled in Asia or the East carrying theÌ„ with him as Prisoners thereby to induce their Fathers to revolt from Niger for their preservation or if they continue firme to him to let them know that by killing them he could be revenged on them at his pleasure Nigers Souldiers being overthrowne at Cyzicum fled amaine some to the Armenian Mountaines others through Asia and Galatia hastning to Mount Taurus to get into that strong Hold. Severus Armie marcht through the Country of Cyzicum to the next region of Bithynia When it was famed that Severê° was victor suddenly all the Cities in those Parts fell to deadly Feud not so much for Love or Hate to either Emperour as out of a mortall Antipathie and implacable Enmitie one to the other And this was anciently the fault of the Greekes who by their intestine broyles and conspâ—racies to exâ—irpate the most eminent men have utterly undone Greece whose Inhabitants by their old grudge and civill disasters first became Vassâ—lâ—s to the Macedons and then Slaves to the Romans the same heart-burning and spightfull emulation continuing in the best Cities to our time Wherefore after these things hapned at Cyzicum the Citizens of Nicomedia in Bithynia revolted from Niger to Severus promising him by their Embassadors to receive his Armie and assist him in all things But the Citizens of Nicaea out of their malignity to them took Nigers part and entertayned his Souldiers which either fled thither or were sent to detend Bithynia Out of these two Cities as severall Camps the Armies of both sides issuing fought againe but after a terrible battell Severus got the Victory From thence the Remaines of Nigers Forces fled to the Straits of Mount Taurus to defâ—nd those Fortifications Niger having left there as many as he thought sufficient to make good the Place returnes to Antioch to raise more Men and Money Meanewhile Severus Armie pâ—ssing through Bithynia and Galatia marcht into Cappadocia and there began Mount Taurus aâ—â—ayle â— to assaile the Fortification But they met with no small difficulties for the passage was extreme rough and craggie and the Enemie which was on the Walls and over their heads tumbled downe Stones upon them and fought bravely a few men serving to repell a great Number For the Ascent was exceeding strait being defended on the one side with a huge steepe Mount on the other with a wonderfull Precipice downe which fell continuall Cataracts from the top of the Mountaines Niger had also made there a strong Fort to barre their Entrance on every side During this Assault in Cappadocia there arose Mutinies upon the like Grounds and Grudges as asoresaid For Laodicea in Syria in despight of Antiochiâ— and Tyrus in Phoenicia repining at the Berythians when they heard of Nigers Discomfiture defaced his Images and proclaimed Severus Emperour which Niger then at Antioch understanding though otherwise of a milde disposition yet stung with those opprobrious Injuries and Defections sends against both the Cities all the * Mauritania now Fâ—â— and Moâ—occo Mauritanian Darters that he had and part of his Archers charging them to kill all afore them and to sacke and burn the Cities The Moores The Moores described who are naturally bloudy and desperate regarding neither death nor danger suddenly invading the Laodiceans put them all to the Sword and destroyed their Towne Thence marching to Tyre they first pillag'd it and then cruelly slaughtering the Inhabitants set it on a bright blaze While this passes in Syria and Niger is levying new Supplies the Severians persist in their assailment of the Fort of Mount Taurus but with much wan hope and great discouragement for it was an impregnable Worke and naturally defended with the Mount and Precipice Being quite wearyed and their Enemies now secure extraordinary Stormes and Snowes fell suddenly in the Night for in Cappadocia and especially at Mount Taurus Winters are ex reame rough accompanyed with a vehemen and impâ—tuous Torrent which being checkâ— by the Fortification became more fuâ—ious and violent At last Nature vanqui hing Art and the Wall yielding to the deluge the floud having sapt the Foundation which was made in haste and not so carefully as waâ— requi-site bore downe all before it and made an exceeding great breach which the Defendants perceiving feating that when the Waters were downe they should be surprized by the Enemie they all quit the place and fled With this Accident the Severians were infinitely cheered and animated as lead by divine providence and seeing also the Guardians of the Mount were fled they easily scaled it and entered Cilicia When Niger heard these Tidings he gathered a vast Armie of undisciplined inexpert Souldiers marching with maine speed was followed with huge numbers of people and almost all the Youth of Antioch who exprest great alacrity but were not comparable to the Illyrians for Valour or Experience Aâ— the Bay of * A Citie called by Alexander Niâ—opolis for his Victory there Issus the Armies met in a goodly spacious Plaine which lying under a row of Hills Theatre-wise is extended all along the Sea-coast Nature having here made as it were a Stage for a battell In the very same place they say that Darius was overthrowne and taken by Alexander in the last great Battell the * In Nature the Northerne Regions are most Martiall Northerne Men then also vanquishing the Easterne The Citie Alexandria built on a Hill the Trophie Alexandria and Monument of that Victory yet remaines and the brazen Image of him that so named it Now it fell out that the Hosts of Severâ—ss and Niger did not onely incounter in the sayd place but also with like fortune to the other For on both sides were they ready to fight in the Evening not sleeping all Night for Care and Feare At The Battell betwixt Severus and Niger Sunrising the Generalls incouraged their Souldiers who assailed each other with incredible fury as accounting that the last Fatall Conflict and that Fortune would there designe the Emperour After a long and grim Fight there being on each side so great Slaughter that the Rivers which ranne through the Plaine sent much more bloud than water into the Sea at last the Orientalls turned their backs and fled the Illyrians pursuing them to the Sea where they thrust them in with woundes and to the Hill-tops where they flew them together with a great number of people assembled there out of the adjoining towns and villages as Spectatours of the battell supposing they were safe in that high ground Niger being bravely mounted poasted with a few of his Followers to Antioch where the people flying every way and piteously bewayling their sonnes and brethren hee also grew desperate and be tooke himselfe to flight but being found hid in a Suburban house by the Horâ—emen that pursued him his Head was strucke off Niger beheaded This
end had Niger being brought to that Disaster by his dull protracting of time though otherwise he were as they say in his publike and private carriage not culpable Niger being slaine Severus presently put to death all his friends and Partizans whether Voluntaries or compelled to assist him Yet he pardoned the Souldiers which were fled for feare to the Barbarians beyond the River Tigris and received them into favour For great numbers of them retired into those parts whereby it came to passe that the Barbarians were afterwards more able to incounter the Romanes in set battell their manner of Fight before that time being onely with bowes and arrowes on horseback without compleat Armour having no skill to use Sword or Lance but clad with thinne loose Garments they shot their Arrowes most part backewards flying from their Enemies But when diverse Romane Souldiers and among them many Armourers which fled thither had set set up their Rests there the Barbarians learned not onely to use Armes but also to make them Severus having setled the Affaires of the Orient to his owne contentment had a strong desire to invade the Dominions of the Atrenian and Parthian Kings who were both Nigers Confederates But deserriug that till another time he cast about how he might now establish the Romane Empire on himselfe and his Sonnes For Niger being taken away the only Rub that remayned was Albinus whom he held to be altogether unprofitable for his Purpose and incompatible to his designes Besides the Report was that his Caesarian Title had so puft up his spirits that he beganne to fare like an Emperour and that many of the chiefe Peeres of the Senate had secretly writ to him to hasten to Rome while Severus was absent elswhere ingaged And indeed all the Nobles were most devoted to Albinus who was very honorably descended and reputed to bee of a sweet and generous Disposition Of all which passages Severus having got intelligence resolved not instantly to make open warre against him or proclame him his enemy there being no just cause or colour for it but to trie if he could make him away by treacherie Wherefore hee dispatches Severus plots against Albinus to him diverse trusty persons which as Poasts used to carry the Emperors Letters and Missives giving them in charge that after they had publikely delivered the Packets they should desire him to understand some further secrets in private and wheÌ„ he was apart from his guard suddenly to fall upon him kill him Moreover he delivered to them divers sorts of poysons to bee minâ—stred to him by some of his Carvers or Cup bearers if they could perswade them But Albinus his friends mistrusting Severus gave him many caveats to beware him as a fraudulent and insidious person For his fame was fouly blasted by his ill dealing with Nigers Captains whom having under wrought by their Children as wee formerly shewed to betray Nigers Affaires when he had made use of their Service and attayned his owne ends hee slew both them and their Children By these Actions of his they manifested to him his dangerous disposition Albinus thereupon doubled his Guards and admitted not to his presence any messenger from Severus till he had laid by his military Fauchiâ— and was also searcht lest he had any other Weapon in his bosome And now were Severus his poasts arrived at Albinus * In Britain Court where delivering their Letters openly they besought him to step aside to heare some speciall Secrets Albinus suspecting them commands them to be apprehended Then secretly torturing them he learnt out all their treachery and put them to death and made preparation against Severus as a professed Enemie Which Severus understanding being of a violent spirit and irefull nature he no longer concealed his Enmity but assembling all his Army spake thus Severus his Speech against Albinus LEt none reflecting on my former Actions tax me of Levity Treacherie or Ingratitude towards my reputed friend I could doe no more than associat him by a firme League in the Imperiall Government which some man would hardly doe to his own brother Yea I communicated to him that which you conferred on me alone But Albinus unworthily requites these extraordinary Favours which I have heaped upon him For he is now up in Armes against Vs contemning your valour and not regarding his League with me For he seekes with insatiable Desire to ingrosse that with his owne perill which hee securely injoyed by a peacefull Participation Neither doth he revere the Gods by whom hee hath so oft sworne nor respects he your travells which with so great glory and courage you have undertaken for Vs both For the fruits of your happy successe extended likewise to him Yea had he continued faithfull to us we had done him greater honour than was yet imparted to him Now as to doe ill * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Offices is an act of Injustice So not to redresse a Wrong is * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unmanly In our Wars against Niger our Quarrell was not so just as necessary For he sought not to imbrace the Imperiall dignity invested in our person but the Empire lying then at stake and being yet litigious both of Vs with equall Ambition fairely wrestled for it But Albinus violating Leagues and Oaths makes choice rather to bee an Enemy than a Friend and to wage Warre rather than continue in amity being advanced by our meere bounty to that eminent * * Title of Caesar implyed Hâ—â—â—e apparancâ— Honor which anciently appertayned to the sacred Branches of the Imperiall Stemme Wherefore as wee have formerly ennobled him with great and glorious Advancements So now wee hold it meet to chastise his ignoble Treachery by force of Armes As for his poore Army of * * Britaines Ilanders it is impossible it should resist your Puissance For since you alone by your owne Valour and admirable Prowesse have wonne so many Battells and conquered all the Orient who can doubt but that now by accesse of so many gallant men at Armes for here are almost all the Roman Forces you shall easily rout a small Number led by One that hath neither Wit nor Courage For who knowes not his Voluptuary life fitter for a Swine than a Souldier Let us therefore * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bravely advance against him with our wonted alacrity and magnanimity having the Gods for our Guides whom hee hath dishonoured with Perjuries and calling to mind the many Trophies wee have erected which hee so highly scornes Severus having thus sayd the whole Army proclamed Albinus Traytor but making full Demonstration of their loyall zeale to him by their Acclamations they mightily incouraged him and made him wondrous confident Whereupon rewarding them with magnificent donatives he tooke his Iourney against Albinus Withall he sent certaine Troops to invest Byzantium Bâ—zantium invested which was yet held by Nigers Souldiers that fled thither Which Citie was
from Military austerity and Martiall dispositions But he was the first that altered their strong and manly Diet and subverted all Order Discipline and Obedience to Governours by teaching them to hunt after Money and using them to delicate Fare Having made these Ordinances after his owne fancie he entred the * Or Parliamenthouse Senat-house where ascending his Royall Throne hee made a bitter Invective against Albinus Friends producing the secret letters of some of them which hee found in his Cabinets and objecting to others that they had honoured him with the richest Presents to these that they had favoured his Eastern * Niger Enemies to those that they were Albinus Favourites Then he put to death all Severus cruelty and covetousnes the chiefe Peeres of the Senate and slew without mercie all that were of great Estate and Nobility in the Provinces pretending to suppresse his Enemies but spurred on indeed by extreame Avarice wherein he exceeded all the Emperours For as in Haughtinesse of Spirit hardnesse to indure labour and Skill in Martiall affaires he was equall to the worthiest So was hee an unmeasurable Lover of Money which hee accumulated by cruell Slaughters upon the least Cause or Colour ruling his Subjects rather by feare than love Neverthelesse hee affected popular Lustre by frequent His Popularity exhibiting most stately Shewes of all Sorts where were oft slain an hundred beasts brought from strange countries Hee distributed also magnificent Donatives to the people and ordayned a Triumphall * Game or Exercse of Manhood Agon sending for Actours and Champions from all parts I have seene in his Time Shewes of all kindes of Pageants in all the Theaters at once as also processions and vigils like Ceres mysteries Secular Games These were then called Secular Solemnities because they V. Alex. ab Alex. Gen. dier l. 6. c. 19. were celebrated as they sayd after the Tearme of three Ages or Generations What time Bedles went thorow Rome and Italy to invite All to come and see those * Instituted in honour of Apollo and Diana the Sunne and Moone Shewes which they had never seene before nor should ever after see Intimating thereby that the inter-space betwixt the past and present Celebrity exceeded the longest Age of Men Having stayd a sufficient time at Rome where he associated his Sonnes in the Soveraignty and declared them Emperours considering that his former Victories were over his owne Countrey-men and the Romane Armies for which cause he forbore Triumph he determined to get himselfe honour by a glorious Conquest of the Barbarians His pretext was to be revenged on Barsemius the Atrenian King for his Confederacie with Niger Whereupon he lead his army into the Orient and as hee was about to enter Armenia the Severus his second Expedition into the East King of the Armenians sent him Money Presents and Hostages humbly intreating to contract a League of Amitie with him Severus seeing all things happen to his mind in Armenia marches against the Atrenians But Augarus King of the Osroens submitted himselfe to him and having assured his Homage by delivering his children for pledges sent to his Ayd a goodly Band of Archers Severus having passed the Region lying betwixt the Rivers and the Archers Country of the Albenians made a Rode into Arabia Felix where growe those odorate Herbes which wee use for Spicerie and Frankincense Having destroyed many Cities and villages and wasted the Countrey â—e entred the Land of the Atrenians and Siege of Atrae beleaguerd Atrae a City mounted on the top of an exceeding high Hill strongly walled and fortifyed well manned and full of excellent Archers Severus army incamping before it made many furious Assaults striving with all their strength to master it to which purpose they assailed the Walls with all sorts of warlike Engines pretermitting no kinde of Invasion But the Atrenians made abrave Resistance and with Shot and Stones from above did much hurt to the Severians They filled also Earthen Vessells with small Fowles and Venomous beasts which being cast among them and lighting on their Faces and other open parts of their bodies crawled all over them and secretly stung and tormented them Moreover they were not able to indure the stifling Aire of that extreame hot Clime which cast them into strange Calentures so that the most part of the Armie dyed rather by that meanes than by the Enemie Whereupon the Souldiers growing desperate at that luckelesse Siege where the Romans lost more than they got Severus discamped and departed without Effect lest all his Men should perish being much grieved that the successe of the Siege was not answerable to his desire For having beene wont to get the Victory in all incounters he now reputed himself overcome because he could not overcome But Fortune soone after smiled on him and advanced his Designes so that hee lost not all his labour but fared better than hee expected For his Army being imbarqued was not brought to the Romane Territories as hee intended but was hurried by the violent Streame to the Parthian banks not many dayes journey from Ctâ—siphon where was the royall Severus strange fortune Palace of the King of Parthia who lived there in peace esteeming Severus warres against the the Atrenians to concerne him nothing at all In which security he little thought of any Disaster Severus Host arriving there Si vis securus esse time securitatem S. Bernard against their wills by the violence of the Current presently landed and immediately fell a syoyling ravaging the Countrey driving away all the Cattell they met with for Provision and burning all the Towns as they went Then marcht they to Ctesiphon where the great King Artabanus was resiant and King of Kâ—â—thia surprised finding the Barbarians ubproâ—vided they slew every man they found pillaged the City and led captive all the women and children The King with a few Horsemen escaped but they rifled his Treasures and taking all his Ornaments and Iewells returned to their Ships Thus got Severus the victory over the Parthians rather by chance than choice And now having sped so happily beyond all hope hee sent * Dight with Laurel as Conquerors used Letters to the Romane Peeres and People containing a glorious Relation of his Acts accompanied with painted Tables representing all his Battels and Conquests Hereupon the Senate decreed to him all triumphant Honours and the Sirnames of the Nations hee had vanquished Severus having composed the Orientall Affaires took his way towards Rome bringing with him his Sonnes who were now big Youths Having ended his Iourney ordered the Provinces as was requisite and visited the * Mysiae now Servia and Bulgaria Mysian and Pannonian Armies he entred the City in Triumph the Romanes receiving him with great Acclamations Severus Triumph and glorious Ceremonies Hee againe entertained them with Feasts Sports Spectacles and Pageants giving them Royall Donatives and solacing them with Triumphall Shewes
the Souldiers if they would render the Empire to her nephewes Wherupon they promising to receive her all hers and proclaim Antonines son Emperor if she would come secretly in the night to the campe the old woman resolved to undergo any hazard rather than live a private obscure life Wherfore issuing privily out of the citie in the night with her children and nephewes she was conducted by the troupe of fugitives to the army where all the souldiers welcomed her and proclaiming the Boy Antonine clothed him in a â—assianus a yong Priest proclaimed Emperour purple robe of State Then fetching into the camp all her provision together with her daughters their husbands whatsoever goods or cattell shee had in the fields and villages they victualled fortified the camp that if need were they might hold out a siege WheÌ„ this news was brought to Macrinus lying then at Antioch the army there understanding likewise by report that Antonines sonne was found out and that Iuliaes sister had given great store of siluer to the Souldiers they beleeved all to be infallibly true and began to waver and take new resolutions being excited therto both by the grudge they bore Macrinus commiseration as it were of the memory of Antoninus but especially for the hope of cash insomuch that many presently fled to this new found Antonine Macrinus scorning all this as * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Boyes play and being as joviall as ever stirred not himselfe but sends one of his Captaines with certaine companies which he thought sufficient to â—ame the rebels As soone as Iulian so the Captaine was called approched the Camâ—e walls instantly the souldiers that were within shewed the Boy to the adverse army from the Turrets and Pinnacies proclaming him to be Antonines son and holding up their purses full of money as a bait to betray Macrinus Whereupon the souldiers without beleeving he was Antonines son and perswading themselves he did exceedingly resemble him in face and lineaments struck off their Captaine Iulians head and sent it to Macrinus Iulian beheaded Which done the camp gates were opened and all let in Thus were their numbers increast to a competent Army not onely to hold out a siege but also to fight a battell being augmented also by the accesse of others that in great troopes revolted to them Which Macrinus understanding rouzes up his spirits and leades forth all his Army to aslaile the Campe. But Antonines Souldiers not intending to indure a siege march into the field Both the armies met on the borders of Syria Phoenicia but Antonines fought The battell betwixt Macriâ—e Bassian or Antonine â— more fiercely as knowing they should be souÌ„dly punished if they were overcoÌ„e on the other side Macrines was more faint remiss many of them fled to Antonine Which when Macrinus saw fearing lest all leaving him to the 4 winds he should be taken prisoner and villanously intreated wheÌ„ it grew toward the evening he stript himselfe of his Purple * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 surcoat and other Imperiall ornaments while his Army yet stood firme and being attended with a few of his trustiest Captaines betook him to flight shaving his berd close lest he should Macrinus flâ—es be knowne and shrowding himselfe in a Riding cloake hood poasting day and night to prevent the fame of his misfortune For his Captaines every where took up Coaches as if Macrinus still being Emperour they were sent from him about extraordinary affaires Thus he escaped by flight Meane while both armies fought Macrinus his guard termed the Praetorian Band * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bravely maintaining fight against the whole Power of the enemie for they were the tallest and choicest men that could be found All the other multitude fought for Antonine But when Macrinus his men after a great while neither saw him nor any signe of soveraignty not knowing whether he were slain or fled or what was become of him they were in a great maze for they determined to ingage themselves no longer for him that was not to be seen and yet they feared to come into their â—â—â—mies hands by yielding 〈…〉 en prisoners When An 〈…〉 â—â—derstood by the Rene 〈…〉 hat Macrinus was fled 〈…〉 eralds to certifie theÌ„ 〈…〉 not to fight for an * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unmanly fugitive that he pardoned them all that was past and would confirme the pardon by oath the better to assure them would make them presently his Guard Thus all giving credit to the Heralds yielded Instantly Antonine sends to pursue Macrinus that was now gotten a great way on his journy he was found at Chalcedon * Chalcedon a sea-Sea-City situate in view of Byzantium Strabo l. 12. Macrinus beheaded a City of Bithynia grievously sicke and over-toiled with travel being hid in the suburbs where they strucke off his head It was said that hee made such haste to Rome relying on the peoples love but as hee was passing into Europe over the Proponticke Gulfe being come neere to Byzantium hee was driven backe by contrary Gusts as if the Winds themselves had conspired to his punishment Thus Macrinus not being able to escape his pursuers came to a miserable end through his improvidence determining to goe to Rome at last which he should have done first of all having neither good fore sight nor good fortune his son Diadumenianus Diadumenianus Caesar whom he had made Caesar being slaine also with him When all the army had saluted Antonine Emperour and he was now established in the soveraignty the orientall affaires being ordered as was requisite by his Grandmother and friends for he was very young and of no experience he made no long stay there but prepared for his journey to Rome Maesa longing to returne to the Palace where shee had so long flourished When intimation hereof was given to the Roman Peeres and people it was heavie newes to all Antonine marching out of Syria wintered at Nicomedia Antonine winters at Nicomedia the season so requiring There he fell to his hiddygiddy * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 veneration of his country Deity whose Priest he was with antique dances attired in rich Sacerdotall vestments of gold tissued on Purple adorned with jewels and armelets and wearing coronets of gold and precious stones made like a Persian diadem The fashion of his habite was betwixt the long robe of the Phoenicians and the apparrel of the Medes For he scorned the Greek Roman attire as made of wooll that is as he termed it of base stuffe not daining any other weare but Syrian silks going 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 abroad usually wiâ—â— a noise of flutes shalms as at his sacrificing solemnities Which Moesa much distasting huÌ„bly besought him to put himself into the Roman habit left entring the City and * Parliament house Curia in that exoticke and barbarous garbe he should be an eye-sore to the
execute his Command lest upon my Refusall some other should have attempted it This I come to certifie your Majestie that you may avoyd him The Tribune having done fell a weeping But Severus could not instantly credite it For Plautian's Love had taken deep root in his heart and hee suspected it to bee a meere Illusion and cunning Imposture imagining that his son the Prince out of his hatred to Plautian and his daughter had devised this stratagem deadly * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 slander wherfore instantly sending for him he sharply rebuked him for plotting such things against his deare bosome-friend Antoninus swore deeply he knew nothing of it The Tribune producing Plautians Warrant Antonine incouraged him to detect the Crime The Tribune perceiving his owne Danger and well-knowing how gracious Plautian was with the Emperor so that if now hee made not good his Charge he should bee put to a cruell death sayd thus Sir what clearer proofe or stronger Evidence can you desire yet if you will give mee leave to goe out of the Pallace and send a trusty Messenger to him to let him know that I have done his Command hee will presently believe it and repaire hither to seize the Pallace So may you learne out the Truth Onely command all in the Court to be quiet that there may bee no intelligence given to prevent the Plot. This being agreed he sends a speciall friend to Plautian to bid him come quickly now both Princes were slaine before it were blazed abroad that possessing the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Castle and seeling himselfe in the Empire he might get the Soveraignty in despight of all men Plautian believing the Message was full of hope and putting on a Cuirace for defence under his Garments the night being well spent he poasted in his Caroach to the Court taking but a few with him that supposed the Emperours had sent for him about extraordinary Affaires Being enâ—â—ed the Royall pallace without any stop the Corps de guard knowing nothing of the busines the Tribune meets him and of set purpose salutes him Emperour Plautian the Traitor betrayed then taking him by the hand in friendly sort he leades him to the Chamber where he said hee had throwne the dead bodies of the Emperours Severus having appointed some of his Guard as soone as hee entred the roome to lay hands on him But Plautian who little expected such a banquet perceiving when he was come into the Chamber both the Emperours standing there and that hee was taken in the manner being horribly afraid fell on his knees and sought them not to misdeeme him saying it was a meere Gull and Tricke put upon him Severus exprobrating his Ingratitude in rewarding his many Honours and Favours in that sort and Plautian on the other side remembring him of his ancient love and approoved Fidelity the Emperour beganne by little and little to incline to believe him till his Cuirace was discerned by the opening of his Garment Which Antonine espying being a bold chollericke Youth and bearing a grudge against him Sir quoth he what colourable answer can you make to these two poynts First you come to Vs thus late unsent for Next what is the meaning I pray of this Cuirace who uses to sup or banquet in Armour With that hee commands the Tribune and the rest that were present to dispatch him with their swords as an open enemy Plautian slaine They without dilay did as the young Emperour bade them and threw his carcasse into the High-way to bee the scorne of them that haâ—ed him This end had Plautian answerable to his exorbitant Life and Insatiate Ambition Severus henceforth made two Pretorian Prefects and spent most of his Time in his Royall houses in the Suburbs or in the Sea-coast of * The Region betwixt Rome and Naples Campania ministring †Severus was a good Law-giver S. Aur. Vici de Caesar Iustice and attending State-Affaires Hee was also exceeding carefull to have his Sonnes at Rome bred in honourable fashion For he perceived they were more addicted to Playes and Games than was agreeable to their Princely estare The pursuit whereof and their eager desire to win being stâ—ll accompanyed with different successe and vehement altercation distracted the Brethrens affections and inflamed them with Fire-brands of enmity and discord But Antonine especially now Plautian was made away beganne to be intolerable in his behaviour and formidable to all using all possible meanes to destroy his wife daughter to Plautian But Severus sent her away with her brother into Sicilie assigning them sufficient Maintenance to live plentifully imitating Augustus who dealt in like sort with Antonius sonnes when he became his Enemie And now he mainly laboured Severus Instruction to his Sonnes to reconcile his Sons and reduce them to Vnity and Vnanimity * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Remembring them out of old Stoties and Tragedies of the disasters which befell to Brothers that were Princes by such Dissentions Hee shewed them how full of Money the Treasuries and Temples were so that they needed not to seeke for Wealth and Riches abroad that had such abundance at home whereby they might bountifully reward the Souldiers at their pleasure That the Romane Guards were quadrupled and so puissant an Army lay before the City that considering the Number of men at Armes Hugenes of their bodies and great store of treasure no forraign power was able to come neere them And yet all he said would come to nought if they jarr'd warr'd one with the other Thus did hee daily schoole them and by sharpe reprehensions and faire speeches strove all hee could to bring them to sobriety and temper But all in vaine For these unbridled Gallants being in those first heats of youth flesht in all kinde of Pleasures by reason of their Imperiall State became worse and worse and were more at ods than ever by the practices of their Parasites who did not only base offices in serving their Lusts but were also still projecting new Quarrells and Debates betwixt them for their own sinister ends But Severus finding out divers of those bad Instruments severely punisht them The Emperour being in great anguish of spirit by reason of his Childrens unseemly and unprincely Demeanour received Newes from Britaine Letters from his Vice-Roy of Britaine cerifying that the Barbarians there were risen and had ranged over the Country pillaging wasting all before them that he needed therfore greater Forces to defend the * He means the Provinciated part of Britaine Place or rather that his Imperiall Majestly should come in person Severus was glad of this newes as naturally desirous of honour and ambitious after his Eastern and Northern Victories and Sirnames to make a Conquest of the Britaines Ioyfull also hee was of so faire an occasion to take his Sonnes from Rome and weane them from the Diet and Delights of the City by inuring them to a sober military life
He proclamed therefore his Expedition Severus expedition into Britaine into Britaine being now old and gowtie but of more vigour and alacrity than any in the flower of youth In his Iourney he was carried for the most part in a Siegetta and rested almost in no place Having ended his Land travells he imbarks with his sonnes for Britaine where he arrived sooner than any thought or expected Presently he commands a generall Muster and raising a great power prepares for the Warre The Britaines much troubled at the Emperors sudden * Omnia repentina terrent arrival and understanding that he meant to bring all those Forces against them sent Embassadors to crave Peace and excuse their Faults But Severus seeking to protract time lest hee should returne to Rome as he came and being very eager of the Conquest and Sirname of Britaine dismisses their Embassadors without * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dispatch and provides all warlike Ammunition And to the end his souldiers might stand firme in fight and bestirre themselves nimbly and on sure ground hee gave strict charge to make Causies and Bridges over the Marish land For the most part of that Region of the Britaines being surrounded by the Oceans continuall Irruption is Fenny and Moorish In those Bogges the * The Romanes stiled all Barbarians but themselves and the Greeks Barbarians use to swim and run up and downe plunging themselves to the middle for being halfe-naked they care not for Mire or Mud. They use not Vestures but weare about their Description of Picts or Scots a branch of the Britans wasts and neckes an Ornament of Iron which they esteeme a rare accoutrement and rich abiliment as other Barbarians doe Gold They pownce and paint their bodies with curious pictures and the shapes of all sorts of Creatures in which regard they are not clad all over lest Their Elogie they should hide that brave Embroderie They are a most Martiall * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 people and very furious in fight wherein they use onely a Sword and Pike the King and Queene of Weapons narrow Shield a Pike and a Sword hanging at their naked sides As for Cuirace or Caske they use none at all deeming they would but hinder them in traversing the pools and fennes out of which the foggy vapours continually arising make the sky in that Coast alwaies cloudy Severus hauing all things in readinesse that he desired which might further the Romanes or hinder annoy the Barbarians left his younger son Geta in that * Viz. at York part of the I le which was under the Romane obedience to minister Iustice and governe the State appoynting for his Assistance his most ancient Friends and Counsellours but tooke Antonine with him to the Warre against the Barbarians The Armie having past those rivers and Rampiers which disterminate the Frontiers of the Romanes from the Barbarians made certaine petty Skirmishes and Excursions wherein they had still the better But the enemies retreated at their pleasure into their Fastnesses among the Woods and Fennes so familiar to them wherein they hid themselves which being no small * Severus lost fifty thousand in that Service Dio. detriment to the Romans did spinne the Warre to a great length Meanewhile Severus being now very aged fell into a languishing Disease which forced him to keep home and send Antonine to prosecute the warre But hee little regarding the Barbarians bended all his indeavours to win the Souldiers perswading them to make him their Chief For he vehemently aspired to sole Soveraign to which purpose hee still depraved and disvalued his brother Hee was also much vext that his Fathers Disease was so lingring and had not made an end of him wherfore he sollicited his Physicians and Attendants to dispatch the old man and mischiefe him by any meanes whatsoever At last Severus departed this life being consumed and pined away rather * Severus dies for griefe with Heart-griefe than any other malady having beene the most famous Warrier of all the Emperours For none ever got so many Victories over Civill and Forraigne Enemies He deceased * At Yorke April 4. An. Dom. 212. in the eighteenth yeare of his Raigne leaving to his young sonnes which succeeded him such a Masse of Treasure as never any did and so puissant an Armie as was unmatchable Antonine after Severus death Antonines Cruelty being now in supreme authority instantly beganne to bathe himselfe in bloud putting to death the Physicians for not hastening the old Emperors death as he commanded killing his own brothers foster fathers because they had mediated an Accord between them not sparing any that either honoured his Father or was honoured by him He sollicited also the chief Captaines and Commanders with large gifts and promises to perswade the Souldiers to proclame him sole Emperour using all possible Traines and Mines against his brother But the Souldiers would in no wise yield to it for they well knew that Severus had from their Infancie trained them in the same degree of honour and therefore they were resolved to love and honour both alike Antonine seeing hee could not prevaile with the Armie made a League with the Barbarians to whom having given peace and received their Pledges hee departed in all haste to his Mother and Brother Being come together their Mother the Empresse and all the great Lords and Counsellours of State assaied to make them friends whereupon Antonine when he saw that all opposed his Designes of constraint rather than willingly yielded to a dissembled attonement Then both the Brothers ruling with equall Authority sailed out of Britaine and tooke their Iourney to Rome carrying with them their Fathers Reliques Severus his Râ—liques For his body being burned the Ashes mixt with sweet Odours were bestowed in an Vrne of Alablaster which they tooke to Rome to place it in the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sacred Sepulchers of the Emperours They lead the Army as Conquerors of Britaine and Antonine and Geta saile out of Britaine landed in Gallia Thus have we shewed in this Booke the manner of Severus Raign and Death and how his Sonnes succeeded him in the Empire The End of the third Booke HERODIAN HIS IMPERIALL HISTORIE The fourth Booke The Contents THe two Emperours enter Rome in State What Romane Emperours Deifyed Their solemne Obsequie and Funerall Triumph Severus Deified Wrestling The Partition of the Empire The Empresse Dowager hinders it Antonine kills Geta His Prodigality and savage Cruelty His guilty Conscience His Exercises and Military Austerity He acts Alexander and Achilles Hee is royally entertained at Alexandria He offers at Alexanders Shrine His Quarrell to the Alexandrians A fear full Massacre He pretends to bee a Suiter to the King of Parthia's Daughter under which colour hee massacres the Parthians He consults with Magicians and commands them to conjure Hee is slaine Macrinus succeeds His Speech A terrible battell betwixt the Romans