being come and the usual sacrifices ceremonies performed all the Senate and City attending him hee departs from Rome ofteÌ„ looking back towards the City and weeping Neither Alexander beloved oâ— all was there any of the people which parted from him with drie eies so dearely were they devoted to him being bred amongst them having raigned so many years with such rare moderatioÌ„ With speedy journeies hee visited the Illyrian Nations and armies and taking great forces from thence with him he marched to He marches to Antioch Antioch where he made diligent preparation for al warlike necessaries still attending the training of Souldiers and other Martiall exercises Here again hoping to end the war by Treatie hee sent another Embassie to the Persian king to conclude a peace contract An Embassie a league with him For being come so far in person he was in hope either to perswade him or at least to terrifie him But the Barbarian prince proudly rejects the Roman Embassadors sends 400 of his tallest Persians in brave rich attire as Heralds or embassadors mounted on goodly coursers w th their gay bowes and arrowes thinking the Romans would be danted with the sight and habit of the Persians His embassage was this The great King Artaxerxes commands the A braving Embassie Romans and their Prince to depart out of all Syria and Asia * Asia minor that is opposite to Europe to permit the Persians to rule as far as Ionia Caria over all those countries which are divided by the Aegean and Pontick sea and by patrimoniall right belong to the Persians These 400 Embassadors Alexander commanded Embassadors punisht to bee apprehended stripping them of their Persian gallantry banisht them into Phrygia assigning them certaine villages for dwelling and fields for tillage contenting himselfe to punish them by debarring their returne into their native countrie it being as he thought an * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unholy deed unmanly act to put them to death that fought not but only executed their Soveraignes command This done Alexander being about to passe over the rivers and lead his Army into the Barbarians countrey many Aegyptian souldiers revolted from him and others began to make a commotion in Syria but they were soone supprest and punisht Alexander also sent some Forces into other countries to prevent the Barbarians incursions All Alexanders policie which things being set in order and having now a great armie not inferior to the enemy he divided it by his councels advice into three Battalions commanding one to march Northward through Armenia which seem'd to be in friendly termes with the Romans and that way to invade the Borders of Media another likewise to passe by the North through the Barbarian countries where Tigris and Euphrates meer are drowned in great Marishes and lakes whence it is unknown how they are dis-emboged the third being the best part of the army himself undertook to lead against the Barbarians assaile them in the midst By this means he thought to take theÌ„ unprovided invading theÌ„ several wayes and that the Persian forces would be much distracted weakned and so lesse able to resist the Romanes by being dispersed to incounter them in places so far disterminated For the Barbarians have no mercenary bands as the Romans use nor any set Camps or veterane Armies that are still exercised in Martiall discipline but all their men and women too sometimes are mustered together at the Kings command and after the war return to their houses taking for their pay all the booties they get They use shooting and riding not onely Archerie as the Romans in war but even froÌ„ their childhood in hunting for their food using their bows perpetually on horsbacke whether they follow the wars or pursue wild beastes This plot of Alexander though it were plausible proved not fortunat for the army that marcht thorow Armenia having with great difficulty climbed over the extreme steep and craggy Mountaines of that The Armenian mountains Region which they did the better in regard it was Summer entred Media where they burnt many Villages got much pillage Which the Persian King understanding hastened against them with al his power But they could not impeach the Romans by reason of the hillinesse and roughnesse of the countrie which was more firm and pâ—ssable for footmen but a maine hindrance to the Barbarian horse Then came other news to the king that another Army of the Romans had entred the Parthian dominions Eastward and wasted the Country Fearing therfore lest having soone conquered the Parthians they should invade Persia he left as many troopes as he thought were sufficient to defend Media and posts with a puissant host to the East parts The Roman Army when they saw none come against them began to bee more negligent in their march supposing that Alexander had with the third part of the Army which was the strongest invaded the Barbarians in the middle Resting therfore reposing themselves they supposed there needed no hast as not doubting but that all the Army did come on according to the first determination to which purpose a place was assigned as a rendâ—zvous for themselves the prey prisoners which they should take But Alexander disappointed them for he neither went himself nor sent the Army whether for feare of losing his life in defending the Empire or whether his mother out of a feminine feare and fondnes detained him is uncertaine Vndoubtedly shee did much abate his noble courage perswading him rather to expose others to danger than himselfe to the fortune of war By which means the Roman army that had entred the Barbarians Countrey was meerely betrayed For the Persian king leading all his forces against The Romans defeated them ere they were aware and taking them as it were in a net gave theÌ„ an absolute defeat for being few they could not withstand so many but guarding as well as they could the open parts of their bodies with their Armes against the shot of the arrowes they supposed they acquitted themselves well if making no resistance they escaped safe But having for some space defended themselves by joyning their targets together as with a wall being like a city assaulted on every side grievously wouÌ„ded at last after a long and brave resistance they were every man slaine The losse of which great Army which might well bee compared to any of the Ancient for valour or fidelity was a mighty and unspeakable calamity to the Romans But the Persian puft up with so good successe bare his Crest aloft and aspir'd to higher matters Which when Alexander heard being then very sick either for griefe of mind or unwholsomenesse of the aire he tooke it exceeding heavilie and all the Army was grievously offended with the Emperour in that by disappointing his men he had so foully betrayed theÌ„ But Alexander not able to endure hiâ— sicknesse nor that
this hopefull young Bad Courtiers Prince These fawning Paâ—asites placing their felicitie in Belly-cheere * In Ventre Veneâ—e and brutish lusts did ef-soones put him in minde of the Delices of Rome sometime recounting to him what brave things were there to bee seene and heard otherwhile extolling the great plenty and abundance of all things there Further they shewed how incommodious it was to reside on the bankes of * The greatest River after Nilus in all the Roman Empire Au. Gel. â— Saâ—â—st Ister which were both barren unfruitfull and perpetually subject to Cold and Raine Will your Majesty sayd they still drinke such frozen and muddy waters while others injoy the warme Bathes coole Rivers and dainty Aire of Italy With these and the like sugred Allectives they inflam'd the young Emperor with the love of Pleasures Whereupon calling his Councell together he told them he had a great desire to see his Native Countrey but being loth to shew the Reason of that sudden resolution hee said hee was afraid lest some of the chiefe Nobles should seize the Imperial Palace at Rome which being a strong Castle he might easily of the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Traine-bands and others raise a great Armie and proclaime himselfe Emperour They hearing him alledge thesâ— Uâ—â—brages in great feare and amazement lookt on the earth and knew not what to say at last Pompeianus the most ancient of Pompeianus a grave Statesman all who might best speake because of his affinity having marryed Commodus eldest sister said Pompeianus his Speech MY deare Soveraigne it is no marvell if you long to see your Countrey for there is in all of us a vehement desire to be at home but yet we checke it not withstanding because the Busines in hand doth much more import us thâ—se domestick contents may with more security hereafter be injoyed As for * * Vbi Imperator ibi Roma Rome it is there where the Emperour is But if wee abruptly breake off the Warre it will be both dishonorable and dangerous for so we shall animate the Barbarians who may thinke that we dismarched for feare of them rather than any other respect Now if your Imperiall Majesty will proceede â—â— your Conquests and extend this North part of your Empire unto the Ocean in what a glorious Triumph may you enter the City with the chained and captived Kings and Princes of the Barbarians * * In the Romane Triumphs The Captives went before the triumphant Charriot Vid. s. Amb. Ser. 62. de Pentecoste before you For thus the Romanes in ancient Heroicall times attayned so great renowne Feare not therefore any domesticke Vsurpers For the prime Senators are here with you and all the Military Forces are here ready to defend you Besides here is all the Imperiall Treasure Lastly the memory of your Father hath confirmed to you the eternall Love and Loyaltie of all Estates This strong Disswasive of Pompeianus did for a while somewhat abate the edge of the young Emperour who revering his words and having nothing to reply with his Honour dismist the Lords saying hee would better consider of it But his Courtiers still pressing him with continuall importunity hee advis'd no further with his Councell but instantly sent Letters to Rome and commanded all to prepare for the Iourney giving order to certaine Troopes to guard the Banks of Ister and keepe off the Baâ—barians Incursions They having received their Charge did soon subdue many of them and others by rewards they wonne unto them which they might casily doe for the Barbarians being naturally greedy of * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cash and not caring what dangerous Adventures they undertooke liv'd altogether by spoyling and forraging or by selling Peace at a deare rate which Commodus well knowing and having a huge Masse of Treasure to the end to leave all things in security gave them whatsoever they demanded As soone as it was proclaymed through the Army that they must all goe home there was a mighty hurly-burly in the Campe every man desiring to quit the Enemies Countrey and to taste the Delights of the Citie And when it was certain ly knowne at Rome that the Prince would come all the Romane People were ravisht with Ioy every one conceiving excellent hopes of their young Emperour and firmely beleeving hee would tread in his Fathers steps He presently tooke his Iourney Commedâ—s posteth to Rome with high speed posting in youthfull bravery in his Chariot through every Citie as he passed being Ro ally received and â—â—â—ertained with great Magnificence and generall Applause But when he drew neer to Rome all the Romane Peers and Commons every one striving to bâ— formost went out to meet mâ—n with * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—aurels in their handâ— and all kind of Flowers as the Season afforded to welcome their Noble young PRINCE whom in truth they loved most dearely and cordially in regard hee was borne and bred among them being of the most Noble The Romans dearly affect him and Imperiall Blood from three descents For by his Father hee was descended from the most Honourable Senators and his Mother Faustina the Empresse daughter to Antonius Pius and Neece by the Mothers side to the Emperour Adrian derived his Pedegree from Trajan her Great Grandfather Thus Nobly descended was Commodus who was not onely * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 conspicuous for his youthfull Prime but also for his lovely Feature being of a His Description fine Constitution of body of an amiable and Majestique Presence bright and * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sparkling Eyes yellow and curled Loâ—ks insomuch that when he walked in the Sunne his Haire would glister lâ—ke Flames of Fiâ—e which made many suppose it was powdred with Gold Others conceited it was a signe of some divine Excellence and that hee had that glistering Lustre on his head from his birth Moreover the silken downe of his Cheekes began to blossome and bud forth like Roses in the Spring This hopefull and Illustrious Emperour did the Romanes congratulate with passing hearty and affectionate Acclamations strowing all the way before him with Flowers and Garlands Having His Entrie into Rome made his entry into the Citie hee went first to the Temple of Iupiter and then to the Fanes of the other Gods Lastly having solemnly thanked the Senators and Pretorian souldiers for their singular fidelity hee reposed himselfe in the * Built on Mount Palatine otherwise called Palatium See Aurâ—l Victor de Orig Gent. Râ—m Imperiall Palace For some few yeares hee gave all due honour and regard to his fathers friends being content to bee rul d by them in all matters of weight But afterwards committing the Governement of the Empire to others hee made Perennius an Italian a Perennius a Favourite good Souldier Captaine of the Pretorian Bands who suffering the young Emperour to follow his Pleasures and wallow in all manner
much troubled that his designes were thus interrupted yet relying on his Fathers puissance whom hee thought to bee safe enough hee set forward on his journey and as soone as hee arrived in Italy hee was slaine by the Emperors appoyntment This was the end of them Then Commodus made two Pretorian Praefects supposing it not safe to delegate so great power to any one which being divided betwixt two might bee the weaker and lesse dangerous But ere long another treason broke out against him in this manner There was one Maternus a Maternus a Rebell Souldier that had committed many villanous outrages whereupon for saking the camp hee associated divers Renegadoes like himselfe and quickly rallied together a great Rabble of Roarers wasting and spoyling Villages and Fields Having got much booty there resorted to him a farre greater number of Rogues whom hee promised great rewards and having made them Sharers with him hee was so followed that now they seemed not to be a packe of Theeves but an Host of men or a full Armie For they tooke great Cities and breaking up Prisons every where set all Prisoners and Malefactors at liberty which all turned Souldiers in hope of Pillage and Impunity Thus did they ramble over all Gallia and Spaine sacking and burning all the great Cities they tooke When Commodus heard this hee sent to the Vicegerents and Governours of those Countries very sharpe and minatory Letters charging them with base cowardlinesse and commanding them to levie an Armie against them Which when those Free-booters understood thinking those Countries but hollow ground for them they disperst themselves and slinking thorow unused By-wayes made their Rendezvous in Italy where Maternus began now to looke big and take more upon him consulting with his companions how hee Maternus aspires to Soveraignty might rise to bee a King For seeing his former adventures succeeded beyond his hopes he resolved to undertake some gallant Attempt or since hee had runne so great a hazard not to die a vile and dishonourable Death But considering withall that hee had not Forces sufficient to give battle to Commodus who was yet beloved of the Roman people he resolved to try by a cunning sleight how the Praetorian Band stood Mâ—â—ernus his plot affected to him And this was his Stratagem In the beginning of the spring the Romans celebrate a great Anniversary Festivall to the * Cybele Mother of the gods in whose honour they likewise set forth a stately shew at what time all the most sumptuous and precious stuffe of the Citizens and the choisest Iewels and Singularities of the Emperors are solemnly caried before the Image of the Goddesse all men having liberty to revel and maske at pleasure to disguise themselves in the habits of what Magistrate or Officer they fancy bee they never so great so that a man can hardly discerne the true from the counterfeit This Maternus imagined would bee a fit time to colour his treason to act his Designe which was to arme himselfe and his Followers in all points like the Emperours Guard whereby they might thrust in among the Speares and Halberds as part of his traine and suddenly dispatch him ere any were aware With this purpose he privily entrâ—d the City with a select Troope but some of his companions disdaining that their Fellow-thiefe should He is detected by his fellowes and executed become their Prince and Soveraigne discovered all to the Emperour whereupon before the solemnity this king of Rakehels and his Complices were apprehended and executed according to their demerits Commodus having sacrificed and rendred thankes and supplications to the Goddesse for his deliverance kept her holiday with great devotion honouring the Shew with his owne presence which made all the people so glad that they celebrated the day with great joy for the Emperours safety The Reason why the Romans have this Goddesse in such high veneration I have thought good to declare out of their Histories because it is not commonly knowne to the Greekes THey say that her Image The History of the chiefe Roman Goddesse was let fall by Iove and that it is unknowne who made it or what it is made of and they firmely beleeve it is no humane handiworke The tradition is that it fell in old time from Heaven into a Field of Phrygia called Pessinus by occasion of that fall of the Image it being there first discovered Others report that a Battell was there fought betwixt Ilus the Phrygian Tantalus a Lydian the Quarrell being either about a way or for the stealing away of Ganymede and when they had long fought on even tearmes and many were slaine on both sides the Place had that name of the great Slaughter there made There likewise they say that while Ganymedes brother strove to rescue him from his Lover he was pull'd in pieces betwixt them but to salve the matter it was given out that Iove tooke him from them both whereupon he had divine honour ascribed to him In this * See plinl 5. c. 32. Pessinus the Phrygians in old time celebrated their Orgia upon the bankes of the River * Of which river whosoever dranke became so mâ—d that he gelded himselfe Gallus whence the gelded Priests of the Goddesse are called Galli But when the Romane State beganne to flourish the Oracle telling them that their Empire should continue and overtop all others if they could get among them the Goddesse of Pessinus they dispatched Embassadours into Phrygia to desire the Goddesses Image which was easily graunted them because they alledged that they were their cousIn 's of the whole bloud and descended of Aeneas the Phrygian When the Image was brought by Ship to the mouth of Tyber which was then the only Port the Romans had suddenly by some divine power the Ship stood still and could not be moved with all the haling or pulling of the Romanes At last a Vestall Nunnne that was falsely accused to have lost her Virginity which she had vowed to keepe inviolate fearing she should be condemned besought the people to make the Goddesse Pessinuntia her Iudge which being admitted she untied her Girdle and prayed in the hearing of all that if the Goddesse knew her to be a Virgin immaculaâ—e she would command the Ship to remove Then tying her Girdle to the Ship she pulled and it followed her the Romans admiring both the Divinity of the Goddesse and the virginity of the Priestesse And thus much of the Story of the Goddesse Pessinuntia which though it bee somewhat long yet I trust will not be unpleasIng to them that are not versed in Roman Antiquities Commodus having escaped the Treason of Maternus doubled his Guards came seldome abroad retired himselfe to his Houses of Pleasure in the Suburbs or to his Mannours farre from the Citie and gave over all Exercise of Imperiall lurisdiction It hapned about the same time that all Italie was infested with a furious Pestilence but especially 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
was desirous to have his daughter to wife that he was an Emperor and Sonne to an Emperor and was not minded therefore to bee Sonne in Law to any Subject or meane person but rather to espouse a Queene or some great Princesse that the Roman and Parthicke Empires were the two greatest in the world which if by affinity they were united their powers conjoyned without any Barre or Let by Rivers or otherwise they would become absolutely Invincible that the Barbarian nations subject to both Empires would be more mannageable if every severall Countrey and City had governours of their owne Nation that the Roman Infantery and Pike-men excelled all others in set Battel that the Parthian Cavallery and Archers exceeded for number Parthian Archers and Skill Both which concurring with correspondent Military valour and all Warlicke necessaries would easily reduce the whole World to an entire Monarchy under one Diadem And whereas those Countries yeelded Spices Odours and the finest Silkes and the Roman dominions abounded in all kind of Mineralls and Manufactures which in the division Merchants imported but by stealth and very seldome were this Vnion effected on one sole Empire constituted there would follow by mutuall Trafficke and Amitie a happy intercourse without impeachment or impediment The Parthian having read these Letters refused the offer at The Parthians Answer first saying That it was very inconvenient for the Roman Barbarian Princes to match together for what concord could there be in so different Language Diet and Habite that the Emperour might finde at Rome many of great Nobility and Extraction not unworthy his Affinitie as himselfe had likewise among his Peeres and * Princes of the bloud descended of King Arsaâ—es Arsacidae and that it was not fit that either of their Races should be Mungreliz'd in that manner This was his first answer to the Emperors proposition but Antonine reinforcing his suite by many gifts and solemn oaths confirming his zealous affection and desire of Marriage The Barbarian King yeelded at last and promising to give him his Daughter called him His son in law that should be Which newes being divulged all the Barbarians prepared to entertaine the King of the Romanes and rejoyced in hope of an eternall Peace Whereupon Antonine Antonine enters Parthia passing the Rivers without opposition progressed over Parthia as if it had been his own Countrey the Natives every where entertained him with Sacrifices crowned Altars and most exquisite sweet Odours which hee made shew to bee exceedingly affected with Approching after a long March to the Court of Artabanus the King goes forth to meet the Bridegroome his Son in law in a faire Plaine before the City attended with a wondrous company of Barbarians wearing Chaplets of flowers and divers coloured Vestures of wrought Gold frollicking and dancing to the Musicke of Flutes Pipes and Timbrells for with these Revells they are marveilously delighted especially when they are well tipled Now when the greatest concourse of people was come together and the Barbarians having left their horses bowes and arrowes were feasting and carowsing at randome and misdeeming nothing thronged and crowded together to see the royall Bridegroom Antonine made a signe to his souldiers to flie upon them and murther them The Barbarians amazed at this gave The Parthians massacred back and fled the Roman following the Chase killing and wounding them Artabanus himself being â—â—â—ued by his Guard and set on Horseback had much adoe to escape with a few of his Courtiers The Remainder of the Barbarians were put all to the sword for they had neither horses which they most needed having turned them to pasture nor could they runne away being hindred by their loose Garments which reached downe to the foot nor had they with them their Bowes and Arrowes for what should they doe with them at a Wedding Thus after a mighty Massacre of the Barbarians Antonine taking magnificent Spoyles and many Pri-soners departs without any resistance burning Townes and Cities as he went and licensing the Souldiers to take what pillage and booty they listed This blow the Barbarians received ere they lookt for it Antonine having harried and wasted the Parthian Countrey till his souldiers were weary retreits into Mesopotamia and from thence certifies the Romane Senate and People that hee had conquered all the Orient and reduced all those Kingdomes under his obedience The Senate albeit they wel knew how things went * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for it is impossible that a Princes actions should be concealed yet out of feare and flattery they decreed to him all Triumphall Honors And now did Antonine keepe his Court in Mesopotamia wholly devoting himselfe to Charriot-races and Combates with all sorts of Wilde beasts He had two Generalls of his army the one was very aged and though no great Statesman yet a good Martiall man His name was Audentius The other called Macrinus was well seen in points of State and an excellent Lawyer Him the Prince did oft shrewdly checke and taunt in publicke as a man of no spirit or valour giving him very contumelious tearmes For understanding that he kept a good table and loathed the course Viands that himselfe delighted in like a souldier and that he used to weare a short * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cloake and other City attire he called him an effeminate Coward and continually threatned to kill him Which Macrinus taking to heart was mightily inraged Now there fell out this Accident for at last Antonine was to leave the Stage Beeing naturally curious and inquisitive to know not onely the secrets of Men but of Gods also and Daemons and suspecting that all intended Treason against him hee consulted all Oracles and sent Magicians consulted farre and neere for Magicians Astrologers and Wizzards not one escaping him that professed those Curious Arts. But misdoubting that they all lyed and prophesied falsely to sooth him in his humour hee writes to one Maternianus to whom hee had committed the Government of the State at Rome and as to his most confident friend hee had imparted all his secrets willing him to inquire out the chiefe Magicians and Conjurers that Conjuring were to be found and to demand of the Spirits that were raised how long hee had to live and whether any intended to surprise the empire Maternianus obeying his CoÌ„mand whether the Spirits signified so much or whether he plotted so against Macrinus writes back to Antonine that Macrinus * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 insidiously aspired to the Empire and that therefore hee should make him away Having sealed these Letters among others hee delivers them as usually he did to the Posts that knew nothing of the Contents They with wonted speede arrive at the Emperours Court at the very instant of his beginning his Charriot-race for hee was now entring the Charriot and deliver him the Packet wherein the Letters touching Macrinus were But Antonine's minde being wholly fixt on his present *
Rome and depriving others of their offices upon pretence of misgovernment Which he purposely did that being rid of all which were his betters in birth he might the more freely uncontrolably practise in his Army as in a stroÌ„g Arcenal al kind of Tyranny without regard to any Hee banisht also from the court al Alexanders servants that had so many yeares waited and put many of them to death upon misprision of Treason because they mourned for their old master But that which set a keene edge upon his Tyranny was an information that many Captaines and all the Roman Senate conspired against him There was one Magnus a very Magnus noble Gentleman that had been Consul who was accused to the Emperor that he raised a faction against him and dealt with the Souldiers to make himselfe Emperor The Plot was said to be this Maximin had built a bridge over the River to go against the Germans for as soon as he came to the Soveraignty he presently applyed himselfe to the warres For being elected to the Empire for his huge bulke approved valour skill in military affaires he intended by deeds of Armes to confirme the Soldiers in their good opinion and to make the world know that Alexanders feare * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 retardation of the war was justly to bee condemned Wherfore he spared no pains to muster and traine the Souldiers and being still in armes himselfe he mightily incouraged the Army Having made the bridge he purposed to passe into Germany But Magnus was reported to have perswaded many of the best soldiers who had the charge of guarding the bridge that as soon as Maximine were passed over they should cut it down and so preventing his returne betray him to the Barbarians For so deep broad was the river that it was impossible hee should retreat there being no ships on the other side This was the rumor but whether true or feigned by Maximin is uncertain for it is hard to determine any thing therein all that were suspected being suddenly apprehended and cruelly slain without Iudiciall Processe or Pleading But now the Osroene Archers began to revolt For being much griev'd at Alexanders murther meeting by chance Quartinus with Quartinus one of Alexanders friends dismist but a little before by Maximine they layd hold on him and utterly against his will made him their Chiefe and honouring him with the fatall Ornaments of Purple and Fire carried before him they proclamed him Emperor that neither knew of it before nor thought of it howbeit soone after sleeping in his Tent he was suddenly slain by one that had beene his companion and as some say his affied friend whose name was Macedon Macedon the Captain of the Osroens and the first mover of their revolt froÌ„ Maximin And though hee had no cause nor quarrell at all against him yet he slew him whom himself had compelled to take upoÌ„ him the Empire Then thinking he should be wondrous welcom to Maximine he brought him Quartinus head for a Present Maximine being glad to see it and rejoycing that his enemy was so easily made away wheras the Actour expected great thanks and preferment hee put him to a most cruell death as a Ringleader of Rebellion a murtherer of him that hee had perswaded against his will to that enterprize and a Traitour to his dearest friend These the like occasions whetted Maximine to all immanity that of himselfe was exceeding bloudy He had a horrible ugly countenance and such a Cyclopicall Bulk that no Greek nor Barbarian Champion was comparable to him Having thus ordered his affaires he leads all his army with great courage over the Bridge and makes war upon the Germans A wondrous multitude of people followed him almost all the Roman forces the Moresco darters and many Bands of Archers of the Osroens and Armenians whereof the first are Vassalls to the Romans the latter their Allies and Confederates as also the mercenary and fugitive Parthians and the Captives of that nation that served the Romanes in the war Which confused Masse having been first raked together by Alexander was after augmented well trained by Maximine These Darters and Archers are very serviceable against the Germans because they nimbly sally forth upon the enemy ere they are aware and easily retreat into the Grosse of the army Maximin being entred the enemies country finding none to resist him for all the Barbarians were fled spoiled all the country the corn being now ready to reape leaving all the villages to be burnt pillaged by the souldiers Their cities buildings are very apt to take fire for the Germans rarely use to build with stone or brick their houses being like sheds made of bords timber fastned together Maximin progressing in this sort burning all the fields giving al the cattell to the Souldiers could yet find no enemies For they had left all the Champaigne and plaine Country and betaken theÌ„selves to the woods Woods Bogs and bogs where they skulked watched their advantage to make an irruption upon the enemy as knowing that the trees which grew so thicke would hinder the enemies Darts Arrowes and the depth of the bogs would be dangerous for the Romans that knew theÌ„ not but easie accessible to them that wel knew where they were passable running daily thorow them up to the knees The Germanes also are very skilfull The Germans good swimmers swimmers using to wash only in Rivers In these difficult places beganne the battell the Roman Emperor himselfe most bravely giving the onset For being come to a mighty great Meare or Marish whither the Germanes had fled the Romans fearing to follow them Maximin was the first that entred with his horse where A terible battell in a Poole plunging above the horse-belly he made a great slaughter of the Barbarians that very stoutly resisted Whereat the Soldiers being abasht lest they should seeme â—o betray their Emperour leapt boldly into the Mear where many on both sides were slain but the BarbariaÌ„s were almost cut of the Romane prince most valiantly fighting in person insomuch that the poole being fild up with carcasses and the fennes all purpled with bloud it represented a gastly hideous sight of a sea-fight as it were on land This battel and his other Martiall acts the Emperour did not onely certify by Letters to the Roman Senate and People but coÌ„manded also the Portrait of them at large to be publikly set before the Councel-house that the Romans might not onely heare but behold also his brave Exployts Which Table with his other honours was afterward taken downe by the Senat. Other skirmishes there were in all which hee fought in the head of his troopes and with his own hands hewed out his honour Winter approaching he retreated with many prisoners and mighty booties into Pannonia Where in Sirmium the greatest City of that Countrey he lay in Garrison preparing for a Spring War and often saying which he seemed to intend that he would exterminate and subdue all the Barbarous nations of Germany to the very Ocean Such a famous Warriour hee was And surely great Glory he had got had heâ— not beene more bloody and cruell to his owne subjects than to the enemies For what thanks to kill Barbarians if far more were murthered in Rome it selfe FINIS