was Forty four years old having reign'd Fifteen Years and six days Q. Pray give me a Description of him A. He was lusty and well-proportion'd he had a handsome Nose large Eyes he was weak-sighted and had a Face as Red as Scarlet Nerva the Thirteenth Emperor The Year of Rome 836. Of the Birth of I. C. 96. Q. WHO was this Nerva A He was a Person of Quality who deriv'd his Original from Narni a City scituated in the Province of Vmbria Q. What Character had he in the World A. He had the Reputation of a most Excellent Prince Q. What considerable things did he do in the beginning of his Reign A. He cancell'd all the Edicts that had been made in Domitian's time Q. How old was he when they elected him to the Empire A. He was Sixty five years old Q. What other Proofs did he give the people of his Clemency and Generosity A. He restor'd all persons to their Possessions which they had been plunder'd of by Domitian and gave leave to all those whom he had banish'd to return to their Native Countrey Among the rest say some St. Iohn the Evangelist who suffer'd Exile in the Isle of Patmos came back to Ephesus of which City he was Bishop Q. What remarkable Oath was that which Nerva swore A. He solemnly swore before the Senators That he would put not one of them to Death tho they gave him never so just an occasion Q. And did he keep his Oath A. He so religiously observ'd it that two of them having conspir'd to take away his Life he would not suffer them to dye Q. What did he do to them then A. He sent for them to let them see he was not ignorant of their Design against him he carried them with him to the Theatre placed them on each side of him and then gave both of them a Ponyard telling them before all the world That they might try uâ—on him whether they were good or no. Q. What is commonly said of him A. That he wanted Authority to suppress the Insolence of his Soldiers and his extreme Old Age render'd him contemptible Q. What method did he take to make himâ—elf more Absolute than he was A. He preferr'd Trajan who at that time commanded the Army in Germany before all his Relations and adopted him to the Empire Q. Did Nerva live a long while after this Adoption A. No he died Three Months after being compleatly Sixty six years old Q. Of what Distemper did he dye A. Of a Feaver which he got by straining his Voice too much in talking to one Regulus who had put him into a Passion Q. How long did he reign A. One Year Four Months and Eleven Days Trajan the Fourteenth Emperor The Year of Rome 838. Of the Birth of I. C 98. Q. WHat Countryman was Trajan A. He came from Sevil in Spain Q Where was he when Nerva adopted him to the Empire A. At Colen in Germany and was the first Foreigner that got possession of the Roman Empire Q. Who was his Master A. Plutarch Q. What sort of a man was he A. He was one of the greatest Generals that ever sate upon a Throne He was Sweet-temper'd Merciful and Prudent Nay he was so charitable to his Soldiers who were wounded in his Wars with the Dacians that he tore off his own Shirt from his Back to bind up their Wounds when they had no Linnen of their own Q. What considerable Actions did he perform A. He defeated the Dacians and their King Decebalus over whom Domitian Triumph'd at Rome tho he scandalously bought a Peace of him he subdued Armenia Iberia and Colchis he overthrew the Sarmatians Astrenians and Arabians with the Inhabitants of the Bosphorus Q. What other Conquests did he make A. He attack'd the Parthians and took from them Armenia Persia Seleucia Babylon and reduced a very considerable part of Asia under the Roman Power Q. Was not he sirnam'd Germanicus A. Yes for the glorious Exploits he perform'd in Germany Q. Did not several persons come to congratulate him upon his many Victories A. Ambassadors visited him from all parts of the world nay some came from as far as the Indies to compliment him upon those occasions Q. What remarkable Presents were made him A. He was presented with a Horse from Armenia which fell down upon his knees as often as he went to mount him Q. By what other Actions did he increase his Reputation with the People A. He utterly exterminated those insufferable Vermine in a well-order'd Common-wealth the Delators and Informers who had made so fine a Harvest on 't under the Reigns of Domitian Nero Caligula and Tiberius Q. What remarkable Accidents happen'd in his time A. There was so prodigious an Earthquake at Antioch while he and the whole Court lay there that the City was almost totally destroyed Q. And how did Trajan make a shift to save himself A. He escaped through the Windows of the Room where he lay Q. Where died he A. At Selinus a City of Cilicia whither he ordered himself to be carried Q What respect was paid him after his Death A. His Ashes were brought to Rome and placed in a Golden Urn on the top of a Pillar of a prodigious Heighth and curious Workmanship which he had caus'd to be erected in the publick Place and which is to this day call'd Trajan's Pillar Q. How long did he Reign A. Ten years Six months and Fifteen days he lived Sixty three years Q. What remarkable things do you find in his Reign A. Two The first of them was the unparallell'd Confidence he repos'd in one of his Friends whose Name was Sura Q. How did he make it appear A. Some Persons who envied him for the great share he possess'd in the Emperor's Friendship strove by all imaginable means to blast his Reputation and render him suspected to his Master They accus'd him with forming a Design against his Life but Trajan to let them see how far he relied upon the Honesty of his Friend having received an Invitation to Sup with him went thither freely Q. Well and what did he do there A. After he had sent back his Guards he orders Sura's Physitian and Barber to be call'd to him the former he commands to take off the Hair about his Eye-brows and the latter to shave his Beard After this he goes to a Bath and then sits down very unconcerned with the rest of the Company Q. What said he to his Friends next Morning A. He recounted to them every thing in order as it passed and told them That if Sura had any Intentions to kill him he gave him the fairest opportunity the day before to do it that a man could wish and since he had neglected it it was an infallible indication that he had no such design in his head Q. What is the second remarkable thing A. Trajan in giving his Sword to the Collonel of the Guards according to the usual Custom utter'd these glorious Words
this last Age Mathematical and Physical Sciences seem to have been the predominant Studies of the Learned men of Europe not but that a Critical Skill in Antiquity was at the same time pursued by several Extraordinary men as Bishop Vsher Mr. Selden Sir Iohn Marsham Mr. Gataker and after them by Dr. Spencer Isaac Vossius Nic. Heinsius Frederic Gronovius Ezekiel Spanheym and Graevius Men even in this part of Learning equal if not superior to any that cultivated it before them In short all manner of Learning seems at present to be better diffused in all parts of Europe than ever it was but whether the Genius's of this and the last Age are comparable to those Immortal Heroes of Antiquity truly so called is a Controversy that cannot be conveniently discuss'd in so narrow compass as this Paper will allow An Abridgment of the Principal Customs of the Romans Concerning their Months Q. INto how many parts did the Romans divide their Months A. Into three the Calends the Nones and the Ides Q. From whence comes the word Calends A. From the word Calo to call because on that day the Pontiff summon'd the People to tell them how many days it was to the Nones The Calends were peculiar to the Roman People whence the Proverb ad Calendas Graecas i. e. Never Q. From whence were the Nones so call'd A. Because they were the Ninth day before the Ides Q. And from whence are the Ides deriv'd A. From the old Tuscan word iduare which signifies to divide because they divide the Month into two almost equal parts Q. When began the Calends A. On the first day of the Month. Q. When began the Nones A. On the seventh day of the following Months viz. March May Iuly and October all which have one and twenty days Q. When did the Ides begin A. On the fifteenth of the above-mention'd Months Q And in the other Months when came the Nones and the Ides A. The Nones on the fifth and the Ides on the thirteenth Q. Thus the first day was reckon'd the Calends as Calendae Ianuariae is the first of Ianuary A. Right and the second day if the Month had its Nones on the seventh day was call'd the sixth before the Nones and if on the fifth the fourth day before the Nones But the next day immediately following the Nones is in every Month alike call'd the eighth before the Ides Q. How many Nones have the Months of May Iuly October and March A. They have all six the rest have only four but all the Months in general have eight Ides Q. And after the Ides are over how do you reckon then A. By the Calends which are told backward and named from the following Month. Q. Pray give me an Instance A. As the 18 th of the Calends of May is the 14 th of April Q. Cannot you give me some artâ—ficial Verses to fix these Rules in my memory A. Yes they are as follows Sex Maius Nonas October Iulius Mars Quatuor at reliqui tenet Idus quilibet Octo. Inde dies reliquos omnes dic esse Calendas Of the Roman Year and distinction of Days Q. INto how many Months did Romulus divide his Year A. Into Ten and it consisted of 304 days But after him Numa added two Months viz. Ianuary and February and made his Year to contain Three hundred fifty four days but this Computation falling out too short for the space of a regular Year by Ten Days and six hours yearly it occasion'd every eighth year an interposition of three whole Months which they call'd Leap year Q. What alterations did Iulius Caesar make in the Roman Calendar A. He added the old Ten days to Numa Pompilius's Year and lest the odd six hours should breed any confusion he order'd that every fourth year one whole day should be inserted next after the 23 d. of February Q. When did the old Romans begin their Year A. At March for whiâ—h reason those two Months which in honour of Iulius and Augustus Caesar have been since called Iulius and Augustus were by them called Quintilis and Sextilis as being their fifth and sixth Months Q. What were their Dies Atri and Postriduani A. Unfortunate and unlucky days They were called Atri because they were marked in their Kalendars with black as on the contrary their Dies Albi or lucky days were mark'd with white Characters This Custom they borrow'd from the Scythians Q. Why had they the name of Postriduani A. Because the Romans were of opinion that dies postridie Calendas Nonas Idus i. e. the next day after the Calends Nones or Ides of every Month was unfortunate Q. What other distinction of days did they observe A. They had their dies festi or feriae Holidays because they did on such days ferire victimas that is offer up sacrifice then their working-days called profesti quafi procul a festis and their half-holidays which ab intercidendo they call'd dies intereisi days as it were cut asunder one part of them being allow'd to all manner of Business and the other wholly to Religious Offices Q. Are these all A. No we find another distinction of Days in the Roman Kalendar for some were Fasti whole Court-days others ex parte Fasti half Court-days and lastly Nefasti nonleet days tho indeed the word Nefastus does often signify unlucky Q. From whence are these Names derived A. A Fando from speaking because upon those days which were Fasti the Praetor might lawfully keep Court and administer Justice which was not done without speaking these three words Do Dico Addico Q. What is the meaning of those three words A. A Judge is said dare when he grants out an Action or Writ against a man dicere when he passes Judgment on him and addicere when in the Court he sees and allows the delivery of the thing or person on which Judgment is passed Q. When did the Romans begin their day A. Their day begun at our Six in the morning so that their Hora Prima was our Seven Hora Secunda our Eight Hora Tertia our Nine a Clock and so on Q. What were the Nundinae A. Every Month had Three great Markets which because they were kept every Ninth day were called Nundinae Of the Republic Q. HOW many sorts of Slaves were there among the Romans A. Three Q. What were the first A. The first were the Children of Slaves to whom they gave the name of Verna Q. What were the second A. Slaves by a Civil right viz. such as were sold. Q. And the third what were they A. Slaves by the Law of Nations those that were taken in Battel or publickly bought at an Auction Q. How many sorts of Free-men were there among the Romans A. Three sorts likewise In the first place those that were born free and of Parents which had been always free and these they call'd Ingenui Secondly the Children of those that had been made free who were call'd Libertini
not Nero the last Emperor of the Augustean Family A. Yes Q. How old was he when he died A. One and thirty having reign'd 13 Years 7 Months 28 Days on the very same day whereon he had formerly commanded his Wife Octavia to be assassinated Q. How many Wives had he A. Three Octavia Poppea and Statilia Q. What remarkable Accident happen'd in his Reign A. * Lyons Lugdunum a famous Colony in France was in the space of one night burnt down to the ground and so as an Ancient Writer handsomely express'd himself Inter magnam urbem nullam vix horarum aliquot spatium fuit Q. What Learned men flourish'd at that time A. Seneca and Lucan the Unkle and Nephew whom Nero caus'd to be put to death for being concern'd in Piso's Conspiracy The former an Excellent Philosopher and the latter if he had been Master of a solid Judgment as he was of Flame and Spirit a most Admirable Poet. Then Persius the obscure Satyrist and Silius Italicus who composed a Poem about the Punic War Epicteâ—us the Moralist slave to Epaphroditus one of Nero's Free'd men and Petronius Arbiter Q. Who was this Petronius Arbiter A. An Epicurean by profession and Comptroller of Nero's Pleasures who made profession of a cultivated polite Luxury for Purity of Stile and Wit scarce to be match'd by any of the Roman Writers Tho he was one of the Emperor's greatest Confidents yet falling at last into Disgrace with him he bled himself to death and at his last moments caused some delightful Verses to be repeated to him Q. What sort of a man was Nero A. His Visage was Full and Red but not agreeable his Hair of a Chesnut Colour falling down in Rings he was short-sighted his Eyes blue and sunk in his head his Neck and Belly large his Skin very bad and his Stature indifferent Galba the Seventh Emperor The Year of Rome 808. Of the Birth of I. C. 68. Q. BY whom was Galba declared Emperor A. By his Army but his over-great Severity was the reason why he did not continue long in the possession of the Empire Q. Did he find no manner of opposition A. He was scarce arrived at Rome when he receiv'd advice that Vitellius the Governor of Germany was proclaim'd Emperor by his Army Q. What measures did he take to maintain his Authority A. He adopted Piso a man of great Merit because he was apprehensive he should never have any Children by reason of his great Age. Q. Was not Otho this Emperor 's intimate Friend offended at this Adoption A. It so much disgusted him that he rais'd the Praetorian Bands against the Emperor who had a great love for him because every evening as he went out of the Palace he distributed some Money among them Q. Having gain'd the affection and good will of the Soldiery what did he next A. He immediately went to the Camp and got himself to be proclaim'd Emperor After this he placed himself at the head of the Guards who kill'd Galba and cut off his head Q. What did they do with his Head A. They carried it to Otho who told them they did nothing in murdering of Galba unless they clear'd their hands of Piso which was almost as soon executed as advis'd Q. How old was he when they kill'd him A. Seventy two years old and he reign'd six months and seven days Q. How many Wives had he A. Only one whose name was Lepida Q. What sort of a man was Galba A. He was neither big nor little he had a Roman Nose Black Eyes a Bald Head a Long Visage and full of Wrinkles Otho the Eighth Emperor The Year of Rome 809. Of the Birth of I. C. 69. Q. WHat was Otho's Character in the world A. He was a debauch'd man who surrender'd up his own Wife to Nero in order to make his Fortune at Court by it Q. How did Vitellius the Governor of Germany employ himself A. Having been proclaim'd Emperor by his Soldiers as we have already mention'd he marched towards Italy with a great Army and there defeated Otho at the Battel of Bebriacum Q. Where was this Battel fought A. Near Placentia Q. What course did Otho take when he heard of the defeat of his Army A. He despair'd of repairing his Loss and so resolv'd to kill himself His Friends dissuaded him from the design and represented to him what fair expâ—ctations he had of meeting better success next time since he was still Master of Italy and Asia from whence he might easily furnish himself with considerable Forces Q. And what Answer did he make ' em A. He said That for his part he thought it more advisable to quit the Empire to Vitellius than to be the occasion of shedding so much blood So he advised them to repair immediately to the Conqueror that so they might the sooner obtain pardon of him Q. And what did he do at last A. He slew himself after he had burnt all the Letters which had been writ to him and might bring his Friends into danger Q. How old was he then A. He was Eight and thirty years old and had reign'd Three Months and Five Days Q. Describe me his Person A. He was of Low Stature his Head bald his Legs crooked and the Features of his Face much resembling Nero's Vitellius the Ninth Emperor The Year of Rome 809. Of the Birth of I. C. 69. Q. WHat sort of a man was Vitellius as to his Temper A. He was one that made a god of his belly and thought of nothing else but eating and drinking Q. What remarkable Action happen'd under his Reign A. Valens and Cecinna defeated Otho's Army in Italy Q. Where was Vitellius at that time A. He attended the Success of the War at Lyons where he minded nothing but feasting and revelling Q. Where did he steer his course after he was inform'd that his Generals had got the Victory A. He march'd directly to Rome where he profusely squander'd away all the Money he found in the Treasury and his continual Drunkenness made such a Beast of him that sometimes he would forget he was Emperor Q. When he was arrived there what did he do A. He banished all the Astrologers and Fortune-tellers out of Rome Q. Where was Vespasian at that juncture A. He was making War against the Iews in quality of Lieutenant General to Otho Q. What happen'd to him there A. He was extremely importun'd by his Army to give his consent for them to declare him Emperor Q. And did he hearken to this Proposal A. It was not without great difficulty he was prevail'd upon to comply with them but at last he gave his consent Q. Who assisted him in this Undertaking A. Mucianus the Governor of Syria and all the Princes of the East Q. Whom did he intrust with the management of the Iewish War A. His Son Titus Q. And whither did he himself march A. After he had dispatch'd his Lieutenants to Rome with a great Army he
went for Egypt Q. Was not Vitellius strangely surprized when he heard of the general defection of the people from him A. He seem'd not to be much concern'd at the News but contented himself with only fending his Lieutenants against Vespasian who defeated them Q. Did not this Overthrow oblige Vitellius to mâ—rch in person against the Enemy A. Right but he was so little accustom'd to the Fatigues and Hardships of War that he return'd back to Rome to his Pleasures Q. At his Arrival there what measures did he take A. He made a Treaty of Peace with Sabinus the Governor of Rome Q. What were the Conditions of this Treaty A. That he should surrender the Empire into the hands of Vespasian Q. Were not his Guards extremely incens'd at his making so tame a Resignation A. It very much displeas'd them because they lov'd Vitellius upon the account that he gave them liberty to do what they would Q. What happen'd in this Contest A. The Capitol was burnt down to the ground as it had been once before in the bloody Disputes between Sylla and Marius Q. What became of Vitellius at last A. He had the misfortune to be taken by the Captains of Vespasian's Army and dâ—agg'd naked through the City with a great deal of Ignominy Q. What did they do to him after this A. They cut his Throat and afterwards threw him into the Tiber. Q. How old was he then A. He was 57 Years old and had only reign'd 8 Months and 5 Days Q. How many Wives had he A. Two Petronia and Galeria Q. How was he made A. He was of an extraordinary Stature his Belly prodigiously big and a very Red Face Vespasian the Tenth Emperor The Year of Rome 809. Of the Birth of I. C. 69. Q. WHen was Vespasian crown'd Emperor A. 'T was after the Death of Nero who had sent him into Iudea to chastise the Insolence of certain Rebels where he took several small Towns Q. By whom was he proclaim'd Emperor A. By his Army and after he had left his Son Titus in Iudea and put all the Forces there into his hands with the whole management of the War he came back to Rome Q. And how order'd he his Affairs there A. He put Vitellius to death who as we told you before had made himself Master of the Empire Q. After what manner did he deport himself in his Government A. With infinite Justice and Sweetness Q. What Transactions fell out in the second year of his being Emperor A. The Iewish War which some turbulent Seditious Spirits had kindled under Nero's Reign was ended Q. Who was the Ringleader of the Faction A. Eleazer the Son of Ananias Religion furnish'd them with a pretence to rebel and the people were easily induc'd to it because the Romans had made a terrible slaughter of their Countrymen Q. Who was it that laid Siege to Ierusalem A. Caestius Gallus the Lieutenant of Syria but he was forced to raise it ignominiously with a considerable loss of his Forces Q. At what time did this happen A. In the 12 th year of Nero's Empire and the 65 th of our Saviour Q. Whither did the Iews march after this Victory A. They returned to Ierusalem where they chose new Leaders and among the rest Iosâ—phus the Son of Mattathias in the year 67 of Jâ—sus Christ. Q. What did Vespasian who was afterwards sent by Nero do A. He took several Towns and Iosephus himself who foretold that he should be elected Emperor Q. Did Vespasian then besiege Ierusalem the Capital City of the Iews A. Yes but the Death of Nero and the Murder of the following Emperors interrupted the Siege Q. What was the Conclusion at last A. In the year 70 of J. C. at the Feast of the Passover and on the fifth of April after a Siege of four months continuance this famous Temple was burnt and the City abandon'd to plunder Q. What follow'd upon the loss of Ierusalem A. The name of the Iewish People was abolish'd and their Miseries were so excessively great that 't is certain God Almighty reveng'd upon this perfidious Nation the Unjust Death of his Son Q. What Calamities did they sustain A. There was so terrible a Famine during this Siege that the besieged were forced to feed upon the vilest things imaginable man's flesh not excepted nay some Mothers were reduced to such streights as to eat their own Children Q. Without question they lost a world of men in this Siege A. About Eleven hundred thousand souls perish'd there which is almost an incredible thing Q. What became of the City A. It was raz'd to the ground by Titus's order and according to our Blessed Saviour's Prediction there was not one stone left upon another The Iews that remain'd were carried away Prisoners Q. What happen'd in the Third Year of Vespasian's Reign A. This Emperor and his Son triumph'd over the Iews and afterwards he laid the Foundation of the Temple of Peace Q. What particular things did he do to advance his Glory after this War was over A. He begun a Noble Amphitheatre which Augustus had a great desire once to build Q. After what manner did he end his days A. Being at the point of death he rais'd himself on the sudden and cried out Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori An Emperor ought to dye standing Q. How old was he when he died A. He was Sixty nine years old he reign'd Ten years within Ten days and hasten'd his Death by drinking too much cold water Q. Pray give me a Description of him A. He was of an indifferent Stature but thick his Visage red his Shoulders large his Constitution vigorous his Looks cheerful his behaviour courteous a Warlike Mien his Temper civil but covetous Q. Was it not he that gave occasion to the Proverb To shooe a Mule A. Yes Q. How did it happen A. Being once in the Countrey a man who desir'd to speak with him gave some Money to the Muleteer who conducted his Litter to stop it and make as if he was going to shooe his Mule Q. Did not the Emperor smell out the trick A. He immediately gave Audience to the man that had a desire to talk with him but ask'd his Muleteer how much Money he got by shooing his Mule Q. Was he not constrain'd to lay several Taxes upon the people A. Yes because his Predecessors had by their Luxury quite exhausted the Publick Treasury Q. Was it not he that laid an Excise upon Urine A. Yes by the same token that his Son taking occâ—sion to remonstrate to him that this Excise was dishonourable Vâ—spasian takes a Pâ—ece of Gold out of his Pocket holds it to his Nose and asks him whether it smelt ill or no. Q. What answer did he make A. He told him No. And yet for all that says the Emperor this very Piece came from the Excise upon Vrine Titus the Eleventh Emperor The Year of Rome 819. Of the Birth of I. C. 79. Q. WHO was
Titus A. The Son of Vâ—spasian Q. How did he behave himself in the beginning of his Reign A. He immediately quitted the Natural Propensity he had to Lewdness and treated every one with that sweetness that he was called The Love and Delight of all Mankind Q What were the first Instances he gave of his Clemency A. He pardon'd two Persons of Quality who had conspir'd against him he likewise pardon'd his Brother Domitian who had form'd a second Conspiracy against him and instead of punishing him declared him his Successor in the Empire Q. How died he A. His Brother Domitian notwithstanding he had pardon'd him before dispatch'd him by Poison when he was aged Forty one years and after he had reign'd Two Years Two Months and Twenty Days Q. What other demonstrations did Titus give of his Mercy A. 'T is said he never refus'd any thing which was asked of him and would frequently say That a Prince ought not to send back any of his Subjects sad or discontented from his presence Q. What is besides reported of him A. One Night as he was at Supper he remembred himself that he had done good to no body that day My Friends says he to those that were about him I have lost a Day Diem perdidi Q. What remarkable Passages happen'd during his Reign A. A prodigious quantity of Fire and Ashes broke forth from Vesuvius which were thrown as far as Afric Syria and Egypt Q. Did not this Irruption do a great deal of damage A. Pliny the Elder being desirous to behold this terrible Spectacle was suffocated by the Flames and several Cities were ruin'd by it Q. What was it that Titus said as he was going to dye A. That he only repented himself of one thing but did not express what it was 'T is imagin'd that it was because he had not put his Brother Domitian to death and clear'd the Empire of so wicked and cruel a Monster Q. Had he not a great value for the Senate and People of Rome A. Yes for tho he was passionately in Love with Queen Berenice yet he refused to marry her because he thought the Senate and People of Rome would disapprove of the Match Q. What sort of a man was he A. He was of the common Stature the Features of his Face very good his Belly somewhat of the largest of a courteous Behaviour a sweet insinuating Mien a Noble Air which inspir'd all those that beheld him both with Love and Respect Domitian the Twelfth Emperor The Year of Rome 821. Of the Birth of I. C. 81. Q. WHose Son was Domitian A. He was the Son of Vespasian and younger Brother to Titus Q. Was he like his Father A. No and much less did he resemble his Brother Titus since he was one of the most profligate Monsters that ever lived and was not inferior to Nero in Cruelty Avarice and Incontinence Q. In what did he chiefly excel A. He was so great a Master at his Bow that he would frequently order a man to be set with his hand stretch'd out and his Fingers open and then he would shoot between his fingers and never touch him Q. What was his constant Occupation A. He pass'd whole days in his Closet alone where he diverted himself with the Royal Sport of Fly-catching Q. Did not some-body rally him upon this occasion A. A certain Person of Quality having one day asked Who was with the Emperor in his Closet answer was made him That not so much as a Fly was with him Q. Did he perform any Warlike Expeditions A. He triumph'd twice over the Daci and the Catti Q. Who was his chief Confident A. One Martial whom he particularly affected I don't mean the Poet of that name but another to whom that Poet addresses several of his Epigrams Q. To what extravagant Actions did his Folly lead him A. He must needs pass for a god and so commands several Statues of Silver and Gold to be erected to his own Honour Q. What other strange Frolicks did he play A. Being minded one day to put the Senators into a dismal Fright he invited a great number of them to come and sup with him Q. Well and when they came there how were they receiv'd A. He orders them to be lock'd up in a Hall hung with Black and only lighted by a few Lamps by the light of which they could discern several Coffins upon each of which were written the names of those that were invited Q. Did not this terrible Scene possess them with strange apprehensions A. Yes for after they had continued some time in these cruel imaginations some naked persons whose Bodies were blacken'd all over entred the Hall with Swords in one hand and flaming Torches in the other Q. Did they not give themselves all for lost A. Yes but after these black men had danced a pretty while about them they open'd the doors saying The Emperor gave all the Company leave to withdraw Q. What was Domitian's usual way to make himself remember the Names of those whom he design'd to put to death A. He writ their Names down in a Table-Book but it cost him very dear for having among several others set down the Names of his Wife Domitia Norbanus Petronius and Stephanus Q. What happen'd upon it A. Domitia who very well knew the Table Book having accidentally lighted upon it one day she show'd it to those persons whose Names were written down there as well as her own in order to oblige them to concert matters with her and dispatch Domitian Q. How was Domitian's end A. Stephanus stabb'd him with a Ponyard in his Closet but the Guards running in immediately to his assistance they soon kill'd Stephanus among them Q. What was Apollonius Tyanaeus a-doing at the moment when this happen'd A. He harangu'd the people of Ephesus but stopt himself in the midst of his Discourse and after he had continued silent for some time he cry'd aloud Courage Stephanus Strike the Tyrant and a moment after says he The Tyrant is dead he is just now slain Q. What else do Historians remark of Domitian A. He persecuted the Christians throughout the whole Roman Empire 'T was he that banished St. Iohn into the Isle of Patmos tho others lay it upon Nero which is the more probable of the two Q. What Learned Writers flourished in his time A. That Sonorous Enthusiastic Poet Statius Martial the Witty Epigrammatist Iuvenal the declaiming Satyrist that celebrated Institutor of Youth Quintilian Musonius the Philosopher Apollonius Tyanaeus a notorious Impostor and Pretender to Miracles that most excellent Historian Iosephus who has writ the Antiquities of his own Countreymen And for the Art Military there was Iulius Agricola who sailed round Great Britain by him conquer'd and was the first Roman that discover'd it to be an Island He found and subdued the Orkney Islands But notwithstanding these great services Domitian dispatch'd him by Poison Q. How old was this Emperor when he was slain A. He
219. Q. WHose Son was Heliogabalus A. The Son of Caracalla Q. What signifies this word Heliogabalus A. A Priest of the Sun Q. What remarkable thing is related of him A. He intended to destroy the Religion of the Romans and commanded that only the Sun should be adored Q. What sort of a Prince was he A. A Prodigy of a man wholly abandon'd to all Lewdness and Debauchery Q. To whom was he married in the quality of a Wife A. To Hierocles his Slave Q. What orders did he give this Slave A. To beat him well-favour'dly when he found him guilty of any Excess Q. And did the Slave take him at his word A. Yes and sometimes belabour'd his Imperial Sides so heartily that he made him black and blew all over which the other bore very dutifully comforting himself That a Wife was oblig'd in Conscience to suffer every thing from her Husband Q. What did he do after this A. He establishes a Senate of Women and makes his Mother the President of them Q. What did this wise Assembly debate about A. The Habits and Ornaments of Women together with their Amours and Intrigues Q. Whom did he adopt for his Successor A. Bassianus his Cousin-German whom he call'd Alexander Q. What kind of a Man was Alexander A. He had so many valuable Qualities to recommend him that he soon gain'd the Affection of all the Romans Q. Did not Heliogabalus become jealous of him A. Yes and design'd to put him to death Q. What happen'd upon this A. His Guards being acquainted with his wicked intention assassinated Heliogabalus and threw his Body into the Tiber. Q. How old was he then A. He was Twenty two years old and had reign'd Three Years Nine Months and Four Days Q. What Eminent men flourish'd at this time A. Origen of Alexandria who so learnedly defended the Christian Religion against the Attacks of Celsus Alexander the Twenty fifth Emperor The Year of Rome 962. Of the Birth of I. C. 222. Q. WHat Account do Historians give of this Alexander A. He was one of the greatest Princes that ever liv'd and his Conduct was equally conspicuous in Peace and War Q. What did he look after in the beginning of his Reign A. His first care was to administer Justice to all the world next he turned the Flatterers and Buffoons out of the Court. Q. What other Regulations did he make A. He prohibited the Sale of any Offices as being satisfied that none made a scruple to sell what they had bought Q. What did he allow them in lieu of this A. He settled honourable Salaries upon all those whom he constituted Governors of Provinces lest they should squeeze and oppress the people Q What is reported of his Piety A. That he secretly honour'd Jesus Christ in his Closet Q. What other remarkable Passages occur in his History A. In Heliogabalus's time there was a set of Cheats commonly call'd Sellers of Smoke because they took Money of people to sollicite their business and help them to Preferment but never did any thing for them Q Were there any of this Gang under the Emperor Alexander A. One of this hopeful Fraternity had it seems taken a Hundred Crowns of a Soldier and promis'd to obtain of the Emperor a certain Office which he was desirous of Q. And when Alexander knew of it how did he serve him A. He fastens him to a Post where he was choak'd by the smoke of a heap of wood which was set on fire about him Over the Post this Inscription was to be seen Fumo periit qui fumum vendidit He that sold Smoke is stifled by Smoke Q. Did any considerable Revolution happen in Alexander's Reign A. Artaxerxes King of the Persians after he had defeated the Parthians in several Battels and kill'd their King Artabanus who was the last of the Family of the Arsacidae which had flourished Four hundred years re-establishes the Empire of the Persians This exceedingly alarm'd Alexander Severus by reason of the frequent Inroads the Persians made into the Roman Territories Q. What great Exploits did Alexander perform after this A. Having reviv'd the old Military Discipline he defeated the Persians in the East and overcame the Africans in Mauritania At last wholly turning his thoughts upon the German War he with his Mother Mammea was slain by his Soldiers at Mentz in the 39th year of his Age having reign'd Thirteen Years and Nineteen days 'T was his Mother's Penuriousness that ruin'd him with the Army Q. What Eminent men flourish'd in his Reign A. Dion Cassius twice honour'd with the Consular Dignity who writ the Roman History very acurately in Greek The greatest part of this Excellent Work is now lost which is chiefly attributed to his Abbreviator Xiphilinus a Constantinopolitan Monk Thus the loss of Trogus Pompeius is imputed to Iustin as that of Livy to Lucius Florus Maximin and his Son making together the Twenty sixth Emperor The Year of Rome 975. Of the Birth of I. C. 235. Q. WHose Son was this Maximin A. A Shepherd's in a small Village of Thrace Q. What Stature was he of A. An extraordinary one being Eight Foot high and besides he was so strong that he could draw a Chariot as heavy laden as two Horses could draw Q. How got he himself advanced to the Empire A. By a Faction of the Soldiers He was the first Emperor that without any Decree of the Senate obtain'd the Purple by the sole Authority of the Army Q. What method did he take to preserve himself in this Dignity A. After he had successfully ended the Wars of Germany he exercised great Cruelties in Rome Some he fastned to Crosses where they miserably perish'd others he baited in the Skins of Beasts and expos'd them to Tigers and Lions others were kill'd with Bastinadoes in short there was no sort of Barbarity to be named which he did not use Q. Did not these Brutalities draw the aversion of all the world upon him A. The Senate declar'd him an Enemy to the Republic Q. Who first made Head against him A. Gordianus the Governor of Afric a man Eighty years old was together with his Son against his will elevated to the Empire but Fortune crossing his Attempts and his Son being slain by the Moors the old Gentleman out of despair hang'd himself Q. When the Senate heard of the death of these two great men whom did they elect for their Emperor A. Balbinus and Pupienus two of their own Body Q. Was not Maximin highly incens'd at the Proceedings of the Senate A. He immediately quitted the Sarmatian War and marching into Italy at the Head of his Army he besieged Aquileia which was the first City he met in his way and was at that time the finest and most flourishing Town in all Italy Q. Who signaliz'd themselves in this Siege A. The Women for the Soldiers wanting Cordage to string their Bows and serve the Machines that were employ'd in throwing of stones they cut off their own
Temples of the Heathens to be open'd and having renounced the Faith he assumed the Title of Pontifex Maximus Nor was this all for the more to vex the Christians he made scandalous condescentions to the Iews and began to erect a Temple for them at Ierusalem which he was obliged soon to leave off for Globes of Fire breaking out from under the Foundations disturbed the Workmen as Ammianus Marcellinus a Pagan Writer witnesses Q. What befel him upon this A. He became the Laughter and Contempt of the People of Antioch Q. What course did he take to revenge the Affronts they put upon him A. He writ a Satyric Letter upon this occasion call'd the Misopogan or Beard-hater Q. Upon whom did Iulian make war A. Upon the Persians but having after the second Battel insolently refused to comply with the just Articles of Peace which they offer'd him and burnt the Ships that followed him and carried Provisions for the Army he was surrounded on all sides by the Enemy Q. What became of him at last A. He had the mortification to find himself cut off from all hopes of Assistance and was wounded by an Arrow in the Fight but 't was never known from what side it came Q. Did he say any thing as he was dying A. He desperately took out a handful of Blood which gushed from the Wound and throwing it up into the Air cry'd out Vieisti Galilaee O Galilean thou hast at last overcome me Q. What did he mean by these words A. That our Blessed Saviour whom he had so often provoked by his Sacriledges and other indignities and whom now he found to his cost to be the great Judge of the Universe would take a full vengeance for the Crimes and Blasphemies he had uttered against his Sacred Person Q. What sort of a man was Iulian the Apostate A. He had sparkling Eyes a stern wandring Countenance a straight Nose his Mouth somewhat of the biggest a slit in his under Lip a thick Beard which he wore picked his Shoulders large and moving his Head hanging down which he always turned on one and t'other side he walked very fast although he was but little and made a great noise when he laughed How great a Warrier he was the Alemans Franks and Saxons whom he overcame do testify and his remaining Works are undeniable proofs of his Wit and Ingenuity Jovian the Forty Ninth Emperor The Year of Rome 1103. Of the Birth of I. C. 363. Q. WHO was proclaimed Emperor after the death of Iulian the Apostate A. Iovian the Son of Count Varronianus Q. Whom did he marry A. Charitas the Daughter of Lucillianus by whom he had a Son named Varro whom he made Consul Q. What do Historians tell us of this Prince A. That he was a handsome well-shaped man illustrious for his Birth but more for his Piety Q. What did he principally apply himself to in the beginning of his Reign A. To draw the Souldiers from Superstition He commanded Jesus Christ to be adored by all those Soldiers who had abandon'd his worship Q. Was he engaged in any Wars A. No for in the condition he found the Army after the defeat and death of Iulian he was obliged to make a Truce of Thirty years with Sapores to whom he yielded the greatest part of Mesopotamia Q. Did he live a long time after this A. No he died of a sickness in the Thirty third year of his Age after he had reigned 7 months 22 days Q. What particular things were done in his Reign A. He generally cancell'd all the Edicts of the Apostate which were favourable to the Pagans he restored to the Faithful and to the Churches all their Goods their Honours their Revenues and their Priviledges Valentinian the Great the Fiftieth Emperor The Year of Rome 1104. Of the Birth of I. C. 364. Q. WHO was named Emperor after the death of Iovian A. The Army chose Valentinian Emperor at Nice because in Iulian's time he had preferr'd his Religion to his Preferment Q. What did he do as soon as he saw himself possess'd of the Imperial Throne A. He made his Brother Valens his Partner in the Empire and gave him the Government of the East Q. What part did he reserve for himself A. The West Q. What sort of a man was Valentinian A. He was a very virtuous Prince and a strict observer of Justice very ingenious and a religious keeper of his word Q. With whom did he make war A. With the Saxons and Sarmatians whom he defeated and oblig'd them to demand a Peace by their Ambassadors whom they sent to him Q. And what said Valentinian to them A. He fell into such a fit of anger to which he was always very subject that he was seized with an Apoplexy Q. Did he dye of it A. Yes in Hungary being fifty five years old Q How many years did he reign A. Twelve years Q. Was he baptized before his death A. No nevertheless he did not forbear to give sensible proofs of the Religion he profess'd and commanded the Pagan Temples to be shut Valens the Fifty first Emperor The Year of Rome 1104. Of the Birth of I. C. 364. Q. WHat Enemy had Valens to fight with in the beginning of his Empire A. Procopius who was related to Iulian and was his greatest Enemy Q. Did Valens make War against him A. The dispute between them was bloody but at the upshot Valens defeated Procopius took him prisoner and put him to death Q. What other Wars was he involved in A. He had a continual war with the Goths till their King Athanaricus having begg'd a Peace of him he granted it and afterwards kindly entertain'd him at such time as being persecuted by the Hunns he came to desire this Emperor's Protection who setled him in Thrace Q. How did the Goths behave themselves at that time A. Not being able to bear the insufferable Avarice of Lupicinus their Governour they took up Arms against the Romans ◠invaded Thrace Q. What memorable things happen'd in the course of this War A. Valens fell into the hands of his Enemies who burnt him in a Cottage Q. How old was he when this Accident befel him A. He was fifty years old and had reign'd fourteen years and four months Q. What Qualities were observable in him A. He had both good and bad ones He was choleric cruel and envious The Arian Heresy with which he was infected corrupted all his other good Inclinations Q. What Learned men flourished in his time A. Gregory and Basil who had contracted a friendship in their Youth at Athens where they follow'd their Studies The former born at Nazianzum in Cappadocia from whence Sirnamed Nazianzenus The other born in Pontus and afterwards made Bishop of Caesaréa Q. What Acts of Cruelty did he ever commit A. He put all people to death who had the curiosity to know the name of his Successor and being inform'd that the first Letters of his Name were to begin with