Gift and rather consider'd from whom the Gift came than to whom it was given 2. Magnificently grateful also was King Mithridates who made an exchange of all his Prisoners taken from the Enemy for one Leonicuâ— a most stout preserver of his own person from eminenâ— danger who was taken in a Sea-fight by the Rhodians accompting it more noble to give his most bitter Enemies an advantage than to be unmindful of one that had so well deserved of him 3. More liberal yet were the People of Rome for they gave all Asia for a Gift to King Attalus Though Attalus was not behinde-hand in the Justice of his last Will and Testament by which he return'd it to them all back again So that the Munificence of the one and the Gratitude of the other cannot be set down in so many words of praise as the vast Cities given in friendship and religiously restor'd 4. Nor can I tell whether the breast of Massanisa were not in as high a measure replete with the pledges of Gratitude For he by the benefit of Scipio's and the Roman friendship being put into the possâ—ssion of a very large Kingdome by a most constant and loyal Amity continued the memory of that noble Gift to the very end of his life which he enjoyed to a very great age Insomuch that not only all Africa but all other Nations knew him to be more faiâ—hful to the Family of the Cornelii and the City of Rome than to himself He though he were very hard put to it by the Carthaginians and was hardly able to defend his own Kingdome deliver'd to Scipio Aemilianus Nephew to the other Scipio the greatest part of the Numidian Army when he was sent for into Spain to the assistance of Lucullus preferring former benefits before the present danger He now near his end leaving great Riches and Fifty Sons behind him besought M. V. Manlius then Proconsul in Africa to send Scipio Aemilianus who then was under his command to him believing he should die more happy could he but commit his last words and breath to his Embraces But his death preventing the coming of Scipio he gave in charge to his Wife and Children to acknowledge but one people in the world the Romans and but one Family among the Romans that of the Scipio's That he left all entire to Aemilianus giving him the sole power of making a division and that whatever he ordained they should observe as inviolable as if he had left it by Will Thus died Massanisa having prolong'd his life through many and divers varieties of changes to the hundredth year By these and such other Examples is well-doing increased and continued among men These are the Motives these the Incentives for which we burn with a desire of well-deserving And certainly these are the greatest and the most splendid sort of Riches to be accompted opulent in bestowing Riches The religious regard whereof since we have so far prosecuted let us now shew how it has been contemn'd that we may the better know the difference which is most acceptable and laudable among men CHAP. III. Of Ingratitude 1. The Senate of Rome to Romulus 2. The People of Rome toward Camillus and others 3. Of Sextilius toward C. Caesar the Oratour 4. Of Popilius toward M. Cicero 5. Of Cn. Pompey the Great toward Cn. Carbo FORRAIGN Examples 1. Of the Carthaginians toward Hannibal 2. Of the Spartans toward Lycurgus 3. The Athenians to Theseus 1. THe Senate placed by the Parent of our City in the highest degree of Honour yet miserably tore him in pieces in the Senate-House and thought it no crime to take away his Life who had given life to the Roman Empire That rude and fierce Age contaminated with the Blood of their Founder the known Piety of posterity cannot dissemble 2. This ingrateful errour of a debauch'd minde shortly after caus'd the sad repentance of our City Camillus the most triumphant Enlarger and the most certain Defender of the Roman Power yet could not preserve himself in his own City whose safeguard he had establish'd encreas'd and enlarg'd For being accused by L. Apuleius Tribune of the People for having embezled the Spoils of the Veientines he was by a hard and as I may say Iron Sentence condemn'd and sent into Exilement And at such a time when having lost a most hopeful Son he was rather to have been relieved with Comfort than to have been laden with Calamities But his Countrey unmindful of the extraordinary Merits of so great a Person heapâ—d the affliction of Exilement upon the loss of his Son Poorly done for Fifteen thousand Pence a pitiful Sum to deprive themselves of so great a Prince The Elder African when Rome was almost quite broken by the Arms of the Carthaginians when she lay bleeding to death and bleeding out the very last drop restored her again and made her Mistress of all Africa in recompence whereof his Countrey-men continued him to a poor Village near a stinking Lake of which he seem'd to be sensible to his death causing this Inscription to be put upon his Tomb INGRATEFVL COVNTREY THOV HAST NOT SO MVCH AS MY BONES What more unworthy the necessity which they put him to what more just than his complaint or more moderate than his revenge He denied his ashes to a City which he had preserved from being reduced to asheâ— Tâ—erefore was this revenge a greater unkindness to ungrateful Rome than the violence which Coriolanus offer'd to it For he onely affrighted Rome this man made Rome ashamed not being willing such was his piety â—o complain of their Severity till after his Death For no question it was a kind of comfort to him that his Brother had suffered the same before who after he had overthrown Antiochus and reduced Asia under the subjection of the People of Rome was by the People accused of converting the publick Money to his own private use and thrown into prison No less inferiour in Vertue was the Younger Africanus nor yet more fortunate in his end For alter he had quite reduced to nothing two Cities Numantia and Carthage both threatning destruction to the Roman Empire met with his murtherer at home but not with one to revenge his death in all the Forum Who can be ignorant that Scipio Nasica was as famous for Counsel as the other two Scipio's were for War Who kept T. Gracchus from strangling the Common-wealth with his pestiferous hands yet he because of the low esteem which his Citizens had of his Virtue under the specious pretence of an Embassie went into a voluntary Exilement as far as Pergamus and there spent the remainder of his days never sought after by his ungrateful Countrey I still keep in the same name not having yet done with the complaints of the Cornelian Family For P. Lentulus a most famous Citizen and eminent Lover of his Countrey after he had overthrown C. Gracchus in a pitched field in the Countrey of Aventinum as a reward of
seeing M. Cicero who assembled the Judges preparing to plead he sent to tell him the he died not condemned but guilty and that his estate could not be confiscated and having so said stopping his Mouth and Nostrils with his Handkerchief and holding his Breath he prevented his punishment by Death Which being known Cicero forbore to pronounce Sentence Thus Illustrious person freed himself from an unusual sort of Death from the shame of Condemnation and his Family from Want 8. This a stout Death the next ridiculous For Cornelius Gallus and T. Haâ—erius a Roman Knight expir'd at their Venâ—ry But what imports it to reprehend the Fate of those whom not their Lust but the condition of humanâ— frailty brought to an end For the end of Liâ—e being expos'd to various and occult Causes sometimes certain accidents gâ—in the title of Supreme Fate when they rather happen at the time of Death than any was hasten it FORREIGNERS 1. The Deaths of Strangers are also very remarkable as that of Coma the Brother of Cleon the greatest Captain of Thieves in his time For he being brought to Rupilius the Consul after the taking of Enna which the Thieves kept being examined touching the force and designes of the Fugitives resuming time to collect himself he covered his Head with his Knees bent and holding his Breath he expir'd in the hands of his Keepers an in the siâ—â—â— of the supreme Command Let the miserable â—â—â—enâ— themselves to whom it is more profitable to dye than live with timorous and dubious counsel how to end their Lives Let them sharpen their Knives temper Poysons take Halters view Precipices as if it required some preparation or exact method to separate the strict society of Soul and Body Coma made use of none of these but his Soul being shut up in his breast found its own way 2. The Death of Aescbylus though not voluntary may be however related for the novelty For walking out of the Town where he liv'd in Sicily he sate down in a convenient place upon whom an Eagle bearing a Tortoise deceived by the baldness of his head let fall the Tortoise to break it that he might come at the flâ—sh And by that blow the beginning of a higher Tragedy was stifled in the birth 3. Now was the cause of Homer's Death vulgar Who is said to have died for grief because he could not answer a question which the Fishers put to him 4. More sad was the destiny of Euripides For returning to the house where he lay in Macedonia from supping with King Archelaus he was torn to pieces by Dogs A fate too severe for so great a Wit 5. Sophocles bâ—ing very old and having rehears'd a Tragedy at the publick place for trial of Wit after a long dispute remaining at length Victor by one voice died for joy that he had won 6. Philemon was carried off by immoderate laughter For an Ass eating certain Figs that were prepared for him and set before him he call'd the boy to drive him away who not coming till the Ass had eaten them all up Because thou comest so late said he prethee give the Ass some Wine too and prosecuting his Jeast with a inâ—emperancy of Laughter stopp'd up the passages of the Spirits 7. But Pindarus laying his head in the School on a Boy 's lap who was his only delight and composing himself for rest was not known to be dead till the Master of the Exercising-place where he lay going to shut the doors sought in vain to wake him Certainly the same savour of the Gods granted him his Poetic Eloquence and such an easie Death 8. As happen'd also to Anacreon though he had outlived the age of man whom cherishing his old age with the juice of Raisins the more thick moisture of one Grape sticking in his Throat carried off 9. I will adde those whose Exit and Intent were alike Milo the Crotoniate as he was travelling seeing an Oak clest with Wedges trusting to his strength went to the Oak and thought with his hands to pull one from the other But the Wedges falling out the Oak closed again and there kept him till with all the Palms and Victories he had won the wild beasts came and devoured him 10. Polydamas also the Wrastler being forced by sâ—ress of weather to shelter himself in a Cave which being weakned and ready to fall while his Companions ran away he only stood still thinking to have upheld the weight with his Shoulders But being opprest with a weight more powerful than humane strengâ—h the shelter which he sought from the shower bâ—â—â—me the Sepulchâ—r of his own mad â—ate These Examples may teâ—ch us that Vigour of Minde and vast Strength of Body are not always companions Nature not affording two such great Benefits together that the same person should at once be the most strong and the most wise CHAP. XIII Of Desire of Life ROMANS 1. Mu. Aquilius Consular Legate 2. Cn. Carbo thrice Consul 3. D. Junius Brutus Procensul FORRAIGNERS 1. Xerxes King of Persia. 2. Massinissa King of the Numidians 3. Alexander King of the Phereans 4. Dionysius the Tyrant NOw because we have touch'd upon some casual some couragious some rash terminations of Life we may now adde some that are low-spirited and esseminate That by the comparison it may appear how Death may be sometimes not only more stoutly but more prudently desired 1. Mu. Aquilius when he might have bravely died chose rather to be an ignominious slave to Mithridates Whether shall we say the best deserved the Pontic punishment or the Roman Empire Since he permitted private Ignominy to be the publick Shame 2. Cn. Carbo is a greaâ— blot to the Latine Annals who in his third Consulship being sent to be put to death in Sicily by Pompey humbly and with tears in his eyes begg'd of the Souldiers that he might have time to ease himself before he suffered that he might enjoy that miserable moment of a pitiful Life and so long be delayed till his head was sordidly cut off as he sate The words relating so much Pusâ—â—lanimiâ—y are at variance among themselves neither friendly to silence because they deserve not to be conceal'd nor familiar to rehearsal when the subject nauseates 2. Brutus with how much shame did he buy an unhappy and small moment of Life For being taken by Furius whom Antonius had sent to apprehend him not only withdrew his Neck from the Sword but being admonish'd to hold still he swore in these words As I live I will hold it forth O contemptible delay of fate O stolid and silly Oath But thâ—se are thy deliriums out of an immoderate desire of the sweets of Life expelling that measure of Reasons which teaches to love Life yet not to fear Death FORREIGNERS 1. Thou the same sweetness of Life didst compel Xerxes to shed tears for the armed Youth of all Asiâ— of which there would be none remaining in less than an hundred years Who thereby seem'd to me
What need have I then of thy friendship if thou wilt not do for me what I desire made this answer What need I of thine if for thy sake I should do any unhandsome action To these words were agreeable those deeds when rather through the dissention of the two Orders than for any fault of his own he was arraign'd he neither put on forry Cloaths nor laid aside the Senatorian Ornaments nor made any Supplication to the Judgâ—s nor spoke any thing unworthy the splendour of his past years But so order'd it that his Tryal was rather an Experiment than any Impediment of his Gravity And when Sylla's Victories gave him liberty to return into his own Countrey he rather chose to tarry in Banishment than to do any thing against the Laws And therefore more justly might we have given the Title of Happy to the Manners of so grave a Man than to the prosperous Arms of the other more potent Conquerour Which Sylla usurp'd but Rutilius deserv'd 5. M. Brutus the Murtherer of his own Virtues before he was the Parricide of the Parent of his Countrey for by one foul deed he overthrew them all and defil'd his memory with an unexpiable detestation as he was goingin to his last Battle to some that told him it was not convenient to fight Boldly said he I go into the Battle for this day either all things will be well or I shall have nothing to care for For he presum'd he could not live without Victory nor dye without Security FORRAIGNERS 1. The person beforementioned puts me in mind to relate what was said to Decius Brutus in Spain For when all Lusitania had surrendred it self to him and only the City of Cinninia obstinately held out and that the Consul thought to have bought them out they presently made answer to his Commissioners That their Ancestors had only left them their Swords to defend their City but no Money to purchase their Liberty from a covetous General A Saying more noble for Romans to have spoken than to have heard from others 2. Nature led them into these paths of Severity But Socrates the most famous Pillar of the Grecian Learning when he was to plead his own Cause at Athens and that Lycias had repeated to him an Oration compos'd by himself for him to make use of in the Court of Judicature humble suppliant and accommodated to the danger that threatned him Take it away said he for if I could be brought where I might repeat it in the farthermost deserts of Scythia there I should think I deserved death He contemn'd Life that he might not want Gravity choosiing rather to dye like Socrates than to live like Lysias 3. As great as he in Wisdome Alexandâ—r as great in War shewed himself to be of the same mind For Darius having tried his force in two Battles and therefore offering him a part of his Kingdome and his Daughter in Marriage with Ten Hundred thousand Talents when Parmenio told him that if he were Alexander he would accept the Condition He made answer And so would I were I Parmenio An expression worthy of the two Victories and deserving the third which he obtain'd 4. This was the effect of a magnanimous Minde in Prosperity That more generous whereby the Lacedaemonian Ambassadors testified to his Father the miserable condition of their fortune For when he impos'd most intolerable Burthens upon their City they made him answer That if he should persist to command them things more grievous than Death they would prefer Death before his Commands 5. No less grave was the Saying of that Spartan who excelling both in Nobility and Sanctity of Mind being put by the Magisâ—racy which he petiâ—ion'd for I rejoyce exceedingly said he that my Countrey produces men more worthy than my self By which Speech he equall'd the honour he was put by CHAP. V. Of Iustice. ROMANS 1. The People of Rome 2. The four Tribunes of the People 3. Ti. Gracchus Censor 4. Colledge of Tribunes of the People 5. Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus 6. Licinius Crassus the Oratour 7. Cor. Sylla Consuls FORRAIGNERS 1. Pittacus of Mitylene 2. Aristides the Athenian 3. Zeleucus the Locrian 4. Charundas the Thurian 'T Is now time to enter the sacred recesses of Justice where alwaies the respect of just and honest Actions is conversant with Religious Observation Where Modesty is studied and Desire gives way to Reason there nothing is reputed profitable that is not honest Of which our City among all Nations is the most certain and principal Example 1. When Camillus the Consul besieg'd the Falisci a School-master brought over to the Roman Camp several Youths and those the most noble in the City under pretence of taking them to walk abroad Not questioning but they being in the power of the Romans that the Falisci would submit themselves to our General Upon which affair after consultation the Senate decreed that the Youths should be sent home lashing their Master all the way while his hands were â—yed behind him Which Justice of theirs overcame the Minds of those whose Walls they were not able to expugn For the Falisci overcome by their Kindnesses not by their Arms open'd their Gates to the Romans The same City oftentimes rebelling but alwaies broken by adverse Fortune was at length constrained to yield to Q. Lutatius the Consul Against which when the Roman People desir'd to have shewn the extremity of their Revenge when they understood from Papyrius who by the Consuls command had writ the Articles of Surrender that the Falisci had surrender'd themselves to the Faith not to the Power of the Romans they laid aside all their Anger lest they should be wanting to their Justice suppressing the force of their Hatred which is not easily overcome and the pride of Victory which easily begets Licentiousness Another time when P. Claudius having by his prosperous conduct taken the Camerini had sold them under the Spear according to custome though thereby they saw their Exchequer filled with Money and their Empire enlarged yet because it did not seem to be done according to the Rules of Honour and Justice they sought them diligently out and redeemed them again assigning them a place of habitation in Aventinum and restoring them their Lands They gave them Money also to build Chappels and purchase Sacrifices and by their Justice gave the miserable an occasion to rejoyce in their destruction being so rais'd again What I have related was confin'd within our own Walls and the neighbouring parts what I now relate has flown over all the world Timochares the Aâ—bracian promis'd Fabritius the Consul that he would poyson Pyrrbus by the assistance of his Son who was his Cupbearer Notice whereof being given to the Senate they sent Embassadors to give Pyrrbus intelligence of it admonishing him to be careful againâ—â— such kind of treachery Remembring that their City was built by the Son of Mars and that War was to be carried on by Arms and not by Poyson 2. Admirable
ROMAE ANTIQUAE DESCRIPTIO A View of the RELIGION LAWS CUSTOMS MANNERS and DISPOSITIONS OF THE ANCIENT ROMANS And Others Comprehended in their most Illustrious ACTS and SAYINGS Agreeable to HISTORY Written in Latine by that famous Historian QVINTVS VALERIVS MAXIMVS And now carefully rendred into English Together with the Life of the Author LICENSED Roger L'Estrange LONDON Printed by I. C. for Samuel Speed and sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster 1678. London printed for Samuel Speed To the Right Honourable HENEAGE Lord FINCH Baron of Daventry AND Lord High CHANCELLOR of England May it please your Honour HAving lately experienc'd the Influences of your Honours Favours I hold my self in Duty bound to pay my Acknowledgements to the utmost of my power which is in this Address to declare your Piety and your Bounty For which reasons I had been guilty of Injustice had I sought for any other Patron being lately so generously remembred by your Honour Thus I endeavour to shew my Gratitude though the highest Pinacle thereof bears no proportion with the large Pillars of your Honours High Worth and Dignity well observing what is in ancient Story recorded of Lycurgus the Lacedemonian Law-giver that he slighted the making a Decree against Ingratitude imagining no man could be so sordidly wretched as to be guilty of that horrid Crime Wherefore to pay my Debt in the best Coyn I have I humbly offer this to your Honours Patronage it being a Collection of the Acts and Sayings of Oratours and States-men and who can be more fit to receive them than the far excelling Tully of our Age Of whom I may say as once the ancient Roman Omnium somnos tua vigilantia omnium delicias tua industria omnium vacationem tua occupatio May it please your Honour not to give your Lordship any farther trouble your Acceptance and Pardon is â—umbly implor'd by Your Honours Obedient Devoted and Obliged Servant Samuel Speed THE LIFE OF VALERIVS MAXIMVS VAlerius Maximus a Roman Citizen of a Patrician Family spent his childhood and youth in the study of Learning Then coming to be of age he betook himself to the VVars where he is said to have serv'd for some time and to have sail'd with Sextus Pompey into Asia VVhence returning home when he found himself able to profit his Country by well speaking as well as doing from which the love of Honour had for some time diverted him he resolv'd to put forth the Acts and Sayings the most remarkable of the Roman City and of forraign Nations which he very luckily finish'd He flourish'd in the Raign of Tiberius Caesar and in his time whose Numen he invokes he wrote this History For the Roman Emperours when by their vertue they had justly and uprightly manag'd the Empire were translated into the number of the Gods and were call'd Divi Imperatores He deriv'd his Pedigree by the Fathers side from the Valerian Family by the Mothers side from the Fabian from both which he obtain'd the name of Valerius Maximus Of his Death there is nothing certain reported AN ALPHABETICAL TABLE OF THE Contents of the Chapters A OF Abstinence Page 167 Of Arts Page 408 Of Anger Page 441 B Of Bashfulness Page 181 C Of Constancie Page 143 Of Continence Page 167 Of Conjugal Love Page 185 Of Clemencie Page 203 Of Courage at the death of Children Page 252 Of Chastity Page 256 Of Covetousness Page 446 Of Cruelty Page 434 D Of Dreams Page 30 Of Degenerated Births Page 129 Of the Desire of Honour Page 417 Of Deaths not Vulgar Page 466 Of Desire of Life Page 471 E Of the Effects of Arts Page 408 Of Eloquence Page 403 Ease praised Page 402 F Of Frugality Page 66 Of Forraign Institutions Page 69 Of Fertitude Page 104 Of Friendship Page 189 Of the Fidelity of Servants Page 291 Of the change of Fortune Page 295 G Of Gratitude Page 214 H Of Humanity Page 203 Of Happiness Page 304 Of Honour Page 417 Of Hatred Page 441 I Of Innocence Page 66 Of Illustrious men Page 131 Of Ingratitude Page 221 Of Iustice Page 281 Of publick Iudgments Page 346 Of private Iudgments Page 354 Of Industry Page 36â— L Of Luckie Signes Page 16 Of Liberality Page 198 Of Love to Children Page 244 Of Luxury and Lust Page 427 Of Lyers Page 476 M Of Miracles Page 39 Of Mâ—trimonial Ceremonies Page 52 Of Magistrates Page 56 Of Military Discipline Page 76 Of Majesty Page 95 Of Mean Births advanced Page 125 Of Moderation Page 152 Of Modesty Page 181 Of Moderation to suspected children Page 250 Of the change of Manners Page 295 Of Memorable old Age Page 413 Of Motion of the Body Page 406 Of Magnificent things Page 421 N Of Necessity Page 334 O Of Omens Page 18 Of memorable Old age Page 4â—3 P Of Prodigies Page 22 Of Patience Page 120 Poverty praised Page 176 Of Piety toward their Country Page 238 Towards Parents Page 228 Of Publick Faith Page 287 Of Publick Iudgments Page 346 Of Private Iudgments Page 354 Of Pronunciation Page 406 R Of Religion Page 3 Of Feigned Religion Page 14 Of Forraign Religion Page 15 Of the Right of Triumphing Page 86 Of Reconciliation Page 164 Of Repulses Page 331 Of Rackings Page 358 On Revenge Page 361 S Of Shews Page 62 Of the Severity of the Censors Page 90 Of Self-confidence Page 133 Of Severity to Children Page 247 Of Severity Page 269 Of Stratagems Page 326 Of Study Page 363 Of Similitude of Form Page 474 T Of Towardliness Page 101 Of Things freely done Page 262 Gravely done Page 276 Of the Truth of Wives Page 290 Of Things wisely done Page 306 Craftily done Page 316 Of Testaments confirm'd Page 342 Of Testimonies Page 359 W Of Wills cancelâ—'d Page 338 Of Women-pleaders Page 357 Y Of Yielding to Masters of Art Page 412 Quintus Valerius Maximus OF Memorable things LIB I. The PROLOGUE TO AUGUSTUS TIBERIUS CAESAR I Have resolved with my self to collect together the Deeds and Sayings of most note and most worthy to be remembred of the most eminent persons both among the Romans and other Nations taken out of the most approved Authors where they lie scattered at such a distance that makes them hard to be known to save them the trouble of a tedious search who are willing to follow their Examples Yet I have not been over-desirous to comprehend all For who in a small Volume is able to set down the Deeds of many Ages Or what wise man can hope to deliver the order of Domestick and Forraign story which our Predecessors have done in such happy stiles either with greater care or more abounding Eloquence Therefore Caesar thy Countries onely safety thee I invoke in the beginning of my Vndertaking whom the consent of Gods and men hath ordain'd the great Commander both of Sea and Land by whose Divine providence those Vertues of which I am to discourse are most favourably cherish'd Vices most severely punish'd For if the antient
by the hands of men they resolv'd to testifie their good Will Wherein I am not ignorant how opinion hesitates in the asserting the truth of the motion and voice of the Immortal Gods However because we do not make a relation of things new but only repeat what has been deliver'd let the first Authors vindicate the truth It is our part not to refuse as vain what the sacred Monuments of Story have consecrated for certain 8. Having made mention of that City from whence our own had its first original heavenly Iulius the glorious offspring thereof comes into our mind whom C. Cassius never to be named without remembring his publick Parricide while he was labouring couragiously at the Battle of Philippi saw above mortal Stature clad in a Purple Robe and an angry Countâ—nance making toward him with full speed at which sight affrighted he fled having first heard these words utter'd What wouldst thou do more if it be too little to have kill'd Didst thou not murther Caesar O Cassius But no Deity can be prevail'd against therefore by injuring him whose mortal body still burns thou hast deserved to have a god so much thy enemy 9. Lentulus passing by the shore where the Bâ—dy of Pompey the Great murdered by the treachery of King Ptolemy was then at the same time burning altogether ignorant of his fall cryed out to his Souldiers How do we know but that Pompey may be now burning in yonder flame The Miracle was that he should ignorantly speak so great a truth as it were by inspiration 10. This was only the saying of a man but that which came from the mouth of Apollo himself was more miraculous a clear evidence of the Delphick Presâ—ge which â—oretold the Death of Appius He in the Civil War wherein Pompey had separated himself from his friendship with Caesar through advice no less baneful to himself than disadvantageous to the Common-wealth being willing to know the event of so great a Commotion by his power in command for he was Governour of Achaia caus'd the chief President of the Delphick Oracle to descend into the innermost part of the holy Den whence as more certain Answers are demanded so the over-abundance of the divine exhalation becomes more noxious to those that give the Answer The Virgin therefore through the impulse of the inspiring Spirit with a most dreadful tone among other obscure terms and aenigma's thus return'd to Appius The War concerns thee nothing O Roman Thou shalt have for thy lot that part of Euboea call'd Coela He believing that Apollo had forewarned him to avoid the danger of the War retired into that Countrey which lies between Rhamâ—uns a noble part of the Countrey of Aâ—tica and Câ—ristus adjoining to the Chalcidic Bay where consum'd with sickness before the battle of Pharsalia he possessed the place assign'd for his burial 11. These things may also be accompted as Miracles that when the Chappel of the Salii was burnt there was nothing escap'd the fire but the Kings staff of Romulus That the Statue of Servius Tullius râ—main'd untouch'd when the Temple of Fortune was consum'd by fire That the Statue of Claudia plac'd near the entry into the Temple of the Mother of the Gods â—hat Temple being twice consum'd by fire once whâ—n Nasica Scipio and L. Bestia another time when Servilius and Lamia were Consuls stood firm upon its Baâ—is and untouch'd 12. The Funeral Pile of Acilius Aviola brought no small astonishment to our City who being taken â—or dead both by the Physicians and by his Friends when he had been laid out for some time upon the Ground the Flame no sooneâ— coming near his Body bâ—t he rose up and affirmed himself to be alive calling for the assiâ—tance of his Schoolmaster who only remain'd with him But being encompass'd with the flames he could noâ— be drawn thence 13. Lucius Lamia also a person of the Pretorian Order is said to â—ave spoken upon his funeral Pile FORRAIGN Examples 1. But the fatâ— of Erus Pamphilus has render'd the forâ—going relations leâ—s miraculous whom Plato affirm'd thaâ— alter he was thought to have been slain in Batâ—lâ— and â—ad lain in the field ten days when he came to be taken away and laid upon the funeral Pile he reviv'd and related strange things which he saw while he lay dead 2. And since we are come of Forraign Examples there was a certain learned Man at Athens who having received an unlucky hurt with a Stone upon his Head though he retain'd his Memory as to all other things very perfect yet forgot his Learning which he had follow'd all his life time A dire and fatal Wound in the Soul of him that was wounded as if having of purpose sought out every sense it had pitch'd upon that particularly wherein the Patient most delighted burying the singular Doctrine and Learning of the person in the perpetual grave of Envy To whom if it were not lawful to enjoy those Studies it had been better that he had never obtain'd a taste of them than to want the sweetness of what he once had in possâ—ssion 3. But more lamentable is the narration of the following mischance For the Wife of Nausimenes an Athenian hapning to take her Son and Daughter in the act of Incest struck with horrour of so monstrous a sight became suddenly dumb so that she neither could express her present Indignation nor ever after speak a word They punish'd themselves for their own wicked act with voluntary Death Thus Fortune that in a rage took from her her Speech from them their Lives was therein favourable to the Mother 4. Aegles a Samian Wrastler born mute when he saw the Rewards of a Victory which he had won taken from him out of indignation for the injury done him recover'd his Speech 5. Famous also was the Birth of Gorgias an Epirote a very strong man who coming forth of his Mothers Womb as she was going to be buried with his crying caus'd them that carried the Beer to stand affording a strange Miracle to his Countrey as one that receiv'd his Birth and being from the Funeral-Pile of his Mother For at the same moment she in her Death yields to fate the other is taken into arms alive before he was born 6. A fortunate Wound was that which a certain person gave to Phaerean Iason endeâ—vouring to have slain him For striking at him with his Sword he brake an Impostume in that manner which could neither be broken nor cured by any skill'd in Physick delivering him from an incurable Disease 7. Equally belov'd of the immortal Gods wâ—s Simonides who being sav'd from imminent dangâ—r was also preserv'd from after-ruine For while he was at Supper with Scopas at Cranon a City of Thessaly news was brought him that two young men were at the door earnestly desiring to spâ—ak with him When he came to the gaâ—e he found no body â—here But at the same moment the Roof of the Dining-room fell down and kill'd both
strong and serious exhortation that changed the Courage and Fortune of the whole City 3. A Philosopher of the same Name being put upon the Rack by Nearchus the Tyrant whose Death he had conspiâ—'d did not only appear a Conquerour of his pain and punishment in concealing his Confederates but shewed himself more covetous of revenge and thereâ—ore telling the Tyrant that he had something to declare which it was fit that no body else should hear he was tâ—ereupon loosen'd from the Rack and pretending to whisper in the Tyrants ear when he saw his time caught his Ear in his Teeth nor would let go till with the loss of his Life the other had lost a member of his body 4. Anaxarchus imitating the same Patience and being put upon the Rack by Nicocreon Tyrant of Cyprus when he could by no means be restrain'd from casting the most bitter taunâ—s and reproaches imaginable against the Tyrant who at length threatned to cut out his Tongue This part of my body neiâ—her quoth he effeminate Youngman shall be in thy power and presently biting it off with his teeth when he had sufficiently chew'd it he spit it into the Tyrants mouth gaping for anger That tongue wonderfully astonish'd the ears of many especially of Alexander the King having before so wisely and eloquently described the condition of the Earth the scituation of the Sea the Motion of the Stars and lastly the Nature of the whole World Yet he fell more gloriously than he liv'd seeing such a couragious conclusion approv'd the illustriousness of his profession and beautified with such a noble end And Anaxarchus did not only not forsake living but render'd his Death more famous 5. In vain did Hieronymus the Tyrant weary the hands of the Executioners with the Tortures of Theodoâ—us a most eminent person For the Tyrant was forced to break his Whips loosen the Strings take him from the Rack and quench the burniâ—g Plates ere he could make him confess his Consederates At length by accusing one of the Tyrants Guard upon whose shoulders as upon hinges the whole weight of the Government hung he sav'd one of his most faithful Friends And by the benefit of his Patience not only conceal'd the Secrets of the Conspiracy but occasioned his own revenge For Hieronymâ—s while he covetously tears his Enemies flesh rashly lost his Friend 6. Among the Indians the Exercise of Patience is reported to be so obstinately observ'd that there be some that go naked all their days hardening their Bodies in the â—xtreme cold of Caucasus sometimes walking thorow fire without any complaint And by this contempt of pain they gain no small honour receiving from thence the title of Wisdom 7. Such things as these arise from minds high and fraught with knowledg but this is no less to be admired in a Slave A Barbarian Slave grieving for the loss of his Master presently setting upon Asdrubal slew him And when being apprehended he was tormented all manner of ways yet he constantly retain'd in his mouth the joy which he had in his revenge Vertue therefore not excited by the trouble of attaining suffers her self to be always possess'd by vigorous Ingenuities nor affords a taste of her self large or thristy according to the difference of the persons but being exposâ—d equally to all esteems more what it brings of desire than worth And therefore leaves thee to examine the weight thereof by the consideration of the benefits receiv'd by her that thou mayst carry away with thee as much as thy Courage is able to bear CHAP. IV. Of those who being meanly born have advanced to great Honours Among the ROMANS 1. Tullus Hostilius 2. Tarquinius Priscus 3. Servius Tullius 4. Terentius Varro 5. M. Perperna 6. M. Porcius Cato FORREIGN 1. Socrates the Athenian 2. Euripides and Demosthenes HEnce it many times falls out that Men born of mean Parentage arrive to the highest pitches of Honour and Preferment and on the contrary that Men of most Noble Extraction falling into some disgrace change that light which they received from their Ancestors into darkness Which will appear more apparent by their Examples I shall begin with those whose change from low to high degree affords a kind of plâ—asing Majesty 1. A poor Country Cottage entertain'd the Infancy of Tullus Hostilius His Youth was employ'd in keeping shâ—ep his riper years govern'd the Roman Empire and doubly augmented it his old age embellished with most excellent Ornaments shin'd in the highest Pinacle of Majesty 2. But Tullus though he were great and admirable in his growing great yet was he but a private Example But Tarquinius Priscus was by Fortune brought to our City to possess the Roman Sâ—epteâ— A Forrainer because born at Corinth to be scorn'd as being begot by Demaratus a Merchant and one to be ashamed of because his Father was an Exile But by the prosperous event of his Condition he became industrious instead of ignominious glorious instead of being envi'd For he extended the bounds of the Empire and reform'd the Worship of the Gods with new Sacrifices He increased the number of Senators and amplified the Order of Knighthood And what was the perfection of his praises his most eminent Vertues were such that the City had no cause to repent that she had rather bâ—rrowed a King from her Neighbours than chosen one of her own 3. But in Servius Tullius Fortune shewed her greatest power by giving us a King born a stranger to this City who happened to sway the Scepter many years to appoint a Lustrum four times and to triumph thrice Briefly whence he came and how far he proceeded the Inscription of his Statue sufficiently witnâ—sses being â—ntrigu'd with a servile Sirname and a Royal Title 4. By a strange rise Varro ascended to the Consulship from his Fathers Butchers stall Yet Fortune thought it not enough to bestow the twelve Fasces upon one brought up by the gains of the most sordid Ware unless she had given him Emilius Paulus to be his Colleague And she so insinuated her self into his favour that when by his rashness he had ruined the Power of Rome at the Bâ—ttel of Cannae yet she suffered Emilius to be slain but brought Varro safe to Rome Nay she brought forth the Senate to meet him without the Gates and giving him thanks that he would be pleased to return and so advanced him that the Dictatorship was allotted to the Author of their greatest Calamity 5. Nor was Marcus Perpernâ— a small disgrace to the Consulship as being made Consul before he was a Citizen but in War more profitable to the Common-wealth than Varro the General For he took King Aristonicus and revenged the slaughter of Crassus and his Army Yet was his death whose life had triumph'd condemned by the Papian Law for they compelled his Father not being able to claim the priviledges of a Roman Citizen and prosecuted therefore by Sabellius to return to his Original Station Thus was the name of Perperna clouded
his counterfeit Consulship a kind of Government like a Mist a fading Triumph and his Off-spring a Sojourner in a strange City 6. But the beginnings of Porcius Cato were searched for out by publick Vote Who render'd his name most famous at Rome which was scarcely known in Tusculum The lasting Monuments of the Latin Tongue were by him adorn'd Military Discipline reform'd the Majesty of the Senate increased his Family establish'd to which the last Cato was no small honour FORRAIGN 1. But to joyn Forraign Examples to the Romans Socrates not onely by common consent of all persons but by the Oracle of Apollo judg'd to be the wisest among men was born of Phanarete a Midwife and Sophroniscus a Stone-cutter yet he came to be one of the most resplendent Lights of Glory and not undeservedly For when the Wits of most learned men were busied in blinde Disputations and endeavoured to set down the prove the measures of the Sun Moon and the rest of the Stars rather by multiplicity of words than certain Arguments for they undertook to tell the compass of the whole World he diverted men from these unlearned and unnecessary questions and taught them to dive into the nature of Man and the secret Affâ—ctions that lay hidden in his breast So that if Vertue be esteem'd for its self much more such a Master as teacheth the best Rules of life 2. What Mother Euripides had or what Father Domesthenes had was unknown to the Age they lived in Yet the most certain opinion of the Learned is That the Mother of the one sold Pot-herbs and the Father of the other dealt in Knives However what can be more famous than the Tragedies of the one and the Orations of the other CHAP. V. Of those who have degenerated being born of Noble Ancestors 1. The Son of Scipio Africanus 2. Q. Fabius the Son of him sirnamed Allobrogicus 3. The Son of Clodius and Fulvia 4. Marcus Hortensius Corbio HEre follows the second part of a double promise to be made good by relating the blemishes in the Coats of Illustrious men Because we are not to relate the stories of those that have degenerated from the glory of their Ancestors 1. For what could be more like a Monster than the Son of the Elder Scipio Africanus who receiving his beginning from so Illustrious a Family could endure to suffer himself to be taken by a small party of King Antiochus when it had been better for him to have died a voluntary death than between two the most famous Sirnames the one obtained by the destruction of Africk and the other got by the Conquest of Asia to suffer his hands to be bound by the Enemy and to be beholding to his mercy for a pitiful life over whom Scipio was to obtain in a small time a Triumph most glorious in the sight of Gods and men Coming to claim the Pretorship he appeared in the field with such a spotted and bedaub'd white Gown that had it not been for the courtesie of Cicereus who was his Father's Secretary he would not have obtain'd the honour Though it had been no great matter whether he had a Repulse or a Pretorship so obtain'd for when the standers by saw what a soul Gaâ—ment he had on they were the occasion that he neithâ—r durst place his Chair not hear Causes Moreover they took a Ring off his finger upon which the head of Alexander was engrav'd Good Gods from what Thunder die ye suffer so much Darkness to proceed 2. Again Q. Fabius Maximus the Son of Q. Fabius Maximus sirnamed Allobrogicus what a luxurious and dissolute life did he lead whose other Vices to obliterate yet might his Manners be seen by one act of disgrace that Q. Pompey the City-Pretor would not let him meddle with his Father's goods Neither was there any person in so great a City that would speak against the Decree For men grived to see that that money which was to maintain the splendour of the Fabian Family should be spent in Riot and Excess Thus he whom his Father's indulgence left his Heir the publick severity dis-inherited 3. Clodius the fair was in great favour with the people yet his Wife Fulvia wearing a Dagger shew'd that he suffered his warlike Spirit to be subject to the commands of a Woman Their Son called also by the name of Clodius the Fair beside that he had led a slothful and effeminate life in his Youth was also infamous for his egregious dotage upon the most common Whores and died a most sâ—ameful death For his belly being eaten up he surrender'd his life to the greedy appetite of his own soul inâ—emperance 4. Hortensius Corbio also the Nephew of Quintus Hortensius who in the greatest plenty of ingenious and illustrious Citizens attain'd the highest degree of Eloquence and Authority led a life more obscure and fordid than all the Strumpets put together At length his Tongue was as common at the pleasure and lust of every one in the Bawdy-houses as his Fathers Oratory was diligently employ'd for the good of his Fellow-Citizens CHAP. VI. Of Illustrious men that delighted more than ordinary in rich Apparel and sumptuous adorning themselves 1. Scipio the Greater 2. Asiatic Scipio 3. Cornelius Sylla 4. C. Duilius 5. C. Papirius Maso 6. C. Marius 7. M. Cato of Utica I Am not ignorant what a dangerous Journey I have undertaken Therefore I will recall my self lest while I continue to pursue the remaining Shipwracks and Miscarriages of the same nature I should intrigue my self in useless Relations I will therefore retreat and suffer those deformed shadows to lie hid in the deep Abyss of their own shame thinking it more to the purpose to declare what illustrious Personages have given themselves an unusual liberty in their Habits and Dresses the Authors of new Customs 1. P. Sciâ—io being in Sicâ—ly there intent upon the reinforcing and transporting his Army into Africa as he that minded nothing more than the ruine of Carthage was at the same time accustomed to the Gymnasium and wore a Pallium or long Mantle and those finer sort of shoes called Crepidae Yet did he handle the Carthaginians never a whit the more softly for that For his Divertisement made him more eager seeing that strong and active Wits the more they use Retirement the more vehement they are in Command Thereby perhaps he also thought to win the favour of the young Gentry while he followed their Customes of Habit and Diet. For to those Exercises he applied himself when he had much and long tired himself and had constrained his other Limbs to prove their Strength by Military Labours wearied with the one recreated with the other 2. We likewise behold the Statue of Lucius Scipio with a Chlamys or a short Cloak about his Shoulders and embroidered Slippers In which Habit as he was wont to wear it alive they cloaâ—hed his Essigies 3. Lucius Cornelius Sylla also when he was Emperour thought it no disgrace to walk the
of Hannibal though he had many times a fair opportunity of well succeeding offer'd yet he would never recede from his own wholesome deliberations not so much as to the hazard of a Skirmish and which is most difficult he every where appear'd to be Superiour both to Anger and Hope And therefore as Scipio by fighting so he by not fighting reliev'd his Country For the one ruin'd Carthage by his Celerity the other by his delay took care that Rome should not be destroyed 3. By the following Narration it will also appear that Gaius Piso being Consul at a time of much turbulency and combustion in the Commonwealth did behave himself with a wonderful Constancy The fury of the people being highly moved by the delusions of M. Palicanus a seditious person endeavour'd to commit a most foul act at the great Assembly for choosing Consuls intending to have given into his hands a most large Power whose vile actions requir'd rather the utmost severity of punishment than any the least mark of Honour Nor was the furious flame of the Tribunes Authority wanting to incense the amazed Multitude In this miserable and shameful condition of the City Piso being plac'd before the Pulpit for Orations though not by the hands of the Tribunes and all flocking about him and demanding of him whether he would declare Palicanus Consul now chosen by the Suffrages of the People answered First that he did not believe the Commonwealth had been overwhelm'd with so much darkness as to act a thing so unworthy And when the People still press'd him to declare the Election crying out If it were unworthily done let it be so he replied I will make no declaration With which short Answer he bare away the Consulship from Palicanus before he had obtain'd it Thus Piso contemn'd many terrible hazards disdainining to renounce the well-grounded rigour of his mind 4. Metâ—llus sirnam'd Numidian for a perseverance of the same nature endured a storm much unworthy his Majesty and generous Manners For when he perceived what Saturninus in his designes of mischief aim'd at and what ruin they would bring to the Commonwealth if not timely prevented he rather chose Banishment than to submit to his Laws Could there be any person thought more constant than this man Who rather than he would act contrary to his judgment suffer'd the want oâ— his own Countrey where he had attain'd to the highest degrees to Dignity 5. However though I prefer no one before him yet may I not undeservedly compare with him Scaevola the Soothsayer Sylla having now quite deâ—eated his Opposers and got the upper hand of his Enemies and got possession of the City armed as he was compell'd the Senate to accomplish his most eager desire that Marius might be by them declar'd an open Enemy Whose Will when no one durst withstand Scaeâ—ola alone being requir'd refus'd to give his opinion in the Case And when Sylla began with a frowning look to threaten him Though said he thou shouldst shew me the bands of Souldiers with which thou hast surrounded the Senate though thou threaten death never so often thou shalt never make me yield in hopes to keep warm my little and aged blood to declare Marius an Enemy by whom this City and all Italy has been preserv'd 6. What has a Woman to do with publick Orations If the Custome of our Countrey be observed Nothing But where Domestick Peace and Quiet is toss'd upon the waves of Seditâ—on the Authority of Antient Custome gives way And that which Violence compels more avails than that which Modesty perswades and directs And therefore O Semproniâ— Sister of Titus and Caius Graccbus Wife of Scipio Aemilianus I will not comprehend thee in a Narrative envious of thy worth as absurdly inserting thee among the most weighty Examples of Vertue but beâ—â—use that being brought to answer before the People by a Tribune of the Vulgar thou hast not degenerated from the greatness of thy Ancestors in sâ— vast a confusion I will eternize thy Memory Thoâ— wert forced to stand in that place where the greatest Personages of the City were wont to be affronted The highest in Authority powr'd out their Threats against thee with a severe and cruel Brow backt with the Criâ—s of the rude Multitude The whole Forum eagerly endeavour'd that thou shouldst acknowledge with a Kiss Equiâ—ius whom they unjustly labour to impose upon the Sempronian Stock as the Son of Tibâ—rius thy Brother yet didst thou thrust him from thee a Monster brought out of I know not what proâ—undity of darkness approaching with an execrable boldness to usurp a relation of Consanguinity where he had nothing of Alliance 7. The great Luminaries of our City will not take it amiss if in the number of their flaming Lights the virtue of the Câ—â—turions also make bold to shew it self For as humble Degree ought to reverence Greatness so antient Nobility ought rather to cherish than despise those who are but newly advanc'd by acts of Vertue Wherefore then ought Pontius to be driven out of the Company of these Examples who being upon an Out-guard in Caesar's Army and surprized by a Party of Scipio's when there was but one way left for him to save himself if he would serve under Pompey his Son in-law fearless made this answer Scipio I thank thee for thy kindness but I have no occasion for my Life upon any such condition 8. C. Mevius a Centurion of divine Augustus a person of mean Extraction yet of a heroic Minde and observing the same Constancy of Resolution having signaliz'd himself by many Personal acts of Valour in the War with Mark Antonie being at length taken by an Ambuscado of the Enemy and brought before Antonie to Alexandria and being demanded what punishmment he deserv'd Command me said he to be killed for neither the benefit of Pardon nor present Death shall compel me to cease to be a Souldier of Caesars nor now to begin to take thy part But the more constantly he contemn'd his Life the more easily he obtain'd it For Antonie immediately set him at Liberty for his Vertue FORRAIGN 1. Many other Roman Examples remain of this nature but I must avoid tediousness and therefore suffer my Pen to slip to Forraign presidents In the first front whereof let Blassius appear than whose Constancy there was nothing more stedfast He designing to restore Salapia where he was born to the Roman Empire being then garrison'd by the Carthaginians to this purpose with more desire to compass his Plot than hope of obtaining his end he boldly adventures to draw in Dafius one that most fiercely disagreed with him in the administration of Affairs being wholly devoted to Hannibal but one without whose assistance he could not bring his designe about This man presently reports to Hannibal all that had pass'd between him and Blassius adding of his own what he thought would increase his own commendation and render his enemy more odious Hannibal calls them both before him the one
Terentius with Petronius though it fell out that he did not dye for his friend as was his desire For a noble Intâ—ntion is not to be valued by the issueless Event For he was slain as much as in him lay and Brutus escaped the danger who flying from Mutinâ— and receiving intelligence of certain Souldiers sent by Antonius to kill him endeavoured in a certain place by the benefit of the Night to steal that Life of his which deservâ—d just Punishment There Terentius assayling to break through with a faiâ—hful Lye favoured by Darkness it self feigned himself to be Brutus offering his Body to the â—ury of the Souldiers But bâ—ing known by Furius whose charge it was to execute the office of revenge he could not hinder the punishment of his friend by his own death So that against his will he was compell'd by fortune to live 7. From this dreadful and horrid face of Friendship let us digress to the more sâ—rene and placid countenance of Affection And having brought it forth where all things are full of Tears Lamentation and Slaughter let us place it in the Palace of Prosperity shining with Beauty Honour and abounding Wealth Come forth therefore from those Seats that are believed to be consecrated to the Shades of the Blessâ—d here Decimus Lelius there M. Agrippa having wisely and prosperously chosen the one the greatest Friend of the Gods the other of Men and bring along with thee the whole Society which under your Conduct laden with Praises and Rewards receive the venerable Stipends of sincere Fidelity For succeeding Ages beholding your constant Minds your stout Enterprises your inexpugnable Taciturnity your diligent and watchful care for the dignity and safety of your Friends the publick testimonies of your mutual Love and lastly the most plentiful fruits thereof the more willingly the more religiously shall be busied in exercising and admiring the Laws of Friendship FORRAIGNERS 1. My desire is to continue still in the Examples of my Native Countrey but the candor of the Roman City admonishes me to relate the Gallantry of other Nations Damon and Pythias instructed in the sacred Secrets of Pythagorean Prudence had contracted such a faithful Friendship between themselves that when Dionysius of Syracuse would have put one of them to Death and that he that was so suffer had got leave to go home to his house to settle his affairs the other was not afraid to be Surety to the Tyrant for his return So that now he was free from the peril of Death that had his Neck but now under the Axe and he is now in danger that was free before And therefore all people waited the event of an accident so new and rare The day prefix'd being come and the party not returning and therefore every one condemning him of folly that had so rashly undertaken for the other though he remain'd certain of the Fidelity of his Friend At the very Hour and Moment which Dionysius prefixed the other appeared The Tyrant admiring the Courâ—ge of both gave a full pardon to so much Fidelity farther desiring them to receive him into the Society of their Friendship promising a most strict observance thereof Such is the power of Friendship to beget contempt of Death take away the sweet desire of Life tame Cruelty turn Hatred into Love and to reward Punishment with Kindness to which there is almost as much worship due as to the Ceremonies of the Gods For they are the Links of publick this of private Safety And as the Temples of the Gods are sacred Houses so the faithful Breasts of men are Temples fill'd with a certain holy Spirit 2. Which King Alexander certainly believed to be a truth Who being possess'd of the Camp of Darius where all his Relations and Kindred were he came with Ephestion most of all belov'd by him covering his side to speak to them At whose approach the Mother of Darius taking heart lifting up her Head as she lay prostrate upon the ground saluted Ephestion flattering after the manner of the Persians mistaking him for Alexander because he was more amiable for his Stature and Beauty But being made sensible of her errour in great fear she sought for words to excuse it There is no reason replyed Alexander to be troubled for this for this is another Alexander also Whom shall we congratulate him that said it or him that heard it While the King endued with a great Soul having already grasp'd the whole World either by his Victories or in his thoughts in so few words made so equal a division of it to his Companion O the Gift of a Royal Tongue as fair to the Receiver as to the Giver Which I reverence as a private man having had the experience of the Bounty of a most wise and renowned person toward my self And I do not doubt but it may become me to think my Pompey to be like Alexander while he will have his Ephestion to be another Alexander And therefore I should be lyable to a very great errour to pass over the Example of constant and kind Friendship without any mention of him in whose minde as in the breast of most loving Parents my prosperous condition of Life hath flourish'd my Misfortunes have remain'd contented From whom I have received all increase of profit freely offer'd by whom I have stood more firmly against mishap who by his own prosperous Conduct and good Omens hath render'd our Studies more pleasant and delightful And therefore I fed the envy of some with the loss of my best friend dividing my kindness such as it was to some that knew not how to make use of it But there is no Prosperity so modest that can escape the teeth of Envy But in what retirement are some to be avoided with what allurements of kindness canst thou restrain their inveteracy There is no remedy but they will rejoyce and be tickled at the misfortunes of others as well as at their own good They are rich in the Losses wealthy in the Calamities immortal in the Death of other men But while they insult over the miseries of others unexperienced in their own let them have a care of the best revenger of their Insolency the Variety of Human Condition CHAP. VIII Of Liberality 1. Q. Fabius Maximus 2. Paula Busa of Canusium 3. Q. Considius a Roman Knight 4. The People of Rome to King Attalus 5. The People of Rome to the Greeks FORRAIGN 1. Hiero King of Sicily to the Romans 2. Gillias of Agrigentum to his fellow-Citizens LEt us recal our work that had straid in a pious Digression in exposing our own discontents to its former course and now take Liberality into consideration which hath two probable Fountains true Judgment and honest Benevolence For when it springs from these then only is it duely founded A Gift being acceptable for its greatness but somewhat more efficacious when it is seasonable 1. Beyond the price of the thing we find a most inestimable moment of an opportunity
that Victory whereby he preserved the Laws Peace and Liberty of his Countrey was not permitted to live in the City and therefore wearied with envy and slaunder he begg'd a Lieutenancy of the Senate and having made a set Speech wherein he prayed to the Immortal Gods that his ingrateful Countrey might never have occasion to use him again he went into Sicily and there spent the remainder of his days 3. But what Satyr can be sharp enough what words severe enough to express the Ingratitude of P. Sexillius who being defended and fairly brought off from an Accusation highly Criminal by C. Caesar yet betrayed and delivered him up to the cruelty of his enemy coming to his house for shelter in the time of Cinna's proscription Had his accuser implored the same kindness upon his knees it had bin inhumane to have denied him For those that injuries do cause us to hate misery makes us to compassionate But Sextilius betrayed not his Accuser but his Protector to the cut-throat hand of his most inveterate adversary if for fear of death unworthy of life if for hope of reward most worthy of death 4. To repeat another Example of the same nature M. Cicero had defended C. Popilius Lenas of the Countrey of Picena with no less Care than Eloquence when his Cause was very doubtful This Popilius afterwards being neither in word or deed injur'd by Cicero of his own accord begg'd of M. Antonius that he might be the person to be sent by him to cut his Throat in his Banishment and having obtain'd that detestable Commission away he flew over-joy'd to Cajeta and that very person I need not say who was the author of his dignity and safety but also one who ought to have been respected by him to the utmost that very person did he command patiently to lie down and have his head struck off And thus laden with the head of the Roman Eloquence and the most famous right hand of Peace he return'd with joy to the City as if he had brought along with him the Spoils of some Enemy Letters are too imperfect to set forth this Monster seeing there is not another Cicero living to bewail his unhappy fate 5. What shall I say of thee Great Pompey I know not While I consider the vastness of thy great Fortune and Renown that once orespread the Sea as well as the Land But though we should be silent the Death of Cn. Carbo by whom thou wert protected in thy youth when contesting in the Forum for thy estate slain by thy command will never be forgotten by which ingrateful fact thou didst seem to stand more in awe of Sylla's Power than so consult thine own Honour FORRAIGNERS 1. But lest other Cities should insult after we have confess'd our own Infirmities we finde that the Carthaginians had an intention to have kill'd or banish'd Hannibal after that for their honour and for the enlargement of their Empire he had slain so many of our Generals and cut to pieces so many of our Armies that had he but slain so many common Souldiers of his Enemies it had won him renown sufficient 2. Lacedaemon never bred a greater or more profitable Citizen than Lycurgus being a person that the Pythian Apollo did not disdain to speak to when he consulted the Oracle and told him He knew not whether he were to be accompted a Man or a God Yet neither the Integrity of his Life nor the constant Love which he bare his Countrey nor all the wholesome Laws which he had made could preserve him from the hatred of his Citizens For sometimes they threw stones at him in the Streets they put out one of his Eyes and at last utterly banish'd him out of his Countrey What may we think of other Cities when a City so famous as this for Constancy Moderation and Gravity proved so ungrateful against a Citizen so well deserving 3. Take Theseus from Athens and either there would have been no such thing as Athens or else not half so famous For he reduced his scatter'd Countreymen into one City and gave the shape and form of a City to a wild and clownish People before When he was but a Youth he quelâ—'d the usurping Tyranny of Minos He tam'd the boundless insolency of the Thebans He assisted the Sons of Hercules and where-ever Enormity was grown headstrong and monstrous he overcame it by his Vertue and his Power Yet was he banished by the Athenians and the Island Scyros less than the Exile became only famous for his Tomb. Solon also that made such wholesome Laws and so famous withal that had the Athenians used them still they had been still the Lords of great Territories Who took Salamine a strong Fortress that threatned their ruine and was but a little distance from them Who foresaw the Tyranny of Pisistratus and was the first that durst advise the People to resist him by force of Arms in his old age lived an Exile in Cyprus Nor was it his hap to be buried in his own Countrey of which he had so well deserved The Athenians had dealt well by Miltiades had they after the Battle of Marathon wherein he overcame the Persians with their loss of three hundred thousand Men sent him presently into Exile and not kept him in prison till he died Nay more than that they would not suffer his Body to be buried till Cimon his Son had surrender'd himself into the same place A sad Inheritance for the Son of so great a Captain who was himself afterwards one of the greatest Captains of that Age. Aristides also who was the Rule of Justice all over Greece and the greatest example of Continence that ever was was commanded to depart his Countrey Happy Athens could they have found out any one that had been either a Good Man or a Lover of his Countrey after this man was gone with whom Sanctity itself seem'd to go along Themistocles was a notable example of all that had experience of the Ingratitude of their Countrey For when he had setled Athens in Peace and raised it to be the most famous the most wealthy the Mistriss of all Greece he found his Countrey-men so incens'd against him that he was forc'd to flie to the mercy of Xerxes whom he had ruin'd before Phocion who was endow'd with two qualities which are the best to appease Wrath and Fury I mean Eloquence and Integrity was forced by the Athenians to fly his Countrey and when he was dead he was not permitted so much as one turf of Athenian land to cover his bones Certainly then it must be lookt upon as a publick piece of Madness by common consent to punish the greatest Vertues as the greatest Crimes which not being to bâ— any where endured ought to have been more especially exploded and abominated in Athens where there is a Law against Ingratitude And not without reason because he looses and abolishes the commerce of doing and receiving Benefits which is the support of human
inflamed with Anger and Malice So that the Father rode in Triumph to the Capitol the Dâ—ughter to the Temple of Vesta Nor could it be righâ—y decided to which most praise was due whether to him whom Victory or her whom Piety attended 7. Pardon me most antient Hearths pardon me eternal Fires if the context of our work lead us from your most sacred Temple to the more necessary rather than magnificent part of the City For no Misfortune no Poverty cheapens the price of Piety Rather the trial of it is more certain by how much thâ— more miserable The Pretor had delivered to the Triumvir a noble Woman to be put to death in Prison ' being condemned for some hainous Crime But the Keeper compassionating her case did not strangle her presently All the while he gave her Daughter liberty to come to her after he had diligently search'd that she carried her no food believing that in a little time she might be starv'd to death But seeing her live many days without any alteration he began to consider with himself by what means she kept herself alive thereupon more diligently watching her Daughter he observ'd her giving her Breast to her Mother and pacifying the rage of her hunger with her Nipples The novelty of which wonderful sight being by him related to the Triumvir by the Triumvir to the Pretor by the Pretor to the Council of the Judges they granted the Woman her pardon What will not Piety invent that for the preservation of a Parent in prison found out so strange a means as this For what more unusual what more unheard-of than that a Mother should be nourished by the Breasts of a Child One would think this were against the course of Nature but that Nature commands us in the first place to love our Parents FORRAIGN Examples 1. The same is to be said of Pero's Piety who preserved her Father Cimon fallen into the same misfortune and in Prison nourishing him like an Infant in his decrepit Age with the Milk of her Breasts Mens eyes are fix'd and in an amaze when they behold this piece of Piety represented in painting 2. Nor can I forget thee Cimon that didst not fear to purchase the Burial of thy Father with a voluntary surrendring thy own person to imprisonment For though afterwards it hapnâ—d that thou wert both a famous Citizen and a renowned Captain yet didst thou get more honour in theprison than in the Council-Chamber For other Vertues deserve admiration but Piety merits Love 3. Nor must I forget the two Brothers whose Courage was more noble than their Birth Who being born of low Parentage in Spain grew famous by their Deaths laying down their Lives for the support of their Family For they having agreed with the Paciaeci â—or twelve thousand Pieces of Money to be paid to their Parents after their Death upon condition that they should kill Epastus Tyrant of that Countrey not only pâ—rformed the exploit but bravely fell in performing it With the same hands revengiâ—g their Countrymen punishing Epastus providing a maintenance for their antient Parents and purchasing renown to themselves Therefore now they live in their Tombs because they chose rather to support their Fathers in their old Age than to preserve their own 4. A more known pair of Brothers were Biton and Cleobis Amphinomus and Anapus The first because they drew their Mothers Chariot to the Temple of Iuno to perform the Ceremonies there The other because they carried their Father and their Mother upon their Shoulders through the midst of Aetna's flames but neither of them lost their Lives 5. Nor do I go about to detract from the honour of the Argives or to cloud the glory of the Sicilians But I hold the light of knowledg to the ignorance of a more obscure Piety which makes me renew the memory of a piece of Scythian Piety For Darius invading their Territories with a mighty Army they retreated before him to the very utmost Solitudes of all Asia Thereupon being by his Embassadours questioned when they would make an end of flying or when they would begin to fight they made answer That they had neither till'd Lands nor any Cities which were worth fighting for but when they came to the Monuments of their Ancestors then be should know how the Scythians were wont to fight By which pious answer that fierce and barbarous Nation redeem'd themselves from the scandal of Savageness Therefore is Nature the first and best Mistress of Piety which neither wanting the help of Speech nor the use of Letters through her own silent and proper Power infuses Charity into the breasts of Children What is then the profit of Learning That their Wits should be more polite but not more honest For true Vertue is rather born than acquired 6. For who taught such People as wander up and down in Carts that shelter their naked Bodies in the Woods and live by destroying Cattle like Dogs to give Darius such an Answer She that taught Croesus's Son that was born dumb to speak for the preservation of his Father For the City of Sardis being taken by Cyrus when one of the Persians not knowing who the person was furiously was going about to have kill'd his Father call'd back the Sword that was just at his Throat by crying out aloud to the Souldier that he should not kill King Croesus So that he who till that time was mute recovered his Speech for the safety of his Father 7. The same Charity arm'd a Youngman of Pinna sirnamed Pulto in the Italian War with the same strength of Body and Mind Who being Governour of the City when it was besieged when the Roman General caused his Father to be brought forth and threatned to put him to death before his face unless he would deliver up the Town made a Sally and recovered his Father out of the Enemies hands Doubly famous for that he preserved his Father and yet did not betray his Countrey CHAP. V. Of Fraternal Benevolence 1. P. Africanus the Great 2. M. Fabius Vibulanus Cs. 3. T. Caesar Augustus 4. A certain Souldier NExt to this kind of Piety follows Fraternal Benevolence For as it may be accompted the first Bond of Friendship to have received many and great Benefits the next tye is that we have received them together For how abundantly pleasant is the remembrance of those things Before I was born I liv'd in the same House My Infancy lay in the same Cradle The same Persons were Parents to both The same Vows were made for both and we enjoy the same â—â—â—our by our extraction A Wife is dear to a Husbaâ—d Children dear to a Parent Friends are acceptable and Acquaintance are delightful but when you have read what follows there is no Benevolence that exceeds Brotherly Loving Kindness 1. And this I speak by the testimony of Scipio Africanus who though he had contracted a most strict Friendship with Laelius yet he besought the Senate that they would not
Romans ready to fly and almost overthrown in the Latin War vowed his own Life for the safety of the Army and presently putting Spurs to his Horse he flew into the midst of his Enemies seeking his own Death and the Safety of the Commonwealth and having made a great slaughter at length orewhelm'd with the multitude of Piles and Darts the Victime fell And from his Blood and Wounds sprang an unlookt for Victory 6. There might have been but one example of such a General had he nor begot a Son answerable to him in courage For he in his fourth Consulship with the same devotion and stoutness in fight with the same event of fortune sustain'd the weak and sinking force of our City And therefore it was a difficult thing to understand whether it were more profitable for the Roman City to have the Decii Commanders or to loose them For living they kept her from being vanquished but by their death it overcame 7. The Elder Scipio did not loose his Life for the Commonwealth but he carefully provided against the destruction of the Commonwealth For when our City after the Battle of Cannae expected nothing else but to be the Victor Hannibal's prey and that therefore by advice of L. Metellus the reliques of the broken Army were consulting to forsake Italy He being a young Tribune and drawing his Sword threatned death to every man that would not take an Oath never to forsake his Countrey And not only shew'd an example of Piety himself but recall'd it back when it was just forsaking the breasts of others 8. To come from particulars to generals How was the City equally divided in their flames and equally inflamed with the Love of their Countrey For the Treasury being emptied in the Second Punic War thát there was not enough for the performance of their divine Ceremonies the Publicans going to the Censors promised to let out their Money in the same abundance as if Money had abounded in the City and not require a Farthing profit till the War was ended The Masters also of the Slaves whom Sempronius Gracchus had made free for fighting so stoutly at Beneventum forbore to ask any Money for their Service In the Camp it self there was not a Knight not a Centurion that desir'd any Pay The Men and Women also brought what Gold and Silver they had nay the Children also brought their Purple Coats and Golden Hearts that hung about their Necks which were the ensignes of their Ingenuitles Nor would any one take advantage of the benefit of the Senates Decree whereby such and such were freed from Taxes For they were not ignorant when Veiâ— was taken when the Gold which Camillus had vowed as the Tenth of their Spoil should have been sent to the Oracle of Apollo but could not be purchased that the Matrons brought in all their Golden Ornaments into the Capitol They had also heard that the Thousand Pound of Gold which was to be paid to the Gauls when they besieged the Capitol was made up by their Liberality And therefore out of their own Goodness and admonished by the Example of Antiquity they thought they were not to be out-done FORREIGN Examples 1. But I will touch upon some few Forreign Examples to the same purpose The King of the Athenians Codrus when he saw his Territories wasted and invaded by vast numbers of his Enemies despairing of humane assistance sent to the Oracle of Apollo and by his Embassadors desired to know which way he might avoid that terrible War The God returned for answer that it would be ended when he fell by his Enemies hand Which was not only spread about among his own People but in the Camp of the Enemy who thereupon commanded that not a man should touch the body of Codrus Which when the King understood he threw off his Royal Robes and in a servile Habit threw himself into the midst of a Squadron of the Enemy that were out a forraging and wounding one of them with a scythe provoked the souldier to kill him by whose Death Athens escaped ruine 2. From the same Fountain of Piety flowed the soul of Thrasybulus For he being desirous to free his Countrey from the oppression of the Thirty Tyrants and was going about the enterprize with a small number of Men one of his Company said to him How much will Athens be indebted to thee if they regain their Liberty by thy means The Gods grant answered he that I may have then paid them what I owe them With which Wish he heap'd a greater honour upon his renowned work of destroying the Tyranny 3. But Themistocles whose Vertue made him Conquerour his Countries injury the General of the Persians that he might not be forced to invade it having instituted a sacrifice he drank up a full Beaker of Bulls Blood and fell before the Altar a renowned Victime of Piety 4. There follows an Example of the same nature When Carthage and Cyrene contended most obstinately for a spot of ground at length it was agreed to send certain Young-men from such a distance and where ever they met that place to be the bound of both their Territories But in this Agreement two Carthaginian Brothers call'd Philaeni were too hard for the other setting out sooner and making more haste which when the Young-men of Cyrene understood they for a long time complain'd of their fallacy but at length they resolv'd to recompence the injury by proposing a severe condition For they proposed to the Carthaginians that that place should be the bounds agreed upon provided the Philaeni would suffer themselves to be buried there But the event disappointed their expectation for they without any delay delivered their bodies to be buried Who because they rather desired large bounds to their Countrey than large limits of Life lye enâ—ombed in honour the Punic Empire being extended by the resignation of their bones Where are now the proud Walls of Carthage Where is the Maritime Glory of that Port Where is tâ—eir Navy so terrible upon every shore Where are all their Armies Where their numerous Squadrons of Horse Where those Souls that were not satisfied with the vast tract of Africa All these things Fortune divided between two Scipio's But the destruction of their Countrey did not abolish the memory of that noble Act perform'd by the Philaeni So that mortal courage or strength can purchase nothing immortal but Vertue alone 5. This Piety was inflamed with youthful Zâ—al But Aristotle hardly able to maintain the reliques of old Age in his wrinkled Members so strongâ—y laboured sor the safety of his Countrey that he snatch'd it out of the hands of the Macedonians almost levell'd with the ground and in their possâ—ssion as he lay in his little Bed in Athens So thaâ— Stagira was no less famous for being subverted by Alexander as for being restor'd by Aristotle Hence it is apparent how kinde nay how profuse in their piety to their Countrey all ages all degrees of men have been
or in my House and I command him forthwith to get out of my sight Silanus struck with the sharp and cruel Sentence of his Father would not endure to live any longer but the next night hang'd himself Now had Torquatus done the part of a severe Judge he had made satisfaction to the Common-wealth the Macedonians had their revenge and one would have thought that the Fathers rigour might have bin mollified by the unfortunate end of his Son But he would neither be present at his Funeral nor listen to them that came to consult him about his Burial 4. But M. Seaurus the Light and Ornament of his Countrey when the Roman Cavalry was worsâ—ed by the Cimbrians and deserting the Proconsul Câ—tulâ—â— took their flight toward the City sent one to tell his Son who was one of those that fled that he had rather meet with his carcass slain in the field than see him guilty of such a shameful flight And therefore if there were any shame remaining in his breast degenerate as he was he should shun the sight of his enraged Father For by the remembrance of his youth he was admonish'd what kind of Son was to be owned or contemned by such a Father as Scaurus Which message being deliver'd him the young man was forced to make a more fatal use of his Sword against himself than against his enemies 5. No less imperiously did A. Fulvius one of the Senatorian Order keep back his Son from going into the field than Scaurus chid his for running away For he caus'd his Son eminent among his equals for his Wit Learning and Beauty to be put to death because he took part with Catiline being seduced by ill counsel having brought him back by force as he was going to Catiline's Army and uttering these words before his death That he did not beget him to join with Catiline against his Countrey but to serve his Countrey against Catiline He might have kept him in till the heat of the War had been over but that would have bin only the act of a cautious this was the deed of a severe Father CHAP. IX Of those that us'd Moderation toward their suspected Children 1. L. Gellius Publicola 2. Q. Hortensius the Oraâ—or 3. One Fulvius 4. A certain Parent BUt to temper this incensed and sharp Severity with a mixture of Clemency let us joyn acts of Pardon to exactness of Punishment 1. L. Gellius a person that had gone through all the Offices of Honour even to the Censorship when he had almost discovered his Son to be guilty of most â—ainous Crimes as lying with his Mother-in-law and plotting with her to take away his Fathers Life did â—ot presently run to revenge himself but after he had consulted almost the whole Senate after he had charged him gave him the liberty to speak for himself and after a strict Examination and Trial he acquitâ—ed him Had he hasted to cruelty out of the motions of Anger he had committed a greater crime than that which he sought to punish 2. Quintus Horâ—ensius who in his time was â—he Ornament of the Roman Eloquence shew'd a singular example of Patience to his Son For when he knew him to be so debauch'd that he could not endure his impiety and for that reason being about to make Messala his Sisters Son his Heir he told the Senate while he was defending him from an accusation of bribing the Peoples voices that if they condemn'd him he should have nothing left but the Kiss of his Nephews Intimating by those words which he inserted in his Oration that he reserv'd his Son rather in the torment of his minde than among his pleasures Yet that he might not invert the order of Nature he left his Estate to his Son and not to his Nephews Moderately using his Affections For that in his life he gave an impartial testimony of his manners and being dead he did him the honour which was due to his blood 3. The same thing did Fulvius a man of great Fame and Dignity For when he had besought the Senate that his Son being suspected of Parricide might be sought for by the Triumvir and apprehended by the Senaâ—es Warrant he not only surceas'd to prosecute him but also left him all his Estate after his decease Constituting the person whom he had begot not the person whose wickedness he had experienc'd for his Heir 4. To these merciful Acts of great men I will adde one new and unusual Example of an unknown Parent Who finding that his Son lay in wait for his life and not believing that any true-born and truely-begotâ—en Child could ever harbour such lewd and wicked thoughts took his Wife one day aside and asked her very seriously whether the Child were supposititious or whether she had conceived him by another But being assured by her Oaths and Asseverations that he had noâ— any reason to be in that manner jealous he at length took his Son with him into a private place deliver'd him a Sword which he had secretly brought along wiâ—h him and bid him cut his throat telling him withal that he needed make use neither of Poyson nor Thieves to compleat his Parricide The immediate thought of which act not by degrees but so suddainly possâ—ss'd the breast of the young man that flinging away his Sword Live Father said he live and if you are so dutiful as to permit such a Son to pray may you excel me in length of days But I beseech you withal let not this my Love seem the more ignoble because it proceeds from penitence O Solitude more sacred than Bloodshed O Woods more free from cruelty than home it self O Sword more kinde than nourishment O more happy benefit of Death offer'd than of Life bestow'd CHAP. X. Of those who have couragiously born the Death of their Children ROMANS 1. M. Horatius Pulvillus Cos. 2. 2. L. Aemilius Paulus 3. Q. Marcius Rex FORREIGNERS 1. Pericles the Athenian 2. Xenophon 3. Anaxagoras HAving made a relation of such Parents as patiently brooked the Injuries of their Children let us speak of such as have born their Death couragiously 1. Horatius Pulvillus being to dedicate a Temple in the Capitol of Iupiter as he was holding the post and ready to pronounce certain solemn words news was brought him that his Son was dead But he neither took his hand off the post nor made the least interruption in the Dedication of the Temple nor altered his countenance from the publick Ceremony to his private Grief lest he might seem rather to have acted the part of a Father than a High-priest Bury the carcass then said he 2. A great Example and no less renowned than the former is that which follows Aemilius Paulus the pattern of a most happy yet a most unfortunate Father of four Sons which he had all hopeful and beautiful youths had translated two into the Cornelian Family by right of Adoption and only reserved two to himself One of which died four daies before
I come from the infernal shades to accuse Libo But when I was there I saw Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbâ—s all bloody and weeping for that being of a noble Extraction of an upright Life and Conversation and a great Lover of his Countrey he was put to death in the flower of his youth at thy command I saw there also Brutus famous in the same degree hack'd and hew'd complaining that the same calamity befel him first through thy perfidy and then by thy cruelty I saw Cn. Carbo a zealous defender of thy youth and of thy paternal estate in his third Câ—nsulship laden with those chains which thou didst cause to be put upon him and upbraiding thee that contrary to all equity and justice he was slain by thee a private Roman Knight when he was the greatest Officer in the Commonwealth I saw in the same habit and condition a person of the Pretorian Order Perpenna cursing thy Cruelty and all with oâ—â— â—onsent bewailing their hard fate that they should fall uncondemn'd under such a young hangman as thou It was lawful for a Member of a Municipal Town that still had a twang of his Fathers servitude with an unbridled rashness and an unsufferable malice to recal to minde the wide wounds which he had receiv'd in the Civil War now grown dry with age and therefore at that time he was in the stâ—ongest condition to reproach Pompey as well as in the safest 9. Diphilus the Tragedian when in the Apollinary Plays he came to that Verse wherein there is this Sentence Our misery is Magnus he pronounced the words pointing full upon Pompey And being rebuk'd by the People immediately fell to act him as a person that carried himself too great and busie in Authority With the same petulancy he repeated those other words The time shall come when thou shalt bewail that vertue 10. The mind of Marcus Castricius was also inflam'd with Liberty who being the chief Magistrate at Placentia at what time Cn. Corbo the Consul caus'd a Decree to be made that the Placentines should give Hostages neither obey'd his Authority nor submitted to Greater Men. And to one that told him He had many Swords he answer'd And I years The Legions were amaz'd to behold such stout Reliques of Old Age. And Carbo's anger surceas'd of it self having so little matter to rage upon knowing how small a part of his life he should deprive him of 11. But the Accusation of Ser. Galba was strangely presumptuous Who forbore not to tax the sacred Iulius himself after all his Victories as he sate in the Seat to Judicature Caius Julius Caesar said he I took up money upon my bâ—il for Pompey the Great thy Son in Law in his third Consulship What shall I do Must I suffer He deserv'd to have been turn'd out of the Court for upbraiding him so openly with the sale of Pompey's Goods But he more mild than Clemency it self caus'd Pompey's Debt to be paid him out of his own Treasury 12. A. Caesellius a famous Civilian yet ' how sawcie and impertinent For no Favour no Authority could compel him to make a Bill of sale of those Goods which the Triumviri had given away By that Judgment of his excluding the purchases of Victory out of all course and form of Law The same person when he had spoken many things against Caesar's Faction and that his Friends admonish'd him to be silent There were two things he answered most bitter to most men that gave him the boldness which he took that was to say old Age and want of Children FORRAIGNERS 1. A Woman of another Countrey intrudes among so many Men who being undeservedly condemned by King Philip in his drink I would appeal to Philip said she but it must be when he is sober The smart sentence rows'd him and by her present courage she compell'd the King to examine the business more strictly and to give a juster Sentence So that she extorted that Justice which she could not get by fair means borrowing her assistance rather from her frankness of Speech than from her Innocence 2. The next now is not only a stout but a lepid and witty liberty of speech A very antient Woman when all the Syracusans pray'd for the Death of Dionysius the Tyrant by reason of his Cruelty and Oppression pray'd every day to the Gods for his life and safety Which when the Tyrant understood admiring her undeserved kindness he sent for her and enquired of her what merit of his made her so careful of him Then Truely Sir said she the reason of my designe is very well grounded For when I was a Girl and that a very severe Tyrant ruled over us I desired his death he being slain one more cruel came in his place then I prayed that he might be taken out of the way after whom we began to feel thee worse than all the rest And therefore fearing lest if thou shouldst die a worse than thee should succeed I pray to the Gods for thy safety Which facetious boldness Dionysius himself had not the face to punish 3. Between these and Theodorus the Cyrenean there might be a kind of match made for stoutness of mind as verâ—uous though not so fortunate For when Lysimachus threatned to put him to death Truely said he You think you have a great purchase because you understand the vertue of Cantharides But when the King being incens'd at his Answer commanded him to be nail'd to the Cross Fright your Courtiers said he with that Sentence for 't is all one to me whether I stink under ground or above CHAP. III. Of Severity ROMANS 1. The Roman People 2. P. Muâ—ius Scaevola Tribune of the People 3. The Senate of Rome 4. M. Curius Dentatus Cos. 5. L. Domitius Ahenobarbus 6. M. Horat. Tergeminus 7. The Senate of Rome against Incest 8. The Kinsmen against Witches 9. Egnatius Metellus 10. C. Sulpitius Gallus 11. Q. Antistius the Old 12. P. Sempronius Sophus FORRAIGNERS 1. Lacedaemonians 2. Athenians 3. Cambyses King of Persia IT is necessary we should arm our selves with Cruelty while we treat of the terrible and horrid acts of Severity that having laid our more humane thoughts aside we may be at leasure to give ear to Rigour For such inexorable Revenge such several sorts of Chastisement will come to be known as though they may be accounted the fortresses of the Law yet should hardly be inserted into the number of peaceful Pages 1. M. Manlius was thrown headlong from the place from whence he had repulsed the Gauls Because he endeavour'd wickedly to have opprest that Liberty which he had so couragiously defended Of which sharp Sentence this was the Preface I lookt upon thee as Manlius when thou dravest the Senones headlong down the Rock when thou becamest a Changeling I lookt upon thee as one of the Senones themselves There is a Character of eternal Memory fix'd upon his punishment For for his sake it was enacted that no Patrician should inhabit
in the Capitol or in the Castle because he had a House where now stands the Chappel dedicated to Iuno Moneta The same Indignation of the City brake forth against Sp. Cassius to whom the suspicion of desiring Soveraignty did more harm than three magnificent Conâ—ulships and two pompous Triumphs did him good For the Senate and People of Rome not contented with putting him to Death pull'd his House down over him when he was dead that he might be punish'd also with the destruction of his Houshold-Gods Upon the Ground they built a Temple to Tellus Thus the Habitation of a powerful man is now the Monument of Religious Severâ—ty The same end had Sp. Maelius by the Sentence of his Countrey for the same crime So that we finde how great an antipathy the Antients had against the Enemies of their Liberty by the very Ruines and Walls of their Houses And therefore the Houses of M. Flaccus and L. Saturnius most seditious Citizens were pull'd to the ground after they were slain At length Flaccus's ground after it had long remain'd unbuilt was adorn'd by Q. Catulus with the Cimbrian spoils Titus and Caius Gracchus were eminent in our City sor their Nobility and the hope which was conceived of them But because they endeavour'd the subversion of the Commonwealth their Bodies lay unburied and the last Offices due to Mortality were wanting to the Sons of Gracchus and â—he Nâ—phews of Africanus Their familiar acquaintance also lest there should be any Friends of the Commonwealths Enemies left were shut up in a hollow Oak and tumbled headlong to the bottom of that place in the Prison which was therefore call'd Robur 2. The same thing did P. Mucius a Tribune of the People think lawful for him to do as the People and the Senate had done before who burnt all his Colleagues alive because being set on by Sp. Cassius they strove to hinder the Election of Magistrates to the publick hazard of the common Liberty Never was any thing more confidently acted than this Sâ—verity For he a single Tribune durst inflict that punishment upon nine of his Colleagues which nine Tribunes durst not exact from one Tribune 3. Severity hitherto a most rigid Guardian and Asserâ—or of Liberty was equally as truculent also in the preservation of Discipline and Dignity For the Senate sent M. Clodius to the Corsi because he had concluded an ignominious Peace with them And because they would not receive him caus'd him to be put to Death in Prison When once the Majesty of the Empire was broken how many ways did obstinate Anger vindicate it They nullified the Accord they deprived him of his Liberty and Life and dishonour'd his Carcass with the ignominious contumely of the Prison and the Gemonian Precipice And indeed he had deserv'd this extraordinary chastisement of the Senate But Cn. Cornelius Scipio the son of Hispallus had the experience of it before he deserved it For the Province of Spain falling to him by lot they made a Decree that he should not go thither with a reason added Because he could not behave himself as he ought to do And therefore the Questor Cornelius had very like to have suffer'd upon the Law of Bribery for living in dishonour without any Provincial imployment Neither was the Severity of the Senate less to C. Vettienus who cut off the Fingers of his left hand because he would not be forced to the Italian War For they confiscated his estate and imprisoned him as long as he lived causing â—im to spend his days and waste that life ignominiously in a Jail which he refused nobly to venture in the Field 4. This Exemple Curius the Consul imitating who â—eing forced to proclaim a suddain listing of Souldiâ—rs â—hen none of the Youngmen appeared having caused â—ots to be made for all the Tribes he commanded the first Name that was drawn to be cited And because he did not answer to his Name he made a publick Sale of the Youngmans goods Which assoon as the Young-man had notice of he ran to the Consul's Tribunal and appeal'd to the Colledge of Tribunes But there Curius making a Speech and declaring that the Common-wealth had no need of a Citizen that knew not how to obey and so sold both his Goods and the Young-man too 5. In the same manner did L. Domitius stand to his panpudding For when he was Propraetor in Sicily there being a Boat of an extraordinary size presented to him he commanded the Shepherd that had killed him to be brought before him and enquiring of him with what Weapon he had killed the beast when he found he had kill'd him with a Pike-sâ—aff he caâ—sed him to be crucified having publish'd a Proclamation before for suppressing the Robberies that were committed in the Island that no person should carry a Dart. Some would take this to be the height of all Severity for it may be disputed on both sides But the reason and necessities of publick Government will not suffer the Pretor to be counted over-rigorous 6. Thus Severity exercis'd it self in the punishment of Men Nor was it less sedulous in the chastisement of Women Horatius one of that those that fought the three Curiatii by the conditions of the Combat Victor over all the rest of the Albans when returning home from that renowned field he found his Sister a Virgin bewailing the death of one of the Curiatii to whom she was betroth'd more tenderly than became her age ran her through with the Sword with which he had so well merited of his Countrey not thinking them chast Tears which were shed for a fond and immature Affection For which fact being endited before the People his Father defended him Thus the inclâ—nation of the Virgin toward the memory of her promis'd Husband was chastiz'd by a fierce Brothâ—r while the Father asserted and defended the Chastisement 7. The Senate afterwards following the same Example of Severity commanded Sp. Posthumius Albiâ—uâ— and Q. Marcius Philippus the Consuls to enquire after those Women who practis'd Incest at the Feast of Bacchanals By whom when many were condemn'd their Kindred punish'd them all at home and the ignominy of publick shame was corrected by the severity of the chastisement Wheâ—eby the more the Women had sham'd our City by their lewd carriage so much the more same they brought to it by the Severity of their Punishment 8. But Publicia who poyson'd Posthumius Albinuâ— the Consul and Licinia who poyson'd Claudius Asellus their Husbands were strangled by order of their next Relations For those severe men did not think it necessary where the crime was so evident and notorious to spend time in a publick Tryal And therefore as they would have defended the Innocent they were the early punishers of the Guilty 9. The Crime of these was great that excited Severity to so sharp a Revenge but Egnatius Metellus exercised his Severity for a far more inconsiderable matter who beat his Wife to death for drinking Wine For
Pompeius of Rhegium 5. Q. Caecilus 6. T. Marius 7. Valerius Heptachordus 8. T. Barrulus 9. M. Popilius HAving contended our selves with these Examples of cancell'd Wills let us give a hint upon those that have remain'd confirm'd when there was cause enough for them to have bin cancell'd 1. How publickly and scandalously was Tuditanus noted for a madman being one that threw his Money among the People and trayl'd his Cloak after him in the Forum as if it had bin the garment of a Tragedian so that he was the laughter of all that beheld him besides many other pranks of the same nature which they beheld He made his Son Heir by his Will which T. Longus by the Judgment of the Centumviri in vain endeavour'd to have disannull'd as being next of kin For the Centumviri thought it more proper to consider what was written in the Will than who had wrote it 2. The conversation of Tuditanus was Frantick but Aebucia who was the wife of L. Menenius Agrippa made a Will that as Madness it self For having two Daughters of equal vertue Plaetoria and Afrania through the inclination of her own minde rather than for any offence or miscarriage she only made Plaetoria her Heir and to the Children of Afrania out of her vast Patrimony she left only twenty thousand pieces of Money However Afrania would not contend by Oath with her Sister rather choosing patiently to honour her Mothers Will than to violate it in Court shewing her self thereby so much the more unworthy the Injury done her by how much the more patiently she bore it 3. Q. Metellus committed a womanish errour less to be admir'd For he though there were several eminent and famous young men of the same name living in our City at the same time and that the Family of the Claudii to whom he was most nearly related were then very numerous left Corinates onely his Heir neither did any one attempt to question his Will 4. Pompeius also Rheginus a Tramontane being by his Brother left out of his Will and that to prove his Injustice he had in a full Assembly of both Orders recited two former Wills made and testified in the publick place of Elections by which this Brother was made Heir of the greatest part only there was premis'd to him the summ of an hundred and fifty Sesterces after he had long complain'd to his Friends that sooth'd his indignation took a resolution not to trouble the ashes of his Brother in a Court of Judicature Yet they whom he had made his Heirs were so far from being so near a kin by â—he Fathers side that they were not the next to him but strangers and poor So that the Silence seem'd to be wicked and the Pride contumelious 5. Happy in their Impunity but whether these Wills were not worse in offending is the Question Quintus Caecilius by the diligent endeavour and great Liberalitie of L. Lucullus having attain'd to a handsome some degree of Dignity and an ample Patrimony when he had fully resolv'd that he alone should be his Heir and on his Death-bed had given him his Rings from off his Fingers yet by his Will adopted Pomponius Atticus and made him Heir to all his Estate But the Roman People tying a Halter about the neck of the Carcass of that deceitful and fallacious person dragg'd him along the High-way Thus the wicked wretch had a Son and Heir such as he desir'd but a Funeral and a Grave such as he deserv'd 6. Neither was T. Marius Vrbinas worthy of any other who by the favour of the divine Augustus the Emperour being rais'd from the lowest condition of a common Souldier to the highest commands in the Camp and being by them enrich'd not onely at other times declar'd that he would leave his fortunes to him that had bestow'd them on him and but the day before he died protested the same thing to Augustus himself when as he had not so much as mention'd his name in his will 7. Lucius Valerius whose sirname was Heptachordus having experienc'd the enmity of Cornelius Balbus in Court as being plagued by his advice and management with several private Suits and at length by a suborned witness being by him accus'd of a Capital Crime leaving out his Advocates and Patrons left him sole Heir cow'd by such a dread as turn'd his resolutions topsie turvie For he lov'd his Ignominie lov'd the dangers and seem'd to wish he had bin condemn'd being so kind to the authour of those mischiefs and hating his defenders 8. T. Barrulus open his Death-bed delivâ—r'd his Rings to Lentulus Spinther whose kindness and friendship he had felt as to his only Heir yet left him nothing at all How strangely at that very moment of time if it be of that force which we believe it to be did Conscience punish that abominable creature For between the very thoughts of his Ingratitude and Fallacy he yielded up his last breath as if some Tormenter had crucified his soul within him For he knew that his passage from life to death was hateful to the Gods and would be detested by the Infernal Spirits 9. Marcus Popilius upon his death-bed beheld Oppius Gallus a Senator with whom he had been familiar from his youth as the Laws of antient friendship requir'd and gave him the most loving words imaginable For be thought him only worthy of all that stood by him of his last embrace and kiss moreover he deliver'd him his Rings to ensure him of that Inheritance which he was never likely to enjoy Which Rings laid up in his Purse and assigned to him by those that were present Oppius a diligent man but a mere mock of his dying friend disinherits himself and returns them diligently to his Heirs What could be more dishonest or more unseasonable at this time and place That a Senator of the Roman people just ready to die not only as a man to the world but also as a publick person to the Senate-house should have such a trick put upon him against all the sacred Laws of friendship when his eyes were set in his head and he drawing his last breath LIB VIII CHAP. I. Of Signal Publick Iudgments Absolv'd 1. M. Horatius Tergeminus 2. Ser. Sulpitius Galba 3. A. Gabinius 4. P. Claudius Pulcher. 5. Tuccia the Vestal 6. L. Calpurnius Piso. 7. Q. Flavius the Augur 8. Cosconius Callidianus 9. Atilius Calatinus 10. M. Aemilius Scaurus jun. 11. Aurelius Coâ—â—a 12. Callidius of Bononia 13. The two Cloelii of Tarracinum Condemn'd 1. L. Scipio Asiatick 2. C. Decianus 3. Sex Titius 4. Claudia the daughter of App. the blind 5. M. Mulvius C. Lollius L. Sextilius Triumvirs 6. P. Villius the Triumvir 7. M. Aemilius Porcina 8. A certain Father of a Family Two Burnt 1. A Matricide 2. A Mistress of a Family ABSOLVED NOw that the doubtful motions of Judgments may more easily be endured let us relate for what causes they that laboured under Envy were either acquitted or
flame and partly by sword every individual person of the whole multitude 6. But Ochus who was afterwards call'd Darius bound to the Persians by a most bloody Oath that he should not put to Death either by Sword Poyson Starving or any other manner of violente any of those that had conspir'd with him against the Seven Magi found out a way of Death by which means he might rid himself of those persons that were burthensome to him and yet save his Oath For he fill'd a place made up with high walls full of Ashes and putting a leaning rafter underneath he placed them in it after he had highly feasted them so that when sleep should seize them they might fall into that insidiary heap 7. More open but more horrid was the Cruelty of Ochus Artaxerxes who buried his Sister and Mother-in-Law Ocha alive and stab'd his Uncle to Death with Darts after he had deprived him of an hundred Sons and Nephews for not the least injury done him but because they had the highest applause among the Persians for Probiâ—y and Fortitude 8. Guided by the same wicked Suspition the Citizens of Athens by a Decree unworthy their Honour cut off the Thumbs of the Aeginensian Youth that a People potent in Shipping might not be able to contend with them at Sea I cannot pardon the Athenians borrowing â— remedy for their fear from Cruelty 9. Cruel also was that Inventor of the Brazen Bull wherein when poor Creatures were lock'd and fire put under it they seem'd in the midst of their long and tedious torments to low like the beast that their lamentations and howlings express'd in Humane Sounds might not reach the ears of Phalaris the Tyrant to move his compassion Which because he would be wanting to the miserable the first Authour deservedly experimented the torment of his own Invention 10. Nor were the Hetrurians a little cruel in the Invention of Punishment who tying the bodies of the living back to back and face to face together so that part might answer part suffer'd them to lye till they were putrified to Death Most bitter Tormenters of Life and Death at once 11. Like those Barbarians who are reported to set men in heaps of the Bowels and Entrails of kill'd beasts and there to feed and keep them alive till being putrified within they might be eaten up by the Vermine that breed in putrified bodies Can we complain of Nature for having made us lyable to many and dire inconveniencies of Sickness or take it ill that Celestial Strength should be denied to humane condition when Mortality hath invented so many Torments to ruine it self by the impulse of Cruelty CHAP. III. Of Anger and Hatred 1. M. Livius Salinator 2. C. Marcius Figulus a Lawyer 3. Patricians 4. Roman Youth 5. Roman Army 6. Roman People 7. Q. Metellus Proconsul of Macedon 8. L. Cor. Sylla FORRAIGNERS 1. Alexander the Great 2. Amilcar Son of Barchas the Carthaginian 3. Aâ—nibal Son of Barchas the Carthaginian 4. Semiramis Queen of Assyria ANger and Hatred stir up great Commotions in the breasts of Men. This swifter in its motion the other more obstinate in the desire of Mischief Both affections full of Consternation and never without the violent torment of themselves For it suffers pain to inflict misâ—ry anxious with a bitter cure lest revenge should happen to miss But there are most certain images of their propriety which the gods would have conspicuous in great men by some more than ordinary Act or Saying 1. When Livius Salicator waging war with Asdrubal was about to leave the City being admonish'd by Fabius Maximum that he should not fight before he understood the courage and force of the Enemy made answer that He would not refuse the first opportunity of fighting And being ask'd by the same person why he would needs be so hasty That assoon as may be said he I may either win honour by the overthrow of the Enemy or rejoyce in the ruine of my Fellow-Citizens Anger and Vertue divided his speech between them The one remembring an unjust rebuke the other intent upon the honour of Triumph But I cannot tell whether it were the same thing to say this and to overcome in the same manner 2. Thus far Passion carried a man of a fierce Soul and accustom'd to War But C. Figulus a most milde man famous for his learning in the Civil Law was thereby render'd forgetful both of Prudence and Moderation For being provok'd by being repuls'd from the Consulship so much the rather because it had been twice given his Father when many came to him the next day for counsel turn 'em all out a doors Are ye ready at asking Counsel said he and know not how to make a Consul Smartly and deservedly spoken Yet it had been better not spoken For what wise men could be angry with the People of Rome 3. Nor are they to be approved though protected by the splendour of their Nobility who being oftended because that Cn. Flavius a man of mean extract was made Praetor took off their Gold Rings and Trappings from their Horses and threw them away shewing the impotency not the strife of vexation 4. These were the motions of Anger in single or but few persons against a Commonwealth There are also the same in the Multitude against the Princes and Captains Manlius Torquatus returning after a most râ—nowned and compleat Victory over the Latines and Campanians when all the Old-people went forth to meet him the Youth never stirr'd because he had put his Son to death for fighting successfully against the Enemy His equals compassionated his too severe punishment Nor do I defend the Act but onely shew the force of Anger that could divide the Ages and Affections of a whole City 5. So much could it prevail that it detain'd and kept back all the foot of the Roman People sent by Fabius the Consul to pursue the Enemy when they might easily have ruin'd and cut them off when they call'd to minde thaâ— he had put a stop to the Agrarian Law The same passion rendring the Army offended with Appius their Captain useless whose Father standing for the Nobility oppos'd the conveniences of the Commonalty by a voluntarily flight they turn'd their back to the Enemy because they would not suffer their Captain to triumph How often the vanquisher of Victory despising its congratulation in Torquatus in Fabius omitting the greatest part in Appius preferring shameful flight besore it 6. How violently it carried it self in the breast of the Roman People at that time when the Dedication of the Temple of Mercury was granted to M. Plaetorius a Centurion by their Suffrages The Consuls being also terrified Claudius because he withstood the relief of his Debts and Servilius because he had but weakly defended their cause which he undertook Can Anger be denied to be of force when it sets the Souldier above the General 7. It hath not only pull'd down Authority but commanded as disorderly For when