Theod he put to death old Theodosius the Father of Theodosius the Great who was afterwards Valentinian's Successor Q. What considerable Actions had that Illustrious old man perform'd A. He had done the State great Service by his Counsels beaten the Picts and Scots out of Britain and defeated Firmius the Tyrant who ravag'd Afric with an Army of Moors Q. How many Children had Valentinian the Brother of Valens A. Two The first named Gratianus who was declared Augustus by his Father in the City of Amiens Q. What was the Second Son's name A. He was called Valentinian the Younger to distinguish him from his Father Q. What do Historians tell us of Valentinian the Younger A. That after the death of his Father he was declar'd Augustus at the Age of Ten years by the Soldiers as well as by his Brother Gratian. Gratian the Fifty second Emperor The Year of Rome 1115. Of the Birth of I. C. 375. Q WHat Qualities was Gratian master of A. He had a Body well made and a Soul of a vast extent and great elevation Q. Don't Historians observe some defects in him A. He had some but such as would not have appear'd so conspicuous in an indifferent Fortune he had an incurable aversion to State-affairs which ought to have taken up his most serious moments Q. Did not this sink his Reputation mightily with his Subjects A. Yes and what they could not suffer but with the utmost indignation was to see him freequently prefer a Barbarian Soldier to a Roman although the Roman was the elder of the two and had more merits to plead Q. How did he manage matters after the death of Valens A. He took as Partner in the Empire with him Theodosius the Grandson of that Theodosius who was slain by the order of Valens Q. What forced him upon this Conduct A. Because he found himself not strong enough to support so furious a War as he was then engaged in and besides the Goths ravaged Thrace and the other Provinces of the Empire at pleasure Theodosius the Great the Fifty Third Emperor The Year of Rome 1132. Of the Birth of I. C. 392. Q. HOW old was Theodosius when he was taken Partner into the Empire A. He was thirty three Years old and his first appearance on the Imperial Seat gave sufficient proofs of his Courage and Prudence Q. Where was he born A. In Spain at Lauca a Town of Gallicia He imitated all the Vertues but none of the Vices of his Countryman Trajan He summon'd the Second Oecumenical Council that of Nice being the first at Constantinople Ann. Dom. 381. wherein besides the confirmation of the Nicene Council by an Hundred and fifty Bishops Macedonius the Heretic was condemn'd and the Orthodox Belief concerning the Holy Ghost established Q. What memorable Exploits did he perform A. He vanquish'd all the Enemies of the Roman name and gave peace to his Subjects Q. Was not this Prince a sure Asylum to all Kings that were persecuted and in distress A. Yes he supported them against all those who conspir'd their destruction and the subversion of their Governments Q. What instances can you give me of this his great Generosity A. Athanaricus King of the Goths being turn'd out of his Kingdom by his own Rebellious Subjects fled to Constantinople where he was very honourably receiv'd by Theodosius Q. Did that Prince enjoy the Emperor's Favours any considerable time A. No for tho he had escaped Death in so many Battels yet he ended his days when he expected to pass the remainder of his life in great tranquillity Q. Was not Theodosius concern'd at the loss of him A. He would receive no manner of Consolation nay he was so profuse in the Celebration of his Funeral that it was no less Magnificent than what was used to be kept for any of the deceased Emperors Q. Were not the Goths mightily astonished at this A. It made so deep an Impression upon them that seeing themselves without a Master they were unanimously of an opinion That they could not find a better than Theodosius Q. Did the Goths then submit themselves to this great Prince A. Yes and he distributed Lands among them for their maintenance with great liberality Q. What remarkable matters happen'd after this A. The Tyrant Maximus made himself Master of Britain and Gaul and chose Triers for his Capital City Q. What Acts of Cruelty did that Usurpea commit A. He put the unfortunate Gratian to death at Lyons who was Twenty five Years old Q. Did not Theodosius revenge hâ—â— death A. Yes and plac'd young Valentinian who had been forc'd out of Italy upon his Throne again Q. As to the business of Religion how did he behave himself A. He reconcil'd himself to the Church and to the great St. â—mbrose and notwithstanding all the efforts of the Arians to debauch him in his Principles and engage him in their Party yet he still continued to adhere to the Ancient Truth Q. What Character do Historians bestow upon him A. That he was inferior to none of his Predecessors either in Virtue or Merit that he never made War but out of meer necessity and was successful in all his Military Undertakings In fine that his Goodness charm'd all the world and his engaging Behaviour gain'd him the hearts of all that approach'd him Q. What was his chief Infirmity A. He was naturally Choleric but he seldom suffer'd his Passion to get the better of him and then after some short intervals it was no difficult matter to appease him He had once design'd utterly to destroy the City of Antioch for taking down the Statue of Augusta Placilla but was at last persuaded by their Bishop Flavianus to pardon them At another time he massacred seven thousand men in a Theatre at Thessalonica for killing their President Q. Which was the last Victory that Theodosius obtain'd A. 'T was that which he gain'd over Eugenius whose Troops had join'd those of Arbogastes who had caus'd Valentinian to be strangled in his own Palace at Vienna in Dauphine Q. Theodosius then vanquish'd these two Tyrants A. Yes and 't was rather by a particular Protection of Heaven than any human strength Q. What became of them A. Eugenius was taken Prisoner and Arbogastes kill'd himself Q. Did Theodosius the Great live long after these Victories A. No for shortly after this Generous Prince died at Milan A. D. 395. being Fifty Years old according to the common Opinion Q. To whom did he bequeath his Empire A. He divided it between his two Sons Arcadius and Honorius Q. What had Arcadius for his share A. He had the Empire of the East and Honorius that of the West Q. What Eminent Men flourish'd under his Reign A. St. Ierome so profoundly skill'd in the Hebrew Tongue to whom the Learned World is highly oblig'd for his great Performances upon the Scriptures St. Ambrose Bishop of Milan who employ'd his Eloquence against the Arians St. Austin Bishop of Hippo in Afric the most
Q. WHen began the War of Antiochus against the Romans A. In the Year of Rome 562. Q. What made him declare War against them A. He was instigated to it by Annibal who was then a Refugee in his Court. Q. And how came he off A. Having been beaten both by Land and Sea as well by the Consul Lucius Scipio Brother to him sirnamed Africanus as by the Courage and good Conduct of his Brother he was forced to beg a Peace Q. On what Terms was it given him A. That he would quit all the Places on this side Mount Taurus Q. Did not Lucius Scipio for this Exploit merit the name of Asiaticus A. You are in the right The second Macedonian War The Year of the World 3883. Of Rome 583. Q. WHat did Philip King of Macedonia do all this while A. He wholly employ'd himself in making Preparations for a new War Q. Had this Philip any Children A. He had two whose names were Perses and Demetrius This last was given in Hostage to the Romans who entertain'd him very respectfully Q. Were there no Divisions between the Brothers A. Yes and so managed that their Father Philip put Demetrius to death whom the Jealousy of Perses and the kind Treatment he receiv'd at Rome had render'd suspicious to him Q. What was the Consequence of all this A. The year following Perses who inherited the hatred and designs of his Father against the Romans declared War against them Q. What was the Success of this War A. Aemilius the Roman General entirely defeated Perses in the Year 586. Q How many Macedonians lost their lives upon this occasion A. There were Thirty thousand of them slain Q. How did this War conclude A. With the final destruction of the Kingdom of Macedonia Q. Did Perses continue there A. No he engag'd himself in the Interests of Gentius King of Illyrium who met with the same dâ—stiny Q. How did that happen A. He was overcome by Anicius the Praetor and the same year both Anicius and Aemilius triumph'd at Rome one over Gentius and the other over Perses and each King marched before the Chariot of his Conqueror Q. In what year did this fall out A. In the year 587 of Rome Thus Macedonia and Illyrium were reduced into the form of Provinces Q. After these mighty Victories no body I suppose thought it dishonourable to submit to the Romans A. No for after the Defeat of Antiochus and the Reduction of Macedonia several Kings and Nations strove and were ambitious to be under their Protection Q. Among these Kings were there not some that show'd themselves more forward than the rest A. There were two Eumenes King of Asia and Prusias King of Bithynia sirnamed the Hunter but Eumenes was suspected of some under-hand dealing Q. What was that A. To have secretly favour'd the Party of Perses Q. What method did he take to clear himself of this Suspicion A. He sent his Brother Attalus to Rome who had bâ—gg'd his Brother's Kingdom for himself if a Physician appointed to bear him company in this Journey had not hinder'd his design Q. And what did Prusias on his side to engage the Romans to support him A. He scandalously flatter'd them having caus'd some Medals to be coin'd in Honour of the Senate which he treated as a Divinity and the Senators whom he call'd his Tutelar gods The Third Punic War The Year of the World 3905. Of Rome 605. Q WHen did this Third Punic War begin A. In the year of Rome 605. Q. What gave occasion to it A. 'T was because the Carthaginians violated the Articles of Peace and declar'd War against Massinissa who was an Ally of the Romans Q. And what Resolutions did the Senate make hereupon A. 'T was unanimously decreed to follow the advice of Cato the Censor which was to destroy the City of Carthage entirely Q. And to effect it what Measures were tâ—ken A. Censorinus and Manilius the Consuls marched directly to the City Q. What did the Carthaginians to avert the Storm A. They sent Deputies to them to know what Satisfaction it was they demanded Q. What answer was return'd them A. That it was the Will and Pleasure of the Senate that they should demolish their City even to the Foundations and remove themselves at least Ten Miles from the Sea Q. So harsh a Proposition how did it relish with the high spirits of the Carthaginians A. It possess'd them with so vigorous an Indignation that they made a much greater Resistance than could be expected from so feeble an Enemy Q. And what was the Result of all A. In the fourth year of this War Carthage was taken by Publius Cornelius Scipio who burnt and wholly destroy'd it The War of Corinth The Year of the World 3907. Of Rome 607. Q FOR what reason did the Romans declare War against the People of Corinth A. Because of their ill treatment of the Roman Ambassadors as also because they brought over the Achaeans to their own Party Q. How did their Affairs succeed A. They were defeated by the Praetor Metellus in two Battels near the Thermopylae and in Phocis in the year of Rome 607. Q. And what was the destiny of Corinth A. Mummius the Consul after he had made himself Master of all Achaia order'd Corinth the Capital City of that Nation to be burnt down to the ground Q. What remarkable matter happen'd in the burning of it A. Different Metals being melted together accidentally form'd the famous Corinthian Brass on which the Romans set a higher value than Silver and which in succeeding times was imitated by a mixture of several Metals on which they bestow'd the same name The War of Portugal The Year of the World 3908. Of Rome Q. WHO occasion'd the War of Portugal A. A Prince whose name was Viriatus who had usurp'd the Sovereignty of that Country Q. By whom was that Country retaken A. By Quintus Fabius Q. What did they do to Viriatus A. They made a Peace with him Q. And after the Treaty was ratified what became of him then A. The year following Cepio the Consul without having any regard to the Treaty fell suddenly upon Viriatus and treacherously put him to death The Destruction of Numantia The Year of the World 3913. Of Rome 613. Q. WHEN did the Ruin of Numantia begin A. Sixteen years after that of Carthage the very same Scipio who had destroy'd that famous City and thence acquir'd the name of Africanus went to besiege Numantia Q. What incited Scipio to be angry with them A. The Numantians had refus'd to surrender to the Romans some Rebels who had taken shelter among them Q. And how did they behave themselves A. Tho they were inferior in number to the Enemy yet for Nine years together they resisted the whole Power of Rome nay they fatigu'd and harass'd two or three of their Armies Q. But at last how went their Affairs A. Scipio the Destroyer of Carthage having sat down before the Town shut up the
into a Precipice as he pass'd the Alpes from pursuing his design He was of a lively Imagination a clear sprightly Wit and a prodigious Memory Tiberius the Third Emperor The Year of Rome 754. Of the Birth of I. C. 14. Q. WHose Son was Tiberius A. The Son of Livia and Tiberius Nero. He was Fifty five years old when he came to the Empire Q. What sort of a Prince was he A. His chief Talent lay in dissimulation and he was universally hated for his Cruelty his Covetousness his Debaucheries and his Pride Q. But how did he behave himself in the beginning of his Reign A. He conceal'd all his Faults from the world with admirable address and dexterity Q. What obliged him to stand so much upon his guard A. Because he was afraid of Germanicus Son to his Brother Drusus whom he had adopted Q. And how did he serve him at last A. He dispatch'd him out of the way because he was jealous of his growing Merits Q. After what manner did he accomplish his design A. He sends this Prince who had already by his Valour and Conduct ended the Wars of Germany into the East to beat back the Parthians Q. And what way did he take there to destroy him A. He conferr'd the Government of Syriâ— upon Piso who being a mortal Enemy to Germanicus poison'd him in the year of Rome 772. Q. Was it not discover'd afterwards that he was pâ—ison'd A. Yâ—s and Agrippina Wife to Germanicus accused Piso of the Fact who knowing himself to be guilty prevented his Condemnation by a voluntary death Q. When did Tiberius give the full stretch to his Cruelties A. After the death of his Mother Livia which happen'd much about this time Q. With whom did he begin to exercise his barbarâ—us Temper A. By poisoning Drusus Caesar his Son after this he starved to death Nero and Dâ—usus the Children of Germanicus and all this by the advice of his great Favourite Sejanus Q. How did this Sejanus behave himself aftâ—r he became so Absolute A. He committed a thousand Crimes and his Insolence carried him so far as to say That he was Emperor of Rome and that Tiberius was only Prince of Capreae a small Isle near Naples where he used to retire But his Pride did not last long Q. What Accident befel him A. After he had suffer'd a thousand Indignities he was strangled by the hand of the Common Hangman his Body dragg'd about the streets and his whole Family executed with him Q. What remarkable Passage was it that happen'd between Tiberius and the Astrologer Thrasillus A. Tiberius had resolved one day to throw him headlong into the Sea as he was walking along with him so he asked him if he knew what sort of death and when he should dye Thrasillus answered him That he knew nothing precisely of that matter but this he was sure of That he was never in so great danger in his life as he was at that moment Q. Did not this Answer wholly alter Tiberius's Resolution A. Yes he saved him and after this reposed a mighty confidence in him Q. Did not the Crucifixion of our Blessed Saviour happen under his Reign A. It fell out in the â—8 th year of his Empire Q. Did not Tiberius propose it to the Senate to place him among the gods whom the Romans worshipp'd A. Yes Q. And did the Senate give their consent to it A. No because it was forbidden by the Laws of the Twelve Tables to receive any Foreign gods Q. When did Tiberius dye A. He died in the 77th Year of his Age after he had reign'd Two and twenty years Six months Q. Was not Caligula supposed to hasten his Death A. Yes Q. How did he manage it A. By over-loading him with Blankets under a pretence of making him warm Q. Where was Tiberius at that time A. He was in the Isle of Capreae where he had no other Witnesses of his Lewdness than those who had their share in the same Crimes wallowing in all sorts of brutal Lusts and in some manner forgetting he was Emperor Q. By what Nick-name was he publickly called A. Caprinus alluding to the Isle of Capreae and his Lasciviousness Q. What remarkable Curiosities had he in that Island A. He had Chairs and Closets of his own Invention to exercise his Lewdness Q. What things were farther observable in his House A. He had several Chambers furnish'd with lascivious Pictures and Statues where were to be seen the Books of Elephantis fill'd with immodest Postures Q. What Learned Men flourish'd in his Time A. Velleius Paterculus who writ an Abridgment of the Roman History and is so universally admired for the peculiar Beauties of his Characters Valerius Maximus who has given us an Excellent Collection of Memorable Stories digested under proper Heads Some place Quintus Curtius the Writer of Alexander's Life under his Reign taking him to be the same Person whom Suâ—tonius mentions as a Rhetorician and Tacitus as Proconsul of Afric under that Emperor But others make him Contemporary to Vespasian and some to have lived under the Reign of Trajan Q. What remarkable Things happen'd in his time A. The first President of burning of Books began under him For Cremutius Cordus having in one of his Books call'd Brutus the last of the Romans Tiberius orders the Author to be put to Death and his Books to be burnt in the Forum Ovid too died in his Exile in Pontus in this Emperors time Q. How many Wives had Tiberius A. Two Agrippina the Daughter of Agrippa and Iulia the Daughter of Augustus Q. What sort of a Man was he A. The Features of his Face were regular and well his Complexion white but pimpled a melancholy Air a fierce Look great Eyes the fore-part of his Head bald a stinking Breath large Shoulders and Breast a grave Gate his Stature of a prodigious Talness Caligula the Fourth Emperor The Year of Rome 777. Of the Birth of I. C 37. Q. FRom whom was Caligula descended A. He was the Son of Germanicus and Agrippina and Nephew to Tiberius Q. Where was he Born A. In Germany in the Camp and was brought up among the Soldiers who gave him the Name of Caligula Q. For what reason A. Because he wore little Boots after the Soldier 's fashion for Boots in Latin are call'd Caligae Q. How old was he when he came to the Empire A. Twenty five years old Q. Were not the People extremely pleas'd at his Elevation to this Dignity A. Yes hoping he inherited all his Father's Virtues as indeed he appear'd to be a Prince of very good Qualities Q. Did not he manage himself very well at the beginning A. He express'd so much Tenderness and Moderation that he rais'd the Expectations of all Italy All those Persons who for fear of Tiberius had absconded now left their Holes and walked abroad He recall'd those that were banish'd and abolish'd the greatest part of the Imposts and Taxes Q. Did this continue long A.
No for soon after he wholly changed his manner of Life and resign'd himself up to Cruâ—lty Lewdness and all sorts of Bestiality Q. What particular Acts of Cruelty are recorded of him A. He fill'd Rome with the Blood of the Principal Men of the Empire nay he abused his own Sisters Q. What was his common saying A. He frequently wished the People of Rome had but one Head Q. Why so A. That he might have the pleasure of cutting it off and destroying all the Romans at one stroke Q. When his Sister Drusilla was dead what respect did he pay to her Memory A. He caus'd a Temple to be erected to her as if she had been a Goddess Q. How did he serve those that lamented her Death and those that express'd no Sorrow at all for it A. He indifferently commanded them both to be put to Death Q. For what pretence A. The first because they envied Drusilla's happiness whom he had so lately enroll'd in the number of the gods And the latter because they did not bewail the loss of so amiable a Princess Q. How far did his Pride and Arrogancy carry him A. He commanded himself to be adored as a God and would needs have Temples built to him in all places He pretended that the Moon was mightily fallen in love with his Person and that she frequently came down to Caress him Q. How did Vitellius rally him upon that Subject A. Why says he when you gods are together we poor men are not able to see what you are a-doing Q. To what other monstrous Extravagances did his folly lead him A. He made his Horse be declared Consul in full Senate he banish'd Livy's Statue and Writings from all Libraries he gave Virgil the same Treatment and would have suppress'd the Verses of Homer pretending his Power ought to be no less than Plato's who had prohibited the Reading of them in his Imaginary Republick Lastly as he hated Seneca and all men of Eminent Virtue it came into his head to abolish not only the Laws but all the Living Oracles of them the most celebrated Lawyers Q. Had not he a mighty Ambition to ride a Horseback over the Sea A. To accomplish this unaccountable Frolick he built a Bridge of Gallies from Napales to Baiae which is reckon'd to be more than four Miles Q. And what noble Pranks did he play upon this Bridge A. He magnificently feasted all such whom their Curiosity had brought thither and afterwards caus'd them to be thrown into the Sea Q. Having quitted Rome to go and fight the Britains what fine Employment did he set his Army upon A. He only made them gather Cockleshâ—lls and with these Spoils he came back to Rome Q. After what manner did he receive those that came to see him A. He only gave them his Foot to kiss Q. In his Buildings what did he chiefly affect A. To force Nature and attempt Impossibilities Q How spent he those prodigious Sums which Tiberius had gather'd A. In levelling Mountains and Vallies Q. How was his Death A. He was kill'd by Cassius and Sabinus a Captain of the Guards Q. How long did he Reign A. Three Years Ten Months and Eight Days Q. What became of Caesonia his Wise and his Daughter A His Wife was likewise Assassinated and they dashed out the Brains of the little Daughter he had by her against a Wall Q. What found they in his Cabinet after his Death A. A Book wherein he had writ down the Names of all those whom he design'd to put to Death and a Coffer wherein there was so great a quantity of Poyson that having thrown it into the Sea they saw the Shore next Morning cover'd with dead Fish Q. What Writers of Note flourish'd in his time A. Appion the Grammarian for his insupportable Vanity call'd the Cymbalum Mundi and that most Eloquent Platonist Philo Iudaeus a Iew. Q. How many Wives had Caligula A. Four Iunia Claudilla Livia Orestilla Lollia Pausina and Caesonia Q. What sort of a Man was he A. Of tall Stature bright Hair the top of his Head bald his Forehead high large and wrinkled his Looks fixt and stern his Eyes sunk in his Head hollow Temples a pale Complexion a great Belly Neck and Legs his Body all over cover'd with Hair he was a great Master of Musick and had an extraordinary fine Voice he was very adroit and dexterous at handling his Arms Dancing and cleverly turning a Chariot Claudius the Fifth Emperor The Year of Rome 781. Of the Birth of I. C. 41. Q OF what Family was Claudius the Chief A. He was Son to Drusus the Brother of Germanicus Unkle of Caligula and Nephew of Tiberius Q. How came he to be Elected Emperor A. At that very time when the Senators were deliberating whether they should chuse any more Emperors or re-stablish the Commonwealth upon its Ancient Bottom some Soldiers broke into the Palace with a design to Plunder it Q. And did they Rifle it accordingly A. No for happening to find Tiberius Claudius Nero there who hid himself for fear of being kill'd they carried him immediately to the Camp and proclaim'd him Emperor Q. What was his true Character A. That he was a Prince without Vice but had no manner of Spirit or Conduct Q. By whom did he suffer himself to be intirely govern'd A. By his Wife and Freed men Q. What do Historians particularly tell us of his Wife Mâ—ssalina A. She caus'd the greatest part of her Gallants to be put to Death when they were no longer able to satisfy her brutal Passion Q. Among the rest did she not cause Silanus to be assassinated who was one of the handsomest Gentlemen of Rome A. Yes and the reason was because he refused to gratify her Lust. Q. A strange Monster of an Empress this but what is farther observable of her A. That she could not see a well-made beautiful Actor upon the Stage but she immediately became passionately in Love with him Q. What end came she to at last A. Claudius who had tamely bore all these Injuries so long at last wakens out of his Lethargy and causes her with her Adulterer Câ—ius Silius to be kill'd Q. What provoked him to it A. While he was but a days Journey distant from Rome his Rampant Empress publickly Marries this Roman Knight and makes him Consul Q. How many Children had he by Messalina A. Britannicus and Octavia Q. After Messalina's Death whom did he Marry A. His Niece Agrippina Daughter to his Brother Germanicus and the Mother of Nero whom she had by Domitius Q. What sort of a Woman was this Agrippina A. A Princess of a great Spirit Q. What remarkable Thing is recorded of her A. She established a Roman Colony in Germany upon the Rhine from her call'd Colonia Agrippina 't is now call'd Colen Q. When for the gratifying her Ambition she consulted the Oracle to know what her Son's fortune would be what answer did she receive A. That he would
was Forty four years old having reign'd Fifteen Years and six days Q. Pray give me a Description of him A. He was lusty and well-proportion'd he had a handsome Nose large Eyes he was weak-sighted and had a Face as Red as Scarlet Nerva the Thirteenth Emperor The Year of Rome 836. Of the Birth of I. C. 96. Q. WHO was this Nerva A He was a Person of Quality who deriv'd his Original from Narni a City scituated in the Province of Vmbria Q. What Character had he in the World A. He had the Reputation of a most Excellent Prince Q. What considerable things did he do in the beginning of his Reign A. He cancell'd all the Edicts that had been made in Domitian's time Q. How old was he when they elected him to the Empire A. He was Sixty five years old Q. What other Proofs did he give the people of his Clemency and Generosity A. He restor'd all persons to their Possessions which they had been plunder'd of by Domitian and gave leave to all those whom he had banish'd to return to their Native Countrey Among the rest say some St. Iohn the Evangelist who suffer'd Exile in the Isle of Patmos came back to Ephesus of which City he was Bishop Q. What remarkable Oath was that which Nerva swore A. He solemnly swore before the Senators That he would put not one of them to Death tho they gave him never so just an occasion Q. And did he keep his Oath A. He so religiously observ'd it that two of them having conspir'd to take away his Life he would not suffer them to dye Q. What did he do to them then A. He sent for them to let them see he was not ignorant of their Design against him he carried them with him to the Theatre placed them on each side of him and then gave both of them a Ponyard telling them before all the world That they might try uâ—on him whether they were good or no. Q. What is commonly said of him A. That he wanted Authority to suppress the Insolence of his Soldiers and his extreme Old Age render'd him contemptible Q. What method did he take to make himâ—elf more Absolute than he was A. He preferr'd Trajan who at that time commanded the Army in Germany before all his Relations and adopted him to the Empire Q. Did Nerva live a long while after this Adoption A. No he died Three Months after being compleatly Sixty six years old Q. Of what Distemper did he dye A. Of a Feaver which he got by straining his Voice too much in talking to one Regulus who had put him into a Passion Q. How long did he reign A. One Year Four Months and Eleven Days Trajan the Fourteenth Emperor The Year of Rome 838. Of the Birth of I. C 98. Q. WHat Countryman was Trajan A. He came from Sevil in Spain Q Where was he when Nerva adopted him to the Empire A. At Colen in Germany and was the first Foreigner that got possession of the Roman Empire Q. Who was his Master A. Plutarch Q. What sort of a man was he A. He was one of the greatest Generals that ever sate upon a Throne He was Sweet-temper'd Merciful and Prudent Nay he was so charitable to his Soldiers who were wounded in his Wars with the Dacians that he tore off his own Shirt from his Back to bind up their Wounds when they had no Linnen of their own Q. What considerable Actions did he perform A. He defeated the Dacians and their King Decebalus over whom Domitian Triumph'd at Rome tho he scandalously bought a Peace of him he subdued Armenia Iberia and Colchis he overthrew the Sarmatians Astrenians and Arabians with the Inhabitants of the Bosphorus Q. What other Conquests did he make A. He attack'd the Parthians and took from them Armenia Persia Seleucia Babylon and reduced a very considerable part of Asia under the Roman Power Q. Was not he sirnam'd Germanicus A. Yes for the glorious Exploits he perform'd in Germany Q. Did not several persons come to congratulate him upon his many Victories A. Ambassadors visited him from all parts of the world nay some came from as far as the Indies to compliment him upon those occasions Q. What remarkable Presents were made him A. He was presented with a Horse from Armenia which fell down upon his knees as often as he went to mount him Q. By what other Actions did he increase his Reputation with the People A. He utterly exterminated those insufferable Vermine in a well-order'd Common-wealth the Delators and Informers who had made so fine a Harvest on 't under the Reigns of Domitian Nero Caligula and Tiberius Q. What remarkable Accidents happen'd in his time A. There was so prodigious an Earthquake at Antioch while he and the whole Court lay there that the City was almost totally destroyed Q. And how did Trajan make a shift to save himself A. He escaped through the Windows of the Room where he lay Q. Where died he A. At Selinus a City of Cilicia whither he ordered himself to be carried Q What respect was paid him after his Death A. His Ashes were brought to Rome and placed in a Golden Urn on the top of a Pillar of a prodigious Heighth and curious Workmanship which he had caus'd to be erected in the publick Place and which is to this day call'd Trajan's Pillar Q. How long did he Reign A. Ten years Six months and Fifteen days he lived Sixty three years Q. What remarkable things do you find in his Reign A. Two The first of them was the unparallell'd Confidence he repos'd in one of his Friends whose Name was Sura Q. How did he make it appear A. Some Persons who envied him for the great share he possess'd in the Emperor's Friendship strove by all imaginable means to blast his Reputation and render him suspected to his Master They accus'd him with forming a Design against his Life but Trajan to let them see how far he relied upon the Honesty of his Friend having received an Invitation to Sup with him went thither freely Q. Well and what did he do there A. After he had sent back his Guards he orders Sura's Physitian and Barber to be call'd to him the former he commands to take off the Hair about his Eye-brows and the latter to shave his Beard After this he goes to a Bath and then sits down very unconcerned with the rest of the Company Q. What said he to his Friends next Morning A. He recounted to them every thing in order as it passed and told them That if Sura had any Intentions to kill him he gave him the fairest opportunity the day before to do it that a man could wish and since he had neglected it it was an infallible indication that he had no such design in his head Q. What is the second remarkable thing A. Trajan in giving his Sword to the Collonel of the Guards according to the usual Custom utter'd these glorious Words
in the Sixty first year of his Age. Q. How long did he Reign A. Nineteen years and Ten days Q. To whom did he recommend his Son A. To the gods and the Roman people if he were worthy of it Commodus the Eighteenth Emperor The Year of Rome 920. Of the Birth of I. C. 180. Q WHO was Commodus A. The Son of M. Aurelius and the Lustful Faustina But some say that he was begotten by a Gladiator Q. What sort of a Prince did he make A. He was the Handsomest but the Lewdest and most Vicious man of his Age. As for the Administration of State-Affairs he wholly intrusted them with Perennis a Person of great Ambition and Cruelty whom he had constituted his Praefectus Praetorij or Captain of his Guards Q. What do Historians particularly relate concerning him A. That he was so admirable an Archer that one day having order'd a Hundred Lyons to be let loose one after another he kill'd them all At another time he did the same by a Hundred Ostriches and cut off their Heads with his Arrows which were headed in the fashion of an Half-moon Q. How did he behave himself towards his Sister Lucilla A. He caused her to be put to death for having conspired to advance her own Husband to the Imperial Dignity who was only a bare Senator of Rome She was first married to the Emperor Verus Q. Wherein did he show his Ambition A. In commanding himself to be call'd Hercules the Son of Iupiter Nor was his Cruelty less predominant than his Ambition for he sacrificed all those to his barbarous Resentments of whom he had the least suspicion Q. After what manner died he at last A. He was poison'd by his Concubine Marcia because she came to understand that he had resolved to dispatch her out of the way Q. How happen'd she to receive that Information A. By the means of a Child who found the Emperor's Table-Book wherein she found her own Death design'd Q. What prompted him to serve her so A. Commodus who spent his time at Court among Strumpets and Catamites and abroad with Fencing-Masters and Bullies had it seems resolv'd to lye in the Gladiators Amphitheatre in order to go out with them the next morning and harangue the people in that blessed Company Now she had taken the freedom to remonstrate to him how mightily this would sink his Reputation and how contemptible it would render him to the whole world Q. How long did this true transcript of Nero and Caligula hold the Empire A. Twelve Years Nine Months and Fourteen Days and died in the One and thirtieth Year of his Age. Pertinax the Nineteenth Emperor The Year of Rome 933. Of the Birth of I. C. 193. Q. HOW was Pertinax descended A. He came of very mean Parents he was a Ligurian a Genoese by Nation first a Grammarian and afterwards turn'd Soldier Q. Did not he refuse the Empire A. Yes but they compell'd him to accept of it He endeavour'd to avoid it by recommending Glabrio a Senator to their Choice who as he said was a man of far greater Merit than himself Q. Pray acquaint me with his Character A. He was an exceeding Valiant Discreet Modest and Sweet-temper'd Prince He would not suffer his Wife to be call'd Augusta or Empress nor his Son to be saluted by the Title of Caesar. Q What happen'd to him A. He was assassinated by his Soldiers Three Months after he had been proclaim'd Emperor Q. For what reason A. Because he show'd himself too severe towards them and design'd to keep them under Military Discipline so they cut off his Head and carried it to the Camp where they fortified themselves Seeing no body stir they order'd one of the Soldiers to make Proclamation That the Empire was to be sold and that he who bid the most should be put into the Possession of it by the Army Q. The Empire being thus offer'd to sale what Chapmen came in to buy so great a Purchase A. Only Two Senators Sulpician the Governor of Rome and Iulian but the latter carried it because he offer'd the greater Sum. Julian the Twentieth Emperor The Year of Rome 933. Of the Birth of I. C. 193. Q. WHO was Iulian A. Grandson to the famous Lawyer of that name who composed the perpetual Edict in Adrian's time Being proclaim'd Emperor and conducted to the Senate-House by his Guards he made a very fine Speech to the Senators to this effect You want an Emperor and I am the fittest person you can chuse Q. Did not the People mutiny against him A. Yes and refused to acknowledge him saying he had stole the Empire Q. What befel him at last A. Severus who was at that time Governor of Pannonia being desired by the Romans to take the Management of the Empire upon himself revolted against him Q. What Measures did Iulian take to avoid this Storm that threatned him so A. He offer'd to take him as Partner with him in the Empire Q. And did Severus accept the Condition A. He return'd him no Answer but still advanced towards Rome which News so dispirited Iulian that he sent him word he was ready to resign the Empire provided he would give him his Life and Liberty At last he was murder'd by his own Soldiers in the Fifty sixth Year of his Age after he had reign'd Two Months and Five Days Severus the Twenty first Emperor The Year of Rome 933. Of the Birth of I. C. 193. Q. FRom whence came Severus A. He was originally an African and seized on the Empire under a pretence of revenging the Death of Pertinax which he did by degrading the Praetorian Soldiers that had kill'd him Q. Had he no Competitors in the Empire A. At first Albinus set up in Britain and Niger in Syria but he having with great Celerity made himself Master of Rome beat Albinus by Stratagem and Niger by open Force Q. How did he effect it A. Not thinking it advisable to have two Enemies upon his hands at once he takes off Albinus by proclaiming him Caesar then pursues Niger and after several sharp Encounters takes and puts him to death Having thus rid himself of Niger he immediately marches towards Albinus whom he defeats and kills at Lyons Q. Whom did he take Partners with him in the Empire A. Caracalla and Geta his Two Sons Q. How did he behave himself towards the Christians A. A Christian Soldier refusing to wear a Crown at a Donative unhappily prov'd the occasion of a sad Persecution in which Irenaeus Bishop of Lyons laid down his Life for the Truth His great Favourite Plautianus incited him to this Cruelty laying hold of this occasion to seize the Fortunes and Estates of several Persons of Quality that were Christians Q. What became of him at last A. After he had vanquish'd a world of people he pass'd over into Britain whither being arrived and not able to follow his Captains by reason of the Gouâ— which indisposed him he received advice that
his Son Bassianus was declared Caesar by the Army Q. And did not this News extremely mortify him A. He got himself immediately to be carried in a Litter and commanded the New Emperor to be brought before him with the Tribunes and Centurions who were so strangely affrighted at the Majesty which appear'd in his Looks that they implor'd his Pardon upon their Knees Q. How did he receive them A. I would have you know said he to them that it is the Head which governs and not the Feet After this he fell dangerously sick but Caracalla fearing that he would not dye tried to corrupt his Father's Physicians to poison him Q. And did they comply with his desires A. No for which he remembred them when he came to be Emperor for he caus'd them all to dye Q. Where did Severus end his days A. At York being Sixty six years old after he had reign'd 17 Years 8 Months and 3 Days Here perceiving his last hour approach he cried out I have been all that a Man can be but it serves me in no stead now Then he order'd his Urn to be brought to him wherein his Ashes were to be inclos'd and taking it between his hands Little Vrn says he thou shalt contain that which the whole World was not able to contain Q. What was his True Character A. He was Cruel and had no regard to his Word Q. To ballance this had he no other good Qualities A. He took delight to administer Justice he was well skill'd in the Laws and preserved a particular Esteem for Papinian the most eminent Lawyer of that time Q. What did the Senate say of him A. What had been formerly said of Augustus they now said of him That it had been very advantagious for the Republic if he had never been born or had never died because as on the one side he was serviceable to the Commonwealth so on the other he was somewhat too cruel Q. What may be farther said of him A. The same that was said of M. Aurelius viz. That he had been happy if he had had no Children He was exceedingly regretted after his Death Q. What Learned men flourish'd under his Reign A. Clemens Alexandrinus a man of Universal Learning who writ the Stromata Tertullian an Ecclesiastic Author likewise in Humor Wit and Stile an African Minutius Foelix who writ an Elegant Defence of the Christian Religion worthy of Augustus's Age With several more of a lower rank Caracalla and Geta making together the Twenty second Emperor The Year of Rome 951. Of the Birth of I. C. 211. Q. TO whom fell the Empire after the Death of Severus who died in Britain A. To his Two Sons whom he carried along with him in that Expedition Q. For what reason did he carry them with him A. To remove them from Rome where they lived in all manner of Excess Q. What was Geta's Character A. He was of a sweet easy Disposition as his Brother Caracalla was naturally brutish and outragious Q. What barbarous Action did that Monster commit in the Second Year of his Reign A. He kill'd his Brother Geta with his own hand in the presence of his Mother Iulia. Q. What other Instances can you give me of his Cruelty A. He not only put above Two thousand persons to Death for adhering to his Brother's Party but he banished several more and cut off Papinian's Head Q. For what reason A. Because he refused to flatter his Crime for having desired him to write an Apology to excuse his Brother's Death this eminent Lawyer told him That it was much easier to Commit a Parricide than to justify it Q. What is it that Historians report of his Mother Iulia A. That she had the Impudence to marry him after Geta's Death Q. What Person did Caracalla imagine himself to be A. He fancied he was Alexander the Great because his Head lean'd a little upon one Shoulder as that Prince's did Q. What is particularly observable concerning his Reign A. That the Empire was never so harass'd with Imposts and Taxes as it was under this Monster of Prodigality Q. What was the reason why he oppress'd his Subjects so severely A. He would frequently maintain That Money ought not to be lodged in private hands but that all should go to his Exchequer to be distributed among the Soldiers Q. What became of him at last A. While he was making War against the Parthians he writ to Materninus Governor of Rome to consult the Astrologers to know what fortune Macrinus the Praefectus Praetorij would come to Q. To whom was the Governor's Answer carried A. It was deliver'd to Caracalla himself while he was busied in managing a very fine Horse in the presence of Macrinus Q. And did he read it A. No he gave it to Macrinus to read who spoke not one word of it to the Emperor but wholly employ'd himself to find out a person that would kill him Q. Did he find one ready to execute his design A. He met one Martial after a little search whose Brother Caracalla had put to death who receiv'd this Commission with great eagerness and run him through the body while he was easing Nature Q. How long did he reign A. Six Years Two Months and Five Days Q. Was he beloved by the People A. No he was hated by all the world except the Soldiers only who regretted his Loss by reason of the excessive Largesses he frequently bestow'd upon them Macrinus and his Son making together the Twenty third Emperor The Year of Rome 957. Of the Birth of I. C. 217. Q. FRom whence came Macrinus A. He was a Moor by Birth and of a very mean condition at first Q. What station was he in when they proclaim'd him Emperor A. He was the Praefectus Praetorij Q. Whom did he associate with himself in the Empire A. His Son Diadumenus Q. What remarkable things do we read of Macrinus A. He made a Peace with the Parthians and in his return to Rome divided his Army into two Bodies that they might march home two several ways but this division occasion'd his ruin Q. Pray tell me how A. Maesa Sister to the Empress Iulia recommended to the Soldiers who you must know had no great affection for Macrinus a young Gentleman about Nineteen Years old the Son of her daughter Semiamira who as they commonly pretended was Caracalla's Bastard and they call'd him Heliogabalus Q. How did the Soldiers relish this Proposition A. They immediately proclaim'd him Emperor because they loved him for his Father's sake and he for his part marches directly towards Macrinus and defeats him Q. What became of Macrinus A. He was kill'd as he endeavour'd to save himself in the City of Antioch and shortly after his Son Diadumenus was slain by the order of the Emperor Heliogabalus Q. How long did he and his Son reign A. One Year and Two Months Heliogabalus the Twenty fourth Emperor The Year of Rome 959. Of the Birth of I. C.
was found dead in his Tent after a terrible Tempest Q. To what did the Romans ascribe his Death A. To the Divine Vengeance for endeavouring to carry his Victories beyond Ctesiphon because there was an Ancient Oracle which forbad the Romans to extend their Empire beyond that Capital City of the Persians Numerianus the Forty second Emperor The Year of Rome 1022. Of the Birth of I. C. 282. Q. WAS not Numerianus mightily concern'd for his Father's Death A. He was so afflicted at it that the Tears he shed incessantly upon this occasion so far injur'd his Eyesight that he was forced to be carried in a close Litter because he could not endure the light Q. What became of him at last A. His Father-in-Law Aper who was Captain of the Guards and had an Ambition to be Emperor got him to be assassinated in this Litter Q. Did not Aper take care to conceal his death from the Army A. That the Soldiers might not have the least suspicion of the matter he accompanied the Litter as if the Emperor had been still alive in it Q. What Answer did he give those persons that asked to see him A. That the Emperor had given Orders not to let the Litter be open'd because the Day-light extremely incommoded his eyes Q. Who commanded the Army all this while in the Emperor's Name A. Aper who by this means pretended to possess himself soon of the Empire but the noisom smell of the dead body discover'd his Villany and gave occasion to Diocletian one of the Principal Officers of the Army to kill him upon the spot Q. And did this Action please the Army A. They liked it so well that they immediately with one common consent proclaim'd him Emperor without considering that they had another Lawful Emperor still living Q. Who was he A. Carâ—nus the Brother of Numerianus Carinus the Forty third Emperor The Year of Rome 1022. Of the Birth of I. C. 282. Q. WHere was Carinus when he heard that his Father was dead and his Brother Numerianus assassinated A. He was then in Gaul where he minded nothing else but satisfying his Brutal Appetite Q. Was he not surprized when he receiv'd advice that Diocletian was proclaim'd Emperor and was marching towards him to dispute the Legality of his Title A. Yes and immediately made a Truce with his Vices to go and fight him Q. Where was the Battel fought A. In Moesia a Province of Asia Minor Q. Which side got the better on 't A. Carinus had obtain'd the Victory but as he pursued the Enemy in their flight he was assassinated by a Collonel of his own Army Q. For what Provocation A. Because he had formerly abused this Collonel's Wife Q. When did this happen A. In the Year of J. C. 285. after he had reign'd Three Years Diocletian and Maximian making together the Forty fourth Emperor The Year of Rome 1024. Of the Birth of I. C. 284. Q. WHere was Diocletian born A. In Dalmatia of very obscure Parentage but he prov'd a man of great Generosity Q. What was foretold concerning him A. That he should be made Emperor as soon as he had slain a Boar upon which account he kill'd several in hunting but to no purpose At last when he had slain Aper the Captain of the Guards he saw that was the Boar he was to kill for which reason he cried out aloud I have kill'd the Boar and the Army proclaim'd him Emperor Q. After the Imperial Purple was thus conferr'd upon him how did he manage Affairs A. Finding the Empire was invaded on every side and that himself alone was not able to oppose the Violence of the Barbarians he took his old Friend Maximian an ill-bred clownish sort of a Brute but a good Soldier his Partner in the Empire Q. What did these two do in conjunction A. They chose each of them Constantius Chlorus and Galerius to command their Armies Q. What method did they take to engage them more strongly in their Interests A. They created them Caesars and afterwards obliging them to be divorced from their Wives Diocletian gave his Daughter Valeria to Galerius and Maximian his Daughter Theodora to Constantius Q. These two Emperors and two Caesars were they successful in their Wars A. They were so fortunate in all their Attempts against the Enemies of the Empire that they obtain'd as many Victories as they fought Battels and after they had spent ten years thus in their Wars crown'd with Glory and Success they entred all four Triumphantly into Rome where Diocletian caused himself to be call'd Iovianus and Maximian took the Title of Herculianus Q. After these two Great Men had made themselves absolute Masters of the Empire what is it that Historians tell us they did A. To the great amazement of all the world both of them voluntarily quitted the Empire Diocletian at Nicomedia and Maximian at Milan Q. Where did Diocletian pass his Retirement A. At Salonae a small City of Dalmatia the place of his Nativity where he spent the remainder of his life in cultivating his Gardens Q. And where did Maximian live privately A. In Lucania Q. How long did they reign A. Diocletian reign'd almost Twenty Years and Maximian Eighteen Q. Was not Diocletian a cruel Persecutor of the Christians A. Out of an implacable Malice to the Professors of that Religion he design'd to extirpate them utterly out of the world and what by the Cruelty of his Edicts the Bigotry of his Ministers and the barbarous Variety of his Torments made a greater havock of them than any of his Predecessors In Egypt only a Hundred and fourteen thousand are said to be put to death and Seven hundred thousand sent into Banishment The Thebaean Legion together with their Commander Mauritius were cut off by Maximian but this relation by some Modern Critics is look'd upon to be Fabulous Q Was not Maximian soon weary of this retired life A. Yes and being desirous to leave it in order to reassume the Imperial Dignity he earnestly importunes Diocletian to remedy those Evils which Constantius and Galerius had occasion'd by their ill conduct Q. What answer did Diocletian return him A. Showing him the Coleworts growing in his Garden he told him he took a greater pleasure to plant them than to govern the Empire Q. What courses did Maximian take finding himself despised and neglected by all the world A. He withdrew to his Daughter who was the Wife of Constantius and endeavouring to engage her to poison her own Husband she discover'd his Perfidiousness to Constantius who caus'd him to be slain Galerius and Constantius making together the Forty fifth Emperor The Year of Rome 1044. Of the Birth of I. C. 304. Q. WHen were Galerius and Constantius proclaimed Emperors A. They did not take possession of the Empire till Diocletian and Maximian had abdicated Q. What were they before they were advanced to that Honour A. They were only Caesars Q. How did they divide the Empire between them A.