was impatient till he saw it put into an English dress The whole is managed by way of Question and Answer in an easie familiar intellegible Method suited to persons of the meanest Capacity but with that good order and accuracy that the greatest Proficients in this sort of Learning may not be ashamed to refresh their Memories by perusing it I was the more easily persuaded to undertake it because I could never as yet meet any Abbreviation of the Roman History which was not in one respect or other lame and deficient Either the Stile was uncorrect the Narration too tedious or obscure or the true order of time miserably neglected As for Lucius Florus tho I confess there are abundance of things very prettily said in him yet he so frequently interrupts the Series of the History and is so everlasting an Affecter of pointed Sentences to which he sacrifices the Truth without any remorse that he is not to be depended upon Eutropius and Aurelius Victor lived in an unpoâ—ite Age and not only pass over several Important Occurrences but commonly give a faulty account of matters of fact I cannot answer for this that it wholly comes up to the dignity of the Subject and indeed as it is the first undertaking of this nature that ever appear'd in public it cannot reasonably be expected that it should be carried to its highest perfection at once however I may without vanity affirm That it has been considerably improv'd in the Version as any one that will be at the pains to compare the Translation with the Original will soon discover If it meets the favourable Reception which so useful and serviceable a Performance seems to deserve the Translator may perhaps find leisure time enough hereafter for the advantage of our English Youth to put it into the Vniversal Language A Clear Method for the more easy understanding the Roman History c. The Origine of the Romans The Year of the World 2800. Before Iesus Christ 1184. Quest. I Desire to know the Oâ—igine of the Romans Answ. They came from Aeneas the Son of Anchises who after the taking of Troy fled into Italy and settled there Q. When did this happen A. In the Year 2800 of the Creation of the World Q. When Aeneas was in Italy what did he there A. He married Lavinia Daughter to Latinus King of the Latins after he had in a single Combat kill'd Turnus King of the Rutuli who pretended to the same Lady Q. Did he do nothing else A. He built a City there which he call'd Lavinium Q. Who govern'd the Latins after the Death of Latinus A. Aeneas Q. How long did he Reign A. No more than three Years Q. Who succeeded Aeneas A. His Son Ascanius whom he had by Creusa Before we take in hand the Succession of the Kings of Rome 't is in some manner necessary to give that of the Latin Kings after the Destruction of Troy and to remember that Aeneas Anchises's Son and Son-in-Law to Latinus from whom the Latins derive their Name was slain in a Battle Four hundred twenty six years before the Building of Rome and that Latinus reign'd Thirty five Years of it A Chronological Table of the Latin Kings Kings Year of the World Reign Picus Son of Saturn 2757 37 Faunus 2794 44 Latinus I. 2838 35 Aeneas 2872 6 Ascanius Son of Aeneas 2877 38 Silvius Son of Ascanius 2915 29 Aeneas Silvius 2944 31 Latinus II. 2975 51 Alba Silvius 3035 39 Capetus I. 3064 26 Capys 3090 28 Capetus II. 3118 13 Tiberinus 3131 8 Agrippa Silvius 3139 41 Alladius or Aremulius Silvius 3180 19 Aventinus Silvius 3199 37 Procas or Palatinus Silvius 3236 23 Anulius Silvius 3259 41 Numitor. 3299 2 The Building of Rome Year of the World 3301. Before Christ 753. Q. WHen was the City of Rome built A. In the 3961 Year of the Iulian Period 753 before the Christian Aera 431 after the burning of Troy and of the World 3301. Q. Which was the Capital City of the Latins then A. Alha because Iulius that built it made it the Seat of his Empire Q. What King possess'd the Throne at that time A. Amulius after he had ejected his Brother Numitor. Q. From whence was Rome so called A. From Romulus who gave it his own Name Q Why A. Because his Brother Rhemus and he having agreed That he who saw the best Augury should Name it Romulus had the most favourable Augury as having seen twelve Vultures and the other only six The means Romulus made use of to People his New City of Rome Q. WHat Method did Romulus take to People his City A. He bethought himself of two expedients Q. What were thâ—y A. In the first place he open'd a Publick Sanctuary in a little Wood which was not far from the City where all Fugitive Slaves Criminals Bankrupts and others of the same Quality found Protection Q. Did this Expedient take effect A. Ay. Q. What did he do after this A. Since the Romans had no Women among them and their Neighbours would not marry with them they were obliged to have recourse to a Stratagem Q. How was that A. They published in all the Neighbouring Provinces that at such a time they design'd to celebrate some Sports The Sabins came to see the Divertisement and brought their Wives and Daughters hither Now when they were most intent upon beholding the Sights Romulus gave the Signal and the Romans immediately carried off the Sabine Women and married them Q. Romulus having thus peopled his City what did he afterwards A. He divided it into Thirty Curiae or Wards which he called Sabin Q. Did he do nothing besides A. He also divided his Subjects into three Orders Q. As how A. The First was that of the Senators whom he created to the Number of a hundred and call'd them Patres or Fathers and their Children Patricians The Second was that of the Knights And the Third that of the People The several Sorts of Government in the City of Rome Q. HOw was Rome govern'd at first A. By Kings Q. How do ye call this sort of Government A. Monarchy Q. Was Rome always govern'd by Kings A. No It became a Republick after the Expulsion of Tarquin the Proud who was the Seventh King there Q. What do you mean by Republick A. That is to say a State where several Persons command Q. What difference do you make between a Monarchy and a Republick A. A Monarchy is a State where only one governs in Chief A Republick where the Administration is lodged in many Hands Q. How long did this Republick continue A. It lasted in the first place from the Consulat of Brutus to the Consulat of Claudius which makes 245 Years and afterwards from the Consulat of Claudius to the Empire of Caesar which makes about as many Years more Q. Did Rome always continue a Republick A. No it was afterwards govern'd by Emperors Q. What difference is there between a King and an Emperor
Priscus who took away the Kingdom from them and got himself to be declared King of Rome Q. It was then this Tarquinius Priscus that succeeded him A. Yes Tarquinius Priscus Fifth King of Rome Year of the World 3439. Of Rome 139. Q. FRom whence came Tarquinius Priscus A. He was originally of Corinth and Son to a Rich Merchant whose name was Demaratus Q. How came he to be raised to this Dignity A. Under the Reign of Ancus Martius he quitted the City of the Tarquins to seek his Fortune at Rome which it seems answered his Ambition Q. What happened to him in his Journey thither A. As he came near the City an Eagle lighted and took off his Bonnet and soon after placed it on his Head again Tanaquil told him That this lucky Omen promis'd him the Regal Authority Q. Why quitted he his former name Lucumon to take that of Tarquinius A. In remembrance of the City of the Tarquins where he was born Q. How got he himself declared King A. After the Death of Ancus Martius he assembled the Sâ—nators and People and being supported by his Friends and those whom he had gain'd to his Party by Money he put in for the Crown and managed his Affairs so dexterously that he obtain'd it without any difficulty Q. What did he do to secure himself in his new Kingdom A. He augmented the Senate with a hundred Senators and enlarg'd the Authority of that August Body He likewise added Three hundred new Members to the Order of the Knights which was their number before Q. What other things were done by him in particular A. He order'd a Bundle of Rods bound up together with an Axe in the midst to be carried before the Magistrates He regulated the Stuff and Fashion of the Robes that were to be worn by the Kings and Augurs and commanded the Chairs of the Senators to be made of Ivory Q. What did he do besides all this A. He regulated the Habits which were to distinguish the Knights from others that served in the Wars and enjoined them to wear Golden Rings on their Fingers Then to distinguish the Children of Illustrious Families he order'd them to wear long Robes border'd with Purple Q. Did he undertake any considerable Building A. He built the Circus between Mount Palatine and Mount Aventine to have there represented the Combats of Gladiators and of Beasts or any other Diversions of the like nature that deriv'd their name from thence Q. What was remarkable in his Reign A. That he was the first that wore a Crown and a Sceptre with the other Marks of the Regal Dignity Q. What other remarkable Passages have you A. Being one day minded to try Actius Navius President of the Augurs he asked him Whether what he thought of in his mind was possible to be done or no Q. What Answer did Actius return him A After having consulted the Birds he positively told him it was Why says the King I was thinking whether I was able to cut this Whetstone with a Razor That you are reply'd the Augur and at the same time the King accordingly cut it Q. Did not this give a mighty Reputation to the Augurs A Yes for from that time the Romans never began any Enterprize without consulting them Q. What did Tarquin do besides to make himself recommendable A. He extinguish'd the Name of the Latins through all Italy having possessed himself of most of their Cities Q. What Misfortunes befel him A. He was slain by Two Peasants that were bribed to do it by the Children of Ancus Martius Q. Why did they get him to be assassinated A. Because they were angry to see him elevated to the Throne to their prejudice Q. How old was he when they slew him A. Eighty four years old and reigned Thirty eight of them Q. How many Children did he leave behind him A. He left Two whom he placed under the Care of Servius Tullius Q. Who succeeded Tarquin A. The above-mentioned Servius Tullius Servius Tullius Sixth King of Rome The Year of the World 3477. Of Rome 177. Q. FRom what sort of Parents was Servius Tullius descended A. He was Son to the Prince of Cornicula a small City which Tarquin had taken in the Province of the Latins Q. What Adventures happen'd to them A. His Father was kill'd at Corinth and his Mother who was then big of him was carried Prisoner to Rome where Tanaquil the Wife of Tarquin took an affection to her and lodg'd her in the Palace where she was delivered of Servius Tullius Q. What happen'd at his Birth A. 'T was remarkable that lying in his Cradle a Lambent Flame play'd about his head for above the space of an hour and did him not the least Injury Q What did Tanaquil who was particularly well skill'd in Divination believe of this Prodigy A. She was of Opinion that it promis'd the Kingdom to this Infant and after that time took great care of his Education and gave him her Daughter in Marriage Q. How came he to be proclaim'd King A. Servius being Son-in-Law to Tarquin and having the Management of all Affairs in his own hands at the time of his death he behaved himself by the Queen's Assistance so well in this place that he was elected and proclaimed King by the People some time after the Death of that Prince Q. What remarkable things does History tell of him A. Having vanquish'd the Tuscans and the Vejentes he exceedingly augmented the City of Rome added the Quirinal Viminal and the Exquiline Hill to it and encompassed it with Walls and Ditâ—hes Q What other Actions are related of him A. He was the first that took a Survey of the Roman Citizens and valued every man's Estate to tax him proportionably to his Income that so his Troops might be better accommodated Q. How often was this done A. Once in Five Years Q. How was this space of time call'd A. A Lustrum Q. How many Children had he A. Two whose Names were Tullia Q. What sort of Inclinations had they A. The Eldest was of a sweet agreeable Temper The Youngest Fiery and Ambitious Q. Whom did they marry A. The two Tarquins Brothers-in-Law or Nephews to Servius Q. How came they to marry them A. Tullius apprehending that these Tarquins the Sons or Grandsons of Tarquinius Priscus would shock him in his Throne thought the best way to secure them in his Interests would be to bestow his Eldest Daughter upon the Elder Tarquin who was naturally Ambitious and Violent and his Youngest upon the other whose name was Aruns who had as much Moderation as his Brother had Heat and Passion Q. What was the Consequence of these Marriages A. As these things were wholly managed by a Principle of Policy and Servius had no regard to the different Characters and Dispositions of the married Couple he was the occasion that Tarquin who liked not the too gentle humour of his Wife entred into a strict Correspondence with his Sister-in-Law and debauch'd
universally Learned Father of the Latin Church Ausonius a famous Poet and Orator and Master to the Emperor Gratian who rewarded him with the Consulate Paulinus Bishop of Nola in Campania who is first reported to have put Bells to a Sacred use from whence they are called Nolae and Campanae Arcadius the Fifty fourth Emperor The Year of Rome 1135. Of the Birth of I. C. 395. Q. WHom did Arcadius marry A. Eudoxia whom he suffer'd to govern absolutely as she thought fit the consequences of which had like to have prov'd as fatal to Religion as it did to the Empire for she banish'd St. Chrysostom who had been translated from the See of Antioch Constantinople only for inveighing against her Vices Q. Whom did he intrust at his death to be his Son's Guardian A. Isdigerdes King of Persia who acquitted himself very honourably in this Trust for he plac'd him under the Tuition of the Learned and Wise Antiochus nay he openly declared That whoever attempted any thing against the Interest and Welfare of this young Prince must expect to find him his Enemy Q. How old was he when he died A. He died in the One and thirtieth year of his Age and in the Eleventh of his or rather his Wife's Reign who died in Child-bed Honorius the Fifty fifth Emperor The Year of Rome 1135. Of the Birth of I. C. 395. Q. GIve me the true Character of Honorius A. He was of a sweet agreeable Disposition an enemy to Application and Business he even had an aversion to Publick Affairs however he was very zealous for the Christian Religion in favour of which he made several Edicts Q What remarkable things fell out in his Reign A. After the Goths had spread themselves all over Italy and were Masters of the City of Rome several Tyrants usurp'd the Sovereign Authority Q. Whom did these Tyrants nominate for their Emperor A. Attalus the Son of Alaricus Honorius offer'd to make him his Partner in the Empire which he refused with a great deal of scorn and arrogance and yet accepted the Imperial Dignity after it was offer'd to him by the Senate Q. Did he long possess the Empire A. No he was soon stript of it and being abandon'd by the Gauls to whom he fled for Protection he was taken Prisoner by Constantius A. D. 415. and deliver'd to the Justice of the Emperor Honorius Q. And how did he use him A. He gave him his Life and contented himself only with cutting off one of his hands Q. Why did he serve him so A. That this Rebel for the remainder of his life might carry the Punishment of his Crime about him and have everlastingly before his eyes the marks of his Rebellion Q. What memorable Accidents happened after this A. One Constantine that commanded the Guards and had nothing to recommend him but only his Name was declared Emperor but being taken Prisoner was strangled at Ravenna Then Iovian and Sebastian possest themselves of Gaul but being seized at Narbo were both put to death Q. Who was it that afterwards usurped the Empire of the Gauls A. Heraclius who passed into Italy with a Navy of Seven hundred Sail but being beaten there he made his Escape to Carthage where he was strangled Q. What other matters happened after the Death of these Tyrants A. The Goths entred France under the Conduct of their King Ataulphus Q. How old was the Emperor Honorius when he died of his Dropsey A. Thirty five Years A. D. 425. Q. What sort of a Reign was his A. Nothing but a continued Scene of Troubles Commotions Tumults and Wars occasion'd by the Vandals the Hunns and other barbarous Nations that daily pour'd new Swarms of People into the Roman Provinces Towards the end of his Reign A. D. 413 the Burgundians erected a new Kingdom towards the Rhone The Franks A. D. 420 erected another in Gaul from them call'd France under their first King Pharamond And the year following Vallia King of the Goths after the death of Ataulphus constituted a Kingdom in Spain The Vandals possessed that part of it which was formerly call'd Boetica and now from them Andalusia as the Goths in conjunction with the Alani fix themselves in Provincia Tarraconensis which was afterwards called Gothalania and corruptly Catalonia The beginning of the Scotish Kingdom too is generally placed about the year of our Lord 422 the Scots from Ireland settling themselves in the Northern parts of Great Britain under their King Fergus Q. What Learned men lived about these times A. Pelagius a Britain a warm Asserter of the Omnipotency of Free-Will and as violent a Depressor of God's Grace whom St. Austin encounter'd so vigorously Prudentius Sedulius and Paulinus famous for Poetry but infinitely exceeded by Claudian who rais'd his Reputation as much by the Elegance and Sweetness of his Versification as he lessen'd it by the Meanness of his Subject Of the Fall and Decay of the Roman Empire Q. WHat were the principal Causes of the Decay of the Roman Empire A. Pride and Luxury and Divisions at home the frequent Mutinies of the Army who deposed their Emperors at pleasure and the perpetual Invasions of the Northern Nations Q. Who caused the greatest Desolations in the Empire A. The Goths the Hunns the Lombards and Vandals who in their turn ravaged the several Provinces of it erecting new Kingdoms and establishing their Laws and Customs where ever they came Q. By whom was Rome taken A. It was taken and retaken by Alarie King of the Goths A. D. 410. and about 1163 years after the building of it For the space of three days this Imperial City which for Nine hundred years had defied the Attacks of all its Enemies even of Hannibal himself was ravag'd and plunder'd at the discretion of the barbarous Conquerors Not long after it was taken by Totila and after him by Theodoricus who made so magnificent an Entry into it that St. Austin wholly astonish'd at so prodigious a show wished that he had seen three things upon earth Q. What were they A. Iesus Christ in the flesh St. Paul in the Pulpit and Ancient Rome in its splendor Q. Did not the Roman Empire for some time make a happy Progress A. It advanc'd rather than decreas'd from Iulius Caesar down to Nero but afterwards Galba Otho and Vitellius so weaken'd it by their Civil Wars that it was scarce in a condition to preserve it self from the Insults of its Enemies Q. Who restored this Empire to its Ancient Splendor A. In Trajan's time as it possess'd the greatest Extent of Ground so it visibly recover'd its former Reputation From that Period it by degrees declin'd till the time of Constantine the Great who by putting an end to all intestine Broils retriev'd in some manner its ancient Credit but through a fatal ill management did it a greater Injury at last than all his Predecessors before him Q. How did that happen A. First he transplanted the Seat of the Empire from Rome where it
Q. After the Death of Romulus was not the Form of Government chang'd A. Yes For the Senate being composed of Romans and Sabines 't was resolved to chuse by Lots Five Persons of both Nations who should reign five days alternatively till such time as they could find out one that was worthy to fill the Throne Q. How long did this Interregnum last A. A Twelvemonth Q. Was nothing done to the Honour of Romulus A. A Temple was built to him upon the Quirinal Mount where he was ador'd under the name of Quirinus Q. How long did he reign A. Thirty eight Years and was succeeded by Numa Pompilius Numa Pompilius the Second King of Rome Year of the World 3340. Of Rome 40. Q. FRom whence came Numa Pompilius A. From Cures the Metropolis of the Sabines Q. How was he declared King A. Some Ambassadors went to offer him the Crown at Cures where he then resided and all in consideration of his great Piety Q. What things did he do being arrived at Rome A. The first thing he did was to disband the Guards which Romulus had instituted for the security of his Person Q. What made him do so A. Because he said 't was better for a Prince to make himself be lov'd than fear'd by his Subjects Q. What did he do afterwards A. He establish'd a certain Form of Sacrifices and Ceremonies that were to be observ'd in the Worship of their gods Q. Did he do any thing besides A. He likewise instituted the Pontiffs the Augurs and the Salian Priests In fine he testified by his Laws and Actions That nothing was more necessary in a State than Religion and Justice Q. Did not he build some Temples A. He built one to the Honour of Ianus which was to be shut in the time of Peace and open'd in War Q. Did he build any more A. Yes That which he consecrated to the Goddess Vesta where he establish'd the Vestal Virgins Q. Who were these Vestals A. Certain Virgins that were chosen about the Age of Four or Five Years out of the Noblest Families in Rome to be Priestesses of the Goddess Vesta Q. What was their Employment A. To look after the Holy Fire which burn'd incessantly upon an Altar and was a Symbol or Character of the Divinity they ador'd Q. What Punishment was assign'd for those Vestals that let the Holy Fire go out A. They were interr'd alive and treated after the very same manner with those which violated their Chastity to which they were obliged Q. Did Numa Pompilius do any thing remarkable besides this A. He divided the Year into Twelve Months whereas Romulus had only instituted Ten. In short he establish'd several other Laws which he said he received from the Goddess Aegeria Q. What manner of death died he A. He died of an Indisposition being Fourscore years old after a Reign of 43 Years which he pass'd in a profound Peace Q. Had he any Children A. He had four Sons none of which succeeded him in the Crown but made four Illustrious Families in Rome Q. Had he no Daughters A. He had one call'd Pompilia who was married to a Sabine Nobleman whose name was Martius Q. Who was Successor to Numa Pompilius A. Tullus Hâ—stilius Tullus Hostilius Third King of Rome Year of the World 3383. Of Rome 83. Q I Would be inform'd of what Family was Tullus Hâ—stilius A. He was Grandson to Tullus Hâ—stilius who was kill'd in endeavouring to retake the Capitol and was elected by the Romans for his Heroick Actions Q. What remarkable thing did he in the beginning of his Reign A. 'T was he who first taught the Romans Military Discipline and the Art of fighting regularly Q. Did he do nothing else A. He distributed among the ordinary sort of people all the Demcan which the Kings before him kept in their own hands and reserv'd no more for himself than what he had when he was but a private Person Q. What considerable things happened in his Reign A. The famous Combat between the Horatii and Curiatii Q. Pray recount to me how that was managed A. The Romans and Albans being willing to put a speedy Conclusion to the War which had lasted a long while 't was resolv'd on both sides to chuse out Three men to fight for their Countrey Q. And what were the Conditions A. If the Three Albans were vanquished Alba was to submit it self to the Government of the Romans On the other hand if the Roman Champions were beaten then Rome must do the like to Alba. Q. Who were pitch'd upon for this Exploit A. The Romans chose the Three Horatii Brothers and the Albans the Three Curiatii who were Three Brothers likewise Q. What was the Success of the Combat A. The Three Curiatii were at first wounded and Two of the Horatii slain Q. The Third Horatius being left to fight the other Three what became of him A. He pretended to fly for 't and as the Curiatii eagerly pursued him he faced about and killed 'em one after another Q. Did he not soon tarnish the Glory of this Illustrious Action A. Yes Q. As how A. By murdering his own Sister Q. What instigated him to do that A. Returning Victorious and meeting his Sister in Tears for one of the Curiatii who was promis'd her in Marriage he run her through with his Sword Q. Was he punish'd for this Crime A. No his late Victory excus'd him Q. The Romans being thus Conquerors what did Tullus after this A. He ordered the City of Alba to be raz'd to the ground and commanded the Albans to come and live at Rome with their King Metius Suffetius Q. What became of that King A. He was sometime after ty'd to the Tails of four Horses and torn in pieces Q. For what Misdemeanor was so severe a Punishment inflicted on him A. For forming a Conspiracy to make himself Master of Rome and betraying the Romans in not sending them the Assistance he was obliged to give them Q. After what manner died Tullus Hostilius A. He and his whole Family were burnt by Lightning which set his Palace on fire Q. How long did he reign A. Thirty two Years Q. Who succeeded him A. Ancus Martius who resembled Numa Pompilius as well for his Justice as his Piety Ancus Martius Fourth King of Rome Year of the World 3414. Of Rome 114. Q. OF whom was Ancus Martius descended A. He was the Son of Pompilia and Grandson to Numa Pompilius Q What particular things did Ancus Martius do A. Nothing if we except his inclosing Mount Aventine and the Ianiculum within the City and building New Walls about it and laying the Foundation of the City Ostia at the mouth of the Tiber. Q. Had he no Wars at all A. He had one with the Latins whom he defeated in several Battels Q. How died he A. Oâ—â— a Sickness in the Twenty fourth Year of his Reign Q. How many Children had he A. He had Two whom he left under the Care of Tarquinius
should go out or no A. They made that impression on him that he was once minded to put off what he had to propose to the Senate till another day but at last at the repeated instances of Brutus who represented to him that aâ—undance of the Senators were come to the House and that they had waited for him a long time he was prevail'd upon to go out about â—leven in the morning Q. Being on his way thither did not some Passages happen to him which might very well incline him to return home A. Spurina the Augur met him to whom says Caesar with a laughing Countenance Well Spurina behold the Ides of March are come Right said he but they are not yet past After that an unknown person presented him with a Petition in the streets wherein he inform'd him of the Conspiracy but Caesar mingled them among some other Papers telling him he would see immediately what it contain'd Q. What befel him after this A. Being arrived to the Senate-House he was accosted by one Cimber under pretence of supplicating him to recal home a Brother of his who had been banished some days before by a Decree of the Senate But Caesar refusing then to do it and referring it to another time Cimber seized upon the two sleeves of his Robe and Caesar crying out against this Violence all the Conspirators who had given one another the Signal surrounded him and stabb'd him Q. Who gave him the First Blow A. One whose name was Casea who wounded him a little below the Throat Q. What happen'd aftewards A Caesar who neither wanted Courage nor Vigor seized upon his Ponyard and made some effort to escape but being at the same time run through in several places and perceiving among the other Assassines Marcus Brutus for whom he always exprest a mighty tenderness he says to him in Greek What you too my Son and then covering his Head with his Robe he fell down at the feet of Pompey's Statue having received Twenty three Thrusts Q. What became of his Body A. The whole Assembly immediately breaking up his Body was carried to his own House by Three of his Slaves Q. Was he buried in any State A. Marc Anthony celebrated his Funeral after a most magnificent manner Q What did Anthony when he made his Funeral Oration A. He caused Caesar's Robe which was still bloody to be brought to him Q. And what said the people at this mournful sight A. It so sensibly affected them that they ran through all parts of the City with Torches in their hands to burn the Conspirators Houses Q. What Remarkable Accident happen'd in this Confusion A. One Helvius Cinna a Tribune of the People having the Misfortune to meet the Mob in the midst of their Fury was cut in pieces because they took him for Cornelius Cinna one of the Assassines Q. What became of the Conspirators A. The two Brutus's Cassius and the rest of them seeing this terrible Disorder in Rome left the Town and retir'd to their respective Governments Q. Was any thing done in Honour to Caesar's Memory A. The People erected a Pillar to him in the Forum Twenty Foot high with this Inscription Patriae Patri Q. Did they do nothing else A. They order'd the Gates of the Palace where he was murder'd to be walled up that the Ides of March should for the future be call'd the Parricidal Ides and that the Senate should never meet on that day Q. What was observable of these Murderers A. That none of them died a Natural Death Q. How old was Caesar when he was kill'd A. Fifty six years whereof he had reign'd five Q. Was he not much mortified at his Baldness A. Yes because they often rallied him upon this account For which reason he was always represented with a Crown of Lawrel Q What sort of a Temper was he of A. So strangely abandon'd to his Pleasure that his open Familiarities with Nicomedes King of Bithynia expos'd him to the Laughter and Invectives of the whole world He was call'd Queen of Bithynia by Bibulus who was his unactive untalk'd-of Brother Consul Q. Was not he extremely given to Women A. He debauch'd several and those of the highest Quality among the rest Posthumia Wife to Servius Sulpitius Tertulla Wife to M. Crassus and Mutia Wife to Pompey But the Lady with whom he was principally in Love was Servilia Mother of that Brutus who assassinated him Q. What Princess was it that he most passionately adored A. Cleopatra with whom he frequently spent whole nights a feasting nay he had bore her company as far as Aethiopia but that his Soldiers positively refus'd to follow him Q. Did not he carry her to Rome with him A. Yes where he receiv'd her with all imaginable respect and loaded her with innumerable Presents Q. Had he any Children by her A. He had a Son whose Name was Caesario Q. What said Curio of him A. That he was the Man of all the Women and the Woman of all the Men. Q. Was not he a man of Learning A. He was the most Eloquent man of his time He has left behind him some Orations with a Commentary of his Actions He could Write and Read at the same time and Hear what was said to him He made nothing to dictate at once to Four Secretaries nay sometimes to Seven upon different occasions His History tho naked and unadorn'd is writ in a most Pure and Elegant Stile and has been valued by all Nations Henry the Fourth of France who resembled him in his Unfortunate End as well as his Heroic Actions translated that part of it into French which related to the War of the Gauls Quintilian says of him That he Spoke Writ and Fought with the same Spirit Q. How many Wives had he A. Four Cossutia Cornelia Pompeia and Calpurnia Q. From whence was Cossutia descended A. She came of an Equestrian Family and was extremely rich but he repudiated her to marry Cornelia Cornelia was Daughter to Cinna by her he had Iulia who was afterwards Pompey's Wife Pompeia was Daughter to Claudius Pompey and Niece of Sylla he married her after the Death of Cornelia but got himself soon divorced from her upon a suspicion of her having committed Adultery with Claudius in the Temple of the Goddess Bona. Q. What was Caesar used to say of Pompeia A. That it was not enough for a Woman to be chaste but she must likewise take care to avoid all Suspicion Q. Who was Calpurnia A. She was the Daughter of Piso. Q. What Learned Writers were Contemporaries with Iulius Caesar A. Lucretius the Epicurean Poet Salust that admirable concise Historian Tully that excellent Orator and not to mention any more Cornelius Nepos the Biographer or Writer of Lives and Catulâ—us the Epigramatist Q. Give me the Portraicture of Iulius Caesar A. The Turn of his Face was Oval his Forehead smooth a Roman Nose Black Lively Eyes his Lips large his Complexion White and Lovely of High
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
went for Egypt Q. Was not Vitellius strangely surprized when he heard of the general defection of the people from him A. He seem'd not to be much concern'd at the News but contented himself with only fending his Lieutenants against Vespasian who defeated them Q. Did not this Overthrow oblige Vitellius to mâ—rch in person against the Enemy A. Right but he was so little accustom'd to the Fatigues and Hardships of War that he return'd back to Rome to his Pleasures Q. At his Arrival there what measures did he take A. He made a Treaty of Peace with Sabinus the Governor of Rome Q. What were the Conditions of this Treaty A. That he should surrender the Empire into the hands of Vespasian Q. Were not his Guards extremely incens'd at his making so tame a Resignation A. It very much displeas'd them because they lov'd Vitellius upon the account that he gave them liberty to do what they would Q. What happen'd in this Contest A. The Capitol was burnt down to the ground as it had been once before in the bloody Disputes between Sylla and Marius Q. What became of Vitellius at last A. He had the misfortune to be taken by the Captains of Vespasian's Army and dâ—agg'd naked through the City with a great deal of Ignominy Q. What did they do to him after this A. They cut his Throat and afterwards threw him into the Tiber. Q. How old was he then A. He was 57 Years old and had only reign'd 8 Months and 5 Days Q. How many Wives had he A. Two Petronia and Galeria Q. How was he made A. He was of an extraordinary Stature his Belly prodigiously big and a very Red Face Vespasian the Tenth Emperor The Year of Rome 809. Of the Birth of I. C. 69. Q. WHen was Vespasian crown'd Emperor A. 'T was after the Death of Nero who had sent him into Iudea to chastise the Insolence of certain Rebels where he took several small Towns Q. By whom was he proclaim'd Emperor A. By his Army and after he had left his Son Titus in Iudea and put all the Forces there into his hands with the whole management of the War he came back to Rome Q. And how order'd he his Affairs there A. He put Vitellius to death who as we told you before had made himself Master of the Empire Q. After what manner did he deport himself in his Government A. With infinite Justice and Sweetness Q. What Transactions fell out in the second year of his being Emperor A. The Iewish War which some turbulent Seditious Spirits had kindled under Nero's Reign was ended Q. Who was the Ringleader of the Faction A. Eleazer the Son of Ananias Religion furnish'd them with a pretence to rebel and the people were easily induc'd to it because the Romans had made a terrible slaughter of their Countrymen Q. Who was it that laid Siege to Ierusalem A. Caestius Gallus the Lieutenant of Syria but he was forced to raise it ignominiously with a considerable loss of his Forces Q. At what time did this happen A. In the 12 th year of Nero's Empire and the 65 th of our Saviour Q. Whither did the Iews march after this Victory A. They returned to Ierusalem where they chose new Leaders and among the rest Iosâ—phus the Son of Mattathias in the year 67 of Jâ—sus Christ. Q. What did Vespasian who was afterwards sent by Nero do A. He took several Towns and Iosephus himself who foretold that he should be elected Emperor Q. Did Vespasian then besiege Ierusalem the Capital City of the Iews A. Yes but the Death of Nero and the Murder of the following Emperors interrupted the Siege Q. What was the Conclusion at last A. In the year 70 of J. C. at the Feast of the Passover and on the fifth of April after a Siege of four months continuance this famous Temple was burnt and the City abandon'd to plunder Q. What follow'd upon the loss of Ierusalem A. The name of the Iewish People was abolish'd and their Miseries were so excessively great that 't is certain God Almighty reveng'd upon this perfidious Nation the Unjust Death of his Son Q. What Calamities did they sustain A. There was so terrible a Famine during this Siege that the besieged were forced to feed upon the vilest things imaginable man's flesh not excepted nay some Mothers were reduced to such streights as to eat their own Children Q. Without question they lost a world of men in this Siege A. About Eleven hundred thousand souls perish'd there which is almost an incredible thing Q. What became of the City A. It was raz'd to the ground by Titus's order and according to our Blessed Saviour's Prediction there was not one stone left upon another The Iews that remain'd were carried away Prisoners Q. What happen'd in the Third Year of Vespasian's Reign A. This Emperor and his Son triumph'd over the Iews and afterwards he laid the Foundation of the Temple of Peace Q. What particular things did he do to advance his Glory after this War was over A. He begun a Noble Amphitheatre which Augustus had a great desire once to build Q. After what manner did he end his days A. Being at the point of death he rais'd himself on the sudden and cried out Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori An Emperor ought to dye standing Q. How old was he when he died A. He was Sixty nine years old he reign'd Ten years within Ten days and hasten'd his Death by drinking too much cold water Q. Pray give me a Description of him A. He was of an indifferent Stature but thick his Visage red his Shoulders large his Constitution vigorous his Looks cheerful his behaviour courteous a Warlike Mien his Temper civil but covetous Q. Was it not he that gave occasion to the Proverb To shooe a Mule A. Yes Q. How did it happen A. Being once in the Countrey a man who desir'd to speak with him gave some Money to the Muleteer who conducted his Litter to stop it and make as if he was going to shooe his Mule Q. Did not the Emperor smell out the trick A. He immediately gave Audience to the man that had a desire to talk with him but ask'd his Muleteer how much Money he got by shooing his Mule Q. Was he not constrain'd to lay several Taxes upon the people A. Yes because his Predecessors had by their Luxury quite exhausted the Publick Treasury Q. Was it not he that laid an Excise upon Urine A. Yes by the same token that his Son taking occâ—sion to remonstrate to him that this Excise was dishonourable Vâ—spasian takes a Pâ—ece of Gold out of his Pocket holds it to his Nose and asks him whether it smelt ill or no. Q. What answer did he make A. He told him No. And yet for all that says the Emperor this very Piece came from the Excise upon Vrine Titus the Eleventh Emperor The Year of Rome 819. Of the Birth of I. C. 79. Q. WHO was
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.
Hair and made Cords of it Q. What became of Maximin A. His Soldiers slew him and his Son in his Tent because he had occasion'd the death of so many of them Q. How long did he and his Son reign A. Two Years and some Months Balbinus and Pupienus making together the Twenty seventh Emperor The Year of Rome 978. Of the Birth of I. C. 238. Q. BY whom were Balbinus and Pupienus own'd to be Emperors A. By the Senate Q. Upon what condition A. That they should adopt young Gordianus for their Successor in the Empire the Grandson of him that hang'd himself in Afric Q. How long did they reign together A. Nine or ten months Q. What happen'd at last A. Balbinus and Pupienus became jealous of young Gordianus seeing him so mightily beloved by every one and therefore had agreed for their own security to dispatch him but the Soldiers prevented their Design and kill'd them Gordianus the Younger the Twenty eighth Emperor The Year of Rome 978. Of the Birth of I. C. 238. Q. WHose Son was this Gordianus A. Grandson as we observ'd before to Gordianus the Governor of Afric Q. How old was he when he arrived to the Empire A. He was 17 Years old Q In whom did he repose the greatest confidence A. In his Father-in Law Misitheus who was the Praefectus Praetorij and was so well satisfied of his Conduct and Valour that tho he himself was present in the Army yet he would have it wholly commanded by him Q What actions did he perform A. By the advice of Misitheus he opens the Temple of Ianus and marches directly against the Persians who then threatned Italy Q. What Conquests did he make A. He retook Carrae Nisibis and some other Cities Q. What other remarkable things happen'd under his Reign A. In the Sixteenth Year of it Philip an Arabian by the assistance of his Physicians poison'd Misitheus Q. What did this Philip do afterwards A. He got himself declared Emperor in the presence of Gordianus who fearing further mischief from this perfidious Villain desired him at least to give him the place of Praefectus Praetorij Q. And did he give it him A. No he refus'd him but fearing the Soldiers would restore this young Prince to his Throne again he caus'd him to be murder'd Q. Was the Army concern'd for his Death A. It so far affected them that they erected a Tomb to him with this following Inscription To the Divine Gordianus Conqueror of the Persians the Goths the Sarmatians and the Germans but not of the Philips Q. How long did he reign A. Three Years and six days Q. Did nothing remarkable happen about this time A. The Goths whose name before was unknown to the Romans now daily began to pour forth vast swarms of men upon the Outskirts of the Empire which at last terminated in the Ruin of it These barbarous people carried every thing like a vast Inundation before them and erected Kingdoms not only in all the Southern Provinces of Europe but extended their Conquests as far as Afric They first introduced the Feudal Law into this part of the World and settled fixt Revenues in Land and Temporal Jurisdictions upon the Church which before consisted of nothing but Voluntary Oblations Philip and his Son making together the Twenty ninth Emperor Q FRom whenee came this Philip A. He was an Arabian by birth Q. What Measures did he take to secure himself of the Empire A. As he thought it advisable to conceal his Crime from the Senate he sent them word that Gordianus died a Natural Death so that it was no difficult matter for him to obtain of them to confirm the Choice which the Army had made of him Q. Did he take any Partner in the Empire A. Yes his Son Q. How long did they reign A. Five Years and some Months after which they were both assassinated almost at the same time the Father in a Sedition which happen'd at Verona and the Son at Rome Q. What men of Note flourish'd now A. Plotinus a celebrated Platonist and a Disciple of Origen who taught with great Applause at Rome and St. Cyprian a most Eloquent Father and Ornament of the African Church Decius the Thirtieth Emperor The Year of Rome 989. Of the Birth of I. C. 249. Q. IN what station was Decius before he got Possession of the Empire A. He was nothing more than a Senator Q. How did he arrive to the Supreme Dignity A. Being sent by Philip to appease a Sedition which had arose in Pannonia he was there chosen Emperor by the very Authors of that Commotion who discover'd all sorts of good qualities in him and indeed he had only one fault which was his excessive Cruelty to the Christians Q. What did he enjoin them to do A. They were constrain'd by all manner of Tortures and Punishments to offer Sacrifice to Idols Q. Was he engaged in any War A. He fought against the Goths but was miserably overthrown by them his Son slâ—in in his sight and himself lost in a Marish whither he fled by the Advice of Gallus to save himself Q. How long did he reign A. Near Three Years Q. What remarkable thing 〈◊〉 out in his time A. 'T is said he was the 〈…〉 of the Seventh Persecution to 〈…〉 storm several Christians fled into Woods and Caves and particularly Paulus of Egypt the Patriarch of the Hermits being taken with the Charms of a Solitary Life here laid down the first Scheme of Monkery Among others Pope Fabian lost his Life and Origen was taken into Custody and imprison'd but to avoid Death he was prevail'd upon to offer Incense to Idols Q. What other Passages happen'd A. At the same time Novatus and Novatianus made a Schism in the Church and the abovemention'd St. Cyprian Bishop of Carthage flourish'd who in the Year of our Lord 256 under the Pontificat of St. Stephen having assembled a Council at Carthage declar'd the Baptism of Hereticks to be null and void and that such Persons ought to be rebaptiz'd However he effac'd this Error by his Martyrdom which happen'd in the time of Valerianus Gallus and Volusianus his Son making together the Thirty first Emperor The Year of Rome 991. Of the Birth of I. C. 251. Q. WHO was this Gallus A. He was Lieutenant of Decius's Army Q. How came he to be proclaim'd Emperor A. By the Soldiers after the death of Decius Q. What means did he use to secure himself in the Empire A. He procur'd his Election to be ratified by the Senate Q. When he was at Rome what did he do A. He associated his Son Volusianus with him in the Empire Q What did he do besides this A. He likewise adopted the Son of Decius Q. Why did he take this young Decius a Partner with him A. To quiet the minds of the Romans but shortly after he caused him to be poisoned Q. What became of Gallus at last A. He and his Son were murder'd by their own Army
the Roman Church keeps a solemn Festival on the Third of May. Q. What Learned Men flourished now A. Lactantius the worthy Disciple of Arnobius and Praeceptor to Crispus Constantine's Son employed his Eloquence of which he was a great Master in confuting the Errors of Paganism and defending the Truth of the Christian Religion Q. How many Wives had he A. Two The latter was Fausta the Daughter of Maximian Q. How many Children had he by Fausta A. Three Sons Constantine Constans and Constantius and two Daughters whose names were Flavia Iulia Constantina and Helena Q. What did he leave to these Three Princes A. He was so overseen in his Politicks as to commit that unpardonable Solecism of leaving them all three Joint-heirs of his Empire which they divided among them Q. What had the Eldest for his Dividend A. He had for his share Gaul and all beyond the Alpes Q. What had Constans A. He possess'd Rome Italy Afric Sicily and the other Isles Sclavonia Thrace Macedonia and Greece Q. What fell to Constantius's share A. He was Master of Asia of the East and of Aegypt Q. Give me a description of Constantine the Great A. He had a noble Air a great Soul he was sincere valiant and modest well skill'd in the Latin and Greek Languages an excellent Horseman bold but provident in all his Enterprizes full-faced he had a thick Neck his Nose somewhat flat his Eyes sparkling his Hair thin he shaved all his Beard which none of his Predecessors from Adrian used to do Q. How many Brothers do they say Constantine the Great had A. Two viz. Constans the Father of Iulian and Dalmatius who left two Sons behind him one of whom named likewise Dalmatius was created Caesar in the Year of our Lord 335. Q. What was the name of Dalmatius's Second Son A. Annibalianus The Division of the Empire between the three Sons of Constantine the Great making together the Forty seventh Emperor The Year of Rome 1077. Of the Birth of I. C. 337. Q. WHat were the Names of these three Sons A. The First was called Constantine the Second Constantius and the Third Constans Q. After they had divided the Empire between themselves how did they manage Affairs A. They fell at Variance which occasioned bloody Civil Wars each of them being desirous to Enlarge his Territories but they were all destroy'd at last one after another Q. Where was Constantine the Younger Born A. At Arles and was Created Caesar in the Year 317 but he held the Consulship almost Four Months Q. Upon whom did he make War A. Upon his Brother Constans and thinking to take away those Provinces from him which he possess'd by the Dividend which his Father made of the Empire he Marched with his Forces into Italy where he was Slain and thrown into the River Aelna near Aquileia where Constans was at that time Q. How Old was he when this Accident befel him A. Twenty Five Years Old and had Reign'd Three of them Q. What did Constans Inherit by his Death A. He had Gaul Spain and Great Britain Q. When was Constans Third Son to Constantine the Grâ—at according to Historians Created Caesar A. Upon Christmas Day in the Year 333. Q. What were the First Exploits that Constans perform'd A. He Vanquish'd the Franks and compelled them to make an Alliance with him his great Merits and the Sweetness of his Temper being Invincible Charms that drew the Affections of all Mankind after him Q. What do you particularly observe of him in History A. He always took the Part of the Orthodox against the Arrians who Disturb'd the Tranquility of the Church Q. Did any Unfortunate Accident befal this Prince A. Magnentius who had Usurp'd the Empire put him to Death in Aelna a City in Rousillon in the Year 350 he was then about Thirâ—y Years Old and had Reign'd Thirteen of them Q. When was Constantius the Second Son of Constantine the Great Created Caesar. A. In the year 324 but he dishonoured this high Dignity by murdering several of his Relations as also by espousing and professing the Arian Heresy for suffering himself to be seduced by the Flatteries of his Wife and the Insinuations of some Heretics he persecuted the Church and banish'd the Orthodox Bishops Q. Upon whom did Constantius make War A. Upon Sapores King of Persia a great Persecutor of the Christians but Constantius had the worst in all the Battels and all the Sieges he was engag'd in Q. Who was it that got himself declared Emperor by the Army in Hungary A. Vetranio at the same time when Magnentius usurp'd the Sovereign Authority Q. What care did Constantius take to oppose his Designs A. He marched Westwards to fight Vetranio and obliged Magnentius to retire to Lyons where he laid violent hands upon himself Q. After Constantius had made himself sole Master of the Empire how did he behave himself A. He became so insolent that he once more began to persecute the Catholic Prelates so that the Church was in a very miserable condition under this detestable Prince Q. How stood the Affairs of the Church in his time A. Arianism almost universally prevail'd and only the Bishop of Rome and S. Athanasius who compil'd the Creed bearing his nâ—me were left to stem the Tide Q. When was Iulian afterwards sirnam'd the Apostate made Caesar A. In the Year 355 and having beaten the Barbarians out of Gaul he was Saluted Emperor about the Year 360 and Marched with his Army towards the East Q. What Measures did Constantius take when he heard he was in Illyrium and was Marching directly against him A. He changed his Design of an Expedition he had projected against the Persians and came back from Antioch to Tarsus where he first felt his Fever and from thence to Mopsuestia in Cilicia so call'd from the Fountains of Mopsus where he died Q. How old was he then A. Forty Years and had reign'd in all 25 Years 3 Months and 15 Days Julian the Apostate the Forty eighth Emperor The Year of Rome 1101. Of the Birth of I. C. 361. Q. WHO succeeded Constantius in the Empire A. Iulian the Apostate Q. Where was he born A. In Byzantium in the Year 331. Q. Whose Son was he A. The Son of Constans Brother to Constantine the Great and of Basilina Q. Whom did he marry A. Helena Q. Why was he sirnam'd the Apostate A. Because he turn'd Pagan after he had been educated in the Christian Religion and had read the Holy Scriptures in the Church before the Congregation Q. When was he sole Emperor A. In the Year 363 he was proclaim'd Augustus by his Soldiâ—rs but he had been created Caesar before his Election to the Empire Q. Where was he proclaim'd Emperor A. At Paris Q. What did he do in the beginning of his Reign A. He put all the Friends of Constantius to death or sent them into banishment he only encourag'd the Augurs the Victimarii and the Philosophers he order'd the Idolatrous
Temples of the Heathens to be open'd and having renounced the Faith he assumed the Title of Pontifex Maximus Nor was this all for the more to vex the Christians he made scandalous condescentions to the Iews and began to erect a Temple for them at Ierusalem which he was obliged soon to leave off for Globes of Fire breaking out from under the Foundations disturbed the Workmen as Ammianus Marcellinus a Pagan Writer witnesses Q. What befel him upon this A. He became the Laughter and Contempt of the People of Antioch Q. What course did he take to revenge the Affronts they put upon him A. He writ a Satyric Letter upon this occasion call'd the Misopogan or Beard-hater Q. Upon whom did Iulian make war A. Upon the Persians but having after the second Battel insolently refused to comply with the just Articles of Peace which they offer'd him and burnt the Ships that followed him and carried Provisions for the Army he was surrounded on all sides by the Enemy Q. What became of him at last A. He had the mortification to find himself cut off from all hopes of Assistance and was wounded by an Arrow in the Fight but 't was never known from what side it came Q. Did he say any thing as he was dying A. He desperately took out a handful of Blood which gushed from the Wound and throwing it up into the Air cry'd out Vieisti Galilaee O Galilean thou hast at last overcome me Q. What did he mean by these words A. That our Blessed Saviour whom he had so often provoked by his Sacriledges and other indignities and whom now he found to his cost to be the great Judge of the Universe would take a full vengeance for the Crimes and Blasphemies he had uttered against his Sacred Person Q. What sort of a man was Iulian the Apostate A. He had sparkling Eyes a stern wandring Countenance a straight Nose his Mouth somewhat of the biggest a slit in his under Lip a thick Beard which he wore picked his Shoulders large and moving his Head hanging down which he always turned on one and t'other side he walked very fast although he was but little and made a great noise when he laughed How great a Warrier he was the Alemans Franks and Saxons whom he overcame do testify and his remaining Works are undeniable proofs of his Wit and Ingenuity Jovian the Forty Ninth Emperor The Year of Rome 1103. Of the Birth of I. C. 363. Q. WHO was proclaimed Emperor after the death of Iulian the Apostate A. Iovian the Son of Count Varronianus Q. Whom did he marry A. Charitas the Daughter of Lucillianus by whom he had a Son named Varro whom he made Consul Q. What do Historians tell us of this Prince A. That he was a handsome well-shaped man illustrious for his Birth but more for his Piety Q. What did he principally apply himself to in the beginning of his Reign A. To draw the Souldiers from Superstition He commanded Jesus Christ to be adored by all those Soldiers who had abandon'd his worship Q. Was he engaged in any Wars A. No for in the condition he found the Army after the defeat and death of Iulian he was obliged to make a Truce of Thirty years with Sapores to whom he yielded the greatest part of Mesopotamia Q. Did he live a long time after this A. No he died of a sickness in the Thirty third year of his Age after he had reigned 7 months 22 days Q. What particular things were done in his Reign A. He generally cancell'd all the Edicts of the Apostate which were favourable to the Pagans he restored to the Faithful and to the Churches all their Goods their Honours their Revenues and their Priviledges Valentinian the Great the Fiftieth Emperor The Year of Rome 1104. Of the Birth of I. C. 364. Q. WHO was named Emperor after the death of Iovian A. The Army chose Valentinian Emperor at Nice because in Iulian's time he had preferr'd his Religion to his Preferment Q. What did he do as soon as he saw himself possess'd of the Imperial Throne A. He made his Brother Valens his Partner in the Empire and gave him the Government of the East Q. What part did he reserve for himself A. The West Q. What sort of a man was Valentinian A. He was a very virtuous Prince and a strict observer of Justice very ingenious and a religious keeper of his word Q. With whom did he make war A. With the Saxons and Sarmatians whom he defeated and oblig'd them to demand a Peace by their Ambassadors whom they sent to him Q. And what said Valentinian to them A. He fell into such a fit of anger to which he was always very subject that he was seized with an Apoplexy Q. Did he dye of it A. Yes in Hungary being fifty five years old Q How many years did he reign A. Twelve years Q. Was he baptized before his death A. No nevertheless he did not forbear to give sensible proofs of the Religion he profess'd and commanded the Pagan Temples to be shut Valens the Fifty first Emperor The Year of Rome 1104. Of the Birth of I. C. 364. Q. WHat Enemy had Valens to fight with in the beginning of his Empire A. Procopius who was related to Iulian and was his greatest Enemy Q. Did Valens make War against him A. The dispute between them was bloody but at the upshot Valens defeated Procopius took him prisoner and put him to death Q. What other Wars was he involved in A. He had a continual war with the Goths till their King Athanaricus having begg'd a Peace of him he granted it and afterwards kindly entertain'd him at such time as being persecuted by the Hunns he came to desire this Emperor's Protection who setled him in Thrace Q. How did the Goths behave themselves at that time A. Not being able to bear the insufferable Avarice of Lupicinus their Governour they took up Arms against the Romans ◠invaded Thrace Q. What memorable things happen'd in the course of this War A. Valens fell into the hands of his Enemies who burnt him in a Cottage Q. How old was he when this Accident befel him A. He was fifty years old and had reign'd fourteen years and four months Q. What Qualities were observable in him A. He had both good and bad ones He was choleric cruel and envious The Arian Heresy with which he was infected corrupted all his other good Inclinations Q. What Learned men flourished in his time A. Gregory and Basil who had contracted a friendship in their Youth at Athens where they follow'd their Studies The former born at Nazianzum in Cappadocia from whence Sirnamed Nazianzenus The other born in Pontus and afterwards made Bishop of Caesaréa Q. What Acts of Cruelty did he ever commit A. He put all people to death who had the curiosity to know the name of his Successor and being inform'd that the first Letters of his Name were to begin with
her Q. I desire to know the Result of this Correspondence A. Tarquin murder'd his own Wife and the Youngest Sister poison'd her Husband Q. Why did she do so A. To put her in a capacity to marry her Brother-in-Law and take away the Crown from her Father Q. How came Tarquin to be declared King A. Suffering himself to be over-persuaded by Tullia who told him he must turn the old Gentleman out of his Kingdom without waiting for his Death he summons the Senators to tell them he was minded to reign Q. What happen'd upon this A. He placed himself on the Seat where the Kings were accustom'd to sit and began to call his Father-in-Law Servius an Usurper Q. And what became of Servius A. This making a great noise in the Senate the King came to know the reason of it Tarquin immediately raising himself from his Seat he laid hold of him and throwing him down stairs order'd the Soldiers to assassinate him Q. After this Murder how did Tullia manage her self A. Being inform'd that Tarquin was owned for King she immâ—diately got her Chariot ready to go and congratulate him and as she came to the street where the Body of her Father lay a-cross the way the Coachman going to turn back and pass some other way this Unnatural Fury would not suffer such a delay but bid him drive on and pass over the Body of her Father that was all bloody Q. How long did Servius Tullius reign A. Forty four years Q. Who succeeded him A. Tarquin the Proud Tarquinius Superbus Seventh King of Rome Year of the World 3521. Of Rome 221. Q. I desire to be inform'd particularly of the Birth of Tarquin A. Some Historians tell us he was the Son of Tarquinius Priscus but others are of opinion he was only his Grandson Q. How did he govern his Kingdom A. 'T was after the Death of Servius whom he caused to be assassinated that he seized upon the Kingdom and behaved himself with all imaginable Arrogance and Cruelty Q. Why was he sirnam'd Superbus A. From the Insolence of his Temper Q. What did he do when he was made King A. He despis'd the Authority of the Senate and frequently put to death or banish'd or imprison'd the Senators and chief men of the City upon false Reports and Accusations Q. What remarkable things did he do A. He defeated the Volscians by Force of Arms but made himself Master of Gabii by Treachery Q. How was that managed A. He pretended to fall out with his Son Sextus in the presence of most of his Captains nay his Passion was carried on so far that he was going to strike him Q. What does Sextus upon this A. Away he flies and sends to the Gabians to beg the Protection of their City against the barbarous Treatment of an Unnatural Father Q. And did the Inhabitants receive him A. Yes And he knew so well how to establish himself in their good Opinion by fighting for them that they made him their General and Governor of the Town Q. When Sextus found himself in a condition to do what he pleased what did he then A. He dispatches one Messenger only to his Father as they had agreed before Q. What Message was the fellow intrusted with A. With nothing but Compliments Q. What does Tarquin A. He carries him into his Garden and in his presence knocks off the Heads of all the highest Poppies Q. Without doubt Sextus understood well enough his Father's meaning A. Right He struck off the Heads of the principal men among the Gabians some he imprison'd others he accus'd of Treason to find a pretext to condemn and so make them uncapable of doing him any Injury Q. What Disgrace happen'd afterwards to Tarquin A. His Reign daily becoming more and more odious to the Romans they took his Crown from him and turn'd him with his whole Family out of the City for a certain Crime committed by his Son Q. What was that A. Sextus who imagin'd that his High Birth would carry him out in every thing having beheld Lucretia the Wife of Collatinus he was struck with her Beauty but as he could not hope to satisfy his Passion easily for besides that she was a Lady of the severest Virtue imaginable she was married to a Prince of the Royal Family he was resolv'd to ravish her Q. How was that effected A. In the night time he enters her Chamber claps his Dagger to her Breast and threaten'd to kill her if she did not comply with his Desires Q. These Menaces did they affright her A. No. Q. What did Sextus then to accomplish his Intentions A. Seeing nothing was able to move this Illustrious Lady he tells her That after he had killed her he would kill her Slave likewise and leave him in her Bed and then publish abroad that he kill'd them both in the Act of Adultery Q. Then this Consideration prevail'd with her A. Yes For she rather chose to surrender her Body to the Passion of Sextus than suffer her Memory to be dishonoured by so black a Calumny Q. What did she after this A. After she had shown this weakness she hides a Dagger under her Gown and sends to find out her Husband Collatinus her Brother Lucretius and her Cousin Brutus who were encamp'd before Ardea She complained to them of the Brutal Action of this libidinous Prince begg'd them to revenge the Injury done to her and immediately drawing out the Dagger from under her Gown she struck it into her Belly being resolved not to survive the Loss of her Honour Q. What did Brutus do after she was dâ—ad A. He draws the bloody Dagger out of Lucretia's Wound and swore by her Chaste Blood That he would chase Tarquin and all his guilty Family out of Rome Q. How long did Tarquin reign A. Twenty four Years Q. Where dy'd he A. In Tuscany after having made several Efforts in vain to re-possess himself of Rome Of the Alteration in the State of Rome Year of the World 3545. Of Rome 245. Q. AFter Tarquin was turn'd out of Rome by Brutus by whom was the City govern'd A. By Consuls Q. When began this Government A. 245 Years after the Foundation of Rome and 510 before the Birth of Jesus Christ. Q. What were these Consuls A. Certain Magistrates in whose hands the Sovereign Authority was lodged for a Year only Q. What was their Office A. To command the Armies Q. Who were the two first Consuls A. Brutus and Collatinus Q. Was not the Consulate tâ—ken away from Collatinus A. Yes Q. Wherefore A. Because he carried the Name of Tarquin which was odious to the People Q. Whom did they put in his place A. Valerius Publicola Q. What is remarkable of Bâ—utus A. That he for a long time counterfeited the Madman to avoid Tarquin's Cruelty who had put to death Marcius Iunius his Father and his Brother with several more of the Senators Q. What did he do besides this worthy of remembrance A He lov'd
his Country so intirely that he beheaded two of his Sons for conspiring against the Republick Q. By whom was that Conspiracy carried on A. By the Deputies whom Tarquin had dispatch'd to Rome to negotiate the Affair of his Restoration Q. Where did Brutus dye A. He lost his life soon after fighting with Aruns the Son of Tarquin in a Battel against those of Tarquin's Party and the Vejentes who espous'd his Quarrel Q. What happen'd to 'em in this Duel A. They ran one another through with their Lances The Wars which the Romans were oblig'd to maintain THE Hetruscan War The War of the Latins The War of the Volscians The War of the Vejentes The War of the Gauls The Second War of the Latins The War of the Samnites The War of the Tarentines The first Punic War The second Punic War The War of Antiochus The War of Macedonia The third Punic War The War of Corinth The War of Portugal The War of Numantia The War of the Slaves The War of Iugurtha The War of Mithridates Q. Besides these had they no Civil Wars A. Yes they had two the first between Marius and Sylla and the second between Caesar and Pompey 'T is true there were several Seditions which shall be recounted in their proper place Q. For what reason did the Romans undertake all these Wars A. To defend their Liberty preserve their Limits protect their Allies and enlarge their Empire The War of Etruria The Year of the World 3547. Of Rome 247. Q. WHich was the first War that the Romans were engaged in after the Expulsion of their Kings A. That of Etruria Q. How did it begin A. Porsenna King of that Countrey being resolved to support Tarquin's Party came to besiege Rome with a powerful Army Q. How was it ended A. By the Valour of Horatius Cocles and Mutius Scaevola's Bravery which so effectually daunted him that he sent Deputies to the Romans to offer them Peace Q. How many Hostages did they give him A. Twenty young Ladies of the greatest Beauty and Quality in the City Q. What remarkable Action was it that Horatius Cocles perform'd A. He alone sustain'd for some time the Fury of the Enemies who would have passed the Bridge to enter the City and at last when it was broken down he threw himself into the Tiber and swam cross it without abandoning his Arms all this while Q. And Mutius Scaevola's Action how was that A. He privately stole into the Enemies Camp with a design to kill the King but fail'd in his Attempt for he mistook the King's Secretary for the King himself Q. What did they do to Scaevola after this unfortunate Disappointment A. He was taken and brought before Porsenna Q And after what manner did he behave himself there A. He puts his criminal Right hand which committed the mistake into a Fire which happen'd to be there And know says he to the King that Three hundred of us young Roman Gentlemen have conspir'd your Death Q. What effects did so resolute an Action produce A. Porsenna affrighted at the Hardiness and Resolution of the Romans offered them a Peace and accepted of the above-mention'd Ladies by way of Hostages Q. What happen'd upon that A. Clelia who was one of the Twenty that were given in Hostage to Porsenna having slâ—pt from her Guards swims over the Tiber on Horseback and came back to Rome Q What did they do to her when she was arriv'd there A. The Consul fearing lest the world would accuse him of Infidelity was for surrendring her into Porsenna's hands who sent her honourably back again to Rome with some other young Romans and made a Peace The War of the Latins The Year of the World 3555. Of Rome 255. Q. WHich was the Second War that the Romans were obliged to sustain A. That of the Latins who took up Arms at the Instigation of Manlius Son-in-Law to Tarquin Q. And after what manner did it end A. A bloody Battel that was fought near the Lake of Regilus soon put an end to it Q. Who were the Generals of the two Armies A. Manlius was at the Head of the Latins and Aulus Posthumius commanded the Romans Q. Which side gain'd the Victory A. 'T was in suspence for some time but at last it declar'd it self in favour of the Romans Q. How many Men were kill'd upon the spot A. There were Forty thousand Men slain in the Action Thirty four thousand of the Latins in which number was Manlius And Six thousand of the Romans After the Death of Manlius the Tarquins lost all hopes of being ever restor'd The War of the Volscians The Year of the World 3559. Of Rome 259. Q. WHich was the Third War the Romans had A. That of the Volscians and the Aequi. Q. Why did they declare War against those People A. Because they continually disturbed and annoy'd the Romans Q. When did this War begin A. In the Year of Rome 259 and it lasted for several Years Q. By whom were the Volscians defeated A. By Quinius Cincinnatus who after he had perform'd many Glorious Exploits formerly retir'd to his Country house where he lived quietly Tilling his Ground and now was taken from the Plough to be made Dictator Q. What memorable things did he do A. By his Valour he sav'd the Army commanded by the Consul Marcus Minutius which was surrounded by the Enemy Q. After this Expedition what became of Cincinnatus A. He peaceably return'd to his old Employments at his Country-house Q. What other remarkable Things happen'd during this War A. The Adventures of Coriolanus Q. Who was this Coriolanus A. He was a Roman Gentleman whose Name was Martiuâ— Q. Who gave him then the Sir-name of Coriolanus A. The Consul Martius for having perform'd wonders at the taking of Corioli Q. What befel him A. He was condemn'd to Banishment in the Year of Rome 263. Q. Upon what account A. For having spoken contemptibly of the Tribunes Q. Whether fled he A. To the Volscians as being the most inveterate Enemies to the Romans and consequâ—ntly the fittest to execute his Revenge Q. What did he among the Volscians A. He engag'd them to renew the War with the Romans in the Year 263. Q. Did he command their Troops A. The Volscians chose him for their General with Tullius Accius who at that time Commanded them Q. And what famous Exploits did he perform A. He signalized himself in several Encounters wherein he always defeated the Romans Q. Did he always take the same advantage over the Romans A. No for being encamp'd near the Gates of the City with a design to besiege it vanquish'd by the Prayers and Tears of his Mother Veturia and his Wife Volumnia whom the Senate deputed to go and intercede with him he abandon'd his Enterprize and drew the Army off in the Year 266. Q. And what was done by way of Recompence to so fortunate a Mediation A. They built a Temple which was consecrated to the Fortune of the Women