years cryed continually Woe Woe c. And the last day when it was taken went upon the Wall and cried Woe to Jerusalem and Woe to me also and was smitten witâ— a Stone and died Id. 159. Vespasian dying would not sit or lye but stand saying It became an Emperor to die standing Polycron f. â—50 The Philosopher Secundus enjoyned himself silence and forbore to speak for many years together and though brought before the Emperor Adrian yet kept silence and so did to his death 162. Antoninus Pius was wont to say that he had rather save one Citizens life than kill a thousand Enemies Id Ibid. When Constantine gave great gifts to the Church a Voice was heard saying Hodie Venenum infunditur in Ecclesiam This day poyson is poured into the Church Id fol. 1â—1 Eugenia daughter to Philip a Noble Roman wâ—nt from her Father in mans cloths was baptised and called Eugenius and made Monk and after Abbot A Woman named Melencia cast a lecherous eye on him and would have had him lye with her which when he refused she desamed him saying that he would have forced her she was brought before her own Father then as Judge and discovered her self Her Father turned Christian and Melencia was killed with lightning Id. f. 163. Narcissus a Christian was accused of foul crimes by three false witnesses which wisht if what they charged him with were not true the first that he might be burnt the second that the Kings Evil might destroy him the third that he might be blind The two first had what they wisht which the third seeing and repenting wept himself blind Polycron f. 164. Origen at eighteen years old would have gone to Martyrdom with his Father but his Mother hid away his cloths He afterwards kept School and thereby maintained his Mother and all her Children He gelded himself writ four thousand Volumes when be said well no man better when ill no man worse He held that the Divel at length should be saved alledging this Scripture God shall not be wroth for evermore Id. fol. 165. The Emperor Licinius called Learning a common Pestilence Id. f. 176. Athanasius being pursued and like to be taken on the River turned his Boat and met his pursuer Who asked whether he saâ— Athanasius he answered that he went that way just now The pursuer went forward and so Athanasius escaped Id. 173. The Bishops assembled at the Council of Nice by the command of Constantine to compose the differences in Religion they put up bills of Complaint the one against the other but he commanded them to reconcile themselves amongst themselves and burnt all their bills saying That if he saw any of them commit Adultery he would cover it with his own Mantle that men should not have occasion to speak evil of Religion Id. 173. When Sapor King of Persia had besieged the City Nisiben tvvo months the Snouts of his Elephants and his Horses Ears vvere so pestered vvith gnats and great Flies that they threvv dovvn all that vvas upon them and disparcled his Host Id. ibid. Julian the Apostate his Stevvard pissing in scorn upon the Vessels of the Church said Loe in what Vessels Maries Son is served in Immediately his mouth served him instead of his lovver part for the avoiding of his execrements His Master Julian endeavoured to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem but vvhat vvas built on the day vvas throvvn dovvn at night Ibid. In the dayes of Theodosius the second the Devil appeared to the Jâ—ws in the likeness of Moses in the Island of Crete and promised there that he vvould lead them dry foot to the land of Behest Many of them vvere drovvned and others turned to the faith Polycron fol. 180. When Attila besieged the City Tricasove vvhere Saint Lupus vvas Bishop at his Prayers all the Host vvas stricken blind And vvhen the Saxons set on the Brittains Saint German the Bishop commanded the Souldiers to cry all together Hallelujah thrice whereon the Saxons fled without striking stroke Id f. 181. 184. Medard Bishop of Noviodunum and Geldard Episcopus Rothomagensis were twin-brethren born in one day made Bishops in one day died in one day and Canonized for Saints in one day Id. f. 186. Werburga daughter of VVulphinus King of Mercia a Menchion or Nunne buried in the Nunnery of Hamberge lay whole and unputrified three hundred years Id. 209. Ricoldus Duke of Prisons being perswaded by Bishop VVulphrun to be baptized having one foot in the font asked the people whether more of his predecessors were in Paradise or Hell When it was answered in Hell he drew his foot out of the water and would not be baptized saying it 's better to follow the more than the less Id. f. 217. Charles the great who was eight foot of stature sitting at meal with his Master Alcuinus a Scot who sate afore him on the other side of the Table asked his Master how great difference and space there was between a Scot and a Sot his Master answered but the breadth of a Meat-board Id. f. 220. When Lewes the mild had advanced one Frederick to the Bishoprick of Vtrecht sitting at meal with him he gave the Bishop good Counsel at which the Bishop took boldness and asked him whether that Fish was to be tamed at head or tail The King answered at head Then said the Bishop Reform thy self and put away thy Wife Judith with whom thou incestuously livest The Emperor took it in good part but his Wife hearing of it hired two Ruffians that kill'd him In this Emperors time a Damsel at Tholouse lived three years vviâ—hout Meat or Drink Id. fol. 223 224. Pope Sergius commandeâ— the dead body of his predecessor Formosus to be taken up his â—ead to be strickâ—n off and his body to be cast into the River Which body Fishers found and brought into St. Peters Church and Images did it reverence at it's coming in Polycron f. 232. In the days of Edgar King of England there was a Woman born in Gascoigne having two bodies froâ— the Navel upward being but one downward Id. f. 238. Silvester the fourth being a Frenchman formerly called Gerbertus a great Negromancer covenanted with the Divel for the Popedom till he said Mass in Jerusalem not thinking of a Chappel in Rome so called where he fell sick and ordered his body to be put in a Coffin and buried where the beasts that drew the bier should abide of thâ—mselves The beasts carried him to St. John of Laterans Where his Tomb by sweating and ratling of his bones gives warning of the Popes death Id. f 244. The Son of the Earl Lupoldus was sent by the Emperor Conradus to his Empress with a letter importing that when the letters were read the young man that brought them should be put to death the same day The young man in his journey lodged at a Priests house who read the letter and instead of dying that day put in should marry our daughter which accordingly
brags that he had â—et one Priest to kill for which he was already pardoned and that should be the next that affronted him which being blown abroad all the Priests of the neighbouring Diocess stood in great fear of offending this bolâ— Ruffian Id. p. 285. In the Court of Charles the fifâ—h Emperor a young Noble man had corrupted the chastity of a Lady of Honour A Capital Crime to be expiated for the terror of others with no less punishment than death The offender therefore was caâ—t into prison to be beheaded the next day Where through fear and dread of death he was so changed in countenance and Hair which was turned VVhite that when he was brought forth the next Morning none of his familiar acquaintance knew him The Emperor suspected deceit and that another person was substituted in his place but upon search finding him to be the same being amazed at so strange an alteration his displeasure was turned into pitty and judging him to have suffered enough already he forgave him the offence and spared his life Id. p. 187. When King Henry the eighth had upon the intercession of his Nobles pardoned a Murderer who shortly after committed the same offence and was again interceeded for the King being extremely troubled answered This Villain kill'd the first man but I have kill'd the second And commanded him presently to be executed as he well deserved Id. p. 188. When in the fight against the Persians a contention arose between the Arcadians and Athenians who should fight in the first place The Athenians are commended that in that common danger of their Country they parted with their right and said Place us where you will we shall behave our selves Valiantly So the Duke of Wirtenburg when in a convention of Princes a dispute arose about the order and place of their sitting he nobly said Place me behind the stove if you please so we effect what we meet about Otho Meland Joca seria p. 214. When the Duke of Saxony made great preparations for VVar against a pious Bishop of Magdeburg The Bishop not regarding his defence applyed himself to his Episcopal function in the Visiting and well governing his Church And when it was told him that the Duke was upon his march against him he replied I will take care of my Churches and trust God to fight for me The Dukes Espy understanding this answer gave his Master an account of it who hereon dismist his Army surceast his Expedition and said He would not fight against him who had God to fight for him Idem p. 250. A Bavarian Priest being ignorant of the Latin tongue pronounced the words in the form of Baptism thus Baptiso te in Nomine Patria filia spiritus sancta Whence arose a great controversy whether the Child were rightly baptized or should be again which Boniface Arch-bishop of Ments commanded But Vigilius Bishop of Salisbury and other held it sufficient Which contention grew so high that Pope Zachary in the year of our Lord seven hundred forty five was fain to determine anâ— concluded the baptism good Otho Mel. p. 400. A VVestphalian Noble man delighting in the converse of his parish Minister who was a bandsome and pleasant companion usually invited him to his House But being to go from home for some time and being gone some half mile from his House he commanded his Servant to return and in his name to require his Lady not to invite or entertain the Minister much less to go to his House till his return The Servant returns but considering the proness in all to do what was forbidden them he bethought himself of another message and so coming to her told her That his Lord had sent him to â—er to desire and require her not to play with or meddle of a great Mastiff that went about the House The Lady displeased and admiring at this message bid him tell his Master that he need not send such a Message since she never had any such thought but however she would obey his pleasure While she was musing of the strangeness of this prohibition the Dog accidentally comes in place whom she feeds and strokes and at last grew so familiar with that at last she sate down upon his back The Dog being a surly Cur turns back bites her by the Arm the anguish of which put her into a feavour and that makes her keep her bed When her Lord returning found her ill and condoling her sickness she told him she might thank him and his foolish message for it He denying that he sent any such questions calls his Servant who gave him an account why he changed it and convinced his Master that he did wisely in so doing as he might and did perceive by her doing in this what she was forbid His Master was satisfied and commended his Servants prudence Otho Meland Joca seria p. 612. IMMANUEL Legendary Stories Century I. POpe Gregory passing through Forum Trajani and there minding the great Moral goodness of that Heathen Emperor was moved with compassion over his Soul and hereupon went into St. Peters Church and there praying earnestly for him had this answer I have heard thy prayers and have releast Traâ—an his Eternal torments but beware for the time to come thou pray no more for Souls that are damned Bosch 5 part Acad. Peccat p. 255. Boschier relates that an Angel appearing to a Hermit when there came by a spruce Gallâ—nt perfumed the Angel stopt his Nose and said that the young mans Soul smelt worse than a Carrion Carcass And out of Hierom concerning Hilarion that when one brought him young pease as an offering which was given him by a Covetous griper Hilarion cries out Dost thou not smell the stinking scent of Covetousness cast them to the beasts and see if they will eat them which they did and the beasts refused them Idem p. 50. John Gualbertus a noble Florentine on good Friday met one that had killed his brother whom he having at his advantage intended to have killed but he craving pardon for Christs sake who on that day was crucified Gualbertus heart was so mollisied that he put up his weapons and told him that he would esteem him hereafter as a Brother After which he immediately going into the Church of St. Miniat near Florence to do his devotion before the crucifix the Crucifix visibly and with noise inclined it self to him and bowed his head which miracle so prevailed on him that he professed himself a Monk in the said Monastery Id. p. 277. â—licas reports that when Zeno the Emperor had deflowred a Virgin the Mother of the Maid earnestly prayed to the Virgin Mary to revenge that Injury but the Emperor being a most liberal Prince the woman was thus answered We desire to revenge the Injury but Zeno's right hand will not suffer me Id. p. 362. Of St. Boniface it is reported that being but a Lad he gave away to the poor all his Mothers Corn she coming
thoughts and deeds of the sick man and said unto him Behold thy vertues see what thy examination shall be To whom he answered True Satan but thou hast not set all Thou shouldst have added The Blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin and he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved The Romans where they Conquered any Country they carried away their Captivate gods though of strange Religion and built Temples to them They never differed with any but the Christian Religion and the Reason is that divers Lyes may dwell together Herod and Pilate were made friends but there is no accord between a Lye and the Truth Cajus Caligula though none broke forth into more audacious contempt of the Divine Majesty yet was most dasterdly timorous hiding himself under a Bed when he heard it Thunder It was the custome that when the Emperour of Constantinople was Crowned two Masons came in the sight of all the people bringing in their Hand Marble stones of several Colours saying Let the Emperour command what sort of Marble he will have his Monument made of Peter Martyr perswading the improvement of good examples tells a story of a deformed man married unto an uncomely woman who being desirous of handsome children bought many beautiful pictures and desired his Wife daily to look upon them by means whereof their children were fair and lovely A Maintainer of the Pope out of his detestation to the true Religion doubted not to say and swear That if he thought Calvin was in Heaven he would never come thither to be there with him Nauplius on the Cepharean Rock made shew of a false fire to the Grecian Navy in their return from Troy The Papist doth the like making shew of Miracles amongst those rush Candles that they give us to seek the Church by as the Cynick did his man in the Market place at Mid-day But how poor a matter since infidels work Miracles witness the Egyptian South-sayers and false Prophets Yea Vives himself a learned Papist speaking of their Golden-Legend which is the History of their Miracles saith That he which made it had an Iron Face and a Leaden Heart Christ indeed in the Churches infancy did Miracles But what need Truckles when the Child can go Herbs new set require a watering pot which having once taken root need no such farther labour And therefore as Austin in his 22d Book of the City of God observes He which seeks them now is Prodigium magnum since the Glory of Miracles is not Nota Ecclesiae sed Doctrinae a note of the Church but Doctrine Yet the Protestant Truth and Church though they plead not Miracula yet they want not Mirabilia as 1. Luthers Conquest in Life and Peace in Death 2. The French Protestants flourishing after the Parisian Massacre In Anno 1572. 3. Rochel relieved by Fish never seen in that Coast before 1573. 4. Geneva's preservation in the midst of powerful Enemies 5. Queen Elizabeths long and peaceable Raign and Death 6. Deliverance from Gunpowder Treason But it 's the word of Truth wâ—ich the Protestant rests on and not Miracles which are but false signs The Romans dedicated the first Day of the new Year to a double-faced Idol called Janus The Idol is gone but the Moral is still useful teaching us then to look both backward to what is past and forward to what is to come Which if we do looking backward considering Gods mercies we have reason to say Thou crownest the Year with thy goodness If we look forward considering our own wickedness we have need to cry Lord spare us this year also It was a gallant resolution of Scipio who being procurator Purveyor for the City of Rome in a time of Dearth being to set Sail homeward with Provision it being very turbulent weather the Pilot loth to venture would have perswaded him to stay but he commanded him to set Sail and said Nâ—cesse est ut cam non ut vivam The Persians had a Law that if a man were accused and found guilty he should not straightway be condemned but after a diligent enquiry of his Life and Conversation And if the number of his praise-worthy deeds did countervail the contrary he was fully quit of the trespass Caligula having made a ridiculous expedition entring the â—ea with his Army in Battailara commanded the Souldiers to gather Cockleshells and fill their Hâ—lmets and for this demanded triumph as though he had conquered the Ocean Claudius the Emperour was full of courtesy to his Friends so that when lantius triumph'd he accompanied him and going to the Capitol gave him the preheminence Domitian the Emperâ—ur put to Death Salustius Lucuilus Governor of Brittain for that he called some Launces or Spears he had invented by his own name Lucul ians Lucius King of rittain sending to Pope Eleutherius for the Roman and Imperial laws received this answer from him That he had the old and new Testament and out of them might compose his Laws to govern his people by Julian the â—p stâ—tâ— in despight to Christ sent Alipius to repair Jerusalem but terrible flaines of fire issuing ouâ— of the earth when they laid the foundation enforced them to leave the enterprise The Turks have four Divan or Judgment dayes every week viz. Saturday Sunday Munday Tuesday The Officers meet all by break of day dine in the Judgment-House and give account to the King who many times comes privily to a little Window which looks into the Divan-House to observe secretly what is done The Grand Signior sending forth a Bashaw or Governour of a Province always sends with him a Companion which hath always a free liberty to go in and out and talk to him at his pleasure to spy his Actions and to give the Grand â—ignior intelligence what is done Attendants of the Great Turk all except the Great Aga never speak but standing looking down with their hands cross to â—â—ew and do him reverence Gray Seraglio Turks fear not to buy the Cloaths of those who dye of the Plague and use them as though tâ—e Disease were not infectâ—ous affirming that their end is written in thâ—ir foreheads and a vain thing therefore to think â—o prevent it The Great Turkish Sultanaes or Ladies like those Blackamore Maidens best and give the greatest price for them who are most ill-favoured because they think that on the sight of their Deformities their own Beauties are better regarded Turâ—ish Ladies that are kept for the King never see any men save Blacks except the King And when they are sick the Phâ—sician feels their pulse but never seeth them The Great Turk seldome speaks at his meals but when to grace an Aga or chief Officer standing by him he throweth a Loaf of Bread at him from his own Table and this is held for a singular Grace and Favour There is no paper used by the Turks at their Privies because God and Mahomets names are written in it The Great Turk is Heir to all great ones who
was fought in Germany between Saturninus and Appius who was Domitians General Appius got the Victory the News whereof was brought to Rome the same day An Astrologer told Domitian of his Death The Emperor asked him whether he knew his own He answered he should be killed and eaten with Dogs the Emperor commanded him to be killed and his Body to be burned while which was doing there fell a great showr of rain put out the fire and the Dogs and came eat him Imp. Hist p. 139. Nerva was an excellent Prince released the Christians from Banishment John the Divine came then from Pathmos to Ephesus He made poor mens Sons to be brought up at the common charge and sware that no Senator of Rome by his command should be put to Death which Oath he performed He was wont to say that he remembred not that he had done any thing but that he might giving up his Empire live privately without fear He chose Trajan meerly for publick good to succeed him p. 144. Trajan being reproved for his too much familiarity with his Subjects he answered that be desired to be such an Emperor towards his Subjects as he would wish they would be to him if he were a Subject p. 144. The Nobles of Armenia presented Trajan with a very fair Horse that coming into his presence kneeled upon both knees and bowed his Head to the ground Imperial History p. 150. When Trajan lay at Antioch a terrible Earth-quake overthrew the City and all his Palaces so that he was fain to keep in the Field in Tents for many days Id. p. 15I Trajans Ashes were set up upon the top of a Pillar in the Maâ—ket-place at Rome which was of one whole Stone containing 140 Foot in height Id. p. 154. The Jews when bound to keep the Law upon every light occasion became Idolaters and now the Law is abolisht most obstinately persevere in it Idem p. 1611 A certain Roman Knight camc to entreat a favour at Trajans hand the Knight being Old had a gray Beard and was full of wâ—ite Hairs and failing of what he desired within a few days after he came again with a new petition to the same effect But in the mean time he had dyed his Beard and Hears and looked young again which being noted by the Emperor he to jeer him therewith answered I would be glad to do you the pleasure you require but there are but a few days past since I denyed it to your Father which desired the same Wherefore it seems to me a matter unjust to grant that to the Son which I would not to the Father and the Old Knight departed with shame Imp. Hist p. 158. It having not rained in Africa for five years together upon Adrians coming it rained plentifully which made him double welcome He rebuilt Carthage and afterwards Jerusalem and died of wilful abstinence using this saying Turba Medicorum interfecit Regem The multitude of Physicians kill'd the King p. 61. 1691. Commodus intending to put to Death several persons and having written their Names down his Concubine Marcia lighted upon the List and finding her own name she wiâ—h others contrived and procured his Death with poyson and stabbing p. 179. When the Pretorian Souldiers had rebelliously slain Pertinax they openly proclaimed the sale of the Empire to him who would give most and Didius Julianas bought it of them but after seven months was slain by the contrivance of that Senate p. 189. Audentius upon the death of Caracalla being profered the Empire utterly refused it and would not by any perswasions be brought to accept of it p. 208. Heliogabalut turned the day into night and the night into day He rose from his Bed about Sun setting and laid himself to sleep about day breaking and ordered that business which should be done by day should be done by night and what was to be done by night should be dispatcht by day p. 210. Alexander Severus would admit no Officers in his Court that were not honest and of good fame and would not suffer any to buy places of Judicature and to know how his Officers discharged their trust he had certain secret Honest men that vvere to watch and report their Carriages to him He apparelled himself decently but never costly He never gave Office for favour but desert and when his Mother told him that his overmuch familiarity tnade his raign of less Reputation He ansvvered true but thereby more firm and durable In his Wars he did eat no other meat than what the relt of his Army did and had often in his Mouth Do not that to another which thou wouldest not to be done to thy self Imp. Hist p. 223. Macedonius slaying Ticus who was set up Emperor against Maximinus brought his Head to Maximinus who put him to a cruel death for murthering his Soveraign and being a Traytor to his Friend Idem p. 230. Philip by the same means he got the Empire lost it the same Souldiers putting him to death which he made use of to put Gadienus to death Imperial Hist p. 245. In the time of Galienus there were thirty that usurped the name and Ensignes of the Empire and none of them dyed a natural death but were most of them slain by the Souldiers that set them up p. 255. In Galienus time the Sun shone not in many days Many Cities were overflowed with the Sea and in one day there died in Rome five thousand Persons But the Emperor swallowed up with sensual pleasures regarded it not and when the whole kingdom of Egypt was lost he answered And what then cannot we live without the Linnen Cloth of Egypt p. 257. Zenobia would never lye with her Husband after she was with Child Neither twice till by natural signes she knew whether she had conceived or no. p. 265. Aurelianus slew forty Men in one day and in all nine hundred with his own hands Besieging Tyanea he threatned after destruction not to leave a Dog alive but being terrified with the apparition of Apollonius he only put to death Heraclemon that betrayed the City to him judging him not likely to prove faithful to him who was a Traytor to his own Country and gave his Souldiers liberty to kill all the Dogs but not the Men. Pedro Men. Imp. History p. 275. Aurelianus being about to sign an edict against the christians a Thunder-bolt fell so near him that all men thought he had been slain notwithstanding which he persisted in his persecution and was murthered by his own Servants p. 278. Tacitus the Emperor chosen by the Senate on the entreaty of the Souldiers was so temperate as in his diet so in all things that he would not allow his Wife the Empress to wear any precious stones or jewels of any great price Id. p. 278. Carus the Emperor vvas slain by a â—hunder-bolt that fell on him in his Tent. Anno Dom. 287. Dioclesian by an edict commanded his Foot to be kist by those that came to salute
him p. 300. Probus the Emperor having brought the Empire into a quie and peaceable from a troublesome and turbulent posture was heard to say That he vvould speedily take such a course that there should be no more need of any Men of War This Speech was so distasted by the Souldiers that they conspired and procured his death p. 290. Dioclesian being but a common Souldier was told by a VVitch that he should be Emperor vvhen he had slain a Boar. He therefore aftervvards kil'd many but vvas not Emperor till he had slain Aper vvho had treacherously kil'd the Emperor Numinanus Idem p. 296. Dioclesian and his Colleague after they had raigned together tvventy â—ears in one day voluntarily resigned up the Empire and betook themselves to private Lives and vvhen aftervvards Dioclesian vvas importuted to resume the Imperial Diadem He utterly refused it protesting that then he began to Live when he began to Live private Imp. Hist p. 302. Galerius Armentanus was smitten with Lice and slew some of his Physicians for not curing him and being apprehensive that his punishment was for persecuting the Christians He recalled his Edicts against them and desired their prayers for him but died of that disease p. 306. Constantine being ready to fight with Maxentius and in doubt was encouraged by a Vision of a Cross in the Air with this Word spoken in Greek In this sign thou shalt overcome who accordingly having obtained Victory forbad any for hereafter to be put to death on the Cross p. 309. Maxentius intending to entrap Constantine caused a false Bridg to be made over Tyber but being worsted by Constantine fled and perished by the falling of that Bridg into the River p. 309. Licinius being unlearned himself affirmed that Learning was a publick pestilence p. 319. Constantines Wife Fausta being denyed in her unlawful suit by Crispus Constantine's Son by a former Wife accused him to his Father as intending to ravish her on which he put him to death but afterwards understanding his Sons Innocency he justly revenged his Sons death with hers p. 312. Constantine to beautify Bizantium now Constantinople disrobed all the rest of the VVorld of what was precious or stately p. 314. At the Council of Nice wherein were three hundred and eighteen Bishops when divers Bishops accused one the other He concealed their Complaints and perswaded them to Unity Imp. Hist p. 316. Arrius the Author of the Arrian Heresie died on the draught his Entrailes gushing out p. 318. Julian the Apostate intended to extirpate the Christian Religion not by cruelty but policy by gifts And preferments forbidding them Schools and Learning and all advancement except they would forsake their Religion And having promised his Gods to sacrifice Christian blood if he returned Victor over the Persians He was wounded by an Arrow shot from an unknown hand and kil'd and dyed crying out O Galilean thou hast overcome p. 332. In he reign of Valentinianus the first it rained perfect VVool in great abundance Id. p. 339. Jovinianus in Julians time gave up his Offices because he would not deny his faith and being on Julians death chosen Emperour he refused till the whole Army acknowledged themselves Christians He was stifled by the smoak of Charcoale Idem p. 335. Valens the Emperor being a Negromancer enquiring of the Devil who should succeed him was answered One whose name began with a Th. whereupon divers whose names began vvith that Letter vvere put to death by him p. 342. Maximus having usurped the Empire that he might intrap Gratianus caused a report to be spread that Gratianus VVife vvith a good Company of Souldiers vvas come to see her Husband and to go vvith him into Italy and sent a Messenger vvith counterfeit Letters to advertise him of it After this he sent one Andragathius a subtile Captain to the end he should put himself into a Horselitter vvith some chosen Souldiers and go to meet Gratian feigning himself to be the Empress and so to surprise and kill him The cunning Champion performed his business and at Lions in France the Emperor came forth to meet his VVife and coming to the Horse-litter was taken and so kill'd Imperial History p. 344. Theodosius because the Citizens of Thessalonica had in a popular humour slain their Magistrates which he had appointed over them caused his Souldiers to put to Death seven thousand of the common people without making a difference Faulty or Faultless For which act of cruelty St. Ambrose when the Emperor came to Millain and would have entered the Church forbad him and excommunicated him the good Emperor obeyed the excommunication and for eight Months till on his Repentance he was restored forbeared the publick Assemblies and by the Bishops injunction published an edict that none condemned by the Emperor should be put to Death within thirty days after the Sentence passed p. 355. Alaricus marching towards Rome with a purpose to destroy it there came a Monk to him who admonished him that being a Christian he should desist To whom Alaricus answered I let you to understand Man of God that I go not of my own will against Rome But I assure thee that there daily appears unto me a Man that doth urge me and importune me thereunto saying Get thee to Rome and destroy it even to the ground Id. p. 364. Theodosius the second being reproved for giving so many condemned Malefactors their pardon He answered I would to God I could raise again those that I have put to Death Id. p. 385. Pulcheria the daughter of Theodosius the second marrying with Martianus an ancient Captain took security of him that they should both live chast for she was resolved to keep her Virginity inviolable which Martianus accepted of and they both observed Imp. Hist p. 388. Attila King of Hunnes called himself the terror of the World and scourge of God Id. p. 388. Ecius a most valiant Roman that vanquisht Attila King of Hunnes in a Battel in which fought on both sides a Million of Men was by Valentinian suspecting him unjustly slain Valentinian asking Proximus a discreet and noble Courtier whether he had not followed the best counsel in so doing was answered Whether Ecius was slain with reason or without reason I dare not determine but this I can affirm that by killing him thou hast with thy own Left hand cut off thy Right In which he was a true Prophet Id. p. 393. Attila having razed Aquileia and intending for Rome Valentinian the Emperor sent Leo the Pope with many Senators to entreat him to spare the City which he doing and being demanded by his favourites why he did it He answered That he durst not deny the Popes demand For whilst he stood talking with him he thought that he saw two Old Men with unsheathed Swords threatning to kill him if he denied it and therefore he durst do no other In the reign of Anastasius the first who being an Eutichean was slain with a Thunder-bolt One Proclus made a
great many such burning Glasses that being set upon the Wall and Turrets set on fire the Ships and Engines that were in the Harbour p. 415. Anastasius being dead Amantius an Eunuch tampered with the Souldiers to make Theocratinus Emperor and to that end delivered to Justinian who till seventeen years old was a Neat-heard in Thrace a vast sum of money to be distributed amongst the Captaines which he taking dealt with them for himself and so obtained the Imperial dignity Imp. Hist p. 419. Narses a valiant Captain having recovered Italy from the Gothes and having governed it twelve years being calumniated by Justin who succeeded his Grand-father Justinian was commanded home and a Successor sent him and Sophia the Empress added this taunt that she would have him to come home to spin Wool with her Women in Constantinople He enraged with this scorn replied that he would twist her such a Web that she should never untwine and so called in the Longobeards that overcame and possest all Italy p. 442. Albinus King of Lombardy having caused his Wife Queen Rosamond to drink Wine at a publick Banquet out of her Fathers Scull she in Revenge plotted and procured his Death p. 445. Baras Hormisda's General being vanquished by the Romanes Hormisda sent him in disgrace a VVomans Garment Upon vvhich Baras rebelled against him and vvas the occasion that Hormisda vvas deposed and Cosroes set up in his place Idem p. 453. Mauritius slain by Phocas vvho had murdered in his sight tvvo Sons three Daughters and his Empress had foretokens of his Death At noon day in the Market of Constantinople there appeared a Man to the Emperour in the habit of a Monk holding a Sword in his hand and said with a Loud Voice The Emperor Mauritius shall die by the Sword and then vanished He likewise in his sleep dreamt that a Souldier named Phocas had murdered his Wife Children and afterward himself and being troubled he asked his Brother what Phocas was he answered a Coward then said the Emperor he is cruel and a Murderer which accordingly came to pass Mauritius at his death often repeated Just thou art O Lord and righteous is thy Judgments p. 458. Cosroes King of Persia having Conquered Jerusalem carried away thence that part of Christ's Cross vvhich the Empress Helena had left there and kept it fourteen years but it was restored to Heraclius by his Son and Heraclius the Emperor entring Jerusalem carried it with great joy upon his shoulders Imp. Hist 471. Heraclius the Emperor who in his old age degenerated from the vertues of his youth and in whose time Mahomâ—t sprung up is reported to dye of a strange disease called Priapismus p. 471. Rodwaldus King of the Lombards falling in Love with a Noblemans Wife being taken with her was slain by her Husband The Emperor Constans the second having besieged Rimoaldus the Son of Grimoaldus King of Lombardy in Benevent The Son distressed sent to his Father by one that was his Nurse-father for relief who being intercepted by the Emperour was commanded by him to go to the Walls of the City and to tell Rimoaldus that his Father was not able to assist him and therefore he should yield Who being brought bound before the Walls told Rimoaldus that his Father would have him be of good chear for this day he arriveth at the River Satrico and within these three dayes will be here with an infinite Army I can say no more I am in the Enemies hand who begin to Murder me I recommend unto you my VVife and Children Having said these words the Emperors Souldiers kill'd him presently p. 480. Leoncius surprized his Master Justinian the second and cut off his Ears and Nose and banisht him into Pontus and took the government and Imperial Title to himself Anno Dom. 696. Leoncius having reigned three years Tiberius rebelled against him and served him as he had served Justinian He banisht one Philippicus because he had reported that he dreamt an Eagle pitcht upon his Head Justinian recovering dealt so by him and slew both him and Leoncius and as often as he would have wiped his Nose if he had had one he caused some of those that had been followers of Leoncius to be slain and fearing Philippicus because of his dream and intending his destruction he enforced him to stand upon his guard and fighting with him was slain and lost his Kingdom to him Imp. Hist p. 495. Irene Mother to Constantine the sixth being put by her government by her son come to age out of desire to rule surprized her Son and put out his Eyes and took upon her the government of the Empire Leo the Emperor fighting against Cramas King of Bulgaria in a great battel the two Princes happened to meet and the Emperor slew with his own hands the Bulgarian King p. 52â— A Cardinal named Swinesnout Os porci in the daies of Ludovicus Pius Emperor was chosen Pope and because it was a very unseemly name for so High a dignity by a general consent it was changed and he was called Sergius the second Hence arose the custom of the Popes altering their names after their election to the Popedom Imp. Hist p. 538. The Emperor Theophilus of Constantinople fearing a Captain called Theodosius would usurp the Empire after his death but a few hours before he died himself caused that Theodosius his head to be smitten off Lotharias the first having raigned fifty years gave up his Empire and professed himself Monk In his time Pope Joan an English Woman held the Papal dignity two years p. 544. In the raign of Lewis the second Emperor who died Anno dom 878. in the City of Bressia in Lombardy for three days it rained blood so fresh and perfect as if it had been of a Bull or other beast newly killed Basilius Emperor of Constantinople riding on Hunting was killed by a Stagg Imp. Hist. p. 553. The Emperor Arnulph besieging the Duke of Spoleto in Benevent the Dutchess corrupted a Chamberlain to give him a sleeping Potion which the Emperor taking awaked not in three Days and three Nights afterwards finding himself ill he returned home and died of the Lowsy disease p. 558. In the Raign of Otho the fourth Emperor about nine of the Clock in the Morning there appeared in the Element a great Flaming Fire like to a burning Torch which continued a great while and the light being vanished there appeared in the same place the likeness of a Serpent The Emperor was poysoned by a pair of perfumed Gloves given him by the VViddow of Crescentius whom he too familiarly conversed with and whose Husband the Emperor had caused to be put to Death Imp. Hist p. 595. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century V. HEnry the second Emperor was perswaded against his will to marry the daughter of the County Palatine of Rhine called Amigunda with whom undiscovered and unknown to any till his death he liv'd most chastly both of them observing Voluntary Virginity without
having any carnal knowledge the one of the other Idem p 199. Amigunda wife to Henry the second Emror being accused of Adultery cleared her Innocency by undergoing the tryal of Ordalio viz. by going blindfold and barefooted over certain plates of fire-hot Iron p. 600. Zoe the Wife of Romanus Argyrophilus Emperor of Greece procured her Husbands death by the hands of Michael Paphlagonus with whom she lived in Adultery and afterwards marryed him and he became Emperor Idem p. 601. Pope Gregory the fifth in the Order concerning the Election of the Emperour decreed That besides the Golden Crown he should receive from the Pope he was to be Crowned with two others one of Straw in the City of Minzo in Lombardy the other of Lead in the City Millain Imp. Hist p. 603. Henry the fourth Emperor fought in ranged Battels with Ensigns displayed sixty two several times and for the most part had the Victory He was excommunicated by the Pope and to abtain his absolution came three days together barefooted to the Gates of the City Canusium where the Pope was and with much difficulty obtained it but was afterwards excommunicated and so dyed and was removed when he had been buried from a Monastery to a prophane place p. 608. When Rodulphus that was chosen Emperor in opposition to Henry the fourth being dead was buried by his Servants with the Ensigns and Ornaments of an Emperor Some asked the Emperor Hen. 4. why he suffered him to be buried with such Honour since he was a Tyrant and his Enemy He answered I would to God that all mine Enemies were buried like him with those Ensigns and Ornaments p. 620. Hildebrand otherwise called Pope Gregory the seventh was a Negromancer and Inchanter and had poysoned seven of his predecessors to make way for his own advancement to the Popedome p. 622. Conrade the Emperor having distressed Winspurg by siege granted them only this favour that the Women which were in the Town might freely depart and have to their own use whatsoever they could bear upon their backs Whereupon they used a commendable deceit which was that as they went forth of the Town each of them took her Husband and those that had none took their Children and Brothers and so coming into the Fields set them at Liberty Which the Emperor commended and was well pleased with Imp. Hist p. 643. Fulco King of Jerusalem was kill'd with his Horse falling while he was hunting p. 648. The Emperor Conrade passing to Jerusalem his Army was distressed by hunger and many perished falling sick and dying of the Lime or Chalk which the Greeks put into their Meal p. 650. In the year of our Lord one thousand one hundred thirty and nine died in France Johannes de Temporibus who had lived three hundred sixty and one years and had been an Halbardeer to the Emperor Charles the Great p. 652. Millain a great City in Lombardy was utterly razed and wasted and sowed with Salt by Frederick Barbarossa Idem 663. Andronicus who had treacherously slain his Master and Pupil Alexius Emperor of Constantinople being apprehended by the people of Constantinople that rose against him had one of his hands cut off and one of his Eyes put out and was shamefully carried through the Streets and so put to Death p. 672. Frederick Barbarossa going in Summer by Swimming to refresh himself in a River was carried down by the stream and drowned the tenth day of June 1198. p. 673. Henry Palsgrave who was chosen in Opposition to Frederick the second Emperor besieging Vlmes an Arrow shot at Random out of the City hit him which was supposed to be invenomed of which he died within a few dayes p. 718. Othocarus King of Bohemia being necessitated to do his homage to Rodulphus Emperor who when Earl of Habsperge had received his pay desired that it might be done in some secret place and thinking that the Emperor would have performed what he requested forasmuch as the Emperor staid for him in a close Tent he came and kneeling down before the Emperor to do him homage the Tent was so artificially made that it fell open in such manner that he was seen by the whole Army wherewith he was much grieved and being provoked by his VVife he rebelled against him and was slain Anno 1277. Imp. Hist p. 736. The Duke of Saxony in a throng at the Coronation of Albert the first Emperor was smothered to Death Id. 746. Henry the seventh Emperor was poysoned by a Frier in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and died the same day p. 756. Hunipert Daulphin of Vienne sold the Country of Daulphin and the City of Vienne to the French King and became a Frier having first given to the Poor all the money he sold it for which he laid up in Heaven Id. p. 774. Gunther Earl of Zwarzenburgh being chosen Emperor in opposition to Charles the Fourth was poysoned by his Physician who being to give him a purging Potion and taking but the Assay of it died together with him the same Morrow after p. 775. The Papal Court which had sojurned in France seventy years and somewhat more and the most part in the City of Aviginon returned to Rome in the year one thousand three hundred seventy six p. 778. Artillery Powder and Gunns were first used in the VVars of the Venetians one thousand three hundred eighty two Anno Domini 1556. Charles the Fifth the Warlike and glorious Emperor of Germany gave up the Empire to his Brother Ferdinand and his other Kingdomes to his Son Philip and lived two years retiredly before his Death in the company of Religious men providing for Eternity The German Souldiers under Nadustus Governour of the Fortress in Buda agreed their lives and goods saved to give up the Castle to Solyman the great Turk and that the Captain might not hinder them bound him and delivered the Fort which the Turk entring and understanding their Carriage set Nadustus at Liberty and contrary to his word which he thought not fit to keep with such unworthy Souldiers caused them to be slain Imp. Hist p. 861. The Emperor Sigismund warring against the Hussicks and their valiant Captain Ciska received two grievous overthrows and twice his army stricken with a panick fear fled and dispersed without striking one stroke or sight of Enemy Imp. Hist p. 806. The Romans had a Law that no man should engrave his own name in any publick work and Phidias in Athens was put to death for carving his own and Pericles Image in the Shield of Pallas Mariana Hist d' Espanna Pref. The first founders of Rome kept the name thereof secret and Valerius Soranus for disclosing of it was put to death Idem p. 18. In Hercules promontory near Cades by the Sea-side there are two Wells the one of fresh the other of salt water The fresh ebbs and flows with the Sea the Salt clean contrary Idem p. 29. In Spain a Temple was built to Hercules in which the
sacrifices were performed not with prayers or pleasant words but with Curses and Execrations and railing speeches at him The occasion of which was this Hercules coming to Lyndus and finding a man plowing with a Yoke of Oxen one of which he desiring to buy the Countrey-man refused to sell and Hercules took by violence The Countrey-man not knovving how othervvise to revenge himself fell a cursing and rayling at him vvhich Hercules heard vvith a great deal of laughter and mirth Which the Lyndians perceiving after Hercules death they made him a God this Countrey-man his Priest and appointed such Ceremonies at the sacrificing of Oxen supposing to please Hercules by it Mariana p. 27. The Carthaginians banished Hanno a most vvorthy person vvho had done them great services not for any fault but that he vvas of greater Wisdom and Industry than the state of â— Free City might vvell bear and because he vvas the first Man that tamed a Lion and therefore they judged it not meet to commit the Liberty of the City to him vvho had tamed the fierceness of savage Beasts Id. p. 46. Some Carthaginians in their Navigation having discovered a fruitful Country some stayed the rest returned and acquainted the Senate vvho to prevent the removal of the Citizens thither put to death all the discoverers Id. p. 49. Hannibal coming to the banks of the River Ebrus in his march tovvards Italy there appeared to him in his sleep a Man of goodly presence vvho told him that he vvas sent from God to guide him into Italy and therefore bid him follovv him vvithout looking back He saw likewise a Serpent throwing down with a Torrent of Water all that was before him Hannibal asking the young man what all these things signified was answered That he ought not to search the secrets of the Fates but to follovv that way that God had opened to him p. 66. At the Battel of Cannas there were so many of the Roman Gentry kil'd that the Rings taken of their Fingers fil'd three bushels and a half Mariana Hist de Espan p. 71. Servilius Galba and Aurelius Cotta being Consuls contended who should go for Spain and when the Senate could not resolve Scipio being asked made answer That neither pleased him For one had nothing and the other nothing would satisfy him esteeming both Poverty and Avarice inconvenient in a Governour Id p. 103. Metellus being asked by a Centurion what he intended answered That if his shirt knew his secrets he would presently burn it Id. p. 103. Sertorius trained up a Doe to come to his hand as Mahomet did a Pigeon to his Ear and and perswaded his followers that he received divine directions by her Id. p. 119. In a Battel between Sertorius and Pompey there was a Brother of one side that kil'd his Brother thaâ— came of the other side Which when he perceived he took care for his Brothers funeral exequies and as a revenge upon himself fell upon the same Sword he kil'd his Brother with and so died Id. p. 120. Sertorius to shew the excellency and strength of Vnity commanded a Souldier to pull off the Haires of a Horses tail by one and one which he easily did but all together could not His saying was That an Army of Harts with a Lion to their Captain was better than of Lions with a Hart to their Captain Idem p. 121. Perpenna vanquisht and brought to Pompey he commanded him presently to death to prevent discovering his Confederates and burnt all the Letters from Rome to Sertorius that no enquiry might be made concerning them p. 122. Caesar at the Battel of Munda said he then fought for his Life at other times for honour and glory p. 130. Cicero cleared Popilio a Tribune of Souldiers being accused of Parricide which â—opilio afterwards in the Triumvirate kil'd Cicero that had before delivered him p. 132. The account of the Aera of Caesar began at the first year of Augustus government of Spain thirty eight years before Christ's birth Id. p. 133. A Countryman having kil'd Lucius Piso governour of Spain being tortured to confess his Confederates endured the first days Torments but fearing himself for the second as he was going to the Rack slipt out of the hand of his Leader and dasht his head with that violence against a Wall that he died immediately Mariana Hist de Esp p. 147. The Emperor Trajan having conquered the Parthians though dying in his return was ordered a Triumph for his Ashes after his Death an honour never vouchsafed to any either before or after him p. 153. Severus dying at York used these words I leave the Empire peaceable to my Sons which I found troublesome and it will be firm to them if they be good but if evil not durable This was likewise his saying I have been all things but it profiteth nothing p. 157. Caracalla to be like Alexander whose vertues he regarded not would and did carry his Head aside inclining towards his left shoulder p. 158. Alexander the Roman Emperor successor to to Heliogabalus would not commit the Government of any place to any one before he had publisht his Name to see if any could justly find fault neither would he sell any Offices for he said He that bought must needs sell And having necessity to raise money he laid his impositions on curious and vain Arts and Trades whereby he relieved his own Wants and supprest their Vices he caused â—urinus to be choaked with smoak who had sold the promises of his favour Mariana p. 159. In a place called Osset near Sevil in the Raign of Theodoselus about the year five hundred and fifty the Font though shut and sealed and guarded yet the Thursday before Easter did fill of it self with Water no one knowing whence it came and about the year five hundred seventy two in Spain Easter was observed the twenty first of March and in France the eighteenth of April on which latter day the Font was so filled and thereby prognosticated the right of the Observation and a future Victory to the French against the Spaniard Mariana Hist p. 218. 225. Luvigildus having heard of some Miracles done by the Catholicks in the defence of their Religion being an Arrian himself asked an Arrian Bishop why the Arrians did none the Bishop answered that he himself had healed both deaf and blind but what to avoid Ostentation he had done in secret he would hereafter do publickly and thereupon agreed with a Counterfeit Knave to pretend himself blind and to lay himself in the way as the King and he should come by and then to seek his help which he did The Bishop put his hands upon him but instead of a pretended recovery he left him really blind The pain and trouble of which made him discover the Knavery to the great prejudice of the Arrian Interest Idem p. 235. St. Ildephonsus Archbishop of Toledo having written against Helvidius and another that denyed the Virgin Mary's perpetual Virginity was
Maximilian Emperor chose rather to die than to have her Thigh cured which was broken with a fall from a Horse Id. p. 182. Caesar bearing the Office of Quaestorship in Spain and naturally disposed for great affairs was thereto the more invited at the sight of Alexanders Portraicture in the Temple of Hercules at Gades where beholding it he fell into a suddain dislike of himself and as Alexander seeing Achilles his Tomb being filled with an ambitious and honourable emulation sighed and said Hast thou at my years atchieved the Conquest of the whole World my self hitherto having done no memorable act Id. p. 183. Sceva who at the siege of Dyrrachium stood so long to it before Caesar came to his rescue that he had two hundred and thirty Holes made in his Shield was a Brittain p. 184. Caesar having twice suffered Shipwrack on the Brittish Coasts caused his Ships to be drawn on Land Id. p. 186. Caesar in fifty Battels that he fought went away Conqueror in all saving one being laborious couragious industrious in Contriving and quick in dispatch Speeds Hist p. 188. Augustus Caesar in the forty second year of whose raign Christ was born it being the year from the Worlds Creatior 3927. erected an Altar in the Capitol to the Hebrew Child with this Inscription The Altar of the first begotten Son of God And after Christs death Tiberius wrote to the Senate to have him consecrated amongst the Roman Gods but they refused saying that the Doctrin of Salvation should not need the allowance and approbation of men p. 191. Caligula having marshalled his men as to battaile upon the Ocean Shore after the sounding of the Trumpets as to sight commanded them to gather Cockle-shells which he called the spoil of the Ocean and demanded triumph for it Idem p. 192. Caligula wisht that all the people of Rome had but one neck that he might have the glory of giving the bravest blow that ever was given wherein so Infinite multitudes of men might be killed with one stroke Speeds Hist. p. 192. Claudius the Emperor honoured Plautius with his presence in his Triumph for Brittain giving him the right hand ascending the Capitol Christ will do much more for his Soldiers make them like him glorify them with him Sp. Hist p. 194. The Emperor Claudius caused his own death by this speech which fell from him in his wine That it was fatal for him first to hear the Lewdness of his wives and then to punish them which Agrippina hearing to prevent her own death hastened her husbands by giving him poyson in a Mushrom Id. p. 196. Nero set Rome on fire and sung to his Harp verses made on the destruction of Troy and laid the blame of it on the Christians Bodao the Brittish Lady and famous VVarriour making a speech to her Soldiers secretly held a Hare in her lap which having told them that their Enemies would fly like Hares she let go And her Army not knowing the deceit construed it as an Ominous and lucky sign of Victory Speeds Hist p. 199. Nero was an excellent Musician and so prodigal that he never wore one garment twice Astrologers and Star-gazers are a kind of people ever to Princes unfaithful to hopers deceitful and in a Common-wealth always forbidden yet always retained Id. p. 202. Galba while a private man seemed more than a private man and held capable of the Empâ—re if he had not been Emperor p. 202. Chrysanthus Bishop of Constantinople reserved to himself of all his Ecclesiastical revenues but two Loaves of bread every Lords day p. 206. Vitellius dedicated the dagger that Otho his Competitor kill'd himself with unto Mars in his Temple at Coleyn as the lucky instrument of his advanced Estate p. 209. Vitellius the Emperor commended his own Temperance in a set letter to the Senate though they knew him an extream glutton having no less than two thousand dishes of fish and seven thousand dishes of fowls served to his Table at one supper p. 209. The Officers and Soldiers saluted Vespatian Emperor which title when he resolutely gainsayed and refused they with drawn Swords threatned him his death He proved an Excellent Prince and by his touch is reported to cure a lame man and with his Spittle to open the Eyes of the blind p. 211. Titus was an excellent Prince and worthily called Deliciae humani generis was a great enemy to Promoters Pettifoggers and extorturs of penal laws which as Caterpillars to courts of penal Laws which as Caterpillars to Courts of Justice he caused to be whipt out of Rome Titus at his death lifted up his Eyes to Heaven complaining why his Life should be taken from him that except one Offence viz. his murther of Aulus Cinna through jealousie of his familiarity with Berenices his Paramour deserved not to die Speeds Hist p. 212. Agricola having Conquered Scotland sent word of it by Letters to Domitian who received the Newes with a chearful countenance and a grieved heart p. 215. Domitian bought certain Slaves for money and attired them and dressed them as Captives of Germany and Triumphed for them p. 215. Domitian put to death Salustius Lucullus whom he had made Lieutenant of Britain because he had devised and made certain Speares and Launces for service which he caused to be called Lucullians And this Domitian held it a matter of suspicion who thought every memorable act done by another did pluck a feather from his own Plume p. 216. Trajan investing any Praetor in giving him the Sword commanded him to use the same against him if he violated Law or Equity Idem p. 217. Adrian destroâ—ed Jerusalem and built another City not far from it and called it Aelia from whence the Jews were utterly banished and it was forbidden to them to look towards that Soyle or City no not through the Chink of a Doâ—r And upon a Gate that leadeth towards Bethlem he caused a Swine to be engraven a Beast by the Law counted unclean Id. p. 219. Antoninus Pius published an Edict in the favour of the Christians that whosoever should accuse any for such he should suffer the same punishment he intended to have brought upon the accused Id. p. 221. Of Antoninus Pius it is recorded that in his Youth he did not any thing rashly not in his age any thing negligently His usual Speech it was that he had rather save one Subjects Life than kill a thousand Enemies Ibid. The Emperor Aurelius in his Wars against the Quades suffered great extremity for want of Water When upon command given the Christians in his Army prayed unto God and obtained a plenteous shower of Rain which refreshed his Army and Thunder and Lightning which overthrew the Quadeâ— on which the Emperor made favourable Decrees in the behalf of the Christians and called that Legion the Lightning Legion Speeds History p. 221. The Papists make miserable absurd applications of Scriptures to build the Babel of their power by Thus God made a greater and a lesser Light
Therefore the Pope is as much greater than the Emperor as the Sun is bigger than the Moon Christ said to Peter Kill and eat Therefore the Pope may excommunicate depose and kill Kings Peter said Behold two Swords Therefore the Pope hath both Spiritual and Temporal Jurisdiction God said to Jeremy he should Plant and Transplant Therefore the Pope may dispose and transpose Kingdomes at his pleasure Domini sunt Cardines Terrarum Therefore the Cardinals are the Lords of the Earth Id. p. 223. Commodus having enrolled many for death his Concubine Martia lighted upon the List and discovered to others she being herself one prescribed who to save their own Lives with Poyson stabs and strangling made him away Id. p. 225. The Praetorian Souldiers sold the Empire to Didius Julianus and in five dayes killed him Much wiser was Audentius who was so far from giving any thing for it that being chosen Emperor by the Souldiers he utterly refused it When an Historian profered Albinus to record the Story of his Life he willed him to write of those who were already dead whom he need not flatter Id. p. 228. Bassianus who slew his Brother Geta in his Mothers Armes so longed for the death of his Father Severus whose dying Speech was I was all things and am nothing that he slew his Physitians because they dispatched him no sooner as he did the great Lawyer Papinian for refusig to excuse the murther of his Brethren in his Pleas at the Bar. p. 232. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century VII JVlia Mother in Law to Caracalla the Emperor letting fall her Vaile discovered her naked breasts and beauty which was great Whereat the Emperor casting his lascivious Eye said bewraying his affection Were it not unlawful I should not be unwilling To whom she replied that all things were lawful to him that made laws for others but was subject to none himself Speeds Hist p. 231. Caracalla sending to Maternus to assemble the Astrologers and to enquire how long he should live and when die Maternus returned him word that Macrinus the Prefect of his Praetorium went about to murther him which letters coming to Caracalla at what time he was busy at his disports he delivered them to Macrinus to read who finding himself accused stirred up one Martial a Centurion whose brother Caracalla had killed to murther him which he did accordingly Id. p. 232. Heliogabalus was the Monster of prodigality and luxury every Supper costing a thousand pound never wearing the same garment or Jewel or using Concubine twice Inviting some chief Citizens to a feast he strowed all the Room with Saffron saying Such cattle were worthy such litter Near the Sea no fish was eaten in the Inland country no flesh whole meals made of the tongues of singing Birds and brains of costly creatures His saying was that meat was not savoury whose sauce was not costly He provided fearing the worst silken Halters and golden Knives to make away with himself And at last with his Mother was slain ignominiously by his own Guard saying The Bitch and her Whelp must go together Speed p. 234. Alexander Severus though a heathen yet approved the Christians and their precepts and writ about his Pallace and caused to be proclaimed that Golden rule of Christ Not to do to others what we would not have done to our selves and so respected Christ that he would have had him consecrated amongst the heathen Gods and when certain Vintners and Victuallers laid claim to a place whereunto the Christians resorted to pray he thus decided it that it was much fitter that God should there be worshipped than belly-gods pampered p. 235. Alexander Severus preferred none to offices on the suites of others but for their own worthiness in regard whereof he caused Turinus one of his Courtiers who took money of divers with promise to procure the Emperors favour in their suits to be put to death by smoak the Crier proclaiming that he had sold smoak and therefore with smoak he should die Sp. p. 235. Maximinus a giant-like man from a shepherd attained the Imperial dignity devoured fourty pound weight of flesh and drank six gallons of wine daily became a hateful Tyrant when he besieged Aquileia the Citizens Wives cut off the hair of their head to make bow-strings to resist him and was at that siege kill'd in his Tent by his own Soldiers p. 287. Julius Philippus Caesar was a man of that observable composedness as that he had never been seen to laugh in all his life Speeds History p. 241. Valerianus Emperor being taken by Saporis King of Persia was kept seven years in Prison and made the foot-stool on whose back and neck the King treading got up to his Horse p. 244. Aurelius Marius a black-smith made Emperor by the Soldiers was after three dayes kill'd by them with a Sword of his own making p. 246. Aurelianus the Emperor is reported to have slain with his own hand nine hundred men in several fights Tomyris having vanquisht Cyrus and all his Host and filling a Vessel with their blood did cast into it the head of Cyrus saying Blood thou hast thirsted now drink thereof thy fill Id. p. 249. Aurelianus the Emperor being about to sign an edict against the Christians a Thunderbolt from Heaven struck into his presence and so near his person that all accounted him to be therewith slain but he not taking warning was shortly slain by his own servants Speeds History p. 249. Claudius Tacitus Emperor a great favorer of learned men commanded the works of Tacitus the Historian to be carefully preserved in every Library throughout the Empire and ten times every year to be transcribed at publick Cost all which notwithstanding many of his works are since miscarried Whereas God hath safely by his own care preserved entire the Holy Scriptures p. 250. Bonosus of whom Aurelianus said that he was Non ut Viveret sed ut biberet aspired to the Empire but fearing Probus hanged himself whereupon 't was said that a barrel was hanged not a man Probus saying that he would shortly bring it to pass that the State should need no more Souldiers was thereupon by some of his own Army conspired against and treacherously murdered p. 252. Constantius Chlorus having landed his men in Brittain fired his Ships lest they should think of a retreat so did William the Conqueror Speed p. 25. Dioclesian the raiser of the tenth persecution by an edict commanded his Foot to be kissed a practice since imitated by his Successors in cruelty and pride the Popes of Rome 156. Constantius Chlorus Emperor Father of Constantine the Great was wont to say that it was more behooful to the weale publick that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the Commons hand than to lie locked in the Princers Coffers And so every way free from all Superfluities that on Festival dayes and entertainment of Strangers he was wont to borrow Plate of his Friends to furnish his Table and Cupboards
Id. p. 257. Constantius Chlorus to try his Officers commanded them to offer Sacrifice to the Idol Gods pretending to discourt all such as refused but contrariwise those that obeyed he put from him with this reproof That he that is disloyal to his God will never be true not trusty to his Prince p. 258. Constantine in his Expedition towards Rome being doubtful what God to invocate casting up his Eyes to Heaven had the sign of the Cross presented to him wherein were Stars as Letters so placed that visibly might be read this Sentence in Greek In this Sign thou shalt overcome Speeds Hist p. 259. Maxentius framed a deceitful Bridg over Tybur to intrap Constantine but joyning Battel and overlaid and retiring fled himself over the same Bridg which falling under him he and many more were drowned 260. Constantine intending to build a City at Chalcedon in Asia whilst they were measuring out the Circuit an Eagle scouping at the Line flew with it over the Sea toward Bizantium in Thrace to which place the thing seeming Ominous he transferred his new Foundation and there built Constantinople p. 261. In the famous Library at Constantinople in which there were one hundred and twenty thousand Manuscripts there were the Gutts of a Dragon 120 foot long on which Homers Iliads were written admirably in Letters of Gold p. 261. Julian the Emperor first a Deacon after a Wretched Apostate yet was otherwise highly commended for his many good qualities so temperate that he never had any War with his Belly so chast that after the Death of his VVife he never regarded VVomen and would not see the Persian Captive Ladies nor suffer Cookes or Barbers in his Army as being Ministers of Intemperance As for Stage-Plays he never but once a year permitted them in his Court and then he saith of himself he was similior detestanti quam spectanti Id. p. 265. When Delphidius the Orator inveighed against an innocent denyal saying Nocens esse poterit quisquam si negare sufficeret Who can be guilty if it be enough to deny Julian replied And who can be innocent if it be enough to accuse Id. 265. Julian in despight of the Christians would have rebuilt the Temple at Jerusalem and set men on work to that purpose but was frustrated by terrible Earth-quakes and Fire-balls that hindred his proceedings and forms of Crosses shining as the Sun fell on the Garments of the Jews Ibid. From above the Porch of Entrance into one of the Cities which Julian regained the Wreath of Lawrel reserved as an Ornament of the place fell in a wonderfull manner on his head which fill'd him with hopes of conquering the Persians against whom having vowed a Sacrifice of Christians if he returned going with confidence was slain by a Launce from whose hand none knew and dying cast his blood into the air with these words Vicisti Galilaee His usual saying was Turpe est sapienti cum habeat animam captare laudes ex corpore Speeds Hist p. 266. Valentinian the Son of a Rope-maker in the dayes of Julia laid down his belt that is his Command in the Army rather than he would renounce his faith and was shortly after chosen Emperor in whose dayes St. Jerom reports that it rained Wooll from heaven so perfect and good that no better grew upon the sheep the natural producers of it p. 371. Severa Valentinians wife commending the beauty of Justina to her husband occasioned his marrying of her who taking two wives himself made a Law that others might do so likewise p. 272. Maximus the Usurper seeking the life of Gratianus the Emperor caused letters and reports to be brought to Gratian that his Empress was on her journey to visit him and withall sent forth a Caroch stuff'd with Soldiers and with them a desperate Captain named Andragathius Gratian rejoycing at his wifes approach prepared himself to meet her and opening the letter thinking to embrace his Empress was by the Command of Andragathius treacherously murdered But Andragathius after Maximus was overthrown by Theodosius his state being then desperate cast himself headlong into the Sea and made an end of his wretched life p. 233. Theodosius in a great danger overlaid by Eugenius and Arbogastus upon his earnest prayer God raised a violent tempest which so sorely beat upon his Enemies that he got a glorious Victory One Constantine a common Soldier was elected Emperor only for his names sake p. 280. Theodosius having cruelly destroyed the Thessalonians coming to Millain would have entered the Church to have communicated with other Christians but was resisted and forbid by St. Ambrose in which estate the Emperor stood for eight months and then with great humility and submission acknowledging his offence was absolved and again received into the congregation Speeds Hist p. 275. Theodosius being very passionate and thereby sometimes doing amiss to prevent it enacted a Law that thirty days should pass betwixt the sentence of death and the execution of the Malefactor and to suppress his hasty Choler his usual manner was to recite the Greek Alphabet before he uttered any speech savouring of that humour p. 275. Pelagius was a Brittain whose heretical opinions were these 1. That man without the grace of God was able to fulfil all the Commandments 2. That man in himself had free will 3. That the grace of God was given unto us according to our merits 4. That the Just have no sin 5. That children are free from Original sin 6. That Adam should have died if he had not sinned p. 279. Among the Antient Saxons he that abandoned or lost his shield in battel was debar'd from their publick sacrifices and Assemblies the greatest disgrace that could be for shame of which many destroyed themselves Id. p. 289. The Germanes were a warlike Nation their Maids presented to their Husbands as a dowry at their Nuptials a Tent and a Spear and their Men usually met at their Feasts and Counsels in their armour and for any to return alive from the Battel in which the Prince was slain was a perpetual Infamy p. 289. Women taken in Adultery among the Saxons haing first their Hair cut off vvere turned stark naked out of their Husbands Houses and that in presence of their ovvn kindred then vvere they scourged vvith VVhips through the Tovvn vvithout regard of birth beauty age or wealth and never after could get any other Husbands p. 289. Vodine Bishop of London feared not to tell King Vortigerus that for Marrying Rowena a heathenish Lady Daughter to Hengist he had indangered both his Soul and his Crown Which words were so ill digested that they shortly cost the Bishop his Life Speeds Hist p. 290. Ethelburga the Wife of King Brithrich the West Saxon having poysoned her Husband fled into France where being for her beauty prostered by King Charles the Marriage of himself or his Son she making choice of the Son had neither but was thrust into a Monastery whence committing VVhoredom she was
and the night before Plato was senâ— to be taught of Socrates Socrates dreamt that he had a Swan to be laid on his Knees He chose a place called Academia that was unhealthful for his Schole When he was angry he therefore forbore to beat his Servant One day Plato seeing Fishermen sitting on a cliffe by the Sea side he asked them What have you They answered All we have taken we have not and what we have not taken we have They had been lowsing themselves The busying his thoughts to resolve this question hastened his death Polycronicon fol. 112. Though a Strumpet lay b Zenocrates all night yet she could not overcome his Chastity And when he saw one led to be hanged he laughed and said The great Thieves punish the less And when Polemus came in drunken into his School Zenocrates left discoursing on the subject he was on and converted his speech to the matter of Sobernâ—ss and patience whereby Polemus became Sober and Vertuous Id. Ibid. When Alexander had received letters that Philip his Physician was hired by Darius to poyson him he shewed Philip the letters and yet afterwards took Physick from him Id. f. 117. The Slaves in Tyrus conspired together and slew their Lords and married their Wives onely one hid his Master and saved him Then the Slaves agreed that he who saw the Sun rising on the morrow first should be King The good Slave told his Master who advised him that when the rest looked East he should look West which he did and so first saw the Sun beams shining upon the highest Tower and was thereupon acknowledged King Id. ibid. When Alexander charged one Dionidas for robbing at Sea he replied That what he did at Sea Alexander did at land he vvas called a Pirate Alexander a Conqueror Id. Ibid. Darius sent Alexander a Purse full of money a ball and a scourge Intimating that he should go home and play at Tennis or else he would whip him thence Id. Ibid. When Alexander being drunk had condemned a Noble man to death he appealed To vvhom said Alexander The Noble man replied From thy self drunk to thy self sober Whi h answer pacified Alexander and saved his own life Id. f. 120. Lysimachus being cast by Alexanders command to a Lion wrapt a cloth upon his hand which he put into the Lions mouth and so killed the Lion and saved himself Polycron f. 120. When Alexander lay dying his friends asked him to whom he would leave his Empire he answered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To the worthiest and when he was dead strangers sorrowed for him as for a Father when they who were about him rejoyced as if he had been an Enemy He raigned twelve years and died when he was aged three and thirty Id. fol. 123. When Pyrrhus his Physician came to Fabritius and promised to betray his Lord for a reward Fabritius sent this Physician bound to Pyrrhus with letters that discovered his treachery Of Fabritius it was said that the Sun could be sooner turned out of his course than he out of his honesty Id. f. 124. When the Carthaginians being extreamly weakened craved peace of Marcus Regulus he proposed such unreasonable terms that they being desperate enforced themselves overcame Regulus and all his Army took him Prisoner and after sent him to Rome for exchange of many Carthaginians But he coming thither disswaded the exchange of so many young men for him an old man and because of his Oath returned to Carthage where they closed him in a â—ree pared off the Lids of his Eyes and made him stand waking till he died Id. f. 126. The City Saguntum besieged by Hannibal and brought to great distress rather than yield was set on fire by the Citizens and all they had with themselves consumed in it Id. f. 127. Hannibals Souldiers fighting there happened to be a great earth-quake that threw down Hills and Cities but they were so intent on their business that they wist not of it Id. fol. 127. Mithridates so used himself to poyson in his youth that in his old age when he would have destroâ—ed himself with poyson he could not f. 136. Crassus fighting against the Parthians was overcome and taken by them who melted Gold and poured it in his throat saâ—ing Thou Roman art athirst for Gold now drink thy fill Polycron f. 138. When Christ was carried in his Infancy into Aegypt the Idols of the Aegyptians fell down as Dagon did before the Ark. Id. f 145. Augustus coming to Rome one calleâ— him Tyrant He answered If I were so thou durst not call me so Id. 147. One coming to Rome that was very much like Augustus the Emperor sent for him and asked him whether his Mother had never been at Rome The stranger answered No but his Father had f. 147. Nero made an Heaven an hundred foot high born up with ninety Pillars of Marble imitating the Sun Moon Thunder Rain but all was suddainly thrown down by a stroke from Heaven Id. fol. 155. Longinus the Soldier that pierced Christs side vvas Converted and died a Martyr Id. Ibid. Tiberius vvas vvont to say that a Shepherd should sheer not swallow his Sheep he vvould not change or remove his Officers saying Empty Flies bite vvorse then full f. 149. An old man being in peril of doom came to Augustus and praied him of help he appointed him a noble Advocate The old man then cried out O Caesar vvhen thou vvast in peril at the battel of Actium I sought none to fight for thee but I did it my self and shevved him his wounds then Caesar came and pleaded for him 148. When Augustus Caesar had bought a Popinjay a Pye and a Star at great prices that had been taught to say Hail Caesar Conqueror A poor Cobler took a great deal of pains to teach a Chough vvhich not learning he vvas vvont to say Heu olsum operam perdidi Alas I have lost my travail and cost The Bird at last learning as Caesar passed by he saluted him but when Caesar answered he had enough of such already the Chough added Alas I have lost my travail and cost then Caesar gave a great Price for him fol. 148. A Greek Poet having many times made Verses in the praise of Augustus and received no reward The Emperor at last maâ—e him some Verses and gave to him which the Greek Poet reading applauded and proffered him money at which the Emperor commanded the Poet to have a great reward Polycron f. 148. The Jews flying from Jerusalem to the Romans having swallowed Jewels of Gold it being espyed was the death of many of them the Romans killing them in expectation to find Gold in their bellies Id. 158. Before Jerusalem was taken by Vespasian a Heyfer that was to be Sacrificed brought forth a Lamb. The Brass Gate that twenty men could hardly open opened of it self Armies of men and Chariots were seen in the Air and a voice heard in the Temple Let us go hence One Ananias for four
of France having taken Cramyris his Eldest Son in battel who had rose in Rebellion against him as an example to all disobedient Children he enclosed him and his wife and Children in a House set it on fire and burned them in it Id. p. 91. Fredigund wife to King Chilperick resting on her bed her husband passing by with a little wand struck her upon the back the Queen not looking up and supposing the King gone a hunâ—ing said Landry why strikest thou me thus the King hearing these words made semblance as though he had not heard them but she perceiving it was the King for fear coâ—trived and procured his death the same day as he came from Hunting Id. p. 109. Brunchild the wife to Segebert the fourth Son of Lotharius the first King of France having been a great stickler in the French affairs and the death of no less than ten Princes was at last by the King and Peers of France condemned to be tied to a Wild Horse-tail by the hair of her head and so to be drawn till she was dead which accordingly was done Id. p. 131. Clodoveus Son of Dagobert King of France in a great dearth caused the Church of St. Dennis which his Father had covered with Plates of Silver to be covered with lead and the Silver given to the relief of the poor Id. p. 151. Aelfrid King of the VVest Saxons being naturally inclined to Incontinency praied that God would send him such a disease that might hinder his lust but not unfit him for the managing he affairs of his Kingdom And he accordingly had the disease called Ficus Fabian Hist 1. part p. 216. A noble man named Hebert having invited Charles the simple King of France to his Castle there treacherously murthered him Lewes the fifth his Son long time after attaining the Crown intends revenge Having convened his Nobles amongst which Hebert was one a Messenger brought him a letter which while he read and smiled his Nobles asked what that letter imported he told them that a Kinsman of his in England had acquainted him that a husbandman inviting his Lord to dinner treacherously slew him and desired to know of him what such a one deserved and since they were thus met he desired their opinion They all and Hebert amongst them adjudged him to a shameful death The King turning to Hebert told him Thou art the man who hast treacherously slain my Father and therefore I Judge thee out of thy own mouth and accordingly he was immediately executed Id. p. 237. King Edward Son of Edgar being slain by his step-mothers command and buried in VVimborn she intending to Visit him by way of Pilgrimage could not by any means make the Horse she rid on come nigh the place of his burial Fabian Hist 1. part p. 255. Robert Duke of Normandy being chosen King of Jerusalem hearing of the death of his Brother VVilliam Rufus King of England minding to succeed him refused Jerusalem but as Authors say for that refusal of providence never prospered after Id. 319. Philip the Eldest Son of Lewes Son of Philip King of France being a youth riding through the streets of Paris for his disport a Hog suddainly started up which frighted his Horse so that he threw him off with so great Violence that he died that night Id. p. 332. Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople when the VVestern Princes about the year one thousand one hundred and fifty went against the Saracens sold them Meal mingled with lime whereof many of the Christian Army perisht 341. King Henry the second returning out of Ireland when on VVhitsunday he was taking horse suddainly appeared unto him a Man of pale and wan colour barefoot in a white Kirtyl and said Sir King Christ greeteth thee well and commandeth thee strictly that no Market or servile work be holden upon the Sunday in the lands of thy Lordship out take what belongeth to the dressing of meat and if thou so dost all shall prosper with thee The King bad the Knight that held his Horse ask him whether he had dreamed this The man replied whether I have dreamed or no take thou heed of my saying that if thou mend not thy life thou shalt shortly hear such things as shall make thee sorry to thy lives end This spoken the man suddainly vanisht and the King not amending himself was unfortunate ever after Fabian Hist p. 349. Epitaphium H. 2. Regis Angli Sufficit hic tumulus cui non suffecerit Orbis Res brevis est ampla cui fuit ampla brevis Rex Henricus eram mihi plurima regna subegi Multiplicique modo Duxque Comesque fui Cui satis ad Votum non â—ssent omnia terrae Climata Terra modo sufficit octo pedum Qui legis haec pensa discrimina mortis in me Humanae speculum conditionis habe Quod potes instanter operare bonuÌ„ quia mundus Transit incautos mors inopina rapit Id. p. 356. Epitaphium Frederici Imper. Si probitas sensus Virtutis gratia census Nobilitas ortûs possent resistere morti Non foret extinctus Fredericus qui jacet intus Fabian Hist 2. Vol. p. 53. In the year of our Lord one thousand two hundred seventy two at Greenwich near London a Lamb was yeaned having two perfect bodies with all their members but one head Id p. 99. In the yeâ—r of our Lord one thousand two hundred eighty six a Woman in Switzerland was delivered of a Child that from the Navâ—l upwards had two compleat bodies and downward was but one and another woman bore a Child whose head and face was like a Man and all the rest of the body like a Lion Boniface the eighth minding to get the Popedom hired one of the Chamberlains to Coelestine the fifth who was a good and holy but simple man in the dead of the night to speak in a reed and say Coelestine if thou wilt be saved renounce this Pomp of the VVorld and serve me as thou didst before He having often heard the voyce took it for a Divine warning resigned the Popedom and would have retired into the VVilderness But Boniface fearing his restauration held him Prisoner and so used him that he shortly after died Id 158. The three wives of the three Sons of Philip the fair King of France which wives were Sisters Daughters to the Duke of Burgoigne were at one time accused of Spouse-breach the two eldest convict and the youngest was cleared the two wives put in Prison and the two paramours hanged The youngest vvas restored to her husband Charles after King of France but from him aftervvards divorced because her Mother vvas Godmother to her husband Fabian Vol. 2. p. 163. 189. In the third year of the raign of Philip the fifth of France the Provost of Paris having in his Prison a Picard a man of great riches vvhich vvas judged to be hanged The said Provost being hired thereunto vvith great Sums of Money took another Innocent Man and put
ruined Anthony in the midst of his fortunes and Hannibal after a long and glorious VVar. The smoothest stream is most dangerous for depth Pleasure is most pleasing Company but like a Thief trains us from the Road and then robs us Felthams Resol p. 3. When Philip of Macedon was capering indecently in the view of his captived prisoner Demades thus bespoke him Since fortune hath made you like Agamemnon why will you shew your self like Thersites Id. p. 22. We can never be quiet till we have conquered the fear of death The sight of Cyrus Tomb struck Alexander into a dumps But when grace prevails death hath lost his terror Aristippus told the Mariners that wondred why he was not as theâ— afraid in the Tempest That the Odds was much for they feared the â—orments due to a vvicked life and he expected the Reward of a good one And it vvas cold comfort that Diogenes gave a levvd liver that being banisht complained that he should die in a forraign soyl Be of good chear wheresoever thou art the way to Hell is the same Feltham Resolves p. 42. when Philip asked Domocratus if he did not fear to lose his head he answered no For if he did the Athenians would give him one immortal This was Ovids comforter in his banishment Quilibet hanc saevo vitam mihi finiat ense Me tamen extincto fama perennis erit Plutarch tells us of a poor Indian that would rather endure a dooming to death than shoot before Alexander when he had discontinued lest by shooting ill he should marr the fame he had formerly gotten Id. p. 47. Themistocles that streamed out his youth in VVine and Venery being so dainty changed into vertuous and vâ—lorous told one that asked him that the Trophees of Miltiades would not let him sleep Tamerlain constantly read the gests of his noble progenitors as glorious examples to enforce his own vertuâ—s Brave men never die but like the Phoenix from their preserved ashes others spring like them Id. p. 48. Paedarâ—tus the Lacedemonian when he could not be admitted for one of the Council of the three hundred at Sparta went away without any discontent and said He was heartliy glad that the Republique had three hundred better men than himself Feltham Res p. 59. In the year one thousand five hundred ninety seven the Duke of VVittenburgh executed by hanging an Alchymist that had deceived him and many others The Alchymist was a Goldsmith in Moravia of base and low extraction but of so goodly endowments of mind and body that by his deportment he seemed to every one of a nobler descent And that he might maintain the reputation of himself he called himself George Honaver the Son of a Moravian Baron and that through dissolute living falling into his Fathers displeasure he resolved to travail till his Fathers anger should be allayed VVhich was true of the Son of the said Baron He discoursed with great freedom concerning many things he had seen in his travails but especially that he had the happiness to find the Philosophers Stone that others had long in vain sought after only in his present estate he wanted materials to experiment his Art The Duke wrought upon by his fair words supplyes him liberally The Impostor sets to work and builds his Furnaces and blows his coals and raiseth up a great expectation of the Golden issue but charge expended and the time promised expiring the Impostor under pretence of furnishing himself at a neighbour town with more materials he with a servant whom being sent by the aforesaid Baron in the quest of his Son he had won to his purpose fairly betake themselves to their heels The Duke understanding that his pretended Baron was not returned the third day suspected him fled and immediately sending after him with the prom se of three hundred crowns to his apprehender he was shortly taken layd in prison till a coat of Gilt Leather with an Iron Gallowes was provided for him in and on which at Stutgard he and his man ended their days Merc. Gallobelg p. 97. Anno 1597. In the days of Tiberius fifty thousand Romans were hurt and slain at one time by the fall of a Theater Fox Acts Mon. p. 50. He that brought James the Brother of John to the Tribunal seate seeing him condemned and led to execution being moved in conscience confessed himself a Christian and so desiring and receiving forgiveness of James was beheaded together with him Id. p. 52. Polycarpus being perswaded to deny Christ answered Fourscore and six years have I been his servant yet in all this time hath he not as much as once harmed me Hovv then may I speak evil of my King and Lord that hath been so good to me Id p. 60. God requires holy Worshippers this the Heathen knew Hence that law in cicero Ad Deos castè adeunto Pietatem adhibento Qui secus faxit Deus ipse vindex erit They thought God provoked by the devotions of wicked persons Hence Bias sailing wich dissolute companions who in a Storm called on their Gods as the Mariners in Jonah advised them to hold their peace lest the Gods should know that they were there Camerar Op. subcis Cent. 1. c. 1. To gain and preserve Dominion Prudence and Prowess must unite Caesar is pourtrayed standing on a Globe having in his left hand a Book and in his right hand a Sword with this Motto Ex utroque Caesar Scipio his prayer was not Augete but Conservate Rempublicam Id. c. 2. De mortuis nil nisi bonum Suidas relates that one envying the honour of a Famous VVrestler struck in despight a statue set up in the memorial of him and the statue fell dovvn and killed him Sylla is therefore justly condemned for disturbing the bones of Marius and lest his ovvn should be so served commanded that he vvhen dead should be burnt vvhence grevv the custom of burning the dead Id. c. 4. Lewes the eleventh of France gave his Physician ten thousand Crowns a month and Charles the ninth gave another in five years space six hundred thousand Crowns of whom no good is recorded but that he letted the King to swear Alexander gave Aristotle for describing the natures of living creatures eighty Talents which amounts to four hundred and eighty thousand crowns And to Xenocrates a Philosopher fifty Talents which he returned Octavia Augustus his Sister gave Virgil for one and twenty verses in the end of his sixth Aenead concerning the death of her Son Marcellus above fifty thousand Crowns And Thaddaeus a Florentine Phâ—sician had ten thousand Crowns for curing Pope Honorius the fourth Camer cent 1. cap. 4. When Antiochus the Son of Seleucus was ready to die for the love of his Mother in law Stratonice Erosistratus his Physician perceiving it by his pulse told his Father there was no hope of his life He asking why Erosistratus replied He is in love with my wife To whom Seleucus And wilt thou indulge as much