are for the most part Sidonian which they retained with the more facility because they liued farre from the Kings Dominion For betweene them and the populous places of Numidia there lay vncultiued and waste grounds But because wee are arriued in these Regions by meane of the Leptitan affaires i◠seemeth worth the relation to remember the braue and memorable exploite of two Carthaginians The place intimated this vnto vs. At what time the Carthaginians ruled ouer most of Africke the Cyrenians also were rich and powerfull the Frontier betwixt them was sandy and vniforme there was neither mountaine nor riuer to distinguish their borders which cause kept them in a great and vndiscontinued warre After their Armies and Fleetes had beene often beaten and chased on both sides and that they had much impaired one anothers strength they fearing that a third party would inuade both the Conquerers conquered taking truce they make an agreemēt that vpon a day appointed their Ambassadors should depart from their seuerall homes at what place they met one another that should be the common border of both Nations Vpon this two brethren being sent from Carthage whose names were the Phileni made hast in their iourney the Cyrenians went more slowly Whether this happened by negligence or casualty I know nothing at all Besides in those places a tempest no otherwise then in the sea restraineth passage For when as the wind arising on plaine grounds and bare of trees hath raised vp the sand from the earth that being carried with great violence filleth both the mouth and eyes thus prospect being hindred the iourney is staid After the Cyrenians saw that they were somewhat the hindermost and because of their neglect feared punishment at home they taxed the Carthaginians that departing before their time from their place of habitation they had disturbed the Treaty finally they would rather doe any thing then depart vanquished But when the Carthaginians required any other condition so it were equall the Grecians put the Carthaginians to their choice that either they should bee buried there quicke whereas they desired borders for their people or that themselues vpon the same conditions might proceed whither they would The Philenians allowing the condition gaue vp themselues and their liues to the Common-wealth thus were they interred aliue In that place the Carthaginians consecrated Altars to the Philenian brethren and other honours were instituted for them in their Country Now I returne to my purpose CHAP. 22. Iugurth draweth the Getulians to his party He solliciteth King Bocchus He is aduertised of Marius comming IVgurth when after Thala lost he thought nothing strong enough to resist Metellus trauailing with some few through vast desarts he commeth to the Getulians a fierce and sauage kind of people and as then ignorant of the Romane name hee raiseth a multitude of them into one body and by degrees doth accustome them to keepe their rankes to followe their Ensignes to obey command and to performe other military duties Besides hee allureth those who were neerest vnto King Bocchus by great gifts and greater promises to fauour his cause with which Assistants going to the King hee doth perswade him that he should vndertake warre against the Romanes This by that aduantage became more facill and feasable for that Bocchus in the beginning of this warre had sent Ambassadours to Rome to desire a League and friendship which thing being most opportune for the enterprize of the warre some few hindred blinded with couetousnesse by whom all suites whether honest or dishonest were vsually set to sale Besides the daughter of Bocchus was formerly married to Iugurth but that bond is meanely regarded by the Moores and Numidians because that each of them according to their wealth haue euery man sundry wiues some 10. others more but Kings more then so Thus the mind is distracted with the multitude none of them is ranked in the place of an equall they are altogether held despicable Thereupon in a place chosen by both parties the Army meets then faith being giuen and receiued interchangeably Iugurth inflameth Bocchus with this speech That the Romanes were vniust of vnsatiable auarice the common enemies of all mankind that they had the same cause of warre with Bocchus as with himselfe and all other Nations euen the desire of rule vnto whom all Kings were opposites then he himselfe a little before the Carthaginians with King Perses after as euery man seemed most powerfull so he became enemy to the Romanes These and such like speeches passing they direct their iourney to the towne of Cirtha for that Q. Metellus had lodged there the prey prisoners and baggage Thus Iugurth thought that either the City being taken it would be a worke worth his labour or if the Roman Generall came to their succours they should come to the tryall of a maine battell for in cunming he made haste onely to disinable Iugurths peace lest by exercising delayes hee should desire some other course rather then warre The General when he had heard of the Confederacy of the Kings he doth not rashly neither as he was often accustomed to doe Iugurth being vanquished present in all places free meanes to fight but not farre from Cirtha his Camp being fortified he expecteth the Kings thinking it best after he had made some triall of the Moores because they came as fresh enemies to fight at his best aduantage In the meane time he is certified from Rome by letters that the Prouince of Numidia was giuen to Marius for he had heard before that he was made Consull with which tidings being troubled beyond al decency he neither could refraine teares nor moderate his tongue the man otherwise being of a most excellent temper too tenderly tooke this grieuance which some construed to bee pride in him others a good disposition prouoked with disgrace many men thought it was because the victory already gotten was wrested out of his hands to vs it is well enough knowne that hee was more vexed with Marius honour then with his proper iniury neither would he haue suffred it with so much anxiety if the Prouince taken away had beene assigned to any but Marius Therefore being diuerted with this griefe and because it seemed a foolish part to take care of anothers charge with his owne danger hee sends Ambassadours to King Bocchus to require him that without cause hee would not become an enemy to the people of Rome that he had a faire opportunity of contracting a League and friendship which would be better then warre Although he was confident in his owne strength yet hee ought not to change vncertainties for certainties al warre was vndertaken with ease but concluded with difficulty not in the same mans power lay the beginning ending of it it was lawfull for euery man yea for a coward to begin it was to be laid aside whē the Conquerours would therefore hee should prouide for himselfe and his Kingdome neither should he cōmixe his flourishing and
as they had heard it related Cicero informed of this secret by Sanga commands the Ambassadours that they should deepely counterfeit thir affections to the designe that they should visit the rest of the Conspiratours should promise largely and indeuour to the vtmost to detect all the Complices CHAP. 13. Metellus and Murena apprehend diuers of the Conspiratours Lentulus and Cethegus dispose themselnes for action NEere about this season there were sundry tumults stirring in the hither and further Gaule as also in the Picemian Brutian and 〈◊〉 terâ—itories For those whom Catiline had before sent out vncounsellably like mad men shuffled all their businesses together with their night counsels with their carriage of Armes and weapons with their posting to and fro and disquieting of all places they had caused more feare then danger Of this number the Praetour Q. Metellus Celer had committed diuers to prison they being found guilty vpon the examination of their Confederates The like did C. Muraena in the hither Gaule he being Deputy Lieutenant of that Prouince But at Rome Lentulus had determined with other principall Conspiratours great Forces being prouided for that purpose that when Catiline should aduance with his Army into the Fesulan Tract Lu. Bestia Tribune of the people should reprehend Ciceroes actions in a publicke Oration and should impose the enuy of this dangerous warre vpon the well-deseruing Consull And that this seruing for a signall all the rest of the Conspiratours were to execute their seuerall charges the next night following The diuision whereof was said to be in this manner Statilius and Gabinius being strongly accompanied were to fire at once twelue conuenient places of the Citty in the tumult whereof they might facilitate their meanes of passage to the Consul the rest against whom their plots were intended Cathegus was to beset Ciceroes gate and to assaile him forcibly others were to doe the like to others Besides the sons of sundry families most of whom were of the Nobility had orders giuen to massacre their owne parents and in the generall terrour of fire and slaughter to make their escape to Catiline In the passage of these preparations designes Cathegus still blames the cowardise of his companions telling them that by their doubts dilatory courses they neglected faire opportunities that in a danger of that nature it was more behoofefull to doe then deliberate That himselfe if some few would assist would not faile to set vpon the Court although the rest fainted in courage This man was by nature violent and prompt of hand hee esteemed celerity for the spirit of action CHAP. 14. The Allobroges follow Ciceroes instructions His proiect succeedeth Lentulus is arraigned NOw the Allobroges according to Ciceroes directions meet by Gabinius procuremeÌ„t with the other Conspiratours they demaund an oath of Lentulus Cathegus Statilius and Cassius the tenure whereof being subsigned they might present to their Cittizens for otherwise they would hardly be drawne into a businesse of that consequence All the rest without suspition did condescend onely Cassius promiseth to repaire thither speedily and remoues from the Citty somewhat before the Ambassadours Lentulus sends one Titus Vulturtius of Crotona to accompany them to the intent that the Allobroges before they returned home might confirme this League with Catiline by faith giuen and taken interchangeably He deliuers letters to Vulturtius for Catiline the copy whereof is as followeth Who I am you may vnderstand by this Messenger which I haue sent vnto you see that you thinke vpon the great extremity you are in and remember to play the men consider what your affaires require and implore ayde of all yea euen of the meanest Besides he giues instructions to him by word of mouth that since he was adiudged a Traitor by the Lords of the Senate he should be well aduised in reiecting the seruice of the slaues in the Citty all his commands were vpon the point of execution that he should not faile to approach neerer with expedition These affaires standing thus on the night appointed which they were to depart Cicero being instructed by the Ambassadours he giues order to the Praetours L. Valerius Flaccus and C. Pomptinus to apprehend by way of ambushment all the retinue of the Allobroges on the Miluian bridge Then he opens the whole circumstance of the businesse for which they were imployed as for the rest he wished them to proceed as occasion should require These military men following their instructions and hauing disposed the Guardes without tumult did couertly beset the Miluian bridge After the Ambassadours together with Vulturtius were comme to that place a confused noise was raised on both sides the Gaules knowing the plot before-hand forthwith rendred themselues to the Praetours Vulturtius hauing first incouraged the residue defends himselfe with his sword against the multitude at length seeing himselfe forsaken of the Ambassadours hauing first required many things of Pomptinus concerning his safety for that the other was a man well knowne vnto him hee yeelds at last growing fearefull and diffident of life vnto the discretion of the Praetours as if it had beene to his profest enemies This businesse being thus effected all the passages thereof were speedily signified to the Consull But him a mighty care and ioyfulnesse possesseth together He reioyceth for that the Citty was freed from dangers besides he was carefull such Cittizens being detected of so hainous a crime what might be most requisite for him to doe Their punishment would be a burthen to him their impunity the Republickes ruine At length hauing confirmed his mind he commandeth Lentulus Cathegus Statilius Gabinius and Ceparius of Terracina to be summoned before him The last of whom was ready to take his iourney into Apulia for raising of a seruile commotion there All the rest appeare without delay onely Ceparius being gone abroad and the disconery being knowne vnto him was already fled from the Citty The Consull leading Lentulus by the hand in regard he was Praetour brought him into the Senate house the rest he commands to come with their Keepers into the Temple of Concord Thither he summons the Senatours and in a frequent assembly of that Order he brings in Vulturtius with the Ambassadours Hee bids â—laccus the Praetour to produce the Boxe with the packet of letters which he had formerly taken from them Vulturtius being examined vpon Interrogatories concerning his Iourney his letters and last of all about his Intentions what they were and for what end at first he faineth all excuses that could be he dissembleth his knowledge of the Conspiracie afterwards being commanded to confesse vpon the assurance of the publicke faith he tells them that he knew nothing more then did the Ambassadours only he had heard frequently from Gabinius that P. Antronius Seruius Sylla and L. Varguntius were of the Conspiracie the Gaules confessed the same The Lords taxed Lentulus dissembling deepely besides the letters with speeches which he was wont to vtter out of the Sibilline bookes
Rome gaue for a donatiue to the King whatsoeuer Citties and territories they had got in this conquest for which cause Massinissaes friend-ship remained firme and faithfull vnto vs. But his life and Empire ended together After him his son Micipsa obtained the Kingdome alone Mastanabal and Gulussa his brethren being dead of sickenesse He begot Adherbal and Hiempsal and brought vp Iugurth the sonne of his brother Mastanabal whom because borne of a Concubine Massinissa had left priuate with the same education that he did his owne children who assoone as hee came to ripe yeeres excelling with strength and comelinesse of countenance but most of all with an able wit he gaue not himselfe ouer to the corruptions of luxurie and slouth but as the custome of that Nation is to riding darting and in race matches to contend with his equals and though hee out-went all men in glory yet was hee deare to them all Besides he spent most of his time in hunting he would assaile the Lion and other wild beasts first or with the first he did the most and spake least of himselfe For which causes although Micipsa reioyced at the beginning as deeming that Iugurths vertue would be an honour to his Kingdome yet when he considered that this young man he himselfe being old and his children little improued himselfe more and more being much moued with the occasion hee pondered many things in his mind The nature of men being couetous of command and prone to fulfill their owne desires besides the opportunity of his owne and his childrens age which also for hope of gaine alters the course of temperate men afforded him matter of terrour as likewise did the Numidians affections wholy bent vpon Iugurth from whom he was doubtfull that some sedition or warre would proceed if he should treacherously kill so worthy a person Being inuironed with these difficulties when he saw that neither by force nor fraude he could oppresse a man so popularly beloued he resolues for that Iugurth was valiant of hand and desirous of military glory to expose him to dangers and that way to try his fortunes Thereupon in the Numantine warre when as Micipsa was to send Aydes of Horse and Foote vnto the people of Rome hoping that either by the ostentation of his valour or the enemies furie he would be soone slaine he giues him the chiefe command ouer those Numidians which he sent into Spaine But the euent of this was farre otherwise then he expected For Iugurth as he was of an actiue and sharpe conceite when he found out the disposition of Pu. Scipio Generall as then for the Romanes and withall the enemies behauiour by much labour and much care besides by obeying modestly and incountring dangers willlingly hee came to that renoune in a short time that to our men he was very deare to the Numantines very dreadfull and for certaine which is a thing most difficult he was valiant in battle and wise in counsell one of which commonly out of prouidence begets feare the other out of boldnesse begets temerity Therefore the Generall performed for the most part all difficult affaires by Iugurth he rankt him amongst his friends and honoured him euery day more then other as one whose counsell and vndertaking neuer failed To these were adioined munificence of mind and dexterity of wit by which qualities he aduantaged himselfe with the familiar friendship of many Romanes At that time sundry vpstarts and Noblemen serued in our Armie who preferred riches before that which was good and decent being factious and powerfull at home more popular amongst their companions then honest in themselues who by promises had kindled great hopes in Iugurth that when King Micipsa once dyed he alone should inioy the Kingdome of Numidia in him there was a large portion of vertue at Rome all things were to be sold But after that when Numantia being destroyed P. Scipio resolued to dismisse his Aydes and to returne home himselfe he brought Iugurth with intent to reward and honour him before the assembly into the Praetorian Tent And there in secret gaue him these admonitions that he should rather publickly then priuately obserue the friendship of the Roman people that he should not accustome himselfe to particular largesses those fauours would be bought dangerously from some few in which many were interessed if he would be constant to his owne courses renowne and the Kingdome would come to him freely but if hee should proceed with too much haste he and his money would be ruined together Hauing spoken thus he dismissed him with letters which hee was to deliuer vnto Micispa The contents of them were these The valour of thy Iugurth in the Numantine warre hath beene most remarkable which for certaine I know reioyceth thee hee is for his merits deare to vs that hee may be so to the Senate and people of Rome we shall endeuour with all our power I am sincerely thankfull to thee for our friendship Behold you haue a man worthy of your selfe and his grandfather Massinissa Therefore the King as soone as hee saw those things confirmed by the Generals letters which he had formerly heard by a common fame moued with the worth and respect of the man resolues to winne Iugurth with his bounty thereupon he adopted him by his testament ordained him coheire with his sonnes But he himselfe after some few yeeres being spent with sickenesse and old age when he perceiued his end of life to approach was said to haue had these words with Iugurth his friends and kinsmen and his sonnes being present I entertained thee into my Kingdome O Iugurth being a child left without hope without fortunes conceiuing that I should be as much indeared to thee for my benefits as if I had beene thy naturall father neither hath this opinion deceiued me For to omitte others of thy great and glorious exploits returning lately from Numantia thou hast honoured both me and my Kingdome with glory and by thy vertue hast made the Romans of Confederates most intimate friends The name of our family is renewed in Spaine finally which is a thing most difficult amongst mortals with glory thou hast vanquished enuy Now because nature doth an end to my life I doe warne and coniure thee by this right hand and the Kingdomes allegeance that thou wilt regard louingly these my children who are thy kinsmen by birth thy brethren by the benefit of my adoption nor that thou wouldst rather adioyne strangers vnto thee then retaine them conioyned in blood Not Armies nor treasure are the safeguards of a Kingdome but friends whom thou canst neither force by Armes nor get with gold by good offices fidelity they are procured But who can be more a friend then a brother to a brother or what strāger shall you find faithfull when you shall be an enemie to your owne flesh and blood Surely I leaue you a Kingdome strong if you be good weake if you be wicked for by concord small things increase bydiscord
Carthaginians last conquered by their Magistrates A great part of the Gerulians and the Numidians as farre as the riuer Mulucha were vnder Iugurths rule All the Moores King Bocchus commanded but by report being wholy ignorant of the Roman people and neuer before knowne to vs by any occasion of warre or peace Of Africk and her Inhabitants enough is spoken for the present vse After that the Kingdome being diuided the Delegates were departed from Africke and Iugurth contrary to his owne feare sawe that he had obtained the rewards of his villany besides deeming as he had heard from his friends at Numantia that all things at Rome were venall and withall being inflamed with their promises whom before he had loaded with gifts he bends his thoughts wholly vpon Adherbals Kingdome He himselfe was fierce and warlike but that other whom he inuaded was peaceable no Souldier of a soft disposition a fit subiect for wrong more fearing then to be feared Whereupon Iugurth on the suddaine doth inuade his Frountiers with a strong Army hee takes many men prisoners with Cattell and other booty he burnes houses in hostile manner surprizeth many places with his Cauallery Then he retires with all his Troupes into his owne Kingdome coniecturing that Adherbal prouoked with indignation would forcibly reuenge these wrongs and that would be a sufficient pretence for warre But he for that he esteemed himselfe no match for the other in Armes and because he relyed more on the friendship of the Romane people then on the Numidians he sends Ambassadours to Iugurth to complaine of these iniuries who although they returned a reproachfull answer yet first to suffer all things was he resolued then to vndertake the warre because being formerly tryed it had sorted to his losse Neither for that was Iugurths ambition any whit lessened as one who in his conceit had swallowed the others whole Kingdome wherefore not as before with a predatory Troupe but with a mighty Army leuied he began to make warre and openly claimed the whole Kingdom of Numidia Then whersoeuer he marched he wasted the Citties fields he driueth preyes in his owne men he amplifieth courage in his enemies terrour Adherbal when he perceiued his affaires brought to this issue that he must either relinquish his Kingdome or retaine it by Armes out of meere necessity he raiseth Forces and aduanceth to meet Iugurth vpon this not far from the sea neere to the towne of Cirtha both Armies incamped and because the day was then closing they did not begin the battell But as soone as more then midnight was past the light being then obsâ—nre the Iugurthâ—e Souldiers a signall being giuen assailed the enemies Camp some halfe sleeping others taking armes they chase and defeate Adherbal with some few Horsemen escapes to Cirtha and except great numbers of Cittizens had from the walls stayed the pursuing Numidians in one day the warre betweene these two Kings had beene begun and ended Thereupon Iugurth beleaguers the Towne with vine workes Towers and all other warlike engines hee indeuours to take it making all possible speed to anticipate the returne of the Ambassadours who before the battel fought he heard were sent to Rome by Adberbal But after the Senate was informed of this warre three young men are dispatched for Africke who should goe to both the Kings and deliuer this message by word of mouth That the Senate and people of Rome did will and require them to lay downe their Armes thus to doe was an act worthy of themselues and them their friends CHAP. 6. Three young men dispatched from Rome vnto the two Kings arriue in Africke Iugurths deepe dissimulation After their departure he reinuesteth Cirtha THe Ambassadours came with more speed into Africke because at Rome whilst they were preparing to goe they heard of the battel fought and the besieging of Cirtha But that rumour was fauourable Iugurth hauing vnderstood the tenour of their message answered That to himselfe not any thing was more esteemed nor dearer then the authority of the Senate that from his youth vpward he had so indeuoured himselfe that he might get the approbation of all good men that for his vertue not his ill deeds he was gracious to P. Scipio that man of men for the same respects he was adopted by Micipsa into the Kingdome not for any want of Issue Besides by how much the more he had done things well and brauely by so much the lesse could his spirit disgest wrongs That Adherbal had treacherously laid waite for his life which as soone as he discoueâ—ed he had but preuenâ—ed his villany that the people of Rome should not deale according to â—ustice nor honesty if â—hey should debarre him from the Law of Nations Finally that for the setâ—ing of all his affaires he would speedily send Ambassadours to Rome Thus both of them seuer themselues Licence of speaking with Adherbal was not graunted Iugurth as soone as he thought they were departed from Africke for that in regard of its naturall situation he could not force Cirtha by Armes hee enuirones the walls with a Ditch and Rampier he raised Towers and assured them with strong guards more ouer day and night heâ— makes triall of his fortune either by force or fraude he presents to those who defended the walls some times rewards some times terrour by incouraging his owne men he doth raise their valour he is wholly bent vpon all needfull preparations When Adherbal vnderstood that all his fortunes were reduced vnto a desperate extremity that the enemy was implacable that there was no hope of Aide that for want of necessary meanes the wars could not be prolonged of them which with him fled to Cirtha he selected two of a most actiue disposition them by large promises and commiseration of his estate he induceth that through the enemies workes they should make an escape to the neerest sea and from thence to Rome The Numidians in some few daies performe his commands The letters of Adherbal were recited in the Senate whose tenour was this Not through my owne default ye Fathers Conscript doe I send so often to petition you the violence of Iugurth doth inforce it whom so stronge a desire of murthering me hath possessed that he hath neither you nor the immortall gods in his mind he doth more thirst for my blood then for all things else Wherefore now this fifth moneth I being a Confederate and friend of the Romane people am besieged by force of Armes neither the benefits of my father Micipâ—a nor your Decrees are auailable whether with sword or famine he doth most presse me I am vncertaine To write more of this Iugurth my fortune doth disswade me I haue already tryed that small credit is giuen to miserable men But yet I doe sufficiently conceiue that he aymeth at some thing aboue that which I am neither doth he hope at once for your friendship and my Kingdome whether he proâ—ects any thing more hainous there is no man but knowes
For at first he murthered Hiempsal my brother then he droue me out of my fathers Kingdome What iniuries were solely ours did nothing pertaine to you But now hee vsurpeth my Kingdome by Armes me whom you haue appointed to rule ouer the Numidians he keepes shut vp and besieged How much he valued your Ambassadours speeches my dangers declare What remedy is left but your power by which he may be remoued for verily I could wish that those things which I now write and those of which I haue formerly complained in Senate were all false rather then my misery should giue credit to my words But because I was borne for this purpose that I should be the scoffe of Iugurths vilanies I doe not now deprecate death and miseries but only my enemies tyranny and bodily to ments For the Kingdome of Numidia which is yours prouide as you please deliuer me out of his impious hands by the Maiesty of your Empire by the faith of your friendship if any remembrance abides with you of my grand-father Massinissa CHAP. 7. Ambassadours of greater quality are commissioned to goe for Africke They are slacke in their charge Cirtha yeelds vpon composition Adherbal is slaine THese letters being read some were of opinion that an Army was to be sent into Africk and Adherbal was to be forthwith succoured that they should aduise themselues concerning Iugurth because he had disobeyed the Ambassadours But the very same fauourers of the King laboured with all their power that no such Decree should passe Thus the publicke good as it oftentimes falls out was ouercome by priuate fauour Yet were there sent into Afticke other Noble men elder then the first who had vndergone most honourable charges amongst whom was M. Scaurus of whom wee haue formerly spoken one who had beene Consull and was as then President of the Senate These because the foulenesse of the fact was subiect to much hatred and withall being importuned by the Numidians imbarked themselues the third day following then landing not long after at Vtica they dispatched letters to Iugurth importing that with all possible speed he should come to them into the Prouince He as soone as he vnderstood that men of honour whose authority he heard was powerfull at Rome came purposely to crosse his proceedings being at first much perplexed he was diuersly distracted with feare and desire He feared the displeasure of the Senate if he shewed himselfe disobedient to the Ambassadours againe his mind being blinded with ambition did violently transport him towards the intended treason yet euill counsell preuailed ouer his head-strong disposition Thereupon his Army hauing surrounded Cirtha he endeuours to force it to the vtmost of his power being very hopefull that the enemies Troupes being thus diuided he should by assault or stratagem find out some way of victory for himselfe which falling out otherwise and being vnable to effect what he intended about the surprizing of Adherbal before he visited the Ambassadours lest by further delayes he might offend Scaurus whoÌ„ he much feared with a few Horsemen hee comes into the Prouince And although to the orders of the Senate heauy comminations were added in case he should not desist from the siege yet after much talke in vaine they departed without any further effect After these things were related at Cirtha these Italians by whose valour the walls were defended being confident that vpon a surrender made they should in regard of the Maiesty of the Romane name be dismissed without any further hurt doe perswade Adherbal that he should yeeld himselfe and the towne to Iugurth onely he should condition with him for his life that as for the rest the Senate would be carefull But he although he deemed all things safer then Iugurths faith yet because they had power in themselues to force him if he should be refractory he makes a surrender Thereupon Iugurth hauing first tortur'd Adherbal puts him to death then hee murthers all the Numidian youth and marchants promiscuously as any man incountred his armed Souldiers After which massacre was published at Rome and the matter began to be debated in Senate the very same ministers of the King by interposing themselues and protracting time now by fauour then againe by their cauils did mitigate the foulenes of the fact so that except C. Memius Tribune of the people elect being a man of courage and much offended with the power of the Nobility had fully informed the people of Rome that a plot was layd for procuring Iugurths pardon by some few of his faction without question all the hatred of this his offence had vanished into nothing through their dilatory consultations So powerfully wrought the Kings fauour and money But as soone as the Senate through the conscience of their owne errour grew fearefull of the people by the Sempronian Law Numidia and Italy were decreed for Prouinces to the future Cousuls P. Scipio Nasica L. Bestia Calpurnius were declared Consuls to Calpurnius Numidia to Scipio Italy fell by lot forthwith an Army is inrolled to be transported into Africke paye and all other prouisions requisite for the warre are appointed But Iugurth contrary to his expectation being informed of this by a messenger for because he was fully perswaded that all things were venall at Rome he sends his sonne and with him two of his familiar friends Ambassadours to the Senate and giues them in charge as he had done to those whom he had sent after Hiempsal was slaine that they should corrupt whomsoeuer they could with money who when they were come to Rome the Senates aduice was demaÌ„ded of Bestia whether it were their pleasures that Iugurths Ambassadours should be receiued into the Citty and then the Lords decreed that except they came to surrender the Kingdome and Iugurth himselfe they should depart out of Italy within tenne dayes next following The Consull out of the Decree of the Senate commands this to be reported to the Numidians Thus they returne home without any successe in their suite CHAP. 8. Calpurnius is sent with an Army into Affricke He is corrupted by Iugurth IN the meane time Calpurnius an Army being leuyed substitutes vnder himselfe some Noble men giuen to faction by whose authority he hopes to fortifie his owne faultes amongst whom was Scaurus of whose nature and condition wee haue formerly spoken For in this our Consull there were many good indowmeÌ„ts of body and mind all which Auarice choaked He was patient of labour of a sharpe wit prouident enough no ill Souldier most firme against dangers and deceits But the Legions passing throâ—gh Italy to Rhegium and from thence into Sicily were finally transported from Sicily into Africke Thereupon Calpurnius hauing first made prouision of victuals inuaded Numidia fiercely many men and some Cities hee tooke there by plaine force But as soone as Iugurth by his Ambassadours began to tempt him with bribes and to remonstrate the difficulty of the warre which he now waged his weake mind was soone corrupted through Auarice Besides
prouisions being made and setled according to his desire he goes into Numidia with much hope conceiued of him by the Roman Cittizens as well for his owne braue abilities as also for that hee carried a minde inuincible against riches and through the auarice of Magistrates our Forces had been formerly defeated in Numidia and those of the enemies had beene augmented But as soone as he came into Africk the Army was deliuer'd ouer vnto him by S. Albinus the Procōsull being slothfull vnwarlick impatient of danger and labour more ready of tongue then hand driuing preyes from their Alyes and it selfe being the enemies prey wanting discipline and modest behauiour Thus to this new Generall more trouble did arise from their euill cōditions then ayde or comfort from such a number of Souldiers For all this Metellus resolued although the prorogation of the Comitiall meetings had wasted the Summer season and that hee coniectured the Cittizens minds to be wholly bent vpon the expectation of the euent not first to make an assay of warre before he had inforced according to the ancient discipline his men of warre to exercise themselues For Albinus being terrified with the defeat of his brother Aulus and the Army after he had taken a resolution not to goe forth of the Prouince for so much of the Summer as belonged to his command he quartered his Souldiers for the most part in standing Camps except when nastinesse or want of forrage compelled him to change places But watches were not set according to the military custome euery man as listed absented himselfe from his Colours the drudges of the Army intermingled with the Souldiers daily nightly made excursions and wandring disorderly wasted the fields forced the villages and contending one with another made boote of slaues and Cattell which they bartered with the marchants for wine by them brought and other such like commodities besides they sold their ammunition corne and bought bread daily finally whatsoeuer blemishes proceeding frō sloth and luxury can be spoken of or imagined were all in that Army and more besides then these But in this difficulty I find Metellus to haue shewed himselfe an able wise man no lesse then he did in actions of hostility with such temperance he carried himselfe betwixt ambition and cruelty For by his first Edict he banished all the helpes of sloth so that no man was to sell in the Camp bread or any other meate ready dressed the drudges were not to followe the Army the common Souldier being incamped or marching was to haue no slaue nor beast of carriage to other abuses by Arte he prescribed a remedie Besides with crosse marches he remoued his Cāp euery day no other-wise then if the enemies had beene present he fortified it with Ditch and Rampier he disposed the watches often and he himselfe rounded them with the Lieutenants Moreouer vpon a march hee was sometimes in person present with the Vanguard sometimes with them of the Reare and often with those of the middle ward of purpose that no Souldier should stirre out of his Order but that they should aduance in one body together with their ensignes and carry their owne victuals and Armes Thus more by taking away the liberty of offending then by punishing offences he in a short space confirmed the Army In the meane time Iugurth as soone as he vnderstood by his Intelligencers of Metellus proceedings and withall being certified from Rome of his integrity grew distrustfull of his owne estate and then at length laboured to make a reall surrender Thereupon he sends Ambassadours to the Consull by way of petition who should request onely life for himselfe and his children all other things they should submit vp to the Romane people But by former experiments it was well known to Metellus that the Numidian Nation was faithlesse inconstant and desirous of innouation Therefore he visiteth the Ambassadours seuerally one by one and sounding them by degrees after he knew they were fit for his turne hee perswadeth them by many promises to deliuer aboue all things Iugurth aliue or at leastwise slaine into his hands but in publicke those things which he thought fitting hee commandeth them to report to the King CHAP. 14. Metellus marcheth into Numidia He surpriseth Vacca Hee sendeth Ambassadours to treate of peace VPon this he himselfe within some few dayes after marched into Numidia with a well appointed and spleenefull Army where contrary to the apparance of warre the Cottages were full of Inhabitants Cattell and Husband-men were frequent in the fields out of the townes and Country houses the Kings Officers came forth to meet him being ready to puruey Corne to bring victuals and finally to doe whatsoeuer they were commanded Neuerthelesse Metellus no otherwise then if the enemy had bin present aduanceth with his Army strongly guarded he discouereth all places farre and nigh he beleeueth those shewes of surrender to be ostentatiue and deuised to betray him Therefore he himselfe with the light-armed Cohorts and a selected company of Slingers and Archers marched in the head of the Vanguard in the Reare C. Martus his Lieutenāt had the charge with the Cauallery vpon both flankes he distributed the auxiliary Horse-men to the Tribunes of Legions and the Captaines of Cohorts purposely that the skirmishers being mixt with these wheresoeuer they aduanced they might repulse the Enemies Horsemen for in Iugurth there was so much cunning and such exact knowledge of places and souldiery that whether he were more dangerous absent or present whether mannaging war or peace it was held a thing doubtfull Seated there was not far from the way where Metellus iourneyed a town of the Numidians named Vacca the most famous Marte of all the Kingdome for commodities which were to bee sold whereas many of the Italian Nation were wont both to inhabite trade Here the Consull as well for tryals sake as also for that the accommodations of the place would well beare it imposed a Garrison besides he gaue orders for the importing of graine and other prouisions vsefull in warre supposing that which the occasiō did premonish that the confluence of marchants and victuals would be a meanes to releeue his Army and that now being prouided of things necessary it would serue for a place of defence During these occurrences Iugurth in a more serious manner sendeth his suppliant Ambassadours to intreate for peace besides his owne and his childrens life he submitteth all things else to Metellus whom tempted alike as the former to disloyalty the Consull dismissed the peace which the King requested hee neither denyed nor granted and betweene these delayes hee expected the issue of the Ambassadours promises Iugurth as soone as hee ballanced Metellus words and deedes together and saw himselfe assayled with his owne sleights as vnto whom a peace was verball and promised but indeed a most cruell warre was meant a great Citty being alienated the Country discouered by the enemies and the affections of his Confederates sounded hee resolued
excellent contended one with another themselues being equall but their helpes vnequall For Metellus was aduantaged by his Souldiers valour the place was disaduantageous to Iugurth all other things but Souldiers serued opportunely Finally the Romanes when they vnderstood that they had no place of refuge and that the enemy disingaged himselfe from fight and that now the euening was come fell off as they were commanded from the opposite hillocke The place of battell being lost the Numidians were rowted and chased some few were slaine the most part swiftnesse and a Country vndiscouered of their enemies preserued from danger In the intercourse of this Bomilcar whom we haue heretofore said to haue beene by Iugurth appointed Commander ouer the Elephants and part of the Foot-bands as soone as Metellus had ouer-reached him hee drawes out his men by little and little into a peece of euen ground and whilest the Lieutenant hastening marcheth to the riuer whither hee was fore-sent without tumult as the occasion required hee imbattaileth his Army neither is he slacke to discouer what the enemies should attempt any where After he was aduertised that Rutilius was sat down and that now hee was secure in mind withall that the noise increased from Iugurths fight fearing lest the Lieutenant the cause being knowne should aide his distressed friends he extendeth his Army with a larger Frount which distrusting the valour of his Souldiers hee had skilfully disposed for the impeaching of the enemies passage and in this order hee aduanceth towards Rutilius Camp The Romanes on the sudden obserue a great rising of dust For the field being beset with Coppises did forbid all prospect and at first they coniectured that the sand was stirred with the wind after when they saw that it continued alike as the Army moued approached neerer the occasion being discouered in haste they take Armes and as they were commanded stand fast before the Campe. Then as soone as they came within conuenient distance with hideous noise they incountred one another The Numidians stayed so long whilst they expected aide from their Elephants after they sawe them intangled with the boughes of the trees and being thus disordered to fetch a compasse about they betake themselues to flight and casting away their Armes for the most part got-off in safety through the fauour of the hillocke and the night which was now at hand Foure Elephants were taken all the rest in number forty were slaine But the Romanes although they were faint and weary through their iourney the pitching of their Tentes and the battell yet for that Metellus stayed longer then opinion being well ordered and resolued they march forwards to meete him For the wilinesse of the Numidians suffred no delay nor slackenesse And first the night being darke after they were come within neere distance with the noise as if it had been of enemies comming on they raised both feare and tumult amongst themselues and through ignorance a lameÌ„table fact was like to haue bin coÌ„mitted except the Vantcurrours sent out from both sides had discouered the matter Thereupon in stead of feare gladnesse arose the Souldiers reioycing call one another to witnesse they relate and heare their exploits euery man extolleth his owne valiant actes euen to the skies Truly this is the condition of humane affaires it is lawfull for cowards to boast in a victory moreouer losses detract from the valiant Metellus staying foure dayes in the same Camp he causeth the wounded to be carefully dressed he rewardeth them who had well deserued in the battell according to the military custome hee praiseth and thanketh them all in a publicke assembly he exhorteth them that as for the rest which would bee feasable with ease they should carry the same resolution for the victory they had already fought enough their other labours should bee for pillage CHAP. 16. Metellus sendeth out espials to discouer Iugurths doings The Numidians fall vpon some Romane straglers and beate them The alarum being taken they retire to the higher grounds FOr all this the Consull in the meane while sent fugitiues and others fit for the purpose to espie where Iugurth was and what he did whether he had few about him or a full Army and how he behaued himselfe being vanquished But he was retired into places full of woods and fortified by nature where he raised an Army eâ—ceeding thâ— first in number of men but vnactiue and weake better acquainted with the affaires of husbandry then warre That happened through this priuiledge for that no Numidian at all followes the King in his flight except the Horse-men Royall Whither euery mans mind leadeth thither he departeth neither is that accounted a Souldiers fault such there customes are Wherefore Metellus when hee saw the King as yet to haue an vndanted mind that the warre was renewed which could not be prosecuted but at the others pleasure besides that he was disaduantaged in fight by the enemies they being vanquished with lesse dammage then his men did vanquish hee determineth with himselfe that the warre was not to be mannaged by set battels nor an aranged Army but by a different course Thereupon hee goeth vnto the most opulent Countries of Numidia hee wasteth the fields he taketh and burneth many Townes and Castles being meanly fortified or without Garrisons he coÌ„mandeth those of military age to be slaine al other things were to be the Souldiers pray Through the terrour of this many hostages were giuen to the Romanes Corne and other vsefull prouisions were supplyed in abundance wheresoeuer occasion required a Garrison was imposed which occurrences much more terrified the King then the battell vnluckily fought by his Souldiers For because he all whose hope consisted in flight was compelled to pursue and he that was vnable to defend his owne was faine to make warre in anothers territories yet from his present distresse he taketh that counsell which seemed best hee commandeth the greatest part of his Army to expect him in the same Quarters he himselfe with some choice Horse-men followeth Metellus thus being vndiscouered in his nocturnall by-way iourneis he assaileth on the sudden the Romane straglers Most of them are slaine vnarmed many are taken prisoners not one of them all escapeth without hurt and the Numidians before they could be releeued from the Campe departed to the next hillockes according as they had orders In the meane time much ioy was conceiued at Rome vpon the knowledge of Metellus proceedings as for that he gouerned himselfe and his Army according to the discipline of their Ancestours that in a place of disaduantage he had vanquished by meere valour that he possessed the enemies Country that Iugurth bearing himselfe proudly vpon Aulus negligence he had constrained him to repose the hope of his safety in flight or in the desarts Thereupon the Senate for these things happily done decreed supplications to the immortall gods The Citty trembling before as being doubtfull of the euent of the warre now solaced her selfe with ioy Of Metellus
an honorable report was spred Thereupon by so much the more eagerly he striueth for victory making all possible speed in the pursuite thereof yet being cautelous from giuing any opportunity to the enemy he well knew that enuy attended on glory thus by how much the more he was renowned by so much was hee the more carefull neither after this stratagem of Iugurths did hee pillage any more with his Army disbanded When it was needfull to prouide corne or forrage the Cohorts with the Cauallery made a standing-guard He himselfe commanded one part of the Army Marius the other But more with fire then driuing of preyes was the Country wasted In two seuerall places not farre remote they did incamp themselues when it was requisite to vse force they ioyned all their forces but for the further dispersing of feare and flight they tooke vp their Quarters apart from one another As then Iugurth followed aloofe ouer the hillockes seeking a conuenient time or place for fight where hee heard that the enemy approached hee spoileth the forrage and Fountaines of both which there was much scarcity sometimes he sheweth himselfe to Metellus sometimes to Marius he assaileth those who had the Reare in marching and forthwith retireth to the mountaines againe he menaceth them one after another he neither ingageth fight nor suffereth them to rest hee onely attacheth the Enemie in his course of proceeding The Romane Generall when he saw himselfe wearied with these wiles and that the enemies debarred him from the opportunity of fighting he resolueth to beleaguer Zama a great City and in that part where it was seated one of the bulwarkes of the Kingdome thinking that Iugurth as the occasion required would come to releeue his people being in distresse and so a battell would be fought But he being informed of this by Fugitiues with great iournies ouer marcheth Metellus he exhorteth the Cittizens to defend the walles the fugitiues being added for aydes which kind of men amongst all the Kings Forces stood most firme vnto him because they had not credit enough to deceiue Moreouer he promiseth that he himselfe would come to their succours in time conuenient Things being thus ordered he departeth into places most couert and within a while after getteth intelligence that Marius was sent out of the vsuall roade vnto Sicca to puruey corne with some few Cohorrs Which towne first of all after the battell lost reuolted from the King Thither with some selected Horse-men he marcheth by night and the Romans being vpon the point of issuing he chargeth them in the very gate withall he exhorteth those of Sicca alowd to incompasse the Cohorts behind that fortune gaue them the opportunity of a braue exploite if they should performe it that hereafter hee should during life be secured in his Kingdome they in their liberty And except Marius had with haste made the Ensignes to march and to passe out of the Towne surely all or the greatest part of the Inhabitants had turned reuolters With such inconstancy the Numidians demeane themselues But the Iugurthine Souldiers being somewhat comforted by the King after when their enemies pressed them more forcibly Some few being lost the rest saued themselues by flight CHAP. 16. Marius comming to Zama Metellus inuesteth it round about with both their Forces but is in fine repulsed after two assaults MArius arriueth at Zama That Towne is seated in a Champion field it was more fortified by art then nature wanting no prouisions requisite being well furnished with Armes and Souldiers Vpon this Metellus all preparations being made befitting the time and place inuested the walls round with his Army hee commandeth the Lieutenants where each man should take charge Then vpon a signall giuen at once from all parts ariseth a hideous noise Neither doth this terrifie the Numidians without tumult they remaine angry and ready the fight is begun The Romanes euery one according to his inclination fight some with Leaden plummets and stones missiuely cast some giue backe others fall on and now they sap the wall then againe they make an attempt by Scalado being desirous to come to hand-fight To encounter this the Townesmen tumble down great stones vpon the neerest they throwe Speares Dartes and withall burning Torches with Pitch and Brimstone But not those whose stations were furthest off the cowardice of minde defended sufficiently for most of them were wounded with Iauelins discharged from Engines or the hand And in like danger but vnlike renowne both the valiant and cowards were Whilst they fight thus at Zama Iugurth suddainly assaileth with great numbers the Camp of his enemies they being slacke in their duties who had the guard and expecting nothing lesse then fight he violently forceth one of the Portes But our men being terrified with the sudden fright all of them prouide for themselues according to their seuerall dispositions some fly others arme a great number are wounded or slaine So that of all that multitude not aboue forty mindfull of the Romane name trouping together surprized a peece of ground somewhat higher then the other neither could they be remoued thence with their greatest forces but the weapons missiuely sent they send backe againe few against many lesse missing their aimes But if the Numidians approached neerer there truely they shewed their valour and with mighty strength they beate route and chase In the meane time Metellus whilest eagerly hee prosecuteth the assault heard from behind a cry and tumult of enemies then turning about his horse he obserued that the flight made towards him which shewed that it was of his owne people Thereupon hee sendeth speedily all the Cauallery vnto the Camp and forthwith after C. Marius with the Cohorts of the Confederates and weeping he coniureth him by his friendship and by the Common wealth that he would suffer no disgrace to be fastened vpon his victorious Army nor the enemies to depart vnreuenged He brieâ—ly executefh his orders But Iugurth was hindred with the fortifications of the Camp when as some threw themselues head-long ouer the Rampier others making hast arrested one another in the narrow passage Metellus the businesse being vneffected when night was come returned into the Camp with his Army Therefore the next day before he issued out to the assault he commandeth all the Cauallery to attend before the Camp on that part where the Kings aduenue was the Ports and the places next adioyning he distributeth to the Tribunes then he himselfe marcheth to the towne and as on the former day assaulteth the wall In the meane while Iugurth out of couert suddenly inuadeth our men Those who were aranged in the fore-frount being somewhat terrified are disordered the residue quickly come to their succours Neither could the Numidians haue longer resisted but that their footmen intermingled with their horse-men had made a great slaughter vpon the first incounter on whom they relying did not as it is vsuall in a battell of horse-men fall on and then wheele about but they charged with
to mannage the warre against Iugurth frequently they inioyned Marius to vndertake that charge Yet the Senate not long before had decreed Numidia to Metellus That Decree became voyde In this meane time Iugurth hauing lost his friends most of whom he himselfe had killed the residue taking their flight some to the Romanes others to King Bocchus when as he considered that warre could not bee waged without coassistants and that it would be dangerous to trye the fidelity of new friends amidst so much perfidiousnesse of the old hee was tossed with a doubtfull and vncertaine opinion no designe counsell nor person could please him sufficiently his iourneyes and commanders he changed daily sometimes he marched towards the enemies now againe towards the desarts oftentimes hee reposed his hope in flight and forthwiâ—h in his Armes hee doubted which he should least rely on his subiects valour or loyalty Thus whatsoeuer hee intended fell out vnluckily But in the midst of these delayes Metellus suddenly sheweth himselfe with his army The Numidians as the time would giue leaue were ordered and aranged by Iugurth Then forthwith the battell is begun In that part where the King was present in person they fought for a while all the rest of his Souldiers were broken and chased vpon the first incounter the Romanes tooke some Ensignes Armes prisoners For in all battels for the most part the Numidians are more beholding to their heeles then hands In this flight Iugurth now more seriously distrusting his estate with the fugitiues and some part of his Cauallery he arriueth first in the desarts and then at Thala a great wealthy Towne where lay the most part of his treasures and where his sonnes had much of their education during their childhood Which things when Metellus knew although betwixt Thala and the next riuer in the space of fifty miles all places were dry and waste yet hoping to finish the warre if hee could gaine that Towne he vndertaketh to surmount all difficulties and to ouercome nature it selfe Therefore hee commandeth the beasts of burthen to be vnladed of all the baggage except of Corne for ten dayes onely in stead whereof bottles and other vessels fit for the coÌ„taining of water were appointed for their carriage Besides he getteth out of the fields as much tame Catrell as he could of the greater size and â—ladeth on them vessels of all sorts but most part wood denones taken out of the Numidian cottages Againe hee commandeth the borderers who after the Kings flight had submitted themselues to Metellus that euery one of them should carry what water he could he prefixeth a day and place where they should be ready to attend he himselfe from the riuer which we haue heretofore said to be the next water to the town ladeth his beasts of burtheÌ„ Thus furnished hee goeth to Thala Then being come to the Rendez-vous which he had inioyned to the Numidians and after the Campe was piâ—â—hed and fortified suddenly so much raine powred downe from the sky that it was ouer and aboue enough for the Army Besides they had victuals more then they expected for that the Numidians as most men doe vpon a new surrender stretched their diligence vnto the vtmost But the Souldiers out of a kind of religion made most vse of the raine and that added much to their courages for they thinking theÌ„selues to be the care of the immortall gods the next day following contrary to Iugurths opinion they arriue at Thala The Townesmen who thought theÌ„selues fortified with the impregnablenesse of the place being amazed with this great and strange accident neuerthelesse prouide for the warre our men doe the like But the King now deeming nothing to be impossible vnto Metellus as one who had subdued by his industry all armes weapons places times nay nature it selfe commanding other things by night he flieth out of the Towne with his children and a great part of his treasure and staying not longer in any one place then a day or night he gaue out colourably that his businesse caused him to make this hast but indeed he feared Treason which he thought to shun by celerity for such designes are fathered by idlenesse and opportunity But Metellus when he saw the townesmen resolued to fight and that it was a strong Peere in regard of the Workes and situation he surroundeth the walls with a Circumuallation Then hee commandeth them from that place which was most fitting for the purpose to bring their vine Engines forwards and aboue them to raise a Rampier and Towres being raised vpon the Rampier thus to secure the worke the labourers To preuent this the Townesmen vse all possible diligence and preparations nothing was left vndone by either side Finally the Romanes tired out with much labour fight after 40. dayes that they came thither onely got the Towne all the prey was spoiled by the fugitiues They when they saw the walls battered with the Rammes and their estate growne desperate carried the gold siluer and other things of most account into the Kings Palace there being laden with wine and viands they burne both that the house and themselues withall thus that punishment which they feared from their enemies they willingly inflicted on selues CHAP. 21. Ambassadours are sent from Lepâ—is to Metellus A discourse of the Philenian brethren BVt together with the taking of Thala Ambassadours from the Town of Leptis came to Metellus requesting that he would send thither a Garrison Gouernour that one Himilear a Noble man of a factious spirit did affect innouation against whom neither the commands of the Magistrates nor the Lawes were auailable if he did not speedily doe it their owne safety the Alies of them would bee much indangered For the Leptitanes long since from the beginning of the Iugurthine warre had sent to Bestia the Consull and afterwards to Rome to require friendship and Aliance Then hauing gotten a grant of this they alwayes remained true faithfull and did performe with diligence all the commands of Bestia Albinus and Metellus therefore easily they obtained of the Generall whatsoeuer they requested There were sent thither foure Cohorts of Ligurians and C. Annius for Gouernour That towne was builded by the Sidonians whom wee haue heard to come hither in shippes flying from home because of Ciuill discords Moreouer it is seated betwixt the two Syrtes who haue their name imposed from their nature For there are two Gulfes almost in the farthest part of Africke of vnlike bignesse of like condition the parts of which that are neerest to the shoare are of an exceeding depth the others are casually deepe and at another season shoaly for as soone as the sea groweth high and rageth with the windes the waues drawe in slime sand and mighty stones by this meanes the condition of these places is altred with the winds they are called Sirâ—es from their extent The language of this City is somewhat corrupted by marrying with the Numidians but their Lawes and habit
all became equall CHAP. 23. The Kings retire into the desarts Metellus goeth to Rome Marius besieged Capsa and after some difficulties taketh it by force BVt the Kings as soone as they vnderstood of Marius comming depart diuersly into places of difficnlt accesse Thus it seemed good to Iugurth hoping ere long hee should surprize his enemies straggling and that the Romans as most men doe feare being remoued would carry themselues more loosly and licentiously Metellus in the mean time going to Rome iâ— contrary to his expectaâ—tion receiued with much ioy being esteemed alike of the Fathers and people after their hatred was once allayed But Marius readily and wisely attended his owne and the enemies affaires hee knew what was expeâ—dient or not for both he discouered the iourneyes of the Kings hee preuented their counsels and Stratagems he suffred no slackenesse with himselfe nor safety with them Therefore both the Getulians and Iugurth driuing preyes from our Confederates he often assailing defeated them in their iourneyes and disarmed the King himselfe not farre from the Towne of Cirtha which exploits when he perceiued to be onely glorious not conducing to the finishing of the warre hee resolueth to besiege the Citties one after another which in respect of the place or people were most aduaÌ„tageous for the enemy against himselfe Thus either Iugurth would be despoiled of his aydes if he suffred this or else must come to the tryall of a battell For Bocchus had many times sent MesseÌ„gers to the CoÌ„sul shewing that he desired the frieÌ„dship of the Romane people that heâ— should feare no act of hoâ—stility from him Whether he conterfeited this to the intent that being vnlooked for he might inuade with more annoyance or that through the leuity of his disposition he was wont to change the resolutions of peace and warre it remaines vndiscouered But the Consull as he had resolued marcheth to the Townes and fortified Castles some by force others by terrour or by promising rewards he withdraweth from the enemies And first his vndertakings were meane thinking that Iugurth for defending his own would come within danger But when he heard that he was absent a farre off and imployed vpon other affaires it seemed high time for him to vndertake things more great and difficult There lay amongst the vast desarts a faire Towne and strong called Capsa whose founder Hercules the Lybian was said to bee The Citizens were priuiledged by Iugurth liuing vnder a gentle command and for these respects were held most faithfull They were fortified against enemies not onely with walls armes and Souldiers but that which is much more with the roughnesse of the Region for besides the places next to the Towne all the rest were wast for want of manuring skant of water infested with Serpents whose violence as of all other wilde beasts growes more outragious by the scarcity of meate Besides the nature of Serpents pernicious in it selfe is more inflamed with thirst then any thing else Of gaining this piece an earnest desire possessed Marius as well for the vse of the warre as also for that it seemed a difficult matter and Metellus had with great glory taken the Towne of Thala seated and fortified not much vnlike but that at Thala there were some fountaines not far from the walls The Capsians had onely one spring of water and that within the Towne as for the rest they vsed raine That inconuenience both there and in all Africke which being far from the sea lay vncultiued is suffred with lesse greeuance because the Numidians for the most part fed on milke and the flesh of wilde beasts and neither sought for salt nor other prouocations of gluttony food serued them against hunger and thirst not for lust nor luxury Therefore the Consull all things being discouered relying as I thinke on the gods for against so great difficulties hee could not sufficiently prouide by counsell because also he was assailed with want of Corne for that the Numidians are more addicted to grazing of Cattell then tillage and whatsoeuer croppe was growne they had bestowed by the Kings command in places of strength but the fields at that time were dry and bare of graine for it was the last of Summer doth notwithstanding as he could make preparation with prouidence enough he giueth out all the Cattell which he had formerly gotten by predation to be driuen by the Auxiliary horse-men hee commandeth A. Manlius his Lieutenant with the light-armed Cohorts to goe to the Towne of Liâ—is where he had placed the pay and victuals himselfe going to take preyes meant to be there within a few dayes Thus his enterprize being concealed he marcheth to the riuer Tana But as he trauailed he distributed the Cattell daily by equall proportions vnto his Army throughout the Centuries and Horse-troupes and tooke order that bottles might be made of the hides thus together hee eased the want of Corne and all men being ignorant of his purpose he prepared those things which would be forthwith vsefull Finally on the sixth day when they came to the riuer a great number of bottles was made There the Campe being pitched with a slight fortification hee commandeth the Souldiers to eate and to march out with the setting of the Sunne that all the baggage being quitted they should with water onely lade themselues and the beasts of carriage Then when the time came he issueth forth of the Camp and hauing trauailed all the night he resteth he doth the same on the next and the third long before day light he arriueth in a place full of little hilles not distant aboue two miles from Capsa and there as couertly as he could he maketh a stand with all his Army But as soone as it was open day and the Numidians fearing no hostility came forth of the Towne in great numbers he suddenly commandeth all the Horsemen and with these the nimblest Foot-men to march to Capsa with full speed and to blocke vp the gates thereupon hee himselfe being intentiue followeth hastily neither doth he suffer the Souldiers to pillage Which things when the Townes-men knew their desperate estate their mighty feare the vnexpected mischiefe together with a great part of their Citizens in the hands of enemies inforced them to make a surrender But the Towne was burnt the Numidian youth were slaine all the rest were sold the prey was deuided to Souldiers This outrage contrary to the Law of Armes was not done through the auarice or mischieuous disposition of the Consull but because the place was for Iugurth opportune for vs difficult in regard of accesse the people were inconstant and faithlesse before neuer subiected by feare nor benefit After Marius had finished so high a worke without any losse of his owne men being heretofore great and excellent hee now began to be accounted greater and excellenter all his vncouncellable actions were interpreted to be vertuous the Souldiers being ruled with a modest command and rich besides praised him aboue measure the
of the gates The Moores and Getulians being suddenly awaked with the strange and hideous noise could neither flye nor take armes nor make nor prouide any meanes of resistance Thus all of them with the clashing and clamour no man comming to their succours our men falling on with tumult terrour and feare were like mee suprized with an astonishment Finally all of them were rowted and chased most of their armes and military Ensignes were taken and more slaine in that battell then in all the former for by sleepe and the vncouth terrour flight was hindred Thereupon Marius as he began marcheth towards his Winter Garrisons which because of victuals he resolued to haue in the maritime Townes Neither yet was hee growne slouthfull or insolent with his victory but euen as if hee had beene in the eye of his enemies he aduanceth with his Army marching in square battalions Sylla on the right side tooke charge with the Horse-men on the left A. Manlius with the darâ—â—â—s and slingers besides the Ligurian Cohorts for Frontiers and bringers vp he placed the Tribunes with the light-armed Maniples The fugitiues who knew the Country best discouered the enemies iourney withall the Consull as if no man had beene imposed was prouident for all things hee was present with all heâ—praysed he rebuked those that deserued he himselfe being armed and intentiue besides inforced the Souldiers to their duties nor otherwise then if he had beene in the sight of the enemy doth he dispose his marches doth he fortifie the Camp doth he send the Legionary Cohorts to watch at the Gate the auxiliary Horse-men before the Camp moreouer he placeth others on the Rampier of the workes he himselfe rouneth the watches not so much from the distrust of the performance of 〈◊〉 which he commanded as for that the Generals labour being made equall with the Souldiers they might become the more willing And verily Marius in that and other times of the Iugurthine warre inforced the Army more with shame then punishment which many reported to be done out of ambition because from his childhood he had accounted a customary hardnesse and other things which other men call miseries exercises of pleasure But yet the Common-wealth as well as vnder the seuerest command was well and orderly gouerned Moreouer on the fourth day following not farre from the Towne of Cirtha the skoutes hastily shew themselues by which signe the enemy is knowne to be neere But because they retaining diuersly seuerall men from seuerall parts all of them signified the same the Consull doubtfull how to marshall his Army the order of it being nothing altered hee makes a stand in the same place being prouided against all euents By this meanes Iugurths hope was frustrated who had distributed his Army into foure diuisions thinking that some amongst them all would equally fall on the enemies backs In the meane time Sylla whom the enemies first attached incouraging his Souldiers in Troupe and with their horses in the closest order both he and others inuade the Moores The rest keeping their ground defend their bodies from the dartes that were cast against them from the hand and if any fell in their power they killed them Whilst the Horse-men fight after this manner Bocchus with the Footmen which his sonne Volux brought and were not in the former fight because they staid in their iourney sets vpon the Rereward of the Romanes Then Marius was amongst the frontiers because Iugurth was there with his greatest Forces Then the Numidian Bocchus his comming being knowne secretly with some few wheeleth about to the Footmen there in Latine for hee had learned to speake it at Numantia he crieth our aloud that ouâ— men fought in vaine that Marius not long before was slaine by his owne hand shewing therewith all his sword imbrued with blood which in the fight he had bloodied in killing a footman of ourâ— with great dexterity Which report as soone as the Souldiers heard they were more terrified with the foulenesse of the fact then with the credit of the messengers tidings therewithall the Barbarians raised their spirits and fell on more fiercely vpon the amazed Romanes And now they were vpon the point of flying when as Sylla hauing discomfited those against whom he went returning by the flanck charged the Moores Bocchus is forthwith put to flight But Iugurth whilst he endeauours to releeue his owne men and to retaine the victory which was almost gotten being circumuented by the Horsemen on euery side all the rest of his retinue being slaine he alone escapeth by flight amongst his enemies weapons And Marius in the interspace hauing followed the chase of the Horsemen comes to the succour of his Souldiers whom he had heard to haue beene already put to the worst Finally the enemies were now rowted in euery place Then a horrible spectacle was seene in the open fields they follow they flie they are slaine they are taken men and horses are ouerthrowne together many hauing receiued wounds could neither fly nor take rest sometimes they stroue to rise and forhwith fell downe last of all as farre as the eye could discerne all places were couered with weapons armes and carkeises and amongst them the earth was polluted with blood CHAP. 26. Marius commeth to Cirtha Bocchus mediates for a Treatie of Peace L. Sylla and A. Manlius are sent Ambassadours vnto him FRom that place the Consull being victorious without all peraduenture came to the Towne of Cirtha whither at first hee intended his iourney Thither after the fifth day on which the Barbarians had fought the second time with ill â—uccesse Ambassadours from Bocchus arriued who requested of Marius in the words of the King that he would send two of his faithfullest friends vnto him that hee would treat with them about things commodious for himselfe and the people of Rome He forthwith commands L. Sylla A. Manlius to go who although they went as men sent for yet it was their pleasure to deliuer some words to the King that so they might either alter his aduerse disposition or being desirous of peace they might inflame him more vehemently Sylla to whose eloquence not age Manlius gaue place expressed himselfe in few words after this manner King Bocchus we must reioyce since the gods admonished thee being so great a person that at length thou shouldest desire peace rather then warre nor shouldest dishonour thy selfe being a most excellent man by confederating with Iugurth the worst of all men withall that thou shouldest take from vs a seuere necessity of persecuting they errours and his wickednesse Besides it seemed good to the Romane people being poore euen from the very beginning to procure friends rather then seruants they thought it safer to command ouer those who were willing then those who were inforced But for thee no friendship is more vsefull then ours first because we are farre remoued in which there is least cause of offence and as equall correspondency as if we were neighbours then
now all of them being wearyed with that nights iourney Sylla euen with the rising of the Sunne measured out the ground for incamping when as the Moorish Horse-men bring tidings that Iugurth about the distance of two miles off had taken vp his Quarters iust before them After which report was heard then especially terrour inuadeth our Souldiers they beleeue that they are betrayed by Volux and circumuented by his treachery And there were some who said that reuenge was to be taken by the hand and so great a villany in him was not to passe without punishment But Sylla although he were of the same opinion yet he defends the Moore from iniury he perswades his owne men that they would carry a courageous mind a few valiant men had often fought fortunatly against a multitude by how much the lesse they spared themselues in fight by so much the more they would be safer neither did it beseeme any man who had taken armes in his hands to seeke succour from his vnarmed feet and in the greatest feare of all to expose the body naked and blind vnto the enemies mercy Then requiring Iupiter the greatest of the gods that he would be present as a witnesse of Bocchus villany and treachery he commands Volux because hee commited actions of hostility to depart the Camp He weeping intreateth him not to beleeue these things nothing was done fraudulently but rather out of Iugurths cunning who skowting abroad had discouered his iourney but because he had not any great Forces and all his hopes and helpes depended from his father hee was confident that hee durst enterprize nothing openly when as hee his sonne was present for a witnesse wherefore it seemed the best course to him to passe in full view through the middest of the enemies Campe himselfe the Moors being sent before or left there would stay alone with Sylla This counsell as it was requisite in such an exigent was allowed forthwith dismarching because they came vnexpected they passed in safety Iugurth being doubtfull sticking vpon delayes Then within a few dayes they arriued where they intended to goe There conuersed with Bocchus a Numidian called Aspar much and familiarly he being premitted by Iugurth after hee heard that Sylla was sent as an Agent and a discouerer in policy of Bocchus counsels besides there was Dabar the son of Massagrada of the race of Massinissa but vnequall by the mothers side for his father was borne of a Concubine being deare and gracious with the Moore for many good Arts with which his mind was indued whom Bocchus hauing formerly tryed by many occurrences to be faithfull to the Romanes he sendeth him presently with this message to Sylla that he was ready to doe whatsouer the Romane people would desire that himselfe should chuse a day time and place for imparlance that he would communicate all his counsels with him neither should he be afraid of lugurths Ambassadour for dealing a freely in their common affaires otherwise he could not preuent his trecheries But I find that Bocchus more out of a Punicke faith then for the regard of what he said detained with the hope of peace both the Romanes and the Numidian and was wont to ponder much with himselfe whether he should deliuer Iugurth to the Romanes or Sylla to him Desire against vs feare for vs did perswade Therefore Sylla answereth that he would speake some few words before Aspar the rest in secret none of a very few being present withall he instructeth him what answers should be made vnto himselfe After when they were met according to appointment he sayes that he was sent by the Consull to demand whether he would haue peace or warre Then the King according to his instructions commands him to returne after the tenth day and tells him that as yet he was resolued on nothing but on that day would giue him an answer Then both of them depart to their TeÌ„rs But when most of the night was spent Sylla is secretly sent for by Bocchus onely faithfull interpreters are admitted by them Besides Dabar an intermessenger a deuout man sweares sincerely to them both Then the King thus begins I neuer thought it would come to passe that I being the greatest King in all this Land and of all that I know the most opulent should owe a courtesie to a priuate man And verily Sylla before I knew thee to many men vpon request to others freely I haue giuen reliefe I my selfe wanted nothing I reioyce that I am difinabled in this which others are wont to greeue at It shall be precious to me that I sometimes haue wanted thy friendship then which I esteeme nothing dearer in my mind of this so farre thou maist make a tryall armes men and money finally whatsoeuer pleaseth thee take and vse and while thou liuest thou shalt neuer thinke the courtesie requited with me it shall remaine intire moreouer if I may know it thou shalt desire nothing in vaine For as I thinke it is lesse dishonour for a King to be ouercome by armes then by munificence But concerning your Commonwealth whose Agent thou art hither sent heare this in a few words I neuer made war with the people of Rome nor euer was willing that warre should be made with armes against armed men I defended my borders I passe ouer this Since it is your pleasure wage warre with Iugurth as you will I will not goe beyond the riuer Mulucha which was the Frontier betwixt me and Micipsa neither will I suffer Iugurth to attempt it Besides whatsoeuer you shall request that is worthy of me and your selues you shall not depart with repulse To this Sylla replyed briefly for himselfe for that which concerneth peace and the common affaires more at large finally hee reuealeth this secret to the King That he must assure him that the people of Rome in regard they had beene victorious in the warre would not receiue him into fauour hee must doe something which might seeme to concerne their profit more then his owne hee had a faire opportunitie of this as hauing Iugurth in his power whom if hee deliuered to the Romanes they should bee much indebted to him then friendshippe aliance and that part of Numidia which hee requested would freely fall vnto him The King at first refused alledging that kindred aliance and a League besides had passed betwixt them moreouer hee feared lest by the breach of his faith he should alienate the affections of his subiects vnto whom both Iugurth was deare and the Romanes hatefull At length being often sollicited he â—s reconciled and promiseth to doe all things â—hat Sylla would require But for the counterfeiting â—f peace of which the Numidian wearie of the warre was most desirous they framed pretences which seemed expedient Thus the deceite being composed they depart seuerally But the King on the next day calls for Asparâ— and tells him that hee vnderstood from Sylla by Dahar that the warre might be compounded vpon conditions wherefore
is vaine his hands are rauenous his throate is vnsatiable his feete are fugitiue And he when as he is such a man yet hee dares to say O happy Rome me being Consull borne Happy thee being Consull Cicero Yea rather vnhappy and wretched which suffredst as then the most cruell poscription of her Citizens when as thou the Commonwealth being disturbed didst inforce all good men amazed with terrour to obey thy Tyranny when all iudgements all Lawes were swayed by thy lust when as the Portian Law being remoued liberty taken away thou didst appropriate to thy selfe alone the power of all our liues and deaths Thou shalt doe I prethee Cicero thou shalt accomplish what thou wilt it is inough for vs that we haue suffered but as yet wilt thou loade our eares with thy hatred as yet wilt thou prosecute vs with these vnsufferable words Armes yeeld to Gownes Bayes to the tongue giue place As though forsooth gowned and not armed thou hadst performed those things of which thou doest glory and that there were any difference betwixt thee and Sylla the dictatour besides the name of command But what should I relate more of thy iusolency whom Minerua hath taught al her Arts whom the best and greatest Iuputer hath admitted into the Counsell of the gods whom Italy being banished brought backe on her shoulders I beseech thee O thou Romulus of ArpinuÌ„ what place at length obainest thou in the Citty what counterfeit and dissemble deepely greedy he was of other mens goods prodigall of his owne in lust vnsatiable He had eloquence enough but little wisedome His vast mind did euermore desire things immoderate incredible and ouer difficult After the tyrannicall gouernement of Silla he had a great desire to vsurpe vpon the Commonwealth neither did he care whether it were by right or wrong so that he might attaine the soueraigne rule His restlesse spirit was daily more and more disquieted through his priuate wants and guilty conscience both which increased in him by the meanes before recited besides the corrupted maÌ„ners of the Citty serued for incentiues to his ambition and these were turmoiled by the worst of opposite euils Luxury and Couetousnesse And now because wee haue related some thing of the States deprauation the opportunity it selfe seemes to inuite vs vnto the repetition of things forepast and in them to deliuer the institutions of our Ancestours both Ciuil and Military the forme of gouernment which they vsed in the CoÌ„monwealth and the greatnesse with which they left it to posterity and how this glorious Republique languishing by degrees did degenerate into a vile ignominious tyranny CHAP. 3. The beginning and declining of the Roman Empire the precedent times commended and the present taxed THe Troians as I haue heard first built and inhabited the Cittie of Rome who vnder the conduct of Aeneas liuing like fugitiues wandred vp and downe without any certaine place of habitation with these the Aborigines or natiues ioyned themselues who being a sauage kind of people liued free without lawes and dissolute without gouernment After both these were inuironed with one wall incredible it is to be thought on with what redinesse they complied together being different in linage language and customes But after their estate grew respectiue and powerfull enough being inlarged with inhabitants ciuilitie territory an euent most frequeÌ„t in humane affaires enuy did attend on prosperitie so that for this cause alone the Kings and bordering Nations assailed them with warre in this some few friends came to their ayde others being terrified remoued themselues from the danger But the Romans being regardfull of themselues both in ciuill militarie exigents neglected no opportunity they made great preparations incouraged one another issued forth to encounter the enemy reposing their liberties their Countries and parents safety in the protection of their Armes After when their vertue had giuen the repulse to danger they sent aydes to their friends and allies procuring new confederacies rather by giuing then receiuing benefits Their gouernment was regular and the name of it was termed Royall Certaine selected persons whose bodies were infeebled with age as their minds were fortâ—fied with wisedome did prouide for the Commonwealth these in regard of their yeeres or Office were called Fathers Afterwards when the Domination Royall which was first instituted for the maintenance of liberty and inlargement of territory did degenerate into pride and absolute soueraigenty the forme of policie being changed they erected an annuall Empire vnder the rule of two Consuls By this course they thought mens minds could best be strained from insolency But euen then more then before euery man began to ouerualue himselfe and to dispose his endeuours towards indirect ends as well knowing that Princes jealousies attend more vpon good men then bad and that the vertue of others administers to them alwayes an occasion of terrour Now it is a matter strange to be rehearsed how much the Cittie hauing regained her liberty inlarged her selfe in a short time So forcibly moued the desire of glory for now the youth as soone as they were capable of warlike sufferances with much exercise learned their military duties residing for the most part in Tents and these reposed more delight in the equipage of their Armes and horses of seruice then in bankets and whores Hence was it that to such men no labour was vncouth no place was too difficult for accesse or assault yea the armed enemy was not dreadfull their valour subdued all incountring opposites the controuersie of glory remaining especially amongst themselues Thus euery man stroue with emulation to inuade the enemy to scale the walles and to exploit such things in publicke view This they accounted riches Honour and true Nobilitie They were greedy of praise liberall of their coine They coueted glory without measure wealth with a competency Here I could relate in what places the Roman people haue defeated with small numbers puissant Armies of their aduersaries what Citties they haue taken by situation impregnable but I feare this digression would withdraw me too farre onely let me assure thus much that Fortune is predominant in all euents It is she that illustrates and obscures our actions being led more by will then reason The exploits of the Athenians in my opinion were ample and magnificent yet somewhat inferiour to their report for by reason of those admirable wits which liued in that State their actes were celebrated thorow the world with excesse of praise so that their vertue was prized in as high an estimate as the sufficiency of wit could deliuer in language But the ancient Romanes were necessitated in this the capablest spirits being the most actiue doers no man exercised his mind without reference to the body The best men preferred doing before speaking and desired rather to haue their owne deserts praised then to reate other mens exploits by which meanes discipline an irruption vnto him with their weapons The Consull hauing intelligence of these preparations and Guardes being disposed according as the occasion and time required he proposeth a Senate being called what their pleasure was to doe with them who were deliuered ouer vnto custody a frequent Senate hauing declared them not long before to haue vndertaken treasonably against the Common-wealth Thereupon D. Iunius Sillanus being first demanded his opinion because at that time he was Consull Elect gaue 〈◊〉 that condigne punishment was to bee taken vpon those who were kept in prison as also vpon L. Cassius P. Furius P. Vmbrenus and Q. Annius if they should be apprehended And being afterwards mooued with Caesars Oration he protested that hee would punctually concurre in opinion with Tiberius Nero in that hee had tbought it fit to make a reference concerning that particular and the reinforcement of the Guards but Caesar when it came to his turne being required his opinion by the Consull deliuered these or the like words All men that consult O ye conscript Fathers about doubtfull affaires ought to be free from hatred friendship anger and pitty for whereas these impediments are the mind can hardly discerne the truth neither is there any man who can serue at once both his pleasure profit whereas you bend your disposition there it preuailes If lust hath gotten the possession it predominates and Reason sways nothing at all I haue an ample subiect ye conscript Fathers to discourse what Kings and Nations haue done vncouncellably being forced by anger or compassion But I had rather relate those things which our Ancestours contrary to their naturall desires haue accomplished rightly and orderly In the Macedonian war which wee waged with King Perses the great and goodly Citty of Rhodes that grew powerfull by the support of the Romane people became vnfaithfull and ill-affected to vs. But afterwards the wars being ended when it was consulted vpon coÌ„cerning the Rhodians our Predecessours lest any man should report they vndertooke the warre more for wealth then wrong dismissed