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
Ambassadours besides a great party corrupted with fauour vilified Adherbal in their speeches with praises they magnifie Iugurths vertue 〈◊〉 with countenance words and all other meanes they stroue to defend another mans treason and wickednesse as if it had concerned their owne honour But oppositely some few to whom goodnesse and equity were dearer then riches gaue sentence that Adherbal was to be succoured and Hiempsals death was seuerely to be punished But of them all most earnest was Aemilius Scaurus a Noble man of an actiue spirit factious couetous of rule and honour yet one that could cunningly palliate his vices He hauing obserued the Kings notorious and impudent bribery fearing as it falls out in like cases that with too much liberty of language he might procure enuy he restrained his mind from that wonted humour Notwithstanding in Senate that part preuailed which before right preferred reward or fauour A Decree is made that ten Delegates should diuide the Kingdome which Micipsa held betweene Iugurth and Adherbal The chiefe of this Ambassie was Lu. Opimius a man much esteemed and powerfull in Senate because being Consull when as C. Graccus and Mar. Fuluius were slaine he did rigorously prosecute the reuenge of the Nobility against the Commons Him Iugurth although he had formerly beene his friend at Rome entertained with great respect by giuing and promising much he wrought so that before reputation loyaltie nay all his owne fortunes he preferred the Kings profit The rest of the Delegates he attempted with the like practice to some fewe faith was more respected then money In the diuision that part of Numidia which bordereth Mauritania being more opulent in soyle and people is assigned vnto Iugurth that other more commended for shew then profit as hauing more Harbours and fairer houses fell to Adherbals lot CHAP. 4. Africke described as was then knowne to the Romanes Her first Inhabitants THe occasion seemes to require that I should briefly deliuer the situation of Africke and touch the conditions of those Nations with whom we haue had warre or peace But what places and people haue beene scarce frequented through the skortching heate mountaines and desarts of them I will relate nothing forâ— certaine the residueâ— I will in few words vnsold In the diuision of the terrestriall Globe most men allow Africke for a third part some fewe would haue onely Asia Europe but Africke in Europe Her borders on the West are the Ocean and Mediterranean seas on the East a spacious breadth of declining land which place the Inhabitants call Carabathmon The sea is rough without hauens the soile is fertill of graine fit for Cattell scant of trees In the Aire and earth there is scarcity of water The people are healthfull of body swift of foot patient of labour Old age dissolues most of them except perchance such who perish by the sword or wild beasts For seldome sickenesse kills any Besides there are many creatures of venemous kinds But what people inhabited Africke at first and who afterward arriued and how they were intermingled one with another although it differs from the common report yet as it hath beene interpreted vnto vs out of the Punicke bookes which were said to be King Hiempsals and as the natiues of that Country thinke to be I will discourse in briefe But the credit of it shall be required of the Authours In the beginning the Getulians and Libians inhabited Africke a rough and barbarous people whose food was the flesh of wild beasts and such fruites of the earth as Cattell eate These men were gouerned neither by customes Lawes nor Magistrates wandring disperst they lodged there where night inforced But after that Hercules dyed in Spaine as the Africans doe coniecture his Army being composed of sundry Nations hauing lost their Captaine and many of the Leaders affecting the chiefe command disbanded shortly after Of this number the Medes Persains and Armenians transported into Affricke by shipping seazed vpon the Regions confining on the Mediterranean sea the Persians were inmost from the Ocean and they dwelt in the Hulles of their ships turned vpside down in lieu of Cottages for neither the soyle afforded materials for building neither had they meanes to buy or barter any from the Spaniards The great Sea and an vnknowne language prohibited all commerce These by degrees marrying with the Getulians intermingled themselues with them and because trying the goodnesse of the pasture they wandred from one place to another they called themselues Numidae Now euen to this day the houses of the Peazart Numidians which they terme Mapalia being very large and couered with crooked tiles doe resemble the bottomes of ships Vnto the Medes and Armenians the Lybians adioyned themselues for they liued next the African Sea the Getulians more neere the Sunne not farre from the skortching heat and these soonest inhabited Townes For being diuided from Spaine by a narrow sea they resolued to trafficke one with another The Lybians not long after corrupted their names calling them in their barbarous language Mauri for Medi. But the estate of the Persians soone flourished and after that the Nomo-Numidians because of multitude forsaking their parents possessed that territory which lying next to Carthage is named Numidia Then relying on each others support they inforced their neighbours either by Armes or the terrour of them vnto subiection they got a name and renowne those especially which were seated neerest to the Mediterranean sea Because the Lybians were lesse warlike then the Getulians besides for that all nether Africke is possessed by the Numidians all the vanquished were incorporated into the name and Nation of the Conquerours Afterwards the Phaenicians some for lessening the multitude at home some through the desire of rule hauing sollicited the Commons and others longing after nouelties built Hippon Adrumetum Leptis and other Cities on the sea-coast and these in short time being much augmented became partly a safe guard partly an honour vnto their first Progenitours For to be silent of Carthage I hold it more pertinent then to speake of sparingly since time warnes me to speede to another discourse Neere therefore vnto Catabathmon which is the frountier diuiding Aegypt from Africke in the lower sea first of all appeareth Cirene a Colony of the Thereans then the two Syrtes and betweene them Leptis last of all the Aâ—tars of the Philenian brethren which place towards Aegypt the Carthaginians had for a border of their Empire beyond are some Punicke Citties the rest of those Regions the Numidians possesse as farre as Mauritania The Moores are next to Spaine Aboue Numidia we haue heard the Geâ—ulians are liuing partly in Cottages others of them wandring more wildly Behind them are the Aethiopians then the Countries skortched with the Solar heate CHAP. 5. The estate of the African affaires when these Warres began Iugurth ingageth Adherbal to fight and defeateth his Army THerefore in the Iugurthine warre the Romane people gouerned most part of the Punicke Townes and the territories of the
THE Workes of Caius Crispus Salustius Contayning the Conspiracie of Cateline The Warre of Iugurth V Bookes of Historicall fragments II Orations to Caesar for the Institution of a ComÌ„on wealth And one against Cicero Cicero Cateline Cedant arma togae Are to be sould at the Eagle and Chiâ—d in Brittaines Burse by Tho. Walkley Vis expers consilij expers R Vaughan fecit 1629. TO THE right Honourable the Lord Marquis of Hamilton William Crosse wisheth all temporall and spirituall happinesse RIght Honourable the contemplation of your Worth reflected from the circumstance of report and action together with that respect which I owe vnto that Illustrious Family with â Branch whereof you haue contracted alliance haue inuited me to tender this Translation of Salust to your Noble hand vnto which no vulgar thing ought to bee presented If this Romane Master-peece be clothed in an English habit without losse of his primitiue elegancie the Renderer may boldly claime this praise that olet lucernam his worke smelles of the Lampe Thus desiring the God of all power to blesse You and your most Honourable Lady with a numerous and hopefull Issue with a long and prosperous life and after that with eternall happinesse I â—nd and remaine Your Honours most deuoted seruant William Crosse TO HIS FRIEND M r. CROSSE vpon his translation of SALVST CRosse thou hast taught Salust our English tongue Nay to write to vs in a polisht stile A Master-piece became a penne so stronge For few but thou these two could reconcile 'T was Natiue loue dâ—rst such a Geniuâ—â—aise To tell Romes vertue in our sluggish â—ayes In this thy Mappe the weakest eye may see The trust of Friends the force of gold and fate The curious wâ—bbes of humane policie How they supply but not support a State Glorious foundations cemented with blood Though nâ—r so deepely laid proue seldome good See heere the horrid plots of faithlesse Kings Whose iealous feares ne'r wanted Instrument That durst attempt protect such impious things See Rome Heauens scourge and yet not innocent Call'd to reuenge by Iustice and by fate Her selfe to raise all else to ruinate If this well rendred please then thanke his braines Who hath inricht thee with his studious paines Francis Wortley Knight Baronet VVHen I behold thy Muse in Romane tire Or in the Belgian compleate armature I cannot chuse but wonder at that fire Which doth informe a pen a stile so pure The monuments whereof time chance and fate Shall disinabled be to ruinate F. D. Knight VVHat in thy labour may I most approue And shew as well my iudgement as my loue Shall I commend thy wise election Of such a subiâ—ct which in right is one Of Romes best Histories and rendred here May please the best the wisest shar est eare Or shall I praise thy faith in rendring Thine elegance in cloathing euery thing Or ioyne them all in one since â—ere I see They all in this translation doe agree A noble subiect fit to bee begun Is faithfully and elegantly done Thomas May Esquire IF rendring of graue Salusts knotty phrase Into smooth English without any losse Of Latine saâ—t deserue Phaebaean bayes Then thou mayst iustly claime the laurell Crosse To wreath thy learned temples for thy merit This guerdon from the Muses shall inherit When after ages shall professe and say Such are the workes which liâ—e another day Iames Saul Barrester of Graies Inne To the Reader GEntle Reader when thou seest this long Errata thinke not rashly of the worke nor printing since errors in both can hardly be auoided by the most carefull Thus I end and remaine Thine if thou be thy owne in censure WILLIAM CROSSE ERRATA FOr stire read stile p. 5. for plant read plow p. 17. For disease read disuse p. 49. For thereupon read thereunto p. 50. For seruing read suing p. 51. For Camertaine read Camertine p. 81. For designed read designe p 85. For chap. 4. and 13. read 9. and 10. For be fortified read fortified p. 103. For branches read bundles p. 104. For Deputy Lieutenant read Lieutenant p. 122. For Cathegus in all places read Cethegus For which read on which p. 129. For tyranny read the tyranny p. 193. For let read set p. 220. For doth an end read doth put an end p. 232. For his Prouince read the Prouince p. 242. After Ancestors read merits p. 246. For Libsians read Libians p. 266. For raised and assured read raiseth and assureth p. 284. For these Italians read the Italians p. 293. For substites read substitures p. 299. For some read fame p. 304. For submit vp read submit p. 362. For Metâ—llus read Rutilius p. 383. for and chase read and chase them p. 405. Betwixt passage and Metellus read hauing lost many he retired himselfe into places of strength p. 406. For Lieutenant of a Legion read Lieutenant p. 407. For descent read desert p. 448. For fathered read farthered p. 456. For Jugurths read Bocchus p. 469. For of higher read higher p. 491. For rouneth read roundeth p. 540. For Barbarian read Balearian p. 5â—9 For suptitious read suspitious p. 562. For Ariobarzuris read Aâ—iobarzanes p. 630. For wasted read is wasted p. 652. For rozud read rouzed p. 666. For rauing read roauing p. 677. For venals read venall p. 686. For contiâ—ueth read contemneth p. â—88 For Iudicatures in all places read Iudgements The life of Salust collected out of Petrus Crinitus other approued Authors CAius Crispus Salustius according to the report of the Romane Annals was borne at Amiternum in the Sabine territorie the same yeere that Atheis was taken and spoiled by Syllaes Souldiers He was descended of the noble Salustian Family which for a long continuance of time retained the splendour of her ancient dignitie It is held for certaine that hee had his first education in the Citty of Rome and that from his tender yeeres the bent of his endeauours was wholy sixt vpon the studies of ingenious Arts. But happening to liue in those vnfortunate times wherein the corrupted manners of the State bended towards faction and popular siding and both vertue and learning wanting their due rewards his disposition being depraued in a Citty so much vnciuilized as Salust himselfe confesseth was easily vanquished by voluptuous allurements So that being called to the affaires of the State as soone as his age was capable of imployment he suffred many sad misfortunes through the iniquitie of the times and factious people for as then the Common-wealth was much turmoiled being ouerset with Syllaes party It is manifest that Salust had a ready wit and that he was well verst in all kind of litterature but his speciall way was in writing of History He had for his Tutour amongst others famous for learning one Atteius Praetextalus surnamed Philologus by whom hee was instructed as Suetonius Tranquillus reports in the rules of writing well and methodically He was much taken with M. Catoes stile out of whose Commentaries he culled forth many selected
the greatest are dissolued Besides it becomes thee O Iugurth since thou art their elder in yeeres and wisedome to foresee that nothing fall out otherwise then well For in euery controuersie he that is most powerfull although he receiues the wrong yet because hee is most able hee is thought to doe it But as for you Adherbal and Hiempsal loue and obserue this so worthy a man imitate his vertue and indeauour to the vtmost that I may not seeme to haue adopted better children then I haue begotten To this Iugurth although he knew the King dissembled in his speech and his owne thoughts were farre otherwise answered respectiuely for the present within some few dayes Micipsa dies CHAP. 2. The three Kings assemble about the partition of the Kingdome Iugurth is disgraced by Hiempsal his reuenge and victory AFter they according to the manner of Kings had performed his obsequies magnificently the Princes met all together that they might consult amongst themselues of their affaires But Hiempsal who was the yongest of them all being proud by nature and formerly despising Iugurths ignobilitie because on the mothers side his descent was meane sate downe on the right hand of Adherbal left Iugurth should be the middlemost of the three which is accounted the place of honour amongst the Numidians Yet at length being importuned by his brother to yeeld it to the elder he was hardly remooued from thence to the other side There when many things were discussed for the administration of the Kingdome Iugurth amongst other assertions maintaines that all their consultations and decrees for fiue yeeres last past ought to be nullified for during all that time Micipsa being-spent with age was scarce sound in mind Then Hiempsal answered that this pleased him for that he himselfe within these last three yeeres came by adoption to be coheire of the Kingdome which speech sunke deeper into Iugurths brest then any man thought Therefore from that time being perplexed with anger and feare he labours prepares and onely plots the meanes by which Hiempsal might be treacherously surprised The proceedings whereof being slowe and his fierce mind vnappeased he resolues howsoeuer to execute his purpose In the first assembly before mentioned it was agreed vpon by the Kings in regard of their dissension that the treasures should be deuided and that the bounds of each ones Dominion should be limited Thereupon a time for both â—hese is prefixed but the mony was to be soonest distributed The Kings in the meane time remoued seuerally into places adioyning neere to the treasures But Hiempsal by chance tooke vp his lodging in ones house in the towne of Thermida who being chiefest Sergeant at Armes to Iugurth was much beloued and esteemed of him whom being offered for an instrument by fortune he loades with promises and perswades that vnder the colour of visiting his house he should forge false keyes for the gates for the true ones were deliuered to Hiempsal Moreouer when occasion should serue he himselfe would come with sufficient Forces The Numidian speedily executeth his commands and as he was instructed brings in Iugurths Souldiers by night they dispersing themselues seek the King they kill some sleeping others incountring them they search the secretest places breake vp the barred doores and confound all things with noise and tumult when in the meane time Hiempsal is found out being hid in the cottage of a woman seruant whither at the first being frighted and ignorant of the place he was fled The Numidians as they were commanded brought his head to Iugurth Now the fame of so great an outrage is quickly divulged throughout all Africke a sudden feare surpriseth Adherbal and all those who had beene vnder Micipsaes gouernment The Numidians are diuided into two parts the most follow Adherbal but that other the best men of warre whereupon Iugurth leuyeth the greatest Forces that he could the Citties partly by force and partly by voluntary surrender he adioines to his owne Dominions and makes preparations to subiect all Numidiaâ— Bâ—t Adherbal although he had sent Ambassadours to Rome which were to informe the Senate of his brothers murthers and his owne estate yet trusting in the multitude of his Souldiers he prouides a tryall by Armes when the matter came to debatement being ouercome he flies out of the battell into his Prouince and from thence hee poasteth to Rome Then Iugurth his designes being compassed after he got the Soueraignety of all Numidia considering at leisure the fact by him committed he much feared the people of Rome nor against their indignation could he assure any hope except it were from the auarice of the Nobility and his owne money Therefore some few dayes after he sends his Ambassadours to Rome with much gold and siluer to whom hee gaue in charge that first with gifts they should satisfie his old friends then they should procure new finally that they should not delaye to corrupt with bribes whomsoeuer they could But as soone as the Ambassadours were arriued at Rome and according to their Kings command had sent rich presents vnto their Patrons and others whose authority as then was most powerfull in Senate such an alteration forthwith insued that Iugurth from their highest displeasure was receiued into the grace and fauour of the Nobility Part of whom being induced with hopes part with rewards laboured by suing to the Senatours seuerally that no rigorous Decree might passe against him Thereupon as soone as the Ambassadours were fully confirmed an Audience in Senate vpon an appointed day is granted to both parties Then Adherbal as we haue heard spake after this manner CHAP. 3. Adherbals Oration to the Senate The reply of Iugurths Ambassadours YE Fathers Conscript Micipsa my father inioyned me that I should thinke the deputed Gouernment of the Kingdome of Numidia to be onely mine that the right and Soueraignty was intirely yours withall that I should striue to the vtmost both in peace and â—â—arre to be most seruiceaâ—â— vnto you That I 〈◊〉 esteeme you in the place of kinsmen and Allies If I did thus I should possesse by your friendship Armies riches and the fortresses of my Kingdome Which precepts of my faâ—then whilst obserued Iugurth a man of all whom the earth beares the most wicked hath thrust out me Massenissaes nephew and your Confederate and friend as it were by inheritance out of my Kingdome and all my fortunes And since ye Fathers Conscript I was to arriue at this point of misery I would that rather for my owne then my Ancestours I could claimâ—â—â—â—â—sistance from you But especially that good offices might be due to me from the Romane people of which I stood not any wayes necessitated next to this I would if they were to be wisht for that I might vse them as debts of duty But because goodnesse is hardly safe in itselfe neither was I assured what Iugurths demeanour would be I fled to you for refuge ye Fathers Conscript vnto whom which is the greatest misery to me
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
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
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
because we haue parents aboundantly of friends neither we nor any man else had euer enough And would to God this had pleased thee from the beginning then for certaine thou hadst receiued more benefits from the people of Rome then thou hast suffered mischiefes But because Fortune gouernes most of humane affaires whose pleasure forsooth it was that thou shouldest trye both our force and fauour now since thou maist doe it by her leaue make haste goe on as thou hast begunne Many and opportune meanes thou hast to redeeme thy errours the more easily with good offices Lastly let this sinke into thy brest that the people of Rome were neuer ouercome with benefits for in warre what they are able to doe thou thy selfe knowest To this Bocchus answered in few words excusing withall his owne of fence That he had not taken armes with any hostill intention but for the safety of his Kingdome that that part of Numidia from whence he expelled Iugurth was made his owne by the right of warre hee could not suffer that to be wasted by Marius moreouer hauing sent Ambassadours to Rome hee had receiued a repulse of their friendship But he would omit old grieuances and now if hee might haue Marius licence he would senâ— Ambassadours to the Senate Then leaue being granted the Barbarians mind was altered by his friends whom Iugurth fearefull of what was intended after the knowledge of Syllaâ— and Manlius Ambassage had corrupted with gifts CHAP. 27. Marius draweth out some Troupesito besiege the Kings Towre Bocchus some other Ambassadours of whom three are sent to Rome MArius in the meane time his Army being quartered in their Winter Garrisons marcheth into the Desarts with the light-armed Cohorts and a part of the Cauallery to besiege the Towre royal where Iugurth had placed all the fugitiues in Garrison Then againe either from the Contemplation of those things which had happened to him in two seuerall battels or being admonished by other friends whom Iugurth had left vncorrupted Bocchus selecteth fiue amongst all the number of those that were neerest vnto him whose fidelity was well knowne and whose iudgement were mostable He commands them to goe to Marius and from thence iâ— it were his pleasure to Rome he grants them licence to mannage his affaires and to compound the warre vpon what termes soeuer They trauaile speedily towards the wintring places of the Romanes then being surprized and robbed in their iourney by Getulian theeues they repaire to Sylla being fearefull and vnseemely clad whom the Consull going vpon the expedition had left for Praetour He entertained them not as vaine enemies according to their deserts but daintily and liberally vpon which occasion the Barbarians both thought the report of the Romanes auarice to be false and Sylla for his munificence towards theÌ„ to be their friend For euen then giuing was unknowne to many no man was thought munificent except willing therewith all all good things were procured by bounty Vpon this they deliner Bocchus chardge to the Treasurer withall they request of him that hee would be their fauourer and Counseller they magnifie in their speech the Kings Forces faith greatnesse and what â—â—se besides they thought would be vsefull or beneuolent Then Sylla hauing promised them his best furtherance they being instructed what they should speake to Marius what to the Senate stayed thereabout forty dayes After Marius without effecting the businesse was returned to Cirtha as he intended being certified of the arriuall of the Ambassadours he commands both them and Sylla to come to him from Vtica and with them L. Bellienus Praetour of Vtica besides all men from all places of the Senatorian Order with them hee informes himselfe of â—ugurths Mandates in which licence was giuen to the Ambassadours to goe to Rome in the interspace a Truce was required of the Consull These things pleased Marius and most men besides some few censured more rigorously as ignorant of humane affaires which being fraile and inconstant doe alwayes change oppositly But the Moores hauing all their requests granted three of them went to Rome with Cn. Octauius Rufo who being Treasurer transported the pay into Africke two of them returne to the King From these Bocchus heard amongst other things the report of Syllaes bounty and affection And at Rome to his Ambassadours requsting friendship and alliance after they had confessed the Kiug to haue erred and to haue fallen into this mischiefe by Iugurths villany an answere was made after this manner That the Senate and people of Rome were mindfull of a benefit and iniury but yet to Bocchus because he repented they gaue a pardon of his offence aliance and friendship shall bee granted when he shall deserue it Which passages being knowne Bocchus intreateth Marius by his letters that he would send Sylla vnto him by whose arbitration they might prouide for the common affaires He was sent with a Conuoy of Horsemen and Footmen being Barbarian slingers besides there went Archers the Pelignian Cohort with their light armes because of making the more expedition in their iourney neither were they lesse defended with these then with other armes against the enemies Darts because they are light also But on the fifth day as they iourneyed Volux the sonne of Bocchus shewes himselfe suddenly in the openly fields with no more than a thousand Horse who marching loosely and disorderly represented to Sylla all the rest both a number greater then truth and a hostill terrour besides Therefore euery man makes ready they try they fixe their armes and weapons their feare was something but their hope more as vnto vanquishers and against those whom they had often vanquished In the meane time the Horsemen sent before to discouer brought tidings that all was quiet Volux comming neere telleth the Treasurer that hee was sent by his father Bocchus to meet and to guard them then ioyning their Forces they march that and the next day together without feare Afterwards when they had pitched their Tents and the euening was come suddenly the Moore trembling with a suptitious countenance poasteth to Sylla informing him that it was discouered by the skoutes that Iugurth was not farre off withall hee doth request and perswade him that he would secretly fly away with him by night He being of a haughty mind denies that he feares the Numidian so often vanquished he was sufficiently confident of his owne mens valour yea if certaine destruction were at hand he would rather stay then betraying those whom he led saue by a shamefull flight an vncertaine life and subiect to extinguishment by sickenesse perhaps in a short time after But being warned by him to dismarch by night he approues the counsell and forthwith he commands the Souldiers to suppe in their Tents frequent fires to be made then in the first watch to issue out with silence CHAP. 28. Sylla being sent Ambassadour to Bocchus is likely to be surprized by Iugurth He escapeth Iugurth is betrayed by Bocchus to the Romanes ANd
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