him in his Office After this he fell into another danger being accused by Vettius and Curius as a partner of Cataline yet appealing to Cicero that he had discovered some things to him he came off and revenged himself upon his accusers Then obtained he by lot as we said the Government of Spain and having contracted a vast debt Goeth Praetor into Spain put off his Creditors for that time by the interposition of sureties Coming into his Province he spent not his time in administring Justice A. M. 3944. V. C. 693. but pierced farther into the Countrey and subdued certain people before this untouched seeking matter for a Triumph which then to obtain he hasted to Rome But it being now the time for the Consular Comitia he had an extraordinary desire to that Office and begged of the Senate that he might stand for it by proxy for that he could not himself be present it being against the custom for any that was to Triumph to enter the Citie ere that day came for which as yet he was not provided This though against the Laws was not without president but could not now be granted Therefore he resolved rather to lose his Triumph than misse of the Consulship and coming to Town stood for it himself 46. Great contests hapned about this Office and he had not carried it but that Pompey at this time stood in need of it Obtaineth the Consulship by the means of Pompey For Idem ibid. Plutarch in Pompeio Caesare Lucullo Velleius Patercul l. 2. c. 20. Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Dio lib. 37. pag. 55. A. Livii Epitom lib. 103. the great ones envying his fame refused to confirm those conditions which he had granted to the Kings Governours and Cities of Asia Lucullus his Predecessor in the War with Mithridates who since his return had given up himself wholy to idlenesse and luxury for he first brought into Rome the extravagancy of buildings and feasting they stirred up by his authority to promote their opposition and he presently fell upon him together with Metellus Creticus who bore him malice also ever since the Piratick War Lucullus bade him report his matters singly and not as a Soveraign Lord expect they should all be confirmed without any consideration and whereas he had rescinded several of his acts he desired of the Senate that this might be considered of whether justly done or otherwise Cato Metellus Celer the Consul and Crassus defended Lucullus who boasted that the victory over Mithridates was his own and he obtained that his decrees which Pompey had repealed might be in force and those that Pompey made in reference to the Conquered Kings should be null and he hindred by the help of Cato a Law which he would have preferred about dividing grounds to his Soldiers Pompey being thus used in the Senate betook himself to the Tribunes one whereof L. Flavius that the Law for the grounds might more easily passe would have given the suffrage to all Citizens but Metellus the Consul so earnestly opposed it that though the Tribune cast him in prison yet would he not depart from his former sence which pertinaciousnesse of him and others when Pompey saw he desisted repenting too late that he had disbanded his Armies and exposed himself thus to the malice of his Enemies 47. At this time came C. Julius Caesar to Rome to stand for the Consulship Pompey joyned with him upon condition that he procuring the Consulship for him he would confirm his acts And whereas Pompey and M. Crassus had formerly been at odds ever since their joynt Consulship which they executed with great discord Pompey and Crassus made friends and they three make the conspiracy called the Tricipitina Caesar now made them friends A. M. 3946. Ol. 180. ann 2. V.C. 695. Hyrcani 5. and not onely so but they all three conspired together that nothing should be done in the Commonwealth which displeased any one of them which conspiracy say Writers was pernicious to the Citie the World and at length to themselves This conspiracy of these three principal persons Varro who wrote 490 books described in one book called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tricipitina or Three headed Diodorus Siculus fetcheth the Original of Caesarean matters from this year wherein he travelled into Egypt when young Ptolomy Dionysus was King With this conspiracy also Asinius Pollio begun his History of the Civil War For the falling out of Caesar and Pompey did not as most have thought procure the Civil Wars but rather their Conjunction which was designed to break in pieces the power of the Nobility as Plutarch observeth in the life of Caesar This was the 694th year of the Citie the first of the 180th Olympiad Herodes being Archon at Athens the 58th year before the birth of Christ A. M. 3945. Q. Caecilius Metellus and L. Afranius being Consuls SECT 6. SECT VI. From the beginning of the Tricipitina or first Triumvirate to the absolutenesse of Julius Caesar containing the space of sixteen years 1. CAESAR by the help of Pompey obtained the Consulship but not without the assistance of money also There were two other Competitors L. Lucerius and M. Bibulus whereof he was much for the former Caesar and also his adversaries purchase the Consulship having agreed with him that because he was lesse in favour Velleius l. 2. c. 33. Appian belli civilis l. 2. p. 435. Strabo lib. 12. p. 558. Plutarch in Caesare Lucullo Pompeio Livii Epirom l. 10. but very rich he should give money for them both through the Centuries But the Grandees understanding this and fearing if he had him for his Collegue he might do what he listed they caused Bibulus to offer more they themselves contributing to the expence which corruption Cato denied not to be for the good of the Commonwealth now brought by the means of such evil members into absolute danger and necessity Caesar confirmed Pompey's acts according to agreement neither Lucullus nor any other opposing it and Pompey procured that what honour Lucullus had promised to certain men of Pontus should not be confirmed by the Senate filling the City with Soldiers and by force casting him and Cato out of the Forum In this his first Consulship he sold alliances with Rome and also Kingdoms and to procure the favour of the Commons His acts therein preferred a Law for dividing certain grounds in Campania which had been preserved to defray publick charges to such Citizens as had three children or more This he caused to passe by force and compelled all Plebeians to swear to observe the Law and the Senators also though Cato urged them to refuse for they did it to save their lives he having caused the People to decree that it should be capital for any to deny it He had recourse to the People in all cases making little use of the Senate which he seldom called together Bibulus his Collegue
force Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Caesar lib. 3. Plutarch in Pompeio Dio lib. 42. Not long it was ere she returned having furnished her self which her brother being aware of went and pitched his Tents near the Mountain Casius at the Pelusian mouth of the Nile where lying incamped Pompey being then beaten by Caesar at the battel at Pharsalum fled to him for defence and safeguard chusing rather to venture upon Egypt than any other place both for its nearnesse and strength and hoping upon the account of his Guardianship to be lovingly received The King then a very boy about 13 years old gave no answer to his message Pompey flying to him for succour is slain but those most potent about him consulting of it were perswaded by Theodotus his School-master to receive him but then that they might curry favour with Caesar to make him away A. M. 3957. Ol. 183. ann 1. V. C. 706. Hyrcani 16. C. Julio Caesare 2. P. Servilio Isaurio Coss so that being received with small civility into a little boat he was slain ere he got to the other side as is more largely expressed in the Roman story His head was reserved as a present for Caesar who coming to Alexandria though at the first he was very welcom and got much respect for his frequenting the publick readings of Philosophers yet exacting the debt owing by Auletes and not abstaining from the Treasure of the Temples for the payment of his Army he thereby incurred the great displeasure of the Towns-men all things being made worse by Pothinus who to his utmost ability incensed the superstitious multitude Caesar also accounting it to belong to himself as Consul and shortly after as Dictator to compose the differences of the Confederates of the people of Rome took upon him to judge the cause of the King and his sister which bred such disturbance as thereupon ensued a troublesom War 29. There were secret plots laid for his life which he being aware off Plutarch in Caesare Dio Caesar ut priùs was glad to spend whole nights in feasting to prevent them and gave way to Cleopatra to come to him who knowing he was no hater of women had sent to him to complain Caesar going about to reconcile brother and sister a War is â—â—â—â—ce raised by Pâ—â—hiaus the Eunuch and desire a conference At the sight of her he became her very slave and turned from being her Judge to her Advocate which thing so inraged the King perceiving her now to be got into the Palace that he rushed out to the people crying he was betrayed and pulling his Diadem from his head cast it on the ground A great stir arising hereupon he was caught by Caesars Soldiers and brought back into the house which the multitude thereat inraged now besieged and Caesar with promise to do whatsoever they would scarce appeased the tumult his men being unprovided for resistance having not expected any such occasion from those they accounted their friends Then taking Ptolomy and Cleopatra along with him A. M. 3958. Q. Fusto Caleno Publio Vatinio Coss he read over their fathers Will in publick audience which subjecting them to the tuition of the people of Rome whose Supream and absolute Magistrate he then was in execution of the said Will he gave to them two as husband and wife the Kingdom of Egypt and to their younger brother and sister that of Cyprus not leaving any thing to himself but willing rather to add something of his own such a fear at this time had seized on him The people hereby was quieted for a time untill Pothinus fearing he might be called to account for what had already passed kindled a new flame to divert it He first objected as well he might what an unworthy thing it was that the King should be called to answer and then added there was reason to suspect that whatsoever Caesar might pretend yet at length he would put all into the hands of Cleopatra He sent to Achillas General of all the Forces then lying at Pelusium alluring him by great promises in the Kings name to draw down the Army privily to Alexandria and he being not backward to cloze with him marched down with 20000 foot and 2000 horse Caesar had not strength enough to go out and meet him and therefore contained himself in the Citie yet commanded his men to be in readinesse and kept the King with him whose name he knew to be of great force amongst his people and that thereby this undertaking might appear rather to be the enterprize of a few dissolute and factious persons than any thing backed by his consent or Warrant The Alexandrian War 30. Achillas (a) Idem ibid. despising the number of Caesar's Soldiers after he had entred the Citie thought presently to have broken in upon him but he prevented this by blocking up the wayes and fortifying his house Then followed a sharp contention at the Haven the Alexandrians endeavouring to become Masters of the Fleet and thereby to cut off all Provisions and supplies from coming to him but he made a shift to burn all the Gallies from which the fire seizing upon the houses adjoyning consumed to ashes that famous (b) Plutarch in Caesare Orosius lib. 6. cap. 15. Library Collected by the care and diligence of the former Kings After this exploit so happily performed he placed a Garrison in (c) Caesar ut priùs Pharus an Island over against Alexandria ennobled by a famous Tower of the same name but three quarters of a mile distant from the Citie and after a few skirmishes sent about into Syria Cilicia and other places for aid Arsinoe the Kings younger sister got out to Achillas and joyntly with him managed the War yet with such contention for the Chief command as proved onely beneficial to the Soldiers whom both by gifts sought to oblige for the contest at length arrived at such (d) Hirtius de bello Alexandrino height that lying in wait for the life of each other he was slain by the help of one Ganymedes who having helped her in her escape was now preferred to be their General Pothinus all this while was not backward Achillas the General is slain and Pothinus put to death by Caesar but out of the Court sent messengers to Achillas to incourage him in his work which being discovered cost him his life and caused the King to be more nearly looked to Ganymedes at his entrance upon the Generalship stopped up the chanels which brought fresh-water into that part of the City where Caesar lay and with engines conveied salt from the Sea into the room of it thinking thereby to discourage the Enemy and force him out of his hold but Caesar though his Soldiers were at first daunted at it prevented the design by sinking of wells which abundantly supplied their necessities to the wonder of the Aegyptians who had no such invention By this time
after he had reigned well nigh four years Together with him fell in this War though most after another fashion 20000 men Ptolomy is drowned 12000 were taken with 70 long ships and 500 of the Romans are said to have been slain Caesar in confidence and pursute of this Victory with the Horse marched presently to the City where he found now not any resistance Caesar taketh Alexandria the Citizens entertaining him in a suppliant posture whom he comforted and forgave 34. Having thus made an end of the War Dio lib. 42. he laied not Egypt to the Roman Empire but gave it to Cleopatra joyning to her in mariage to colour the businesse her younger brother as yet but eleven years old Appian de bello civili l. 2. but indeed subjecting all things to her will and power with whom he was so familiar as out of love to her he staied in Egypt nine moneths and had done it longer Plutarch in Caesare or else had taken her with him to Rome had he not been called thence by the urgent affaires of Syria and not long after she brought him a son whom by his permission she named Caesario Sueton in Julio At his departure he removed Arsione out of the Kingdom lest any disturbance should arise upon her account and left three Legions behind him for the security of these two Princes who being disrespected by their own People for their respect to him as yet were not confirmed in their seats 35. As for the Government Cleopartra reigned and acted alone without the control of any permitting her brother to enjoy the title with his life as yet Not long after Caesar's departure the eldest son of Pompey his Enemy coming to Alexandria she is (a) Plutarch in Antonio reported to have been as familiar and common with him yet upon Caesar's invitation (b) Sueton ut prius went with her brother to Rome where they were admitted as friends and allies for her a lodging was provided in his own house and having built a Temple to Venus Genetrix which he had vowed before the battel at Pharsalia he therein placed (c) Appian ibid. her effigies beside the Goddesse In the fourth year her brother growing towards a man Cleopatra poysoneth her brother she (d) Josephus Antiquit. l. 15. cap. 4. poysoned him to be at her own liberty After Julius Caesar was killed in the Senate house she stood ever firm to those that prosecuted the conspiratours to (e) Appian de bello civili l. 3 4. Dolobella at his request of aid she sent four Legions and had a fleet ready to put out had the weather served To Cassius who with menacing language demanded supplies she plainly refused to send any for that he had an hand in Caesar's death his threats only inciting her to go and meet Octavius Caesar and Antony who were then making an Expedition against him and his fellow Brutus the heads of their faction A. M. 3963. Ol. 184. an 3. V. C. 712. Hyrcani 22. M. Emilio Lepido 2. L. Munatio Planco Coss He getting knowledge of her intentions sent a strong party with 60 ships to hover for her about Peloponnesus but such a tempest seized on her Fleet that her design was broken and having received great losse and now fallen sick she was forced to return into Aegypt Antony after the overthrow of Brutus and Cassius Cometh to Antony in Asia who followeth her into Aegypt being left in Asia to settle the affaires thereof thither she repaired to him in a strange antick fashion and he who when he formerly served under Gabinius in Aegypt had cast a wanton eye upon her Plutarch ut prius Appian lib. 5. was now so smitten though 40 years old that he also became enslaved to her in his affections She ruled him and all his affaires and procured him out of hand to cause her sister Arsione to be made away who being formerly led in triumph by Julius Caesar after the Alexandrian War with the pity of all men had for her brother and sisters sake been then dismissed 36. Antony had no power but to follow her into Aegypt Plutarch Appian ut prius where they spent their time in nothing but extraordinary vanity and dalliance After his reconciliation to Caesar and the making up of the breach betwixt them by his marying of Octavia Dio lib. 49. Cleopatra fearing that this new wife might draw his affections from her self pretended to be almost mad in love with him practising upon her body in such sort that being reduced into a Consumption she seemed not to be able to live in his absence whereupon he gave over his intention of invading Parthia for that time and returned to Alexandria Not long after she begged of him that part of Judaea which bare Balm A. M. 3968. Ol. 185. an 4. V. C. 717. Herodis 3. M. Vepsanio Agrippa L. Canidio Gallo Cass Josephus Antiq l. 15. c. 5. and many other places and Countries which he bestowed upon her to the great distaste of the People of Rome who took it in high disdain as well that such vast possessions should be given her as that now he had divers children by her two of which beeing twins were named Sun and Moon Shortly after she accompanied him as far as Euphrates then making an Expedition into Armenia and taking Judaea in her way homeward that part thereof which Antony had given her together with Arabia she let out to farm unto Herod whom also either out of her filthy affection to him which she pretended or for some other end having formerly wished for an advantage against him to get his Kingdom she sollicited to the breach of the chastity of them both but he instead of giving her satisfaction consulted with his friends how to kill her and then being again terrified from that to do her honour waited on her home as far as Pelusium Antony having prospered in Armenia returned and entred Alexandria in triumph leading with him Artavasdes the King with his wife and children Plutarch Dio ut supra whom he earnestly laboured with to make them fall down before her as suppliants but to no purpose Then spent they their time in feasting he divided almost half of the Roman Empire betwixt her and her children she took upon her the name of Isis and he of Osiris and Father Bacchus having his temples crowned with Ivy and wearing buskins Their loose practices being drawn in that garb after the fashion of Bacchus in a chariot through the streets of the City 37. Sueton in Octavio Dio lib. 49 50. These foolish and loose practices brought great inconveniences upon them For Caesar Octavius and he fell presently of recriminating each other and Anthony not long after had the confidence to send to Rome to desire from the Senate a confirmation of his donations to her and her children which gave such offence that
through his Province without offence Caesar's acts in Gall the first year to consider whereof he took time till the Ides of April and in the mean time raised a wall twenty miles in length from the Lake Lemanus to the Hill Jura which divdeth Burgoin from Switzer-land and thereby hindred their passage They then bent their course to Araris a River in France now called Saon where in their passage be overthrew and dispersed them Florum l. 3. c. 10. Livii Epitom l. 103. Orosium l. 6. c. 7. They sent him another message to no purpose and repelled 4000 of his Horse which too greedily chased them but he continually followed and hindring them from wasting the Country at length quite routed and put them to flight of 348000 130000 onely remaining who also shortly after were forced for want of provisions to yield and giving Hostages and delivering up their arms to return from whence they came and rebuild their Towns and Villages After this was done the Galls complained to him of Ariovistus King of the Germans who had seized on a third part of the Countrey belonging to the Sequani now Burgundians and intended to take the rest also He first sent to him but this being in vain he led his Army against him and they came to an enterview which succeeding not he overthrew him also and he fled into Germany in a little boat two of his wives and as many daughters being taken These things Caesar accomplished in the first Summer in the Consulship of his two creatures Piso and Gabinius 6. The following year all the Belgae now inhabitants of the Low-countries for the most part except those about Rheimes conspired together against the Romans The acts of his second year Caesar Comment l. 2. and besieged Bibrax now Bearne and another fort kept by Q. Titunus Caesar hereupon marched to the River Axona now Le Disne and there overthrew them after which divers yielded themselves but the Nervii a People about Tournay in Flanders a warlike and severe Nation stood out with whom joyned the Attrebates and Veromandui now Inhabitants of Artois and of part of Picardie but these he utterly overthrew scarcely any escaping out of the field This was done that year wherein Cicero was recalled In the third year purposing for Italy himself he sent Servius Galba with the twelfth Legion and part of the Horse against the Antuates Veragri The third and Seduni Lib. 3. Dio lib. 39. Nations inhabiting from the River Rhene as high as the Alpes because he would have the passage thereabout cleared for traffick Galba defeated a great multitude of them which set upon him in his Camp Caesar not long after returning found the Veneti and other Nations of Gallâ—a Celtica in rebellion who gave him trouble enough but at length he overthrew the Veneti at Sea Crassus subdued the Sontiates and the greatest part of Aquitaine and Sabinus the Unelli and maritime Cities Then fell he upon the Marini a People near Calais in Picardy and the Menapii also these two Nations still being in Arms. But Winter growing on foul weather secured them in the marishes and caused him to remove his men to their winter-quarters 7. Now by this time he had got great store of of wealth Sueton in Julio Appian belli civilis lib. 2. Pultarch in Pompeio in Crasso Dio lib. 39. p. 108. Patercul l. 2. c. 46. wherewith he not onely paid his debts but made him great store of friends by gifts and contributions Herewith he corrupted the Aediles Praetors Consuls and their wives Passing over the Alpes this Winter into Luca where he took up his head quarters so great concourse was made to him that there were present 200 Senators amongst whom were Crassus and Pompey and so many Proconsuls and Praetors Great confluence to him at Luca. that 120 bundles of rods have been seen together at his gates He fearing he might be recalled procured Pompey and Crassus to obtain the Consulship for the following year and continue him his imployment in Gall for other five years Cato perswaded L. Domitius to stand for the Consulship telling him he should contend not for Magistracy but for liberty against the Tyrants But Pompey fearing Cato's vehemency lest having the whole Senate in his power he should perswade the People to what was best sent some armed men upon Domitius as he went down to the Forum who killed the slave that caried the light before them dispersed them all Cato being the last that fled who received a wound on his arm whilst he fought for Domitius Pompey and Crassus having thus by force obtained the Consulship bore themselves nothing more moderately afterwards The people being about to give Cato the Praetorship Pompey and Crassus according to agreement obtained the Consulships by force and continue to Caesar his Command for other five years Pompey pretended a strange fight from Heaven and dismissed the Assembly then corrupting the Tribes with money he procured Antias and Vatinius to be chosen Praetors A. M. 3950. Ol. 181. ann 2. V. C. 699. Hyrcani 9. Then by the help of Trebonius the Tribune they procured Laws which continued to Caesar as they had agreed his Government in Gall for other five years assigned Syria to Crassus with the Parthian War and to Pompey all Africk and the Spains with four Legions whereof two he lent to Caesar for the Gallick Wars Pompey being permitted to Govern his Provinces by Deputies stayed at Rome where he spent his time in shews and pastimes Crassus much rejoyced in his part scarcely being able to contain himself abroad and at home contrary to his wonted gravity breaking forth into Childish expressions of joy For he sleighted the thoughts of Syria and Parthia as one who would so order his affairs that the exploits of Lucullus against Tigranos and of Pompey in the War with Mithridates should seem but toys extending his hopes as far as Bactria the Indians and the utmost Ocean 8. The Tribunes hindred all they could the Consuls from raising men and laboured to repeal the Laws made for their expeditions Crassus against the minds of all men resolving to go against the Parthians Pompey was herewith well enough contented having sent his Lieutenants into his Provinces and being unwilling to leave the Citie as he pretended Plutarch Dio ut priùs because of the charge of Provisions committed to him which Cicero in way of recompence for his labour in his restitution had procured him from the Senate that so he might have authority all over the Roman Empire But Crassus betook himself to force which when the Tribunes saw themselves unable to withstand they desisted but loaded him with curses and when he made the accustomed prayers in the Capitol for prosperous successe they spoke of unluck auspicia and prodigies which had hapned Atteius the Tribune laboured to hinder him from going many exclaiming against it as an unworthy thing that he should
hindred by Marcellus the Consul who had succeeded Pompey whereupon Caesar laying his hand upon his Sword said that that should obtain it for him Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Velleius Paterc l. 2. c. 48. This Marcellus was very bitter against him pressing hard that a Successor should be sent to him but this was crossed by Pompey either out of good nature or policy Such were designed Consuls for the ensuing year as were most opposite to Caesar viz. L. Aemilius Paulus and C. Claudius Marcellus Nephew to the former Consul by his brother Curio also an inveterate Enemy of Caesar was made Tribune Yet all these except Claudius were drawn aside by money Paulus by 1500 Talents and Curio who was much indebted by 100000 Sesterces Marcellus then urging that a Successor was to be sent to Caesar Curio stisly withstood it alleging that then ought Pompey also to dismisse his Army for that his power was equally dangerous to the publick liberty Pompey outwardly seemed willing and said he would disband his men but Curio fell foul upon him telling him that promise without performance was nothing and that he might seem to stand for the good of the Commonwealth and not carry favour with Caesar he desired that if they both refused to disband they should the one as well as the other be declared Enemies to the State 25. Pompey exceedingly netled hereat threatned him but he ceased not to urge the thing The Senate could have wished them both reduced but feared to disbâ—nd Pompey's Army looking upon Caesar as the more dangerous person Pompey sent now to him for the Legion he had lent him both of them being ordered into Syria to defend the Eastern parts now in danger by the overthrow of Crassus he sent him this Legion and another of his own but there being no need of them in Syria they wintred at Capua Those that brought them into Italy did ill Offices for Caesar and gave out as if his Army at his return would all revolt which though very false was believed by Pompey who thereupon neglected to provide for so dangerous a War as followed The next year C. Claudius Marcellus and L. Corn. Lentulus were Consuls and it was propounded to the Senate whether both Pompey and Caesar should lay down all power Though once it was carried that Caesar onely should when the Consul propounded it severally yet * Consule Appianum de bello civili lib. 2. pag. 446. Curio again putting it to the question it was carried against both by 348 voices Curio laboureth hard for Caesar Hereat the Consuls inraged left the Citie and gave Pompey power as from themselves to fight for his Countrey against Caesar which he seemed not altogether to approve Now Curio perceiving himself in danger and that he could do no more service for Caesar fled unto him 26. Curio being called to a Consultation would have had him presently to invade Italy but he chose rather first to make an overture of Peace as 't is said writing to his friends to procure though it were but two Legions with Gall within the Alps and Illyricum untill he should be Consul which though it seemed something reasonable to Pompey the Consuls would not admit of it Then wrote he to the Senate a menacing and bitter letter as it 's stiled by * Epistol ad familiar l. 16. Epist 11. Cicero who now was returned from Cilicia his Province which he governed a year and for his good service in the field was saluted Imperator and had a triumph decreed him by the Senate which these disturbances quite put off he saying that so an agreement were made he had rather follow the chariot of Caesar wherein after an honourable mention made of his own exploits he signified that he was willing to resign his power Dio l. 40. initio in case Pompey did the like otherwise he should retain his Forces and presently come to revenge those injuries which had as well been offered to himself as his Country At the reading of these last words all cryed out that War was denounced and they sent L. Domitius to succeed him in his Government L. Domitius sent by the Senate to succeed Caesar with four newly raised Legions For that Antonius and Cassius the Tribunes were of Curio's judgement the Consuls bade them depart out of the Senate lest their persons Sacrosanct as the term was by their Office should be violated who in a great rage departing that night fled towards Caesar So now began this famous Civil War in the fourth year of the 182 Olympiad the 705 of the City 47 before the birth of Christ A. M. 3956 the aforesaid C. Claudius Marcellus and L. Corn. Lentulus being Consuls 27. The Senate did not think that Caesar would return presently out of Gall as being unprepared for such an undertaking Lege Appian ubi supra Caesar de bello Civil l. 1. Dio l. 40. and therefore were more flow in their Levies but he ever judging expedition to be the greatest help in his undertakings resolved with five Legions to begin the work and take in the commodious places in Italy and so did he with admirable speed Ariminum and others This unexpected thing terrified the Senate and the People Caesar invadeth Italy which called to mind the sad effects of the Civil Wars betwixt Sylla and Marius Cicero would have had them sent to Caesar but the Consuls withstood it Then departed Pompey to the Army at Capua whom the Consuls presently followed The Senators being at their Wits end spent all that night in their house and at length followed Pompey to Brundusium A. M. 3956. Ol. 182. ann 4. V. C. 705. Hyrcani 15. Caesar at Corfinium met Domitius who was sent to succeed him whom he dismissed after he had received his Soldiers that now revolted to him Then followed he Pompey to Brundusium who had sent over the Consuls with part of the Legions into Epirus which he intended to make the seat of the Warre staying in the Town till the return of the ships Followeth Pompey to Brundusium to transport the rest of the Army Caesar attempted to storm the place but he withstood him till such time as he had shipped his men and so passed over to Dirrhachium 28. Caesar knew not well now what to do For hearing such concourse to be made to Pompey who drew to his party all the forces of the East and knowing his old Army to be in Spain his Province he feared to follow him over lest he should expose Italy to it and have an enemy at his back Appian ut prius Caesaris de bello civil l. 2. Plutarch in Caesare Pompeio Sueton in Julio He therefore returned to Rome having in the space of 60 dayes got all Italy into his hands without blood and breaking open the Treasury took out the money wich had layn there ever since the taking of the City by the Galls being reserved for
plotted his destruction and being caught in the manner was according to her deserts though perhaps not his duty put to death after she had domineered over him and expelled his brother eighteen years 22. Alexander being known to the People to have killed his mother Justin ibid. such a Sedition was thence moved as glad he was to flie for his life and thence they recalled his elder brother Lathurus from Cyprus and restored him his Kingdom for many years after his expulsion Who being thereupon expelled Lathurus is restored being now if we may believe Justin so satisfied with his present condition as of himselfe hee would never have made War upon his mother nor thereby sought to recover out of his brothers hands what he had formerly injoyed About this time his base brother Apion of Cyrene died and left the People of Rome his heir which thereupon left the Country to it 's own freedom but after ten years was it sore shaken and almost rent in pieces by Wars and Tyranny Livius Epitom lib. 70. which fell on it being destitute of a Royal Monarch Lucullus going thither composed the differences and setled the Commonwealth as he thought which after other ten years came to be reduced out of necessity to a Roman Province From Cyrene Lucullus returned through Egypt and in his passage being set upon by Pyrats lost almost all his Vessels Platarch in Lucullo yet escaped he safe to Alexandria the Kings Fleet being sent out to meet him where Lathurus entertained him with great magnificence lodged him in his own Court which favour had never before been bestowed on any stranger and presented him with gifts to the value of 80 Talents He entertaineth Lucullus the Roman But he onely received what was necessary and neither visiting Memphis nor seeing any of the rarities of Egypt being called away by his occasions returned through Cyprus unto Sylla whose Lieutenant then he was in the War against Mithridates King of Pontus After this the Inhabitants of Thebes revolted from him but in the third year he reduced them again to obedience Pausan in Attiis which is not to be understood of Thebes in Boeotia seeing he had nothing there to do but of the City so called in his own Country Not long after he died 37 years wanting some moneths after the death of his Father Physcon A. M. 3925 and the first of the 175 Olympiad 23. It 's difficult to assign certainly who succeeded him (a) Porphyr in Graecis Euseb Some say Cleopatra his daughter and wife to his brother Alexander others (b) Apian de bello civ lib. 1. that Alexander's son being received into familiarity with Sylla the Roman Dictator was by him placed in the Kingdom then destitute of issue male They may be reconciled by that which is further affirmed by the former viz. that he maried Cleopatra then Queen Apian saith that being seized on the Kingdom Alexander the second the Alexandrians not enduring his insolence on the nineteenth day drew him out of the Court and killed him but Porphyrie reporteth him to have slain her nineteen dayes after he had maried her Certainly though his reign be accounted no longer and that of Auletes to begin here yet cannot be rejected that which is produced to the contrary For Suetonius reporteth In Julio c. 11. that Julius Caesar in his younger dayes having ingratiated himself with the People attempted by their Tribunes that Egypt might be assigned him as a Province having gotten an opportunity of extraordinary command for that the Alexandrians had expelled their King on whom the Senate had bestowed the title of friend and allie This can in no wise be meant of Auletes for when he was expelled and came to Rome Caesar was then above such a condition having spent some years in the Wars of Gall. And that King of Egypt mentioned by Cicero to have died at Tyre In Orat. 1a. 2a Agraria and reported to have left the People of Rome his heir in his Consulship can be meant of none but of this Alexander the Second who being expelled rebelliously by his Subjects lived and died there in exile so that we must necessarily assign him counting from the death of Lathurus to the Consulship of Cicero about fifteen years during which time of his life he is to be supposed to have reigned longer than onely so many dayes contrary to the vulgar opinion 25. Alexander being expelled by the Alexandrians they immediately set up in his room Auletes succeedeth Alexandor the son of Lathurus sirnamed Dionysius and Auletes because he was too much addicted to the rites of Bacchus and dancing to the sound of Cymbals and Pipes He was base born as appeareth by the Prologue to the 39 book of Trogus and so was also his brother the King of Cyprus if that be true which Pausanias speaketh of his Fathers having no legitimate issue except one daughter After some years they that set him up pulled him down for his brother of Cyprus being most unjustly spoiled of his Kingdom by the Romans through the malice of Clodius Tribune of the People they pressed him sore either to demand Cyprus of the Romans or renounce their friendship Being unwilling to do this â—od lib. 39. and by reason of his great exactions which hee made for paying of his debts contracted by his purchase of the Roman alliance he incurred their hatred Plutarch in Catone Minore and whereas he could neither quiet the tumults by fair means nor foul was glad to withdraw himself out of the way and went to Rome At Rhodes he met with Cato who was sent by Clodius out of the way under colour of doing him honour to reduce Cyprus into the form of a Roman Province Is compelled by his rebellious Subjects and betaketh himself to Rome who advised him to return and be reconciled to his subjects rather than leaving his former happy condition to expose himself to danger and the avarice of the Roman Officers which Egypt it self could not be able to satisfie Being by the Counsel of his grave and wise man reduced as into his wits he was minded to follow his advice but was presently again turned by his friends A. M. 3948. Ol. 180. ann 1. V.C. 697. Hyrcani 7. and hasted to the Citie where he had time and cause enough to repent of his despising the Oracle as then he accounted it of so great a man 25. Being come to Rome he created the Senate much trouble Strabo lib. 17. being commended to it by Pompey whom some reported to have been the cause of his leaving Egypt more than any injury offered him by his subjects Plutarch in Pompeio Dio ibid. Cicero Familiar Epist lib. 1. Epist 1. Strabo Dio ut priùs Porphyrius in Graecis Eusebii that so he might afford matter for new Wars He desired he might be reduced into his Kingdom by Cornelius Lentulus the Consul to whom Cilicia
a legion shipped by Domitius Calvinus with provisions and arms from Syria landed on the African shoar a little above Alexandria which Caesar understanding went with his Fleet unmanned to fetch them in and the Enemie having notice of it drew out also against him He receiving the men aboard had no mind to ingage because it grew towards night but a Rhodian Gally not keeping up with the rest of the Fleet Caesar defeateth the Alexandrians at sea was set upon whereby he was constrained to go in to the rescue and so caried himself that day-light onely was wanting to his compleating the Victory by utterly destroying the whole Navy of the Alexandrians 31. They notwithstanding this defeat in which and other wayes of late Idem ibid. they had lost no fewer than 110 Vessels yet being encouraged thereto by Ganimedes set themselves to the rigging of another Fleet which being in a readinesse Caesar brought his about the Island Pharos and set it in order against them Both sides being ready to ingage yet a narrow passage lying betwixt them each expected till the other should enter first as then having a better advantage until the Rhodians desired of Caesar leave to enter the Streight This once granted and done they were presently set upon and then relieved till a total engagement ensued in which the Aegyptians were worsted not a ship of Caesar's receiving any hurt and in their flight took in in Pharos Again where they were received by their friends and kept off the Romans for some time but a length were forced to quit the Island with great losse This being joyned to the main by two bridges one of them in like manner was forsaken by the Towns-men but the Romans attempting to gain the other through the rashnesse of some in their company were beaten off and forced tumultuously to betake themselves to their ships Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Caesar himself in the hurry was glad to leap into the Sea and the Enemy following to dive under water He casteth himself into danger and take breath now and then as he could till having swom almost a quarter of a mile he was taken up into a ship He lost 400 of his Legionary Soldiers in this skirmish as many ship-men and rowers yet neither he nor his Army were discouraged at all but were rather incited to redeem their losse by some other exploit which the Alexandrians taking notice of sent to him desiring he would dismisse their King whom now they professed they were ready to obey and if he should command them to be friends with him they would presently yield He knew there was neither any trusting of him nor them but considering that if he dismissed him they would be nothing the stronger and if he should become the head of their party the War would be more honourable he gravely admonished him to act nothing contrary to the interest of his People or his confederacy with Rome Letteth the King go and then gave him leave to depart though he pretended an unwillingnesse to leave him and notably counterfeited sincere friendship with feigned tears 32. Though he being returned was very earnest for carying on the War Hirtius ibid. yet they seeing themselves nothing amended by the accession of his name or presence which the Romans despised and that they profited nothing by any of their attempts were greatly discouraged Josephus Antiquit. l. 14. cap. 14 15. de bello l. 1. cap. 7. yet understanding that great supplies of men and provisions were coming to Caesar they resolved once more to take the Sea and cut them off And they did much hurt to those that came by water till he sent out his Fleet under the command of Tiberius Nero and restrained them But by Land came Mithridates of Pergamus from Syria Aid sent to Caesar accompanied with Antipater the Governour of Judaea and Father to Herod the Great bringing down with him a great power of men and pierced as far as Pelusium which also was taken with great pains and industry by assault Thence marching down for Alexandria he took in the Country in his way the Jews inhabiting those parts though at first they made resistance yet being brought over by Antipater upon the producing of the letters of Hyrcanus the High-Priest When Ptolomy heard this and that he had nigh already reached Delta a place not far distant from Alexandria knowing he must needs passe the River he sent out a party to oppose him there which he received prudently after the Roman fashion being intrenched in his Camp and easily sustained it's violence till seeing them very disorderly and with great boldnesse to assail his fortifications he issued out and killing a great number had utterly defeated the rest but that by their knowledge of the Country and by the Vessels which had transported them they secured themselves Whereupon rallying again they once more charged him and a fight ensued in that place called The Camp of the Jews in which engagement the wing commanded by Mithridates himself was sorely oppressed Being opposed overcometh and had been totally overthrown but that Antipater who led the other came in in good time to the rescue put to flight the Aegyptians and took their Camp which Mithridates confessed by letters to Caesar acknowleging Antipater to have been the author both of his safety and the Victory But now by this time was Ptolomy himself coming against Mithridates and Caesar also to fetch him off 33. Both went by Sea but Caesar first got to him and took him in with his victorious Army Ptolomy and Caesar encamped then seven miles asunder the former in an high and most fortified place by nature having a narrow River with exceeding high and precipitous banks betwixt him and the Enemy which though the Alexandrians defended yet Caesar's men got over the Horse by passing the Foard and the Foot by laying over a bridge made of long trees so that Caesar sat down not far from the Kings Camp The next day he stormed a Castle in a Village near adioyning the defendants whereof flying a main to the Camp his men had well nigh entred with them but coming to hand-strokes were beaten back being severally laid at both from the fortifications and the ships But Caesar espying a very high place which by reason of it's natural strength was litle looked to by the Alexandrians set certain Companies to get up there Caesar stormeth the Aegyptian Camp which being performed and a great cry raised on purpose round about the Romans brake in in several places and made great slaughter Most of the defendants fled upon the irruption and in great heaps leaped down into the trenches wherein they first being overwhelmed the rest with great ease got over amongst which was the King but coming to take boat so many pressed in after him A. M. 3598. that the Vessel sunk and he thereby was drowned Orosius lib. 6. cap. 16.
killed in prison The old King payed more than his fine and gave something to every Officer and Soldier after which he was accounted a Friend and Allie of the People of Rome 36. Pompey restored Cappadocia to Ariobarzanes gave him also Sophene and Gordene with Cabala a City of Cilicia and others A. M. 3940. V. C. 689. After this with some adoe he forced the Albanians and Iberians to beg Peace and then passing over the mountain Taurus made War upon Antiochus Comaginus and also Darius the Median either for that he had helped Antiochus Appian ut supra Dio l. 37 Plutarch ut prius or made War against Tigranes or Aretas King of the Nabathaean Arabs Then Phraates the Parthian affrighted at his great atchievements begged Peace which he granted not but sent Afranius into Gordiene to drive out his forces and restore it to Tigranes who about it had warred with the Persian Phraates hereupon invaded Armenia and Tigranes sent to Pompey for aid who being unwilling to begin a War with Phraates without an order from Rome sent three Commissioners to agree them Antiochus son of Antiochus Pius to whom Lucullus granted Syria his inheritance thought first of betaking himself to the Parthian yet upon second thoughts resolved to cast himself upon the good nature of Pompey But he having obtained it without a stroak put him beside it commanding him to content himself with Comagena though he had never ill deserved of the People of Rome for knowing he was not able to right himself he excused the matter saying it was not fit that Syria whence Tigranes had banished the posterity of Seleucus should now rather fall to it being conquered Pompey reduceth Syria into a Roman Frovince than to the Romans Appian Justin l. 40. A. M. 3942. Ol. 179. an 2. V. C. 691. Seleucid 250. who were Conquerours He refused flatly to give Antiochus what before he could not keep for he had layn in a corner of Cilicia fourteen years all the time that Tigranes enjoyed it lest he should again render it lyable to the incursions of the Jews and Arabians Therefore having overcome the Ituraeans and Arabians he reduced Syria into the form of a Province 37. Mithridates in the mean time had sent to Pompey to ask Peace offering to pay tribute but being willed to come to him he flatly refused and made great preparations to renew the War Appian After this Castor his Governour of Phanagoria a Port Town of Pontus revolted and calling the People to their liberty took the Castle held by Mithridates his sons whereof four he sent to Roman Garrisons Hereupon several places fell off which made him put many persons to death amongst whom were divers of his own friends and one of his sons Seing also that many revolted and his new Army had no heart to the service he sent to the Princes of Scythia to hasten their supplies sending his daughters to them with a convoy of 500 Horse but these men killing the Eunuchs who had molested them about the King caried away the women unto Pompey Yet such a courage still he had as to think of passing through Scythia and â—stria and joyning with the Galls of Europe to invade Italy hoping there to find many enemies of the Romans though Pompey coming out of Sâ—ria had through ambition done what he condemned in Lucullus Mithridates designing in his mind great things having reduced his Kingdom into the form of a Province whilst he was yet alive and provided for new opposition But his Army was startled at the news of his intentions hating the tediousnesse of the journy and having small hope to conquer those in Italy whom at their own doors they could not withstand Yet such was his authority as for a while they were quiet till his own son whom he had most loved and destined his successor became the procuror of their defection and his death 38. This was Pharnaces who either out of apprehension that this attempt upon Italy would cut off all pardon from his family or upon other grounds conspired against him The plot was discovered and though his Complices were tortured and put to death yet was he pardoned Orosius l. 6. c. 5. Dio lib. 37. Florus l. 3. c. 5. alii and betook himself to the fugitive Romans shewing them their danger in case Italy were invaded and then to the Army His son Pharnaces draweth the Army from him which with small trouble he drew to his party Mithridates coming to speak to them his own guard forsook him his horse as he fled was killed under him and Pharnaces saluted King having a piece of parchment put about his head in form of a diadem Mithridates seeing this from a high room sent divers to ask leave to depart who not returning he himself often desired it of his son but in vain who bidding him dye he cried out and prayed that he might hear one day the same words from his own children Then came he down to his wives daughters and concubines to whom when he had given poyson fearing he should be delivered up to the Romans he took some himself but having used much his body to antidotes such as yet are named from him it would not work though he walked much for that purpose whereupon he wounded himself but this not dispatching him soon enough He killeth himself he called one Bitaetus or Bithocus a Gall who the wall being broken had got in by whose hand partly and partly by his own he dispatched himself A man as one saith neither without good heed A. M. 3942. Patercul l. 2. c. 18. to be omitted nor spoken of in War most eager and fierce and alwaies of notable valour Sometimes in fortune all times in courage of highest rank in direction a good Captain in execution a good Soldier in hatred to the Romans another Hannibal finally the greatest King after Alexander in the judgment of Cicero This end came he to after the War had first commenced just 20 years for it began when Cn. Pompeius Strabo and L. Porcius Cato and ended now when M. Tullus Cicero the Orator and C. Antonius Nepos were Consuls in the 691 year of the City the second of the 179 Olympiad and the first of the reign of Hyrcanus 61 years before the birth of Christ A. M. 3942. 39. Pompey when the first tidings of his death came to him was near Jericho marching towards Jerusalem against Aristobulus King of Judaea who had displeased his elder brother Hyrcanus and usurped the Kingdom Hyrcanus complained of his brother to Pompey at Damascus Joseph Antiq. l. 15. c. 9. l. 14. c. 5 c. de bello l. 10. c. 5. Livius lib. 102. Plutarch in Pompeio Tacitus Histor l. 5. c. 9. Florus l. 3. c. 5. Dio l. 37. p. 36. C. who came thither to answer for himself Pompey used them both kindly telling them that as soon as he had dispatched some affairs
opportunity and powred out his men upon them willing his Soldiers to be sure that they killed Indutiomarus which being done things again were a little setled Whilest Caesar was thus imployed abroad Julia dieth in the Citie this year died his daughter Julia Pompey's Wife in Child-bed and the Infant whether Son or Daughter 't is as uncertain so immaterial with her Hereby was the bond of friendship betwixt them two broken and their mutual envy which thereby onely was restrained now wanted but an occasion to vent it self But Caesar foreseeing great stirs in Gall Caesar comment lib. 6. increased his forces subdued the Nervii brought under the Senones and Carnutes now changed into Chartres the Menapii also whilest Labienus reduced such as inhabited about Triers Then did he again crosse the Rhine because of the Conjunction of the Germans with the Galls and attempting something upon the Suevi to no purpose Caesar reduceth Revolters turned against the Eburones Whilest he harrazed their Territories the Sigambri set upon the Camp of Cicero then absent which they could not storm though they caused great consternation amongst his men and killed many After this he wasted again the grounds of the Enemy then called a Council in Gall for the punishment of Revolters and Providing the Army of necessaries drew it into its Winter quarters Stirs in the Citie 21. The following year produced great stirs in the Citie and those no lesse in Gall. For now were the times so altered Lege Appian de bello civil l. 2. as that Rome could not be found in Rome Nothing was managed by ancient equity and moderation all Offices were purchased by Money or else by Stones Clubs or Swords and the inconveniences of popular Government now grew ripe the name of a free State or Commonwealth covering the greatest injustice disorder and oppression of the peoples liberty The Consuls being debarred by the power of the Tricipitina from leading out Armies or waging Wars according to the antient right and custom made up their markets out of the publick Revenue or their Offices by indirect practices and therefore none of honour would seek after the Consulship Pompey connived at this hoping that a necessity of affairs would draw upon him the Dictatorship as some of his Creatures though not in his name did not stick to hint This year especially was there such an horrid contention amongst the Canditates all or most men of large consciences as for a long time no Consul could be elected and this heightned the matter that T. Annius Milo one of them being at great enmity with Clodius killed him as they met in the way not far from the Citie Milo killeth Clodius This fact the people ill resented and naughty and dissolute persons under pretence of searching for Milo's friends committed many outrages in Rome This turned indeed all men's eyes upon Pompey as the fittest person to redresse those evils and whilest they thought of making him Dictator Cato drew the Senate to this resolution A. M. 3953. Ol. 182. ann 1. V. C. 702. Ante Christ 50. that he should be made Consul alone that he might be called to an account for his male-admistration if need were Pompey made Consul alone and so he was made sole Consul without any President at all 22. First he sate in judgement alone and examined Milo's case he also made inquisition after such as had by indirect means procured Offices His Acts. Idem ibid. Plutarch in Pompeio Milo was defended by Cicero or rather should have been for the Orator was so terrified with Pompey's Soldiers and Clodius his friends that he could not proceed and is therefore said to have written that Oration afterwards which is now extant Milo then was banished with several others for other Crimes Livii Epitom lib. 107. Pompey having hitherto as it were executed the Office of Dictator took to him a Collegue Q. Scipio Metellus whose daughter Cornelia he had married These things being heard in the further Gall and a rumour spred that Caesar who now was in Italy The Galls hearing of these stirs rebel would be there retained by the motions in the Citie many of the Natives conspired for the recovery of their liberty and chose Vercingerotix for their Captain 23. Caesar though in the midst of Winter and forced to make his way through depths of Snow returned and came upon the Arverni at unawares He took several of their Towns Caesar comment lib. 7. but besieging one that was situated upon an high Hill he fought with disadvantage and was driven off with the losse of 46 Centurions From this siege he was called by the revolt of the Hedui and an insurrection of the Bellovaci and Labienus who had prosperously managed his affairs about Paris joyned with him Now most of the Galls being revolted he first overthrew Vercingetorix then pursued and besieged him in Alesia Caesar reduceth them a Town of the Mandubii which when the Galls were not able to relieve Vercingetorix according to his own offer was delivered up with Alesia and all their Arms. Then reduced he the Hedui the Arveni also yielded with divers others which being done he sent the Army away into its Winter quarters Hirtius lib. 8. In winter the Galls hatched a new conspiracy A new conspiracy Caesar therefore departing from Bibracte wasted the Territories of the Bituriges about Bourdeaux and of the Carnutes subdued also the Bellovaci with others C. Fabius also reduced some in the mean time and Caninius having routed several parties with him Caesar joyned and besieged Uxellodinum a Town of the Cadurci very strongly fortified by its situation He obtained this Town without striking one stroak by cutting the veins of a Fountain which served them with water After this the Cities of Aquitaine yielded and going to Narbon he disposed of his Army into their Winter quarters These things hapned in the eighth year after his coming into Gall Ser. Sulpitius Rufus Disappointed and M. Claudius Marcellus being Consuls wherein also were began those contentions betwixt him and his adversaries at Rome that shortly after brake into Civil wars which proved deadly in the end to the heads of both the factions and fatal to that form of Government which though labouring under mortal distempers was yet on foot 24. Caesar's carriage especially in his Consulship had rendred him very distastefull to the Senate Pompey on the other side by his fair demeanour had of late gained much upon it which Caesar being aware of desired leave to stand for a second Consulship in his absence This was granted him but he fearing the malice of his adversaries in case he were reduced to a private condition further importuned the Fathers that he might have his Government of Gall prorogued The grounds and occasions of the Civil Wars betwixt Pompey and Caesar casting about all manner of wayes to keep his Army till he should be Consul This was
it though now he betrayed no such intention the fact had been approved of as done upon an Usurper and a Tyrant though they had not long before taken a solemn oath for his preservation and decreed such vast honours to him Antonius by putting them in mind that if he were judged deservedly slain all his acts were to be nulled and consequently the assignment of several Offices which he had of late made to several of them effected that no more was done than to decree an Amnestie or oblivion for all that was past An Amnestie voted by the Senate for which Cicero much laboured The offices were confirmed with this reason entered because it was requisite for the good of the Commonwealth and the day following the Senate meeting again decreed Provinces to the murderers viz. to M. Brutus Crete Afnick to Cassius to Thobonius Asia to Cimber Bithynia and Gall about Padus to Decimus Brutus After this Caesar's testament was opened wherein he made heirs three Nephews of his Sisters Caesar's Testament C. Octavius of three parts in four of his estate not of half onely Sueton in Julio Flor. l. 4. c. 4. as it 's found in Livy's Epitome and L. Pinarius and Q. Pedius of the other fourth part C. Octavius he adopted into his name and family and most of those that killed him he named amongst the Guardians of his son if one should be born to him As second heirs if the former should not possesse the inheritance he named Decimus Brutus and M. Autonius He also in his will gave no small matter to the Romans to be divided man by man as Plutarch writeth This moved the People out of measure to indignation against the Conspirators Antonius the Consul vehemently stirring up the multitude in his funeral Oration They were driven to that rage that after the burning of the Corps they were hardly disswaded from firing their houses and they tore in pieces one Cinna whom they mistook for another of that name that was one of them 6. Now the series of affaires bringeth us to Caesar Octavianus the adopted son of Julius He was grand-son to his sister Julia which woman was wife to M. Attilius Baâ—bus Octavius his heir and by him had a daughter that was maried to C. Octavius He was born in the Consulship of Cicero Appian de bello civili l. 3. Sueton in Augusto Dio l. 45. and lost his father who governing Macedonia died sodainly before he could stand for the Consulship when but four years old He accompanied this his great Uncle in the last Spanish War who ever kept him close to him in their travail and was now sent by him to Apollonia to study intending to take him along with him in the Parthian War There he heard of his death and the inheritance left to him His Mother and Father-in-Law Marcius Philippus were unwilling he should take the name of Caesar as subject to much envy but after some pause he resolved to the contrary and assuming the name of Caesar Octavianus made use of the good affections of his Uncles friends in Greece who accompanying him to the City he was met by a vast number of others from Rome Here after he had accepted of the adoption and confirmed it by the authority of the Praetor as the custom was he went to Antony whom he expected to have his friend and assistant in prosecuting his Uncle's Enemies But after some waiting he entertained him with great contempt and though he had got a great quantity of Caesar's money yet he denied to let him have any fearing he should grow into too much esteem Purchaseth the Love of the People Caesar hereupon sold his own inheritance to pay the legacy given to the People which procured him much love his Uncle's or Father's as now he must be called old Soldiers flocked to him whom he accepted of out of fear of Antony who now became every day more odious both to him to People and Senate 7. The Senate suspected Antony as intending to set up himself Appian Livii Epitom lib. 117. Dio l. 45. and he intended nothing more for which cause he resolved to have some Province assigned him Antony practizeth for his own advancement wherein he might get power To curry favour then he propounded to be considered Sextus Pompey who yet remained of the sons of Pompey the Great that beloved man that in requital for his fathers estate confiscated he might have an allowance out of the publick and command of the Seas with that Navy he formerly had This being received with great applause was enacted and so Pompey was called back into Sicily where he afterwards waged a great War against Caesar Antony perswaded Dolobella his Collegue a young man whom Caesar having ordained to be Consul after his departure out of the City when he was dead took the Office and inveighing against his benefactor would have had the day of his death stiled the birth-day of the City though he loved him not to ask Syria not of the Senate but the People hoping that after him he should not be denied such a request The difference increasing betwixt him and Caesar he desired to have the six Legions which lay in Macedonia and obtained them deceiving the Senate by a false rumour that the Getes hearing of Caesar's death had invaded that Province He baited them by preferring a Law against any one's being Dictator It was his design to bring these Legions over into Italy to awe and command all and that he might effect this he preferred by force a Law for changing of Provinces and thereby procured to his brother C. Antonius Macedonia which formerly had been assigned to M. Brutus and to himself the nearer Gall or Gallia Cisalpina which before was given to Decimus Brutus 8. The Senate would in no wise grant this whereupon he betook himself to the People When he had brought over his Legions part of them revolted to Caesar who now out of fear went up and down Italy gathering Soldiers out of the Colonies his father had planted With a considerable Army at length Antony marched into Gall whence he commanded Brutus to be gone who gave way to him then but departed to Muâ—â—na resolving there to stay and endure a siege for that he had some considerable strength and expected assistance Here Antony straightly besieged him which the Senate hearing of by Cicero's working especially who now began to speak and write his fourteen Orations in imitation of those of Demosthenes called Philipicks declared him an Enemy to the State which proved a means for the bringing in and preferring of Caesar Octavianus The hatred of him procureth young Caesar's preferment For though the Senate cared not at all for him as being generally of Pompey's faction Appian ut supra Dio l. 46. Plutarch in Antonio Cicero Philip. 5. Sueton in Octavio yet they resolved to make use of him for his Armies sake and therefore erected him a
and so they came to Brundusium where they were kept out by a Garrison placed there by Caesar The Triumvirs fall out 19. This made such a breach betwixt them that Antony blocked up the Town and procured Pompey from Sicily to invade Italy Appian Caesar came to Brundusium where the old Soldiers being unwilling to fight against Antony the Army laboured to reconcile the Triumvirs which Cocceius friend to both at length effected with much labour Pollio on Antonie's side and Maecenas on Caesar's as Delegates making up the breach All offences were mutually to be forgiven and for that Marcellus husband to Octavia Caesar's sister was now dead and also Fulvia Antonie's wife for grief that he neglected her Antony married Octavia Then was the Roman Empire divided betwixt them Are reconciled and a new agreement is made the bounds of their Dominins being Codropolis a Town of Illyricum all from it Westward being to obey Caesar and all Eastward Antony Africk was left to Lepidus who now was even no body and having offended Caesar had been confined by him to that Province The War against the Parthians was judged to Antony and that against Pompey who must needs now be suppressed unto Caesar Antony sent Ventidius into Asia to restrain the Parthians who now had made an incursion as far as Ionia But out of Sardinia did Menodorus Pompey's Admiral the second time eject Helenus Caesar's Captain whereupon Caesar refused to hearken to Antony when he moved him to be reconciled unto Pompey Both the Triumvirs or rather now the Duumvirs being come to the Citie were received with most lamentable complaints of poor people ready to starve for want of Provisions which Pompey hindred from coming from the East by Sicily from the West by Sardidinia and Corsica which he had in his power and from Africk by his Navy also which then was most powerful at Sea Caesar could not be drawn to make Peace with him A great famine caused by Sextus Pompey notwithstanding the loud cries and prayers of the multitude which obstinacy drew him and Antony rescuing him into such danger as both of them were near stoning At length being forced to it and Pompey being perswaded they met but Pompey expecting to be admitted into the power and place of Lepidus the Treaty came to nothing Yet the pressure of the famine brought them together again and amongst other things it was concluded that Pompey retaining all the Islands he had already and Peloponnesus over and above as long as they should hold their power and having liberty to be Consul and to discharge the Office by any of his friends he was to leave the Sea open Procureth an agreement with him and pay to the People what corn was due out of Sicily The proscribed persons except such as were guilty of Caesar 's death had now all liberty to return The day following Consuls were designed for four years Frst Antonius and Libo than Caesar and Pompey next Aenobarbus and Sosius and lastly Caesar and Antony who then it might be hoped might restore the Government to the People Then did Antony and Caesar return and were most joyfully received Joseph Antiq. lib. 14. c. 26. And this year being the 714 of the City did they procure Herod the Great to be declared King of Judaea in the first year of the 184 Olympiad Cn. Domitius Calvinus the second time and C. Asinius Pollio being Consuls 20. Antony departed towards the East again for the Parthian Warre Dio lib. 49. Appian in Parthicis which hitherto Ventidius his Lieutenant had managed with good successe having got several victories wherein Labienus who brought them into Syria and Pharnapates or Phraates or Barzapharnes being called by several names the greatest of their Captains Ventidius prospereth against the Parthians with Pacorus son to Orodes the King Florus l. 4. c. 9. were slain After this he repelled them in Media and Mesopotamia and besieged Antiochus Comagenus in Samosata whom he suffered upon promise of 1000 talents to send Ambassadors unto Antony who now drew near and for that the siege was likely long to continue by reason of the desperat resolution of the defendants granted him Peace for 300 talents accepted but of two Hostages and those inconsiderable ones and he gave him leave to put to death Alexander who had formerly revolted to the Romans This by (a) Dio ut prius some he was thought to do for fear of the Army which was angry at his ill usage of Ventidius though others say Plutarch in Antonio he honoured him according to his deserts who though a man of an obscure extract now first of all others triumphed over the Parthians Antony having setled the affairs of Syria departed to Athens where he spent the winter with Octavia But the (c) Appian de bello Civil l. 4. peace with Pompey continued but a short time The cause of the breach whatever secretly was aimed at was pretended to be for that Antony being to quit Peloponnesus would do it but upon this condition that Pompey should give him satisfaction for such moneys as was due to him from the Inhabitants But Pompey liked not of any such condition and therefore rigged a new Fleet and provided himself of forces perhaps giving credit to Metrodorus who would tell him that the present state of affairs was no true Peace but rather a cessation of arms He then renewed his Piracy which renewed the former grievances and made the People cry out that the matter was onely altered from three Tyrants to four But Metrodorus revolted to Caesar bringing in with him Corsica Sardinia and three Legions and then Antony was called to Brundusium to consult about the War Thither he came at the day appointed but Caesar keeping not his word he staied not for him either not liking the breach of the Peace The Peace with Pompey broken or for that he envied Caesar all that power he saw him have for still they suspected and grudged each other A. M. 3967. V. C. 716. Herodis 2. But Caesar being provided set out to Sea as to invade Sicily and was beaten back by Pompey though he took him at unawares who heard nothing of the revolt of Metrodorus till also of Caesars coming Afterward his ships lying at Anchor were extreamly battered and most of the men were cast away 21. Caesar fortified the Coasts of Italy for fear lest Pompey should make an invasion which he not knowing how to improve a Victory Idem was never wont to attempt Then wanting all manner of provisions for the Warre he sent Maecenas to Antony who refusing not to joyn with him this cheared him together with a Victory got by Agrippa in Aquitaine many Cities and private persons also promising aid Antony came to Tarentum with 300 ships but whether there was something else betwixt them or for that he was now furnished he slighted his help Caesar excused himself that he met him
Syllaeus thence came to lay open his forgeries against Herod to whom Augustus was throughly reconciled and had given him Arabia too but that he received from him other Letters containing another complaint against his sons For whilest he was thus out with Caesar the former stirs were renewed in his house by means of Eurycles a Lacedaemonian who winding himself into Alexander's acquaintance betrayed him first to Antipater and then to Herod himself He denied all accusations except that he intended with his wife to fly to Archelaus King of Cappadocia her father but Caesar being consulted as we said willed Herod to call a Council at Berytum with the Roman Presidents Archelaus of Cappadocia and the rest of his friends and Nobility there abouts and do as he should be advised He called all but Archelaus and in an Assembly of 150 men declaimed most furiously against his sons not producing any proof at all further than that they intended to fly and not suffering them to be present to answer for themselves He onely required the suffrages of the Assembly to countenance his private resolution which the major part giving though Saturninus and his sons gave an indifferent sentence he acted by fury Putteth his onâ— to death and unnatural madnesse Joseph Antiq. lib. 17. cap. 1. c. caused them to be strangled at Sebaste Antipater after the death of his brothers quickly plotted the destruction of his father and for that he was hated by all men procured some esteem by his gifts and drew Pheroras into the conspiracy to the issue of whom the Pharises promised the Kingdom For refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance they were fined by Herod to whose Kingdom they prophesied destruction and happinesse to the family of Pheroras because his wife payed their fine Herod getting out these things by the means of Salome put the principal of the Pharises to death with others and urged his brother Pheroras to put away his wife which he refusing to do he banished him his Kingdom Pheroras then departing into his Terrarchy died shortly after being visited by Herod who buried him honourably at Jerusalem Antipater standing in fear of his father wrought by his Creatures at Rome to be sent for by Caesar But this availed nothing for in his absence all came out which confirmed Salome's words to which the King in this matter had given but little credit knowing her to be too free in accusations and brought vengeance upon him notwithstanding all his craft for the murther of his brethren 45. Pheroras his wife being accused of poysoning her husband Cap. 6. c. her maids were tortured and in their pain gave some suspition of the conspiracy which was more cleared by one Antipater that had the ordering of Antipater's affairs A grievous Conspiracy against him who confessed that his Master had compounded a poyson and delivered it to Pheroras to be given to the King in his absence and that it was kept by Pheroras his wife She confirmed the same declaring that the poyson was bought in Egypt by Antipater's procurement that it was committed to her charge and how that when her husband was sick and Herod came out of kindnesse to visit him being overcome with his love he forbade her to give it him Amongst the accessaries was Herod's own wife the daughter of the High-Priest she was put away her father deposed and Mathias the son of Theophilus preferred to his place Herod also her son was put out of the Kings Teâ—â—ment wherein he had bequeathed the Kingdom to him after his death In the mean time Bathillus the Freed-man of Antipater returning from Rome was tortured and confessed that he had brought with him a poyson to deliver to Pheroras wherewith the King might be certainly and speedily dispatched in case the other should fail Antipater returned ignorant of these passages for that almost every one was his Enemy and before his father and Quintilius Varus though he sought to cover his wickednesse all things were made plain against him whereupon he was committed to close prison He sickneth Shortly after Herod himself sickned and became exceeding teasty and wrathfull as well for these things as for that he thought the people was glad of his misfortunes having at the instigation of the Doctors of their Law cut down an Eagle of Gold of great value that stood over the Portal of the Temple But his sicknesse more and more increased 46. His disease was strange and fearfull Cap. 8. 9. For he burned with an inward heat which pierced and tormented him in his bowels He was also vexed with a ravenous and infatiable appetite and an Ulcer in his Entrails with a strange and furious Colick His feet were swoln with moisture and a shining kind of flegm His strange Disease his stomack being no lesse afflicted His body rotted and was full of crawling Worms which afforded an intollerable stench besides he was held with a filthy and troublesom Priapism a strong Convulsion of his Nerves and shortnesse of breath being generally judged thus to be punished for his infinite impieties and sins committed against the Majesty of God doubtlesse his intention to kill Christ with the innocent bloud of the Infants cried loud He used all means for recovery and went over Jordan to the hot Baths of Callirhoe Thence returning to Jericho a melancholick humour seized on him which rendred him unsociable and displeased with all men Perceiving now that he should die and supposing that the Jews would much rejoyce in his death he shut up many of the chiefest of them in the Hippodrome and gave in charge to his sister Salome and her husband Alexas that as soon as he was dead they should cause them all to be killed that a lamentation might accompany his funeral Before his death he received Letters from Caesar who gave him leave to deal with his son as he saw occasion Antipater yet believing that he was dead plotted how to escape and seize on the Kingdom but his Jaylor with whom he dealt revealed it to Herod He killeth his son Antipater who had procured the death of his brothers and plotted against his father's life who commanded one of his Guard instantly to kill him and to such an end came he for the murther of his brethren and the sad Tragedies he had raised in his father's house Herod having attempted to kill himself died some five dayes after his son in the 72 year of his age 27 after his getting possession of the Kingdom and 29 after he had been declared King by the Romans 't is uncertain how long after the birth of Christ but as is supposed not above two years in the first of the 195 Olympiad the 754 of the Citie A. D. 2. Ol. 195. ann 1. V. C. 754. Caius Caesar and L. Aemilius Paulus being Consuls Salome and Alexas before his death was throughly known And dieth to their great honour discharged those that were locked up in
clearly appeareth in Scripture what things our Lord did and suffered for unworthy sinners after he had eaten this Supper though the order of the former passages concerning his preaching be obscure and therefore we have more largely described them Being betrayed by Judas into the hands of the Chief-Priests and by them delivered up to Pilate the Governour he being convinced of his innocence and their malice sought how to deliver him till they told him that if he did it he was not Caesar 's friend whereupon fearing to be accused to Tiberius A. D. 33. Ol. 202. an 4. V. C. 787. of protecting one who affected the Kingdom he condemned him and delivered him to the Soldiers to be crucified This was about the sixt hour or a little after noon at what time a great darknesse arose for that the Sun was obscured and continued till the ninth hour or three of the clock Then Christ to shew the bitternesse of his torment cried yet with a loud voice Eli Eli Lamasabachtani and receiving the vineger after he had commended his soul into the hands of his Father gave up the ghost Thus he who was in the form of God and counted it no robbery to be equal with God made himself of no reputation and suffered death even the most ignominious death of the Crosse for ingrateful men 73. Some think that the darknesse which hapened at our Saviour's Passion was onely in the Land of Judaea But others finding that the Evangelists mention * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Marc. Luc. the whole Earth conclude that this Eclypse was Oecumenical or Universal Luke expresly saying that the Sun it self the eye of the whole World was darkned Some conceived that the Sun was darkened by the interposition of the body of the Moon The miraculous Eclypse at our Saviour's death whereof (a) Epist 7. Dionysius the Areopagite as he calleth himself was an eye witnesse at what time he and Apollophanes the Philosopher being at Heliopolis observed the Moon suddenly to cast her self before the Sun though it was not the time of conjunction and again from the ninth hour to the evening opposing her self to the middle line of the Sun If so it was an extraordinary miracle the Moon being now at the full as (b) De Civitat Dei l. 3. c. 15. Augustin observeth it to have been ever at the Passeover and consequently at the greatest distance from the Sun out of which respect others seem to have held that the Sun was darkned not by the interposition of that luminary but the retention of his beams That the darknesse was universal appeareth from the records of Heathen Writers which as (c) Lib. 7. c. 4. Orosius saith besides the Evangelists mentioned the greatnesse of the Eclypse And (d) Apologet. c. 21. Tertullian writing to Pagans saith You cannot make this wonder suspected seeing your own Calendars have remarked it and your selves retain the testimonies thereof in your own registers Amongst Greek Authors Phlegon (e) A ud Euseb in Chronico Orig. contra Celsum l. 2. in Matth. Trallianus the Freed-man of Adrian the Emperour Recorded by the Heathen in his Work of Olympiads or Chronicle which consisted of sixteen Books clearly spoke of this Eclypse writing in his thirteenth Book that in the fourth year of the 202 Olympiad the greatest Eclypse hapened that ever was known for at the sixth hour of the day it was night so that the Starrs were seen in the Heavens 74. That Christ was put to death in the reign of Tiberius by Pontius Pilate (a) Annal. l. 15. c. 44. Cornelius Tacitus writeth an Author guilty of Ethnick ignorance and prejudice But (b) Antiq. l. 18. c. 4. Josephus the noble Jewish Historian giveth him an honourable testimony writing that At the same time there was one Jesus a wise man The testimony of Josephus concerning Christ if it be lawful to call him a man For he was a worker of wonderful works and a teacher of those which willingly receive the truth He had also many followers not onely Jews but Gentiles and he was believed to be Christ And whereas by the malice of our Princes Pilate condemned him to be crucified yet notwithstanding they who first loved him have persevered For he appeared to them alive the third day the Prophets having foretold in their writings these and many other wonderful things concerning him and to this day the People from him called Christians hath not ceased This he relateth after he had spoken of that Sedition which hapened because of Pilate his bringing in of Caesar's Images Some from amongst our selves have not given credit to this relation thinking it to be foisted in by some Christians for the greater honour of our Religion But as the piae fraudes supposed to have been used by the Primitive Christians are rather increased than otherwise by some who either pedantically and out of ostentation seek for applause from the prejudice of their own cause as one hath done of late in reference to the matter in hand or as out of a melancholick and distrustful humour question the evidence of the truth so is there no reason that this testimony should be condemned amongst them For Josephus maketh mention of John Baptist giving him large commendations and relateth also that he was beheaded though he assigneth the cause to have been but of jealousie of him and lest he should make some commotions through his popularity which likely enough might be some cause especially the malice of Herodias considered which woman would not be wanting to fill his head with suspition although the main reason was his reproving of the incest He also maketh mention of James the brother of Alphaeus whom he calleth the brother of Jesus Christ how he was put to death at Jerusalem saying that all good men were sorely troubled at it and clearly expresseth himself dissatisfied in it writing that Ananus who commanded the murder to be done did ill and this he saith not onely because the Judicial power was taken away from the Jews as is evident from the course of his words 75. It is hence clear enough that Josephus was not in the number of those whom Herod Agrippa could have pleased in the killing of the other James the brother of John Defended to be true and not feigned by Christians and truly amongst the Jews such as were not extremely malicious against Christ were something inclining to him if we consider the temper of that People It cannot therefore be said that Josephus was so inveterately despightful against Christ and Christians that as some have thought he utterly passed over the story of Christ upon that account This Principle would have induced him to rail rather than to be silent to bespatter the Christian generation rather to say nothing or rather to seem displeased at their sufferings It 's true he was with the younger Agrippa but almost a
his friends were forced to flie out of the City Plutarch in Antonio whereupon he sent thither again some to thrust Octavia his wife and Caesar's sister out of his house and took upon him to make War upon both People and Senate Caesar hereat inraged found out a way to incense the People against him by opening his will deposited in the hands of the Vestal Nuns wherein he had laboured to make Caesario the lawfull son of the Dictator named for Heirs his Children begotten on Cleopatra and commanded that notwithstanding he might die at Rome yet his body should be sent to her to Alexandria These things found to be true gained credit to others which were but reported as that in case he should get the better he would bestow Rome it self upon the Queen and translate the Seat of the Empire into Egypt War at Rome is decreed against it When Caesar then was ready for the War it was decreed against her and he was deprived of all his Offices which alone was thought enough at this time lest once declared an Enemy to the State the other with him should have been included in the same capacity of whom divers being men of great influence might have been driven through desperation to act more vigorously for him Hereby it was thought he would be sufficiently intangled resolving not to forsake her on any terms whatsoever and vulgarly accounted to be bewitched by her And to little lesse could these things practized by him amount to He is bewitched as it were by her He called her Queen Lady and Mistresse gave her Romans for her Guard who had her name ingraven on their Targets He went abroad celebrated Games sate in Judgement and sometimes rode with her and when she pleased to be drawn in her Chariot ran by her side amongst the Lackies She was so confident she should be Mistresse at length of the Mistresse of the World that if she would swear most religiously it should be by that Law or Sentence which she was about to pronounce in the Capitol 38. For all this ado yet in the preparation for the War Plinius Natural Histor lib. 21. cap. 3. Anthony mistrusted her and that so far as to have his meat tasted for fear of poyson She taking notice of it poysoned a Cup of drink and giving him it when he was about to set it to his mouth interposed her hand convincing him thereby how easie a matter it was for her to do that of which she was suspected to have an intention Yet suspecteth her and then sending for a Malefactour out of prison and giving him the liquor he died immediately This made him bold and confident of her and further enslaved his affections insomuch that that she ruled him in the management of the War For Canidius Plutarch ut priùs whom she had bribed to get leave for her to continue with him changing afterwards his mind She maketh him ingage at Actium or at least his language and advising him to send her back into Egypt and to go into Thrace or Macedonia Dio lib. 50. and there to decide the controversie in a pitcht battel she prevailed against him not onely to stay but made Anthony ingage at Actium in a Sea-fight yet providing rather for flight than victory Where he his defeated Ere it could justly be discerned which party would carry it she being impatient of delay A. M. 3974. Ol. 187. ann 2. V.C. 723. Herodis 9. Octavio Caesare 3. M. Valerio Messala Coss with her Golden Prow and Purple sayls giving a sign to her Aegyptians betook her self to flight which Anthony seeing made haste after her as fast as possible and being received on board neither saw nor was seen by her but sate him down in a sad and thoughtfull posture holding his head betwixt his hands and for three or four dayes so continued till arriving at Taenarus a Promontory of Laconia the women there that were intimate with her brought them together He passing over into Africk she returned into Egypt counterfeiting a triumph with her ship curiously adorned and melodious singing that she might be received of her Subjects the chiefest of which presently she put to death whom she knew formerly to have born no good will towards her and now to be elevated upon the report of the defeat received at Actium Confiscating their estates and rifling religious houses she heaped together a great Masse of Treasure raising forces therewith with all expedition and that she might draw into Confederacy the King of Media she sent him the head of Artavasdes or Artabazus the Armenian his Aemulator Then attempting a matter of greatest difficulty she conveyed ships over the Isthmus or Neck of Land which parting the Aegyptian or Mediterranean from the Red-Sea divideth Asia from Africk into the Arabian Bay She conveyeth ships into the Arabian Bay to seek out her fortune but is diverted by him intending to fly servitude and seek out some forein seat wherein to spend the remainder of her dayes But Anthony returning to her who as yet had heard nothing of the losse of his Land-Army they incouraged themselves and she changed her purpose Her ships were burnt by the Inhabitants of Arabia Petraea at the procurement of Q. Didius the President of Syria 39. But Anthony having notice that his Army had revolted to Caesar Plutarch in Antonio Dio lib. 51. withdrew himself in a sad and Melancholick posture from the sight of all men into the Island Pharos and then again within a while having disburthened himself of grief returned to the Court where they indulged their genius more than ever Many willing to die give their names and they spend their time in jollity those that were willing to die with them giving in their names and passing away their time together in nothing but feasting and jollity She gathered together divers sorts of poysons which she tried upon Capital Offenders and Brutes approving above all the biting of an Asp which she observed without any convulsion to cast the party into an heavy stupefaction with a moderate sweat upon the face and so to kill with an easie kind of languishment Before Caesar came down into Egypt against them She yet laboureth to curry favour with Caesar they sent several times to him She asked the Kingdom for her Children and without Anthony his knowledge sent him a Scepter a Crown of Gold and a royal Throne giving up her Kingdom to him as it were with those to gain respect He received them as a good Omen and returned to her openly threatning language yet underhand promised her impunity and the entire possession of her Kingdom if she would make away Anthony And fearing lest she might be brought to undertake some desperate design he sent one Thyrseus his Freed-man and a cunning fellow to her to make her believe he was in Love with her hoping that then besides the saving of the Treasure which she had