Disagreement about the Place of Building Romulus contending for the Palatine where they were brought up and Remus for the Aventine-Hill Upon which the Matter was brought before their Grand-Father Numitor who advisâ—d 'em both to go apart and observe the flying of Birds and the most Fortunate of the two shou'd be counted the Founder of the Colony They both took their Stations upon their own Hills and Remus first had a flight of 6 Vultures but Romulus having or pretending to have double the Number both were saluted by the Title of King This widned the Breach and the Contention grew so hot as to come to a Battel wherein Remus was worsted and slain with several others particularly Faustulus and his Brother Plistinus But it is likewise said that before the Battel Remus gave his Brother many great Provocations particularly by leaping over his Wall to ridicule him for the Lowness of it Romulus now sole Commander and Eighteen Years of Age began the Foundation of Rome in the fourth Year of the sixth Olympiad according to Varro's Account which was in the Year of the World 3252 the sixth Year of Iotham King of Iudah and the seventh of Pekah King of Israel 431 Years after the Destruction of Troy 120 after the Building of Carthage 214 before the Beginning of the Persian Empire and 752 before Christ And having got Augurs and such sort of People from Hetruria he set about it with much Ceremony on the 21 Day of April according to Plutarch which Day the Romans Anniversarily kept Holy calling it their Country's Birth-Day He took in the Mount Palatine only and with a Heifer and a young Bullock plow'd up a Furrow where the Wall was design'd which Custom was afterwards observ'd by the Romans both in the building and razing of Cities and where-ever a Gate was to be made the Plow was lifted up which occasion'd it to be call'd Porta a portando aratrum All within this Line was call'd Pomaerium from Post-Murum or Pone Maenia The City was almost square containing at first about 1000 Houses and was nigh a Mile in Compass with four Gates namely Romanula Ianualis Mucionis and Carmentalis and a small Territory belonging to it of 7 or 8 Miles long Thus we see Rome in its Original a small inconsiderable beggarly Place with Dominions still of less Note which yet from this mean and contemptible Beginning became Mistress of the World being first founded and supported by its Kings then strengthened and enlarged by its Consuls and at last brought to its utmost Perfection by its Emperors As for the Arts and Contrivances the Policy and Cunning the Strength and Valour and the gradual Proceedings with the extraordinary Fortune which contributed to make the Romans Masters of such vast and powerful Dominions these are the Subject of this following History CHAP. I. From the Building of the City to the Death of Romulus the first King of Rome Containing the space of 37 Years I. ROmulus having thus Founded the City of Rome by his Grand-Father's Advice left the Choice of the Government to the People who immediately made him King according to Dionysius and he receiving it as a Gift from them his Power became the more plausible and undisputable The Number of the Colony consisted of about 3000 Foot and 300 Horse and the first Method he made use of to increase this Number was his Building a Temple to the Asylaean God which he made a Sanctuary to all Malefactors and discontented Persons who thereupon came in great Numbers from all the Neighbouring Parts He divided the People into three Parts which were call'd Tribes that is to say Thirds and each Tribe was divided into ten Curiae which were much the same as our Parishes as the Tribes were like our Wards each Curia having its proper Temple and Sacrifices and a Priest call'd Curio over it and over all an Arch-Priest call'd Curio Maximus Each Curia was likewise by Romulus subdivided into ten Decuriae over which were appointed distinct Officers According to the number of the Curiae he divided the Lands into thirty Parts reserving one Portion for Publick Uses and another for Religious Ceremonies In all Matters of Importance for many Years the People gave their Votes according to the Curiae and to what the major Part of the Curiae agreed was reckon'd the Resolution of the whole Assembly each single Man having a Vote and this made that Assembly call'd Comitia Curiata Romulus made also another Distinction of the People according to their Honour and Dignity which was into Patritians and Plebeians The former as being Elder and more nobly descended were to take care about the Religious Rites bear Offices of Magistracy administer Justice and be assistant to the King in his Government The latter to till the Fields feed Cattel and follow Trades but not to have any Share in the Government to avoid the Inconveniencies of a Popular Power To bind the Principal each to the other he recommended certain of the Plebeians to the Protection of the Patritians liberty being given to the Plebeians to chuse their own Patrons The Duty of these Patrons was to advise their Clients in Points of Law to manage their Suits to take care of 'em absent and present as their own Children and by all Ways and Methods to secure their Peace and Happiness On the other side the Duty of the Clients was to help their Patrons with Money upon many Occasions to ransom them or their Sons if taken Prisoners and to bear the Charges of their Magistracy and other honourable Imployments They were never to accuse each other or take contrary Sides for if they did any one might lawfully kill them without Examination So that this Patronage was an Obligation as effectual as any Consanguinity or Alliance and it was the Glory of the Nobility to have a great Number of Clients and to treat 'em civilly This Patronage had admirable Effects towards the firm Union of the People for above 600 Years after till Caius Gracchus broke the Peace of the City And because the Plebeians in the City receiv'd such Advantage from this Constitution in imitation thereof afterwards all Colonies Confederate and Conquer'd Cities had their Patrons to whom frequently the Senate wou'd remit such Controversies as were brought before 'em and ratifie their Judgment After this Romulus chose 100 Men out of the Patritians to assist him in the Government This number he call'd a Senate either from their Age or Vertue or a sinendo because nothing was transacted without their Permission Such of the Fathers as he enroll'd or enter'd into this Venerable Assembly he call'd Patres Conscripti as Dionysius rightly observes and to make up this Number he chose three out of each Tribe and as many out of each Curia over all which he plac'd a particular Magistrate to whom he committed the Government of the City when he was absent in the Wars and
Containing 44 Years CHAP. VII From the Death of Servius Tullius to the Banishment of Tarquinius Superbus the seventh King of Rome which caus'd the Dissolution of the Regal State Containing 25 Years BOOK II. The Consular State of Rome From the Beginning of that Government to the Ruine of it by the first Triumvirate Containing the Space of 449 Years CHAP. I. From the Banishment of the last King to the first Dictator which was the first Intermission of the Consular Power Containing 10 Years CHAP. II. From the Creation of the first Dictator to the great Retrenchment of the Consular Power by the Tribunes of the People Containing 5 Years CHAP. III. From the Creation of the Tribunes of the People to the second Intermission of the Consular Power by the Decemviri Containing 42 Years CHAP. IV. From the Creation of the Decemviri to the third Intermission of the Consular Power by the Military Tribunes Containing 8 Years CHAP. V. From the Creation of the Military Tribunes to the Burning of Rome by the Gauls which almost ruin'd the Roman Nation Containing 54 Years CHAP. VI. From the Burning of Rome by the Gauls to the Wars with the Samnites when the Romans began much to extend their Conquests Containing 46 Years CHAP. VII From the first Wars with the Samnites to the Wars with Pyrrhus King of Epirus the first Forreigâ—er they had to deal with wherein the Romans began to learn the Arts of War Containing 63 Years CHAP. VIII From the Beginning of the Wars with Pyrrhus to the first Punick or Carthaginian War when the Romans first set Foot out of Italy Containing 16 Years CHAP. IX From the Beginning of the first Punick War to the Beginning of the second the Romans now growing Powerful by Sea as well as by Land Containing 17 Years CHAP. X. From the Beginning of the second Punick War to the finishing of it by Scipio Africanus when the Romans became perfect in the Arts of War Containiny 17 Years CHAP. XI From the End of the second Punick War to the End of the third and the Destruction of Carthage when Rome got clear of all her Rival States Containing 55 Years CHAP. XII From the Destruction of Carthage to the End of the Sedition of the Gracchi which much shook the Government and was the first Step to the Ruine of the Consular State Containing 23 Years CHAP. XIII From the End of the Sedition of the Gracchi to the End of the first Civil War in Italy and to the perpetual Dictatorship of Sylla which was the second great Step to the Ruine of the Consular State Containing 41 Years CHAP. XIV From the perpetual Dictatorship of Sylla to the first Triumvirate namely Caesar Pompey and Crassus which prov'd the Ruine of the Consular State and was the first Step to the setting up of the Imperial Containing 22 Years BOOK III. The Mix'd State of Rome From the Beginning of the first Triumvirate to the perfect Settlement of the Roman Empire Containing the space of 33 Years CHAP. I. From the Beginning of the first Triumvirate to the Death of Crassus one of the Combination which broke and divided that Party Containing 7 Years CHAP. II. From the Death of Crassus to the Death of Pompey which made way for Caesar's Absolute Authority and was the second Step to the Imperial State Containing above 5 Years CHAP. III. From the Death of Pompey to the Death of Caesar which finish'd the first Triumvirate but still kept down the Consular State Containing 4 Years CHAP. IV. From the Death of Caesar to the Defeats and Deaths of Brutus and Cassius by the second Triumvirate Octavius Anthony and Lepidus which ruin'd the Remains of the Common-wealth Containing above 2 Years CHAP. V. From the Deaths of Brutus and Cassius to the Banishment of Lepidus which vary'd the Course of the Triumvirates Power Containing 6 Years CHAP. VI. From the Banishment of Lepidus to the Death of Anthony which made way for Octavius's Absolute Authority and was the last Step to the Imperial State Containing 6 Years CHAP. VII From the Death of Anthony to the perfect Settlement of the Empire by Octavius which ended all Disturbances and brought Rome to its utmost Glory Containing 3 Years THE Roman History BOOK I. The Regal State of ROME From the Building of the City to the Overthrow of that Kind of Government Containing the Space of 245 Years The INTRODUCTION Of the Original of Rome and its Inhabitants I. IN relating such great and remarkable Affairs as those of the Romans it will be necessary to give some Account of the Original of that People And to make the Account as clear and intelligible as I can it may not be amiss first to observe that that Country which was anciently call'd Italy of which Rome was afterwards the chief City did not contain above one half of what now goes by that Name But as small as it was it contain'd many distinct Nations and People the principal of which were the Aborigines Sabines Hetrurians or Tuscans Umbri Samnites Campani Apulii Calabri Lucanii and Brutii and others of inferior Note which were often dependant on these As for the rest of what is now call'd Italy that was principally possess'd by the Gauls who had driven out the Hetrurians and settl'd themselves in these Parts being distinguish'd into several Names as the Senones the Insubres c. This Part went by the Name of Gallia Cis-Alpina and Togata to distinguish it from that Gaul which is now call'd France and was almost the same with the present Lombardy The chief Inhabitants of it besides the several Nations of the Gauls were the Ligures and the Veneti Of all the foremention'd People the Aborigines afterwards call'd by the Name of Latines were of principal Note not upon the account of any particular Excellency but as being better known and much more enquir'd after by all Historians These were of the Posterity of the Oenotrians a Grecian People of Arcadia who had driven out the Siculi the first Inhabitants of these Parts of Italy They possess'd the Country of Latium a small Country along the River Tiber about 30 Miles in length and 16 in breadth containing near a fourth Part of that little Province in the Pope's Dominions now call'd Campagna-di-Roma We find these govern'd by their own Kings nigh 200 Years before the destruction of Troy and above 1300 before Christ the first Kings we hear of in Italy or in all Europe except Greece These Kings kept their Courts at Laurentum a City about 5 Miles off the Mouth of the River Tiber and were Governors of a mixt People For first some Pelasgians out of Thessaly settled among 'em soon after Saturn from Creet who fled from his Son Iupiter which occasion'd their changing of their Names to Latines à latendo from his lying hid there next Evander from Arcadia then Hercules from Greece with their several Followers But the last who settled in this Country according to Dionysius were some
was renew'd several Days with almost equal Success In the last Contest the Romans were much worsted in the beginning and fled to the Palatium but rallying and renewing the Fight with Success against the Sabines the Women who were stolen and marry'd to the Romans and the cause of this War through the Persuasions of Hersilia one of the principal among 'em ran desperately into the midst of the Darts and dead Bodies with their Children in their Arms and their Hair about their Ears making such lamentable Shrieks and Out-crys that both Armies immediately desisted These became Mediators and made Peace between the Fathers and Son-in-Laws after the War had lasted six Years The Articles were First That Romulus and Tatius shou'd reign jointly in Rome with equal Power and Prerogative Secondly That the City from Romulus shou'd still be call'd Rome but the Citizens Quirites from Cures the native Place of Tatius Thirdly That now the two Nations shou'd become one and as many of the Sabines as were willing shou'd be made Free of Rome The City being now much increas'd by the Number of the Sabines Mount Capitoline was taken in built upon and laid out for their Habitation Romulus chose out 100 of the most noble of the Sabines and added 'em to the Senate so that it now consisted of 200 Persons The Legions so call'd ab eligendo because they were choice select Men which before contain'd 3000 Men were now encreas'd also to 4000 whence a Legion was call'd Quadrata yet afterwards a Legion compris'd as many Men as was found convenient for the Service of the Common-wealth Several new Feasts were instituted upon the account of this Union as Matronalia Carmentala c. and a particular Respect was had to those Women who procur'd this happy Reconciliation and several Privileges were allow'd 'em particularly they were exempted from all Work unless Spinning and making of Cloth Now the Tribes were call'd by distinct Names the first Rhamnenses from Romulus the second Tatienses from Tatius and the third Luceres from the Lucus or Grove where the Asylum stood For five Years the two King 's reign'd quietly and peaceably together but in the sixth Tatius protecting some of his Friends who had robb'd and plunder'd the Lavinians and killing the Ambassadors who were sent to demand Satisfaction was slain by the Lavinians at his going to sacrifice there Romulus like a generous Prince made Satisfaction to the injured Persons and bury'd Tatius in Rome very honourably III. Romulus once more sole Monarch of Rome march'd against Fidenae and subdu'd it a Town five Miles off Rome that had seiz'd on Provisions coming thither in time of Famine and soon after he took Cameria an Alban Colony not far distant into both which he sent a sufficient Number of Romans to inhabit 'em according to his usual Custom Then he punish'd the Crustumini who had kill'd their Planters which he had plac'd among 'em and over all these he obtain'd a second Triumph The Action of Romulus against the Fidenates was extremely resented by the Veientes their Neighbours who immediately by an Embassy requir'd the Romans to withdraw their Garrison and restore the Inhabitants to all their former Privileges These Veientes were one of the twelve Nations of Hetruria a powerful People inhabiting a strong City and of extraordinary Largeness situated upon a craggy Rock about twelve Miles North of Rome Their Demands being rejected they began their Acts of Hostility and both Armies met at Fidenae where after two sharp Engagements Romulus became Conqueror The Veientes were now forc'd to betake themselves to Intreaties and so enter'd into a League with the Romans for 100 Years upon these Articles To quit a seventh part of their Dominions with their Salt-pits nigh the River and to give up fifty Hostages of the most considerable Families Romulus for this triumph'd a third time leading with him their General an aged Man who had so badly perform'd his Duty that he was afterwards personated by an old Man in all Triumphs This was the last War manag'd by Romulus who after that imploy'd most of his Time in settling the Government and placing it upon the surest Foundations He made many good and profitable Laws most of which were unwritten Particularly he made one concerning Marriages where the Authority of the Husband was so well and conveniently settl'd that for 520 Years a Divorce was not known in Rome He gave Fathers absolute Power over their Sons to sell imprison scourge or kill 'em tho' in never so great an Office and that as long as they liv'd He appointed no Punishment for real Parricide but call'd all Murder by that Name thinking the latter a destable Crime but the other impossible And it was a indeed Crime never known in Rome for 600 Years For the Peoples Way of Living he enjoy'd two Courses of Life Warfare and Husbandry equally dividing the Lands Slaves and Money taken from the Enemy he appointed a Market once in nine Days which from thence was call'd Nundinae When any Town was taken he suffer'd no Prisoner of Man's Age to be slain or sold or their Lands left untill'd but order'd a Colony from Rome to cultivate them and some of the Strangers to be admitted to the Freedom and Privileges of the City and this was his third Contrivance to encrease the City As to Controversies that might arise upon any Injuries he immediately decided 'em or referr'd 'em to others inflicting speedy Punishments according to the Nature of the Crime Finding publick Spectacles to have a great Influence upon the People he set up his Judgment-Seat in the most conspicuous Place in the Forum where his Guard of 300 Celeres and his twelve Lictors with their Rods and Axes in view of all the People scourging or executing Malefactors occasionâ—d an extraordinary Awe and Respect In the latter end of his Reign whether swell'd with the Imagination of his former Successes and present Security or carry'd away with some pleasing Notions of Arbitrary Government he began to grow very Tyrannical inlarging his Prerogative beyond those Bounds he had formerly set to it and making use of the Senate only to ratifie his Commands Tho' he was extreamly belov'd by the common People yet these Actions gain'd him the Hatred of the Nobility and Senate and brought him to an untimely Death he being torn in pieces as is generally believ'd in the Senate House the Senators carrying his Body out by Piece-meal under their Gowns to prevent Discovery The Senators took an occasion from the Secrefie of the Fact and the Concealment of the Body to persuade the Multitude that he was taken up among the Gods and Iulius Proculus one of the chief of the Nobility did almost put all out of doubt by swearing solemnly That Romulus appear'd to him and told him It was the Pleasure of the Immortal Gods to have him continue among Mankind till he had founded a City whose Empire and Glory shou'd far surpass
Mouth of the River Tiber he built a Town call'd Ostia nigh ten Miles South of Rome to secure the Advantages of Trade to his Subjects for thither Commodities being brought by Ships were in lesser Vessels convey'd up the Tiber to this City and about this Town many Salt-pits were made This Prince as well as his Predecessors was very ready and careful to incourage Strangers and by reason of the frequent Advancement of such and the great Privileges they receiv'd many came daily hither and often such as were of good Note Among these Lucumon an Hetrurian was one a Person of great Accomplishments as well as large Possessions who came hither from Tarquinia in Hetruria with his Wife Tanaquil and several Followers He was Son to Demaratus a rich Merchant of Corinth who had left his Country upon the account of the Troubles at that time and settled in Tarquinia where marrying a noble Matron he had this Son besides another who died Childless Lucumon finding no Incouragement in his own Country being the Son of a Foreigner remov'd to Rome where by his Hospitality and Bounty he soon became known to the King having now taken upon him the Name of Lucius adding that of Tarquinius from the Place of his Birth He was honourably treated by Ancus to whom he generously offer'd his whole Patrimony for the Publick Good and by that means obtain'd Freedom for himself and Followers with Lands both for Building and for Sustenance Ancus in a little time chose him into the Senate for he was greatly esteem'd by the King and as much belov'd by the People no Man being more hardy in War or more prudent in Councel Ancus bestow'd most of his latter Time in inriching his Subjects and improving the City and at the end of 24 Years Reign he died a Prince not inferior to any of his Predecessors either for the Glory he gain'd in Peace or War He left behind him two Sons both under Age which he committed to the Guardianship of the foremention'd Lucius Tarquinius as the fittest Person he cou'd employ in such an Office The Roman Dominions were now encreas'd beyond what they were in the last Reign by a larger Part of Hetruria taken from the Veientes and a much better Footing in Latium CHAP. V. From the Death of Ancus Marcius to the Death of Tarquinius Priscus the Fifth King of Rome Containing the space of 38 Years I. ANcus being dead the Senate receiv'd Power from the People to order the Affairs of the Commonwealth and created certain Interreges as formerly In this short Interregnum Tarquin was extremely busie about the Election of a King having great hopes of it himself Therefore to remove all Obstacles to his Designs he sent Ancus's two Sons out a Hunting the eldest being then nigh 14 Years of Age and assembling the People he made a plausible Speech to 'em wherein he plainly begg'd the Kingdom urging the Examples of Tatius and Numa the first an Enemy as well as a Stranger and the second wholly unacquainted with the City whereas he himself was so great a Friend to the City that he had spent all his Riches upon it and so well acquainted with it that he had been train'd up several Years both in Civil and Military Affairs under their King Then he cunningly insinuated his past Services and insisting more than ordinary upon his Liberality he obtain'd the Kingdom being the first who obtain'd it by his own ambitious seeking At the beginning of his Reign the better to gain the Love of the Common People he chose out 100 of the Plebeians who for Valour or Wisdom were most Eminent and added them to the Senate which made up the Number 300 those of Romulus's Creation being call'd Patres Conscripti these were call'd Patres minorum Gentium that is Senators of a lower Rank He likewise encreas'd the Number of Vestal Virgins from four to seven but Plutarch says there were but two before His first War was with the Latines from whom he took several Towns among the rest Collatia a Place five Miles North-East of Rome over which pe plac'd his Nephew Aruns Tarquinius for Governour the Posthumus Issue of his Brother surnam'd Egerius from his want of Patrimony and Collatinus from the Place which Surname continu'd to his Posterity Notwithstanding the Latines great Supplies from Hetruria he soon forc'd 'em to beg Peace and then turn'd his Arms against the Sabines who had again risen up against Rome Both Armies met upon the Banks of Anio where the Romans made use of a Stratagem by sending a Party of Men to burn a great Heap of Wood that lay by the River-side and to throw it in which being driven forwards by the Wind much of the flaming Wood got hold on the Wood of the Bridge and set it on fire This not only terrifiâ—d the Sabines while they were engaging but when they were routed hinder'd their Flight their Bridge being burnt down and therefore many of 'em tho' they escap'd the Sword perish'd in the Water whose floating Arms being carry'd down the Tiber to Rome discover'd the Victory there almost before the News cou'd be carry'd Tarquin proceeded to march into the Sabine Territories where the Sabines tho' with small Hopes met him with an undisciplin'd Army and being defeated a second time they were forc'd to beg Peace Over the Sabines Tarquin obtain'd his first Triumph Soon after the Sabine-War was finish'd all Hetruria or rather the Neighbouring Parts combin'd against him upon the Account of his detaining some Prisoners of theirs whom he had taken among the Sabines They had made a Law among themselves That whatever Town refus'd to join against the Romans shou'd not be accounted of their Body and they soon after possess'd themselves of Fidenae a Roman Colony But he was so successful against 'em as to overthrow 'em in several Battels and upon his preparing for another Campaign they were humbled and to purchase Peace they ownâ—d him for their Prince and in tokens of Allegiance sent him all the Ensigns of Sovereignty which their Kings were usually adorn'd with These were a Crown of Gold an Ivory Chair a Scâ—pâ—re with an Eagle on the top a Purple-Coat wrought with Gold and a Purple-Gown pink'd almost like the Robes of the Persian and Lydian Kings only it was not four-square but of a semi-circular Figure From hence also came the Râ—bes and Coats us'd by the Augurs and Heralds with many of their Ornaments us'd in Rome afterwards the Axes they had before tho' now they receiv'd 'em again Over these People Tarquin triumph'd a second time This War finish'd which continu'd nine Years he fell a second time upon the Sabines who now alone contended with the Romans for Superiority over whom he obtain'd a third Triumph and providing for another Expedition they yielded whom he receiv'd on the same Terms with the Hetrurians II. Tarquin was no less mindful of strengthning the City at home than of enlarging his
with a Mixture of Sadness and Amazement at the Greatness as well as Strangeness of the Act but while they were lamenting over the dead Body Brutus catching at this Opportunity now threw off his long Disguise giving them to understand How far different he was from the Person they always took him for and further shew'd 'em most manifest Tokens of the Greatness of his Spirit and the Depth of his Policy He told 'em That Tears and Lamentations cou'd never he heard whilst Vengeance cry'd so loud thereupon in a great Rage going to the Body and drawing the bloody Knife from out the Wound swore by Mars and all the Celestial Powers above Utterly to exterminate Tarquin with his Impious Wife and Frâ—geâ—y to prosecute them and all their Friends with the utmost Rage of Fire and Sword and never after to suffer the Tarquins or any other to reign in Rome Then he deliverâ—d the Knife to the rest who all wondring at so extraordinary a Change in Brutus swore as he had done and turning their effeminate Sorrow to a masculine Fury they resolv'd to follow his Instructions and extirpate Kingly Government Brutus as soon as he could procur'd the Gates of the City to be shut that all might be kept secret from Tarquin till such time as the People might be assembled the dead Body expos'd and a publick Decree for Tarquin's Banishment procur'd The Senate being assembled all shew'd their Willingness to banish Tarquin but at first had very different Opinions concerning the new Modelling of the Government which probably might make it a tedious Business Brutus represented to 'em the absolute Necessity of a quick Dispatch and immediately prescrib'd 'em a Form of Government shewing them That before Tarquin's violating his own and his Predecessors Oath Rome had been happy and famous both for her Acts abroad and her Constitutions at home and that the Regal Power had at last been dangerous and almost destructive to the Security of the State and the Safety of the People and therefore was not to be trusted in one Man's hands but two were to be chosen who shou'd govern with equal Authority and Command Then because Names alone were offensive to many People he thought that of Kingdom was to be left off and the other of Common-wealth to be assum'd and instead of the Title of King and Monarch some more Modest and Popular was to be invented as likewise were some of their Ensigns to be laid aside and others to be retain'd That the main and only thing to keep these Magistrates in Order was to prevent their perpetual Power and if they were Annual after the manner of Athens each might learn both how to be Subject and how to Govern Lastly That the Name of King might not be wholly lost the Title was to be given to one who shou'd be call'd Rex Sacrorum who having this Honour for Life and Immunity from Warfare shou'd only concern himself with those Religious Rites which the King had Charge of before The Particulars of this Speech were all approv'd of by the Senate who immediately issued out a Decree for the King's Banishment in this Form That the Tarquinii should be banish'd with all their Off-spring and that it should be Capital for any one to speak or act for their Return Brutus having procur'd thus much the Comitia were immediately aâ—sembled by him and the Body of Lucretia all dismally bloody brought and set there for a pittiful Spectacle to all the People There Brutus to their great Surprise discover'd himself telling 'em the Reasons of his long and strange Dissimulation and the great Occasion of their present Meeting withal shewing 'em the Senate's Decree Then he fell to enumerating all the several Crimes and Villanies of Tarquin particularly That he had Poyson'd his own Brother Strangled his Wife Murder'd his lawful Sovereign and fill'd Diâ—ches and Common-Sewers with the Bâ—dies of the Nobility That he came to the Kingdom on Usurper and continu'd in it a Tyrant being treacherous to his greatest Friends and barbarous to all Mankind That his three Sons were of a Temper as Insolent and Tyrannical as himself especially the Eldest of which they now had a sâ—d and doleful Instance before their Eyes That since the King was absent and the Patricians all resolv'd neither Men Mâ—ney nor Foreign Aid shou'd be wanting to 'em had they but Courage for the Enterprize Urging withal that it was a shame to think of Commanding the Volsci Sabines and Nations abroad and be Slaves to others at home and to maintain so many Wars to serve the ambitious Ends of a Tyrant and not undertake one for their own Liberty And that as for the Army at the Siege their own Interest in all Respects wâ—u'd oblige 'em to joyn in what ever was agreed upon in the City The Multitude transported with the Hopes of Liberty and charm'd with the Person and graceful Behaviour of Brutus with loud Acclamations gave their Assent and immediately call'd for Arms. Lucretius was appointed Inter-rex for holding the Comitia who strait adjournâ—d it to 〈◊〉 Campus Martius where Magistrates were elected in their Armour There he nominated Brutus and 〈◊〉 to exercise the Regal Power as they before had agreed on among themselves and the Centuries confirmâ—d 'em by their Suffrages In the mean time Tarquin having heard something of these Transactions came riding in all haste to the City with his Sons and some of â—is most trusty Friends to prevent the Mischiefs that threatned him but finding the Gates fast shut and the Walls full of Armed Men in great Grief he returnâ—d to the Camp But Brutus foreseeing his sudden Coming had industriously got before him to the Army another Way and acquainted them with the Decree both of Senate and People pressing 'em hard to a Revolt Immediately their Suffrages were call'd over according to their Centuries and they unanimously agreed to do exactly as their Friends in the City had done so that when Tarquin returnâ—d they refus'd to admit him Thus frustrated of his Hopes he went to Gabii or to Caere in Hetruria now Grey-headed having reign'd 25 Years Herminius and Horatius Chief Commanders of the Army made a Truce with the Enemy for 15 Years and raising the Siege before Ardea return'd to Rome with all their Forces IV. Such was the End of the Regal State of Rome 245 Years after the Building of the City in the first Year of the 68th Olympiad A. M. 3496 31 Years after the Ruine of the Babylonian Empire and the setting up of the Persian 179 before the beginning of the Macedonian and 507 before our Saviour Christ occasion'd by a Man who knew neither how to govern according to the Laws nor yet to reign against them The Roman Dominions now contain'd most of Old Latium with the greatest part of the Sabines Country a considerable part of Hetruria particularly of the Veientes Caeretanes and Tarquinii besides some small Parts of the Volsci and Aequi being much
about 40 Miles long and 30 broad a Spot of Ground not so large by a fourth part as either the Dukedoms of Modena Parma or Mantua and not much larger than the Territory of the Commonwealth of Luca so that this was rightly term'd by Historians the Infancy of Rome especially since most of these Parts were both able and ready to Revolt upon every little Occasion as the Romans often found afterwards so that it cost 'em many Years trouble and many hazardous Wars before they cou'd wholly subdue 'em and much enlarge their Dominions If we look upon the City it self at this time we may find it encreased after a far greater Proportion than formerly and its large Extent its numerous Inhabitants and its magnificent Structures were happy Fore-runners of its future Grandeur and Empire And these together with the wise Institutions of its Prince and the great Prudence and Gravity of its Senate were the main Supporters and Preservers of it in the midst of so many envious Neighbours and powerful Enemies tho' indeed the Inhabitants themselves were an extream rough and unpolish'd People little acquainted with Knowledge and Learning and far unlike their Successors in Skill and Conduct Their Engagements were more like so many Tumults than real Battels where Obstinacy in Fighting generally supply'd the place of Discipline in War only they had the good Fortune to deal with Neighbours who had more Barbarity and Ignorance than themselves In short what may truly be affirm'd of the old Romans is they were a People of most extraordinary Courage and Fierceness a People of prodigious Hardiness and Austerity of Life a People of indefatigable Industry and wonderful Lovers of their Country and from these main Springs afterwards proceeded many great and noble Actions Before the Conclusion of this First Book to make the Roman History as clear and intelligible as possible it may be convenient to give a Hint of the several Countries the Romans afterwards became Masters of First Gaul which was then inhabited by an unciviliz'd tho' a Warlike People was broken and divided into a great number of petty Governments Spain and Germany was much in the same Condition and Britain not much better as likewise was Dacia and Illyricum Greece was in a most flourishing wealthy Condition under several Monarchs of Renown and powerful Common-wealths but not long after became subject to the Macedonian Empire Asia Minor was almost in the same Condition then subjected to the Persian and next to the Macedonian Empires but at last partly freed from the latter Armenia was a considerable Monarchy Syria Chaldea Assyria and Mesopotamia were all powerful States but successively subject to the Persian and Macedonian Empires the first of which prov'd a separate Kingdom Iudaea was a small but noble Kingdom Egypt was also a flourishing Kingdom subject to its own Kings Africa was a powerful and growing Common-wealth who had Sicily in a great measure As for Italy it self that was divided among many petty Nations and People as was observ'd in the beginning The End of the First Book THE Roman History BOOK II. The Consular State of ROME From the Beginning of that Government to the Ruine of it by the first Triumvirate Containing the Space of 449 Years CHAP. I. From the Banishment of the last King to the first Dictator which was the first Intermission of the Consular Power Containing the space of 10 Years I. THE State of Affairs in Rome was now wholly alter'd and the Government quite chang'd Restoration of Ancient Priviledges was the Peoples constant Discourse and an odd mixture of Fury and Cunning ran through the whole Body of the Nation which causâ—d 'em to put down Kingly Government and set up that of Consuls These High Officers were two in Number first call'd Praetors next Iudices and afterwards Consuls à Consulendo from Counselling or Consulting the Common Good of the People They were yearly elected by the People in the Centuriata Comitia out of the Patricians being Persons no less than 43 Years old or nigh and of excellent Qualifications as long as there was little or no Corruptions The Consular Power was at first equal to the Regal till in a short time Poplicola brought in the Liberty of Appealing to the People Yet after this their Authority was very large for they were the Heads of the People and Senate superiour to all other Magistrates govern'd the State dispos'd of the Publick Revenues administer'd Iustice call'd and dismiss'd the Senate and all General Assemblies had all the Laws enacted in their Names led Armies appointed Officers treated with all Foreign Princes and Ambassadors and transacted many other Things in their own Names They had also the Royal Ornaments us'd by the Kings as the Golden Crown Sceptre Purple Robes White Robes the twelve Lictors with the Axes and Fasces the Ivory and Curule Chairs only to prevent the People's Jealousies the Crowns and Sceptres were never us'd but upon extraordinary Days of Triumph and commonly one was attended by the Axes and the other by the Rods changing each Month. The first Consuls were L. Iunius Brutus and L. Tarquinius Collatinus who had been the Authors of this Settlement and they immediately reviv'd the Laws of Servius Tullius concerning Publick Meetings and Assemblies with other things that conducâ—d to the Satisfaction of the common sort who look'd upon their ancient Rights as newly recover'd Before Affairs were perfectly settled in the Common-wealth some Ambassadors from Hetruria arriv'd at Rome in behalf of the late King Tarquin who was now so mortifi'd and so sensible of his Mismanagement that he made very large Promises of observing all regular Administration for the future If they wou'd receive him as their lawful King When this Proposal cou'd not be heard the Ambassadors only desir'd That he might have his Goods return'd him at least such as were his Grand-father Priscus ' s who had deserv'd no Ill at their hands But Brutus very violently oppos'd that Demand as being almost as dangerous as the other he esteeming it no good Policy to furnish an Enemy with Money against themselves however his Collegue Collatine most readily comply'd with it but putting it to the Vote it pass'd in the Negative the Voices being very nigh equal The Ambassadors meeting with no Success according to their Instructions made several plausible Excuses for tarrying in Rome longer than ordinary and in that time by their cunning Management and fair Promises found means to draw over some of Collatine's Family to their sides namely two of the Aquilii and three of the Vitellii together with Brutus's two Sons Titus and Tiberius These with some other all join'd in a Conspiracy keeping their private Meetings at the House of the Aquilii there to consult about and manage their Designs which were to kill both the Consuls and to endeavour to re-inthrone Tarquin These Conspirators cou'd not long conceal their Practices but were discover'd by a Slave call'd Vindicius who had accidentally hid
Office without the Peoples Consent A third gave Relief to poor Citizens by taking away the payment of Tribute Another punish'd Disobedience to Consuls and appointed a Penalty of five Oxen and two Sheep a Sheep being in those days valu'd at ten Oboli each Obolus 1 d. 1 q. and an Ox at a hundred Another Law gave Power to any Man to kill the Person unheard who affected the Supreme Power if he cou'd demonstrate the Crime The last Law was for the Creation of two Quaestors or Publick Treasurers who were to take care of the Publick Monies and Contributions and appointed the Temple of Saturn for the Aerarium or Treasury These Officers were so nam'd à quaerendo because they enquir'd after the Publick Money and likewise after Malefactors Some say Romulus and Numa had their Quaestors but then they were for Punishment such as were afterwards the Triumviri for Capital Matters This Quaestorship was the first step to the Offices of Magistracy and they were likewise to keep the Military Ensigns in the Treasury to sell Plunder and Booty lodge and carry out Ambassadors and several other things of the like Nature Their Number was afterwards very much encreas'd till in the time of Iulius Caesar they came to forty some being us'd for the Armies and others for the Provinces Of which these two of the first Creation were term'd Urbani the rest Provinciales and Militares Poplicola having thus setled Affairs held an Assembly for the Election of another Consul where Lucretius the Father of Lucretia was chosen to whom as being the Elder Poplicola granted the Fasces or Bundle of Rods which respect of Age was ever observ'd by their Successors Lucretius dying a few days after his Creation was succeeded by M. Horatius in whose time the Capitol was finish'd and the Dedication of it fell to Horatius much against Poplicola's will who was forc'd to be abroad in the Wars at the same time This was perform'd with great Pomp and Solemnity and with as great a Concourse of People of all sorts In the same Year was the first League made between the Romans and Carthaginians according to Polybius wherein it was provided that the Romans shou'd not Sail beyond the Fair Promontory which lay before Carthage towards the North but were allow'd to Traffick in all that Part of Africa on this side the Promontory as also in Sardinia and that part of Sicily that was then under the Carthaginians From whence it appears that the Carthaginians look'd upon Africa and Sardinia as all their own but Sicily only in part but the Romans included in this League only Latium making no mention of the rest of Italy which was not then in their Power In a little time after Horatius's Election the time coming for new Consuls to be made Poplicola was chosen a second time and with him Luâ—retius Tricipitinus in whose time a Census being perform'd 130000 were cess'd and valu'd besides Widows and Orphans III. Before Poplicola's second Consulship was expir'd Tarquin after his last Defeat had betaken himself to the Clusini one of the twelve Nations of Hetruria and had procur'd Porsena King of Clusium and of great Power to undertake his Quarrel Poplicola to appear as magnificent as this King founded the City Sigliucia or rather Signia while he was approaching which he fortifyâ—d with great Expence and planted it with a Colony of 700 Inhabitants But Porsena march'd directly to Rome laid a close Siege to it and made a furious Attack upon the Place in which Contest the two Consuls with much difficulty repulsing the Hetrurians were both wounded and carri'd off Upon which the Romans were much disheartened and flying in great Disorder were closely pursu'd by the Enemy to the Bridge who wou'd also undoubtedly have enter'd the Town with 'em had not Horatius Coecles with only Herminius and Lartius most valiantly oppos'd ' em Coecles defended the Passage with a wonderful Bravery till his own Party found time to break down the Bridge then cast himself arm'd as he was into the River and swam over to his Friends having receiv'd a Wound with a Spear in his Passage over Poplicola to reward him for this extraordinary Piece of Service gave him several great Privileges and appointed a Statue to be erected to his Memory in the Temple of Vulcan Porsena held the Siege a long time and reduc'd the City to great Straits but Poplicola now exercising his third Consulship together with his last years Collegue drew out his Forces engag'd the King overthrew him and kill'd 5000 of his Men. Nevertheless the Siege continud'd till Mutius a Man of a most undaunted Courage resolving to attempt the Life of Porsena tho' amidst his own Soldiers put on a Tuscan Habit and using that Language came into the Camp where by a Mistake he stabb'd the King's Secretary who sat nigh him instead of the King himself Being apprehended and ready to be examin'd he like a Person more dreadful to others than fearful himself told 'em That he was a Roman and knew as well how to suffer as to act Upon which he couragiously thrust his Right-hand into the Fire intending to punish it for so great a Mistake all the while beholding Porsena with a steady and angry Countenance who struck and amaz'd at the greatness of his Resolution dismiss'd him with much Applause and reach'd him his Sword back from his Throne Mutius taking it with his Left-hand whence he had the Name of Scaevola told the King That the Nobleness of his Generosity had more vanquish'd him than all the Terrors of his Threats and that in requital he wou'd reveal a Secret to him which no Torments shou'd ever have extorted from him That Three hundred Romans in the Camp were now waiting for his Life that the first Attempt was appointed for him but now he was extreamly satisfy'd that he had so happily miss'd killing a Person whose Magnanimity better entitl'd him to the Friendship than the Hatred of the Roman Nation Pâ—rsena hearing this was immediately inclin'd to an Accommodation not out of Fear of the 300 Men but in Admiration of the Roman Courage Poplicola was well pleas'd with the Proposal and agreed to make him Arbitrator between Tarquin and the People but Tarquin resolutely refus'd to admit of any Judge much less Porsena Who as he said had promis'd him Aid and now basely falsify'd his Word Porsena angry at this immediately made Peace with the Romans upon these Articles That the Romans shou'd quit those Tuscan Lands which they had taken from the Veientes restâ—re all Prisoners and receive all their Deserters For the ratifying this Peace the Romans depos'd Twenty Hostages Ten young Men and as many Virgins among which was Valeria the Daughter of Poplicâ—la All Acts of Hostility ceasing Claelia a bold Virago and one of the Hostages got from her Keepers and at the Head of the rest of the Virgins swam over the River Tiber amidst the Darts of the Enemies and being all
their Designs that the Law cou'd not be pass'd These Disturbances were a little diverted by the Enemies March as far as Tusculum against whom Siccius went as Volunteer where the Consuls put him upon a most desperate Attempt which gain'd him the highest Honour instead of procuring his Ruin as they imagin'd it wou'd have done A notable Victory was gain'd over the Aequi by his Means and he reveng'd himself upon the Consuls by preventing their Triumph this Year and by getting 'em fin'd the next when he himself was made one of the Tribunes Upon which a Law pass'd in the Centuriata Comitia That all Magistrates shou'd have Power to punish such as violated their Authority which before was only the Priviledge of the Consuls But not by any Fine exceeding two Oxen or thirty Sheep which Law was long observ'd by the Romans This new Law pleas'd the People and all now being a little more moderate the whole Body of Rome began to consider of Ways and Methods to settle the Government more firmly and to prevent all dangerous Feuds for the Future thereupon it was agreed That Ambassadors shou'd be sent to the Greek Cities in Italy and to Athens to bring such Laws from thence as were most excellent and most convenient for the good of the Commonwealth For this great Design Posthumius Sulpicius and Manlius were fix'd upon and Gallies assign'd for their use suitable to the Majesty of the Roman People The Year following there hapned a great Famine and a most grievous Plague to the great Damage of the City And the Year after the Ambassadors return'd out of Greece with their Laws presently after which the Tribunes requir'd that Law-makers might be appointed and after many grave and prudent Debates and some Opposition it was Granted The Method that they all agreed upon was That Ten Men out of the Chief of the Senate shou'd be elected whose Power continuing for a Year shou'd be the same with that of Kings and Consuls and that without any Appeal that all other Magistracies shou'd lay down their Authorities till they might be renew'd according to the Laws This was agreed on by the Senate and confirm'd by the People and the Consuls elect immediately resigning their Office were made part of the Decemvirate and also the Tribunes Aediles Quaestors c. were divested of all Power and Authority This was a most remarkable Change of Government as great as that from Kings to Consuls and was the second sort of Intermission of the Consular Power which hapned in the second Year of the 82d Olympiad 302 Years after the Building of the City 57 after the Banishment of Tarquin 30 after Xerxes's Expedition into Greece and 450 before our Saviour's Nativity CHAP. IV. From the Creation of the Decemviri to the Third Intermission of the Consular Power by the Military Tribunes Containing the space of 8 Years I. THE ten Persons chosen by the Centuriata Comitia for this high Office were Appius and Genutius the late Consuls elect Posthumius Sulpicius and Manlius the three Ambassadors Sextius and Romulius former Consuls with Iulius Veturius and Horatius all Senators These being invested with almost absolute Power agreed that only one of 'em at one time shou'd have the Fasces and other Consular Ensigns to which they were to succeed by Turns for a certain limitted Time till the Year came about And he whose Turn it was for the time being assembled the Senate confirm'd the Decrees and did all other Things that belong'd to a chief Magistrate to do the rest to avoid Envy and Suspicion differ'd little in Habit from private Persons having only an Accensus or a sort of a Beadle going before ' em These great Men for a time manag'd all things with such Justice and Moderation that the Commonwealth seem'd most Hapy under them and Appius above the rest grew exceeding Popular carrying away the chief Praise from the whole Colledge having indeed greater and more secret Designs than the rest At length having made a Model out of such Laws as were brought from Greece and their own Countries Customs they expos'd 'em to the View of all Men in Ten Tables that any one might make Exceptions When all were approv'd of a Senatus Consultum pass'd Nemine contradicente for the ratifying of these Laws and the Question being put to the People in the Centuriata Comitia they were most Religiously and Ceremoniously confirm'd in the Presence of the Pontifices Augurs and Priests then they were ingraven in Brass some say Ivory and plac'd for publick View in the most conspicuous Part of the Forum The Year being almost expirâ—d the Decemviri mov'd the Senate for a Continuance of this Office and after a great Debate it was resolv'd by them to have the same kind of Magistracy for the following Year because something seem'd yet Wanting to the new Model but especially because this Office Suspended the Tribune-ship which had been an intolerable Burden to the State A Comitia was appointed on purpose where the most Ancient and Honourable of the Fathers stood for this Office fearing if it fell into the Hands of turbulent Persons it might prove very dangerous to the Peace of the Common-wealth Appius had now gain'd the Hearts of the People and his Behaviour and Actions were extoll'd to the Skies therefore they labour'd earnestly to retain him in his Place but he cunningly desir'd to be excus'd the Undertaking such a troublesome and ungrateful Work But at last overcome as it were by the Intreaties of the People he plac'd himself among the Candidates where by a crafty Insinuation of his own Services and a malicious Accusation of the other Patritians as owing him a Spight for his publick Spirit he not only made way for himself but for his Friends too He procur'd to be chosen with himself Fabius a former Consul Cornelius Servilius Minucius Antonius and Rabulius all Patritians and Petilius Duellius and Oppius all Plebeians whom he took in the more to Ingratiate himself with the Rabble saying It was very just that the Commons shou'd have a Share in that Magistracy which was to Govern and Command all On the first Day after their Creation they all made their Appearance with Regal Ensigns which exceedingly terrify'd the People especially the Axes now added again to the Rods which Poplicola had laid aside to prevent the Dissatisfaction of the Common Sort. The first thing the Decemviri did was their promising each other by Oath To be of one Mind to retain the Power in their own Hands to be of equal Authority among themselves and to admit none into their Number never to make use of Senatus Consultum ' s and Plebiscitum ' s but in Case of Necessity Acting most Things by Vertue of their own Power These things they observ'd with great Exactness nothing valuing the Roman Senate and People and exercising their Authority with all Licentiousness By which Means it came to pass that they being both Legislators
appeal'd to the People and complaining much of the Senate by the Assistance of the Tribunes procur'd a Law to pass for receiving the Priviledge of Triumph from the People Thus did the Plâ—bâ—ian Power encrease daily each Morsel of the Patritians Prerogative serving only to add to their insatiable Appetites Little was perform'd by the Romans for three years after besides the Wars with the Volsci and Aâ—qui which were carry'd on with no great Vigour by reason of the frequent Disputes between the Senate and People till the Year 308 the Enemy making Ravages and Incursions to the Walls of Rome put the People upon considering the Common Safety of the State and under the command of Quintius and Furius the Consuls for this Year they obtain'd a notable Victory over them This Victory was attended with a remarkable Determination of the Romans between the Inhabitants of Ardea and Aricia who had frequent Contests about certain Lands and had left it to Rome to be Judge One Scaptius an Old Commoneâ— of 84 Years old stood up and declar'd That these very Lands by Right belong'd formerly to Corioli and consequently to the Romans who ought to have ' em The Senate were asham'd to determine the Thing this way because it had been left to them to be Judges but the People ready to make use of any Advantage caus'd it to be Voted in the 〈◊〉 Tributa where the Lands were adjudged To be the Publick Possession of the Roman People to the great Surprize of the Ardeans and Aricians who were forc'd to return home as well satisfy'd as they cou'd IV. The Tribunes now grew more and more turbulent and nothing wou'd satisfie the Commons but a Share in the highest Offices and Places of greatest Trust and for that Reason they propos'd two Laws one to permit the Marriages of Patritians with Plebeians and the other to make the Plebeians capable of the Consulship which they never were before The Senators took these Proposals most hainously seeing their Priviledges in danger to be ruin'd and were resolv'd to endure the utmost Extremities rather than pass these Laws but finding such violent Commotions in the State they pass'd the Law about Marriages in hopes that wou'd satisfie the People and make them not insist upon the other This appeas'd the Commons for a short space but soon after when the Aequi and Sabines made great Ravages in the Roman Territories they took the Advantage of these Troubles and utterly refus'd to List themselves till they were made likewise Partakers of the Consulship nor cou'd they be prevail'd upon to defer the Matter till the War was over Upon this the Consuls were forc'd to hold a private Conference of the Chief of the Senators where after some Debates Claudius propos'd an Expedient as the most seasonable in this pressing Conjuncture He advis'd 'em by no means to suffer the Consulship to come into the Hands of the Plebeians but to create certain Governors in the room of Consuls Six or Eight whereof one half at least shou'd be Patritians For by this means they shou'd seem not to take too much Power to themselves and yet retain all their Prerogative This Project extreamly pleas'd the whole Meeting and that nothing might seem to be design'd before-hand they agreed That at the next Meeting of the Senate the Consuls shou'd not ask the Senior's Opinions first as the Custom was but the Younger's and such as were most Popular And Genutius the Consul's Brother was fix'd upon to propound this way of Reconciliation purely as his own private Opinion Upon the Assembling the Senate Canuleius the Tribune upbraided the Consuls with holding of secret Meetings and of managing dangerous Designs against the State The Consuls on the other side protested their Innocency and to demonstrate this more clearly gave leave to any of the younger sort to speak first who cou'd not be suppos'd to be acquainted with any private Contrivances and to Valerius in particular Valerius advis'd the Fathers to favour the Commons who had so well deserv'd both in gaining of Dominions and getting and preserving the Liberty of the City and urg'd further That the City cou'd not be Free till there was an Equality of Right Horatius and others being next ask'd seconded him and after that Claudius being desir'd to speak the better to conceal his Design according to his old way broke out into bitter Invectives against the Commons and advis'd That the Law might not pass neither then nor ever after This caus'd some Disturbance but at last Genutius was ask'd his Opinion who as it was before design'd propounded this Expedient to the Senate and People That Six Governors shou'd be chosen with Consular Authority three Patritians and three Plebeians and when the time of their Magistracy shou'd be expir'd then the Senate and People might resolve whether they wou'd have the same Office or that of Consuls for the Year following This Project was gladly embrac'd both by the Senate and Commons and leave was given to any Plebeian to stand for this new Office Yet so fickle were the Minds of the Multitude and so pleas'd with the bare Novelty of the thing that tho' many Plebeians stood for this Office they thought none of 'em worthy of that Honour but bestow'd it upon Eminent Patritians only who appear'd as Candidates This was the third Intermission of the Consular Power tho' the Authority was equivalent and likewise the third great Change in Rome which hapned scarce eight Years after the second in the 310th of the City 65 Years after the Expulsion of the Kings and 442 before our Saviour Christ's Nativity CHAP. V. From the Creation of the Military Tribunes to the Burning of Rome by the Gauls which almost ruin'd the Roman Nation Containing the space of 54 Years I. THE Consuls being for once more laid aside these new-mention'd Magistrates succeeded being call'd by the Name of Tribuni Militum or Military Tribunes three Patritians only being chosen namely Sempronius Atratinus Claelius Siculus and Attilius Longus Thus at first they were but three in Number afterwards they were increas'd to four and at length to Six And tho' these had the Power and Ensigns of Consuls yet their Number together with the Mixture of Plebeians which afterwards press'd in made their Priviledge and Dignity seem something Different and Inferior Whence a Tribune of the People afterwards in way of Contempt call'd them a Proconsular Image and Manlius the Dictator shewing that a Master of the Horse was inferior to a Consul compar'd his Power to that of these Magistrates These Military Tribunes having held their Office almost eight Weeks were constrain'd to lay it down for that the Augurs found some Flaw in their Election and Consuls were created afresh Sempronius being one So that in Seventy three Days here was another Change of Government the Old one prevailing over the New The following Year they procur'd Consuls again to be elected and not Military Tribunes who were Geganius and
Quintius who had both been Consuls before In this Year the Consuls finding the Publick Business to increase to ease themselves procur'd two new Magistrates to be created call'd Censors so nam'd because the Business of the Census which had been instituted by Servius Tullius the Sixth King of Rome was one great part of their Office These Magistrates at first made no great Appearance but in a short time they became Persons of extraordinary Dignity and Power having all the Ornaments and Ensigns of Consuls except Lictors At the beginning they were created for five Years which space was call'd Lustrum as was formerly observ'd but soon after their time was shortned to a Year and half but still they were chosen but once in five Years the Census being no oftner perform'd Their Power was very large and their Office very extensive for tho' at first they only perform'd the Census making an Estimate of Men's Estates distributing them into their several Classes and Centuries taking the Numbers of the Inhabitants c. yet in a short time they became Publick Inspectors of Men's Lives and Manners and were therefore frequently call'd Magistri Morum and took upon 'em to degrade Senators upon Misdemeanors to take away Horse and Ring from Equites or Knights and to turn Plebeians out of their Tribes and put 'em into a Lower and many other things of the like Nature The two first Censors were Papirius and Sempronius both Patritians and the two last Years Consuls and these high Officers were for nigh 100 Years chosen out of the Patritians and only such as were Eminent and Famous and had formerly been Consuls till the Plebeians found the way to this as they did to all other Offices Afterwards the Roman Colonies had their Magistrates call'd Sub-Censors who gave an Account to these of the Number of Inhabitants and their Wealth which was immediately register'd in the Censor's Books The Fathers were extreamly satisfy'd that they had got these Magistrates created out of their own Body and the Tribunes esteeming their Power to be inconderable were willing enough to agree to it In this same Year the Ardeans as being Allies sent to the Romans for Succour against the Volsci who were call'd in by some dangerous Factions among themselves and had reduc'd them to great Extremities The Romans were ready to serve the Persons they had so lately injur'd about their Lands and immediately Geganius the Consul was sent with a considerable Army against the Volsci and he soon reliev'd the Ardeans and clear'd the Country of the Enemy This Victory was very memorable and the Consul had a noble Triumph Clulius the Volscian General being led before the Chariot Ardea had now been so dispeopled with the Factions and the late Wars that they were willing to accept of a Roman Colony which the Senate sent soon after and to shew a further Piece of Generosity restor'd all the Lands they had before adjudg'd to the Publick Use tho' with the great Complaints of many of the Commons II. The Heats of the Commons were still kept alive but for some time were of no dangerous Consequence till three Years after Sp. Maelius a rich Knight incourag'd upon these Contentions by his large Bounty to the Poorer Sort in time of a great Famine began to affect Popularity and by that means to aspire to the Sovereignty His Designs were soon guess'd at and he was accus'd of this by Minucius who had the care of the Provisions which thing in these unsettled times so startled the Senate that by advice of Quintius the Consul they order'd a Dictator to be immediately created the Tumult hourly increasing Quintius Cincinnatus now 80 Years old was the Person who chose Servilius Ahala for his Master of the Horse The Dictator presently summon'd Maelius to appear who being well back'd and supported by the Mob refus'd to obey now breaking out into open Rebellion whereupon Ahala set upon him in the Forum and kill'd him and was justifi'd by Quintius who commanded his Goods to be sold and his House to be demolish'd The Tribunes inrag'd at the Death of their great Friend Maelius procur'd Military Tribunes instead of Consuls to be created for the following Year now six Years after their first Institution hoping that some Plebeian might get into the number of Six which might give 'em an Opportunity of revenging his Death But Three only were created all Patritians too and their Expectation wholly unanswer'd The following Year Consuls were created again and in the same Year Fidenae a Roman Colony revolted to Tolumnius King of the Veientes and to inhance their Crime by his Instigation they treacherously murder'd the Ambassadors sent thither who dying thus for the Publick the Senate generously appointed Statues to be erected in their Honour This War in the beginning prov'd so dangerous and threatning to the Romans that they were forc'd to create a Dictator to manage it Mamercus Aemilius being the Person who made choice of Quinctius Ciâ—cinnatus an Eminent Youth of the City for his Master of the Horse Aemilius the Dictator obtain'd a great Victory over the Enemy in which Battel Cornelius Cossus a Tribune in the Army slew King Tâ—lumnius with his own Hands and by that means obtain'd the Honour of the Opima Spolia or Royal Spoils which were the only Spoils of that Nature since the Reign of Romulus These Spoils were a great Grace to Aemilius's Triumph and a great Honour to Cossus they being with extraordinary Pomp and Ceremony consecrated to Iupiter Feretrius Two Years after this there hapned a great Plague in the City and the Fidenates and Veientes press'd so hard upon the Romans that they were forc'd to have recourse to another Dictator and Servilius Priscus was created who chose Aebutius Elva for his Master of the Horse Servilius was so successful as not only to drive the Enemy back but to take the Town of Fidenae which he did by a Mine The taking of Fidenae was so disadvantageous to the Enemy that the Veientes sent to all their Neighbours about for Succour threatning no less than entire Destruction to Rome These formidable Preparations put the Romans upon creating another Dictator a little above a Year after the last which was Aemilius who had been Dictator three Years before and he chose Posthumius Tubertus for his Master of the Horse In a short time the Romans found that the Veientes cou'd procure no Aid so the Dictator had little Employment abroad but resolving to do something at home he caus'd the Censorship to be reduc'd to a Year and a half which was eight Years after its first Institution and then laid down his Office The Censors from this took an Occasion to remove him out of his Tribe which so inrag'd the People that the next time they procur'd Military Tribunes to be brought in again after there had been Consuls four Years And in this Election notwithstanding the great Industry of the Tribunes of the People they
also perform'd many great Actions overthrowing the Samnites and Storming Two of their Camps which success so elevated him that he immediately stood for the Consul-ship and obtainâ—d it having the Honour likewise of Finishing this dangerous War nigh Three years after it was begun a War so destructive that it consum'd above â—00000 of the Youth of Italy according to Paterculus This War was ended with a Disturbance in the City about Usury and the unexpected Privileges of the Conquer'd Italians who had the Freedom of the City given 'em just as the others had a short time before and so all things were happily quieted V. But Quiet and Peace was too great a Happiness for Rome at this time for the Social War was scarce finish'd when Two others broke out one the Cause of the other This first was with Mithridates King of Pontus in Asia Minor a Prince famous for his Knowledge and Learning mighty in Riches and Power of a boundless Ambition and a Former of vast Designs This King by several Actions had gainâ—d the Enmity of Ronie particularly by procuring Tigranes King of Armenia to Declare against the Roman State and by his over-running his Neighbours the Bithynians Phrygians Mysias Lycians Pamphylians and other Allies of Rome And which was more Provoking than all the rest he had taken Q. Oppius and Aquilius the latter of which he kill'd by pouring Melted Gold down his Throat continually upbraiding the Romans with Avarice and Corruption Upon all these Accounts the Romans Proclaim'd War against him and Sylla and Pompeius Rufus being Consuls it fell to the former's share to Undertake it But Sylla having not yet quite finish'd the Social War Marius stirr'd by the Desire either of Profit or of Honour perswaded Sulpicius Tribune of the People of prefer a Law for transferring the Management of this War from Sylla to him He made what Parties he cou'd and drew the People of Italy to his Side who had lately been made free of the City by promising em equal Privileges with those in the 35 Tribes which as yet they wanted so that Matters were carry'd on with Violent Heats and Contentions and Pompey's Son and Son-in-Law to Sylla was kill'd in the midst of these Tumults and Disturbances Sylla hearing of these dangerous Commotions hastned to the City easily perswading his Army to stand by him in all Exigencies for they were very unwilling to have any other go on that Expedition from which they promis'd themselves such Great Advantages His Collegue Pompey joyn'd with him and tho Marius and Sulpicius the Tribune made all possible Opposition yet after some Difficulty and Bloodshed they enter d the City and Marius with his Accomplices were forc'd to betake themselves to flight and thus began the other War which was the first Civil War of any Note among the Romans as the Troubles of the Gracchi were the first in which there had been any Blood-shed of Note Sylla did no Injury to the Citizens in General but Revers'd all that Sulpicius had done regulated the Senate procur'd Marius Sulpicius and Ten other Leading Men to be Declar'd open Enemies to their Country made it Lawful for any Person to kill them and set their Goods to Publick Sale Shortly after this he departed upon his Expedition against Mithridates who now had very much extended his Conquests even to the subduing a Great Part of Greece it self Sulpicius was in a short time taken and put to Death but Marius hid himself in the Fens of Minturnum where being discover'd a Gaul was sent to kill him but he was so dash'd and amaz'd at the Nobleness of his Presence that he cou'd not perform his Order So that Marius being convey'd out of that Place escap'd into Africk where he was joyn'd by cethegus and other who had fled into Numidia expecting a convenient Opportunity to Invade their own Country Pompeius Rufus the Consul to secure Italy was at the same time appointed to Receive and Command the Army of Pompeius Strabo who had done great Service in the Social War and had so far gain'd the Affection of his Men that they finding they were like to part with their Old General stood up and slew the Counsul himself so that now there were great Dangers and Disturbances in all Parts Cornelius Cinna and C. Octavius were made Consuls for the following Year Cinna corrupted as some are of Opinion immediately declar'd himself for the New Citizens and recall d Marius with the rest of the Exiles which Actions were so violently oppos'd by his Collegue Octavius that Cinna was by Force driven from the City and Merula put in his Place Cinna upon this going about to the Italian People by giving 'em fresh Hopes of equal Privileges with the Romans and pretending That all his Troubles and Sufferings were purely for their Sakes obtain'd great Summs of Money Marius also coming over to him shortly they together rais'd a Considerable Army and Cinna March'd directly to Rome and sat down before it to the Great Surprize and Terror of the Inhabitants Marius at the same time March'd against Ostia and took it by Force but Cinna before Rome finding he was not like to carry the Place broke up the Siege and Invested Ariminum which he soon after Storm'd Marius after the taking of 〈◊〉 advanc'd with his whole Army and posâ—ed himself upon the Hill Ianiculum joyning to Rome which again put the Inhabitants into a Great Consternation especially for that he was soon after joyn'd by Cinna The Consuls finding they cou'd not recall Sylla from Countries so far distant sent to Metellus then lying with an Army in Samnium but he differing with them about some Conditions shortly after join'd himself with Marius At which time the City was nigh being betray'd by Ap. Claudius a Tribune of the Army who was invested with the Command of the Janiculum but tho' He and Cinna Broke in they were repell'd by Octavius and Pompeius Strabo the Proconsul who was shortly after kill'd with a Thunder-bolt Marius after this took in several Towns about Rome where Provisions lay and Cinna by the fair Promises of Liberty drew great Numbers of Slaves out of the City which the Senate perceiving dispatch'd Ambassadors to Cinna and Marius desiring them to come into the City peaceably and spare their own Country-men Cinna refus'd to admit of any Address made to him as a Private Man so that they were forc'd to treat with him as Consul and desir'd him to swear that he wou'd shed no Blood Oinna absolutely refus'd to take such an Oath but promis'd that knowingly and willingly he wou'd not be the Cause of any Man's Death Marius stood by him and said nothing but gave sufficient Testimony by the Sourness of his Countenance and the Sternness of his Looks that he wou'd shortly fill the City with Massacres But the better to dissemble his Rage he at last broke Silence telling the Ambassadors that he was then in Exile and banish'd his Country by course of Law that
Greatness and Magnificence of Rome now found himself reduc'd to seek Retreat with some few of his Friends in a poor Fisherman's Cabbin From whence he went aboard another Vessel and made forward every Day as much as he cou'd but the ungrateful Sound of his Defeat still flew before him which so dejected and confounded him that he cou'd not think of any thing that might be serviceable to him His Assurance of Victory made his Defeat most intolerable leaving him naked and disarm'd of all Relief And his Misfortunes had so infaturated his Mind that he could not so much as use those Advantages he had still by Sea where he had a powerful and victorious Fleet. He sail'd first to Amphipolis then to Lesbos where he took his Wife who bitterly complain'd of the ill Destiny which allid her to Crassus first and afterwards to Pompey only to cause the Ruine of two such Illustrious Families Pompey from thence directed his Course to Aegypt where King Ptolemy a Minor was in War with his Sister Cleopatra whose Father Pompey had setled in his Kingdom Pompey sent to him That in regard of the ancient Hospitality and Amity between him and his Father he desir'd a Retreat of him in Alexandria and that by his Wealth and Power he wou'd support him now fallen into the utmost Misery and Calamity The Message was well enough receiv'd but such as were Protectors of the King and Guardians of the Kingdom now in his Minority either induc'd by the Fear of the Armies being gain'd by Pompey many of 'em having been his Soldiers or else despising the lowness of his Fortune gave a civil Answer openly to the Messengers and desir'd him to come to the King But secretly plotting among themselves sent Achillas a principal Commander and of great Boldness together with Septimius a Roman Tribune to kill him They met him with much Civility and Pompey knowing Septimius to have led a Company under him in his War against the Pirates went aboard a little Bark with a few of his Soldiers and there was barbarously and treacherously murther'd by Achillas and Septimius his Wife and Friends flying with what sail they cou'd make His Head being cut off they left the Body on the Shoar which was carefully taken up by Philip his Freed-Man who gathering up some Pieces of a Broken Boat for a Pile was surpiz'd by an old Roman Soldier of Pompey's residing in Aegypt Who art thou said he that art making these sad Preparations for the great Pompey ' s Funeral Philip answer'd him One of his Freed-Men Ab reply'd he thou shalt not have all this Honour to thy self but suffer me to partake in an Action so Iust and Sacred that among all the Miseries of my Exile I may please my self in having the Honour to touch the Body and assist at the Funeral of the greatest and noblest Soldier that Rome ever produc'd After which they gave him the last Rites the Sadness of which Ceremony was very peculiar Such was the End and such the Funeral of Pompey the Great who after his escaping so many memorable and eminent Dangers where he might have fall'n with the Honour agreeable to the Greatness of his Character came at last to lose his Life miserably by the Hands of three or four Villains he being now in the 58th Year of his Age. This happened near two Years after his Breach with Caesar and this cut off the second Head of the Triumvirate and made way for Caesar's Absolute Power soon after and this hapned in the 706th Year of the City A. M. 3957 about 12 Years after the beginning of the Triumvirate and 46 before our Saviour's Nativity CHAP. III. From the Death of Pompey to the Death of Caesar which finish'd the Power of the first Triumvirate but still kept down the Consular State Containing the space of nigh four Years I. THUS Successful was Caesar in all his Actions especially in the last which Advantage heresolv'd to pursue to the utmost and knowing that all his Enemies Hopes were lodg'd in the Person of Pompey he follow'd him with his usual Diligence And as tho' Fortune was resolv'd never to forsake him Cassius retreating into Asia with a Fleet of 60 Sail fell in among Caesar's little Barks he had provided for his Troops and tho' he might easily have ruin'd Caesar yet Caesar's Presence and Behaviour so over-aw'd him that he immediately surrender'd himself with all his Navy Caesar shortly after arriv'd at Alexandria with two Legions and 800 Horse in ten Galleys of Rhodes and a few Ships of Asia ordering the rest of his Men to follow Tho' these Forces were very inconsiderable the Legions being reduc'd to 3200 Men yet the Confidence he had in his Victories and the high Reputation they had gain'd him made him believe that he shou'd meet with Obedience where-ever he cou'd find Men. Upon his landing at Alexandria he was entertain'd with the News of the Death of Pompey whose Head was presented to him and his Ring which he us'd for his Signet This mournful Spectacle immediately reviv'd the Thoughts of his former Friendship which with the sad Imagination of the fatal Misfortunes that attend the greatest Men drew Tears from his Eyes and made him turn away his Face with Horrour keeping the Ring and sending away the Messenger in a Moment He afterwards to shew his Respect to this great Man caus'd a magnificent Sepulchre to be built by the Place where he was murder'd with a Temple which he call'd The Temple of Wrath. Caesar upon his entry into Alexandria having his Axes and Fasces carry'd before him as Consul the Multitude were much offended as they were at his Landing crying out That the King's Authority was diminish'd which occasion'd Caesar to give Orders for other Legions which were enroll'd for Pompey's Service to be brought to him out of Asia In the mean time as an Argument of his Confidence he made great Entertainments and assisted at the Conferences of Philosophers who were in great Numbers within that City But Photinus the Eunuch who came to Alexandria with the young King daily gave him fresh Marks of his Dissatisfaction and Intention of making use of Arms till at length the Insolence of this Person and probably the Reputation of the admirable Beauty of Cleopatra caus'd him to declare publickly That the Controversie between the King and his Sister belong'd to the Cognisance of the People of Rome and consequently to himself as Consul and the rather because old Problemy by his Will had left his eldest Son and Daughter Heirs and the People of Rome Executors Upon this Account he intended to make up all Differences between 'em and sent to 'em to have 'em rather to plead their Causes before him than to decide the Controversie by the Sword At this time Photinus had the Administration of the Kindgdom and he disdain'd to come to Caesar's Proposals but thereupon procur'd Acbillas to march directly to Alexandria at the Head of 22000 stout Men
for Clemency as before he had for Valour Then to shew his generous Temper he caus'd Pompey's Statues to be set up again to shew that he esteem'd a great Soul and a magnanimous Spirit even in his greatest Enemy which occasion'd Cicero to observe in his Writing That Caesar by restoring Pompey's Statues secur'd his own In this second Iulian Year his Collegue Anthony procur'd by a Law that the Month Quintilis shou'd in honour of his Name be afterwards call'd Iuly and many other Laws were made In the mean time as he was no ways belov'd by those who were greatest in the Senate tho' his Ordinances had no other Design than the publick Good they forbore not to viliâ—ie him by their Raileries Now tho' Caesar had Information of their several Discourses he bore it all with so great a Moderation that when some other People had yet the Boldness to violate his Reputation by Libels he never so much as enquir'd after them All his Designs shew'd the Greatness of his Soul he made a Proposition for adorning of the City of Rome with a magnificent Temple consecrated to Mars and with a Theatre and likewise the building of a new Curia or Parish to be call'd Iulia. He rebuilt Carthage and Corinth sending Colonies to both Cities He undertook to level several Mountains in Italy to drein the Pontine Marshes near Rome and to empty the Lakes Works of prodigious Charge and likewise design'd to dig through the Isthmus of Peloponnesus by Corinth After these he design'd an Expedition against the Parthians to revenge the death of Crassus and they being conquer'd to enter thro' Hircania along the Banks of the Caspian Sea into Scythia to open himself a Way through Germany into Gaul and so return to Rome But all these vast Designs soon came to an End enjoying his Sovereign Authority but five Months Caesar's good Fortune which had appear'd by so many Victories his Merit and great Abilities supported by the Affection of the People and the Love of his Soldiers had now rais'd him to a Degree above all other Romans But as it usually happens in Common-wealths where overy one valuing himself upon his own Merit looks upon absolute Command as a Right which he one Day in his Turn may pretend to so it was now for that his extraordinary Advancement daily brought upon him the Jealousie of the Senators In the mean time in an extravagant manner they continually flatter'd his Vanity with new Honours preferring him in his Life time in some sort among the Gods and declaring his Person Sacred and Inviolable They gave him the Title of Father of his Country stamp'd Money with his Image order'd publick Sacrifices on his Birth-day and his Statue to be set up in all Cities and in all the Temples at Rome Some Authors have reported that he procur'd these Honours by his Authority others that they were freely bestow'd upon him However his accepting of all that was offer'd him caus'd him much Hatred from many which was discover'd more plainly one Day when the Senate had decreed him some new Honours and came all in a Body to the Temple of Venus where he was to acquaint him with their Decree and he whether out of a Mistake or Design rose not up but receiv'd 'em sitting which Neglect much offended the Senators and caus'd 'em to talk very freely and publickly about it particularly saying That he plainly affected the Title of King He had indeed the Power in effect but only wanted the Name which was odious to the Romans Caesar who well knew the Effects of that Aversion very cautiously defended himself from that Odium and one Day when some People call'd him Lord and King he made Answer That he was Caesar. Nevertheless he often let some Discourses fall which much promoted the Belief People had of his Ambition particularly That a Republick was nothing but a meer Name and Notion and that Sylla had discovered great Ignorance in laying down the Office of Dictator Caesar shortly after gave a fresh Occasion of Suspicion to the People by his displacing the Tribunes for imprisoning some Persons who had put Diadems upon his Statues And by another Instance soon after he still more plainly perceiv'd the Affections of the People at the Celebration of the Feasts call'd Lupercalia where he himself assisted at the Show seated upon a Tribunal in a Chair of Gold and his Triumphal Ornaments Anthony passing through the People who open'd to make him way went up to the Tribunal and presented a Crown to Caesar some clapp'd their Hands as if they approv'd of it but when Caesar put the Crown back there was a general Applause Anthony offer'd it a second time but still with as little Marks of Satisfaction from the People Caesar again refus'd it which was follow'd with loud Acclamations on all sides Caesar who had laid this Design before now plainly understood their Sentiments and thereupon rising commanded the Crown to be carry'd to the Capitol nevertheless he was so concern'd and so little Master of his Disorder that he said that Night to his Friends That he wou'd freely offer his Throat to any Man that wou'd cut it And tho' he had a thousand Testimonies of the Hatred he lay under he so abandon'd himself to his Designs that from this Moment he neglected all manner of Means of securing himself against his Enemies When he was advis'd by some not to trust Brutus too far he open'd his Breast saying Do you believe that Brutus cares for such poor Pillage as this He was sometimes heard to say That he had rather die once by Treason that to be so miserable as always to live in fear of it And at another time That the Republick had more Interest in his Preservation than himself that he had gain'd Glory and Power enough but after his Death the Common-wealth wou'd be more harass'd with Civil Wars then ever it had been And one Day being at Supper with Lepidus as his Friends disputed among themselves what Death was easiest he reply'd to 'em That which is most sudden and least foreseen He disbanded his Company of Spanish Guards and contented himself with the Protection of his Friends which Proceeding of his much facilitated an Enterprize upon his Life soon after The Design upon Caesar's Life was carry'd on with extraordinary Caution and Secrecy tho' above threescore Senators enter'd into this Conspiracy the Principal whereof was Brutus whose Life Caesar had sav'd after the Battel of Pharsalia and Cassius both Praetors at this time The Name of Brutus had been famous in Rome ever since Brutus the first Consul under the Foot of whose Statue was found written Wou'd to Heaven thou wert alive and certain Billets were thrown into the Praetor's Tribunal in these Words Brutus thou art asleep and not a true Brutus Cassius was Author of most of these things and he hated Caesar upon several Accounts particularly for his naming Brutus the eldest Praetor when he was above him in
Veturius Philo and Pomponius Matho was his Master of the Horse The new Consuls were Aemilius Paulus and Terentius Varro the former a prudent experiencâ—d Person the latter a hot rash and inconsiderate Man These had gather'd together an Army of 80000 Foot and 6000 Horse which gave great Hopes to the People but raisâ—d as great Fears in some of the wiser sort especially Fabius who with all the powerful Arguments imaginable advis'd Aemilius To beware of the Policy of Hannibal and the Rashness of Varro Both Armies met at a Village in Apulia call'd Cannae where Varro resolv'd to engage contrary to Aemilius's Advice the Enemy being about 40000 Foot and 20000 Horse This Battel was fought with dreadful Fury on both sides and Hannibal had plac'd his Men with all possible Skill and Art so that the Romans were not only forc'd to fight with Wind Dust and Sun but pressing forwards were in a little time almost surrounded In short the Abilities of the Punick General at this time were more apparent than ever who more over-match'd them in Skill than they exceeded him in Numbers making a most miserable Slaughter of the Romans till quite wearied out he commanded his Soldiers to give over Aemilius was found desperately wounded by Lentulus a Colonel who offer'd him his Horse to fly but the Consul with weeping Eyes desired him to make use of it himself and go tell Fabius that he had follow'd his Directions to the last but Fate had conquer'd him and then falling among the dead Bodies he expirâ—d In this Battel the Romans lost 50000 Men. Polybius says 70000 2 Quaestors 21 Tribunes 80 of Senatorian Order and so many Equites or Knights that 't is said that three Bushels of their Rings were sent to Carthage the Enemy having lost but 5700 Men. Never was any thing so terrible and dreadful to Rome as the News of this fatal Defeat never was the City so sadly fill'd with Terrour and Tumult and never was a more universal Mourning and Lamentation throughout all the Streets than at this time The Citizens were all in an Uproar and Consternation and the Senators themselves in great Trouble and Confusion being extreamly disturb'd in their Debates by the dismal Outcries of miserable Women tearing their Hair and beating their Breasts after a sad and deplorable manner A Dictater upon this was created which was M. Iunius his Master of the Horse being T. Sempronius and Order was immediately given to keep all the Women from coming abroad into the Streets the Senators themselves going from House to House to comfort and appease 'em what they cou'd Great Care was likewise taken to set strict Guards at the Gates to keep all Persons from abandoning the City and to make all People see That there cou'd be no possible Meanâ—s of preserving themselves but by bravely defending the Walls In a short time Varro arrivâ—d at Rome with the weak and tatter'd Relicts of his Army and tho' he had been the principal Cause of this Defeat yet the Romans out of an extraordinary Greatness of Mind went out to meet him in Multitudes and the Senate return'd him Thanks for that he had not despair'd of the Commonwealth Notwithstanding the vast Losses sustain'd by Hannibal and the Revolt of a great part of Italy immediately after this last Defeat the Romans wou'd never so much as mention Peace Whereas as Livy says No Nation under Heaven but wou'd have fainted and have suffer'd themselves to have been overwhelm'd and crush'd with the weight of so mighty a Disaster III. Thus far was Hannibal extraordinary successful and had he made the best use of this his last Victory by marching directly to Rome he might in all Probability have put an end to the War and Roman State at once but this great Soldier as Maharbal Captain of his Horse told him knew perfectly how to gain a Victory but not how to use and improve it For his careless manner of proceeding that Summer gave the Romans an Opportunity of Recovering themselves when they were almost reduc'd to a despairing Condition And now they were inspir'd with new Courage and new Resolutions of prosecuting the War without Fainting making all possible Preparations for another Campaign arming of several thousands of Slaves and filling up the Senate which wanted 177 Persons This last was done by Fabius Buteo a Dictator created for that purpose without any Master of the Horse and that before the last Dictator was out of Office who was then abroad But that which provâ—d most fatal to Hannibal was his Wintering in Capua a most wealthy and luxurious City which among many other Places had surrenderâ—d it self to him since his last Victory Heâ—â—â—e utterly spoilâ—d an excellent and hardy Army which now was so enfeebled and enervated by their immoderate Use of the Pleasures and Effeminateness of that Place that ever after his Men became impatient of Labour and the ancient Military Discipline So that Capua became a Cannae to Hannibal â—s Soldiers And now Hannibal's Fortune began to change for in the next Campaign he was worsted in a Sally out of Nola by Marcellus the Praetor and repuls'd at Casilinum after he had brought the Place to great Extremities and not long after Marcellus gave him a considerable Repulse nigh Nola which gave the Romans mighty Hopes of farther Successes In Spain the Scipio's managâ—d the War with great Success overthrowing Hanno and gaining much Ground and likewise defeating Asdrubal who but just before had been order'd by the Senate of Carthage to go for Italy and joyn Hannibal which Design by this means was broke In Sicily and Sardinia tho' several Attempts were made by the Carthaginians and some Revolts hapned yet Affairs succeeded prosperously especially in Sardinia where a Battel was fought and 12000 Carthaginians kill'd and many taken Prisoners among whom were Asdrubal Hanno and Mago all Persons of the highest Quality Rome now had the Misfortune of having Enemies on all sides of her and in all Parts of her Dominions and Territories so that the Vigour and Diligence of her Inhabitants was certainly very admirable in sending Recruits and Supplies into Spain Sicily and Sardinia those distant Countries with the same Care as against Hannibal himself But what is a greater Instance of the Roman Courage and Magnanimity is their proclaiming War with Philip King of Macedon in Greece not long after their dreadful Defeat at Cannae for his making a League with Hannibal and their venturing to invade his Dominion which they did with good Success About this time Claudius Centho was created Dictator for holding the 〈◊〉 in the Consul's Absence for a new Election and his Master of the Horse was Fulvius Flaccus The Affairs of Sicily were in a little time alter'd by the Death of Hiero King of Syracuse and the Murder of his Grandson Hieronymus not long after which caus'd great Factions in that City The prevailing Faction proving Enemies to Rome Marcellus was sent thither who besiegâ—d the great
City of Syracuse by Sea and Land but cou'd not storm it with all his Power being perpetually hinder'd by the great Skill and Inventions of that excellent Mathematician Archimedâ—s who contriv'd such Engines as wouâ—d cast Stones of prodigious Bulk upon the Romans and vast Beams upon their Ships and dismount all their Bat-Battering Engines He also set the Roman Ships upon one end or overturn'd them or hois'd 'em up into the Air and after all the Men were fallen out let 'em fall upon the Walls by which means he became so formidable to the Romans that Marcellus was forc'd to remove to a farther Distance Jeering his own Engineers and calling Archimedes Briareus After some considerable Actions in Sicily and after Three Years Siege Marcellus found means to surprize the City on a great Festival of theirs by reason of an Ill-guarded Tower and so became Master of it Marcellus cou'd not forbear his Tears at the Destruction of such a glorious and Magnificent City which he endeavour'd but could not prevent but above all the Death of Archimedes was the greatest Trouble to him for he had given strict Command to his Men to preserve him But this great Artist was at that time so extreamly Busie about his Mathematical Speculations that he took no Notice of the Noise and Uproar in the City and so was kill'd by a Common Soldier before he suspected any Danger His Body was honourably bury'd by Marcellus's Order and vast Plunder was obtain'd by the Soldiers besides many rich Works and great Rareties sent to Rome the City being full of People and 22 Miles in Compass The Wars in Italy were manag'd the same time with various Success Hannibal had Tarentum betray'd to him the Castle still holding out and the Romans invested Capua straitning it so much that they were forc'd to send to Hannibal for Relief He made no great haste to relieve 'em being very desirous to take the Castle first but then coâ—sidering how great a Disgrace the loss of such a Place as Capua wou'd be he broke up the Siege of Tarentum and directed his March thither Hannibal attack'd the Romans in their Trenches and tho' he was assisted both by the Inhabitants and his own Garrison he was repell'd with considerable Loss Finding the Relief of the Place extream hazardous he resolv'd to fall upon Rome it self expecting that the very Name of such an Enterprize wou'd oblige 'em to raise the Siege for which Reason he March'd directly that way His Designs being heard of at Rome the Citizens were variously inclin'd as to their Way of Security some thinking all the Forces in Italy were to be sent for but Fabius wou'd by no means hear of rising from before Capua therefore a middle Way was taken which was to send for Fulvius the Proconsul from the Siege with 15000 Foot and 1000 Horse for the Defence of Rome which was speedily effected Hannibal being now encamp'd about eight Miles from the City Hannibal in a short time decamp'd and advanc'd to the River Arno three Miles from Rome from whence with a Party of 2000 Horse he went to take a View of the City Flaccus much offended that he shou'd take such Liberty without Opposition sent out a considerable Body of Horse which falling upon him forc'd him to retreat The next Day and the Day following Hannibal on one side and Flaccus with the Consuls on the other drew out all their Forces for a General Battel but on both those Days there fell such great Storms of Hail and Rain that the Armies cou'd not joyn but after they had retir'd to their Camps the Weather provâ—d fair and calm This struck the Carthaginians with a Religious Awe and made Hannibal to say That one while his Mind another time his Fortune wou'd not suffer him to become Master of that mighty City Whereupon he decamp'd and March'd to the River Turia from thence to the Lake of Feronia where he plunderâ—d a Temple of that Goddess proceeding in this outrageous Manner through the Countries of the Lucani and Brutii which Cruelty lost him much Credit and did him as much Injury Flaccus return'd to the Siege of Capua which soon after was surrender'd the Heads of the Revolt being put to death and the common sort sold. This City being situated in so good a Soil was reserv'd for the Use of all sorts of Plowmen Labourers and Artificers without any Shew of Government of its own as it had formerly This happen'd in the 7th Year of this War and 54â—d of the City In Spain the War had been carry'd on all this time with great Vigour the Romans being generally Conquerours killing in one Battel 3â—000 Men but in this last Year Claudius Nero the Governour of Spain was much impos'd upon by the Treachery of Asdrubal and another Governour was order'd to succeed him both the Scipio's having been slain not long before in Spain A Comitia was held for the creating a Proconsul for Spain but none appear'd to stand for that Office well perceiving the Hazards and Difficulties of such a War which causâ—d a great Concern and Sadness among the 〈◊〉 Whereupon young Scipio a Noble Youth 〈◊〉 24 Years of Age bravely stood up and profess'd â—â—â—self Candidate having the Year before been 〈…〉 tho' under Age by the great Favour and Câ—â—â—ence of the People This Scipio was Son to the Consul slain in Spain a Person of rare and wonderful Abilities for his Age of extraordinary Courage and Valour and of as eminent Prudence and Vertue which excellent Accomplishments made him joyfully accepted of by the Votes of all but after he was chosen they began to have some Concern upon the Account of his Youth which he apprehending call'd 'em together and with such a noble Spirit and great Resolution promis'd 'em Success that they departed abundantly satisfied with their Choice The following Year after Scipio's Voyage to Spain Valerius Laevinus who had done good Service against Philip of Macedon was made Consul a second time and sent into Sicily where taking the City Agrigentum he soon reduc'd the whole Island which was the first time the Romans became Masters of all Sicily and this fell out in the 8th Year of this War and 544th of the City In the time of Laevinus's Consulship a Dictator was created for holding the Comitia for a new Election both he and his Collegue Marcellus being abroad this was Fulvius Flaccus and his Master of the Horse was Licinius Crassus In this Election Fabius Maximus was chosen Consul a Fifth time in which Year Tarentum was Betray'd into his hands the Success of this Campaign proving very doubtful and various and in this same Year was a Lustration where were found but 137108 Free Citizens by which Account it appears what great Losses the Romans had sustained by these Dreadful Wars Marcellus for this Year sometimes won and sometimes lost with Hannibal and the following was made Consul a Fifth time when going against Hannibal he was slain in