speech exceedingly cheered the Senatours was with generall acclamations and great honour and reverence conducted to the Temple of Iove and the other Gods where having sacrificed for his good successe in the Empire hee went to the Imperiall Pallace When it was voyced how graciously he had spoken to the Senate and written to the Commons all men were infinitely pleased hoping that now they should have a worthy and temperate Pertinax his rare government Governour and a Father rather than an Emperour For hee made an Edict that the souldiers should no more wrong the Commoners nor abuse any Passingers intending to plant every where good order and civility When hee went abroad or sate in Iudicature hee shewed what a meâ—ke and sweet spirit hee had And by his zealous imitation of Marcus his Government he did exceedingly content the elder sort and attract the Affections of all who being delivered from the cruell Thraldome of Tyranny lived now in great peace and security The fame of his Princely vertues moved the Nations Armies and Confederateâ— of the Romane Empire to Deifiâ— him Yea the Barbarians which had revolted oâ— purposed to rebell over-awed with the Remembrance of his Militar Vertue in former times and calling to minde his singular Integriâ—y Iustice and Clemencie did willingly subâ—it themselves unto Embassadours him Embassadours also came from all paâ—ts to congratulate the Romans for so Nobly qualifyed an Emperour But that which was such a generall Rejoicement was much The Pretâ—riâ—ns Maligne him resented by the souldiers in Rome which were the ordinary Guard of the Emperor For being forbidden rapine outrage and recalled to a civil regular forme of life by the Emperours Edict they reputed his mild moderate government to tend to their great Dishonour and Disparagement and because it bridled their licentiousnesse they resolved not to indure it For a while they did but grudge and grumble at his Commands but at last when he had not yet raigned two months having given pregnant hopes in that shorttime of many excellent good acts the malignity of Fortune overthrew all and quite dasht his noble admirable designes for advancement of the Weale publike For be first enacted that all the wast Ground Peâ—tinax a Father to the Coâ—moâ—s in Italy and other Countries though of the Princes demesâ—e should be planted and improved and freely given to them that would cultivate and manure it to which purpose hee granted to Husbandmen ten yeares immunitie from all Taxes and security from all further Trouble during his Raigne As for the peculiar Goods of the Emperors he permitted not his name to be stamped on them saying that the Propriety thereof pertayned not to the Emperour but to the Romane State in generall Hee released all Tolls and Imposts exacted in the time of Tyranny at the Bankes of Rivers Ports of Cities High-wayes and Rodes asserting them to their ancient Freedome Many the like good Deeds hee intended which shewed his firme Resolution to benefit his Subjectâ— Informers pâ—â—isht He banisht Informers out of the City and commanded them to bee punisht where ever they were found to the end none might be indangered or ruinated by their forged Criminations Heereupon the Nobility and CoÌ„munaltie promised to themselves an assured happy Estate For hee was so moderate and * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fellow-like that he would not admit his sonne a young Youth into the Court but caused him to live a privat life He frequented Pertinax love to learning the publicke Schooles and Lectures repayring also to the usuall Places of Exercise where hee demeaned himselfe as an ordinary man without any Princely pompe or State Pertinax thus ruling with singular good order and decencie the Praetorian Souldiers not enduring to be restrayned any longer from their accustomed rapines and outrages consulted and agreed at a drunken Feast to make him away who was so great a grievance to them and to substitute another that would impatronize their lawlesse and licentious misdemeanours Whereupon on a sudden no man suspecting any tumult for all lived in peace in a great fury and Brutish rage they hurry at Noone-day in a The Praetorians mutine Military March with drawne Swords and Pikes advanced to the Emperours Palace where the Courtiers and Officers of State affrighted with that sudden and unexpected Alarme and not able being few and unarmed to resist so many men at Armes forsooke their severall charges within the Verge of the Court and fled Howbeit some few that were well affected told Pertinax of the Souldiers Mutiny perswading him to avoid them by flight and to desire the peoples aid But albeit hee knew it were a safe course to follow their counsell yet holding it an extreme Indeâ—oâ—um derâ—gatory to Imperiall Majesty and unworthy his former glory to fly or conceale himselfe hee resolved to affront the danger hoping hee should perswade them and appease their causelesse Commotion Going therefore out of his Chamber he met them and askt the reason of that sudden Impression disswading them without any shew of amazement For composing himselfe in a grave and venerable fashion suitable to his Princely 〈…〉 State without any signe of submission feare or intreaâ—y hee spake thus Pertinax his speech to the Praetorian Souldiers IF you take away my life it will bee no great matter of gaine to you or losse to me being arrived to this Age with so much honour For this humane life must of necessitie determine at last But if you to whom the preservation of your Prince is concredited and which by your oath are to guard his Person should be the first that marther him and so pollute your selves with spilling your Countrey-mans and Emperours blood it were in present a fact most hainous and might prove in future no lesse dangerous to your selves My conscience tels me I have not wronged you at all If you are sorry for Commodus death it was no strange thing for a man to die but if you thinke hee was made away by treason it was none of my fault For you know I was not so much as suspected with it but was altogether as ignorant as your selves of what was then done The suspicion if any bee must light upon others And though he be dead yet shall you want nothing which is agreeable to reason and your estate and not clogged with violence and ravine With this speech divers of The like effect of Mâ—jesty in Q 〈…〉 as see in loâ—tâ—â— lib. 14. them were perswaded and many retreated being daunted with the Reverend Majestie of their Prince but others flew upon him and slew the old Emperour He is murthered while hee yet spake which exec 〈…〉 act as soone as they had done purposing to decline the fâ—â—y of the multitude who thâ—y knew would take it most grievously they ran to their Campe where immuring themselves they placed Armed men on the Battlements to keepe the people from the Wals. This end had that
against Tyrants or else too much addicted to glorifie Princes Cities and privat persons have not perfectly delineated the Image of Truth For my owne part I have Herodians Historicall Faith here undertaken to write such a History as is not grounded on vulgar Aires and vaine Noyses or on the uncertaine Credit of forraigne Relations but of such recent Occurrences as I have * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 faithfully and industriously collected and cannot bee unknowne to the moderne Readers and I doubt not but the intelligence of so many raâ—e and memorable Accidents which have fallen out in so short a time will be both usefull and delightfull to After-ages For if wee reckon from Augustus who reduced the State of the Romane Common-wealth to a Monarchy wee shall not finde in all those two hundred yeares for thereabouts it is to Marcus the The rare and choice Occurrents here recorded Emperours Raigne either such change full Successions in the Empire or such various chances and events of civill and forraigne Warres or so many Cities of our owne and of the Barbarians conquered beside earthquakes and pestilences and the lives of Princes and Tyrants so strange and uncouth that all the Records of Antiquity can hardly parallel some whereof injoyed their Principality for a longer time others but a very small while yea many of them having scarce accepted the Imperiall Title the very same day they were elected were like wise rejected and deposed from their Imperialitie Whereupon the Citie of Rome having in 60 yeares more Emperors than for the proportion of the time there hapned many variable and admirable Occurrents for those Princes ◠〈…〉 Character of the Emperâ—â—â—s en 〈…〉 g. which were of riper yeares and could manage their Affaires with Wisedome and Iudgement did governe themselves and their People with great honour but the younger sort of them for want of Education and Experience ran many wilde courses Thus disparitie of Yeares and Conditions was accompanied with diversity of Manners and Actions The particulars whereof exactly observing the Concurrence of the severall Times and Princes we come now to specifiâ— A Summary of Marcus his Life and Reigne THe Emperour * Aâ—reliâ—s Marcus had many Daughters and but two Sonnes whereof the younger called Vertssimus dyed in his childhood the other named Commodus he The education of Prince Commodus was very sollicitous to bring up well to which purpose he sent farre and neere for many noble Philosophers giving them great pensions to traine him up in vertue and learning His Daughters The Emperors prudent choice of his Sonâ— in law as soone as they were marriageable hee bestowed on the best men hee could finde among the Senators For in the choice of his Sonne-in-lawes hee had not so much respect to ancient Nobilitie or great wealth as to their Excellence in all Morall and Intellectuall Endowments rightly esteeming the Goods of the Minde to be the only permanent and durable Riches His Princely qualities Hee was indued with all Princely vertues and of such rare and exquisite knowledge in Antiquities that hee was not inferiour to any of the Greekes or Romanes in that kinde witnes his many wise Speeches and Writings yet extant He was also a Prince of so sweet a temper and debonaire behaviour towards all men that he would give * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his hand to every one that came to him commanding his Guard to put backe none that came to see him In a word he was the onely Emperour that shewed himselfe a wise man not onely in Words or Edicts but in Gravity and Continencie of life Whereby it came to passe that many famous Men for Wisedome and Learning flourisht in his time For Men are very apt to imitate their Princes for the most part Now whatsoever he did in peace or warre remarkable or attempted against the Northerne or Easterne Barbarians is already committed to writing by many excellent learned Men. But those Occurrents which all my time after Marcus decease I either saw or heard of most of which I knew experimentally in regard I bore diverse * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 high and honourable offices in the State it is now my Taske to relate Herodian an Officer of State Marcus being now weakened with Age and worne out and spent with incessant Toyle and Care suddenly fell while hee was in * Now Austria and Hâ—agaâ—â—e Pannonia into a grievous disease When he saw himselfe past recovery hee was sore Marcus misdoubts â—â—s sonne Commodus afrayd left his sonne who was then but * About 18. young should in the first heat of youth through his uncontrollable Imperiall power when hee was gone abandon good arts and exercises and betake himselfe to drunkennes and intemperance for Youth is too forward to shake off the yoke of Discipline and devote it selfe to the bewitching blandishments of sensual * 〈…〉 calls S 〈…〉 â—lity these â—â—aigne good of â—eastâ— â—p 93. delights Being also a man of * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 high wisedome and profound judgement he was much terrifyed at the remembrance of many Princes which came to their soveraignty when they were yong youthfull as of Dionysius the Sicilian Tyrant who was such an Epicure in his Diet and manner of living that hee richly rewarded them that could invent any new kinde of pleasure as also of Alexanders Successors which were so exorbitant and irregular in their Governement that they were a great blemish and dishonour to the Empire For * See Iustin lib. 24. Ptolomâ—y so shamefully exceeded the boundes of modesty that contrary to the lawes of the Macedons and all the Greekes hee made love to his owne Sister And Antigonus who would needes personate Bacchus in stead of the Macedonian Coronet and Diadem did usually weare a Wreath of Iâ—ie and carry a * T 〈…〉 speare drest with green boughs in stead of a Scepter The good Emperour was also much troubled with the late Examples of * In him the 〈…〉 Nero who slew his owne mother and made himselfe the sâ—â—ffâ— of the Vulâ—â—r and of Demitian who was a most horrible cruell Monster Revolving therefore in his minde these Images of Tyranny hee was grievously tossed twixt Hope and Feare Moreover he much distrusted the bordering German Nation which yet he had not wholly at his Devotion but pâ—rtly had Confederated partly Conquered whereof many notwithstanding had withdrawne themselves from his Obedience and were onely held in awe with the presence of the Prince He was therfore in great doubt lest despising his sonnes Minority they would presently fall to rebellion it being the usuall gu se of Barbarians to raise Tumults upon the least Occasion In these perplexities hee commands his Kinsemen and principall Lords that werethere to come unto him who being assembled hee sets the young Prince before them and lifting up himself a little on his Couch makes this Speech unto them The
of sensuality undertooke all the Affaires of the Empire and in effect ruled alone The man was insatiably covetous for being never content with what he had hee still gaped for more Yea it was his daily practice to calumniate the ancient Counsellours of the Emperours Father and to being within compasse of Misprision the most Wealthy and Noble Persons that the young Prince being by false feares and feigned surmises induced to put them to death their Goods and Estates might be confiscate to his use Yet for a while was the Prince more temperable out of respect to his Fathers memory and his Counsellours Gravitie but by the malignity of Fortune that good Temper and Disposition was soone altered and perverted The occasion was this Lucilla Commodus eldest Sister Lucilla Commodus his Sister was first wedded to Lucius Verus whom Marcus had associated in the Imperiall Governement having obliged him in the strongest bond of love by bestowing his Daughter upon him After Lucius decease she still retayning her former State and Dignity was by her Father affianced to Pompeianus and permitted by Commodus to injoy the same Honours For as an Empresse she had her Chaire of State erected on the Theater and Fire likewise after the usuall manner carryed before her But when Commodus had married Crispina the Empresse Crispina who then as the PRINCES Wife was to have precedence Lucilla stormed at it and interpreting the others Honour to be her Disgrace yet durst not impart her Designe of surprizing the Empire to her husband Pompeianus because shee knew hee loved Commodus intirely Howbeit opening her mind to a Noble yong Gallant called Quadratus with whom â—uâ—illa and others con 〈…〉 against 〈…〉 shee was suspected to play the Adulteresse she grievously complayâ—ed to him of the indignity and at last perswaded him to such a Course as was pernicious to himselfe and all the Senatours For among others of the Nobility which were of that Conspiracie there was one Quintianus a bold and desperate youth whom he inveagled and suborned to watch some fit opportunity to kill Commodus with a * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Stilletto which hee might hide in his bosome which done he undertooke to salve the matter with Money Shortly after Quintianus standing in a blinde corner in the Entrie to the Amphitheater as Commodus passed by offered to stab him proclayming aloud that the Senate sent him that which as soone as he had spoken intending to follow his thrust hee was seized by the The Conspiracie detected Guard and received condigne punishment for his Madnesse the Emperours Safetie beeing wrought by his owne discovery This was the prime and maine Ground of the Princes hatrâ—d against the Nobility For his Mind was so deepely wounded with those words that hee tooke them all for his capitall Enemies and could never forget the speech of the youth which assayled him Perennius laying hold of this occasion counselled him to root ouâ— all the chiefe Nobles and Gallants whose Estates being confiscate and given him hee suddenly grew to infinit wealth For himselfe sitting as Iudge The Consâ—irators executed Commodus his owne Sister and all that had a hand in that Conspiracie or were but lightly suspected for it were put to death Thus Perennius having made away those whom the Emperor feared which indeed did beare a Paternall Affection to him tooke him into his owne tuition and now being in the height Perennius his treason of Authority hee cast about how to usurpe the Empire to which end hee perswaded Commodus that his Sonnes which were yet but youths might bee made Commanders of the Imperiall Forces in * After called Dalmatia now Solavonia Illyria Wherupon he provides a mighty masse of Treasure to winne the good wills of the Pretorian Souldiers The Sonnes also secretly levied great numbers of Souldiers that as soone as their Father had slaine Commodus they might invade the Princedome This Treason was strangely detected in this manner The Romans use to celebrate a The Royall Festivall of Iupiter sacred Agon or Pageant in honour of Iupiter Capitolinus to which there is extraordinary resort of people as is usuall at the Solemnities of that royall * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Citie Now it is the custome for the Emperour also to bee there present and President together with the Priests which Honour of Romane Priests yearely waite in their courses The Emperour being set in his Throne to heare those famous Actors and the Theater full of spectators which with singular decency * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were seated according to their Degrees before any thing was said or acted on the Stage suddenly there starts out one in a Philosophers habit wiâ—h a staffe in his hand and a Scrip on his shoulder halfe naked who running to the midst of the Stage stood still and beckening with his hand for silence said This O Commodus Perennius discovered is no time for Sports Shewes or Festivals Perennius his Sword hangs over your Head and if you doe not speedily avoid the present danger you are undone That same Man there hath raysed both Men and Money against you and his Sonnes likewise sollicite the Illyrian Armie whom if you doe not instantly prevent you are a dead man The fellow having thus said whether moved thereto by some Divine Instinct or to purchase himselfe a Name being an obscure Plebeian or because hee hoped to attaine some great Reward of the Prince for his discovery certainely Commodus was mightily astonisht Others though they beleeved it might be true yet they seemed not to credit it Perennius commands him to bee apprehended and as a seditious franticke to bee burned Thus suffered hee for his mis-timed boldnesse Howbeit divers that made semblance to regard the Emperours safetie and bore Perennius upon the spleene for his intolerable haughty and disdainefull carriage taking this occasion spared not to accuse him in so much that Commodus thereby evaded mischiefe and Perennius with his children smarted for it Soone after there came * They were British Souldiers as our writers say Souldiers unknowne to Perennius sonne and brought coines stamped with his Image which they secretly shewed to Commodus unawares to Perennius though hee were Praefect and detected all the Treason for which service they were exceeding richly rewarded Whereupon the next night the Emperour sent for Perennius his head who little Perennius beheaded dreamt hee was discovered He sent also Posts to his sonne which by their speed prevented the rumours of what was done at Rome and delivered to him very loving Letters from the Emperour requiring him to hasten forthwith to Rome for his extraordinary advancement The messengers also told him it was his Fathers desire hee should come but writ not himselfe because hee knew the Emperours Letters were sufficient The young man utterly ignorant of his Fathers disaster or of the plot against himselfe beleeved this to bee true and though he were
fight like a Souldier against Barbarians nor to arme himselfe like a Roman Prince but to prostitute so glorious a Dignity to so sordid a profession He easily vanquisht his Antagonists and attempted no further than to draw bloud every one yielding him the Mastery as acknowledging him rather an Emperour than a Fencer In this mad humour he ranged so farre as that hee purposed to forsake his Palace and live in a Fence-Schoole and now being weary of the Name of Hercules hee assumed the Name of a famous Sword-Player deceased And whereas the Romanes had the Colossus or Image of the Sunne in great veneration hee tooke the head from it and set on another representing his owne inscribing in the Basis not his Fathers Titles or any Imperiall Stile as he was wont but in stead of Germanicus or Conquerour of Germanie The Vanquisher of a thousand Gladiators But now was it high time for him to leave his Foolery and the Citie to bee freed from his tyrannie which fell out in the beginning of the yeare on that day which the Romans keepe holy to Ianus the most ancient Ianus his Feast God of Italy who entertained Saturne expelled by his sonne Iupiter from whoâ—e concealement it had the name of Latium Wherefore to this day they first celebrate the Feast of Saturne and then of Ianus whose Image hath two heads alluding to the beginning of the new and end of the old yeare Now whereas the Romans were wont on this prime Festivity to congratulate each other and Newyeresgifts to send to their friends peeces of Gold and Silver and divers other gifts interchangeably in token of mutuall love and observance and the chiefe Magistrates of the Citie vested themselves in rich Purple in honour of that great Solemnity Commodus then determined to issue forth not out of the Imperiall Palace according to the ancient custome but out of a Fenceschoole and to shew himselfe openly to the people not in his Robes and Princely Purple but armed like a Master of Defence with a traine of Gladiators following him This his determination when Marcia Commodus his Concubine hee had imparted to Marcia his most honoured Concubine who as if she were his married Wife had all the honours of Empresse except that of FIRE Shee fell downe on her knees and besought him with teares not to prophane the Majesty of the Roman Empire in that sort nor to hazard his person among such lewd and desperate Ruffians But when after much intreaty shee saw there was no hope of prevayling shee went away weeping Then he sends for Latus the Generall of his Armies and Electus his Chamberlaine and commands them to prepare a lodging for him that night in the Fence schoole that hee might the next morning goe from thence to sacrifice on that solemne Festivall and shew himselfe in Armes to the Romans They humbly desired him to desist from that purpose and not to doe an act so unworthy an Emperour wherupon in great rage hee commands them out of his presence and retiring into his bed-chamber to repose himselfe at Noone as hee vvas wont he tooke his Table-book and writ downe those which hee doomd to death that night Among which were Marcia Latus Electus and a great number of Nobles and Senators for he was fully resolved to cut off all the ancient Councellors and others which were his Fathers friends lest his blacke deeds should be checkt by their grave centures intending to divide their Goods and Estates among the souldâ—ers Sword-players that the one sort might defend him the other delight him Having thus done hee layd his Table booke on the Pallet not imagining that any would enter his Chamber Now there was a little Boy that could scarce speake such as those which being halfe naked are deckt with gold and precious stones and are the â—â—â—ysest delights of the nobleâ—â— Romans This boy 〈…〉 〈…〉 dus so extreamely * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 love 〈…〉 oft lâ—y in 〈…〉 〈…〉 hiâ— and w 〈…〉 Phâ—lo-Commodus that Phâ—lo-Commodus is Commodus hâ—s Dâ—iling his name she wing how hee loved him The child being fuli of play went as hee usually did into the Bed-chamber while Commodus was bathing and revelling with his Minions and taking the Booke to play with went forth and as some Divine Power ordained Marcia met him and catching him up in her armes and kissing him for shee dearely loved him tooke the booke from him fearing lâ—st by his childish dalliance he might blot out some matters of weight As soone as shee perceived it was Commodus owne hand shee had a great appeâ—ite to reade it But when she found the deadly Contents and that she before all others was to bee slaughterd and that Laetus and Electus were to follow with such a number of noble persons she sighed and said thus to her selfe Is it so Commodus Marcia and others conspire the Emperors death doe you thus reward my love Have I deserved this at your hands for enduring your ignoble and debauched conditions so many yeares You shall find that a sober woman is able to dash your drunken Designes Immediately shee sends for Electus as shee was wont in regard hee was Lord Chamberlaine who as it was thought was over-familiar with her and giving him the booke said See Electus what a banquet we are to have this night He as soone as hee read it being amazed now hee was an Aegyptian borne a bold and daring fellow and very cholericke seald up the booke and sent it forthwith by a trusty messenger to Laetus who being likewise startled instantly repaired to Marcia pretending hee was to speake with her about dressing the Fence schoole for the Emperour Vnder this colour they resolved that now they must instantly doe or suffer without delay or procraâ—ination They concluded to dispatch him by poyson which Marcia undertooke to effect very easily in that shee still used to give him the first Cup which from her hand hee would take most kindly As soone as hee returned from his bathes shee presented him a poysoned Cup of Aromaticall Wine Commodus being exceeding thirsty with much bathing and chasing of wild beasts quaffes it off as hee was wont Whereupon his head being very heavie he fell into a slumber by reason of his vehement exercise as was supposed Wherefore Electus and Marcia commanded all to bee gone and depart the Court lest they disturbed his rest Thus was it ever with him in his drunken fits for when hee bathed or banquetted hee had no set times of Repose being ever distracted with severall sorts of pleasures which still enthralled him Having rested Commodus poysoned and strangled a while and the poyson now working in his stomacke and belly his head grew light and now hee fell a vomiting extremely either by reason hee had formerly over-glutted himselfe with feasting and carowsing which might haply expell the poyson or else because he used as Princes doe to take some antidot to prevent
from Military austerity and Martiall dispositions But he was the first that altered their strong and manly Diet and subverted all Order Discipline and Obedience to Governours by teaching them to hunt after Money and using them to delicate Fare Having made these Ordinances after his owne fancie he entred the * Or Parliamenthouse Senat-house where ascending his Royall Throne hee made a bitter Invective against Albinus Friends producing the secret letters of some of them which hee found in his Cabinets and objecting to others that they had honoured him with the richest Presents to these that they had favoured his Eastern * Niger Enemies to those that they were Albinus Favourites Then he put to death all Severus cruelty and covetousnes the chiefe Peeres of the Senate and slew without mercie all that were of great Estate and Nobility in the Provinces pretending to suppresse his Enemies but spurred on indeed by extreame Avarice wherein he exceeded all the Emperours For as in Haughtinesse of Spirit hardnesse to indure labour and Skill in Martiall affaires he was equall to the worthiest So was hee an unmeasurable Lover of Money which hee accumulated by cruell Slaughters upon the least Cause or Colour ruling his Subjects rather by feare than love Neverthelesse hee affected popular Lustre by frequent His Popularity exhibiting most stately Shewes of all Sorts where were oft slain an hundred beasts brought from strange countries Hee distributed also magnificent Donatives to the people and ordayned a Triumphall * Game or Exercse of Manhood Agon sending for Actours and Champions from all parts I have seene in his Time Shewes of all kindes of Pageants in all the Theaters at once as also processions and vigils like Ceres mysteries Secular Games These were then called Secular Solemnities because they V. Alex. ab Alex. Gen. dier l. 6. c. 19. were celebrated as they sayd after the Tearme of three Ages or Generations What time Bedles went thorow Rome and Italy to invite All to come and see those * Instituted in honour of Apollo and Diana the Sunne and Moone Shewes which they had never seene before nor should ever after see Intimating thereby that the inter-space betwixt the past and present Celebrity exceeded the longest Age of Men Having stayd a sufficient time at Rome where he associated his Sonnes in the Soveraignty and declared them Emperours considering that his former Victories were over his owne Countrey-men and the Romane Armies for which cause he forbore Triumph he determined to get himselfe honour by a glorious Conquest of the Barbarians His pretext was to be revenged on Barsemius the Atrenian King for his Confederacie with Niger Whereupon he lead his army into the Orient and as hee was about to enter Armenia the Severus his second Expedition into the East King of the Armenians sent him Money Presents and Hostages humbly intreating to contract a League of Amitie with him Severus seeing all things happen to his mind in Armenia marches against the Atrenians But Augarus King of the Osroens submitted himselfe to him and having assured his Homage by delivering his children for pledges sent to his Ayd a goodly Band of Archers Severus having passed the Region lying betwixt the Rivers and the Archers Country of the Albenians made a Rode into Arabia Felix where growe those odorate Herbes which wee use for Spicerie and Frankincense Having destroyed many Cities and villages and wasted the Countrey â—e entred the Land of the Atrenians and Siege of Atrae beleaguerd Atrae a City mounted on the top of an exceeding high Hill strongly walled and fortifyed well manned and full of excellent Archers Severus army incamping before it made many furious Assaults striving with all their strength to master it to which purpose they assailed the Walls with all sorts of warlike Engines pretermitting no kinde of Invasion But the Atrenians made abrave Resistance and with Shot and Stones from above did much hurt to the Severians They filled also Earthen Vessells with small Fowles and Venomous beasts which being cast among them and lighting on their Faces and other open parts of their bodies crawled all over them and secretly stung and tormented them Moreover they were not able to indure the stifling Aire of that extreame hot Clime which cast them into strange Calentures so that the most part of the Armie dyed rather by that meanes than by the Enemie Whereupon the Souldiers growing desperate at that luckelesse Siege where the Romans lost more than they got Severus discamped and departed without Effect lest all his Men should perish being much grieved that the successe of the Siege was not answerable to his desire For having beene wont to get the Victory in all incounters he now reputed himself overcome because he could not overcome But Fortune soone after smiled on him and advanced his Designes so that hee lost not all his labour but fared better than hee expected For his Army being imbarqued was not brought to the Romane Territories as hee intended but was hurried by the violent Streame to the Parthian banks not many dayes journey from Ctâ—siphon where was the royall Severus strange fortune Palace of the King of Parthia who lived there in peace esteeming Severus warres against the the Atrenians to concerne him nothing at all In which security he little thought of any Disaster Severus Host arriving there Si vis securus esse time securitatem S. Bernard against their wills by the violence of the Current presently landed and immediately fell a syoyling ravaging the Countrey driving away all the Cattell they met with for Provision and burning all the Towns as they went Then marcht they to Ctesiphon where the great King Artabanus was resiant and King of Kâ—â—thia surprised finding the Barbarians ubproâ—vided they slew every man they found pillaged the City and led captive all the women and children The King with a few Horsemen escaped but they rifled his Treasures and taking all his Ornaments and Iewells returned to their Ships Thus got Severus the victory over the Parthians rather by chance than choice And now having sped so happily beyond all hope hee sent * Dight with Laurel as Conquerors used Letters to the Romane Peeres and People containing a glorious Relation of his Acts accompanied with painted Tables representing all his Battels and Conquests Hereupon the Senate decreed to him all triumphant Honours and the Sirnames of the Nations hee had vanquished Severus having composed the Orientall Affaires took his way towards Rome bringing with him his Sonnes who were now big Youths Having ended his Iourney ordered the Provinces as was requisite and visited the * Mysiae now Servia and Bulgaria Mysian and Pannonian Armies he entred the City in Triumph the Romanes receiving him with great Acclamations Severus Triumph and glorious Ceremonies Hee againe entertained them with Feasts Sports Spectacles and Pageants giving them Royall Donatives and solacing them with Triumphall Shewes
Hee abode many yeares in Rome where he wholly gave himselfe to Matters of Iudicature and State-affaires indeavouring to traine his Sonnes in all noble Studies and Exercises But they being well-growne Youths had their Dispositions corrupted by the Romane Diet and Delices as also by the excessive frequenting of Stage-playes Charriotsports and Revells Moreover His Sonnes dissâ—â—tions the Brethren fell at variance one with the other their first quarrell being about the childish desire of Victory at Quaile-fights Cock-fights and the wrestling of boyes Yea whatsoever they saw or heard in publicke they were still divided never affecting the same thing but what the one applauded the other scorned Which Discord was fomented by both their servants and slaiterers who * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 collogued with them for their owne ends Severus understanding their differences assaled to recoÌ„cile them and reduce them to better temper The elder of them whose * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Genuine Name was Bassian before his Advancement to the Imperiall Family Severus after his Inauguration in the Empire named Antonine which was the Sirname of Marcus To him hee gave a wife hoping that * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Marriage would make him a stayd man Shee was the Daughter of Plautian Captaine of the Pretorian Baâ—ds who was as they say but of meane estate in his youth and proscribed for Sedition and other Crimes Hee was Severus his Countriman an African borne and by report his Kinsman and as some have taxed him in his younger yeares his Catamite Him Severus advanced from very low degree to great dignity inriching him exceedingly with the Goods and Lands of condemned persons and almost sh 〈…〉 * Of Severus 〈…〉 pâ—ssâ—g 〈…〉 tâ—e 〈…〉 Essâ—y of Friendship pire with him 〈…〉 Fortunes he ab 〈…〉 ciousnesse omitti 〈…〉 cruâ—lâ—y or outrage to compâ—sse his designes being more Tyrannically sterne than all the Princes that ever were To his Daughter did Severus match his Sonne and unite his House to his But Antonine taking small joy Forced Marriage in those Nuptialls whereto hee was forcibly yoaked without any prae-election of his owne infinitely hated both the young Lady and her Father scorning to lodge or cohabite with her yea hee so loathed her that hee daily menaced to kill her and her Father as soone as hee were sole Emperour Which when she still told her Father shewing him how hee abhorred her hee mightily stomackt it Plautian therefore considering that Severus was now growne old and diseased and that Antonine was a bold fierce Youth he feared his Threats and resolved to doe some Exployt rather than suffer himselfe to bee made away Plautian the migâ—tiâ—st Favourite of the World Moreover he had many provocatives to aspire to Soveraignty such excessive wealth as never any Subject had the like Martiall men were all at his becke the whole Romane State highly honoured him yea his ordinary Garbe made him very gracious with the people for hee still wore the Senatorian robe * Vid. Alex. ab Alex. l. 5. cap. 18. purfled and embrodered with Golden Studds and was ranked with the prime Nobility A Sword was borne before him and hee alone represented the Emperors Person Hee walked abroad with such terrible Majestie that none durst come neere him and if any met him by chance they stept aside his Gentlemen Vshers making Proclamation that None should stand in the way nor looke at him but turne aside and looke downewards When Severus understood this he disgusted it and beganne to thinke harshly of him insomuch that hee clipt the Wings of his Authority commanding him to leave that insolent Demeanour Plautian taking this as an intollerable Affront fell roundly to His treason surprise the Empire And this was his Plot There was one Saturninus that had a Tribunes * The command of 1000 souldiers place under him and was exceedingly devoted to Plautian and though all were intirely his yet hee by his singular veneration had wonne his Affection more than the rest Thinking him to be a most trusty fellow and the onely Engine for his secret Designes hee sends for him in the Evening and all being commanded to voyd the roome spake thus to him NOw is the time for you to make a brave Consummation of the love and observance you have professed and for me likewise to render to you according to your Merits and to make condâ—gne retribution I put it to your choice either to be as you see me now and to succeed mee in this eminent place or instantly to suffer death for refusing my Command Let not the greatnesse of the Enterprise affright nor the Name of Emperours amaze you When it comes to your turne this Night to relieve the Watch you may goe alone to the Bed-chamber and what you are to doe you may secretly effect without any let Goe your wayes therefore to the Court without any more adoe as if you had some speciall secret Message from me and as soone as you come at them kill them Bee resolute Man you may soon dispatch an Old man and a Boy And as you partake the danger so shall you participate the greatest honour for so galland an Exployt At this Spâ—ech the Tribune was not a little confused yet recollecting himselfe and being a notable shrewd pated Fellow for he was a Syrian borne and your Easterne Men are generally wise and of quicke * In warme Climates people are generally more wise sent he considered that to reject the motion of so mighty a Potentate being in so great rage were present death wherefore pretending that hee infinitely liked the Businesse he adored him as Emperour beseeching his Warrant for the Execution For it was the manner of Tyrants when they commanded any to be slain without Iudiciall Processe to signe a Warrant to that purpose for the Actors discharge Plautian blinded with ambition delivers his Warrant to the Tribune strictly charging him that as soone as hee had killed both the Princes before it were noysed abroad he should send some to call for him that hee might seize the Palace and Empire before any man dreamt of it With this charge and commission the Tribune departs and as hee was wont walks the Round through all the Emperours Pallace and knowing how difficult a thing it were for one man to kill two Princes in severall Lodgings he intends to disclose all to Severus and desired the Doore keepers to let him in for it concerned his Life They delivering the Message to Severus hee commands them to bring him in Being entred in hee thus said Sir I am come as hee that sent mee Saturninus detects Plautian makes full account to kill you as your Deaths man but as my selfe resolve and vowe to bee a Preserver of your Life Plautian trayterously aspiring to the Empire hath commanded mee to murther You and your Sonne not onely by Word but also by Writing Witnesse this Schedule And accordingly I undertook to
of him extracted out of divers ancient principal Authors HIs Apparell was extreame brave and gorgeous yet hee never wore one Garment twice His Shooes were embellisht with Diamonds See an Antiquity of a RomaÌ„ Bath or Stove lately discovered neere Leicester related in the Description of that County by that worthy Patrioâ— and judicious Antiquaty Wil. Burton Esquire and Oriental Pearles of the most Caracts His Seats were strewed with Muskâ— and Amber His Beds were covered with Cloth of Gold tissued on Purple and imbossed with Gems of inestimable value His Way was strewed with Filings of Gold and Silver His Vessells even of basest Vse were of Obryze Gold His Lamps burned with precious Balms Gums of India and Arabia His Fish-ponds were filled with Rose-water His Ships in his Theatricall Sea-fights floated in Rivers of Wine His * Bathing was as ordinary with Romans as eating and sleeping Bathes most magnificently built when he had once used them were still pluckt down and new built His Plate of refined massive Gold but never served twice to his Table His Rings and lewels infinitely rich yet never worne twice His Concubincs numberlesse but never laine with twice Every Supper in his Court cost 1000 pounds sterling When hee lay neere to the Sea hee would eat no â—ish When he was farthest in the Continent hee would eat no Flesh Whole Meales were furnisht with Tongues of Singing Birds and Braines of rarest Creatures All Europe Asia and Africke with the Ilands adjacent in a word the Globe of Earth and * As farre as was theÌ„ discovered to the Romanes Sea wherof he was Lord Paramount was not able to fill this Gulph In his Progresse he was attended by 600 Charriots fraught with Concuâ—ines Catamites and Pandars for whom be built a Seraglio in his Court where himselfe in the habit of a Curtezan used to make solemn speeches to them terming them his brave Fellow-Souldiers and Companions in Armes What gallant Instructions he gave them I sorbeare to mention He caused to be gathered in Rome * Vid. Lips de magnit Romana ten thousand weight of Spiders ten thousand Mice and a thousand Polcats which he exhibited to the Roman Peeres and People in a Publicke Shew and Solemnity Professing that now he perfectly understood how mighty a City Rome was Lastly to omit other more strange prankes his summoned a * Senatum Parliament of Women to consult about Tires Fashions Dresses Tinctures and the like weighty and important Affaires FINIS HERODIAN HIS IMPERIALL HISTORIE The sixth Booke The Contents ALexander Emperour The Religion and State reformed Maesa Deified Alexanders Elogie His Marriage Persians invade the Romanes Alexander writes to the Persian who scornes his Letters Generall Muster in Italy Alexander marches against the Persian An Embassy Another braving Embassy Embassadours punisht Alexanders Policie Archery Armenian Mountains The Romans defeated Alexander retires Best Physicke for Souldiers Germany rebells Alexander comes to the Rhine Archers Heralds Maximine described and elected Emperor Alexander slaine WEe have formerly declared Alexander Emperour in what manner Antonine the elder brother ended his dayes After him Alexander had the title and ornaments of Emperour but the management of affaires and regencie of the Empire rested in Moesa and Mammaea Regents Maesa and Mammaea who labored to reduce all things to better order and moderation And first they selected out of the Senate 16. ancient grave and honourable Peeres for assistants and counsellers to the Prince without whose suffrage consent nothing was to passe as an act of State Which manner of government was wondrous pleasing to the People Souldiers and Senators the Empire being thereby reduced from an injurious Tyrannie to the forme of an * 〈…〉 ment of the principall men Optimacie Their prime care was to restore the Images of the Gods Religion first reformed removed and displaced By Antonine to their owne ancient Temples and Oratories Next Next the State all that hee had advanced to honors and offices either without N. B. desert or for their lewd prankes they discharged and degraded commanding every of them to follow their former trades and professions All civill and judiciary offices they bestowed on famous learned men and excellent Lawyers and all places of martiall command they gave to brave noble Captaines Souldiers expert in * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In wâ—â—â—ch words the excellent authour hath couched both the parts of war viz Tactick and Stratâ—gematick Marshalling of Moesa dies is deâ—fâ—â—d Armies and Military Exploits The Empire being thus administred a long time Maesa being now very old deceased and was buried like an empress being after the Roman fashion * At a Womans deification they used a Peacocke into which they supposed her soul to sâ—â—t as an Eagie at a Mâ—â—s See this supreme solemnit described in the beginning of the 4 book of this H 〈…〉 deified Mammaea being now sole Regent and Guardian of her Son followed still the same tracke of government When he came to his age to manage the state himselfe shee fearing lest his unstaid youth might in that height of liberty soveraignty pâ—â—câ—â—iâ—ate him into the vices and vanities incident thereto set a strong Watch about the Court prohibiting allewd and loose persons from his presence lest his good nature should be corrupted and his minde provoked to lust by bewitching Syrens and fawning Parasites She perswaded him also to attend matters of Iudicature * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the best part of the day to keepe him from Idlenesse the Mistris of all lewdnesse Alexander indeed was naturally adorned with Affability Clemencie and other Princely graces as was afterwards apparant in the course of his life For in 14 yeares his Alexanders Elogie Empire was not stayned with bloud not one being put to death by him all the while And though divers were convict of haynour crimes yet hee spared their lives which you shal hardly finde to have bin done by any Emperor since Marcus None can remember that in all the time of his Raigne there was any executed without Iudiciall Processe He much blamed his Mother was very angry with her for her greedy covetousnesse of money and accumulating of riches For Mammaea pretending to hoord up Coin to supply Alexanders bounty to the Souldiers got a great Masse of Treasure to her selfe Which although it were much disliked in her and condemned by the Emperour yet did her 〈…〉 lent practices in spoyling 〈…〉 their good and estates 〈…〉 him to his obloquy 〈…〉 She gave him a wife of a noble Family whom hee dearely loved but she soon after banisht her the Court. For arrogating to her selfe alone the title of Empresse and maligning her Daughter in-lawes honour shee proceeded to that outrage that the young Empresses Father though in great esteeme with Alexander his son in law not able to indure the many wrongs shee did him and his Daughter flâ—d into
execute his Command lest upon my Refusall some other should have attempted it This I come to certifie your Majestie that you may avoyd him The Tribune having done fell a weeping But Severus could not instantly credite it For Plautian's Love had taken deep root in his heart and hee suspected it to bee a meere Illusion and cunning Imposture imagining that his son the Prince out of his hatred to Plautian and his daughter had devised this stratagem deadly * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 slander wherfore instantly sending for him he sharply rebuked him for plotting such things against his deare bosome-friend Antoninus swore deeply he knew nothing of it The Tribune producing Plautians Warrant Antonine incouraged him to detect the Crime The Tribune perceiving his owne Danger and well-knowing how gracious Plautian was with the Emperor so that if now hee made not good his Charge he should bee put to a cruell death sayd thus Sir what clearer proofe or stronger Evidence can you desire yet if you will give mee leave to goe out of the Pallace and send a trusty Messenger to him to let him know that I have done his Command hee will presently believe it and repaire hither to seize the Pallace So may you learne out the Truth Onely command all in the Court to be quiet that there may bee no intelligence given to prevent the Plot. This being agreed he sends a speciall friend to Plautian to bid him come quickly now both Princes were slaine before it were blazed abroad that possessing the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Castle and seeling himselfe in the Empire he might get the Soveraignty in despight of all men Plautian believing the Message was full of hope and putting on a Cuirace for defence under his Garments the night being well spent he poasted in his Caroach to the Court taking but a few with him that supposed the Emperours had sent for him about extraordinary Affaires Being enâ—â—ed the Royall pallace without any stop the Corps de guard knowing nothing of the busines the Tribune meets him and of set purpose salutes him Emperour Plautian the Traitor betrayed then taking him by the hand in friendly sort he leades him to the Chamber where he said hee had throwne the dead bodies of the Emperours Severus having appointed some of his Guard as soone as hee entred the roome to lay hands on him But Plautian who little expected such a banquet perceiving when he was come into the Chamber both the Emperours standing there and that hee was taken in the manner being horribly afraid fell on his knees and sought them not to misdeeme him saying it was a meere Gull and Tricke put upon him Severus exprobrating his Ingratitude in rewarding his many Honours and Favours in that sort and Plautian on the other side remembring him of his ancient love and approoved Fidelity the Emperour beganne by little and little to incline to believe him till his Cuirace was discerned by the opening of his Garment Which Antonine espying being a bold chollericke Youth and bearing a grudge against him Sir quoth he what colourable answer can you make to these two poynts First you come to Vs thus late unsent for Next what is the meaning I pray of this Cuirace who uses to sup or banquet in Armour With that hee commands the Tribune and the rest that were present to dispatch him with their swords as an open enemy Plautian slaine They without dilay did as the young Emperour bade them and threw his carcasse into the High-way to bee the scorne of them that haâ—ed him This end had Plautian answerable to his exorbitant Life and Insatiate Ambition Severus henceforth made two Pretorian Prefects and spent most of his Time in his Royall houses in the Suburbs or in the Sea-coast of * The Region betwixt Rome and Naples Campania ministring †Severus was a good Law-giver S. Aur. Vici de Caesar Iustice and attending State-Affaires Hee was also exceeding carefull to have his Sonnes at Rome bred in honourable fashion For he perceived they were more addicted to Playes and Games than was agreeable to their Princely estare The pursuit whereof and their eager desire to win being stâ—ll accompanyed with different successe and vehement altercation distracted the Brethrens affections and inflamed them with Fire-brands of enmity and discord But Antonine especially now Plautian was made away beganne to be intolerable in his behaviour and formidable to all using all possible meanes to destroy his wife daughter to Plautian But Severus sent her away with her brother into Sicilie assigning them sufficient Maintenance to live plentifully imitating Augustus who dealt in like sort with Antonius sonnes when he became his Enemie And now he mainly laboured Severus Instruction to his Sonnes to reconcile his Sons and reduce them to Vnity and Vnanimity * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Remembring them out of old Stoties and Tragedies of the disasters which befell to Brothers that were Princes by such Dissentions Hee shewed them how full of Money the Treasuries and Temples were so that they needed not to seeke for Wealth and Riches abroad that had such abundance at home whereby they might bountifully reward the Souldiers at their pleasure That the Romane Guards were quadrupled and so puissant an Army lay before the City that considering the Number of men at Armes Hugenes of their bodies and great store of treasure no forraign power was able to come neere them And yet all he said would come to nought if they jarr'd warr'd one with the other Thus did hee daily schoole them and by sharpe reprehensions and faire speeches strove all hee could to bring them to sobriety and temper But all in vaine For these unbridled Gallants being in those first heats of youth flesht in all kinde of Pleasures by reason of their Imperiall State became worse and worse and were more at ods than ever by the practices of their Parasites who did not only base offices in serving their Lusts but were also still projecting new Quarrells and Debates betwixt them for their own sinister ends But Severus finding out divers of those bad Instruments severely punisht them The Emperour being in great anguish of spirit by reason of his Childrens unseemly and unprincely Demeanour received Newes from Britaine Letters from his Vice-Roy of Britaine cerifying that the Barbarians there were risen and had ranged over the Country pillaging wasting all before them that he needed therfore greater Forces to defend the * He means the Provinciated part of Britaine Place or rather that his Imperiall Majestly should come in person Severus was glad of this newes as naturally desirous of honour and ambitious after his Eastern and Northern Victories and Sirnames to make a Conquest of the Britaines Ioyfull also hee was of so faire an occasion to take his Sonnes from Rome and weane them from the Diet and Delights of the City by inuring them to a sober military life
He proclamed therefore his Expedition Severus expedition into Britaine into Britaine being now old and gowtie but of more vigour and alacrity than any in the flower of youth In his Iourney he was carried for the most part in a Siegetta and rested almost in no place Having ended his Land travells he imbarks with his sonnes for Britaine where he arrived sooner than any thought or expected Presently he commands a generall Muster and raising a great power prepares for the Warre The Britaines much troubled at the Emperors sudden * Omnia repentina terrent arrival and understanding that he meant to bring all those Forces against them sent Embassadors to crave Peace and excuse their Faults But Severus seeking to protract time lest hee should returne to Rome as he came and being very eager of the Conquest and Sirname of Britaine dismisses their Embassadors without * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dispatch and provides all warlike Ammunition And to the end his souldiers might stand firme in fight and bestirre themselves nimbly and on sure ground hee gave strict charge to make Causies and Bridges over the Marish land For the most part of that Region of the Britaines being surrounded by the Oceans continuall Irruption is Fenny and Moorish In those Bogges the * The Romanes stiled all Barbarians but themselves and the Greeks Barbarians use to swim and run up and downe plunging themselves to the middle for being halfe-naked they care not for Mire or Mud. They use not Vestures but weare about their Description of Picts or Scots a branch of the Britans wasts and neckes an Ornament of Iron which they esteeme a rare accoutrement and rich abiliment as other Barbarians doe Gold They pownce and paint their bodies with curious pictures and the shapes of all sorts of Creatures in which regard they are not clad all over lest Their Elogie they should hide that brave Embroderie They are a most Martiall * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 people and very furious in fight wherein they use onely a Sword and Pike the King and Queene of Weapons narrow Shield a Pike and a Sword hanging at their naked sides As for Cuirace or Caske they use none at all deeming they would but hinder them in traversing the pools and fennes out of which the foggy vapours continually arising make the sky in that Coast alwaies cloudy Severus hauing all things in readinesse that he desired which might further the Romanes or hinder annoy the Barbarians left his younger son Geta in that * Viz. at York part of the I le which was under the Romane obedience to minister Iustice and governe the State appoynting for his Assistance his most ancient Friends and Counsellours but tooke Antonine with him to the Warre against the Barbarians The Armie having past those rivers and Rampiers which disterminate the Frontiers of the Romanes from the Barbarians made certaine petty Skirmishes and Excursions wherein they had still the better But the enemies retreated at their pleasure into their Fastnesses among the Woods and Fennes so familiar to them wherein they hid themselves which being no small * Severus lost fifty thousand in that Service Dio. detriment to the Romans did spinne the Warre to a great length Meanewhile Severus being now very aged fell into a languishing Disease which forced him to keep home and send Antonine to prosecute the warre But hee little regarding the Barbarians bended all his indeavours to win the Souldiers perswading them to make him their Chief For he vehemently aspired to sole Soveraign to which purpose hee still depraved and disvalued his brother Hee was also much vext that his Fathers Disease was so lingring and had not made an end of him wherfore he sollicited his Physicians and Attendants to dispatch the old man and mischiefe him by any meanes whatsoever At last Severus departed this life being consumed and pined away rather * Severus dies for griefe with Heart-griefe than any other malady having beene the most famous Warrier of all the Emperours For none ever got so many Victories over Civill and Forraigne Enemies He deceased * At Yorke April 4. An. Dom. 212. in the eighteenth yeare of his Raigne leaving to his young sonnes which succeeded him such a Masse of Treasure as never any did and so puissant an Armie as was unmatchable Antonine after Severus death Antonines Cruelty being now in supreme authority instantly beganne to bathe himselfe in bloud putting to death the Physicians for not hastening the old Emperors death as he commanded killing his own brothers foster fathers because they had mediated an Accord between them not sparing any that either honoured his Father or was honoured by him He sollicited also the chief Captaines and Commanders with large gifts and promises to perswade the Souldiers to proclame him sole Emperour using all possible Traines and Mines against his brother But the Souldiers would in no wise yield to it for they well knew that Severus had from their Infancie trained them in the same degree of honour and therefore they were resolved to love and honour both alike Antonine seeing hee could not prevaile with the Armie made a League with the Barbarians to whom having given peace and received their Pledges hee departed in all haste to his Mother and Brother Being come together their Mother the Empresse and all the great Lords and Counsellours of State assaied to make them friends whereupon Antonine when he saw that all opposed his Designes of constraint rather than willingly yielded to a dissembled attonement Then both the Brothers ruling with equall Authority sailed out of Britaine and tooke their Iourney to Rome carrying with them their Fathers Reliques Severus his Râ—liques For his body being burned the Ashes mixt with sweet Odours were bestowed in an Vrne of Alablaster which they tooke to Rome to place it in the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sacred Sepulchers of the Emperours They lead the Army as Conquerors of Britaine and Antonine and Geta saile out of Britaine landed in Gallia Thus have we shewed in this Booke the manner of Severus Raign and Death and how his Sonnes succeeded him in the Empire The End of the third Booke HERODIAN HIS IMPERIALL HISTORIE The fourth Booke The Contents THe two Emperours enter Rome in State What Romane Emperours Deifyed Their solemne Obsequie and Funerall Triumph Severus Deified Wrestling The Partition of the Empire The Empresse Dowager hinders it Antonine kills Geta His Prodigality and savage Cruelty His guilty Conscience His Exercises and Military Austerity He acts Alexander and Achilles Hee is royally entertained at Alexandria He offers at Alexanders Shrine His Quarrell to the Alexandrians A fear full Massacre He pretends to bee a Suiter to the King of Parthia's Daughter under which colour hee massacres the Parthians He consults with Magicians and commands them to conjure Hee is slaine Macrinus succeeds His Speech A terrible battell betwixt the Romans