Sister Was Honour'd much as she was Marcus Daughter Because she with his Mother wept and kist her 'T was Crime enough to bring her to the Slaughter His Wife he kill'd that little harme had done With Severus and Pertinax his Son 34. Lucilla's Son and all the Royall Bloud With Presidents he kill'd and Procurators And all that erst for Brother Geta stood Or any waies his Favorites or Fautors Whole nights to kill and slay he did not stick And buried eke the vestall Virgins quick 35. At Last to make his Cruelty the more At Circen sports where he himselfe was set A deed was done like never was before His Souldiers kill'd Spectators that were met A Chari'ter some silently did scoff This was pretence enough to cut them off 36. Thus having plai'd these mad and Div'lish prancks Perhaps some guilt of Concience might him sting Upstarts as one expecting little Thanks And to the North he now will have a fling E're Long he did Arrive on Ister Banks That better in a Rope deserv'd to swing Sometimes at Race sometime in Chasing Beast Sometime in Judgment sate but that the Least 37. This People he Accounts his fellow Souldiers And for his Guard the strongest of them chose Off Cast the Roman habit from his Shoulders And Cassocks wore with Silver Trim'd like those Then yellow Perwig of the German Fashion Which made him deare to them in Estimation 38. Nor did the Roman Army this disgust Because he was in gifts to them profuse And often labour'd with them in the dust And digg'd and delv'd in Trenches for their use Then Bridges built and Stones and Morter carry As if he were a Workman Manuary 39. He Junkets left and sparing was of Diet Contenting him with woodden Cups and Platters And fellow Souldier was to him more quiet Then Princely state he thought of no sucâ— matters A little Wheat he tooke to knead in Cakes One to suffice that in the Embers bakes 40. Thus for a while he quiet as a Loach Disdained not with them to goe on Foot He rarely rid on Horsback or in Coach His Arms he bore most willingly to boot Th' Imperiall Standard also he would carry Which made the strongest Bearer often weary 41. Then of a Souldier good and Brave Commander With Barb'rous people thus he got a Name And marvell much it was to a By-Stander How such a timbred man should doe the same But of the rest if you delight to heare The Canto next will make it soone appear CANTO XIV The ARGUMENT Anton ' of Achilles and Alexander Will act the part and offer at their shrine To quarrell Massacre and woe doth wander Great Parthia's Daughter serves him to combine More murther yet he conjures and is slain Macrinus chose great fight and Peace again 1. MAlitious Pride why dost thou still outrage By thy suggest was Abel kill'd of Cain Some doe commit the like in ev'ry age So Geta here by bloudy Brother slain Though we forget what formerly hath past Yet blood for blood will vengeance have at last 2. Now Antonine from Ister Bank departs And takes his journey downe along by Thrace Great Alexanders Statues he imparts To them at Rome and ev'ry other place Pictures Intire Ridiculous were set That you might see how both their Faces met 3. His habit chang'd from that of Ister Banks With Macedonian Turban now hee 's drest His Sould'ers also stiled the Phalanx And Captaines call'd as Alexanders erst Then Spartan youths he sent for neere at hand Them term'd Laconick and Pitanite Band. 4. Securing Townes to Pergum next he went Some Physick there to take for health his will is To Illium then his second march be bent To grace the Tomb of Fame renown'd Achillis The which he deckt with Garlands trim and Flowers Patr'clus lackt for whom he poutes and Lowers 5. Yet that he might this Heroe seem to Act This part he plaid amongst his other pranks His Faestus dy'd some said it was his Fact For which his Friends did give him little thanks Howe're the Corps to feed his fond desire Was brought to Fun'rall Pile and set on fire 6. Then Beasts he kill'd a Violl to the same Effusing Wines and praying to the Winds But People laugh when haire is thrown in flame Bush naturall was so thin he little finds Gen'rals he Scilla and Haniball affected Whose Images and Statues he erected 7. Through Asia thus he minded these Affaires And then in state from Illium he departs Yet in his way to Antioch he repaires Whom they receive perhaps not with their hearts To Alexandria next he makes his Rhodes Their Heroe to revere but more their gods 8. There Sacrifices of whole Hecatombs He order gave for him should be prepar'd This hit the Alexandrians o're the Thumbs Whose Cockbraines wist not how the blow toward Yet joy they make and entertainment such For any Prince was never made so much 9. Sweet Musick Aromaticks and Perfumes Light Torches Gelsoms Odours and Musk Roses Arabian Spices and the Richest Gums The Emp'rour and his Army Round incloses Who first to Sacrifice in Temple went Then Incense makes and hundreds Oxen brent 10. Next offer'd he at Alexanders Shrine His Purple Robe and Rings with Parrag Stones His Belt his Scarfe and choisest Jewels fine Then laid them all upon the Tombed bones The People overjoy'd Feast day and night But little dreame what Feast for them is dight 11. This was but Colour and his plausibility For them to Massacre was his intent At Rome he heard this Peoples incivility How they for Brothers death to scoff were bent And so their cutting quips and wonted jeering Of him and his came often to his hearing 12. The jests of Open truth most keenely bite And men resent them ever at the worst This turn'd his fury into such despite They now have cause to think themselves accurst While they with Plaies and Sports doe squib and flash Through dire revenge must ay endure the lash 13. The manner thus when Festivall was over As he had Trained some in Phalanx Order Their gallant youths he wils them to discover Both of their owne and Regions that doe border He Macedon and Spartan had before Now Alexandrian should make one more 14. Regarding late the Honour he had done Unto their City and their Heroes Tombe They to this project were the sooner won So bring themselves unto a Fatall doome Submitting thus to be at his dispose Them all unarm'd his Souldiers doe inclose 15. These Dullards then were taken in a Toile The Watch-word once dispers'd amongst the Rout With Havock great the Souldiers kill and spoile Some cut off Heads some scatter limbs about To Murther young and old they doe not stick Some thrown in pits and some they bury quick 16. Some Souldiers eke receive deserved hire For grapled once with them of equall strength They hale and pull and wallow in the mire Then in one grave together lie at length The slaughter
He doubts not but the rare intelligence of what he writes will be very acceptable for in two hundred years before the first Emperour Augustus till Marcus Aurelius he begins with there hath not been so many various changes and events as of civill and forraign Warr Pestilence Famine Earthquakes lives of Princes and Tyrants so strange and uncouth which former Ages could not paralell Rome had in sixty yeers more Emperours then was proportionable for the time some young and dissolute some of riper years more fit to govern and manage the disparity of their years and conditions were Accompâ—nied with diversity of manners and Actions the particulars exactly observed wee come now to specifie THE NAMES OF the Roman Caesars and Emperours whose Acts and Lives are Recorded by Herodian An. Dom. 163 MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONIUS L. VERUS The two first consorts in the Roman Empire An. Dom. 182 COMMODUS An. Dom. 195 PERTINAX An. Dom. 195 JULIAN An. Dom. 196 NIGER in Asia SEVERUS in Italy ALBINUS in Britany all at once ANTONIUS GETA Brothers and Colleagues An. Dom. 219 MACRINUS and DIADUMENIANUS Caesar his Son An. Dom. 220 ANTONINUS or ratheâ— Pseud-Antoninus An. Dom. 224 ALEXANDER MAXIMINUS QUARTINUS An. Dom. 2â—7 GORDIAN the Father GORDIAN his Son An. Dom. 239 MAXIMUS ALBINUS Colleagues An. Dom. 241 GORDIAN Nephew to the elder GORDIAN CANTO I. The ARGUMENT Marcus his Reigne and Life is here related The breeding of Prince Commodus his Son And how his Daughters he bestow'd and stated His Clemency the Nobles all had won Yet doth he doubt on Commodus his weale And on his death-bed doth the same reveale 1. I Have not Homer's Wit or Virgil's Skill To gild the Acts that I do now recite Nor can with Ariosto frame my Quill To rock the Reader in such deep delight Yet take it here as well as I am able This is a Truth much of the rest a Fable 2. The Emperour Marcus many Daughters had Yet of his Sons there were but only twaine Verissimus did dye a little Lad Commodus the elder he sought to traine In Vertue Learning and the liberall Arts Sending for Tutors from all forraigne parts 3. When as his Daughters were to Marriage bent Best men that were his Senators among For Sons in Law to match with them he sent Regarding not what wealth did them belong So that they were with Excellence endowed Goods of the mind were Chiefe by him Allowed 4. With Princely vertues he was richly clad Antiquities both excellent and rare Or greater knowledge no where could be had For he with Greeke or Roman might compare As witnesse well his Writings Wise and Sage Which extant are untill this present Age. 5. A Prince he was so sweet and debonaire Of Temper meet to all men that he saw His hand he gave and Language passing faire Charging his Guard to keep no one in awe An Emperour he was both wise and stout Just were the Words and Edicts he set out 6. So grave he was and continent of life That Famous men for Learning great did flourish To imitate their Princes without strife Men do delight when they such vertues nourish Now whatsoe're he did in Peace or War In North or East or Barb'rous Countries far 7. Already that in writing is Committed By men of Learning and of worthy fame Yet those Occurrents must not be omitted Which I observed as I went and came For he deceas'd I office had in state Then what I know my taske is to relate 8. Marcus now weakned was with Toyle and care Worne out of Date with old decrepid Age A grievous sicknesse fell unto his share When in Panonia he did last engage But when he saw recovery was past Prince Commodus did make him sore Agast 9. For being young and in the heate of youth Perchance puff'd up with High Imperial power Might soone be drawn to set aside the Truth By Delators in some unlucky houre To take his swing and rove abroad at Random Good Arts and Exercise for to Abandon 10. Such is intemperance when we do begin To Riot once in pastime meate or driâ—ke Then shake we off the yoke of Discipline On sensuall Blandishments we only thinke Good Marcus this had often known before Which makes him now his Sons Estate deplore 11. He mighty was in wisdome and profound Calling to mind the Princes that were young Such as for vertue were no whit renown'd Or ranged were the middle sort among Denise of Syracuse astray did wander The Successors eke of great Alexander 12. Sicilian Epicure did give reward To such as Novelties could best invent Alexanders Captaines had no regard But Honour lost and all good Government Infamous was the Life of Ptolomy Surpassing bounds of Civill Modesty 13. Antigonus would Bacchus personate With Ivy wreath and greene boughs on a Speare Instead of Macedonian Coronate He did in place of Kingly Scepter beare Examples such as these did Marcus strike Fearing his Son might hap to do the like 14. That dreadfull * Nero came within his mind Vile Butcher he so to dissect his mother A savage Act unfitting Humane kind Domitian was much-what such another The shapes these Monsters wore did oft appeare As he revolv'd his mind 'twixt hope and feare 15. The Germane Nation likewise he did doubt Not being all intire at his devotion Were sometimes Newter often in and out As they were pleas'd or as they lik'd the Motion These Barb'rous people do themselves withdraw Save when his noble presence did them Awe 16. He therefore doubts they will despise his Son His youth he thinks cannot this Nation quell Though often times they have by me been won Yet now I feare they will againe Rebell Such is their guise when they occasion see They 'l scorne his youth though they were rul'd by me 17. Thus in these Moods good Marcus is perplext He cals his trusty Friends and doth implore 'em I meane his Lords and Kinsmen that were next And sets the Prince young Commodus before 'em Lord with what Horror his good heart is vext For feare the young man should not keep decorum Then raising up himselfe upon his Couch He makes a speech that nearly did them touch 18. No marvell now if you bemoane my Case For men are Led by Nature to lament Their Kinsmen but things Look with such a Face Being upon their uttermost extent So dolefull are they to consideration They now excite our due Commiseration 19. 'Twixt you and I yet is more speciall Band You know full well how I have lov'd you dearely Love may like Love in right againe demand This is the Cause that I have call'd you neere me That I may Judge in this most dangerous season If I preferr'd you by the rule of reason 20. If so I gave to you deserved honour And did advance you with the best occasion She is a Lady when you looke upon her That will admit no Fraudulent Evasion I challenge then that you to me be
well he loved mony 15. If he pretends his Enemies to quell 'T is Gold and pelfe that doth his rancor spur Though he in Wit and Valour doth excell Yet Avarice doth here his Honour blur Great slaughter this his Covetise did move His Government was more of Feare then Love 16. Yet Popular Applause he seeks to gaine Exhibiting rare Shewes of ev'ry kind A hundred wild beasts often times are slaine That came from farr to please the peoples mind He Largesse gives to catch them in a Train With Active sports their Votes that he may wind And vigils some like Ceres have I seen With Balls and Masks and Interludes between 17. These shewes at this time Secular they Name Because three Ages us'd to intervene And Bedles went about to spread the Fame Through Italy the People to convene For that their years would let them know no more Or were they born to see the like before 18. At Rome he staied a while his Sons to State In Soveraigne Rule that after him must rest Yet ' cause with Romans he had held debate He Triumph'd not but Marched to the East His quarrell was the Barb'rous folke to spoyle That had with Nâ—â—â—r bred him such Turmoyle 19. Armenians thought it best to make their peace They Hostage gave and store of mony sent Desiring him their Trespasse to release For unto him no further harm they meant Augarus King would likewise doe no Domage But Archers sent assuring him of Homage 20. Full blithe was he thus to secure Armenia Away he marcheth making short Abode Then passing by the Country of Albania Into Arabia Foelix made a Rode Whence O'drate Herbs and many Fragrant Spices Are brought to us as rare and choise Delices 21. When he had wasted many a Towne and Village None being able to resist his will To Atrae came with store of Coine and Pillage This City standeth mounted on a Hill Well fortified with Bullwark and with Wall And mann'd with excellent Archers stout and tall 22. Severus then incamped it before And gave to them within a fierce Assault Of Rams and Warlike Engins he had store Yet brave resistance made his men to Halt Great Vollies they receiv'd of Shot and Stones Some kill'd outright some making grievous Mo'nes 23. Then Pots they fill'd with little Venom'd Beasts And o're the Wall upon Severians flung Some crawled on the Souldiers Face and Breasts Which bite and hisse and privily them stung Nor could they well the stifling Aire endure The Clime was hot and bred the Calenture 24. Of that they rather dye then by the Foe The Souldiers droop this was a lucklesse Leaguer Severus thus without Effect did goe In all his Life he never look'd so Meaguer He Victor was when e're he struck a blow But failing here he counts himselfe a Begger And now he thinks himselfe was overcome Because he fought and did not overcome 25. Yet Fortune soone againe did on him smile He was the man she will not long neglect Though late his Hopes she seemed to beguile It hapned better then he could expect His men inbarqu'd and he himselfe full sory Yet fell not on the Roman Territory 26. As was no doubt the scope of his intent Both men and ships by violence so harried Neere Ctesiphan to Parthian Banks were sent For Stormy winds them back againe had carried The King whereof so little did discern He thought Atraenians did not him concern 27. Much lesse he look'd for any such disaster For Romans ' gainst their wills were thither driven Which made them strive to get a shore the faster Then all the Plaines of Cattell soone were shriven And Townes were burnt with ravaging and Spoile When Artaban expected no such broile 28. The Barb'rous folke at unawares they slay And City sackt committing spoile and Rape Both Female Sex and Children led away The King with Horse had much adoe to ' scape Then back againe they goe unto their Ships But first his house of Gold and Jewels strips 29. This Victory not got by choice but chance Obtained when he had so little hope To Roman Peeres his Letters did advance Which signifie how he with them did cope He Tables sent with Laurels trimly dight To represent his Conquests got in fight 30. And hereupon the Senate doe decree The Sirname of the Nations he had wonn And all the rest with them doe well agree Triumphant Honors unto him be done But how he came and what was his Pretext Read if you please the booke that followes next CANTO XII The ARGUMENT Severe in Triumph enters into Rome His Sons dissent he newes from Brittaine heares The Traytor Plautian had a rightfull Doome Severus dies opprest with griefe and Feares His Reliques kept when he of life did fayle Antonine and Gete out of Brittaine sayle 1. MUst Vertue needs corrupted be with Vice Some say indeed as handmaid that Attends And here we see Severus was not Nice To kill and Plunder all Albinus Friends Though this for Ancient Adage seem to make Let us beware and better counsell take 2. Affaires in th' East Severus had compos'd His Sons bigg youths along with him he took With sound Advice good Orders he dispos'd In ev'ry Province and in ev'ry nook Triumphant wise the Romans him inclos'd With Presents Rich much more then he did looke Then he againe with Pageants sports and Feasts And Largesse great doth grace his welcome guests 3. This overpast he mindeth State Affaires For many yeares at Rome he Liv'd in quiet And sought to Traine his Sons that were his heires But they corrupted by the Roman diet With Playes and revells fall into excesse And through debate from vertue doe digresse 4. They first dissent 'bout fighting Cocks and Quailes And wrastling boyes they adverse parts suborn When e're they met they us'd to turne their Tailes And at the length each other flatly scorne Inveterate Spleen no longer is prorogu'd Thus whetted on by Servants that collogu'd 5. Severus yet these Delators did quell And said to Bassian eldest Son of mine In this contest my Child you doe not well Thou Marâ—â—s Sirname hast my Antonine Then learn of him to shun debate and strife I 'le chuse for thee a faire and pleasant Wife 6. The Daughter unto Plautian this he meant Whom he esteemed as his chiefest Guard His kinsman and of Africk by descent So he himselfe as formerly you heard This man he Captaine made of Trained Bands Who at the first had neither House or Lands 7. So insolent he grew from low Degree In rich'd with Goods of such as were condemn'd Beyond the rest most impudent was he Both Peeres and Nobles were by him contemn'd To gaine his ends as false as false might bee And tide of Masters will he so much ' steem'd His Daughter wedded was to Elder Prince Though Antonine could never love her since 8. Nay more he did the Lady so despise That oft he threats her dearest life to spill
This loathed match did so much him disguise It made him vow her Father eke to kill Who knowing well he was a desp'rate youth Began to feare it might be so insooth 9. Resenting this he will not ' bide the check Severus now diseased was and old And martiall men the rather at his beck Excessive wealth withall to make him bold The Roman Senate highly him reveres And to the Commons gracious he Appe'res 10. A Stately Garb in Senatorian Robe A Sword was borne before him where he went With Scepter also and a Princely Globe He doth the Emp'rours Person represent Majestick Walke to make the people feare him Some might behold but very few come neer him 11. His Ushers doe proclaime how all that meet him Shall turn aside or downeward they must looke Not once presume to be so bold as greet him Severus this in great derision tooke And him Commands to be of better carriage Though he was Paranymph and made the Marriage 12. This Mandate seem'd to him a plaine Affront The Tribune Saturninus he doth call For this rebuke did make him think upon 't How he with them might raise a suddaine bra'll The Tribune come he instantly doth woe him And with a Looke compos'd thus speaketh to him 13. Now is the time for you to consummate The Love to me you often have profest And for your merit I le not be ingrate Of Noble Honour you shall be possest To be as I am take it to your choyce Or else be dead obeying nor my voyce 14. The Enterprise though great should not affright Or Emp'rours Name amate a Gallant mind Your turne is to relieve the Watch this Night And in their Beds you eas'ly will them find You may from me contrive a Message Right Then kill them both and serve them in their kind For man or boy what need you care a doit Your Honour will be great in this Exploit 15. The Tribune first a little doth demurr A Syrian born of wise and nimble sent Yet soone resolv'd to make but little slurr Against his rage but on his journey went Yet first that he no danger might incurr His warrant he beseech'd for this intent Then he would kill them both that stood before him Liking the plot as Emp'rour did adore him 16. This was the Course when Tyrants did Command To kill without Judiciall forme of Law So Plautian boldly yeelds to his demand What others think he cared not a straw Yet gave in charge when this was done withall He might have Word the Palace to forestall 17. Or else perhaps when it was nois'd abroad Some others might his grand Designe prevent The Tribune therefore made but short Aboad But with Commission on his errand went There as his custome was he walks the Round Yet still he thinks the project was not sound 18. Two men at once in sev'rall place to kill He could not once conceive within his brest This wicked deed to doe he had no will But to disclose it thought for him was best When at the doore to talke he doth begin Severus bids the Guard to call him in 19. Who said your Deaths man as he makes account That sent me hither with this ready knife I come he thinks into your Seat to mount But I my selfe resolve to save your life 'T is Traytor Plautian seeke into 't no further He me commands You and your Son to murther 20. This Scedule bids you may believe Inditing You cannot long delay without your danger I undertooke to bring this present Writing Lest you perhaps might suffer by a Stranger Then that you may no further be annoy'd Bestir your selfe this Traytor to avoyd 21. On Plautians trust Severus much rely'd This matter is said he by fraud devis'd He thinks his Son that could not him abide Had fram'd it thus to make him more despis'd He cals the Prince and taxeth his Delusion For sure quoth he this is a meer Illusion 22. But Antonine profoundly doth deny it The Tribune eke produceth Plautians Warrant Then swore the Prince that he should deare abid't And thanks the Tribune for his Loyall Errant Who also knew he must make good his Charge Then to them both he doth himselfe enlarge 23. What further proofe then this doe you require Except himself should Evidence the same Which if you please I humbly doe desire Some trusty friend may call him in my Name Then you shall know if it be true or not So all be husht and none descry the Plot. 24. They thus agreed there goes a trusty Friend Bids Plautian come for Princes both were slain The Palace he might seize and Throne Ascend Him to resist there 's none will take the paine To this Advise he willing eare doth lend The Empire now he doubteth not to gaine Some few Attendants wait him to the Court And he a Curaice weares to mend the sport 25. As soone as come he past the Corps de Guard Not knowing yet what was to him intended The Tribune met him without Watch or Ward As all were well and nothing could be mended And seemed then as if he would him Lead Where he had throwne the bodies that were dead 26. Him Emp'rour he saluteth for the nonce Severus bids the Traytor vile to take The Warders then fall on him all at once And now he sees his Head was at the stake He humbly prayes they will not him misdeeme Or let this plot so work his disesteeme 27. Sir this is but a gull and cunning trick Severus yet upbraids him as ingrate And he againe doth touch him to the quick Recording still his service done of late In Prince his heart some pity did remaine Till that his Armour was discerned plaine 28. Then Antonine in Choler soon reply'd For simple guls it seems you doe us take He bare him grudg and could not him abide Answer quoth he to questions that I make Why come you thus e're we for you have sent Your Curace shewes your Traiterous Intent 29. With that the Tribune he commands to kill This Traytor base as ever yet was born Both he and all the rest obey his will Then throw his Carkase out of doores in scorn To pride and lucre all his life did tend Which cut him short and caus'd this shamefull end 30. Severus now in Suburbs spent his time Or on the Coast intending State Affaires His Purpose and his Actions were sublime To breed his Sons that were to be his heires Who in their sports had different successe By Parasites inflamed more or lesse 31. But Antonine now Plautian dead in Chiefe To wife and all the rest was formidable Needs dye shee must or else have no reliefe Thus in his Garbe became intolerable Severus though to her and hers was bounteous Augustus like to Sons of Mark Antonius 32. And now he sought his Sons to reconcile Acquainting them with Stories New and Old How Brothers Jarr'd and did themselves begi'le He also shew'd them
ended round about the shore And Nilus mouth was dy'd in Purple gore 17. The Sirname Parthicas he next Affects A Conquest much he covets in th' Orient Embassadors he sends with his respects Who tutor'd well upon this Errand went Our Prince say they had rather then his life The Daughter of your King to make his Wife 18. An Emp'rour he and eke an Emp'rours Son None therefore fit for him but such a Queen If once this Royall Intermatch were done And of the Barb'rous people known and seen Impediment no more would then remain The World might Govern'd be betwixt them twain 19. The Roman Foot excell'd in Sword and Pike For number Parthian Archers and for skill In discipline the World had not the like With necessaries ready at their will There may by this Affinity and Truce Both parts into one Monarchy reduce 20. Your Cities Odours yeeld fine Silkes and Spice The Roman Countries Minerals and Trades In this division Merchants are not Nice But traffick oft by stealth and Vessels Lades If we conclude their practise will not reach But intercourse be had without impeach 21. At first the Parthians like not this dispatch Or can conceive it tendeth to their quiet For Romans with Barbarians to match Who Language differ habit and in diet The Roman Prince may match among his Peers And so was pleas'd this Noble King of theirs 22. But Antonine his Suit doth re-inforce With Ample Gifts and Solemne Protestation Then some perswade it was the wisest cource To give consent to this Solemnization Whereat from Shouts the people did not cease In Hope to have a sure and lasting Peace 23. Antonine Rivers past and makes ingresse As free as if the Country was his owne Who entertainment had of more and lesse Which eke to King Artabanus was knowne And he prepar'd as eagerly againe To meet the Bridegrome in an open Plain 24. Crown'd Altars Sacrifice with Odours Sweet And Floury Chaplets Vestures wrought with Gold With Pipe and flute they doe this Gallant Greet Then Musick Dance and all the Mirth they could To this their sport he seem'd so much affected His Treachery was not by them suspected 25. But now they were together in a Rout Both Faith and Oath he sticks not to infringe For when his Souldiers compast them about Fall on quoth he we have them in a spring The tipled Parthians run as in a maze Then Romans kill and follow on a Chase 26. King Artaban was rescued by his Guard Some few with him had much adoe to fly The rest of them were put unto the Sward Their Armes were off and Horses were not nigh The Bride might think this was ill-favour'd bedding Yet who doe Weapons bring unto a Wedding 27. When as this mighty Massacre was made The Souldiers rest from killing and from toile Yet cruell still according to their Trade They Cities burnt and bare away the spoile Thus Antonine departs from Parthian grounds And march'd along into the Roman Bounds 28. To Senate then at Rome he Message sent Who heard before of all the pranks he plaid How he to them had vanquish'd th' Orient This to Agnise they seemed well apaid And though they knew him false in Word and Deed Triumphant Honours ne'r the leste Decreed 29. In Mesopotamia he kept his Court Where for a while himselfe he did Devote To Combat Beasts with Races and like Sport And there he meant to pay Macrinus Co'te Two Gen'rals then Audentius for the War Marcrinus Law and pleading at the Bar. 30. This Prince Macrinus us'd to taunt and check Averse to him in diet and Attire As Coward faint he threats to break his neck For service done this was ingratefull Hire But loe what hapt Magicians he consults And longs to know his end by their Results 31. Maternian eke who Govern'd then at Rome Had word to call the Wizards far and near To know of them what death should him become Or who it was he needed most to fear If Spirits told or he did so combine He writes back word to looke unto Macrine 32. The Letters seal'd and sent away in Post At Court arive in their convenient Tide Where Antonine was making mickle boast Of Chariot Race how gayly he could ride And being thus so earnest in his sport He bids Macrinus see what they import 33. Macrinus with the Letters did retire And lights on that which might him sore molest You need not bid him throw it in the fire Yet he acquaints the Emp'rour with the rest And doubting now he must not long respire Before Maternian sent he thought it best To call a friend to wit Centurion Martiall Who had good cause to be a little Partiall 34. For Brothers losse whom Anton ' caus'd to die Without due form or processe in the Law These two together plotted by and by The Prince to kill then doe themselves withdraw That of the crime they might not be suspected Till it was done which shortly was effected 35. At Carrae Antonine from Palace went To visit once the Temple of the Moone In hast was Martiall by Macrinus sent Who thought it long till he this Deed had done For that no harm at Church the Prince did looke He private went and small Attendance tooke 36. And by the way he went aside to Ease For manners sake his Servants stood Aloof But Martiall Beck'ned Hoe Sir if you please I something have to say for your behoof Then ran so fast e're Antonine could mind He with his Dagger Stab'd him in behind 37. Though Martiall fled he shortly had his Hire The German Horse that was the Princes Guard Pursu'd so fast they trod him in the mire Their Javelin points he had no skill to ward This Murder nois'd each one was of his keeping Macrinus was the first that fell a weeping 38. And time it was lest he should be suspected This Prince to Souldier fellow was and friend None else as yet but Martiall was detected They thought he tooke revenge for brothers end Macrinus sent his Ashes to be buried Unto his Mother that at Antioch tarried 39. And there for Childrens losse her selfe she slew If not compell'd as some would have it thought Thus Antonine this end upon him drew For Brothers death and Murders that he wrought He once defunct the Souldiers in a muse Bethink themselves whom Emp'rour they should chuse 40. For Artaban was marching hitherward To seeke revenge for breach of peace and Murther Audentius therefore safely shall them Guard If he be pleas'd they meane to seeke no further But he replies with Modesty I cannot You see quoth he my time is super-ann'ate 41. The Tribunes then perswade to chuse Macrinus Who after you shall heare with him combin'd The Souldiers say the Parthians neer behind us Wee will not now be obstinat inclin'd King Artaban approch'd with mighty Band Macrinus counsels thus him to withstand 42. For publike losse no marvell if we mourn He was our Prince
he your eyes are in your Pocket I am their Prince and will be n'er the lesse Then such Fantasticks as himself devise To try how Romans would approve their guise 6. His Picture Large and of his god the Image Bedeckt in Pontificials goes to Rome And such he bids as are of Noble Linage With all their Superficials thither come Then uppermost o're Victory to place it That Sacrificers and the rest may grace it 7. This god by him was termed Heliogabulus And when he entred Rome with all his Train Report which some before Esteemed Fabulous Was to spectators now discerned plaine He Largesse gives as was the Emp'rours guise Exhibits shewes and Fencers play their Prize 8. A stately Temple to his god he builds With Altars store for Sacrifices meet Then hundreds Sheep and Oxen of the Fields He kils and burning heapes of Odours Sweet With Rundlets of the daintiest Wine betwixt The bloud ran through the Temple intermixt 9. Then round about the Altars fals a skipping To Instruments consorted in their kind With many of his country Women Tripping Some side some leap before and some behind The Noble Knightly Orders Stand at gaze While Entrailes and the Aromaticks blaze 10. Not Persons meane but by the Captaines Chiefe On Golden Plates these Spiceries are borne And Officers of State wore to their griefe Phaenician hanging sleevs which they doe scorne Like Syrian seers with linnen Shooes in Briefe Yet all this Harvest yeelds but little Corne Though such as in these mysteries he placed He counts with chiefest Honour to have graced 11. Amongst this geere he plaies a tragick prize For at this Mirth he heares how some doe scoff So puts to death some Noble rich and Wise Which made the rest to get them further off Augusta Princely Lady takes to Wife Of Honours Strips then turns to private life 12. And after this to be in Love pretending A Vestall Virgin tooke from Sacred Cell Against the Law to marry her intending The People thought he counsell had from Hell When Senate blam'd this Sacrilegious Act He Letters writ and answer'd thus the Fact 13. This is I think quâ—th he no mortall sin I was Inthrall'd by Magick of her beauty A Priest that hath no haire upon his Chin To wed a priestesse is no more then duty This he will have to be a sacred match Yet soone he gave this second Wife dispatch 14. A third he tooke of Commodus Alliance Such pranks as these were plaid by our young Antonâ— But yet to give these Holy Rites defiance He shew'd himselfe more then a common VVanton And now these Matches were with him so rife His Country god must also have a VVife 15. They Pallas Image then produce with Joy Which Romans kept in Secret Veneration And never seen since it was brought from Troy Till Temple burnt with fiery Exhalation This goddesse to his Chamber brought with Solace He marries to his god within the Palace 16. Yet shortly after he forbids the banes For that she was too Martiall clad in Arms Urania next with in his mind rema'nes To worship her we now must goe in Swarms Ador'd she was amongst the Carthaginians Quen Dido chiefe that came of the Phoenicians 17. This Image at such time she did Erect When Carthage built by cutting of Oxe Hide A name she had by Africans select Of hers the Moone she called was beside Quoth he that we may have the fairer Weather The Sun and Moone we marry will together 18. A Braver Match was never till this hower From Temple then they Gold and Silver bring With her to give unto his god for Dower Who said it was a very seemely thing Together then they brought them at his Bidding With Feasts and Joy prepared for the Wedding 19. He did in Suburbs mighty Temple reare Had shewes by night with Stage-plaies Feasts and Races There brought his god from City once a year And in Caroch with Gems Adorn'd him places Six Steeds in Rich Caparisons doth fetter And backward goes himselfe to guide the better 20. The way was strew'd with Filings thick of Gold His Guard supporting him on every side The People run with Torches to behold Presenting Flowers and Garlands to the Bride His god was shrin'd with all the Pomp he could Though such devices men may well deride The Images of all the gods were carried With Sumptuous gifts the couple thus were Married 21. By gifts I meane the Temples Rich Donaries Imperiall Robes with Plate and Jewels eke The Nobles Gentry Souldiers in quandaries Yet at these sports they must not be to seeke To Turret tops he fetches more Vagaries Thence Largesse throwes such never was the leeke Apparell Rich Gold Silver Linnen fine All sorts of tame Beasts gave excepting Swine 22. Which he and all Phoenicians doe Abhorr The Throng was such that some to death were trod Some kill'd with Pikes more then they looked for Such Fatall Feast befell his New-come god VVith many more of these Unprincely Pranks Though Grandam Maesa gave him little thanks 23. She fear'd e're long the Souldiers would disgust And if his folly brought him to his end She home againe to pack commanded must In private life her latter daies to spend She praies that he which thus Astray did wander VVould Caesar make his Couzen Alexander 24. He was her Grandchild by her youngest Daughter Then this into him finely she instills That since he was a Priest and serv'd the Aâ—'tar The gods require him to performe their VVils Their Offices and Orgies to prepare And Viceroy make to free from Humane care 25. But yet no stranger he should substitute His Couzen German fit so neer Ally'd Then neither Office would be destitute But both the Governments might be supply'd If this he granted through his Princely Favour Both he and she would doe their best Endeavour 26. This will appease the Ghost of Antonine To see that you his Sons so well agree He got you both on Daughters two of mine This is a course as fit as fit may be Thus did this Beldam giddy Anton ' flatter And of her Daughters lightnesse makes no matter 27. For this she did the Souldiers to Allure Then Caesar was he made by Antonine And Consull eke which Senate doe Assure But here their VVits did certainly decline No more but foure years 'twixt their Ages run Yet t'one must Father be and t'other Son 28. VVhom he in all his Rites did seeke to Traine Mammaea Mother was of other mind These whimsey Frenzies she doth much disdaine And sends for Tutors of the liberall kind Such care she tooke to weane him from this Antick That he might sober prove and not a Frantick 29. Yet wrastling sometime as an Active Sport She will permit him for his Recreation But most unto his Tutors must Resort To Antonine a mere Pedantick Fashion VVho now repents what he before hath done Because he sees they meane to spoile his Son 30. For which
some of his Tutors roundly Trust And in their Roomes he Revellers promoted Unprincely sports he us'd to serve his Lust All men perceive that now he plainly doted Chiefe Offices of State disposed must To such as for their Lewdnesse were denoted Fidlers Dancers Jesters Charret-drivers Debauched Ruffins were his State Contrivers 31. This was a mad and drunken distribution Besides his Gewgawes and his Garish Dresses VVhich made the Souldiers set their Resolution Not to regard his garbe or Silken Tresses In Alexander there was lesse Privation To whom his Mother gave good Education 32. And now 't was time to see how matters went His Mother heeds and to his businesse looks She would not let him eat what Anton ' sent But duely minds his Butlers and his Cooks For that disease she undertooke the Cure And money gave the Souldiers to Assure 33. Now Antonine intends to kill them both The Mother and his new Adopted Son VVhich Grandam Maesa would be very loth Too blame am I quoth she if this be done She knew of all his Plots as well as may be And was withall a very subtle Lady 34. Because his projects still she did prevent His Son no longer Caesar is saluted But when the Souldiers heard of his intent No force say they that we will have disputed With bitter Threats they 'gin to fret and Stamp Restraine his Guards and lockt them in the Camp 35. Young Caesar they demand and him will see This Startles Anton ' makes him take Caroch Adorn'd with Gems as rich as rich might be Then to the Camp his Son and he Approach Their Gates they ope with seming merry cheer Conducting them unto the Temple there 36. That night they had their Lodgings both prepar'd Prince Caesar yet the Army best Applaudes When Antonine saw how this matter far'd Hie time it was to lay aside his Gaudes The Chiefe of them he had in most suspition He executes as Authors of Sedition 37. The Souldiers meane to take this just occasion To help their Fellowes in this dangerous case Now Anton's Fautors die without Evasion His Rimers Dancers and his Juglers base Not so content their fury so extreme is They kill himselfe and eke his Mother Saemis 38. Their Carkasses the people hale and rakes Enough to make a kind heart shake and shiver And them they threw into the publicke Jakes Which voided are into the Tyber River Then that their young Prince might not rove at Random They him commit to 's Mother and his Grandam The End of the Fifth Book I have thought good to give you here the Character or Elogy of this last Antonine taken out of the best Authors HIs Apparell was extreame brave and Gorgeous yet he never wore one Garment twice His Shooes were embellisht with Diamonds and Orientall Pearles of the most Caracts His Seats were strewed with Muske and Amber His Beds were covered with Cloth of Gold Tissued on Purple and embossed with Gems of inestimable Value His Way was strewed with filings of Gold and Silver His Vessels even of basest use were of Obryze Gold His Lamps burned with pretious Balmes and 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 Bathes most magnificently built when he had once used them were still pluckt downe and new built His Plate of refined Massie Gold but never served twice to his Table His Rings and Jewels infinitely Rich yet never worne twice His Concubines numberlesse but never laine with twice Every Supper in his Court cost 1000 pounds sterling When he lay neere to the Sea he would eat no fish when he was farthest in the Continent he would eat no Flesh Whole Meales were furnisht with Tongues of singing Birds and Braines of rarest Creatures All Europe Asia and Africk with the Ilands adjacent in a word the Globe of Earth and Sea whereof he was LORD PARAMOVNT was not able to fill this GVLPH In his Progresse he was attended by 600 Charrets fraught with Concubines Catamites and Pandars for whom he built a Seraglio in his Court where himselfe in the habit of a Curtezâ—n used to make solemne Speeches to them terming them his Brave Fellow-Souldiers and Companions in Arms What gallant Instructions he gave them I forbeare to mention He caused to be gathered in Rome ten thousand Weight of Spiders ten thousand Mice and a thousand Polcats which he exhibited to the Roman Peeres and People in a publike Shew and Solemnity professing that now he perfectly understood how mighty a City Rome was Lastly to omit other more stronge Prankes he summoned a Parliament of Women to consult about Tires Fashions Dresses Tinctures and the like Weighty and Important Affaires The Sixth BOOK CANTO XVII The ARGUMENT Prince Alexander next Reforms the State Maesa deified Persians them Invade The Roman Letters they despise and Hate A Muster over Italy is made Alexander against the Persian goes And sends Embassage to his Sturdy Foes 1. YOu see the end of Luxury and Riot What meanes this flesh and blood so to Rebell How happy is the poore mans rest and quiet That doth within his homely Cottage dwell Far better be a Beast or Brutish Swine Then live and die the death of Antonine 2. This end had Antonine and his Adhaerents Then were for managing of State-Affaires Maesa and Mammaea created Regents Who straight the Common-wealth amisse Repaires Sixteen were chosen of the Ancient Peers Remarkable for Wisdome and for yeares 3. This Government was pleasing unto all Their gods remov'd of late they reinvest For Antonines they make accompt but small Though he and they so garishly were drest His scounderels were all of them disgrac'd And men of Honour in their roomes were plac'd 4. The Empire stated thus old Masa died All solemne Rites unto her Hearse were done For like an Empresse she was Deified Mammaea left sole Guardian to her Son And now for Rule he was of decent Age She sought unruly passions to Asswage 5. Which happens oft to Natures that are best When Parasites have got the upper hands To stirr her selfe she therefore did not rest Till she from Court did all of them disband She pray'd him in debates to end the Strife Which he observ'd and led a Princely Life 6. In fourteen yeares his Empire had no staine None di'd without due processe in the Law Since Marcus time there was not such a Raigne For Love they him Revered more then Awe His Mother though heap'd Coine as she pretended To give his Souldiers which he not commended 7. Their goods she spoyl'd he thought on him reflected And when he had obtain'd a Noble Wife The Lady was by her too much neglected And forc'd from Court to lead a quiet life As Empresse she alone will take upon her Maligning much at this her Daughters Honour 8. Her Sire she kill'd o're come with Passion blind Because he spake what did not her content
The Lady into Africk was confin'd All which was done without the Sons consent Though duty binds yet herein was his Error He gave her too much sway to others Terror 9. Excepting this he rul'd without offence Now Posts in hast from Syria hither ran And brought such newes as quickly call'd him hence The Persian King had kill'd great Artaban And worser newes they added to the Story His Troops he march'd in Roman Territory 10. In Mesopotamia he his Standard Reares And on he comes as greedy as a Wolfe By all his gods he most devoutly Sweares The Country's his to the Propontick gulfe The Persians Right which they derive from Cyrus Till Alexander overthrew Darius 11. Whosoever saith against he counts a Toy The Countries of Jonia and Cary Was Govern'd by a Persian Viceroy Which he will have or else himselfe will die What heretofore was under their command He counts his Honour and will that demand 12. This dismall newes when Alexander heard Because in peace his youth was ever train'd No marvell if they made him much afraid He Counsell craves how this might be restain'd Who soone resolves they will without neglect Embassage send which spake to this Effect 13. You ought say they to keep within your Bounds And not to stirr new Tumults or this Warr For if you doe approach the Roman grounds Our Souldiers will your enterprise debarr When you perceive what praise to them redounds You then will wish you had not come so farr He minds them oft what those before him wan Augustus Lucius Severe and Trajan 14. They thought that this would be a cooling Card But when this Briâ—â—e was to the Persians born They make return as yet they were not scarr'd And flatly doe their message hold in scorn They mean to fight and not contest in Words And so Assaile the Guards upon the Fords 15. With spoile of booty râ—â—k of their successe Their Empire now they doubt not to enlarge And Artaxerxes thought himself no lesse Who was the first that durst the Parthians charge To get again what formerly was Lost When Alexander foyl'd Darius Host 16. These Countries of the East were dealt in Shares By those that next the Conquerour succeed Till that they spoyl'd themselues by civill Warrs Then Parth'an Arsace did sub'ly proceed Revolt he plotted by the Macedonians Who Crown'd him King and eke the next Barbarians 17. These Countries got he left unto his heires With other moe he next to Parthia wan Where he and his did flourish many yeares Till Artaxerxes kill'd great Artaban Who now will them unite to Persian Crown And eke advance to pull the Romans down 18. With this to stirr begins the Roman Prince His Captaines and his Honour doth Invite Best men he Musters now in each Province That these insulting Persians he may smite And since these Barb'rous â—olk will not Attone His Souldiers cals and speaks thus from his Throne 19. Brave Fellow Souldiers now I wish I Could Speak my Applause and likewise your content I know Sweet Peace is better bought then sold But since our Foes to Prejudice are bent And us to harm doe shew themselves despitefull What we perform we ought to count delightfull 20. Who doth the wrong deserveth little grace Nor who repels deserveth to be hated The Persian King stept in his Soveraigns place And Traiterously the Kingdome hath Translated So in despite of our Majestick Power Our Coasts and Countries he presumes to scower 21. By gentle Letters first we faire intreat From claiming others Right he would desist But he to fight and Challenge growes in heat Insatiate is and will doe what he list To break the Peace it was not your desires Yet let him know you 'l fight when need requires 22. You Vet'rans that such Famous Battels won By conduct of Severus and my Sire Still let them see your Courage is not done You younger sort that Honour doe Aspire Let former quiet breed no alteration But of your Valour make full demonstration 23. The Barb'rous folk are fierce to them that shrink But will not stand when Battell once is set When you doe throughly charge away they slink And think it well when they some booty get If we our Order keep with little pain Wee shall them quell and safe return again 24. This said with shouts the Souldiers Joy Expresse To th' Senate eke he spake to like Effect And then Commands for Journey to Addresse That they the Persians sooner may Correct The Rites perform'd according to their guise Both he and Romans part with waâ—'ry eyes 25. His Rule so gentle was they love him deare As also that amongst them he was bred To Illyrian Nations straight he doth appear Great Forces rais'd he thence to Antioch led Once there he makes all Warlike Preparation His Souldiers Training in a Martiall Fashion 26. By Treaty once againe he offers Peace He thinks his presence may perswade or fear The Barb'rous Prince will not his claim surcease But sends four hundred of the tallest there Like Heralds clad in rich and brave attire His men to daunt and cause them back retire 27. They Message had how that King Artaxerx Commands them * Asia and Syria to refrain Or else be sure he will them sore perplex Till Jonia and Caria he regaine For what divides Aegean and Pontick gulf There 's none shall rule except it be himself 28. This errand crosse to Roman Princes mind He bids these men shall seized be and stript Their dwellings into Phrygia were assignd And narrowly they scap'd from being whipt Yet banishment from home enough he thought Their fault no more then Soveraign Message brought 29. This done he meanes t' invade the Barb'rous Foe Though some of Aegypt Syria did embroyle Yet that with skill he salv'd without a blow And tooke a course the rest might not recoile His Army now is equall to Barbarians Which he divideth into three Battalians 30. One Northward march'd through Confines of Armenia Who seem'd to be the Romans steddy Friends That way he purposeth to enter Media The next where Rivers meet yet of their ends Your expectation must a while prorogue Till we can tell you where they disemâ—ogue 31. The third and best he tooke himselfe to lead Thus severall wayes the Persians they invade Not feed men as the Romans but in stead They goe to Warrs with men of every Trade And Women oft are Must'red on the Plaine Who booty get then to their house againe 32. Not us'd to Camps or train'd in Martiall skill So Romans meane to take them unprovided And Alexander thinks to work his will On them that have his Embassage derided But what event befell to either State The Canto next ensuing will relate CANTO XVIII The ARGUMENT Of Archery high Hils and Romans foyle Alexander 〈◊〉 and comes to Rhine German Rebels and Heralds keep a â—oile Describe wee then the Emp'rour Maximine This journey puts the Romans to much paine Prince Alexander is by Souldiers slaine